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Coventry condemn racist abuse of Fankaty Dabo as they release him just days after play-off penalty shootout miss

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COVENTRY have condemned racist abuse aimed at Fankaty Dabo following his play-off penalty miss.That’s after confirming the defender’s exit when his contract expires this summer.
Coventry have slammed racist abuse aimed at Fankaty Dabo after his play-off penalty missCredit: Rex
Coventry have also confirmed Dabo will leave when his contract expires this summerCredit: Rex
Dabo, 27, missed Coventry’s sixth penalty in their dramatic shootout defeat to Luton at Wembley, leaving them stranded in the Championship for another season.
The former Chelsea academy star was devastated as he blazed his effort over the crossbar.
And Coventry have now hit out at sick trolls who sent disgusting racist abuse to Dabo in the wake of his miss, vowing to give the fan favourite their full support despite his impending exit.
A statement read: “Coventry City is sickened and saddened following the racist messages sent to Fankaty Dabo on social media following Saturday’s Play-Off final.
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“The messages sent by some individuals to Fanktay are abhorrent. We are clear that there is no place for racism in our society and that the Club and our partners will provide all of the support to Fanky that he needs.
“The Club will work with the PFA, EFL and the Police regarding this matter, and will seek to ban and prosecute any person found to have sent racist messages.
“Many Sky Blues supporters sent supportive messages to Fanky following the game and we thank them for doing so.”
Owner and Executive Chairman Doug King added: “The messages sent to Fankaty were disgusting and there is no place for any person who sent such vile abuse at any of our games, and social media is not a hiding place to make these comments.
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“The Club and our partners will support Fankaty, and we will not hesitate in taking action against those people found to have done this.
“Coventry is a tolerant and multi-cultural city that we are proud to represent, and there is no place for any form of racism or discrimination in person or on social media.”
Meanwhile, Coventry also confirmed that Dabo is one of seven first-teamers who will leave this summer when their contracts expire.
Julien Dacosta, Todd Kane, Sean Maguire, Michael Rose, Martyn Waghorn and Tyler Walker are also leaving.
Loanees Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Luke McNally are also going.
But captain Liam Kelly has been offered a new one-year contract to prevent his departure on a free transfer. More

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    in Soccer

    Coventry condemn racist abuse of Fankaty Dabo as they release him just days after play-off penalty shootout miss

    COVENTRY have condemned racist abuse aimed at Fankaty Dabo following his play-off penalty miss.That’s after confirming the defender’s exit when his contract expires this summer.
    Coventry have slammed racist abuse aimed at Fankaty Dabo after his play-off penalty missCredit: Rex
    Coventry have also confirmed Dabo will leave when his contract expires this summerCredit: Rex
    Dabo, 27, missed Coventry’s sixth penalty in their dramatic shootout defeat to Luton at Wembley, leaving them stranded in the Championship for another season.
    The former Chelsea academy star was devastated as he blazed his effort over the crossbar.
    And Coventry have now hit out at sick trolls who sent disgusting racist abuse to Dabo in the wake of his miss, vowing to give the fan favourite their full support despite his impending exit.
    A statement read: “Coventry City is sickened and saddened following the racist messages sent to Fankaty Dabo on social media following Saturday’s Play-Off final.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “The messages sent by some individuals to Fanktay are abhorrent. We are clear that there is no place for racism in our society and that the Club and our partners will provide all of the support to Fanky that he needs.
    “The Club will work with the PFA, EFL and the Police regarding this matter, and will seek to ban and prosecute any person found to have sent racist messages.
    “Many Sky Blues supporters sent supportive messages to Fanky following the game and we thank them for doing so.”
    Owner and Executive Chairman Doug King added: “The messages sent to Fankaty were disgusting and there is no place for any person who sent such vile abuse at any of our games, and social media is not a hiding place to make these comments.
    Most read in Championship
    “The Club and our partners will support Fankaty, and we will not hesitate in taking action against those people found to have done this.
    “Coventry is a tolerant and multi-cultural city that we are proud to represent, and there is no place for any form of racism or discrimination in person or on social media.”
    Meanwhile, Coventry also confirmed that Dabo is one of seven first-teamers who will leave this summer when their contracts expire.
    Julien Dacosta, Todd Kane, Sean Maguire, Michael Rose, Martyn Waghorn and Tyler Walker are also leaving.
    Loanees Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Luke McNally are also going.
    But captain Liam Kelly has been offered a new one-year contract to prevent his departure on a free transfer. More

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    Lewis Hamilton fans slam ‘shameless’ F1 star George Russell for his cheeky request to Mercedes team-mate

    F1 FANS have slammed George Russell after his “shameless” request to Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton during the race.The 25-year-old Brit requested that he could pass team-mate Lewis Hamilton after he incurred a five-second penalty for a dangerous re-entry.
    Lewis Hamilton and George Russell during pre-season testing.Credit: Rex
    Russell got into trouble after rainfall from lap 51 onwards caused chaos for a number of drivers.
    The Brit had been on course for a podium finish but saw himself drop down the positions to fifth after running off track at the Mirabeau corner.
    He then compounded his mistake when Red Bull’s Sergio Perez struck his Mercedes’ when he re-entered the track.
    That collision ensured Russell incurred a five second penalty, which was the beginning of the controversy between him and Hamilton.
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    With Russell in fifth and Hamilton in fourth, Russell was heard on team radio requesting that he overtake his team-mate so he could better protect his five second lead on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in sixth.
    Russell did promise, however, that he would not build a lead of over five seconds on Hamilton.
    That meant that Hamilton would technically still have been in fourth position despite his car being behind Russell.
    That didn’t stop fans raging about the request with many saying it reflected that Russell was “not a team player”.
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    One fan raged: “George Russell is not a team player. Makes it sound like it’s for the team but it’s purely self-served. Hope Mercedes chuck him next season!”
    Another said: “George Russell is a shameless t*** for asking team orders after bottling the position!”
    While another added: “George Russell, you almost have to respect the audacity to ask if you can get past Lewis to create a gap for your own 5 second time penalty.”
    Russell did not receive permission from Mercedes to complete the manoeuvre.
    He did manage to comfortably hold on to his fifth place finish however, with Leclerc unable to chase down the Englishman.
    Hamilton managed to hold on to fourth with Apline’s Esteban Ocon coming third, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso secured second, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen comfortably holding on to his pole position throughout the race.
    Verstappen’s victory was his latest as part of a fine season, with the Dutchman sitting top of the drivers’ standings on 144 points.
    His team-mate Sergio Perez sits on 104 points in second, with veteran Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso rolling back the years to sit in third.
    Hamilton and Russell’s positions are a carbon copy of where they finished at Monaco, sitting in fourth and fifth respectively. More

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    I’m a Man Utd star – I’m usually extremely disciplined but I’ve got a secret guilty pleasure

    ENGLAND and Manchester United player Katie Zelem has revealed the one guilty pleasure that helps take the edge off her gruelling training regime. The Oldham born midfielder who made the move from Juventus to Manchester United puts in around six training sessions a week running up to 40km.
    Katie told Metro that she enjoyed nights out with friendsCredit: Instagram
    Katie Zelem revealed there was one particular sweet treat that she looked forward toCredit: Getty
    The midfielder sticks to a healthy and clean diet during the weekCredit: Getty
    Zelem, who tops up the running with two weights sessions each week, winds down with stretching, yoga and swimming.
    But the highly rated player told the Metro that there was one particular sweet treat that she dreamed of during those gruelling sessions.
    She said: “If we have a Sunday afternoon kick off, when I get home, I’ll order myself an Oreo milkshake.”
    Zelem revealed that the Oreo shake was a rare diversion from a ultra clean diet during the week.
    She said that United normally provided breakfast and lunch on training days, which was typically poached eggs, chicken sausages, beans and spinach.
    For dinner the pro-player relied on the Green Chef meal delivery service.
    She said: “My favourite is the honey glazed sesame halloumi flat breads, I’ve had them before and they’re unreal.
    “I’ve got them on next week’s order so I can’t wait for that one.”
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    Zelem also revealed that there was one post-training ritual that she dreaded.
    She said: “I absolutely hate ice baths. Some of the girls are really good at getting in – there’s this whole submersion thing, where people go in right up to their necks
    “That’s not taken off for me yet.”
    The Man United star was also wary of social media , which she described as a ‘scary place.’
    She said : “There’s a lot of people who don’t have to put their name or face to what they’re saying, and they often say things on social media they would never say to you in real life.
    “I think it’s important to take it with a pinch of salt. I have my notifications turned off.
    “I think if you get too bogged down in other people’s opinions and what they think of you, then you can never focus on yourself.”
    The all action player, who began her career with the Red Devils Centre of Excellence aged eight, was now hoping to be included in the England squad for the Euros.
    She said: “I’m hoping to be selected.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I feel like I’ve done everything I can, so it’s down to the manager to pick the team.”
    The popular player is wary of social mediaCredit: Instagram
    Katie subjects herself to a punishing training regime during the weekCredit: Instagram More

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    in Motorsport

    Inside abandoned F1 track left frozen in time a decade after last Grand Prix with names of retired drivers still up

    AN ABANDONED F1 track has been frozen in time a decade on from its last race.And the names of retired drivers are still up over the garage doors in the pit lane in an eery nod to yesteryear.
    Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel’s name banners are still upCredit: Károly Méhes / F1Destinations.com
    The circuit was used for just three racesCredit: AFP
    Vettel, left, enjoyed a stunning perfect 100 per cent winning recordCredit: Getty
    Lewis Hamilton’s best result was fourth in 2012Credit: Getty
    The faded and antiqued signs for former Red Bull pair Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Australian Mark Webber remain in place from the 2013 race.
    Vettel won that Grand Prix – as he did the two previous times it was staged in 2011 and 2012 – during his dominant period in F1.
    But after just three editions, the race was cancelled in 2014 as part of a one-year hiatus to change the F1 schedule before a tax dispute saw its return postponed and then totally scrapped.
    The track in question is… the Buddh International Circuit in India.
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    The circuit, in the Gautama Buddha region on Uttar Pradesh in northern India – just outside New Delhi and 100 miles north of the Taj Mahal.
    It only opened in 2011, with an estimated construction cost of £320million, and had a capacity of 110,000 spectators.
    With 16 turns spanning the 5.125km track, Vettel held the lap record with a blistering 1:27.249 in 2011.
    Jenson Button said it was particularly tricky to maintain consistent high speeds throughout the track.
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    Vettel – who joined Webber in F1 retirement last year – agreed and added: “There is a lot of elevation change around the lap which adds to the fun, from as much as eight per cent downhill and up to ten per cent uphill.
    “It’s like a roller coaster. It really has emerged as one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar for the drivers.”
    Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s best result at Buddh came in 2012 with a fourth-placed finish – despite starting third on the grid.
    After the F1 Grand Prix was pulled from the calendar, there were no international events held at the circuit between 2014 and 2022 – except the 2016 Asia Road Racing Championship.
    However, the circuit will make its major return to motorsport in 2023 with the MotoGP Grand Prix of India – scheduled for round 13 of the season on September 24.
    Jenson Button recognised the difficulty of the 5.125km trackCredit: EPA
    The circuit cost a whopping £320m to buildCredit: AFP
    The circuit was used for a half marathon once the international races dried upCredit: Getty
    The circuit will be used in 2023 for the MotoGPCredit: Getty
    The Buddh International Circuit is located just outside New DelhiCredit: Getty More

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    F1 star Fernando Alonso flogging ultra-rare £3.5million Ferrari Enzo after Monaco GP success

    FERNANDO ALONSO is looking to cash in following his impressive Monaco GP finish.That’s by flogging his ultra-rare Ferrari Enzo, which could be set to fetch £3.5million at auction.
    F1 ace Fernando Alonso is set to sell his rare Ferrari Enzo at an auction in MonacoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs0iZ8Cor2q/
    The Spaniard finished second in Sunday’s Monaco GP behind Max VerstappenCredit: Alamy
    Spanish F1 star Alonso, 41, is enjoying a fine season with Aston Martin.
    He finished second in Sunday’s Monaco race behind champion Max Verstappen.
    And Alonso is now up to third in the driver standings, 24 points ahead of old foe Lewis Hamilton.
    He is now hoping for homecoming success at this weekend’s Spanish GP.
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    But Alonso, romantically linked with pop star Taylor Swift last month, will also be turning his sights to a major pay day at an auction house.
    The veteran racer has an epic collection of luxury cars, including a McLaren P1 and a Maserati GranCabrio.
    However, Alonso is now looking to get rid of one at an upcoming auction in Monaco on June 8 – specifically his ultra-rare Ferrari Enzo.
    Only 399 of the cars were ever made, with Alonso managing to get his hands on a 2011 version.
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    It has clocked up just 2,982 miles, has a top speed of 218mph and can go from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds.
    Alonso could pocket a tasty sum for it, with an older 2003 Ferrari Enzo – which also had more miles on the clock – recently selling for £3.5m in Paris.

    A statement from Monaco Car Auctions confirmed: “This Enzo gathers several major particularities.
    “In addition to being ‘Scocca n.1’ as mentioned in its Ferrari Classiche certification, there’s only 4,800km on the clock and it belongs until now to Fernando Alonso.” More

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    in Soccer

    Former Premier League cult hero became DJ and Paris Fashion Week model after retiring from football

    DIJIBRIL CISSE became a Paris Fashion Week model and DJ after retiring from football in 2017.The former Liverpool man called time on his career at the age of 35 to focus on becoming a DJ.
    Cisse has been focusing on a career as a DJ since retiring from football in 2017Credit: Instagram @rinsefrance
    Cisse has pursued his love of music since retiringCredit: Instagram @djibrilcisse1981
    Cisse modelled for Jean-Paul Galtier at the Paris Fashion Week in 2020Credit: AFP
    The ex France international’s DJ career appears to be going from strength and strength.
    He regularly shares pictures of him behind the decks to his two million Instagram followers.
    Its not just DJing that Cisse has been pursuing since his retirement with the former Premier League ace also trying his hand at modelling.
    The 41-year-old has always had a love for fashion regularly endorsing some of the world’s biggest designers and has his own clothing brand called Mr Lenoir.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    He is no stranger to modelling having appeared as a ‘gourmet model’ at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris in 2018.
    Cisse appeared at the event wearing chocolate which was raising money for the Association Mecenat Cardiac Surgery.
    In 2020 he modelled at Paris Fashion Week taking to the runway in a Gaultier suit in the final show of famous designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.
    He sported a suave blue Gaultier suit and blazer combination as he strutted his stuff down the catwalk.
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    The former striker excited the crowd as he removed the blazer to show off his heavily tattooed torso.
    Cisse was followed on the catwalk by some of the biggest names in modelling which included Gigi and Bella Hadid and Karlie Kloss.
    He also modelled for Lidl’s clothing range in 2022.
    He is best known by English football fans for his spells in the Premier League with Sunderland, QPR and Liverpool.
    He bagged 32 Premier League goals during his time in England and was part of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League in 2005.
    Cisse played for 11 different clubs over the course of his career and won 41 caps for France scoring on nine occasions.
    Cisse wore an outfit made out of chocolateCredit: Reuters
    Cisse scored 24 goals for LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The 41 year old also had spells at Sunderland and QPR in the Premier LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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    Fulham working on £2m transfer for 17-year-old wonderkid who graduated from Gheorghe Hagi Academy

    FULHAM are working on a £2m deal for Romanian teenage sensation Andrei Borza.The 17-year-old left-back currently plays in his native country’s top division for Farul Constanta, who won their first SuperLiga title this season.
    Andrei Borza is wanted by FulhamCredit: Getty
    Borza – an Under-20 international – scored three goals with as many assists during an historic campaign for the club.
    SunSport understands that the Cottagers have had scouts monitoring the defender, and feel now is the time to bring him to West London to further develop his potential.
    Borza signed his first professional contract with Farul last summer, expiring in June 2026.
    Fulham’s main concern in sealing the deal is interest from Dutch giants PSV, who are also preparing a move for him.
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    Borza is a product of the Gheorghe Hagi Academy, named after Farul’s current owner – the legendary Romanian midfielder who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
    Fulham need new recruits with loanees Layvin Kurzawa and Cedric Soares returning to PSG and Arsenal respectively this summer.
    It means they have just one recognised left-back in Antonee Robinson.
    However, it is believed Borza would be loaned out next season with a view to getting him more first-team experience in one of Europe’s top five divisions.
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    It could be a busy summer for Marco Silva’s side with them linked with Manchester United midfielder Fred.
    Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that West Ham are interested in Joao Palhinha.
    Gheorghe Hagi is manager and owner of Farul ConstantaCredit: Getty More

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    Star Man machine Bruno Fernandes set to edge out Kevin De Bruyne at midfield summit

    NO matter what happens in the remaining fixtures, Bruno Fernandes (£7.2m) will finish this season as the Dream Team asset with more Star Man awards than anyone else.Manchester United’s midfield maestro topped the match ratings against Chelsea in Game Week 35 and did the same thing at home to Fulham on Sunday.
    Game Week 36’s Star Man gong was his 12th of the season, a tally that puts him in a bracket all of his own.
    His closest competitors, Kevin De Bruyne (£8.6m) and Erling Haaland (£10.1m), have nine each at this late stage with just two fixtures remaining.
    A Dream Team juggernaut
    The nature of the system means each of the Manchester City superstars have missed out on Star Man awards to the other in games in which they have both been brilliant.
    Although, that’s the same for every player in the game to some extent and Fernandes certainly lost out on a couple to Marcus Rashford (£7.4m) during the England international’s red-hot streak.
    However you look at it, a dozen Star Man awards is a remarkable effort.
    Similarly, Fernandes has earned more 7+ ratings than any other player this season, 44, nine more than second-placed Rashford.
    It’s the Portuguese playmaker’s mastery of WhoScored’s ratings that means he’s likely to edge out the aforementioned De Bruyne to finish the campaign as Dream Team’s top midfielder.
    275 Dream Team points and counting
    A 13-point haul at the Cottagers’ expense meant Fernandes boosted his overall total to 275, 30 ahead of his Belgian counterpart, who didn’t feature for Pep Guardiola’s side at Brentford.
    Most read in Football
    De Bruyne is capable of making up the difference in the FA Cup final and Champions League final but given that he averages 5.3 points-per-game this season, the crown seems bound for Fernandes’ head.
    The Old Trafford favourite has 13 goals and 15 assists to his name in all competitions in 2022/23 with the FA Cup showdown at Wembley still to play.
    Dream Team managers who transferred Fernandes into their XI just after the World Cup (or held him throughout) were greatly rewarded and many gaffers will already have categorised as a ‘must-have player’ ahead of next season’s game.
    Cue back-to-back De Bruyne masterclasses… More