More stories

  • in

    James Maddison nearly FALLS OFF Tottenham open-top bus as ‘CEO of the afterparty’ pays classy tribute to Son Heung-min

    JAMES MADDISON nearly FELL OFF the Tottenham bus during the club’s wild Europa League parade.North London was taken over by 200,000 jubilant fans on Friday night as Spurs celebrated finally ending their 17-year trophy drought.James Maddison appeared to nearly fall off the Tottenham busHe had to steady himself after the fallCredit: YouTubeHe also made a touching tribute to Son Heung-minCredit: ReutersThousands of Spurs fans turned out to see the paradeCredit: GettyMaddison, 28, was one of the keenest to celebrate despite being ruled out for the final in Bilbao.And he could have suffered an even worse injury, as he almost took a horror fall while being interviewed by club media.He had declared himself the “CEO of the afterparty” while on top of the team bus parading around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.But the midfielder came close to making an early exit as he lost his balance before having to grab onto his interviewer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans spotted the moment and reacted on social media.One posted: “James Maddison stumbling on top of and on the edge of a tour bus is ANOTHER type of anxiety.”A second wrote: “That was close to another injury to Maddison.”After composing himself, he made a classy tribute to club captain Son Heung-min.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe England international said: “He’s one of the best humans I’ve met and I’m so happy he had that moment in Bilbao. You will not meet a nicer man.“How he treats everyone, my family, my children. He’s just a magnificent man.Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesSon sounded croaky when he took the microphoneCredit: AlamySupportershailed the players as they went past on the busCredit: AlamyThe parade ended at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: AlamyThe team lifted the trophy on a stage outside the groundCredit: Reuters“We had a moment on the pitch at the end.”We don’t always say exactly how we feel, especially men, but that was my opportunity to tell him I adore him. He’s a top man.”Meanwhile, a croaky-sounding Son, who won his first trophy in his tenth year at club, said: “The last two days have gone so fast.“I felt like I just slept five hours, but it’s already Friday. It was incredible.“I waited, I dreamed of this moment. It finally happened.“I said many times that I wanted to make it here. But today is the day that is special. I’m very lucky, I was captain, it’s even better. I’m all over the moon, so so happy.”This was a party — one described as “insane” by sleep-deprived goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario — that was 34 years in the making.The North Londoners’ previous trophy may have come in 2008 with the League Cup.But their last parade actually took place in 1991 after Gary Lineker, Gary Mabbutt and Gazza clinched the FA Cup.Richarlison leant out to share a moment with a fan who had climbed a traffic lightCredit: GettyBoss Ange Postecoglou just took it all in after a tough seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs were expecting 150,000 supporters to turn up yesterday but in the end it may well have been another 50,000 on top of that.As midfielder and reveller-in-chief Yves Bissouma put it: “Look how north London is fully white.”Streets starting from Edmonton a couple of miles north of the ground down to the stadium itself were packed hours before the open-top bus parade began at 5.30pm.People were climbing up on to roofs — including the one above the Harry Kane mural — and on top of bus shelters to catch a glimpse of their heroes.Two female fans had come all the way over from South Korea to be part of the celebrations, having watched on television back home their icon Son lifting the trophy in Bilbao.One said of skipper Son: “He’s a national hero. He’s the first (South Korean) captain of the Premier League. We’re so proud of him.”The music was pumping, from football classics like Sweet Caroline to the new fans’ favourite ‘We won it in Bilbao’ to the tune of Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song Waka Waka (This time for Africa).The players, clad in shirts with champions and 25 inscribed on the back and sporting, rather bizarrely, ski goggles, then turned up and the bus got going, flanked by a sea of blue-and-white waving flags and flare smoke.Richarlison was bouncing up and down at the front, Bissouma had his shirt off, Cristian Romero, the Europa League player of the season, was on the beer.A croaky-sounding Son, who won his first trophy in his tenth year at the club, said: “The last two days have gone so fast. I felt like I just slept five hours but it’s already Friday. It was incredible.“I waited, I dreamed of this moment. It finally happened.Read More on The Sun“I said many times I wanted to make it here. But today is the day that is special.“I’m very lucky, I was captain, it’s even better. I’m all over the moon, so so happy.”Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More

  • in

    Liverpool fans sharing bizarre Donald Trump clip as Reds close in on £126million Florian Wirtz transfer

    LIVERPOOL fans are sharing a bizarre Donald Trump meme – as Florian Wirtz closes in on a record-breaking move to Anfield.The Reds are now “confident” of sealing a deal for the exciting German playmaker.Florian Wirtz is reportedly close to a blockbuster move to LiverpoolCredit: GettyA deal for the German would likely smash the current British transfer recordCredit: GettyLiverpool fans have taken to sharing a bizarre clip of Donald Trump praising their co-owner John HenryCredit: WH GovernmentWirtz is one of Europe’s most in-demand players after two stunning seasons for Bayer Leverkusen.Manchester City and Bayern Munich were also desperate for his signature.And the German giants has seemed certain to get their man.But Liverpool have shot to the front the queue after impressive Wirtz, 22, and his family in talks on Merseyside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd transfer guru David Ornstein suggests Liverpool are set to win the race with Wirtz said to have told Bayern chiefs he is joining the Reds.Reports now suggest Liverpool’s owners the Fenway Sports Group have signed off a British-record £126million fee.That’s after already having sealed a £35m move for Wirtz’s Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong – and lining up a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.And Liverpool fans were full of praise for American FSG chief John Henry – many with a bizarre clip feature controversial US President Donald Trump.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFans shared a video of Trump declaring Henry was a “great businessman” during a 2018 visit to Washington.Henry was at the White House to celebrate his MLB team Boston Red Sox winning the World Series. Liverpool boss Arne Slot parties with Wayne Lineker in Ibiza just hours after Premier League clash with Arsenal_2Trump is seen addressing the team and singles out the Liverpool owner for praise. Turning to Henry behind him, Trump declared: “John Henry, [is] a great, great businessman. “John, thank you very much. Great businessman.”One fan responded in response to the Wirtz claim: “Please wake me up! Gotta be a dream… we getting a top diamond of the world?”Another joked: “John W Henry statue? Who says no.”While a third added: “I’m levitating mate what a month of football.”John Henry, [is] a great, great businessman. John, thank you very much. Great businessman.Donald TrumpBut a fourth countered: “Why do people go mad? NOTHING is signed or done.”Wirtz has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young stars after flourishing under Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso.The German scored 16 goals and added 15 assists in 45 games this season as Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga.Wirtz has already been looking at property on Merseyside ahead of the move.Read More on The SunShould Liverpool get the deal over the line, it would smash the current British transfer record. The record is currently held by Chelsea, who shelled out £115m for Moises Caicedo in 2023. More

  • in

    Amad Diallo issues grovelling apology to Man Utd fans after Europa League final and vows ‘this will never happen again’

    AMAD DIALLO issued a grovelling apology to Manchester United supporters after their Europa League final flop against Tottenham.The winger played the full 90 minutes as the toothless Red Devils lost 1-0 in Bilbao.Amad Diallo played the in Europa League final loss to TottenhamCredit: PAHe has issued an apology to Manchester United supportersCredit: PABrennan Johnson’s bundled goal was enough to condemn Man Utd to their worst season in modern history.The club will end the season trophyless, just above the relegation zone in the Premier League and without European football for next season.And Diallo, 22, has not shied away from facing up to the horrid season and took to social media to address the club’s fans.He posted a grovelling apology on X to the supporters for an “unacceptable season”.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe winger did insist that the team will work to never let it “happen again”.He wrote: “First of all, I would like to congratulate Tottenham on their victory, and then apologise to all Manchester fans around the world.”It’s been an unacceptable season, and no one can deny that, but we always put our motivation on the pitch.”I promise you that a season like this will never happen again at this great club.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Thank you all for your support throughout the season; you’ve been by our side no matter what.”Fans appreciated the words from Diallo as they reacted in the comment section.Moment baffled Man Utd fan gets trapped in toilet in Bilbao and is left soaked by self-cleaning systemMan Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…One posted: “Brave of you to put this out there.”A second wrote: “Love you Amad, you will be a superstar.”Another commented: “Head up, brother.”A fourth said: “You can hold your head up high for your performance.”While one added: “We believe in you Amad, one of our bright sparks this season.”Meanwhile, the defeat has seen the club put every player up for sale in an attempt to avoid financial ruin.However, the potential fees have plummeted due to the shocking season with £407MILLION being wiped off the players’ values. More

  • in

    Moment baffled Man Utd fan gets trapped in toilet in Bilbao and is left soaked by self-cleaning system

    MAN, loo, disunited – a Red Devils fan saw a Bilbao toilet turn into an escape room before he was drenched by its self-cleaning device.The soggy supporter suffered a double whammy as he matched United’s Europa League final loss to Spurs with his own undignified de-throning.Loo dun it – as the fan blamed the toilet for his drenchingCredit: TikTok/@ewan.ejPerhaps he could post his cubicle review on booking.commodeCredit: TikTok/@ewan.ejThe man went viral for his unexpected mishap as he posted a clip of his own cubicle quandary.It all stemmed from Bilbao City Council installing a host of automatic public restrooms.Once a toilet user leaves a stall, the system is activated.Pressurized water and disinfectants gush in to clean the interior.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOr that’s the theory.On this occasion the travelling fan had his own ideas – or lack of them.He can be seen in his own video looking bemused as he’s soaked while still inside the cubicle.At one stage he couldn’t hold it in any more as he yelled out: “What the f***? What is going on?Most read in Football”Oh my God, what the f***? All I wanted was a p***.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe did attempt to avoid more showery carnage to his clothes – by trying to evade the water jets.But he ended up hopping onto a step with sodden pants as he confirmed: “My legs just got p****d off wet!”Son Heung-min hit in head by TROPHY as Tottenham celebrate Europa League victory over Man UtdUnited’s 1-0 defeat by fellow Prem flops Spurs might have distracted him from his personal misfortune when he finally made it out of Spain.But unlike the Red Devils he did win something in midweek – online fame.He even made it the smallest room with a review – as he posted his verdict: “Weirdest toilet ever.”Admittedly the fan didn’t give the toilet any stars – but he did add two emojis, albeit of the crying with laughter variety.TikTok users sympathised, with one saying: “HAHAHAHAHA the car wash… You have to leave before… although I’m also scared being from Bilbao.”Another told him what he must surely now know: “You’re supposed to get out mate, those bathrooms are programmed to get cleaned after usage.”Read More on The SunIt all took place in a cubicle – so it didn’t count as a Europa Leek Urinal.In contrast, it was in a cauldron, the San Mames, and in the Europa League final, where United went down the pan – blowing their last chance to offset a dreadful Prem season.He found the experience wet but not wonderfulCredit: TikTok/@ewan.ej More

  • in

    Georgia O’Connor’s heartbreaking final post just days before boxer’s death aged 25

    GEORGIA O’CONNOR posted a heartbreaking final Instagram message just over a week before her tragic passing. The inspirational boxer  – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January.Georgia O’Connor with her husband before her sad passingCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She got married before her deathCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She was also previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the boxing community in her corner all the way until she sadly passed away aged 25 from a rare and aggressive cancer.In her final Instagram post – ten days before her death – the brave boxer revealed she had married her boyfriend Adriano.She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.”READ MORE IN BOXINGInspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero.In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano.She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold on to him, because that kind of love is rare.”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.Most read in Boxing”Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me…”Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate.”A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.”Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate.”I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.”You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.”We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.”Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter – who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021 – following her sad passing. Her promoters Boxxer posted: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions wrote: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.”England Boxing added: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.”Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”Read More on The SunO’Connor was not only a talented boxer but also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Away from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing and became an inspiration to many after documenting her horror cancer fight.O’Connor had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1 More

  • in

    ‘Throwing him under the bus’ – Ruben Amorim takes dig at Alejandro Garnacho leaving Man Utd fans shocked

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left stunned by Ruben Amorim’s digging out of Alejandro Garnacho after the Europa League final.The Argentina international was dropped to the bench for Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in Bilbao, much to the surprise of many.Alejandro Garnacho was dropped to the bench for the Europa League final against TottenhamCredit: ReutersHe came on late in the second half but was unable to make an impactCredit: PAThe winger was on the receiving end of a brutal dig from manager Ruben Amorim after the matchCredit: GETTYMason Mount replaced Garnacho but was hauled off in the 71st minute after a lacklustre display.And Amorim stunningly lambasted Garnacho for a key miss in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao when asked bout his decision to start Mount.The Portuguese gaffer said: “It’s easy to say that now.“[But] who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Old Trafford faithful couldn’t quite believe Amorim’s jibe at the winger, with one saying: “So, he is putting Garnacho under the bus?”Another said: “This is very bad from a good coach.”It seems he’s angry, but the truth is his formation and overall approach were poor, and he’s not ready to take responsibility.”It’s easy to say that now, when Garnacho missed that chance they said why didn’t he play Mount.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…And another said: “It’s genius when it works, he’s a fraud when it doesn’t. That’s football.”One remarked: “Amorim made a mistake he must accept it.”Dave Courtnadge reactions as Tottenham beat Man United in Europa League finalAnother chimed in: “This was the wrong call by Amorim. Not in hindsight but in foresight.”Garnacho was far from happy with his place on the bench and let rip at Amorim in a bombshell statement casting doubt over his future at the Theatre of Dreams.He said: “Until the final, I played every round helping the team.”Then the final arrives and I play 20 minutes?! I don’t know.“The final, the season, the whole situation of the club.”I will try to enjoy the summer and then we will see what happens.” More

  • in

    Fans in uproar as Manny Pacquiao, 46, announces comeback to fight for world title… despite not winning in SIX YEARS

    MANNY PACQUIAO has announced he is coming out of retirement and walking straight into a world title shot – causing fan uproar. The Filipino great took to social media to confirm a July 19 bout in Las Vegas against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Manny Pacquiao has announced he is coming out of retirement aged 46Credit: AFPMario Barrios is set to defend his WBC title against PacquiaoCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsHe posted: “I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”Let’s make history!” Interestingly, neither Barrios nor Premier Boxing Champions – due to promote the fight – spoke out to confirm the bout. But Pacquiao’s post still caused havoc amongst fans with the boxing legend primed for a title shot after four years out and six without a win. READ MORE IN boxing One said: “Legend, but nah don’t do this.” Another added: “Why???? Who wants to see this”One fumed: “Disgrace from the WBC.”Another raged: “Ideal form for a world title shot. Winless for 6 years.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPacquiao’s last win came in 2019, beating Keith Thurman. He was then due to face Errol Spence Jr in August 2021 until an eye injury forced the Texan out, with Yordenis Ugas replacing him.Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split DecisionUgas sprung a surprise upset on Pacquiao, who announced his retirement after the point loss to run for president in the Philippines. But after a failed election, rumours of a boxing return began swirling for PacMan, who later faced Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in a 2022 exhibition. Pacquiao then returned last July for another exhibition, against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo. And the eight-division champ showed his age over the three rounds – with fans urging him never to fight again. But talks were taking place behind the scenes for Pacquiao to make a professional comeback in a bid for the welterweight title. Per WBC rules, a contender must be ranked within their top 15 in order to be eligible for a championship bout. Read More on The SunSo it came as little surprise when Pacquiao sneaked back into the WBC’s top five in mid May – despite his absence from the ring. Boxing’s oldest world champ of all time is Bernard Hopkins, who won a world title aged 49.Pacquiao’s last win came in 2019, against Keith ThurmanCredit: USA TODAY SportsYordenis Ugas defeated Pacquaio in 2021 with the boxing legend retiring afterwardsCredit: APPacquiao lost out in his 2022 presidential campaignCredit: EPAHis last bout was an exhibition in Japan against kickboxer Rukiya AnpoCredit: RIZIN More

  • in

    Awkward moment Brentford star falls over advertising hoardings while getting ready to take throw-in

    A BRENTFORD starlet was left with egg on his face after a hilarious tumble during a youth game against Bournemouth.The Cherries hosted the Bees at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday in an exciting encounter that saw the visitors winning 3-2 in the Under-23 PDL-2 play-off final.Brentford starlet Iwan Morgan suffered a hilarious tumble against BournemouthHowever, it was one moment that made the match go viral and momentarily steal the spotlight from the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.Brentford won a throw-in on 51 minutes down the left flank and Iwan Morgan went to take it on.Morgan, 19, walked backwards as he planned a long throw into the Bournemouth box.But the young striker got a little carried away as he tried to take too much space.Read More on FootballThat led to him falling over the advertising hoardings with a hilarious back flip.The fans in attendance were left laughing their socks off whereas the commentator exclaimed: “Whoops!”Nevertheless, Morgan proved to a be a good sport as he immediately got back up to his feet and carried on.Fans watching the game were left in stitches as they stormed social media.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOne supporter tweeted: “Over 2,000 people seeing you do this live btw, I’d retire from football altogether.”Another commented: “Outrageous time wasting method.”Ruben Amorim offers to quit Man Utd ‘without any conversation about compensation’ if board want him goneA third wrote: “Haha, Bournemouth vs Brentford U21s is stealing the show, brother!”This fan said: “Yep, proper football, better than Spurs v Man Utd any day.”And that one stated: “It’ll still be a better performance than anything [Rasmus] Hojlund does this evening.” More