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    Spurs fan Riley bags North London bragging rights & Brit title by beating Arsenal rival Clarke on Eubank-Benn undercard

    SPURS fan Viddal Riley took home North London bragging rights and the British title after beating Arsenal rival Chev Clarke.Riley – who wore the white and navy of Tottenham on his shorts – outboxed and outfoxed his way past Gooner Clarke over 12 rounds.Viddal Riley fought his way to victory over Chev Clarke in North LondonCredit: ReutersThe bout had extra spice with Viddal being a Spurs fan and Clarke a supporter of arch rivals ArsenalCredit: GettyCHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCHThe scorecards read 116-112, 117-111 and 115-113 to earn the 27-year-old the prestigious Lonsdale cruiserweight belt.As is the case with most bouts between two seasoned and well-schooled amateurs, it was an early battle of the jabs.Riley, swaying from left to right, pumped out his lead hand with the odd right hand following behind.Clarke – who bravely walked into Spurs’ stadium to North London Forever – stood his ground and attempted to attack the body.READ MORE ON BOXINGAnd one left hook missed the mark by mere inches for the man donning the Gunners’ famous red and white. Riley too was a whisker away from a counter right uppercut in the second as Clarke again went looking for the lead hook – before almost tumbling into the ropes. The action picked up in the third and both traded in the pocket with Clarke ending the round hammering in a combination.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn the fourth, Riley landed a body shot and walked into a subsequent right hand – but still got the first and last say in the exchanges.Most read in BoxingThe action momentarily kicked into life in the fifth as Riley landed a lead left but was stopped in his tracks by a body shot.Boxer Viddal Riley works out hard in the gymRiley – who shot to fame as the trainer of YouTube star KSI – was beginning to settle into a nice rhythm. And Clarke had just as much trouble keeping his balance as he did putting a dent in his rival.Riley – unlike under-fire Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou – neglected all-out attack and boxed with smart tactics using his jab and lateral movement.In round seven, Clarke again slipped on the canvas and found a body shot sinking into his midriff soon after.The 2020 Olympian – who unveiled veteran coach Virgil Hunter as his new cornerman on fight night – showed his frustration in the eighth after again losing his footing.He looked to the crowd – shaking his head – maybe realising his title was quite literally slipping away from him.  Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the infoIn round nine, the referee eventually intervened and wiped down the greasy surface and huge advertising sticker which was causing the mayhem.Riley kept up his fleet feet and piston-like jab to keep Clarke – now chasing the fight – at bay.Clarke did his best to close the range in the final three rounds, charging at Riley to the point they both hit the deck after a tussle.But Riley was able to see out the rounds and snatch away the British belt – improving to 13-0 in the process.Read More on The SunGlory, glory Tottenham Hotspur rang out around the £1billion stadium as Riley was announced the winner. It gave the long-suffering Spurs fans inside the ground something to finally cheer about.The referee had to wipe down the canvasCredit: ReutersRiley celebrates with his dad and coach DerrickCredit: Getty More

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    ‘This whole show is a farce’ – Fans fear for Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn as ref forced to wipe down slippery canvas

    A BIZARRE issue with the ring at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium left fans fearing for the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fight.On the undercard, Viddal Riley and Chev Clarke’s North London derby had to be paused mid-fight – so the referee could wipe down the surface. The ref was forced to wipe down the logo on the ring canvas as fighters lost their tractionCredit: ReutersFighters were struggling to stay on their feet as they slipped on the sponsorship logoCredit: ReutersThe ref took a towel to the Fatal Fury logo as it proved to be problematicThe pair contested for the British cruiserweight title but Clarke struggled to keep his footing throughout. Several times the Arsenal fan – who walked into Tottenham’s stadium with North London Forever as his ring-walk anthem – almost hit the deck by slipping. At one point in round eight, Clarke looked to the crowd in frustration as he once again lost his footing. It got so bad that even after he landed a hook on Riley, the defending champion staggered backwards in a loss of balance. READ MORE SPORT STORIESEventually, the referee stopped the bout before round nine could get started to wipe down the massive advert in the middle of the ring – which was causing the chaos and had fans fearing it could impact the main event.Later on, Mike Goodhall – a boxing legend who puts the rings together – was spotted taking a seat ringside to take a closer look.And the concerns remained during the main even.As the fight between Eubank Jr and Benn got underway, one of the cornermen could be heard shouting: “The middle of the ring is wet.”Most read in BoxingAnd viewers were furious at the “dangerous” conditions, seemingly caused by the advert for the video game Fatal Fury.One fan fumed: “This whole show is a farce. The canvas is slippery, ridiculous.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother said: “Sort the f***ing centre of the ring out. It’s gonna cause someone a real problem with how slippery it is.”A third added: “A slippery ring!  Perfect.” Spirit, Code & Confidence | Behind the Gloves: Chris Eubank SrA third fumed: “Slippery ring you know. This is so embarrassing.”Riley eventually took home North London bragging rights and the British title after beating Clarke via the scorecards. More

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    Fans baffled as ‘Ed Sheeran’ enters boxing ring before fight’s over and ‘Hannibal Lecter’ watches at Eubank Jr vs Benn

    ED SHEERAN, Hannibal Lecter and David Beckham were all seen entering the boxing ring ahead of Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn – but all is not as it would seem.The Tottenham Hotspur stadium is playing host to the generational battle tonight.An Ed Sheeran lookalike was seen in the ring during a fight on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn undercardCredit: GettyThe lookalike entered the ring to replace the ring girlsA Hannibal Lecter lookalike was also seen at the eventThey were also joined by a David Beckham lookalikeCredit: GettyBut during the undercard fight where Chris Billam-Smith beat Brandon Glantona, a number of lookalikes were seen coming out between the rounds.These included one of singer Ed Sheeran, one of horror screen villain Hannibal and another of David Beckham.The appearance of the surprise guests, particularly the first two, stunned fans.One reacted on social media saying: “Is that Ed Sheeran holding up ring cards between the rounds? We use to be a real sport.”READ MORE IN BOXINGA second fan said: “Am I bugging or was that Ed Sheeran.”A third added: “Always expected the unexpected, like Ed Sheeran being the ring girl and Anthony Hopkins in his Hannibal Lecter outfit.”Another said: “Just watched Ed Sheeran doing the ring girls job and then handing the card with the round number on it to Hannibal Lecter, what is going on?”However, fans were less impressed with the lookalike of Manchester United and England legend Becks, with one saying: “That David Beckham looks nothing alike.”Most read in BoxingEUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDSThe blockbuster Eubank Jr vs Benn clash has been underpinned by controversy after seeing their first scheduled fight cancelled in 2022 and an egg slap during a press conference.It is opening a new chapter in the family-feud dating back to the 1990s, with the Benns finally looking to get one over the Eubanks.Spirit, Code & Confidence | Behind the Gloves: Chris Eubank SrCHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCH More

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    Everton line up Tomas Soucek transfer raid as David Moyes looks to reunite with his go-to West Ham star

    EVERTON boss David Moyes is aiming to sign his West Ham old boy Tomas Soucek.The versatile Soucek, 30, signed a new deal with the Hammers until 2027 in January last year.David Moyes wants a reunion with West Ham midfielder Tomas SoucekCredit: AFPThe Czech midfielder is a huge fan favourite in East LondonCredit: GettyBut the Toffees chief is a big fan since their time together at the Irons and hopes his money men will give the go-ahead.Moyes wants a major say on Everton’s signings, and while he plans to spend big on some, there is also room for a bargain capture or two.Soucek joined West Ham in 2019 from Slavia Prague.He is a big fan favourite in East London and has 8 goals in 31 Prem games from midfield this season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSoucek has played at least 32 league games out of a possible 38 in every season since making his debut for the Hammers.Across all outfield players in the division, only Everton’s James Tarkowski and Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes have started more games in the same period. Moyes is plotting a revolution at the Toffees as they move into their plush new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.The Scot has brought back old scouting sidekick Mick Doherty from Italian side Atalanta to be a major talent spotter.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSunSport revealed earlier this month that Moyes is willing to battle Man Utd and Chelsea for Liam Delap.The Everton boss is desperate for fresh attackers.’Normally a bottle of red wine down’ – Moyes unhappy at unusual kick-off timeLiverpool’s teenage winger Ben Doak is also on the wishlist, with Moyes also hoping to tempt Delap to Merseyside.The Toffees are willing to be patient and wait for the England Under-21 international, who has a £30million relegation release clause.Delap has hit 12 Prem goals since joining Ipswich from Manchester City last summer. More

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    Ian Wright says he ‘cannot accept’ Eni Aluko’s apology as Arsenal legend responds over women’s football punditry row

    IAN WRIGHT has refused to accept Eni Aluko’s apology after the pundit claimed he risked blocking women from being given broadcast opportunities.Former England Women’s star Aluko aimed comments at Wright this week over his work as a pundit in the women’s game.Ian Wright says he cannot accept Eni Aluko’s apologyAluko suggested men need to be aware of blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: GettyThe pundit later apologised for mentioning Wright’s nameCredit: PAAluko spoke about importance of making sure female pundits were not blocked by men, suggesting there is a “finite amount of opportunities” and “men need to be aware of that”.She since apologised to Wright after public backlash, but the former Arsenal star is unable to accept.He said in a video on Instagram: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”The pair have worked together for ITV in the past, including during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Wright, 61, acknowledged the negative role men have played in limiting the women’s game in the past, and he said he does not take his role as a pundit for granted.He added: “The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective.Most read in Football”Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes.”So for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.’That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing”It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. if you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women’s football”We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one. I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you”It’s something I do not take for granted.”Aluko, 38, apologised to Wright over her comments, admitting it was wrong for her to mention his name while making a broader point about the women’s game.She said: “In my interview with Woman’s Hour this week, I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football – whether that’s in coaching, broadcasting or commercial space – and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.”But it was wrong for Ian’s name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise.”I’ve known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him.”Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways.He made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.Read More on The SunAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month. More

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    ‘You’ll have experienced this’ – Wayne Rooney cracks up live on BBC Sport after Gary Lineker’s brutal Micah Richards gag

    GARY LINEKER left Wayne Rooney in hysterics with a joke at Micah Richards’ expense.The trio of ex-England stars and Glenn Murray were covering the first FA Cup semi-final between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace live on the BBC.Gary Lineker’s shared a brutal gag about Micah RichardsCredit: X / BBCMOTDThe comment left Wayne Rooney and Glenn Murray in stitchesCredit: X / BBCMOTDLineker quipped that Richards was likely often left out of important cup gamesCredit: X / BBCMOTDDuring a segment, they began talking about players being left out of important cup games at Wembley.Naturally, Lineker assumed that Rooney had never been left out of any Wembley days during his illustrious career at Manchester United.Rooney said: “Yeah, I was left out of the starting line up here in the league cup final against Aston Villa in 2010.”Well I was rested for a Champions League game. But I was fuming because it was a final and I wanted to play.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRichards hilariously jumped in to add that being left out and being rested are not the same thing.Before Rooney, 39, added that he was also rested in Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton, which United lost on penalties after a goalless draw in 2009.Wazza – who just one FA Cup in 2016 – quickly told Richards: “But I came on against Villa and scored the winner, so it was OK in the end.”But witty Lineker then jumped in and said: “Micah, you would have experienced this quite a bit. Did you ever knock on the manager’s door?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe comment had Richards, Rooney and Murray in stitches.And former Palace striker Murray added: “I was always knocking on the door, Gary”. ‘Better than what we currently have’ – Man Utd fans drooling over Wayne Rooney’s son Kai’s goal for academy teamLike Rooney, Richards and Lineker both won the FA Cup once with Manchester City in 2011 and 1991 respectively.The discussion came after two-time FA Cup winner Marcus Rashford was ruled out through injury against Palace.The forward was not named in Unai Emery’s starting XI, with Villa saying he had picked up “a knock”.Rashford sustained a minor muscle injury during the first half of the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.The 27-year-old, who scored a first-half penalty at the Etihad, was able to continue after the break before being replaced by Ollie Watkins after 76 minutes. More

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    Jim Herriot dead: Scotland goalkeeper who gave name to TV vet in All Creatures Great and Small passes away aged 85

    LEGENDARY Scottish goalkeeper Jim Herriot has tragically died at the age of 85. Touching tributes poured in for Herriot, who gave his name to the character in the books and TV show All Creatures Great and Small.British goalkeeper Jim Herriot during a Birmingham City portrait sessionCredit: GettyHerriot on the ground (left) during an FA Cup third-round match in 1970Credit: GettyFootball club Dunfermline Athletic, where Herriot first started his career, posted a touching tribute on social media saying it is “deeply saddened” to announce the passing of the icon.He played high-profile European ties against Valencia and Athletic Bilbao and also led his team to the 1965 Scottish Cup final.The goalkeeper also played for clubs like Hibernian, St Mirren, Partick Thistle, Greenock Morton, Durban City and Mansfield Town. Hibernian FC said in a statement: “The thoughts of everyone at Hibernian FC are with Jim’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.”After observing a requested period of silence from the family, the Club will honour Jim’s memory by wearing black armbands against Aberdeen, and at our home game against Dundee United.”Herriot played alongside the likes of Pat Stanton, Jimmy O’Rourke, and Arthur Duncan, keeping a clean sheet after Hibs famously beat Hearts 7-0 on New Year’s Day at Tynecastle in 1973.Herriot also won the Drybrough Cup on two occasions, both times against Celtic.Hibs is set to honour Herriot’s memory by wearing black armbands against Aberdeen tonight.Most read in FootballHis name was taken as an inspiration for the show All Creatures Great and Small, which follows the adventures of a young vet, James Herriot, who moves to the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s.The much-loved Channel 5 show is in fact based on a series of novels written by author James Herriot, whose real name was James Alfred Wight.The first book was published in 1969, under the title If Only They Could Talk.This title was later changed by an American publisher to All Creatures Great and Small, and saw sales boosted considerably.All Creatures Great and Small is a heartwarming Channel 5 show More

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    ‘That’s my story..’ – Harry Kane moans as he’s set to MISS Bayern’s title-winning match as he chases first career trophy

    HARRY KANE is set to miss what is likely to be Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga title clinching game – and he reckons it’s just his luck.A “crazy, crazy” booking in today’s game vs Mainz means Kane is suspended for next weekend’s clash with RB Leipzig, where victory will see the England captain claim his first major trophy.Harry Kane could miss the moment Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga titleCredit: APIt comes after Kane was booked for holding onto the ball to prevent Mainz taking a quick free-kickCredit: APKane was shown his fifth yellow card of the season during Bayern’s 3-0 win at home.The 31-year-old fouled Jonathan Burkardt, but held onto the ball to prevent Mainz taking a quick free-kick.And referee Bastian Dankert wasted no time in whipping out his book to caution Kane for delaying the restart.The moment of madness means the 31-year-old has been suspended for next Saturday’s trip to Leipzig, where Bayern could win their 34th title.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKane said: “Crazy, crazy decision! It’s kind of my story that I’ll miss the Leipzig game. But no worries, I’ll celebrate more than anyone else.”A victory against Leipzig will secure the title from Bayer Leverkusen, with two games to spare.So Kane may have to watch his side be crowned champions from the sidelines.The former Tottenham talisman has famously NEVER won a trophy in his 16-year career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he looks set to break that curse with the Bavarian club this season. Many expected Kane to win his first trophy in his debut campaign, as Bayern had won 10 league titles in a row.But an invincible campaign by Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen ensured his wait for a trophy dragged on yet further.Kane has scored 60 goals in his 61 Bundesliga matches for Bayern so far. He is also on track to become the first player to win the top scorer title in both of his first two Bundesliga seasons.Bayern needed a win over Mainz and a favour from Augsburg against Leverkusen to be crowned champion on Saturday.But goals from Patrik Schick and Emiliano Buendia gave Leverkusen a 2-0 win and kept the defending champions eight points behind Bayern with three games left.Leverkusen can still theoretically defend its first ever Bundesliga title by winning its last three games if Bayern loses its final three.But even a draw against Leipzig next weekend should be enough for Bayern, which has a far superior goal difference. More