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      in Soccer

      Masato Kudo dead aged 32: Former MLS star and Japan international tragically dies with tributes pouring in

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      FORMER Japan international Masuto Kudo has tragically died at the age of 32.The football ace, who played in the MLS and Australia’s A-League, was hospitalised earlier this month after being diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluids within the brain.
      Kudo in action for Tegevajaro MiyazakiCredit: Rex
      He died on Friday after complications from surgery.
      Kudo had most recently been playing in the Japan’s third division with Tegevajaro Miyazaki.
      He made four appearances for the Japanese national team in 2013, bagging two goals.
      During his career he featured for MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.
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      And during the 2020-21 season turned out for Brisbane Roar in Australia.
      The Vancouver Whitecaps have been among the many to pay tribute, saying in a statement: “Vancouver Whitecaps FC are mourning the passing of Masato Kudo.
      “Kudo was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was kind, gracious, and his smile would light up the room.
      “Whitecaps FC offer our condolences to Kudo’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
      Most read in Football
      Brisbane Roar head coach Warren Moon said: “I like everyone else at Brisbane Roar I am deeply saddened by the news overnight that our former teammate, player and friend Masato Kudo has passed away.
      “He had such a wonderful personality and always turned up to training every morning with a beaming smile on his face.
      “He will be greatly missed, and our hearts go out to his wife and young daughter at this sad time.”
      The club added: “Our thoughts are with Kudo’s family and friends as well as the Tegebajaro Miyazaki Football Club, its supporters and the wider community at this difficult time.”
      The J.League said in a statement: “Along with the entire Japanese football community, we mourn the passing of Masato Kudo and wish to express our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Victor Steeman’s mum tragically dies of heart attack two days after World Superbikes ace’s death following horror crash

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      VICTOR STEEMAN’S mum has died just two days after her World Superbikes star son tragically passed away.Flora van Limbeek, 59, suffered a cardiac arrest at home in the Netherlands, according to Race Sport.
      Victor Steeman died just before his mum also passedCredit: Getty
      The Dutchman won four races this campaignCredit: Getty
      Steeman tragically died aged just 22 due to a horrific multi-car crash at the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Race 1 in Portugal.
      He was one of the sport’s rising stars and was in the midst of a fantastic season, in the hunt to win the World Championships.
      The Dutchman picked up four wins and five podiums this campaign.
      His mother was his biggest fan and her passing comes just two days after Steeman’s death.
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      He died when he was involved in an awful crash on Turn 14 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.
      Steeman was immediately airlifted to hospital with the race red flagged.
      He was taken to Faro Hospital with serious head injuries, where he later passed away.
      Soon after his death a family statement read: “Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race.
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      “Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save five other people by donating his organs.
      “We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”
      All thoughts are with Steeman’s father and Van Limbeek’s wife, Willem, during this awful time. More

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      in Motorsport

      Victor Steeman dead at 22: Tributes paid to World Superbikes ace after horror multi-rider crash during championship race

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      VICTOR STEEMAN has died aged 22, leaving the World Superbikes community devastated.Steeman was caught in a horrific, multi-car crash at the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Race 1 in Portugal.
      Victor Steeman has died aged 22Credit: Getty
      The Dutchman won four races this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Dutch star was one of a number of riders to be involved in an awful crash on Turn 14 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.
      Steeman was immediately airlifted to hospital with the race red flagged.
      He was taken to Faro Hospital with serious head injuries, where he later passed away.
      A statement from his family read: “Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race.
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      “Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save five other people by donating his organs.
      “We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”
      Steeman was in the midst of a brilliant campaign, picking up four wins and five podiums.
      His performances saw him still in the hunt to win the World Championship.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Plenty of tributes have been paid to Steeman.
      WorldSBK wrote on social media: “We’re deeply saddened to report the loss of WorldSSP300 rider Victor Steeman.
      “The WorldSBK family would like to send all our love to his family, team and loved ones. A great personality, a fierce racer and a legacy left embedded in our paddock forever.
      “Ride in Peace, Victor.”
      MotoGP added: “It’s with great sadness that we have learned about the passing of WorldSSP 300 rider Victor Steeman.
      “All within the MotoGP family send our condolences to the family, friends and team of Victor at this difficult time.
      “Ride in Peace, Victor.”
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      Rider Glenn Irwin wrote: “Rest in peace Victor Steeman. Taken way too soon.”
      While Iker Lecuona added: “My deepest condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances, as well as @victorsteeman’s team, we will remember you.” More

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      in Soccer

      John Duncan dead aged 73: Tributes pour in for ex-Tottenham star and manager of Chesterfield’s heroic 1997 FA Cup run

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      JOHN DUNCAN, the former Tottenham striker who guided Chesterfield to a historic FA Cup semi-final as a manager, has died aged 73.Duncan averaged more than a goal every other game for Spurs with 62 goals in 118 appearances.
      John Duncan was a legendary forward beloved by Spurs fansCredit: Rex
      Duncan inspired Chesterfield to the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: Rex
      The former Dundee man also played for Derby County and Scunthorpe before becoming a manager.
      Duncan managed Scunthorpe, Hartlepool United, Chesterfield and Ipswich Town.
      His greatest success as a manager came in a second spell at Chesterfield, taking the second division side to the FA Cup semi-finals in 1997, where they lost to Middlesbrough in a replay.
      Manchester United legend, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “John had such humility and a great sense of humour and I spoke with him only a matter of weeks ago.
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      “I will miss seeing him and I send my deepest condolences to his daughters, his sister, his partner and their families.”
      Former Tottenham team-mate and England assistant manager, John Gorman said: “John was a great team-mate and friend.
      “He continued to do brilliant work after his career with the LMA helping lots of people with their injuries or illnesses, including myself.
      “He was always there for you and will be sorely missed by everyone.”
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      Duncan’s former player, Sean Dyche, added: “I worked with John for a number of years whilst at Chesterfield FC through some of the best years in the club’s history.
      “He was an excellent manager who always worked to get the best out of all of his staff and players in order to mould a team into one that could challenge and be successful.
      “He was not only a manager to me, as he became a friend and a mentor as my career progressed from player to coach and onto being a manager.”
      Former Tottenham star Micky Hazard wrote on social media: “Just heard the very sad news that our former player John Duncan has passed away, very very sad.
      “Go fly with the angels John and say hi to all our former heroes.”
      While Spurs legend Steve Perryman, who made a club-record 854 appearances for the Lilywhites, wrote: “Huge respect to the loss of our great friend & colleague John Duncan.
      “Rest Peacefully Sir, I will never forget your considered & educated take on life with a goal scoring knack that was effective as much as surprising at times with a touch of character + understanding too.”
      Former Bolton and Chesterfield striker Kevin Davies tweeted: “Absolutely gutted to lose my first pro manager and good friend John Duncan today.
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      “Always there for me personally and professionally. So much to thank him for. Called me last week for a chat even though he was unwell, lost one of the good guys, thanks John.”
      And ex-Spurs and Barcelona star Steve Archibald wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of John Duncan, lovely man and great player, hugely respected at Spurs and in the game, great goalscorer, RIP my friend, my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to John’s family.”
      Duncan scored 62 times in 118 games for SpursCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Why are Tottenham and Brighton wearing black armbands during their game tonight?

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      TOTTENHAM host Brighton tonight in their Premier League clash.And both sets of players are set to wear black armbands in the game at Brighton.
      Tottenham are paying their respects to late fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone
      Why are Tottenham and Brighton wearing black armbands?
      The teams are wearing black armbands in tribute to Tottenham fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone.
      Ventrone passed away this week after a short battle with acute leukaemia.
      The popular Italian arrived at Spurs alongside Antonio Conte in November 2021 and was a trusted ally of the former Chelsea boss.
      Ventrone built a reputation of working players extremely hard, but still managed to build up an incredible rapport with them.
      In a tragic turn of events, Tottenham confirmed: “We are devastated to announce that fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away.
      “The 61-year-old joined the Club in November, 2021, as part of Antonio Conte’s backroom staff, having previously held roles at Juventus, Catania, JS Suning, GZ Evergrande and AC Ajaccio.
      “As loveable off the pitch as he was demanding on it, Gian Piero quickly became a hugely popular figure with players and staff.
      “He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.”
      Harry Kane with Gian Piero VentroneCredit: Getty
      Devastated striker Kane wrote on Instagram: “A truly remarkable man.
      “I’m devastated by the passing of our coach Gian Piero. My love and strength is with his family at this time.
      “His words and wisdom will live on with me for the rest of my life and I’m just grateful I had the opportunity to spend time with him. Rest in peace Prof.”

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      in Motorsport

      Phil Read dead at 83: Seven-time motorcycle GP world champion and ‘Prince of Speed’ passes away as tributes pour in

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      PHIL READ has died aged 83, his family have confirmed.The seven-time motorcycle GP world champion passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday.
      Legendary racer Phil Read has passed awayCredit: Getty
      Read remained involved in the sport as he got olderCredit: Getty
      Read was a legendary figure in motorcycle racing – winning Yamaha’s first ever world championship title in 1964.
      He would go on to add four more with the Japanese-Italian team before adding another pair in 1973 and 1974 for MV Agusta.
      Read’s achievements led to him receiving an MBE in 1979 for for “services to motor cycle racing”.
      In a statement posted online, the Read family paid tribute to the much-beloved former racer dubbed by fans as the “Prince of Speed”.
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      It read: “It is with incredible sadness that the Read family reports the passing of Phil Read MBE while peacefully asleep on the morning of October 6th, 2022, at his home in Canterbury, England.
      “Phil is best known for winning Yamaha’s first world championship title in 1964 with four more Yamaha-mounted titles including one fought as a privateer, plus two premier class 500cc world championships in 1973 and 1974 for the Italian MV Agusta marque.
      “Often a controversial and outspoken figure, his prolific racing career included 52 FIM Grand Prix wins and eight wins at the iconic Isle of Man TT Races. In 2002 he was granted the status of “MotoGP Legend” by Dorna.
      “Phil is survived by his sons Michael, Graham, Phil Jr, Roki and daughter Esme’. Further details on any public celebrations of life will be shared.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Following the sad news of Read’s death, Moto GP paid tribute – writing: “All at MotoGP are saddened to learn of the passing of Phil Read
      “A 7-time World Champion, Phil helped to elevate our sport to a new level
      “His impact on the motorcycle racing community will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Phil.”
      Former GP rider Steve Parrish wrote: “So sad to hear the passing of Phil Read. One of the most talented riders to come from the UK.
      “I will never forget him coming to my house, with glamorous wife Madeline.
      “In a Rolls corniche, it was like Queen had arrived.”
      MotoGP star Joan Mir added: “Rest in peace, legend.”
      One fan tweeted: “RIP Phil Read. One of the greatest and hardest motorcycle racers of all time.
      “What a character, in both good and bad ways. A minutes silence will be required at Phillip Island next week.”
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      A second posted: “I got to spend time with Phil these past 15 years having fun at classic events. Phil was one of the greats of all time! R.I.P Phil Read.”
      A third added: “So sorry to hear that the legend Phil Read passed away, he made me laugh, wasn’t PC at all and he upset many without meaning to, which made me like him all the more.”
      Read hoists the trophy aloft after winning the British Junior Championship race in 1963Credit: Getty
      The outspoken star became one Britain’s most successful ever racersCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Gian Piero Ventrone dead at 61: Tottenham fitness coach passes away after battle with leukaemia

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      TOTTENHAM fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has died aged 61 after a short battle with acute leukaemia.The popular Italian arrived at Spurs alongside Antonio Conte in November 2021 and was a trusted ally of the former Chelsea boss.
      Gian Piero Ventrone, middle, arrived at Spurs alongside Antonio Conte last yearCredit: Getty
      The Italian built a particularly strong relationship with Son Heung-minCredit: Getty
      Ventrone built a reputation of working players extremely hard, but still managed to build up an incredible rapport with them.
      In a tragic turn of events, Tottenham confirmed: “We are devastated to announce that fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away.
      “The 61-year-old joined the Club in November, 2021, as part of Antonio Conte’s backroom staff, having previously held roles at Juventus, Catania, JS Suning, GZ Evergrande and AC Ajaccio.
      “As loveable off the pitch as he was demanding on it, Gian Piero quickly became a hugely popular figure with players and staff.
      READ MORE ON SPURS
      “He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.”
      During his time at Spurs, Ventrone developed a particularly strong relationship with South Korean superstar Son Heung-min – who made a point of hugging him after scoring his hat-trick against Leicester last month.
      After the touching moment, Son said: “Yeah, he is a killer. He is a killer but I have a really, really good relationship with Gian Piero.
      “So obviously his English is not perfect, sometimes he is coming with his phone and translating into English from Italian.
      Most read in Football
      “It means a lot. Not as football-wise, I think life-wise he gives me so much advice, which I am really grateful.
      “He has been so helpful, giving me always a big hug in tough times and even great times he has always been next to me and every staff.
      “Even today before we left the training ground, the hotel, we had a couple of minutes of having a nice conversation which made me really comfortable and really grateful.”
      ‘WE ARE ALL DEVASTATED’
      Following Ventrone’s passing, Richarlison led the tributes – writing on social media: “Since I arrived at Tottenham, Gian has been a huge inspiration to me.
      “He always said that I would help him a lot during the season, but who helped me was him… much more than he can imagine. Today we woke up to the terrible news of his passing and we are all devastated.
      “We will continue to play for you, my friend, who taught us to never give up! Thank you so much and rest in peace!”
      ‘A TRULY REMARKABLE MAN’
      Devastated striker Kane wrote on Instagram: “A truly remarkable man.
      “I’m devastated by the passing of our coach Gian Piero. My love and strength is with his family at this time.
      “His words and wisdom will live on with me for the rest of my life and I’m just grateful I had the opportunity to spend time with him. Rest in peace Prof.”
      Matt Doherty added, alongside a crying emoji: “Amazing Man.”
      ‘WE ARE ALL GRATEFUL’
      And the Irishman’s fellow full-back Emerson Royal wrote: “I wish I could thank you for what you did for me.. I can’t express in words the pain that is in my chest, you will always be our “proff”! not just me , we are all grateful for what you did for us.
      “The days will never be the same without your presence. Rest in peace my eternal friend.”
      ‘RIP PROF’
      Ryan Sessegnon tweeted: “Was such an amazing person😢💙 Devastated by the news 💔
      “Was always positive and always pushing us to our limits to become better.
      “My love and strength goes out to his family and everyone connected to Gian piero at this difficult time 🙏🏿 RIP Prof.”
      ‘REAL AND AUTHENTIC’
      While last season’s back-up goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini wrote on Instagram: “Ciao prof! 🖤🙏 Real and authentic man in a football full of fake men, it was a privilege to have met you on my journey.”
      Tottenham’s fitness levels improved remarkably following the arrival of expert Ventrone, which would have been no surprise to Conte.
      The 53-year-old first encountered the man known in his homeland as “The Marine” during his playing days at Juventus under Marcello Lippi in the 1990s.
      Ventrone played a role in Juve’s memorable 1996 Champions League win, getting Conte and Co in incredible shape.
      As well as Lippi and Conte, Ventrone also went on to work with another Italian legend in Fabio Cannavaro, during the former defender’s stint as Guangzhou Evergrande boss.
      Ventrone played a particularly instrumental role in Spurs’ pre-season this year – putting players through their paces with brutal sessions during their tour of South Korea.
      Harry Kane threw up during the session while Son collapsed to the ground with tiredness – but both knew the gruelling workout would benefit them in the long run.
      In the wake of the tragic news, Conte’s pre-match press conference was understandably cancelled.
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      Tottenham’s chief commercial officer Todd L. Kline wrote on Twitter: “Beyond sad news. GPV was a force of nature who made a positive impact on everyone he met.
      “I will miss our conversations on the road and his contagious positive attitude. Just a phenomenal human. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
      Ventrone chats with Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      Son hugs Ventrone after scoring a hat-trick against LeicesterCredit: Getty
      Ventrone worked at Juventus under Marcello Lippi in the 1990sCredit: PA More

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      in Athletics

      Derek Redmond’s dad Jim dies aged 81 as Team GB pay tribute and share incredible moment he helped injured son cross line

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      OLYMPIC chiefs united in tribute to Jim Redmond, father of former Team GB sprinter Derek, after his death at the age of 81.Redmond Snr famously ran from the Barcelona crowd onto the track during the 1992 Games after his son pulled up in anguish in his 400m semi-final.
      Jim Redmond helps son Derek reach the finish line in BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Heroic father Jim has died aged 81Credit: Getty
      Derek, then 26, pinged his right hamstring 170 metres into the race, crumbling to his knees before standing to hop round the track in heartbreak and pain.
      His father, who was in the seats at the start of the second bend, jumped over the barriers to help his son complete the circuit, waving away the Games officials who tried to stop him.
      It was an iconic image as Redmond, who had won world championship relay gold the previous year, saw his Olympic dream destroyed and he never raced again, although he did subsequently play basketball for the Birmingham Bullets.
      The IOC hailed the act as part of their “Celebrate Humanity” video series, which included the message: “You can’t measure courage.”
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      In response to the news of Redmond Snrs death, the IOC said: “Our thoughts are with Derek Redmond and his family following the death of his father, Jim.
      “Together, they brought us one of the most inspirational moments in Olympic history.”
      And the British Olympic Association added: “Rest in peace Jim Redmond, father to Derek, whose Olympic moment will never be forgotten.”
      Redmond died on Sunday at Northampton General Hospital.
      Most read in Athletics
      Following Jim’s death, Team GB posted a clip of the iconic moment, writing: “Rest in peace Jim Redmond, father to Derek, whose Olympic moment will never be forgotten.”
      Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who was married to Derek for six years between 1994 and 2000, wrote: “Yesterday my ex-father-in-law, Grace & Elliott’s granddad Jim Redmond gently passed away to that great running track in the sky.
      “No dad could have been more supportive or a better husband to Jenny. He will be sadly missed x.”
      Fans flocked to Twitter to pay their respects to Jim Redmond.
      One wrote: “RIP Jim Redmond – the high water mark that all us fathers should aspire to.”
      While a second added: “RIP Jim Redmond, one of the greatest fathers of all-time.”
      Another tweeted: “I cried when I watched this live, and I seem to have something in my eye now. RIP Jim Redmond.”
      Read More on The Sun
      After the race in 1992, Jim said: “Whatever happened, he had to finish – and I was going to help him finish…
      “We started his career together and we were going to finish it together.”
      Derek and Jim pose with his Sun Gold medalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Derek was married to Sharron Davies between 1994 and 2000Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More