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    More Serie A matches postponed including huge clash in title race as Pope’s funeral schedule confirmed

    THE SERIE A have announced the postponement of more matches following the Pope’s death.Pope Francis died of a stroke and coronary failure on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after weeks in hospital with breathing problems.The Serie A have announced the postponement of three more matches following the Pope’s deathThe matches were postponed as they were scheduled for Saturday, which is when Pope Francis’ funeral takes placeIt was then announced that all of Monday’s fixtures would be moved out of respect to the pontiff and played on Wednesday.And now football chiefs announced that Saturday’s Serie A fixtures will also be suspended due to Francis’ funeral.There were three games scheduled for that day: Como vs Genoa, Inter Milan vs Roma and Lazio vs Parma. The match between Inter and the Giallorossi posed as the most crucial encounter with the former neck and neck with Napoli at the top of the table tied on points.Read More on FootballThe aforementioned matches are now expected to take place on Sunday instead. Pope Francis’ funeral will be held in St Peter’s Square, Roman Catholic cardinals decided on Tuesday.And the ceremony will be attended by several world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.The Pope was a massive football fan and watched his home country Argentina win the World Cup in 2022.Most read in FootballFifa president Gianni Infantino issued a statement saying he was “deeply saddened” by the pontiff’s death.Infantino posted on instagram: “I was privileged enough to spend some time with him on a couple of occasions, and he always shared his enthusiasm for football and stressed the important role our sport plays in society. Pope Francis is laid out in open coffin at The Vatican for key ceremony“All the prayers of the whole football world are with him.” More

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    ‘He wouldn’t have to move house’ – Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man Utd

    ROY KEANE jokingly suggested that Kevin De Bruyne should join Manchester United when his contract at Manchester City expires this summer. De Bruyne, 33, announced that he would leave City upon the conclusion of his contract. Kevin De Bruyne will leave Man City after 10 years at the EtihadCredit: GettyRoy Keane joked that De Bruyne should move to the Irishman’s former club, Manchester UnitedThe Belgian midfielder has played 34 times for Pep Guardiola’s side in all competitions this term, contributing five goals and eight assists.But after 416 games in Sky Blue spanning ten years, De Bruyne is set to embark on a new challenge. Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of City’s crucial encounter against Aston Villa in the race for Champions League qualification, Keane jested that De Bruyne should stay put in Manchester, but move westwards to Old Trafford. Keane quipped: “United? He wouldn’t have to move house,” when fellow Sky pundit Shay Given said that De Bruyne “can turn up at another Premier League club and that is a concern for City.”Read more FootballFollowing City’s 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, De Bruyne spoke to the media about his future, revealing that it was “a little bit of a shock” that the reigning Premier League champions had not tabled a new deal for him. He did insist that he could still “perform at this level like I’m showing”, clarifying that he was “open for anything” to come next.He has previously been linked with a move to Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League, while there are also rumours rumbling that De Bruyne could join another Premier League outfit.Keane still believes that De Bruyne has the necessary quality to punish teams given the chance.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “We know how ruthless Man City can be at a certain age.“Give him time one the ball and he will punish you, all he needs is a moment.“As much as you try and stop him, you can’t in certain areas.”Pep Guardiola talks about Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Man City after 10 years More

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    ‘I truly believe…’ – Wayne Rooney BLAMED for Plymouth’s relegation scrap by his successor in brutal statement

    WAYNE ROONEY is to blame for Plymouth Argyle’s relegation dogfight.At least that’s the view of the man who replaced him.Rooney failed to deliver the winning formula at PlymouthCredit: GettyMuslic inherited a relegation dogfight on his arrivalCredit: APThe former Manchester United and England striker was sensationally slammed by current Plymouth boss Miron Muslic, who has been tasked with the difficult challenge of saving the Devon club from the drop. Plymouth are rock-bottom of the second tier on 43 points, tied with Cardiff City, although they sit beneath the Bluebirds on goal difference. They are three points from safety, but their -37 goal difference is far inferior to that of Derby County’s, which reads -9. It means that Muslic has a near-impossible task of keeping the Pilgrims in the second tier, following their promotion back to the Championship back in 2023 when they lifted the League One title. READ MORE FOOTBALLThey travel to Preston North End for their penultimate fixture, before hosting already-promoted Leeds United on the final day. Plymouth have won three from their last five games, and Muslic gave a damning indictment of Rooney’s tenure after their 3-1 victory over Frank Lampard’s play-off chasing Coventry City. The Austrian said: “I think if I’m the head coach from day one we will be far, far away from the relegation zone, we will be safe five games ago.”I truly believe if I will be here with my staff from day one, we will be nowhere near where we are right now.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”The performance today, the performance at Middlesbrough [where they lost 2-1]”We’ve taken nine points at Home Park against Norwich, against Sheffield United, against Coventry.‘Finally know why he’s always sacked’, say fans as Wayne Rooney picks controversial Arsenal-Real Madrid combined XI “These are teams playing for the Premier League and they all lost here in Plymouth at Home Park, that gives me the confidence.”Argyle survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last term, beating Hull City 1-0 on the final day of the campaign to secure themselves at the second step once more. However, this season, results have been far bleaker – particularly when Rooney was in charge at the beginning. Rooney, who took the reins at Home Park after his sacking from Birmingham City in January last year, was drubbed 4-0 in his first game in charge by Sheffield Wednesday. He left the club on New Year’s Eve, with Plymouth bottom and four points from safety. More

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    Chris Eubank Jr is in danger against Conor Benn warns George Groves as he reveals fears over brutal weight cut

    CHRIS EUBANK JR is the one in danger in Saturday night’s mixed-weight war with Conor Benn, according to former opponent George Groves.The 37-year-old  sealed a thrilling points win against Eubank Jr in 2018 as he defended his WBA super-middleweight title.There’s been bad blood in the build up to the fightCredit: PAGeorge Groves (right) was part of the panel on SunSport’s No Glove Lost alongside Chris Eubank Snr and Harlem EubankWatch No Glove Lost in the video player or on YouTubeAnd the Saint knows the hell Eubank Jr is going through, boiling his 5ft 11in frame down to 11st 6lb, seven years later, at the age of 35.By contrast, Benn has not boxed at his original welterweight limit of 10st 7lb since 2022 and enjoyed his last two victories at the super- welterweight limit of 11st.An emotional Chris Eubank Sr told SunSport this week that his son will have to melt and dehydrate 20lb off, to make the 160lb limit.Read more BoxingWhile Benn can pack on 6lb of muscle for the  clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Groves, now training and managing rising cruiserweight Lucas Roehrig, said: “Taking off a few pounds is hard, it will be hard for him, you can see it’s hard for him.“This is at middleweight and there is nothing wrong with that.“Conor is a middleweight now, he will never touch welterweight again.Most read in Boxing“Conor had two fights at 154lb and is now at middleweight.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“People don’t tend to get hurt when they move up in weight, it’s when you are cutting weight and dehydrating that you are more likely to get hurt.“If you are dehydrated in camp and sparring and getting caught, you get hurt.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s 30-year blood feud plays out in new big budget video starring KSI ahead of epic fight“So the danger is for Chris Eubank Jr.”The one anomaly on Eubank Jr’s record is a violent stoppage loss to Liam Smith in January 2023. It is the only time the granite-chinned brawler has been stopped and he avenged it seven months later in sensational style.And super-smart Groves points to the fact that Eubank Jr had starved himself down towards the 157lb catchweight limit the original Benn bout was made at, just three months earlier, and looked emaciated.He said: “When Chris went down to fight at 157lb, after he had boxed mostly at 168lb, that was a step too far. That was forcing a square peg in a round hole.“He couldn’t beat me at 168lb and went down. And when he went down to middleweight and lost to Liam Smith, I thought it was the weight cut that did 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 infoThe pre-fight media events so far have been box office.Eubank Jr smashed an egg over his second-generation rival — to the disappointment of his father Chris — to remind the world of Benn’s excuse for the 2022 doping case that got the first clash axed.Back then Benn claimed the reason he tested positive for women’s fertility drug Clomifene was because he had eaten too many eggs.Eubank Jr also accused the son of British ring legend Nigel of owing promoter Eddie Hearn millions of pounds. It has not been the usual show staged to flog tickets.Groves recognises a cunning mastermind at work. He said: “A lot of the build-up to most fights is boring.“I don’t want to go to press  conferences and watch Eddie Hearn interview everyone one-by-one.“Chris has been prepared for every stage of this build-up.“Chris has brought his A-game. He might have moved his line in the sand to somewhere that his dad would not have gone to.“But I am certain he knows what he is doing and he knew Conor would implode. The fight is about who can hold their nerve.Read More on The Sun“What you see is what you get from Conor Benn, he is going to come out hard and fast, he is going to try to land something big early.“Let’s see if Eubank can get past those first three or four rounds. I still make Eubank the favourite.”Eubank Jr was at an event to promote the event on Tuesday nightCredit: GettyGroves beat Eubank when they fought in 2018Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdGroves told SunSport he fancies Eubank to beat Benn More

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    Premier League release statement after Man City crowd rage at controversial VAR replay for penalty as Guardiola loses it

    MANCHESTER CITY fans and Pep Guardiola were left fuming after a replay of a controversial penalty decision was shown on the big screen at the Etihad.City took an early lead against Aston Villa via Bernardo Silva but then just minutes later, the visitors wanted a spot-kick.Jacob Ramsey won a penalty after being tripped by Ruben DiasCredit: GettyReferee Craig Pawson overturned his decision after watching a replay pitchsideCredit: GettyDias was adamant he got a piece of the ball and pulled out the challengeCredit: GettyThe centre-back pointed to the big screen as a different angle was shown to fans in the groundJacob Ramsey was knocked to the deck after a tangle with Ruben Dias in the penalty area.But the coming together was waved away by referee Craig Pawson.VAR reviewed the incident and sent the official to the pitchside monitor.Pawson eventually decided to overturn his decision and give a penalty after being shown a replay picked up by a camera behind Ramsey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe foul was then shown on the big screen at the Etihad Stadium but a different angle was reportedly used.A view from behind the City goal appeared to be selected instead and that angle showed Dias getting a toe on the ball rather than clipping Ramsey’s heels.It enraged the home support who loudly booed and whistled as Dias himself pointed towards the big screen in anger. Guardiola was equally incensed and he protested wildly in his technical area.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe City boss was gesturing that Dias had pulled out of the challenge and got a piece of the ball.Guardiola was booked for his antics – his fourth this season – but Marcus Rashford kept his cool to score the penalty to level things at 1-1.Maya Jama reveals item she’s banned from the bedroom amid romance with Man City star Ruben DiasCity fans reacted: “VAR failing to show the angle where Dias gets the ball in order to change the referee’s mind and give a penalty. It’s an absolute farce.”Another added: “That isn’t a penalty, VAR does not show the angle where Ruben touched the ball.”A third reacted: “Yet again VAR don’t show best angle until after referee has decided.”But pundit Roy Keane disagreed with supporters and said Dias DID foul Ramsey.The Premier League later released a statement which read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Aston Villa.”Man City’s anger was somewhat relieved by a late winner from Matheus Nunes as they won 2-1. ‘It wasn’t a trip’ – Mark Halsey’s viewBy Mark HalseyFORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey has given his verdict on the penalty call…”I would not have given a penalty in real time. It was normal contact and a coming together between two players.”Pawson was in a great position and also did not see it as a foul. Dias was trying to get out of the way and Ramsey has been clever in winning the pen.”The next question is why has VAR got involved? It wasn’t a clear and obvious error. It’s subjective.”The Prem match centre posted on X: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty.”But Halsey added: “It wasn’t a trip. Pawson should have been stronger when he was sent to the monitor and stuck to his original decision.”On Guardiola’s reaction, Halsey said: “Guardiola was frustrated and rightly so but he cannot act like that on the touchline. He needs to set an example.”Pep Guardiola was left fuming on the touchlineCredit: ReutersGuardiola picked up a booking for his protestsCredit: AFP More

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    Arsenal cult icon Yaya Sanogo finds new club after nearly a YEAR unemployed with Amazon team formed just six years ago

    FORMER Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has been tasked with an Amazon delivery… after joining a club in the Brazilian rainforest.The Frenchman had been without a club since leaving Chinese side Qingdao Red Lions last autumn.Arsenal flop Yaya Sanogo has signed for his ninth club amid a globe-trotting careerSanogo joined Brazilian second-tier club Amazonas FCBut Sanogo, who won the 2014 FA Cup with Arsenal, has now signed a nine-month deal with Brazilian second-tier club Amazonas FC.Founded under six years ago, they are based at Manaus in rural northwestern Brazil.The capital city of Amazonas state, with a two million population, it lies by the Amazon river in the heart of the world famous rainforest.The club has made a dismal start to its new season, losing three and drawing one of its opening four games.Read More on ArsenalBut president Weslley Couto announced to Brazilian media that he has pulled off a coup by securing Sanogo’s signature.The Paris-born striker made 20 Arsenal appearances, scoring one goal.He also had spells with Crystal Palace, Charlton and Huddersfield as well as playing for Ajax, Auxerre and Toulouse.Sanogo bizarrely joined Armenian side Urartu for the 2023-24 season before moving to China.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe scored seven goals in 19 games for Qingdao, but was not offered a new deal.The globe-trotting frontman will now ply his trade in a sixth different country.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksSanogo said last November: “I’m now out of contract, and I am open to anything.  “I’ve enjoyed being in China, but let’s see what project I will go for.”I have had a number of phone calls, and the omens are good – especially from clubs in Europe.”I hope to get fixed up soon.  I’ve not set myself a definite target – I just want to enjoy myself and have fun.”With all the struggles I have had in my career, that is truly my aim now.” More

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    Spain star shows off new girlfriend on red carpet after rumours of love triangle with Luis Enrique’s daughter

    SPAIN international Robin Le Normand was spotted with his new model girlfriend on the red carpet. tletico Madrid star Le Normand, 28, attended the 2025 Laureus World Sport Awards with partner Cassandra Cano in Madrid on Monday. Robin Le Normand was spotted with his new model girlfriend Cassandra Cano on the red carpetThis comes after a reported love triangle involving Le Normand and Spain team-mate Ferran TorresEx-Spain boss Luis Enrique’s daughter Sira Martinez is also said to have been involvedAccording to The Mail, this comes after a reported love triangle involving Spain team-mate Ferran Torres and ex-Furia Roja manager Luis Enrique’s daughter Sira Martinez.Martinez, 24, and Barcelona ace Torres, 25, first started dating when the latter was playing for Manchester City over three years ago.However, the pair ended the relationship in May 2023 to focus on their respective careers.Reports in April 2024 then suggested she was dating Le Normand, though this was never officially confirmed. Read More on FootballAnd in February, Torres as well as Martinez fuelled rumours that they rekindled their relationship via social media. The former couple followed each other back on Instagram and the forward even liked one of her recent posts from the Maldives.The ex-City ace went on to remove his like after eagle-eyed fans spotted it. Torres spent two years playing under Martinez’s father Enrique in Spain until the Spanish tactician’s departure in 2022.Most read in FootballCassandra Cano dazzled on the red carpetCredit: The Mega AgencyThe pair dressed up for the occasionCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLe Normand earned his first ever international call-up a year after the Barcelona legend’s departure.Enrique went on to manage Paris Saint-Germain two years ago and is set to face Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals.Ferran Torres trains in Barcelona for the first time The ex-Roma boss has won two league titles and the French Cup in 2024 with PSG. More

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    Ex-England boss Lee Carsley ‘shortlisted’ for Leicester job with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s days increasingly numbered

    FORMER England boss Lee Carsley is in the running to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester, according to reports.The club’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed on Sunday, having picked up just 18 points all season.Lee Carsley is a candidate to take over at LeicesterCredit: PARuud van Nistelrooy is set to hold talks with Foxes chiefs this weekCredit: GettyVan Nistelrooy, who penned a two-and-a-half-year deal when he replaced the sacked Steve Cooper in November, has been unable to improve performances and results.Sky Sports claim he is “likely” to leave Leicester at the end of the campaign and a list of possible replacements has been drawn up.Carsley is one of the names in contention after his interim spell in charge of England.The current Three Lions Under-21s boss managed the senior side for six Nations League games between the departure of Gareth Southgate and arrival of Thomas Tuchel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRussell Martin is also a candidate for the Leicester job after he was axed by Southampton in December, just seven months after leading them to promotion to Premier League.Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is also on the Leicester shortlist.The German has impressed in his two seasons at Hillsborough, guiding them to safety last term before a mid-table finish this campaign.Van Nistelrooy is set to meet with King Power chiefs this week to discuss his future.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe reportedly does not want to quit without receiving compensation.And the Foxes supposedly cannot sack him now as it could cause Profit and Sustainability problems in the current financial year. Leicester fans spotted streaming out just 35 minutes into Newcastle clash as hopeless Foxes hurtle towards relegationRussell Martin is also on the club’s shortlistCredit: GettySheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is also being looked at by LeicesterCredit: Rex More