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Clippers, playing without Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, are no match for the Suns

Jalen Green scored 29 points in his Phoenix debut, Devin Booker added 24 points and the host Suns beat the short-handed Clippers 115-102 on Thursday night.

Green, who missed the Suns’ first eight games with a right hamstring strain, played 23 minutes and was 10 of 20 from the field, including six of 13 from behind the three-point line.

The guard was acquired from Houston in the offseason in the seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant from Phoenix to the Rockets.

Grayson Allen, playing through an illness, scored 18, Mark Williams had 13 points and nine rebounds and Royce O’Neale scored 17, 11 in the third quarter when Phoenix outscored the Clippers 40-23 to take a 91-74 lead.

The Clippers lost their third straight. They played without James Harden, who missed the game for personal reasons, and Kawhi Leonard, sidelined with a right ankle sprain.

Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Cam Christie scored 17 off the bench, John Collins had 13 and Bogdan Bogdanovic 12.

Bradley Beal, in his return to Phoenix, had a miserable night for the Clippers. The veteran guard was two for 14 from the field and finished with five points. Beal played two seasons in Phoenix but was frequently sidelined by injuries. He was booed during introductions and every time he touched the ball during the game.

The Suns took their biggest lead at 104-79 on Allen’s three-pointer with 7:53 to go.

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‘Just playing the heel’: Josh Reddick on his Yoshinobu Yamamoto tweet

If you’re not on social media, good for you. If you are, you know that any good start by Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is immediately followed by a flood of venom aimed at former major league outfielder Josh Reddick.

No sooner had Yamamoto thrown his World Series complete game last week than Reddick got 3 million views for one of his tweets from two years ago.

Many of those viewers were happy to tell him he was a moron.

In 2023, the Dodgers signed Yamamoto, the winner of Japan’s version of the Cy Young award for three years running, for $325 million.

Reddick’s tweet: “How do you give a guy $325 million without ever throwing a pitch in MLB”

On Friday, the Dodgers will turn to Yamamoto to keep their season alive and force a Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. He could — and this sounds insane in modern baseball — throw his third consecutive complete game.

Two weeks ago, after Yamamoto had thrown a complete game in the National League Championship Series, Reddick appeared on the “Crush City Territory” podcast.

“If Paul Skenes did not exist, Yoshinobu Yamamoto would be winning the Cy Young, going away,” podcast host Chandler Rome said.

Then Rome asked Reddick to answer for his tweet.

“I don’t think I would say I regret it,” Reddick said. “I’d probably say that tomorrow if they gave it [that money] to somebody else. That’s just my opinion, and I’m allowed to have it because it’s social media …

“That was my opinion, and obviously it was wrong. This guy has been phenomenal, and very, very, very, very, very, very good to come over here and do what he’s done. I’ll admit I was wrong on that one.”

Reddick said he regularly hears about it from Dodgers fans.

“They enjoy it,” he said. “I just love how much I live in Dodgers fans’ heads every day, and how they just look forward to making it feel like they’re upsetting me by sending these tweets and just completely ruining my day.

“If you’re a Dodger fan: It doesn’t bother me. So you do you for your two seconds of fame, and go back to work.”

At the time of the podcast, Reddick’s tweet had 9 million views. Now it has 12 million.

“It’s like wrestling, man,” he said. “You’ve got to be the good guy or the bad guy. As long as you’re a guy who’s getting noticed, you’re doing something right.

“I’m just playing the heel for the Dodgers for the rest of my life.”



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Puka Nacua sounding confident about playing for Rams vs. Saints

Puka Nacua sounded as if there was no doubt.

The Rams star receiver, who sat out the last game because of an ankle injury, said Thursday that he was “feeling great” and planned to play on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium.

“That’s the plan,” he said after practice. “I’m feeling fantastic. Feel ready to go.”

The Rams returned this week from an off week after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

That enabled Nacua to rest and receive treatment for an injury suffered during an Oct. 12 victory against the Ravens in Baltimore.

Nacua had two catches for 28 yards before he and Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey leaped for a pass near the end zone. Both came down hard on the turf as the pass fell incomplete.

Nacua said he was intent on making sure that if he did not come down with the ball, neither would Humphrey.

“Really thought it was like just getting the wind knocked out of me, just of how I landed,” Nacua said. “Got up and I was like, ‘Oh, it’s definitely not my back.’”

The Rams defeated the Jaguars without Nacua to improve their record to 5-2 heading into the off week.

“Never a good time to be injured,” Nacua said, “but the bye did land at a great time to rest and recover.”

Nacua returns to a receiving corps that got a three-touchdown performance from Davante Adams against the Jaguars. The Rams, however, will be without Tutu Atwell, who is on injured reserve for at least four games because of a hamstring injury.

Nacua ranks third in the NFL with 54 catches and fourth with 616 yards receiving. He has two touchdown catches and also has rushed for a touchdown.

Nacua eclipsed 100 yards receiving three times this season, the last a month ago when he caught 13 passes for 170 yards in a 17-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

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BBC boss calls on Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones to ‘stop playing around with viewers’

Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones looked cosy together as they posed for photographs on the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain red carpet this week – despite a suggestion they had split

BBC bosses reportedly want popular duo Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones to come clean about the true nature of their relationship – for the sake of the viewers.

More than 1.5million people tune into Morning Live every weekday on BBC One, and see Helen and Gethin discuss topical issues. It was understood they had embarked on a relationship since working together on the programme, but speculation of a split swirled a few months ago.

But on Monday night, Gethin, 47, put his arm around 42-year-old Helen on the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain red carpet in London. The cosy photographs led to further speculation the couple had rekindled their romance, but the “confusion” has reportedly irked some management at the BBC.

One boss told the Daily Mail: “There’s a common feeling among them [BBC bosses] that it’s time for Helen and Gethin to confirm where they stand and stop playing around with the viewers. It’s time for clarity.

“Standing together on that red carpet has only confused viewers, who truly do want them to be an item, and it’s not fair anymore to keep the speculation going. It’s starting to feel on purpose as they’re really leaning into it.”

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Gethin was one of the original hosts of Morning Live when it first aired five years ago, and Helen joined him in 2023. She started the post around one year after splitting with Richie Myler, a now retired rugby league player, with whom she has three children.

Chatter emerged Gethin and Helen’s friendship had become a relationship in May this year after the presenters were seen leaving the BAFTAs together. Though neither confirmed a relationship, they were spotted again with each other off-set several times in the spring. Similar gossip spread this week after the pictures at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain event, which the stars reportedly left within minutes of each other.

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Yet Gethin, who in 2011 split from fellow Welsh star opera singer Katherine Jenkins, nor Helen have confirmed or denied whether or not they are together now.

It is thought when Helen, a former Blue Peter host, was brought in to join Gethin on Morning Live the BBC hoped the pair would build a strong rapport to continue its success in its timeslot.

When Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan were chosen to launch This Morning on ITV in 1998, it quickly became a success and, though the pair were long married by then, it is believed their strong charisma together drew in the viewers. The BBC, it is understood, felt that a similar onscreen chemistry was exactly what it needed to win the daytime ratings war in 2023 – and it was undoubtedly worked onscreen.

Chatter remains whether that move has seen things blossom off it too.

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USC fined by Big Ten for playing running back listed ‘out’

USC was down to two walk-ons in its battered backfield, when Trojans coach Lincoln Riley decided to dress injured sophomore running back Bryan Jackson for the second half of Saturday’s win over Michigan, despite the fact Jackson was listed by the team as out on the Big Ten’s pregame availability report.

Riley explained the decision to play Jackson after the game, describing it as “a unique situation” and “a wellness issue.” But on Monday, the Big Ten chose to slap USC with a fine of $5,000 for violating conference rules regarding its availability reports.

“Although these circumstances were unfortunate, it is critical for availability reports to be accurate,” a Big Ten spokesperson said. “Consequently, the conference is imposing a $5,000 fine and admonishes all institutions to use the “out” designation only if there are no circumstances under which a student-athlete could participate in a game. The conference considers the matter closed and will have no further comment.”

Jackson hadn’t suited up since Week 1 while dealing with a lingering turf toe issue. Coming into the game, Riley said that Jackson was unlikely to play “outside of a near catastrophe.” But when one back, Eli Sanders, suffered a potential season-ending injury in the first quarter, and another, Waymond Jordan, seriously injured his ankle in the second, plans changed quickly.

Riley said on Saturday night that USC was in communication with the league office at the time and explained the situation to conference officials beforehand.

Jackson was medically cleared by USC and entered the game in the fourth quarter. He rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown in five carries.

“The kid was ready to go and stepped up,” Riley said. “That’s what you gotta have, man. You gotta have tough guys to play through stuff if you want to win at this level.”

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The good and bad of playing high school football games at SoFi Stadium

Sitting in a chair on Thursday night as fans came into SoFi Stadium to watch high school football games between Loyola and Gardena Serra and Leuzinger against Palos Verdes, you can hear the different reactions of first-time visitors as they climbed escalators and stairs to reach their seats.

Many were in awe.

“This is nice.”

“Wow. This stadium is so different.”

“I can’t believe I paid $80 for a high school game.”

The games have been put together by Playbook Events. Teams have to give up revenue they would make from hosting their own games. Parking costs $10 while student and adult tickets range from $29 to $71. Usual student tickets are $10 at home sites.

It’s clear players enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience to play in a prestigious NFL stadium that will host the swimming competition at the 2028 Olympic Games. And first-time visitors who’ve never been able attend a concert or NFL game at SoFi because of cost are truly impressed with the seating and experience.

But there’s also some issues that could enhance the experience. One fan suggested better directions on where to park and how to pay for parking, since only credit cards are accepted, and lots of grandparents are not tech savvy on how to purchase tickets online or which entrance to take to find the parking lot. Schools need to provide more specific instructions. Organizers are also requiring fans to sign a waiver when entering, leading to long lines if you don’t arrive early.

The cost for fans can be prohibitive, which means schools need to take that into account when agreeing to play a game at SoFi. The organizers certainly know what they are doing. Games start on time and security is plentiful and helpful for first-time visitors.

Loyola athletic director Chris O’Donnell said, “For this kind of experience, for both teams, it’s really great. I’d do this again in a second.”

The next big game at SoFi Stadium happens Thursday at 5 p.m. when unbeaten Los Alamitos plays Huntington Beach Edison.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email [email protected].

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Uefa give green light to Barcelona and AC Milan playing games abroad but insist Premier League matches are going nowhere

UEFA chiefs want to block clubs from playing domestic games abroad.

But they are powerless to prevent La Liga and Serie A chiefs heading out of Europe this season.

Lamine Yamal of Barcelona looking at the UEFA Champions League match.

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Yamal’s Barcelona will be playing one La Liga game away from SpainCredit: Getty
Luka Modric of AC Milan on the field during a Serie A match.

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AC Milan and Luka Modric will head to Australia to play ComoCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

In a measure that could stymy any long-term Prem plans to play matches out of the UK, Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed his deep personal opposition to the concept.

That is despite giving the green light for Barcelona to play Girona in Miami in December and Milan to face Como in Perth in February.

Uefa explained its ruling executive committee had “reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis” the requests from Spain and Italy, citing a lack of rules to prevent the games being switched.

But Euro chiefs pledged to work with Fifa to “uphold the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their supporters and local communities”. 

Ceferin said: “League matches should be played on home soil.

“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. 

“Our commitment is clear – to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”

Prem chief Richard Masters has emphasised his total opposition to the prospect of English games being played overseas.

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However, that policy could change if 14 of the 20 top flight clubs voted to explore the option.

Fan group Football Supporters Europe said: “We regret the decision to allow the requests but all 55 national associations have committed not to make further requests for domestic matches abroad without first consulting UEFA. 

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“The onus is now on FIFA to plug this regulatory gap. We welcome UEFA’s commitment to work with FIFA to ensure that future rules uphold the integrity of domestic competitions.”

Aleksander Ceferin of UEFA watches during the FC Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain Champions League match.

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Ceferin doesn’t want more European domestic games played in foreign countriesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

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Man Utd hero now playing for same club as his son 21 years his junior after emotional transfer

ASHLEY and Tyler Young are set to become the first father-son duo to take to the field in Championship history.

The pair were denied a historic meeting by Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson in last season’s FA Cup when Tyler and his Posh team-mates took on Premier League side Everton.

Ashley Young of Everton and his son Tyler Young of Peterborough United at a football match.

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Ashley Young and his son Tyler were denied a historic father-son moment in last season’s FA CupCredit: REX
Tyler Young and Ashley Young at a soccer game.

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But they could make history as the first father-son duo to play for the same team following Tyler’s move to Ipswich TownCredit: REX

Had Tyler taken to the pitch while his old man was on the field, they would’ve become the first father-son duo to play against one another in the 154-year history of the FA Cup.

But now, they could potentially play for the SAME TEAM after Tyler was signed to Ipswich Town‘s Under-21s following a successful trial.

Former Manchester United and England star Ashley joined the Tractor Boys this summer at the ripe old age of 40.

And the magnitude of Town’s signing of his son hasn’t gone unnoticed by football fans.

One wrote on X:”Like father, like son.”

Another said: “Hopefully, they get given a game together.”

And another said: “Finally get to play together professionally.”

One remarked: “Would love to see them play in the same team together.”

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Ashley Young, number 15, playing for Ipswich Town.

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Ashley Young joined Ipswich Town in July following his release from EvertonCredit: PA

Another chimed in: “Father and son at the same club, a beautiful story.”

Ashley inked a one-year deal with Ipswich in July following his release from Everton.

Darren Ferguson says Everton star ‘had a pop at me’ for not bringing on Ashley Young’s son Tyler

Manager Kieran McKenna said of his arrival: “Ashley has had a fantastic career and his achievements speak for themselves.

“He has maintained an extremely high level of professionalism and competitiveness through his career and he is still playing at a very good level.

“We feel his leadership and experience will be valuable to the group this season and he is very hungry to contribute on and off the pitch.”

Ipswich will be back in action a week on Friday night, welcoming Sheffield United to Portman Road.

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek: England midfielder ‘completely forgot’ about playing for country during seven-year absence

Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he “completely forgot” about playing for England and was “just a fan” during his near seven-year absence from the national team.

Loftus-Cheek’s last appearance for the Three Lions came in a friendly against the United States in November 2018 after he had been part of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad that reached the semi-finals in Russia the same year.

The 29-year-old midfielder ruptured his Achilles in 2019 playing for Chelsea in a friendly in the USA before the Europa League final, and subsequently dropped out of the England reckoning.

He joined AC Milan in 2023 and has made 71 appearances for the Rossoneri in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and registering three assists.

“When I ruptured my Achilles, I was on such a high [before it happened], so after that I had a hard time mentally,” said Loftus-Cheek.

“But I was still young, I still had time to come back, so I wasn’t too low.”

He added he had “got used” to not joining up with England because he had been away for so long.

“You still want to push in club football with the hope of maybe getting a sniff,” he said.

“But I just completely forgot about it and was being a fan of the team instead.”

Loftus-Cheek said it took about two years for him to feel himself again after the injury.

“If you have got good people around you it is going to help you so much, but the main thing comes from your self drive,” he said of his recovery.

“That belief, to overcome challenges, is paramount in sport and in life – that you have this mentality in overcoming challenges.”

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James Bond frontrunner rules himself out of top role saying ‘I should not be playing 007’

A JAMES Bond favourite has taken himself out of the running after believing he’s “not the right person” for the role. 

Ever since Daniel Craig said goodbye to the role in 2021 release No Time To Die, the role of super spy 007 has been up for grabs, with speculation rife over who should take over. 

James Bond Spectre poster featuring Daniel Craig.

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The game is on to see who will take over James Bond from Daniel CraigCredit: Alamy
Glen Powell accepting the CinemaCon Star of the Year award.

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Glen Powell has ruled himself out, saying the role should be played by a BritCredit: Getty

Over time, bookies have placed their bets on a string of Hollywood A-listers to take on the role, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Idris Elba and Henry Cavill. 

With Amazon acquiring the 007 franchise from the Broccoli family, this was then extended to American stars including Patrick Schwarzenegger, Timothée Chalamet and Jacob Elordi. 

But one emerging favourite – Top Gun 2 and Anyone But You star Glen Powell – has shut down speculation he could take his martini shaken, not stirred. 

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Glenn said simply: “I’m a Texan. My family and I joke around, I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond. 

“Get an authentic Brit for that job. That’s who belongs in that tuxedo.” 

In the 63 years James Bond has been on screen, seven actors have played the character – all of whom white men from the UK and Ireland. 

Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig have portrayed the spy in the film series, with David Niven taking on the role in a non-official adaptation in 1967. 

Debate has since spread over whether the franchise should deviate from tradition when it comes to the character, with James Bond and 007 code names that can be taken on by anyone. 

At one stage, Gillian Anderson was being considered as the first female Bond, while Idris Elba has held firm as a favourite to become the first Black star to portray the spy. 

However, some actors have noted they don’t want to play such an iconic character, as doing so would mean that they could be defined as “Bond” for the rest of their career. 

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The White Lotus star Theo James previously ruled himself out for that reason, telling The Guardian in 2024: “I do think there are better people for that job. 

“And, honestly, it would be terrifying: if you do that, there’s no going back. You’re opening Pandora’s box there.” 

The new favourite for the role is relative unknown actor James Nelson-Joyce, who played James ‘Yatesy’ Yates in BBC drama, Little Boy Blue, and Michael Kavanaugh in the gangster drama, This City is Ours.

Glen Powell at the premiere of Twisters.

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The actor joked that he could play “Jimmy Bond” but as a Texan is unsuitableCredit: Getty
Michael Kavanagh as James Nelson-Joyce in This City Is Ours.

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James Nelson-Joyce is the current favourite to take on the role

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Tottenham set to seal Eberechi Eze transfer after £60m offer over weekend but Crystal Palace will keep playing him

EBERECHI EZE’S transfer from Crystal Palace is NOT expected to happen before the Eagles’ Conference League tie on Thursday.

Tottenham are pushing to land the England attacker and there were doubts over whether he would play in yesterday’s goalless draw at Chelsea.

Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace in a Premier League match.

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Eberechi Eze will cost Spurs £60millionCredit: Getty
Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace manager, applauding.

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Oliver Glasner will keep using the midfielder until he had leftCredit: Getty

But boss Oliver Glasner never doubted Eze, who had a stunning free-kick ruled out at Stamford Bridge, would be available despite uncertainty over his future.

Glasner said: “He was picked because he’s a Crystal Palace player, and he’s a very good

“He trained the whole week, so there was no reason not to pick him.

“He will come to the Crystal Palace training ground today, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad.”

Eze, 27, wants to join Spurs, who over the weekend are understood to have made an opening offer in the region of £60m.

His potential departure will also depend on whether or not Palace can land a replacement before the window closes.

They are chasing Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss and Club Brugge midfielder Christos Tzolis.

Glasner added: “The players are giving the answer week by week, it was the same last week against the Community Shield, winning against Liverpool on penalties.

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“Then starting here against the Club World Cup champions.

“It just shows that this group is such a great group of characters.

Roy Keane launches into ‘garlic bread’ rant as Sky Sports capture awkward moment between Marc Guehi and Oliver Glasner

“We have no influence on all the noise and all the rumours around us, but we know what we want to do, we know how we want to play, and this is what we want to show every single game.

“The players did great.

“They didn’t just show they are great footballers, but they are great people and that’s what I expected.”

Eze previously had a £60m release clause, including a further £8m in add-ons, but Glasner confirmed that has now expired and said his star man’s future was in the hands of club bosses.

Eberechi Eze's 2024-25 Crystal Palace season statistics.
Christos Tzolis celebrating a goal.

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Christos Tzolis is one of the potential replacements for EzeCredit: AFP

Glasner added: “I’m quite calm.

“I also know, we have two weeks to go and I know Ebs’ clause is gone.

“So it’s the club’s decision, and we will see what happens.”

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Real Madrid rejects idea of Barcelona playing in Messi’s Miami | Football News

Real Madrid has said that it “firmly rejects” having a regular-season Spanish league game played in the United States and warned of “a turning point in the world of football”.

Villarreal, in contrast, is promising free travel and tickets for season-ticket holders if its match against Barcelona in Miami is approved, in what would be a first for the league. The 17th-round match in La Liga would be played at Hard Rock Stadium, the home of Barca legend Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

Madrid said on Tuesday that it has taken action to keep the December 20 match from happening in the US, claiming it would hurt the “integrity of the competition” and the “legitimacy of the results”.

“The measure, which was taken without prior information or consultation of the clubs participating in the competition, infringes the essential principle of territorial reciprocity, which applies in two-legged league competitions (one match at home and the other at the home of the opposing team), upsetting the competitive balance and giving an undue sporting advantage to the applicant clubs,” Madrid said.

The club said the match would set “an unacceptable precedent that opens the door to exceptions based on non-sporting interests, clearly affecting sporting integrity and risking the adulteration of the competition”.

“If this proposal were to be carried out, its consequences would be so serious that it would be a turning point in the world of football,” Madrid said.

The Europe-wide fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) said it was “liaising” with members, soccer stakeholders, affected groups and partner organisations to “collectively resist the latest threat to the very nature of football”.

“We are following the broader impact on football with the utmost concern,” the group said. “Moving games from their domestic territories strikes at the heart of the relationship between fans and their teams, breaking vital links between clubs and their communities.”

The group also criticised a similar move by the Italian league to play a match abroad.

The Italian football federation said in July that a plan was in motion to play the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in the Australian city of Perth in February.

Madrid asks FIFA and UEFA to withhold permission for Barcelona game

Madrid said it has asked FIFA, UEFA and Spain’s top sport body to not authorise the game in the US. The Spanish football federation on Monday approved a request for the match to be played in Miami. UEFA and FIFA now have to approve the request before it can be made official.

“Any modification of this nature must, in any case, have the express and unanimous agreement of all the clubs participating in the competition, as well as strictly respecting the national and international rules governing the organization of official competitions,” Madrid said.

Madrid and the Spanish league president, Javier Tebas, have often been at odds on various issues.

The club said UEFA should deny the request to play the game abroad, based on the “criterion established in 2018 that prevents official matches in domestic competitions from being played outside national territory, except in duly justified exceptional circumstances, which are not present here”.

Madrid said it asked the country’s high sport council “not to grant the necessary administrative authorization without such unanimous consent”.

“Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to respect the national and international rules that guarantee the fairness and proper functioning of official competitions, and will defend its compliance with them before all competent bodies,” the club said.

Villarreal hoping to expand its brand in US

Villarreal earlier on Tuesday said that its season ticket-holders can travel for free and receive free tickets for the match. It said those who do not want to go, or cannot go, will get a 20 percent discount on their season tickets.

“We would be the first [Spanish] team to play a league match abroad,” Villarreal’s president, Fernando Roig, told a news conference. “It would greatly help us expand our brand in a key market like the United States.”

Staging a match abroad has long been part of the league’s goal to promote football and its brand in other countries.

It first tried to stage a match in the US in 2018, with a game between Barcelona and Girona, but the idea was dismissed after criticism from players, fans and clubs. Subsequent attempts to play there also failed.

The league had offered compensation packages for Girona fans in 2018.

It was not clear whether it would be Villarreal or the league paying for the travel and tickets for the club’s fans this time.

The attempts to play in the US are part of the league’s long-term partnership with sport and entertainment group Relevent Sports, which is part of Stephen Ross’s portfolio of companies, including Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins, the Formula One’s Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open tennis tournament.

Earlier this year, it was announced that New York-based Relevent Sports has exclusive negotiating rights over the global commercial rights to the UEFA men’s club competitions for the period 2027-2033.

FIFA moved last year towards ending decades of football tradition by ordering a review of its policy that blocks domestic league games from being played in other countries.

Some fan groups in Spain and the country’s players’ association on Monday expressed their disapproval of the plan to move the match thousands of kilometres away.

It has become routine, though, for US pro sport leagues to stage games in Europe, Asia and South America that help build their brands and fan bases.

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Newsom warns Trump on red-state redistricting: ‘Playing with fire’

With Democrats lining up for a bare-knuckle match on redistricting, Gov. Gavin Newsom has offered President Trump a cease-fire proposal: No redrawing congressional maps in red states and California will stand down, he wrote in a letter sent to Trump on Monday morning.

“If you will not stand down, I will be forced to lead an effort to redraw the maps in California to offset the rigging of maps in red states,” he said. “But if the other states call off their redistricting efforts, we will happily do the same. And American democracy will be better for it.”

Newsom’s latest play comes as the drama around redistricting heightened over the weekend. Democratic leaders in other blue states argued on Sunday morning political shows that they were ready to battle head-to-head over the congressional district maps, which are normally tied to the census taken once a decade.

“Donald Trump is a cheater. He cheats on his wives, he cheats at golf, and now he’s trying to cheat the American people out of their votes,” said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on “Meet the Press” Sunday.

Newsom has been at center stage in this national political fight that could determine the outcome of the midterm elections and, by default, the strength of the president’s power. The Republican-led Congress handed Trump “the big beautiful bill” that will supercharge immigration enforcement — his signature issue. And it has been deferential to his whims, but the Republican Party losing control of the House and Senate would be a major blow to his agenda.

The national political fight is gearing up with much at stake for both parties. Last week, Newsom hosted Texas Democrats who — under threat of arrest and daily $500 fines — had left the state in a bid to prevent their Legislature from altering the congressional maps. And he vowed to “nullify” what happens in Texas.

“You are playing with fire, risking the destabilization of our democracy, while knowing that California can neutralize any gains you hope to make,” he told Trump in the letter. “This attempt to rig congressional maps to hold onto power before a single vote is cast in the 2026 election is an affront to American democracy.”

Trump has been pushing the Texas GOP to redraw congressional district maps, saying they are “entitled” to five seats. And he argued on CNBC last week that California was “gerrymandered,” pointing out the congressional delegation didn’t match the presidential vote results.

But, unlike some states, California has an independent redistricting committee.

On Friday, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung called Newsom “a loser of the highest order” who would “never be president no matter how hard he prostitutes himself to the press.”

The California’s redistricting plan may be a risky gambit.

The plan calls for the state Legislature to approve a constitutional amendment establishing new congressional voting districts crafted to make GOP members vulnerable. The bill would create a Nov. 4 special election in which voters would decide whether to temporarily pause congressional boundaries created by an independent redistricting commission in 2021 and adopt new maps for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections.

If approved by voters, the measure would include a “trigger” specifying that it would take effect only if Texas or other Republican-led states followed through with redrawing their maps to boost GOP seats before the midterm election. California would revert to its existing redistricting law after the next census and before the 2032 election.

Times staff writers Taryn Luna and Seema Mehta contributed to this report.

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Guernsey FC expelled from FA Cup after playing ineligible player

Guernsey FC have been expelled from the FA Cup after fielding an ineligible player.

The islanders drew 1-1 with Bedfont Sports on Saturday in the extra preliminary round of the competition – their first competitive game of the season.

But on Monday the club released a statement saying they had found a registration error with one of the side that played in the club’s first FA Cup match in eight years.

It led to Tuesday’s planned replay between the two sides in London being postponed pending the outcome of an investigation.

“We have just received official confirmation that the club has been removed from this season’s competition, and that Bedfont Sports Club FC has been awarded the tie and will progress to the Preliminary Round,” a Guernsey FC statement read.

Bedfont Sports will host Kingstonian on 16 August.

Guernsey FC’s next game will be their first ever match in the Southern Combination Premier Division when they host Wick at Victoria Park on Saturday.

It is the second time this year that a Channel Island side has been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player.

In April Jersey Bulls were docked three points for playing a player that should have been suspended in a Combined Counties Premier South game – a decision that cost them the league title.

The club subsequently won promotion to Isthmian League South East via the play-offs.

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Legendary 70s actress looks unrecognisable 47 years after playing iconic role – can you guess who?

AN iconic 70s actress has been spotted looking completely unrecognisable, 47 years after playing a celebrated role that has stood the test of time.

The star, 74, was pictured in New York yesterday running errands while dressed in a pink polo shirt and white shorts, which could be considered an ode to her legendary character.

Didi Conn carrying trash.

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This actress played an iconic role in a 70s classic film – do you recognise her?Credit: TheImageDirect.com
Didi Conn taking out the trash.

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She looked world’s away from her classic roleCredit: TheImageDirect.com
The cast of "Grease" at a malt shop.

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The star is best-known for her role in beloved musical GreaseCredit: Getty

She got her big break in Hollywood back in 1978 in a musical romantic comedy film which ended up becoming the highest grossing musical film at the time.

Four years later, she reprised her role for the stand-alone sequel and was the only character to return from the first film.

That’s right, it’s Grease icon Didi Conn! She played Frenchy Facciano as part of the Pink Ladies in the movie and it’s sequel.

The film’s soundtrack album ended 1978 as the second-best-selling album  of the year in the United States, only behind 1977 movie Saturday Night Fever.

It was nominated for several accolades including a nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars and five nominations at the Golden Globe Awards.

Not only that, but in 2020, Grease was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

Didi previously spoke exclusively to The Sun about her experience of shooting the film and shared some behind the scenes insights.

In one memorable scene of the movie, there’s a dance contest where the cast go wild, dancing the Hand Jive and doing some rather dirty dancing.

While it looked like it would have been fun to film, Didi revealed it was anything but fun.

She expressed: “That actually took a whole week of shooting. And what was really tough about it was that it was the height of summer – my birthday was that week, and the cake they got for me totally melted.

John Travolta’s relative stars alongside him in Grease

“We were in a real high school in downtown Los Angeles, with no air conditioning, and we had to keep the windows closed because right next door was a pork plant, so you can imagine the smell!”

But it was Summer Nights, the opening number of Grease, that Didi remembered most fondly.

She explained: “I think that’s where we all bonded, and it was so much fun to sing that song and jump all around the table.

“We’d been rehearsing it for weeks beforehand, so the energy was so high when we performed it for real.”

Grease stars remembered

IT has been over 45 years since the release of hit musical film Grease, which began its decades-long tenure of dazzling fans in 1978.

Sadly, including Susan Buckner, five of the much-loved cast have passed away.

On August 8, 2022 it was announced that Olivia Newton-John had passed away aged 73, following a 30 year battle with breast cancer.

After falling ill with pneumonia, Jeff Conaway – Danny’s best pal Kenickie in the movie – sadly passed away in 2011.

The same year, Annette Charles, who played Cha Cha, lost her battle with cancer.

In 1993, Dennis C. Stewart, who played rebel Leo, was diagnosed with HIV and passed away from AIDS in 1994.

After Grease, Didi went on to star in comedy film Almost Summer, fantasy adventure film Thomas and the Magic Railroad and biographical film Frida, based on the life of Frida Kahlo.

In 2019, she flew across the pond to make her debut on British tv screens on the eleventh series of Dancing on Ice.

She was partnered with professional Łukasz Różycki and at the age of 67, was the oldest person to ever compete on the show.

However, she was eliminated in the fourth week after the judges decided to save Saara Aalto and Hamish Gaman after following the skate-off.

Frenchy from Grease with pink hair.

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She played Frenchy – one of the Pink LadiesCredit: 20th Century Fox
Didi Conn as Frenchy in Grease.

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The film catapulted Didi’s career to new heightsCredit: Getty

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‘I’ll keep playing as long as I breathe’

Mark Savage

Music Correspondent

Getty Images Stevie WonderGetty Images

Stevie Wonder recently addressed a long-standing rumour that he is not actually blind

At the age of 75, Stevie Wonder is still going strong.

His latest UK tour, which wrapped up earlier this month received rapturous reviews, with critics calling the star “fresh and on form” for “a riotously joyful celebration” of his music.

But while contemporaries like Billy Joel and The Eagles are reducing their musical commitments, Wonder says he will never consider retiring.

“For as long as you breathe, for as long as your heart beats, there’s more for you to do,” the Motown legend told the BBC’s Sidetracked podcast. “I’m not gonna stop the gift that keeps pouring through my body.

“I love doing what I’m doing. An artist never stops drawing. As long as you can imagine is as long as you are going to be creative.”

The star also confirmed he was still working on a new album, titled Through The Eyes Of Wonder, which he first discussed in 2008.

The project has previously been described as a performance piece that will reflect his experience as a blind man.

It would be his first studio album since 2005’s A Time To Love; extending a recording career that started in 1962, when he was just 11 years old.

Getty Images Stevie Wonder in the 1970sGetty Images

The star made some of the most acclaimed soul and funk albums of the 1970s

Wonder spoke to Sidetracked presenter Annie Macmanus, the day before he headlined the BST festival in London’s Hyde Park – playing a two-and-a-half hour set that encompassed his biggest hits, from Superstition and Isn’t She Lovely to You Are The Sunshine Of My Life and I Wish.

Most of the set was drawn from the 1970s purple patch when he won the Grammy Award for best album three times in a row, for Innervisions, Fulfillingness’ First Finale and Songs In The Key Of Life.

Wonder told Macmanus that he never tired of revisiting those records.

“Songs are like children, they’re with you forever,” he said. “They are statement from the spirit within you.

“And singing those songs is like me taking another breath.”

America ‘going backwards’

Earlier this month, during a concert in Cardiff, the musician addressed a long-standing conspiracy theory that he is not actually blind.

“You know there have been rumours about me seeing and all that?” he told the audience, “But seriously, you know the truth.”

“Truth is, shortly after my birth, I became blind,” he told fans.

Calling his disability a gift, Wonder continued: “Now, that was a blessing because it’s allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight.”

In his Sidetracked interview, the singer talked about the importance of using music to spread positivity and speak truth to power.

Throughout his life, he has been a vocal civil rights campaigner, and played a key role in the campaign to have the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr recognised as a national holiday in the US.

Wonder, who campaigned for Democrat Kamala Harris in last year’s US presidential election, told Macmanus that America was currently beleaguered by “people trying to go backwards”.

“It’s not gonna go down like that,” he insisted. “I think that if you look back in history, there’s always been a point when people wake up.

“And I think that, for those who think it is gonna go down like that, remember that God is watching you.”

You can listen to Stevie Wonder’s full interview on the Sidetracked podcast on BBC Sounds.

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Is Tiger Woods playing at The Open 2025?

THE Open is set to return to Royal Portrush THIS WEEK for the 153rd edition of the iconic golf tournament.

Some huge names will feature in Northern Ireland, including home hero Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy smiling during a practice round.

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Rory McIlroy will be looking to secure the Claret Jug on home soilCredit: Getty
Xander Schauffele kissing the Claret Jug after winning The Open Championship.

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Xander Schauffele is the reigning Open champion after winning at Royal Troon last yearCredit: Reuters

McIlroy is eyeing another Major title after he ended his 11-year drought by winning the Masters in April.

The golf icon failed to make the cut in 2019 when The Open was last hosted at Portrush.

Shane Lowry was victorious when the tournament was last played on the prestigious Northern Irish course.

To this day, it’s Lowry’s only Major win, and he will be looking to repeat history this week.

Some huge names feature in the star-studded 156-player field – but is Tiger Woods one of them?

Is Tiger Woods playing at The Open 2025?

Tiger Woods will NOT feature at the 153rd Open as he continues to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

His absence means the three-time Claret Jug winner will have missed all four of the annual Major tournaments.

Woods last competed in a PGA Tour event 12 months ago, when The Open was held at Royal Troon.

The 15-time Major champion missed the cut in his last outing.

How to watch The Open 2025

In the UK, The Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf throughout the tournament.

Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW/Sky Sports app.

In the US, the tournament will be aired on USA, NBC Sports and Peacock.

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England playing catch-up – what went wrong in France defeat?

The bulk of England’s issues seemed to stem from midfield as Georgia Stanway and Walsh were overrun and their opponents were devastating on the break.

Wiegman admitted sloppiness in possession played into France’s hands as they pressed hard and took advantage of individual errors.

Captain Leah Williamson was visibly frustrated at full-time and described the errors as “some cheap sort of emotional defending”.

France winger Sandy Baltimore won her individual battles with her Chelsea team-mate Lucy Bronze – the England defender losing six duels, the most by any player.

And until Walsh’s 87th-minute strike, the Lionesses had not achieved a shot on target.

“I think we played like we were a little bit scared,” said Carter.

“Maybe we weren’t aggressive enough, maybe we were worrying about their threats in behind and what they can do rather than doing what we can do.

“We didn’t do as well on the ball, or off the ball. The only positive to take is the last 10 minutes. I really believed we would get a [second] goal.”

England’s level seemed to surprise French media, who had largely written off their side’s chances when key centre-back Griedge Mbock was ruled out through injury.

“I didn’t think the French could play at this level already and I didn’t think England could be so disappointing like they were for an hour,” French journalist Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.

France manager Laurent Bonadei admitted England’s explosive start, that saw Lauren James create a handful of chances, took them by surprise. But he felt his side controlled proceedings after that and “physically it was not easy for England”.

James’ apparent free role certainly looked exciting at the start – but did it leave her side exposed in midfield?

Wiegman’s response to that question was emphatic.

“[James] didn’t have a total free role. We got exposed by losing balls in moments where we didn’t want to lose the ball,” she said. “That was the main topic we wanted to find a solution for.”

Following the introductions of Chloe Kelly, Grace Clinton and Michelle Agyemang, the Lionesses responded, but too late to change the outcome, and former midfielder Karen Carney was far from impressed.

“It wasn’t good enough. We were bullied all over the pitch. We didn’t win enough duels. We looked like we’ve never played together,” she told ITV.

“This is our trophy and that wasn’t good enough. We played into their hands a little bit too much.”

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