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    Iconic 70s pop star is inspiration for non-league club’s new football kit that leaves fans with ‘tears in their eyes’

    IT’LL be Pina Coladas being poured rather than champagne corks popping if Northwich Victoria take a step closer to Wembley.And 1970s pop star Rupert Homes will also be toasting their FA Cup success with his favourite tipple after sending his hometown team a special delivery.Northwich Victoria have produced a kit for the ahesCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingRupert Homes’ smash hit was the inspirationCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingCaptain Matty Clarke models the kitCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingThe Vics have a huge replay tomorrowCredit: Northwich Victoria/Dennis WareingThe semi-pro Midland League Premier Division outfit drew 1-1 at Barnoldswick Town on Saturday to set-up tomorrow’s preliminary round replay.But it was what the Vics were wearing rather than the result that had people talking as the fourth annual Pina Colada Festival got underway 65 miles away in Northwich.Vics, who are celebrating their 150th anniversary, were keen not to miss out on the spectacle, which was created to celebrate the 1979 hit song Escape – written by former resident Holmes.That led them to them making a special announcement first thing on Saturday to kick off the festivities – the launch of their brand new Pina Colada-themed third kit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was delivered all the way from Cold Springs, New York, by the man himself as they unveiled the bold number in hilarious fashion on social media.A video showed Vics captain Matty Clarke receiving a package that had a QR code asking him to scan it.That produced a video message from Holmes, who was sipping on his trademark drink, and said: “Hi Matty, it’s Northwich boy Rupert Holmes of Hemming Street saying hello to you.“I’m told that you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’ve taken the liberty of sending you the new Northwich Victoria third kit in honour of the 150th anniversary of our beloved club.” The skipper dons the colourful new kit that comes with words “gettin’ caught in the rain” embroidered onto it.Gary Neville slams Chelsea pair who ‘aren’t kidding anybody’ and look ‘worried to death’ Fans were delighted with the eye-catching design.One said: “Bloody wow. I’ve got actual tears in my eyes. This is bloody brilliant. I didn’t realise we actually had Rupert in it too. Wow wow wow.”Another added: “Wow! Outstanding work! Can’t see there being a kit clash with that.”Clarke and his team-mates fought out an action-packed draw that saw both teams have a man sent-off.And they are set to wear their new threads when they welcome Barnoldswick at their Barton Stadium on Tuesday evening.Victory will see them reach the first qualifying round – and be just 10 wins from gracing Wembley.Mark Tonge, the social media lead at the club, told Sun Sport: “We’ve had amazing feedback on the shirt, not only in Northwich, but around the country as well from kit collectors and football fans in general.“It’s definitely a unique kit and one that will be a collectors item for years to come.Who are these famous footballers?“As a club, we are celebrating our 150th anniversary this season and wanted to celebrate it in a unique way.“We sat down with our new kit supplier Hope & Glory who helped us design a kit based upon one of our most famous former residents, Rupert Holmes.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Pina Colada song plays a huge part in our town with the annual festival taking place hence our launch on Saturday.“I knew I wanted to get Rupert Holmes involved in our launch, and luckily enough, he was excited to help us in whatever way he could.” Can you name the famous fathers? More

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    Chelsea fans slam ‘weak wrists’ Robert Sanchez as ‘Kepa regen’ after keeper’s howler against Man City

    CHELSEA fans are worried they have another goalkeeping flop on their hands.The Blues were chasing an equaliser against Manchester City when former midfielder Mateo Kovacic let loose from range.Robert Sanchez was close to keeping out Mateo Kovacic’s effortCredit: AFPThe Spaniard was beaten twice as Man City wonCredit: GettyMateo Kovacic stung his former clubCredit: ReutersHis effort gave City a 2-0 lead but Robert Sanchez got a hand on it and probably should have kept it out.Chelsea fans on social media saw shades of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the ex-Brighton keeper, 26.One wrote: “Sanchez has weaker wrists than Kepa. Wasn’t even a hard shot!”A second added: “no WAY we have a kepa regen.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWAA third said: “How many times did this club need to see Robert Sanchez be absolutely diabolical to realise he was absolutely diabolical. It actually boils my blood. He’s terrible, he’s a calamity. GET HIM OUT.”A fourth fumed: “No manager who starts Robert Sanchez in 2024 gets sympathy from me.”Chelsea were second best for long periods at Stamford Bridge and it was no surprise to see Erling Haaland give City the lead.Nicolas Jackson thought he had netted an equaliser but saw his effort chalked off for offside.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd after a decent second-half spell for the Blues, City took control again and Kovacic settled the contest.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca told BBC Match of the Day: “The performance was good and we competed against the best team in the world. Robert Sanchez shows off his unbelievable reflexes in Spain training “We played well and created chances. The biggest difference was inside the box and how they managed the ball at the end, they are a master. “We don’t like to lose games but the performance was good.”We can for sure improve many things, we’ve been together for just six weeks. “At the same moment, we liked to analyse the game and we tried to play football and create chances. It’s not easy but we did well.”It’s always tough because many of them deserve to play from the start. “We have another game soon so they have chances to play for sure.” More

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    Fans say ‘Roy Keane would be proud’ as ‘fashion police’ Micah Richards trolls Redknapp and Sturridge live on Sky Sports

    MICAH RICHARDS has been backed by fans after being slammed as the “fashion police” by Daniel Sturridge.The two former Premier League stars were on duty for Sky Sports ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Manchester City.Daniel Sturridge labelled Micah Richards the ‘fashion police’Credit: Sky SportsRichards, 36, started the conversation about his co-pundits’ outfits as he took aim at Jamie Redknapp’s look.The retired midfielder was dressed in a shirt and blazer with some cream-coloured trousers.However, Richards disapproved of his outfit and suggested he had gone for a nautical vibe.The former Man City star said: “Can I ask what you have come as today? You look like you have just come off a boat.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRedknapp then replied: “Listen, don’t you start at me, I am the lead singer of this boyband.”What you come as?”Sturridge then joined in by saying, “Yacht baby, yacht.”To which, Richards joked: “Are you keeping those sunglasses on all day?” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSturridge then hit out: “What are you, the fashion police?”Richards then claimed: “It’s super Sunday people. What good analysis and punditry; it is not a catwalk.”Micah Richards left looking sheepish after breaking broadcasting golden rule live on BBC at Euro 2024Viewers loved watching the moment and backed up Richards on social media.One posted: “This is absolutely brilliant, fair play to Micah for putting these clowns on the spot…Roy [Keane] would be proud.”A second wrote: “The Roy Keane effect. Mad when Micah is the voice of reason haha.”A third commented: “Roy Keane must be happy with his BFF.”A fourth said: “Micah’s been chilling with Roy too much.”Another added: “Richards channelling his inner Keane there.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Kyle Walker ‘readying lawyers’ for another court battle with Lauryn Goodman as he ‘considers launching harassment case’

    KYLE Walker is geared up to launch a harassment case against Lauryn Goodman after revealing a heartbreaking confession.The Man City defender, 34, is considering taking legal action against his ex-mistress to prevent her from sharing their personal life on social media.Kyle Walker is reportedly considering legal action against Lauryn Goodman to protect his childrenCredit: PAThe influencer shares two children with the Man City aceCredit: GettyPals of the £150,000 a week pro claim he has already been in touch with lawyers as influencer Lauryn, 33, continues to air her grievances online.A source said Kyle is “carefully looking at options” and has heard advice from two law firms in order to protect his children. The footballer shares four sons with scorned wife Annie Kilner, who last week blocked his return to their family £4million Cheshire mansion.It is understood the love rat was hoping for a reconciliation after their Turkey and Wales holidays. Instead, the footballer has been forced to stay in Premier League owned apartment.The source claimed Kyle wants to protect Roman, Riaan, Reign and Rezon, from any online harm as Lauryn continues to post following their bitter court row last month.A judge slammed the Celebs Go Dating star for using her footballer baby-dad as an “open-ended cheque book”.Her eye-watering list of demands was unveiled bombshell documents.Most read in FootballThey included £33,000 for air conditioning at her seven-bedroom mansion in Hove, Sussex, a £22,000 furnishing fund, £70,000 for a Mercedes GLE, to be replaced every three years, and a £30,000 car allowance for a nanny.But Lauryn later blasted Judge Edward Hess on social media and pokes fun at his comments. Multi-millionaire Kyle Walker forced to bed down in apartment block despite owning two mega mansions after messy splitShe replied to one fan: “I hope Hess got the publicity I think he craved.”And the influencer has also since claimed Kyle told her he had never “for a ­second” been sorry they had got together and wanted to “have my cake and eat it”.She alleged her ex-lover wanted to bed her on a date in a London hotel room — days before he said publicly he regretted their “mistake” of a relationship.The influencer added that the Man City star “wanted a secret double life playing happy families” with their two kids.In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, Lauryn said he told her: “We can keep this between you and me.”’SPY ON HIM’Meanwhile, as reported by the MailOnline, the mum-of-two also allegedly asked one of Kyle’s mates to “spy on him”.The claimed the Celebs Go Dating star demanded they inform her where he, Annie and the kids were going on holiday.”She wanted all the details spread on social media, I guess just to embarrass him,” claimed the source.”I wasn’t comfortable with what she was saying and wanted no part of it but shows how much she wants to get at him.”I wanted no part of it.”A spokesperson for Lauryn denied these claims.It is not the first allegation against the influencer, as just last month a Kyle’s neighbour claimed Lauryn asked her to keep tabs on him and Annie in a bid to break their marriage up.Jasmine David, 51, recalled: “It was becoming clear how desperate she was, how obsessed she was with them.“She wanted to know if his car was parked up and if he was there, what he was doing.“I feel sorry for her to a certain degree. We have no idea what kind of things he said to her or what he promised. But in the end, she became hell-bent on breaking them up.”And, Lauryn’s own sister, glamour model Chloe, slammed the mum-of-two and vowed she couldn’t forgive her.She told The Sun how the feud saw her disinvite her sister from her dream wedding, claiming she had been “kept in the dark”.It comes after Lauryn sent a bombshell message to Annie on Boxing Day revealing Kyle fathered her second child.Annie, who was pregnant with Rezon at the time, swiftly kicked the £150,000-a-week defender out of their family home.She had previously welcomed him back after it was exposed he was dad to Lauryn’s son Kario.In an exclusive interview with The Sun soon after his second love child was revealed, Kyle publicly apologised to his estranged wife.He spoke of his desire to save the marriage and described Annie as his “soulmate”.She was later at the Etihad Stadium to support him as City won the title for a record fourth time in a row.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd she attended all but one of England’s matches at the Euros in Germany.Lauryn also travelled to one of them with their son, Kairo, four.Kyle Walker’s sit-down interview with The SunBy Paul SimsENGLAND ace Kyle Walker admitted in January he made “idiot choices and idiot decisions” over his secret child and ­bitterly regrets betraying soulmate wife Annie.In a sit-down interview with The Sun, this is what he said.“What I’ve done is horrible and I take full responsibility.“I made idiot choices and idiot decisions. I can’t begin to think or imagine what Annie is going through. I’ve tried to ask her but there’s pain and hurt.“The man that’s meant to love, care and be there for her, did this.“There have been days in this ordeal where I’ve just wanted to curl up in a ball and go to sleep.“The only person to blame is me. I have roles and responsibilities that I’m aware of and I’ve made stupid choices. But I need to own up to my mistakes — I owe it to everyone.“My actions have caused a lot of pain to a lot of people. I’m sorry because, as a family, this isn’t meant to happen.“I am a private man but I accept that I am a public figure and I need to address what I’ve done.“It hasn’t helped that it has been played out in the media. But I’ve chosen to speak now in the hope that I can at least explain myself and enable my wife and children to have the privacy they so desperately need and deserve.“When I met Annie at 17, I never envisaged my private life being like this. I never thought I would be a father of six.“In football I’ve achieved more than what I ever thought I would achieve. But to personally hurt what I truly believe is my best friend, that’s what hurts a lot.“How could I hurt someone I love so much? That’s something I need to find in myself.“I need to find out why I have done this and why situations have occurred. I am human and I’ve made mistakes on and off the field.“The ones off the field are definitely more damaging and have been more hurtful to me.“Football has been my life since I was six but my family comes before anything on this planet. At the moment, they’re hurting enormously.“My little boy goes to sleep with me every night and to not have him . . . I’m used to being away for long periods of time with England.”We say goodnight on FaceTime. But to know that I’m not with him because of my mistake — mistake is probably the wrong word, my choices — that’s what pains me.”The mum-of-two was slammed by a judge for using Kyle as an ‘open-ended cheque book’Credit: SplashIt is understood the footballer wants to protect his childrenCredit: Rex More

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    Watch incredible tunnel bust-up between Newcastle’s Burn and Southampton’s Bednarek after Schar sent off for HEADBUTT

    NEWCASTLE defender Dan Burn grabbed Southampton rival Jan Bednarek by the shirt amid an astonishing tunnel bust-up.Tempers exploded at half-time after Toon ace Fabian Schar had sparked a flare-up on the St James’ Park pitch by headbutting Ben Brereton Diaz.Rival powerhouses Dan Burn and Jan Bednarek squared up at half-timeBurn got hold of Bednarek in a crowded tunnel – the incident was shown by Sky Sports NewsPlayers were streaming off when the clash eruptedFabian Schar saw red for this clash with Ben Brereton DiazCredit: GettyPowerful centre-backs Burn and Bednarek were captured on camera pushing and shoving as players walked off at the break.Joelinton had sneaked the Magpies in front deep in first-half stoppage time after a blunder from Saints’ keeper Alex McCarthy.And the ill-feeling from all that drama spilled over at the interval.Bednarek was seen walking backwards in the tunnel – looking angry.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLHe then stopped in his tracks to exchange words with Burn.The 6ft 7ins Magpies star responded by shoving Bednarek and grabbing hold of his collar.That provoked pulling and pushing in the narrow, crowded tunnel – before the two main men were steered apart.Both teams then carried on their way to the dressing rooms.Most read in FootballToon boss Eddie Howe was animated on an afternoon of flare-upsCredit: GettyDiaz was accused of ‘s***housery’ by making the most of this clash which led to Schar being sent off in the Premier League openerCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSApart from that bust-up, Premier League new boys Southampton will rue 10-man Newcastle seeing out a 1-0 win in the season-opener.In fact, the Saints might get few better opportunities over the whole campaign of nicking points at any of the Prem’s big spenders.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesThat’s mainly because of Schar picking up his straight red following the flare-up on 28 minutes.The Swiss defender was sent flying to the ground when Diaz barged him off the ball.Schar reacted angrily – shoving the striker and going head-to-head with him.He made things worse for himself by pushing his head towards Diaz, who slumped to the floor dramatically, holding his own head.Schar was sent off while the Saints ace was booked for his role in the skirmish.Newcastle felt aggrieved to go a man down – but the video assistant backed referee Craig Pawson.And a Premier League statement later confirmed the judgment.It read: “The referee issued a red card to Schar for violent conduct. VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call.”Newcastle legend Alan Shearer posted on social media: “S***housery at its finest but so stupid from Schar.”Joelinton celebrates what turned out to be the Newcastle winnerCredit: RexSpeaking after the game, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said: “I think it’s really harsh on Fabi, but I think we all know that you can’t give the referee the possibility to even give the red card, so that’s something we’ll learn from.”Opposite number Russell Martin’s view of the incident was understandably different.Martin said: “I just got asked there if Ben made a meal of it and all that stuff. But when you’re stood still and the guy leads with his head, you give someone the opportunity to make the most of that. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I guarantee their players would have done the same.”And although Burn appeared to lose his cool during the interval, his team kept their heads in the second period to clinch victory.The Brazilian drilled the only goal just before half-timeCredit: RexChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Arsenal fans in disbelief as Wolves star grabs Gabriel Jesus’ bum before Brazilian wrestles him to ground

    GABRIEL JESUS refused to turn the other cheek after having his BUM grabbed during Arsenal’s clash with Wolves.The Brazil striker was bent over to put his right boot back on after a challenge.Gabriel Jesus fell pray to an unusual tacticHe was not pleased with the offenceJesus protests his innocence as Yerson Mosquera asks for a cardWolves star Yerson Mosquera saw his opportunity and pounced, reaching around and clearly grabbing Jesus’ rear.Jesus was understandably annoyed and shoved the defender to the ground.Somewhat harshly, he was given a yellow card.And Gunners fans were not happy with Mosquera, or referee Jarred Gillett.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “The guy is something else…”A second posted: “Something has to be done with the officiating in this league. It’s outrageous.”A third added: “We all know about refs and VAR…joke.”A fourth fumed: “Welcome back to some of the worst referrees in Europe.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMosquera also clashed with Kai HavertzCredit: ReutersTo add fuel to the fire, Mosquera was lucky to still be on the pitch after an earlier clash with Kai Havertz.The German was initially at fault as he dragged his rival to the ground.Arsenal need major transfer clear out to beat Man City to Premier League title | Troy DeeneyBut Mosquera’s hands appeared to be around Havertz’s neck while he lay on the floor – although he withdrew them in time to avoid any attention from the officials.Arsenal ultimately had the last laugh as Havertz’s first-half header and Bukayo Saka’s superb effort secured the points.The Gunners were not at the best but did enough to win in front of their own fans.Next up is a trip to Aston Villa next weekend. More

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    Sky Sports forced to apologise as Championship clash disappears from live broadcast as fans moan ‘great start to season’

    SKY SPORTS were forced to issue an apology after two major cock-ups during their broadcast of Saturday’s early Championship fixtures.The broadcaster simultaneously aired Derby, Portsmouth and West Brom’s respective clashes with Middlesbrough, Luton Town and Leeds.Portsmouth’s Championship clash with Luton Town was aired on Sky SportsCredit: RexBut it switched to Derby vs Middlesbrough midway through the first halfCredit: REXFans weren’t impressed by the change of streamAnd they accidentally drew the ire of Pompey and Hatters fans by switching the stream of their match to Derby vs Middlesbrough midway through the first half.Fans weren’t happy with the accidental switch of the stream and the sound issues that followed.One wrote on X: “You’ve got Derby Middlesborough playing on the Portsmouth Luton stream you clowns.”Please fix.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnother said: “What the hell @SkySports, selected Portsmouth v Luton and now I’m watching Derby v Middlesborough?”What happened?”And another said: “@SkySports I want to watch Luton vs Portsmouth why are you showing me Derby vs Boro?”One remarked: “Fancy watching Portsmouth v Luton? Tough, @SkySports are playing Derby on it instead.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPortsmouth drew 3-3 with Leeds in their Championship opener last weekendCredit: Rex”S**t start to this amazing season of football they’re bringing us allegedly.”Another chimed in: “@SkySports what has happened to Portsmouth v Luton?EFL goalkeeper sends fans into meltdown with utterly ridiculous ‘skill of the season’ in pre-season clash”Got a full house to watch the game and now switched to Der v Mid.”Sky worked quickly to rectify their gaffe, news of which spread like wildfire on social mediaAnd they were quick to issue an apology to Portsmouth and Luton fans for the accidental switch-up and sound issues.Portsmouth kicked off their first Championship campaign in 12 years with a thrilling 3-3 draw with Leeds last weekend.Luton, meanwhile, were thumped 4-1 by Burnley on Monday. More

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    French star suspended by club ‘for wishing team-mate and ex-Premier League ace happy birthday on social media’

    A FRENCH star has been suspended for wishing his team-mate happy birthday on social media.Marseille star Rayan Hassad, 18, wished former Newcastle and Porto defender Chancel Mbemba happy birthday on his Instagram story.Rayan Hassad (left) has been suspended after wishing Chancel Mbemba (right) a happy birthdayCredit: InstagramMbemba, though, is currently banished from Marseille’s first-team for demonstrating “poor behaviour” in training according to regional French paper La Provence and reported by Get French Football News.Hassad’s message to Mbemba said “Happy birthday cousin”, with the term “cousin” allegedly a reference to an incident which caused Mbemba’s suspension.The message was said to be the “final straw”.Hassad is alleged to have already angered the club’s hierarchy by insulting a team-mate and refusing to carry out instructions given to him by the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHassad has since posted a message to his Instagram story apologising to the club, saying: “I was indeed suspended as a precautionary measure by Olympique de Marseille following an Instagram story where I wished a teammate a happy birthday.“I would like to clarify that at no time did I want to cause harm to my club and its management. “It was a simple birthday message, as I usually do with other teammates. If I hurt someone, I apologise but know that this was never my intention.”Hassad is a Marseille youth and reserve player and is yet to make an appearance for Marseille’s first-team.Most read in FootballMbemba had been playing regularly and helped Marseille reach the semi-finals of the Europa League last season.But he was deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Roberto De Zerbi this summer.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseMbemba was then told to train with the reserves while he found a move, which is where the incident that saw him suspended is said to have taken place.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More