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      Nottingham Forest in Champions League and Newcastle miss out on Europe – how Premier League table would look without VAR

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST would have earned a Champions League spot at the expense of Newcastle if VAR did not exist.And the Magpies’ escape from any consequences for their home defeat by Everton is put into even starker content as they would have missed out on European football altogether without the technology.Nottingham Forest would have earned a Champions League spot if VAR did not existNewcastle would have missed out on Europe if VAR did not existSunSport have analysed all 380 Prem matches this term and worked out how the table would have looked if the original on-field decisions had not been overturned after intervention by the Stockley Park video booth.Our number crunchers found that Eddie Howe’s men were by far the biggest beneficiaries of VAR changes. Newcastle had a staggering 13 decisions changed in their favour, with just five reversals hurting them.That brought a net figure of +8, with Aston Villa and West Ham next in the benefits column with each having four more interventions in their favour than against them.Read More on FootballOur analysis, which assumes every penalty that was initially awarded and then wiped was scored, suggests that without VAR Newcastle would have picked up four fewer points – dropping them to eighth in the table – and conceded seven more goals.Forest, whose home defeat by Chelsea left them in the Conference League slot, would have finished fifth in our “No VAR” table.And Bournemouth, ninth in the actual table, would have been preparing for a first continental campaign in the Europa League without the technology changes.Andoni Iraola’s side had 11 VAR changes against them and just three in their favour, costing the Cherries EIGHT points and seven goals.Most read in FootballThe study of the 111 changed decisions cannot determine definitively what would have happened in real life if the initial decisions had not been overturned.But one of the most contentious calls saw Dango Ouattara’s last-gasp “winner” against Newcastle in August chalked off for a handball PGMOL chief Howard Webb subsequently conceded was wrongly overturned after the VAR intervention.Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs ChelseaOver the course of the season there were 12 goals and 25 penalties awarded through VAR intervention – with 21 of those spot-kicks converted – compared to 48 goals and 11 penalties disallowed.Liverpool’s 10-point advantage over Arsenal at the top of the pile would have been reduced to just two without VAR, as the Gunners lost eight points from the six overturns against them – including “winning” goals against Chelsea, Fulham and Aston Villa.Chelsea and Manchester City swap places, with the Londoners up to third, with Villa down one to take the Conference League slot. More

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      Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants at Champions League parade – but Win the dog steals the show

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      KATIE McCABE got the party started as Arsenal lifted the Women’s Champions League trophy in front of a huge crowd of supporters outside the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners beat European giants Barcelona 1-0 on Saturday to win their second Champions League title.Katie McCabe got the party started at Arsenal’s Champions League trophy celebrationsCredit: ReutersThe full-back sang an anti-Tottenham chantCredit: GettyMcCabe recreated the moment Jack Wilshere addressed the crowd at Arsenal’s 2015 FA Cup celebrationCredit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal just seven minutes after coming off the bench for midfielder Frida Maanum.Against the odds, Arsenal went on to lift the trophy at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.After partying into Saturday night – and enjoying a performance by popstar Jess Glyne at their hotel – the Gunners returned to London the following afternoon.They spent Sunday evening partying in Mayfair before taking to the Emirates Stadium on Monday for a trophy lift.READ MORE ON ARSENALAt least 10,000 fans arrived at the ground to watch Renee Slegers and Co parade the silverware.But it was McCabe who stole the show during the presentation, which was hosted by Alex Scott just above the club megastore.The defender took the microphone from the Arsenal icon before breaking into song.McCabe sang chants for the likes of Blackstenius, Slegers and Beth Mead before having a ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in front of the supporters.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMuch like the fan-favourite midfielder did in 2015 after Arsenal’s FA Cup final win over Aston Villa, McCabe said: “What do we think of Tottenham?” to which the crowd responded: “S**t!”The full-back then screamed: “What do we think of s**t?” before the fans then replied: “Tottenham!”Inside Katie McCabe and her family’s wild Champions League celebrations after Arsenal’s historic winArsenal’s second mascot, a labrador named Win, also made an appearance at the celebration.She was lifted up to the crowd by Mead after the trophy lift.Speaking about the match, head coach Slegers said: “I’m often very calm and there’s a lot of thoughts and feelings inside me. When the whistle blew for the final, I knew we had two weeks of preparation.”We were so prepared. We were ready, let’s go and see where we’re at and go for the win.”We are working everyday with the players and the staff, there is incredible work being done. When we step on the pitch and see you guys, it makes it all real. Thanks so much, you’ve been incredible.”The club’s labrador Win was lifted up to show the crowd by Beth MeadCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I couldn’t take it anymore’ – Antony breaks down in tears over Man Utd struggles and admits he went DAYS without eating

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      MANCHESTER UNITED winger Antony broke down in tears over his struggles at Old Trafford while admitting he would go DAYS without eating.The Real Betis loanee, 25, declared “I couldn’t take it anymore” just days before the Spanish side’s Conference League final against Chelsea.Antony has opened up on his darkest days at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe winger is now loving life with Conference League finalists Real BetisCredit: GettyAntony joined Manuel Pellegrini’s side in January after being frozen out at United by Ruben Amorim.But after managing just one goal in 14 games for the Red Devils, he’s since gone on to net nine times for Betis — as well as chipping in with five assists.A permanent move could now be on the cards for Antony, who cost £90million when he joined United from Ajax in 2022.Amorim’s side are reportedly ready to part ways for just £30m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Antony has now indicated he does not plan on returning to England after lifting the lid on his struggles in the Premier League.Revealing he would struggle to eat while spending days locked in his room, Antony became tearful as he recalled his painful memories.He told TNT Sports Brazil: “(Betis) changed a lot because i needed to find myself, because of everything I went through in my personal life.“As I said, I wanted to do things, but they didn’t see to work out because I wasn’t happy, I didn’t feel that desire to play football, and I needed to find myself and be happy again because playing football was always something I loved.  Most read in Football“I went through difficult times [at Manchester United] when I no longer felt that pleasure. I even always told my brother, I told him that I couldn’t take it anymore.“[My brother] told me to hold on a little longer, that things were going to change. It even made me emotional, because they were very hard days for me.Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim’s claim that the ‘good days are coming’ for Man Utd“Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room.“So, for me it was very complicated, but thank God, with the help of my family and mainly with the help of God, I managed to get ahead and today I am very happy here.” More

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      in Boxing

      Josh Taylor shows off brutal face injuries after crushing Ekow Essuman loss and explains why he stormed out of the ring

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      JOSH TAYLOR apologised to his fans and vowed to fight again after storming out of the ring following a nightmare homecoming. Taylor moved up to welterweight after signing with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions in a bid to revive his career. Ekow Essuman defeated Josh Taylor on pointsCredit: SNSBut in his first fight back in a year, the Scottish great was handed a humbling points loss against Ekow Essuman in Glasgow. The ex-undisputed world champion refused to stick around to congratulate Essuman and thank the 13,000 who came out in support. But Taylor, fuming with the scorecards, posted: “I would just like to apologise to all the fans last night for leaving the ring before having an interview and before taking the time to thank you all for showing up and showing out, as you always have done over the past 10 years. “I headed to the changing rooms because I did not want to say something in the heat of the moment or that I’d later regret on live tv. READ MORE IN BOXING”Your support means the world to me and you’ve created wonderful memories for me that will stay with me until the day I die. “You’ve all helped to create some incredible moments in my life and despite the result, last night was another special night that was right up there, so thank each and every one of you. “Thank you to Queensberry for bringing a big show back to Scotland and to Ekow once again on the victory.”Taylor became undisputed super-lightweight kingpin in just 18 fights and found himself in the top ten pound-for-pound discussion. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut cracks in his career started to appear after a controversial split-decision win over Jack Catterall in 2022. He was then beaten by American Teofimo Lopez, 27, in 2023 before losing his rematch to Catterall, 31, last May. Hamzah Sheeraz opens up on sparring Justin Bieber in LA gymDefeat to Essuman, 36, now his third on the spin leaves Taylor’s career in tatters but the southpaw insisted he will fight on. Sporting a battered face and swollen eye, the 34-year-old told iFL TV: “I’ll be back to the gym in a couple of weeks. “That’s the mistake I’ve made in the last couple of years. Got into that routine. I’ve had one fight a year since 2020, it’s just not enough activity. “Congratulations to Ekow and his team. He fought a good fight, it was a great fight and I’d love to do it again to get it back. “But he’s obviously well entitled to go and do other things. He’s been waiting for his chance so he’s going to want to look onto bigger fights. “But I’d love to get it on again and have another good fight because it was a good fight.” Taylor was left with a battered face More

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      in Motorsport

      Sky Sports cut live TV broadcast and order presenters to evacuate studio during coverage of famous event

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      SKY SPORTS was forced to cut a live TV broadcast before ordering presenters to evacuate during studio coverage of the Indy 500.The dramatic moment occurred on Sunday as pundits discussed the latest edition of the famous US race.Sky Sports cut a live TV broadcast as the studio was evacuatedCredit: X @TomGaymorThe moment occurred during a dramatic Indy 500, with one star crashing into his own teamCredit: ReutersSpain’s Alex Palou extended his lead at the top of the leaderboard as he held on for victory against Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson.There was also a terrifying crash as rookie Robert Shwartzman ploughed into his own team “like a bowling ball” in the pit lane.But back at Sky Sports, where chiefs have just axed The Football Show, there was an equally tense moment in the studio.Presenter Tom Gaymor was among those affected when a fire alarm sounded.READ MORE IN SPORTIt forced him and guests to evacuate the studio during their live broadcast.And Sky Sports was forced to cut the coverage early as a result.But Gaymor assued fans that all was OK on social media.He declared: “I hope you all enjoyed that as much as we did.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Thank you for all your kind messages and for tuning in. Had to come off air slightly early as we were being evacuated due to a fire alarm.”Fans reacted online, with one saying: “Great broadcast, even if it finished a bit abruptly.” Indy 500 driver ploughs into his pit crew and injures four team membersAnother joked: “Was it for Rossi?”The incident came several months after Sky Sports’ NFL studio was forced to evacuate due to a fire alarm in the middle of a playoff game.The moment occurred in the clash between the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens.Stadium clips had to be played as the studio went unmanned, with host Neil Reynolds revealing: “Fire alarm. Had to leave building for now.“Hope to be back with you soon. Never a dull moment in the playoffs.”After returning to the screen, Reynolds later joked: “We’re not letting no fire alarm beat us.” More

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      Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a child

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      CALLUM WILSON revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 and how seeking therapy a year ago saved him from his demons.The father-of-two forward, whose Newcastle contract expires next month, bravely spoke out during Mental Health Awareness week and hopes his story will inspire others to ask for help.Callum Wilson revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12Wilson has represented England at senior levelCredit: GettyHis Newcastle contract expires at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyEngland international Wilson, 33, bared all about growing up in Coventry as one of six children with a single mum and with a different dad to his siblings.The Leeds transfer target spent time in foster care and had to regularly use food banks while also staying in safe houses after witnessing domestic violence at home.He told Jake Humphrey on the High Performance podcast: “I cried myself to sleep at night. I got to about 12, 13 – it was like suicidal moments.”When I say I cried myself to sleep, I was just praying to God like ‘take me out of this environment, I want to become a footballer’.”read more in football He admitted: “I’ve walked alongside the train track and was building up the courage to jump basically in front of the train. “I’ve tied cables around my bedroom rail and my PlayStation remote controller to see if it was strong enough to hold my weight.“Football really was my saviour, it was my escape.”Wilson, though, refuses to blame his mother for any of his unstable upbringing, saying: “It was my mum on her own, all my siblings in the house. Most read in Football”We had a three bedroom council house. Food was sparing to come by. That, along with a bit of turmoil.“I probably have a lot of aggression from that point, but football was a place that I could be aggressive in my position on the pitch and it would be ok. So it was like a release really.”Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdDespite all of the success in his career on the pitch, Wilson admitted that he had started to become more aggressive over recent years and he started to gamble.Though he hailed a Newcastle physio for spotting he needed help and making him take it – which felt “like a weight was lifted” after the very first session.He added: “Once I started speaking, and revealed everything I’ve been through in life, she was like ‘Wow, how have you got to this point already without not seeing a therapist?’“I speak to my wife about it, but I didn’t want to blur the lines with our relationship. “She’s not my therapist, she’s my wife and the mother of my children, so I didn’t want to burden her with problems. “You can speak to a therapist and it does feel a sense of relief afterwards.“It’s an investment in yourself and more than worth it. I’m probably learning a lot about myself now – little traits that I have that were obviously triggered by things as a kid. I’m really happy.”YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organizations provide support:CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.ukMind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123Movember, www.uk.movember.comMeanwhile, Wilson appeared to wave goodbye to Newcastle with a tearful solo lap of honour round the St. James’ pitch on Sunday after the Magpies had secured Champions League qualification.Although Magpies boss Eddie Howe refused to rule out a potential stay.Howe said: “Let’s wait and see. We’re going to sit down and talk with his representatives.“What I can say is Callum Wilson is and has been just an incredible footballer for Newcastle. “Someone who epitomises the spirit that’s got us to where we are really professional. Brave.“To come here and be the No.9 in the manner and the moment that he did in the club’s history. Read More on The Sun”It was a difficult moment and the club needed hope and Callum gave them hope, led the line with that responsibility and the pressure that role brings unbelievably.“He brings a positivity to the group. He’s a leader within the change room. He’s just been incredible and let’s wait and see what happens.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Tomas Rosicky rushed to hospital with heart issues as he releases worrying statement

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      FORMER Arsenal star Tomas Rosicky has been rushed to hospital with heart issues.The Czech icon, 44, suffered the health scare last week while working in his role of sporting director at Slavia Prague.Tomas Rosicky has been rushed to hospital with heart issuesCredit: GettyThe Czech ace won an FA Cup during his time in LondonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdRosicky, who spent 10 years at Arsenal and was tipped to replace transfer chief Edu Gaspar earlier this year, was immediately taken to intensive care at a hospital in Prague.And he is now being treated at home after doctors decided he did not require surgery.Rosicky’s club Sparta Prague confirmed the news in a worrying statement.It read: “Our sporting director, Tomas Rosicky, was unexpectedly hospitalised in the intensive care unit last Tuesday due to heart-related issues. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Neither Tomas nor the club will disclose further details. Fortunately, no surgery was required. Tomas, you have our full support. We’re all thinking of you.”Until this official announcement, only a few closest members of the club and his family were aware of the situation. “Given the seriousness of the matter, both the club and Tomas chose to communicate publicly only after he was released into home care late last week.”Rosicky himself commented on the situation, adding: “As a player and sporting director, I’ve always gone all in. Full effort, no hesitation. Most read in Football”But this situation has shown me that I need to take better care of myself. Poor lifestyle habits, lack of physical activity, and family predispositions unfortunately brought me here. “The good news is that I’m expected to make a full recovery, though I’m currently unable to carry out the demanding responsibilities of a sporting director. Moment bold Arsenal fan bombarded with X-rated chant from Spurs supporters after strolling around Bilbao in Gunners kit”I’ll remain in touch with my colleagues as we’ve always operated as a team. We have a clear vision, strategy, and structured processes in place. The guys will take care of it.”Rosicky started his playing career at Sparta Prague in the 1998/99 season before spending six years at Borussia Dortmund.With two Czech titles and a Bundesliga under his belt, the midfielder joined Arsenal in 2006 for £7million.He went on to score 28 goals in 247 outings while leading the Gunners to the 2014 FA Cup.Rosicky’s time in London was greatly affected by multiple injury issues.And in 2016 he returned to Sparta Prague, where he made just 13 more appearances before retiring in 2018 and taking up his sporting director role.Tomas Rosicky’s career statsSparta Prague, 1998-2001: 67 games, 13 goalsBorussia Dortmund, 2001-2006: 189 games, 24 goalsArsenal, 2006-2016: 247 games, 28 goalsSparta Prague, 2016-2019: 13 games, 1 goalCzech Republic, 2000-2016: 105 games, 23 goalsTrophiesSparta Prague: Czech First League x2Borussia Dortmund: BundesligaArsenal: FA Cup, Community Shield More

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      Erik ten Hag’s return to management CONFIRMED as ex-Man Utd boss replaces Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen

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      ERIK TEN HAG has officially been announced as the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen.The Dutchman replaces Xabi Alonso, who is set to pen a three-year deal with Real Madrid on Monday.Erik ten Hag is the new manager of Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyThe Dutchman has penned a two-year dealCredit: GettyTen Hag had been out of work since leaving Manchester United in October.Several clubs – including his beloved Ajax – reportedly approached him during his seven-month hiatus.But the 55-year-old has now committed to Bayer Leverkusen.The former United manager last week signed a two-year deal with Bayer, keeping him at the club until June 2027.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUpon his arrival, he said: “Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe.”The club offers outstanding conditions, I’ve been very impressed with the discussions of the management.”I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team.”Meanwhile, the club’s sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said: “With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch. His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”With three league titles and two domestic cup wins he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022. “And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times.”Our ideas of football coincide. With technically demanding and dominant football, we want to carry on in the Werkself style and aim for the highest targets in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League.”Ten Hag reveals problem with current players in first interview since Man Utd sackingTen Hag was sacked by Man Utd in October following a 30-month spell at Old Trafford.He left the club with United 14th in the Premier League table.United ended the season one place below in 15th with 18 points fewer than last term. More