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    Chelsea slam ‘unacceptable’ homophobic comments aimed at Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis after pregnancy news

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    CHELSEA have hit out at “homophobic” remarks directed at Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis after the couple announced they are expecting a baby. On Monday, the Blues star took to Instagram to reveal that West Ham midfielder Mewis is pregnant, with their child expected in 2025. Sam Kerr is working her way back to fitness from an anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained in JanuaryCredit: GettyKerr announced she and her partner Kristie Mewis are expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20Kerr and Mewis are expecting their first child together with their baby due to be born next yearCredit: PAThe post featured black and white photos of the couple with Kerr seen pointing towards her fiancee’s stomach.An accompanying message which read “Mewis-Kerr baby incoming”.The duo, who got engaged last year, were also pictured holding up an ultrasound image. While several WSL players and coaches, including West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner, took to X and Instagram to congratulate the couple, other social media accounts posted vile remarks.Read More Football StoriesAnd Kerr, who is working her way back to fitness from a knee ligament tear sustained in January, was forced to block comments on her post soon after the announcement was published. And WSL leaders Chelsea have now hit out at the “hateful homophobic” remarks.In a statement shared today, they said: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.”There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters.Most read in Football”We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”A supporters group for Blues fans in the LGBTQ community described the comments directed at Kerr as “heart-breaking and infuriating”. In a post shared via their account on X, Chelsea Pride wrote: “Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society. “It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride and unity. “Over the weekend, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts. England boss Sarina Wiegman says the homophobic abuse aimed Kerr and Mewis is “disappointing”Credit: Alamy”Posts that should have been shining moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces, to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a child in 2025. “We refuse to stand by in silence. “We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman reckons lack of match action for Chloe Kelly ‘is a concern’ – but says forward has enough England credit

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      SARINA WIEGMAN says Chloe Kelly’s lack of game time is a concern despite the forward’s inclusion in her latest Lionesses squad. The Manchester City player, who has started once in the WSL this term, has been named in Wiegman’s 24-strong England group. Sarina Wiegman says Chloe Kelly has built up enough credit for inclusion in England’s squadCredit: PAKelly’s Man City team-mate Lauren Hemp will miss England’s November camp after successfully undergoing knee surgeryCredit: AlamyElla Toone will also miss England’s last two fixtures this year due to a calf injuryCredit: PAHowever her club pal Lauren Hemp is among the notable absentees with the squad hit by injuries before friendly clashes with the USA and Switzerland. The in-form Man City forward will miss England’s two final matches of the year having successfully undergone a knee operation. Kelly, who is facing a battle for a Cityzens first team spot with forwards Mary Fowler and Aoba Fujino, five WSL appearances as a substitute this term. Of her battle for minutes at club level, England boss Wiegman said: “It’s a concern right now, already, but that’s a hard situation. Read More Football Stories“Competition at Man City is high too. But it’s also to have a look at what’s available? What players do we have available for our squad? “We have some injuries up front. Lauren Hemp is injured, Lauren James is injured, so that competition is still going on too. “Chloe knows that she’s not in the best position at (her) club at the moment but (she has) enough credit to bring her in, related to the whole team and the availability of players.”Hemp, who has impressed this season with five goals in seven WSL games, was absent from Man City’s  2-0 loss to Chelsea in the league on Saturday Most read in FootballMan United’s Ella Toone will also miss England’s matches due after sustaining a calf injury three days ago. Lauren James and Niamh Charles are still unavailable for England duty due to injury and Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker is also sidelined. Leicester City midfielder and defender Ruby Mace has is one of two uncapped players named in the Lionesses squadCredit: GettyWiegman’s latest squad includes senior call-ups for uncapped Leicester and Man City midfielders Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde.  And Man United defenders Gabby George and Millie Turner have also been named with George returning to the squad for the first time in two years. England will face Emma Hayes’ USA side at Wembley on November 30 before a December 3 clash with Switzerland at Bramall Lane. More

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      Emma Hayes hopes for growth in Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s game after ‘good’ Man United start leads to USA call-up

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      EMMA HAYES reckons there is room for even more improvement in Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s game following her Manchester United shifts This shot stopper, 28, has shone for the WSL side keeping five clean sheets in seven games, earning her a first call-up to the USA women’s squad.Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s form for Man United has led to her first senior United States call-upCredit: GettyHayes’ USA side will play England at Wembley and before facing the Netherlands in their final two friendly games this yearCredit: GettyThe New York-born goalkeeper has established herself as United’s number one following Mary Earps’ departure for Paris Saint-Germain in June.Along with Utah Royals forward Ally Sentnor, 20, she is one of two uncapped players named in Hayes’s squad. Her call-up came a year and nine days on from her making her Red Devils debut during the team’s 7-0 Women’s League Cup group game defeat of Everton. Hayes told reporters: “Her shot-stopping and her ability to cover the frame is second to none. Read More Football Stories”In terms of building-up with the team and connecting with the team, there is room for improvement. “I want to see what she looks like with the demands we place on her, all the other things you can’t see or hear through a television screen, the orchestration and organisation with other players. “It’s not an easy team to come into. There is a lot of unbelievable experience in here. “But I want to see those things and where she’s at in her development with that.”Most read in FootballLast term Tullis-Joyce made just four starts for United in their League Cup group stage games conceding three goals in two of those matches.  Before joining the club she became the first choice keeper at National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side OL Reign in 2022. Her nine clean sheets in 26 games led to her finishing joint top for the most shutouts that year, with her team winning the NWSL Shield. And the goalkeeper, whose team will play Everton tomorrow, has featured in all eight of Man United’s games across in the WSL and League Cup since the start of this season. Hayes added: “She’s had a good start to her career at Manchester United.”I know the demands that will be placed on her in the WSL. It’s a good experience for her. “I want to try and build out the goalkeeping pool a little bit so this is a really good moment considering she plays in England and she’s very familiar with the style of play there.”Along with Arsenal full-back Emily Fox Tullis-Joyce is one of two WSL players included Hayes’ 30-strong group. They will take on England and the Netherlands in their final two friendly games this year. The team, who won gold medals at the Paris Olympics women’s football tournament this year, will face the Lionesses at Wembley on November 30That match, in which Hayes will oversee her side for the first time against Sarina Wiegman’s England, will be followed by a December 3 clash with the Netherlands. However the United States will be without three of their star forwards for their final international camp this year. Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory will be absent with the trio said to be carrying niggles. Hayes said: “It’s been a pretty tough couple of years in terms of going from back-to-back World Cups to Olympics for those players and the volume of games in particular coming back from the Olympics. “I think it’s fair to say all three of them have been carrying niggles.The USA will be without Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman for their finalCredit: Getty“It’s also fair to say that they had to play through the last part in discomfort. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The reality is I’m vested in player welfare and I think this decision is the right one. “They need to get the right interventions for their niggles and the decision was taken that their welfare comes first.” More

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      Chelsea star Sam Kerr and footballer partner Kristie Mewis expecting first child as they make heartwarming announcement

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      CHELSEA striker Sam Kerr and West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis have announced they are expecting a baby.The two WSL stars, who got engaged last year, shared the news on social media this morning.Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis have announced they are expecting a babyCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20The couple have been together since 2021 and announced their engagement last yearCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20Posting a collage of black and white photos, Kerr wrote: “Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!”In one of the images, the couple can be seen holding up a picture of an ultrasound scan.In another, Kerr points towards Mewis’ stomach.Several WSL players were quick to congratulate the couple, with England Lioness and Manchester City star Chloe Kelly writing: “Congratulations to you both!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal midfielder Lia Walti commented: “Congrats to you two!”While Kerr’s former Chelsea team-mate Fran Kirby wrote: “Omg 😍 congratulations both of you!”Mewis has made one appearance for West Ham this season – against Manchester United on the opening day in September.Meanwhile, Blues forward Kerr has been out of action since January due to an ACL injury.Most read in FootballThe 31-year-old suffered the setback during a winter training camp in Morocco.She is yet to put a date on her return.Kerr found herself in a “racism” storm earlier this year.In January, she allegedly called a police officer a “stupid white b*****d” after a night out in Twickenham.She was later charged with intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to the male PC under section 31(1)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The case is due for trial next year.Chelsea currently sit top of the WSL table with maximum points from seven games. More

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      Man Utd divide fans with new ‘school playground’ free-kick routine days after Ruben Amorim announcement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED infuriated supporters with a brand-new “school playground” free-kick routine.Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford to take over from Erik ten Hag as the men’s team boss last Monday.Manchester United’s women caused controversy in the WSLCredit: X @StringerSportTwo players used a naughty tactic to try and disrupt the Leicester goalkeeperCredit: X @StringerSportHowever, with the Red Devils on international duty and the Premier League on pause, it was United’s women’s team who took centre stage on Sunday.And they did so with an outrageous tactic during their Women’s Super League clash away at Leicester.United had an attacking free-kick just outside the penalty area.And while the taker prepared to try and find the top net to break the deadlock, the Leicester goalkeeper Janina Leitzig attempted to set up her wall.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHowever, her plans were thwarted by a novel approach to gamesmanship. That is because two Manchester United players – Millie Turner and Elisabeth Terland – walked right up to the goal.They deliberately and obnoxiously blocked Leitzig’s view, even putting their arms up to cause further disruption and annoyance.Once it was spotted, the referee went over to urge the pair away – likely citing unsportsmanlike conduct as the explanation for forcing them to move.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey protested, probably claiming they were not touching the goalkeeper.But they did head back, sprinting back into an onside position before the free-kick was taken, suggesting the move was purely to cause chaos for the goalkeeper setting up the wall. Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsJournalist Ian Stringer posted a video of the incident from the King Power Stadium and asked: “What do we think to this? I haven’t seen it in football before. Fair? Unsporting?”And it prompted a wave of responses piling in on the underhand, cheeky tactics – with most slamming the United players’ “terrible” and “dreadful” behaviour.One fan fumed: “Embarrassing really, no respecting coach would allow this at a professional level surely? School playground tactics.”Another replied: “Embarrassing, unprofessional and unsporting.”A third said: “If it had been my team doing it I think I’d have cringed quite a lot.”A fourth wrote: “What kind of shamelessness is that.”A fifth added: “Nice idea but mmmmm.”Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?A sixth cheekily quipped: “Manchester United have been poor recently so resorting to these sorts of tactics against a mid-table rival is hilarious! It would be worth it if they hit the target with a free-kick…”And a final user tweeted: “Unsporting. Ref should’ve told them to pack it in the first time they did it,” implying this was a repeated antic in the WSL clash. United, in the end, did not need to resort to the questionable and controversial moves as they ran out 2-0 winners.Terland cleverly headed in the opener just before half-time, redirecting the ball back across goal expertly.Then Celin Bizet wrapped up the points nine minutes from time when she capitalised on an underhit backpass. And that ensured the Red Devils inflicted more misery on Leicester as they made it three wins over the Foxes inside three weeks. READ MORE SUN STORIESRuud van Nistelrooy led the men to two wins over Steve Cooper’s side in his brief interim spell in charge, starting with the 5-2 Carabao Cup victory and then bowing out with a 3-0 scoreline last Sunday. But it seems very unlikely new boss Amorim will adopt the women’s naughty free-kick tactics any time soon. Millie Turner and Elisabeth Terland deliberately blocked the view of Janina LeitzigCredit: GettyThe pair’s antics was described as ‘school playground’ behaviourCredit: Rex More

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      Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre Nasa-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas Luiz

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has posed with an ALIEN in a bizarre Nasa-themed Adidas photoshoot.The Juventus star featured in the promotion alongside boyfriend Douglas Luiz.Alisha Lehmann was involved in a bizarre shoot for AdidasCredit: InstagramShe starred alongside extraterrestrial Lil MayoCredit: InstagramJuventus star Douglas Luiz was also involved in the promoCredit: InstagramHe was more suspicious of the alien than his partnerCredit: InstagramLehmann, 25, swapped the Women’s Super League for the Serie A Women in the summer.She moved to Juventus at the same time Luiz made his transfer from Aston Villa.The couple were both involved in the shoot, which included alien Lil Mayo.The character has a massive following on Instagram of 1.5million followers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe account of the extraterrestrial has the bio “I am alien”.The shoot was done to promote Juventus’ new Nasa-inspired clothing collection.The full video included Lehmann and Luiz among other Juventus stars from the men’s and women’s teams.It showed an astronaut walking around the Allianz Stadium in Turin during which they spot Lil Mayo.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe alien has multiple viral posts on its Instagram account as it travels around planet Earth.This includes a visit to the Church of Scientology in Los Angeles and the Oktoberfest in Germany.Alisha Lehmann poses with an ALIEN in bizarre NASA-themed adidas shoot alongside Juventus star boyfriend Douglas LuizLil Mayo can drive a boatCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited the Church of ScientologyCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has visited a 7-ElevenCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has tried human foods such as pizzaCredit: instagram @lilmayoHe has also been pictured cruising in a boat in Miami Bay and visiting a 7-Eleven.He posed for pictures with Lehmann in which she kissed it on the cheek.Luiz also had a couple of snaps with the alien but the Brazilian seemed more suspicious of the extraterrestrial.But of course Lil Mayo is not a real alien and is actually an old movie prop created by Alex Martyn.He started the account in order to be able to create his own “spicy memes”.Meanwhile, since Lehman joined Juventus, she has only scored once in nine league outings.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe stunned fans on Halloween as she wore a skin-tight black outfit.Back in July, she suffered a wardrobe malfunction while wearing a see-through white top.Lehmann joined Juventus in the summer from Aston VillaCredit: GettyShe has a huge online followingCredit: instagramShe has over 16m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7 More

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      Bethany England backs ‘underdogs’ Tottenham to find their mojo in derby duel with Arsenal

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      BETHANY ENGLAND would love nothing more than a return to Sarina Wiegman’s England fold. But on Saturday the Tottenham captain’s focus will be on attempting to lead her team-mates to a derby victory over Arsenal. Tottenham hope to pick up their third win in the league this term when they host Arsenal at Spurs StadiumCredit: GettySpurs’ last WSL outing ended as a 4-0 away loss to Man City following a derby win against West HamCredit: GettyArsenal won their last league encounter against Tottenham at the Emirates avenging their first loss to their neighbours in the WSL last DecemberCredit: GettyThe 1:45pm clash at Spurs Stadium will take place three days before Wiegman’s squad announcement ahead of the Lionesses’ two final matches this year. Up first is a November 30 friendly clash with the United States at Wembley followed by a Bramall Lane match against Switzerland on December 3. The last time England, 30, featured for the Lionesses was as a substitute last August, when they competed in a World Cup final for the first time. A hip injury following the team’s 1-0 loss to Spain in that game, kept the striker sidelined for the first three months of last seasonRead More Football StoriesEngland, who was part of Wiegman’s 2022 Euros winning side, has not featured for the national side since. And while an international return before next year’s European Championships would be “amazing”, the Spurs’ skipper’s focus is on her club’s performance. England, who has 26 senior caps, said: “Obviously I’d love nothing more than to be named in that squad. “The next international camp is coming up and it’s up to Sarina (Wiegman) . Most read in Football”I can only control what I can control and make sure when I am on the pitch with Tottenham, I’m doing the best that I can. “We all know how football works and I’ve had a really amazing time with England. “Whether there will be more time in the future, I would welcome that with open arms. “All I can do now is control my own performances at my club.”Since joining Tottenham from Chelsea last January for a then British-record WSL transfer fee England has been influential in their recent history-making moments. Among them is captaining the side to a first North London derby victory in the top tier last December and leading them to an FA Cup final for the first time in May. The beauty of the game is so many things can happen and being the underdog isn’t always a bad thing. Bethany England Tottenham’s 1-0 win against Arsenal last December was preceded by England’s return to action from her hip injury in an away clash with Manchester United. A duel that Spurs, who are seventh, lost 4-0 before winning their next four games across all competitions. England, whose side have one win from their last four games, adds: “We were able to come off the back of an even worse defeat last year and turn it around. “I don’t see why it’s not impossible to do it this time. Both teams are going in (to this game) in different situations. “Arsenal haven’t had the best of runs (in the WSL) either but they’re going into the game off the back of a 5-0 win (against Brighton). “It’s going to be a completely different mindset for them coming to this compared to us. It’s not an impossible task.”Under Renee Slegers, the Gunners’ form has improved with the team having won four of their five games under their stand-in boss. However, England, who has scored twice in seven WSL games this term, said: “We’ve beaten them before. “We have the calibre of players to be able to do it again. But we won’t underestimate them.”Hopefully this week we can show we can step up our form and get the win.”With six points currently separating third-placed Brighton from Tottenham, England feels the competition this term is an exciting one for neutrals. And the striker who recorded a Transport for London announcement for fans arriving at White Hart Lane station tomorrow, believes a Spurs win could be a turning point for their season. She said: “For me it’s nice to see different teams being near the top. “It shows how much the game is growing and it’s not always going to be the same teams in (third or) fourth. “It makes it more exciting and interesting to the fans who watch us.”The beauty of the game is so many things can happen and being the underdog isn’t always a bad thing going into a game like this one. “If this can be the turning point for us, it will change the trajectory of our season. “We’ve just got to find our mojo again. Hopefully we can bring that this weekend.”Since head coach Robert Vilahamn took charge of the team last July, Tottenham have undergone a bit of an overhaul.Among the seven players who sealed Spurs transfers this summer are Australia forward Hayley Raso, 30, and Spain midfielder Maite Oroz, 26, who like Raso, joined from Real Madrid. And young Lionesses defender Ella Morris, 22, made a June move from Southampton. Morris’ England Under-23’s team-mate Lenna Gunning-Williams, is among the promising prospects to have come through Tottenham’s academy ranks in recent years. Lenna Gunning-Williams has made four top-flight appearances for Tottenham so far this termCredit: AlamyThe London-born forward, who joined Spurs at 16 and scored 38 goals in 39 games for their Under-21s, has made four substitute appearances for their WSL side. This followed her making her senior Tottenham debut two years ago ahead of a season-long loan move to Ipswich last term England said: “I also want that family environment for the youth coming through.”It’s important for the youngsters to know they’re having to work just as hard because this league is getting harder and harder every year.”You look at Lenna – she’s coming on in a lot more games and was on loan last year. Arsenal have gone five games unbeaten across all competitions following Renee Slegers taking charge of the team last monthCredit: Getty”She’s come in this season, put in some good performances and helped us get the win at West Ham. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You’ve seen the youth development here and this club has got huge ambition. “To be a part of that ambition and the history going forward is a huge honour for me.” More

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      Beth Mead says Arsenal are “moving in the right direction” under interim women’s team boss Renee Slegers

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      BETH MEAD reckons Renee Slegers has been a “breath of fresh air” for Arsenal ahead of their Champions duel with Juventus tomorrow. The Gunners star, 29, was speaking before their 5:45pm clash with the Serie A side with Slegers taking charge of the side for the second time in the contest. Beth Mead says Arsenal work with Renee Slegers on “small details” in the final third has been positiveCredit: GettyThe Gunners are hoping to win their third group stage game when they take on Juventus awayCredit: GettyMead and her team-mates have registered three wins and a draw in the WSL and the Champions since Slegers became interim bossCredit: GettyThe Dutch coach, 35, was handed the responsibility of being Arsenal Women’s interim boss after former gaffer Jonas Eidevall resigned last month.Before she took charge the Gunners endured a tough start in the WSL this term and their first group stage outing in the Champion League.Results included a hefty 5-2 loss to Bayern in Munich in Europe and three winless games at the Emirates that preceded Eidevall’s exit.Since then, the team have gone unbeaten under Slegers, winning three of their last four games across all competitions including a 5-0 trouncing of Brighton in the WSL. Read More Football StoriesMead, who broke the deadlock in that game four nights ago, said: “It’s been a breath of fresh air with Renee and I’ve been enjoying it so far. “We’ve been working really hard alongside Renee in training. “We’ve really tried to hone in on the small things that we’re not getting quite right in front of goal at the moment. “Sometimes those small details can win you games and that’s what we did (on Friday).Most read in Football”We’re heading in the right direction and it puts us in good stead for Tuesday night and we’re looking forward to that challenge.”Slegers, who is interim head coach until at least the November international break, guided Arsenal to a 4-1 defeat of Valerenga last month in the Champions League. The head coach has refused to be drawn on whether she would consider the role on a permanent basis. Former Manchester City Women’s boss Nick Cushing had been heavily linked with the job last month. However Cushing, who manages New York City FC, dismissed the speculation and stated he will be with the MLS side in 2025. Before joining the Gunners’ as their women’s team assistant Slegers was head coach of Rosengard from She led the side to back-to-back top-flight title wins in Sweden 2021 and 2022. When asked if she would like to see Slegers remain at Arsenal, Mead added: “In some capacity. “We love having Renee here and will be happy with whatever she chooses to do.Juventus are good form having won eight of their nine top-flight games in Serie A this seasonCredit: Getty”We’ve worked with Renee for quite a while now in different roles to the one she’s in now.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think she’s taken to it like a duck to water. “It’s been easy for us as a group. We know what she gives us and the confidence she gives us.” More

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      Awkward moment Sky Sports pundits drenched and forced to run for cover after sprinkler gaffe on live TV

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      A SKY SPORTS presenter couldn’t resist joking as two pundits got a soaking – just as she had gleefully predicted.Caroline Barker’s pre-match analysis went beyond tactics when she took to the Etihad pitch with ex-Lionesses Steph Houghton and Izzy Christiansen.Houghton and Christiansen take evasive action after a belated Barker warningThe trio were discussing how Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City would fare against Tottenham on Friday night.But Barker suddenly spotted some ominous sprinklers springing into action behind the trio as they stood with their microphones.Pointing at the two ex-City stars, she smiled and told them: “You’re about to get soaked and I’m about to laugh.”Almost in the same breath, and just as the sprinklers took aim on their surprise new targets, Barker added: “There we go!”READ MORE TOP STORIESHoughton and Christiansen turned open-mouthed and moved as swiftly as they did at their peak of their playing careers – but this time to run for cover behind the Sky Sports table.Even the broadcaster joined in the fun at the duo’s expense.Sky noted on social media that the pair suffered “a surprise when one of the pitchside sprinklers attacked mid analysis!”Tottenham then faced an unwarranted torrent of their own – looking all over the place as City poured forward early on.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKhadija Shaw bagged a double early on for Gareth Taylor’s team.Jill Roord’s thumping third goal in three games put City in command midway through the second half before Shaw completed her hat-trick in a 4-0 win.TV presenters Alex Scott and Jules Breach stun on red carpet for PFA awards night in daring outfitsFormer centre-back Houghton, 36, and ex-attacker Christiansen, 33, were each at the Etihad the last time City picked up the title.But that was way back in 2016.Chelsea have lifted every crown since then – bar Arsenal’ s 2018-19 triumph.But for Houghton such matters as titles are trivial compared to her husband’s battle with motor neurone disease.Former Liverpool, Bradford and Bolton defender Stephen Darby, 36, is now eating through a tube following a “life-changing” procedure.Steph told The Guardian it was the best thing for him during a “tough ride” and would allow him to relax a bit more. More