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      in Soccer

      Why is Cole Palmer not in the Chelsea squad for their Premier League game against Arsenal?

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      CHELSEA travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in a blockbuster clash in the race for Champions League qualification. The Blues stuttered in the early months of the year, but have regain some stride in league action – winning their last last two. Palmer has been in rotten form in recent weeksCredit: GettyNontheless, top scorer Cole Palmer will NOT be in action for the West London side today. Despite Palmer’s productive 14 goals in 28 games this season, he hasn’t scored in seven league gamesIt can be verified that Palmer is out injured after picking up a minor knock in the week. Palmer, 22, was picked in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad on Friday but is yet unclear if he will play in the March internationals. READ MORE IN CHELSEARegardless, Chelsea are hopeful of having him back fit after the international break, after suffering from illness last week in the win against Leicester City. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed why Palmer was not in the matchday squad in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports:“He’s not in the toilet, for sure! He had, or as we know, last week some problems [with illness]. And unfortunately yesterday he had a very small problem. We think, after the international break, he will be back with us.“He had an injury yesterday during the session. It was a very light session. That’s why we think it is nothing important. But we wait and the feeling is he will be back after the next international break.”Most read in Football More

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      Premier League star who survived cardiac arrest on pitch locked in bitter row with neighbours over ‘Grand Designs’ house

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      FORMER Premier League star Fabrice Muamba has kicked off a huge row with neighbours after chopping down protected trees without planning permission.The former Bolton midfielder, 36, sparked fury over plans to turn a 1930’s mock Tudor pad into a modern footballer’s crib complete with a basement gym, cinema and play room.Ex-footballer Fabrice Muamba at his Cheshire homeCredit: Arthur Edwards / The SunMuamba’s playing career was cut short in 2012 after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: AP:Associated PressHe has since worked in media and as a coachCredit: Getty – ContributorMore than half a dozen locals objected to the “overbearing” and “excessively intrusive” four-storey pad in the so-called Millionaire’s Row in leafy Wilmslow, Cheshire.Present and past neighbours include Liverpool stars Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez, and former Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson and goalkeeper Sergio Romero.Muamba, whose career was tragically cut short when he suffered a cardiac arrest against Tottenham, was given the go-ahead for the Grand Designs-style makeover.But he was caught offside by council officials after felling a number of trees that were slapped with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), and now faces a possible red card.Read more Sports NewsPapers filed at the local council reveal that the unauthorised works started last year but have not yet been completed.In a previous objection, one neighbour wrote: “The removal of much of the mature vegetation and trees before the now abandoned building work has been a massive blow to the general character of the area.”Another said: “The removal of trees at the front and side of the property has now totally changed the street scene, and had a detrimental effect on the amenity which is not in keeping with the residential area.”A third added: “This has left the site looking like a wasteland and has adversely affected the outlook of neighbouring properties.”Most read in FootballMuamba bought the five-bedroom pad for £1.3million and aerial photos from the sales listing in 2018 clearly show a cluster of trees at the front of the property.But when a Cheshire East Council forestry officer visited the site in October she found a large evergreen and a silver birch had been completely axed to the ground.England football legend Glenn Hoddle is lining up to spearhead a British Heart Foundation campaign to teach CPR to 270,000 BritsMuamba has now submitted revised plans for a detached garage and officials are expected to make a decision next month.The officer said: “During my visit and review of the application, it was evident that the landscape has changed significantly in terms of the tree population.”Following my site visits, a clear breach of the Tree Preservation Order has occurred.”This has now been submitted to planning enforcement.”Muamba’s agent refuted any suggestion of wrongdoing.He said the couple sent the council an email in October explaining that they had to chop the tree down after high winds caused the tree to “lean dangerously towards the road”.He said Muamba told the council: “A tree surgeon assessed it and immediately condemned it due to the serious risk to public safety and property. “Based on this expert advice, I had no choice but to remove it as a precaution. “To compensate for the loss, I am committed to planting four mature trees and will follow guidance from the Cheshire East Arboriculturist on the most suitable species. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I informed Cheshire East about this in October 2024, but I am still waiting for any feedback on the matter or the proposed replacement planting.”Cheshire East council was approached for comment.Fabrice Muamba’s health battleFabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch while playing for Bolton Wanderers in 2012, aged just 23.His heart stopped due to a cardiac arrest triggered by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but he was saved by quick-thinking medics at the pitchside.Muamba had been a super-fit elite athlete before being struck down by his heart condition.Early symptoms can include regularly feeling breathless, dizzy or very tired, or having heart palpitations.Often it is genetic, meaning it begins at birth, but in some people it can develop over time.Scientists are not entirely sure why.The midfielder’s heart stopped for 78 minutes before he could be fully resuscitated.He has since made a full recovery but retired from professional football shortly after the incident. More

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      Furious Carlo Ancelotti threatens to BOYCOTT LaLiga games before Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Arsenal

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      CARLO Ancelotti says Real Madrid will now BOYCOTT LaLiga games scheduled with less than 72 hours rest beforehand.Madrid beat Villarreal 2-1 on Saturday but the match kicked off 67 hours after his side’s penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.Carlo Ancelotti has threatened to boycott future LaLiga games after Real Madrid won 2-1 at VillarrealIt comes after the team claimed a victory in a challenging 120-minute game against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti said his players were exhausted without a 72-hour recoveryJude Bellingham was one of 11 players to play 120 minutes against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti claimed Madrid had contacted LaLiga twice to ask for the time of Saturday’s 5:30pm game to be changed.Madrid travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on April 8. The Italian manager then said it would be “the last time” such scheduling was arranged.He fumed: “The explanation (for the win in the circumstances) is that this team has something special, character, commitment.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But they can’t always do it, sometimes I even get angry with them.”We have to thank these players for their tremendous effort since January 3. Even more so today.“I think today is the last game we will play with less than 72 hours rest. We will never do it again. “We have asked LaLiga twice to change the time of the game and nothing has happened, but this is the last time.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLaLiga sources indicated Madrid did not make a request regarding the Villarreal game before the schedule for this weekend’s match round was confirmed, according to The Athletic.The need for a 72-hour rest period between games has been raised to Fifa by player unions, but it’s not mandatory.Jamie Carragher exposes iShowSpeed’s ‘real name’ on live TV during Champions League coverage European mid-week competitors Barcelona, Atletico, Real Sociedad and Athletic Club all have league fixtures scheduled for Sunday.Madrid saw themselves 1-0 down after Juan Foyth’s seventh minute goal, before Kylian Mbappe’s quick-fire double secured the turnaround.Ancelotti could not rotate his team on Saturday, considering the league standings.Los Blancos are currently first in the LaLiga table with 60 points, while Barcelona sit three points behind and Atletico four.Meanwhile, Barca have another extra game following the postponement against Osasuna a week ago.Ancellotti added: “It was a trap game, because of everything that happened.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because of the hours of rest and because of the strength of the opponent, who are a good team, but we watered down physically.”The team ended up exhausted, it’s quite normal. It’s a victory that says a lot about this team and the resources of this squad.” More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Should be an immediate DQ’ – Boxing fans can’t believe their eyes as Nick Ball escapes punishment for KICKING opponent

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      BOXING fans were left in disbelief after Nick Ball escaped punishment after KICKING his opponent.Ball was facing off against TJ Doheny for the WBA featherweight title in Liverpool when the crazy incident occurred.Fans were stunned to see Nick Ball not disqualified after he kicked his opponentHis kick on TJ Doheny came after he was locked in a headlockNick Ball went on to successfully defend his WBA featherweight title beltCredit: GettyAt the end of the first round tensions boiled over between the fighters as the bell went off when they were in a corner of the ring.Doheny was up against the ropes when he placed Ball into a headlock.But Ball – who has been likened to Mike Tyson for his explosive style – then responded by literally kicking out at his opponent.Ball’s low kick to Doheny’s leg sent him tumbling to the canvas.READ MORE IN BOXINGReferee Michael Alexander proceeded to reprimand both fighters but did not take any points away from either of them.Fans on social media were stunned at the events which had played out, with one saying: “Should be an immediate DQ for that.”A second said: “He’s very very lucky to not be disqualified here.”A third added: “Nick Ball should of been disqualified for kicking I don’t understand.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother said: “Imagine getting disqualified from a boxing match for hitting a split second after the bell.. but if you kick your opponent you don’t get disqualified. What is wrong with these refs?”A fifth said: “Ball should be disqualified. Kicking has no place in the ring.”All Premier League boxing card teased with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Bridge among stars tipped to fightA sixth added: “Sign that boy up to the UFC, he’s wasting his talents in boxing. That was a solid low kick, Doheny had a dead leg lol.”Amid the controversy, Ball went on to defend his world title with a 10th round stoppage victory in front of his adoring home crowd.It was a thoroughly deserved win too, as the 28-year-old battered his rival across the ring after the halfway mark before Doheny’s team threw in the towel.Wrecking Ball’s win moves him to 22-0-1 as a professional, including his title belt win over Raymond Fort last year.The sole blemish on his otherwise perfect record came when contesting the WBC featherweight belt against Rey Vargas which ended in a draw.Ball’s win over Irishman Doheny was his second successful title defence of the belt.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe now has his eyes set on a bout with undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue.Meanwhile, it was a second successive stoppage loss for 38-year-old Doheny, who will now need to consider whether to hang up his gloves. More

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      ‘True legend’ – Boris Becker leads tributes as German football icon and winner of four Euros Doris Fitschen dies aged 56

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      BORIS BECKER has led the tributes to German football legend Doris Fitschen, who has tragically passed away aged 56.Fitschen, who is one of German sport’s most iconic figures, has sadly lost her battle with cancer. German football legend Doris Fitschen has tragically passed away aged 56Credit: GETTYFitschen passed away following a battle with cancerCredit: RETROCON SPORTS FOOTBALLTennis icon Boris Becker has led the tributes to the late FitschenCredit: GETTYThe midfielder’s passing has rocked the German sports world, with several prominent figures paying their respects on social media.Tennis icon Becker wrote on X: “A true legend in German sports has sadly passed away. “Rest in peace, Doris Fitschen.”Fitschen was one of the most successful players in the history of German football.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSShe won seven Bundesliga titles and six German Cups during her stints with TSV Siegen and Eintracht Frankfurt. And she won a whopping FOUR STRAIGHT Uefa Women’s Championships with Germany, lifting the trophy in 1989, 1991, 1995 and 2001.Fitschen made 114 appearances for her country from 1986 to 2001, scoring 16 goals in the process.Injury forced her to hang up her boots at the end of 2001, aged 32.Most read in FootballEintracht Frankfurt paid a touching tribute to the late Doris Fitschen on XBernd Neuendorf – the President of the German FA – also paid tribute to the late Fitschen, who was regarded by many to be one of Germany’s greatest-ever players.He said: “I am shocked and very sad about Doris’ death.”Our thoughts are with her family, all relatives, and her close friends.”Doris was one of the defining figures in football.”As a player, she was a leader, a strategist, and had a presence, dominance, and aura that others could look up to.”Fitschen’s former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, also put out a heartfelt statement upon learning of her death.It read: “We mourn the loss of a former FFC player and a key figure in German women’s football: Doris Fitschen died yesterday after a long and serious illness at the age of 56″Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBianca Rech – the director of Women’s Football at Bayern Munich – wrote: “It is with great sorrow that I bid farewell to a valued team-mate and an outstanding role model.”Her dedication, professionalism, and tireless commitment on and off the field were always a source of inspiration to all of us.” More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle Utd Wag beams as she parties with thousands of Geordies taking over London ahead of Carabao Cup final

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      THOUSANDS of Newcastle United fans took over Covent Garden on Saturday ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.And they were joined by a Toon star’s stunning WAG.Newcastle United fans descended on Covent Garden in the droves ahead of the Carabao Cup finalCredit: GETTYThey were joined by the stunning Juliette PastoreCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREPastore is the girlfriend of Magpies midfielder Sandro TonaliCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREPastore, 24, runs her own clothing brandCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREPastore has nearly 125,000 followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREJuliette Pastore – the fiancee of Toon midfielder Sandro Tonali – joined the hoards of Magpies supporters who descended on the central London hotspot.And she got in the spirit of things by draping herself in Newcastle flags.Pastore paid homage to Tonali with a flag featuring her other half’s face and a Birra Morreti-inspired design.Pastore wasn’t the only Wag caught up getting in the spirit of things.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThays Gondim De Lira – Joelinton’s other half – showed on her Instagram that she’s also relishing the potentially historic game for Eddie Howe’s side.The Brazilian posted a photo of the midfielder and their son to her Instagram story for her 314,000 followers to see.Joelinton beamed as he posed with his son, whose hair had been dyed to match his old man’sNewcastle will be hoping to end their 70-YEAR-LONG wait to win domestic honours against Premier League table toppers Liverpool.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJuliette Pastore and Sandro Tonali got engaged last monthCredit: INSTAGRAM@JULIETTE_PASTOREManager Eddie Howe said: “I understand the finals record isn’t great.”But I take us qualifying for the Champions League, when we had to go deep into the season, as an example of us being really successful.How Newcastle can topple Liverpool with Isak’s brilliant ‘go-stop-go’ trick in cup final”Our destiny is in our own hands. I’m not even going to use the word [curse]. It is not in our mindset.”It’s about us delivering a great performance. “Talking about the other outcome [winning], that is exciting.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘We should not see it’ – Como coach Fabregas fires brutal warning to Dele as ex-Spurs star breaks silence on red card

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      COMO boss Cesc Fabregas has hit out at Dele Alli’s “grave mistake” after the former Spurs star was sent off just TEN minutes into his club debut.Alli – making his first appearance in 748 days – was shown a red card during second-half stoppage time for a rash challenge on AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.Dele Alli made his Como debut on Saturday night but was sent off within 10 minutesThe ex-England midfielder caught Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the back of the legSubstitute Alli’s yellow card was controversially upgraded to a red by the refereeComo head coach Cesc Fabregas took aim at Alli afterwardsThe former England midfielder signed for Italian club Como in January on a free transfer.Como were trailing 2-1 and desperately chasing a winner when Fabregas turned to Alli in the 81st minute to find a goal.But the cameo quickly turned into a nightmare for the ex-Tottenham ace.Alli was shown a yellow card for a late ankle tackle on Loftus-Cheek in the closing stages at the San Siro.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSReferee Matteo Marchetti was called to the monitor after an intervention from VAR.After studying the tackle for several minutes, Marchetti decided to upgrade Alli’s yellow card to a red.But Fabregas had little sympathy Alli, describing the incident as a tackle that “hurts to watch” in his post-match press conference.Fabregas told DAZN: “Dele Alli is a player who can score goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He perhaps didn’t deserve this opportunity because he has only been working with us for two weeks and has a lot to improve.”It is a grave mistake, one that we should not see from a player of his experience.Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky Sports”It was a clear red card, there’s nothing to be said about that, he left the team down to ten men during a crucial moment when we were pushing for 2-2.”That is the most negative thing about this evening, but we keep going.”But Fabregas was also sent off for his reaction to the incident.Alli wrote on Instagram: “I was always going to announce my return in some way after these past two years.”But would rather it had been with a goal but feels good to be back.”Christian Pulisic and Tijani Reijnders scored in the second half for Milan, after Lucas da Cunha put the visitors ahead before the break.Milan’s Kyle Walker – a former England and Spurs team-mate of Alli – was seen begging with the ref not to send the 28-year-old off.One fan agreed on X: “That’s a yellow. The force is so little. Slow motion makes it look 10x harder.”Even Alli’s ex-Spurs and England team-mate Kyle Walker tried to talk the referee roundDele debut timeline81st minute – Alli comes on to make Como debut89th minute – Alli makes the challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and is yellow carded91st minute – His yellow card upgraded to a red after VAR review94th minute – Cesc Fabregas is also sent off for his reaction to the incidentAnother said: “Even Walker was saying to not give him a red for it. That’s actually heartbreaking.”Fabregas’ team ended the day in 13th, still seven points clear of the drop, while Milan sit seventh after their victory.Alli began training with Fabregas’ side over Christmas, although the former Arsenal ace was reluctant to claim whether it would lead to anything.But Fabregas elected to sign Alli on a permanent basis as the 37-cap England international penned a deal until 2026, with the option of a further 12 months.The former England star left Everton permanently in 2024 after being shipped out on a season-long loan to Besiktas 2023.His last game before Como’s clash in Milan was a 0-0 draw with Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on February 26, 2023.The midfielder was praised for a groundbreaking interview with Manchester United legend Gary Neville later that year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe midfielder opened up on his mental health struggles, opening up on childhood trauma including being abused and selling drugs.He broke through as a teenager at MK Dons before earning a big-money move to Tottenham in 2015.Alli broke his silence on Instagram after Como’s defeat More

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      in Soccer

      ‘He lives it’ – Craig Bellamy reveals shock at Arne Slot impact and doubts over replacing ‘personality of Jurgen Klopp’

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      CRAIG BELLAMY has hailed “incredible” Arne Slot for matching the high-energy personality of Jurgen Klopp.The Liverpool boss bids to breathe new life into a stunning debut season with his first silverware for the club after the midweek Champions League penalty shootout exit to Paris Saint-Germain. Slot has had an impressive first season with Liverpool; 15 points clear in the Prem and a League Cup final appearance at WembleyThe ex-Feyenoord boss replaced high-energy Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside last summerCredit: GETTYSlot, 46, leads his impressive Reds in today’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.And the Dutchman already has one hand firmly on the Premier League title as his runaway leaders are a mammoth 15 points clear of nearest rivals Arsenal.Bellamy, who played for both of today’s finalists, says he never thought anyone could rival giant-like figure Klopp.But the Wales manager has admired ex-Feyenoord chief Slot for his sheer enthusiasm since replacing the German on Merseyside last summer.read more footballBellamy said: “I’ve been impressed with Arne. All day. First season at the biggest club in the world, he’s been incredible.”I just didn’t know if anyone could replace the personality of Klopp. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”They are not coming from two different worlds in terms of coaching. It’s quite similar in how they play.”Of course, Slot has his own influences but it was more the personality. How do you replace that type of profile and person of Klopp?Most read in Football”He was 100-mile an hour. Managers like that live it with you.”I feel that it’s quite important that someone breathes it with you.Liverpool boss Arne Slot looks ahead to Carabao Cup final against Newcastle Bellamy, now the manager of Wales, played in the Premier League for both Liverpool and NewcastleCredit: Alamy”Klopp would grip you with a bear hug after a match – he’s living it with you. And you could see the affection that they had for him.”Slot is different. He shows it in a different way but to have the season he’s had has been incredible. Nothing short of that.”So what attribute has really stood-out for boyhood Liverpool fan Bellamy?Bellamy, who had two one-season stints at Anfield in 2006 and 2011 – and then won the League Cup with Liverpool against hometown club Cardiff in 2012, replied: “Energy. He lives it. How do you find that? To be able to find that twice a week – I find that really impressive.”Student of the game Bellamy has tracked Slot’s path before his arrival in the Premier League.The 45-year-old is a big fan of Dutch football having spent a week in the Netherlands as a kid when he was just a budding footballer.Bellamy added: “I was impressed with Slot before when he was at Feyenoord. I have a soft spot for them.”It’s mad. I love the De Kuip. It’s one of my favourite stadiums. I scored there for Newcastle in the Champions League.”It seemed every European tournament that I watched as a kid had the final at that ground. It always felt like an amazing stadium.”I spent a week there as a kid. We went to Feyenoord and Ajax as well. Ajax were such an amazing team at the time.”But there’s something about Feyenoord, Rotterdam and De Kuip.”So it was really nice watching Slot with them over the last few seasons and then to watch him take Liverpool.”Bellamy will watch his old teams do battle in the first domestic final of the season at Wales’ Vale of Glamorgan HQ on the outskirts of Cardiff.The Dragons boss will be preparing for his nation’s opening World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign against Kazakhstan next Saturday night.Then Wales follow that up with a trip to North Macedonia three days later.But, before his Welsh players start arriving late on Sunday, Bellamy, who had a four-year spell at Newcastle between 2001-05, is excited to tune in.When asked how he saw the final panning out, he joked: “I couldn’t care. No Welsh players. I hope football is the winner.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Bellamy then raised a smile and added: “It’s a good game. I really like them both. I love the intensity that they go at.”It will be nice to watch. I’m not going to give you a prediction but it doesn’t interfere with my game so I’ll watch it. I’m actually quite excited for the game.” More