Sunderland's Di Canio spat in his own face to start dressing-room row that got him sacked

Paolo Di Canio spat in his OWN face in a bizarre rant at his Sunderland players at the end of his managerial reign, writes Alan Nixon in the Sunday People.

The fiery Italian remarkably showed his anger at the team’s display against West Brom with his party trick before a furious verbal assault on his flops.

Di Canio took a drink of water, sprayed it upwards, let it fall on his face and rubbed it in. He did this a few times in front of his shocked men.

Why Red Devils Should Keep Faith in David Moyes

They said, in the aftermath of Manchester United's capitulation against City last weekend, that things could only get better for manager David Moyes.

But, as the full-time whistle blew on United's defeat to West Brom on Saturday, those claims were made a mockery of.

This is United's worst start to a Premier League season since 1989, when this particular journalist was born, with seven points from an available 18 leaving the defending champions 12th in the table.

To put that in some kind of perspective, newly promoted Cardiff and Hull sit above the Red Devils in the league standings, as do the likes of Aston Villa, Southampton and Everton.

RAFA PRESSES NOVAK FOR NO. 1 IN BEIJING

Rafael Nadal refused to be drawn on his chances of regaining No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings with a strong performance this week at the China Open.

“I don't know what I need to do to become No. 1, but the only way I can do it is playing my best,” said 2005 titlist Nadal, ahead of the start of the ATP World Tour 500 tournament in Beijing on Sunday.

For Novak Djokovic to have a chance to extend his stay at No. 1, he must win the Beijing title for a fourth time and retain 500 Emirates ATP Rankings points. Anything less, and Nadal will once again reach the summit of men’s professional tennis. Nadal can also control his own No. 1 fate. By reaching the final, he is guaranteed to overtake Djokovic.

LALIGA Review: Passion rules over Money in Madrid as Barcelona Break Record

The Spanish league kicked off its round seven fixtures with a top of the table clash at the Bernabeu and Barcelona travelling to play Almeria. A resurgent Valencia hosted Real Valladollid et al.

REAL MADRID 0 ATLETICO MADRID 1

The fierce derby between cross town rivals reached a climax this weekend with Atletico registering a deserved win at the Bernabeu thanks to a Diego Costa goal. Madrid had record signing Gareth Bale on the bench with Luka Modric dropped in favor of Asier Illaramendi while Fabio Coentrao continued at left back. The Croatians absence showed and it didn't take long for Atletico to take the lead. A below par Di Maria was robbed off the ball and a fabulous pass found Diego Costa who calmly slotted in his 8th goal of the campaign.

Galatasaray 'appoint Mancini as manager'

Galatasaray have appointed former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini as their new manager, according to reports from Turkey, following the dismissal of Fatih Terim over a contract dispute.

Mancini flew in to Istanbul this evening for final talks, with the official Galatasaray Twitter account released a photograph of the Italian sitting with President Unal Lufti Aribogan.

The club has yet to announce the move officially, but Gala TV reportedly claims that he has signed a three-year deal worth €5.5 million (£4.6 million) a season, which could rise to over €6m per season with bonuses.

Mancini’s first match in charge will be in his native Italy on Wednesday night as Galatasaray visit Juventus in the Champions League.

Among the players at his disposal in Turkey are Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

Norwich beat Stoke to send a message to Chelsea, Suarez comes back for Liverpool to 'BRACE' them to Second

Stoke City 0 1 Norwich City

Jonny Howson's first-half goal gave Norwich City just their second win of the Barclays Premier League season with a 1-0 triumph at Stoke City. From a Norwich point of view, this game was a must win game, The Canaries on the back of three losses in their last five games will play Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City in their next five games. So Norwich did what they had to do as Howson's long range strike prepared them for the WAR ahead. So Bring on Chelsea?

Mario Balotelli shows no form of soberity

Yesterday Ac Milan edged past Sampdoria one goal to nilI n a a pressure soaked game at the San Siro, But suspended striker didnt look under any form of pressure as he was spotted taking pictures with his family and friends in the stands.

Rooney takes solace in McIlroy company after United's shock loss

Wayne Rooney tried to forget about Manchester United's shock defeat to West Brom by joining Rory McIlroy at a restaurant on Saturday night.

The pair spent the evening in Manchester's 'Neighbourhood' bar and restaurant which is described as bringing a taste of New York to the city.

Chelsea's Fernando Torres To Face FA Charge For Violent Conduct.

Following Yesterday's 1-1 entertaining London derby draw between Tottenham and Chelsea,Spanish striker Fernando Torres would face an English FA charge for Violent Conduct later this week with pictures showing his 'Nose Pinching' tussle with Spurs Belgian defender Verthogen,which probably instigated the second yellow card the Spanish international got; leading to his send off.

Torres,28, can't appeal against his suspension because it wasn't a straight red card, but would still have to face an FA hearing following the malicious act. He will have serious questions to answer when he faces the disciplinary committee as this is the the third season in succession the Chelsea forward is ordered to leave the pitch by the man in the middle.

Would Torres be let off the 'leash'? Watch this Space

Saturday Special: Quick Recap of the Barclays Premier League Matches

Tottenham 1 1 Chelsea



The Build up to this match was mostly about Tottenham's boss Andre Villas Boas and his Chelsea Counterpart Jose Mourinho... both countrymen threw sticks at each other and it became clear that they are no more friends, but with the London derby ending in a draw, both frienemies reminded us that football is just a game as they boned the traditional handshake for a blackberry smiley hug. 

11 Reasons Why The Qatar World Cup Is Going To Be A Disaster

Nine years before the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the country is being criticized for everything from logistics to bribery to human rights abuses. 
Popular sport analyst Tony Manfred of Business Insider has given reasons why hosting the world cup in the arid area is going to be a burgeoning disaster. 

MMA Fighter Dies In Sauna While Attempting To Lose Weight For A Fight

A Brazilian MMA fighter died on Thursday while trying to make weight for his upcoming fight in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

The 26-year old Leandro "Feijao" Souza passed out moments before the official weigh-ins for the Shooto 43 fight card, according to MMAfighting.com

MMA fighters are often known for cutting weight by shedding water right before fights through dehydration tactics.

Real Madrid’s Isco Awkwardly Kissing Real Madrid Teammate!

Please what are we yet to see under the sun?

Former French international, Lilian Thuram accused of beating his girlfriend

In recent weeks, former French international, Lilian Thuram, has been on the receiving end of opposing accusations.

Despite being handed the French Legion of honour, which is a respectable achievement in France, Thuram, 41, has also been accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend.

The former Barca player is considered a football idol in the country, after his role in the nation’s historic World Cup victory in 1998.

Last Tuesday, French president Francoise Hollande awarded Thuram with the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honor for his fight against racism through his foundation.

Man United vs Man United?

Who would  ever believe that the 2014/15 UEFA Champs Lge season could bring us a Manchester United vs Manchester United fixture? Well this kind of anomaly is only seen in video games or probably during exhibitions, testimonials and charity matches.

Jack Wilshere Welcomes Baby Girl

Jack Wilshere has reason to celebrate early this season with the arrival of new baby daughter Delilah Grace.

The Arsenal and England midfielder took to Twitter to express his delight at the news.

He posted a picture of himself holding the newborn, along with the message: 'Wow...words can not describe! Delilah Grace Wilshere, welcome to the world gorgeous x.'

Deco Banned From Football For One Year For Doping, One Month After Retiring From Football

Deco has yesterday been banned from football for an entire year by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) after being found guilty of doping offences – not that his sentence is going to hit him particularly hard, especially seeing as it comes roughly a month after the former Porto, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder officially announced his retirement.

Manchester United Must Change Their Outdated Away Tactics and Pack Midfield

When I was at Nottingham Forest, we were the best away team in the Premier League. We had the best record and scored the most goals away from home.

Our approach on the road was straightforward. We got bodies behind the ball and tried to break from the edge of our box to the edge of theirs as quickly as possible. We would practice doing just that, over and over again in training, with the aim to make the transition in 10 seconds flat.

It helped that I was a quick, aggressive and strong striker. But the tactical setup and counter-attacking mindset was what made us so successful away from home.

WAG OF THE WEEK: MEET TATIANA GOLOVIN

Part of our mandate on this blog is to let y'all know about the delectable WAGS (Wives And Girlfriends) of your favorite Athletes... Sportunes will be a breeding ground for WAGS as these beautiful women have become part and parcel of an athlete's life.

Many vault from being previously unknown to becoming household names as we have seen in Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker. While some probably made the athletes household names just like what Kim did to Kris. Some 'equally' shine bright like diamonds alongside their HABS (Husbands and Boyfriends) like Mr n Mrs Beckham.

Criciuma Esporte Clube Appoint Coach With Truly Wonderful Rude Name – Brazilian Commentary Just Got A Whole Lot Trickier!

You may not be overly well acquainted with Criciuma EC, but they play in the Brazilian Serie A and they, as of today, are responsible for one of the finest managerial appointments in football history.

The legendary Argelico Fucks! He is a retired defender who is regarded as the journeyman of Brazilian football after playing for ten different clubs in his time. He also managed an international appearance for the Samba.



He earned legendary journalistic status with his controversial move to Benfica in 2001 having left their sworn rivals Porto only a year earlier. With Eurosport tagging the headies.. 'fucks off to Benfica'

Rafael Nadal set to surprise TWELVE of his fans

World number two Rafa Nadal hit 12 million likes on facebook this week, and the Spaniard wants to celebrate the landmark with his fans by Springing them a surprise.

He wrote on his facebook page;

Champions Swansea are Spanked Out,Chicharito Spoils Suarez Welcome Back Party,Monreal Sends Arsenal Through To Face Chelsea.

Birmingham 3-1 Swansea

It was a case of Come back again next season for Cup holders Swansea who bowed out at the first hurdle of this season's edition of the competition as 2011 winners and Npower Championship side Birmingham City spanked them 3-1.

The hosts grabbed the lead early on in the second half thanks to a Dan Burn finish, two more goals from Matt Green and Nigerian born Briton Tom Adeyemi put the game to bed to the delight of the home crowd.

Wilfried Bony did score for the champions in injury time, but it was a case of too little,too late for the visitors as Birmingham held their own to progress to the next round.

Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant Engage in Heated Exchange Through Social Media

Dwyane Wade clearly felt disrespected by Kevin Durant's claim that James Harden should replace him in Sports Illustrated's Top 10 players list, and he's using it for motivation this coming season:

Novak Djokovic And Jelena Ristic Reportedly Engaged

The Serbian media is reporting that number one tennis player Novak Djokovic and his girlfriend of eight years Jelena Ristic are engaged.

Djokovic reportedly proposed to Jelena a couple of days ago in Monte Carlo.

There are also rumors that Andy Murray will be the best man. The two are old pals, but it's unclear if there is any truth to this part of the rumor.

Ristic is the director of the Novak Djokovic foundation, a charity aiming to bring early-childhood education to children in Serbia. She's also Novak's biggest, most supportive fan.

We wish the very best of luck to our favorite couple.

Mayweather could dump Justin Bieber for Miley Cyrus

Floyd Mayweather has become one of the most prominent athletes in the world not only because of his undeniable boxing skill but also because he is an unbelievable self-promoter. In other words, he knows a thing or two about showmanship.

For several of his most recent fights, including his September 14 bout against Canelo Alvarez and his May 2012 fight against Miguel Cotto, Mayweather had pop superstars Justin Bieber and Lil Wayne escort him to the ring. So how can he top that dynamic duo?

Italian athlete accused of using fake penis to beat drug test

World of Sport can't believe it's about to write these words: 2013 has just witnessed a drugs in sport story more amazing than Lance Armstrong's admission that he doped throughout his career.

That's because an Italian runner is facing a disciplinary panel accused of using a fake penis to beat a doping test.

27-year-old long runner Devis Licciardi is alleged to have used the plastic penis to provide a clean sample immediately after having run a road race in Molfetta, Puglia.

Ciao! Gennaro Gattusso faces the AXE!

Whenever the name Maurizio Zamparini is being mentioned in the Italian Media, it's majorly for two club excercises - The Hiring and Firing of  managers! and as we have it former AC Milan midfield Warrior Gennaro Gattuso has parted company with Maurizio Zamparini's Palermo FC after just three months in charge.

Carling Cup Review: Man City Serve Sweet Revenge,Defoe Tells AVB 'Pick Me'...Osaze's Goal Not Enough,as El-Nino Makes A Come Back Statement!

The Third Round of the League Cup #CapitalOneCup got under way yesterday night, this is the round the Big Boys Of the Premier League come out at Night to stand up tall among-st other English Playing football teams and ofcourse...Upsets are bound for the fans delight!

Here are detail's of major events;

Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham

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Revealed: Mata believes Mourinho was right to drop him

Chelsea's Juan Mata believes that manager Jose Mourinho has been right to leave him out in the cold so far this season, according to an extraordinary report in the Daily Star.

Mata was one of the players of the season in the last Premier League campaign, with pundits and fans baffled at him being reduced to a bit-part player for the Blues so far this season. Sportunes even challenged Mourinho last month, when Mata's problems all began (HERE).

That culminated in Saturday's local derby against Fulham, in which the little Spaniard failed to even make the bench - prompting fans at Stamford Bridge to hold up signs calling for the player's reinstatement.

It now seems, however, that the only person not calling for Mata's reinstatement is Mata himself.

Mathieu Flamini Allegedly Threatened To ‘Blind’ Stoke’s Marc Wilson For Going In Hard On Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere is a delicate little flower, largely unable to fend for himself in this big, wide world, so thank goodness then that’s he’s got Mathieu Flamini to back to him up in the middle of the park.

Nothing concrete has been or is likely to be confirmed, but it’s being tentatively reported this morning that the FA wanted a word with Flamini after Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Stoke on Saturday after it was alleged that the French midfielder threatened to ‘blind’ Marc Wilson if he continued going in hard on poor little Jack.

After Wilson crunched Wilshere’s ankles for the umpteenth time, it is claimed Flamini told the Potters’ man: “Do that again and I will blind you.”

The FA supposedly then warned Flamini about his conduct after the final whistle.

Fernando Torres humiliates Eden Hazard in training with a brilliant piece of skill!

But where was Eden Hazard flying to?lol.. I still feel this GIF was doctored tho, cos the Fernando Torres that we all know, does not have the balls and composure to execute this skill. But if the stuff is real, then Hazard should never be found in any area of the defence line.. REGARDLESS!!

Karim Benzema paid €8000 for two nights with a Belgian transsexual prostitute

Belgium website Sud Info have published a huge allegation on their website claiming that Karim Benzema paid €8000 for two nights with a Belgian transsexual prostitute.

Benzema’s sexual exploits are very much in the public spotlight. A couple of months ago we published a story on the Frenchman's sexual misadventure after he was accused, along with Franck Ribery, of having underage sex with a prostitute, Zahia Dehar (HERE).

Atleast, now we can guess why he hasn't scored for his country for the past 14 months.

Fan gets stadium tattooed onto his head

There are several ways to show loyalty to your favorite team, but none make a stronger or more permanent statement than a tattoo bearing the team's logo or a likeness representing a key moment or milestone.

That's the route diehard Los Angeles Dodgers fan Jose Romero decided to go, though he was certainly a little bolder and more creative about his ink.

'King James' on the Court? Miami Heat Considering Using Nicknames on Jerseys

Some members of the Miami Heat have been told the NBA is considering having them and the Brooklyn Nets wear "nickname jerseys" in at least one of their four matchups this season. The NBA has not announced the plan, but teams apparently have been aware of the likelihood of it happening for at least several weeks.

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus could face huge ban after fighting police

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus could be in serious trouble after he manhandled police following the 1-0 win at Vitoria Guimaeres.

The flamboyant tactician took exception to the matchday police’s treatment of a pitch invader, who was wrestled to the ground after running on to celebrate following the tough away victory.

Dutch Tactician Bert van Marwijk Becomes Hamburg's Chosen One.

It's official! German side Hamburg have appointed dutch manager Bert van Marwijk as the permanent successor to sacked manager Thorsten Fink.

After relieving German trainer Fink late last week,the Bundesliga club confirmed the arrival of the 61-year-old Dutchman van Marwijk on a two-year contract.

Temporary boss Otto Addo who oversaw the Hamburg side when they lost at home 2-0 to Werder Bremen over the weekend, will remain in charge for their DFB-Pokal clash with Greuther Furth on Tuesday.... Van Marwijk's first game in the dugout will be Saturday's game against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Lukaku Plays And Speaks Like A Football Manager- Says Everton Manager Roberto Martinez.

Seems Everton manager Roberto Martinez just can't get enough of Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku after he netted the winner against West Ham over the weekend.

The deadline-day loan signing made it eventful in his first appearance for the merseyside outfit,by coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in the dying minutes of the game,getting himself injured in the process,and later admitted to press men after the game that he could not recall his match-winning goal.

Best Of European Football Leagues Season 2013/14

The Football League Season is now in full flesh for us to all enjoy, and for our numerous sports and European soccer fans, Sportunes is here to unfold all the events that took place in the other major leagues in Europe.

RUSSIA

Bundesliga's Good,Best and Trouncing Moments.

Schalke 04 0 4 Bayern Munich

This weekend saw Bundesliga Giant Bayern Munich go head to head with leaders Borussia Dortmund on points following a 4-0 spanking of Schalke on their own terrace.

Before this game ,Schalke had not conceded in three games going, but Bayern and German Midfield marshall Bastian Schweinsteiger started the lashing seconded by Croatian Mario Mandzukic putting Bayern two goals after after 22 minutes before French Sensation Franck Ribery, League Veteran Claudio Pizarro added further strikes in the second half to extend their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to 31.

Bayern Home Boy Toni Kroos also reached the 150th Bundesliga appearance mark.

Italia Serie A Review: Inter Milan in Cloud 7, Balotelli does the Unthinkable, LLorente shuts Carlos Tevez up.

Juventus 2-1 Hella Verona

I can say now that Fernando Llorente is truly an obedient student of the game. After being reportedly hit hard by fellow bad boy team mate Tevez, Llorente did finally score in his first start for Juventus as they won 2-1 over Hellas Verona,which got them back to winnings ways in Serie A,after having a couple of draws in their last two games, from last weekend's derby d'italia against Inter then the Mid-week come back in Europe against FC Copenhagen.

LIGA BBVA REVIEW: Atletico Madrid set to Break the Real Madrid - Barcelona Duopoly

Rayo Vallecano 0 4 Barcelona

It was no surprise atall that Barcelona dismantled Rayo, what was a rude shock to us all was that Lionel Messi wasnt on the score sheet. A Pedro Rodriguez hat-trick and a cool finish from Cesc Fabregas maintained the Blaugrana's 100% start to the season and hence top of the LaLiga BBVA table after match day 5.

North London clubs go top of the Premier League as Manchester United are demolished in the Manchester Derby

Manchester City 4 - 1 Manchester United

Honestly this result didn't come as a shock to me, Immediately i saw the a starting line up without Van Persie, i knew stright up that the Red Devils were in for a very long afternoon. I'm not saying that the Dutch striker would have prevented a mauling, but at least he would have capitalised on a 5th minute yellow card given to Man City defender Nastatic who looked very very comfortable through out the match. And oh pls i need somebody to fill me in on Marouane Fellaini's purpose in the Manchester United squad? The Belgian couldnt break play and lost possession in very critical areas, what the defending champions need is a creative player, somebody who is 'Ozilated'. The defending champions started balling when their most creative player - Tom Cleverly was introduced into the game. The good news is that RVP is expected to make a quick return into the team and Alas! Moyes can breathe a long sigh of relief as Manchester United dont have to face the so called big boys again till thy kingdom come.

VETTEL CRUISES IN SINGAPORE TO CLAIM HAT-TRICK OF WINS

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel recorded yet another start-to-finish win at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday to further extend his lead in the championship.

The German was in a class of his own under the Marina Bay lights, winning by a massive 32.6 seconds over Fernando Alonso and boosting his championship lead on the Ferrari driver from 53 points to 60 with six races remaining.

Radwanska rallies to win year's third title in Korea

Agnieszka Radwanska, Rember her? Yea the lady that was dumped by the Catholic church after posing nude for an ESPN magazine (HERE)... Well, The Polish top seed dint let the Religious crisis she's going through affect her professional career as she came from behind to beat Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-7 (6) 6-3 6-4 in the final of the Korea Open in Seoul to bag her third WTA title of the year.

Usain Bolt crashes wedding, ends up starring in bride and groom’s photos

The fastest man on earth found himself the unlikely guest of honour at the wedding of two unknown Japanese people in the centre of Paris.

Usain Bolt wrote on Twitter that he was out for a walk in the French capital when he ran into the happy couple and ended up gatecrashing their holy matrimony.

Needless to say, they - or perhaps their photographer, or the best man - immediately spotted the chance of getting one of the three most famous athletes on planet earth into the album of their big day.

Bolt posed for pictures, though it must be said that his rather uncharacteristically dour expression is a far cry from his normal flamboyant expressions any time there's a camera in sight.

The sprinter shared the moment with the world via Twitter, saying, "Only in Paris you walking in the square and the bride and groom leave the proceedings to to do this…"

Saturday Special.. A Quick recap of all the matches that took place in the English Premier League today

Chelsea 2 0 Fulham

Mourinho is not to be blamed for Mata's woes, the Portuguese has stated categorically that Oscar is his Number 10 and the little Brazillian once again vindicated his boss ingenius decision by finding the back of the net yet again. So if theres one person to be blamed for Mata's woes, then that person must be Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior, because if he keeps up this level of football he's currently playing, I'm afraid Mata's days in Chelsea are numbered.. Tick Tock.. And somebody should please pinch me, Mikel Scored! people been ranting about End times, is this another sign? Vincent Enyeama still has more career goals than him tho.. (HERE)

David Haye Postpones Most Anticipated Bout

After having a 'May weather fair' of a night last weekend, the boxing world had their eyes set for september 28 'Haye making' night, but British super star boxer David Haye has postponed his bout with Tyson Fury slated for next weekend after suffering a deep cut while in his training camp.

The cut above his left eyebrow needed 6 stitches,which do have to stay in place for 5-7days.

The 'Haye-Maker' stated:"Gutted isn't even the word. Mentally,I'm on the floor at the moment."

Vettel snatches Pole in Singapore

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel will start from pole position, when all the drivers go wheels to wheels at the Singapore grand prix tomorrow.The win was the German's 41st career pole and he will be hoping to be the first man to gather 3 consecutive wins in Singapore. " I'm very happy with the result. The car has been phenomenal all weekend." The triple world Champion said right after the race

When Does Kevin Durant Start Getting the LeBron James Pressure Treatment?

People hope Kevin Durant will someday win an NBA title, but they don't really demand it. And as long as LeBron James is the league's undisputed king, that isn't going to change.

For the six seasons Durant has been in the league, he's managed to skate by without having to face the burdensome expectations that James shoulders on a yearly basis. Until he won his first ring, James started every campaign with questions about when he'd finally get over the top. And once he finally got there, the pressure lingered.

Check Out The Best #Henrying Pictures

Last night #Henrying went viral, with fans photoshopping the legend's most recent celebration into hilarious scenarios.

After scoring the other week for New York Red Bulls, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry celebrated in typical nonchalant fashion, leaning against the goalpost as if to say, “give a f***”. Last night, Twitter was at its best, photoshopping Titi’s pose into a host of different scenarios, with quite hilarious results.

Qatar still wants to host 2022 World Cup in summer

Qatar were given the exclusive rights to host the 2022 FIFA summer world cup, but pressure has been mounting on FIFA to switch it to winter to save players and fans from intense heat in the tiny Gulf nation. A couple of months ago I pleaded with FIFA not to yield to pressure, that the energy-rich nation should be left alone to hold the world cup in peace (HERE). But it seems my pleas are falling into deaf ears as all fingers are pointing to a 2022 winter world cup.