Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Brazil legend’s son heartbreakingly admits ‘it’s hard to even reach 10% of my dad’s level’ as he leaves Romanian minnows

      by

      THE son of Brazil legend Rivaldo has admitted there is “no way” he will be able to match his father’s level on the pitch.Rivaldo Vítor Mosca Ferreira Junior – also known as Rivaldinho – left Romanian side Farul Constanta to join Chinese outfit Qingdao Red Lions last week.Rivaldinho admits he has struggled with the high expectations placed on himCredit: GettyRivaldinho’s dad is Brazil legend RivaldoCredit: ReutersThe 29-year-old scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 72 appearances for Farul during his 18-month stay.But he was sold earlier this month for around £208,000.Last year, Rivaldinho admitted he has struggled with the high expectations placed on him throughout his career.He told Orange Sport: “The world has high expectations. People thought I would be at my father’s level, there’s no way, neither my child nor his child will be what Rivaldo was.Read More in Football”It’s hard for the world to understand this, that he doesn’t exist, he won’t exist anymore.”If I’m his child, it doesn’t mean I’ll be the same. It’s hard to even reach 10% of his level.”Rivaldo enjoyed a playing career than spanned over 20 years and even won the Ballon d’Or in 1999.The Brazilian played for the likes of Corinthians, Palmeiras and Cruzeiro in his home country.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe also made 235 appearances for Barcelona and 40 for AC Milan.On the international stage he scored 35 goals in 76 outings for Brazil and won the World Cup in 2002.Football royalty including Kaka, Seedorf and Rivaldo unite for legends match More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans baffled by Fred’s reaction to team-mate having object thrown at him in fiery Fenerbahce clash

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left gobsmacked by Fred’s reaction to his Fenerbahce team-mate having an object thrown at him.Anderson Talisca was pelted by a bottle in the first half of Fenerbahce’s trip to Alanyaspor after doubling the Super Lig side’s lead.Fenerbahce star Anderson Talisca wa shit by a water bottle during their trip to AlanyasporCredit: GettyEx-Manchester United midfielder Fred appeared to goad the louts who threw objects seconds after the incidentCredit: GETTYThe bottle leaked upon hitting the back of the Brazilian’s neck.Talisca, who joined the club during the January transfer window, immediately went down after being struck by the missile.And Fred, bizarrely, goaded the riled-up Alanyaspor fans by waving his arms up and down before beating his chest.Footage of his weird reaction to his countryman being struck down spread like wildfire on social media and quickly came to the attention of Red Devils fans.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSOne wrote on X: “Look at how Fred reacts.”Another said: “Just a chill guy. Cheering the fans.”And another said: “Would never see pastor fred go down like that.”One remarked: “Why is he laughing?”Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother chimed in: “That’s a violation.”Fred left Manchester United for Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023 after a five-year stay at Old Trafford.Man Utd player ratings vs LeicesterHe made 213 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and racking up 18 assists.The midfielder currently has seven goals and 12 assists in 64 Fenerbahce appearances to his name.He’s has yet to win any silverware with the Turkish giants, who are managed by his former United gaffer Jose Mourinho. More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Mad moment Premier League manager stuns his own players with ’10 out of 10 dive’ off top board

      by

      NOTTINGHAM FOREST manager Nuno Espirito Santo left his players in awe as he showed off an unexpected talent.Nuno, 51, joined his team in the pool at their training facility in Wilford Lane.Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo joined his players in the club’s poolCredit: TwitterAnd Nuno went on to become viral in front of the Forest camerasCredit: TwitterNuno put together an excellent dive in front of his playersCredit: TwitterNuno left his players and fans in absolute awe with his stuntCredit: TwitterAnd the Portuguese tactician left his stars open-mouthed as he launched himself from the top deck of the diving board.The ex-Wolves boss jumped from the highest board available and dropped expertly head first in front of his stunned squad.Forest TV recorded Nuno’s stunt and shared it on social media, leaving fans in amazement.Some of them even used that incredible scene as an opportunity to throw shade at rival managers, such as Liverpool’s Arne Slot, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou.Read More on FootballOne Forest supporter tweeted: “Nuno’s legendary status grows further.”Another commented: “Omg. Wow.”A third wrote: “Pep would be stood at the side talking about the best way to get in the water is to just go down the steps.”This fan said: “Big Ange & Arne would be doing laps round the lazy river.”Most read in FootballAnd that one exclaimed: “Nuno doing 10/10 dives off the top board.”Forest have been enjoying a stunning campaign after two turbulent seasons back in the Premier League that saw them just avoiding relegation back to the Championship.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralThe Tricky Trees are the Premier League’s surprise package as they sit third in the table with three points separating them from second-placed Arsenal.High fliers Liverpool are nine points ahead with a game in hand. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      It’s not right, fair or proper that only two non-league clubs win promotion to EFL – hypocritical rules must change

      by

      WHAT have Oldham, Southend, Scunthorpe and Macclesfield got in common?All four clubs were relegated to the National League in a complete mess after years of financial mismanagement in the EFL.Wrexham are chasing Championship promotionCredit: RexIn fact, Macclesfield went bust and had to reform at the bottom of the non-league pyramid.Now — what have Luton, Wrexham, Stockport and Bromley got in common?All four sides were promoted from the National League in excellent financial health and are proving to be model clubs.Luton climbed all the way to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBromley are enjoying their first-ever season in the EFL, while the Dragons and County are even challenging for promotion to the Championship.All 72 clubs in the National League and National South and North last week supported the launch of the 3UP campaign, which is calling for three promotion and relegation places between League Two and the fifth tier.And I agree with them. It’s not right, fair or proper that there are currently only two up and two down between these divisions.The 72 EFL clubs are due to discuss these proposals in more detail this month. There will clearly be a number of matters to consider.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne of the red lines would be for the National League to adopt its Profit and Sustainability Rules — or something close to it.Fifth-tier clubs are not subject to the same financial scrutiny.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League sideThere have often been examples of them spending more on wages and players than many League One teams, never mind League Two.EFL chair Rick Parry beats the drum for the importance for the League to look down as well as up. They are seeking fairer financial redistribution of funds filtering down from the Premier League — something I also support.The government is set to appoint a football regulator, but its remit does not include issues such as promotion and relegation.The National League is not like the old days of the Vauxhall Conference, when almost every team was semi-pro. All but two of its 24 clubs are full-time.And even one of its part-time teams, Tamworth, held Premier League giants Tottenham to a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of their recent FA Cup third-round tie before succumbing in extra-time.We’ve seen National League North club Kidderminster almost knock West Ham out of the FA Cup — and last season National League South side Maidstone reached the last 16 after toppling Ipswich at Portman Road.This illustrates the depth of quality in the fifth and sixth tiers.These clubs are not Sunday morning beer-bellied hoofers.They have the same ambitions and aspirations as Championship teams currently trying to get promoted to the Premier League.’IT’S UNFAIR’It is hypocritical on one hand to allow three to go up to the top flight from the second tier, while not allowing the same for teams in the National League.Can you imagine the stink in the EFL if there was only one automatic promotion spot up for grabs between the Championship and the Prem — with the second one decided by the play-offs?The National League decide their second promotion spot with a six-club play-off format.In this system, teams finishing second and third play the winners of games between fourth v seventh and fifth v sixth before progressing to the final. This is done to give more of the clubs hope they can achieve promotion to the EFL.And then you have the bizarre situation where there are four promotion and relegation places between Leagues One and Two.It’s unfair for League Two clubs to enjoy that sort of privilege, while National League teams are only allowed half the amount of spots.For any changes to happen, it will need to carry a majority vote across all 72 EFL clubs — and even then there has to be a majority of Championship teams endorsing.The EFL have previously warmed to the idea of changing the number of promotion and relegation spots but are waiting for the regulator to be appointed — and for a fair deal struck with the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESMy concern is it could take three or four years before any of that is sorted. In that time, the dreams and aspirations of National League clubs and the towns and cities they represent are being held back.The EFL should get on the front foot on this issue — regardless of progress with the Premier League and regulator — and be a champion of fairness for all teams that make our national game so great.What is the 3UP campaign? By Martin LiptonAll 72 clubs in the National League have signed a letter to EFL chiefs asking them to back a vote of member clubs over changing to a three-up, three-down system between League Two and the fifth tier.National League clubs argue that the current system, where only one club gets automatic promotion to the EFL with a second place available through the play-offs, is inconsistent with the rest of the pyramid.And at a meeting last week which formally endorsed the “3UP” campaign, clubs in the National League’s three divisions unanimously backed the move.EFL bosses have previously spoken positively about the idea but a switch would need the formal backing of the clubs – with those in League Two likely to need more convincing.National League chairman Jack Pearce suggested the likely arrival of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator this summer meant that the EFL had to respond. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Destiny Udogie hands Tottenham much-needed injury boost with defender in line to return for Man Utd clash

      by

      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has some good injury news at long last with Destiny Udogie finally back available.Left-back Udogie, 22, has been sidelined since damaging his hamstring in the 2-2 home draw against Wolves on December 29.Tottenham ace Destiny Udogie is available to feature against Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has finally received some good newsCredit: GettyHe was one of ELEVEN players missing for Tottenham due to injury in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup.But SunSport understands the Italian is available at long last to Postecoglou and in line to feature against Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League.Spurs have sorely missed Udogie in the last six weeks where they have been without the majority of their first-choice defence.Centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have been out since December 8 with respective quad and hamstring injuries.Read More on FootballVan de Ven, though, played 45 minutes in last month’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg in the Europa League.While No1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been out since fracturing his ankle in the 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City at the Etihad on November 23.In addition to that quartet, Radu Dragusin, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Timo Werner and Dominic Solanke were also missing against Villa.While inexperienced striker Dane Scarlett, 20, was cup-tied having already featured in the FA Cup for Oxford during a loan spell earlier this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPostecoglou launched an impassioned defence of his injury-decimated squad after the game.The Tottenham boss said it was unfair to criticise them when they have been so depleted for the last two-and-a-half months.Under-fire Tottenham boss Postecoglou finally breaks silence on EFL boss’ injury jibe with brutal 10-word responseUdogie joined Spurs from Hellas Verona in 2022 and has since amassed a total of two goals and four assists in 53 appearances. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea star and Match of the Day pundit returning to UK after quitting football to become PREACHER in Canada

      by

      FORMER Chelsea star Gavin Peacock is returning to the UK after leaving to become a PREACHER in Canada. Peacock spent three years at Chelsea after signing in 1993 from Newcastle.Gavin Peacock is returning to the UK after leaving to become a preacher in CanadaCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The TimesHe also played for Bournemouth and QPR before his move to Stamford Bridge and later Charlton after leaving the Blues. He retired in 2001 and later moved into punditry with the BBC, working on Match of the Day and Football Focus. It was after Euro 2008 – where he worked as a pundit – that Peacock moved to Canada to become a preacher.But according to The Express, the ex-forward is plotting a return home to spend a year as pastor at Bethersden Baptist Church in Kent.READ MORE IN football Peacock has been a Christian since his teens and has taken part in a number of ventures to discuss links between religion and football.Explaining his decision to move to Canada, he said: “[The TV work] was all going very well. “So when I gave everything up, it did surprise a number of people. It’s been the hardest few years of my life – but coming away from the UK has given me some anonymity. “Here in Canada, they consider me a preacher, not a footballer or pundit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “In 2006, my wife got an illness and was in hospital for a couple of weeks.”That recalibrated my thinking and I thought about going into church leadership, and eventually gave up my media career. “Being a pastor really is calling to me. I’ve played at Wembley in an FA Cup final but feel a stronger sense of responsibility when I’m giving a service to 30 people.”Peacock spent three years with ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdPeacock, middle, also worked as a commentatorCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Supercomputer predicts FA Cup fifth-round draw with Man Utd facing brutal away clash and bitter rivalry renewed

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the FA Cup fifth-round draw, with Manchester United facing a feisty away tie.The Red Devils booked their place in the last-16 with a controversial 2-1 win over Leicester City on Friday.Man Utd face a difficult fifth-round fixture in the FA CupCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils face a trip to The Den to face Millwall, according to SunSport’s simulatorCredit: ReutersHarry Maguire’s last-gasp winner appeared to be offside – but the use of VAR was not permitted during the match due to FA Cup rules.As a result, the goal stood, leaving Ruud van Nistelrooy and Co furious.VAR will be introduced from the fifth round regardless of venue, meaning some Championship and EFL clubs might have to install it just for one match if they are drawn to play at home.That could be the case for Millwall – as a simulation of the draw has picked the Lions to host Premier League giants Man Utd.Read More in FootballSunSport’s FA Cup draw simulator has predicted each fifth-round fixture, with only three potential all-Prem ties.According to the simulator, United face their first trip to Millwall in 35 years in what would be a blockbuster clash.The London side beat Championship leaders Leeds United 2-0 at Elland Road on Saturday to progress.Across the capital, Fulham have been tipped to host Burnley in another Premier League vs Championship match-up.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan City could host Cardiff CityCredit: GettyUnited’s rivals, Manchester City, are predicted to draw Cardiff City at home following their narrow win over Leyton Orient.In what could potentially be the most exciting match of the round, Aston Villa have been tipped to face Carabao Cup finalists Newcastle at Villa Park.BBC makes half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man CityAnd Prem sides Ipswich and Wolves have been drawn against each other, with Portman Road to host.The winner of Doncaster vs Crystal Palace – set for Monday evening – has been predicted to face Brighton away in the next round.And the winner of Exeter vs Nottingham Forest on Tuesday will host Bournemouth, according to the simulation.The FA Cup fifth round draw is set to take place on Monday night.Broadcast on The One Show on BBC One, it will be hosted by Kelly Somers, with Alex Scott and Theo Walcott drawing the balls.The simulated draw has tipped Aston Villa to host NewcastleCredit: GettyFA Cup draw simulatedPreston North End vs Plymouth ArgyleMillwall vs Man UtdExeter/Nottingham Forest vs BournemouthBrighton vs Doncaster/Crystal PalaceFulham vs BurnleyIpswich vs WolvesMan City vs Cardiff CityAston Villa vs Newcastle More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Olympics to be hit by legal action over Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting after Donald Trump’s ban on trans women in sport

      by

      THE International Olympic Committee is facing a lawsuit for allowing boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting to compete at the 2024 Olympics.The pair were at the centre of a heated gender row that dominated the Paris Games.Imane Khelif’s participation at the 2024 Olympics caused controversy as she allegedly failed a gender eligibility test 18 months earlierCredit: APTaiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting was also said to have failed the same testCredit: AFPImane Khelif won Under-66kg goldCredit: REUTERSLin Yu-Ting won gold in the 57kg finalCredit: AFPBoth competed at the Games 18 months after being disqualified from the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.Tests administered by the International Boxing Association are said to have determined that Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The IOC, however, permitted the pair to compete – much to the frustration of the IBA.And in light of Donald Trump’s executive order preventing transgender women from competing in female sports in the USA, the Russian-backed organisation has decided to take legal action against the IOC.READ MORE MORE BOXING NEWSA snippet of a statement read: “In light of the gender eligibility issues surrounding boxers in 2022 and 2023, the IBA proactively conducted all necessary testing and subsequently banned individuals deemed ineligible from participating in women’s competitions.”Despite notifying the IOC about the disqualification of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, the IOC disregarded this critical information, allowing both athletes to compete in the Qualifiers and ultimately at the 2024 Olympics, where they secured gold medals, denying opportunities to deserving female athletes.”As a result, IBA is filing an official complaint with the Attorney General of Switzerland, Mr Stefan Blatter, regarding the IOC’s actions that facilitated the participation of these ineligible athletes in the 2024 Olympic boxing tournament in Paris.”According to the Swiss law, any action or inaction that poses a safety risk to competition participants warrants investigation and may serve as grounds for criminal prosecution.Most read in BoxingImane Khelif’s 46-second victory over Angela Carini turned into a global talking pointCredit: REX”In addition, similar complaints are to be filed with the Attorneys General of France and the USA.”IBA chief Umar Kremlev said: “President Trump’s order to ban transgender athletes from women’s sport validates IBA’s efforts to protect the integrity of female sports.Gender row boxer Imane Khelif ‘names Elon Musk & JK Rowling in Olympics cyberbullying lawsuit'”Our actions aim to ensure gender equality in boxing.”We urge other International Federations to follow IBA’s example, as we are uniquely positioned to address this issue and advocate for our athletes’ rights.”He added: “IBA will provide free-of-charge comprehensive legal support to our boxers in these lawsuits.”As this is a clear violation of human rights, an outrage towards the female boxers, and simply a crime that should be punished accordingly.”In my personal opinion, Thomas Bach should take the full responsibility for this, as he was in charge when it happened.”And he needs to compensate the damages caused, if the court or any other instance rules this.”Khelif, who won Under-66kg gold, received a barrage of hate after forcing Italy’s Angela Carini to quit a mere 46 seconds into their opening bout.Multiple erroneous reports, most from social media, claimed she was a biological man.Imane Khelif has launched legal action against Elon Musk and JK Rowling for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”Credit: ALAMYKhelif has taken legal action against several prominent figures for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling.Reflecting on her ordeal, she told El Birard: “Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world.”And even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me.”I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot. I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had.”The scenario was very scary. Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will.”Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sports and politics are two separate things. “These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.” More