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      Arsenal 2 PSV 2 (agg 9-3): Much-changed Gunners cruise into Champions League quarters despite playing SIX left-backs

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      ARSENAL are back amongst the European big boys – and so is Raheem Sterling.After knocking nine goals past a hapless PSV over two legs, the Gunners have secured back-to-back Champions League quarter finals for the first time in 15 years.Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSVCredit: ReutersThe Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the nightCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling had a blinding game for the GunnersCredit: GettyTheir Prem title hopes may be dashed and injuries continue to cripple them this term, but boss Mikel Arteta has the North Londoners back where they feel they belong on the grandest stage in football.The last time that was the case was under Arsene Wenger, reaching the last eight in 2008 and 2010 – with a semi-final appearance wedged in between in 2009.And there is a growing belief they can go one better than their quarter final defeat to Bayern Munich last term, meeting Real Madrid this time around.Miracles can happen – just look at Sterling.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 30-year-old has spent the majority of this campaign sat on the bench, withering away, crying out for minutes and momentum after failing to make an impression on loan from Chelsea.With accusations his legs had gone, he finally got his chance here – and took it. In just his THIRD 90-minute outing of the season, two first-half assists teed up Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice.He now has 45 goal involvements in the Champions League (27 goals and 18 assists). Only England legends David Beckham (52), Harry Kane (50) and Wayne Rooney (47) have more.Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe irony is that, after picking up a booking in second half injury time, Sterling will now miss their quarter final first leg. Most read in Champions LeagueBoy do they need Bukayo Saka back from injury sooner rather than later.Jamie Carragher forced to leave CBS Sports studio midway through show after falling illArsenal were never in any danger of failing to progress last night after a record-breaking 7-1 score line out in Eindhoven last week.The visitors earned a second leg draw at the Emirates through goals from Ivan Perisic and Couhaib Driouech, but this was a rare game without any sort of jeopardy or tension.With PSV making five changes, it is why Arteta also opted to experiment with his line-up.A front three of Sterling, Kieran Tierney and Mikel Merino starting a Champions League last 16 clash will be giving Arsenal fans nightmares for weeks.Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe ace refused to celebrate after spending time on loan at PSV earlier in his careerCredit: ReutersHow many Championship clubs would swap their attacking trio for that? It is certainly a world away from first-choice starters Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.Tierney was one of THREE left-backs starting, alongside Zinchenko and Myles Lewis-Skelly.There was method to the madness. Martinelli has only just returned from injury and, alongside right back Jurrien Timber, is a booking away from missing next month’s quarter final.There was good news at the back. A first start for Ben White since November 10 after his knee operation to complete a muddled-looking outfield that had shades of Hackney Marshes about it.PSV pulled one back to stun the EmiratesCredit: ReutersThe goal came from ex-Tottenham winger Ivan PerisicCredit: PAThe Emirates atmosphere was being fuelled solely by the away end, packed and bouncing over an hour before kick-off dreaming of one of the most improbable comebacks in football history.That lasted all of six minutes. Sterling won the ball and a nice pivot pass sent Zinchenko driving goal wards, darting left and curling a beauty into the far corner.The Ukrainian refused to celebrate, holding his hands up apologetically, paying homage to the 17 appearances he made on loan at PSV back in 2016/17.His teammates barely jumped with joy either – another unnecessary nail in the already-sealed coffin.Declan Rice restored Arsenal’s lead before half timeCredit: ReutersThe ace fired home with a fine headerCredit: GettyYet the visitors were still keen to play a minor role in this North London exhibition, and who else but an old Tottenham foe in Ivan Perisic – the man whose taunts before last week’s first leg backfired spectacularly.Gabriel switched off as Guus Til slipped Perisic in behind before a cute chipped finish over David Raya in the 19th minute. The Dutch travellers erupted ironically in the corner.The Arsenal No.1 was called into more action, tipping a shot from winger Couhaib Driouech around his post. Arteta was irritable, demanding more than the six-goal advantage his team already had.Merino’s back-heeled flick sent Lewis-Skelly through with a jabbed effort that bobbled onto the post.Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Raheem Sterling shines with more confidence but rusty Ben White makes mistakesRAHEEM STERLING provided two assists as Arsenal drew 2-2 with PSV in the second- leg of their 9-2 aggregate Champions League last-16 win.The Gunners set up a Champions League quarter-final showdown with 15-time European champions Real Madrid, who beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties.Mikel Arteta took the chance to rotate following last week’s 7-1 first-leg win, naming a much-changed side which included Kieran Tierney on the left wing and Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield.Sterling was also handed a rare start and set up both Arsenal goals in an eye-catching display, first for Zinchenko, and then for Declan Rice before half-time.Ben White struggled during his first start since November after minor undergoing surgery, while Jorginho took over captaincy duties from Martin Odegaard who was named on the bench.Here SunSport’s Dan King delivers his Arsenal player ratings against PSV from the Emirates. There was still time for PSV to find another goalCredit: RexCouhaib Driouech celebrated with passion despite knowing PSV were heading outCredit: GettyAnd then, Sterling rolled back the years with another assist, doubling his entire tally for the season, dinking a 37th minute delivery onto the head of an onrushing Rice.Remarkable what a bit of confidence does, even if he later fluffed two chances to find the net.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal continued to cruise after the break – perhaps why PSV were gifted another goal as Driouech lobbing Raya in the 70th minute.Not that the home crowd cared one jot. They have the Madrid sunshine on their minds.Mikel Arteta was delighted with his side’s performanceCredit: ReutersArsenal will be heading to Spain in the quartersCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa 3 Club Brugge 0 (agg 6-1): Super sub Marco Asensio sets up mouthwatering PSG clash with brilliant double

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      LUIS ENRIQUE could be in for a few sleepless nights as the PSG boss faces up to his worst nightmare.Aston Villa are heading to Paris for a Champions League showdown and Marco Asensio – the man he allowed to leave on loan – is in the form of his life!Marco Asensio celebrates with Marcus Rashford after making it 3-0Credit: PAAsensio cracks the first of his quickfire doubleCredit: GettyBoss Unai Emery’s smile says it all after victoryCredit: GettyThe 29-year-old Spaniard will head back to his old club next month with a point to prove.And he warmed up with a deadly double here to put 10-man Club Brugge to the sword, like a Matador slaying a bull.The three-times Champions League winner has been an absolute steal after joining in the January window.Last night he took this game by the scruff of the neck and delivered his sixth and seventh goals to ease Villa’s nerves – six of which have come in front of an adoring Holte End.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThrow in the fact Unai Emery will also have a grudge to bear against the club who binned him after he delivered a domestic quadruple in 2018, and Enrique might discover beating Liverpool was the easy part!Yet until Asensio came on, with Leon Bailey in a double substitution at half-time Villa looked listless.In truth they did most of the heavy lifting when they won 3-1 in Bruges last week.That left Emery and his side with one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals – his task here was to firmly plant his remaining foot there.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut there were a few early stumbles along the way as Villa made a nervous start.Brugge knew they had nothing to lose and dominated the first half.Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG Kyriani Sabbe fired a first-time shot over after Matty Cash gifted him the ball with a sloppy pass.Then skipper Jan Vanaken flashed a flashing header inches wide after he burst in front of Tyrone Mings.When Raphael Onyedika blasted in a shot which Ezri Konsa did well to head clear, the Villa fans started to grumble and Emery called for calm on the touchline.But suddenly the pressure valve was eased as Brugge were reduced to 10-men.Emi Martinez deserves credit for doing what none of his teammates could – pierce Brugge’s defence – with a raking 60-yard delivery which picked out Marcus Rashford on the run.The winger sprinted off like a greyhound chasing a hare and although poor Sabbe did his best to halt him, he could only grapple with Rashford before sending him toppling with a clip of his heels.German ref Daniel Siebert reached for his red card and suddenly Villa’s task looked a whole lot simpler with Brugge reduced to 10 men.Youri Tielemans beat the wall from the resultant free kick but Simon Mignolet got down low to push the ball out.Then Ollie Watkins spotted Mignolet off his line but his audacious attempt from 45 yards lacked the height to clear the keeper.Ian Maatsen rejoices after doubling Villa’s lead on the nightCredit: AFPMaatsen helped put Villa in command as they cruised throughCredit: GettyAnd Villa ended the half looking more likely as Rashford slammed a shot into the side netting.But it was Asensio’s arrival at half-time which made all the difference.He finally broke Brugge with a move he started and finished, five minutes after his arrival.His positive burst saw Morgan Rogers feed John McGinn who played in Bailey.The Jamaican’s clever flicked pass was pounced on by Asensio who took the ball off the bounce and fired beyond Mignolet.He almost added a second when he broke clear onto a Tielemans chip, only to hit the post with Mignolet beaten.And Villa doubled their lead before the hour when Rashford’s sublime touch set up Rogers who cut back for Ian Maatsen to score with a deflection off Brandon Mechele.But Asensio wasn’t finished and he made it 3-0 with his second four minutes later.Rashford played a 1-2 with Rogers and cut back for Asensio to beat Mignolet with a simple finish.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext stop – Paris in springtime.I’ll bet Asensio and Emery can’t wait! More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 star Ollie Bearman, 19, looking to turn Australian GP debut into romantic holiday with girlfriend

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      TEEN Brit Oliver Bearman has vowed to be a smash hit in Formula One after breaking into the sport’s  top 20.The 19-year-old from Essex lines up for Haas at Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix here in Melbourne  after a breakthrough F1 season that saw him impress in three races as a late stand-in.Oliver Bearman is looking to turn his Australian GP debut into a romantic holiday with his girlfriendCredit: RexThe rookie will be turning out for Haas this weekendCredit: INSTAGRAM @olliebearmanBearman can’t wait for some fun in the sun Down UnderCredit: INSTAGRAM @olliebearmanBearman’s big break came in March last year when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was rushed to hospital for appendicitis  surgery in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.He stepped into the breach and finished seventh, overshadowing both seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and fellow Brit Lando Norris.Bearman continued to impress for Haas in Azerbaijan and Brazil — and after winning a full-time seat for 2025 he is determined to enjoy every minute.He said: “I’ve thought about this a lot but a lot of people are reminding me that I’m very fortunate to be in the position I’m in.READ MORE IN F1“There’s 20 of us in the world. It’s not a given that we stay here, so I don’t take it for granted. It’s really important to remember why I’m here — it’s a passion for the sport.“We are all here in this paddock because we love motorsport. I really want to make the most of it and smile.”Bearman, who started his career in karting in 2013, has racing in his blood with his  grandfather, dad and uncle all competing in motorsport.Now he is on a mission to build on last season’s success and make a real impact.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe added:  “I’ve been really lucky to have my experiences last year.“All of those last-minute races I had eyes on me because that was the story of the weekend, so I felt pressure.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant“I know how to deal with that now and have experience. Luckily,  there’s five other rookies on the grid with me so hopefully that will make it a bit easier for me.”Australia was always likely to be his big F 1 debut as a senior driver so he has been gearing up for  the trip Down Under.He revealed: “My whole family will be coming. It was meant to be my first race but, of course, it wasn’t in the end!  However, it’s still a special moment for everyone involved.“I am really excited to be in Australia. They have amazing brunches by the beach in Melbourne.“I know a few places, my girlfriend is coming and I really want to take her to some of those — I have my little  itinerary planned!“She’s staying until Tuesday, we have a few days to enjoy it after the race and that’s the benefit of the job, travelling to these amazing places.”For the first time since 2010, six rookies are on the grid with Bearman joined by Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson.Arguably the most pressure is on Antonelli, 18, who has massive boots to fill after replacing Hamilton at Mercedes.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is also the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen.Brazil’s Sauber star Bortoleto, 20, has  back-to-back F 3 and F 2 titles under his belt and is one  of just four drivers to accomplish that, along with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘WTF is wrong with Chelsea?’ moan fans as Conor Gallagher makes history with one of fastest Champions League goals ever

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      FANS moaned “WTF is wrong with Chelsea?” after Conor Gallagher scored one of the fastest goals in Champions League history.The former Blues star lined up for Atletico Madrid in their hreatbreaking last-16 penalty defeat against city rivals Real.Conor Gallagher scored for Atletico Madrid against Real after just 27 secondsCredit: ReutersChelsea fans bemoaned the situation after selling Gallagher last summerCredit: AFPDiego Simeone’s men lost the first leg 2-1 and came into Wednesday’s game needing a quick goal.But nobody was expecting Gallagher to get off the mark in lightning fashion as he returned to Atleti’s starting XI.The England star needed just 27 SECONDS to fire home past Thibaut Courtois at the Wanda Metropolitano.Gallagher’s first goal in nine games sent Atletico supporters wild and gave his side an immediate platform to launch a potential comeback.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIndeed, Chelsea fans also sang the ace’s praises as they lamented last summer’s shock exit.Gallagher was flogged by Todd Boehly and Co for just £33million to satisfy PSR demands following a £1.2billlion spending spree.The 25-year-old had previously spent nearly two decades at Stamford Bridge after joining the club as a six-year-old.And replacement Joao Felix — signed from Atletico — has already been loaned out to AC Milan after failing to fill Gallagher’s boots.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsOne fan, who targeted fellow pricey midfield arrival Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, said: “Chelsea actually sold Gallagher just to end up with Dewsbury-Hall. Wtf is wrong with this club?”Another declared: “Unbelievable goal from Gallagher, why did Chelsea sell this guy?”Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher already has his own song at Atletico Madrid as he’s serenaded by packed stadium on debutOne noted: “Chelsea fans in regret.”Another added: “Gallagher to Atletico has been a slam dunk signing, did not see that coming. Apparently neither did Chelsea.”Indeed, one supporter backed Gallagher to receive a call-up for Thomas Tuchel’s first-ever England squad on Friday.And the German boss was even urged to build his side around Gallagher.The fan said: “Build the team around him Thomas.”Unfortunately for Gallagher though, his goal after 27 seconds was still not enough to be crowned the fastest-ever Champions League strike.Indeed, it doesn’t even make the top five, with Roy Makaay’s 2007 strike for Bayern Munich against Real Madrid coming in just 10.12 seconds.Jonas’ 2011 goal for Valencia against Bayer Leverkusen occurred in 10.96 seconds.While Gilberto Silva’s 2002 effort for Arsenal against PSV Eindhoven came in 20.07 seconds.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Gallagher’s hit does make him the quickest-ever Englishman to net a goal in Europe’s top competition.Unfortunately for the ex-Chelsea man, Atletico still crashed out of Europe as they lost on penalties to Real after a thrilling clash.Fastest Champions League goals10.12 seconds: Roy Makaay (Bayern Munich 2 Real Madrid 1, 2007)2. 10.96 seconds: Jonas (Valencia 3 Bayer Leverkusen 1, 2011)3. 20.07 seconds: Gilberto Silva (PSV 0 Arsenal 4, 2002)4. 20.12 seconds: Alessandro Del Piero (Man Utd 3 Juventus 2, 1997)5. 21.06 seconds: Clarence Seedorf (Schalke 2 AC Milan 2, 2005) More

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      in Soccer

      Plied with drugs dissolved in booze and hosed down like an animal – inside tragic Maradona’s House of Horror court case

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      ON the football pitch, Diego Maradona was revered as a god, but in his final days the legendary footballer is alleged to have been treated more like an animal.This week Argentina has been gripped by the start of a five-month trial in which seven of the people tasked with caring for the man who led the country to the 1986 World Cup are accused of his homicide with possible intent.Seven people tasked with caring for Diego Maradona are accused of his homicide with possible intent, the legend in coaching role in 2019Credit: GettyMaradona’s cheat goal against England in the quarter-final of 1986 World Cup in MexicoCredit: GettyFans crowd the hearse as Maradona’s body is taken to the cemetery in 2020Credit: AFPDoctor Leopoldo Luque, centre, wrote ‘the fat man’s going to end up kicking the bucket’ in vile WhatsApp messagesCredit: AFPMaradona died aged 60 from heart disease at his rented home in Tigre, near Buenos Aires, on November 25, 2020, two weeks after undergoing brain surgery.The prosecution claims that the team paid to look after him were criminally negligent.In heated scenes, Maradona’s former lover, Veronica Ojeda, was heard shouting “daughter of a bitch” at one of the accused as the hearing got under way on Tuesday.Outside the court in San Isidro, north of Argentina’s capital, a fan held up a placard with the message “Justice for D10S” — a nickname mixing Maradona’s shirt number and the Spanish word for God.READ MORE ON MARADONA‘Kicking the bucket’Others had tears in their eyes as they chanted his name.There have been claims that Maradona drank beer in the morning and was given sleeping pills dissolved in his booze at night while he was under the accused’s medical care.WhatsApp messages were uncovered in which his neurologist, Leopoldo Luque, wrote “the fat man’s going to end up kicking the bucket”.And it is alleged Maradona was washed down with a hosepipe rather than being helped to the shower.Most read in FootballThe former Barcelona and Napoli player has been adored in the South American nation since his moments of individual brilliance — and his infamous handball “hand of God goal” against England — saw them lift the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.Considerable amounts of his fortune, once estimated at £75million, were blown on addictions to alcohol and cocaine, which contributed to his terrible state of health.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death At the time of his death his heart weighed 503 grams, which was almost double what it should have been.But the prosecution case is that with the right medical care, Maradona would have survived.Chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari told the court: “You will see during this trial what reckless home care is — reckless, deficient, without precedent, without any type of control during the period that ended with Diego’s death. “In that house of horror where Diego Maradona died, no one did what they had to do.”The problems began for Maradona when he was feted in the southern Italian city of Naples for twice taking their once-lowly side to historic league titles in 1987 and 1990.The Mafia, dominant in the region, kept him supplied with drugs and prostitutes, yet he still somehow managed to play at the top level.Two years before his death, the star told British documentary maker Asif Kapadia of his time there: “Sunday to Wednesday I was partying on cocaine. I would come home high on drugs.”In that house of horror where Diego Maradona died no one did what they had to doChief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari In 1991, traces of cocaine were found in Maradona’s urine sample and a couple of weeks later 1.5g of the same drug was found by police at his flat in Buenos Aires.Maradona’s ex, Veronica Ojeda, demands justice outside trialCredit: GettyA fan holds up a placard with the message ‘Justice for D10S’ — a nickname mixing Maradona’s shirt number and the Spanish word for GodCredit: AFPMaradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna arrive for trialCredit: GettyLater, he was sent home from the 1994 World Cup in the United States after testing positive for a stimulant called ephedrine.His attempts to get clean were always short-lived, with hangers-on often willing to get him whatever substances he desired.He also had a voracious appetite for alcohol, food and young women.In 2005, the 5ft 5in Maradona weighed nearly 20st and underwent a gastric band operation.Emergency surgeryThe star had eight children by various mothers that are known of, but since his death at least three other people have come forward claiming to be his offspring.It was not until 2007 that he recognised Diego Jnr as his son. He had been born in 1986 to a mistress.There were a number of health scares over the years, including being treated by doctors at half-time when he was watching Argentina play at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.The most serious was on November 3, 2020, when he underwent emergency surgery at La Plata hospital in Buenos Aires for a blood clot on his brain.His personal doctor, neurosurgeon Luque, performed what appeared to be a successful operation.But there was a question over whether the patient would be better off staying in hospital, where there would be swift access to emergency care, or if he should instead recover in a home setting.Luque, who is one of the seven accused, agreed to take Maradona to the legend’s rented residence in Tigre on November 11.If he got up at 9am and asked for beer he was given itGriselda Morel, an educational psychologist Prosecutor Ferrari told the court: “Clearly, the victim was not in full use of his mental faculties and even less could decide on his own about his health.”He entered that place for a clinical rehabilitation and home medical care that we can say without any doubt was calamitous.”The prosecution alleges that there was no defibrillator on hand to help restart Maradona’s heart if he went into a cardiac arrest and that the medical team did not carry out the necessary checks.Prior to the start of the trial, Griselda Morel, an educational psychologist who worked with Maradona’s eight-year-old son and visited his home, claimed that the sick star was given alcohol.She alleged: “If he got up at 9am and asked for beer he was given it.“One of his custodians crushed tablets he was taking and put them in his beer so he didn’t cause a fuss at night.” Griselda said that Maradona was so confused he would speak on an imaginary phone.The other six accused are psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, addiction specialist Carlos Diaz, doctor Nancy Forlini, nursing co-ordinator Mariano Perroni, nurse Ricardo Almiron and clinical physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna.Heart in formaldehydeAnother nurse, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, has asked to be tried separately.Gisela’s lawyer, Rodolfo Baque, has claimed that when the nurse warned that Maradona’s heartbeat reached a high 115 beats per minute in the days before his death, “nothing” was done about it.When the former footballer was found unconscious at around 12.30 in the afternoon on November 25, 2020, the medical team spent 45 minutes trying to revive him. But experts believe he died between 4am and 6am, which suggests no one checked on the patient for at least six and a half hours.Post-mortem blood and urine tests revealed Maradona had been given a cocktail of prescription drugs including Quetiapine, Venlafaxine and Levetiracetam which are used to treat depression, panic attacks and epilepsy among other conditions.Fernando Burlando, the lawyer representing Maradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna, said outside court that the player had been treated like an animal and went as far as to call it “murder.”The accused are on trial for homicide with possible intent, which could result in 25-year prison sentences. They all deny the charges.Luque said: “The death occurred unexpectedly, suddenly, during sleeping hours, without offering us any time.”The complex medical trial will last until July and see around 100 witnesses give evidence.The final verdict will be delivered by three judges.One of the key pieces of evidence will be Maradona’s heart, which has been kept in formaldehyde at a police laboratory ever since his death.One of the key pieces of evidence will be Maradona’s heart, which has been kept in formaldehyde at a police laboratory.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere have been claims that fans had plotted to steal the organ. And during the 2022 World Cup, Argentinian fans campaigned to have the heart flown to host nation Qatar along with the country’s football team.Why the heart finally failed Maradona — a lion on the football pitch — is sure to inspire a passionate response from devoted fans whatever the court decides.Model of Maradona in a model house shown to courtCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Jamie Carragher forced to leave CBS Sports studio midway through show after falling ill

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was forced to leave the CBS Sports studio early – after falling ill.The Liverpool legend departed midway through their Champions League coverage on Wednesday night.Jamie Carragher was in lively action as a pundit earlier in the eveningBut Carragher was a noticeable absentee at half-timeThe pundit had looked his normal self when speaking before the games started.And the previous night he was an animated figure in the stands at Anfield as Liverpool exited the competition on penalties to PSG.But he reportedly felt unwell on Wednesday evening and was absent from the half-time coverage onwards.Presenter Kate Abdo explained to viewers that he’d been allowed to head home early.Carragher is one quarter of a familiar CBS team for European nights.Abdo oversees the ex-England defender, Arsenal icon Thierry Henry and former Manchester City star Micah Richards.And after the first 45 minutes of match action there was a noticeable gap at the table for the rest of the night where Carra usually sits.However, he later went on social media to reassure fans and send a mischievous message to his studio colleagues.Most read in Champions LeagueCarragher reassured viewers later that he was fineAlongside a snap of the trio sitting without him, Carra wrote: “Feeling better now & just checking if the team can cope without me” – followed by a crying-with-laughter emoji.Earlier in the evening CBS had shared a clip of him telling a story of being trolled on a Paris train journey – in which he heard the driver was an Arsenal fan.Jamie Carragher forced to leave CBS Sports studio midway through show after falling illCarragher ended the tale by revealing he got his own back by asking the attendant to remind the driver of the Gunners’ long trophy drought.Meanwhile, it was a particularly massive Champions League night for Aston Villa as they brushed aside Club Brugge to earn a quarter-final tie with PSG. Real Madrid sneaked past Atletico Madrid after a controversial penalty shootout to set up a tie with Arsenal.The Gunners completed a 9-3 aggregate win over PSV with a 2-2 home draw,And Borussia Dortmund KO’d Lille in the night’s early kick-off.Fans spotted Carragher looking miserable as PSG KO’d LiverpoolThe ex-Three Lions star was at Anfield on Tuesday More

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      in Soccer

      Virgil van Dijk ‘considering joining Al-Hilal in mega-money transfer’ with Liverpool captain’s future up in the air

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK is mulling over a mega-money approach from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, reports claim.The centre-back is out of contract in the summer and fans could well be witnessing the end of his Anfield career.Virgil Van Dijk might consider a big-money move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe Reds skipper has entered the final three months of his current dealCredit: RexVan Dijk added to the misery of Liverpool’s Champions League exit by insisting he has “no idea” whether he will be at the club next season.The Reds skipper has entered the final three months of his current deal, along with Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Arne Slot’s runaway Premier League leaders were knocked out of Europe in the last-16 in a 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night at Anfield.And when asked if he will be back for another crack at winning a second European Cup with Liverpool next season, Van Dijk said: “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold. Listen, there are 10 games to go [in the season] and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. But I don’t even know myself.”But the Netherlands international has received a £17m-a-year offer to join Al-Hilal, according to L’Equipe.The 33-year-old is clearly still undecided and is focusing on the business end of the season, including Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.Van Dijk sent Liverpool fans into a panic after footage emerged of him chatting with two PSG chiefs after Liverpool’s shootout defeat.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsA viral clip showed Van Dijk having a cordial conversation with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos in the corridor.However, RMC Sport reports that tempting the defender to the Parc des Princes was not a topic of conversation. Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Liverpool fans were left concerned after seeing Virgil van Dijk speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefsApparently, Van Dijk apologised to the pair after he was involved in a clash with Campos during Liverpool’s first leg 1-0 win last week.Campos raged at the referee’s decision not to award Ibrahima Konate a red card after the Frenchman pushed Bradley Barcola in the first half.The incident was analysed during a lengthy VAR check, but the officials decided against any further action.PSG’s fury was heightened when Liverpool earned a smash-and-grab win in the late stages in the 87th minute after super-sub Harvey Elliott scored.Van Dijk appeared to take issue with Campos and could be heard saying: “It’s not Ligue 1 here, bro” in the tunnel in Paris.RMC Sport outlined that the centre back and PSG officials crossed paths rather than planned to meet in the tunnel at Anfield.Meanwhile, Salah has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in the summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Real Madrid were chasing the full-back Alexander-Arnold in January, with Liverpool rebuffing the Spanish champions’ £20m bid.SunSport revealed last week that Madrid are keen to get Trent through the door BEFORE the Club World Cup in June. More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua in line for shock world title fight if Tyson Fury snubs £300m grudge match

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA could end up fighting for a world title if a showdown with Tyson Fury fails to come to fruition.Fury, 36, seemingly killed off the long-overdue Battle of Britain in January by announcing his fifth retirement from boxing.Anthony Joshua’s hopes of fighting Tyson Fury are seemingly hanging by a threadCredit: REUTERSThe Gypsy King is retired and has shown no sign of reversing his retirement decisionCredit: PAAJ could end up fighting Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC heavyweight titleCredit: GETTYAJ and his team aren’t giving up hope of the mammoth melee coming to fruition but are willing to move on should Fury remain retired.And WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has revealed the Watford warrior is in contention to fight Agit Kabayel for the interim heavyweight title.He told Sky Sports: “We will [support an undisputed heavyweight title fight] and we will assess what is happening, what is the best scenario.”[Kabayel] has the WBC interim championship that [he] can defend.READ MORE ON FURY”There’s other big fights like Joshua, Wilder or even Fury. So many other possible great fights.”[Joshua,] he’s highly ranked in the WBC, he’s a legendary champion and we will support him, of course.”Fury, according to his cousin Andy Lee, is content with his life after boxing, which he can no longer be “f****d with”.But Joshua is still holding out hope of sharing the ring with his long-time rival later this year.Most read in BoxingCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsDuring a recent interview with iFL TV, he said of the domestic dust-up: “I feel like it’s the best fight [for me].”People might say [Joseph] Parker, people might say – I don’t know. ‘I think he’ll return’ – Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight update as Saudi boxing chief reveals chat with Gypsy King”But I think Fury, commercially, is a great fight and it’s a great man’s fight as well. So I think it makes sense.”You could say it’s been years in the making. “But listen, the heavyweight division has been thriving.”And why I say it’s probably still a great fight is as I said Parker is, for me, a great story of someone that never gives up.”And the thing is, there is going to be one winner and one loser.”And there’s going to be bloodshed. And it ain’t gonna be mine.”Anthony Joshua hasn’t fought since losing his Wembley war with Daniel DuboisCredit: GETTY More