Latest news with #CHELSEA'S
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea vs Benfica SUSPENDED with just five minutes left due to severe lightning storm as fans told to evacuate
CHELSEA'S Club World Cup last 16 clash with Benfica was delayed with just five minutes remaining after a weather warning in the area. The game, which was being played at the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina, was immediately halted with all players removed from the pitch and taken inside. 2 A storm saw Chelsea vs Benfica suspended 2 Players were removed from the playing surface A message displayed on the screens inside the ground told fans to take cover away from their seats and head for the concourse. It read: "Seek cover protocol. Sever weather in the area. Seek cover." Fans were quick to take shelter and get themselves a drink and a bite to eat while they ducked away from the approaching storm before play could resume. Heat in the area had hit highs of 33 degrees Celsius during the game. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL MORE TO FOLLOW... THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at
The Irish Sun
22-06-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Sniffer dogs at Club World Cup wearing CROCS to protect their paws from boiling pavements amid ‘code red' health warning
CHELSEA'S battle with the Club World Cup heatwave has taken a new twist - with sniffer dogs wearing Crocs to protect their paws from red-hot pavements. That was the bizarre sight which greeted the Blues squad when they arrived for their Group D game last Friday against Brazilians Flamengo. Advertisement 5 Sniffer dogs are wearing Crocs at the Club World Cup to protect their paws from hot pavements Credit: Darren Fletcher 5 Temperatures could hit the 40s this week in the USA Credit: Reuters Security rules mean all team buses and staff must pass through checks like everyone else. And with temperatures soaring into the high 30s and a 'code red' health warning being issued by the local authorities, sniffer dogs are being issued with protective shoes. Panting pooches patrolling the Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL And the weather is forecast to get even hotter over the next few days as the squad prepares to face Tunisian side ES Tunis in a decisive match. The tournament has been overshadowed by extreme weather as the climate crisis takes its toll on daily life. Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking Last week, a tornado alert was declared on mobile phones throughout the area of Philadelphia. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The 'code red' warning was followed by predictions of temperatures topping 40C in the coming days. It means specialist cooling centres are opened and the water companies are banned from cutting anyone off. Advertisement Club World Cup clash SUSPENDED as fans and commentators told to leave stands and 'get inside' Munich and former Tottenham striker There are also 5 Players are taking every method to keep cool in the intense heat Credit: Getty Advertisement 5 Towels, water and ice are being used by the stars Credit: Reuters 5 Borussia Dortmund players avoided the heat by sitting in the dressing room for the first half Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea vs Flamengo to have red card-happy chemistry professor as referee as fans fear for Moises Caicedo
CHELSEA'S next Club World Cup match is set to be refereed by card-happy whistler Ivan Barton. The Salvadoran, 34, has walked an unusual path to top level officiating - having worked as a chemistry professor. Advertisement 3 Ivan Barton has a reputation for dishing out plenty of cards Credit: Getty Brainy Barton hails from Santa Ana and earned a degree in Chemical Sciences from the University of El Salvador. Having subsequently lectured at his alma mater, Barton has also quickly risen up the ranks of officiating. He was the third-youngest ref at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and actually took charge of On that occasion Barton only dished out one yellow card, to former Advertisement READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS But often he is a lot more trigger-happy. During the 2024-25 campaign, Barton handed out an incredible 122 yellows and eight reds in just 23 matches. These games came across several competitions, including the Salvadoran top flight, Saudi Pro League and international qualifiers. Barton reffed the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final between the FOUR red cards and nine yellows. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 3 Barton took charge of England's round of 16 match at the 2022 World Cup Credit: PA Seeing Barton's disciplinary record ahead of Chelsea's clash with Flamengo, fans were left astonished. And several worried for their reigning player of the year Moises Caicedo. Advertisement Chelsea launch Club World Cup campaign with 2-0 victory over LAFC in Atlanta 3 The midfielder impressed during his second Chelsea campaign, but has a habit of picking up plenty of cards. Caicedo, 23, has been booked 28 times across two seasons at Stamford Bridge - including 11 in the Premier League last term. Seeing Barton's record, one fan posted on X: "Do not start Caicedo." Advertisement While a second joked: "Caicedo red incoming!" A third pleaded: "Definitely need to rest Caicedo then." And another added: "Caicedo red in the 9th minute." Advertisement The Blues will face Brazilians Flamengo in Philadelphia tomorrow, before staying in the Pennsylvania city to battle Tunisian side ES Tunis on Tuesday night. Club World Cup 2025 Guide SOME of the world's biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup. Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US. Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the tournament... INFO Everything you need to know ahead of the Club World Cup LATEST NEWS & FEATURES
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea files: Mike Maignan transfer not completely dead in the water as Graham Potter keeps keen eye on Blues' dealings
CHELSEA'S goalkeeping department has attracted plenty of attention in recent years. Three new keepers have been signed for the first team in the past two years, with summer . 7 Chelsea have walked away from a deal to sign AC Milan Mike Maignan Credit: Getty But not one of them has proved capable of being a clear first choice in goal at Stamford Bridge and so there could be more movement this summer . next season but were attracted by the chance to land Talks with summer . But that does not mean numbers are continuing to swell. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS books at one point this summer , but steps are being made to cut the group down to a sensible size. Eddie Beach and Lucas Bergstrom have both been released at the end of their respective deals while Manchester City. books for a staggering seven years. So that is four of the nine dealt with, but the Blues could go further should they revive a deal for Maignan. Most read in Football Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge 7 Petrovic, who spent last season on loan with sister club Strasbourg, had been considered potential pawn in the Maignan deal with Milan. The Serbian keeper is understood to be interested in moving to San Siro should the opportunity arise later in the window. Moment Chelsea ace Marc Cucurella uses mobile while driving Mercedes G-wagon as he's seen 'veering across road' Furthermore, there is speculation Sanchez could be on the move. next season, but a number of clubs feel the former Brighton goalkeeper could be an option this month. Ex-Blues boss CLUB WORLD CUP AFTER a draining season which saw the race for the Champions League places go down to the wire and ended with a final in Poland - it's Club World Cup time! Chelsea's players heading for the United States are back at Cobham this week as they prepare to jet off to Atlanta this weekend. But there is some better news for those who will not be included in the squad. The likes of Raheem Sterling and 7 Chelsea still have an awful lot of players to move on this summer and the wages for Sterling and Chilwell could prove a problem. Both went out on loan last season, to Crystal Palace , but are not going to be heading back to either club. They will now at least have some time for a holiday and to get their ducks in a row over a move. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BOOST QUALIFYING for the Champions League has transformed the year ahead for Chelsea . Not only will they bank far more cash, attract better players and have a more confident coach and squad - but a tricky administrative mess has also been avoided. For some time it looked as if Chelsea and Strasbourg - both owned by While Chelsea reached the Champions League, Strasbourg missed out on a Europa League spot on goal difference. As That sort of issue would have been avoided as shares had already been moved into the required blind trusts. However, as a further measure, the two clubs would not have been allowed to trade. Chelsea have sold players to Strasbourg and seen Santos enjoy successful loans in France . They have also confirmed their first signing from the Ligue 1 side this week with the £12million arrival of Mamadou Sarr. CHEERS FOR BEERS INCOMINGS and outgoings have become a regular theme at Stamford Bridge in recent years, but what if we told you there will be a whole new line-up at the ground next season? It's not the players that are changing, though; it's arguably more important, the alcohol. The new offerings available are as follows, and fans will wave goodbye to Singha being available at home matches. Carling, Coors, Madrí Excepcional, Madri 0.0%, Staropramen, Pravha, Aspall, Rekorderlig, Doom Bar, Sharp's Atlantic, and SALT Alpacalypse will all be options. 7 Stamford Bridge will have the best selection of beers in the Prem Chelsea director Daniel Finkelstein was pleased with the change, stating on X: "Something fans have been talking about in almost every meeting since the new ownership. And the word 'every' is only a tiny exaggeration, I promise." Fans too rejoiced at the announcement, with one claiming "Madri, staropramen and Pravha front 3 would hurt any defence" while another laughably claimed "could've done more alcohol options when we were s***" GO AND GITT THEM LAST week it was Liam Delap, now it could be Who's next , James McAtee? Felix Nmecha? One thing is clear, Manchester City's football academy is a serious point of interest for Chelsea's scouts and Joe Shields as the club look to add another ex-City youngster to their ranks. A left-wing signing is the top priority, with future looking ominous as his number 10 shirt was re-distributed to Cole Palmer . Noni Madueke and It's another clever move from those with the cash to splash - as they can capitalise on a 'poor' season from a player who doesn't fit his current manager's system, but will fit Chelsea's a treat. 7 In Gittens' first season at Dortmund he excelled by all accounts, with the goal and assist numbers to back up this argument. The key point being that Gittens was playing in a system that worked for him, as a touchline winger where he could get down the byline and either take on his man to create a crossing opportunity or cut inside and get a shot off on goal - much how Maresca likes his wingers to play, high and wide. Last season however, under the current Dortmund management, Gittens' role was adjusted to something more reminiscent of a left-sided attacking midfielder - a role in which he needed to receive the ball in similar spaces to what Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez do at Chelsea, where he's much less impactful. However, Gittens comes with the added perk in this Chelsea side that he will have a lot of the same teachings that ex-City players Palmer, Lavia, Delap and CHELSEA RED SOX KEY difference... Fans are excited about the return of what is an iconic strip, but some were left confused by the major change from the original, as the re-make includes bright red socks. Red incorporated into a Chelsea kit isn't unusual, and has been frequently included down the years, but fans were still left bemused by such a striking change. Some fans claimed it looks more like a The club have teased an official announcement, with fans eagerly awaiting the official launch of the new strip. 7 The 2025-26 Chelsea away kit 7 Chelsea's new home shirt includes a subtle print inspired by the architecture of London
Scottish Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon
MIKE DROP Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHELSEA'S triumphant squad enjoyed a night of team bonding after their Conference League win over Real Betis last week. But even karaoke until 4AM is tame by comparison to what club hero John Obi Mikel and his old team-mates used to get up to after winning one of their many cups or titles. 4 Chelsea celebrated the Conference League with karaoke 4 Chelsea hero John Obi Mikel looked back at legendary celebrations after the Conference League triumph Mikel, 38, was part of a formidable Blues squad that won the Champions League, Premier League, three FA Cups and the Europa League. He told SunSport: 'We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves. 'That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together. 'They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.' Most of Enzo Maresca's squad were up and out of the team hotel in Poland to report for international duty before reuniting at the Club World Cup in the US later this month. A singalong is not Mikel's idea of fun to toast victory. He said: 'Well, listen, it is the kind of party they wanted to have. But I know back in our days, it wouldn't have been that. It would have gone full on.' New Chelsea are becoming a stronger team but they still have a lot to learn off the pitch it seems. **** LIAM DELAP is the perfect striker signing for Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side and here's why… When the Blues signed Cole Palmer in what now looks like a cut price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands - but anyone who had watched Manchester City's EDS sides knew, one of whom of course was Maresca. Chelsea have a history of spending big on star names to fill the number 9 spot, of which the majority have failed to do so. From Alvaro Morata to Gonzalo Higuain to Timo Werner, no one has been able to fill the boots of Diego Costa since he left. Nicolas Jackson has - all things considered - been pretty good so far, but many fans have concerns over his finishing ability and dominance in the box. Delap is a signing that addresses that issue, a physical penalty box presence with an incredible ball striking ability and a lethal burst of pace - which means at LAST the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will have a target to aim those curling crosses at in the middle. 4 However, it's likely his understanding of Chelsea and Maresca's style that really secured the deal for a star who was a hot commodity in the transfer market. Having played under his new gaffer at City, he also starred alongside Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer in the EDS, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season, but also improve Palmer too. It wasn't always a Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, or Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership, where both would rack up huge direct goal contribution numbers, but one where Delap's movement and inter play would allow Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease. We've seen in games at times this season where because Palmer has been almost a lone threat, he can be doubled up on and nullified, but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult. When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever improving Madueke and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea can be a real threat next season. **** IT'S OFFICIAL, Chelsea will play LAFC in their first Club World Cup fixture on June 16th. The Blues will be re-united with Champions League and Europa League hero Olivier Giroud, as well as facing off against familiar foe Hugo Lloris. The MLS side secured their spot in the competition with a 2-1 win over Club America in extra time, with Giroud grabbing the game-winning assist. They join Chelsea's group alongside Flamengo, who will be in action against Enzo Maresca's men on June 20th, and El Tunis who they will play on June 24. Chelsea fans wonder 'What if?' Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain Champions League win has left many Chelsea fans wondering, "What if?" When Graham Potter was sacked as the Blues' head coach in April 2023, the now PSG boss was flown into London for talks with the head honchos at Stamford Bridge, only to be DENIED the job. Julian Nagelsmann was the favourite to get it at the time, but it ended up being Mauricio Pochettino who was bought in instead. Chelsea reportedly had doubts over Enrique who "made several demands" during talks, before deciding to go with the former Tottenham manager in his place. Fast forward two years, and Enrique is a Champions League winner (again), using a model that admittedly is not too dissimilar to what the the Blues are trying to build - an incredibly young but talented team who can compete with the best. In fact the two teams have shared many transfer targets over the years, including Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia. Enrique himself is now being lauded for his style of play and giving his young talent freedom on the pitch to express themselves, while Maresca is often criticised for the opposite. The Blues may well get to test themselves against the newly-crowned European champions at the Club World Cup, as if the most likely scenario takes place they will play PSG in the quarter-finals. It remains to be seen if Chelsea can build on their strong end to the season and become Champions of Europe for a third time in coming seasons. 4 Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique almost joined Chelsea **** SECTIONS of the Chelsea fan base have been left unhappy after the club announced further price increases for tickets ahead of next season. A report published by the Chelsea Supporters Trust has outlined the key details of the plan by those in charge at Stamford Bridge. The cost of tickets for members will increase by 4 per cent, while the total cost of tickets for season ticket holders will increase by 7 per cent. The senior concession age is also being raised from 65 to 66, while the discount for those eligible for those tickets is being reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent. A new tiered membership is being introduced, including a "premier membership" which can be purchased for priority access to tickets. In good news for supporters, a youth concession for those aged 20-22 is being introduced with a 25 per cent discount at least. Fans online reacted, and weren't happy at all, with one fan claiming, 'Premium membership LOL like I'm not ripped off enough as it is.' While another fumed: 'A perfect lesson on how to undo the feel good factor after Wednesday. Wondered for a while if this ownership felt any loyalty to true fans. Here is the final proof they don't.' **** JOE COLE delighted Chelsea fans drinking in Wroclaw ahead of their Conference League triumph. The night before the game, the Chelsea icon joined jubilant Blues fans along with his fellow TNT Sport pundits. Another ex-Chelsea man, Steve Sidwell, and West Ham's Michail Antonio joined Cole in the bar opposite their hotel. But it was only Cole the Chelsea fans were interested in as they chanted his name over and over again. **** JT was back at a Chelsea European final - and again not on the pitch! The club's legendary former skipper famously joined the celebrations in full kit after being suspended for the 2012 Champions League final and sitting in the stands. Last week, it was noted that JT was at the Wroclaw Stadium to see the team beat Real Betis 4-1 - only this time it was Joe Terry, a reporter for covering the game for Europe's governing body. Surely that's more than a coincidence?
