More stories

  • in

    Law student who aimed vile racial slur at Arsenal star Bukayo Saka dodges jail after insisting he was not being racist

    A LAW student who called Arsenal and England ace Bukayo Saka a “monkey” has dodged a jail term after insisting he was not being racist.Suhel Ali, 20, put an audio message on X/Twitter, calling Saka, 23, a “fing black piece of s**t” following Arsenal’s 0-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in May last year.Law student Suhel Ali, who called Arsenal and England ace Bukayo Saka a ‘monkey’, has dodged a jail termThe Arsenal fan also called Bukayo Saka the N-wordCredit: GettyThe Arsenal fan, of Wembley, North London, also called him the N-word and said: “You’re a f***ing monkey.”The second-year law student admitted posting an offensive message.Westminster magistrates chair Kieran O’Donnell told Ali: “Your lawyer said your intention was not to be racist, but whoever heard it would have heard racial abuse.“But you are of previous good character.”READ MORE ON SAKA”You have no previous convictions. You are remorsefulAli, who, like Saka is of Nigerian heritage, got a 12-month conditional discharge with £111 costs.Wing wizard Saka scored in Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Southampton on Saturday.He is set to star for England against Greece at Wembley.Most read in FootballBukayo Saka declares ‘this is Arsenal’s year’ and they will win Premier League title More

  • in

    Fans say ‘Moyes is joking, right?’ after his bizarre interview about under-fire Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag goes viral

    DAVID MOYES has left Manchester United fans baffled after giving his thoughts on Erik ten Hag.The Scottish manager is currently without a club, having left West Ham at the end of last season.Erik ten Hag’s position at Man United is under threatCredit: GettyDavid Moyes has back the Dutchman for doing a ‘brilliant’ jobCredit: GettyMoyes was the first manager at Man United after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.The club has gone on to have multiple bosses but have not won a Premier League title since the legendary manager departed.Ten Hag is the latest man to have the hot seat in the Old Trafford dugout, having been appointed in 2022.The Dutchman has come under fire for his results, despite winning a Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two seasons.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDespite the cup successes, performances in the league have been questionable with the Red Devils placing 8th last term, their worst ever finish.This season has also started poorly with the club having their worst start to a campaign in 35 years, beating the previous record by one point.That record was set last season under Ten Hag as the club only achieved nine points after seven games.Despite this, Moyes thinks that Ten Hag has been “brilliant” since arriving in Manchester.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told the BBC: “I think he’s doing a brilliant job.”I think he’s shown brilliant resilience in the situation that he’s in and I think he should be credited for how well he’s conducted himself.Erik ten Hag really did not help himself with what he said after Man Utd’s draw with Aston Villa, slams BBC pundit Moyes was the first Red Devils manager after Sir Alex FergusonCredit: AFP”As far as I know, I don’t see him ducking any questions or any media interviews that you people [the media] put forward to him.”I think you have to give him great credit for that, but it’s a job that is going to attract immense pressure, with people talking, so I have to say that I think he’s doing a brilliant job.”Fans have been left confused about the comments as the reacted on social media.One posted: “David Moyes is joking, right?”A second wrote: “Moyes has always had a great sense of humour.”A third commented: “This is too funny! Moyes is ‘LMAO’ on the inside.”A fourth said: “Top tier trolling well in.”Another added: “I can’t tell if he is being serious or not.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.Ten Hag is currently on holiday for the international break and is confident that his job is secure.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Man United chiefs are undergoing crunch talks over the future of the former Ajax boss.Should they decide to axe Ten Hag then the likes of Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel are among the candidates to replace him. More

  • in

    ‘I’d hate to be Liverpool right now’, say fans after seeing what Bellingham did for Alexander-Arnold on England duty

    ENGLAND superstar Jude Bellingham organised a surprise birthday present for team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold.And Liverpool fans are worried Bellingham, 21, is trying to lure Alexander-Arnold – now 26 – to join him at Real.England superstar Jude Bellingham got a special gift for Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: X @EnglandLiverpool fans worry this is Bellingham’s attempt to get Alexander-Arnold to join him at Real MadridCredit: X @EnglandTAA has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu the last few months, with his Anfield contract running out in June.The two stars – who are close pals and holidayed together in the summer – are now on international duty with England ahead of the Nations League clashes with Greece and Finland and reunited at St George’s Park.And Bellingham decided to commemorate Alexander-Arnold’s 26th birthday with a giant card that showed his team-mate with a caption that simply read: “Happy birthday, Trent.”But there was a catch as the star midfielder hid behind the present and waited for the full-back to finish with media duties.Read More on FootballAfter about 20 minutes of the ex-Borussia Dortmund star standing behind the board, Alexander-Anrold finally showed up.The versatile midfielder went to have a look and that was when Bellingham emerged from his hiding spot to scare the Liverpool star.The two team-mates went on to high-five each other, but many believe there is more than meets the eye.One fan tweeted: “I’d hate to be Liverpool right now.”Most read in FootballAnother commented: “It’s so over for Liverpool.”A third wrote: “Real Madrid connection.”‘It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeAnd a fourth stated: “Agent Jude.”Liverpool fans even went as far as to order Bellingham to “stay away” from Alexander-Arnold for the rest of the international break.One tweeted: “Separate these two immediately, none of that luring to Madrid act.”Another wrote: “STAY AWAY!”A third commented: “Cute idea.. but don’t you dare Jude.”Transfer rumours suggest Real see Alexander-Arnold as a replacement for Dani Carvajal at right-back.However, Los Blancos just extended Carvajal’s deal until 2026 despite him suffering a devastating injury last week that will sideline him for the rest of the season.Bellingham shared pictures of his US trip with TrentCredit: instagram More

  • in

    Tottenham break unwanted Premier League record with shocking collapse at Brighton as Postecoglou calls it ‘worst loss’

    TOTTENHAM broke an unwanted record after throwing away a two-goal lead to lose to Brighton in the Premier League.Spurs led 2-0 at the break at the Amex and looked to be coasting to three simple points.Tottenham have become the first Premier League team to lose 10 games after leading by at least two goalsCredit: PATottenham suffered a devastating collapse at Brighton as they lost 3-2 after leading by two goalsCredit: GettyBrennan Johnson and James Maddison had struck, with Ange Postecoglou’s side seemingly in cruise control.But it all went horribly wrong in the second half as Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls turned the game on its head in a staggering 18-minute comeback, with strikes by Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck.And it was an all-too familiar heartbreak for the North Londoners.That’s because Spurs became the first Premier League team in history to lose 10 games after leading by at least two goals.Read More on FootballFans were left in shock with that stat as they stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “‘It’s the history of Tottenham’.”Another commented: “Spurs fans will never learn, they’ll go on a decent run, shout that they have the best players in every position, only for them to do what they’ve always done.”A third wrote: “It’s the Tottenham way.”Most read in FootballBoss Postecoglou called the loss the “worst defeat” of his 15-month reign.The raging Aussie said after full-time: “That’s disappointing. I’m frustrated and absolutely gutted with that. It’s the worst defeat since I’ve been here.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showSpurs ratings vs Brighton: Johnson silences doubters but it’s a horror show at the back in second-halfTOTTENHAM fell to defeat at the Amex Stadium in dramatic fashion.Spurs were leading 2-0, and appeared to be cruising at half-time, thanks to goals from in-form Brennan Johnson and James Maddison.But they collapsed after the break to somehow lose it 3-2 at the Amex.Here’s how SunSport’s Isabelle Barker rated Spurs’ stars.GUGLIELMO VICARIO – 6Was cool, calm and collected in the first-half but lost his composure in the second-half but wasn’t exactly helped by his shambolic defenders who conceded way too many chances.Expertly saved a shot from Mitoma to keep the visitors in it.PEDRO PORRO – 6Porro produced a lovely cross to set up Werner even though he was offside.Struggled to keep Mitoma in check after the break and will probably be seeing the Japanese winger in his nightmares tonight.MICKY VAN DE VEN – 5The second-half was a bad night in the office for Micky van de Ven who, alongside Udogie, was torn apart by Brighton’s blistering front line.You rarely see the Dutchman flustered but he really lost his composure at the Amex.CRISTIAN ROMERO – 5Romero went missing defensively in the second-half, let Brighton players past him and was the culprit of far too many mistakes.DESTINY UDOGIE – 5Udogie was the culprit of a major cock-up at the back to put the ball on a plate for Yankuba Minteh to pull one back for the hosts.Djed Spence has done well off the bench in recent weeks so a shake-up may be on the cards.DEJAN KULUSEVSKI – 6Kulusevski has looked different gravy since moving to a more central role, and that showed in the first-half.After the break he began to look clunky, ploughing into Kaoru Mitoma with a rash challenge.RODRIGO BENTANCUR – 6Bentancur needed to wake up as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions.JAMES MADDISON – 7Maddison was on target for the second with a lovely, low drive but faded out in the second-half and struggled to pick out a pass.TIMO WERNER – 6Werner messed up the final ball, scuppering a big chance for Spurs to go ahead just 15 seconds in.Nearly redeemed himself with what looked like the opener but Porro was offside in the build up. Played a key role in the second goal, squaring the ball to Maddison.The German striker needs to be on target himself though with a woeful zero goals in his last 13 games.BRENNAN JOHNSON – 8Johnson looking as dangerous as ever for Tottenham, with his goal making it six scored in his last six games.He recently deleted social media after coming under heavy criticism, but since then he has certainly silenced his doubters in style.DOMINIC SOLANKE – 6Solanke produced a peach of a pass to set up Johnson for the opener.Didn’t have a shot on goal though and was non-existent in the second-half.“It was an unacceptable second half. Nowhere near where we should be. We got carried away with how we were going.”We kind of accepted our fate and it is hard to understand as we’ve not done that while I’ve been here. We paid the price.”The problem is we are travelling along too smoothly, football and life will trip you up if you get too far ahead of yourself.”Tottenham are now ninth in the Premier League table after their Brighton collapse.Postecoglou’s side have won three and lost the exact same amount in their first seven Prem matches.Brighton, on the other hand, are sixth after winning their third match in the top flight. More

  • in

    Leicester fan’s fury after cheeky players message daughter-in-law.. even before big games

    A LEICESTER City fan has complained to the club after some of its stars cheekily contacted his pretty daughter-in-law on social media.The woman, 29, told friends one player who got in touch just before a big game “should be training” rather than messaging her.A Leicester City fan has complained to the club that some of its stars are getting a kick out of contacting his pretty daughter-in-law on social mediaCredit: TwitterThe Foxes are winless after last season’s promotionCredit: PAThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester stripThe players are understood to have noticed her after she shared dozens of snaps on social media of her in a Leicester kit.Winger Abdul Fatawu, 20, sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the Prem.His team, without a win so far this season, went down 4-2 after conceding two late goals, with the Ghana star making a late substitute appearance. It led to the woman, who we are not identifying, asking her pals: “Why is he messaging me this? He should be training.”Read More on SportThere is no suggestion anything inappropriate has occurred but the scale of the friend requests has irritated the fan. She fears Leicester’s millionaire aces have shared her online profile and are seeing who can befriend her first as some sort of “dressing room banter”.The woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury, 27, also on the bench last Saturday, has contacted her on Instagram four times.She has also been approached online by two who recently played for the club but are now elsewhere. Most read in FootballHarry Souttar, 25, on loan at Sheffield United, and Man City ace Callum Doyle, 21, loaned to Leicester last season, are thought to be among a number of players to send her a single friend request.The woman — a teacher — even claims that on one day in May, she received four friend requests in the same minute from four players linked to the club at some point.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing FanShe told pals on social media: “Honestly wtf”. And a friend replied: “You’re the talk of the dressing room.” A family source said yesterday: “There’s obviously no problem with attempting to follow someone; that’s social media. But she is clearly the subject of conversations among the players.“Seeing as they haven’t won all season, you’d hope they’d have better things to do.“We love Leicester City and don’t want them to become Pester City.”The Sun is aware of correspondence between the woman’s family and the club — promoted to the Premier League after winning the Championship last season.Her father-in-law said: “She’s a massive Leicester fan, so I can only assume she has caught the eye through that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s making her pretty self-conscious, especially as she’s in a relationship with my son.”It is understood that Leicester City are happy there has been no inappropriate messaging.Harry Souttar is understood to be among a number of players to send her just one friend requestCredit: GettyAbdul Fatawu sent her a blue heart symbol last Saturday — hours before the Foxes played at Arsenal in the PremCredit: GettyCallum Doyle is also understood to have sent her a friend requestCredit: GettyThe woman told pals midfielder Hamza Choudhury has contacted her on Instagram four timesCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Aerial photos of Stamford Bridge show stadium damage caused by Gent fans during Conference League clash

    CHELSEA’S first Conference League match of the season was marred by violent scenes from Gent fans at Stamford Bridge.The Blues hosted the Belgian outfit in the League Phase and won 4-2 with a convincing display by Enzo Maresca’s men.Shocking aerial photos show the full extent of the damage caused by Gent fansCredit: PAGent fans tore seats out of Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge groundCredit: PAGent fans caused chaos both inside and outside of Chelsea’s groundCredit: PAGent fans threw the seats away after tearing them outCredit: PAHowever, travelling fans caused chaos both inside and outside of the stadium before the game even began.The visitors filled the plush streets of west London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the ground.Fans waved scarves over their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and threw them away.Read More on ChelseaThe Chelsea fans were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down.And shocking aerial footage showed the full extent of the damage done.Almost entire rows of seats have been ripped off in what poses as a shameful site.Chelsea, though, had a smooth evening on the pitch as they cruised to their first ever Conference League victory.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe hosts opened the scoring after just 12 minutes with Renato Veiga’s first ever goal for the club and doubled their lead one minute into the second half with Pedro Neto.Gent hit back with Tsuyoshi Watanabe just four minutes later but Christopher Nkunku put the game away on 63 minutes.Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also scored his first ever Chelsea goal only seven minutes later.And Wouter Vrancken’s side grabbed another consolation goal with Omri Gandelman in the 90th-minute mark.Chelsea went on to pick up an easy victory over GentCredit: GettyChelsea won 4-2 despite the shameful scenes at the standsCredit: GettyChelsea’s Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored their first Chelsea goals despite the chaosCredit: GettyGent fans caused bedlam in the Conference LeagueCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash

    GENT supporters caused chaos both inside and outside of Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s Europa Conference League match. Enzo Maresca’s Blues hammered the travelling Belgian side 4-2. Gent fans threw chair seats at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPIt caused ugly scenes inside Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPThe Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn downCredit: GettyScenes turned ugly in the Chelsea away endCredit: GettyA ripped up broken seat is chucked by away fansCredit: GettyBut the visiting Gent fans made their presence known in the hours leading up to the game. They filled the plush streets of West London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the stadium. Fans waved scarves above their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and THREW them. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Chelsea faithful were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down. One said: “Disgraceful.”Another added: “The Gent fans were absolutely disgraceful.”Both sets of fans engaged in aggressive chanting back and forth as things looked to be on the brink of escalating. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the pitch, Chelsea breezed to a comfortable win thanks to goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It was Maresca’s fifth win on the spin and he said: “We are performing not only in attack but defensively very well. We are happy. Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape “I need to repeat always the same: For sure, we can do many, many things better – we can attack better and defend better. “Tonight probably the most important thing we can learn is even if we are 4-1, even to the final whistle you have to switch on, you cannot switch off.”I think we conceded the second goal just because we saw the game was already finished. “I think if we want to be one step forward, even when you are 4-1 and the game is almost finished, you need to continue and not concede another goal. “We are really happy with the performance. We approached it very well. These games are never easy. “So I am very happy with the performance and the result.”Enzo Maresca celebrates with his playersCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Kick It Out founder Herman Ouseley dies aged 79 after life spent campaigning against racism & discrimination in football

    LORD Herman Ouseley, the founder of Kick It Out and anti-racism campaigner, has died at the age of 79.It is thought Lord Ouseley died on Wednesday, following a short illness.The anti-racism campaigner Lord Herman Ouseley, seen here in 2016, has diedCredit: Getty Images – GettyLord Ouseley outside the Palace of Westminster in 2018Credit: Tom Pilston – The Sunday TimesHe founded Kick It Out to tackle racism and discrimination in football and was its chairman for 25 years.Kick It Out paid tribute to Lord Ouseley this afternoon, calling him “a fearless advocate for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities and will be sorely missed”.The anti-discrimination charity announced Lord Ouseley’s death on its official X, formerly Twitter, account.”We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lord Herman Ouseley after a short illness,” Kick It Out’s statement read.Read More on Football”Lord Ouseley was a titan in tackling discrimination in football over the 25 years he was chair of Kick It Out, having founded Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993.”He was also a fearless advocate for under-represented and disadvantaged communities and will be sorely missed.”Lord Ouseley’s vision to set up Kick It Out was the first true structural change in football to take on a problem that had blighted the game for decades.”Fans and participants are now more aware of discrimination and how to challenge it, which is a legacy of the tenacity and vigour he showed in ensuring football continued to change.Most read in Football”We owe him a huge debt of gratitude and vow to continue that legacy for the benefit of future generations.”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”Birmingham star points out fan who racially abused him as police launch probe a week after crowd trouble hit FA Cup tieHe sat in the House of Lords as a crossbencher from 2001 until his retirement in 2019.Lord Ouseley was also the chief executive for the Race Equality Commission after a long career in local government.Tributes have been pouring in with Troy Townsend MBE, a former footballer and fellow anti-racism activist, calling him “the greatest”.He wrote on X: “Back in 2020 I was so grateful to pay tribute to this legend of a man whilst he accepted a Special Recognition Award from Pride of Britain.”Lord Herman Ouseley, I owe you a debt of gratitude for everything you did for me, for football & society. May your pain be no more.”Mr Townsend added: “[He] stood up when others stayed silent. Took on an industry that allowed racism to flourish. “Looked people in the eye and demanded they change. Whether it was football or politics Herman took on all comers. I’m very proud to be part of his legacy.”The FA also wrote on the social media site: “We are extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Lord Herman Ouseley.”Lord Ouseley was a trailblazer in English football, having the original vision for @kickitout, and he played a hugely inspirational role in tackling discrimination across our game while advocating for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities.”Labour MP Diane Abbott also paid tribute to Lord Ouseley, calling him “a pioneer at the top levels of local government”.Herman George Ouseley was born in Guyana in 1946 and came to Britain when he was 12, attending William Penn Primary School and then Catford College. He started a successful career in local politics, going on to serve as chief executive of the London Borough of Lambeth.It was also the first black head of the former Inner London Education Authority, a body which oversaw more than 1,000 schools and colleges in in the capital.Lord Ouseley set up Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993 and served as the head of the Commission for Racial Equality from 1993 to 2000.He was then made a Life Peer in 2001, going on to pick up 13 honorary degrees.READ MORE SUN STORIESLet’s Kick Racism Out of Football altered its name to Kick It Out, with Lord Ousley heading the organisation until December 2018.The campaigner shared two children with his teacher wife, Margaret.Lord Ouseley with then England manager Roy Hodgson, right, in the stands during a match at Stamford Bridge in May 2015Credit: PA:Press Association More