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    Champions League: Football fans over the moon after realising highlights after back on free-to-air TV

    GLEEFUL football fans were chuffed to realise that Champions League highlights have returned to free-to-air TV.It’s been NINE years since Europe’s top competition left ITV and moved over to TNT Sport.Fans were thrilled to catch Duran’s late winner on free-to-air TV on the BBCAnalysis was provided on Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to LilleCredit: RexMost football lovers believed it was travesty, with many unable or un- willing, to pay the £53.99 monthly subscription for TNT Sport.While live European matches have not returned to free TV, fans can tune into a Match of the Day-style show on the BBC for highlights of each round.A brief match-by-match highlight compilation is also available from 10pm on the BBC website as well.Both the show and online package can be viewed every Wednesday on a week of Champions League action.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAston Villa’s incredible 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich at Villa Park was the first game to be shown this week.Emery’s men went ahead via super-sub Jhon Duran’s 79th minute audacious off-the-cuff lob.Liverpool also retained their 100 per cent record in the competition this season with a routine 2-0 win over Bologna with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.And fans were thrilled to learn that they could catch all of the action for free.Most read in Champions LeagueJhon Duran scored a goal that will go down in Villa’s historyCredit: GettySalah scored a stunner to double Liverpool’s leadCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne wrote on X: “Champions League highlights on BBC is possibly the best thing ever.”A second said: “The show is quite a breath of fresh air. Really good sampled footage of the games.”Arsenal player ratings vs PSGA third said: “BBC iPlayer has got the Champions League highlights of you didn’t know!”Another wrote: “It died off when they took it off ITV. Hopefully bringing highlights to the BBC will be the start of the comeback but wishful thinking.”While another added: “Feels so strange watching Champions League games and analysis on the BBC. Thank god for that.”Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan seem to take turns hosting, alongside pundits Nedum Onuoha and German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger.Fans were also pleased to see some fresh faces, with one writing: “It can’t always be likes of Micah Richards, Danny Murphy and Jamie Redknapp.” More

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    Bukayo Saka left looking ‘so helpless’ in bizarre moment Conor McGregor tries UFC moves on Arsenal star

    CONOR McGREGOR had Bukayo Saka left looking “so helpless” after trying some of his famous UFC moves on the Arsenal star. The Irishman was a special guest at the Emirates as the Gunners beat PSG 2-0 thanks to goals from Saka and Kai Havertz. Conor McGregor tries his UFC moves on Bukayo SakaDeclan Rice and Saka pose with McGregorCredit: @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor poses on the Emirates pitchCredit: @thenotoriousmmaHe was the star of the show in North LondonCredit: @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor poses with the Arsenal VIP boxCredit: @thenotoriousmmaDespite the scoreline, McGregor was the real star of the show as footage emerged of him on the pitch with the likes of Declan Rice. But he hilariously gave Saka a quick MMA masterclass and began kicking and grappling the England international. Saka, not really knowing what to do, had fans feeling sorry for him. One said: “Saka looked so helpless.”READ MORE IN football Another added: “He literally tried to knee stomp the best player at Arsenal. Saka must have been so worried for his career.”One joked: “Dude’s like get off of me HAHAHAHA.”Another said: “When he went to grab Saka, I honestly thought he was going to take him down.”Manchester United fan McGregor posted behind-the-scenes snaps of his trip to North London. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe enjoyed a kickabout on the pitch and posed for photos with Rice and Saka while showing off his view from the VIP box. McGregor, 36, has not fought since 2021 when he broke his leg in the cage.And he suffered further setback when his June 29 comeback bout against Michael Chandler, 38, was cancelled amid a toe injury. McGregor now hopes to return to the octagon by next year. Conor McGregor names his top five MMA fighters of all time including WWE legend and actor nicknamed ‘The Handsome One’ More

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    Elated Prince William celebrates as Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich in Champions League – after posing with legends

    AN ELATED Prince William roared as his his beloved Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich in a huge Champions League clash.Villans fan Wills was at Villa Park to watch his team’s battle with the Bundesliga giants – led by England skipper Harry Kane.Prince William celebrates Aston Villa’s victory against Bayern MunichCredit: GettyPrince William in the stands during the UEFA Champions League match at Villa ParkCredit: TNT SportsThe Prince of Wales posing with Aston Villa and Bayern Munich LegendsCredit: InstagramThe Prince of Wales, 42, was seen cheering on his team from the stands as they beat Bayern Munich 1-0.Television footage showed William clapping and cheering as home fans thought they took the lead through Pau Torres – but the goal was ruled out for offside.Jhon Duran was the matchwinner this time as he continued his role of super sub, with a 79th-minute strike his fifth goal after coming off the bench this season.It sent Villa Park wild as memories of that famous night in 1982 were evoked, with Prince William leading the celebrations from the stand.read more on footballAfter the game, William said: “I’ve lost my voice. I can’t quite believe it. 42 years.”Players from the 1982 Euro final – where Villa beat Bayern 1-0 thanks to a Peter Withe strike – met before the game.And Wills got a chance to speak to Villa legends and even get close to the famous European Cup trophy.In a touching tribute, the players posed with football shirts including one in the name of former striker Gary Shaw.Most read in FootballThe footy legend died earlier this month aged 63-years-old.Wills posted online at the time: “The last time @AVFCOfficial won in the top European competition, it was the month before I was born.Prince William cheers for Aston Villa “Let’s hope tonight is the first step towards another European adventure!”My thoughts this evening are also with Villa legend Gary Shaw’s friends and family following his passing yesterday.”The Prince of Wales shared the group photo with the football legends on X, formerly known as Twitter.He wrote: “42 years on, our 1982 European Cup winning legends are here on a historic night for @AVFCOfficial.The Prince of Wales celebrates Villa’s victory on the final whistle in BirminghamCredit: GettyWills spoke to Villa legends and even got close to the famous European Cup trophyCredit: InstagramWilliam celebrating a Villa goal during the clash – unfortunately, it was disallowedCredit: APPrince William led the celebrations from the standCredit: Getty”Ready for the first game on home turf in this year’s European adventure… #UTV (Up the Villa).”Villa, who opened their European campaign with a 3-0 win away at Swiss side Young Boys, played their first home fixture in Europe’s top competition since a quarter-final defeat to Juventus in 1983.Earlier on Wednesday, footballing stars including former Scotland player Ally McCoist received honours from William at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.McCoist, who was made an OBE, said the pair talked about football, including Aston Villa’s European tie.McCoist said: “I’m obviously well aware that the prince is an Aston Villa fan – they’ve got a very, very big game tonight, which I think he’s going to.”So we spoke about that, and just generally working in broadcasting and life really.”Former England international Karen Carney, who was made an OBE, said she had “some banter” with William – who supports the rival team to her Birmingham City.”To be brutally honest, a lot of people know I’m a Birmingham City fan, there’s a big game at Aston Villa tonight,” Carney said.”Obviously with Prince William being a Villa fan I thought there was a good opportunity for some banter with him.”He was really gracious, he’s going to the game, which is cool.”So we just chatted about football really which is I think the common language for everybody.”I think everyone can talk about football which is really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve met him previously with the Lionesses. He’s a football fan for both the men’s and women’s game, which is really cool.”Earlier this year, William was seen cheering on the England men’s national team at the Euros.Inside Prince William’s love of Aston VillaPRINCE WILLIAM is an avid Aston Villa fan who goes crazy watching matches and regularly speaks to players.The Prince of Wales revealed he chose to support the club when he was younger as they were a middle-of-the-table team who could offer him the rollercoaster of emotions he was looking for in football fandom.William recalled the start of his Villa journey, saying: “A long time ago at school I got into football big time.”All my friends were Chelsea or Manchester United fans and I didn’t really want to follow the run-of-the-mill team.”I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments.”Aston Villa has always had a great history.”William’s love for the Villans is now shared by wife Kate.The couple and their children have attended Villa games in the past and Prince George used to a big fan.But George has turned to Chelsea as his club of choice, with a disappointed William revealing: “I said you can support anyone but Chelsea, so naturally he supports Chelsea.” More

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    Champions League clash refereed by identical twins as fans joke ‘does this mean there will be consistency?’

    IDENTICAL twins stunned viewers – by flagging up as assistant referees in the same thrilling Champions League match.Zurcher brothers Marco and Benjamin took to the touchlines for Girona’s 3-2 home defeat against PSV Eindhoven, which included NINE bookings.David Lopez gave Girona the lead but Feyenoord fought back to winCredit: ReutersAnd the only difference spectators could see between the two was that they were soon on opposite sides of the field!Sharing a snap of the siblings in the tunnel, one fan wondered: “Does this mean there will be consistency, or….”However, another observer warned him: “My twin and I could never agree on anything…”TNT Sports showed a clip of the brothers, with the same short haircut and serious look, standing either side of ref Urs Schnyder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe broadcaster then challenged viewers to “spot the difference”.But it was a test that fans readily admitted to failing.”No difference,” said one, while another just responded: “WOW that’s amazing.”  Once the action started, it was double vision, not tunnel vision, that viewers focused on.Most read in Champions LeagueTwins Marco and Benjamin Zurcher were assistant refs for Girona’s Champions League tie with FeyenoordCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntThat included Feyenoord fighting back from David Lopez’s opener with two quick strikes.Yangel Herrera’s own goal and Antoni Milambo put the Dutch visitors 2-1 up before the break.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGirona’s ex-Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek levelled in the 73rd minute.But incredibly a second own goal sneaked Feyenoord an away win, with Ladislav Krejci the unlucky scorer this time.Serie A clash involving Champions League club POSTPONED after torrential rain as 19-word statement releasedSo it was a twin sin for an unfortunate Girona duo.But a double delight for the Zurcher family on a proud night. More

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    Fans say ‘there’s absolutely no way’ as footballer’s stunning mum confused for his Wag… and she’s even a gran

    A FOOTBALLER’S mum has left fans in disbelief after they mistook her for his Wag.Former Bundesliga champion and Sunderland star Leon Dajaku appeared next to his mother, Blerta, as he posed with a shirt in a viral social media post last month.Leon Dajaku’s mother, right, has left fans stunned after being mistaken for his WagCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramBlerta Dajaku might look in her 20s, but she is actually in her 40s and recently became a granCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramThe Kosovan-Albanian works as a beauticianCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramShe has 22,000 followers on InstagramCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramBut fans could not believe their eyes with her jaw-dropping looks.Blerta, a Kosovan-Albanian beautician, has earned celebrity status in Croatia, where her son plays as an attacker for Hajduk Split.While the blonde-bombshell might appear to be in her 20s, she is ageing like fine wine and is actually in her 40s.And she recently became a grandmother after Dajaku and his stunning partner, Leonie June, gave birth to a baby girl, Nava, in March.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBlerta often shares glimpses of her jet-set lifestyle to her Instagram page, which has managed to capture the attention of and gain her a following of nearly 22,000 on the platform.Glamorous destinations she has visited include Dubai, the Maldives, Paris and of course Sunderland.Following Dajaku’s transfer to Hajduk Split, proud mum Blerta wrote: “Dear Leon, a new chapter in your life begins now in Croatia. “May God have only the best for you and may you be healthy and happy. We love you, your family.”Most read in FootballAnother post alongside him saw her say: “When I’m with you, my heart smiles.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This is the guy’s MOTHER, not his wife. I’m genuinely in awe.”Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsA second said: “Bro looks older than his mum.”A third said: “Lol no you’re trolling.”Another said: “Oh my goodness.”Dajaku is one of three sons Blerta has. He was born in Germany after Blerta and his father fled from the Yugoslavian civil war before bouncing between Stuttgart and Bayern Munich’s youth teams.He won the Bundesliga title with Bayern in 2020 after making two appearances. Dajaku originally joined Sunderland on loan from Union Berlin in 2021 before securing a permanent transfer the following year.He then spent the season on loan at FC St. Gallen before being sold to Hajduk Split in 2023.Blerta often shares her jet-set lifestyleCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramDajaku, left, used to play for SunderlandCredit: Rex More

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    Gary Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew, 18, ‘crushed to death by falling trunk’ as Match of the Day star’s sons pay tribute

    GARY Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew died after he was crushed by a falling trunk, an inquest heard. Jonty Parkinson, 18, was described as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet” by his cousin George Lineker, 31, in a touching tribute on social media.Jonty Parkinson, cousin of Gary Lineker’s kids, died while at workJonty worked as a tree surgeonGary Lineker with his first wife and the auntie of Jonty, Michelle, in 2000Credit: PA:Press AssociationOpening the inquest last week, senior coroner Darren Salter revealed the tree surgeon died following a crush injury to his abdomen whilst working on September 6.Oxford Coroner’s Court heard Jonty, of Coln St. Aldwyns, Gloucs., was killed by a falling tree in Eaton Hastings, Oxon.A GoFundMe page set up in memory of the teenager has raised over £32,000 to go towards a “beautiful memorial or event” for the family.A post under the appeal called Jonty a “very special, beautiful young man”.read more on footballIt added: “I realise money can’t fill the great chasm of loss they are feeling, but I hope it can be used to ease the burden of funeral expenses or go towards a fitting memorial for Jonty.”Gary Lineker’s son George, 31, last month described his tragic cousin as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet”.An Instagram story showed him with Jonty as a youngster, with George writing: “Taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you’ll be missed by all.”Tobias Lineker, 28, George’s brother, also wrote a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram alongside an old photo of a smiling Jonty.Most read in FootballHe said: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”Jonty was the nephew of Gary, 63, from his marriage to his first wife, Michelle Cockayne, with whom he shares four children – George, Harry, Tobias and Angus.Jonty’s mum, Ali Cockayne, is the sister of Michelle and was previously married to Former England rugby captain Will Carling.A date for the full inquest has not yet been confirmed.Gary Lineker with sons Harry, Angus, George and TobiasCredit: RexFormer England rugby captain Will Carling with Jonty’s mum Ali and their son Henry in 1998Credit: PA:Press Association More

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    France boss stunned as World Cup winner and 137-cap legend shockingly RETIRES from international duty

    FRANCE star Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33.The Atletico Madrid player made 137 appearances for his country, scoring 44 goals in that time.Antoine Griezmann has revealed his retirement from international footballManager Didier Deschamps revealed that the pair had a long discussion about itGriezmann and Deschamps have a close relationshipGriezmann has been a key member of the France squad under manager Didier Deschamps since making his debut under him in 2014.The LaLiga winger’s social media statement read: “It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. “Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon.”After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege.”Deschamps said: “We’ve had a long discussion about his retirement recently.”Since his debut in the France team 10 years ago we’ve had a relationship based on trust and frankness.”Even if his club career is not over, Antoine will remain a monument of French football, one of the greatest players in its history.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It was often said that he was my favourite. We indeed had built a very strong relationship, that will remain intact.”From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, Grizou.”Retired rugby legend and Six Nations icon takes up gruelling new sport at 47 Griezmann helped his nation win the 2018 World Cup.His Man-of-the-match performance put France 2-1 ahead with a penalty before a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Russia six years ago.The end of his World Cup adventure was marked by another final at Qatar 2022, playing 71 minutes of France’s eventual shootout defeat to Argentina.He was announced as the nation’s new vice-captain following the retirement of Hugo Lloris, with Kylian Mbappe named skipper in March 2023.He featured in all six games of Euro 2024, before crashing out in the semi-finals to winners Spain.He started for France in a 3-1 Nations League defeat by Italy in September, before his last appearance came as a sub in a 2-0 win against Belgium three days later.Griezmann has revealed his decision prior to the next international break in October when France play Israel and Belgium in the Nations League.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also won the 2021 Nations League with his country.The forward was top scorer at Euro 2016 with six goals as hosts France finished runners-up, losing to Portugal in the final.Griezmann was instrumental in France winning the 2018 World CupGriezmann also won the Nations League in 2021 More

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    Tottenham slam their own fans for ‘hugely offensive’ homophobic chanting during Man Utd game

    TOTTENHAM Hotspur have slammed their owns fans for “hugely offensive” homophobic chanting during their game against Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes saw red as Spurs cruised past the misfiring Red Devils 3-0 at Old Trafford and increased the heat on manager Erik ten Hag.Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacts at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half against SpursCredit: ReutersThe homophobic chanting was said to have been launched at Arsenal manager Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyBut homophobic chanting was said to have been launched at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.It is understood to have read: “Dom Solanke is f*** class, Mik Arteta takes it up the a***, 60 million down the drain, Dom Solanke scores again.”A club statement said: “The Club is aware of abhorrent homophobic chanting from sections of our away support at Old Trafford today.”This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team.Read more Sports News”The Club will be working closely with the Police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting – we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy.”Supporters in attendance today can report anything they’ve seen or heard in confidence to supporterservices@tottenhamhotspur.com.”We shall be continuing our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters’ association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays.”We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away.Most read in Football”However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club.”Sunday’s Old Trafford encounter was a chance for these top-four hopefuls to kickstart campaigns that had begun in similarly topsy-turvy fashion.Bruno Fernandes rages in live TV interview after being SENT OFF for first time in Man Utd career vs TottenhamBut a month that started for United with a 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool ended in another Old Trafford loss by the same scoreline as Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke struck for Spurs.Skipper Fernandes’ sending off for a challenge on James Maddison at the end of a one-sided first half compounded matters, ruling him out of next weekend’s trip to Aston Villa and two further matches.Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount also went off injured on a nightmare afternoon for Ten Hag, who is under the spotlight as United head to Porto and Villa Park before the international break.As for Ange Postecoglou, they impressed without injured star Son Heung-min and won consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since March. More