More stories

  • in

    Boxing fans spot Daniel Dubois’ funny social media gaffe as they compare it to ex-Premier League star’s iconic tweet

    BOXING fans spotted Daniel Dubois’ funny social media gaffe – and it immediately drew comparisons to an ex-Premier League star’s iconic tweet.Dubois traded verbal jabs with Anthony Joshua at a press conference just days before their world title fight. Boxing fans spotted Daniel Dubois’ funny social media gaffeAnd he was quick to let fans know the talking is all done now – although that message may not have actually come from him. Dubois posted a picture of himself with the caption: “Here’s a strong and engaging caption for the final press conference post: “The final press conference is done – the talking stops here. Now, it’s time to let the fists do the talking. I’m ready for this fight. Let’s go.” It appears Dubois accidentally forgot to delete the suggestion – but fans were left hailing him despite the blunder.READ MORE IN BOXINGOne said: “I think Daniel is secretly a stand up comedian and he’s got us all on toast!”Another added: “This could be an accident or it could be deliberate: either way it is very, very funny.” One said: “I now like him more.” ANTHONY JOSHUA VS DANIEL DUBOIS: All the information you need ahead of huge world title fight at WembleyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother referenced Victor Anichebe’s infamous 2016 tweet. Most read in BoxingThe former Sunderland striker posted online: “Can you tweet something like: ‘Unbelievable support yesterday and great effort by the lads! Hard result to take! But we go again!'”Dubois also had those in attendance at the press conference in laughter after an awkward exchange with Joshua. Both were probed on their heated clash two months ago when AJ threatened to wrap a chair around Dubois’ face. Joshua, 34, explained: “He said, ‘Let’s go now.’ I clicked for a minute, I said, ‘What does he mean by that?’ “And then he repeated it again. And I just feel like anyone in here…” Dubois, 27, interrupted and said: “It’s boxing. This is what happens this is boxing. These things happen so we’re fighting Saturday. Let’s go.” Joshua, drawing a laugh from the crowd, continued: “So as I was saying.Joshua vs Dubois fight predictions THIS weekend Wembley will witness one of the biggest all-British fights of all-time.But who will emerge victorious under the famous arch? Some of the biggest names in boxing have been having their say…Oleksandr Usyk: “My favourite is Anthony Joshua but I am very bad at predictions. But I will predict Anthony Joshua.”Dillian Whyte: “I just think that it’s one of those fights where it is a genuine 50/50 fight in my opinion.”Joe Joyce: “I was initially edging with Joshua but I don’t know, Dubois is coming on.”Frazer Clarke: “As heavy-handed as Dubois is and as good a fighter as he’s becoming, I still have to go for Joshua.”Francis Ngannou: “Even though Joshua lost against Usyk twice and Dubois fought Usyk and almost knocked him down and almost won, I would still give this to Joshua.”Click here for more fight predictions for Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois”At the press conference you should never let anyone take an inch because they’ll end up taking a mile. Know what I mean, Dan?” A confused Dubois replied: “Sorry?”Further tension was caused when the infamous sparring session between the pair was brought up.AJ has been forced to deny he was floored by Dubois many years ago but conceded he was shaken by a left hook.Joshua said: “He cracked me with a great shot and it’s my chance to get him back on Saturday.”I’m looking forward to it. We sparred hundreds of rounds, innit?”Dubois said: “It’s sparring. Now we’re fighting, it’s different. Move on now. We can move on now. Move on.”SunSport’s Colin Hart revealed today that AJ WAS knocked out by Dubois.The defending champion has been without head trainer Don Charles, leading to rumours they have sensationally split just days before the bout.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Dubois and his camp insist Charles is actually ill with the flu and is expected to be in the corner come fight night.Dubois said: “Everything’s good. As long as he’s in my corner on fight night. Everything’s gone well, training camp’s gone brilliant. Let’s go.”AJ vs Dubois: Build up to the big fightANTHONY JOSHUA and Daniel Dubois go head-to-head at Wembley THIS Saturday.Ahead of the all-British heavyweight showdown, here’s all the biggest stories and need-to-know information… More

  • in

    ‘Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone’

    FANS have been left divided after seeing the intro Match of the Day’s Champions League highlights.The show made its debut on Wednesday night following the opening two matchday fixtures of the tournament.The BBC premiered its Champions League highlights show on WednesdayCredit: BBCLionel Messi featured in the introCredit: BBCZinedine Zidane’s 2002 volley was also shownCredit: BBCThe show is hosted by Jason Mohammad and featured ex-pros Joe Hart and Stephan Warnock as well as French journalist Julien Laurens.The intro features historic moments from the history of the competition.This includes Didier Drogba’s header against Bayern Munich, Tony Watts’ goal against Barcelona for Celtic and Zinedine Zidane’s wondergoal in the 2002 final.Clips were also shown of clubs such as Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid lifting the heralded trophy.READ MORE IN SPORTThe tournament’s iconic music was played over the top at the start of the sequence before Match of the Day’s classic music took over.The majority of fans loved the mash-up of the tunes as they reacted on social media.One posted: “The motd theme with clips from the Champions League is truly brain-breaking. I *love* that BBC have the CL highlights but this is going to take some getting used to.”A second wrote: “Champions League anthem followed by the Match of the Day anthem? Solid from the BBC.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “Champions League x MOTD. Backing it.”A fourth said: “Champions League MOTD, what a treat.”Celtic boss quips ‘We play Bayern Munich in the final’ after standout Slovan Bratislava winManchester drew their first game against Inter MilanCredit: GettyLiverpool got off to a winning start over AC MilanCredit: AFPAston Villa won 3-0 over Young BoysCredit: GettyHowever, some were less keen on the combination.One complained: “Mixing the Champions League theme with the MOTD one just doesn’t work.”A second pointed out the running order of the match highlights with Celtic’s 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava up first.They wrote: “Celtic on first on a Champions League MOTD. The game has never been more gone. The correct decision it’s just a scary world we’re living in.”Manchester City started their Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium.Liverpool and Aston Villa both started with wins as they beat AC Milan and Young Boys respectively.Arsenal begins their tournament tonight against Italian outfit Atalanta.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

  • in

    Tragedy as footballer Jack Badger, 24, dies with Oxford United leading heartbreaking tributes

    NON-LEAGUE footballer Jack Badger has tragically passed away aged just 24.A statement from his club, Abingdon United, read: “Abingdon United are devastated to learn of the sudden passing of our first team Player and dear friend Jack Badger.Footballer Jack Badger has tragically diedCredit: X @Abutdfc”Our thoughts at this hardest of times are with all of Jack’s loved ones, his family, his friends & his team mates.””A character on and off the pitch, Jack will be missed by all of us at Abingdon United.”You are so loved Jack, Rest In Peace Our Badge.”Badger’s former club, Wantage Town, also released a statement on social media.Read More in FootballIt read: “Everyone at Wantage Town is devastated to learn of the passing of former player, Jack Badger.”On the pitch he wore his heart on his sleeve and off of it never had anything but a cheeky smile on his face.”Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Rest easy Badge.”A spokesperson from Shrivenham FC said: “With the heartbreaking news of an ex Shrivenham player has sadly passed away. Jack Badger, played with Shrivenham FC in 21-22 season and played 15 games.Most read in Football”We send our condolences to his loved ones and all those that were luckily enough to know him.”The Hellenic League also released a statement which read: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Jack Badger (2000-2024), a talented footballer and cherished member of Abingdon United.”His passion, dedication, and kindness will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates. Rest in peace Jack.”And Championship side Oxford United shared condolences with a heartfelt tribute.A social media post from the U’s read: “Everyone at Oxford United is devastated to learn of the passing of U’s fan Jack Badger.”We send our sincere condolences to Jack’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

  • in

    ‘Going to put flowers on his seat’ – First picture of Irish Liverpool fan killed in Milan amid tributes for ‘top lad’

    THIS is the first picture of an avid Liverpool fan who tragically died in a road accident in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday.Philip Dooley, who lived in Liverpool but was originally from Ireland, was visiting the Italian city when he was struck by an oncoming car while crossing the A4 highway near the airport in Bergamo.Philip was a lifelong Liverpool supporterCredit: SOCIAL MEDIALiverpool players wore a black armband during the match in tribute to the fanCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 51-year-old fan was trying to cross the highway to reach the NH Hotel, where he was staying around 1am local time.Local media have reported that he had tickets to a Liverpool match in his pocket when he was discovered, after reportedly landing at Orio al Serio airport at 11.53pm on the flight from Manchester.Ahead of their opening Champions League clash vs AC Milan on Tuesday night, the club paid tribute to the Irishman by wearing black armbands.A social media post read: “We will wear black armbands this evening in tribute to supporter Philip Dooley, who tragically lost his life following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of the morning.”Tributes have been pouring in for tragic Phillip following his untimely death, with the Merseyside club leading the way.Liverpool FC said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley, following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of this morning.”Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan.”Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.Most read in Football”The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time.Liverpool icon Ron Yeats passes away”Rest in peace, Philip.”Friends and fellow fans who knew Phillip have also taken to social media to share their condolences, with one telling how they plan to “put some flowers on his seat” at the stadium in tribute. One said: “Top man and massive support to my family. You will be sorely missed. YNWA.”Another said: “Absolutely devastated tragic loss Philip Dooley. Thoughts are with all his family & friends. From Robbie, Paula & everyone at the 12th man YNWA.”Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher responded to this post by sharing a red heart emoji.Another friend shared: “Phil was a friend of mine, from the row in front of me on the Kop, would see him at aways too and always get a hug off him. “Top lad. Going to put some flowers on his seat on Saturday. RIP Phil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.A spokesperson added: “As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases.” More

  • in

    Fans say ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic is genius’ after icon’s hilarious comment live on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage

    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has achieved the near impossible – by voicing as much outrageous swagger off the field as he showed on it!Amazon Prime viewers labelled the strike legend a “genius” with his cheeky description of his new role at AC Milan.Zlatan Ibrahimovic entertained Gabby Logan, Frank Lampard, Daniel Sturridge and Clarence Seedorf on Amazon Prime as AC Milan hosted LiverpoolCredit: GettyIbrahimovic warmly greeted his former Milan team-mate SeedorfCredit: GettyIbrahimovic was at the San Siro to see Liverpool pull off a 3-1 Champions League comeback win.But he took centre stage – in more ways than one – when chatting to Amazon’s sporting crew on the famous pitch.Presenter Gabby Logan and Chelsea all-time great Frank Lampard were on the left of the 122-cap Swede.Daniel Sturridge and Dutch icon Clarence Seedorf were on the right – but with all four looking up to the 6ft 5ins star in the middle.READ MORE TOP STORIESLogan then asked Ibrahimovic for his “official title” at Milan.And although he’s commonly known as a “senior advisor” the ex-Manchester United, Juventus, Inter and PSG frontman delivered a much grander assessment.Ibra responded: “I’m the boss and the rest work for me. This is how it works.”Given his famous self-belief, some might think the 42-year-old’s next comment even hinted at him having super-powers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe added: “I’m invisible. I’m visible, so I’m all over the place.”That prompted Amazon Prime to post a clip of the exchange, along with the jokey claim: “Just Zlatan being Zlatan.”Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsIbrahimovic has indeed stamped his mark on Milan after returning in December last year to an off-field position at a club he twice played for. Ex-Liverpool forward Divock Origi and French left-back Fode Ballo-Toure were banished from the first-team set-up over the summer.Ibra said at the time the duo were “not part of our plans”.He added starkly: “They will be part of the youth team as they’re not included in our project.”With such straight-talking, no wonder Ibra reckons he’s in charge.And many fans appeared to love his smiling confidence on Amazon Prime.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Big Ibra is a genius,” claimed one.And there’s at least one middle-aged marvel from Malmo who will not be disagreeing with that verdict…! More

  • in

    Fans slam TNT Sports for ‘absolutely butchering’ Champions League coverage with viewers left ‘devastated’ at huge change

    FOOTBALL fans slammed TNT Sports for “absolutely butchering” a popular Champions League show.The beloved Goals Show has been repackaged to suit the new format of the three European club competitions.Champions League fans slammed TNT Sports for repackaging the beloved Goals ShowThat means fans won’t get to watch analysis from presenter James Richardson as well as journalists James Horncastle, Julien Laurens and Raphael Honigstein.TNT Sports replaced the popular show with Goals Show Xtra, which is presented by Matt Smith from a brand new studio called The Curve.Smith is joined by Karen Carney and Owen Hargreaves for matchday one of the Champions League.But that didn’t go down well with fans as they stormed social media to air their grievances.Read More on FootballOne fan tweeted: “TNT had the best football programme with the Champions League Goals Show. “They’ve absolutely butchered it. A real shame.”Another commented: “This new format is terrible.”A third wrote: “TNT sports had the best football show in the business with the Champions League Goals Show and they had to go and f*****g ruin it.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis one said: “Look like TNT have f****d the Champions League Goal Show.”And that one stated: “Tremendous job from TNT ruining the Champions League Goals Show. It used to be must-watch television.”Champions League releases new anthem as fuming fans say ‘the beautiful game has died’Laurens, Horncastle, and Honigstein will offer additional commentary and analysis throughout the season.Owen Hargreaves Season PredictionsHARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”HARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”HARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”HARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years. More

  • in

    Fans say ‘Marcus Rashford is BACK’ after Man Utd star scores stunning solo goal in Carabao Cup clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Marcus Rashford scored an incredible solo goal in the Carabao Cup that left fans insisting he is “back” to form.Rashford, 26, dominated two seasons ago as he scored 30 goals and bagged 11 assists in 56 appearances during Erik ten Hag’s maiden campaign as United manager.Manchester United star Marcus Rashford scored a stunning solo goal in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyMan Utd fans insist Rashford is ‘back’ to his old dominant formCredit: RexThe forward, though, failed to extend his incredible goalscoring prowess last term as he only managed eight goals and six assists in 43 appearances.However, fans have started to believe again during the Red Devils’ third-round clash with Barnsley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford.The England international netted a stunning opener to score his second goal in as many days.And Rashford did it in style as he picked up a beautiful long ball by Alejandro Garnacho with a slick touch and dribbled past Barnsley defender Marc Roberts like he wasn’t even there.Read More on Man UtdThe United star then beat Chelsea loanee Gabriel Slonina with a fantastic strike that hit the top right corner after just 16 minutes.The Red Devils’ faithful then stormed social media to praise the popular player’s apparent resurgence. One fan tweeted: “Rashford is back!”Another commented: “Rashford has brought my joy back, no other player when they score has me on cloud 9 like Rashford.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third posted: Rashford’s confidence is coming back.”This fan said: “I can confidently tell you Rashford is back.”Watch as Marcus Rashford has medicine ball whacked off his abs as Man Utd star takes up boxing in international break And that one stated: “If Rashford clicks in consistency then Man United is back.” More

  • in

    Inside ‘magic’ F1 McLaren innovation that has flung team ahead of Red Bull but fans are calling it ‘illegal’

    MCLAREN have raced to the front of the field in Formula One’s Constructors Championship for the first time in a decade.But some F1 fans have blasted the team after spotting a “magic” innovation at the weekend.McLarens Oscar Piastri benefitted from a ‘magic’ innovation to win the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCredit: RexLando Norris also had an impressive drive to get back up to P4 from starting P15Credit: RexMcLaren’s ‘flexi’ rear wing in Baku raised eyebrowsCredit: Sky Sports F1It gave him extra pace to keep in front of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the back straightCredit: RexThe Woking-based manufacturer have made a remarkable surge up the field since Bahrain 2023, when Lando Norris finished dead last and Oscar Piastri retired due to electrical failure.But on Sunday, at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren saw their Papaya reign supreme as Piastri won his second race of the season with some stoic defending against Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.Norris took P4 and the fastest lap after an impressive drive through the field having started P15 following some bad luck in qualifying. The Brit’s result saw him marginally cut Max Verstappen’s championship lead.READ MORE IN F1The Baku race confirmed the MCL38’s position as the fastest car in the field, with the British team now the only one with two drivers to have won multiple races this season.However, McLaren’s amazing surge threatens to be overshadowed.Fans of rival teams were left vexed at how they had pulled off such a strong result in Azerbaijan before one “magic” innovation of the McLaren car design was highlighted.Only last week McLaren and Mercedes were cleared of any wrongdoing over the legality of their front wing, but following Baku it was their rear wing which had fans up in arms on social media.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFootage shared on social media by one furious member of the Tifosi showed how the DRS (Drag Reduction System) flap of race leader Piastri tilted up when under aerodynamic load (wind resistance).This flexible wing created a “mini-DRS” effect, allowing for reduced drag and increased top speed down the straight – which can see drivers hit speeds of 217mph.Why snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston MartinThe extra speed was key in helping Piastri fend off Leclerc, who had the advantage of a fully open DRS flap due to being one second behind him going into the last stretch of numerous laps.Taking to social media after the race, one fan said: “The entire DRS flap is rotating under load. You can see at the pivot points, the flap is not aligning with the wing tips. “The flap is backing off at high speed, shedding drag. How is this okay?”Another user pointed out gaps at the edge of the flap, and asked: “How is this allowed?”A ‘mini-DRS’ effect was seen on the wing under aerodynamic load to reduce dragCredit: X @justformulacarThe clever wing design has not been deemed illegal by the FIA despite a fan outcryA third said: “MCLAREN HAS DRS WITHOUT HAVING A CAR INFRONT OF THEM MAN THIS S*** IS NOT LEGAL.”Several fans also argued the other way by saying F1 should not punish the new interpretation of the rules, with one saying: “It’s called a loophole and that’s what makes Formula 1 great.”If you don’t like it, don’t watch a series like F1, where a regulation set is interpreted by different teams, in different ways.”Motorsport engineer Blake Hinsey added on social media: “If the technical regulations have specifications for rear wing deflection and this passes the tests, then it’s legal. “Every piece of bodywork moves in complex ways under aerodynamic load.”If McLaren have found a way to reduce the drag on their rear wing in a different way – congratulations – they’ve done a brilliant job engineering this system.”From 2021, rear wings have needed to have 12 target dots in specific locations on the main plane and upper flap to prevent over-rotation of the rear wing assemblies.However, it is not the first race this has been deployed in by McLaren, meaning the FIA are seemingly happy and satisfied the design is within the constraints currently posed by the regulations.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has hinted that his team could look to follow McLaren’s example in a bid to catch up.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also admitted Red Bull had made a design error stunting their progress back in Barcelona 2023, but had not taken the warnings raised by Sergio Perez seriously due to Verstappen’s dominance.McLaren will be hoping their good form continues in next Sunday’s Singapore race, with their championship lead over Red Bull now at 20 points and Norris just 59 points behind Verstappen.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More