Monday, 15 June 2026
IMPATIENT TUNISIA SACK MANAGER AFTER JUST FIRST WORLD CUP MATCH | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
BREAKING: Sabri Lamouchi has been SACKED by Tunisia following the 5-1 defeat to Sweden.
Lamouchi becomes the FIRST manager to lose his job at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
JESSE LINGARD'S GRANDFATHER DIES AHEAD OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES TRIAL
Kenneth Lingard was accused of sexually abusing a girl from the age of five
Footballer Jesse Lingard's grandfather has died while awaiting a retrial for a number of alleged child sex offences.
Kenneth Lingard, who was aged 87, was accused of sexually abusing a girl from the age of five as he stood trial at Liverpool Crown Court in 2025.
While he was cleared of two counts of indecent assault by the jury, verdicts couldn't be reached on the remaining 15 counts, it can now be reported.
Benjamin Aina KC, prosecuting, told a hearing on Monday, June 15: "On June 10 this year, Kenneth Lingard passed away and a death certificate has been produced."
The 87-year-old, of Northway, Warrington, had been due to face a retrial in May but the proceedings were rescheduled for next year after the court heard he was in hospital.
The first trial heard the historic allegations about the pensioner were reported to police by the complainant in November 2022, following the release of a documentary in which Jesse Lingard spoke about his grandfather’s positive influence on his career.
The jury was told the woman messaged the midfielder after the programme was aired and said: "Shame on you Jesse Lingard. Loads of lies. Your grandad Kenneth Lingard molested and sexually abused me and you know he did."
The former Manchester United and England player flew to the UK from South Korea, where he was playing for FC Seoul, to give evidence in his grandfather’s defence last April.
The footballer, who now plays for Brazilian team Corinthians, denied he had known about any alleged abuse, telling the court: "If I knew any of these allegations, I’d have cut ties with him years ago."
Lingard, a former gymnastics coach and powerlifter, told the court the assaults "never happened".
Addressing the court on Monday, Judge Katherine Pierpoint said: "In the circumstances of this case, having seen the evidence which shows the death of the defendant on June 10 this year, any existing indictments no longer have any legal effect unless the court is shown otherwise."
- The Mirror
ALEXANDER ISAK & VIKTOR GYÖKERES AMONG THE GOALS AS SWEDEN THRASH
Sweden made a devastating statement of intent at the 2026 World Cup as they dismantled Tunisia 5-1 to move to the top of Group F. Spearheaded by the clinical duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, who both got their names on the scoresheet, the Scandinavians proved far too powerful for their African opponents in Monterrey.
Isak shines as Sweden's stars find their groove
Isak put a difficult debut season with Liverpool firmly behind him by delivering a dominant performance on the world stage. The striker was the architect of Tunisia's downfall, scoring a brilliant solo goal and playing a pivotal role in the build-up to several others as Graham Potter's side lived up to their pre-tournament billing.
The breakthrough came as early as the seventh minute through Brighton's Yasin Ayari. Despite having Tunisian heritage, the midfielder showed no sentimentality as he rifled home from the edge of the box after Mouhib Chamakh had initially denied Isak and Gyokeres in a chaotic opening sequence.
 |
| Getty Images |
Tunisia struggle to contain rampant strike force
Tunisia arrived at the tournament boasting a proud defensive record from qualifying, but that reputation was shredded within half an hour. Sweden's second arrived via a blistering counter-attack that saw Isak released down the left flank; the Liverpool man cut inside with ease, leaving the Tunisian defence trailing before curling a precise effort into the far corner.
Tunisia did manage to find a lifeline just before the interval to briefly threaten a comeback. Omar Rekik rose highest to head home a well-delivered cross from Hannibal Mejbri, punishing a rare lapse in the Swedish backline and giving the African side a glimmer of hope heading into the tunnel.
Gyokeres capitalises on defensive errors
Any hopes of a Tunisian revival were extinguished in the 59th minute when Sweden's high press paid dividends. Isak was again the catalyst, harassing captain Ellyes Skhiri into a catastrophic error on the edge of the area. The ball fell perfectly for Arsenal's Gyokeres, who composed himself before clinicaly widen the lead.
The goal settled any remaining nerves for the Swedes, who began to play with the swagger of genuine contenders. The gloss was added to the scoreline late on as Mattias Svanberg made an instant impact. Seconds after being introduced from the bench, he turned the ball home after a subtle flick from Isak. While the assistant referee initially raised his flag, a VAR review correctly determined that Isak’s touch had played Svanberg onside, making it 4-1. There was still time for Ayari to record his second of the night in stoppage time, pouncing on a loose ball to complete the 5-1 thumping.
- Donny Afroni
ARSENAL 'WORKING ON SIGNING' MOROCCO WORLD CUP STAR AYYOUB BOUADDI AS LILE DEMAND €70 FEE
 |
| Getty Images |
Arsenal have reportedly made their move for one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options. The Gunners have apparently approached Lille regarding Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has seen his stock skyrocket follow.
Gunners step up pursuit of Ligue 1 prodigy
Arsenal have reportedly made a concrete approach to sign Bouaddi as they look to beat Europe’s elite to one of the most exciting talents in world football. The 18-year-old has become a primary target for the North London club, with recent reports indicating that the Premier League champions are ready to accelerate their plans.
According to Sky Sports Switzerland, Arsenal have been actively working on a deal to sign Bouaddi for several months and the Premier League champions have maintained regular contact with the midfielder’s entourage since January last year. The long-term scouting mission has now evolved into a formal pursuit as the teenager proves his worth on the biggest stage of all.
 |
| Getty Images Sport |
Lille set price tag for World Cup star
With his performances for Morocco drawing global attention, Lille are in no rush to sell their prized asset on the cheap. Further talks between Arsenal and Bouaddi are already scheduled for after the World Cup, while Lille are demanding a €70 million (£60.4m) transfer fee for the midfielder. The French side are aware that his value could continue to rise as the tournament progresses in North America.
Bouaddi was one of the standout performers in Morocco’s opening 1-1 draw against Brazil, holding his own against some of the world's most established midfielders. Of all the central midfielders on show, Bouaddi was the one who showed the most maturity in controlling the ball for Morocco.
Arteta's pitch to Morocco international
Arteta is said to be a huge admirer of the youngster’s technical profile and versatility in the middle of the park. The report adds that Arsenal have made it clear to Bouaddi and his representatives that he would be considered an important part of Arteta’s squad straight away. This path to first-team football is expected to be a major factor in the player's decision-making process.
The strategic move to involve the player immediately has seemingly paid off in the early stages of negotiations. Arsenal’s message is said to have ‘resonated’ with Bouaddi, and the Morocco international has expressed his interest in the prospect of a move to Arsenal. However, securing his signature will require navigating a significant financial obstacle set by his current club.
Lille set price tag for World Cup star
With his performances for Morocco drawing global attention, Lille are in no rush to sell their prized asset on the cheap. Further talks between Arsenal and Bouaddi are already scheduled for after the World Cup, while Lille are demanding a €70 million (£60.4m) transfer fee for the midfielder. The French side are aware that his value could continue to rise as the tournament progresses in North America.
Bouaddi was one of the standout performers in Morocco’s opening 1-1 draw against Brazil, holding his own against some of the world's most established midfielders. Of all the central midfielders on show, Bouaddi was the one who showed the most maturity in controlling the ball for Morocco.
- Donny Afroni
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SQUASH LEGEND JANSHER KHAN
Happy Birthday to the one and only squash legend JANSHER KHAN!!!
World Champion 8 times, British Open Champion 6 times, World Series finals Champion 4 times.... and other major title multiple times.
A simply astonishing player!
ROC NATION SPORTS' CEO JAY-Z CAME TO SUPPORT HIS CÔTE D'IVOIRE PLAYER YAN DIOMANDÉ
Yan Diomandé, who is signed with Roc Nation Sports, linked up with Jay-Z pitch side ahead of Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 🆚 Ecuador 🇪🇨
Jay-Z was also presented with a jersey by Ivorian Football Federation President Yacine Idriss Diallo
Sunday, 14 June 2026
JALEN BRUNSON WEIGHS IN ON TAYLOR SWIFT KNICKS CONTROVERSY AS HE DEFENDS RADIO HOST WHO TOLD POPSTAR TO 'GET OUT' OF MSG ON HOT MIC
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson used his winning momentum after claiming the NBA title to try and call off the Swifties on behalf of his friend Monica McNutt
McNutt drew the ire of fans of Taylor Swift after the pop star was spotted at Madison Square Garden for Game 4 of the NBA Finals last week.
In an apparent hot-mic moment, McNutt was heard saying, 'She's not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl.'
Her fans then jumped to her defense - pointing to Swift's multiple past appearances at MSG for Knicks games and her residence in New York City.
After the backlash, Brunson took the radio host's microphone during a post-game interview to advocate on her behalf.
The Finals MVP playfully bumped McNutt before saying, 'I just want to say something to the Swifties: She's a really good one, cut her some slack. It's all good. I promise.'
 |
| Jalen Brunson attempted to call off the Swifties from MSG radio reporter Monica McNutt |
 |
| McNutt made a comment about Taylor Swift attending Game 4 of the NBA Finals |
 |
| McNutt apologized to Swift saying she was unaware of the singer's history with the Knicks |
After the backlash, McNutt provided an open apology to Swift, saying her feelings came from the singer's previous attendance in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland alongside fiancée and Cavaliers fan Travis Kelce.
'Swifties, I appreciate your passion, I said what I said,' McNutt told TMZ in a street interview between Games 4 and 5 of the NBA Finals.
'Here's the deal, if I'm wrong, I am wrong apparently because she's got an original Amar'e Stoudemire [Knicks] jersey. I misspoke. I did not know.
'But here's the deal, context, I literally just did a piece on Celebrity Row. I've been with his organization for five years. I know these folks — Ben Stiller, his wife Christine [Taylor], Spike Lee, Fat Joe. I had not seen her here this year or last year and we just saw her in Cleveland with her fiancée.
'Obviously Travis supports the Cavs. She didn't have any Knicks paraphernalia [on at the game], so I didn't know of her Knicks loyalty. But shoutout to T. Swift, we can be united in orange and blue, it's fine.
'I did not know, I apologize if I'm wrong and apparently I am wrong and that fine but I did not know, because come on now — every Knicks fan has been in the building this year. So it's all good.'
- JAKE FENNER, US SPORTS WRITER
FASTEST TOP SPEED EVER RECORDED BY A CAR AT LE MANS
In 1988, Roger Dorchy’s WM P88-Peugeot was clocked during the Le Mans 24 Hours at an unbelievable 405 km/h in the Mulsanne Straight.
That’s 251mph! 🤯
It is a record that will probably never be beaten.
At the time, the Mulsanne was a true straight, without the chicanes installed in 1990 for safety reasons.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)