8 minutes agoworld NewsComments Off on Rangers boss Philippe Clement speaks for first time on San Francisco 49ers takeover as he discusses ‘different budget’
PHILIPPE CLEMENT has spoken for the first time since Rangers entered advanced talks with the billionaire owners of the San Francisco 49ers.
PAPhilippe Clement has discussed the prospect of the NFL supremo taking over[/caption]
SunSport understands talks have been ongoing for a number of months and Rangers are confident of striking a deal with the NFL supremo.
It’s understood an agreement could be reached by the end of this season.
The takeover could impact Clement’s future at Ibrox, with the new owners expected to put their own stamp on the team.
But the Belgian isn’t fazed by the prospect of his future being in doubt and insists he is only focused on turning things around on the pitch.
Addressing the media today, Clement was quizzed on the takeover talks with the NFL giants.
He replied: “Those are business questions. I think the club addressed those things in the last couple of days.
“I am here, like I said, for the sporting side, and I will see in one moment of time if things change for the club.
“I’m purely focussed on the team and the performances. That’s my job.
“There is never a club where the manager is involved in these kind of of things.
“If things change and there is a different budget then of course, you are involved in it. That’s business.
“Those are rumours for the moment, there is nothing to talk about until something happens.
“It’s the same as with transfers in the window.
“I’m focused on the team and not the rumours, because otherwise I would forget to do my job, which is to make these players better and get better results.”
Asked if the prospect of new ownership could alter his position in the dugout, Clement replied: “No. No. I’m busy now with the group, the players and the next game – all of that.
“Those are the things that I’m in control of. It’s about the job every day, and getting the best out of the players.”
8 minutes agoworld NewsComments Off on The 8 interiors trends that will become outdated in 2025 – all-white rooms are over for a start
WITH spring fast approaching, some of us might be thinking about giving our homes a little freshen up.
The arrival of the new season brings with it a fresh start, so it’s no wonder that many homeowners consider this to be the ideal time to carry out renovations.
GettyInterior experts have said it’s bad news if you love rooms that are all white[/caption]
GettyAnother trend that is fading out is having light wood finishings[/caption]
Open shelves in kitchens are also a huge no-no in 2025Getty
And since most of us are already planning on thoroughly cleaning the house and de-cluttering, it can be perfect timing to do it all at once.
Especially since certain design trends are beginning to fade now that we are well into 2025.
And with that in mind, interior designers have revealed the trends that are quickly becoming outdated.
Experts have told how the future of interiors is all about timelessness and sustainability.
This is because 2025 is focusing on creating spaces that are both stunning and practical.
Gone are the days of quick fixes and all-white schemes – it’s time for more classic, enduring choices that focus on quality over quantity.
Interior design expert Zara O’Hare from Land of Rugs has said several popular trends are on their way out this year to make space for fresher, more sustainable options.
From having too many photo frames in the house, to concrete floors and brass furnishings, here are eight things that are becoming outdated this year.
1. The all-white look
Many of us love the fresh, clean, minimalistic look, which is why the all-white aesthetic has dominated homes for years.
However, Zara has revealed that this is now slowly slipping off the radar.
This is because it is becoming increasingly seen as being too clinical and giving a lifeless feel to your home.
She said: “The trend of all-white interiors is on its way out.
“People are now turning to richer, warmer colour schemes, especially with the rise of mid-century modern designs.”
Zara also highlights a shift towards more natural tones as she added: “Instead of stark white, we’re seeing soft creams and rustic beiges becoming more popular, particularly in kitchens.”
GettyExperts say that all-white rooms are becoming clinical[/caption]
2. Shiny brass & light wood
Another trend that has dominated homes in recent years is having shiny brass and light wood finishes.
But this is another obsession that is quickly dwindling.
Zara has explained that while there will always be a place for both light wood and brass, there are other finishes that are taking their place in the trends list.
She revealed: “Brass will always have its place in the design world, but other finishes are now taking the lead.
“The preference is now swinging toward nickel and chrome, which can be mixed with brass for a balanced look.”
Referring to more popular wood finishings, she continued: “The trend of light woods like oak is giving way to deeper, neutral tones like walnut and cherry, which offer a more sophisticated feel”.
GettyShiny brass finishings are being replaced with nickel and chrome[/caption]
3. Industrial kitchens & open spaces
The industrial kitchen look was incredibly popular last year and saw many homes have exposed pipes and concrete floors.
While this can considered quirky and different, Zara has said that the trend has had its moment.
She explained: “Industrial style has always been more of a statement than a functional choice.
“The style can feel cold and impersonal, which makes it hard to sustain in the long run.”
Another kitchen-style choice that is becoming outdated is the open-plan style that most homeowners love, making way for “prep” kitchen styles instead.
Zara said: “Open kitchens, where everything is visible, will begin to fade out in favour of more practical, smaller ‘prep’ kitchens hidden away.”
GettyConcrete floors in the kitchen are now becoming a trend of the past[/caption]
4. The fast furniture era
Fast furniture is easy-to-assemble, flat-pack style furniture, so if you love a trip to Ikea then you might want to look away now.
While these can be convenient and cheap, they’re not always built to last.
And Zara believes that this is why people are now shifting towards more sustainable, high-quality options.
She revealed: “There’s a growing desire for eclectic, vintage-inspired pieces that are built to last.
Thrifting has become a major trend, and it shows no signs of slowing down in 2025.
Zara added: “Consumers are now more thoughtful about where they source their furniture, focusing on quality materials and sustainability over quick, throwaway designs.”
5. Open shelving woes
Open shelves were once all the range and are often seen in kitchens – however, it is also common in living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, too.
However, the experts have said that this is now starting to lose its appeal.
This is because homeowners are moving away from trends that have everything out on display.
Zara states: “While it may work for some decorative elements, in practical spaces like kitchens, open shelving has become more of a hassle.”
She also said that the upkeep of this trend can be tricky and not everyone has the time to deal with it.
She added: “We’ll definitely see a return to closed cabinets as people seek more storage solutions that are easy to maintain.”
GettyHomeowners are also moving away from open shelves[/caption]
6. Bouclé fabric
Bouclé is a textured fabric known for its fluffy look and is often found on future as well as certain types of wallpaper.
But Zara has said that is also on the way out.
The expert explains: “This material, while popular for a time, isn’t as versatile as other fabrics.
“It tends to come in neutral shades, which makes it feel a bit one-dimensional.”
The fabric also doesn’t have the breathable qualities of others.
And since “quiet luxury” emerging as a dominant interior trend, bouclé is expected to make way for more refined textiles.
Trends interior designers hate
IF you want to ensure that your home looks glam, here are the trends that interior designers can't stand.
NO YELLOW: According to Bilal Rehman, yellow paint in a bedroom is a big no no.
He said: “If you want everyone to know you’re a horse girl then yellow is perfect for you.”
SIGN OFF:Kelly Hoppen shared her honest thoughts on Live, Love, Laugh signs.
The interior pro explained: “Another gripe of mine – Live, Laugh, Love – those kinds of wooden things that sit on book shelves and floating shelves, that’s so 10, 12, 15 years ago.”
NO GREY YAY: Julie Provenzano explained that grey interiors have been overdone.
She stressed: “We took a good thing and we overdid it to the point that it now feels copy, paste, basic.”
7. Overdecorating (especially with personal photos)
We all love making our homes feel special and personal, which is why many have loads of photos of loved ones on the walls or on shelves.
But overdecorating has now lost its charm with homeowners expected to take down some frames.
Zara has said that this can make your space feel overwhelming and explained that simpler might be better.
Especially since most of us keep our photos close to us on our phones and on social media, which means there is less need to look at them on our walls.
The expert said: “In the age of Instagram and social media, people have a tendency to overdecorate their spaces with photos of family and holidays.
“While it’s important to make a home your own, this trend is becoming a bit too much for many, as it clashes with the move toward more minimalist, timeless aesthetics.”
GettyInterior experts are saying having too many photos in the home is becoming outdated[/caption]
8. The overuse of neon and bright colours
So many homes have bright colours and vibrant hues on the walls in a bid to bring life into the room.
However, interior design experts have said that excessive use of neon and electric colours is losing favour.
Instead, homeowners are moving towards classic, muted tones that create a more relaxing space.
Many of us want to switch off and unwind when we go home, and trends for 2025 are starting to reflect that.
Zara said: “The appeal of neon is fading as people move toward more muted tones like deep blues, rich greens, and terracotta.
“These shades evoke a sense of calm and are much more suitable for creating long-lasting interiors.”
GettyBright homes are also becoming a thing of the past[/caption]
8 minutes agoworld NewsComments Off on Watch the bizarre moment Lauren SNIFFS Sonia’s knickers in live EastEnders episode as fans ask ‘did that just happen?’
EASTENDERS fans were baffled during the live episode, as Lauren appeared to sniff Sonia’s knickers.
Taking to social media, viewers were quick to question: “Did that really just happen?”
BBCEastEnders fans were baffled during the live episode, as Lauren appeared to sniff Sonia’s knickers[/caption]
BBCLauren pulled the pants up to her face[/caption]
BBCThe star has seen the funny side[/caption]
But amongst the drama, fans saw Lauren, played by Jacqueline Jossa, lift up Sonia’s pants for what they thought was a quick sniff, before tossing them to the side.
Lauren had been thrown the pants by Bianca as Sonia prepared to give birth during the live episode.
And it certainly didn’t go unnoticed, as one person wrote: “Did Sonia just sniff Sonia’s knickers?!”
Another echoed: “Lauren definitely just sniffed Sonia’s pants.”
Luckily, Jacqueline saw the funny side and commented on one of the threads to confirm that she did not sniff the knickers.
Jacqueline penned: “Just to clarify I didn’t sniff them, I was checking what they were and lifting them in shot, no sniffing.”
She added: “They usually hit me in the face so I think I just lifted them up to make sure it was in the shot, this is amazing.”
The star finished her response with lots of laughing face emojis.
John Altman, who starred as Nasty Nick Cotton, appeared on Radio 4 to reflect on his memories from the set.
Speaking to Sarah Montague about working with the late June Brown, who played Dot Cotton, he said: “During the early days with June it was really flexible.
“You didn’t have to ask permission to have a cigarette. You could just do it. June and I used to improvise…
“We knew our characters so well. We wouldn’t change it drastically. We’d put in words or a line here and there to make it comical. Just to liven it up a bit.”
John first appeared on the soap in 1985 and was last seen in Walford in 2015.
And he told how different filming is these days compared to the 80s, claiming EastEnders bosses once changed a racial slur in the script during a take.
Repeating the word, Nick said: “I suppose I can say it on air.”
But Sarah said: “No, I don’t think we can [say that].”
John insisted “people do unfortunately still say it these days” but she cautioned: “They don’t.”
Sarah later said: “Can I apologise. It wasn’t appropriate in the old days, and it wasn’t appropriate now, for what John Altman said.”
BBCJacqueline was part of EastEnders iconic live episode to celebrate 40 years[/caption]
8 minutes agoworld NewsComments Off on Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 25: Latest on Erling Haaland, Son Heung-min and others
DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 25 in one convenient location.
Erling Haaland is considered a doubt for Sunday’s huge match-up between Manchester City and Liverpool.
Dream TeamHaaland is a doubt to face Liverpool this weekend[/caption]
The Norwegian No9, who features in 53.9% of teams at the time of writing, was substituted against Newcastle last weekend and didn’t come off the bench against Real Madrid in midweek.
When asked about Haaland’s availability, Pep Guardiola told reporters today: “Don’t know yet… tomorrow we will know.”
John Stones is definitely sidelined and may even require surgery but Nathan Ake returned at the Bernabeu.
As for the Reds, Cody Gakpo has not yet trained with the rest of the squad having been unfit in Gameweek 24.
Arne Slot said on Thursday that it will be a “close call” in regards to the Dutch forward.
Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez have been ruled out with the latter expected to be unavailable until near the end of the season.
PABradley is unlikely to feature against either Man City or Newcastle[/caption]
Noni Madueke has been added to Chelsea’s injury list ahead of their trip to Villa Park on Saturday.
Ezri Konsa will be in contention to start for the hosts if he makes it through today’s training session without complaint.
Axel Disasi is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Christian Eriksen, Lenny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte are all likely to make Manchester United’s squad at Goodison Park.
However, Kobbie Mainoo is not yet ready to return for the Red Devils.
Lewis Dunk remains a doubt for Brighton but Fabian Hurzeler will be able to call upon Pervis Estupinan and Solly March ahead of the Seagulls’ trip to Southampton.
AFPSon will be available for Spurs this weekend[/caption]
Ange Postecoglou provided a positive update on Son Heung-min, Kevin Danso and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Speaking to journalists, the Tottenham boss said: “The three guys who picked up knocks last week… are all good, we’ve had a full week to recover and prepare.”
West Ham will be without Lucas Paqueta at Arsenal this weekend following an unfortunate “training incident” with team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Oliver Glasner believes Eberechi Eze is “ready to start” against Fulham on Saturday and reported no new concerns.
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RexElma Pazar is embroiled in another Love Island feud[/caption]
RexThis time Elma has a beef with Ron Hall[/caption]
RexElma and her partner Sammy Root came fifth in the final[/caption]
This time it’s Ron Hall in the firing line, as Elma has failed follow him on Instagram despite him taking her on a date when he first entered the villa.
There are few reasons why she might have beef with her fellow Islander Ron.
On their date he upset her when he accused her of “being over the top” with Ronnie Vint – who she was couple with at the time.
She later had it out with him in her usual Elma style, and he apologised.
However, the icing the feud cake may have been he voted for Elma and her man Sammy Root to be axed.
It came when he returned to the show before the final to take part in a vote on who would leave the villa.
BITTER FEUD
Ron wasn’t the only one that Elma took a dislike to in the AlL Stars villa.
2022 –Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s time in the villa was anything but a smooth ride, but they managed to win the public’s hearts – and the ITV2 reality show. STATUS: Broken up.
2018 – It wasn’t surprising fan favourites Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer won the show, as they were strong throughout. But sadly things didn’t last. STATUS: Broken up.
2016 – Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde were together from the start of the series, and since they won the show they’ve had two kids and are married. STATUS: Still together.
8 minutes agoworld NewsComments Off on Hamas killed Bibas boys, 2 & 5, with their bare hands, Israel says after boys’ remains are returned…without murdered mum
EVIL Hamas murdered the Bibas brothers with their bare hands, Israel says.
The remains of 9-month-old Kfir and four-year-old Ariel were handed over to Israel in a sickening parade on Thursday.
Baby Kfir was the youngest hostage taken by Hamas on October 7Ariel Bibas was snatched by the terror group alongside his mum and brother
The siblings were returned alongside well as a casket believed to contain the remains of their mum Shiri but the IDF said they belonged to “an anonymous, unidentified” person instead.
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said: “Ariel and Kfir Bibas were murdered by terrorists in cold blood.
“The terrorists did not shoot the two young boys—they killed them with their bare hands.
“Afterwards, they committed horrific acts to cover up these atrocities.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
8 minutes agoworld NewsComments Off on Katie Price reveals she doesn’t pay a PENNY for surgery and insists ‘I haven’t taken advantage of it enough’
KATIE Price has revealed she never pays a penny for any of her cosmetic surgeries.
The glamour model, 46, has lost count of the times she’s gone under the knife having modified her body with multiple boob jobs, facelifts and dental procedures.
YouTubeKatie Price revealed all of her cosmetic surgery is free[/caption]
GettyKatie favours going abroad for her operations[/caption]
And despite concern from those closest to her over the years, she says she wishes she’d taken advantage of the freebies more.
Speaking to Rob Moore on the Disruptors podcast, she explained how by posting her procedures in Instagram she’s able to have them done for nothing.
She said: “Considering I’ve got an open book, like you’re in a restaurant. I can have any surgery I want from most clinics, I don’t take advantage of it as much as I could.
“If I did and really let myself go, I’d look like an alien, and I don’t want to look like an alien.”
The mum-of-five often goes to Belgium or Turkey for her procedures and said she’d never have surgery in England again, citing higher prices.
She had been planning another Brazilian Bum Lift (BBL) but made a U-turn and is planning to enlarge her behind through hard work instead.
The 180 came after fears from pals that she is ‘too weak’ to have the risky procedure.
Speaking on The Katie Price podcast this week, she revealed: “I’m starting the gym next week.
“I’ve decided my bum, I’m not going to have filler or implants, I’m going to work my a*** off at the gym.
“I’ll do before and after pictures mind you it will probably take a year to get my bum to where I want it.”
Last year the surgery-obsessed TV star revealed she wanted a “bubble butt”.
She said: “I’ve just had my consultation to get my bum as big as my lips.
“I’m getting it done in January but this time they’ve got an ultrasound which means it’ll be much safer. Get used to the big lips because soon I’m going to have a bubble butt. Wahey!”
The procedure involves transferring fat from other areas of the body to the bum.
Katie Price's Surgery: A Timeline
1998 – Katie underwent her first breast augmentation taking her from a natural B cup to a C cup. She also had her first liposuction
1999 – Katie had two more boob jobs in the same year, one taking her from a C cup to a D cup, and then up to an F cup
2006 – Katie went under the knife to take her breasts up to a G cup
2007 – Katie had a rhinoplasty and veneers on her teeth
2008 – Katie stunned fans by reducing her breasts from an F cup to a C cup
2011 – Going back to an F cup, Katie also underwent body-contouring treatment and cheek and lip fillers
2014/5 – Following a nasty infection, Katie had her breast implants removed
2016 – Opting for bigger breasts yet again, Katie had another set of implants, along with implants, Botox and lip fillers
2017 – After a disastrous ‘threading’ facelift, Katie also had her veneers replaced. She also had her eighth boob job taking her to a GG cup
2018 – Katie went under the knife yet again for a facelift
2019 – After jetting to Turkey, Katie had a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift and a tummy tuck
2020 – Katie has her 12th boob job in Belgium to correct botched surgery and a new set of veneers
2021 – In a complete body overhaul, she opts for eye and lip lifts, liposuction under her chin, fat injected into her bum and full body liposuction
2022 – Katie undergoes another brow and eye lift-and undergoes ‘biggest ever’ boob job in Belgium, her 16th in total
2023 – Opting for a second rhinoplasty, Katie also gets a lip lift at the same time as well as new lip filler throughout the year
2024 – Katie has her 17th boob job in Brussels after revealing she wanted to downsize. She performed at Dublin Pride just days later and surgeons warned the lack of recovery posed a risk of infection
Though she’s no longer having surgery, Katie did get bum filler just last month.
She told fans at the time: “I’m that obsessed that, where I’ve lost loads and loads of weight, my a**e is now saggy.
“So no, I’ve got to have my bum filler done here. I can’t wait.”
Katie has slimmed down a lot since the end of last year.
Insisting it is not the result of popular weight loss jabs such as Ozempic, she said she has “shrunk back” to her natural size after gaining weight from IVF and from being inactive following her foot injury in 2020.
GettyShe was a blonde bombshell earlier in her career[/caption]
Youtube/@katiepriceKatie’s lost count of her procedures[/caption]
GettyShe said she will hit the gym to make her bum bigger rather than having a BBL[/caption]
8 minutes agoworld NewsComments Off on Inside Trump & Zelensky’s VERY personal feud…from Volod’s TV trolling 9yrs ago to Don’s ‘f**king corrupt’ 2019 blast
A BATTLE of two presidents is turning the world dramatically upside down as Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky’s fiery feud continues.
The respective leaders of Ukraine and the US have had a chaotic relationship dating back to 2016 with the pair throwing not-so-subtle digs at one another ever since.
95kvartalThe comedian turned politician has made a number of subtle digs at Trump in the past[/caption]
95kvartalZelensky, bottom right, laughing out loud as a Ukrainian TV showed an embarrassing sketch of Trump in 2019[/caption]
AP:Associated PressThe pair back in 2019 when their personal feud started to drift into their political careers[/caption]
The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for three yearsGetty
Their personal tension has bubbled over this week following on from Trump’s vow to end the Ukraine war quickly.
The Republican has been steadfast in his approach to making both Ukraine and Russia agree to a peace deal – but many fear any deal struck by the Don could favour Vladimir Putin.
These thoughts stem from recent comments from Trump who openly criticised the Ukrainian leaderand branded him a “dictator”.
Trump also slammed Zelensky as a “moderately successful” comedian before blasting him for delaying elections during wartime.
The US president has openly admitted to being “very frustrated” with Zelensky – saying he had a “personal” problem with him.
Trump’s close pal Elon Musk later lashed out at Zelensky too as he labelled him as a “despised dictator” in a fiery social media rant.
The stern verbal rampage came after Zelensky argued Washington should careful when they negotiate with Moscow,
The recent back and forth between the proud patriots is just the latest in a string of barbs each have thrown at each other.
2016: ZELENSKY TAKES AIM
The first time the pair are believed to have referenced one another came on a Ukrainian talk show featuring Zelesnky – then a star studded comedian – back in 2016.
Speaking about the lead up to that years US election, Zelensky made a comedic dig at the business tycoon turned Republican favourite.
He told TV viewers on the show: “Hillary won a confident victory in the debates, but considering that Donald Trump is the founder of the Miss World beauty contest, defeat in an intellectual competition should not upset him.”
Before he said the punchline: “Because he is probably betting on a swimsuit fashion show.”
YouTube/@studiya95kvartalZelensky made a joke about Trump and swimsuit models back in 2016 when he was only a comedian[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialZelensky made the barb as he referenced Trump being the founder of the Miss World beauty contest[/caption]
2019: BIZARRE PIANO SKIT
In 2019, Zelensky was sat front row as his former TV pals performed a New Years skit where they impersonated both Trump and Ukraine’s newly elected leader.
The short clip shows Trump on a video call to Zelensky as he passionately says: “I don’t like a lot of words, I like concrete actions.”
An overly exaggerated Trump then stands up and makes the bizarre move to pull down his trousers.
Moments later he appears to play Jingle Bells on a piano with his penis from inside the Oval Office.
The camera then pans to the real life Zelensky in the audience who can be seen cackling as he watches the performance.
95kvartalIn 2019, an actor impersonated Trump in front of the Ukrainian president[/caption]
95kvartalZelensky was seen laughing at the skit[/caption]
2019: TRUMP’S TROUBLES
One of the first times the pair speak came in 2019 as Trump phoned up Zelensky after he won the Ukrainian election.
Trump congratulated him before adding “you will do a great job”.
But his clear hostility towards Zelensky is also often traced back to the same year.
The Republican landed himself in trouble as he was impeached over allegations he withheld almost $400million in US security assistance to Kyiv unless it complied with Trump’s requests.
The main issue Trump had was Hunter Biden – the son of Trump’s future political foe Joe.
Complaints from Trump’s team ahead of the 2020 election saw them claim Biden had lobbied Ukraine to dismiss its top prosecutor to hamper an investigation into energy firm Burisma.
Hunter was a board member for the energy company at the time.
Just a few months later, Trump called upon Zelensky to “get to the bottom” of the allegations and launch an investigation to bring the Biden’s into disrepute before election day.
Getty - ContributorThe infamous 2019 meeting between the two presidents[/caption]
AFP or licensorsZelensky visited Trump in New York in 2019[/caption]
The claims have never been proven and no wrongdoing was ever found.
Trump was also acquitted by theUS Senatein 2020.
It was later revealed that Zelensky had voiced his concerns over Trump’s pressuring nature regarding the allegations.
He was said to have issues over Trump and his associates pressing him to take action that could have had an affect on the 2020 presidential race, sources close to Kyiv said.
Images of the pair from a later date showed them both sat together in New York with an awkward look on their faces.
A reporter even quizzed Zelensky on the concerns during the joint visit as they both tried to play down the source’s remarks.
2020: TRUMP’S X-RATED RANT
At the end of his first term in office, Trump reportedly ripped into Zelensky and Ukraine.
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said over five years ago that Trump wasn’t Zelensky’s biggest fan when he first became president.
Bolton quoted Trump as saying: “I don’t want to have any f***ing thing to do with Ukraine.
“They f***ing attacked me. I can’t understand why… They tried to f*** me. They’re corrupt. I’m not f***ing with them.”
Despite the claims, Trump has dismissed his ex top aide as a “wacko” and “grossly incompetent” in recent years.
John Bolton quoted Trump as blasting Zelensky in 2020Reuters
2024: WAR TALK
Trump has repeatedly claimed if he was the president then the Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022 would have never happened.
Trump is known to have held a close bond with Putin that not many other global leaders have ever managed.
But when he was ousted by Biden, Putin went full steam ahead with his assault across the border – causing three years of bloodshed.
One of Trump’s main selling points during his impervious 2024 election campaign was how he would be able to end the war within “days”.
But Zelensky didn’t appear to agree with the Republicans clear goals.
AlamyThe pair met in the months before Trump’s seismic election victory[/caption]
Trump has always been adamant that if he was president then the three years of bloodshed in Ukraine would have never taken placeGetty
Last September, he told the New Yorker magazine: “My feeling is that Trump doesn’t really know how to stop the war, even if he might think he knows how.”
Three days later, Trump hit back on his campaign trail as he accused Zelensky of “making little nasty aspersions toward your favourite president, me”.
Before adding: “Any deal, even the worst deal, would have been better than what we have right now.”
The duo met up in New York that same month as they both came out of the meeting brimming with confidence that the war would end soon.
2025: TRUMP’S PUBLIC OUTBURST
As negotiations have continued over finding a peace deal in Ukraine, the relationship between the two have only worsened.
Their personal spats have spilled over into the public eye in recent weeks.
Zelensky has even been urged to flee Ukraine “immediately” amid escalating tensions between Washington and Kyiv, insiders in the White House warned.
A source close to the American President told the New York Post “the best case for [Zelensky] and the world is that he leaves to France immediately.”
Asked about the growing tensions between the US and Kyiv, another source close to the White House said the public spat was a long-time coming.
They said: “It’s nothing new to me.
“I heard months ago it’s time for an election and new leadership,”
The “real question is, has anyone told [Trump] they really, really like him?”
Wrong, Donald
The Sun Says…
DONALD Trump’s smearing of the Ukraine regime as scam artists who provoked a war using US taxpayers’ money is a rant beneath the dignity of his office.
Vladimir Putin has made no secret of his imperialist ambitions, nor his denial of his neighbour’s right to exist as a sovereign, free country.
He invaded Ukraine, butchered and raped its people, stole its children and bombed its cities.
President Zelensky — far from duping anyone or inviting the conflict, far from being a “dictator without elections” — has been a heroic wartime leader who needs Western aid to overcome staggering odds.
The idea he is riding a “gravy train” is laughable. And his people, with whom he remains highly popular whatever Trump claims, have resisted conquest with immense bravery.
It is troubling and short-sighted in the extreme for the so-called leader of the free world to have no interest in a war raging in Europe because he is separated from it by the Atlantic.
America is not a business where Trump, as CEO, has no task except to slash costs and maximise profits. It is the most powerful democracy on Earth with global responsibilities and — let’s be frank — a duty to discern right from wrong with absolute moral clarity.
Others in the White House should urgently point this out.
Trump has also lashed out at Zelensky on social media and accused him of “refusing to have elections”.
He warned “modestly successful comedian” Zelensky must “move fast or he is not going to have a country left”.
Trump then claimed the Ukrainian president talked the US into “spending $350 billion dollars to go into a war that couldn’t be won”.
He also later insisted he “trusts” that Russia wants peace after branding Zelensky a “dictator without elections”.
Fears have even now grown that Trump may bypass Ukraine and continental leaders to do business directly with Moscow.
The UK and France have since suggested a peacekeeping plan that UK PM Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to propose to Trump in Washington next week.
It is said to involve putting up to 30,000 UK and European troops on the ground, an idea that Putin has said is “unacceptable.”
But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back against accusations that the Trump administration has given in to Russia, saying Washington first wants to see whether Moscow was “serious”.
He said: “US President Donald Trump “wants this war with Ukraine to end.
“And he wants to know: Are the Russians serious about ending the war, or not serious about ending the war?”
AFPThe pair back in December 7, 2024 in a meeting with French President Macron[/caption]
APThe fiery feud is set to keep Vladimir Putin happy[/caption]
8 minutes agoworld NewsComments Off on Who won Jonathan Haggerty vs Demon Blade at ONE 171 in Qatar?
JONATHAN HAGGERTY was back in action on Thursday night when he took on Rui ‘Demon Blade’ Wei in the co-main event of ONE 171.
Kickboxing champion Jonathan ‘The General’ Haggerty returned to the ring for the first time since his devastating KO loss in Muay Thai to Superlek Kiatmoo9.
Jonathan Haggerty defending his kickboxing world title on Thursday nightHaggerty questioned himself after the 49 second KO loss to Superlek
Haggerty was determined to silence his critics with a big win over the very experienced Rui Wei – who has a record of 70 wins and just three losses – in Qatar.
‘Demon Blade’ was coming into this fight with a sensational 21-fight win streak, but was still the slight underdog when facing Haggerty.
Who won Jonathan Haggerty vs Demon Blade at ONE 171?
In the co-main event of ONE 171 Jonathan ‘The General’ Haggerty defeated Rui ‘Demon Blade’ Wei to defend his 145lbs kickboxing belt.
The dominant display by ‘The General’ has shown that making the switch may just be the start of a promising kickboxing career.
Despite having little experience in the discipline, the 28-year-old Londoner silenced his critics with a tremendous decision.
‘Demon Blade’s’ had been on a 21-fight win streak and was unbeaten since 2018.
This fantastic win saw him sweep the scorecards 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46.
It is yet to be seen on what Haggerty’s next move is, but he has hinted on wanting to return to Muay Thai, after being KO’d in his last fight to Superlek.
Speaking after the fight, Haggerty said: “A lot of people were writing off Wei Rui.
“What a great opponent, one of the best I’ve been in there with.
“It was a pleasure to share the cage with him. Everyone doubted him but I stayed switched on.
“I knew what I had to do and that’s to get the victory.”
Haggerty then revealed this was one of the biggest fights of his career because of the shock KO against Superlek.
“You don’t know how much this one means to me,” he said.
“Coming off a loss against Superlek it was like ‘have I got the punch resistance?’
“All that stuff goes through your head after getting knocked out in 49 seconds and I trained so hard for this fight.”
It was a league opener to remember for so many reasons
The street traders were out in force and had done their homework — with no half-and-half scarves for sale. Instead, they opted for club-themed balaclavas.
I heard one mother outside Slattery’s telling her son to put his on, “So I can find you” — a wise decision to enable her to quickly pick him out among the thousands.
That there were so many children at the game bodes well, especially if any of them have now been hit by the lifelong affliction/fortune of being a League of Ireland supporter.
There is also scope to grow.
I was off work last Sunday and, having missed Valentine’s Day — between travelling home from Molde and covering Pat’s-Drogs on the big day — I bought my wife a ticket. Call me an old romantic.
At the security check, she was the only one in the women’s queue while I was at the back of one of the five lines for men.
The crowd was predominantly male, which meant the bonus for her of not having to queue for the female toilets, as happens at other events.
In the premium level — for a bargain price of €35 — there were plenty of familiar faces enjoying a drink, even if, unlike at rugby games, they could not bring said drinks to their seats.
For those of us who were a ‘problem child’ and have been going to matches for years, it was incredible that our league could do it all without losing its, erm, unique character.
But while the comfort of the Aviva, the bumper crowd and all the young faces highlighted what the League of Ireland can become, this week presents the same old problems.
There are four Premier Division games tonight and the biggest venue is Galway United’s Eamonn Deacy Park, which has 3,300 seats, ten per cent of last Sunday’s crowd.
While it’s safe to assume most of the young fans at the Aviva last weekend are Dublin-based, capacity issues mean they may not get in regularly at three local clubs.
And those who enjoyed the premium-level comforts would also be locked out of all but Tallaght, where you must be a member to get a half-time glass of Prosecco.
LOI novices may also be underwhelmed by the venues they look to visit in future.
While we may love the old grounds — or parts of them anyway — more recent converts may not be as forgiving.
The FAI Facilities Plan launched 20 months ago proposed ground capacities of 4,000 scaling up to 15,000 to 20,000 at certain venues by 2038.
That Government labelled the plan ‘ambitious’ in 2023.
Less than two years on, it may have underestimated what’s needed.
At least the Government is sitting up and taking notice with TDs and Senators now talking about the league and academies.
But it is all about the money and, in the short term, that will likely need to mean more games at the Aviva.
Selecting the right match is crucial. But with a summer league, there is a market to entice football fans from abroad to Dublin to fill out the ground in June and July.
And if the Government can give €10million to the richest league in the world to bring the Pittsburgh Steelers to Croke Park, maybe it can open its wallet so the Greatest League in the World can be shown off to tourists too.
