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    Kika Gomes sizzles in striped bikini as she supports boyfriend Pierre Gasly at Aussie Grand Prix

    MODEL Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikini — as she and F1 driver boyfriend Pierre Gasly find their love is still in the fast lane.Portuguese Kika, 22, and Frenchman Gasly, 29, who drives for Alpine, were together at the Aussie Grand Prix.Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikiniCredit: Capture Media AgencyKika, 22, and F1 driver Gasly, 29, were together at the Aussie Grand PrixCredit: GettyPierre qualified 9th for today’s race in Melbourne.Whatever the result, he’s already a winner.Kika has been dating F1 driver Pierre since last October.She grew up in the fast lane with racing driver dad Gonçalo and TV host mum Maria.Read more on Kika GomesKika, real name Francisca, has collaborated with several beachwear brands including Calzedonia and Natura Portugal.Her mum Maria is a top TV presenter and model, and dad Goncalo was a racing driver.Gasly, 27, drives for the Alpine team now co-owned by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce.He is considered as one of the sport’s biggest rising stars.Most read in MotorsportWatch Pierre Gasly’s F1 car burst into flames forcing Frenchman to leap out of fire ravaged Alpha Tauri More

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    Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny LIVE RESULT: Relentless Wrecking Ball WINS over tough rival but goes unpunished for KICK

    NICK BALL retained his world featherweight title in front of his hometown crowd with a relentless 10th round TKO stoppage over TJ Doheny!Liverpool favourite Ball is one of the most exciting fighters in British boxing and could now face Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue next.The pair had to be separated by security as the weigh-in descended into chaos on Friday and Ball then went unpunished for landing a KICK on his rival following a tangle at the end of round one.Doheny started well but Ball’s relentless style saw the Liverpudlian exert pressure and tick off rounds before Doheny’ corner threw in the towel before the start of the 11th.Andrew Cain and Charlie Edwards earlier met for the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles, with Cain winning a split decision after a boring fight.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow the action with our live blog below…Turner’s left hook sends Farrag tumbling to the canvasApart from that brilliant main event, the other massive highlight tonight goes to Liverpool’s own Jack Turner.After starting the fight well in the first round, Turner did not slow his approach and came at Ryan Farrag at full steam.He didn’t waste any time putting Farrag on the ropes and let his hands go swinging.It was the final left hook that sent his opponent tumbling onto the canvas, with Turner then jumping on top of the ropes with sheer joy of what he had just done.At just 23 years old and now 11-0, Turner has lots of potential in the Super-flyweight division.Jack Turner celebrates his victory after beating Ryan Farrag in LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedThe Wrecking Ball’s nightIn an incident-packed fight, Ball kicked out at his opponent following a headlock in the first round and was deducted a point in the ninth for twice pushing his opponent to the canvas.But the 28-year-old Ball landed crisp and cleaner power punches to defend his WBA title.Copy linkCopiedCan Warren entice Inoue?A potential match-up with Naoya Inoue would certainly captivate a mainstream audience.’The Monster’ – with 26 stoppage wins in 29 wins – is a legitimate global great.Inoue is expected to successfully defend his undisputed super-bantamweight title against Ramon Cardenas in May and has teased a move up to featherweight.Veteran promoter Frank Warren’s wish of Ball headlining a stadium fight at either Liverpool or Everton Football Club may just entice Inoue into making a trip to the North West of England.Frank Warren, founder of Queensberry Promotions, at the WBA World Featherweight title fight between Nick Ball and TJ DohenyCopy linkCopiedWho is Naoya Inoue?The smart money on who Ball’s next opponent will be is on Naoya Inoue, a Japanese professional boxer. He has held multiple world championships in four weight classes, and is one of only three male boxers in history to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes in the “four-belt era”.Naoya Inoue poses for photographs last year following a press conference ahead of his super bantamweight fight with Ireland’s TJ Doheny in TokyoCopy linkCopiedBall not asked about kickIrishman TJ Doheny, 38, was repeatedly hurt in the ninth and 10th rounds before his corner stepped in and stopped the contest.Doheny had some success in the earlier rounds but felt the pace against the younger opponent as the match progressed.With his right eye swollen shut for the second half of the fight, Doheny became a punch bag before the bout was halted.Ball, who extends his record to 22 wins and one draw, was fortunate not to be disqualified – or at least have points deducted – after kicking out at his opponent.The local fighter was not asked about the kick in his post-fight interview, below.Nick Ball after his match against TJ Doheny, which he won with a stoppage at the end of the 10th round at the M&S Bank Arena in LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedShould Nick Ball have been DQ’d? Liverpool favourite Nick Ball’s fight vs TJ Doheny was as tense and tasty as you could’ve asked for. The pair were at each other all night, even after rounds. After the fifth round, Doheny seemed to have Ball in a headlock and to the frustration of the world featherweight champion, he kicked out on his Irish opponent. Many have called for at least a points deduction but it could’ve, and probably, should’ve been worse. Copy linkCopiedCard recap A fantastic night of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.Stephen Clarke BEAT Dmitri Protkunas by pointsIonut Baluta BEAT Brad Strand by split decisionJadier Herrera BEAT Jose Macias Enriquez by TKO in the seventh roundAndrew Cain BEAT Charlie Edwards by split decisionJack Turner BEAT Ryan Farrag by KO in the second roundNick Ball BEAT TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee stopped it in-between rounds 10 and 11.Copy linkCopied’The quicker the fight is made, the better’ Nick Ball has made it no secret that he is open to a fight against Naoya Inoue. Turki Al-Sheikh went on social media to promote Inoue fighting in Saudi at the end of the year, and when posed about the opportunity of the dust-up, if timelines match up, Ball is all for it. “Yeah definitely [to fight Naoya Inoue in Saudi in Decemeber],” said Ball to Ring Magazine. “Everyone is speaking about it, his name is starting to do my head in; the quicker the fight is made, the better.”Copy linkCopiedBall vs Inoue next?With this fantastic second WBA title defense from Nick Ball, the attention now goes to who he could fight next.Many fans are hoping that his next bout could be against one of the best boxers in the world, Naoya Inoue.Even for the impressive Nick Ball, Inoue would be a big step up in competition.The Japanese fighter is the reigning IBF, WBC and WBO super bantamweight champion of the world and is 29-0 with 26 finishes.However Frank Warren suggested this fight might be later than fans were hoping for.He said “A fight with Inoue would happen towards the end of the year or maybe early next year, that’s the plan”.Copy linkCopiedA fantastic display in the main eventLast night’s main event saw Nick Ball have one of his best performances of his career as he beat TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee had stopped the fight in between rounds 10 and 11.Nick Ball was on a mission to show why he is one of the best featherweights in the world. And that performance showcased why pundits and fans have been saying that. As for TJ Doheny, that was likely the last time the 38-year-old will fight for a world title. The Irishman has now come up against Nick Ball and Naoya Inoue in back-to-back fights, two of the best boxers at this weight. Doheny showed lots of heart in last night’s loss and should look back at his performance with his head held high. Copy linkCopiedThe KO of the nightApart from that brilliant main event, the other massive highlight tonight goes to Liverpool’s own Jack Turner.After starting the fight well in the first round, Turner did not slow his approach and came at Ryan Farrag full steam ahead.He didn’t waste any time putting Farrag on the ropes and let his hands go swinging.It was the final left hook that sent his opponent tumbling onto the canvas, with Turner then jumping on top of the ropes with sheer joy of what he had just done.At just 23 years old and now 11-0, Turner has lots of potential in the Super-flyweight division.Copy linkCopiedTonight’s fight resultsHere’s a look back at what unfolded on tonight’s card.A fantastic night of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.Stephen Clarke BEAT Dmitri Protkunas by pointsIonut Baluta BEAT Brad Strand by split decisionJadier Herrera BEAT Jose Macias Enriquez by TKO in the seventh roundAndrew Cain BEAT Charlie Edwards by split decisionJack Turner BEAT Ryan Farrag by KO in the second roundNick Ball BEAT TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee stopped it in-between rounds 10 and 11.Copy linkCopiedWhat Frank Warren had to sayShortly after Ball spoke about his performance, his promoter, Frank Warren, got on the mic and made some interesting suggestions regarding Ball’s future bouts.He said: “A fight with Inoue would happen towards the end of the year or maybe early next year, that’s the plan.”But Nick doesn’t want to wait that long, he still wants to fight, it’s our job to keep him busy and keep bringing him back here in Liverpool.”I also want to take my hat off to TJ[Doheny]; he is a true fighting man.”Nick Ball is the best featherweight in the world! bar none.”Copy linkCopiedNick Ball shows respect to TJ DohenyWith the WBA featherweight belt wrapped across his waist, the ringside reporter asked Ball about his performance and what he made of his opponent.He said: “In there, I knew it was going to be tricky, it’s a world title fight.”The main thing was taking my time and just do what I’ve been working on in the gym.”They [the crowd] want to see all action, but I can box and do that so I’ve shown both now”.Copy linkCopiedAnd still!After that boxing clinic, Doheny retains his WBA featherweight world title.After ten completed rounds of boxing, the referee, Michael Alexandre, stopped the contest in between rounds after Ball was piling on the pressure on his opponent.Still undefeated, Ball is now 22-0 and has defended his title twice, he now looks onto some potentially huge fights.Who should he fight next?Copy linkCopiedNick Ball wins by TKO!After that ferocious tenth round by Ball, Doheny just can’t carry on.After a very tired-looking Doheny, he is seen shaking his head, looking defeated.The referee decides he has seen enough and waves off the fight.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 10That was a huge round by Ball!The champion lands big flurries on Doheny as he puts him onto the ropes, letting his hands go.Respect to the Irishman there who is staying in this fight and makes it to the eleventh round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 9One point taken off from Ball!After landing a big combination, Ball pushes the Irishman down, and after the second time doing so, the referee takes away a point.Ball responds brilliantly, landing big straight punches going up a gear as he really tests Doheny’s gas tank.How could that affect the scoring?Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 8Ball continues to throw shots and is setting the tempo in this fight.Doheny lands a good few of his own but nothing is effecting the high guard of the champion.Ball lands a blasting left jab that snaps the back of Doheny’s neck.Another great round for the champ.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 7 Nick Ball is back on with the pressure from the first second as he lands big punches in the pocket.Ball is showing his youth here showing the stamina of a hungry champion wanting more.Doheny is starting to slow down and less punches are coming Ball’s way.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 6Ball is back on the pressure this round and lands some fantastic punches.A quick pause in action as Doheny’s laces are untied.Ball lands a great one-two combination that looked brilliant in slow motion.A great round from Ball as we reach the midway mark.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 5A good round by Doheny here in the fifth, as he does slow Ball’s rhythm well, with consistent in and out attacks.Ball seemed to struggle to get his combinations off this round and seemed frustrated at himself going back to the corner.The champion will be hoping to go up a gear in these next few rounds.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 4Doheny is very much trying to slow this fight down to his pace, however, the man from Liverpool is just so relentless with his forward pressure. Some great punches to the body land on Doheny who is just enough to keep up with Ball.Another good round by the champion.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 3Ball very much in control of this fight, upping the tempo and throwing much more punches in this round.Doheny does land a nice straight hand, but Ball shows no sign of effectiveness.Ball responds with some excellent combinations that are landing at will.A fantastic left hook lands over the top as the Irishman tried to evade but it lands perfectly on the temple just before the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 2A much closer round two sees both men land nice combinations on each other.Ball, still much the aggressor, is looks for a powerful right hand over the top that almost lands but Doheny does well to read it.Doheny, now 38, shows his experience well and is holding his own in this fight.Copy linkCopied More

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    Chelsea agree deal to sign second Portuguese wonderkid in two days with £18.5m transfer for midfielder Dario Essugo

    CHELSEA have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a second Portuguese wonderkid in two days.The Blues secretly completed a shock transfer to land Geovany Quenda earlier this week.Chelsea have agreed an £18.5m deal to sign Dario Essugo from Sporting in the summerCredit: GettyAnd now The Athletic state Dario Essugo is also on his way to Stamford Bridge. A £18.5million fee has been negotiated between Chelsea and Sporting.It is claimed there are no add-ons or sell-on clauses included. Essugu, 20, looks set to put pen to paper on a seven-year contract in West London.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that would see him link up with the Chelsea first team in the summer, as first revealed by SunSport last year.Essugu came through the academy at Sporting and has 23 first-team appearances for the Portuguese giants.However, it has been during his loan to Las Palmas in LaLiga this season that he has really shone, attracting plenty of interest from the Blues.The holding midfielder and Portugal youth international is expected to provide support for Moises Caicedo next season. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Ecuadorian has started all 28 Premier League games for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca this term. But the addition of Essugu could help ease the burden on the £115m ex-Brighton man. Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress However, while Essugu is set to arrive in the summer, Chelsea fans will have to wait another year to see Quenda in action for them.The 17-year-old winger sensation was a top target for Manchester United but Chelsea launched a “secret blitz” to secure a £40m deal as he underwent a medical in private. Quenda turns 18 next month and will stay with Sporting for the 2025-26 season.Geovany Quenda will join Chelsea in the summer of 2026Credit: AFPChelsea player ratingsCHELSEA are into the Conference League quarter-finals after beating Copenhagen 1-0.A rare moment of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall magic and two half-time subs igniting the game and the crowd were the difference.Cole Palmer’s half-time introduction alongside Marc Cucurella certainly injected some energy into the Chelsea attack, but he was still unable to break his run of poor form in this one.Enzo Maresca and his men will be hoping that small issue is fixed before they face Legia Warsaw in the next round.Check out our full Chelsea player ratings. More

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    Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny LIVE RESULTS: Huge world title fight ON NOW as Wrecking Ball unpunished after KICK – latest

    NICK BALL defends his featherweight title in his hometown of Liverpool – and is facing TJ Doheny RIGHT NOW!Ball, one of the most exciting fighters in British boxing, will undoubtedly be the favourite and a victory against TJ Doheny could pave the way for one or more unification bouts later this year.Doheny, 38, was stopped in September by Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue and may view this dust-up as his final chance for a world title – a Ball win could see him face Inoue next.The pair had to be separated by security as the weigh-in descended into chaos on Friday, before Ball and Doheny were warned by the referee after Ball KICKED his rival after a tangle at the end of round one.Andrew Cain and Charlie Edwards earlier met for the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles, with Cain winning a split decision after a boring fight.TV / stream: TNT Sports 1 / Discovery+Start time: 7pm GMTBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow the action with our live blog below…Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 7 Nick Ball is back on with the pressure from the first second as he lands big punches in the pocket.Ball is showing his youth here showing the stamina of a hungry champion wanting more.Doheny is starting to slow down and less punches are coming Ball’s way.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 6Ball is back on the pressure this round and lands some fantastic punches.A quick pause in action as Doheny’s laces are untied.Ball lands a great one-two combination that looked brilliant in slow motion.A great round from Ball as we reach the midway mark.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 5A good round by Doheny here in the fifth, as he does slow Ball’s rhythm well, with consistent in and out attacks.Ball seemed to struggle to get his combinations off this round and seemed frustrated at himself going back to the corner.The champion will be hoping to go up a gear in these next few rounds.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 4Doheny is very much trying to slow this fight down to his pace, however, the man from Liverpool is just so relentless with his forward pressure. Some great punches to the body land on Doheny who is just enough to keep up with Ball.Another good round by the champion.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 3Ball very much in control of this fight, upping the tempo and throwing much more punches in this round.Doheny does land a nice straight hand, but Ball shows no sign of effectiveness.Ball responds with some excellent combinations that are landing at will.A fantastic left hook lands over the top as the Irishman tried to evade but it lands perfectly on the temple just before the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 2A much closer round two sees both men land nice combinations on each other.Ball, still much the aggressor, is looks for a powerful right hand over the top that almost lands but Doheny does well to read it.Doheny, now 38, shows his experience well and is holding his own in this fight.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 1Nick Ball, known as one of the best featherweights has a fantastic start to this fight.He begins with a nice one-two down the middle of Doheny’s guard that does make the Irishman stumble.Ball being the shorter boxer, is very quick in his entries into the inside and lands some fantastic straight right hands.controversial way to end the round? as the bell rings, Ball knees Doheny in the back of the leg that clearly hurts Doheny.We’ll see if that effects the rest of the fight.Copy linkCopiedIts main event time!The moment we’ve all been waiting for is upon us, Nick ball defends his WBA world featherweight belt against the very experienced TJ Doheny.Not only is this a great fight but the two men have been going back and forth, and it all erupted at the weigh-ins.They very almost had premature blows had it not been for the intervention of security.Tensions rose between the pair as a fired-up Doheny fired verbal jabs the way of WBA 126lbs titleholder.Ball wasn’t in the mood to let the Irishman have the final word, saying: “You’re not ready”, before they continued to trade verbal barbs.This gonna be a good one folks, Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny is coming up next.Copy linkCopiedThe New WBA International Super-flyweight championAfter that fantastic KO victory, Jack Turner becomes the new WBA International Super-flyweight champion.He then spoke to the ringside reporter about his fantastic performance.”He said: “Never judge a book by it’s cover!””I think I’m gonna go through the lot of them [speaking about the super-flyweight division]”You haven’t seen what I can do, I’m very happy with my performance”.Copy linkCopiedHUGE KO!Jack Turner KNOCKS OUT Farrag in the second round with a devasting left hook that lands flush on the chin.After a great end to the first round, Turner comes out the blocks and goes in for the finish with a huge flurry that Farrag can’t stop.A fantastic win from Turner, he now goes to 11-0.Copy linkCopiedJack Turner vs Ryan Farrag – Round 1It’s very much youth vs experience in this match-up with their being a 14 year age gap between the two.Some nice exchanges between the two men to start this contest.Turner lands a nice combination to the head and follows up with a great body shot.Turner almost goes for the kill there at the end of first round, as he lets the hands go and puts Farrag in the corner.But the bell rings for the end of a great round.Copy linkCopiedVacant WBA International Super-flyweight belt up for grabsJust before the main event, we now have Jack Turner facing Ryan Farrag.Jack Turner has 10 wins and zero losses with nine of those coming by finish. He last fought Piero Ponte and won by TKO last December.His opponent Farrag is 23-5 and last fought in November where he beat Adam Yahaya by decision.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain wins by split decision. The Judges score the bout: 115-114 Cain, 115-113 Edwards, and 116-112 Cain.Andrew Cain wins the British and Commonwealth Bantamweight titles.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 12A decent round for Edwards sees him land some nice punches that have most likely seen him win the round.A large sound of boo’s once again ring around the arena.We now wait for the Judges’ scorecards for a decision. Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 11The one thing you can say about this fight is that Edwards has a very good engine.He’s kept Cain very frustrated throughout this whole fight.We go into the last round of this fight in what could be a close decision on the judges’ scorecards.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 10Cain starts the round mimicking his opponent again, but the ref stops him and says that he must engage.Edwards’ feet have slowed a lot in this round, meaning there was much more action compared to most of the other rounds.A nice exchange from the two men at the end of the round, hopefully this is the start of more action.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 9Another similar round to the past eight.Cain lands a nice hook on the middle of the round but Edwards is unfazed.Edwards is showing his impressive cardio, he hasn’t stopped all night.Three rounds to go.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 8Slightly more aggression is shown by Edwards, who lands a few nice one-twos. A nice exchange between the two men at the end of the round as Cain lands a nice hook, but Edwards counters with a straight right of his own.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 7Edwards is still moving around the ring but he does catch Cain with a nice straight hand at the start of the round.More boos ring around the arena, as many fans were hoping for a much better contest.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 6A few boos in the crowd now as the audience grows frustrated with the fight.The two men barely land anything in the round, however, Edwards is naturally slowing down with his circling, which could lead to openings.It’ll be interesting to see how the judges view the contest.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 5Cain is trying to find openings in Edwards, but he is only showing short single shots that aren’t doing much.Some nice combos are landing now for Cain, who is showing real frustration, wanting his opponent to stand and exchange with him.A little bit of showboating from Cain at the end of the round who mimics Edwards’ circling.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 4Another nice round from Cain who is looking to try and slow down Edwards.He lands a good hook to the body, trying to get anything clean to land.Edwards is still just circling the ring, not landing many punches.It will be interesting to see if he can keep this tactic up for all 12 rounds.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 3Cain is looking very confident in this third round, with his hands down trying to get on the inside.He’s looking quite frustrated with his opponent however, as Edwards isn’t showing any openings.Edwards is going to have to be more aggressive if he wants to win this fight.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 2A close-up of Edwards in the corner shows a cut on his temple with blood spilling, which will definitely be something to keep an eye on as we go into the next rounds.A cagey affair in this round, with not much to highlight, Edwards is circling the ring well getting out of any attacks.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 1A fast start by the two men for this 12 round contest.Cain is dominating the centre of the ring as he lands some nice jabs to keep his opponent on the outside.A very fast tempo in this fight with both men explosive with there combinations.Copy linkCopied More

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    ‘I don’t subscribe to it’ – Howe insists Newcastle are NOT cursed ahead of Liverpool despite 70-year-old ‘Gypsy Hex’

    EDDIE HOWE refuses to say the word “curse” never mind believing Newcastle have one.And he wants his players to use the 70-year wait for domestic silverware as a positive to become heroes against Liverpool.Eddie Howe is keen for Newcastle to ignore the past ahead of their Carabao Cup final with LiverpoolCredit: GettyThousands have Geordies have packed out the capital ahead of Sunday’s showdownCredit: AFPWembley success used to be a sure thing for the Magpies back in the day, with the club winning in their first five appearances at the Twin Towers.But the story goes that not long after the 1955 FA Cup triumph, a group of travellers made themselves at home on the land Newcastle used to train on.They were forcibly removed and, in retaliation, they are said to have placed a Gypsy curse on Toon.The Magpies have lost five Wembley finals in a row since but Howe issued a bold message to fans who say the club is hexed.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Toon boss said: “I don’t subscribe to that way of thinking.”There isn’t always a negative outcome.”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.”It was nip and tuck if we were going to qualify and we got over the line.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”So, there are examples where we have been really successful and even getting to the final isn’t a given. They are very difficult to get there.”Now we are there, we just want to play to our true maximum and capabilities.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup final”Destiny is in our own hands. I’m not even going to use the word you mentioned, it is not in that mindset, it’s about us delivering a great performance if we can.”Talking about the other outcome [winning] — that is exciting.”Joe Harvey was the last Toon boss to lift a major domestic trophy in 1955.And Howe added: “I understand it will be a negative or perceived negative for a lot of people — but we’re trying to look at it the other way around.I really respect him as a footballer…but I think it’s always about the team. Eddie Howe on Mo Salah”A chance to make history for us as a team. That’s very rare in football. You get very few opportunities to do that.”A chance to be remembered positively.”Howe must decide on Nick Pope or Martin Dubravka in goal.Winger Anthony Gordon is banned, with defenders Lewis Hall and Sven Botman injured.Toon’s biggest task is stopping Mo Salah.The Egyptian superstar has been directly involved in an astonishing 18 goals in 16 games against the Magpies.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Howe said: “I really respect him as a footballer. “I think it’s always about the team and making sure our structures are good, not about any individuals.” More

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    Premier League stars among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling

    PREMIER League stars are among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling and other mental health issues, figures reveal.Last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances such as cocaine and nitrous oxide, as well as sleeping pills and booze.Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard, pictured above, recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets. He said: “It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.”Some have become addicted to using black market zopiclone tablets to help them sleep as part of their recovery from training.The stars received treatment from the Sporting Chance clinic, which works with the Professional Footballers’ Association.READ MORE ON ADDICTIONOf the 530 supported last season, 42 players got help for gambling addictions.But these latest PFA figures for 2023-24 are said to be just the tip of the iceberg as scores of top stars seek help privately.Officials are also increasingly worried about the prevalence of nicotine pouches, called snus — with one in five professional footballers admitting to using them.And on Friday, it emerged two unnamed players tested positive for a banned ­substance immediately after games in the Premier League and Football League last season, according to UK Anti-Doping.Most read in FootballA dealer, who has supplied sleeping tablets to stars in the Premier League, said: “The main reason some players rely on them is because of their sleeping patterns.“Some expect players to train twice a day and want them to sleep in the afternoon to recover. It’s hard when your body is wired.A Premier League star has become the first footballer to go into rehab for an addiction to nitrous oxide canisters”Other times they rely on them is when they have a big midweek game which kicks off at 8pm. They might not get home until the early hours.“I know a few players who have tried to wean themselves off them but it’s hard.“They go cold turkey and spend days suffering from acute tiredness — but also being unable to sleep.”Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets More

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    Newcastle star Anthony Gordon raking in millions off the pitch as his company posts accounts for first time

    ANTHONY GORDON is proving as much of a hotshot off the pitch as on it.The Newcastle forward banked almost £3million last season in image rights payments.Anthony Gordon is raking it in off the pitch with his image rights companyCredit: GettyGordon’s image was dented this month with a three-match ban for violent conduct after lashing out at Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke.His red mist meant he is suspended for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.But he remains a key member of Eddie Howe’s squad as they push to get back into the Champions League.Gordon earns £150k a week from his bumper contract with Toon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the 24-year-old also earned the eye-watering sum on top of that last year.His firm Ollenotna Ltd made about £2.9m before tax in 2023-24.After settling bills, the company was left with assets of £1,694,030.The company was set up in January 2023 when Gordon signed from Everton in a £45million deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe huge sums were revealed in the first set of accounts posted by his firm, described as “other sports activities.”Gordon could earn even more should he eventually leave Newcastle.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalThe winger was a target for Liverpool last summer.But he ended up staying put at St James’ Park before signing a new long-term contract in October.Gordon is now preparing to link up with England after being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s first squad.He will compete with Marcus Rashford for a spot on the left wing and will be hoping to line up in the first World Cup qualifier against Albania. More

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    I was the last English manager to win major trophy SEVENTEEN YEARS ago… I hope Eddie Howe and Newcastle can do it today

    IT’S a fact people remind me of with every passing year — and one I’d love to see overtaken at long last.When I won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008, I never thought we would still be waiting for the next English manager to lift silverware.Harry Redknapp lifted the FA Cup in May 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdEddie Howe is dreaming of lifting silverware with the ToonCredit: GettyBut here we are, 17 years on, and still twiddling our thumbs, which is one of the reasons why I’d love to see Eddie Howe do so with Newcastle on Sunday at Wembley.Much of that, of course, is down to the infatuation with overseas coaches, which I’ve never understood because we have so many good ones of our own.And Eddie is top of that list — I would go so far to say as the nailed-on certainty to follow Thomas Tuchel as the next England boss.Admittedly, the field doesn’t have as many runners as you’d have said back in the day — you can thank owners obsessed with foreign managers for that!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Eddie is different class and it would be great to see him win something with Toon before he moves on to even bigger things.Sadly for the Geordie Nation, I don’t think it will be on Sunday afternoon.Mind you, just imagine the celebrations if they do get over the line.Yet that would be a disaster for Liverpool fans who were dreaming of a Treble just a week ago. Those same Reds supporters would have snapped your hand off for the Premier League title last summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut I guarantee that before their Champions League exit, a few would have been muttering “is that all” too.Which is why Sunday’s big game has suddenly become massively important for Arne Slot and his team.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalWin and it’s the first trophy in the cabinet. Lose and it becomes a week to forget in a season to remember.Seven days which started with fans buzzing but ending with them resigned to “only” winning the title.When the one bauble is the Premier League — the be-all and end-all for everyone — then anything else is always going to be a bonus.Especially when your manager is in his first season, as Slot is.After going 70 YEARS without a major domestic trophy, if any fans deserve to see their team win one it’s those Geordies.Harry RedknappThat’s not to suggest Merseyside has suddenly become the ungrateful capital of the country, though, before anyone gets on my case.It’s just an indication of how far ahead of the rest Liverpool have been this season and why, only a few days ago, their fans had hopes of winning three.That all ended with Paris Saint-Germain’s last penalty on Tuesday, when the Champions League went up in smoke.You won’t find a Geordie who wasn’t thrilled to see the game go the distance, by the way. Let’s not kid ourselves, Eddie will have been delighted with that too.Arne Slot has done an impressive job in his first season at LiverpoolCredit: AFPThe Reds crashed out of the Champions League in mid-weekCredit: RexBut the Reds have had five days to recover, Slot won’t have had them doing much in training, and with all the medical staff and care these days, they will be well over it.And what better way to put a defeat behind you than a cup final at Wembley for the first trophy of the season?It’s so evenly balanced, though. The Newcastle midfield is on a par with Liverpool’s and their forward line isn’t too shabby either.Anthony Gordon is banned but Harvey Barnes is no big drop in standards down one wing, with Jacob Murphy on the other. Plus Alexander Isak through the middle.So although Liverpool will understandably and rightly be favourites, Newcastle go there with a real chance — make no mistake about that.And let’s face it, after going 70 YEARS without a major domestic trophy, if any fans deserve to see their team win one it’s those Geordies.Sadly for the Geordie Nation, I don’t think it will be on Sunday afternoon.Harry RedknappBut ending that run means beating the best team in the country, because there’s no doubt they are up against the Premier League’s stand-out side.And Liverpool won’t want a bad week to turn into a terrible one.The big thing in their favour is the depth in the squad — Slot can make two, three or four changes and it hardly weakens his line-up.Cody Gakpo didn’t start midweek, so you would imagine he is a certainty for Wembley. That’s not exactly a step down in anyone’s book!Mo Salah is probably the only one of those forwards whose place is nailed on. It’s any two from four of the rest, and they don’t dip whoever gets the nod.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it’s not as though Slot has to think about giving players a rest to concentrate on winning the league — let’s not beat about the bush here, that job is already done.The Kop outfit have such a huge lead it does not enter the equation and of course it’s an international break after today.Mo Salah is nailed on to start the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty More