The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Football legend David Seaman catches seagull by mistake while fishing

      by

      FOOTBALL great David Seaman has revealed he caught a seagull by mistake while fishing.The former England and Arsenal goalkeeper hooked the bird when it flew down and tried to steal his bait.
      David accidentally hooked the bird when it flew down and tried to take his bait
      David Seaman was a legendary goalie for England and ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      David, 57, told the Radio X podcast: “I threw my bait out.
      “Then all of a sudden a seagull came down and grabbed my bait.
      “It started to try and take off with it.
      “I had to reel it in, get it into my net, take the hook out and let it go.
      “I also caught about four fish in an hour.
      “But, yeah, I caught a seagull as well.”
      David was made an MBE after winning 75 England caps in a career lasting from 1981 to 2004.
      He lives by the Kennet river, which flows into the Thames.
      And he declares: “I love my fishing.”

      David Seaman claims Arsenal should sign Wilfried Zaha and recall quality Mesut Ozil who team are crying out for More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Frank Bruno turns down £100,000 to fight Evander Holyfield because he could go blind

      by

      FRANK Bruno has turned down a lucrative offer to fight Evander Holyfield – because he could be blinded if he steps back in the ring.Retired World Champion Bruno was offered £100,000 to take on the legendary American – who returned to boxing last night against former MMA star Vitor Belfort after a 10-year absence.
      Frank Bruno fears he could be blinded if he steps back in the ringCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspaper Ltd
      Evander Holyfield has returned to boxing after a 10-year absenceCredit: Getty
      But Frank, 59, told the Sun on Sunday he had ruled out becoming Holyfield’s next opponent because one more punch in the face could blind him.
      Frank, who retired in 1996, said: “The eye injury I sustained all those years ago in my last fight against Mike Tyson means I risk losing my sight if I ever box again.
      “So, even though I am fit and in great shape, I’ve had to say thanks but no thanks. You can’t put a price on your health.”
      Holyfield, 58, reigned at heavyweight and Cruiserweight and famously had his ear chomped by Mike Tyson in a 1997 bout.
      Instead of taking him, Frank – who has battled mental ill health since retirement – is now focusing on throwing a glitzy bash to celebrate turning 60 in November.
      The dad-of-four is throwing a ball to raise cash for his charity, the Frank Bruno Foundation, which helps people suffering mental health woes.

      A string of celebs and retired boxers – including Ricky Hatton, Jonny Nelson and his partner Kirsty Gallagher – are expected to attend the Frank Bruno Diamond Ball on November 12 at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
      Bruno is also auctioning off the canvas from the Wembley ring where he became a World Champion against Oliver McCall in 1995 in front of a delirious crowd.
      Frank Bruno sustained an eye injury in his fight against Mike TysonCredit: Getty
      Frank added: “We’re hoping to raise lots of money so my Foundation can help the rising numbers of people going through tough times. Helping others as well as staying fit and healthy is now my biggest fight. I’ll leave climbing back through the ropes to some of the other old geezers.”
      A string of retired fighters have returned to the ring in recent years.
      Last year Bruno’s former foe, Tyson, 55, took on Roy Jones Jr, 52, in a fight that ended in a draw.
      Earlier this year it was reported that ex-World Champion Lennox Lewis, 56, was also eyeing his own return against Tyson.

      Fifty eight year old Frank Bruno shares his daily workout tips to stay happy and healthy during lockdown More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo planning his own ready meals range

      by

      FOOTBALL superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is planning his own ready meals range.The Portuguese ace — now back at Man Utd for a second stint — has trademarked his idea.
      Football ace Cristiano Ronaldo is planning his own ready meals range which he has already trademarkedCredit: Getty
      The star posted a gorgeous start of school picture of his son ­Cristiano Jr, 11, four-year-old twins Eva and Mateo and youngest Alana, threeCredit: instagram
      His legal team filed documents with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office to protect the Cristiano Ronaldo name and his CR7 logo on a number of food lines.
      The ready meals include: “Prepared dishes consisting principally of meat; Prepared entrées consisting primarily of seafood; Prepared meals consisting primarily of fish; Prepared meals consisting principally of vegetables; Prepared meals containing principally eggs.”
      Surprisingly, the application also covers putting his trademark on carrots.Ronaldo, 36, is known to be health-conscious and snubbed a bottle of Coke from the tournament’s sponsor at the Euros in favour of water.
      But his trademark application also covers treats such as ice cream, yoghurts, chocolate, bakery goods and cereal bars, plus tea and coffee.
      Corn-based snack foods, grain-based snack foods and rice-based snack foods are also covered.
      His application has been approved and the protection will run for the next ten years before another needs to be submitted.

      Ronaldo, worth more than £350million, already has a clothes brand and hotel empire. Meanwhile, his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez has posted a gorgeous start of school picture of his son ­Cristiano Jr, 11, four-year-old twins Eva and Mateo and youngest Alana, three.
      All of them were uprooted to the UK from Italy when the striker transferred.
      Cristiano Jr, who previously starred for Juventus’ youth squad, was born in America in 2010, believed to be by a surrogate mother.
      Ronaldo then announced in June 2017 that he had fathered the twins via a surrogate mother again, also in the US.
      The same year, Argentinian model Georgina gave birth to daughter Alana. Ronaldo ended his last stint with Man Utd in 2009.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms Cristiano Ronaldo will play against Newcastle as he praises ace’s discipline More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta to crack down on Arsenal’s Covid vaccine rebels with Granit Xhaka stuck in Switzerland after positive test

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA is cracking down on Arsenal’s vaccine rebels after Granit Xhaka became the latest Gunner to contract Covid.Midfielder Xhaka, 28, remains in quarantine in Switzerland after testing positive while on international duty with the Swiss last week.
      Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka has tested positive for Covid as boss Mikel Arteta urges stars to be vaccinatedCredit: Rex
      And boss Arteta is rapidly running out of patience with his players who ignore the club’s medical advice to get double jabbed.
      He said: “Players will be limited in certain aspects if they don’t have the vaccine because we don’t want to expose ourselves to the virus.
      “If they are travelling or socialising in certain places and they are not vaccinated, the risk increases a lot and we don’t want any of that within our group because the team will pay the price.
      “We are trying to explain the reasons why we believe it’s the right thing to do and make sure that everyone understands all the facts.
      “Some players don’t want to be vaccinated because maybe it’s a health issue, maybe it’s a contradiction that he has, his beliefs or the way he has been educated.
      “But we want what is best for the club by trying to minimise the risk of any player contracting the virus and passing it on to anyone else.

      BETTING SPECIAL GET RONALDO TO SCORE AGAINST NEWCASTLE ANYTIME AT 30/1 OR FIRST AT 50/1
      “Granit needs to stay in his country until Saturday and as soon as he can be released and is OK to travel, he will be back with us. But the vaccine is not an obligation and we have to respect that.”
      Arteta knows exactly how debilitating the virus can be after becoming the first person in British football to contract coronavirus in March last year.
      And no club has suffered the effects of Covid more than Arsenal, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Ben White, Willian and Alex Runarsson missing games this season.
      Brazil centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes was also laid low last season while the club’s planned pre-season trip to Miami had to be cancelled in July after an outbreak at the club’s London Colney training ground.
      But not all of the players who tested positive have refused to be vaccinated and the club insists Premier League protocols are being followed, with players tested every three days.
      Centre-back White, a £50million summer signing from Brighton, has now recovered after having to sit out costly defeats by Chelsea and Manchester City and is available for Saturday’s visit of Norwich.
      Arteta is also hoping to receive international clearance for Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu to make his debut following his £19.5m deadline-day signing from Bologna.
      Arteta said: “First of all we need to obtain a work permit for Tomi and the club is trying hard to achieve that.
      “He’s back in the country after international duty and I will meet him for the first time and see how he feels in training.
      “He’s been playing for Bologna this season so he should be completely fit and we’ve been impressed, which is why we decided to sign him.”
      Arsenal’s new Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could make his debut against Norwich on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Premier League clash with Norwich is a must win for Gunners More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester City ace Riyad Mahrez hit with driving ban for doing 120mph on motorway

      by

      MANCHESTER City ace Riyad Mahrez has been hit with a driving ban for doing 120mph on a motorway.The Blues’ winger, 30, was caught speeding on the M6.
      Riyad Mahrez has been hit with a driving ban for doing 120mph on the M6 motorwayCredit: Getty
      The football ace was fined £2,500 and handed a 56-day ban by magistratesCredit: Cavendish
      It has emerged that Mahrez was fined £2,500 and handed a 56-day ban by magistrates.
      He was at the wheel of his grey £100,000 Audi RS6 — which has a top speed of 189mph — when he committed the offence.
      The Premier League winner was clocked while travelling southbound near junction 11 for Cannock, Staffs in May last year.
      Mahrez pleaded guilty to speeding in November and was punished by magistrates in Staffordshire on July 3.
      It is the second time the divorced dad-of-two’s driving has fallen foul of the law.
      He moved to Manchester City — whose fans’ anthem is Blue Moon — for £60million in 2018.

      He has has won seven trophies while at the Etihad Stadium.
      In 2016, while at previous club Leicester City, he received a six-month road ban for driving at 77mph in a 50mph zone.
      He admitted failing to give his details to police on three occasions and was fined £900 — which his lawyer said he would be able to pay straight away.
      The £160,000-a-week footballer was also given six points on his licence which, due to the fact he already has nine points, meant he was above the 12-point threshold that triggers a ban.
      In 2019, his Bentley SUV was clamped outside a Manchester restaurant after it was found to be untaxed.
      He previously won the Premier League in 2016 with Leicester, whose late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha gifted him a £100,000 BMW i8 as a thank you for helping net the title.
      Algerian Mahrez is engaged to influencer Taylor Ward, the daughter of Real Housewives of Cheshire reality TV star Dawn Ward.
      Man City stars ‘don’t give a s*** about other teams’ matches’, says Mahrez who claims some pals play just for cash More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      More Manchester United fans live in London than in the club’s home city, survey reveals

      by

      MORE Manchester United fans live in London than in the club’s home city, a survey has revealed.Just over half of Premier  League fans (55 per cent) actually support their local team, the poll suggests.
      More Manchester United fans live in London than in the club’s home city, a survey has revealedCredit: PA
      On average, they live 83 miles from the side they follow. More than one in five admit never even going to their side’s ground.
      Confirming a commonly held belief among rival supporters, the poll found almost 18 per cent of Man United fans live in London, with just 14 per cent in Manchester.
      Similarly, 14 per cent of Liverpool fans live in the capital, compared to 13 per cent on Merseyside. Kop fans are also furthest from the club on average — 129 miles from Anfield — while Aston Villa fans are nearest at 52 miles.
      On average, fans will see their team play in the flesh six times a season. However, they will watch them 12 times on TV, according to the Virgin Media poll of 1,500 supporters.
      Everton fans will go to the most games this season (nine) and Tottenham fans the least (two). One in five admitted they chose their club based on success rather than geography.
      Some  44 per cent of fans who do not support their nearest side get mocked by rivals for being glory-hunters.
      More than one in ten (11 per cent) considered switching to Manchester City because of Jack Grealish’s arrival this summer.

      Gareth Bale ‘excited’ to watch Cristiano Ronaldo tear it up at Man Utd as he heaps praise on ex-Real Madrid team-mate More

    • 175 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fifa want to stage World Cup every two years – but not everyone’s convinced

      by

      EVERY four years, life stands still as the greatest show on earth – the football World Cup – unfolds.After a month of drama, tension and joy, a record 3.6billion people – half the planet’s population – watched the 2018 final between France and Croatia.
      Fifa want to stage the World Cup every two years insteadCredit: PA:Press Association
      Billions around the world tuned in to watch England and other countries playCredit: Getty
      Now moneybags organisers Fifa want to change it from 2026.
      Led by their chief of global football development, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, they want to stage the tournament every two years instead.
      It left many fans wondering whether, even for the World Cup, you can get too much of a good thing.
      England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed he is “open-minded” about the proposal.
      But Gareth Bale, the Wales forward, is not keen.
      “I like the tradition of every four years,” he said.

      “It has the prestige, like the Olympics, coming around every four years.”
      And Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets said decision-makers “do not care enough about the players”.
      So is Wenger’s plan a work of genius or will it ruin the magic of the cup?
      Here, The Sun’s Head of Sport Shaun Custis and England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton argue for and against the divisive proposal.
      YES – says The Sun’s Head of Sport Shaun Custis
      YES, let’s get on with it. As Alan Partridge might say: “Back of the net.”
      A World Cup every two years gets my vote for one big reason – there will be more meaningful, competitive England matches and less of the nonsense we had to suffer at the weekend.
      Shaun says: ‘A World Cup every two years gets my vote for one big reason – there will be more meaningful, competitive England matches and less of the nonsense we had to suffer at the weekend’Credit: The Sun
      We’ve had to put up with one-sided games against the likes of Andorra in qualifying ­campaigns for far too long.
      Part of the biennial World Cup plan is that the minnows will have to pre-qualify to earn the right to mix it with the big boys, and that’s how it should be.
      There would also be fewer friendlies where nobody is the slightest bit interested in the result. Hurrah to that.
      Over the past three years we’ve had a World Cup, a Euros and two extremely competitive Nations League competitions which have whetted the appetite for proper games – and no more of those glorified kickabouts.
      Whatever football supporters say about how they love their club far more than England, when the major tournaments come round they pack the pubs and the fan parks (Covid permitting) and scream themselves hoarse for the national team.
      Arsenal loyalists cheer on Harry Kane, Manchester United ­supporters hail Raheem Sterling.
      They don’t like to admit it but they do. And while Uefa is raging against the idea, watch them go for a Euros every two years too if the World Cup plan succeeds.
      Then we’ll have a high-profile competition every year – happy days.
      You could have put your house on the top European clubs kicking up an almighty stink.
      They claim all this will affect players’ welfare but that’s a smokescreen.
      What they are really upset about it is the effect on their lucrative pre-season tours, because players will have to get time off after the World Cup.
      They don’t care much about welfare when they are dragging their stars half- way around the world to fulfil sponsors’ demands.
      The mastermind behind the plan is ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, now Fifa’s head of global football development.
      Mind you, when he was Arsenal boss he never stopped moaning when any of his players were away on international duty and came back late or injured.
      The poacher has truly turned gamekeeper and is making no ­apologies for it.
      So here’s to England winning the 2028 World Cup – after we’ve won it in 2022 and 2026, of course!
      NO – says Peter Shilton, who played in three World Cups
      WHEN I first heard talk of holding the World Cup every two years I thought it was a wind-up
      But former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and football’s governing body are serious about the idea.
      Peter Shilton says: ‘I played in three World Cups for England and it is the ultimate moment in your career’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The World Cup is already the biggest tournament in sport, so there is no need to make it any bigger.
      Lifting the golden trophy is what every football player dreams of.
      As a young player, my ambition was to represent my country on the biggest stage.
      I played in three World Cups for England and it is the ultimate moment in your career.
      You know the chance has to be grabbed because it doesn’t come round very often – and that adds to the incredible tension every time the ball comes close to the goal.
      If you get knocked out, you may never get another chance.
      Making it a biennial event would reduce the fervour and devalue this clash of nations.
      As a player I would be totally against it.
      Top-class footballers are playing almost the whole year round as it stands.
      Those England stars that reached the final of the Euros this summer hardly enjoyed any rest before they were thrown back into the cut-and-thrust of the Premier League.
      The domestic game just keeps expanding with more and more competitions, leading to more injuries.
      How will they squeeze in twice as many World Cups? It doesn’t sound workable.
      The Euros is very special, as we saw this summer, so that shouldn’t be shoved to one side
      There needs to be ample time to qualify for both the World Cup and Euros and build up excitement around these events.
      I can see the point of the lowest-ranked teams such as Andorra having pre-qualifying games for World Cup qualifiers because they have no chance of reaching the finals.
      But that should be introduced to the current four-year schedule.
      Generally, fiddling with formats produces no clear benefit to fans and is instead about money.
      The 2026 World Cup held in Canada, the US and Mexico will be the largest ever, with 48 countries taking part.
      Doubling the number of big ­tournaments is an idea too far.
      We shouldn’t be fixing something that isn’t broken.
      The ­current system is perfect.
      We are in danger of reaching a saturation point and need to ­realise you can have too much of a great thing.
      England manager Gareth Southgate comments on the possibility of having a FIFA World Cup every two years More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kurt Zouma’s £125k-a-week West Ham wages haven’t gone down well with David Moyes’ tight-knit group of players

      by

      DAVID MOYES has created a tight-knit group at West Ham — which is one reason for the team’s impressive results, including qualifying for this season’s Europa League.But the £125,000 a week being banked by new arrival Kurt Zouma, 26, from Chelsea has not gone down particularly well with other players.
      West Ham stars are not pleased with the £125k-a-week being paid to new signing Kurt ZoumaCredit: AFP
      Zouma made the move across London and joined West Ham in the final days of last month’s transfer window.
      A thrilled Moyes said: “I am delighted to welcome Kurt to West Ham United.
      “He is a player we have tracked for some time, and we have taken great care and diligence to make the transfer happen.
      “He was always our first choice and I am very happy that he is now our player.
      “Kurt will join a squad full of players who are hungry and ambitious. He will provide competition to our squad.
      “He is a strong, powerful player with great experience in the Premier League while he is also at a good age for a centre-back.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET 30/1 ON STERLING TO SCORE OR ASSIST vs POLAND
      “Kurt has enjoyed great success at Chelsea and I can see that he is determined to continue being successful here at the London Stadium.
      “Myself, the coaching staff and players are all looking forward to working with him and we wish him all the very best in his career with us.”
      Some England fans crowded into the ‘home’ end against Andorra, causing chaosCredit: Getty
      SOME FANS ARE STILL BLOCKHEADS
      THERE was a terrific atmosphere at Wembley as England attracted a crowd of 67,171 for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Sunday.
      Thankfully, there  as no repeat of the carnage from the Euro 2020 final against Italy, which could see the FA hit with a ban.
      Yet some supporters still failed to engage their brains before the 4-0 win.
      Fans with tickets for different areas gravitated towards the so-called Home End, which is mostly populated by members of the England Supporters Travel Club behind the goal.
      One of the regulars in Block 109 told SunSport: “As kick-off neared, large groups of fans poured into the block. A lot went to the front — the front two rows were massively overcrowded.
      “They stood on the stairs and forced their way into rows of seats.
      “Several arguments broke out among fans as people forced their way into rows of seats.
      “As the half went on, stewards started to check tickets and move people out. By half-time it was a lot calmer.”
      Even from the media zone, the area looked rammed in the first half. It was reassuring that about 30 stewards dealt with the problem and it was not reported as a serious incident to the FA or Fifa.
      But it would really help if fans — and those who were clearly not England regulars — sat in the right seats in the first place.
      Tottenham icons aren’t happy their services are being cut for home gamesCredit: PA
      LEG-END OF AN ERA FOR SPURS
      SPURS legends are angry after the club cut back on using their services at home games.
      And some punters in the posh seats at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium aren’t happy either — because they won’t be seeing some familiar faces as often.
      Spurs have been renowned for their close links with ex-players and employ a group of just under 20 to appear in the hospitality areas on home match days. 
      But under new arrangements for this season, most of the legends will be used for about one in four games.
      Only Gary Mabbutt and Ossie Ardiles are due to be at every game. It will hit them in the pocket, with the club paying about £600 per appearance.  
      Spurs declined to comment but these latest changes follow the decision to let stadium announcer Paul Coyte leave after 16 years.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      FINAL THOUGHTS
      FEW teams spent plenty in the summer. 
      It seems one owner has lent his club a few quid — but is charging an extortionate interest rate. 
      It is not the first time this has happened in English football and it only ends in tears.
      Kurt zouma shows off skills in training More