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    ‘I thought I was minutes away from lights out’ – Rio Ferdinand breaks silence on horror bug that put him in hospital

    RIO FERDINAND has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalised last week, revealing he thought he was close to “lights out”.The former Manchester United defender spent days in hospital and was forced to miss his punditry duties with TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalisedCredit: PAThe former defender shared an update from his hospital bed last weekCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Ferdinand, 46, was set to provide analysis of Arsenal’s visit to Paris Saint-Germain before acting as co-commentator as United reached the Europa League final.Instead he was forced to watch on from a hospital bed and updated fans on his condition by sharing a photo of himself with his thumbs up.That was the aftermath of a serious ordeal for the former England defender, who had been suffering from a horrific stomach bug.The “crazy” illness left Ferdinand vomiting while he also experienced migraines and vertigo, making him feel like the “lights were out”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I had a mad virus. I thought lights were out at some point, I thought it was gonna happen. I thought I was minutes away from lights out, seriously.”I was in my house, I was in my bed like this [pained expression] and I couldn’t even open my eyes.”Then, the headache I had… I don’t get migraines or nothing else so I don’t know what they’re like. I thought my head was in a vice and my eyes were going to pop out.”Then, I was being sick, projectile vomiting in the toilet, I got back to bed and I was having vertigo. I was holding onto the sheets, I didn’t know where I was. It was crazy.”Most read in FootballFerdinand also revealed he went into a state of panic after doctors told him he would need a brain scan.He was even offered an ambulance, making the ex-England star even more nervous.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City Ferdinand continued: “I had to go to hospital and the doctor even said to me, “Do you want an ambulance”? So that’s when I knew.”He went, ‘We’re going to get your brain scanned’. I thought it was a virus or a flu or something so when he mentioned brain scan and the ambulance, the panic was nuts.”I went to hospital and I was in there for a few days. I couldn’t even enjoy the hospital food. The soup and the ice cream normally does wonders.” More

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    Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea fans can watch their teams for FREE in Europa and Conference League finals

    SPURS, Manchester United and Chelsea fans are set to be able to watch their sides’ European finals for free this month.Broadcaster TNT Sports is understood to be planning to make all three of this season’s Uefa Finals available to all fans through its Discovery Plus channel.Bruno Fernandes hopes Man Utd put aside domestic woe to beat fellow Prem strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21Credit: ReutersBrennan Johnson and Co might not save boss Ange Postecoglou’s job if Tottenham defeat the Red Devils in the Bilbao finalCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s Chelsea are gunning for Real Betis on May 28 in the Conference League showdownCredit: GettyWhile a formal announcement is yet to be made, Sun Sport understands TNT will repeat last season’s model for the three games.It means the all-Prem Europa League showdown between United and Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis in Wroclaw seven days later and the Munich Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG can all be watched by fans without a TNT subscription.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under so much pressure he could even be axed if he triumphs.Tottenham have been trophyless since lifting the League Cup in 2008.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd United counterpart Ruben Amorim says victory for his team is the least his club’s fans deserve – after admitting he must get better at his job.It comes as the English top flight could have a record NINE teams competing in Europe next season.That would smash the previous best of five from 2017-18, which saw United miss out on the top four but win the Europa League.The Prem has been awarded five Champions League spots next season – thanks to performing so well under Uefa’s coefficient rankings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd and Spurs will fight for the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe key achievement in being rated so high was Arsenal beating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg.The Gunners went on to exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the semis – with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta sparking a mixed response for claiming his team were the best in the competition.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis Conference League trophy is the prize at Chelsea vs BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’Arsenal’s Real success meant the Prem’s Europa and Conference League places would now be filled by the sides finishing sixth and seventh.And they will down a spot further – if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.Spurs and United are far closer to the bottom of the table than the teams challenging for European places.But whoever wins the Europa League final will book a Champions League place.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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    Why is Rio Ferdinand not on commentary for TNT Sports during PSG vs Arsenal?

    RIO Ferdinand will not be a part of TNT Sports’ coverage for Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg away at PSG this evening.The Gunners are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit following Ousmane Dembele’s strike in London last week.Rio Ferdinand will miss the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and PSGCredit: Andrew Orchard/Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live newsArsenal will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit as they head to Paris this weekendCredit: GettyPSG VS ARSENAL LIVE – LATEST UPDATESLes Parisiens historically do not perform well in home Champions League semi-finals, so the Gunners will be given a boost before the clash even kicks off.PSG have appeared in the competition’s final more recently than the Gunners, having been there in 2020, with Arsenal not appearing since 2006. Both sides are aiming to lift the iconic Champions League trophy for the first time in their history this season.Why is Rio Ferdinand not on commentary for PSG vs Arsenal? Rio Ferdinand confirmed via X that he will miss tonight’s match after being hospitalised.Read more Champions LeagueThe former Man Utd defender posted: “Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!!”Rio Ferdinand will not be a part of TNT Sports’ coverage this eveningCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5″Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”TNT Sports replied to the post by saying: “Get well soon, Rio.”SunSport understands his condition is not serious.Most read in Champions LeagueHow to watch PSG vs ArsenalPSG vs Arsenal is available to watch on TNT Sports 1.The match can be live streamed on discovery+.The game will start at 8pm BST.PSG currently lead the tie 1-0 after last weeks first-leg. More

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    Rio Ferdinand in hospital and forced to miss TNT Sports coverage of PSG vs Arsenal as he posts picture from bed

    RIO FERDINAND revealed he would miss last night’s Champions League semi-final after posting a picture from his hospital bed.The former Manchester United star would have been on duty for TNT Sports for Arsenal’s trip to Paris.Rio Ferdinand missed last night’s Champions League coverage on TNT SportsCredit: AlamyFerdinand revealed on X that he was in hospitalCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Ferdinand was seen with a band around his wrist in the photo.Ferdinand captioned his post: “Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!!””Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”TNT Sports replied to the post by saying: “Get well soon, Rio.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport understands his condition is not serious.The 46-year-old is a regular feature on TNT Sports’ coverage of European football, whether on commentary or in the studio as an analyst.He is often a key part of the broadcaster’s commentary team, appearing alongside fellow pundit Ally McCoist and commentator Darren Fletcher.Ferdinand usually appears on TNT’s coverage of Man Utd games, including his former club’s stunning quarter-final win against Lyon at Old Trafford last month.Most read in FootballThey will be on TNT tonight in the second leg of their semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.Well wishers took to social media to send kind messages to the former England defender.One person said: “Get well soon Rio.”Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City A second said: “Get well soon legend.”A third added: “Good recovery man. Take care.”Another said: “Quick recovery.”Arsenal were losing the semi-final 1-0 on aggregate after the first-leg defeat courtesy of Ousmane Dembele’s goal.And even though they were unable to turn it around, losing 2-1 in Paris and 3-1 overall, Mikel Arteta insisted his team were the best side in the competition.Mikel Arteta says Declan Rice and his Arsenal team can make history tonightCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Proud’ Adam Collard shows support for Laura Woods from hospital bed as fiancee makes TNT Sports return

    ADAM COLLARD supported fiancee Laura Woods from his hospital bed as she made her TNT Sports return.The presenter was back on our screens for Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan after giving birth to the pair’s first child.Laura Woods returned to TNT Sports for Barcelona vs Inter Milan after her maternity leaveCredit: TNT SportsAdam Collard showed support for his fiance from his hospital bedCredit: Instagram @adamcollardCollard underwent back surgeryCredit: Instagram @adamcollardHe thanked Woods for the support she has given him during his health strugglesCredit: InstagramThe pair welcomed baby Leo into the world in JanuaryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods, 37, had spent the previous 13 weeks on maternity leave since welcoming baby Leo in January as she settled into life as a mum.She has also been busy supporting Collard, who has struggled with a back problem in the last few months.The former Love Island star underwent surgery on Wednesday before offering support to his partner after watching Woods on TNT Sports.He shared a photo from his hospital bed of him watching Woods in action.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSHe wrote: “Now watching my girl from the bed on her first day back.”Proud of her after only 13 weeks getting back into the mix and I can’t tell you how much she’s been my rock throughout this whole injury, process and the last six months in general on all fronts.”Collard, 29, also shared some pre and post-surgery snaps of himself in a hospital gown.He captioned the two Instagram stories: “Back surgery…completed it mate.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWoods watched her beloved Arsenal in action against PSG on Tuesday with Collard and Leo.She kicked off her return with a pre-recorded monologue setting the scene for the semi-final clash.Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post And later quipped that every English person is an Arsenal fan because they are the only Premier League team left in the Champions League – prompting sniggers from her colleagues.Close pal Ally McCoist could not resist a cheeky dig at Woods’ expense by referencing PSG’s victory over the Gunners with a wry smile. More

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    Laura Woods returns to TV for first time since giving birth to baby boy and loves how TNT Sports welcomed her back

    LAURA WOODS made her long-awaited return to TV for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final.The popular presenter, 37, stepped back from duties to welcome son Leo in January with fiance Adam Collard. Laura Woods returned to the TV screens on Champions League dutyCredit: TNT SportsShe opened the programme on TNT Sports with a pre-recorded piece to cameraWoods was joined in the studio by Steve McManaman and Owen HargreavesShe gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the TNT Sports studiosCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe has been enjoying family time and settling into life as a mum – and is wasting no time getting her boy into her beloved Arsenal.The pair watched the first leg of the semi-final against PSG together at home last night. But she shocked fans during the game by announcing she would make a comeback to the screens for TNT Sports’ coverage of Barcelona vs Inter.Woods kicked off the programme at 7pm with a pre-recorded monologue setting the scene for the highly-anticipated semi-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe then went live with Steve McManaman and Owen Hargreaves in the London studios. And when McManaman made a slight mix-up regarding the stage of the tournament, Woods – decked out in a long-sleeve black outfit – joked it was “me who missed the quarter-finals”.She then quipped that every English person is an Arsenal fan because they are the only Premier League team left in the Champions League – prompting sniggers from the two pundits. Colleagues were delighted to see Woods back at work, with Reshmin Chowdhury kicking off her piece from the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys by stating: “Welcome back, Laura.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd close pal Ally McCoist could not resist a cheeky dig at Woods’ expense by referencing PSG’s victory last night with a wry smile.Woods took to her Instagram story earlier on Wednesday afternoon with a picture of her mum and Leo waving her off through the window to head to the TNT studios.Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post She then added another snap of a dressing room door with her name on a Champions League-themed background, captioning the image with a series of love-heart emojis.Woods also revealed she will be in Paris next week for the second leg of the Arsenal tie, where she will be desperately hoping the Gunners can overturn the 1-0 deficit and book their place in May’s Munich final.That is understood to be her first live presenting gig at a stadium since hosting TNT’s coverage of Arsenal vs Monaco in the league phase at the Emirates on December 11. Woods’ son and mum waved her off to workCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe watched the Arsneal vs PSG game with Leo on Tuesday nightCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods was on duty at the Emirates on December 11 – approximately six weeks before the baby arrivedCredit: Getty More

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    Laura Woods announces shock TV return as she watches Arsenal vs PSG with new baby boy Leo

    LAURA WOODS announced a shock return to TV as she watched Arsenal vs PSG with new baby Leo.The glamorous TNT Sports host gave birth to her first child with fiance Adam Collard in January.Laura Woods watched Arsenal lose to PSG with baby boy LeoCredit: X/Laura WoodsShe welcomed her first child with Adam Collard in JanuaryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods also revealed when she will next be on TVCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods announced her pregnancy last July and gave birth in JanuaryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods revealed her pregnancy joy last July before taking a step back from the spotlight.But she made sure she was not going to miss her beloved Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday night.The Gunners lost the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain 1-0.Yet Woods cheered on Mikel Arteta’s men with baby Leo in her arms.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe shared a heartwarming photo of the pair taking in the game on TV.But at the same time, Woods also announced her shock return to the screen after a lengthy absence.Responding to a fan, she revealed she will be back on the box for Wednesday’s other Champions League semi between Inter Milan and Barcelona.When asked “when are you back on the TV?”, Woods declared: “Tomorrow!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSShe also revealed she will be in Paris for Arsenal’s return leg next week.Woods added: “Hmm. Not the end of the world, but not the best. On to the next. See you in Paris, Gooners.”Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSGThis prompted pal and talkSPORT star Jamie O’Hara to write: “Hassss anyone seeeeen Woodsy?”Woods answered: “Hahahaha f*****g hell here he bloody is. I forgot you and Spurs existed!”O’Hara wrote back: “We miss you Woodsy come back so we can batter you.”Woods replied: “I might just for a laugh. Miss ya J.” More

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    Awkward moment TNT Sports presenter gets blasted by sprinkler & forced to run for cover minutes before going live on air

    THERE are plenty of hazards that come with the role of a pitch side football presenter.For Scots telly favourite Connie McLaughlin, her ‘worst nightmare’ has unfortunately come true.Connie McLaughlin shared the unfortunate moment she endured at Stamford BridgeCredit: INSTAGRAM @CONNIEHMCLAUGHLINPundit Toni Duggan managed to get hold of the footageCredit: Instagram @tonidugganThe water struck poor Connie with some ferocityCredit: Instagram @tonidugganThe duo were sent running for coverCredit: Instagram @tonidugganConnie has become one of the most prominent presenters on Scottish football, providing coverage across the BBC, Premier Sports and TNT Sports.It was TNT duty for her this past weekend as she headed for Stamford Bridge.That’s where Chelsea and Barcelona were facing-off in the second leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final clash.The game itself saw Barca ease their way to the final with a 4-1 win on the day, 8-1 on aggregate.READ MORE FOOTBALLBut before things got underway in West London, chaos struck for poor Connie!The presenter took to her Instagram stories to share a picture of an unfortunate moment RIGHT before they went live on TNT Sports.Pointing towards her hair, Connie revealed she’d been SOAKED before the broadcast began.Seeing the funny side, she said: “The pitch side reporter’s worst nightmare finally came true!Most read in Football”Sprinkler (felt like a power hose) right in the side of the face just before we went on air! 🤣”Former Barcelona and England star Toni Duggan was also part of the TNT Sports team and she managed to get the actual footage of the unfortunate moment!Celtic have clinched the Premiership title – now Hatate could leave with SIX players coming inDuggan shared the clip – seemingly filmed from a production area – on her Instagram stories, showing the exact moment the water came blasting towards herself and Connie.The unsuspecting presenter was clearly caught off guard, with the water striking her when her back was turned as she checked something on her phone.The powerful blast sends the duo running towards the sidelines, but there isn’t exactly far for them to go.Ex-footie ace Duggan was full of praise for Connie, adding on a further post: “Handled like a pro and still looked fab @conniehmclaughlin.”Enjoyed working with you today, even if we was drenched!”It isn’t the first time Connie has been caught up in a rather unfortunate moment while broadcasting.Late last year, while live on Radio 5 Live at Celtic Park, she revealed a bird had POOED on her while she was reporting.Read More on The SunAlways seeing the funny side, she remarked – alongside photographic evidence: “That’s a direct hit from a bird on my head whilst I was live on @5livesport.”Toni Duggan praised Connie McLaughlin for how she dealt with itCredit: Instagram @tonidugganConnie McLaughlin has appeared across a range of broadcastersCredit: Willie VassKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More