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    Stephane Demol dead at 57: Former World Cup star who was named in all-star 1990 team dies after heart attack

    BELGIAN football has been plunged into mourning after World Cup star Stephane Demol died aged just 57.The former Anderlecht and Standard Liege defender passed away following a heart attack on Thursday.
    Stephane Demol has passed awayCredit: Getty
    Demol scored in Belgium’s 4-3 win over Russia at the 1986 World Cup finals, helping the Red Devils reach the semi-finals in Mexico.
    He was named in all-star team in 1990 alongside legends like Peter Shilton and Marco van Basten.
    The centre-back also played for Bologna, Porto and Toulouse as well as clubs in Greece and Switzerland.
    He won three league titles with Anderlecht, and the Primeira Liga crown while at Porto.
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    The Brussels club said: “Stephane Demol began his richly-filled football career with us.
    “The former Red Devil has left this life aged 57. We will miss him – rest in peace, Stephane.”
    Porto announced: “He was a defender who also had goals in him.
    “A champion, a Dragon, and one of us.
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    1990 World XI
    “Farewell, Stephane. Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.”
    Capped 38 times, Brussels-born Demol had a stint as Belgium’s assistant manager.
    The globe-trotting boss also coached clubs in Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
    He left his last management job, with Saudi outfit Hajer, seven years ago. More

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    Racing driver Douglas Costa and girlfriend both die from mystery illness after taking trip together

    A RACING driver and his girlfriend have both died from a mystery illness.That’s after taking a trip away together before suffering from fever, pain and red rashes.
    Racing star Douglas Costa and partner Marian Giordano died after becoming ill on a tripCredit: Newsflash
    Costa and Giordano passed away within four hours of each otherCredit: Newsflash
    The pair may have suffered from three diseases after visiting a ‘remote area’Credit: Newsflash
    Race car star Douglas Costa, 42, and dentist partner Mariana Giordano, 36, developed symptoms on June 3 after visiting a “rural area” in Campinas, Brazil, on May 27.
    According to the Epidemiological Surveillance of Jundiai, via Folha UOL, the pair may have contracted dengue, spotted fever or leptospirosis.
    Dengue is transmitted by mosquitos and has several symptoms like headaches and joint pain.
    Spotted fever is a severe febrile disease which leaves spots on the skin.
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    And leptospirosis is an infection which can lead to meningitis and kidney failure.
    Costa was taking part in the AMG Cup Brasil, a Merdeces-Benz event, when he was whisked to a private hospital in Jundiai on June 7.
    Mariana had already been taken to hospital in Sao Paulo two days earlier.
    And both sadly passed away within four hours of each other, with Costa’s death reported to local media on June 8.
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    Tributes have been paid to Costa and MarianaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/douglas.costa125/
    Costa was racing at the Mercedes AMG Cup Brasil when he was taken to hospitalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/douglas.costa125/
    He was buried the following day in Itupeva, while Mariana’s funeral took place in Sao Paulo.
    AMG Cup Brasil said: “To all family members and friends, our deepest condolences. 
    “We know how admirable Douglas was a person and how he will undoubtedly leave a great void in the hearts of everyone who had the honour and pleasure of knowing him.”
    Mariana’s brother Marcio Giordana added: “In the short time that you two were together, you had an intense connection.
    “But given that not everything lasts forever, you left, leaving a huge void in all our hearts. And nothing, not even time, will erase that.
    “[Costa and I] met in Interlagos, we became friends and before I knew it, you became my brother-in-law, and what a brother-in-law you were, a good guy.
    “Thank you for everything, pilot. You will be greatly missed in our race gatherings.”
    A patient of dentist Mariana said: “She always had a new recipe for my pain. She took care of me so well.
    “God must need good, generous people by his side because there is no other explanation.”
    Reports claim the couple visited another area, Camanducaia, on June 3 and 4.

    The City Hall said in a statement: “Considering that the patients visited the district of Monte Verde on the day the symptoms began, it is unlikely that spotted fever was contracted there, due to the incubation period of the disease, which varies from two to 14 days.
    “”Even with the probably contamination originating from outside the district, all necessary epidemiological investigation actions will be carried out to ensure the health of all residents and tourists.” More

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    Who is Gordon McQueen’s wife Yvonne?

    GORDON MCQUEEN passed away in June 2023 at the age of 70, leaving behind his wife and children.The Manchester United and Leeds United star, born in Scotland, shared his life with wife Yvonne before he passed away following a battle with dementia.
    Yvonne McQueen pictured with her late husband Gordon McQueen and their childrenCredit: Instagram
    Who is Gordon McQueen’s wife Yvonne?
    Football legend Gordon McQueen was married to wife Yvonne, who supported him through his vascular dementia, for most of his life but she largely stays out of the spotlight.
    Since Gordon’s time coaching Middlesborough, the couple had lived in the village of Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire.
    Following news of Gordon’s death, his family did speak to out to release a public statement.
    The statement read: “We hope that as-well as creating many great football memories he’ll be remembered most for his character. Our house was always full of friends, family and football, just as it was in his last few months as he fought so bravely in what became a very cruel battle against dementia.
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    “The disease may have taken him too soon, but he definitely lived life to the full, the ultimate entertainer, the absolute heart and soul of every occasion, the most fun dad anyone could wish for.”
    The family also expressed a “huge thanks” to the “wonderful staff” at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their care, as well as the “utterly incredible” Marie Curie team who had supported Gordon, Yvonne and their children.
    When did Gordon and Yvonne McQueen get married?
    The exact date of Gordon and Yvonne’s wedding is not known but the couple welcomed their first daughter, Hayley, in 1979.
    Did Gordon and Yvonne McQueen have any children?
    Gordon and Yvonne had a son, Eddie, and two daughters, Hayley and Anna, together.
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    They also shared three grandchildren; Rudi, Etta and Ayla.
    One of their daughters, Hayley, is a presenter on Sky Sports.
    Following her dad’s death, Hayley released an emotional statement where she revealed that McQueen had been bedridden for the months leading up to his passing.
    She also said her father had received visits from former team-mates, who he still recognised despite his condition.
    Posting on Instagram, Hayley said: “Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad, I thought when the day came I’d be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease but I just feel numb.
    “I’m hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years. We thought we were losing him when home palliative care came to look after him back in December, we were distraught but being the big strong man that he is, battled on for many months.
    “Whilst it’s been unimaginably sad and at times unbearable for my mum who has cared for him at home we’ve had precious time with him whilst this cruel disease and all that comes with it completely took over, he certainly put up a fight. One comfort was he knew all his friends and family right till the end but to watch someone slowly die I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
    “I now want to remember my Dad for the man he was, the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every occasion, the greatest storyteller who certainly lived life to the full, he made sure everything was one big adventure and full of so much fun for me Anna and Eddie.
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    “His career gave me one too and I will be forever grateful for him passing on so much of who is and what he loved. Life really won’t be the same without him but he is now at peace.
    She also thanked Sky Sports, saying they had been “incredible throughout” the sad time. More

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    Who was football legend Gordon McQueen?

    FOOTBALLING legend Gordon McQueen has tragically passed away on Thursday, 15 June.The Scottish icon died at the age of 70, unfortunately leaving behind his wife, son and two daughters.
    Gordon McQueen was a footballing legendCredit: Alamy
    And SunSport will be taking a look into his life.
    Who was football legend Gordon McQueen?
    Born June 26, 1952, Gordon McQueen was raised in Kilbirnie, Scotland.
    McQueen was a goalkeeper as a schoolboy but went on to switch to centre-back.
    The footballing icon was signed by St Mirren at the age of 18 before Leeds offered them £30,000 in 1972 to secure his services.
    And McQueen went on to win the League Championship with Leeds a year later – having an instrumental role in that winning side.
    However, in 1978, Gordon made the shocking switch to Manchester United where he would win the FA Cup with the Red Devils 1983 after beating Brighton.
    But his proudest came at the end of the 1973 season when McQueen was called up to the Scotland squad.
    He gained 30 caps for the Scots, scoring five goals in that time.
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    What did Gordon McQueen do after retiring?
    Gordon McQueen made the transition from player to coach and his first objective was to manage his old club St Mirren.
    However, McQueen opted to join former team-mate Bryan Robson who was appointed the manager of Middlesborough.
    The footballing icon held this position for five years before making the jump to first-team coach.
    But McQueen only spent two years in charge before leaving Teeside in June 2001.
    And he then went on to join Sky Sports as a pundit. More

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    Gints Freimanis dead at 38: Ex-Latvia international dies of cancer as tributes for ‘relentless fighter’ pour in

    FORMER Latvia star Gints Freimanis has passed away from cancer aged 38.The former right-back died after being diagnosed with skin cancer in October 2021.
    Ex-Latvia international Gints Freimanis has sadly died at 38 after a battle with cancerCredit: Getty
    Freimanis was told he had stage four cancer before undergoing an operation.
    But in January doctors informed him the cancer had spread to his brain.
    Freimanis was still playing professional football at the time before making the decision to retire.
    He said: “Unfortunately, during routine examinations on January 17, metastases in my head were discovered. 
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    “I need your help to continue the treatment. May God have mercy!”
    Freimanis spent almost his entire career playing in Latvia, and most recently starred for Saldus.
    He made one appearance for Irish side St Pat’s in 2009 and also had a brief spell in Germany.
    But Freimanis did clock up 13 appearances for Latvia, scoring one goal.
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    Tributes have now poured in, with the Latvia FA leading the way.
    A statement read: “Gints Freimanis will always be remembered by fans as a relentless fighter on the field who was ready for anything for his team.’
    “At this sad moment, the LFF expresses its deepest condolences to Gint’s family, relatives, friends, colleagues and the entire Latvian football community.”
    Another tribute read: “Thoughts go out to his loved ones and friends.”
    One said: “He has been a great warrior, brave and a hero of European soccer.
    “It has been a tireless work, you were a good sportsman, may he rest in peace, condolences to the family.”
    Another added: “Gints Freimanis will always remain in the memory of the fans as an unyielding fighter on the field, who did not cross the path of any opponent and was ready for anything for the sake of his team.
    “A real working man with high principles of life and radiant goodness.” More

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    Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez and how did he die?

    MOTORBIKE racer Raul Torras Martinez was killed in the first Supertwin race of 2023.The race has now claimed the lives of 267 people, including passengers and spectators.
    Raul Torras Martinez is the fastest ever Spaniard to lap the Supertwin TT courseCredit: Facebook
    Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez?
    Raul Torras Martinez was from Sant Hilari Sacalm in Spain.
    He was an experienced motorsport athlete, having competed in 21 races since his debut in 2017.
    Supertwin Race organisers said: “Raul was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017, with a best result of 15th in last year’s Supertwin Race.”
    At the Supertwin Race on June 6, 2023, the racer recorded his fastest ever lap of the TT course at an average speed of 125.470mph.
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    Organisers said: “Raul was the fastest Spaniard ever to have lapped the TT course.”
    Mr Martinez had earned a total of 18 bronze replica trophies throughout his appearances at the races.
    When asked what his ambitions in road racing were, Mr Martinez said: “To have fun with the bike, and to be able to fight for a top-20 finish at the TT in a 1000cc class.”
    What happened to Raul Torras Martinez?
    Martinez was competing in the first Supertwin Race of the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races.
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    The TT takes place over two weeks, bringing motorcycle road racers from all around the world.
    On his final lap of the three-lap race, Martinez had an accident at the Alpine between the 16th and 17th mile markers.
    How did Raul Torras Martinez die?
    He was riding for the Optimark Racing Team when he tragically lost his life.
    Martinez fell off his bike in a horrifying crash on his final lap of the first Supertwin Race.
    His death is the first fatality at the 2023 event.
    The TT races have been running since 1907 and even rank as one of the most dangerous in motorsport.
    TT boss Gary Thompson told Sky News that riders accept the risks of the course and that more is being done to improve the safety of the course.
    He said in May 2023: “We try to manage risk much better than was done in the past.”
    Was Raul Torras Martinez married and did he have any children?
    Not much is known about Martinez’s life outside of his motorsport racing.
    However, the organisers have released a statement sending their condolences to his family and friends.

    They paid tribute to the “experienced TT competitor”, and said: “The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Raul’s family, friends, and loved ones.” More

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    Charlotte Duffy dead aged 37: Model and ex-Crystal Palace cheerleader passes away as she loses brave cancer battle

    CRYSTAL PALACE are mourning the loss of cheerleader Charlotte Duffy, who died at the age of 37 following a brave battle with cancer.Duffy was one of the original Crystals who also made a name for herself as a model.
    Crystal Palace cheerleader Charlotte Duffy died at the age of 37Credit: TWITTER – Crystals_CPFC
    The Crystal Girls confirmed the sad news on social media where they also issued a picture of her in full uniform at Selhurst Park.
    The Crystals stated she was “beautiful inside and out” and will be missed by the entire Palace family.
    The Crystal Girls tweeted: “RIP Charlotte Duffy, one of the original Crystals who sadly lost her battle with cancer.
    “She was beautiful inside and out and will be missed by us all! Sending our love to her family.”
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    The club followed it up with a tweet of their own sending condolences to Duffy’s loved ones.
    Crystal Palace tweeted: “Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Charlotte’s friends, family and loved ones.”
    All sorts of football fans then flooded social media paying tribute to Duffy and reaching out to her family as well as friends.
    One fan posted: “This is so sad my heart and soul go out to Charlotte and her friends and family. Big part of Palace family, far too young RIP Charlotte.”
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    Another commented: “Absolutely heartbreaking and my thoughts are with her family and friends.”
    A third tweeted: “We are so sorry to hear this awful news. Forever part of the #PalaceFamily.”
    This fan wrote: “How very sad, far too young and so difficult for her family and friends. RIP Charlotte.”
    And that one said: “Very sad to read. Met all the Crystals at a charity do years and years ago. Thoughts with friends and family.” More

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    Emotional Guy Mowbray says ‘it’ll never not seem strange not having you by my side’ after BBC staff member’s death

    COMMENTATOR Guy Mowbray emotionally lead the tributes after BBC staff member Mat Wayne passed away. Wayne had over 25 years of TV experience and worked as a floor manager for the broadcasters.
    BBC commentator Guy Mowbray led tributes to friend Mat WayneCredit: PA
    The BBC paying tribute to staff member Mat Wayne
    He worked on the Olympic Games, World Cups, Six Nations and more.
    His sad death was revealed during the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and United.
    Lineker said: “Before we hand back to the second half, everyone at BBC Sport would like to pay tribute to our much-loved friend and colleague Mat Wayne, who sadly passed away this week. 
    “Mat was a real force of nature, a true professional and someone you always enjoyed spending time with. 
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    “We’ll all miss him terribly and send our condolences to his family and his friends, to which he had many.” 
    And Mowbray added: “It will never not seem strange to me not having Mat by my side during commentary. 
    “All our thoughts are there with Sarah, Oscar and Anna.” 
    After the match, an emotional Mowbray tweeted: “I missed my mate today. I will everyday.”
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    City won the game 2-1 thanks to a double from Ilkay Gundogan.
    He said after the win: “To win a final is always special. Every trophy is special. This group deserves it.
    “We played really well, second half was amazing and we deserved to lift another trophy.
    “Obviously we know how we want to play the kick off and we aim to do that, to go long for Erling and try to get a second ball.
    “It just placed amazingly for me and I just had to hit it. Obviously it was a quite good strike.”
    Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan lifts the FA CupCredit: AP More