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      in Motorsport

      Thirty years on from Ayrton Senna’s tragic death Bernie Ecclestone reveals he was told F1 would be CANCELLED for ever

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      BERNIE ECCLESTONE revealed he was told Formula One would be CANCELLED in the aftermath of Ayrton Senna’s death.Today marks the 30th anniversary of Senna’s fatal crash in Imola.Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna died while leading the San Marino Grand PrixCredit: AFPBernie Ecclestone was told that F1 would be cancelled after thatCredit: ReutersBrazil’s triple world champion died almost instantly when his Williams ran off the road at 190mph and smashed into a concrete wall on lap seven of the San Marino Grand Prix.And Ecclestone, who ruled the sport for four decades until 2017, said: “Max Mosley, the FIA president, said to me that he believed it would be the end of Formula One.“We hoped it wouldn’t cause what Max had suggested but it was a disaster. “It seems to me a lot longer than 30 years. Ayrton was so unlucky to die.”READ MORE ON SPORTSenna was leading when he lost control at the notorious Tamburello corner. The right-front suspension of his car penetrated his crash helmet.Yet the race restarted less than 40 minutes later with Michael Schumacher winning. Senna’s team-mate Damon Hill was sixth, two places ahead of fellow Brit Martin Brundle.Now a TV pundit, Brundle has said he was angry that “we raced past a pool of Senna’s blood for 55 laps”.But Ecclestone, 93, insisted: “Should we have stopped the race? I don’t think so.Most read in Motorsport“It wouldn’t have helped Senna in any way. When these things happen, they happen so quickly that you don’t really have that much time to think.“Legally, it should have been stopped because we now know he died at the circuit but it came down to commercial problems, people who would have wanted refunds and all these sorts of things.Video shows Ayrton Senna racing in the San Marino Grand prix in 1994 before tragic death of driver“The other side of it wasn’t really taken into consideration.”F1 is expected to pay tribute to Senna at the Emilia Romagna GP in Imola on May 19.His death is the last time a driver was killed during an F1 race.Jules Bianchi died nine months after injuries he suffered at the Japanese GP ten years ago.It’s the 30th anniversary of Senna’s fatal crash in ImolaCredit: GettyEcclestone added: “Formula One became more popular after Senna’s death.“It got so much worldwide publicity that people who had not watched before started to become interested.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I hope we will never see something like that again.“And I think today, with the way everything has improved with safety, the chances are so much smaller.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      in Soccer

      Football icon Diego Maradona’s death is linked to cocaine, a bombshell medical report claims

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      FOOTBALL great Diego Maradona’s death is linked to cocaine, a medical report suggests.The World Cup winner’s fatal heart attack in November 2020 came on suddenly and may have been brought on by a “toxic substance”, it says.Diego Maradona’s death is linked to cocaine, a medical report suggests.Credit: ReutersThe troubled genius in action for Argentina in 1994Credit: Getty Images – GettyMaradona, who was recovering from a brain op, had a long-standing cocaine addiction.It casts new light on the criminal case against eight doctors and nurses about to go on trial over how they cared for Maradona in his final hours.They are accused of leaving the 60-year-old in agony for hours as his condition worsened.The eight, who include his psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, face 25 years in jail if convicted.READ MORE ON MARADONAMr Cosachov’s lawyer said: “There could have been two causes: one natural and the other, a product of the ingestion of a toxic substance.”Maradona died aged 60 on November 25, 2020, at a rented property near Buenos Aires following brain surgery two weeks earlier.The death of Argentina’s greatest ever player stunned the country.Within days of the legend’s death his family and legions of fans were demanding answers.Most read in FootballCops raided his doctors’ homes and offices and a panel of 20 medical experts was appointed to investigate his death.More than 200 witnesses will give evidence at the trial in Buenos Aires which is expected to last several months.Fans come out to say good bye to football legend Maradona as he is laid to rest at Bella Vista cemetery More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor lead the tributes after Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically dies

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Conor McGregor led the tributes after Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically died. The former UFC champion-turned-heavyweight boxer revealed the devastating news on social media. Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically diedCredit: GettyConor McGregor paid tribute to Ngannou and his familyCredit: GettyAs did former boxing opponent Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyAnd he was met with resounding support from the world of sport. Father-of-four McGregor, 35, replied on X: “I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.”Absolutely gutted reading this Francis! I can only imagine the pain you are in right now I am so sorry hearing this news. “I pray God has the best and safest place in heaven for him, until you meet again.” READ MORE IN BOXINGJoshua, who has eight-year-old son JJ, said on Instagram: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, 45, who has five kids, added: “I’m sorry brother. “Can’t imagine the pain and struggle you are going through. Praying for you and your family right now!” Ngannou, 37, shot to fame in the UFC where he became heavyweight champion. Most read in BoxingBut he last year walked out on the MMA powerhouse to pursue boxing, facing British superstars Tyson Fury, 35, and Joshua, 34.He dropped Fury on his boxing debut only to lose a controversial decision before being knocked out in two rounds by AJ in March. Ngannou is believed to have earned within the region of £15m after putting his MMA career on hold to switch to boxing. The Cameroonian keeps much of his personal life private, with the birth of son Kobe also hidden from the public. But Ngannou released a heartbreaking statement following the passing of his boy, which read: “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone.”My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. “I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding. How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?”Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.” More

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      in Boxing

      Dingaan Thobela dead at 57: Former three-time boxing world champion dies as police find his body at his home

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      FORMER boxing champion Dingaan Thobela has been found dead at his home in Johannesburg after battling with a short illness.Thobela, 57, united both black and white supporters during his career which stretched from before and after apartheid and he was known as the “Rose of Soweto”.Ex-boxing world champion Dingaan Thobela has died aged 57Credit: GettyThobela won belts in two weight classesThe icon who grew up in the townships won the WBO lightweight title in 1990 and the WBA lightweight title in 1993 and the WBC super-middleweight title in 2000.His career stretched from 1990 to 2006 and the boxer from Chiawelo, Soweto, was still cheered on the streets and continued to do charity work to help those in poverty.When he failed to answer his mobile phone for several days friends went to his flat in Mayfair, Johannesburg, on Monday night and forced the door and found him dead.A close friend said: “It was not like him to not answer his mobile phone and his family worried about him accompanied police to his home and found he had passed on”.READ MORE IN BOXINGHis poor health prevented him from attending Boxing SA’s symposium as a star guest at the Arena Holdings offices in Parktown last Friday and he often joked about a “comeback”.Thobela held 3 world titles in two-weight divisions — the first two being the WBO and WBA lightweight belts in the lightweight divisions early in his career – then went up a weight.The “Rose” finally bloomed when he won the most prestigious WBC super-middleweight belt in 2000 via a 12th-round stoppage victory over defending champion Glen Catley.The victory at Carnival City in Brakpan under trainer Elias Tshabalala in his corner sealed Thobela’s place in South African history as one of their nation’s finest ever athletes.Most read in BoxingLegend Thobela was separated from his common law wife Sandra with whom they had two children together Ntombi and Dingaan Thobela Junior who he was still close to.He enjoyed SA support beyond colour lines as his victories outside SA brought traffic to a standstill with wild celebrations in townships and white areas when he became champ.Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically dies as UFC champion-turned boxer shares heartbreaking post More

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      in Boxing

      Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically dies as UFC champion-turned boxer shares heartbreaking post

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU’S 15-month old son Kobe has tragically passed away.The 37-year-old, who recently fought both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, took to X to confirm the heartbreaking news.Francis Ngannou posted a heartbreaking tribute after his 15-month-old son passed awayCredit: AFPNgannou wrote a statement on XCredit: XIn a statement on Ngannou’s X account, he wrote: “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone.”My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.”How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?”Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”READ MORE ON NGANNOUHe had earlier written on X: “What’s the purpose of life if what we’re fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!?”Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don’t have? I’m f***ing tired.”Little is known about Ngannou’s personal life and it is unclear who the child’s mother is.Fans were quick to share their well-wishes for the boxer amidst the shock news.Most read in BoxingFellow UFC star Conor McGregor wrote: “I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.”Francis Ngannou’s story from refugee to fighting Tyson Fury and Anthony JoshuaHe was joined by former Ngannou opponent Joshua, who wrote: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”A fellow well-wisher wrote: “No parent should ever have to go through this 💔 My deepest sympathies.”Another fan wrote: “Incredibly sorry for your loss – unimaginable 🙏🏼”Ngannou was UFC heavyweight champion between 2020 and 2023 before he left to pursue a career in boxing.That saw him give Fury an almighty scare in October last year when he dropped the Brit in the fifth round – before narrowly losing on points.That was despite the fight being Ngannou’s first ever professional boxing match.His training saw him strike up a close relationship with boxing legend Mike Tyson, who prepared him for his fight against the Gypsy King.He went on to lose to Joshua in his second professional bout last month.Ngannou’s heartbreaking tribute in fullHEARTBROKEN Francis Ngannou wrote on X after the devastating loss of his 15-month-old son:
      “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone.
      “My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy.
      “Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.
      “How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?
      “Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”

      Ngannou experienced an incredible rise to stardom in martial arts after facing extreme poverty in his hometown of Batie in Cameroon.Aged nine, he began working in a sand mine alongside his 11-year-old brother to provide for his family.He moved from Cameroon to France aged 26 without a penny to his name to pursue a career in boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter initially being homeless after moving to Europe, he met coach Didier Carmont who let him train and sleep at the boxing gym free of charge.Here, he was first introduced to the sport of MMA which saw him go on to become one of the biggest names in the history of the sport.Inside Francis Ngannou’s incredible rise from childhood in sandmines to boxing stardomBy Jon Boon
      FRANCIS NGANNOU’S remarkable journey to reach the top is one of hope, courage, strength and character, and is symbolic of the fighter he is.
      The Cameroonian has been the heavyweight king of UFC and earned tens of millions in the boxing ring in bouts with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.But he faces much tougher tests in his life that prove he is as resilient as it gets.From a tough start in Cameroon, where he worked in the sand mines as a nine-year-old for just £1.50 a day, to being homeless in Paris, his story is the ultimate tale of survival.Click here to read more about Ngannou’s incredible story More

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      in Boxing

      Heavyweight boxer Ardi Ndembo, 27, dies three weeks after brutal knockout defeat left dad-of-two in induced coma

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      TRAGEDY has struck the boxing world following the passing of heavyweight boxer Ardi Ndembo.Ndembo was left unconscious for several minutes after being brutally stopped by Nestor Santana in their Team Combat League clash in Florida earlier this month.Heavyweight boxer Ardi Ndemb, standing, has tragically passed awayCredit: INSTAGRAM@ARDINDEMBOThe 27-year-old suffered a brutal KO loss earlier this monthCredit: INSTAGRAM@ARDINDEMBOCongolese clubber Ndembo is survived by his two childrenCredit: INSTAGRAM@ARDINDEMBOHe was promptly taken to a Miami hospital, where he lay in an induced coma.But the 27-year-old dad-of-two has tragically succumbed to his injuries. A statement from the promotion read: “We at Viva Promotions mourn the loss of Ardi Ndembo, a talented Congolese boxer who tragically passed away after a knockout in a Team Combat League match on April 5.”He remained in an induced coma until his untimely death. READ MORE IN BOXING”RIP Ardi Ndembo!”Boxing fans were quick to pay tribute to the late Ndembo, with one writing on X: “Prayers for his family. RIP to him. Salute.”Another said: “Prayers up to his family, team, close friends.”And another said: “Condolences to his family, this is truly heartbreaking.”Most read in BoxingArdi Ndembo boasted a perfect 8-0 record before the fatal boutCredit: INSTAGRAM@ARDINDEMBOOne remarked: “Rest in peace, brother.”Another chimed in: “Condolences to the family and friends of this young man, Ardi Ndembo. He was a gladiator.”A fundraiser has started to help Ndembo’s family with funeral costs.It’s currently sitting close to £9000, £10k short of its £19,000 goal.WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney donated close to £1200 to the GoFundMe.Team Combat League have vowed to match all donations up to the £19k target.Jeff Mayweather, the uncle of boxing icon Floyd Mayweather, was ringside for the fatal bout.Jeff Mayweather was ringside for the tragic boutCredit: INSATGRAM@JEFFMAYWEATHERHe told SunSport: “Boxing’s a sport where you grow up watching it and loving it, but there’s so much risk involved.”Anyone can lose their life from boxing. When something like this happens, it wakes up the whole entire world.”I don’t think boxing’s a bad sport because you can die in any sport.“You drive a race car at 200mph, if it slides, you’re going to die too. “You can die in any sport but boxing is a brutal sport.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTCL is a unique format in which combatants in a squad box over one or two rounds with points earned in each and tallied up to decide the winning team.Ndembo was representing Las Vegas Hustle when he was brutally KO’d by Miami Assassin’s Santana. More

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      in Soccer

      Why are Arsenal wearing black armbands tonight against Chelsea?

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      ARSENAL are wearing black armbands in their match against Chelsea.The Gunners are paying their respects at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League clash.Arsenal are wearing black armbands against ChelseaCredit: GETTYWhy are Arsenal wearing black armbands?Arsenal are wearing black armbands in tribute to their former chairman, Sir Chips Keswick, who passed away this week aged 84.During his time with the Gunners he oversaw the team winning four FA Cups, with his final year fittingly seeing the team win the 2020 FA Cup as he stepped down in May of that year.Keswick became the chairman of the north London side in 2013 having initially joined the club’s board alongside Lord Harris in November 2005.An Arsenal statement announcing the sad news read: “It is with great sadness that the club reports the death of former Chairman, Sir Chips Keswick.The Gunners are paying tribute to Sir Chips KeswickCredit: Getty – Contributor”A lifelong Arsenal supporter, he was a regular at Highbury after first standing in the boys’ enclosure in 1949 and listed his early heroes as the Compton brothers and Jimmy Logie but, above all, goalkeeper – and later manager – George Swindin, as young Chips was a budding schoolboy keeper himself.”Retirement allowed him to spend more time with his beloved family as well as indulge in his other great sporting passion, horse racing – he was a respected owner of numerous racehorses over the years. “Sir Chips will be greatly missed by everyone at Arsenal who knew him and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Lady Sarah and their children David, Tobias and Adam.”Keswick had previously been a vice-chairman of Hambros bank between 1986 and 1998 and knighted by the Queen for services to banking in 1993.Most read in FootballHe was known to be a keen racehorse owner and owned some with the Queen.Keswick won the Cheltenham Festival Novices’ Handicap Chase in 2014 with Present View, trained by Jamie Snowden, but missed it because Arsenal were playing in Europe.Upon his retirement as the most powerful man at Arsenal in 2020, Keswick said at the time: “It has been an honour to be the chairman of this great football club.”Arsenal has always held a special place in my life and that will remain the case in the future.” More

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      in Soccer

      Britain’s first £1million footballer Trevor Francis cuts out estranged sons from will as he leaves behind huge sum

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      BRITAIN’S first £1million footballer Trevor Francis left £1.9million in his will — but cut out his two estranged sons.The ex-England striker, who died last July aged 69, gave strict instructions that his boys, James and Matthew, were not to benefit.Trevor Francis, Britain’s first ever footballer to sign for £1million, handed his fortune to his siblings in his will after cutting out his estranged sonsCredit: GettyInstead, he handed his fortune to his siblings — brother Ian and sister Carolyn. His hairdresser wife, Helen, died from breast cancer two years before him.In his will, drawn up in February 2019, he wrote: “I wish to make it clear in this my will that I have not included my children as beneficiaries due to the fact that we have become estranged following family differences over the last several months.“Neither of my children are financially dependent on me.”READ MORE BEAUTIFUL GAMETrevor, who signed for Nottingham Forest for £1million in 1979 and helped them win the European Cup that year, died from a heart attack in Spain.Both sons attended his funeral, which was held near Marbella.But his will says his British estate should be shared equally between his brother and sister, who both live in Plymouth. It does not cover his Spanish estate, thought to include an apartment near Marbella.Most read in FootballThe causes of the rift with his sons were not given. But in 2013, James, then 26, was charged with burgling the Warwickshire home. Secretary of State for Housing Robert Jenrick admits he can see why inheritance tax is ‘particularly unpopular’ in the UKHe was cleared by a jury after his dad spoke up for him in court, where he insisted his boys were well brought up. More