More stories

  • in

    Sun reporter told to wear hijab to interview Iran’s football team… in Austria

    A SUNSPORT reporter was compelled to wear a hijab headscarf to quiz Iran’s football team after a match — in Austria.Stunned Isabelle Barker was told she could only speak to the international squad players and manager Carlos Queiroz if her hair was covered.
    A Sunsport reporter was compelled to wear a hijab headscarf to interview Iran’s football team after a match — in Austria
    Stunned Isabelle Barker was told she could only speak to the international squad players and manager Carlos Queiroz if her hair was covered
    Furious Isabelle considered staging a one-woman protest outside the team’s hotel in Vienna but, like a true professional, got on with her job.
    The hijab demand came from the squad’s security staff ahead of a press conference at the hotel yesterday, the day after Iran beat Uruguay 1-0 in a friendly.
    Public protests have been taking place in Iran after police allegedly beat a woman to death for wearing a headscarf the wrong way.
    Isabelle said she tried to buy a hijab after the order but the shops had shut so she made one from a T-shirt.
    READ MORE SUN SPORT
    She said of the ultimatum: “I couldn’t believe what was being asked of me and I even thought about staging my own protest. But I had a job to do so my only real option was to comply.”
    England play Iran in their World Cup opener in Qatar on November 21.
    Isabelle stressed that the hijab order had not come from the team’s press officer, former Man United coach Queiroz or any of the players, who include Omid Ebrahimi, “all of whom were friendly and co-operative”.
    The Iranian Football Federation had earlier barred all media from reporting on ­Friday’s game before making a U-turn.
    Most read in The Sun
    Tensions ignited during the match when two fans were ejected from the NV Arena for unveiling an anti-Iran sign.
    Protesters in Iran have been burning hijabs in solidarity with Mahsa Amini, 22, who died after allegedly being beaten by the nation’s morality police on September 16.
    The hijab demand came on Friday from the squad’s security team just hours before Iran played Uruguay in a friendly, winning 1-0Credit: Reuters More

  • in

    Tyson Fury set for surprising new career before historic fight against Anthony Joshua

    WORLD heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury is thirsting for a new challenge — to take over a pub.Fury, 34, is said to have made an offer on one after two undercover visits.
    World heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury is thirsting for a new challenge — to take over a pubCredit: Rex
    He charmed ex-miner Barry Brown, 65, who has put The Brick and Tile up for sale for around £300,000
    He charmed ex-miner Barry Brown, 65, who has put The Brick and Tile up for sale for around £300,000.
    He said: “Tyson’s brother-in-law is local and he was the one who told me he was interested and he brought him in.
    “When he’s visited, it’s always been when the pub is closed because he is a man who likes a bit of peace and quiet.”
    Fury came down to see the boozer in Retford, Notts, from his home in Morecambe.
    READ MORE ON TYSON FURY
    He announced his retirement from boxing after beating Dillian Whyte in April.
    But the 6ft 7in Gipsy King could fight Anthony Joshua this December.
    Barry said: “Fury is a great character and it has been nice meeting him.
    “It’s amazing how tall he is though, he really has to duck down when he comes into the pub.
    Most read in The Sun
    “He told me he’s not looking to change much about the place.
    “I’ve built it up myself because we did a full refurbishment when I took it on and we’ve now got a lovely lounge on one side of the bar and a sports bar on the other.”
    Local Portia Crossley said: “That is very exciting. I think we’ll go in out of curiosity.” More

  • in

    Inside luxury £1billion cruise liner that England WAGs will live on for World Cup which features a five-a-side pitch

    THREE Lions’ Wags will enjoy a life of luxury aboard a £1billion cruise liner during the World Cup in Qatar.Several of the Three Lions stars’ partners and families are set to be based on the MSC World Europa, described as a “floating palace”.
    The MSC World Europa will host England stars families during Qatar 2022Credit:
    Eric Dier’s model girlfriend Anna Modler could be among the WAGs stayingCredit: instagram
    She could be joined by Aaron Ramsdale’s fiancee Georgina IrwinCredit: instagram
    It includes six pools, 14 ocean-view jacuzzis, dodgem cars, salons, boutiques, restaurants, bars and the longest dry-slide at sea.
    In Qatar there is normally a booze ban which can land flouters in jail, though some “select areas” will serve it at the World Cup.
    Because the MSC World Europa is “off-shore”, guests can neck champagne stress-free and sunbathe, unlike at some hotels there.
    Among them could be model Anna Modler, 24, who is dating defender Eric Dier, and air hostess Georgina Irwin, 26, engaged to goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
    READ MORE WAGS
    Packages will cost players’ families £6,000 each – a snip for England’s mega-rich footballers.
    Phil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, 22, is among those to have expressed an interest in staying on it along with the Manchester City ace’s family.
    Fern Maguire, 27, is also expected in the Middle East to support hubby Harry during the tournament, which starts in November.
    While some partners are likely to stay in Dubai and fly in for matches, The Sun on Sunday can reveal several have opted to make the MSC World Europa their base.
    Phil Foden’s partner Rebecca Cooke is believed to be keen on staying on the cruise shipCredit: instagram
    Harry Maguire’s wife Fern could also choose to stay on the luxury linerCredit: Social Media
    Most read in The Sun
    In an added boost, the FA is stumping up the bill for security, with thousands of fans also expected on board.
    Our source said: “The boat is an amazing place to stay. It is like a floating palace, which is why many of the players’ wives and families quickly snapped up packages that the Football Association arranged.
    Those staying on the boat can have at least five people with them and also pay for extra guests too.
    It means nannies and other family members are likely to be heading out to Qatar as well.
    “Due to the fact the boat is off shore, guests can have a drink and enjoy themselves without having to worry about falling foul of Qatar’s strict rules.
    “In many of the bars and clubs around Qatar you can’t even cheer let alone order a beer.
    “And they certainly don’t like football songs.
    “And many hotels aren’t even allowed sunbathing areas. But by staying on the boat guests just relax and have a great time.
    “If England do go all the way it’s likely to become like a carnival on board.”
    The ship can hold 6,762 guests – and many fans are reported to still be trying to book rooms.
    Prices start at about £300 for a double/twin but go right up to £690 a night.
    Those staying on the 205,700- tonne ship are promised a “globally inspired urban design” and a “world of immersive experiences”.
    ‘The Venom Drop’ slide is a unique and daring feature of the cruise shipCredit:
    The liner even boasts a 5-a-side ship which players’ families may enjoy
    The cruise liner even has a dodgems arena along with a roller disco rinkCredit: supplied
    One of the highlights, especially for children, is an incredible 11-deck high slide called “The Venom Drop”.
    Water slides are also available too. A Sportplex zone will offer basketball, bumper cars and even a roller disco rink.
    Swimming pools, which include one inside with a sliding roof, have themes including “botanic garden”, “zen” or “beach vibes”.
    Gareth Southgate will name 26 players for Qatar.
    Read More on The Sun
    Their first match will be against Iran on November 21 at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium — the day after the tournament starts.
    The FA declined to comment.
    Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale will find out if he has a place in the squad in late OctoberCredit: Getty
    Tottenham’s Eric Dier started for England in Friday’s match against ItalyCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Dodgy-looking Three Lions cardigan unveiled — and fans want a piece of it

    A DODGY-looking Three Lions cardigan has been unveiled — and fans want a piece of it.The official blue and red patterned garment is £89.95 – more than some of the kits.
    A dodgy-looking Three Lions cardigan has been unveiled — and fans want a piece of it.
    England’s Mason Mount was one of the stars won over in a promo video ahead of the World Cup.
    He says: “What is that?! Nah, nah.”
    But he then reckons team-mate Ben Chilwell might like it, saying: “It’s different. I can see Chilly wearing that. I don’t mind a cardigan. I might have to take this one back with me.”
    Manufacturer Nike says the “England player cardigan” is made of sweat-absorbing fabric and blends “performance and style”.
     One adoring fan tweeted: “Give me that England cardigan right now – I’m not even joking. I would wear that every day.”
    READ MORE ON ENGLAND
    Another said: “It’s so cute, football cardigans should be more of a thing.”
    Boasting a “3 Lions” logo, the description says it will “keep you looking good as you rep your favourite national team”.
    Most read in Football More

  • in

    Rail strikes target football fans for second Saturday in a row as 40,000 RMT staff set to walk out

    UNION bosses unleashed more weekend travel misery on passengers last night — targeting football fans for a second Saturday in a row.Around 40,000 RMT staff will walk out on Saturday, October 8 in a bitter row over pay to “effectively shut down the network”.
    RMT leader Mick Lynch said he had ‘no option’ but to strike as pay demands were not metCredit: Alamy
    More strikes had already been announced for Saturday, October 1, and Wednesday, October 5.
    RMT leader Mick Lynch praised new Transport Secretary Anne Marie Trevelyan for meeting his union, but insisted he had “no option” but to strike as his pay demands were not met.
    He said: “We will continue to negotiate in good faith, but the employers and government need to understand our industrial campaign will continue for as long as it takes.”
    But Tory MP Greg Smith raged: “The strategy of strike, strike, strike is not going to win.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    “I’m calling on them to stop this action for the sake of the leisure industry and economy, for stopping people from going to football matches, seeing friends and going out.”
    “They should want secure and well-paid jobs but they are driving away their own customers.”
    A Network Rail spokesman said: “This latest strike will again mean very significant disruption for passengers, and we’ll be asking people to only travel if absolutely necessary due to the reduced service that will be in place.”
    More industrial action is set to wreak havoc during the Labour conference in Liverpool next Monday  as the TSSA rail union begins a 24-hour walk out over pay, conditions and job security.
    Most read in The Sun More

  • in

    Spurs ace Eric Dier dating model Anna Modler – the ex of former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez

    FOOTIE star Eric Dier has another reason to smile after getting his England place back – he’s scored with stunning model Anna Modler.The Tottenham centre back has landed a blow on rivals Arsenal after stepping out with the pin-up ex of their former star Alexis Sanchez.
    Anne Modler is blissfully happy with Eric Dier, a pal told The SunCredit: Instagram
    Eric met South African beauty Anna through mutual palsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Eric, 28, recalled to the Three Lions squad by boss Gareth Southgate for tonight’s clash against Italy, met the South African beauty through mutual pals.
    And she has been a regular fan at Spurs games this season – including last Saturday’s 6-2 thrashing of Leicester City.
    Anna, 24, and pal Morgan Shelly shared snaps on social media as they lapped up the atmosphere inside the Prem giant’s £1billion stadium.
    They have joked they’re good omens for Eric and the team, who have gone unbeaten in the league so far this season.
    READ MORE ON ERIC DIER
    A pal told The Sun: “Eric and Anna are blissfully happy. They have been seeing a lot of each other.
    “Eric has told pals it has been a great few weeks – getting back into the England squad and landing a stunning girl who was previously on the arm of an Arsenal star. He can’t stop scoring on the pitch, and has netted a cracker off of it.
    “Anna is smitten and has told friends Eric could be ‘the one’. They are getting serious, so watch this space.”
    The blonde confirmed in 2020 she was spending lockdown with her then lover Alexis Sanchez.
    Most read in The Sun
    She sent tongues wagging about her relationship with the striker after uploading snaps posing next to his two Golden Retrievers Atom and Humber.
    She joked as she stroked the dog: “Thank you for stopping me from working out. I agree, it’s definitely time to eat.”
    Fans responded by urging her to look after Alexis, who starred for Inter Milan and Manchester United after leaving the Gunners.
    In 2020 Anna uploaded a picture of herself inside the San Siro to watch Alexis Inter take on Serie A side Udinese.
    Anna confirmed in 2020 she was spending lockdown with former Arsenal star Alexis SanchezCredit: Instagram
    Anna’s new man Eric has earned rave reviews for Spurs this season – even scoring twiceCredit: Instagram
    Read More on The Sun
    Her new man Eric has earned rave reviews for Spurs this season – even scoring twice – landing him an England recall and a chance of going to the World Cup in Qatar.
    The £50m rated star was seen on the arm of gorgeous Portuguese blonde Maria Hansen since 2014. More

  • in

    I love Tyson Fury and camped out all night so I could meet him on his morning jog

    A SCHOOLBOY joined boxing champ Tyson Fury on his morning jog after camping out all night to meet his idol.Early riser Presley Pennington, 14, slept in his parent’s campervan before catching the Gypsy King on his 6am seafront run.
    Presley Pennington camped out all night so he could meet his hero Tyson Fury on his morning jobCredit: SWNS
    The excited youngster, given a hat by the world heavyweight champ, even filmed his meeting — and can be heard shouting: “With Tyson on a run.”
    Presley travelled from Burnley to Morecambe to meet his hero. He said: “The reason he inspires me is that he was struggling, he had mental health problems.
    “Then he thought of his kids, started training and became the heavyweight champion of the world.
    “I admire that he turned his life around so quickly.”
    READ MORE ON TYSON FURY
    Fury is now training for his “Battle of Britain” showdown with Anthony Joshua on December 3.
    On his way to see Fury, Presley woke his dad up when leaving the caravan.
    “I thought he was bloody mad as I didn’t think he was going to do it”, said electrician Arron, 37.
    But the experience paid off for Presley. “They say don’t meet your heroes but he has such a good personality”, he said.
    Most read in The Sun
    “I have two books on him and the reason he inspires me is that he was struggling, he had bad mental health problems and wanted to crash into a wall.
    “Then he thought of his kids, started training and became the heavyweight champion of the world.
    “I admire that he turned his life around so quickly.” More

  • in

    England World Cup legend Roger Hunt left over £500,000 to family in his will

    ENGLAND World Cup winner Roger Hunt left more than half a million pounds to his family.The former Liverpool striker, 83, who died last September, bequeathed his £539,110 fortune to second wife Rowan.
    England World Cup winner and former Liverpool player Roger Hunt left more than half a million pounds to his familyCredit: Alamy
    Sir Geoff Hurst often credited Hunt’s quick ­celebration of the controversial third goal in the final’s 4-2 victory over West Germany for convincing the referee to allow itCredit: PA:Press Association
    Roger scored 18 goals in 34 games for his country, including three during England’s glorious 1966 World Cup campaign. 
    He was part of the strike pairing alongside final hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst.
    Sir Geoff often credited Hunt’s quick ­celebration of the controversial third goal in the final’s 4-2 victory over West Germany for convincing the referee to allow it.
    Coming from a family that ran a haulage business, he played for non-league Stockton Heath – now Warrington Town – before he was signed by the Reds in 1959.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    A disciplined player, he was booked just twice in his career and was appointed MBE in 2000.
    He was buried in Glazebury, Lancs, where he was born and was ­living when he died.
    He married his first wife Patricia in 1959 and they had two children David and Julie, before later marrying Rowan.
    Most read in Football More