Alcohol

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Plied with drugs dissolved in booze and hosed down like an animal – inside tragic Maradona’s House of Horror court case

      by

      ON the football pitch, Diego Maradona was revered as a god, but in his final days the legendary footballer is alleged to have been treated more like an animal.This week Argentina has been gripped by the start of a five-month trial in which seven of the people tasked with caring for the man who led the country to the 1986 World Cup are accused of his homicide with possible intent.Seven people tasked with caring for Diego Maradona are accused of his homicide with possible intent, the legend in coaching role in 2019Credit: GettyMaradona’s cheat goal against England in the quarter-final of 1986 World Cup in MexicoCredit: GettyFans crowd the hearse as Maradona’s body is taken to the cemetery in 2020Credit: AFPDoctor Leopoldo Luque, centre, wrote ‘the fat man’s going to end up kicking the bucket’ in vile WhatsApp messagesCredit: AFPMaradona died aged 60 from heart disease at his rented home in Tigre, near Buenos Aires, on November 25, 2020, two weeks after undergoing brain surgery.The prosecution claims that the team paid to look after him were criminally negligent.In heated scenes, Maradona’s former lover, Veronica Ojeda, was heard shouting “daughter of a bitch” at one of the accused as the hearing got under way on Tuesday.Outside the court in San Isidro, north of Argentina’s capital, a fan held up a placard with the message “Justice for D10S” — a nickname mixing Maradona’s shirt number and the Spanish word for God.READ MORE ON MARADONA‘Kicking the bucket’Others had tears in their eyes as they chanted his name.There have been claims that Maradona drank beer in the morning and was given sleeping pills dissolved in his booze at night while he was under the accused’s medical care.WhatsApp messages were uncovered in which his neurologist, Leopoldo Luque, wrote “the fat man’s going to end up kicking the bucket”.And it is alleged Maradona was washed down with a hosepipe rather than being helped to the shower.Most read in FootballThe former Barcelona and Napoli player has been adored in the South American nation since his moments of individual brilliance — and his infamous handball “hand of God goal” against England — saw them lift the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.Considerable amounts of his fortune, once estimated at £75million, were blown on addictions to alcohol and cocaine, which contributed to his terrible state of health.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death At the time of his death his heart weighed 503 grams, which was almost double what it should have been.But the prosecution case is that with the right medical care, Maradona would have survived.Chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari told the court: “You will see during this trial what reckless home care is — reckless, deficient, without precedent, without any type of control during the period that ended with Diego’s death. “In that house of horror where Diego Maradona died, no one did what they had to do.”The problems began for Maradona when he was feted in the southern Italian city of Naples for twice taking their once-lowly side to historic league titles in 1987 and 1990.The Mafia, dominant in the region, kept him supplied with drugs and prostitutes, yet he still somehow managed to play at the top level.Two years before his death, the star told British documentary maker Asif Kapadia of his time there: “Sunday to Wednesday I was partying on cocaine. I would come home high on drugs.”In that house of horror where Diego Maradona died no one did what they had to doChief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari In 1991, traces of cocaine were found in Maradona’s urine sample and a couple of weeks later 1.5g of the same drug was found by police at his flat in Buenos Aires.Maradona’s ex, Veronica Ojeda, demands justice outside trialCredit: GettyA fan holds up a placard with the message ‘Justice for D10S’ — a nickname mixing Maradona’s shirt number and the Spanish word for GodCredit: AFPMaradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna arrive for trialCredit: GettyLater, he was sent home from the 1994 World Cup in the United States after testing positive for a stimulant called ephedrine.His attempts to get clean were always short-lived, with hangers-on often willing to get him whatever substances he desired.He also had a voracious appetite for alcohol, food and young women.In 2005, the 5ft 5in Maradona weighed nearly 20st and underwent a gastric band operation.Emergency surgeryThe star had eight children by various mothers that are known of, but since his death at least three other people have come forward claiming to be his offspring.It was not until 2007 that he recognised Diego Jnr as his son. He had been born in 1986 to a mistress.There were a number of health scares over the years, including being treated by doctors at half-time when he was watching Argentina play at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.The most serious was on November 3, 2020, when he underwent emergency surgery at La Plata hospital in Buenos Aires for a blood clot on his brain.His personal doctor, neurosurgeon Luque, performed what appeared to be a successful operation.But there was a question over whether the patient would be better off staying in hospital, where there would be swift access to emergency care, or if he should instead recover in a home setting.Luque, who is one of the seven accused, agreed to take Maradona to the legend’s rented residence in Tigre on November 11.If he got up at 9am and asked for beer he was given itGriselda Morel, an educational psychologist Prosecutor Ferrari told the court: “Clearly, the victim was not in full use of his mental faculties and even less could decide on his own about his health.”He entered that place for a clinical rehabilitation and home medical care that we can say without any doubt was calamitous.”The prosecution alleges that there was no defibrillator on hand to help restart Maradona’s heart if he went into a cardiac arrest and that the medical team did not carry out the necessary checks.Prior to the start of the trial, Griselda Morel, an educational psychologist who worked with Maradona’s eight-year-old son and visited his home, claimed that the sick star was given alcohol.She alleged: “If he got up at 9am and asked for beer he was given it.“One of his custodians crushed tablets he was taking and put them in his beer so he didn’t cause a fuss at night.” Griselda said that Maradona was so confused he would speak on an imaginary phone.The other six accused are psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, addiction specialist Carlos Diaz, doctor Nancy Forlini, nursing co-ordinator Mariano Perroni, nurse Ricardo Almiron and clinical physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna.Heart in formaldehydeAnother nurse, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, has asked to be tried separately.Gisela’s lawyer, Rodolfo Baque, has claimed that when the nurse warned that Maradona’s heartbeat reached a high 115 beats per minute in the days before his death, “nothing” was done about it.When the former footballer was found unconscious at around 12.30 in the afternoon on November 25, 2020, the medical team spent 45 minutes trying to revive him. But experts believe he died between 4am and 6am, which suggests no one checked on the patient for at least six and a half hours.Post-mortem blood and urine tests revealed Maradona had been given a cocktail of prescription drugs including Quetiapine, Venlafaxine and Levetiracetam which are used to treat depression, panic attacks and epilepsy among other conditions.Fernando Burlando, the lawyer representing Maradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna, said outside court that the player had been treated like an animal and went as far as to call it “murder.”The accused are on trial for homicide with possible intent, which could result in 25-year prison sentences. They all deny the charges.Luque said: “The death occurred unexpectedly, suddenly, during sleeping hours, without offering us any time.”The complex medical trial will last until July and see around 100 witnesses give evidence.The final verdict will be delivered by three judges.One of the key pieces of evidence will be Maradona’s heart, which has been kept in formaldehyde at a police laboratory ever since his death.One of the key pieces of evidence will be Maradona’s heart, which has been kept in formaldehyde at a police laboratory.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere have been claims that fans had plotted to steal the organ. And during the 2022 World Cup, Argentinian fans campaigned to have the heart flown to host nation Qatar along with the country’s football team.Why the heart finally failed Maradona — a lion on the football pitch — is sure to inspire a passionate response from devoted fans whatever the court decides.Model of Maradona in a model house shown to courtCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England fan fury as alcohol will be BANNED at 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia for first time ever

      by

      BOOZE will be banned at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, its ambassador to the UK announced yesterday.The showpiece event will be the first Fifa tournament to be dry — with no exemption for hotels and fan zones.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud has confirmed Saudi Arabia will not be relaxing its strict Islamic lawsOnly soft drinks will be served in stadiums and anyone caught smuggling in booze risks a public flogging.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud confirmed the nation would not be relaxing its strict Islamic laws.He said: “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.“It’s not 100 per cent necessary and if you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAt the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Muslim nation Qatar, fans could drink alcohol at hotels which had applied for liquor licences.But Prince Khalid told LBC radio: “There is no alcohol at all, rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.“It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”Most read in FootballFan Tim Bailey hit out on X: “Their country, their rules. But why the f*** would anyone want to go there anyway?”Another supporter said: “Weird . . . they always want everyone else to change their culture for them.”Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupSaudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing to cover up its appalling human rights record.In 2023 when the desert nation launched its 2034 campaign, a Saudi diplomatic source told The Sun: “Football fans will be allowed to drink if Saudi Arabia wins the vote.”It has not been publicly discussed but is an accepted fact.“Alcohol is subject to a total ban now but will be sold in restricted areas — as is the case in other Muslim nations”We acknowledge that serious mistakes have been made in the past and want the rest of the world to understand we are changing.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Pub’s free pint offer for every time Nottingham Forest scores backfires…only for them to win 7-0 against Brighton

      by

      NOTTINGHAM Forest’s 7-0 thrashing over Brighton left one pub pulling pints nonstop after they promised a free drink for every goal.The Gedling Inn generously offered punters a fresh beer each time Forest bagged a goal over the weekend – only to end up giving away almost 300.Punters in a Nottinghamshire pub were gifted a free pint every time Nottingham Forest scored against BrightonCredit: Facebook/The Gedling InnThe pub ended up giving away almost 300 beersCredit: Facebook/The Gedling InnThe Gedling Inn decided to do the generous promotion just before kick off on SaturdayCredit: InstagramChris Wood scored a hat-trick in the matchCredit: RexBrighton were put to the sword in the Premier League clash with the Red’s star striker Chris Wood scoring a hat-trick as a trio of other names also got on the score sheet.Nuno Espírito Santo’s men delivered the huge win to keep Forest in the hunt for a top four spot in their remarkable season so far.Despite the massive win, one Nottinghamshire pub was left feeling like they’d scored an own goal.The Gedling Inn announced on the morning of the match that they were showing the game on TV’s in the pub.read more in footballTo attract fans into the independent, family run business they ran a promotion offering a free pint for every goal scored by Forest.The deal first appeared as a fun giveaway and a chance for lucky day drinkers to keep their wallets full with the game predicted to be a close affair.A Lewis Dunk own goal after just 10 minutes left dozens rushing to the bar to snap up a free beer.But before long Morgan Gibbs-White scored a second, with Chris Wood adding a third before half time.Most read in FootballLandlady Beccy Webster has run the pub for six years and said she was shocked after the first half whistle by the goals.She said: “I was upstairs feeding my baby when I heard the first goal go in, then the second quickly afterwards, and I had just come downstairs when the third went in – I thought ‘here we go’.”Why Nuno Espirito Santo was such a flop for Tottenham before leading Nottingham Forest on Leicester-like title chargeIn the second half even more goals went in with Chris Wood getting his second and third.Welshman Neco Williams and winger Jota Silva also managed to get on the score sheet with two late goals.The seven goal blitz meant punters were able to get a fresh pint every 13 minutes on average across the 90 minutes.Beccy said: “When the final whistle went, I just said ‘phew!'”Never in my wildest dreams did we imagine they’d score seven goals.”The pub ended up giving away almost 300 free pints during the match.Beccy remained happy she put on the offer and said it was still a “good day” as the free flowing drinks made the customers grateful and happy to spend the cash saved on more booze and some lunch.She continued: “People were singing, and people were respectful with the offer.”Lots of people were still buying drinks, people stayed for food, and lots of people have been asking if we’ll be having any more offers on.”It’s just nice to get behind the team – it’s good for the whole city, they’re putting us on the map.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Nottingham Forest win has kept them in the Champions League spots as they now sit six above Newcastle in fifth place.They head to Exeter for the fourth round of the FA Cup next Tuesday before hosting Fulham in the league on the following Saturday. Locals were left thrilled by the 7-0 scorelineCredit: Facebook/The Gedling InnThe post on social media advertising the free pint dealCredit: FacebookMorgan Gibbs-White also scored to add an extra pint to the punters growing tallyCredit: Rex More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Football should trial return of pints in the stands… but can minority of fans be trusted to show we’re past dark days?

      by

      AS ladies say ‘cheers’ to drinking alcohol in the stands at Women’s Championship matches, the chance of a return to a beer or two on all the men’s terraces are about as high as Accrington Stanley winning League Two.Actually, Accrington’s average attendance of 2,509 would be a very good ground at which to start serving alcohol as policing any noisy drunks would be a simple process.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matchesCredit: GettyKarren Brady is happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them she worries about . . .Credit: PABut it isn’t going to happen at Wham Stadium which, incidentally, is not named after (the late and great) George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s pop pairing.Nor anywhere else, at least not in the near future.Drinking alcohol within view of the playing field was stopped in 1985 after a sequence of events involving noisy, sometimes violent, spectators.There are no moves to change the law although there are many ways of buying alcohol beyond a pitch view, and a recent study showed Chelsea fans top the beer table, drinking on average six pints a game.Read More on FootballAt that rate, they might need a half-time substitution for their liver more than their team.The police and stewards are on the look-out for drunks or people bringing alcohol into grounds although some still try. A Leeds supporter succeeded in 2012 and, should anyone need convincing that the ban should end, the facts were he assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after running on to the pitch.It transpired that the offender drank countless cans of lager and a bottle of vodka on the journey to the ground. In Sheffield he then drank at least seven pints of cider.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesI feel woozy even writing that. He was jailed for 16 weeks and banned from football grounds for six years.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matches and it made sense supporters should be able to drink wisely during this trial.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalIt’s a different crowd, reflected in the fact government data revealed there had been no arrests recorded at women’s football matches.The end of restrictions is positive for several reasons — extra revenue, another attraction for people to attend, and even a tot to cheer fans of the losing side.Supporters of a return to drinks during play can point to rugby and cricket for freedom from limitations.At the Ireland v Scotland match a record 137,000 pints of beer were sold at Stade de France.There was a mass brawl, but that was on the pitch between the players. Drinkers at cricket are often asleep anyway.Women tend to follow the rules rather than consider them a nuisance. We despise violence and bad behaviour, both of which are much more prevalent among men and it is unlikely many will see pie-eyed woman causing trouble at matches.Maybe solution lies in compromiseI would love to make a bonfire of all restrictions but I don’t think it would be possible or responsible.Ultimately, the question isn’t just about alcohol — it’s about trust. Have fans moved on from the dark days of the 80s? Can clubs strike the right balance between modernisation and maintaining order?In football, intensity and passion run high. Add alcohol to this and it can be a problem.The last thing clubs or fans want is a descent into chaos because of a few irresponsible drinkers.The landscape of football has been transformed in those 40 years. Stadiums are safer, crowds are more diverse, and family-friendly atmospheres have replaced toxic environments of the past.Perhaps the solution lies in compromise. Limited trials at selected matches could provide data on whether ending the ban works.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuidelines would have to be stringent and include steps such as alcohol-free zones, stricter ID checks, and time-limited drinking.I am happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them I worry about . . . More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer

      by

      JOSE Mourinho has launched a wine business to go alongside managing Fenerbahce.And John Terry has already promised to support his former Chelsea gaffer’s new side hustle.Jose Mourinho has launched a new side hustleCredit: JOSEMOURINHO INSTAGRAMMourinho hard launched his new wine business himself on InstagramCredit: JOSEMOURINHO INSTAGRAMOf course, the former Premier League boss has called his wine ‘The Special One’Credit: JOSEMOURINHO INSTAGRAMMourinho hard launched his brand new red wine called ‘The Special One’ on Instagram this morning in classic Jose fashion.The 61-year-old said in a promotion video: “Finals, I’ve won them. Leagues, I’ve conquered them. I’ve never been one of the bottle. I make the bottle.”I prefer not to speak. My achievements, my success, my work. They speak for themselves. This is the Special One, now yours to share.”The clip begins with the Portuguese manager sat with his back to camera with dramatic piano music playing in the background.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe new entrepreneur also wore a flash blue suit and sat stoic in a black leather chair, before sipping his new drink.Mourinho cleverly referenced his iconic cryptic statement of “preferring not to speak” about referee Chris Foy in 2014.Foy sent off Brazilian duo Willian and Ramires in the Blues’ 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, before sending Mourinho to the stands.The hilarious interview is considered to be one of his best and later became a social media meme.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMourinho captioned the launch: “As someone who values precision, quality and excellence in every endeavour, I am proud to present my very own wine ‘The Special One’. “Handpicked from one of my favourite regions in Portugal, this wine reflects the spirit of my homeland and my relentless desire to enjoy every moment in life. Jose Mourinho confirms he has undergone minor surgery but won’t miss a single Fenerbahce training sessionTerry and Mourinho won three Premier League titles togetherCredit: AFP AFP or Licensors”Crafted with passion and care, it is a gift from one special one to another. This wine is meant to be shared with someone truly special.”Under it, former Chelsea captain Terry wrote: “Two cases please Boss 🤣🍷.”Terry and Mourinho won three Premier League titles together over two spells at Chelsea from 2004–2006 and 2014–2015. Terry once described Mourinho as “the very best I have ever worked with.”Meanwhile Fenerbahce are second in the Super Lig under the former Man Utd and Tottenham manager’s leadership.Mourinho joins a long list of people in the world of Prem football who’ve turned to making wine.Manchester City legend David Silva has a successful wine business in Spain.Silva joined forces with winemaker Jonatan Garcia and launched a new winery called Bodega Tameran, in the Canary Islands.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile former Man Utd CEO Ed Woodward is involved in winemaking in the Douro Valley of Portugal.Woodward bought Quinta da Pedra Alta, a 35-hectare wine property, in 2018.Silva is also focused on making top quality wineEx Man Utd chief Ed Woodward works in winemaking More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I was Man City prospect who fell into booze and drugs, was stabbed twice and jailed… now I’m earning coaching badges

      by

      FORMER Manchester City prospect Daniel Warrender has opened up about being jailed and stabbed twice after falling into booze and drugs.Manchester-born Warrender has since turned his life around and is working hard to earn a Uefa B coaching badge.Former Man City prospect Daniel Warrender has bravely opened up how he turned his life aroundWarrender came through the ranks at Man City before turning professional in 2005The later stages of Warrender’s non-league career was derailed by prisonWarrender bravely opened up about overcoming past struggles on the ‘I Had Trials Once Podcast’.The former Man City youth star was first stabbed outside a city centre nightclub following a Manchester derby match in 2010.Warrender’s wound was reportedly minor, but doctors informed him that the shock of the incident had brought on a heart problem.And the ex-defender unfortunately went on to land himself in a world of trouble with the law a year later in 2011.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWarrender was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2013 after punching a man in a nightclub bust-up.According to court reports at the time, he left the victim scarred after he fell over on to a broken pint glass.The shards tore a 3.5cm wound down the man’s right cheek, and made several other cuts on his face, nose and arm, a court heard.The judge noted that Warrender was usually a “decent, hard working man” but had drunk “a skin-full” of alcohol before the attack in Stockport. Most read in FootballJustice Bernard Lever told him that his single blow had “absolutely tragic consequences” for both men, according to the Manchester Evening News.And that it did, as Warrender, who was playing football for non-league side Ramsbottom United at the time, found himself behind bars.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferWarrender said: “I’ve been at Manchester City, decent little prospect whatever.”And then within two years I was in prison for various violent offences and drugs and drink, whatever, you name it, I’ve done it. “I was stabbed on two different occasions and hospitalised a total of nine times.”But that was normal life to me. But now I’m on the Uefa B course. I’ve got two beautiful kids. One of them is a superstar at City.”Warrender’s son George is currently playing for Man City’s Under-11 youth side.Fans have dubbed the youngster a “mini Phil Foden” for his skill – but also because of his uncanny resemblance to the England superstar. Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Senior Cup in 2005Warrender’s son is coming through the ranks at his dad’s former sideAnd tearful Warrender added: “I’ve got my own coaching pitch, which I own outright…sorry I’m going again. I told you I cry all the time.”But now, honestly, when kids give me a thank you and that, I’m in the house with my missus crying. But I love it.”The now 38-year-old was brutally attacked for the second time on New Year’s Eve in 2017. His brother David Warrender, a convicted drug dealer, was said to be in control of the bar.But it was substantially worse on this occasion as Warrender was stabbed several times and suffered a punctured lung and kidney.Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Manchester Senior Cup in 2005.He was shipped out on loan to Blackpool a few months later, before he joined the League One side permanently in 2006.But his time at The Tangerines was cut short when he moved down into the non-league game with Rossendale United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then spent time in the USA with San Francisco Seals before returning to the UK with FC United of Manchester. Warrender was shipped back and forth between Ramsbottom and FC United before and after his time in prison.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Major change to football stadium alcohol rules could be introduced if Women’s Championship trial is a success

      by

      FOOTIE fans could be a step closer to boozing in stands during matches if a trial at women’s games proves successful.Championship sides Newcastle, Southampton, Birmingham and Bristol City will allow drinking at select games, but not derbies, from January 19 to the season’s end.Football fans could be a step closer to boozing in stands during matches if a trial at women’s games proves successfulCredit: SportsfileThey were chosen due to safety procedures, geographical spread and Bristol’s Ashton Gate and Newcastle’s Kingston Park allowing alcohol at rugby matches.Soccer chiefs want to analyse how booze might improve fan experience at women’s football, which isn’t governed by the same strict anti-alcohol law.Women’s football is not governed by the Sporting Events Act 1985 which bans boozing while in view of the pitch in the top five men’s leagues.There were no arrests at women’s games last year and some of the chosen venues allow alcohol at top rugby matches.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNikki Doucet, of Women’s Professional League Ltd, has said: “I think our fan base and the behaviour is different.“Ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”It could then be rolled out more widely across the Women’s Super League and Championship and potentially influence future decisions on men’s football.Sun Sport was told in October that the Police position had not changed in terms of men’s football although there is no mechanism which would see local Forces able to prevent a women’s game trial.Most read in FootballDrinking in view of the pitch has been banned in the men’s top five divisions since 1985.Fans caught breaching the laws under the 1985 act can be banned from grounds, handed hefty fans and, in extreme circumstances, given three month prison sentences.Conference League clash suspended as police evacuate entire away stand after shameful scenes More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘My whole life, the last few years of drinking, was planned around drinking’ – Soccer AM legend in heartbreaking reveal

      by

      A SOCCER AM legend has revealed the harrowing extent of his alcoholism.Tubes was a fan favourite on the Saturday morning TV show until its cancellation last year. Tubes opened up on his drinking problemsThe star drank heavily during his time working for Soccer AMCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe started out as an assistant producer before becoming an on-air star with his hilarious interviews, jokes and antics. However, he was struggling with his addiction to alcohol during his time with Soccer AM.Thankfully Tubes – real name Peter Dale – has overcome his struggles but looking back detailed how much alcohol dictated his life.He told the Soccer A-Z podcast: “My whole life, the last few years of drinking, was planned around drinking.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”So I’d look at what interviews I had, at the Chelsea fixture list, and it would all be like, I can drink then, I can drink then.”So I would always, if I was going out to the pub, I’d go to the off license beforehand and buy loads of little vodkas for so I could carry on when last orders was called, but also for the next morning. “I’d get up in the morning and just down the vodka to get back on a level. “It was a really strong addiction, and I’m so glad I decided to stop.Most read in Football”I found it so, so hard because it was my life. That was all I cared about at times.”Tubes added that he spent his time “constantly lying” to friends, colleagues including Helen Chamberlain and his mum – who he was looking after following the death of his dad. Relive the best bits of Soccer AM as the show gets axed after nearly 30 years on the airHe even hid bottles of vodka in his socks to sneak them into the house.But Tubes found his way out of his reliance on alcohol when he realised he reached a crisis point and attended an Alcoholics Anonymous session.The popular broadcaster replaced alcohol with golf and regularly plays in celebrity tournaments and also hosts the Golf Life show with his brother Ange. Tubes, who suffered a heart attack in 2018, added: “I made the decision that enough was enough eight years ago so I’m eight years sober.How to cut back on drinkingIF YOU’RE concerned about your drinking, a good first step is to see a GP.They’ll be able to give advice and support on how to manage your drinking habits and cut back safely.This might involve counselling, medicines or detox services.Being dependent on alcohol means you feel you’re not able to function without it and means stopping drinking can causes physical withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating or nausea.If you have these symptoms when you don’t drink, it could be dangerous to stop drinking too quickly without proper support.There are many charities and support groups you can join or speak to, as well as helplines:Tips to quitWhen you’re ready to stop, the following tips and techniques can make it that little bit easier.Tell family and friends that you’re aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why – reminding yourself and the people close to you why you want to stop drinking can help keep you on track, and may even encourage someone else to give up or cut down with you.Identify triggers avoid avoid situations where you may be tempted to drink, at least in the early stages – from after work pub quizzes to boozy dinners.Keep busy in the times you’d usually drink by trying something new – get active or meet a friend at the cinema.Reward yourself as you make progress and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up every once in a while – it can be helpful to give yourself short-term goals.Notice how your body feels without booze – you might find that you have more energy, are sleeping better or have lost weight.Source: Drinkaware”It’s the best decision I’ve ever made in my whole entire life and I truly believe if I didn’t make that decision I’d be dead.”I stopped, completely stopped. I went to one AA meeting, which I always say, helps millions across the world. “It was the constant upset and pain I was causing on my family, especially my mum.”Asked what advice he would give to people trying to give up drinking, he added: “You feel so much better when you admit you are an alcoholic. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Talk to people, let people know how you’re feeling and that you’ve got a problem. “You’ll be amazed by the support. If you’re struggling on your own, it’s going to be a hell of a lot harder.”Soccer AM was cancelled in 2023Credit: AlamyTubes entertained viewers with his hilarious anticsCredit: Soccer AMHe has turned to golf since going soberCredit: Soccer AMNHS guidelines on drinking alcoholAccording to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health.To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a weekif you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each weekIf you’re pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. You read more on the NHS website. More