Championship

A CARDIFF CITY star paid tribute to his brother who sadly died.Andy Rinomhota’s sibling Joseph Itai Rinomhota, 30, passed away after taking a kick to the ribs in his first-ever Muay Thai match in Thailand. Cardiff City player Andy Rinomhota spoke out after his brother Joseph Itai died after a Muay Thai boxing matchCredit: Andy RinomhotaRinomhota plays for Cardiff City in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyJoseph was making his debut in the sport when he received the kick to his ribsCredit: Andy RinomhotaRinomhota, 27, shared a heartbreaking Instagram post paying tribute to his older brother. He wrote: “Nothing could’ve prepared me for what’s happened and no words or pictures are going to be enough to show or express the love I have and will always have for you my brother. “I’m hoping this will help to heal the pain even if only slightly. “You were the most driven and positive-minded person I know, always pushing for more and never settling for the minimum, always looking for that next thing to try and achieve. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”You lived life to the fullest and I know you’d have no regrets even now. “As a brother, they don’t come better than you, caring, kind, supportive, the list is endless, you always looked after me in every way possible and I should’ve told you more just how much that meant to me. “‘Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday’ – I know you’ll continue to watch over me and provide me with the strength and love you always have. “You’ll be with me doing the things we had planned to do together, you will always be in my heart and never forgotten.Most read in Football”Rest in peace Joe.”Andy also shared a collection of photos of his brother throughout the years – including as young children, on holidays, doing activities like indoor skydiving and a selfie sent from Thailand before the fateful events.The final image is a screenshot of Andy’s text to Joseph before he stepped in the ring.It read: “Not sure what time fight is but good luck again! Know you’ll smash it my guy.”Joseph was competing in the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium on the popular tourist island of Koh Samu on Friday. The fight, which kicked off at 9.30pm local time, was stopped by the referee in the third round after the Brit was reportedly kicked in the right side of his rib cage, local outlet Khaosod English reported.He managed to leave the ring and took off his gloves, but suddenly became unwell while unwrapping his hand bandages.Witnesses said he began experiencing muscle tension, struggled to breathe, and his eyes began rolling.Though still conscious, he collapsed shortly afterwards, with his heart said to have stopped.The Brit’s trainer desperately performed CPR until emergency services rushed him to Thai International Hospital, less than two miles from the venue.But despite medics’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at 11pm local time.Read More on The SunZimbabwe international midfielder Rinomhota joined Cardiff in 2022 having come through at AFC Portchester.The Leeds-born star signed for Reading in 2015 and came through to make 139 first-team appearances before the switch to South Wales. Andy shared a series of photos of Joe through the yearsCredit: Andy RinomhotaAndy said ‘nothing could prepare’ him for the devastationCredit: Andy RinomhotaThe brothers clearly had a strong bondCredit: Andy RinomhotaJoseph passed away after he could not be revived in ThailandCredit: Andy RinomhotaHe sent this message before the fateful fightCredit: Andy Rinomhota More

DERBY starlet Morten Lunde Spencer has been forced into an early retirement after being diagnosed with a heart condition at just 21 years old.He announced the decision this week in an emotional Instagram post accompanied by a slideshow of black-and-white photos from his career, in which he said he was ‘heartbroken’ to be sharing the news.Morten Lunde Spencer was a promising young talentCredit: Rex FeaturesA central midfielder, Spencer was known for his passing abilityCredit: Rex FeaturesThere has been a huge outpouring of support for SpencerCredit: Rex FeaturesSpencer wrote: “I will be retiring from professional football due to a cardiac problem I can’t carry on with.”All I’ve ever known is to kick a ball and I have learnt everything from the game. I am thankful and proud of what I have achieved.”I will never forget the memories I have created along an amazing journey. Football is in my DNA and I will continue to support everyine who helped me along the way.”Spencer, a central midfielder, played his first academy matches for Sunderland before moving to Leeds United in 2019 and later to Derby County in 2024, where he featured regularly for the u21s.Read more footballThe Darlington native joined his first team, Marton FC, at just 4 years old.He has also been a regular in England youth setups, receiving his first call up at U15 level before switching allegiance to Norway.Tending to sit deep in midfield, fans regarded him as a ‘maestro’, with strong positional awareness and ability to use both feet. He had been tipped to break through into the Leeds first team, an opportunity which would not materialise.Most read in FootballVarious teammates of Spencer’s have sent messages of support following the news including Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray.The pair played together at Leeds’ academy, with the Spurs midfielder writing: “All the best mate.”Bizarre moment SEAGULL helps EFL club with ‘great flick on’ after being hit by ball in League Two clashSpencer was a standout talent in his academy days.Credit: Facebook – Morten SpencerIan Harte, who made over 200 league appearances for Leeds between 1996 and 2004, added: “Gutted for you Morten! Stay strong.”West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville, who moved to East London from Leeds last year, added a heart emoji and a pair of praying hands, while countless other players and fans added their support to the chorus.Among them was his mother, Heidi, who wrote: “Couldn’t be more proud of you, now and forever.”Speaking to Teesside Live when he earned his first England callup, Heidi gushed about her son’s accomplishments.She said: “We’re all so proud and excited that he’s been called up. He started kicking a ball when he was about two years old.” More

PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Charlie Austin has pleaded for help after falling victim to a prank phone call.The former Southampton and QPR star returned to non-league football last summer, signing for AFC Totton.Charlie Austin made a plea after being prank calledCredit: Instagram @charlie_austin89Austin became a cult hero playing for QPRCredit: ReutersHe once went viral for a rant calling for VAR while playing for Southampton in 2018Credit: PA:Press AssociationAustin is enjoying life in the Southern Premier League where he is trying to help his side win promotion.However he has been on the receiving end of a prank phone call from someone pretending to work for Irish side Shamrock Rovers.Austin shared the mobile number he received the call from on X and offered his followers the chance to ring the person.He tweeted: “Please find out who this [is] pretending to be from Shamrock Rovers and giving me prank calls. Feel free to call this number for yourselves much appreciated 👍🏻”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMost fans reacted by advising Austin to block the number although some found the incident amusing.One reacted saying: “Best tweet of 2025 so far.”Another added: “Cracker!”A third wrote: “Contender for best tweet of all time.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd another commented: “Can’t believe this is a real tweet.”Austin, 35, looks set to finish his career in the same way he started it – in non-league.Charlie Austin goes on furious rant about officials after Southampton’s draw with Watford The striker began his career at Kintbury Rangers followed by Hungerford Town, Thatcham Town and Poole Town.He got his first big move by joining Swindon and worked his way up the leagues to play in the Prem for QPR, scoring 18 goals in 2014-15 season.Austin earned himself acclaim in 2018 while playing for Southampton over his call for the introduction of VAR.Speaking about a disallowed goal against Watford, he said: “They said it was offside… it’s a joke!”Going on about VAR this VAR that, help the officials out. Clearly they need help.”We play in the Premier League. The best league in the world, the most watched league in the world. “Give them all the help they need because clearly they cost us two points today it’s a joke.” More

HULL CITY’S Alfie Jones netted one of the most bizarre own goals of the season – to throw open the Championship relegation battle.Luton Town secured a priceless 1-0 win at the MKM Stadium to move to within three points of the Tigers.Luton Town were gifted a calamitous own goal during their 1-0 win at HullCredit: GettyLewie Coyle booted the ball into the face of Alfie JonesThe ball then flew towards the goalJones saw the ball cannon back off his face into the net 12 minutes into the second halfCredit: X @SkyFootballThe Hatters arrived for the early kick-off on Humberside after a morale-boosting 2-1 comeback win at Cardiff before the international break.And they couldn’t have been gifted a more fortunate goal than the one provided by the hosts moments into the second half.After a goalless first 45 minutes, Hull boss Ruben Selles would have been looking for his team to push on and collect three big points.But things unravelled just 12 seconds after the restart as Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski made a long, hopeful punt upfield.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLewie Coyle ran over from right back to cover, attempting to smash the ball away from danger inside his own box.Coyle saw his thunderous clearance sail straight into the head of Jones, with the ball flying back towards goal and past stricken stopper Ivor Pandur.One fan groaned on X in response to the goal: “The most Hull City own goal ever.”Another laughed: “Reminder these guys get paid to play football.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a third added: “Sunday league level.”And a fourth said: “One to erase from the memory ASAP… tough day for the Tigers!” ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-LocatLuton have endured a tough first season back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League last year. The Hatters sacked Rob Edwards in January, bringing in Matt Bloomfield from Wycombe. They have now won three of their last five in the league, pulling to within three points of safety.Hull’s defeat was their first in four games.The Tigers are now looking over their shoulder, with a resurgent Derby gaining fast after three-straight wins. More

HAYDEN HACKNEY is desperate for double joy with Middlesbrough and England – but refuses to rule out a Scottish switch.The 22-year-old midfielder, set to face Oxford United today, has become one of the hottest commodities in the Championship due to his displays for his hometown club.Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is hoping for a double celebration this summerCredit: GettyThe star, centre, appeared with teammate Tommy Conway and boss Michael Carrick at a recent Boro On The Road eventCredit: MFCHackney carried that form onto the international stage and scored his first goal for England U21s in this week’s 4-2 victory over Portugal.He looks certain to be part of Lee Carsley’s squad that will try to defend the U21 European Championship crown in June.The star previously won two caps for Scotland U21s, who he qualifies for through his mother, before switching his allegiance to the Three Lions in 2023.Scotland have not given up hope of persuading him to represent them at the senior level, and Hackney is not shutting that door, although for now he is concentrating on a promotion push and potential Euro joy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen quizzed on his international future, Hackney said: “I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest. I’m quite relaxed about it. Whatever happens, happens.“There will be a time where I’ll have to make a decision. “I’ve been focused on Middlesbrough really. So I haven’t really had much time to think about it.”Hackney is the latest youngster at Boro to start attracting attention from elsewhere following past successes such as Morgan Rogers and Djed Spence.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPortuguese giants Porto had a £9million deadline day offer rejected by the Championship club and a host of Premier League sides are monitoring his progress.Though he is shutting out all of that noise and focusing on achieving his dream of getting his boyhood club back into the Premier League after an eight-year absence.Here’s what has happened to England’s lost football groundsHackney, who recently took to the stage alongside teammate Tommy Conway and boss Michael Carrick at a local social club in the first of the club’s On The Road events, said: “That is the ultimate dream.“To take Boro to the Premier League, that would be everything that I wished for as a kid. And then to play with Boro in the Premier League would be unbelievable.”And former season ticket holder Hackney, who has surpassed 100 Boro appearances, has already shown he can cut it against the big boys.Hayden Hackney has represented Scotland at Under-21 level twiceCredit: Willie VassHe scored his first England U21 goal against Portugal in midweekCredit: GettyHackney looks set to be part of England’s Euro U21 squad in JuneCredit: PAThe midfielder scored in a 1-0 win over Chelsea in January 2024Credit: GettyLast January he captained the club for the first time in the FA Cup against Aston Villa before scoring the winner in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Chelsea four days later.On those experiences, he added: “That Chelsea game was a special night. I think my family and all my friends came back to mine that night but once they’d left I couldn’t sleep. That was a great night.“That Villa game, I remember the armband was on my peg. But then the captain normally hands out the tickets before the game for the players but I didn’t get that job, so then I was like, ‘oh, is this in the wrong place or not?’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He (Carrick) didn’t really say anything. After he’d done his team talk before we went out, he just pulled me and said, ‘don’t change anything, don’t be a different person, just be yourself and enjoy the moment’.”BORO ON THE ROADThe second Boro On The Road event has been confirmed as Middlesbrough continues to bring key faces from the club out to fans in the Teesside community.Michael Carrick will be joined by Dael Fry and Dan Barlaser for a night with supporters at the Lakes Club in Redcar this Tuesday.Doors for the event will open at 6pm for a 7pm start. Lifelong Boro fan Hackney hopes to help Boro win promotion this termCredit: MFCCan you name the famous fathers? More