Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legends dress up in traditional South Korean robes as excited Sky Sports host say ‘what a reunion this is’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been treated to a reunion from a group of club legends.Several of the stars of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 2008/09 Premier League title-winning side linked up in Seoul, South Korea.Manchester United legends have reunited in Seoul in traditional South Korean robesCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5Fans were thrilled to see the Premier League winners reunite togetherCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5Rio Ferdinand and Dimitar Berbatov posed for photos together in South KoreaCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5The group donned tradition South Korean robes as they posed for photos in the city.Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar, Dimitar Berbatov and Park Ji-sung were all smiles for the camera.Ferdinand shared several of the snaps to Instagram, including a picture of himself and Berbatov holding up a tiny robe.Alongside the post, the former defender wrote: “When Ji takes us shopping in Seoul. Ps @patrice.evra swipe… we got you one also.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFans were left amazed by the reunion, including Sky Sports News presenter Hayley McQueen.Underneath the upload, she wrote: “What a reunion this is!”Another fan added: “Our club legends.”A third also commented: “This is my United.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, one more simply said: “Iconic.”Ferdinand also uploaded a video of himself, Vidic and Berbatov showing off their traditional outfits.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic and Park Ji-sung also joined the reunionCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5Fans on social media were pleased to see ‘our club legends’ link up againCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5In the caption, he asked: “Who wore it better?” with a pair of crying laughing emojis.All five players were members of the United side which lifted the Premier League in 2009.Between them, the group made 1,374 first-team appearances for the Red Devils.Vidic, Van der Sar, Park and Ferdinand also won the Champions League and Premier League under Ferguson in 2008 during a trophy-laden period for the club.Man Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Olympics 2024 gender row boxer Imane Khelif set to turn pro after winning gold in Paris

      by

      GOLD medal Olympian Imane Khelif is set to become a professional boxer.Khelif, 25, won the top prize in the women’s welterweight boxing category in Paris in the summer. Imane Khelif has announced her intention to become a professional boxerCredit: ReutersKhelif won gold at the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyHowever, what should have been a joyous run as she lifted Algeria’s first-ever gold medal in the event was tarnished by a gender row.After Italy’s Angela Carini quit their tournament opener after 46 seconds, unsubstantiated claims she was born a male spread like wildfire on social media.Names with huge followings including Elon Musk, JK Rowling and Donald Trump all piled into the conversation, with Khelif slamming subsequent attacks against her and her family as “cruel”.This prompted her to file a lawsuit against Musk’s X platform for facilitating online harassment towards her.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut following her success at the Paris Games, Khelif is now taking the next step in her already record-breaking boxing career.Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, she said: “I would like to hold a press conference today to share with you my success story with the media family and young women who watch me.”There is a documentary being prepared about my success story and it will be shown on international platforms.”I will soon enter the world of professional boxing, I have many offers.Most read in Boxing”Currently, I have not made up my mind about where I will enter professional boxing.”But very soon I will take this step, we as Algerians would like to see our level in the field of professionalism.”Moment Olympic gender row boxer Imane Khelif breaks down in tears on TV as she hits out at ‘cruel’ Elon MuskA recent video of Khelif on Instagram showed her in training with the caption: “Before the spotlight, it’s all about the mindset. Focused, locked in, ready for gold.”Earlier this month the WBO were forced to deny “obviously false” reports that they had banned Khelif and stripped her of her Paris medal for failing gender eligibility tests.The WBO’s legal counsel Gustavo Olivieri said in a statement the body had “not tested, nor had it banned,” Khelif and had had no communication with her.With Khelif still being an amateur, the WBO would have no jurisdiction or power to strip her medal.A year prior to the Olympics, Khelif was disqualified from the Women’s World Championships for failing the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender eligibility rules.But the Russian-led body was stripped of its governance by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over integrity and governance issues.The IBA’s tests result and credibility was also called into question.IOC and Paris 2024 Boxing Unit statement in fullA look at the full statement issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit…Every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination.All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.These rules also applied during the qualification period, including the boxing tournaments of the 2023 European Games, Asian Games, Pan American Games and Pacific Games, the ad hoc 2023 African qualifying tournament in Dakar (SEN) and two world qualifying tournaments held in Busto Arsizio (ITA) and Bangkok (THA) in 2024, which involved a total of 1,471 different boxers from 172 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Boxing Refugee Team and Individual Neutral Athletes, and featured over 2,000 qualification bouts.The PBU used the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as a baseline to develop its regulations for Paris 2024. This was to minimise the impact on athletes’ preparations and guarantee consistency between Olympic Games. These Tokyo 2020 rules were based on the post-Rio 2016 rules, which were in place before the suspension of the boxing International Federation by the IOC in 2019 and the subsequent withdrawal of its recognition in 2023.We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO. The IBA Board only ratified it afterwards and only subsequently requested that a procedure to follow in similar cases in the future be established and reflected in the IBA Regulations. The minutes also say that the IBA should “establish a clear procedure on gender testing”.The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years.Such an approach is contrary to good governance.Eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and should be based on scientific evidence.The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games as per the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights. The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.The IBA’s recognition was withdrawn by the IOC in 2023 following its suspension in 2019. The withdrawal of recognition was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). See the IOC’s statement following the ruling.The IOC has made it clear that it needs National Boxing Federations to reach a consensus around a new International Federation in order for boxing to be included on the sports programme of the Olympic Games LA28. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Shocking moment assistant referee is hit by lighter launched from stands before player leaps to his defence

      by

      AN assistant referee was hit by a missile thrown from the stands at the end of a match.A third-tier game between CF Montanesa and CE L’Hospitalet turned ugly as fans made their feelings clear.An object was thrown at an assistant referee in SpainCredit: X @MarcadorCatHe clutched his head despite appearing to block the missileCredit: X @MarcadorCatA fan pleaded for calm from the standsThey shouted at the officials as they walked off the pitch and a lighter was thrown at the assistant referee.He raised his hand to block the object before clutching his face, appearing to be hurt.Two people came to his aid but he seemed fine and began shouting towards the stand.A Montanesa player then jumped to his defence and called for calm from the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpain has been hit by fan unrest in recent weeks with the Madrid derby halted by objects thrown from the stands last month.Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the target of many of the missiles thrown due to his former ties with Atletico.Atletico boss Diego Simeone criticised the behaviour of his fans after the match.He said: “The message was to think about the club, think about your team.Most read in Football”You aren’t helping the team. They said it wasn’t their fault, they said they’d been provoked by the opposition goalkeeper.”CF Montanesa beat CE L’Hospitalet 1-0.David James saves penalty from young fan at half-time of Liverpool’s win over Chelsea More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans puzzled as former Man Utd star from David Moyes era links up with football royalty for legends game

      by

      FOUR Ballon d’Or winners, countless World Cup League heroes, and Marouane Fellaini teamed up in a star-studded legends super-side.But fans have been left puzzled after spotting former Manchester United star Fellaini playing in a clash of the titans exhibition tie in South Korea.Football legends from around the world gathered for a game in South KoreaBut a group of harsh fans have questioned why Marouane Fellaini was involved after spotting him pictured next to Brazilian Ballon d’Or winner KakaThe game saw a unique game of teams made up of attackers vs defenders, including Clarence Seedorf and Thierry HenryRetired football royalty from around the world assembled in South Korea for a spectacular attack-vs-defence showdown on Saturday.The aptly named FC Spear was made up of some of the best former forwards the game has ever seen.While Shield United featured some of the most prominent defenders and holding midfielders to have ever played the beautiful game.But it was the latter defensive outfit who emerged victorious, after thumping the attacking team 4-1.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe winning outfit was made up of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic Yaya Toure, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Carles Puyol and former Man Utd keeper Edwin van der Sar.While 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, Eden Hazard, Carlos Tevez, Michael Owen made up their ‘attacking’ competition captained by Didier Drogba and managed by Thierry Henry. But the biggest shock for many fans was the presence of ex-United and Everton midfielder Fellaini for the glittering attacking side.Football lovers were quick to call out Fellaini’s shock inclusion after spotting Alessandro Del Piero’s Instagram post.Most read in FootballEdwin van der Sar played in goal for the winning side FC SpearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne user wrote: “Why on earth is Fellaini there?🤣”A second said: “Wow, all those legends…and Fellaini😶.”Rio Ferdinand and Man Utd legends dress up in traditional South Korean robes While another added: “I’m sorry but how was Fellaini asked? He was good but not on their level.😂”Fellaini starred for the Red Devils between 2013 and 2019, making 177 appearances having travelled with former boss David Moyes from Everton.Before that he made the exact same appearances for the Toffees, scoring 33 goals during five years in the Merseyside, where he was a crucial leader in the team.Former United star Berbatov also appeared for FC Spear in front of 64,000 excited fans in Seoul.The winning goals came from Toure, Seedorf, Park Joo-ho and Javier Mascherano.While the only consolation FC Spear came from United legend Park Ji-Sung’s penalty.Three former Korean internationals filled in the gaps where necessary, including goalkeeper Kim Byung-ji.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe legends also participated in preliminary events that pitted players to see who is better at shooting and one-on-one situations.The game has been described as an exhibition and was organised by South Korean game company Nexon.The legends match occurred in Seoul, South Korea in front of some 64,000 fansRio Ferdinand, Carles Puyol and Ricardo Carvalho played for the defensive side Shield United More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta immediately lands new job after retiring from football aged 40

      by

      ANDRES INIESTA is already looking to land a new job after retiring from football.The 40-year-old announced he was hanging up his boots earlier this month after more than two decades as a professional.Andres Iniesta is already looking to make a return to football after retiringCredit: X/andresiniesta8The World Cup winner announced he was hanging up his boots earlier this monthCredit: X/andresiniesta8He ended his career in the United Arab Emirates with Emirates Club after a stint in Japan with Vissel Kobe.However, Iniesta is best remembered for his time with Barcelona after coming through the club’s famed La Masia academy.Less than a month on from retiring, though, the former midfielder is already looking to get back into the sport.Iniesta has joined a coaching course to begin his pathway into management.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard is already studying on a UAE FA course in the Middle East.He shared an update with fans after beginning the course, sharing a series of snaps to social media.In a post on X, Iniesta wrote: “First days in the coaching course. Thank you @uaefa_ae for giving me the opportunity to start learning and training.”His move towards coaching comes after he emotionally announced he was ending his career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIniesta’s decision even prompted a statement from Barca’s bitter rivals Real Madrid honouring his career.During his time with the Blaugrana, Iniesta made 674 appearances, scoring 57 goals and providing 135 assists.Andres Iniesta ‘ends Gerrard/Lampard debate’ as he receives signed shirt from legend he has ‘always greatly admired’Andres Iniesta’s incredible careerHonoursBarcelona:La Liga x9, Champions League x4, Copa del Rey x6, Spanish Supercup x5, Uefa Super Cup x2, Club World Cup x3Vissel Kobe:J-League, Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super CupInternational:World Cup – 2010, European Championship – 2008 and 2012Stats:Barcelona (2002 – 2018) – 674 appearances, 57 goalsVissel Kobe (2018 – 2023) – 134 appearances, 26 goalsEmirates Club (2023 – 2024) – 23 appearances, 5 goalsSpain (2006 – 2018) – 131 appearances, 13 goalsHe also won 32 major trophies for the club, including four Champions Leagues and nine LaLiga titles.At international level, Iniesta scored 14 goals in 131 caps for Spain.His most famous strike came in extra time of the 2010 World Cup final with the winning goal against the Netherlands.That triumph came in between winning the Euros in both 2008 and 2012.Iniesta is studying for his coaching badges with the UAE FACredit: X/andresiniesta8 More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Sergio Busquets is an absolute crybaby – I gave Barcelona legend a stern warning’

      by

      SERGIO BUSQUETS has been labelled a “crybaby” and “whiner” by Wesley Sneijder.Sneijder, who starred for Real Madrid and Inter Milan, slammed the Spaniard as he reflected on their past battles.Wesley Sneijder has recalled how he did not like playing Sergio BusquetsCredit: GettyHe labelled him a ‘crybaby’ and ‘nasty guy to play against’Credit: GettySneijder recalled Busquets antics in the 2010 Champions League semi-final to try and get Thiago Motta sent offCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Dutchman recalled how the Barcelona legend’s antics got under his skin.Speaking to Ziggo Sports, he said: “He was an extremely annoying player, he was always giving it to others but he could never receive it.”The second leg of the 2010 Champions League semi-final game was one that particularly irked Sneijder when Thiago Motta tackled the midfielder. Sneijder said: “In 2010 we beat Barcelona 3-1 at home, then we had to go to Camp Nou and after eight minutes Busquets started rolling on the ground while looking through his hands to see if Motta had a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He then got up again and was fine, the crybaby. A nasty guy to play against.”He continued: “I had fights with him in every game.”Sneijder also revealed how he warned Busquets about meeting in Ibiza, adding: “I’ll see you in Ibiza in the summer, then you and I will talk again.”Under Jose Mourinho that season, Inter Milan emerged with a remarkable win over Pep Guardiola’s Barca side – considered by many to be the greatest team in football history.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey then went on to bag the continental Treble, a first in Italian football history.Meanwhile, Sneijder was full of praise for the recently retired Andres Iniesta. World Cup fans all say the same thing as Sergio Busquets runs into Leon Goretzka – and German’s reaction is pricelessUnlike his old rival and team-mate, 36-year-old Busquets continues to ply his trade in Major League Soccer alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I bought a Bentley after retiring from football – I sold it after three weeks because I felt like a w*****’

      by

      GARY NEVILLE has opened up on the most outrageous purchase he’s ever made – and he sold it after just three weeks.The Manchester United icon turned Sky Sports pundit told the story of splurging out on a Bentley when he hung up his boots.Gary Neville has revealed his most outrageous purchase everCredit: GettyThe Man Utd icon splashed out on a Bentley, only to sell it three weeks laterCredit: GettyNeville, 49, spent the entirety of his 19-year career playing for Man Utd where he became one of the most successful stars in Premier League history.His time at Old Trafford saw him win EIGHT Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and another three League Cups.After bringing an end to his career in 2011 at the age of 35, Neville felt it was time to reward himself by splashing out on a new Bentley.Recalling the purchase when speaking on the It’s Called Soccer podcast, he said: “I always said to myself that when I finished my football career I wanted to drive a four-door massive, big Bentley.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Not the baby Bentley, the big thing. So basically I bought one when I finished my career, a couple years after my career.”Neville went on to explain that just THREE WEEKS after buying the luxury car, he got rid of it after feeling that he looked like a “w*****” while driving around Manchester.He said: “I had it for about three weeks. I recognised as I was driving around Manchester that I felt like a w*****.”Adding: “I literally got rid of it after three weeks and lost a fortune on it. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I just literally bought this massive big Bentley and thought ‘this is it, you’ve arrived, treat yourself. You’ve had this amazing career, you’ve done everything you wanted to do – you deserve this’ “But as I was driving around I thought I wasn’t being truthful. Gary Neville gives behind-the-scenes tour of new job as he misses Sky Sports’ coverage of Aston Villa vs Man Utd”I come from Manchester and you’ve got people looking at you and it made me think ‘It’s not me, it’s not my character – I’m a right-back’.”You can’t be a right-back and drive a big Bentley.”Current Manchester United right-back Noussair Mazraoui has just splashed £200,000 himself on a new Bentley himself.The Morocco international has dropped nearly a quarter of a million pounds on a the new Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition.Noussair Mazraoui has just splashed on a new Bentley himselfCredit: Alamy More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Mazraoui splashes out on £200,000 Bentley to keep up with supercar loving team-mates

      by

      CROCKED Man Utd ace Noussair Mazraoui has snapped up a £200,000 Bentley – to keep up with his supercar loving teammates.The Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition is perfect for the injured defender coming with a range of safety features.Sidelined Man Utd ace Noussair Mazraoui has treated himself to a flash new motorThe Old Trafford right-back has taken home a stunning Bentley Bentayga S Black EditionBut the luxury SUV also has plenty of power upfront with a four-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 542 horsepower.The motor can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180mph.Mazraoui, 26, joins teammates Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro who all own top-of-the-range Bentleys.Last month The Sun revealed Rashford, 26, splashed out on a £200,000 Bentley Flying Spur Azure to ferry him to training while he’s on a driving ban.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile United captain Bruno, 30, drives a sporty Bentley Continental GT and also has a Bentayga to ferry his family around.And we reported how Casemiro, 32, forked out £200,000 on a Bentley Bentayga SUV for his glamorous wife Anna Mariana to take their kids to school.Mazraoui arrived at Old Trafford in August after the club completed a stunning £60million double deal for him and Bayern Munich teammate Matthijs de Ligt.The Moroccan international is currently out injured after being taken off at half-time against Aston Villa on October 6 after suffering heart palpitations.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMazraoui has since had a procedure to correct the issue, but is likely out for another two weeks.In the past former United stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Dean Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Alexis Sanchez and Phil Jones, all drove high-end Bentleys to United training.Noussair Mazraoui celebrates the crowd after victory for Ajax David Bellion lifted the lid on Fergie’s strict rules around supercars with The Sun in 2017But the supercars haven’t always been popular at the club.Former Red Devils striker David Bellion recalled how Sir Alex Ferguson once made one of his teammates sell his Bentley after driving it to training one morning.Wayne Rooney has also previously revealed how Fergie would not allow players aged under 25 to own a sports car while he was manager.Speaking to The Sun in 2017, Bellion discussed the unnamed player who drove a Bentley to training, saying: “Sir Alex made him sell it immediately.“I drove to Carrington in an Austin Mini for nearly a year even though I had a Mercedes at home.“Sir Alex didn’t like young players getting above themselves. “He hated anyone showing their wealth before they had done anything in life or the game.”And United legend Gary Neville last month admitted buying a Bentley made him feel like a “proper w****r”.He told the It’s Called Soccer! podcast: “I always said to myself when I finished my football career that I wanted to drive a four-door massive big Bentley.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The massive one. Not the Baby Bentley, like the big thing. So basically I bought one a couple years after my career and I had it for about three weeks.“I recognised as I was driving round Manchester that I just felt like a proper w****r… not that I don’t now!” More