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      Fulham vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Neto’s last-gasp strike earns Blues vital three points in London derby – latest updates

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      CHELSEA have snatched a vital three points from their London rivals Fulham as they continue their Champions League charge.Alex Iwobi initially scored the opener to stun Enzo Maresca’s men before Blues youngster Tyrique George bagged his first-ever goal to put the sides on level terms.And just when it seemed as if the points would be shared, Pedro Neto scored a sublime strike to earn a crucial win for the Blues.RESULT: Fulham 1-2 ChelseaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Neto heaps praise on George He said: “What a finish it was. He has been working with us for a while. “Today he showed what he can do, he scored a beautiful goal and we go from that.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied’It is not easy’ Neto added: “I think it could be a big part of the season for us. We showed character. To be honest, I have no words.”It is not easy to spend all season in the top four and we were out before this game. “The character the team showed, we now need to think about Everton.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHit and hope Pedro Neto admitted his wonder-goal came from just leathering it as hard as he could. He said: “When I received the ball, I just span around and shot as hard as I can. The ball went in. “The first one, Leno did an unbelievable save and I was so frustrated that the second one I had to put all the power into the shot.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFull-time stats Possession – 40% – 60%Shots – 6-13Big chances – 0-1Corners – 5-4Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-2 Fulham – FULL-TIMENot quite a snatch-and-grab from the Blues but it teetered on it for much of the contest. The bitter rivals were separated by sheer quality in the end; two gorgeous strikes late in the second-half see Chelsea re-take their position in the top five. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-2 Fulham – GOAL93 – A goal deserving of winning a derby from MOTM contender Neto. A quick move engineered by midfield duo Caicedo and Fernández got the Blues up the pitch in seconds, beofre the latter’s cross deflected perfectly for their Portuguese winger to have a sweet crack at it and beyond Leno. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Fulham90 – Six minutes have been added on. It will go beyond that as Carlos Vinícius hobbles off the ground after contact with Sánchez. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Fulham88 – Gusto pulls up with hamstring discomfort and is replaced to former Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who gets a mixed reception with a smattering of you-know whats.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Fulham – GOAL83 – And just like that we have a game. In search for an equaliser, the ball bundles itself to the path of substitute Tyrique George as he dispatches first-time past Leno and sparks some life into a contest that was meandering. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham77 – A couple subs to ring through: Chelsea: Jackson OUT, George IN. Fulham: Sessegnon and Tete OUT, Wilson and Castagne OUT. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham75 – Fulham launch a hopeful ball forward to Jiménez, which is dealt by Sánchez and offloaded to Caicedo. The Ecuadoran midfielder is fouled and in the act of wanting to restart quickly plays the resulting pass out of play. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham71 – The home side make their first change of the afternoon as the industrious Lukić comes off for Cairney. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham68 – Palmer finally has a chance to make his mark on the game as he goes driving into Fulham’s box. His shot blazes off target into the stand. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham65 – A moment of cat and mouse with Palmer and Pereira. The Fulham playmaker had seemingly jinked enough to win a corner, or so he thought, with referee Taylor and his assistants ruling a goal-kick to the dismay of many. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 FulhamThe official attendance has floated past the press pack with the figures standing at 27, 000. It feels double that inside Craven Cottage. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham55 – After a 15-second of “shoot” from the home support, Chelsea get the ball clear and into an advantageous potion with Jackson. The striker’s releases Neto with a clear sight on goal from yards out but Leno makes himself big, literally and figuratively, to stop an equaliser. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham52 – A bit more pip to Chelsea’s step. Play is worked out to Neto who sets up Gusto in open space. A curling shot on his unfavourable weak foot is easily handled by Leno but signs of hope are seemingly emerging. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham47 – Sancho’s introduction has shifted Neto to the right, but the industry and threat remains. He earns free-kick, which results in a corner that Fulham eventually deal with. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 FulhamAnd we’re back. Two changes from Maresca: Sancho and Gusto on, James and Madueke for the Blues. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham – Half-time statsPossession – 41% – 59%Shots – 2-4Big chances – 0-1Corners – 3-1Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham – HALF-TIMEFor much of the half, Chelsea were just participating to manage the gushing Fulham momentum that was coming from all four corners of the stadium aswell as on the pitch.Alex Iwobi dispatched the half’s only goal with composure. Chelsea have lacked it, and the fight to go with it. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham 45 – Over the set-piece, Andreas Pereira delivers a looping ball which is headed away before the unmarked Berge can do anything about it.A corner was the assumption but Anthony Taylor blows the whistle for half-time to the frustrations of the away fans. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham 43 – Fulham have managed to stave any potential signs of danger from Chelsea expertly. Intricate build-up play on the left between Neto, Fernández and Cucurella was marshalled before being seized away. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham 35 – Robinson snuffles out Madueke’s attempt to craft a chance out on the right wing. No real breathing room for Chelsea. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 0-1 Fulham 31 – A rarity for Chelsea, but they manage to break out of Fulham’s half with purpose. A move two-man led by Jakcson and Neto on the left wing, as the latter cross has too much pace for his striker to connect with.Promising no less. Copy linkCopied More

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      Former Liverpool star Fernando Morientes, 49, ‘almost died’ from pulmonary embolism that left him in hospital for days

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      FORMER Liverpool star Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scare that left him hospitalised for days. The retired forward suffered a pulmonary embolism – a serious condition where a blood clot obstructs an artery in the lungs.Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scareCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMorientes – now a TV commentator – suffered the frightening ordeal while travelling on a plane. He told Spanish radio station Tiempo de Juego: “I was feeling ill after so many trips. “On one of them, my chest started to hurt, a stabbing pain below my sternum. “I thought it was something stomach-related and didn’t want to go to the hospital. READ MORE IN football “But that night I felt something and immediately went to the doctor. “They started looking at my heart and saw nothing until they found an effusion in the pleura. It was a pulmonary embolism.”Explaining his blood clot, Morientes said: “It’s a clot that formed in my knee due to the excess air on the plane and in the stationary car. “My blood began to thicken in the air and rose to my lung. I spent five days in the hospital, almost dying.”Most read in FootballWhat are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:difficulty breathing that comes on suddenlychest pain that’s worse when you breathe incoughing up bloodYou may also have pain, redness and swelling in one of your legs (usually the calf). These are symptoms of a blood clot, also called DVT (deep vein thrombosis).Source: The NHSMorientes spent only a season at Liverpool – signing from Real Madrid in 2005 – winning the FA Cup. In Madrid, the striker won two LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies.Morientes joined Valencia after leaving Liverpool and later Marseille for a season before retiring in 2010. But in 2015 Morientes came out of retirement aged 38 to play for DAV Santa Ana – a non-league side.Morientes, now 49, briefly managed third-tier Spanish side Fuenlabrada but was sacked after eight months.The former Spanish international – capped 47 times with 27 goals – now commentates and provides TV punditry. Morientes is now a TV commentatorCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Mykhailo Mudryk makes feelings clear on Chelsea ban with response to club’s Instagram post

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK appears to be missing life on the pitch amid his suspension following a failed drugs test.Mudryk, 24, is currently out of action after he was hit with a provisional suspension after he provided a positive result for an A-sample in late October.Mykhailo Mudryk has made his feelings on his drugs suspension clearCredit: APThe winger and Chelsea are now awaiting the result of the B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it also comes back positive – potentially leading to a FOUR YEAR ban.Mudryk has denied any wrongdoing, but hasn’t played for the Blues since November.And it looks like he is itching to return to the Stamford Bridge surface as he commented on Chelsea’s Instagram post throwing back to their clash against Fulham last season.Mudryk scored in that game, joining Armando Broja on the scoresheet securing a 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd ahead of another visit to face the Cottagers, the £89m star posted a crying emoji underneath Chelsea’s post of the previous fixture.Mudryk hasn’t played football since November 2024, in a 2-0 victory over Heidenheim in the Uefa Conference League.He’s kept a low profile since his suspension, but was spotted ringside for the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury fight in Saudi Arabia last December.After his positive test was initially announced, Mudryk defended himself on Instagram.Most read in FootballMudryk posted a crying emoji on Chelsea’s postCredit: instagramJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeHe wrote: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.”This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs test”I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has publicly declared the club’s backing of the forward too.He said: “We support and we trust Misha. Trust means that we believe Misha.”We support Misha and then we see. We are all sad. Me, the club, the players, we are all there.”What drug did Mudryk take?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK returned a positive sample for a drugs test in October.The Chelsea winger could face a ban for up to four years – because the drug was a performance-enhancing substance.It is alleged Mudryk had the drug meldonium in his system.Meldonium – aka mildronate – is a metabolic modulator similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern Europe.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in January 2016 following its high prevalence at the 2015 European Games in Baku.Just months later, former tennis world No1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation – although this was later cut to 15 months on appeal.Sharapova had been taking the drug for ten years for various health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.Also in 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin was found to have traces of meldonium in his system before he was due to fight fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder. More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Is he OK?’ – Fans fear for Butterbean as worrying footage of 58-year-old boxing icon’s ring return emerges

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      FANS voiced concern for boxing legend Butterbean after he made a return to the wrestling ring. The American – real name Eric Esch – became a star in the 1990s and early 2000s thanks to his knockout power and 26 STONE frame. Butterbean made a return to the wrestling ringCredit: X @GPWProductionsBut fans voiced their concern for the 58-year-oldCredit: X @GPWProductionsButterbean has fought in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and wrestlingHe appeared to struggle in his return matchAnd he also ventured into kickboxing, MMA and professional wrestling – even having a stint in the WWE. Butterbean’s last fight was in 2013, a boxing bout he lost to Kirk Lawton in Australia. But in retirement, Butterbean has dramatically transformed his body and lost an incredible 16 stone with the help of wrestler Diamond Dallas Page. And Butterbean actually returned to the wrestling ring for a match against Minoru Suzuki in Las Vegas.READ MORE IN boxing But he appeared to labour through the match, struggling to get to the canvas and out of the ring with Suzuki seemingly taking it easy on Butterbean. And at 58, fans had fear for Butterbean as one said: “What the hell is going on.”Another added: “In the immortal words of Johnny Knoxville: ‘Is Butterbean ok?'”But one argued: “Look, I don’t even care if the match was any good. Most read in Boxing”Just being able to see Butterbean be able to move around and do something is pretty great.”Another said: “People can s*** on the match, and rightfully so. “But it’s great to see Butterbean being able to at least do something and move around.”Butterbean has called out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and Mike Tyson after his weight loss. The famed puncher used yoga and dietary changes to go from wheelchair bound to wrestling again. Butterbean weighed 26 stone during his boxing careerCredit: GettyBut he lost 16 stone in retirementCredit: https://www.instagram.com/butterbeanboxer/ More

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      ‘This is becoming funny’ – Boxer sent crashing out of ring… then loses by FOURTEEN points on two judges’ cards

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      DALTON SMITH punched opponent Mathieu Germain out of the ring on the way to a landslide victory. Smith dominated Germain over 12 rounds, scoring knockdowns in rounds two, 11 and 12. Dalton Smith punched opponent Mathieu Germain out of the ringGermain went through the ropesGermain was beaten comfortably on pointsIn the eighth, Dalton chased Germain into the ropes and the Canadian ended up farcically crashing out of the ring. And one fan said: “This match is becoming funny.”Smith was a convincing winner on the scorecards thanks to his knockdowns – despite having a point off in the 12th for low blows. The scorecards read, 117-107, 119-105, 119-105 with Smith now closing in on a 140lb WBC world title shot. READ MORE IN boxing He said: “All I want to say is I want that world title next. “He [Germain] moved down for this fight, he’s been up fighting stronger guys. I could’ve done 20 rounds in there tonight. “Credit to Mathieu Germain, he was tough. I landed some big shots. We needed these rounds.”Smith retained his WBC silver title and now looks towards a world title shot against champion Alberto Puello. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPromoter Eddie Hearn said: “Next time we see [Dalton Smith] we’ll be fighting for the world title.” Also on the card in Sheffield, former featherweight champ Josh Warrington returned with victory over Asad Asif Khan. It was Warrington’s first bout since losing to Anthony Cacace last September – where he laid his gloves down afterwards. But the Leeds legend decided against retirement and is now linked with fighting Michael Conlan. Josh Warrington celebrates beating Asad Asif KhanCredit: Getty More

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      Mason Greenwood called out by fuming Marseille fans who display huge banner but ex-Man Utd man responds in style

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      MARSEILLE fans displayed a huge banner directed at Mason Greenwood during their 5-1 win over Montpellier on Saturday.Fuming supporters took aim at Greenwood and teammate Luis Henrique with a message displayed in the stands. Mason Greenwood was targeted by Marseille fans in their clash with MontpellierCredit: GettySupporters unfurled a banner that said ‘Greenwood, Henrique, get a move on’Credit: XTeammate Luis Henrique was also targeted by the bannerCredit: AFPGreenwood, 23, has had a mixed campaign at Marseille that has seen him come under fire for a lack of effort by manager Roberto De Zerbi despite being the second top scorer in Ligue 1.And it appears that Marseille fans have started to lose patience with the former Manchester United forward too.They unfurled a banner that read: “Greenwood, Henrique, get a move on!!!”Despite some fans claiming that the the banner could be suggesting that the pair should leave the club, it seems more likely that it is encouraging them to put in more effort.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf that is the case then it certainly worked, as Greenwood went on to score twice as Marseille jumped into second place in Ligue 1.De Zerbi didn’t hold back when assessing Greenwood’s efforts earlier in the season.The former Brighton manager said: “No one can have more respect for him that I do. But that doesn’t change anything. “I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough.Most read in FootballGreenwood responded brilliantly by scoring twiceCredit: AFPThe former Man Utd forward is the second top scorer in Ligue 1Credit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.”While Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has had to furiously deny claims that two senior players at the club have refused to play with Greenwood this week.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to JamaicaClaims in France suggested that former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and ex-Paris Saint-Germain star Adrien Rabiot have refused to play alongside the star.Reports claimed that Hojbjerg had gone to Benatia’s office to call for the removal of Greenwood and teammate Henrique from the squad.In an interview with La Provence via RMC Sport, Benatia said: “Can you imagine? He didn’t come to see me. “And what’s more, do you think I need a player to tell me that? “Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is one of the most professional in the locker room, a guy who only wants to unite and carry everyone along with him, like Rabiot.”Today, Adri is dying inside, he only wants one thing: to reach the Champions League. “These two are truly two examples, and at no point did they come to see me to dismiss Luis Henrique or Greenwood. The people who say that don’t want the best for OM.”Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia rubbished claims that two players had refused to play with GreenwoodCredit: Getty More

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      Eddie Hearn announces huge signing who will ‘follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua and ignite heavyweight division’

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      EDDIE HEARN believes he has found and signed Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight successor. AJ turned professional with Hearn in 2013 – one year after winning gold at the London Olympics. Eddie Hearn has signed Leo AtangAtang has been dubbed the successor to Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyJoshua went on to win the world titles twice and headlined some of the biggest bouts in recent memory. But now aged 35, the British legend is heading towards the end of his career with a huge void to be left. And Hearn reckons he has found the perfect man to succeed AJ in Leo Atang – a champion of the amateurs. Atang – a former rugby league winger from York – is a five-time national champ. READ MORE IN boxing He won the World Boxing Under-19 world championships last year – stopping Korean Lee Geon Hui inside the first round. And 18-year-old Atang has snubbed a run at the Team GB set up and dreams of the Olympics to turn pro under Hearn. Hearn said: “He’s the guy in my opinion to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua and ignite the heavyweight division to all kinds of fanbases across the country. “Young man, plenty of work to do, we’re going to box him all across the country, all over the world. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Seven, eight fights a year but remember what I say, everybody in this arena, everyone tuning in on DAZN, follow this young man, remember the name. “This is the future of British boxing and the future of the heavyweight division.” Boxer sent crashing out of ring… then loses by FOURTEEN points on two judges’ cardsAtang will be managed by former world champion Sunny Edwards and Anthony Fitzpatrick. He said: “It’s a dream come true to sign with Matchroom.“My team and I have had many good conversations leading to me turning pro. But I knew this one just felt right from the start. It’s what I always hoped for. “I cannot wait to get started with Eddie, Sunny, Anthony Fitzpatrick and all the team at Matchroom Boxing. “More importantly, I just want to get in the ring and show the whole world what I am all about. We put the work in and we put the hours in. I live the life. “My mentality is – push myself the absolute limit and leave no stone unturned. I’m fit, I’m strong and I’l be ready to go with anyone tomorrow. “I’ve got what it takes to go to the top of this sport. The future is here.”Atang is a five-time amateur championCredit: @leoatang1 More

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      Antony breaks silence on relationship with Ruben Amorim after Man Utd boss shipped £86m flop out on loan to Real Betis

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      ANTONY has opened up on his relationship with Ruben Amorim after the Manchester United manager sent him out on loan in January.Antony, 25, was loaned out to Spanish side Real Betis in the winter window after failing to live up to his mega £86m price tag at Old Trafford.Antony has opened up on his relationship with Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyAntony has revived his career with Real Betis since being sent on loanCredit: GettyThe Brazilian has returned to his form of old in Spain, registering eight goal contributions in 16 appearances for Betis.It’s a vast improvement on his numbers at United, where he scored just one league goal across the last two seasons with the Red Devils.Now the former Ajax winger has explained that he holds no bad blood with Amorim for shipping him out, instead complimenting the Portuguese manager for the little time they did spent working together.He told ESPN Brazil: “I’ve only had a short time working with [Amorim], but he’s a very good coach. A very intelligent coach.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”United are going through a difficult time at the moment, but he’s a good coach.”I had a good relationship with him, but I needed a new challenge and I wish him all the luck in the world in this final stretch of the season.”Antony gave a similarly glowing review of Erik ten Hag, who signed him for United in 2022 and managed him during his time at Ajax.He added: “Erik ten Hag is a coach I’m very grateful to.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”He helped me a lot in the Netherlands, and in England too, even though the opportunities didn’t come the way I wanted to.”But that’s the coach’s choice, I don’t hold any grudges or anything. On the contrary, I’m very grateful for everything he’s done with me, for all the conversations too.Man Utd legend Nicky Butt cautioned for head-butting security guard at his 50th birthday party with other football stars”He’s a coach who will certainly be in this story because he helped me a lot.”Antony is clearly enjoying his time at Betis and Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon recently claimed that the star wants to extend his stay at the Villamarin Stadium.While United boss Amorim has suggested that Antony’s revival might be down to Spanish football’s less physical style.Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot.’Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”Amorim has said Antony is thriving away from the English physicalityCredit: Getty More