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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.”
      Most read in Football
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      “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.”
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      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.”
      Read More on The Sun
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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

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      in Boxing

      Isiah Jones dead aged 28: Boxer ‘shot in the head during argument with family member’ as trainer confirms shock death

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      BOXER Isiah Jones has died aged 28 amid reports he was shot during a dispute with a family member.Jones’ trainer Roshawn Jones (no relation) told The Ring the American had been arguing with his brother.
      American fighter Isiah Jones has died after an alleged shooting
      Received the horrible news that middleweight Isiah Jones was killed last night. Homicide investigations are reportedly ongoing.Jones was one of the stars of the Top Rank bubble era on ESPN and fought on DAZN as well. R.I.P. Isiah. pic.twitter.com/67bDDG1DXv— Corey Erdman (@corey_erdman) September 20, 2022

      Isaiah Jones (9-7-0) is a Pro Boxer out of Detroit, Michigan, a fellow member of Soul City Boxing and Wrestling Gym, our last fight was against Roy jones jr Promotion Team! Isaiah, Lost his life yesterday in a tragic event! Please keep his family in your prayers @trboxing pic.twitter.com/ekZQRxcUir— Roshawn Jones (@Roshawn_Jones) September 20, 2022

      The Top Rank bubble star was allegedly shot at an address in a street in his home town Detroit on Monday evening.
      Police say a 28-year-old man was killed in an incident involving a relative on Monday evening.
      A murder investigation is under way after the shock death of Isiah, who turned professional after winning the 2016 National Golden Gloves and also fought on DAZN.
      Roshawn Jones paid tribute to a fearless fighter – but revealed he had asked Isiah to move to Ohio for safety reasons.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      He said: “Him not turning down fights, every fight that he took, the odds were stacked against him.
      “He had enough heart and courage to take them. He could have taken the easier route and just padded his record.”
      But he admitted he had been worried about Isiah still living in Detroit.
      And he added: “When you’re living in poverty there is more frustration, more stressful energy. When you’re poor it’s easier to get mad.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Isiah recorded nine victories and seven defeats in his 16 pro bouts.
      The fatal incident reportedly took place at around 6.26pm in the 9300 block of Stout Street.
      The Detroit Police Department have yet to reveal further details.
      DAZN boxing correspondent Corey Erdman posted on Tuesday: “Received the horrible news that middleweight Isiah Jones was killed last night.”
      And Roshawn Jones tweeted: “Lost his life yesterday in a tragic event! Please keep his family in your prayers.”
      Tragic Isiah Jones won nine and lost seven of his 16 pro contests
      Isiah won his first eight bouts under Roshawn Jones and Kenneth Ross.
      He moved back to Roshawn Jones for his last contest, a unanimous loss on points to Andrew Murphy in July.
      The Ring say Isiah was in training while seeking another fight at the time of his death. More

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      in Athletics

      Brian Hewson dead aged 89: Ex-Team GB Olympian and one of the first athletes to run four-minute mile passes away

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      FORMER TEAM GB Olympic star Brian Hewson has died aged 89.The late athlete was one of the first men to run a four-minute mile when clocking 3:59.8 at the White City Stadium in London on May 28, 1955.
      Former Team GB Olympian Brian Hewson has died aged 89Credit: Getty
      The middle-distance runner went on to compete at both the 1956 and 1960 Olympics and won the gold in the 1500 metres at the 1958 European Championships.
      Hewson, who was born in Croydon, Surrey in 1933, also took silver twice at the Commonwealth Games in 1954 and 1958 over 880 yards.
      Born in Croydon, Surrey, in 1933, Hewson went to Pollards Hill Junior School, Pollards Hill, London, and continued his education at Mitcham Grammar School, London. Aged 16, he trained in tailoring at the Regent Street Polytechnic, London.
      Having trained as a tailor at 16, he also began to run quarter miles and soon began being coached by Frank Drew before then being mentored by Austrian coach Franz Stampfl following the former’s death.
      READ MORE TEAM GB
      Hewson moved up to run the mile and at the British Games Meeting he became only the fourth man in the world to run a four-minute mile.
      This was the same time achieved by Chris Chatterway in the same race, which was won by Laszlo Tabori with a time of 3:59.0. Hewson was placed third in the race.
       In the 1956 Olympics at Melbourne, Australia, the Team GB runner was leading the 1500 metres final on the final straight only to be then passed by four men with Ron Delany taking gold.
      Hewson’s best season was in 1958 where he won the European gold medal and became the fastest Englishman over 880 yards with a personal best of 1:47.0.
      Most read in Sport
      Only Derek Johnson had run faster over 800 metres and Roger Bannister and Derek Ibbotson faster over the mile.
      At the 1960 Rome Olympics in Italy, Hewson damaged a calf muscle six weeks before the event.
      In his qualifying heat for the 800 metres he led for 700 metres before being passed by three runners and placed fourth, and so was eliminated from the final.
      He retired from athletics in 1960 to continue his career as a tailor, eventually setting up his own company in the East End of London.
      The track icon then became a women’s fashion buyer for English Lady and subsequently sportswear and sporting goods buyer for Debenhams prior to joining the Incentive Group where he was involved in the design and manufacture of corporate uniforms.
      He was married to Alison and the couple had three children together, James, Caroline and Charles.
      They divorced in 1980 and Hewson remarried to Marion Stiff and has four stepchildren Tim, Sally, Robert and Penny.
      He was one of the first men to run the four-minute mileCredit: Getty
      His daughter Caroline told SunSport: “He died peacefully in Cape Town where he had relocated in 2005 on Tuesday. 
      “We are all inspired by his discipline, his determination and drive when you think that back when he competed on an international level he was still holding down a full time job as a tailor at Simpson Piccadilly in London!
      “We are all very competitive, we all have that grit, drive and determination that shone through in everything my father did.
      “My brother Charles still runs, I rowed competitively whilst at university. The grandchildren are highly competitive and sports driven, running both 800, 1500 and cross country as well as swimming, gym and water polo.
      “I was privileged to attend one of the Garden Parties The Queen put on to celebrate Sports and Olympians in Great Britain, so I rubbed shoulders with the elite of the elite in the sporting world. That blew my mind.”
      She added: “My dad also spoke several times at Chiltern Athletics to encourage and inspire the younger athletes. For many years he was President of Mitcham Athletics and often officiated at Crystal Palace.
      “There will be a memorial service in November as a celebration of his life. It is such a huge loss but we are all determined to honour him.”
      Caroline’s brother and Hewson’s son, Charles, said: “He continues to inspire me in my participation in all sports, and particularly my running – although I’m nowhere near Dad’s level.
      “I help organise and run a running club, JPMorgan RC – and enjoy seeing the success of other better athletes, as Dad did once he retired from competitive athletics.
      “I have fond memories of being introduced to several athletes in the 70s and 80s who dad had helped in their career, through his officiating and organisation of athletics meets at Crystal Palace.” More

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      in Soccer

      Rangers urged to defy Uefa and play national anthem to honour The Queen by radio pundit Simon Jordan

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      RANGERS have been backed to defy Uefa’s insistence that they cannot play the British national anthem before kick-off against Napoli tonight to mark the death of The Queen.Her Majesty passed away peacefully at Balmoral last Thursday, aged 96.
      talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan is raging with UefaCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPER LTD
      Since then the sporting world has joined in with tributes to the UK’s longest-reigning monarch.
      Ahead of the return of domestic football this weekend, where teams have been invited to wear black armbands, observe a period of silence and/or play God Save The King before kick-off, Rangers made a request to Uefa to do similar tonight in their Champions League match against Napoli.
      Chelsea are also understood to have made such a request to the governing body, only for both clubs to see it turned down and be warned they could face a fine if they proceed regardless.
      For radio pundit Simon Jordan, Uefa should have no say in how British clubs choose to pay their respects to The Queen.
      He told talkSPORT: “I’m not sure they should be telling us how we should be generating an atmosphere that’s subdued or not.
      “My first reaction was ‘where do the footballing authorities get off telling people how they should operate?’ When FIFA comes into town, they’ve got FIFA laws when there’s a World Cup and it felt like that.
      “I think the clubs should do precisely what they want. It’s their football stadium. Nothing’s stopping the UEFA branding and the endorsements around the world for the advertisers. Nothing’s stopping the notion of the Champions League music.
      “But I think if the British clubs want to play the nation anthem they should do precisely as they wish and it’s that’s (a fine) the consequences of it, that’s the consequences of it.”
      Most read in Football
      Reports emerged last night that Rangers do indeed plan to go against Uefa’s word and sing the national anthem before the match gets underway at Ibrox.
      A minute of silence will be observed beforehand.
      Uefa have confirmed they have received multiple requests over the issue but insisted they must remain consistent across all UK venues.
      They had previously stated that no music would be played before any matches involving British teams – including the own famous Champions League them tune itself.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More