Coleen Rooney plays supportive wife as husband Wayne scores Man Utd's only goal as they lose to Barca

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Making a day of it: Coleen Rooney and cousin-in-law Claire (far right) look excited in the stands at Wembley Stadium before kick-off


She'd travelled all the way from Liverpool to London to watch Barcelona beat Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final.

But things weren't so bad for Coleen Rooney as she watched her husband Wayne score the only goal at Wembley Stadium last night.

The WAG, 25, left her son Kai in the care of her parents as she turned the football match in a girls' day out with some of her closest friends.


Taking her seat: Coleen scans the field for a glimpse of her husband as the game is about to kick off


Mrs Rooney, her husband's cousin Claire Rooney and their pal Amy Louise Wilkinson travelled on a Virgin First Class train from Liverpool to Euston to the big game.

Clearly in good spirits ahead of the game, the trio quaffed a bottle of Veuce Cliquot champagne.


Check out the view: Wayne's cousin Claire (right) posted a photo on her Twitter of her and Coleen at the match


And the mother-of-one looked very chic for the terraces in her white blazer, black shirt and jeans after changing out of her train outfit in her hotel.

Despite Barcelona winning 3-1, Coleen proved a diplomatic supporter of her husband's team.


Girls day out: Coleen leads her friends Amy Louise Wilkinson (right) and Claire Rooney (left) through Euston station


She Tweeted: 'Oh no!!! Well done Wayne Rooney!! And congrats Barca, you play brilliant!!! Entertaining match and just great to be here and witness!'

Throughout the 90 minutes and during her journey on the train, Coleen frequently updated her Twitter followers with her thoughts.

At the beginning of the match, she Tweeted: 'Yeh it's brill but never thought I get nervous over a game of footie ha.'


Nervous: Mrs Rooney - wheeling her designer Louis Vuitton luggage behind her - admitted she was nervous ahead of the game


But it wasn't all fun and games - she ended up in a Twitter argument after a follower joked 'is Wayne playing tonight?'.

Coleen wrote: 'Take it you haven't paid your tv licence again!!! beenbuyingpies...
'Who ate all the pies?'


They think it's all over... it is now: Wayne Giggs comforts teammate Wayne Rooney after the final whistle

source :dailymail

Barcelona 3 Manchester United 1: Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa crown Barca kings of Europe

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER


Joining the greats: Victor Valdes, Xavi and Eric Abidal toast another memorable night for the kings of Europe


For the second time in three years, brilliant Barcelona denied Manchester United Champions League glory with a sensational performance at Wembley.

Although United could take some small consolation from the knowledge they were more effective than that 2009 letdown in Rome and even managed to level Pedro's first-half strike through Wayne Rooney, once again the better team won.

On the ground where the Catalans lifted their first European Cup, Lionel Messi also laid his personal ghost to rest, scoring his first goal for Barcelona on English soil, belting home what proved to be the winner nine minutes into the second half.


The untouchables: Wayne rooney looks stunned as Barca celebrate at the final whistle


David Villa curled home an equally splendid third with just over 20 minutes to go to set the seal on Barcelona's fourth Champions League win and end all arguments about their right to be regarded among the truly great teams that have ever played the game.


Sealing the deal: David Villa curls in Barcelona's third goal


It was a gut-wrenching night for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who started it by making one of those brave decisions for which he is so renowned. Not even finding a place on the bench for his record signing and top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov, was a big call.

United could not have made a better start either. Park Ji-sung set the tone, nipping in to whip the ball away from Dani Alves.


The Little Maestro strikes: Lionel Messi surprises the United rearguard, firing Barca 2-1 ahead


Just as Jack Wilshere advised, the white shirts got right in Barcelona's faces, pressing them, allowing no room for them to settle.

Unlike two years ago, Ferguson's team did not create a clear-cut chance.

However, former Red Devil Gerard Pique was very fortunate to get away with a back pass to Victor Valdes, when his goalkeeper was much closer than he realised.

With Javier Hernandez closing in, Valdes scrambled the ball away.


Mixed emotions: As Messi wheels away, United get that sinking feeling


It was the template United needed to follow. To have done it for the entire 90 minutes would have required additional lung capacity. And once Barcelona got into their stride, they were relentless.

For once Ryan Giggs looked every one of those 37 years as Xavi and Andres Iniesta flashed around him, holes appearing everywhere.

Pedro prodded wide at the near post. Villa hit exactly the same point in the advertising hoarding with a 20-yard effort that had Edwin van der Sar scrambling.



Magic moment: Wayne Rooney linked up with Ryan Giggs to restore parity with this magnificent strike


If there was one consolation, other than Nemanja Vidic's colossal performance at the heart of their defence, it was that United had prevented Messi running at them from deep.

Unfortunately, he soon started doing it, his close control near-perfect, as was a Vidic lunge to stop the world's best player as he was about to break clean through.

It was just a matter of time. Another hole for Xavi to chase into. He looked. He looked again. He rolled the ball to Pedro, who beat Van der Sar with ease.


Falling behind: Edwin van der Sar looks ruefully at his net after Pedro (unsighted) gave the Catalans the advantage


Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola sat back, sensing United would not be able to respond. His opposite number urged more from his team, particularly Antonio Valencia.

The Ecuador wide man was not at his best. However, it was Rooney who needed a performance on the biggest stage, having failed so miserably at the World Cup.

And it was Rooney who delivered at the end of a move which saw the Premier League champions carve Barcelona open with their own game.


Disappointing evening: Javier Hernandez failed to shine in the Wembley spotlight


A quick pass from Fabio to Rooney, to Michael Carrick, to Rooney, to Giggs, to Rooney, into the corner from 15 yards. Simple.

Football is never that. Not at this level, and not when Messi is involved.

You had to feel sorry for United. Barcelona were back into their rhythm almost immediately after the break, the concentration required to always be in the right place at the right time phenomenal.


Mutual respect: Sir Alex Ferguson congratulates his victorious opponents


After more stoic defending, Iniesta rolled a pass to the Argentinian, a worthy heir to Diego Maradona.

Offered a couple of yards to dart into, he did exactly that, then beat Van der Sar with a 20-yard shot that required barely any back lift, the veteran Dutchman unable to get down to it.

Vidic was on hand to hack away when Van der Sar spilled Messi's next effort, although, playing in his fifth final, the former Ajax man redeemed himself when he brilliantly turned away a Xavi shot that would have ripped away any hope.


Pulling the strings: United had no answer to the brilliance of Xavi, pictured setting up Pedro's opener


By introducing Nani for Fabio and pushing Valencia to full-back, the United boss was attempting to push Barcelona towards their own goal.

Before the strategy could be applied, Nani committed suicide by gifting the ball to Messi by the touchline.



Food for thought: Rooney and Ryan Giggs contemplate another defeat at the hands of Barcelona


In attempting to atone for his error, the winger made it worse.

Sergio Busquets quickly laid the ball off to Villa, who took one touch before curling a sublime shot into the top corner.

From that hammer blow, there was no way back.


source: dailymail

Barcelona 3 Manchester United 1: Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa crown Barca kings of Europe

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER

Sealing the deal: David Villa curls in Barcelona's third goal


Barcelona have won the Champions League for the third time in six years courtesy of a typically scintillating performance against the Barclays Premier League champions at Wembley.

Goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa rendered Wayne Rooney's equaliser as a mere token, with the Catalan giants enjoying 63 per cent possession at the home of football.

After Pedro opened the scoring in the 27th minute, Rooney netted a quite brilliant strike after dazzling interplay with Ryan Giggs.


The Little Maestro strikes: Lionel Messi surprises the United rearguard, firing Barca 2-1 ahead


With the score level at half-time, once again Messi sparkled and put Barca ahead in the 54th minute. Villa's incredible third made the result certain.

After steering the club to their fourth European Cup in their history, boss Pep Guardiola masterminded his second victory in the competition, denying United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson a third.

MORE TO FOLLOW...


Mixed emotions: As Messi wheels away, United get that sinking feeling


Magic moment: Wayne Rooney linked up with Ryan Giggs to restore parity with this magnificent strike


Falling behind: Edwin van der Sar looks ruefully at his net after Pedro (unsighted) gave the Catalans the advantage


source: dailymail

Floored! The moment female 'sexism row' referee was flattened by football player...

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Full force: Assistant referee Sian Massey feels the power of Cardiff City player Kevin McNaughton's shoulder as she is hurled out of his way


This is the moment that the female linesman at the centre of a sexism row is violently knocked to the ground by a Cardiff City football player.

Defender Kevin McNaughton is seen running to keep the ball in play when he appears to drop his shoulder and steer himself into Sian Massey.

She is hit with such force that her head snaps back and she is flung across the pitch.

Ungentlemanly McNaughton simply gets up and walks away without even checking to see if she is injured, let alone help her up or apologise.


Kevin McNaughton stops the ball from going over the line, just where Sian Massey was standing


Some viewers have demanded that he should say sorry for his actions. However his agent has said he does not need to apologise for anything.

Massey was at the centre of a row over comments made by Andy Gray and Richard Keys who said that women 'don't know the offside rule', ultimately leading to them losing their jobs at Sky Sports.

Video footage from Monday's match between Cardiff City and Middlesbrough shows McNaughton running for the ball to try to keep it in play, but he was blocked by opposing player Rhys Williams.

He manages to stop the ball from going over the line but then continues running at full pelt, and looks like he swerves, hurtling into Miss Massey.


She is flung along the pitch a couple of metres by the force of the 'collision'


She takes the full brute force of his shoulder barge and is sent flying to the ground without an apology or offer of help back to her feet.

Fortunately, Miss Massey takes the event in good humour and is seen smiling as she gets back up off the ground.

The football crowd cheered as she falls to the ground but, keeping her composure and professionalism, she gets back up and even gives a goal kick before having a chuckle with referee Graham Scott.


Massey is flung to the ground but McNaughton runs off without as much as an apology


Some have speculated on YouTube that the actions appear to be deliberate. One user said: 'He changes direction. It's deliberate and disgusting. The fact that he just trots off makes it more obvious.'

Another said: 'He makes the challenge on the Boro player and then deliberately side steps and increases his speed into the path of Sian Massey before using his body weight to barge her over.

'She's lucky not to have any broken bones.'


She sees the funny side of the incident, however, and shares a chuckle with referee Graham Scott


A club spokesman said: 'Kevin didn't do it on purpose - he was trying to get the ball.'

John Viola, McNaughton's agent, said the allegations were 'absolute nonsense'.

He added: 'He is not that type of guy, he is the nicest player you would ever meet in your life so anyone suggesting he did it on purpose is crazy.'

When asked why he didn't stop to help her back to her feet or apologise he said: 'He was concentrating on the game. He is a focused footballer.

'I don't know (if he will be contacting her to apologise), I'm abroad at the moment and I haven't spoken to him about that.'


Knockdown: Cardiff City player Kevin McNaughton has been accused by some fans of running into assistant referee Sian Massey on purpose



The referee was brought to the nation's attention after sexist remarks by Andy Gray, left, and Richard Keys - leading to them losing their jobs at Sky Sports


Cardiff city player knocks over female linesman!!



source: dailymail

Shakira and boyfriend's PDA as they cheer his team to victory

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Affectionate: Shakira and Gerard Pique share a passionate kiss in Barcelona, Spain, today where his Barcelona thrashed Osasuna 2-0


Shakira and her footballer boyfriend share a series of passionate kisses as they watched his team steam to victory today.

The very affectionate couple were spotted putting on a touchy feely show in the stands in Spain, where Gerard Pique's Barcelona teammates thrashed Osasuna 2-0.


Pique was not playing today, but a short bench at Camp Nou Stadium meant he had to sit in the spectator area.


Eyes not quite on the ball: Gerard enjoys being showered with affection by his pop star girlfriend while keeping a tentative eye on the match


Not that he was complaining.

The 24-year-old sportsman could barely wipe the grin off his face as his Columbian girlfriend, 34, showered him with affection.

Just days ago she was seen consoling Pique following Barcelona's defeat against bitter rivals Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey Cup Final.


Happy couple: The Columbian singer only revealed she was dating the sportsman last month


Cheers: Shakira applauds after Barcelona's Lionel Messi's goal against Osasuna


Joy: Barcelona's players celebrate David Villa's goal


But thanks to goals from his teammates Lionel Messi and David Villa, things went much better for Barcelona today for the La Liga match.

Columbian singer Shakira only revealed she was dating the soccer ace last month, but they have proved how close they are on a number of occasions since then.

She confirmed her relationship with Pique last month when she posted a picture of the two of them on her Twitter account with the caption, 'I present to you my sunshine'.

source: dailymail

Don't be sad, you have ME! Shakira comforts footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Look of love: Shakira looked heartbroken as her Barcelona footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique headed to the stands to see her after his defeat against Real Madrid last night


As a professional footballer, there's nothing more crushing than losing a cup final.

And if you play for Barcelona, defeat at the hands of your bitterest rivals Real Madrid only heightens the disappointment.

Luckily, for one player, there was a fine consolation prize waiting in the stands at Madrid.

Gerard Pique, 24 , was the lucky man in question, and his commiseration came at the hands of his stunning girlfriend Shakira, 34, who also just happens to be a pop superstar.


Fit of Pique: Gerard rushes straight to Shakira's arms after his team lost the game in a 1-0 defeat


Pique was dejected after Barcelona were narrowly beaten to the Copa Del Rey, the King's Cup, in last night's game, which was played in Valencia.

It was a tight match, with Christian Ronaldo's extra-time goal being enough to separate the two rivals.

Downcast faces peered over the famous burgundy and blue strip as the result started to sink in, but lucky Pique headed to the stands.

There he climbed through fans and headed straight towards the pop sensation, who looked devastated for her boyfriend.


Comfort: It was some consolation for Pique to have his girlfriend on hand


They shared a look of understanding and sympathy, before Shakira stretched her arms towards her toy-boy.

She the clasped him to her, holding his neck as she stroked his face.
They didn't care who was watching, but the crowd looked on fondly.


Columbian singer Shakira only revealed she was dating the soccer ace last month, but they have proved how close they are on a number of occasions since then.

She confirmed her relationship with Pique last month when she posted a picture of the two of them on her Twitter account with the caption, 'I present to you my sunshine'.


Loser: Pique in action against Madrid's Sami Khedira in the game that Real won in extra time


Real Madrid's goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas celebrates with the trophy after winning the Spanish Cup final against fierce rivals Barcelona

source: dailymail

Megan Fox slips into Daisy Dukes to support husband Brian Austin Green

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Proud wife: Megan Fox was happy to support husband Brian Austin Green at the Long Beach Grand Prix Celebrity Pro Race, today in Long Beach, California


Doting wife Megan Fox was all smiles as she watched husband Brian Austin Green compete in the Long Beach Grand Prix Celebrity Pro Race today in Southern California.

Casually dressed in a green t-shirt and tattered, cut-off shorts, Megan tried to blend in, but stood out the rest of the crowd with her flowing hair, svelte figure and high heeled sandals.

The Jennifer's Body actress smiled at fans and gawkers alike, as she was escorted to her seat in her very short shorts.


Friendly: Megan chatted with other fans as they watched the racing competition unfold
A few minutes later she was spotted chatting with other excited fans, as they watched the competition race into action.


Brian, who recently appeared on several episodes of Desperate Housewives, is an avid racer and last year finished third place competition.

Megan's weekend at the track comes after she received an apology from her Passion Play co-star Mickey Rourke earlier this week.


Ready for the competition: Brian Austin Green, who finished third in the competition last year, has been working to improve his race time


On Tuesday night while at a party, Rourke criticized her talents and their movie together in an interview with New York Magazine's Vulture entertainment blog.

Rourke called the movie 'terrible' and when asked about Megan, Vulture reported that the Oscar nominated actor 'smirked.'

A day later Rourke reached out to the blog to clarify his derisive remarks.

'When I talked to you, I was at a party. It was loud and crowded, I was in a sh**ty mood, ' Rourke said.

He continued, 'I don't know why I said that stupid sh*t... I love Megan. My bad.'


Family Affair: Kevin Jonas, who took part in the competition, was joined by brothers Nick and Frankie Jonas


Megan, who has remained mum about Rourke's embarrassing slip of the tongue, remained upbeat today as she attended the race in Southern California.

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, a three day auto racing competition which started yesterday, features professional race car drivers and draws thousands of fans.

But today, the competition was open to celebrity racers, with a portion of the money raised going towards scholarships to help local high school students pay for college.


Suited up: A roster of celebrities including actors Djimon Hounsou and Brian Austin Green, Rules of Engagement actress Megyn Price


Other celebrities taking part included a mix actors, professional athletes and singers.

Before the competition started, Kevin Jonas was spotted wearing his racing uniform and posing for pictures with brothers Nick and Frankie Jonas.

Blood Diamond actor Djimon Hounsou and Malcom in the Middle star Frankie Muniz also took part in the competition.


And they're off: Thousands of excited fans gathered to watch the races today in Long Beach


Picturesque: The weather in Long Beach this weekend was picture perfect with the temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit


source: dailymail

'I genuinely enjoy getting dressed up and being girly': Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Sexy: Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton looks stunning in tiny leotards and knee-high socks in ES magazine


She's the champion track cyclist whose hoping to achieve stardom when she competes in the London 2010 Olympics.

But sport isn't the only thing on Victoria Pendleton's mind, as she proved when she posed for a sexy new photoshoot for the Evening Standard's ES magazine.

The 30-year-old athlete dons tiny leotards and knee-high socks as she shows off her incredibly toned figure while pulling off some incredibly alluring poses on a bicycle in the new pictures.

And, in the accompanying interview, Pendleton insists she never used to feel pressurised into hiding her femininity, but now is proud to be a girly girl.


Athletic: Victoria admits she is a real girly girl and loves getting dressed up for any occasion


She told the magazine: 'It's a very strong stereotype, women in sport. When I first started racing internationally I would look at the girls and think, "My gosh, do I have to cut my hair off and get really big to show I'm committed?" There were a lot of doubters. People would say, "She's too small, too puny, too girly, why does she straighten her hair? She doesn't take it seriously."

'Well, because I have to sit in my room for hours before I compete, there's nothing else to do. You're not even supposed to move. So I get my eyeliner perfectly straight or do my hair.

'A lot of people assume I fulfill the role of a girly girl because I have to do it in order to be noticed but that's not it. I genuinely enjoy a good dress-up and always have done. I wouldn't want to change that for the world.'


Success: Pendleton is hoping to recreate her success at the London Olympics next year

Now the pressure is on for Victoria to perform well at the London Olympics next year - a prospect that is more than a little daunting for the athlete.

She said: 'It scares me more than it excites me, to be honest; the added pressure of home turf and higher expectations.

'But there are a lot of girly girls in the GB camp now, sitting at the dinner table going, "Ooh, that's a nice nail polish". It's a nice environment, and completely different from when I started.'


source: dailymail