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    Man City celebrate winning fourth successive Premier League title with open-top bus victory tour despite rain

    PREMIER League champs Manchester City refused to let the weather rain on their parade yesterday ­during an open-top bus victory tour.Pep Guardiola and his squad hit the city to ­celebrate their securing four titles in a row with a 3-1 win over West Ham earlier this month.Manchester City’s Erling Haaland leads the celebrationsCredit: ReutersCity boss Pep Guardiola get in on the actionCredit: ReutersA City fan wears a towel on her head to stay dryCredit: PAPals in ponchos hold a mock trophy as they celebrate in the wetCredit: PAIt was slightly bittersweet following their 2-1 FA Cup Final defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United on Saturday. But the loss proved no dampener for the players, including striker Erling Haaland, who sprayed champagne over the massed ranks of adoring fans.The rain left many in the city soggy but it was ­nothing compared with some areas where more than an inch fell in the afternoon.The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from midday until 8pm for the North and South West, with flooding, power cuts, and travel delays forecast.Read More on FootballHolidaymakers hoping for a late May coastal getaway faced long hold-ups in Devon when the A38 was closed in both directions due to a fatal smash.The M6 southbound was down to one lane following an accident, while a snarled M23 southbound delayed many heading to Gatwick.Travellers taking ferries to France from the Port of Dover faced two-hour queues due to the weight of ­traffic.The rain did stay away from Wembley, where Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman, 86, was among those watching Southampton win the Championship play-off.Most read in FootballMore than 20 million ­leisure journeys were made by car over the weekend — the most since pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the RAC. Travel chaos is expected to continue today as 3.4million hit the roads once more.England ace Phil Foden has been dubbed “Fodenballs” by his matesMany will face more rain, with ­scattered showers predicted for most areas.But sunny spells will return from Wednesday, with 18C highs.Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman was among those watching Southampton win the Championship play-offDark clouds and rain over Dawlish Warren in DevonCredit: AlamyA festival reveller in plastic mac in LutonCredit: DAVE NELSONUmbrellas keep punters dry on the River Cam in CambridgeCredit: Geoff Robinson Photography More

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    Video shows World Cup football stadium left flooded & ABANDONED after torrential rain swamps Brazil killing at least 100

    DRAMATIC footage shows an iconic World Cup football stadium left completely flooded after torrential rain battered Brazil for days.The “apocalyptic” floods have caused massive destruction in the southern part of the country and have killed at least 100 people. Drone footage shows the Beira-Rio stadium submerged in waterCredit: ReutersThe stadium will not host any matches at least until the end of the monthCredit: AFPThe Gremio stadium in Rio Grande do Sul state was also inundatedCredit: AFPThe Beira-Rio stadium was caught up in Brazil’s worst disasterCredit: EPAAs the heavy rainfall hit the country, Brazil’s Estádio Beira-Rio has closed after being caught up in the state’s Rio Grande do Sul “worst disaster.”Shocking drone footage shows the stadium submerged underwater after the devastating deluge that swamped Brazil last week.The stadium in Porto Alegre, home to Sport Club Internacional, will not host any matches until at least May 27.The 50,000-capacity stadium hosted five matches during the 2014 World Cup.READ MORE ON FLOODSIt’s the latest stadium to close due to severe flooding after the state’s Gremio Arena and Estádio Alfredo Jaconi were also inundated.In the video, hundreds of houses can be seen submerged, with only their roofs visible as locals were using small boards and surfboards to move around. The flood-ravaged country is still reeling from the catastrophe, as emergency services continued to try and rescue survivors.The southern state of Brazil has been battered by torrential rainCredit: APA man being rescued by military firefighters in Canoas, at the Rio Grande do Sul stateCredit: ReutersDrone footage shows a cargo plane at the flooded Salgado Filho International Airport in Porto AlegreCredit: ReutersThe heavy downpours have cost the lives of at least 100 people while another 130 in Rio Grande do Sul are missing.Most read in SportThe floods have affected some 400 municipalities causing a great deal of destruction across the state leaving 230,000 residents displaced.Rescue efforts were halted as forecasters are predicting more rain and strong winds are set to follow towards the end of the week.The floods began last week and destroyed highways and bridges in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.Drone video shows city underwater as Brazil floods kills scores more peopleFootage shows cars being swept away while a bridge completely vanishes in the strong current.On Tuesday, state governor Eduardo Leite had warned the human toll was likely to rise as “the emergency is continuing to develop” in the state capital of Porto Alegre and other cities and towns.The state’s governor Eduardo Leite, speaking at a news conference earlier this week urged residents to seek shelter as the anticipated downpour may cause more severe flooding.”It isn’t the time to return home,” he said.Authorities urged people not to return to affected areas due to possible landslide and health hazards.”Contaminated water can transmit diseases,” civil defense spokeswoman Sabrina Ribas warned on Wednesday.Estádio Beira-Rio was one of the 12 venues used for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, hosting five of the matches in the tournament.Estádio Beira-RioEstádio Beira-Rio, home to Brazil’s Sport Club Internacional, was one of the 12 venues used for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
    It hosted five of the matches in the tournament.

    France – Honduras June 15, 2014
    Australia – Netherlands, June 18, 2014
    South Korea – Algeria, June 22, 2014
    Nigeria – Argentina, June 25, 2014
    Germany – Algeria, June 30, 2014

    Mayor of Eldorado do Sul state Ernani de Freitas said the city will be totally evacuated adding it will take at least a year to recover.Authorities estimate it will cost up to £745 million to clean up the damage.READ MORE SUN STORIESPorto Alegre is home to about 1.4 million people.The state’s Guaiba River, which runs through Porto Alegre, reached historic levels and five dams are at risk of rupturing, with two of them in “imminent” danger.About 230,000 residents lost their homes in the floodsCredit: Reuters400 municipalities across the state were affectedCredit: AFPLocals were seen using boats to move aroundCredit: AFP More

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    Arsenal and Tottenham fans face travel chaos ahead of huge clash with fears heavy rain and strong winds will hit trains

    ARSENAL and Tottenham fans could be hit by travel chaos for the North London derby.The rivals face off at Spurs’ stadium at 2pm this afternoon.Arsenal fans could have trouble getting to the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyHowever, supporters making their way to the ground from south of London could have their journeys disrupted by the heavy rain and strong winds that have battered the area overnight and this morning.Network Rail warned passengers planning to get Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Great Northern trains may see disruption.That could also cause headaches for Brighton fans heading along the South Coast to Bournemouth, also for a 2pm kick-off.A Network Rail statement said: “Heavy rainfall is affecting the Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink networks, especially south of London and towards the South Coast. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Some strong winds are also expected.“This weather may disrupt journeys until the middle of the day today, 28 April. Please check journey planners before you travel.”However, trains appear to be running on time as things stand.And there is no Met Office weather warning in place, though.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThankfully, the forecast does not look too bad for the actual match at Tottenham, either – with grey skies expected and the possibility of some rain. Spurs head into the North London derby certainly hoping to pour a dampener on Arsenal’s title hopes.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerThe Gunners know they will need to be virtually faultless in their run-in to the end of the season – and are reliant on Manchester City dropping points.The hosts, meanwhile, have their own ambitions of pipping Aston Villa to a top-four spot. And a first win over Arsenal since May 2022 would certainly help.Mikel Arteta’s men head into the game full of confidence after slapping Chelsea for five in midweek.It promises to be a thrilling clash with all the coverage available from SunSport’s live blog. And our very own columnist and former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has had his say on where he thinks the game could be won or lost.Forget Odegaard and Rice… this Arsenal star could be Player of the Year, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
    MARTIN ODEGAARD and Declan Rice will rightly be in the shake down for the Footballer of the Year award.
    But their Arsenal team-mate Gabriel also deserves recognition should the Gunners go on to win the Premier League title.
    The Brazilian has been a monster at the back alongside William Saliba.
    They are the heart of the meanest defence — conceding just 24 goals in the league this season.
    He has also scored four, the joint-highest for a defender in the top flight along with Spurs’ Cristian Romero.
    If boss Mikel Arteta ends Arsenal’s 20-year wait for the title then Gabriel will have been as important a cog in the machine as anyone at the Emirates.
    Considering he was struggling for game time and appeared a lost soul last summer, it’s some turnaround.
    Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
    Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here

    Redknapp said: “The smallest details can make the biggest difference and for Spurs that means how they cope without the injured Destiny Udogie, who might not get the headlines but has been outstanding.”His pace would have been vital against Bukayo Saka, who can destroy you, and Ange Postecoglou’s got a big job on now Udogie’s missing, for sure.”If they don’t double up on Saka he could run riot.”While that’s crucial, so is keeping a cool head, because Spurs will be bang up for this and the tackles are going to be flying in.”There will be a few cards flashed around, believe me.”I really can’t see Spurs getting beaten, so assuming they manage to keep Saka in check, I’d have to put my money on a score draw.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can see goals, I can see bookings — plenty of them — but I just can’t see a winner.”Which obviously means no one’s going home happy. Apart from City.”Destiny Udogie’s absence will be a big miss up against Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty More

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    EFL clash called off just hours before kick-off as torrential rain wreaks havoc on pitch

    COLCHESTER UNITED’S clash with Doncaster Rovers has been postponed following a pitch inspection.The League Two game has been called off with the “surface unplayable” after torrential rain wreaked havoc on the pitch.Colchester United vs Doncaster Rovers has been postponed following a pitch inspectionCredit: RexFollowing talks with the EFL and PGMOL, the decision was made with a rescheduled date to be thrashed out. A statement read: “Colchester United’s clash against Doncaster Rovers has been postponed.”A local official carried out a pitch inspection early on Tuesday morning and decided that the surface was unplayable, with little chance of improvement given the forecast of heavy rain throughout the day.”Following discussions with the EFL and PGMOL, the decision was made to call the game off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Further details regarding the rearranged fixture will be communicated to supporters in due course. “All tickets for the fixture will be valid for the rearranged game (when announced), but if you can’t make it to the new date, there are three options available and they will show on your account in due course.” The Met Office said Brits would likely wake to a generally wet and breezy morning – with outbreaks of downpours.But it said the mercury would likely climb to the low-to-mid teens in parts of the north later this week, and upper teens in southern areas.Most read in EFLCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL It said London would likely enjoy 13C tomorrow, before climbing to 16C on Thursday and Friday, and hitting 17C on Wednesday.The Met said Edinburgh is set to see 11C for the next three days, before climbing to 14C on Friday.It’s a stark contrast to last week, when snow blanketed parts of the UK.Jack Keene & Matt Champman preview Day One of the Cheltenham Festival More

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    Football matches across UK called off after pitches hit by flooding and freezing temperatures

    PLENTY of fans will have to make do with Soccer Saturday in front of the sofa this afternoon with a series of non-league games being called off.The recent cold snap and torrential rain has put paid to a number of games originally scheduled for this afternoon.
    Banbury United have been hit by heavy floodingCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BanburyUnitedFC
    Heaton Stannington’s social media admin even through a pitchfork into a puddleCredit: X formerly Twitter / @Heatonstan
    Plenty of non-league pitches up and down the country have been left looking like this oneCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BNorthSpartans
    England’s top-five tiers have so far been unaffected by the downpours across the country.
    But beneath that, many pitches have not been able to cope.
    Banbury United’s National League North clash with South Shields has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
    The match is Banbury’s sixth to be called off of the season due to flooding from the nearby River Cherwell.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Concerned local MP Victoria Prentis said yesterday: “I was pleased to get down to Banbury United FC this morning to meet Chairman Ronnie Johnson and Community Director Lisa Dixon.
    “Flooding has been causing real issues for the club this season, leading to the cancellation of several matches. The Puritans are an important part of our town and the Board have been doing a brilliant job despite all that has been thrown at them.
    “I am going to speak to the Environment Agency, our local authorities and my colleagues in Government to see what more we can do to support the club and secure its long-term future.”
    In the same league, Bishop’s Stortford’s scheduled fixture with Chorley has been called off.
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    While over in the National League South, Truro City’s clash with Hemel Hempstead has been postponed due to a flooded pitch.
    And Weston-super-Mare’s fixture against Eastbourne Borough has met the same fate.
    Fans demand non-league groundsman is promoted as hilarious pitch inspection goes viral
    Further down the pyramid, the weather has caused even more fixture chaos.
    Heaton Stannington posted a picture of a pitchfork being thrown into a puddle by a corner flag, after their game with Temecula FC was called off.
    And Coggeshall Town’s scheduled game against Hullbridge Sports has been postponed for similar reasons.
    Also among matches to be called off is Beckenham Town’s game against Cray Valley Paper Mills, as well as Maldon & Tiptree vs Stowmarket Town and Peckham Town vs Ide Hill.
    Heavy rain this morning caused Middlezoy Rovers’ clash with Keynsham Town to be called off.
    And north of the border, Penicuik Athletic’s match against Glenrothes FC was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
    Penicuik Athletic’s pitch was frozen by the chilly weatherCredit: X formerly Twitter / @PenicuikAth
    Many games have been postponed due to pitches like this oneCredit: X formerly Twitter / @middlezoyrovers More

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    Sickening moment footballer is struck by lightning and killed in the middle of a match in front of horrified fans

    THIS is the horrifying moment a footballer was struck by lightning during a match.The 34-year-old victim was rushed to hospital but tragically passed away.
    A video shows the moment a footballer is struck by lightning boltCredit: Twitter/@githii/
    The victim tragically died following the hitCredit: Twitter/@githii/
    The video captured the chilling moment the player collapsed as he was hit by the lightning bolt during the match in Indonesia.
    The man was playing in a friendly match between 2 FLO FC Bandung and FBI Subang at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung, West Java.
    In the terrifying clip, other players can be seen rushing to carry the victim off the field after he fell to the ground.
    According to local media PRFM news, the man was still breathing as he was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
    read more on football
    But the victim was soon declared dead.
    His jersey was reportedly torn from the lightning strike.
    Witnesses reported that the weather was cloudy and the rain had started to fall.
    The clip of the incident has since gone viral online, with people flooding to the comments to send their condolences.
    Most read in Football
    One person wrote: ” RIP to the player.”
    Another one added: “This is the stuff of my nightmares. I lived through the San Francisco ‘Quake of ’89’ that ended game 3 of the Baseball World Series.”
    Horror as footballer dies as lightning strike hits pitch during cup match
    A third person said: “That’s awful and condolences.
    “In my referee days I always kept an eye on the weather, it’s in the FIFA manual I believe. For exactly this reason.
    “Don’t know if that was possible here or if there was a ref. This video will make it’s way to FIFA and ref associations everywhere.”
    This comes after a massive lightning bolt struck a football pitch during a cup game killing one player and injuring six more in Brazil.
    The victim has been named as Caio Henrique de Lima Goncalves, 21, by Police in Santo Antonio da Platina.
    Local media reported that he was rushed to hospital after the strike on December 10 but he died soon after.
    Chilling video footage recorded moments after the strike shows the pitch littered with stricken players and officials desperately racing to get them to safety and medical treatment.
    The man was playing a friendly match at Siliwangi Stadium in IndonesiaCredit: BxHxTxCx /Wikipedia More

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    Alex Scott left absolutely drenched live on BBC after Plymouth vs Leeds hit by downpour as fans say ‘get her a brolly!’

    FOOTIE fans were united in their sympathy for Alex Scott after seeing her get DRENCHED during her broadcasting duties.Scott was part of the BBC’s live coverage of Plymouth’s FA Cup fourth-round replay with Leeds United on Tuesday night.
    Alex Scott led the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup fourth-round replay between Plymouth and Leeds UnitedCredit: BBC
    Scott presented the match along with Jermaine Beckford and Glenn Murray
    The former Arsenal and England defender ended up being drenched by rainCredit: BBC
    The weather down in the south west was torrid, to say the least.
    High winds and buckets of rain battered Home Park Stadium, so much so that Scott ended up being soaked from head to toe.
    Scott braved the elements without an umbrella, unlike fellow pundits Jermaine Beckford and Glenn Murray, which meant her dark tartan jacket took a soaking.
    Watchers of the match couldn’t help but comment, with one saying: “I bet Alex Scott regretted not having a brolly pitchside before the #PLYLEE game.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “I live a 10-minute walk away from the ground and can confirm it’s absolutely pissing it down.”
    Another said: “Hey @AlexScott – tell the lads the pub round the corner has asked for their beer garden parasol back.”
    And another said: “Any chance one of those two lads could go over and cover Alex Scott with their umbrella?
    “They’re big enough keep all of three of them dry, yet they have one each and remain dry, while Alex is getting soaked.
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    Alex Scott didn’t let the torrential rain dampen her spirtisCredit: BBC
    “Come on lads, be a gentleman @BBCSport.”
    One remarked: “Someone get Alex Scott an umbrella, please.
    Alex Scott sends warning to fans over FAKE Instagram accounts being made in her name as she blasts ‘annoying scam’
    “Glenn Murray you sir are not a gentleman.”
    And another chimed in: “@AlexScott bet your freezing in the rain this evening – well done for still smiling.”
    Leeds took the lead in the 66th minute through Italy international Wilfried Gnonto.
    But the Championship outfit were forced to play extra time thanks to a 78th-minute equaliser from Brendan Galloway.
    However, they ran out 4-1 winners to set up a fifth round clash with Villa or Chelsea. More

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    Huge EFL clash CALLED OFF after 9 mins over fears for players as weather wreaks havoc after away fans travelled 400miles

    BOLTON’S clash at Cambridge was postponed after just NINE MINUTES due to the weather.The promotion chasers and their supporters had made the 400 mile round-trip south in the grim and wet conditions for tonight’s League One clash.
    Cambridge’s clash with Bolton was called off after just nine minutesCredit: Rex
    Heavy downpours made the pitch unplayable despite work from ground staffCredit: Rex
    Ground staff had been working on the pitch right up until kick-off as they shovelled dry soil to an area pointed out by the concerned ref.
    He had also inspected the same spot just before starting the game with the rain lashing down.
    However, inside the opening five minutes there was standing water beginning to pop up in several places on the playing surface.
    Then, in the ninth minute, the ref whistled to stop the game and after a short consultation with both dug-outs, the teams headed down the tunnel.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    But the heavy water on the surface forced the referee to stop play after just nine minutes.
    The game started as scheduled at 7.45pm but it did not take long for the effects of today’s heavy downpours to show.
    Bolton’s social media account then reported that the referee ran to speak with both Cambridge boss Neil Harris and Bolton’s Ian Evatt.
    The official then “called the players into the tunnel with the pitch deteriorating in the rain”.
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    That was then followed by a further update that read: “There will be a ten minute wait to assess the pitch.
    “The ground staff are attempting to clear the standing water off the surface.
    Crunch EFL clash CALLED OFF just 90 minutes before kick-off as fans slam ‘absolute disgrace’ after four-hour round-trip
    “We will provide more information when we have it.”
    Then came the news that the game had been officially abandoned due to the waterlogged pitch.
    Fans were left furious earlier when Burton Albion’s clash with Cheltenham Town was postponed less than 90 minutes before kick-off.
    And that was followed by the news that the League Two game between Walsall and Morecambe was also off due to a waterlogged pitch. More