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      in Soccer

      Sunderland confirm club record £20m signing in first summer transfer after winning promotion to Premier League

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      SUNDERLAND have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20m after helping the club to promotion.The French star, 25, reunited with his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris in January on a six-month loan from Roma that ended with Championship play-off glory.Sunderland have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20mThe 25-year-old helped the Black Cats to Premier League promotionWinger Le Fee has now penned a four-year contract to become the Black Cats’ first summer signing.He said: “I said before the play-off final that my heart was in Sunderland – I wanted to stay and this made it the most important game of my life.“Together we did it. From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed my football, my team-mates, and our supporters. “We shared an incredible experience, and now we get to take the next step.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“There are greater challenges ahead, but we must face them together. “And I can’t wait to play for Sunderland in the Premier League.”After triggering the clause to make the switch permanent, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “In Enzo, we knew we were acquiring a very high-level player who could be influential in critical moments – the moments that change the outcome of games and seasons.“He’s been a big part of our success, so we’re delighted that he’s signing permanently and joining us in the Premier League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “Above all else, he’s been a team player, and following our play-off final victory, I think everyone could see exactly what the club means to him.”Since January, Le Fee has scored one goal and provided three assists in 18 Championship appearances, starting 11 of them – including the play-offs.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inMeanwhile, Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt.The Black Cats could hold out for £25m for Bellingham, 19, who won Championship Young Player of the Year this season.He is the brother of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who won the same award in 2020 while playing for Birmingham City.The midfielder could face his older brother in the Club World Club if he joins Jude’s former club Dortmund before June 10.Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund More

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      in Boxing

      Fabio Wardley thought he was being SCAMMED on Facebook when Oleksandr Usyk asked him for sparring

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      FABIO WARDLEY thought he was being SCAMMED after being approached to spar Oleksandr Usyk in 2018. Usyk was preparing to defend his undisputed cruiserweight titles against Britain’s Tony Bellew at the time. Fabio Wardley with Oleksandr Usyk in 2018Wardley thought he was being scammed when he got the sparring offerCredit: Instagram / @fabiowardleyWardley was just 4-0 having only turned professional a year earlier off the back of four wins on the white collar circuit. So when the former recruitment consultant got a message to join Usyk’s camp in Kyiv – he could not quite believe it. Wardley told The Times: “I got this message on Facebook in broken English and at first I thought it might be a scam. “I was confused as to why I’d even be on Usyk’s radar. I’d left my job in London to focus on my career and I was working part-time in a commercial gym. READ MORE IN BOXING”I asked them for three weeks off and they said no, so I left. I flew to Ukraine and a driver had a sign with my name on it. “He didn’t speak a lick of English and I got into this stranger’s white van and I thought, ‘I don’t know if I’m making it home’, but then I met his team and they were all really nice. “I was extremely green. I didn’t know the scale of Usyk’s skill. To even lay a glove on him was really difficult. “I think I got something like £750 per week.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWardley’s success is one of the most unlikely in British boxing after forgoing amateur experience. His handful of white collar fights started as a way of keeping fit and ended with aspirations of a genuine pro career. Fabio Wardley faces off with Justis Huni ahead of his homecoming fight Wardley got his break in 2018 after sparring with Dillian Whyte and later being signed to his management stable. And he has since racked up 18 wins with just one draw – against Frazer Clarke which he brutally avenged in their rematch. Wardley now has the chance to put himself in line for the heavyweight titles former sparring partner Usyk holds. He said: “When I turned professional, I just thought I’d have a few fights and if I could win any kind of belt in my career, I’d be happy to have something decent to look back on. “I wasn’t supposed to be achieving these kinds of things.I got this message on Facebook in broken English and at first I thought it might be a scam. I was confused as to why I’d even be on Usyk’s radar.Fabio Wardley “I fought at the O2, then I headlined the O2, I’ve fought in Saudi Arabia as the chief support to Tyson Fury and to Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol. “It keeps feeling like we’ve peaked and that it can’t get any better and now I’m fighting at the stadium in my hometown. “I’m genuinely on the edge of a world title, which sounds crazy for me just to say.”Wardley, 30, has his homecoming Ipswich fight at Portman Road against Australian Justis Huni, 26, on Saturday.He was initially set to fight Jarrell Miller – the controversial serial drug cheat – until the American pulled out due to “injury”. So Aussie Huni – who won gold at the amateur World Youth Championships in 2016 – filled in as a late replacement on five weeks’ notice. Read More on The SunWardley said: “Huni is another opponent from a completely different end of entry in boxing terms. “After starting in white-collar, anything was a win. This wasn’t realistic, but you always imagine.”Wardley facing off with Justis Huni at Portman RoadCredit: Instagram @justis_huni More

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      in Soccer

      Soccer Aid 2025 teams in full with Wayne Rooney joined by fellow Man Utd legends and Tyson Fury managing England

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      THE full Soccer Aid teams have been revealed ahead of the charity clash with Wayne Rooney being managed by Tyson Fury.The celebrity and football legends match is set for June 15 at Old Trafford.Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney will be representing England at Soccer AidCredit: PALionesses legend Jill Scott will be back in actionCredit: PAOne Direction star Louis Tomlinson is one of the many celebrities playingCredit: PAActress Vicky McClure is on the coaching staffCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesThe England team is comprised of celebrities from various backgrounds including TV, music, and comedy.Comedians Alex Brooker and Paddy McGuinness will return to the squad, having previously featured, while TV icon Vicky McClure will be in the dugout.Musicians include the likes of One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and singer Tom Grennan.There are plenty of sporting legends trying their hand at football, with Olympic stars Dame Denis Lewis, Sir Mo Farah and former hockey star Sam Quek all playing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn terms of retired footballers, manager and boxing icon Fury will have plenty of talent at his disposal.Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will be joining Rooney.While other ex-pros include goalkeeper Joe Hart, Arron Lennon and Jermain Defoe.The Lionesses will also be represented as Toni Duggan and Jill Scott will be playing.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, the World XI also boasts plenty of football legends.A host of former Premier League stars have been confirmed in Peter Schmeichel’s team.England team and coaching staffHere is a look at the full team for England for Soccer Aid 2025…Team:Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur)Alex Brooker (TV personality)Jermain Defoe (Former footballer)Toni Duggan (Former footballer)Angry Ginge (YouTuber)Tom Grennan (Musician)Bear Grylls (TV personality)Joe Hart (Former footballer)Steph Houghton (Former footballer)Aaron Lennon (Former footballer)Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist)Paddy McGuinness (TV personality)Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian)Gary Neville (Former footballer)Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality)Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)Paul Scholes (Former footballer)Jill Scott (Former footballer)Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)Louis Tomlinson (Musician)Coaches: Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)Tyson Fury (Boxer)Harry Redknapp (Former football manager)Vicky McClure (Actor)Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)Ex-Man United, Man City and West Ham star Carlos Tevez will link up with the likes of Robbie Keane, Nemanja Vidic, and Harry Kewell.In goal, Edwin van der Sar is expected to wear the gloves, two years after suffering a brain haemorrhage.Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci will make up an important part of the defence.Women’s football will be represented by former internationals Nadia Nadim and Kaylyn Kyle.In terms of celebrities the World XI has plenty of stars more used to the stage than the pitch.Singer Dermot Kennedy will join actors Martin Compston, Noah Beck and Richard Gadd.Read More on The SunThere have been 13 Soccer Aid matches since it was launched by Robbie Williams in 2006, raising around £100million for Unicef.England have won six, including the 2024 edition, while the World XI have been victorious seven times.World XI team and coaching staffHere is a look at the full team for the World XI for Soccer Aid 2025…Team:Tony Bellew (Former boxer)Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer)Tobi Brown (YouTube star)Martin Compston (Actor) Richard Gadd (Actor)Bryan Habana (Former rugby star)Dermot Kennedy (Musician)Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer)Gorka Marquez (Dancer)Nadia Nadim (Footballer)Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star)Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer)Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer)Harry Kewell (Former footballer)Big Zuu (YouTube star)Noah Beck (Actor)Carlos Tevez (Former footballer)Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler)Robbie Keane (Former footballer)Manager: Peter Schmeichel (Former footballer) More

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      in Soccer

      Aston Villa ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 DAYS after ex-Barcelona star last played for them

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      ASTON VILLA are ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 days after he last played for them.The playmaker, 32, is currently on loan at Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, where he’s scored eight times in 43 outings.Aston Villa are trying to terminate Philippe Coutinho’s monster contractCredit: GettyHe has spent the last year on loan with Brazilian side Vasco de GamaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCoutinho, who also spent last season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, has not played for Villa since the start of the 2023/24 campaign — exactly 654 days ago.But he still has a year remaining on his lucrative £125,000-a-week contract, which Coutinho signed in 2022 after making his shock Barcelona loan permanent for £17million.And the Athletic claims Villa chiefs have now made it a priority to get his high wages off their books ahead of another summer splurge.Coutinho hit the ground running when he moved to Villa Park on loan in January 2022, scoring five goals in 19 games under Steven Gerrard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut standards slipped after his move became permanent, with the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich star netting just once in the following 24 outings.And Coutinho now looks set to become a free agent if Villa can agree a deal to terminate his contract this month.He’s not the only potential outgoing as Unai Emery’s men look to balance the books.Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey could be sold for the right price, with Emi Buendia, Leander Dendocker, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior up for grabs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThere is also interest in Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, but Villa are desperate to keep all three.Emery is preparing for several incomings too.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!Marco Asensio’s loan from Paris Saint-Germain could be made permanent.While Villa are huge fans of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. More

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      in Boxing

      Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco: Start time, live stream, TV channel and full card for epic super-middleweight title clash

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      CALLUM SIMPSON’S Barnsley homecoming sees him put his European super-middleweight title on the line against undefeated Ivan Zucco.Mr Simpson has been in the form of his life of late and is hoping to extend his perfect 17-0 professional record.Callum Simpson has beaten everybody in his way so farCredit: GettyThe British heavy-hitter goes into this bout off the back of a fifth-round stoppage win over Elvis Ahorgah in February, despite accepting the challenge on short notice.And it was no surprise to see Simpson successfully defend his crown in style – the very same belt he snatched from Zak Chelli last August via a unanimous decision.However, the champ has already admitted that his next opponent, Zucco, will give him the ‘fight of his life’ as the Italian icon has an even impressive undefeated record of 21-0.Furthermore, Zucco will step into the ring off the back of a dominant second-round stoppage over Kasim Gashi in December.Read more on Callum SimpsonWhen is Simpson vs Zucco?Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco will take place on Saturday, June 7.Ring-walks for this huge encounter are set to get underway at approximately 10pm BST. These timing are subject to change depending on the other fights on the undercard.Oakwell Stadium – home of Barnsley FC is the chosen venue for this mega title fight and it can host around 15,000 spectators.Tickets for this event are still available on TicketmasterPlease note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face valueWhat TV channel is Simpson vs Zucco on and can it be live streamed?Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Action.Fans can also stream the entire action through NOW TV via any compatible mobile device or tablet.What is the full card?Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco – for European super-middleweight titleMark Jeffers vs Sean HemphillRyhs Edwards vs Thomas EssombaFrankie Stringer vs Kane BakerEllis Price vs Jake PriceRed Johnson vs Harley CollisonSam Hickey vs Harley HodgettsMauro Silva vs TBAMost read in BoxingWhat has been said?Champ Callum Simpson has admitted that this will be his toughest fight so far in his illustrious professional career.The British boxer said: “This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m expecting my toughest test to date.”Last summer, I won the British and Commonwealth titles in front of my home crowd, and now we’re coming back, bigger and better, fighting for the European title against an undefeated fighter in Ivan Zucco.”This isn’t just another fight, it’s a massive European night, and I’m coming to put on a statement performance. I need Oakwell to be a fortress on June 7 and make sure that European title stays right here in Barnsley.”The support from Barnsley means everything to me. This town has backed me from day one, and to be fighting at Oakwell again, in front of my people, is something special. “Last time we sold it out in two days, this time we’re going even bigger. It’s going to be a night to remember and I couldn’t be prouder to represent Barnsley on the big stage.” More

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      in Boxing

      Justis Huni survived a drive-by-shooting before swapping Australia for Blackpool ahead of Fabio Wardley fight

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      JUSTIS HUNI enters enemy territory when he faces Fabio Wardley in Ipswich – but it will take a lot to faze the travelling Australian. After all, Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022 only to win his next fight less than a week later. Justis Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022Credit: GettyPolice investigating at the house of Huni after the attackCredit: GettyThe boxer was just 23 when his family home in Brisbane, with ten inside, was targeted with five bullets. Two children, one aged eight and one just six months old, were among those in the house when shots fired at 4am. And despite cops and news crews surrounding the property – Huni was more focused on his morning sparring session that day. He told Ring Magazine: “I still remember it well.READ MORE IN BOXING”It was like, gunshots fired at my house then all of a sudden I had police and TV crews at the front of my house all morning. “But I had sparring that morning. I just looked straight past the news crews and just went to sparring. “Got my sparring done and then came back home to so much news and reporters at the house.”The frightening ordeal came while Huni was 5-0 – with four knockouts – and was approaching a fight against Joseph Gooddall.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he would amazingly win the bout over ten rounds, not losing a round in the eyes of one judge.Three years on and no arrests were made and the perpetrators remain a mystery.Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight Huni has since improved his record to 12-0 and returns on Saturday in the biggest fight of his career. He replaced Jarrell Miller – the controversial serial drug cheat – after the American pulled out of facing Wardley through “injury”. Huni accepted the deal on just five weeks notice and has no fear in taking on Ipswich’s Wardley at Portman Road having overcome far worse. He said: “The timing of the shooting was crazy because I had the Goodall fight five days later. “I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.”Everything is all character building and everything has got me to where I am today and to be able to get me past obstacles that are about to come up like June 7th. “Everything in my life has happened for a reason. It was scary of course, I was living in the house and my whole family was in the house that night. “It was a scare but I think I was so zoned in and focused on the fight it did not affect me. I kind of just overlooked it.”Now that I think back at it, it was a big deal, but at the time I was so focused on my job at hand that I kind of just brushed it away and just kept moving forward. I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.Justis Huni on his drive-by-shooting ordeal “I won that fight and there was so much security and stuff at the fight because obviously they thought it was connected to me.”I don’t know. It just shows what the mind can do when you’re locked in on something so bad. You just kind of forget about it.”Huni, 26, flew to England in mid May to face off with Wardley, 30, for the first time on the football pitch. And instead of flying 10,000 miles back, the Aussie set up camp in Blackpool’s Sharpstyle Boxing Gym for the remainder of his training. He said: “It’s a kind of interesting place. It’s a bit different to the Gold Coast.”I haven’t had a chance to look around and go down to the water yet but from what I’ve seen it seems quiet here and that’s how I like it. “It’s a lot better than when I was in London for a few days – that was too busy for me, too much traffic.”But there’s not nearly as much traffic in Blackpool so I’ve liked it. “We’ve managed to get the sparring we need from a few local boys who have come down to help me out. Read More on The Sun”I’ve got all the training that I’ve needed. I’ve done all the hard work I’ve needed to do. “I’m just going to go in there and do my job… do what I’ve done for the last 20 years since I started in this sport.”Huni is from Brisbane but has been training in BlackpoolFabio Wardley facing off with HuniCredit: QUEENSBERRY More

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      in Athletics

      ‘Chosen the wrong sport’ – Fans stunned at how sprinter finished race after falling over final hurdle

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      A HURDLER stunned fans with her epic finish to a race – despite falling over the final hurdle.And supporters joked she has chosen the wrong sport.Brooklyn Anderson had a commanding lead in her 100m hurdles raceCredit: XShe clipped the final hurdle and fell to the groundCredit: XShe brilliantly went straight into a forward rollCredit: XAnderson then did a second roll to cross the lineCredit: XBrooklyn Anderson of Thurston High School lined up in the Track Town USA Girls 5A 100m hurdles final at the track and field championships in Oregon.And she opened up a commanding lead across the first nine hurdles in lane four. However, disaster appeared to strike at the tenth and final jump.Some of her rivals were yet to make the ninth hurdle when she took off for the last time.READ MORE ON SPORTBut Anderson clattered into the hurdle and despite her best effort, could not keep her footing.Instead, she crashed to the track as her rivals closed in on her.It looked for the world as though Anderson’s dreams of victory had been shattered.But then came her moment of sheer genius inspiration.Most read in AthleticsAnderson’s quick thinking saw her take the fall in her stride and produce the smoothest forward roll somersault on the track within her lane. However, when she finished the roll she was still a couple of metres short of the line.So Anderson did another full somersault to roll over the line – just in front of her nearest challenger in the next lane who had cut the gap. Incredibly, Anderson still crossed the line in a rapid 14.93 seconds to claim victory. The champion said: “I wasn’t sure how far back everyone else was behind me. “I just knew I had to keep rolling to keep going, because I wanted to get first.”‘DISRESPECTFULLY FAST’And fans flooded social media with adoration for her superb feat of spontaneity. One fan joked: “Brooklyn Anderson was so far ahead, she could trip, do two somersaults, stop for a smoothie, update her LinkedIn, and still cross the finish line before anyone else even realised the race had started. Now that’s disrespectfully fast!Another said: “Champion mentality.”And a third commented: “The double rolly polly finish, think this sprinter has chosen the wrong sport – gymnastics.”But one user later explained that Anderson was indeed a former gymnast – hence the acrobatic expertise. He wrote: “Well deserved.Read More on The Sun”Brooklyn Anderson, a former gymnast, had a strong lead when she clipped her knee on the last hurdle.”Thanks to her quick thinking, Anderson decided to somersault through the finish line, barely beating the competition.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton apologises to Sky Sports presenter after tense interview that saw F1 star on verge of tears

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has apologised to a Sky Sports presenter after being left on the verge of tears during a tense interview.The shocking moment came after Hamilton blamed himself for a “terrible” performance at the Spanish Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton has apologised after coming close to tears after the Spanish GPCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports F1He apologised to Sky Sports’ Rachel Brookes for a tense interviewCredit: GettyThe Ferrari star finished sixth in Barcelona, with Oscar Piastri coming first, meaning he remains winless for his new team.After the race, Hamilton was interviewed by Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes.And the seven-time world champion appeared close to tears when asked if there was “something wrong” with Ferrari’s car.He said: “Not particularly, it was not a great day. The strategy was good, the team did a great job. That’s it.”READ MORE IN F1Noting Hamilton’s downcast mood, Brookes replied: “I hate seeing you in this mood.”But the Brit snapped back with watery eyes: “Well what do you want me to say? I had a really bad day and I’ve got nothing to say.“It was a difficult day, I’ve got nothing else to add to it. There’s no point explaining it.“It’s not your fault, I’ve just not got anything to say. I’m sure (Ferrari) won’t (be able to find a fix), the answer is probably just me.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHamilton has since apologised to Brookes for his tense replies in the interview.Her fellow Sky Sports star David Croft revealed all on The Fast and The Curious podcast.Fernando Alonso overheard taking sarcastic swipe at old rival Lewis Hamilton after blunder ahead of Spanish Grand PrixHe said: “Lewis was really down on himself, and no one likes to see that because at the end of the day, whether you’re a fan or not, Lewis Hamilton is the greatest racing driver we’ve ever seen.“Statistically, he is the greatest. I think he’s the greatest even without the stats. “He wears his heart on his sleeve and should be applauded for that because it does a lot of good when he wears his heart on his sleeve.“He did apologise to Rachel Brookes for being so down in the dumps off camera. He said, ‘I’m really sorry about that, I’m just so down’.“And that just shows the extent that he really was down. He’s not putting this on for the cameras, trust me. “And once again, it’s right after the race. He’s not had time for a debrief. He’s not had time to have a chat with his race engineer.“So he probably didn’t know the extent of whatever damage the car had at the time he spoke to Rachel.“And he probably didn’t realise that it was the car that was hindering him more so than his driving in that one.Read More on The Sun“And look, when you’re in a Ferrari and you’re overtaken by Nico Hulkenberg, albeit in a Ferrari-powered Sauber, you’re going to question, ‘Is it me really? Am I doing something wrong here?’ “Because it just didn’t go for him really from the outset.” More