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    Fans just realising Anthony Gordon stuck to wholesome promise with celebration after first England goal

    ANTHONY GORDON kept a heartwarming promise to a young Newcastle fan after scoring his first goal for England.Gordon, 23, scored his first goal for the Three Lions on Sunday as Lee Carsley signed off as interim manager with a 5-0 thrashing of Ireland.Anthony Gordon kept a promise to a young Newcastle fan after scoring his first England goalCredit: EPAYoung Magpie Ivy showed Gordon her cartwheel celebration when the pair met last monthCredit: X @NUFCGordon agreed to copy the celebration when he next scoredCredit: X @NUFCThe England star did just that after netting against Ireland on SundayCredit: ReutersIt wasn’t just a special moment for Gordon, but a touching moment for young Magpies fan Ivy who saw her hero recreate her favourite celebration.Gordon had met Ivy, who was diagnosed with hyper IGE syndrome, last month and asked the youngster what her favourite celebration was.Young Ivy pulled off her best cartwheel and Gordon promised to do exactly the same the next time he scored.And the pacy winger kept to his word after he tucked home England’s second goal against the Irish.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGordon ran off to celebrate with the Wembley crowd, rolling into a cartwheel and blowing a kiss to the camera for Ivy.Fans loved the touching moment, labelling Gordon as “a Goat” and lauding him as a “beautiful human being”.Others gushed that Gordon is a “great player and even better person” as well as a “class act”.Gordon has now earned nine caps for England since making his debut in March.Most read in FootballHe managed just one minute of action during the summer after spending almost all of Euro 2024 sitting on the bench as England suffered major final heartbreak once again.Gordon was one of four England stars to score their first goal for the nation against Ireland, joining Jarrod Bowen, Conor Gallagher and Taylor Harwood-Bellis in scoring their first Three Lions goal.Lee Carsley hailed for ‘best football England have ever played’ as fans say ‘can we rip up Tuchel’s contract-‘While it was a big night for Newcastle with Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento all earning starts for England.Gordon’s role at club level is increasing week on week as he becomes a crucial cog in Eddie Howe’s Newcastle machine.He has already scored twice and set up another in his 10 Premier League appearances this term.But he will be hoping he can pick up the pace on his goal contributions if he’s going to better the 11 goals and 10 assists he racked up last season. More

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    Joshua Zirkzee’s Man Utd career ‘could be over within six months’ as Red Devils explore shock swap transfer

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S Manchester United career could be over after just six months as Ruben Amorim reportedly explores a shock swap transfer.Zirkzee, 23, only joined the Red Devils from Bologna in July for £36million.Joshua Zirzkee could already be on his way out of Man Utd in a swap dealCredit: GettyBut the striker has just one goal in 16 outings.That effort came on his debut over three months ago.And reports claim United could look to get rid of Zirkzee when the January transfer window opens.However, Italian outlet Il Matino claims new boss Amorim hopes to replace Zirkzee with a world-class striker in a stunning swap deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s claimed that United will offer Zirzkee PLUS £25m for Napoli misfit Victor Osimhen.The Nigerian is currently on loan at Galatasaray after failing to secure a move to Chelsea over the summer.Osimhen has eight goals in nine games for his Turkish team, with the Blues still interested in signing him permanently.Napoli are able to recall him this winter and are also ready to do business.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut they are demanding teams meet Osimhen’s new £62m release clause in full.Antonio Conte’s Serie A leaders are not interested in bringing another striker to town after signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelUnited want to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at GalatasarayCredit: GettyWhile Osimhen is likely to demand a tasty annual salary of £10m to boot.He’s not the only striker United are interested in either.Amorim turned former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres into one of Europe’s most fearsome hitmen.The Swede has 23 goals in 18 games for Sporting Lisbon this season.And United reportedly sent scouts to watch Gyokeres as he netted in his country’s 2-1 win over Slovakia on Saturday.United sent scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres play for SwedenCredit: Getty More

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    Honduras slapped with final punishment decision after Mexico coach hit by beer can and left with blood pouring down face

    HONDURAS have been hit with multiple punishments after Mexico’s coach was hit by a beer can thrown from the stands.Javier Aguirre suffered a gash on his head and had blood pouring down his face by the end of the match.Honduras have been punished after Mexico boss Javier Aguirre was hit by a beer canCredit: AFPThe manager played down the incidentCredit: AFPMedics rushed to the Mexico boss’ side but he appeared unwilling to receive treatment as he continued walking down the tunnel.Concacaf have launched an investigation into the incident but have already hit Honduras with sanctions for “failing to implement adequate stadium security measures”.Honduras have been ordered to play their next match behind closed doors while they have also been hit with a fine.A Concacaf statement read: “The disciplinary committee has also fined the federation and warned them that more severe sanctions could be taken should similar incidents occur during future matches.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Mexican football federation had said the behaviour which resulted in their manager being hit had “no place in our sport”, while Honduras manager Rueda said the incident soured his side’s victory.Concacaf are also looking into Aguirre’s conduct during the game, with the Mexico boss downplaying the incident after full-time.He said: “Nothing, it is just football. The game was hard fought, and they played better.”Regarding the other [the incident], there’s no need to mention it, I’m not one who complains, it is just football, nothing happened.”Most read in FootballRueda condemned the incident immediately after the match and described it as “sad”.The Honduras boss went on to apologise to Aguirre as well as Mexico.Rueda said: “I’m sad for what happened at the end of the match, because he is a human being.”I want to apologise to the Mexican people and to Aguirre, this cannot happen.” More

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    Is this real’ say fans as Ryan Garcia announces exhibition fight with ‘Demolition Man’ despite ban from licensed boxing

    BOXING fans were left absolutely gobsmacked after Ryan Garcia announced his ring return – despite being SUSPENDED from competition.The former interim WBC lightweight champion is currently serving a one-year ban for a failed drug test ahead of his No Contest with Devin Haney in April, which he initially won via decision.Ryan Garcia is currently serving a one-year suspension for a failed drug testCredit: GETTYThe former interim WBC lightweight champ failed a drug test before his April clash with Devin HaneyCredit: GETTYBut the 26-year-old has announced he’ll be back in the ring on December 30Credit: GETTYGarcia has revealed he’ll face Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in an exhibition boutBut the 26-year-old has announced he’ll be back in the ring on December 30 for an exhibition bout in Tokyo.’King’ is set to take on Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, who locked horns with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in July.Announcing the fight on social media, he wrote: “Super excited to announce I’m on my way to Tokyo.”Monday, December 30, 2024. This man tried to knock out Pac in an exhibition!!!READ MORE BOXING NEWS”Rubbed me the wrong way now ima have to teach Anpo a lesson!!! “Let’s go!!! Tokyo here I come.”Fight fans were gobsmacked by the announcement from Garcia, who doesn’t need to be licensed in order to take part in an exhibition.One commented: “Is this real?”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRyan Garcia $1million crownRYAN GARCIA wore a crown worth $1million for his ring walk before fighting Devin Haney.The American boxer’s head gear caught the eye of boxing fans before and after his shock victory.The 25-year-old headed to the ring draped in a white robe as he wore a diamond encrusted crown.Holding 1kg of gold and over 400 carats of diamonds the crown was made by Texas-based jeweller The Ice Champ.Garcia’s gown was also made up of 15,000 diamonds and took 10 days to create.He also told TMZ before the bout: “He was like ‘let’s create something where the champ of the boxing world and the champ of the jewellery world connect and make something unique. We created a unique crown.”Read more about Ryan Garcia.Another said: “No way.”And another said: “This is wild.One remarked: “Being banned and still getting a fight before Devin is crazy work.”Another chimed in: “Is this a joke?”Garcia’s period of ineligibility was backdated to April 20, meaning he’ll be free to return to competitive action from April 20, 2025 onwards.He was slapped with a suspension after testing positive for the banned substance Ostarine, which he vehemently denied intentionally taking.The New York State Athletic Commission also ordered him to forfeit £950,000 of his purse and pay a £7,900 fine.Garcia said of the ban on X: “I was already retired so I’ll just come back out of retirement for a year.”He added: “I never cheated.” More

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    Erik ten Hag spotted back in Manchester weeks after Man Utd sacking as he and wife Bianca head out for dinner

    ERIK TEN HAG is back in Manchester more than three weeks after being sacked by Manchester United.The Dutchman, 54, was dismissed by Red Devils chiefs at the end of October following their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.Erik Ten Hag left Piccolino’s in Hale Village in ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe exited the establishment with wife BiancaCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeFormer Man Utd boss Ten Hag smiled for the camerasCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeTen Hag and wife Bianca left in their Audi as they braved the cold weatherCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeIt brought to an end his mixed two-year spell at Old Trafford – which included Carabao Cup and FA Cup wins but also a disappointing eighth place finish in the Premier League last season.He jetted back to Holland immediately after losing his job as he was replaced by Ruben Amorim.Ten Hag was seen in his home country watching a game between Heracles Almelo and NAC Breda.But now, with Amorim set to take charge of his first game as Man Utd boss at Ipswich on Sunday, Ten Hag is back in the city.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe ex-Ajax head coach was spotted leaving Italian chain restaurant Piccolino in Manchester on Monday.He came out the front door alongside wife Bianca – with agent Kees Vos and other members of his management team also said to be in attendance.Ten Hag smiled for the cameras as he walked away.According to Manchester Evening News, he also took the time to clear out his possessions from his home.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Ten Hag’s successor Amorim took charge of his first training session earlier on Monday.He spent time with a handful of first-team players, with the rest away on international duty.Man Utd divide fans with new ‘school playground’ free kick routine days after Ruben Amorim announcementTakeaways from the session included Amorim already shaping up in a 3-4-3 formation, Antony being utilised at wing-back, and Kobbie Mainoo being at the heart of everything.Ten Hag left Man Utd with the team languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.Ruud van Nistelrooy was unbeaten in his four matches as interim boss prior to the international break.But a win over Ipswich would still be just their third Premier League victory in eight matches. More

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    Patrick Vieira lands new manager job but set for awkward reunion with former team-mate he found ‘difficult to work with’

    ARSENAL legend Patrick Vieira has landed a new job with Italian side Genoa just four months after leaving Strasbourg.The Gunners icon and former Crystal Palace boss, 48, spent just one year at Chelsea’s sister club in France.Patrick Vieira has become the new manager of Italian team GenoaCredit: AFPThe Arsenal legend left French side Strasbourg over the summerCredit: GettyBut Vieira is now returning to the beautiful game with Serie A strugglers Genoa.They are 17th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone, after only winning two matches all season.Former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino is set to be shown the door after nearly two years at the helm.And Vieira has agreed to replace him with immediate effect.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGenoa’s squad is packed with talent including veteran Brazilian winger Junior Messias, Ukrainian playmaker Ruslan Malinovskyi and Croatian midfielder Milan Badelj.Prime aces such as Portuguese striker Vitinha and Danish anchorman Morten Frendrup still have plenty of years in the tank.While kids including Juventus loanee Fabio Miretti and ex-Arsenal defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy can provide some much-needed energy.But there is one star name Vieira will recognise straight away.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMario Balotelli, 34, only joined Genoa on a free transfer three weeks ago and is yet to score in two games.The infamous forward played alongside Vieira at Manchester City for one year during the 2010/11 campaign.Mario Balotelli arrives to join 12th club of rollercoaster career on free transfer and end footballing exile Vieira will find himself reunited with Mario Balotelli once moreCredit: GettyThe pair played together for a year at Man CityCredit: PA:Press AssociationVieira managed Balotelli at Nice but the pair did not see eye-to-eyeCredit: ReutersBalotelli then found himself under the Frenchman’s management at Nice in 2018.He reportedly turned up late to Vieira’s very first training session.And after failing to score in 10 appearances, Balotelli’s contract was terminated midway through the season.Vieira said at the time: “When it comes to Mario, I want to answer back, or just slam him up against the wall, or leave him hanging by his collar on the coat rack.“But I can’t, as I’m no longer a player.”Vieira has since opened up on his relationship with Balotelli.He said in 2020: “Mario’s mindset was difficult for a collective sport.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The philosophy I wanted to put in place, the togetherness and work ethic I wanted to build, it was difficult for me to work with a player like Mario.“It was really difficult for both of us to work together so we decided to go different ways.”Patrick Vieira’s career statsPlaying statsCannes, 1993-1996: 61 games, 4 goalsAC Milan, 1995-1996: 5 games, 0 goalsArsenal, 1996-2005: 405 games, 34 goalsJuventus, 2005-2006: 42 games, 5 goalsInter Milan, 2006-2010: 91 games, 9 goalsMan City, 2010-2011: 46 games, 6 goalsFrance, 1997-2009: 107 goals, 6 gamesTrophies: Serie A (AC Milan); Premier League x3, FA Cup x4, Community Shield x3 (Arsenal); Serie A x4, Italian Super Cup (Inter Milan); FA Cup (Man City); World Cup 1998, Euro 2000, Confederations Cup (France)Managerial statsNew York City, Jan 2016-June 2018: P90 W40 D22 L28Nice, June 2018-Dec 2020: P89 W35 D22 L32Crystal Palace, July 2021-March 2023: P74 W22 D25 L27Strasbourg, July 2023-July 2024: P39 W14 D10 L15Genoa, Nov 2024-current: P0 W0 D0 L0 More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo promises to ‘break the internet’ with his next podcast as he teases mystery guest

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has “promised to break the internet” after teasing the mystery guest for his next podcast.The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend, 39, launched YouTube channel ‘UR Cristiano’ in August.Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at a massive mystery guest for his next podcastCredit: RexHe has already racked up an astonishing 67 MILLION subscribers.And Ronaldo has talked about a number of key topics in his 69 videos, ranging from his extraordinary career to goal reactions.So far he has only sat down for a chat with ex-United teammate Rio Ferdinand.While partner Georgina Rodriguez has also been a regular fixture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Ronaldo has now vowed to host a “top secret” guest on his next podcast.Teasing the episode to supporters, Ronnie declared “we are going to break the internet.”It remains to be seen who the Al-Nassr star ends up hosting.But fans can’t wait to see Ronnie back in action on their screen.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “We all want to see Cristiano and Messi together.”Another declared: “The man is amazing, you are amazing Cristiano.”Cristiano Ronaldo sits in on son Cristiano Jr’s training session as 14-year-old looks to follow in dad’s footsteps One noted: “The King of Football doesn’t just play, he inspires the world.”Another added: “My Goat.”Meanwhile, Ronaldo missed Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Croatia last night after returning to Saudi Arabia.He scored twice in last week’s 5-1 win against Poland in the Nations League.But with Portugal already securing their place as group winners, Ronaldo was allowed to leave camp early along with Man City’s Bernardo Silva, Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto. More

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    Frank Bruno forced to close boxing academy as he posts heartfelt statement

    BOXING legend Frank Bruno has had to close his boxing academy in Northampton – but has vowed to continue fighting for those with mental health issues.The Frank Bruno Boxing Academy was established to work alongside his charitable foundation which has helped transform the lives of thousands of people.Frank Bruno shared on social media the news his boxing academy was closingCredit: INSTAGRAMBruno is one of Britain’s most iconic heavyweightsCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Frank Bruno Foundation – which continues to go from strength to strength – will carry on.But with a heavy heart he’s announced the closure of his academy in a post on social media, Bruno said: “Due to many factors it was decided that the boxing academy needed a premises of its own to continue successfully.”While a suitable building was found… that had already been run as a boxing gym, acquiring it had not been possible. So with great regret we now must accept that without suitable premises we can no longer carry on.”You know the people that this hurts the most are those people who needed something positive to look forward to and to get involved with. My team and I honestly did try.READ MORE IN BOXING”As I have said many times before, if it was not for boxing I would have ended up in prison.”Last night a source close to Frank Bruno told SunSport his determination to carry on fighting for those with mental health issues would not change.The source said: “Frank works tirelessly with his foundation to help those suffering in silence. He’s gutted the academy will have to close.”But his foundation is going great guns, and Frank will continue to give it his full support.”Most read in BoxingThe Frank Bruno Foundation offers well-being programmes, including a “stay in work” scheme to help professionals to cope with their mental health difficulties.It aims to provide services to assist participants to get through their difficulties, stay in work, and give them the tools and skills to manage their mental health.Four Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991The charity also offers a “wrap around service” where mentors assist and help with issues such as housing advice and filling in benefits forms.Help is also provided for CV writing, seeking voluntary roles in the community, and volunteering to help out with TFBF projects.Bruno shared another post confirming the foundation will continue.It read: “Morning can I re-confirm again as people are getting confused, the Frank Bruno Foundation charity and building is NOT, repeat NOT closing, it is the boxing academy.”The charity/foundation is working hard and continues to go from strength to strength and we are welcoming new people every week.”We are provide a service in the Northampton area that now is proving to be essential for people and carers who have mental health issues.” More