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      Emiliano Sala’s family demand the ‘full truth’ about tragic plane crash on 2nd anniversary of Cardiff striker’s death

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      THE family of tragic Emiliano Sala has demanded to know ‘the full truth’ about the Cardiff striker’s death.
      In a statement to mark the second anniversary of the fatal air crash that claimed the life of the 28-year-old Argentine, the family’s lawyer called for a formal inquest to be held after the trial of charter pilot David Henderson.

      Emiliano Sala’s family have demanded a formal inquest after David Henderson’s trialCredit: AFP

      Henderson denied endangering the safety of an aircraft and attempting to discharge a passenger without valid permission or authorisation when he appeared before Cardiff Crown Court in October.
      The 66-year-old is alleged to have arranged the flight from Nantes to Cardiff that crashed into the Channel near Guernsey and took the lives of Sala and the pilot, David Ibbotson.
      His trial has been set for this October and lawyer Daniel Machover, on behalf of the family, urged swift action by the UK authorities.
      Machover said: “It is a tragedy that two years have passed since Emiliano’s death and we still do not know exactly how and why he died. 

      “An inquest is the only way to establish the full truth. 
      “I very much hope that the Dorset Coroner will now set a date for the inquest to start immediately after David Henderson’s trial, so that Emiliano’s family do not have to endure another bleak anniversary with no answers.”
      The statement comes one month after former Man United star Fabio revealed he spoke to Sala on the afternoon of his tragic death.
      Fabio said: “In the afternoon he was going to take the plane, he asked me so many things about Cardiff, because he knew I had played there.

      “I told him that anything he needed or wanted from me, he could text me. And then, in the morning, when I heard the news, it was shocking.
      “Before he signed he asked me and I told him how the fans were, how everyone is in the stadium, how the club works.
      “He was such a professional and to be honest, I was happy for him, because I knew Cardiff fans would have loved him. He was a fantastic character.”

      Emiliano Sala crash – wife of pilot David Ibbotson says family will ‘never get closure’ as investigation to be published More

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      Arsenal in Emi Buendia transfer blow as Norwich boss Daniel Farke claims there’s ’99 per cent’ chance he stays in Jan

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      NORWICH manager Daniel Farke said there is a ’99 per cent’ chance Emi Buendia stays in January coming as a transfer blow to Arsenal.
      The Gunners have an attacking midfielder in mind as they enter the winter window.

      Norwich manager Daniel Farke said there is a ’99 per cent’ chance Emi Buendia stays in JanuaryCredit: Rex Features

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      But their interest in Buendia could be over after his boss appeared to confirm they will keep hold of the versatile Argentine.
      Farke said: “No, nothing will happen.
      “In this business you can never say 100 per cent guarantee, but I would label it 99 per cent.

      “It makes no sense for any of my key players to leave at this moment. And it makes no sense for us as a club right now to sell any of my players.
      “These players have the potential to play for one of the best clubs in this country, and Arsenal [are] definitely one of the best in this country and also Europe.
      “They have the potential to play there one day, but it makes no sense in January. Let’s be honest we are in a great position.”
      Buendia, who can also play out wide, has scored seven goals and chipped in with six assists so far this campaign.

      It has helped guide the Canaries to the top of the Championship this season.

      Buendia moved to Norwich from Spanish side Getafe in 2018 and signed a four-year deal.
      He lives in England with his wife Claudia and their son Thiago.
      The playmaker has been linked with the Gunners throughout the season, with interest strengthening after Mesut Ozil’s departure.
      German Ozil signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, ending his spell frozen out at the Emirates.

      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil says a dream came true after Fenerbahce move More

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      Jack Wilshere suffers disappointing Bournemouth debut in loss as ex-Arsenal ace Bielik suffers bloody head injury

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      JACK WILSHERE made his Bournemouth debut during the 1-0 defeat to Derby on Tuesday.
      The 29-year-old struggled to make his mark after he was introduced in the 78th minute.

      Jack Wilshere has joined Bournemouth until the end of the seasonCredit: Rex Features

      Ex-Arsenal star Wilshere joined the Cherries on a free transfer in a bid to reignite his career.
      Just one day after the move was confirmed, he was named on the bench for Jason Tindall’s side.
      He replaced team-mate David Brooks with just 12 minutes of the game left to go.
      Wilshere was unable to inspire his new team to glory and the game ended 1-0 to Derby.

      The 29-year-old has been training with the Cherries for the past three weeks after being left without a club.
      It was announced in October that Wilshere had agreed to terminate his West Ham contract.
      He spent two years at the London Stadium, but injuries limited him to just 19 appearances.
      Krystian Bielik bagged the only goal of the game on Tuesday after he suffered a nasty cut above his eye.

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      Krystian Bielik needed medical treatment after a collision with Jefferson LermaCredit: Rex Features

      The former Arsenal ace hit the deck after an accidental collision with Jefferson Lerma.
      He received treatment from Derby’s medical team as blood poured down his face.
      But the Polish hardman decided to play on before he found the net in the 32nd minute.
      After the match, Bielik said: “We dug in until the final minute today.
      “It wasn’t easy but we showed quality, togetherness, energy and we deserved three points.
      “We think about the next game now.”
      Derby are 21st in the Championship following Wayne Rooney’s first win as permanent manager.

      Jack Wilshere has been training with Bournemouth for the past three weeksCredit: PA:Press Association

      Krystian Bielik scored the only goal of the game on TuesdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Middlesbrough physio embarks on 240km rowing mission to raise vital funds for seriously ill nephew’s cancer treatment

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      MIDDLESBROUGH’s head physio Chris Moseley is rowing 240km to raise crucial funds for charity and help his seriously ill nephew.
      Despite Boro’s action-packed Championship schedule, he is putting down his magic sponge to row 8k a day throughout January.

      Boro physio Chris Moseley is rowing 240km to raise crucial funds to help his seriously ill nephew

      Moseley is attempting to clock up the distance between Teesside and the Crewe home of his nephew Georgy, who is suffering from a rare form of bone cancer.
      And he has set a target of £4,000 to help pay for the specialist Cancer treatment the eight-year-old needs.
      He has already received plenty of support and has passed the £3,500 mark, but he hopes to increase that amount before the end of month.
      Georgy’s mum, Moseley’s sister Helen, explained: “On Easter Sunday 2018 our Georgy, aged just 8, fell over in a friend’s back garden and after taking him to A&E we were given the devastating news that he had a highly malignant and very rare bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma.

      “The following 12 months passed in a whirlwind of hospital stays where he had high dose of aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He was unable to eat and lost a lot of weight.
      “As a result of this treatment, the majority of his right arm was taken away and replaced with a titanium prosthesis. 
      “Georgy went into remission in March 2019 and life started to become normal(ish) again! Georgy went back to school and we started to see our gorgeous boy become the funny and happy person that he’s always been.
      “In April this year, we were dealt the devastating blow that the cancer had returned but this time in his left sinus, just under his eye socket and in the back of his nose.

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      “Scans showed that this horrible and aggressive cancer had already destroyed some of his cheekbone and was growing into the base of his skull.
      “Georgy was rushed back into hospital to start preparations for his treatment whilst we waited to hear if he would have a stroke or lose his eyesight immediately.
      “Luckily, our brave boy came out as strong as he went in.”
      The youngster has undergone four rounds of chemotherapy and is currently having radiotherapy.
      However, his mother said: “After researching all avenues, we know that his rare and specific condition cannot be treated with targeted drugs for Georgy on the NHS at this present time, despite the amazing work of his medical team.
      “Patients with relapsed Ewing’s have a very poor prognosis and as his parents, we are determined to try and raise as much as we can so our gorgeous boy can live a carefree life, something he has not had for three years now.

      Moseley is head physio at the Championship club
      “After lengthy discussions with a stem cell transplant hospital in a top medical treatment centre in Asia, we are thrilled that they are willing to accept Georgy! 
      “The transplant will involve removing the faulty mother cell and harvesting new purified cells from a donated umbilical cord into his body to stop the cancer from returning, these procedures have very high success rates.”
      She added: “Throughout all of Georgy’s treatment we have been absolutely amazed with our NHS, he wouldn’t be here now without them but the cost of this treatment is going to be around the region of £240,000 which simply cannot be funded by our NHS and we really do understand this.
      “Georgy has always taken his illness in his stride, he is a well-mannered and courageous young man and has the best sense of humour ever!
      “When we told him about the possibility of having this procedure his reply was ‘will I still have my memory?’”
      You can sponsor Moseley by clicking here.

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      Premier League, FA and football authorities hold first serious all-party meeting to combat wave of vile online abuse

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      FOOTBALL authorities have held their first serious all-party meeting with social media giants to combat online hate as Anton Ferdinand demanded they be held to account.
      Anti-racism leaders Kick It Out convened the gathering of the game’s senior organisations.

      Kick It Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari has described the ‘culture of impunity’ behind online hateCredit: PA:Press Association

      Former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand addressed today’s meetingCredit: PA:Press Association

      Facebook and Twitter were invited to the talk alongside the Premier League, PFA, FA, EFL and LMA.
      Former West Ham defender Ferdinand told the meeting: “As footballers we are held accountable for our actions all the time – why aren’t the people that are sending abuse, and the social media platforms, held to account too?
      “I had no escape from being racially abused, whether that was on the streets or social media.
      “The ripple effect the abuse had on me and my family, I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience that.”

      The social media companies agreed to take steps to ensure a zero tolerance policy on online hate and abuse.
      As part of a set of “common principles” the parties confirmed that “discrimination, hate and abuse towards those who play, support or work in the game is totally unacceptable”.
      That includes “real-world consequences” for those who use online platforms to spread abuse with the determination to make perpetrators be “accountable for their actions”.
      Outside bodies involved were UK Football Policing Unit, Women in Football, Crown Prosecution Service, Home Office and Sky, with further meetings to be held every two months.

      Online discriminatory abuse is unacceptable and tackling this issue must be a priority for football and social media companies.
      Richard MastersPremier League Chief Exec

      Kick it Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari said: “Online hate thrives because there is a culture of impunity.
      “People feel free to say what they want because they are confident there will be no consequences. That must change.”
      Prem chief executive Richard Masters added: “Online discriminatory abuse is unacceptable and tackling this issue must be a priority for football and social media companies.
      “Sadly, there are too many instances of footballers and their families receiving horrific discriminatory messages and nobody should have to deal with this.
      “The Premier League welcomes this initiative as a means of persuading social media companies to remove offensive material swiftly and help the Premier League and law enforcement bodies identify perpetrators.”
      Twitter and Facebook appear to recognise their responsibilities.

      Between June and September last year were able to find 95% of the hate speech content and removed it before anyone reported it.
      Jerry NewmanFacebook

      Facebook’s Jerry Newman said: “We don’t want racism or any type of hate speech on Facebook or Instagram.
      “Over the last few years, we’ve tripled the size of our safety and security team and between June and September last year were able to find 95 per cent of the hate speech content and removed it before anyone reported it. We won’t stop there.”
      Katy Minshall of Twitter added: “Racist behaviour has no place on Twitter and we strongly condemn it.
      “We continue to collaborate closely with our partners in football to identify ways to tackle this issue collectively.”

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      Aston Villa star Conor Hourihane set to join Swansea on loan transfer with medical delayed until later in week

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      CONOR HOURIHANE has agreed to join Swansea on loan from Aston Villa.
      The Ireland midfielder, 29, told Dean Smith he was desperate to play first team football.

      Conor Hourihane will join Swansea on loan for the rest of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And high-flying Championship side Swansea have a deal in place for Hourihane to join them for the rest of the season.
      The temporary switch could be announced by Steve Cooper’s side as early as Wednesday.
      But, because of Swansea’s postponed league game at Blackburn due to a waterlogged pitch, a medical is not expected in the next 24 hours with staff already in the north-west.
      Hourihane has only made five appearances for Villa this season.

      His game time has been limited due to the stand out displays of Douglas Luiz and John McGinn in central midfield.
      Elsewhere, Villa are in the race to sign Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson.
      Arsenal and West Ham are also said to be keen.
      The central midfielder has 18 months remaining on his contract and manager Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed the interest from Premier League clubs.

      Villas-Boas told reporters: “We’ll see. The transfer window is open, Sanson is a player who is highly rated.
      “Officially, we have not received any offers, unless it happened during the match.
      “He is a boy who interests English teams because of his characteristics, and it is possible that something could happen.”
      French television programme Telefoot have also reported that Sanson is engaged in transfer talks with an unspecified English club over a January switch.

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      Stoke keeper Joe Bursik named after grandad Josef, Czechoslovakian war hero who beat Nazis then escaped from Soviet jail

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      JOE BURSIK is well aware of the true meaning of valour.
      So, while he is rightly pleased with himself for holding the fort at Stoke, he knows his efforts are nothing compared to the incredible exploits of his grandad.

      Joe Bursik was named after his grandad Josef, a World War II heroCredit: Phil Greig 2020

      The Czechoslovakian icon fought alongside the Russian army to help defeat the Nazis before escaping prison

      The goalkeeper was named after Josef Bursik, a Second World War hero and Czechoslovakian icon.
      Joe Jr was brought up on stories of the highly decorated tank commander who fought alongside the Russian army against the Nazis.
      Yet the reward for the major general’s great bravery was jail after he was denounced as an anti-communist.
      He was found guilty of what the Soviet Union deemed to be high treason in 1949 for asking to be demobbed and was originally sentenced to ten years.

      The term in the feared Czech maximum security Mirov prison was increased by four years after he failed in an appeal against the verdict.
      Having also contracted tuberculosis, that added up to what could easily have been a death sentence.
      Yet he figured in his own version of The Great Escape after being transferred to Olomouc Hospital for treatment of his illness in 1950.
      He even used a motorbike for his getaway after doctors helped him to dupe guards by giving him an injection that brought on a fever.

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      But unlike the Hollywood movie’s hero played by Steve McQueen, he made it to freedom by crossing the border to Germany.
      His grandson cannot hide the pride he feels for the veteran, who sadly passed away two years after Joe Jr was born.
      Bursik, 20, said: “There was never any question in my dad’s mind of what my Christian name would be.
      “I’m so glad I have it and that I can further the name of Josef Bursik.
      “Of course, I was so young when he died I didn’t know him, but his memory and what he did and stood for burns bright in our family.
      “My dad and me often go to Prague for breaks in the summer and I remember when we would first make those trips together.
      “We would be booking into a hotel and my father would be asked for his surname.
      “Whenever the name Bursik came up there was always a feeling of awe from the people when we were checking in or if we were making a hotel reservation.

      Bursik was on loan at Doncaster before being recalled by StokeCredit: Phil Greig 2020

      The Stoke keeper once again impressed against Blackburn on SaturdayCredit: Rex Features
      “The Bursik name has a real buzz still in the Czech Republic — people and family don’t forget over there.”
      The youngster is making quite a fist of upholding the name of the man who Stalin made a Hero of the Soviet Union for helping liberate Kiev.
      He was called back from a loan at Doncaster after Stoke boss Michael O’Neill suffered a goalkeeping crisis that saw his seniors fall like ninepins through injury.
      Things started badly as Bursik conceded three goals in a 4–3 win against Huddersfield, followed by a 3–2 loss to Norwich.
      But he did not fall away and now has seven clean sheets.
      O’Neill said: “Joe’s very sharp around his penalty box. He has everything you’d look for in a modern goalkeeper.
      “He’s good with the ball at his feet. He’s a confident boy and it’s good to see a young goalkeeper produce the level of performance that he’s had.”
      Bursik makes his 15th appearance since that emergency recall against Rotherham tonight, having first underlined his ability by helping England win the Under-17s World Cup.

      Every time I take the pitch I know what I’m carrying for my family — the honour of a great war hero who was so brave. Every time I play my grandad is an inspiration.
      Joe Bursik

      There is an Under-21 cap to be proud of too. And the Lambeth-born lad, who started out at Wimbledon, wants to follow in the footsteps of his other great hero, Petr Cech.
      Bursik was actually a winger at the Dons before being asked to don the goalie gloves.
      He said: “I grew up as a Chelsea fan and idolised Cech.
      “We were — and still are — season-ticket holders at Stamford Bridge and I always got there early just to watch him warm up.
      “I’d love to meet him one day because he has been such a big influence on me.
      “If I could ever get near what he’s achieved in the game then I would know I’d made it.”
      Bursik knows that his grandad would be proud too.
      He also received the Czech War Cross for bravery, as well as the Order of the Red Star at Sokolovo.

      Petr Cech was Bursik’s hero growing up as a Chelsea season ticket holderCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      After he reached Germany with his wife they moved to England in 1955, when his record was expunged from Czech history.
      But following the fall of communism his honours were restored and upon his death in 2002 he was given the Order of the White Lion, the highest honour available in the Czech Republic.
      Joe added: “Every time I take the pitch I know what I’m carrying for my family — the honour of a great war hero who was so brave.
      “Every time I play my grandad is an inspiration.
      “No matter what I achieve he always will be — and I would never have it any other way.”

      He started out with AFC Wimbledon as a winger before taking the glovesCredit: Rex Features

      Potters boss Michael O’Neill has been impressed with the goalkeeper’s performancesCredit: Rex Features More

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      Man City fuming with Derby after BLOCKING Scott Carson transfer move as Rams need £500k loan money to pay wages

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      MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly fuming with Derby County for blocking Scott Carson’s transfer to the Etihad.
      The goalkeeper, 35, is already on loan with the Citizens for the second season running.

      Derby are blocking Scott Carson from signing a permanent deal at Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But according to the Daily Mail, Pep Guardiola is keen to make the switch permanent.
      City want to hand an 18-month contract to their third-choice stopper.
      However, the report adds the Rams are holding any deal up because they are desperate for the £500,000 loan instalment due this month.
      The loan agreement sees City pay Derby twice per season to cover Carson’s loan fee and wages.

      And the Championship side need the cash to help cover players’ wages.
      The Rams squad were not paid in full in December as the club’s proposed takeover has still not gone through.
      Even new boss Wayne Rooney as well as coaches Liam Rosenior and Shay Given – all given promotions – are still on their old pay packets.
      Carson is thought to be frustrated with Derby’s reluctance to let him leave, fearing he will miss out on the chance to stay with the Premier League giants for another year which could end his playing career.

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      The veteran stopper joined the Etihad to bring added experience and an additional homegrown player into the squad.
      Despite not featuring for a single minute of first-team football since his arrival in summer 2019, he is well-liked around the club and gets on well with fellow goalkeepers Ederson and Zack Steffen, who want Carson to stay.
      The four-cap England international came through at Leeds and had spells with Liverpool, West Brom, Bursaspor and Wigan before moving to Pride Park in 2015.

      Manchester City have signed Scott Carson from Derby County on a year-long loan deal More