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    Maurice Norman dead at 88: Tottenham pay tribute to double winner and one of ‘all-time greats’ as he passes at home

    TOTTENHAM legend Maurice Norman has died at the age of 88, the club has confirmed.Norman went down in history as one of Spurs’ “all-time greats” as he played a huge part in the famous Double triumph back in the 1960-1961 season.
    Tottenham legend Maurice Norman has died at the age of 88, the club has confirmedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Maurice Norman was part of the famous Double-winning Tottenham teamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The club stated that the legendary defender passed away at his home this past Sunday.
    Tottenham issued the following statement: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of one of our all-time greats, double winner Maurice Norman, who passed away at home on Sunday. He was 88.”
    Maurice started his career in 1952 at the age of 18 when he joined Norwich.
    It only took 35 games until Tottenham came calling in November, 1955 and brought him to North London.
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    The former England international spent the next 11 years at Tottenham where he became a club legend.
    Norman amassed a total of 411 appearances throughout his successful stint that also saw him winning the famous Double in 1961 under legendary manager Bill Nicholson.
    The famous centre-back also won the FA Cup in 1962 as well as the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963.
    In fact, Norman became only one of 13 players to reach the 400-game milestone in Tottenham’s history.
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    The defender was also included in England’s squads for both the 1958 and 1962 World Cups – he was capped a total of 23 times by the Three Lions.
    The tall and powerful centre-half was forced to end his career in 1965 at the age of 31 after breaking his leg.
    Norman was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014 and, more recently, cancer, and fought both diseases with immense courage until the end.
    He is survived by wife Jacqueline, children Michael and Johanna, grandchildren Daniel, Zara, Clark and Rebecca as well as great grandchildren Zakary and Joshua More

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    Moi Fuentes dead at 37: Former world champion boxer passes away a year after suffering brain clot in fight

    FORMER world champion boxer Moi Fuentes has tragically died at the age of just 37, one year after suffering a brain clot in a fight.The Mexican, who went from minimumweight up to super-fly, suffered the devastating injury in a sixth round knockout defeat to David Cuellar Contreras in October 2021.
    Moi Fuentes passed away on Thursday morningCredit: Getty
    Fuentes, right, suffered the brain clot in a defeat to David Cuellar, left, last yearCredit: Getty
    He was swiftly rushed to hospital, but now it has been confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman that Fuentes passed away on Thursday morning.
    Sulaiman posted the news social media, saying: “Thank God, Moises Fuentes is already resting in peace. A warrior who fought to the last breath.
    “Our condolences to his family and friends and our appreciation to his wife for her dedication and dedication with indescribable love during this difficult year of suffering.
    “May he rest in peace.”
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    Fellow Mexican boxer Sulem Urbina also paid tribute to Fuentes, saying: “Moises Fuentes last fought Oct 2021 was knocked out. Since then had surgery and battled a whole year to try and stay here for his family.
    “Today he says goodbye. Today I ask the boxing world not to forget him. Today ask to respect boxers and pray every time one steps in the ring.
    “It was a pleasure to coincide with you in this life friend. Rest in peace Moises Fuentes.”
    While a fan added: “Damn. Horrible news regarding the passing of Moises Fuentes. He shared the ring with the very best from 105 to 115. Rest in peace, Champ.”
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    And another said: “Ahh man 😢 Rest in peace to Moises Fuentes!”
    Fuentes won 25 of his 34 professional bouts, with 14 victories coming by way of knockout.
    In 2011, he became WBO minimumweight world champion by winning a split decision against Raul Garcia in Guadalajara.
    He then attempted to become a two-weight world champion in 2013, fighting Donnie Nietes for the light-flyweight title in the Philippines.
    And while he produced an impressive display, it ended in a split decision draw.
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    He stepped away from boxing in 2018 after two knockout defeats in a row – including a first round KO loss to WBC flyweight champion Daigo Higa.
    But Fuentes then returned in 2021 after more than three years out of the ring, only to lose to Cuellar and suffer the heartbreaking brain clot in the process. More

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    Francis Joseph dead at 62: Footballer who became first black player to represent Wimbledon dies as tributes flood in

    FRANCIS JOSEPH has died aged 62, former club Wimbledon have confirmed.A striker by trade, Joseph made history in 1980 by becoming the first black player to represent the Wombles.
    Francis Joseph has passed away aged 62Credit: Rex
    Joseph became a distinguished figure at Plough Lane, banging in the goals to earn their Player of the Year award after the 1980-81 campaign.
    He left Wimbledon for Brentford in 1982, but would return for a loan spell five years later.
    In total he played 50 times for the Wombles, bagging 16 goals.
    Joseph would also become an iconic figure across London at Brentford – scoring 44 times in 110 appearances between 1982 and 1987.
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    He later played for Reading, Sheffield United, Gillingham and Fulham during a prolific career.
    Posting a tribute to their Twitter account, AFC Wimbledon wrote: “We are saddened by the passing of former Wimbledon striker Francis Joseph.
    “Francis became the first black player to represent the Dons in the Football League when he made his debut in 1980 and was our Player of the Year.
    “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP.”
    We are saddened by the passing of former Wimbledon striker Francis Joseph. Francis became the first black player to represent the Dons in the Football League when he made his debut in 1980 and was our Player of the Year.Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP. pic.twitter.com/p47IQtXFHT— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) November 18, 2022

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    After finishing his playing career in non-league, Joseph went on to coach at Wealdstone.
    Upon the news of Joseph’s passing, the National League side wrote: “Everyone at the club is shocked and saddened to hear the news that former Wealdstone coach Francis Joseph has passed away.
    “RIP, Francis.”
    Brentford also paid tribute, posting: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Francis Joseph.
    “Francis joined Brentford in the summer of 1982 and scored 44 goals in 110 league appearances. The thoughts of everyone at #BrentfordFC are with his family and friends at this time.”
    Former England striker Brian Deane posted: “Sad news this morning hearing Francis Joseph has passed away.
    “Another one I’m grateful to for some early memories in football. What a guy 😞. Joe I’ll be having a sensible Bacardi and Coke for you this weekend. RIP big guy.”
    Chesham United, another former club of Joseph’s, tweeted: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the news that Francis Joseph has passed away, as well as being the father of current Chesham forward Zak Joseph, Francis played for the club in the 95/96 season
    “Our thoughts are with Zak and his family at this difficult time.
    “RIP, Francis.”
    SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr wrote: “Francis Joseph was a wonderful monster of a man who my family really loved.
    “He was hugely & rightly proud of his boy Zak. Spoke to him last month when he called to talk boxing & we laughed for about an hour. He was still ready & willing to fight absolutely everyone. Real Crazy G.”
    Joseph went on to coach at Wealdstone in his latter yearsCredit: Rex More

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    Keith Farmer dead at 35: Tributes paid to four-time British motorcycle champion after shock sudden passing

    FOUR-TIME British motorcycle champion Keith Farmer has passed away aged 35.Farmer, known as the Clogher Bullet, passed away suddenly, his brother David announced on Thursday.
    Keith Farmer has passed away suddenly aged 35Credit: Pacemaker
    The ex-TAS Racing rider was a four-time British championCredit: Pacemaker
    David wrote: “I’m lost for words our little brother left us at 1.45 this morning with us all by his side.
    “Life will never be the same again, he made us all so proud and he will be very sorely missed. Love you Meekie #33.”
    Farmer, who was based in Cumbria, was described as “pure raw talent” whose motorsport career was hampered by injury and bad luck.
    He had retired from racing in September 2021, after battling injury for the final few years of his career, and was looking forward to spending time with his family.
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    At the time of his retirement, Keith told the News Letter: “I just feel the time is right now because the enjoyment’s not there any more and my body needs the chance to heal from the injuries I’ve had over these past couple of years.
    “I’ve another baby due in five weeks’ time and my other youngest daughter is turning five in December, plus I’ve my eldest daughter back in Northern Ireland.
    “I want to walk away now when I can rather than keeping going for the sake of it, and I want to spend more time with my family.”
    Four-time British champ Farmer competed for BSB, Paul Bird Motorsport, Buildbase Suzuki and TAS Racing, with the latter describing his passing as “absolute devastation”.
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    Team principal Philip Neill offered his sympathies to Farmer’s family and friends, saying: “We enjoyed many happy memories together both within racing and on a personal level as Keith had remained a close friend of the team.
    “His talent was undeniable and although his successes were many, including a memorable Superstock championship win with Tyco BMW in 2018, I will always feel like we never actually witnessed Keith’s full potential on a superbike – as he was so often hampered by injury or bad luck.”
    The British Superbike Championship say Farmer will be remembered fondly by his rivals.
    The organisation said: “Keith will be terribly missed by all that had the pleasure of meeting him throughout his career.
    “He was a brilliant and successful rider on track, who will be fondly remembered by his rivals, colleagues and fans following today’s tragic news.”
    Glenn Irwin, British Superbike rider, described him as his “fierce rival”.
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    Sharing a picture on Twitter of the pair on a podium, he added: “The day 3 mad Irish men locked out the podium. 2011 you were my fierce rival winning the stock 600 title.
    “I remember when PBM snapped you up, sure you would go all the way to the top with birdys then GP team. That’s how good you were, pure raw talent.” More

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    Ronnie Radford dead at 79: Tributes paid to Hereford legend who scored one of most famous goals in FA Cup history

    NON-LEAGUE Hereford United and FA Cup legend Ronnie Radford has died aged 79, it has been confirmed.Radford scored one of the most iconic FA Cup goals of all time in Hereford’s shock 2-1 giant-killing of Newcastle United in 1972.
    Raford (middle) celebrating after the Newcastle FA Cup winCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Radford took aim from distance to score an equaliser on the mud-curled pitchCredit: BBC
    Radford wheeling away in celebrationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The ex-midfielder’s 30-yard strike was a hopeful swing of a boot at a mud-curdled Edgar Street.
    Radford’s wonderstrike of an equaliser, which cancelled out England striker Malcolm Macdonald’s opener, sparked a pitch invasion.
    Hereford team-mate Ricky George went on to score the winner, dumping Newcastle out of the FA Cup.
    On his goal, Radford wrote in the Sun’s Goals pull out on January 26, 2009: “As soon as I hit the ball from 30 yards out I knew it was going in.
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    “I was running away with my hands above my head long before the ball had even hit the back of the net.
    “Like a perfect golf drive, or a six off the middle of the bat in cricket, the ball sat up for me and I connected with it perfectly.
    “It was goal of the month and then goal of the season on Match of the Day in 1972.
    “It was a moment that I’ve described many times over the last 37 years, but I have as much enthusiasm recalling it now as I did when I celebrated with my arms aloft.
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    “Supporters invaded the pitch but there was not a hint of trouble. It was just a spontaneous outpouring of excitement and joy from the Hereford faithful.
    “Everyone returned to the terraces so that play could resume.”
    Radford went on to say the FA Cup “still has that magic”, hailing its ability to draw “together a community”.
    Devastated Hereford released a statement, celebrating the life of “friendly and modest” Radford.
    It reads: “We are devastated to hear of Ronnie’s passing, and wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.
    “Ronnie is not just a part of Hereford United folklore, he is a part of football history and has kept Hereford on the football map since 1972. 
    “His mild manner, and friendly and modest approach to life epitomised the man he was and he was always delighted to visit Edgar Street, to meet up with past teammates and watch the present day team in action.
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    “We will always keep Ronnie close to our hearts at Edgar Street, not just at FA Cup moments, but forever and celebrate him and his huge role in propelling Hereford United to the forefront of the nations attention with that goal and being part of that team. 
    “We will carry your spirit onwards. Rest in peace Ronnie.” More

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

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

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

    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.
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    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