More stories

  • in

    Iconic ex-Premier League stadium unrecognisable as luxury flats as trophy is shown there on TNT Sports

    AN ICONIC former Premier League stadium looks completely unrecognisable as the site of £500million worth of luxury flats.Highbury Stadium was the old home of Arsenal and was the setting TNT Sports’ pre-match build-up for the Gunners’ clash against Bournemouth.The Premier League trophy was at the site of an old stadiumCredit: TNT SPORTSIt was at Arsenal’s old ground HighburyCredit: TNT SPORTSThe abandoned stadium looks unrecognisableCredit: TNT SPORTSIt has been converted into a luxury flatsCredit: TNT SPORTSThe clash with the Cherries in a must-win game as Mikel Arteta’s side aims to win their first league title since 2004.The last time the club won the Premier League, they were playing at Highbury, compared to their new home of the Emirates.The former ground has been demolished and replaced with 650 luxury flats worth.There are still some nods to the famous past of the ground as the exteriors of the East and West Stands remain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA bust of former Gunners manager Herbert Chapman remains in the same marble corridors, while the players’ tunnel is also intact.The pitch is long gone but has been replaced by gardens.However, some fans questioned the positioning of the trophy with many backing Manchester City to retain the title.One fan posted: “What is our trophy doing there?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second asked: “Why’s our trophy at Arsenal’s former end.”A third commented: “The blue ribbons lol.”How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerA fourth wrote: “Our trophy with light blue ribbons at the Highbury hahaha.”A fifth said: “Just in case they don’t win it, they’ll have had a chance to see it once more 20 years is a long time without a glance at it.”Another added: “If that isn’t tempting fate, I don’t know what is!”Arsenal left the 38,419-capacity Highbury in 2006 as they moved to the Emirates, which is capable of holding 60,704 people.For the Premier League trophy to remain in North London, Arsenal need to win their remaining three games and for Manchester City to slip up.The site has 650 flatsCredit: GettyFans can still walk past the entrance to the old West StandCredit: GettyBalconies look out onto where the pitch used to beCredit: GettyFlats vary in price between around £400k and £800kCredit: GettyGardens now lie where the Highbury pitch used to beCredit: Getty – ContributorArsenal moved to the Emirates in 2006Credit: Getty More

  • in

    TNT Sports troll Jurgen Klopp with cheeky post after Liverpool boss slams broadcaster over ‘criminal’ fixtures

    TNT Sports have hit back at Jurgen Klopp after he suggested he would never watch the broadcaster again after leaving Liverpool.Klopp jokingly took a swipe at the channel during his press conference yesterday and blamed them for fixture congestion.Jurgen Klopp criticised TNT Sports for fixture congestionCredit: TNT SportsDespite playing Spurs this Sunday at 4:30pm, he mentioned that the broadcaster often pick Liverpool for the early kick-off on Saturday and said he won’t miss that when he leaves at the end of this season.He took aim at TNT among other broadcasters for the “criminal” fixture congestion affecting English clubs, suggesting that it played a role in the Premier League’s under performance in European competitions.Klopp said: “The Premier League is the best league in the world. It is not overrated, the players are overworked. Somebody needs to help the people.”You cut off one game (FA Cup replays), you give the top teams three more Champions League games. Everyone has a reason to say, ‘You cannot cut off these games, they are important!’ But you cannot sort it all the time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I had a discussion the other day with colleagues from my favourite TV channel which I will definitely never watch again, TNT. And people always say, ‘They pay you! They give money for football’. It’s not that, it’s the other way around, football pays them.“They broadcast and deliver it but it’s not like TNT or Sky is doing really well and can pay all of you.”You have to become a partner of football again and not just the squeezer. That’s just a little advice from an old man on the way out.”He continued by joking: “They dare to give us (a schedule of) Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30 — it’s a crime!Most read in Football”I was waiting for Amnesty International to go to them [TNT]. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into [laughter].The club hit back at him on X with a jokey postCredit: TNT SportsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I would like to be there. The quickest turnaround in the whole world… Liverpool!“They say you have to fight more and go for it. It’s absolutely insane. But they are still happy.Michail Antonio ‘reveals what Jurgen Klopp told Mo Salah’ in furious touchline spat vs West Ham “They like subscribers, you can take me off that list. If you are ever looking for a pundit, I speak English and could do it, but… what was the question by the way?”TNT’s social media team were quick to snap back at Klopp with a jokey comeback.Referring to the fact that Klopp will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of this season, the broadcaster suggested he would be applying to join them as a pundit.They posted to X with the caption “One new applicant” and showed a mock-up of Klopp’s CV.The image listed Klopp’s achievements with Liverpool, saying he was a Champions League and Premier League winner.But the image also showed that he was unwilling to work on Saturday’s at 12:30pm – their designated TV slot from the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne fan replied by saying: “Would be quite funny having him as a pundit tbh..”While another wrote: “This could have been funny if Klopp wasn’t 100% right.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
    But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
    In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
    Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
    But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
    These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
    Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
    But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
    Klopp got it wrong.
    Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

  • in

    Jurgen Klopp vows NEVER to watch TNT Sports again as Liverpool boss launches hilarious rant over ‘favourite TV channel’

    JURGEN KLOPP has jokingly claimed that he will never watch TNT Sports again after he leaves Liverpool.The German coach, 56, dropped the bombshell in January that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.Jurgen Klopp has joked he’ll never watch TNT Sports againCredit: GettyThe Liverpool boss has hit out at his side regularly being scheduled for the Saturday lunchtime slotCredit: GettyThe ex-Dortmund manager has transformed Liverpool back into one of the game’s top sides since taking charge in October 2015.He achieved legendary status when ending their 30-year title drought in 2020 while he also led the Reds to three Champions League finals – tasting success in 2019.Despite Liverpool’s title aspirations and Europa League hopes going up in smoke over the past fortnight, Klopp is departing Anfield with a Carabao Cup triumph.He was in good spirits this morning at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Tottenham.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he could not resist another rant of fixture scheduling and pile-ups as he took a swipe at TNT Sports again for the broadcaster regularly putting his side in the Saturday lunchtime spot after they had been in midweek European action.And he also said English football’s congested calendar is hindering our sides from enjoying more success against the continent’s top teams.Klopp began his tongue-in-cheek rant by saying: “The boys had a few days off this week which was super important and we could have proper training sessions again, which we are not used to.“We stumble from one -1 into the next. I said it from the first day, training helps.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“In general it’s a really interesting subject, seeing that Aston Villa lost 4-2 last night. If they go out it would mean no English team is in a European final.“You will all stay here, you will all talk about it. If you don’t decrease the intensity for the players…Michail Antonio ‘reveals what Jurgen Klopp told Mo Salah’ in furious touchline spat vs West Ham “If you think that all English teams underperformed, there were definitely moments – us against Atalanta and things like this. “But the Premier League is the best league in the world. It is not overrated, the players are overworked. Somebody needs to help the people.”Klopp continued: “You cut off one game (FA Cup replays), you give the top teams three more Champions League games. Everyone has a reason to say, ‘You cannot cut off these games, they are important!’ But you cannot sort it all the time.“I had a discussion the other day with colleagues from my favourite TV channel which I will definitely never watch again, TNT. And people always say, ‘They pay you! They give money for football’. It’s not that, it’s the other way around, football pays them.“They broadcast and deliver it but it’s not like TNT or Sky is doing really well and can pay all of you. “You have to become a partner of football again and not just the squeezer. That’s just a little advice from an old man on the way out.”Klopp was not finished as he added: “I will watch a lot of football but not all – people can survive without matches from time to time. “Manchester City and Arsenal are out in the quarter-finals, it’s just not a reflection of quality. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into laughter. I would like to be thereJurgen Klopp”We are out in the quarter-finals. Yes other countries have good teams, it’s not about that – it’s a sign.“We have to change our approach. That’s how it is. When I speak about it they think it’s because of our situation, if we lost the last game. “But it’s a general problem. Nothing to do with our schedule now. They dare to give Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30 – it’s a crime!Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
    But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
    In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
    Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
    But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
    These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
    Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
    But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
    Klopp got it wrong.
    Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

    “I was waiting for Amnesty International to go to them. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into [laughter]. “I would like to be there. The quickest turnaround in the whole world… Liverpool!“They say you have to fight more and go for it. It’s absolutely insane. But they are still happy. “They like subscribers, you can take me off that list. If you are ever looking for a pundit, I speak English and could do it, but… what was the question by the way?”Klopp and Liverpool talisman Mo Salah were spotted rowing on the touchline in last week’s draw at West Ham.And talk of a rift between them escalated after the forward’s post-match remarks.However, the departing boss has rubbished any talk of a fall-out, saying: “Completely resolved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s not a problem. We have known each other for (a long time) and respect each other. “We have a right to deal with these things completely independently. It’s a non-story.”Klopp says English football’s schedule is killing our sides in EuropeCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Laura Woods gives glimpse into life behind the scenes as adoring fans say ‘so much slay on display’

    LAURA WOODS collared herself in glory yet again – dazzling fans with varied snapshots of her life.A black choker round the presenter’s neck was a recurring theme in her Instagram pics, narrowly appearing more often than her French bulldog!Laura Woods’ fans loved her array of snapsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura didn’t explain this expressionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/The presenter had a giggle over her hairCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura’s companion was in mischievous moodCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Of course she included a Euro night shotCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woodsy neglected to include any pics with partner Adam Collard, such as this cosy snap, nor even a single photo of her beloved ArsenalCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyFootball fans’ favourite broadcaster showcased her recent activities – with and without her TNT Sports’ Champions League hat on.”So much slay on display,” was one verdict, while another admirer posted: “Killing it Laura! COYG!”That’s a reference to her love for Arsenal, even though the Gunners and boyfriend Adam Collard were glaring omissions from a photo dump she labelled “Lately x”.Three photos showed Woodsy in the same neckwear – a classy number fastened at the front by a silver-coloured buckle.READ MORE TOP STORIESThat pipped the two-pic total for Lu, her pet Frenchie who she is often seen out in the wild with.She also shared a glamorous shot from a spot-lit event – and a snap of what appeared to come from behind the scenes at work.In that image, 36-year-old Laura wore an off-the-shoulder black outfit  – a bodycon dress.But a gadgety-looking khaki bag and a bottle of water in the background gave the game away – suggesting she had a date with a microphone.Most read in FootballAgain in her fave choker, Woodsy switched to a glam eventCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura’s dog took pride of place in two photosCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Lu had a muddy great time in this picCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/”Scrumptious,” claimed one of her 754,000 Instagram followers.”Love this girl” and “Lovely smile” were similar opinions.Laura Woods can’t keep her hands off boyfriend Adam Collard as loved-up couple snog on the beach in Mexico”Gorgeous” was also on the list of compliments.Laura also revealed a clip of herself having her hair done as she laughed around in a car with a female backseat companion.And apart from pics at famous football venues, there was a mini-mystery over one snap.She shared a screenshot of her in a black gown with a huge frown – with no clue as to what changed her usual happy expression.Maybe it’s a sign of her humour – as the choker in the pack!Laura regularly hosts DAZN’s boxing coverage as wellCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe has gathered a huge social media following in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura presented coverage of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Jermaine FranklinCredit: RexShe has become TNT Sports’ main Champions League anchor this seasonCredit: GettyLaura also likes to let her hair down when not workingCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura went Instagram official with her romance with Adam CollardCredit: InstagramThe presenter is ITV’s host for Lionesses coverageCredit: GettyShe loves a day at the races during the summerCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe also works for ITV on their coverage of the NFLCredit: InstagramWoods previously hosted the talkSPORT Breakfast alongside great pal Ally McCoistCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Major broadcasting change with Champions League to be shown on new channel in UK for first time in nine years

    FOOTBALL fans will only just be realising a huge change to next season’s Champions League coverage in the UK.TNT Sports have had the rights to Europe’s premier competition since 2015 – with the tournament having previously been shown on ITV and Sky Sports.Two new broadcasters will show Champions League football next seasonCredit: GettyThe Champions League schedule for the 2024/25 seasonThey have held exclusive rights to all live fixtures and highlights since 2018, but that is set to change next season after a pair of deals were struck back in 2022.Amazon Prime will broadcast 17 Champions League matches on Tuesday nights.And there will also be a free-to-air option for UK viewers for the first time in nearly a decade.That is because the BBC will show a Match of the Day-style highlights programme on Wednesdays as part of a three-year deal with Uefa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means the Champions League, which is changing format from the 2024/25 campaign onwards, will be broadcast on the BBC for the first time since 1994.Europa League and Europa Conference League coverage will remain exclusively on TNT Sports.The Champions League will expand from 32 to 36 teams next season, with eight group-stage matches rather than six.One league consisting of all 36 teams will result in the top eight automatically reaching the knockout stages.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThose who place between ninth and 24th will then play a two-legged showdown to fill the remaining positions.But clashes with domestic fixtures threaten to create a chaotic schedule.Major broadcasting change as Kate Abdo reveals Jamie Carragher’s CBS Sports Champions League replacementTeams face the potential of THREE midweek clashes between Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures. More

  • in

    ‘Gutted’ Rio Ferdinand reveals he’ll MISS Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash in major change to TNT Sports coverage

    RIO FERDINAND has revealed that he is “gutted” to be missing Bayern Munich’s clash with Real Madrid.The Manchester United legend may still watch the game but will not be featured on TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand will not be on TNT Sports tonightCredit: PAFerdinand, 45, is a regular on the broadcaster’s coverage of the Champions League.The retired defender often appears alongside the likes of Jules Breach, Laura Woods and Peter Crouch, so there will be a lineup change tonight.He confirmed that he will not be on the screen tonight as Real Madrid travel to Germany to take on Bayern due to illness.However, he admitted that he is aiming to be back on punditry duties on Wednesday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFerdinand wrote: “Gutted to be missing out tonight… hopefully be back on screen tomorrow!”Big ❤️ to the @footballontnt team.”He also pulled out of filming for his Vibe with Five podcast on Monday with the same illness.Fans commented on the post wishing the former Premier League star well.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne wrote: “We will miss you.”A second posted: “Bruno Fernandes will assist you to get back.”Laura Woods threatens to walk out of live TV interview with Bukayo Saka after reaction to Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown A third added: “Might not watch the game now.”The match will see Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane face off as they aim to guide their clubs to the Champions League final.Kane and Bayern reached the semi-finals by beating Arsenal in the previous round.Bellingham and co defeated Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City via a penalty shootout.The first leg of the other semi-final will take place tomorrow as Paris Saint-Germain face Borussia Dortmund.Ferdinand missed a thrilling match as Bayern and Madrid battled to a 2-2 draw, setting up a mouth-watering second leg. More

  • in

    ‘I bet Laura Woods is p***ed off’, say fans as TNT Sports reveal line up for Bayern vs Arsenal & Man City vs Real Madrid

    FANS reckon they can feel Laura Woods’ pain on a huge Champions League night.TNT Sports sent their Arsenal-supporting presenter to Manchester City’s home quarter-final vs Real Madrid, which finished 3-3 in the first leg.Arsenal fan Laura Woods is at the Etihad for Man City vs Real Madrid, alongside pundits Rio Ferdinand and Joleon LescottCredit: ReutersThe broadcaster might secretly be thinking of the Allianz ArenaCredit: GettyWoodsy is a big favourite with viewersCredit: InstagramMeanwhile, her beloved Gunners are at Bayern Munich, locked at 2-2 for another well-balanced return clash.Of course, if Woodsy was disappointed not to be at the Emirates you couldn’t tell from her professionalism.But one fan posted: “I bet Laura Woods is p***ed off.”Another wrote: “Laura Woods must feel sick right now, they’ve got her at the City game instead.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd a third added: “Poor Laura Woods, has to do the City game when Arsenal are at Bayern.”The popular broadcaster would at least have been delighted to see both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were in the Arsenal side when TNT Sports displayed the line-ups from the two glamour ties.The Gunners’ two most creative talents were rated fitness doubts by boss Mikel Arteta just 24 hours beforehand.Nonetheless, Woods had to focus on the Etihad, where Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Kevin de Bruyne were in the hosts’ starting team against Jude Bellingham and Co.Most read in Champions LeagueAnd armchair observers who freely chose the Etihad were as quick as ever with their compliments for the 36-year-old former Sky Sports star.One said: “Laura Woods is such a gorgeous woman, embodiment of brilliance, elegance and beauty. Look at her teeth, blinding white.”Glam life of footie pundit Kate Abdo dubbed ‘new Laura Woods’ as fans hail response to odd Carragher gaffe about boyfriend Malik Scott Another claimed she was “absolute fire”.Alongside Woods at the Etihad were Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand and former City defender Joleon Lescott.The Londoner is a big hit on social media and on the screen More

  • in

    Matchroom vs Queensberry full card: Who is fighting on huge bill? Live stream and TV channel, UK start time

    BOXING fans rejoice as there’s a huge night of action coming your way this summer. Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and Frank Warren’s Queensberry will pit five of their best fighters from each stable against each other on a huge card. Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren shake hands on Matchroom vs Queensberry dealThe event will be headlined by Artur Beterbiev’s big undisputed light-heavyweight clash against Dmitry Bivol, with the five Matchroom vs Queensberry fights to come before it. The biggest fight of the undercard will feature heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Zhlei Zhang squaring off. Daniel Dubois will also return to action following his victory over Jarrell Miller last year as he faces Filip Hrgovic. Brit boxers Craig Richards, Hamzah Sheeraz and Nick Ball are all also in action. Matchroom vs Queensberry full card
    Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – (Undisputed light-heavyweight titles
    Deontay Wilder (Matchroom) vs Zhilei Zhang (Queensberry)
    Daniel Dubois (Queensberry) vs Filip Hrgovic (Matchroom)
    Raymond Ford (Matchroom) vs Nick Ball (Queensberry) – (WBA featherweight title)
    Craig Richards (Matchroom) vs Willy Hutchinson (Queensberry)
    Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (Matchroom) vs Hamzah Sheeraz (Queensberry)
    When is the Matchrom vs Queensberry card?
    The Matchroom vs Queensberry five-on-five clash will take place on Saturday, June 1.
    The fight will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    Ring-walks for the main event can be expected at around 10.30pm UK time.
    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
    Both DAZN and TNT Sports will broadcast the card in the UK.
    You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.
    A flexible pass, worth £19.99-a-month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.
    You can live stream the action from either the discovery+ app for TNT Sports, or the DAZN app for DAZN, both of which you can download onto your mobile or tablet device. More