Celtic hero Daizen Maeda suffers awkward moment in warm-up as fans say ‘never change’
IT’s hard to stop Daizen Maeda when he builds up a head of steam.
But in a bizarre incident whilst warming up for his national team, it was his own head that ended on the receiving end of an embarrassing gaffe.
Daizen Maeda in action for Japan against China[/caption] But it was an incident during warm-ups that left fans – and him – laughing[/caption]The Celtic fan favourite was in action for Japan during the recent international window.
He appeared as a substitute in the 4-0 win over Indonesia last week (as did fellow Celt Reo Hatate) and then came off the bench again in yesterday’s 3-1 victory against China (as did Kyogo Furuhashi).
But it was an awkward moment during his warm-up prior to coming on the park last night that had fans in stitches.
Video footage caught the 27-year-old working on his finishing at half-time with the other subs.
He takes up a position just inside the box and waits for a team mate to cross him the ball – with rather disastrous consequences!
Maeda receives the ball to feet and takes a touch towards the empty goal but he then inexplicably blasts the ball clean off the post from TWO YARDS – and is helpless as the ball ricochets back onto his FACE.
A Japan supporter who filmed the mishap and posted it on social media said: “Dae-ran’s post-hit bullet is too funny lol,” referring to the player’s nickname (given to him due to the amount of running he does).
Maeda saw the clip and responded himself.
“Funny right? I did it on purpose!” he quipped.
With the player seeing the funny side, so did the Japanese fans.
https://twitter.com/bell_ndoool/status/1858858917159477607One replied: “Stupidly funny.”
Another remarked: “This made me laugh so hard!”
And a third said: “Be careful on your way back to Glasgow.”
Celtic fans also spotted the video and shared their thoughts.
One laughed: “The most Daizen thing ever!”
A second joked: “Meant it bro, don’t let them say otherwise.”
And finally, this fan said: “Brilliant wee man, never change and never leave.”
Meanwhile, Scotland‘s pot for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been confirmed.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
I’m A Celeb fans in tears at Dean McCullough’s wildly wrong answer to football question during Bushtucker trial
I’M A CELEB fans were left in hysterics after Dean McCullough embarrassingly got a football question wrong during a bushtucker trial.
The latest episode of the hit ITV show featured McCullough’s facing the Sinister Sarcophagus trial to win luxury meals for himself and his campmates.
Dean McCullough was asked by to name the famous Egyptian footballer who plays for Liverpool[/caption] The Radio DJ hilariously said Jose Mourinho instead of Kop star Mohamed Salah[/caption]In order to earn the meals, the Radio One DJ had to answer questions about Egypt while locked in a Sarcophagus – all while it slowly filled up with insects.
In order to earn the meals, the Radio One DJ had to answer questions about Egypt while locked in a Sarcophagus – all while it slowly filled up with insects.
But he couldn’t hack the challenge and shouting, “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!” to end it.
Presenters Ant & Dec proceeded to ask the 32-year-old some of the questions he would have faced had he not quit.
And one of the questions was an absolute doozy.
They asked him: “Name the footballer who is originally from Egypt and plays for Liverpool?”
And McCullough showed he’s not a football fan by answering “Jose Mourinho” instead of Mohamed Salah.
Footie fans watching the show had a field day and took to social media to have a chuckle at his response.
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Five Mo Salah strops at Liverpool
Five times things have got heated during Mo Salah's Liverpool career.
West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024
Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.
Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024
Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.
Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023
Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.
Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020
Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.
Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019
Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.
One wrote on X: “Ah yes the famous Egyptian Liverpool player Jose Mourinho.”
Another said: “‘Egyptian footballer plays for Liverpool….Jose Mourinho.’
“Send him home just for that.”
One chimed in with a photo of Salah celebrating and said: “I am Jose Mourinho.”
Another posted a photoshopped version of Salah celebrating with Mourinho’s face superimposed on his.
Salah has had a stellar season for Premier League table toppers Liverpool, scoring ten goals and bagging ten assists in all competitions.
The Egypt international and his Reds team-mates will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to St Mary’s to take on Southampton.
Energy giant is giving thousands of customers FREE energy on Christmas Day
A LEADING energy giant serving over 5.8 million customers is offering thousands of households free electricity on Christmas Day.
EDF Energy customers who sign up for the supplier’s Sunday Saver Challenge will get eight hours of free power on December 25.
If you haven’t already enrolled in EDF’s Sunday Saver scheme, you’ll need to do so by December 1 to take part[/caption]The scheme rewards customers with free electricity on Sundays when they shift their usage to off-peak times during the working week.
However, this Christmas Day, EDF will be offering participating customers free hours of electricity regardless of whether they have adjusted their energy usage the week before.
If you haven’t already enrolled in EDF’s Sunday Saver scheme, you’ll need to do so by December 1 to take advantage of the free hours.
You can do this by visiting edfenergy.com/energy-efficiency/sunday-saver-challenge.
To participate, customers must have a smart meter that gives them half-hourly reads.
To get your meter on this setting, customers need to go to the “About Me” section in their EDF MyAccount by visiting edfenergy.com/myaccount/login.
Then, users must click on smart meter preferences and select half-hourly.
Rich Hughes, director of retail at EDF, said: “We know the festive period can be a time of increased costs for us all, so we’re thrilled to give back to our customers and hopefully make electricity costs one less thing to worry about when it comes to Christmas Day.
“With Sunday Saver, EDF is helping families across the country enjoy their favourite festive past-times for free, and not just on the Sundays in December – on Christmas Day too.”
If you still wish to get free electricity hours on Sundays, you’ll still need to reduce your usage during “peak hours”, which tend to be between 4pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday.
In return, you’ll get free electricity when demand for the energy grid tends to be lower.
The more electricity customers shift to off-peak times, the more free electricity they can earn.
EDF said that if you reduced your energy usage during peak times by 10%, you would earn four hours of free electricity, while a 20% reduction would earn eight hours.
Customers who manage to cut back their usage by 40% during the week can earn up to 16 hours of free electricity to use on a Sunday.
Customers will be notified by WhatsApp or SMS to let them know if they have earned free electricity.
You can find out more about the scheme by visiting edfenergy.com/energy-efficiency/sunday-saver-challenge.
What do other energy suppliers offer?
A number of other energy suppliers reward customers with discounts or credit when they change the way they use their gas and electricity usage.
These schemes, offered by the likes of British Gas, Octopus and Ovo Energy, can help customers save money this winter.
Here’s everything you need to know.
British Gas
British Gas‘ Peak Save Sundays scheme offers millions of customers half-price electricity for using their energy during certain hours.
It offers qualifying customers half-price electricity between 11am and 4pm every Sunday.
The energy firm said over 650,000 customers had already signed up for the scheme, saving a combined £13million.
You can sign up to the scheme by visiting britishgas.co.uk/energy/peak-save.html.
The supplier will then contact you if your application is successful.
After that, your savings will appear as “PeakSave Credit” on your next energy bill or online statement.
Be aware that you can only sign up for the scheme if you have a smart credit or prepayment meter that can send half-hourly meter readings.
If you don’t have a smart meter, don’t worry, British Gas will install one for free in your home.
Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy customers who are signed up for the “Octoplus” can take part in free electricity sessions when wholesale prices fall below zero.
The sessions last an hour, and customers can use electricity for free and receive credits for using more than they typically would.
All customers with a smart meter, including smart prepay meters, receive an alert the day before each session.
When the session begins, they can ramp up their electricity usage – whether it’s charging gadgets, running a laundry marathon, or any other household activity.
Any extra electricity consumed beyond their normal usage will be credited back to their account.
Find out more by visiting octopus.energy/free-electricity/.
Ovo Energy
Ovo Energy also offers a scheme which rewards customers for reducing their energy consumption during peak times.
Power Move offers customers up to £10 a month if they use 8.50% or less of their home’s total electricity between 6-9pm, Monday to Friday.
For example, by using the dishwasher in the morning or waiting until after 9pm in the evening to catch up on TV.
You can sign up by visiting ovoenergy.com/power-move.
What energy bill help is available?
There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Neymar’s amazing property collection includes £43m penthouse in Dubai, £21m plot in Miami and £7m island in Brazil
NEYMAR has built an incredible wealth from playing football.
The Brazilian legend, 32, has amassed a £270million fortune, after a stellar career that he’s seem him play for esteemed clubs, including Barcelona and PSG.
Pristine marble floors can be found at Neymar’s Riyadh property[/caption]Currently, the forward stars in Saudi for Al Hilal, where he is reportedly on £2.5million-per-week.
He’s put up in a mansion in Riyadh, where he lives an exclusive lifestyle, although those details are private.
Over the years, Neymar has amassed an incredible property portfolio.
This includes mansions in Miami, Dubai, and an Island in Brazil.
Take a tour of Neymar’s amazing homes below, starting with his newest addition.
Dubai, £43million
Neymar’s most expensive purchase yet, he has just bought a £43million penthouse in the Bugatti skyscraper in Dubai.
Naturally, there’s a private swimming pool with sweeping views of downtown.
And there’s also no need to step out of your vehicle to rise to your own mansion – thanks to personal elevators that transport your motors to your front door.
Developer Binghatti say the setting “pays homage to the French Riviera”.
They also boast: “Floor-to-ceiling windows flood each residence with natural light supported by high ceiling and open-plan living spaces, creating an airy and spacious atmosphere.”
A fitness centre and members-only club are included too.
Developers say the site is inspired by the French Riviera[/caption] Neymar’s new purchase looks unique, even in money-laden Dubai[/caption] Neymar has spent big, despite doubts over his Middle East future[/caption] Opulence and innovation are in abundance at the exclusive residence[/caption] The distinctive property includes personal elevators to ‘transport vehicles’[/caption]Brazilian Island, £7m
No man is an island, but Neymar owns one now.
It has been reported that he spent £7million on a six-acre tropical hideaway called the Japao Private Island.
The paradise spot is located off the port town of Angra dos Reis in southwest Rio de Janeiro state.
It is situated in a bay that is home to more than 365 islands, and boasts its own incredible beach.
While its grounds feature a main Indonesian-style villa with two master suites and a koi fish pond and three sea-view bungalows.
Brazilian journalist Leo Dias reported that the footballer and well-known Dubai property investor Sheik Muhammad Binghatti paid more than £40,000 to rent the island in a “test drive” operation.
Celebs who have stayed on the island in the past have included Neymar’s ex Bruna Marquezine.
The luxury hideaway, which can accommodate up to 10 guests, can only be reached by boat or helicopter.
The chopper ride from Rio de Janeiro’s International Airport takes around 35 minutes.
read more sport features
Miami, £20million
Back in October, Neymar parted with a hefty sum of £20million for a beachfront plot in Miami.
Immediately, this fuelled speculation of a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who play their football with Inter Miami.
Found in the gated village of Bal Harbour, the offer includes approved plans for a 13,000-square-foot house designed by the London-based design firm Elicyon.
According to property records, Bent Philipson, founder of Philosophy Care, a consulting firm for skilled-nursing facilities in New York and New Jersey is selling the land to the Brazilian.
However, it could take some time before a home is built.
Mangaratiba, £3million
Neymar splashed the cash on a villa in Mangaratiba – situated an hour’s drive east of Angra dos Reis in the Green Coast – in around 2019.
Built on a two-and-a-half acre plot, the property rests in the exclusive and gated estate called Portobello and was where Sylvester Stallone filmed action movie, The Expendables.
Boasting six bedrooms, the lavish digs has its own helipad, gym, tennis court and jetty.
There’s also plenty of other amenities – like a gym, sauna, massage room, spa and jacuzzi.
If that’s not enough. there’s an underground cellar with space for 3,000 bottles of wine.
But it wasn’t enough for a man of Neymar’s needs, so he recently extended the property.
The football playboy added multiple swimming pools – because one is never enough.
Neymar’s Mangaratiba property is where he likes to spend his downtime with pals[/caption]He also added a custom-built go-kart track for kicks, as well as an artificial lake.
Neymar is said to spend much of his free time at the property in Rio de Janeiro with family and friends.
Judging by the pictures, who can blame him?
PlayStation Portal users will soon be able to play on the go with no PS5 required
PLAYSTATION Portal is Sony’s latest take on a handheld console, but it doesn’t work like a Nintendo Switch or PS Vita.
Rather than storing or playing games off the console itself, players stream them from their PS5.
The PS Portal is more of a PS5 accessory than a handheld console[/caption] Because it usually needs to be connected to a PS5 in order to play[/caption] But the latest changes make it feel closer to the PS Vita[/caption]This means that the PS Portal is more like an accessory than a handheld console in its own right.
However, that will be changing soon, as PlayStation is adding new software that will allow Portal players to access games without a PS5.
The new cloud streaming beta is available now (Wednesday, November 20, 2024) for players in Europe, but it’s expected to expand soon to other regions.
Portal’s latest upgrade will allow players to stream games from the cloud, rather than from a console.
Those who want to try out the new tech will need a PS Plus account so they can stream games available on the service.
The other downside is that you will require a stable internet connection in order to play, but you’ll still be able to play outside of your house with fewer steps to set it up.
This means that you still won’t be able to stream games you own without a PS5, but the new software does open up more opportunities for gamers.
PlayStation hasn’t clarified if there will be changes to setting up a PS Portal, which currently requires a PS5 for the initial setup.
However, it is possible to set it up with a friend’s or family member’s PS5 and then use it to exclusively to stream games from the cloud.
This is the next step for Sony in creating a new portable PlayStation console, but we’re not there just yet.
PS, Vita, I Love You
People have been asking for a PS Vita successor for years, but with the launch of the PS Portal, it seemed that PlayStation was leaving the handheld market.
However, the launch of the PS Portal proved hugely successful for PlayStation, which could have led it to reconsider its position.
With the popularity of the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch and the Portal, gamers have shown they are as hungry for handheld gaming as ever.
Cloud streaming is a nice compromise, but we’d love to be able to play the games we own portably without the need to connect to the internet.
If you want to read more about cloud gaming, check out the games that joined PS Plus in November.
All the latest PS5 reviews from The Sun
Get the lowdown on more of the latest PS5 releases from our expert reviewers.
- Stellar Blade
- Eiyuden Chronicle
- Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide
- Berserk Boy
- South Park: Snow Day
- Alone in the Dark
- Expeditions: A MudRunner Game
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Skull and Bones
- Helldivers 2
For Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch, check out our full game reviews section.
Moment breast cancer charity fundraiser says ‘I hope you get it’ after homeowner refuses
A WOMAN was left stunned when a charity fundraiser told her he ‘wished she got breast cancer’ after she declined to sign up for monthly donations.
The male Breast Cancer Now worker was hears saying: “I hope you get it” – in reference to the disease – on her Ring doorbell after she’d closed the door.
She chased the man down the street and confronted him but she said he “showed no remorse” and denied saying it.
The woman, whose grandmother died from breast cancer, said: “I thought it was my son coming home from school so opened it in a rush with the oven beeping at me.
“Saw it wasn’t him and politely said ‘I’m not interested thank you’ and closed the door.
“I thought I heard him say something when he left, so checked my Ring camera. He did say something – I hope you get it.”
The woman, who wishes to be anonymous, said the man came to her house in Leyland, Lancs., asking for donations on November 6.
But when she politely said she wasn’t interested and closed the door, her Ring Doorbell captured the man say she “hopes she gets the disease.”
She said: “He had the nerve to deny it and showed no remorse and said I was the one who was rude for closing the door in his face.
“Firstly, I didn’t. I quickly said ‘no thank you’ and I have to pull the door with force so it clicks shut.
“Secondly, how can anyone who works for a breast cancer charity wish breast cancer on you because they deemed you rude?”
The woman said she does not want Breast Cancer Now, to be tarnished by the man’s conduct.
She posted the incident on Facebook to make the charity aware of his behaviour and prevent him from causing any further upset to those affected by the disease.
A Breast Cancer Now spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of everyone engaged with by our fundraisers is our top priority, and we take any complaints made extremely seriously.
“The details of this incident fall well below the high standards we expect from our third-party fundraisers, and we would like to offer our sincere apologies to the woman for any distress and upset caused.
“We have worked closely with Appco UK to thoroughly investigate the details of this incident and ensure that the appropriate action was swiftly taken.
“We will continue to work with our agency partners to ensure that fundraisers working on our behalf adhere to the fundraising code of conduct at all times.”
New Marks & Spencers store opens in ‘biggest’ Irish train station 3 years after Heuston outlet closed
A NEW Marks & Spencers store has just opened in the “biggest” train station on the island of Ireland.
The British retailer is now trading at Belfast Grand Central Station – just three years after the popular branch at Dublin’s Heuston Station closed.
Marks & Spencers opened its doors at Belfast’s Grand Central Station[/caption] Percy Pig was on hand to celebrate the opening[/caption]This new M&S Food store is operated by SSP Group, a leader in food and beverage outlets in plenty of travel locations across Britain.
M&S has had a long-standing partnership with SSP Group in the UK, offering commuters and travellers with high-quality, convenient food options on the go.
The store is located at the heart of one of Belfast’s most anticipated infrastructure projects, Grand Central Station, offering easy access for tourists and commuters in the city.
The new €405,843,108 station is the largest transport hub on the island of Ireland, providing eight railway platforms and 26 bus stands.
Translink, which Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company owns, described it as a “game-changer” due to its capacity to cater for 20million passenger journeys a year.
The original transport hub situated on Grosvenor Road has now closed.
Commuters can now enjoy a range of M&S favourites, including a bakery stocked with freshly baked pastries.
The popular ‘Food to Go’ section also offers sandwiches, salads, and locally sourced options from Newry-based supplier Around Noon.
There are also lots of meal choices, like Collection Wood Fired pizzas and ready meals, alongside M&S’s beloved treats, including Percy Pigs.
M&S Country Director in Ireland & Northern Ireland Eddie Murphy said he is excited about the partnership with SSP Group and the opening of the store.
He said: “We’re thrilled to partner with SSP Group once again and open the first M&S Food store in a major Northern Ireland travel hub.
“Grand Central Station is a key part of Belfast’s infrastructure and unlocking the city’s future potential, and we’re proud to bring our quality and freshness to customers on the go.
“Whether commuters are grabbing a quick bite or picking up dinner for tonight, the store offers a fantastic range, including sandwiches from our local supplier Around Noon.
“This not only highlights our commitment to support local producers, but also ensures fresh, great quality options for our customers.”
SSP Group currently operates 54 M&S Food stores across Northern Ireland and Britain.
CEO of SSP UK & Ireland Kari Daniels said that M&S’s premium food selection combined with SSP’s travel expertise will make the new store a popular stop.
‘Welcoming stop for passengers’
He said: “We have a long-standing relationship with M&S Food and are excited to open our first store together in Northern Ireland.
“I’m confident that the powerful combination of M&S’s premium food range and our travel retail expertise will make this store a convenient and welcome stop for passengers at Belfast Grand Central Station.”
Translink’s Chief Executive Chris Conway also said the station is the perfect place for the new store, giving people a space where they can meet, connect, and engage with one another.
The store is part of larger infrastructure projects taking place at the station[/caption]FPT Announced a Partner Ecosystem with Global Tech Giants, Promoting AI Factory Development and Operations in Vietnam and Japan
Business Wire IndiaGlobal leading IT firm FPT has announced a partner ecosystem of global pioneer technology organizations, including NVIDIA, SCSK, ASUS, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, VAST Data, and DDN Storage. This cooperative endeavor is to expedite...
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