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      in Soccer

      Archange Defrignan Mondou dead at 19: Ivory Coast midfielder found unresponsive at home as Norweigan club lead tribute

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      NORWEGIAN football has been plunged into mourning after a top-flight club’s midfielder was found dead at home.Archange Defrignan Mondou, 19, played for Eliteserien outfit HamKam after arriving from the Ivory Coast last year.
      Archange Defrignan Mondou has passed away aged 19
      But tragedy struck when the teenager, nicknamed Achilles, passed away on Tuesday.
      Emergency services found him unresponsive at his flat in Hamar, 60 miles north of capital city Oslo.
      Mondou’s club announced: “It is with great sadness that HamKam Football has received the news that Achilles has passed away at the age of 19.
      “He was found in his apartment. Our warmest thoughts are with his family and relatives.
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      “The cause of death is currently unknown.”
      HamKam general manager Bent Svele said: “This is a very difficult day for everyone affected.”
      A police spokesman added: “He was found dead, and we have requested an autopsy.
      “There was nothing suspicious about the death, other than the cause is unclear.
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      “He was found by others at home, and died alone.”
      Mondou had been forced to take a break from football last September after an incident in training.
      The midfielder spent time in hospital following a medical assessment. More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘Talented’ teen rally car driver, 15, and co-driver, 35, killed in horror crash during race after veering into ditch

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      A TEENAGER and his co-driver have been killed in a deadly rally sprint crash in New Zealand.The pair who tragically died have been named as 15-year-old Brooklyn Horan, and Tyson Jemmett, 35.
      A teenage racer has been tragically killed during the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in New ZealandCredit: Facebook
      His co-driver was also in the car at the time of the tragic crashCredit: Facebook
      Horan and Jemmet had been racing at the Arcadia Road Rallysprint in Paparoa when their car crashed into a river.
      A police investigator said that the car had skidded off the gravel road and plunged into a river swollen with rain.
      The pair were pronounced dead on the scene by emergency services.
      MotorSport New Zealand have confirmed that Horan had been driving the car when it crashed.
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      Although New Zealanders can’t obtain a driver’s licence until they are 16, younger drivers are able to compete under certain conditions.
      On MotorSport New Zealand’s website, it says that the junior driver program “allows people aged between 12 and 16 the ability to obtain a competition licence”.
      According to MotorSport, it is not uncommon for young drivers to participate in these competitions.
      However, the organisation has announced that it will be undertaking a thorough investigation.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “The event took place on Arcadia Road in Paparoa which was closed to the public for the duration of the event under the authority of the local Road Controlling Authority,” MotorSport said in its statement.
      “It is too early in the investigation to comment on what the main contributing factors to the crash were, however, it does not seem as though the road was in a detrimental or unsafe condition.”
      Motorsport New Zealand president Wayne Christie added: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these two competitors and all involved with the Arcadia Road Rallysprint.
      “The whole motorsport community will be understandably shocked and upset by this terrible tragedy.
      “We will be offering support to all those involved in the coming days.”
      Tributes to the pair have been flooding social media.
      World Rally Championship winner Hyden Paddon has taken to X to express his condolences after learning of the double fatal crash.
      He said: “Such a tragic event yesterday of two great people taken too early.
      “Brooklyn Horan was one of the most exciting young rally talents who was destined for big things, and Tyson who was a massive rally fan and family man.
      “Your career may have only just been starting but you had already left your mark.”
      Winger Motorsport said: “On behalf of the team at Winger Motorsport, we send our condolences to the friends and family of Brooklyn Horan and his co-driver Tyson.”
      1Eighty Racing added: “Such a raw talent! You will be missed on the track and our thoughts go out to your family.”
      While Hodgson Motorsport posted: “It is with a very heavy heart that today we heard the absolutely devastating news that Brooklyn passed away doing the very thing we grew to love together as families.
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      “It’s times like these that you remember that the sport we chose comes with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.”
      “Brooklyn you were an amazing kind loving happy kid and that hadn’t changed years later when we crossed paths again back at off-roading last year, the cheeky smile was still the same, you had just grown a weeee bit taller.” More

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      in Soccer

      Chris Nicholl dead aged 77: Tributes pour in after former Aston Villa and Southampton star passes away

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      FORMER Aston Villa and Southampton star Chris Nicholl has died at the age of 77.The English-born defender represented Northern Ireland at international level.
      Nicholl was well loved at Villa ParkCredit: Rex
      Nicholl also managed the SaintsCredit: Rex
      His former clubs have paid tributeCredit: PA
      Nicholl came through the ranks at Burnley but is best remembered for his spells at Aston Villa and Southampton – going on to manage the latter.
      He spent six years as Southampton boss before leading Walsall from 1994 to 1997.
      Nicholl made his debut for Northern Ireland in 1974 and won 51 caps for his country.
      He played all five of Northern Ireland’s games during the 1982 World Cup, which included beating hosts Spain 1-0.
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      Nicholl also had spells at Halifax, Luton and Grimsby over the course of a 19-year professional playing career.
      Later on in his managerial career, he had a stint as Northern Ireland’s assistant between 1998 and 2000.
      Nicholl made 210 appearances for Villa before playing 228 times for Southampton.
      In the 2017 BBC documentary “Dementia, Football and Me” with Alan Shearer he revealed he was battling the disease.
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      He said he was fighting it after becoming “brain-damaged from heading balls”.
      It was Nicholl that gave Shearer his break in football when he was coming through the youth ranks at Southampton.
      And Shearer led the tributes to Nicholl today, writing on X: “RIP Chris Nicholl. You believed in me and gave me my chance. Thank you.”
      A number of Nicholl’s former clubs and players he either played with or managed have also lined up to pay tribute to him on social media.
      The Northern Ireland national team wrote on X: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Nicholl.
      “He played 51 times for us, including the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
      Aston Villa wrote: “Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Chris Nicholl, who has died at the age of 77.
      “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Chris’ family and friends at this difficult time.”
      The club then added in another tweet: “A two-time promotion and League Cup winner – Chris Nicholl’s achievements in claret and blue will never be forgotten.
      “He was a dominant figure at the heart of the Aston Villa defence for over five seasons, making 252 appearances and scoring 20 goals. Rest in peace, Chris.”
      Alongside this was a clip of Nicholl scoring a goal in the 1977 league cup final and lifting the trophy.
      Wallsall, who Nicholl also managed, wrote: “We are devastated to learn that former manager Chris Nicholl has passed away. Chris led the Saddlers from 1994 to 1997 and won promotion to Division Two in what was a memorable 1994-95 campaign.
      “Our thoughts are with his family & friends at this incredibly sad time.”
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      Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier wrote: “The thoughts and prayers of my family go out to the family of my first manager Chris Nicholl who has sadly passed away.
      “I’ll always be eternally grateful to Chris for having the faith in me as a 17-year-old boy to give me my opportunity to prove I was good enough to be a professional footballer. Gone but never forgotten.” More

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      in Soccer

      MOTD2 host Mark Chapman finds love again with glam estate agent after death of wife Sara from cancer

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      MATCH of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman has found romance again after his wife’s death.Chappers, 50, has been dating estate agent Clere Collier for months.
      Widower Mark Chapman has found love againCredit: PA
      Chappers is dating Dubai estate agent Clere Collier
      It is his first relationship since wife Sara, 44, died of cancer in 2020.
      Mum-of-two Clere, 43, was once linked with pop singer Dane Bowers and is based in Dubai.
      She uses her contacts there to invest in London’s property market — and makes regular UK trips for work and to see Mark in Manchester, where the BBC broadcaster is based.
      Mark had three children with wife of 19 years Sara.
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      A source said: “It’s early days but Mark and Clere are in a good place and enjoying each other’s company.
      “Mark’s focus has always been his children and work, so a relationship was unexpected.
      “He and Clere are taking things slow and just seeing how it all plays out, but it’s clear to see they are really into each other.”
      Mark, who had three children with wife of 19 years Sara, is a Radio 5 Live regular and occasionally steps in for Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.
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      He also fronts Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup coverage and is regarded as one of the industry’s most talented presenters.
      Mark, affectionately known as Chappers, made his name as the sports presenter for Radio 1’s Newsbeat and was part of Sara Cox’s team when she hosted the station’s Breakfast Show.
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      He later went on to perform the same role for Scott Mills before going on to become a fixture at 5 Live and BBC television, which also saw him front the corporation’s NFL coverage before it moved to Channel 4.
      This is Mark’s first relationship since wife Sara died of cancer in 2020 aged 44Credit: Twitter
      Chapman has hosted Match of the Day 2 for over a decadeCredit: BBC More

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      in Motorsport

      Wilson Fittipaldi dead at 80: Former F1 star and team owner dies after Christmas dinner incident

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      WILSON FITTIPALDI has died at the age of 80.The former F1 star and team owner had been in hospital since Christmas.
      Wilson Fittipaldi has passed awayCredit: Getty
      He started 35 F1 races between 1972 and 1975Credit: Getty
      Fittipaldi – brother of former world champions Emerson – choked on a piece of meat during dinner and his family were unable to clear his airway.
      This led to him suffering a cardiac arrest and being rushed to hospital after being resuscitated.
      But he remained in poor heath and unfortunately passed away on Friday.
      Vice-president of motorsport for South America at the FIA, Fabiana Ecclestone, released a statement following Fittipaldi’s death.
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      It read: “It is with deep sorrow that we receive the news of the passing of Wilson Fittipaldi Jr. His departure leaves an irreparable void in the automobile scene and in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
      “His dedication and efforts were fundamental in consolidating the country as an important protagonist on the international racing scene.
      “In this moment of mourning, we express our most sincere condolences to the family, friends and admirers of Wilson Fittipaldi Jr.
      “May they find comfort in the memories of his brilliant career and in the legacy he left for the sport he loved so much. May he rest in peace.”
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      Fittipaldi set up the first and only Brazilian F1 team in 1974Credit: AFP
      Tributes have also flooded in for Fittipaldi on social media.
      One person posted: “What sad news 😔 RIP 🇧🇷 Wilson Fittipaldi 🕯️.”
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      A second wrote: “Sad to hear about Wilson Fittipaldi passing away.”
      A third commented: “Sad, sad news.”
      In 2020, Fittipaldi had a fall at his house and was diagnosed with a cerebral haemorrhage.
      He was operated on a couple of days after and made a recovery.
      He continued to be active on social media and present at motorsports events.
      He was in the paddock at the Brazilian Grand Prix last year as he continued to follow the sport.
      Fittipaldi started 35 F1 races between 1972 and 1975, claiming three points during his short career in the sport.
      Alongside his brother Emerson, he set up the first and only Brazilian F1 team – Fittipaldi-Copersucar – in 1974.
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      The team raced in F1 from 1975 to 1982.
      He managed his son Christian, 53, between 1992 and 1994 as a F1 driver. More

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      in Soccer

      Benfica star Joao Neves reduced to tears as fans chant in support of 19-year-old following mum’s death in Europa League

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      BENFICA star Joao Neves was reduced to tears after a touching tribute from his fans at the Estadio da Luz tonight.The 19-year-old’s mother died last week after a long battle with cancer and the midfielder was emotional as soon as the final whistle blew.
      Joao Neves was emotional at the final whistleCredit: Reuters
      Neves thanked fans for their supportCredit: Reuters
      The Benfica faithful showed their support for Neves by chanting his name at the end of the game.
      And the support of his fans brought the young midfielder to tears.
      Benfica drew 0-0 with Toulouse on the night, which was enough to see them advance through to the next round.
      Neves has played 38 times in all competitions for Benfica this year, despite being just 19 years old.
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      He has already been capped three times by Portugal.
      A combative deep-lying midfielder in the Rodri mould, Neves was linked with a big money move to the Premier League in the summer and January.
      United were interested in the midfielder last summer, although the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo in his position may see their interest in him cool.
      He has also attracted the interest of Arsenal as they look to replace Thomas Partey in the summer.
      Most read in Football
      Neves was thrust into the Benfica first team last year when he was just 18 to replace the outgoing Enzo Fernandez, who signed for Chelsea in a £107million deal.
      Benfica were playing in the play-off of the Europa League after dropping down from the Champions League this year.
      They will find out their opponents in the round of 16 in March. More

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      in Soccer

      Artur Jorge dead at 78: Benfica and Portugal legend and European Cup winner passes away as former club pays tribute

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      PORTUGUESE football is mourning the death of the legendary Artur Jorge at the age of 78.The former forward enjoyed an impressive career as a player, with the highlight being his 105 goals in 130 matches for Benfica.
      Former Portugal boss Artur Jorge has died aged 78Credit: AP:Associated Press
      However, it was as a manager that he achieved icon status and saw him voted as the European Coach of the Year in 1987 after claiming European Cup success.
      And Jorge also has the unique honour of being idolised by both supporters of rival clubs Benfica and Porto.
      He won the Primeira Liga title four times as a player with the former between 1969 and 1975.
      He then led Porto to three domestic championships during the first of his two spells in charge there.
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      And he also secured them European Cup glory in 1987 after they beat Bayern Munich 2-1.
      He also led Paris Saint-Germain to their second French top-flight triumph in 1994 and later managed Portugal’s national team twice and Switzerland among a host of other jobs.
      A family statement released to the media said: “It is with deep sadness that the family of Artur Jorge Braga de Melo Teixeira announces his death this morning in Lisbon following a long illness.”
      A heartbroken statement from Porto said: “Artur Jorge was a different man and coach than usual.
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      “Extremely cultured, author of a book of poetry, music lover and art collector, he simultaneously established himself as one of the most successful football coaches of the late 20th century. His death leaves FC Porto without a legend.”
      Ex-PSG president Michel Denisot also paid a touching tribute.
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      He said: “Artur Jorge is the greatest coach I have known.
      “Educated, cultured, passionate, strategic, uncompromising… with him PSG grew very quickly.”
      As well as PSG, he is also fondly remembered in France’s capital city following a two-year stint with Racing Paris.
      Jorge also coached the Cameroon national side but he failed to secure them qualification for the 2006 World Cup.
      After spells in the MIddle East, he ended his 35-year managerial career in 2015 following a season in charge of Algerian side MC Alger.
      Artur Jorge guided Porto to European Cup joy in 1987Credit: AFP More

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      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather breaks down in tears over death of his long-time assistant who he says was the ‘sister I never had’

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER broke down in tears when emotionally discussing the death of his long-time assistant Marikit “Kitchie” Laurico.Kitchie worked with Mayweather for much of his 25-year unbeaten career and was one of his closest confidants.
      Floyd Mayweather broke down in tears when emotionally discussing the death of his assistant
      Marikit ‘Kitchie’ Laurico with MayweatherCredit: Instagram
      Mayweather called Kitchie ‘a sister’Credit: Instagram
      Kitchie sadly passed away in March 2023
      But she sadly passed away last March due to reportedly suffering health problems.
      Mayweather was left heartbroken following Kitchie’s passing and tearfully paid tribute to her on The Pivot Podcast.
      He said: “Kitchie was the only person in life that I could talk about anything to, that knew my deepest secrets.
      “There was no male or female in my life that I told more stuff to than her.
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      “She taught me a lot, she helped me a lot. Through rain, sleet, snow or hail, she had my back.”
      Mayweather revealed they had planned to celebrate Kitchie’s 50th birthday in Aruba and the most recent Super Bowl in Las Vegas.
      But she tragically passed away before they could fulfil their plans.
      Mayweather said she had been dealing with some health issues – but did not specify which – and had encouraged her to seek treatment just days before her death. 
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      He tearfully added: “We argue, we debate, we help each other. That’s a sister I never had. A best friend I ever had.”
      A statement posted to Kitchie’s Instagram account by her family last year revealed that she died on Friday, March 31.
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      It read: “On March 31, 2023, our brilliant star Kitchie abandoned the physical garment… the angels of Thy loving-kindness descended successively upon her and have ascended her to the spiritual world.
      “We thank all of you who have reciprocated genuine love and positive energy with her
      “We are grateful for your patience and honoring our privacy. Homegoing/ celebration of life arrangements for Kitchie are currently in progress, and updated information will be shared accordingly.” More