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    Brighton star Joao Pedro ‘axed from squad after training ground bust-up with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke’

    JOAO PEDRO was axed from Brighton’s squad against Liverpool after a reported training ground bust-up with a team-mate.The Brazilian was left out by head coach Fabian Hurzeler for Monday’s dramatic 3-2 win at the Amex. Joao Pedro was involved in a training ground bust-up ahead of Brighton’s game with WolvesCredit: RexThe Brazilian clashed with Jan Paul van Hecke, who featured for the Seagulls against LiverpoolCredit: Shutterstock EditorialPedro had been set to return to the squad after missing the last three games through suspension. The 23-year-old was given a straight red card for throwing an elbow in last month’s 4-2 loss to Brentford. Hurzeler told reporters Pedro missed the Liverpool game due to “private reasons”.But The Athletic claim the forward was involved in a training ground altercation with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPedro clashed with van Hecke ahead of Brighton’s game at Wolves on May 10. Van Hecke played the full 90 minutes at both Molineux and the Amex, where Brighton came from behind to snatch a dramatic win. Pedro arrived on the South Coast from Watford in the summer of 2023.He signed for a then club record fee of £30million and is contracted until 2028. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe versatile forward has proved a hit with the Seagulls faithful, bagging 30 goals in 69 games. This season he is the club’s joint top scorer with 10 alongside Danny Welbeck and Kaoru Mitoma. I can win the Ballon D’or says Brighton’s Carlos BalebaPedro has been linked with a summer move away from Brighton, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool touted as possible destinations. Brighton are said to be demanding £70million for the versatile forward. SunSport has approached Brighton for comment. More

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    West Brom release FOURTEEN players including ex-Chelsea and Arsenal stars after collapsing at end of Championship season

    WEST BROM have released fourteen players following their catastrophic collapse in the Championship.The Baggies saw their promotion dreams fall off a cliff after the arrival of manager Tony Mowbray in January.Tony Mowbray led West Brom to a second-half of the season collapseCredit: ReutersGrady Diangana is one of fourteen West Brom players to be releasedCredit: West Bromwich Albion FC via GettWest Brom had been flying high in sixth place when boss Carlos Coberan was replaced by Tony Mowbray following the Spaniard’s move to La Liga giants Valencia.But after Mowbray managed just five wins in 18 games, West Brom fell out of contention and the 61-year-old was sacked. Baggies captain Jed Wallace slammed the second-half meltdown as “unacceptable” and claimed the players hadn’t been good enough.He told the BBC: “At times like this you have to look at yourself – as a group of players you have to look at yourself and say how many of us have had a good season? I know I certainly haven’t.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow the club seems to have taken a similar stance after releasing FOURTEEN first team stars on their retained list.Those names include former Chelsea youngster John Swift and ex-Arsenal hopeful Semi Ajayi.Swift, 29, leaves West Brom after making over 125 appearances for the club since his switch from Reading in 2022.While 38-time Nigeria international Ajayi, who spent two years with Arsenal between 2013 and 2015, leaves after lining up for West Brom 177 times.Most read in FootballJohn Swift has been released by West BromCredit: GettySemi Ajayi has also been let goCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoining them on the list of released players is former West Ham ace Grady Diangana, whose 2020 switch to West Brom cost the club a reported £18MILLION.A host of youngsters such as Fenton Heard, Josh Shaw and Reece Hall have all been let go too.West Brom’s Kyle Bartley sparks mass brawl at final whistle v Sheff Weds for shoving his arm into rival’s faceWest Brom will also lose three top loan stars in Mason Holgate, Adam Armstrong and Will Lankshear.The trio are all set to return to their parent clubs of Everton, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur for next season.West Brom retained list 2024/2025Here’s a look at the full retained list for West Brom following the 2024/25 Championship season…ReleasedSemi AjayiGrady DianganaJohn SwiftFenton HeardReece HallJosh ShawTed CannRonnie HollingsheadArchie KirtonMatt RichardsSam BeedieFran CherchiRhys MorrishCorey SearsLoan spell endingMason HolgateAdam ArmstrongWill LankshearContract offeredReyes ClearyAkeel HigginsLayton LoveMichael ParkerEseosa SuleAlex WilliamsLouis BradyDan ChimeziriSouleyman MandeyDivine OnyemachiReturning from loanCaleb Taylor More

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    I scored Tottenham’s winning goal in the first ever all-English European final… my reward was to be SOLD by the boss

    ALAN MULLERY wrote himself into history when he scored the winning goal in the first all-English European final.Tottenham’s captain lifted the 1972 Uefa Cup, with his early header in the home second leg proving decisive against Wolves.Alan Mullery still has bittersweet memories of his Euro gloryCredit: RexThe Spurs legend led the side to the Cup Winners Cup in 1972… only to be sold weeks laterCredit: Rex FeaturesHis reward was to be SOLD by boss Bill Nicholson weeks later.No wonder Mullery, now 83, remembers it with mixed emotions.Spurs and Manchester United will meet in Bilbao for the Europa League — the sixth all-English Uefa  final.Incredibly, it will be the THIRD involving Tottenham, who lost to Liverpool in the Champions League final in Madrid in 2019.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut that first one, 53 years ago, was a bitter-sweet affair for Mullery.He recalled: “I will never forget that night — because it was the last game I ever played for Tottenham.“I thought I was going to stay but Bill had a different idea!“I guess it’s not a bad way to go out, to score the winning goal in a European final in your final game.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTottenham edged the first leg at Molineux 2-1, courtesy of a double by centre-forward Martin Chivers.And Mullery said: “People don’t remember what I did for that  second goal, mind.Man Utd & Spurs fans get Europa League final party started in Basque city Bilbao after mad dash on planes & 35hr ferries“I did an overlap outside him and was screaming for him to give me the ball. I’d run 40 yards shouting, but then he smashed it in and all I could say was, ‘Great goal’.“Afterwards Martin told me it was the best dummy run he’d ever seen.  It meant we were in a really great position going into the  second leg, with those away goals.“We certainly put in a better performance at Molineux than we did in the home game.” Mullery  put Spurs ahead on 29 minutes at White Hart Lane  —  but ended up pole-axed.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashHe said: “My goal was a header — and they were very few and far between — and from six yards out as well, when I didn’t really get that close to goal too often. “I got knocked out but I recovered enough.”Dave Wagstaffe got a leveller but it wasn’t enough and legendary Molineux striker John Richards, 74, remembered: “When it finished we just headed for home afterwards as though it was just a usual top-flight match.“I still have the medal, which is incredibly bland. Like one of those Esso petrol football silver tokens you got in the Seventies!”Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashAnd Mullery says boss Nicholson acted as if his side had LOST.Mullery added: “Bill wasn’t happy. He came in after, while we were celebrating, and told us, ‘The best team lost’.“It was a bit of a killer to come into a dressing room and get a rollicking after winning a cup.”Just weeks later, Mullery was in for an even bigger shock.Read More on The SunHe added: “I was out of the door. I was 32, Bill was looking to the future and he didn’t see me in it.”Adapted from White Hart Lane, the Spurs Glory Years 1899-2017 by Martin Lipton. More

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    Ex-England footie star, 42, banned from driving for speeding for FOURTH time

    FORMER England striker Jermain Defoe has been hit with a fourth driving ban for speeding.The ex-Premier League star, 42, was barred for a year after being clocked at 82mph in a 70mph zone last October.Former England star Jermaine Defoe was barred from driving for a year after being clocked at 82mph in a 70mph zone last OctoberCredit: GettyThe former Spurs and Sunderland striker was fined £660 plus £90 costs and a £266 victim surchargeCredit: AlamyDefoe, who played 57 times for England, was driving a Land Rover in Wormley, Herts, JPs in St Albans were told.His barrister said the ex-Spurs ace deserved credit for pleading guilty.Defoe, who was not in court, was fined £660 plus £90 costs and a £266 victim surcharge.He also got three points to add to the nine already on his licence.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDefoe was previously banned from the road for six months in July 2008 for speeding.He received another six-month ban for the same offence the following year.He later admitted driving at 45mph in a 30mph zone in Portsmouth in May 2008. He was given an additional four points on his license.Most read in FootballThe star ended up in court again in October 2010 after being caught with a phone behind the wheel while driving in Loughton.He was handed three points – narrowly avoiding another ban – and fined £800.Defoe was then slapped with his third six-month ban two years ago when he was clocked doing 56mph in a 30mph zone in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire in December 2020.SUN Jermain Defoe’s Mysterious Encounter in Car Park More

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    Stoney-faced Gary Lineker breaks cover to walk dog amid BBC exit and cop probe into ‘rat’ online post

    GARY Lineker takes his dog for a walk — as cops say they are looking into complaints about his online post.And with Lineker, 63, appearing to rule out a return to telly, Filbert had even more reason to be cheery.Gary Lineker was snapped taking his rescue dog Filbert for a walk following his departure from the BBCCredit: Ray CollinsCops say they are looking into complaints about Gary’s recent online postCredit: iNSTAGRAMThe pair stepped out for a stroll near the presenter’s home in south London as he prepared for his last MOTD.The ex-England star, out in South London, is stepping down as Match of the Day host on Sunday after sparking fury by sharing a message criticising Zionism that featured a rat picture.Lineker apologised, but the Met said it is assessing several complaints.In a statement he said: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER”As I’ve said, I’d never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am.”Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”One woman said she suffered significant distress due to the post.Most read in FootballTim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made.”Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.Gary Lineker sensationally quits BBC and will not front its 2026 World Cup coverage after anti-Semitism row”Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades.”His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. “We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”The former England star sparked fury by sharing a message criticising Zionism that featured a rat pictureCredit: Ray CollinsGary and Filbert stepped out for a stroll near the presenter’s home in south London as he prepared for his last MOTDCredit: Ray Collins More

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    Kevin De Bruyne misses five-yard sitter in front of stunned wife and children in last Man City game at the Etihad

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE missed possibly the easiest chance he’s ever had as he played his final game for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.De Bruyne, who is leaving City on the expiration of his deal this summer, rattled the crossbar from inside the six-yard box during Man City’s clash with Bournemouth.Kevin De Bruyne missed a golden opportunity for Man City in his final game at the Etihad StadiumCredit: GettyOmar Marmoush played a brilliant ball across the face of goalCredit: Sky SportsDe Bruyne had an open goal inside the six-yard boxCredit: Sky SportsThe shot clattered the crossbarCredit: Sky SportsPep Guardiola couldn’t believe the missCredit: Sky SportsDe Bruyne had all the cameras on him for his emotional farewell to the Etihad faithful, but will have been wishing he was invisible after the shocking miss.The Belgian was handed the ball on a silver platter by Omar Marmoush, who drilled it across the face of goal and into De Bruyne’s path.But the 33-year-old couldn’t get the finish right and hit the ball straight into the crossbar, despite being INSIDE the six-yard box at the time.Fans online couldn’t believe the out-of-character mistake from De Bruyne and took to social media to react.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “That is the craziest miss of all time”.While another joked: “Saved his worst until last”.But it wasn’t just fans that were in disbelief, De Bruyne’s wife Michele and the pair’s kids appeared to be watching the miss back in the stands – at least that’s what was suggested by the Sky Sports commentary team. Michele and their children were seen gathering around a phone in their seats watching a video just moments after the miss.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDe Bruyne’s wife Michele appeared to be watching the miss back on her phoneCredit: Sky SportsFans were left even more stunned by De Bruyne’s family clamoring to watch it back.One teased: “Lmaoooo Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michelle just watched the replay with her kids in the family box and they all shook their heads”And another wrote: “Kevin De Bruyne’s wife, Michele is showing replays to their kids of the #ManCity captain’s open-goal miss.”Fortunately for De Bruyne, his miss meant very little with City already leading through a Marmoush screamer in the early stages of the game.While Bernardo Silva added a second for the hosts just over 10 minutes later to put them 2-0 up at half-time.Nico Gonzalez later added a third before Daniel Jebbison pulled off a consolation goal to make it 3-1.Speaking after the victory, De Bruyne said of his shocking miss: “I said I just have to be there, it’s going to come. It’s terrible. There’s no excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today.”It was an emotional day for De Bruyne who is bringing his 10-year spell at City to a close at the end of the season.The midfielder was greeted on the pitch by a huge banner honouring him and calling him “King Kev”.While children Rome, Mason and Suri walked out with him as mascots before kick off.He was substituted on the 69th minute mark, sparking a roar of appreciation from the crowd and fans breaking out into chants of his name.The former Chelsea man looked emotional as he left the pitch and waved goodbye to the supporters and gave a hug to coaching staff on the sidelines following his slow trudge off the paying surface. He has also been given a lifetime Man City season ticket, signed keepsakes, a brand new mural and the promise of street named in his honour.While it was revealed during his farewell speech that the club are also planning on building a statue for the icon outside the Etihad Stadium.Speaking to Sky Sports about leaving the club, he said: “Its been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I’ve had over here. It’s been an unbelievable ride, an absolute pressure, I don’t know.”I want to bring joy to people, play offensive football, creative, that is what I am on the pitch and I want to have fun. I think we had a lot of fun over the 10 years. You win, you lose sometimes.”It was a joy working really hard and creating something for this club which brought the club much better than it was before. I’m super proud.”Read More on The SunHe leaves City having won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League.Throughout his tenure he has played over 420 games, scored 108 goals and provided 177 assists.De Bruyne was accompanied out on the pitch by his kids Rome, Mason and SuriCredit: AFPFans unveiled a banner honouring De BruyneCredit: APOther supporters made their own signsCredit: PAAnother banner was displayed in the groundCredit: GettyDe Bruyne was emotional as he left the pitchCredit: Sky SportsThe midfielder waved goodbye to the fansCredit: Sky SportsHe gave Pep Guardiola a hug on the sidelinesCredit: Sky SportsPep Guardiola was in tears as De Bruyne said goodbye to the clubCredit: Sky Sports More

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    Djed Spence almost quit Tottenham for Italian job… but was sent back as club couldn’t afford him

    DJED SPENCE could easily be in Serie A with Genoa instead of with Tottenham in Bilbao tomorrow.The defender’s form has been one of a very few highlights in what has been a tough season for Spurs away from their Europa League run.Djed Spence almost quit Spurs for Genoa last summer… but the Italians couldn’t afford himCredit: GettySpence was ready to make last season’s loan in Italy permanentCredit: EPAAnd Genoa sporting director Marco Ottolini revealed he wanted to get Spence on a permanent deal after he spent the second half of last season on loan there.Spence had a torrid spell at Leeds until January 2024 but was a big hit in Italy.Ottolini said “We were looking for a right-back or wing-back and noticed Djed was not having a good time at Leeds.“I had known him since 2016 when I saw him in an under-21s game between Fulham and Reading.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I was working for Anderlecht at the time.“But you always take notice of these players and you end up following their career.“I was convinced he had the technical skills to stand out in Serie A.“We gave Djed the right environment and wanted him to feel at home. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I think he had a lack of confidence and he needed someone he trusted.”But Ottolini was frustrated at not sealing a deal last summer and seeing Spence, 24, end up  a crucial part of Ange Postocoglou’s injury-hit squad, making  25 appearances in all competitions.BATTLE FOR BILBAO: The Road to the Europa League FinalOttolini said: “We tried to sign him but for financial reasons we could not do it. I think we could have signed him for £6.7million from Spurs but his salary was heavy.“We had a few things going on with the ownership that summer and we could just not do it. So we sent him back to England — and look at him now.” More

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    Phil Foden puts Man City’s FA Cup final defeat behind him as he beams with his kids in Burberry Father’s Day photoshoot

    FOOTIE ace Phil Foden lines up with his kids in a Father’s Day shoot for Burberry. It’s good to see the Manchester City star, 24, all smiles as he posed with son Ronnie, six, and daughter True, three.Manchester City ace Phil Foden poses with daughter True, 3, and son Ronnie, 6, in a Father’s Day shoot for BurberryCredit: BurberryPhil pictured with mini-me son RonnieCredit: BurberryIt’s good to see Phil smiling after the agony of losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace on SaturdayCredit: GettyAfter all, just days ago he and boss Pep Guardiola had to face up to the team’s shock 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.  Foden is the face of Burberry’s new menswear collection, launched to “celebrate fatherhood”, after he previously collaborated with the famous brand ahead of Euro 2024. The England footballer, wearing a white T-shirt and navy shirt, holds True on his lap as she rocks a checked dress, while his “mini-me” son sports a Burberry shirt next to him. Sharing the heartwarming pictures on their official Instagram page, the fashion giant posted: “Team line-up: Phil, True and Ronnie Foden celebrate fatherhood.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFans commented: “What a beautiful family.” After working with Burberry in 2023, doing a shoot in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, the £200k-a-week midfielder said: “Fashion is important to me and it was incredible to work with Burberry in my hometown.” Burberry’s new range has been launched ahead of Father’s Day next month, celebrating “fatherhood, tradition and British values”. At the weekend, The Sun on Sunday revealed how Foden has already treated daughter True to a £10,000 Rolex, a £160 Monnalisa designer dress, and a £40 bag from Hookd. Most read in FootballHer Rolex is identical to one worn by Kylie Jenner’s daughter Stormi, six.Phil’s own watch collection includes a Rolex Sky Dweller and a Day Date.Manchester City’s Phil Foden shuns posh holiday for £100 tent at a £14-a-day fishing lake in the CotswoldsUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More