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    Tragedy as popular footballer, 19, dies as club release emotional statement and retire jersey

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    Abu Yusupov dead at 39: Undefeated boxer stabbed to death after altercation in train station

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    Nations League final marred by tragedy as spectator dies after falling into tier below during Portugal win over Spain

    PORTUGAL’s Nations League victory over Spain was marred as a fan died at the match.Tragedy struck as a fan fell from the second tier of the main stand into the seating area below before full-time.A supporter died after a fall at the Nations League finalCredit: GettyThey fell from the second tier in the main standCredit: GettyMedical staff immediately responded to the incident but were unable to save the fan.Uefa confirmed that the supporter sadly passed away after the tragic moment at the Allianz Arena.A statement read: “There was a medical emergency at the Munich arena, and despite the best efforts of the medical team, the person sadly passed away at 00:06 (CET).”Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe sad news of the death reached the teams as Spain coach Luis de la Fuente addressed it in his press conference.After suffering defeat on the pitch, he sent his sympathies to the family.He said: “I want to express my condolences to the family of a fan who has died.”That has made us realise what is important in life.”Most read in FootballLuis de la Fuente sent his condolencesCredit: EPANuno Mendes said the death ‘casts a pall’ over the winCredit: GettyRoberto Martinez called the incident ‘extremely sad news’Credit: GettyMan of the match Nuno Mendes also spoke about the tragedy when he was interviewed.The Portugal star admitted that the death overshadowed the victory.He added: “I would like to express my condolences to the family of the fan who died.”It casts a pall on our victory today.”While manager Roberto Martinez labelled the death “extremely sad news”.Portugal came out as the winners in Germany after a penalty shootout.Martin Zubimendi netted the opener for Spain before Mendes equalised.Spain retook the lead in the 45th minute through Mikel Oyarzabal, only to be pegged back again as Cristiano Ronaldo levelled the match.Alvaro Morata missed the crucial penalty in the shootout, which allowed Ruben Neves to fire his side to glory. More

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    Uriah Rennie dead: Premier League’s first black referee passes away aged 65 after rare condition left him paralysed

    PREMIER League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie has tragically passed away aged 65.Legend Rennie had recently opened up about a rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.Rennie had been diagnosed with a rare neurological conditionRennie has died aged 65Credit: GettyKieran Richardson (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United protest to referee Uriah Rennie in 2006Credit: GettyOnce described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, Rennie refereed over 300 top flight matches between 1997 and 2008.But after experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.”By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.read more sport”I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.”They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.”I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.Most read in Football”I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”Having been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.West Ham star Michail Antonio shares footage of himself learning to walk again after escaping death in horror crashHe later spent much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.Describing his state of movement a few months ago, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.”I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.”It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”Rennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.An FA statement read: “The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie.”Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this time.”Tributes to Rennie have been pouring in, with Sheffield United posting on social media: “Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”And ex-Premier League striker Stan Collymore said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. “A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, Ref.”The Sheffield FA also paid tribute to Rennie, saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie. “Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008.Read More on The Sun”He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come. “Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this difficult time.”Rennie signals during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool in 2003Credit: Getty More

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    Callum Simpson credits late sister for inspiring comeback Ivan Zucco KO after being dropped EIGHT SECONDS into fight

    CALLUM SIMPSON called on inspiration from his late sister Lily Rae to come from behind and stop Ivan Zucco to win the European title. Simpson suffered the devastating news that his 19-year-old sister had tragically died last year in a quad bike accident on holiday in Greece. Callum Simpson beat Ivan ZuccoCredit: GettyHe scored three late knockdownsCredit: GettyBut the Barnsley boxing hero – who headlined at the Oakwell Football Ground – continues to fight in Lily Rae’s honour. And she would have watched on with pride as her big brother came back to stop Zucco in round ten after three knockdowns. Simpson, crowned the European super-middleweight champion, said: “Not once did I give up, those last few rounds I’ll be honest I started thinking about my little sister Lily. “I’ll be honest, I just thought I had to push for her and for everybody. READ MORE IN BOXING”This time last year, Lily was sat up here cheering me on and she was there with me tonight when it got tough, when it got hard. “From round eight, I thought, ‘I’ve got to dig deep, I’ve got to keep pushing, I’ve gotta do it for her. She was with me tonight.” Simpson filled Barnsley’s 23,000-seater – but he got off to a horror start after being floored by only the second punch Zucco threw. Simpson made it to his feet with little trouble but opted to try and make Zucco pay – and buzzed the travelling Italian himself before the bell sounded. Most read in BoxingThe opener was a frenzy of wild shots with both men hurt – and the following two rounds was much of the same. In round three, Simpson was down again after a huge left hand – as the chaos continued. ‘We never know’ – Tyson Fury refuses to rule out comeback as Anthony Joshua nears new ‘amazing’ fight dealThe former British and Commonwealth super-middleweight had to pick himself up and dust himself off to turn the fight around. And that is exactly what he did with constant pressure in the second half of the fight – which ultimately turned the tide.By round ten, Simpson was on the front foot and trapped Zucco in the corner – letting off a devastating triple uppercut. It dropped Zucco – who got to his feet – but again he was pinned in the corner and floored with two of the same shots. The underdog European once again made it to his feet but Simpson, smelling blood, jumped on Zucco and forced him to the floor with a barrage of shots. This time there was no coming back for Zucco – as Simpson turned the fight on its head with a comeback victory for the ages. Smith was down twice himselfCredit: GettyHe came back and credited the win to his late sisterCredit: PASimpson’s sister Lily Rae passed away in 2024Credit: Instagram More

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    Frank Warren leads tributes as iconic boxing trainer James Cook dies just months after tragic cancer diagnosis aged 66

    FRANK WARREN has led the tributes to boxing trainer and former champion James Cook who has passed away at 66.Cook – who won the British and European super-middleweight titles during his career – was diagnosed with bladder cancer this year. Ex-boxing champion James Cook has passed away aged 66Credit: Rex FeaturesMBE Cook passed away after a short cancer battleCredit: Rex FeaturesAnd after a short battle, he has sadly passed away as boxing mourned the respected coach and former fighter. Promoter Warren posted: “Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of James Cook MBE. “A true gentleman of our sport who achieved incredible things inside and outside of the ring. “The work he has done for youths in East London will live on forever and he will be hugely missed. READ MORE IN boxing “Our condolences to his family and loved ones for their sad loss RIP.”Eddie Hearn added: “Rest in peace a wonderful man and one of the most selfless you could ever find.” Cook turned professional in 1982 after a successful amateur career and fought British greats in Michael Watson and Herol Graham.He won the British and European titles in the space of a year and retired after losing to Cornelius Carr in 1994. Most read in BoxingCook later became a coach and was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to youth justice in Hackney.At Buckingham Palace he received the honour directly from Queen Elizabeth II. In later years, Cook joined Anthony Yarde’s camp before the light-heavyweight’s rematch win over Lyndon Arthur in 2021. Anthony Yarde with trainer CookCredit: queensberry promotions More

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    Heartbreak for England legend as wife dies after ‘several months’ battling with illness

    LADY Hilkka Brooking, the beloved wife of Club legend Sir Trevor, has died after battling with illness for “several months”.The couple were married for 55 years with Lady Hilkka becoming a regular visitor to West Ham United fixtures home and away.Hilkka Brooking, the beloved wife of Club legend Sir Trevor, has died after battling with illness for ‘several months’Credit: AlamySir Trevor Brooking and his wife Hilkka Brooking watching West Ham United at Molineux StadiumCredit: AlamyThe pair were married for 55 yearsCredit: AFPRemembering his much-loved wife Sir Trevor thanked fans for their “kind” messages and thoughts. She “stood by his side” when Sir Trevor was a player during his illustrious career and then in his role as an ambassador of English football.In an emotional tribute he said: “I want to thank people for their kind messages and thoughts.“Hilkka loved coming to West Ham United matches and always wanted the Club to do well.”Read more on SportIn a heartfelt message shared on the club’s site, joint-Chairman David Sullivan remembered Hilkka as a “popular figure” in the Boardroom.Joint-Chairman David Sullivan added: “We are all extremely sad to hear the news of Lady Hilkka’s passing. “Hilkka was a hugely popular figure in the Boardroom and throughout the Club, always by Sir Trevor’s side and a passionate supporter of West Ham United. “She will be greatly missed by everyone here.”Most read in FootballSir Trevor joined West Ham as a youth player in 1965 before making his senior debut a couple of years later.His illustrious career playing for the Upton Park team saw him make over 600 appearances and score more than 100 goals before retiring in 1984.Post-retirement he picked up a role at the BBC as a broadcaster and was later appointed to the Sports Council.Brooking’s name however, will be forever remembered for West Ham’s historic FA Cup 1-0 win against Arsenal in 1980.His contributions to the game have seen him receive a knighthood, OBE and MBE. On being knighted he told the BBC: “This is a wonderful honour and a huge privilege. My family and I are very excited by the news,”My whole life has been about sport, as a footballer, as a broadcaster and as an administrator.”When you look at some of the other people from football who have been knighted I feel privileged to be in the same company.Read More on The Sun”This is not something me or my family could have envisaged when I was growing up in the East End.”There are some great names there, but I am also conscious that the honour is really for my Sport England work.”Hilkka often attended matches with her husbandCredit: AlamyHilkka stood by her husband throughout his illustrious career as a player and football ambassadorCredit: Alamy More

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    Footballer, 35, dies after suffering cardiac arrest on pitch just hours after sharing deep message about ‘soul and life’

    A FOOTBALLER has died after collapsing on the pitch following a reported cardiac arrest – having shared a poignant message just hours earlier.Enzo Pittau, 35, the dad of a new baby girl, lost his footing several times before his collapse 41 minutes into a cup game.Argentinian football is in shock over Enzo Pittau’s deathCredit: Jam PressPittau had shared what now reads as a poignant messageCredit: TwitterHis passion for football was clear to seeCredit: Jam PressPittau was playing for Don Orione away to Club Union in Argentina’s Chaco Federation tournament.Witnesses say there was “chaos…screaming… and crying” as people in the venue saw his fall and realised how serious the situation was.Media outlet Hechos y Derecho say Pittau was taken in a private vehicle to a hospital, where he died.The Chaco League star had played for numerous teams in the area, also enjoying spells in Italy, Switzerland and Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball in the area, north of Argentina capital Buenos Aires, is in mourning and shock following his death.A few hours before the match Pittau posted a touching message and photo on social media.He wrote: “The faith and God in between. Today we play with soul and life.”Alongside those words was a picture of his football top and shin guards – which  had photos of his new daughter.Most read in SportHis club said: “With deep pain, we communicate the death of Enzo Pittau. We are shocked and affected by this loss. “We appreciate your solidarity and understanding in this difficult time for our club and Enzo Pittau’s family.”We were all in shock, the players and us in the stands. The match was stopped for a while and then suspended.WitnessA witness told Diario Chaco via Contexto Tucuman: “I was in the middle of the match and Pittau fell to the ground. It was as if he had fainted.”I can still see it, and it’s very painful. “Everything turned into chaos. People were running, screaming, crying, and yelling for help.”From the stands, we didn’t really know what had happened, but it was awful.”Another witness said: “I have this image of Pittau falling alone. I can’t get it out of my head. “We’re dismayed by what happened.  “It hurts quite a bit. We were all in shock, the players and us in the stands. The match was stopped for a while and then suspended.”Read More on The SunLocal media say Pittau had returned to Chaco to be near his family after his grandfather had health problems.Sunday’s tragic match was the return leg in the second phase of the Argentinian Federativo tournament.Family man Pittau has passed away tragicallyCredit: Jam Press More