Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Haaland levels for Man City against Palace, Isak equalises for Newcastle – latest updates

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE football is back again this weekend but Storm Darragh has already wreaked havoc on the fixture list. Today’s scheduled 12.30pm kick-off between Everton and Merseyside rivals Liverpool has been postponed because of amber warning winds. Later on, however, Newcastle travel to Brentford while Manchester City look to close the gap as they take on Crystal Palace.And Man Utd face Nottingham Forest in the late kick-off this evening. Kick off times: 3pm/5.30pm GMTFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…View from SunSport’s Martin Lipton at Selhurst ParkCity back on terms through that terrific Haaland header – but the Palace fans are still singing in the rain.Guardiola’s men – who were called in for a huddle inside the Palace box after the equaliser – have started to look a bit more like their usual selves since regaining parity.Yet their defensive vulnerabilities, exposed by Munoz’ opener, remain abundantly clear.The wind hasn’t impacted things too much. Although the press box is more like an ice box…Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Neil Silver in West LondonFour first half goals warmed up the Gtech Community Stadium in awful conditions thanks to Storm Darragh. Bryan Mbeumo struck one of his specials before Alexander Isak headed Newcastle level. Yoanne Wissa pounced on Harvey Barnes’ woefully misplaced pass to restore the hosts’ lead, before Barnes atoned with an equaliser.Copy linkCopiedHT: Crystal Palace 1-1 Man CityIt was always going to be a tough ask to hold onto to such an early lead.Munoz’s goal was the only shot on target the hosts had, with Erling Haaland eventually drawing the visitors level.It is hard to see anything but a Man City win coming from this game based on what we saw in the first half.Copy linkCopiedHT: Brentford 2-2 NewcastleGames are never short of action in West London.Twice the hosts have taken the lead with well-taken goals but they are struggling to deal with The Magpies as an attacking threat.This game is finely poised and could go either way.Copy linkCopiedHT: Aston Villa 1-0 SouthamptonThe hosts have just edged this one so far.While they were creating half-chances it was actually The Saints who gifted them the goal.Why Russell Martin still insists on this team playing out from the back is nothing short of baffling.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkThere is no such thing as a dull game when Russell Martin’s Kamikaze defenders are around.Saints had actually weathered the anticipated early Villa storm and were beginning to get a toehold in the game.Cue some slapstick defending as Nathan Wood and Taylor Harwood-Bellis got in each other’s way, allowing Jhon Duran to power through the pair of them before slotting beyond Joe Lumley.1-0 Villa and more to come by the looks of things here.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 2-2 Newcastle32. You get some entertainment at the Gtech Community Stadium.Harvey Barnes makes up his earlier error as he notches to draw The Magpies level.That is 38 goals that have been scored here so far this season.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGoal – Harvey Barnes (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-1 Man City30. Questions will be asked of Henderson in the Palace goal.Nunes does well down the flank but as he whips his cross in along the six yard box, weirdly, the keeper does not come to collect.Haaland cushions his header into the far corner to draw City level.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Erling Haaland (Man City)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 2-1 Newcastle28. Big mistake from Harvey Barnes for the visitors.He gives the ball away and Wissa takes full advantage.He runs 30 yards towards goal before drilling the ball in to give The Bees the lead once again.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Yohan Wissa (Brentford)Copy linkCopiedView from Martin Lipton from Selhurst ParkRarely have I seen City look as uncomfortable at the back as they are this afternoon.Guardiola has moved Rico Lewis to left-back but Josko Gvardiol is still well off it and both were partially culpable – alongside Ruben Dias – for the Munoz opener.Palace clearly feel they can get at the champions in transition although Haaland could have scored twice at the other end. Wild as the weather.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 1-0 Southampton24. Once again Southampton are the architects of their own downfall.Bree has a nightmare in the centre of the park as he gifts the ball to Duran.Lumley comes steaming out of his box and makes the striker’s mind up for him as he lifts it over him and into the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jhon Duran (Aston Villa)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-1 Newcastle19. The Magpies are starting to click a bit more now.Once again Isak is the man causing problems for the visitors.Flekken makes a good save to deny him but Newcastle really should be 2-1 up after that chance.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-0 Man City18. Man City are starting to put some pressure on now.De Bruyne is getting more involved and pulling the strings.A ball into Haaland is just behind him and cannot get it under control otherwise he would have been one-on-one with the keeper.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-1 Newcastle11. Jacob Murphy floats a ball into the box, looking for Isak.The Swede rises to head home and get The Magpies level.This has been a good start to the game at the Gtech Community Stadium.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-0 Newcastle8. Norgaard does well to find Mbuemo on the side of the box.He cuts inside and lets rip with a brilliant strike into the back of the net.Brentford look keen to keep their sensational home form going.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bryan Mbuemo (Brentford)Copy linkCopiedCrystal Palace 1-0 Man City9. Will Hughes plays a neat one-two with Mateta.He then threads it through to Munoz in the box.The Palace defender slots it past Ortega to break the deadlock in the capital.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkThis really is a must-win game for Villa, against a Saints team which has won just one of their last 27 Premier League fixtures – against Everton last month.Russell Martin’s men will be encouraged by their 1-1 draw at Brighton last weekend and will be hoping to build on that.However Saints are without suspended skipper Jack Stephens following his hair-raising experience when he tugged Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella’s locks!Unai Emery rests Ollie Watkins and hands Jhon Duran his first Premier League start.Copy linkCopiedPremier League matches underwayWe have three afternoon games to enjoy today.Aston Villa vs SouthamptonBrentford vs NewcastleCrystal Palace vs Man CityThese matches could affect the top and bottom of the table.Copy linkCopied More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd issue statement on Nottingham Forest clash as Storm Darragh forces Merseyside Derby and EFL games to be axed

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have issued an update about their match against Nottingham Forest.The Red Devils are due to host Forest at Old Trafford in today’s 5:30pm game.Man Utd have issued a statement about their match against Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyThe statement said the match would go ahead as plannedCredit: EPABut as Storm Darragh batters the UK there have been fears it could be called off.This morning the decision was made to postpone the Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool.EFL clashes have become casualties of the storm this morning, with League One and Two seeing games called off after Championship matches at Cardiff and Plymouth were both postponed last night.Notts County’s League Two match with Colchester was axed after high winds caused damage to the scoreboard, while Blackpool’s League One fixture against Rotherham was also abandoned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Man Utd have declared that the game against Forest WILL go ahead as planned. A club statement released on social media said: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned.”The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”The club also announced a small boost for season ticket holders, a week after the controversial call to raise all ticket prices to £66 regardless of age, which sparked fan protest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt continued: “We understand that fan travel will be disrupted by the weather so this fixture will not be included in the minimum number of games a season that season tickets must be used.”Crystal Palace also announced that their own 3pm game against Manchester City would go ahead as planned, but asked fans to take care travelling to and from Selhurst Park.Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago Aston Villa, Southampton, Brentford and Newcastle all issued statements confirming their games would be going ahead as planned too.Storm Darragh has caused severe delays to a number of services, including transport, with winds of up to 90mph.An Everton statement on their postponed match with Liverpool said: “Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today has been postponed.”Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.”We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. “Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.”All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”Full list of postponed fixturesPremier LeagueEverton vs LiverpoolChampionshipPlymouth Argyle vs Oxford UnitedCardiff City vs WatfordLeague OneBristol Rovers vs Bolton WanderersCrawley Town vs StevenagePortsmouth vs RotherhamLeague TwoNewport County vs Carlise UnitedBarrow AFC vs MK DonsNotts County vs Colchester UnitedFA TrophyTorquay United vs HorshamSouthport vs Peterborough SportsHanwell vs EastleighFA VaseSouth Liverpool vs Albion SportsNational League NorthWarrington Town vs Curzon AshtonNorthern Premier LeagueMatlock Town vs Ashton UnitedBlyth Spartans vs Workington.Prescot Cables vs Bamber BridgeNorthern Premier League WestBootle vs Witton AlbionVauxhall Motors vs Stafford RangersKidsgrove Athletic vs AvroHanley Town vs ClitheroeHednesford Town vs Stalybridge CelticNewcastle Town vs City of LiverpoolNorth West Counties LeagueCharnock Richard vs BurscoughAFC Liverpool vs Cheadle TownStafford Town vs Foley MeirAshton Athletic vs Holker Old BoysWinsford United vs Sutton UnitedRamsbottom United vs PadihamMarket Drayton vs EccleshallCheadle Heath Nomads vs Allscott HeathBarnton vs Ashville More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury leaks new game plan for Usyk rematch after undergoing dramatic body transformation

      by

      TYSON FURY insists he won’t make the mistake of trying to outbox Oleksandr Usyk in their crunch rematch.The Wythenshawe warrior’s dreams of becoming undisputed heavyweight champion were shattered in his May melee with the Ukrainian, which he lost via split decision.Tyson Fury renews his rivalry with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia later this monthCredit: GETTYThe Gypsy King suffered a split decision defeat in their historic May meleeCredit: REUTERSThe Wythenshawe warrior insists he won’t try to outbox the slick southpaw againCredit: GETTYFury, 36, insists he only lost the historic Saudi showdown because he was “playing around” with the London 2012 gold medallist.And the Gypsy King has adopted a kill-or-be-killed mentality for his second straight Riyadh rumble with the slick southpaw.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.”Fury outrageously claimed Usyk was given the nod in their first fight because of his homeland being “at war” with Russia.And he’s adamant the judges won’t give him a fair shake if they go the distance again.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “There’s no secret. I’m going in there to knock you out.”Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.Moment Tyson Fury tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘you look like a sexy beast’ as heavyweight boxer shows off new look”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. “Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.”Fury looks to have beefed up considerably for the do-or-die desert dust-up.Tyson Fury looks to have out on a considerable amount of size for the rematchCredit: INSTAGRAM@KEVINLERENAAnd he’s seemingly on course to weigh more than the 18st 7lb he did for his first meeting with the former cruiserweight king.The dad-of-seven enters the potentially legacy-defining rematch as both a challenger and an underdog for the first time in five years.But he insists he does his best work when the whole world is counting him out.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “For the first time in years, I’m going in there as a challenger, not a champion.”And I believe that I’m better as a challenger, always, because I’ve got that goal of achieving something and it’s giving me a fire underneath.” More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      TWO EFL clashes postponed over safety fears as Storm Darragh wrecks vital part of stadium

      by

      NOTTS County’s League Two clash against Colchester United has been postponed after high winds damaged a scoreboard.Storm Darragh is wreaking havoc up and down the country, with League One’s Blackpool vs Rotherham also abandoned in the last hour.Notts County v Colchester United has been postponed after vital equipment damagedBoth clubs made the decision to postpone the match due to safety fears surrounding Storm DarraghIt comes after a scoreboard at Meadow Lane came loose in the high windsGusts of 90mph have seen a number of sporting fixtures cancelled, including Everton’s 12:30 kick-off against fierce rivals Liverpool.And now Notts County are the latest side to be affected by the amber weather warnings.The 3pm game has been postponed after two panels in the Kop scoreboard came loose in the 50mph high winds.The scoreboard hangs directly above the goal at Meadow Lane and is fixed to the roof of the Kop end.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA Notts County statement read: “Following damage to one of the Meadow Lane scoreboards, this afternoon’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against Colchester United has been postponed in the interests of spectator and player safety.”Two panels in the Kop scoreboard, which is fixed to the roof of the stand, have come loose in the recent high winds and it will not be possible to make the necessary repairs in time for the match to safely go ahead.”Following conversations with this afternoon’s match officials, our opponents, the EFL and the Sports Ground Safety Authority, it’s been agreed that, particularly in light of this afternoon’s weather forecast, these loose panels pose a significant risk.”Tickets and hospitality bookings will remain valid for the rearranged match, a date for which will be confirmed in due course. We’re unable to process any refund requests until the new date is set.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJust one point separates the sides, with the hosts sitting 16th and Colchester occupying the place below.Fans of both teams were quick to react to the postponement.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex One wrote on X: “Should of done it last night.”Another said: “Safety first ❤.”The League One fixture between Blackpool and Rotherham United has also been called off.In a statement, Blackpool said: “After safety checks earlier this morning and in consultation with local agencies, the Club can confirm today’s match has unfortunately been postponed.”A Blackpool fan raged on X: “The lack of communication from the club for this has been appalling. The amber weather warning has been in place for over 24 hours.”Another said: “They announce it now when the travelling fans have probably already left.”The National Grid has revealed that Darragh has left a whopping 32,600 homes in the Midlands and the south west without electricity.An expensive Porsche was destroyed in CardiffStorm Darragh has left a trail of destruction up and down the countryThe storm also led to the cancellation of two Championship games on Friday.Under-fire Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle side’s clash against Oxford United was the first to be cancelled.While Watford’s trip to Cardiff was also abandoned, after Wales was among the heaviest Home Nations hit by Storm Darragh.The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind in the North West region.Fans are eagerly waiting on decision to be made around Man United’s clash with Nottingham Forest at 5:30pm.READ MORE SUN STORIESA statement on United’s website said: “Strong winds associated with Storm Darragh likely leading to some disruption and damage.”And Crystal Palace have confirmed that their home clash against champions Man City will go ahead as planned at 3pm.Full list of postponed fixturesPremier LeagueEverton vs LiverpoolChampionshipPlymouth Argyle vs Oxford UnitedCardiff City vs WatfordLeague OneBristol Rovers vs Bolton WanderersCrawley Town vs StevenagePortsmouth vs RotherhamLeague TwoNewport County vs Carlise UnitedBarrow AFC vs MK DonsNotts County vs Colchester UnitedFA TrophyTorquay United vs HorshamSouthport vs Peterborough SportsHanwell vs EastleighFA VaseSouth Liverpool vs Albion SportsNational League NorthWarrington Town vs Curzon AshtonNorthern Premier LeagueMatlock Town vs Ashton UnitedBlyth Spartans vs Workington.Prescot Cables vs Bamber BridgeNorthern Premier League WestBootle vs Witton AlbionVauxhall Motors vs Stafford RangersKidsgrove Athletic vs AvroHanley Town vs ClitheroeHednesford Town vs Stalybridge CelticNewcastle Town vs City of LiverpoolNorth West Counties LeagueCharnock Richard vs BurscoughAFC Liverpool vs Cheadle TownStafford Town vs Foley MeirAshton Athletic vs Holker Old BoysWinsford United vs Sutton UnitedRamsbottom United vs PadihamMarket Drayton vs EccleshallCheadle Heath Nomads vs Allscott HeathBarnton vs AshvilleTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

    • 288 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Incredible stats show how player who Man Utd let go for FREE and made unemployed is now best in his position in Europe

      by

      DAVID DE GEA is the best goalkeeper in Europe despite being let go by Manchester United, according to the stats.Their decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in Europe’s top leagues, according to the statsDe Gea enjoyed 14 years with the Red DevilsDe Gea has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitchAnd now the 33-year-old’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks about former manager Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.He was often considered the Premier League’s best goalkeeper, and is now getting similar recognition in Serie A.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe stats show that De Gea is making more saves and from a higher quality of shots than any other keeper in Europe.He has saved a staggering 76 per cent of on-target attempts that have come his way so far this term, according to Opta via Fbref.In fact, no other shot-stopper performs better in that metric.And his rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.The ex-Old Trafford star sits top of the save per cent table, while he is also second in the saves per 90 minutes rankings and sixth in the goals prevented table.Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford De Gea has put in multiple man of the match performances this seasonThe Spaniard is adored by those in Florence as Fiorentina sit inside the Champions League spotsHe has five clean sheets so far to his name this term with Fiorentina sitting fourth in Serie A.Replacement Onana comes in close with 70 per cent of on-target shots saved in all competitions.And returning Newcastle keeper Nick Pope has a higher save per cent than Onana, but has faced less shots than the Man Utd No.1At other end – West Ham’s Alphonse Areola has been enduring a nightmare run of form and is low in both save quality and save quantity.Alphonse Areola lost his place in West Ham’s starting XI more than two months agoThis has seen the Hammers DROP the Frenchman and bring in veteran Lukasz Fabianski as they look to fend off a relegation battle going into Christmas.Elsewhere, the freshly-crowned world’s best goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez fell into the same bracket as Areola, as Aston Villa dropped to eighth in the Prem.Martinez has saved just 50 per cent of his opponent’s shots on-target.The Argentine World Cup winner’s recent display in Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea saw him hauled off injured at half-time.Meanwhile, during his time at United, De Gea won the player of the season award four times.He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year on five separate occasions, including for four consecutive years.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim reveals reason behind Man Utd not wearing LGBTQ+ rainbow coats and says ‘there’s three things to manage’

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM has lifted the lid on the decision of Manchester United players to not wear rainbow-themed jackets.Red Devils stars had been due to wear the jackets in conjunction with the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign in support of the LGBTQ+ community ahead of their 3-0 win over Everton.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim spoke about the team’s decision to not wear rainbow jackets before their match against EvertonCredit: APThe team acted in solidarity with Noussair Mazraoui who refused to wear it due to his religious beliefsCredit: GettyCaptain Bruno Fernandes has continued to wear the rainbow armbandCredit: RexHowever, the team decided not to wear them after Noussair Mazraoui – who is a devout Muslim – refused to, citing religious beliefs.Now a week on, manager Amorim has spoken about the three key factors which played a part in the decision and insisted there is “no doubt” of the club values.He said: “It was a group decision as players, as it should be. There’s three difficult things to manage. “On one side, it’s club values. There’s no doubt what this club believes and fights for. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Then you have religion, which you have to respect. It’s our values to respect other opinions.”And the third thing is the group thing. ‘I won’t leave Nous alone, we’re a team’. The majority of the players believe in one thing, but they saw one guy alone and said let’s be together.'”It’s three things we have to manage and respect, and it’s a hard issue to address. I think we did it in a good way. “We need to respect everything but we also to respect the religion of Nous and his culture.”Most read in FootballAsked about it being a potential problem in the future, he said: “I don’t know if Nous is going to change his religion and his beliefs. “We will address at the time if it comes, but it’s a really hard decision.”Ruben Amorim discusses defensive strategy against Arsenal scoring from corners A Man Utd statement in the week said the club “welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community… We are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion”.It added: “We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters’ club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination.”Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club’s position.”However, the club’s LGBTQ+ fan group, Rainbow Devils, said they were “disappointed” by the decision.A statement said: “This was obviously a great disappointment to Rainbow Devils, but also to all those who had worked hard at the club to deliver this event.”We are aware of who the player concerned is, but we feel it isn’t our role to single him out, and risk spoiling all the other positive things that the majority of those at the club have done.”We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn’t wear their jackets.”We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality.”Captain Bruno Fernandes continued to wear the rainbow armband, doing so against Everton and the midweek defeat to Arsenal.Ipswich and Crystal Palace captains Sam Morsy and Marc Guehi also sparked controversy last weekend from the campaign.Morsy, like Mazraoui, cited his religious beliefs after twice refusing to wear a rainbow-coloured armband.Ipswich said they “respect the decision” but were “committed to being a fully inclusive club”.Meanwhile, Guehi – a devout Christian – did not refuse to wear the rainbow armband but twice wrote religious messaging on it, again citing religious beliefs.The FA spoke to Guehi and his club to remind them about the use of religious messaging but did not go any further.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking to Sky Sports about the act, Guehi explained: “I think the message was pretty clear to be honest.”It’s a message of love and truth as well and a message of inclusivity, so it speaks for itself.”FA have disappeared down a rabbit hole again with absurd double standardsBy Dave Kidd Cast your mind back two years to the World Cup in Qatar.There, the FA and Harry Kane insisted that the England skipper would wear a rainbow armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community, after FIFA had awarded hosting rights to a nation which criminalises homosexuality.Six other western European nations were going to take the same stand.Until the point when FIFA insisted that those captains making this “political” gesture would be booked.Until the point where that gesture might have some sporting consequence – and therefore a more substantial meaning.At that point, the FA and their six allies all performed a late U-turn. They bottled it.That’s the thing with English football and its “support” for the LGBTQ+ community.READ THE FULL COLUMN HERE More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Unemployed ex-F1 star Daniel Ricciardo could be offered ‘blank cheque’ to make shock career move into iconic event

      by

      DANIEL RICCIARDO could snub an immediate return to F1 thanks to a shock offer, it’s been claimed.The beloved Australian was brutally ditched by Red Bull in September and replaced by Kiwi Liam Lawson.Daniel Ricciardo is currently a free agent following his mid-season axing by Red BullCredit: GETTYBut the Aussie is reportedly being lined up to race in two new sportsCredit: GettySpeculation over his future has been rife, with many Formula One fans believing he’ll return to the sport next season to drive for Cadillac.But according to reports, he’s set to receive an offer to race in the Australian Supercars series and NASCAR.Race.com claims Toyota are keen on having Ricciardo race for them in both competitions next year.The Japanese carmaker is said to view the 35-year-old as the ideal driver for their Supras in both competitions.READ MORE F1 NEWSIt’s also said they see Ricciardo “as someone who can drag in fans in huge numbers because of his natural charisma”.Toyota are reportedly willing to break the bank to secure Ricciardo’s services.Their pursuit of the former Renault and Toro Rosso star has been likened to a “blank cheque operation”.A Toyota source reportedly told Race.news: “[Akio Toyoda] can’t see any downside with having [Ricciardo] as the face of Gazoo Racing, which really is his pet project.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s unclear whether Ricciardo will be keen on racing in the Aussie Supercars series or NASCAR.He did, however, reveal he was open to a new adventure when breaking his silence on his Red Bull departure.Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo labeled ‘great fit’ for Nascar with Williams youngster also named as ‘possible’ targetHe wrote on Instagram: “I’ve loved this sport my whole life.”It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey.”To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you.”To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me, haha, thank you.”It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Enzo Maresca’s obsession with chess has transformed Chelsea from ‘billion-pound bottle jobs’ to title contenders

      by

      ENZO MARESCA has strategically transformed Chelsea into Premier League title contenders.Cole Palmer might have rolled his eyes at the idea, while Noni Madueke has played down the Blues’ chances, but a 5-1 win over Southampton midweek has got pundits talking.Deep thinker Enzo Maresca’s love of chess could be linked to how he sees footballCredit: GettyMaresca wrote about the similarities between chess and football while studying at the Italian coaching centreCredit: GettyMaresca has transformed the Blues into title contendersCredit: GettyThey sit in second place, seven points behind leaders Liverpool, and are poised to challenge should the Reds falter.Much of their success is down to deep thinker Maresca, 44, who arrived at the club in the summer.In February, Gary Neville called Chelsea the ‘billion-pound bottle jobs’ after they lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.But only ten months later, they are title contenders under the impressive guidance of Maresca.Read more football newsThe Italian came through the legendary Italian coaching centre, Coverciano.It was there his love of chess was revealed, where he compared the beautiful game to the ancient board game.That encouraged the tactician to write his thesis comparing the two and their similarities.His dissertation was fittingly called, ‘Football and Chess’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“There are a lot of similarities,” Maresca revealed.“The most important is positional play and strategy. For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player: develop a plan, study counter moves, choose the arrangement of the pieces.”Maresca’s philosopy’The arrangement of the pieces’ was evident in Maresca’s team selection at the St Mary’s.Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku were drafted in, with a potentially overloaded Nicolas Jackson on the bench.With a large squad of talented stars at his disposal, Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez, and Jadon Sancho are all rotated.It’s not uncommon to see a totally different side selected for Premier League or Europa Conference League.Maresca is not stuck to one philosophy. Quite often, he will pick a team suited to the opposition his team’s play.As a strategist, he makes subtle tweaks every week.One example saw Moises Caicedo, reborn in central midfield this term, playing at right-back against Aston Villa.That allowed the Ecuadorian to invert into midfield, when Chelsea were in possession, with Enzo Fernandez supporting the attack in a CAM position, and gave Cole Palmer more space.If you’ve played 5D chess, a game that becomes increasingly complex through a series of alternate timelines, it’s comparable to how Maresca’s thought-process when Chelsea are in action.Maresca has helped Chelsea find their identity againCredit: GettyVersatility and rotation of star players has been key to Maresca’s successCredit: Alamyread more sport features’We’ve got our Chelsea back’For a few years, they hadn’t under the Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali regime.But at Southampton, the away support were fully behind their club singing, ‘We’ve got our Chelsea back.’There was also a youthful exuberance about the team that played the Saints.The average age of the team selected was 24 years and 162 days old.Incredibly, that was the oldest first eleven Maresca has picked in this campaign – and the 14th youngest used by any Premier League club.However, given the club’s transfer activity in recent windows, it was telling there were no Cobham graduates in the starting line-up.Only Levi Colwill, who was tracked by Bayern Munich in the summer, was the only academy starlet in the squad.Of course, given their players ages, should the squad develop how Maresca wants it to, they should come into their prime in the years to come and mount consistent title challenges.Although, they won’t admit that yet.Chelsea average more than two goals per game in the Premier LeagueNoni Madueke has played down Chelsea’s title hopesCredit: GettyWith many players 24 and under, Chelsea’s young squad look primed to challenge for years to comeCredit: Rex”We are up for it but whether we are in it or not is a different question,” Madueke said.”We are taking every game as it comes.”Goals, goals, goalsChelsea have found a new lease of life under Maresca, thanks to a different style of play being implemented.Goaded in the past for being ‘Cole Palmer FC’, they are far from that. There are attacking threats all over the pitch now.When Sancho netted against Southampton, he became the 15h different player to score for the West London giants.Another mad stat is that they have already scored seven more goals (31) than they did in their entire 2022-23 season.READ MORE SUN STORIESCole Palmer is no longer Chelsea’s only threat on the pitchNicolas Jackson is one of 15 different goal scorers for Chelsea this seasonCredit: GettyBetter still, if it’s entertainment and ska favourite Harry J All-Stars’ Liquidator you want, head down to Stamford Bridge, where the home side is averaging a club record 2.6 goals per match.You never know. Come May, you might just see them lifting the Premier League trophy too. More