Sam Thompson QUITS Soccer Aid as he pulls out following injury hours after coming face to face with Louis Tomlinson
Sam Thompson has been ruled out of playing in this year's Soccer Aid, escaping an awkward on pitch encounter with Louis Tomlinson.
The former Made in Chelsea star, 32, was due to play in the same England side as One Direction star Louis, 33. who is now dating
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Sam Thompson pulled out of Soccer Aid today
Credit: PA
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He was spotted smiling at Louis Tomlinson during training on Thursday
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Sam completed his Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid Unicef, running and cycling from Stamford Bridge in London to Old Trafford in Manchester
Credit: Splash
But due to injuries sustained during Sam's epic marathon challenge, in which he made the gruelling 260-mile trip from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford via foot and bike.
A source said: 'Sam is gutted he can't play, but the match has just come too soon since his efforts.
'He's still going to be a presence and play a big part in the coverage but he won't be able to compete on the field.'
The source added: 'There is a small blessing in his withdrawal as the focus on him and Louis will disperse.
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'Their every move will be watched so it's a relief in some ways they won't be on the pitch together.'
Sam and Louis were pictured training this week at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Herts, where the England and Rest of the World teams are preparing for the match.
Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury will be managing at England team, assisted by Harry Redknapp, while ex-Mcmavetee United legend Peter Schmeichel will be in charge of the Rest of the World team.
Sam will play a 'ceremonial role' in Sunday's match, kicking off the game before heading into the stands.
Most read in Showbiz
On his absence, England teammate Mo Farah said: 'If Sam's unable to play that's a shame but we're still proud of him for his efforts and what he did for UNICEF.
'He'll still be with us and part of our team on the day.'
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The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Meet the glamorous Soccer Aid WAGs… from Emmerdale star to lads mag legend and boxer's wife who terrifies her husband
IT'S one of the most anticipated - and entertaining - matches in the football calendar. This weekend England takes on the World XI in this year's Soccer Aid for UNICEF. 20 Gary Cahill, Paddy McGuinness and Samantha Quek of England pose for a photo with the trophy following victory in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty 20 TV presenter Zara will be on the sidelines supporting new love Louis Tomlinson Credit: Instagram 20 Louis is on the same team as her ex, Sam Thompson Credit: PA 20 Sam competed a gruelling challenge to raise money for UNICEF ahead of Soccer Aid and has since pulled out of the match with an injury Credit: Splash The annual charity event, which kicks off at 7:30pm on Sunday at Harry Redknapp's England squad is hoping to claim a seventh win against their opponents - coached by And as is customary, both teams will be cheered on from the sidelines by their glamorous other halves. Here we take a look at the line-up of wives and girlfriends. Zara McDermott Former Love Island star Zara is expected to attend the match to support new love Louis Tomlinson. READ MORE FEATURES And she might be relieved to hear there won't be any awkward run-ins with her ex She was first linked to the One Direction singer, 33, in March and they've since been spotted cosying up on dates. The couple recently enjoyed a Most read in Football In March Zara's friends voiced their concerns about Sam, who they claimed was a "loose cannon" who "never wanted to let her go" following their break-up. But Sam - by running and biking 260 miles from Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground to Old Trafford - has also moved on and is reportedly dating another former Love Island stunner, Sam Thompson reveals Soccer Aid appearance is hanging by a thread - and horrifying after-effects of 260 mile bike ride Tianna Chanel Flynn 20 Stunning Tiana will also be on the sideline supporting husband Martin Compston Credit: Alamy 20 The couple have been married since 2016 and share a son Credit: Instagram Stunning American real estate agent Tianna is the wife of Line Of Duty actor She also has several acting credits to her name, having appeared in How to Get Away with Murder and Secret Diary of an American Cheerleader. The couple Martin opened up about meeting his wife at a bar during happy hour, when she was working there as a hostess. He admitted she didn't have a clue who he was, while he was "a right few [drinks] in". "She was kind of forced to put up with me and my pal for several hours," he told the Scottish Daily Express. "It's just amazing that we walked into that bar on that day and I think about it and go, 'If I didn't, then...' You know, she's my wife and we have a kid together now." Martin had a promising football career before he took up acting, having played for Aberdeen as a teenager. Danniella Carraturo 20 Danniella is married to singer Tom Grennan Credit: Instagram/dannipilates 20 They tied the knot last year and keep their personal life quite private Credit: Getty Singer Tom Grennan, 30, will be supported by his wife of a year, Danniella. The brunette beauty, from Ireland, is a Pilates instructor who regularly shows off her stunning physique on Instagram. Danniella and Tom tend to keep their personal life pretty private, but during his tour of Australia he revealed how the couple met. He told the Kyle & Jackie O Show they initially met in a lift before bumping into each other again in a hotel smoking area. But the Little Bit of Love crooner wasn't particularly smooth when it came to making his move. He said: 'I leant in for a kiss, and she was like, 'What the hell are you doing?'' But he clearly upped his game as they tied the knot in Majorca last year. Rachael Bellew 20 Former boxer Tony Bellew met his wife when they were children Credit: Instagram 20 They didn't have a romantic spark until years later when they reconnected Credit: Instagram Former boxer Tony Bellew will be supported by his childhood sweetheart and wife-of-seven-years Rachael. The couple first met when Tony was just nine years old, but their relationship turned romantic when they reconnected while the boxer was working in a nightclub aged 18. They share three sons - Corey, Cobey and Carter. Strong-willed Tony, 42, revealed that she was fed up with him always looking for his next fight - and was furious that he watched boxing during their honeymoon. He recalled: "If I don't stop after this then she is going to divorce me and I have only been married four or five months." Thankfully, he headed his wife's warning and the couple are still happily married. But he did admit before matches that the only person he is scared of is Rachael, joking: 'I'm more frightened of my missus than you. I wouldn't f***ing dare cross her. I wouldn't mess with her." Rachael headed to Australia to support him in I'm A Celeb in 2023 and will be pitch side this weekend. Melanie Vaz Lopez 20 Stunning Melanie has been described by boyfriend Steven Bartlett as his greatest achievement Credit: Instagram 20 Steven flew across the world to win her back after they split Credit: Instagram Dragon's Den star She too is a businesswoman and has built brands in the beauty and wellbeing sectors, as well as being trained in Reiki healing. Stunning Melanie has also published a recipe book of vegan dishes and runs nutrition guide Booty Academy. The couple first got together in 2016 but split after a year because Steven was too focused on work to commit. But he realised his mistake and in 2022 he jetted to Bali to win her back. 'Getting myself into a loving relationship with a wonderful woman has totally been my greatest achievement,' he 'I wasn't sure if that was going to be possible for me, because what I learned about love at a young age was not very good. It was quite toxic.' Janine Viljoen 20 South African rugby legend Bryan Habana often posts tributes to his wife Janine Credit: instagram/bryanhabana_ 20 He refers to Janine as his lioness for keeping their family together Credit: Getty South African rugby star The couple have been married since 2009 - and while he was playing all over the world, she doggedly built up her own fitness business. And 14 years of marriage haven't dulled the Springbok's love for his wife. He posted in May: "To the Lioness of our tribe… The real MVP… The one that makes our house a home… Thank you for being the most incredible mother to our two boys. "For carrying the load when I'm not around.. for always putting us first." Janine is reported to have a degree in Sports Science which has bolstered her reputation in the fitness business. The couple share an 11-year-old son, Timothy Jacob. Kimberly Crew 20 Kimberly has been married to goalie Joe Hart for 10 years Credit: BackGrid 20 Over the years she has been reguarly seen in the stand supporting her husband Credit: Getty Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart will be watched from the sidelines by his wife Kimberly. The couple began dating in 2009 but like to keep their private life out of the spotlight. In 2015 they married in a stunning ceremony in Florence, Italy. In 2014 the couple welcomed their son, Harlow, who they don't share photos of on social media. Joe is sure to be looking for his wife on the sidelines when back on the pitch this weekend. He told The Telegraph back in 2013: "I notice everything. It's weird. I notice the fans, the banners, where my family and friends are sitting. I feel very aware and involved." Sheree Murphy 20 Sheree is famous in her own right as an actress and TV presenter Credit: Getty 20 Sheree met ex Leeds United player Harry Kewell in 2009 in a chance encounter Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Australian footballer Brit Sheree is known for her acting roles in soaps Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, and for presenting Yes Chef! on BBC1. The couple met in 2009 after they ran into each other at Majestyk nightclub in Leeds while Harry was playing for After two years together they had a spontaneous wedding in Las Vegas and have since welcomed four children - son Taylor, 24, and daughters, Ruby, 22, Matilda, 17, and Dolly, 13. But his high profile hasn't made things easy for their marriage, as he has been the target of other women's amorous attentions. 'It's not nice when any girl comes up to your fella and comes on to them, whether they're in the public eye or not,' 'My husband has never been the sort to go out and live it large, so I've always been quite lucky and haven't had that many bad experiences. 'But I've had a few rows with a few girls who have hit on him right in front of me, although that was more back in the day." Gemma Atkinson 20 Gemma Atkinson has been in the spotlight for decades thanks to her acting and presenting work Credit: Instsagram 20 Gemma met Gorka while on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2017 Credit: Instsagram Gorka Marquez, 34, is swapping his dancing shoes for football boots - and his gorgeous fiancée The actress, 40, met the Spaniard while competing on Strictly Come Dancing and the couple started dating in 2018. They share two children - Mia, five, and one-year-old Thiago - and have been engaged since 2021. Gemma is known for her work in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, and was a lad's mag favourite in the early 2000s. The couple are waiting to tie the knot until their children are older and can be fully present. Gemma said: 'We'd like Thiago to be involved now so we're going to have to wait another year or so. 'When we first got engaged we said we'll get Mia walking down the aisle and then Thiago came along… and there's no time!'
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Soccer Aid 2025 announce late call-up for Brazil legend, 53, just hours before kick-off
BRAZIL legend Rivaldo has been announced as a stunning late addition to the Soccer Aid 2025 lineup. The 53-year-old legend, who last graced the pitch professionally back in 2015, is making a sensational return for the charity event. 2 Rivaldo has been announced as a late call-up for Soccer Aid 2025 2 Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney will also be involved Wearing the blue and black kit of the Rest of the World team, Rivaldo's return is one that adds to the growing importance of the game. Fans are already buzzing with excitement at the thought of seeing the Ballon d'Or winner back on the field. Brazilian Rivaldo, whose dazzling footwork and lethal finishing made him one of the greatest players of his generation, has kept a relatively low profile in the football world since his retirement. But now it seems the urge to play again - especially for a cause like Soccer Aid — has proved too strong to resist. READ MORE NEWS One fan on X said: "I swear, if a similar announcement of Totti appears on here, last minute, I will lose my head. You've been warned." Then another one read simply: "This is so cool as a real legend will be playing. The stage is set for a thrilling evening, as Rivaldo prepares to line up alongside global superstars like Usain Bolt, David Beckham, and Michael Owen. With all eyes on the legendary striker, Soccer Aid 2025 is set to be one for the history books. Most read in Football England ended their SIX-YEAR wait for a win at Soccer Aid 2024 at Stamford Bridge which raised £15million. Let's just hope that Rivaldo's fitness holds up and he can help raise more the charity game. But the big question is, can he still deliver that signature Brazilian flair? World XI team and coaching staff Here is a look at the full team for the World XI for Soccer Aid 2025... Team: Tony Bellew (Former boxer) Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer) Tobi Brown (YouTube star) Martin Compston (Actor) Richard Gadd (Actor) Bryan Habana (Former rugby star) Dermot Kennedy (Musician) Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer) Gorka Marquez (Dancer) Nadia Nadim (Footballer) Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star) Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer) Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer) Harry Kewell (Former footballer) Big Zuu (YouTube star) Noah Beck (Actor) Carlos Tevez (Former footballer) Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler) Robbie Keane (Former footballer) John O'Shea (Former footballer) Maisie Adam (Comedian) David Trezeguet (Former footballer) Nicky Byrne (Singer) Kheira Hamraoui (Former footballer) Asim Chaudhry (Comedian) Manager: Peter Schmeichel (Former footballer)
The 42
3 hours ago
- The 42
'Roy flipped… That image epitomises Uri. He was a black belt in kickboxing'
AS THE tributes poured in for ex-referee Uriah Rennie following news of his death at the age of 65 last week, one memorable image did the rounds. The Premier League's pioneering first black referee, who officiated over 300 fixtures between 1997 and 2008, proved a key figure during a match between Man United and Sunderland. 31 August 2002 was the date. The Saipan controversy and Roy Keane's abrupt World Cup exit were still fresh in people's minds. Ex-Ireland teammate Jason McAteer had been winding Keane up during the game. Less than 12 months earlier, the pair had been arm in arm following McAteer's famous winner against the Netherlands in a crucial World Cup qualifier. But the Red Devils captain and McAteer, a Mick McCarthy sympathiser, were no longer on good terms. The pair initially clashed while challenging for the ball. Keane won possession off the Black Cats midfielder, who proceeded to foul Keane. The incensed Man United star went for his opponent. Rennie stepped in, doing what not many referees of that era would have had the bravery to do and physically blocked one of English football's fiercest competitors from his attempts at retaliation. The two players continued mouthing off, and McAteer made a clear book-writing gesture about Keane's much-discussed new autobiography, which had been published the previous day. The Irish midfielder avoided a red card in that instance, but he was still dismissed minutes later for an off-the-ball elbow on McAteer. 'That's a very famous image,' says Ashley Hickson-Lovence, who wrote the 2022 novel 'Your Show,' based on Rennie's life. 'Jason McAteer made a comment about [Roy's] book, and Roy flipped. 'And, you know, that image epitomises Uri. He was a black belt in kickboxing, and he knew martial arts. He wasn't really meant to do that. You're not taught to do that. So that was him doing whatever needed doing to keep the game under control. I don't think the FA were a huge fan. I think there were a few comments that the FA made afterwards, saying that wasn't the best thing to do, or they don't encourage other referees to do that. 'Actually, it was funny because Roy Keane didn't get sent off in that moment. He did get sent off in the game, but he managed to stop Roy Keane attacking Jason McAteer at that point. So that would have been a warning of sorts, to Roy, to behave himself. 'Uri was such a character, and someone who sometimes didn't do things by the book, to do the best that he could as a role of a referee, which is obviously really tough.' While writing 'Your Show,' Hickson-Lovence got to know Rennie, 'a hero' to the young author, who credits the trailblazer for his subsequent stint as an amateur referee. Advertisement The book had started life as the student's PhD at the University of East Anglia. The then-English teacher gained access to Rennie's email address through a friend of a friend, and the ex-referee was initially reluctant about cooperating with the project. Hickson-Lovence needed to 'really sell myself' before Rennie agreed to meet him at the Ponds Forge leisure centre in Sheffield. 'I had to give him a screenshot of my profile as a teacher from the school website and that sort of thing,' he recalls. The pair met up 'four or five times,' and these conversations would help inform the writing of 'Your Show' — a novel that was also a biography of sorts. 'The more we got talking, the more he sort of loosened up, and we warmed to each other, and I listened back to our conversation after his passing, and just listened back to our interviews, and there was a lot of laughter, and that was lovely to hear.' Despite multiple old reports simply describing Rennie as 'English,' Hickson-Lovence discovered he had been born in Jamaica. 'To make that rise from Jamaica to a very rough estate in Sheffield in the '70s, refereeing in the lower leagues, in the semi-professional game in the '80s, in Yorkshire, would have been incredibly tough. And that's something I don't know, because he didn't really talk about it with me, to be honest. And then, to make it to the Premier League in 1997 with increased cameras, scrutiny, Sky Sports, all that sort of thing, it's one hell of an achievement. 'He arrived in Sheffield in 1972, and he qualified as a referee in 1979, and I do think it was a difficult time. 'He lived in a relatively small, modest house with a lot of brothers and sisters. So, especially when he was a young man, sport was his escape. 'I think [his story is] film-worthy, if I do say so myself.' The pair became increasingly close, and as the novel was getting ready for publication, Rennie commended Hickson-Lovence on 'a very good read'. Completing the project was a major coup. Rennie rarely accepted interviews following his retirement. Hickson-Lovence suspects part of this mistrust was due to some of the unkind journalism written about the former referee in his heyday. 'Even when the book was released, I had requests from The Guardian, The Observer and lots of other publications who wanted to do interviews and things about the book together, and he didn't want to do that. And I accepted and respected that decision. 'I would message him to say: 'By the way, so and so wants to do something, I think they're quite trusted,' or whatever. And he would just say: 'Not for me.' Sort of a polite decline.' He continues: 'I think [doing interviews] had to be for a good reason. I suppose he didn't want it to have a sort of journalistic slant or angle. I imagine he wanted it to be a book that had longevity, or would inspire others of colour or marginalised groups to get involved in football and refereeing, particularly. 'But that being said, he didn't really get involved, apart from the interviews. He let me do what I wanted to do.' Rennie refereed over 300 professional games. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Hickson-Lovence and Rennie stayed in touch following the project's conclusion and would regularly message one another. They spoke on the phone for a couple of hours about Rennie's pride following his appointment as the Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University and the 'open-door policy' he planned to have. He was only installed in the position last month. 'He wanted to really break down the barriers in terms of what a university is and what a university should be, and how that relationship would work with the wider Sheffield community.' Rennie, who was also a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996, earlier this year expressed his sympathy after Hickson-Lovence's father passed away. Uri's recent message to me after my dad died. A kind man with a big heart. RIP Uriah Rennie ❤️ — Ashley Hickson-Lovence (@AHicksonLovence) June 9, 2025 During their conversations, it was sometimes notable what was left unsaid. Last April, Rennie told the BBC about how doctors found a nodule on his spine caused by a rare, inoperable neurological condition. The man once described as the Premier League's fittest referee had to learn to walk again. Hickson-Lovence recalls how Rennie didn't mention his illness during their lengthy interactions, and it was only later that he found out the iconic figure had been ill. 'He was quite a private man. And I think he just didn't want to make it all about him, so to speak. 'He was a very selfless man. And all of my interactions with him, it was striking to me how much he cared about other people and the community and putting others first. 'I just think he saw his role as helping others, community and humanity first. And everything he did had to have the right purpose, and if it wasn't going to help anybody, or if it wasn't going to have a lasting impact, or it wasn't going to inspire, then he just wouldn't do it. I'm not just talking about the book. I'm talking about anything he does, because he's a patron of several charities. He goes into schools, he goes into care homes, he's done walking marathons and half marathons. He's done all sorts to raise money for charities. Charities became his thing, and community became his thing. 'It's weird, because I think of Uriah Rennie's legacy now more as a human than actually a referee, having met him and done the research, it feels like he just had such a bigger impact. He had a huge impact on the pitch, but his impact in Sheffield and South Yorkshire cannot be understated, really. 'He knew everybody. And if it was a charity [making a request], he wouldn't say no.' In December 2023, Sam Allison became the Premier League's second-ever black referee, 15 years after Rennie's retirement. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Despite his remarkable achievements, Hickson-Lovence believes Rennie remains a somewhat underappreciated footballing figure. 'I do think the Premier League should have done more to use Uri's legacy to get more officials of colour up through the system. It's not good enough that it was 15 years since his retirement that we had Sam Allison [the Premier League's second black referee], and I still don't think [it's acceptable], considering how culturally diverse the top level game is in the UK, that we don't have more officials of colour, and managers and coaches as well.'
