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      in Soccer

      Emotional Marcos Alonso pays touching tribute to his dad after scoring against Man Utd for Barcelona

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      EMOTIONAL Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his goal against Manchester United to his late father.Alonso’ dad Marcos Alonso Pena, who also played for Barca, tragically passed away aged 63 following a “long illness” last week.
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso opened the scoring against Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his goal against Manchester United to his fatherCredit: AP
      The former Chelsea man looked emotional after the goalCredit: Getty
      Ex-Chelsea ace Alonso returned to action exactly a week after his loss and was handed a rare start by manager Xavi in the Europa League play-off encounter against United.
      And the versatile defender opened the scoring for the Blaugrana after 50 minutes.
      The Spain international latched onto a fantastic cross from Raphinha, who curled it from a corner-kick down the right.
      The ex-Leeds star found Alonso who headed it past David de Gea at the far post.
      The emotional Spaniard immediately pointed to the sky in dedication to his father during the celebrations.
      The Barcelona ace looked emotional as he celebrated the opening goal of the game.
      Tributes from around the footballing world poured in for Alonso Pena – affectionately known as ‘The Pigeon’ – after news of his passing.
      Ex-Atletico Madrid star Paulo Futre said: “Sad day. My deepest condolences to the family of my dear friend Marcos Alonso. Rest in peace, Pigeon.”
      Most read in Football
      The former winger’s ex-club Rayo Vallecano added: “From Rayo Vallecano, we want to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marcos Alonso Pena.
      “He was a former coach of the Club, who passed away at the age of 63.”
      Barcelona tweeted: “FC Barcelona would like to express its deepest condolences for the passing of former Barça player and father of a first-team player Marcos Alonso Peña.
      “All of our strength to Marcos Alonso and his entire family. Rest in peace.” More

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      in Athletics

      Natalie Curtis dead at 34: Tributes paid to Paralympic hero who was part of Australia’s wheelchair basketball squad

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      NINTCHDBPICT000795388100Credit: FacebookFORMER Paralympic star Natalie Curtis has died suddenly aged 34.
      The Australian was a member of her country’s wheelchair basketball squad ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics.
      Paralympic star Natalie Curtis has died suddenly aged 34Credit: Facebook
      She was was a member of Australia’s wheelchair basketball squad ahead of the 2021 Tokyo ParalympicsCredit: Facebook
      Curtis, who was the mother of one young son, died on February 5 but her cause of death has not been made public knowledge.
      Her sister, Emma, announced the shocking news on Facebook.
      She wrote: “If you knew Natalie, you would know she was the most beautiful, kind and talented person.
      “She was a daughter, a sister, an auntie and a mother to a beautiful little boy.
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      “Everyone who knew her loved her instantly, she had such a kind soul and would do anything for the people she cared for most.”
      Curtis was born with spina bifida but was heavily involved in sport from an early age.
      After developing a love of swimming, she tragically gave it up after her younger sister drowned in the family pool.
      Aged 14, she then took up wheelchair basketball and went on to claim a silver medal at the 2013 Japan Oceania Championships.
      Most read in Athletics
      Curtis was born with spina bifida but was heavily involved in sport from an early age.
      After developing a love of swimming, she tragically gave it up after her younger sister drowned in the family pool.
      Aged 14, she then took up wheelchair basketball and went on to claim a silver medal at the 2013 Japan Oceania Championships.
      Curtis would go on to represent Australia in wheelchair basketball as she became a huge name as an avid disability activist.
      She went viral online in October after revealing how she was forced to crawl off a plane when Jetstar staff couldn’t provide her with a wheelchair.
      The much-loved star, who suffered five spinal fractures following a car accident after returning from the Japan Oceania Championships in 2013, also trained and coached a wheelchair basketball team.
      Not-for-profit organisation Sporting Dreams paid tribute to Curtis in a statement.
      They wrote: “A young soul taken too soon. She was so much more than an athlete.
      Read More on The Sun
      “A vibrant human being, wife, mother to a small boy, business founder and manager of her own company supporting people with disabilities.
      “Someone who leads by example. RIP Natalie.”
      A host of tributes have been made following the shock newsCredit: Facebook More

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      in Soccer

      Marcos Alonso Pena dead at 63: Dad of ex-Chelsea star who played for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid passes away

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      FORMER Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso Pena has tragically passed away aged 63.Spanish media reported the winger – the father of Chelsea legend Marcos Alonso – passed away following a “long illness.”
      Former Atletico Madrid and Spain star Marcus Alonso Pena has passed away 63
      The late Alonso Pena is the father of former Chelsea defender Marcos AlonsoCredit: GETTY
      The cause of Alonso Pena’s tragic passing is currently unknown.
      Tributes from around the footballing world poured in for the Spaniard – affectionately known as ‘The Pigeon’ – after news of his passing.
      Ex-Atletico star Paulo Futre said: “Sad day. My deepest condolences to the family of my dear friend Marcos Alonso.
      “Rest in peace, Pigeon.”
      His ex-club Rayo Vallecano added: “From Rayo Vallecano, we want to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marcos Alonso Pena.
      “He was a former coach of the Club, who passed away at the age of 63.”
      Barcelona tweeted: “FC Barcelona would like to express its deepest condolences for the passing of former Barça player and father of a first-team player Marcos Alonso Peña.
      “All of our strength to Marcos Alonso and his entire family. Rest in peace.”
      Most read in Football
      Alonso Pena started his career with Racing Santander in the late 70s before moving to Atletico Madrid.
      He then joined Barcelona, where he went on to play 124 matches and score 28 goals over five years.
      The Spanish winger then returned to Atletico and Santander later in his career, before retiring in 1991.
      The late Alonso also made 22 appearances for Spain at international level, scoring once.
      ALONSO DYNASTYGRANDFATHER – Marquitos, full name Marcos Alonso Imaz
      First of his two caps for Spain came in March 1955 against France.
      A versatile defender, he won five European Cups in his eight years with Real Madrid.
      FATHER – Marcos, full name Marcos Alonso Pena 
      Made his Spain debut against England in March 1981 and won 22 caps for his country, finishing runner-up at Euro ’84.
      Won La Liga with Barcelona in 1984-85 under Terry Venables.
      SON – Marcos Alonso, full name Marcos Alonso Mendoza 
      Made the first of his nine Spain caps against Argentina in March 2018.
      Has played for the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League and Club World Cup with the Blues.

      He went on to have a managerial career after hanging up his boots.
      He took charge of his beloved Atletico and Racing, along with Sevilla and five other clubs.
      Alonso Pena was a second-generation Spanish footballer as his dad – Marcos Alonso Imaz – played for Real Madrid in the 1950s and 1960s.
      His son – Marcos Alonso Mendoza – has also enjoyed a storied career, playing for Bolton, Fiorentina, Chelsea and Barcelona.
      Read More on The Sun
      Alonso Mendoza enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Chelsea – winning the Premier League, Europa League and Champions League.
      He joined Barca last summer after mutually terminating his contract at Stamford Bridge.
      Marcos Alonso Mendoza is a third-generation footballerCredit: GETTY More

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      in Motorsport

      Jean-Pierre Jabouille dead aged 80: First Renault driver ever to win an F1 Grand Prix passes away

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      FORMULA ONE legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille has died aged 80.The Frenchman played a key role in Renault’s entry into F1 back in 1977.
      F1 legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille has died aged 80Credit: Getty
      The Frenchman took Renault’s first F1 victory in his homeland back in 1979Credit: AFP
      And he celebrated that by taking Renault’s maiden win in the 1979 French Grand Prix.
      The Alpine team, who are owned by Renault, said it was “incredibly saddened” by Jabouille’s death.
      A statement read: “A humble racing driver, brilliant engineer and a pioneer of our sport. Jean-Pierre was a true racer.
      “He spearheaded Renault’s journey into F1 in 1977 with his resilient and dare-to-do attitude.
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      “He was Renault’s first Grand Prix winner in 1979, a landmark moment in Renault’s journey in Formula 1.
      “His determination and dedication to succeed inspired many, and these values remain central to the current team in its now blue colours of Alpine.
      “We are where we are today because of Jean-Pierre and his legacy lives on.”
      Jabouille, who was an engineer by trade, was part of the Renault F1 project from its beginning and helped to develop its new turbo engine.
      Most read in Motorsport
      And his and the team’s maiden victory could not have been more ordeal as it came on home soil for both the icon and France’s national car company.
      Jabouille would win his final Grand Prix at Austria in 1980.
      However, he was forced to retire from racing that same year when he broke a leg in a crash in Canada.
      The star was already due to leave Renault as he was being replaced by Alain Prost for the 1981 season.
      Jabouille did attempt to make a comeback with the Talbot Ligier team, but he was deemed unfit and retired after failing to qualify for two of his four attempts.
      He also raced the 24 Hours of Le Mans from the late 1960s to the early 1990s for the likes of Alpine, Matra, Sauber and Peugeot.
      He had four third overall finishes in 1973, 1974, 1992 and 1993.
      Following retirement from F1, Jabouille briefly managed at the Ligier team and was then head of Peugeot’s engine programme in the 1990s.
      After news of his death emerged, one fan tweeted: “One of the giants of the early turbo era and that fantastic French partnership with Rene Arnoux at Renault. RIP.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Another wrote: “The first win for a Turbo F1 car in that magical Dijon race, my deepest sympathy and condolences to all his family and friends, RIP Mr Jabouille.”
      While a fellow fan added: “RiP Jean Pierre Jabouille… You remain the first and only one Jean Pierre.” More

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      in Soccer

      Tributes to amateur footballer, 20, who died suddenly as loved ones remember ‘amazing’ friend

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      EMOTIONAL tributes have flooded in for an amateur footballer who died this week.Luke Abrahams passed away suddenly in the early hours of January 23.
      Luke Abrahams died suddenly on January 23Credit: NorthantsLive/BPM
      Luke and his family are big West Ham supportersCredit: NorthantsLive/BPM
      The 20-year-old, from Northampton, played for Blisworth FC and Hunsbury Hawks FC in the Northants Combination and the Nene Sunday League.
      He was also linked to AFC Spinney.
      Pals and teammates have remembered him as a “great player and even better friend”.
      Hunsbury Hawks FC said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we had to say goodbye to Luke this week.
      READ MORE UK NEWS
      “He was a great player but an even better friend to us all.
      “He started it all for the Hawks and we wouldn’t be here without him.
      “Till we see you again, rest easy up there buddy. Love your Hawks.”
      Also paying their respects, a spokesperson for Blisworth FC sand the club was “devastated”.
      Most read in Football
      And AFC Spinney wrote: “Rest in peace, Luke. A friend to many at Spinney.
      Luke, who coached ON Chenecks under-16s, worked at the manufacturers The Timken Company and and The Optimist pub.
      Colleagues described the keen West Ham supporter as “an amazing young man”.
      A fundraiser has been set up to help support his family and give him “the best send off possible”.
      Organiser Jamie Podkowka said: “It’s extremely difficult to even put into words how it feels.
      “Luke was an incredible human being, full of life and love (West Ham and beer mainly) that I had the pleasure of knowing. 
      “Alongside his Dad, Richard, and I, he helped coach his younger brother Jake’s football team and gave up his time selflessly to develop not only the football skills of those younger than him but in creating unforgettable bonds and friendships amongst the whole team.”
      The next Hunsbury Hawks home game against Hartwell Forest on Sunday will be dedicated to Luke. More

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      in Soccer

      Patrizio Billio dead at 48: Former Crystal Palace, Dundee and Aberdeen star passes away

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      FORMER Crystal Palace and AC Milan player Patrizio Billio has passed away at the age of 48.The midfielder arrived at Selhurst Park in the late 1990s during a long career which saw him play for many clubs around Europe.
      Patrizio Billio has passed away at the age of 48Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The star was a midfielder during his playing days and enjoyed a career which took him from Italy to multiple clubs in the UKCredit: Scottish News and Sport
      Billio also played for Scottish clubs Dundee and Aberdeen in the early 2000s.
      He retired in 2010 and returned to AC Milan to coach their academy side in Kuwait.
      Milan confirmed Billio’s sad death on Twitter.
      They said: “Yesterday Patrizio Billio left us prematurely, who grew up in our youth sector and has been the coach of our football school in Kuwait since 2011.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “The entire Rossoneri family clings to the pain of their loved ones. Rest in peace, Patrick.”
      AC Milan’s Kuwait academy wrote on Instagram: “It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our head coach Patrizio Billio on Monday 23rd of January, 2023.
      “Over the past 10 years, Mr. Billio has done a remarkable job in elevating the training standards at the AC Milan Academy in Kuwait. 
      “You will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences goes to Mr. Billio’s family.”
      Most read in Football
      Billio grew up in Milan after his birth in 1974 and joined the Rossoneri’s youth academy.
      He was sent out on loan to lower league Italian clubs like Monza and Verona before eventually leaving the San Siro without making a senior appearance.
      Billio headed for Crystal Palace in the 1997-98 season and join up with his more experienced and famous countryman Attilio Lombardo.
      But Palace would end that season bottom of the table after losing 11 in 12 games between January and April.
      A four-year spell in Scotland would follow as Billio headed to Dundee and then Aberdeen.
      He left Dundee in 2002 after being attacked by a fan during a training session.
      Billio played for another six clubs in Italy before retiring. More

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      in Boxing

      Gerrie Coetzee dead aged 67 – Former world heavyweight champion who clashed with Frank Bruno dies after illness

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      BOXING champion Gerrie Coetzee has died aged 67. The former world heavyweight champion clashed with the likes of Frank Bruno.
      South African heavyweight boxer Gerrie Coetzee squares up to Britain’s Frank BrunoCredit: Getty
      Coetzee was the first boxer from Africa to fight for, and win, a world heavyweight championshipCredit: Rex
      He also was the first boxer from Africa to fight for, and win, a world heavyweight championship, holding the title from 1983 to 1984.
      He competed from 1974 to 1986 and again in 1993 and 1997.
      And his knockout wins include fighting against Michael Dokes and former unified world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks.
      Coetzee fought against Britain’s Frank Bruno in 1986 and was knocked out.
      He had been battling cancer before his death was confirmed on Thursday night.
      Sports blogger Clinton van der Berg said: “A giant has fallen. The Boksburg Bomberhas succumbed to illness.
      “Almost exactly 40 years after his great triumph – winning the WBA heavyweight championship by 10th-round KO against Mike Dokes – Gerrie Coetzee has died aged 67.
      “One of my boyhood heroes. RIP.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Another fan wrote: “One of my boyhood heroes has passed away. I always think of him when I hear the song – Eye of the Tiger. RIP Gerrie Coetzee.”
      South African rugby writer Brendan Nel wrote: “Gerrie Coetzee. A memory from my childhood. 3am get up to watch him box. World heavyweight champ gone. RIP.” More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Overfield dead at 90: Former Leeds and Sunderland star passes away as Premier League side pay tribute

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      FORMER Leeds star Jack Overfield has died at the age of 90.The Leeds-born ex-footballer is believed to have passed away over the festive season.
      Former Leeds United player Jack Overfield has died aged 90Credit: Twitter
      He scored 20 goals for the club in 163 appearances in all competitionsCredit: Alamy
      Overfield made 159 appearances in the league for Leeds, as well as four games in the FA Cup.
      Leeds paid tribute to their former player in a club statement.
      It read: “Rest in Peace.
      “Leeds United are saddened to hear of the passing of former player Jack Overfield, who has died at the age of 90.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Born in Leeds, Ovefield attended Victoria Road School and played with Yorkshire Amateurs, before joining Leeds United.
      “The outside left, made his Leeds debut against Nottingham Forest on 8th October 1955 and went on to make a total of 30 appearances during the 1955/56 Second Division campaign, in which Leeds finished as runners-up, earning promotion to the top-flight.
      “On Leeds’ return to the First Division, Overfield netted the first goal of the 1956/57 campaign, as part of a 5-1 victory over Everton.
      “In total, Overfield played 159 times in the league for the Whites, four times in the FA Cup and netted a total of 20 goals.
      Most read in Football
      “Following his time at Leeds, he went on to have spells at Sunderland, Peterborough United and Bradford City.
      “Overfield was one of the many legends who returned to the club for the Centenary celebrations which took place in October 2020.
      “Everyone at Elland Road would like to send our best wishes to all of Jack’s friends and family at this sad time.” More