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      From football scarves to Three Lions symbol… the 11 secret stories behind the game’s weird traditions

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      ENGLAND fans were clutching their heads in despair until midfielder Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time goal in the Euros on Sunday.But did you know the gesture that has become all too familiar among football supporters actually goes back thousands of years?Fans putting their hands to their heads comes from a Celtic tradition that is two millennia oldCredit: i-ImagesFootball fans have a French opera from 1880 to thank for mascotsCredit: PAFrom why we wear football scarves to the Three Lions symbol, Alex Lloyd reveals the secret stories behind 11 of the game’s wonderful traditions . . . 1. Our Celtic ancestors were a fearsome bunch. But while they didn’t shy away from Romans, they did worry that the sky might fall down when anything bad happened.For this reason they began putting their hands to their heads to protect themselves in times of worry. Two millennia later we’re still doing it at the footie.READ MORE ON THREE LIONSBody language experts say the  reaction is an attempt to make ourselves feel safer, smaller and hidden.2. The red card is a universal symbol of foul play, first used in the 1970 Mexico World Cup thanks to English referee Ken Aston.He was inspired by traffic lights, and  introduced colours to communicate decisions between teams who speak different languages.3. Football chants have their roots in traditional folk songs and story-telling. Experts cite them as a modern example of “blason populaire”, where humorous stereotypes about rivals are invoked to create social cohesion in a group. Most read in FootballThe oldest football song in the world still in use is believed to be On The Ball City, sung by Norwich City fans.4. Mascots such as Arsenal’s Gunnersaurus owe their existence to a much more highbrow pastime. Watch Rio Ferdinand get on the beers with rowdy England fans as BBC Euros pundit cheers on Three Lions against SlovakiaThe Oxford English Dictionary lists the first recorded use of “mascotte” in 1880 in a French opera of the same name, about a person being a symbol of good fortune or  “lucky charm”.5. Playing in a game can be likened to going into battle, so it’s no wonder the Three Lions crest has military roots. English soldiers in the 12th century would carry flags with three gold lions on a red background to inspire them to be brave.The emblem was adopted by the FA in 1863.6. In the 19th century  brass bands were hired to entertain crowds during breaks in matches and boost their spirits.Many stadiums still keep  drums beating in games to this day.7. It is believed striped scarves started appearing around the 1930s. Traditionally, winter coats were made of dark material, so  fans wore the  accessories in their team’s colours as  a more  practical symbol of support than a rosette or rattle in the colder months. Trophies being lifted above players’ heads comes from a photographer asking for a better view of the trophyCredit: GettyReferees have traffic lights to thank for the colour of red and yellow cardsCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty8. Wearing football shirts was the preserve of the players until the 1973-74 season, when the brand Admiral sold the first replica shirt, for Leeds United.Teams such as  Liverpool today make £113million  a year from kit and merchandise sales.9. Numbers from one to 11 were first added to the backs of shirts to identify players’ positions when Arsenal played Sheffield Wednesday at home in 1928.Since the 1954 World Cup they have gradually  evolved so players have their own  numbers which often have no bearing on their position. Some are  a “lucky” or significant number.10. Singing Abide With Me before the FA Cup Final dates back to  1927, when Cardiff beat Arsenal 1-0.The hymn, written in 1847 by Anglican cleric Henry Francis Lyte as he was dying of TB, reminds the two sides to stay united, even in defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIES11. Whoever wins the 2024 Euros, you can guarantee the captain will celebrate by lifting the silverware in the air.This triumphant gesture began by accident at the 1958 World Cup, when Brazil skipper Hilder-aldo Bellini heard photographers call for a better view of the Jules Rimet Trophy and held it up.The three lions on the England shirt have a military originCredit: Alamy More

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      Outcry over Uefa probe into Jude Bellingham’s ‘crotch-grab’ goal celebration as fans plead ‘don’t ban him’

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      SUPERSTAR Jude Bellingham has defended his groin-grab goal celebration as “an inside joke” and denied making fun of plucky Slovakia.The Three Lions’ saviour could be ruled out of Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland if Uefa decide he breached “basic rules of decent conduct”.Jude Bellingham has defended his groin-grab goal celebration as ‘an inside joke’ and denied making fun of plucky SlovakiaCredit: GettyBellingham scores England’s first goal in spectacular fashionCredit: ReutersGareth Southgate’s team were assured no disciplinary measures were being considered over the gestureCredit: AlamyBut Bellingham explained on social media: “An inside joke towards some close friends who were at the game.“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”Moments after his astonishing 95th-minute bicycle kick strike spared England’s blushes, the Real Madrid ace was seen on TV making a hand gesture next to his crotch. It was believed that Jude was signalling he has what it takes to overcome a crisis — though some believed it was an insult aimed at the opposition bench.Read More on SportHarry Kane’s extra-time header sealed England’s 2-1 win on Sunday evening.Early yesterday, Gareth Southgate’s team were assured no disciplinary measures were being considered over the gesture.But Uefa then did a U-turn — despite the gesture not being mentioned in any match reports made by the officials.Fans reacted in fury with Max Veltman, 43, of Birmingham, saying: “It’s nonsense. It wasn’t offensive and Jude said so himself. Have Uefa got nothing better to do?Most read in Euro 2024“We’ve got no chance without Jude so we need to pray Uefa don’t ban him.”Sam Eversden, 45, from Uxbridge, West London, added: “Are Uefa policing goal celebrations now?The Sun’s Martin Lipton on Jude Bellingham’s potential ban as UEFA investigate gesture vs Slovakia“If they want to crack down on conduct and integrity, they should crack down on diving instead. Jude’s our main man.“He’s kept us in the Euros but without him we’ll be knocked out. He certainly shouldn’t get a ban. Save our Jude!”Fan Elaine Flower, 70, from Southampton, who has been to every England game at the Euros, said: “It’s daft to investigate something like this and clearly not worth a ban.“Common sense must prevail. He’s our best player and we need him to progress.“We’d have lost without his goal and we’ll need him more than ever in the next game.”Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said on Twitter/X: “For crying out loud, the Euro 2024 celebration police are looking into Jude Bellingham. Ridiculous!”The suggestion is Bellingham could have breached rule 11 2b into player conduct.A Uefa spokesman said: “A Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.Aces rappedOTHER stars have landed in trouble for similar gestures. In 2019 Cristiano Ronaldo was fined £17,000 but avoided a ban for his Juventus goal celebration against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.Atletico boss Diego Simeone was also fined for his groin-grab gesture during the first leg.In 2017, England midfielder Dele Alli was banned for a match and fined £3,500 for raising his middle finger in a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia. He said it was a joke aimed at Kyle Walker.“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”Bellingham has previously made a similar gesture when playing for Real Madrid, and after scoring a late equaliser for England in a friendly against Belgium in March.After Sunday’s dramatic win, he hit back at England’s critics saying: “You hear people talk a lot of rubbish. It’s nice when you can deliver and you can give them a little bit back.“For me, being on the pitch scoring goals and celebrating is my release.Bellingham explained on social media: ‘An inside joke towards some close friends who were at the game’Credit: InstagramBellingham playing cricket yesterdayCredit: Paul EdwardsBellingham could be ruled out of Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland if Uefa decide he breached ‘basic rules of decent conduct’Credit: Rex“And you know, maybe it was a message to a few people . . . but a very happy moment.”Yesterday Bellingham relaxed with a game of cricket, and was seen cupping his hands to catch a ball. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also shared a beaming selfie on his Instagram.Teammates raved about his goal on the England Lions’ Den channel posted online yesterday.Gary Lineker said: ‘For crying out loud, the Euro 2024 celebration police are looking into Jude Bellingham. Ridiculous!’Credit: BBCWriting off Swiss as no-hopers is cuckooSWITZERLAND is famed for cuckoo clocks and chocolate — but is also enjoying a golden era of football.The minnows have a team featuring world-class stars.Players such as ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, 31, former Liverpool wizard Xherdan Shaqiri, 32, and Man City’s Manuel Akanji, 28, make them a force to be reckoned with.Midfield star Xhaka, their most capped player with 129, is the beating heart of the team and has just helped Bayer ­Leverkusen land the Bundesliga title in Germany.Historically, their best major tournament performance was 100 years ago — when they won silver at the 1924 Olympics.And the last time they reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup was 70 years ago. But they have risen steadily in the rankings over the past eight years.The Swiss made it to the last 16 during Euro 2016 and then achieved their best finish at Euro 2020, reaching the quarter-finals, having eliminated world champions France.The team has also reached the knockout rounds at the past three World Cups and is 19th in Fifa’s world rankings.They beat Italy 2-0 in this year’s Euros’ knockouts to clinch their clash with England.Roger Federer remains Switzerland’s most famous sporting hero. But this Swiss team remain determined to write its own page in history. More

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      Council jobsworths blasted for washing off England flags painted on roundabouts in support of Three Lions

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      A council has been blasted for washing off red and white painted St George flags to support the Three Lions on two roundabouts after branding them graffiti.Patriotic supporters painted the emblems in Spondon, Derby, but were aghast when workmen moved in to swill them away.Local Tory councillor Jerry Pearce said ‘People have expressed their patriotism by painting these roundabouts’Credit: DERBY CONSERVATIVESLocal Tory councillor Jerry Pearce said “People have expressed their patriotism by painting these roundabouts. “If you are going to wipe them off do it at the end of the tournament. “Why outrage people?”Residents claimed that the council had taken the action on the grounds of road safety because the flags could distract motorists.Read More on UK NewsOne said “I can’t believe the excuse about distracting drivers. “Flags are hanging out of houses all over the place but they have not been told to remove them.”A spokesman for Derby City Council said “We are cheering on the England team in the Euros like many others.“But we would ask people don’t use graffiti to show their support. Most read in Euro 2024″No matter how well intentioned graffiti is ultimately vandalism.“As a council we are responsible for keeping the city clean and tidy.” More

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      Honey the psychic eagle delivers verdict on England v Slovakia Euro 2024 showdown

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      HONEY the psychic eagle has landed again … and she predicts a resounding WIN for Gareth Southgate’s squad tonight.The African Tawny eagle, who never gets a prediction wrong, says England will triumph when they face Slovakia at 5pm in the Euro knockouts, where they are down to the last 16.Honey the psychic eagle has backed England to beat Slovakia at Euro 2024Credit: ROB WELHAM / McLELLANSo far Honey has correctly predicted every England game.Bird of Prey handler and owner of Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford, Kent, Alex Leonard commented on her forecast.He said: “Honey’s latest psychic prediction shows that Gareth Southgate’s boys are going to smash it.“Her flight was straight and true – and it’s a clear win for England.READ MORE EURO 2024“Come on England – it’s yours for the taking in knockouts!”Tens of thousands of England fans are in Gelsenkirchen for today’s game.Back home, supermarkets have seen a huge boost in sales of booze, barbecues and burgers ahead of the match.Fans will knock back around 32million pints today — six million more than a normal Sunday — giving a £28.8million boost to pubs.Most read in Euro 2024At home, an expected TV audience of around 16million will tune in, with thousands more watching in bars and in fan zones.England’s five-point penalty shootout plan More

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      England stars Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze both celebrate their birthdays at Euros base — but missed out on cake

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      ENGLAND stars Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze both celebrated their birthdays at England’s base yesterday — but missed out on a cake.Nutrition experts found a healthier treat for Jude, who turned 21, and Ebs, 26, before today’s clash.England stars Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze both celebrated their birthdays at England’s Euros baseCredit: TwitterJobe Bellingham posted Happy 21st Birthday throwback pics for brother JudeCredit: instagram/jobe bellinghamTeammates, manager Gareth Southgate and backroom staff all burst into a chorus of Happy Birthday at the morning meeting, while balloons and banners were strung around the lads’ doors.Real Madrid ace Jude has won Champions League and La Liga medals in his first season with the Spanish giants while Crystal Palace star Eberechi has burst onto the England scene thanks to his pace and skill.A source said: “There was no way there wouldn’t be some kind of celebration and it was fun for everyone.“But a slab of birthday cake or a beer is a no-no for finely-tuned athletes so close to a big game.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDTwo stars from England’s 26-man squad celebrating birthdays on the same day is not as big a coincidence as it may appear, according to statistics boffins.The number of people needed to be in a room for two of them to have more than 50-50 chance of sharing a birthday is, incredibly, just 23.Jude’s younger brother Jobe, 18, also shared throwback photos of the footballing siblings.The player, who has been linked to Crystal Palace from Sunderland, shared three pics of them through the ages.Most read in Euro 2024He captioned his post: “My only brother, proud always & regardless.”Happy 21st birthday big bro.”England’s five-point penalty shootout planJobe has also been seen cheering on Jude from the stands in Germany with mum Denise and dad Mark. More

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      England Euro 2024 security blow after star’s dad has Rolex stolen from hotel room while watching son play

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      ENGLAND star Ivan Toney’s father had a  Rolex watch  stolen  from his hotel room  while watching his son at the Euros.The Brentford striker’s dad, Ivan Snr, left the designer timepiece in his room on a matchday while in Germany supporting the Three Lions.Ivan Toney’s father had a Rolex watch stolen from his hotel roomThe type and value of his missing Rolex is not known but Ivan Toney was pictured wearing a £53,350 Rolex Day Date watchMr Toney found his watch had gone when he returned to his £400-a-night room  at Dusseldorf’s  Melia Hotel.He reported it to the  hotel and a police investigation was launched.The type and value of his missing Rolex is not known but his footballer son has been pictured wearing a £53,350 Rolex Day Date watch.It vanished between June 15 and June 16 – the date of England’s 1-0 curtain-raiser win over Serbia at Euro 2024, when Ivan was an unused substitute.READ MORE ON IVAN TONEYA Düsseldorf police spokesman said: “A watch was stolen from the hotel room.“It happened some time between the evening of the 15th and the morning of the 16th of June and was a particularly serious case of theft“As this is a very valuable watch containing a serial number, it is very likely that we will find it soon – at least as soon as the thief tries to put it up for sale.”A spokesman for the Melia Hotel said: “The matter was promptly reported to the authorities, who are now undertaking the pertinent investigation.Most read in Euro 2024“We are fully cooperating with the police in all necessary aspects of their inquiry and, on our part, have no further comments to provide while the investigation is in progress.”Inside Ivan Toney’s Life As A FootballerA source said: “It’s being taken very seriously because of the very high value of the property taken – and is a matter of serious concern to the hotel management.”Several players’ families were staying at the Melia Hotel – a 45-minute drive from Gelsenkirchen Stadium – over the weekend of England’s Euro 2024 opener.Star Ivan  is close to both his parents, who split up during his childhood.He spoke emotionally of how his mum Lisa struggled to make ends meet as he grew up in Northampton and skipped meals to ensure he was well fed as he chased his soccer dream.Ivan Snr – aged in his 50’s – supported him during his youth career at Northampton Town, Newcastle United, Barnsley, and Peterborough United.And the proud dad made sure he was in Germany to see his son’s first appearance in an England squad abroad.The Football Association declined to comment yesterday. More

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      Sky Sports legend Martin Brundle’s marriage in crisis as he spends time apart from wife after they hit ‘rocky patch’

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      TELLY’S Grand Prix star Martin Brundle has been hit by a marriage crisis.The Sky Sports F1 pundit and former racing driver, 65, is spending time apart from his wife of almost 40 years.Martin Brundle and wife Liz’s marriage is in crisisCredit: GettyMartin Brundle is a former F1 driver, and has an estimated wealth of £83.6mCredit: GettyPundit Martin Brundle and college sweetheart Liz, who have been married for nearly 40 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe news comes after he made public comments on the Christian Horner sexting scandal, saying “mud sticks” and it was “a damaging story” for the Red Bull team chief.Brundle married college sweetheart Liz in the 1980s and they live together in a mansion in a Norfolk village, near his home town of King’s Lynn.A source said yesterday: “Martin and Liz are going through a rocky patch. He’s been away a lot recently and she’s not seen much of him. Things aren’t going well for them.”Speaking from her home, Liz told The Sun on Sunday: “We are spending some time apart but we are married and together.”READ MORE ON F1This weekend, Brundle was working at the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg.He met Liz while they were students in King’s Lynn. They have two children, Alex, 33, and Charlie, 36.Alex followed in his father’s footsteps and has a racing career. He has completed the 24 Hours of Le Mans race — which his dad won in 1990. Charlie works for McLaren Automotive.Most read in MotorsportEx-McLaren ace Brundle continues to be a household name thanks to his pre-race grid walk interviews.He has become a master of pushing his way to the front over the years, securing chats with the likes of David Beckham, Ed Sheeran, Will Smith, Michael Douglas, Kylie Minogue and Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson.In February, during Red Bull’s probe into team boss Horner’s behaviour, Brundle said: “Christian Horner has been pivotal to Red Bull’s success. ‘I’m in charge round here’ – F1 reporter Martin Brundle brushes off security to get to Mbappe for live TV interview“I know absolutely nothing about the current situation. I’m as confused as anybody else in Formula One.”But following Red Bull dismissing the complaint against Horner with a short statement, Brundle added: “I think the problem of making no comment whatsoever on what may or may not have happened is that mud sticks.“It’s a global story. I think it’s been a damaging story for Christian and Red Bull and all of Formula One.”Martin Brundle interviews Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson on the gridCredit: GettyRed Bull team boss Horner and wife Geri HalliwellCredit: The Mega AgencyHorner was supported by his wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.Brundle was considered one of the best F1 drivers to have never won a Grand Prix, securing numerous podium finishes in inferior cars.He was the World Sportscar Championship winner in 1988 and won the 24 Hours of Daytona challenge the same year. He has commentated for ITV, BBC and Sky Sports.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrundle won the Royal Television Society award for best sports pundit in 1998, 1999, 2005 and 2006 and has amassed an estimated £83.6million.This week, The Sun revealed how the telly commentator is set to make an appearance in Brad Pitt’s new racing film Apex. Brundle’s agent was approached for comment. More

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      England’s WAGs so confident their boys will beat minnows Slovakia they have booked jets for quarter finals

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      ENGLAND’S WAGs are so confident their men will beat Slovakia today they have booked private jets to visit them after the game.Some are flying from Manchester to the match in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, and have then chartered the plane for Tuesday to take them to the team hotel in Blankenhain.England’s WAGs have chartered the plane to take them to the team hotel the day after the gameCredit: BackGridThe WAGs travel plans suggest they do not expect to see the England team loseCredit: InstagramA source told the Sun on Sunday: “They are flying out to Germany for the match, but as it’s a knockout stage there’s obviously no guarantee England will still be in the Euros after the final whistle.“But they are confident their men can do the business. “The onward flight has already been booked to take them to the England camp. “They are not expecting the team to lose today.READ MORE ON WAGS“It’s been a long haul already, with all the travelling, but they are hugely supportive and love spending what time they can with players.”While the WAGs fly across Germany to the team camp at the luxury Weimarer Land hotel and spa, it is thought England star Phil Foden could be heading in the opposite direction, back to England.The 24-year-old flew home on Wednesday to be at partner Rebecca Cooke’s side as she gave birth to a baby boy, their third child.He then returned to the camp to resume training ahead of today’s game, but is thought to be planning another brief visit home if England make it to Saturday’s quarter finals.Most read in Euro 2024Foden — the Premier League’s player of the Year — already has children Ronnie, four, and True, one, with childhood sweetheart Rebecca, 22.’Super spiritual’ England star Phil Foden and his Wag Rebecca Cooke visit PSYCHIC in bid to help England win Euro 2024Players’ families have had the opportunity to visit the team camp after each match so far.But the remote setting of the five-star hotel complex in Blankenhain means the total distance they travelled through the group stage was around 3,200 miles.The FA laid on a family fun day after the second game, with bouncy castles and burger trucks.An FA source confirmed any families who want to visit after today’s game — should England win — are welcome. Jarrod Bowen’s partner Dani Dyer has been seen watching the England gamesCredit: GettyBukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson was snapped watching the teamCredit: GettyIt comes as fans are set for a beer and barbecue celebration today as they pray the Three Lions finally get the Euros party started after a dull start to the tournament.Supermarkets have seen a huge boost in sales of booze, barbecues and burgers ahead of the match.Fans will knock back around 32million pints today — six million more than a normal Sunday — giving a £28.8million boost to pubs.At home, an expected TV audience of around 16million will tune in, with thousands more watching in bars and in fan zones.Asda has seen the sale of barbecues rocket by 44 per cent and have sold nearly 400,000 burgers. Tesco is expecting this weekend to be its best for barbecue sales all year.Tens of thousands of England fans are in Gelsenkirchen for today’s game. Only 6,500 tickets have been made available to England by UEFA, but Three Lions fans are expected to take up around three-quarters of the ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESTesco worker Alan Pearcy, 51, of Newcastle, said: “If you look at the last Euros it was very similar.“We started off playing poorly, but then we got better as it went on.”Captain Harry Kane embraced partner Katie Goodland after England’s openerCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) England vs Slovenia More