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    Premier League star who survived cardiac arrest on pitch locked in bitter row with neighbours over ‘Grand Designs’ house

    FORMER Premier League star Fabrice Muamba has kicked off a huge row with neighbours after chopping down protected trees without planning permission.The former Bolton midfielder, 36, sparked fury over plans to turn a 1930’s mock Tudor pad into a modern footballer’s crib complete with a basement gym, cinema and play room.Ex-footballer Fabrice Muamba at his Cheshire homeCredit: Arthur Edwards / The SunMuamba’s playing career was cut short in 2012 after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: AP:Associated PressHe has since worked in media and as a coachCredit: Getty – ContributorMore than half a dozen locals objected to the “overbearing” and “excessively intrusive” four-storey pad in the so-called Millionaire’s Row in leafy Wilmslow, Cheshire.Present and past neighbours include Liverpool stars Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez, and former Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson and goalkeeper Sergio Romero.Muamba, whose career was tragically cut short when he suffered a cardiac arrest against Tottenham, was given the go-ahead for the Grand Designs-style makeover.But he was caught offside by council officials after felling a number of trees that were slapped with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), and now faces a possible red card.Read more Sports NewsPapers filed at the local council reveal that the unauthorised works started last year but have not yet been completed.In a previous objection, one neighbour wrote: “The removal of much of the mature vegetation and trees before the now abandoned building work has been a massive blow to the general character of the area.”Another said: “The removal of trees at the front and side of the property has now totally changed the street scene, and had a detrimental effect on the amenity which is not in keeping with the residential area.”A third added: “This has left the site looking like a wasteland and has adversely affected the outlook of neighbouring properties.”Most read in FootballMuamba bought the five-bedroom pad for £1.3million and aerial photos from the sales listing in 2018 clearly show a cluster of trees at the front of the property.But when a Cheshire East Council forestry officer visited the site in October she found a large evergreen and a silver birch had been completely axed to the ground.England football legend Glenn Hoddle is lining up to spearhead a British Heart Foundation campaign to teach CPR to 270,000 BritsMuamba has now submitted revised plans for a detached garage and officials are expected to make a decision next month.The officer said: “During my visit and review of the application, it was evident that the landscape has changed significantly in terms of the tree population.”Following my site visits, a clear breach of the Tree Preservation Order has occurred.”This has now been submitted to planning enforcement.”Muamba’s agent refuted any suggestion of wrongdoing.He said the couple sent the council an email in October explaining that they had to chop the tree down after high winds caused the tree to “lean dangerously towards the road”.He said Muamba told the council: “A tree surgeon assessed it and immediately condemned it due to the serious risk to public safety and property. “Based on this expert advice, I had no choice but to remove it as a precaution. “To compensate for the loss, I am committed to planting four mature trees and will follow guidance from the Cheshire East Arboriculturist on the most suitable species. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I informed Cheshire East about this in October 2024, but I am still waiting for any feedback on the matter or the proposed replacement planting.”Cheshire East council was approached for comment.Fabrice Muamba’s health battleFabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch while playing for Bolton Wanderers in 2012, aged just 23.His heart stopped due to a cardiac arrest triggered by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but he was saved by quick-thinking medics at the pitchside.Muamba had been a super-fit elite athlete before being struck down by his heart condition.Early symptoms can include regularly feeling breathless, dizzy or very tired, or having heart palpitations.Often it is genetic, meaning it begins at birth, but in some people it can develop over time.Scientists are not entirely sure why.The midfielder’s heart stopped for 78 minutes before he could be fully resuscitated.He has since made a full recovery but retired from professional football shortly after the incident. More

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    Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace opens up on their relationship for the first time in new documentary

    CHELSEA star Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace has lifted the lid on their relationship for the first time.Palmer, 22, and Connie, 22, met when they were 17 years old but only went public together in November at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace lifted the lid on their relationshipCredit: Amazon PrimePalmer and Connie took part in a special documentaryCredit: Amazon PrimeThe pair have known each other since they were 17 but went public with their relationship in NovemberCredit: SplashConnie met Palmer when they were both teenagersCredit: instagram @conniegrace_The couple are taking part in England’s Lions: A New Generation documentary, which will be out on Amazon Prime from Saturday, and were filmed dining in a swanky London restaurant.The Three Lions star’s partner, who is a nail technician and Instagram influencer with 34,000 followers, opened up about their special bond.Connie said: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.Read More on Chelsea”Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”When you know how much someone wants something and you know that’s someone’s dream, you just feel so proud.”Palmer is known for his ice-cold demeanour but he let his guard down while filming the documentary as he tried his luck with some new food.The Blues winger experimented by dunking some bread in oil and balsamic vinegar for the first time.Most read in FootballConnie warned her boyfriend he wouldn’t like the taste and she was proven right as he recoiled and cried “ew!”Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnd Connie couldn’t help but laugh as she explained how Palmer hasn’t changed at all since his humble beginnings at Wythenshawe.That is despite going on to play for Manchester City, where he won the treble, before his £42.5milion move to Chelsea in 2023 since when he has turned into one of the Premier League’s biggest stars.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich Connie added: “Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17. “Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Cole will adapt to whatever situation he’s in. He’s not bothered that he’s that far from home because all he wants to do is play football and if it means leaving home and being in a place which is completely different to where he’s from, he’ll do it.”He’s not bothered about the whole fame side of it and he’s not bothered what people think of him. “He is only just bothered about scoring goals and doing well for his team, doing well for his country, and you’ve got to love him for that.”Connie is a nail technician with thousands of followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie spoke about her relationship with Palmer for the first timeCredit: InstagramConnie insists Palmer hasn’t changed at all despite his immense fameCredit: instagram @conniegrace_ More

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    Jamie and Rebekah Vardy set for fly-on-the-wall Netflix documentary series… after Rooneys agreed their own deal

    JAMIE AND REBEKAH VARDY are set to follow the example of the Rooneys in being part of their own documentary series, reports suggest.I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! star Coleen was handed her own series by Disney+, while Wayne has been profiled by Amazon Prime Video.Jamie and Rebekah Vardy are set to be a part of a new Netflix seriesCredit: SplashIt would see them follow the example of the RooneysCredit: Getty ImagesThe former Manchester United star is also being filmed for a fly-on-the-wall series about his time as Plymouth boss, as exclusively reported by SunSport.And following the success those shows already airing have seen, the Vardys are now set to follow suit on Netflix, according to The Telegraph.A streaming series for the Leicester ace is likely to concentrate on his rise from non-league footballer to Premier League champion.Vardy may not have the superstardom appeal like that of previous Netflix series stars David Beckham or Neymar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the streaming giant understands that some of the most popular parts of its Beckham series came from the at-home scenes with wife, Victoria.And if the Vardy series proves popular, it could open the door to a fly-on-the-wall series about the ex-England striker’s home life with his wife.A lucrative Netflix deal would go some way to helping Rebekah with her legal costs following the high-profile Wagatha Christie libel trial against Coleen in 2022, itself the subject of a drama series on ITV.Rebekah had denied leaking stories about Coleen’s private life to the press, though a judge ruled she was an “untrustworthy witness”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis saw her rack of bills of £1.7million, though she went to the High Court in an effort to reduce the bill.A 2023 report from the Daily Mail says Coleen was paid in excess of £1m for the Disney+ series, while the Beckhams earned £16m for their Netflix deal.I’ve one final thing to say about Coleen – but Danny deserved to win even though I loved the RevColeen Rooney’s surprising bad habit COLEEN Rooney has revealed the embarrassing habit hubby Wayne reckons will annoy her I’m A celebrity campmates.She’s usually preened and perfect – but the WAG has confessed she snores.Coleen said: “I didn’t think I snored, but Wayne says I snore.“Not continuously though – just every now and again.“I have been in the public eye for over 20 years now and people take what they want from it.“I do think people will get a better idea of what kind of person I am.” More

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    Major broadcasting change as Formula E returns to free-to-air TV with new-look presenting team

    FORMULA E has announced a major change to its broadcast rights that will see it return to free-to-air TV.The motorsport had previously been shown on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 before it was effectively placed behind a paywall on TNT Sports for the first time in its 10-year history.Formula E have announced a major partnership with ITVCredit: GettyIt has now been announced it will return to ITV for the 2024/25 season, with live broadcasts and highlights being available on the ITVX app and ITV4.That includes the Season 11 opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on December 7.Formula E chief media officer, Aarti Dabas, said: “We’re delighted to offer UK and Ireland fans even greater access to our incredible championship via our two fantastic media partners – TNT Sport and now ITV – giving them more ways to watch and taking them even closer to the sport.”With our new post-race weekend highlights show on ITV, fans will be able to get bespoke content directly from the paddock helping educate, excite and entertain new and loyal fans alike. READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT”We can’t wait to bring our fans more track-side action and continue to grow the sport.”The channel switch will also see a new-look presenting line-up, with sacked BBC star Jermaine Jenas also dropped from his role on the all-electric racing series.Pioneering presenter Nicki Shields will return to lead the line-up and will become the first-ever female lead presenter in the series’ history.She has been a prominent figure both on and off the track since making her debut in 2014, and was the first female lead commentator for F1 Academy in its 2024 debut season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOn her new role, Shields said: “I vividly remember my first Formula E race in Beijing 2014, and 10 years later, my passion for the sport remains just as strong.”I’m thrilled to return to Formula E as lead presenter for Season 11. It’s an honour to share the excitement and drama of this incredible sport with fans around the world. Watch moment Brad Pitt ‘faints’ after heavy crash at Las Vegas Grand Prix – but all is not as it seems”With our talented presenting team, we’re committed to bringing viewers closer to the action than ever before. Bring on São Paulo!”She will be joined by racing drivers Billy Monger and Catie Munnings on the team, as well as sports commentator Tom Brooks.Pundits who will appear throughout the season will include David Coulthard, Karun Chandhok, Andre Lotterer, James Rossiter and Alan McNish.Saunders Carmichael-Brown and Alexa Rendell are also returning as pitlane reporters.Formula E’s CEO Jeff Dodds admitted before the London season finale that the move to place the racing series behind a paywall had led to “numbers that have been lower than we wanted”.Pascal Wehrlein was crowned as champion last season, narrowly beating Mitch Evans by six points. More

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    Clive Tyldesley announces new job at major broadcaster after leaving ITV

    CLIVE TYLDESLEY has announced his next broadcaster move after leaving ITV. Tyldesley’s 28 years with the channel came to an end during the Euro 2024 last 16.Clive Tyldesley has signed for a new broadcaster after leaving ITVCredit: RexIn 2020 he was replaced by Sam Matterface as ITV’s main commentator and instead took the No2 role.But he was informed by ITV’s football editor that his contract would not be renewed past the Euros.Now, Tyldesley revealed on his podcast with ex-Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill that he has signed with US network CBS.He said: “All I can do is keeping reviewing my own standards, keep making myself available.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If someone like CBS – who have given me a four-year contract to cover Champions League for the USA – show that sort of confidence in me then I can only assure you I will repay that faith by working bloody hard and trying to be as good as I can be.” Tyldesley revealed he offered himself up to Sky when Martin Tyler left his role as well as making contact with TNT Sports and Channel 4. He said: “I don’t have an agent, as such, I feel as if I’ve actually got better contacts than a lot of agents have.”When Martin was moved aside by Sky, they knew of my position, they decided to take on Peter Drury and I totally respect how popular he is, probably more popular than I am.Most read in FootballIf I never commentate on another football match, I’ve been a lucky boy.Clive TyldesleyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But Peter then left Premier League Productions in order to take on that role and another one in the USA. “I made Premier League Productions aware of my availability for the last four or five years.TV Legend Clive Tyldesley in position for his last ever commentary game”They’ve got a dozen or so commentators contracted, they think they are all better than I am.”TNT, when they took over the BT Sport contract, I contacted them and said I was available, they took on Adam Summerton because they thought he was better than I was.”Channel 4 when they took over the England contract – which they’re now losing back to ITV – I contacted them and said I was available and they took on Steve Bower – who I think is a particularly good commentator.’Why have ITV done this?'”But what I’m saying is, they’re aware but if you’re shouting from the rooftops because you think I should be doing any of these jobs, believe me I have put myself up for them.”It’s fine, I’ve been a lucky boy in my career. If I never commentate on another football match, I’ve been a lucky boy. “It’s not a tragedy but in answer to the question I keep getting asked, ‘Why have ITV done this?'”I don’t know the answer, you’d have to ask the heads of sport.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    I ran 100-mile hell marathon in step-daughter’s memory – boxing comeback after ban will be easy

    LIAM CAMERON ran 100 miles of hell to help him get back from the darkest depths of losing his career and his step-daughter.In 2018 the Sheffield fighter was handed an incredibly harsh four-year British boxing ban when a metabolite of cocaine was found in his system.Liam Cameron and friend Hassan took on the 100-mile round trip to ManchesterAnd he suffered another devastating blow in 2020 when his step-daughter was killed in a traffic incident just two days before her 21st birthday.Struggling to cope, the former Commonwealth middleweight champ battled addiction and survived an attempt on his own life.But last year, as the sport welcomed him back and he started a four-fight win streak, he took on a Sheffield-Manchester round-trip marathon to raise money for a tribute to Tiegan and prove his fitness to return to the ring.Ahead of his Friday night fight with Lyndon Arthur, live on Channel 5, Cameron told SunSport: “It was a crazy idea really, me and my pal Hassan just wanted to see if we could do it. Read More Sport”We wanted to hit that ‘Welcome to Manchester’ sign and get back.“Then we decided to make it more than a challenge and used it to raise £1,300 for a bench for Tiegan.“It took the best part of 24hrs, with just a rucksack full of flapjacks and the last 10 miles were hell.“I’ve been through some dark times, tough tests, but those last few miles were something else.Most read in BoxingLiam Cameron run from Sheffield to Manchester and backCredit: Supplied“Me and Hassan were both crying, confused, in agony. It ended up like a therapy session.“But we did it, somehow, and being able to do that, physically and mentally, showed me a boxing comeback would be alright.”Cameron has always protested his innocence but wisely has no desire to rock the boat with the British Boxing Board of Control after regaining his licence.And the sport has welcomed him back to the light-heavyweight division with Eddie Hearn hosting him on a Matchroom show at Sheffield arena in March and now he headlines on terrestrial TV.He explained: “At the time I did feel very alone and I felt like some people could have helped me a bit more but I understand the sport and that it’s a business.“Since my comeback, I do feel like all the people that know about my story are willing me to win.“I am the underdog, the outsider, the away fighter, but – especially in boxing – people love that guy and they want him to win.“I first ever loved boxing because of the Rocky films and I think people always love a comeback fairytale story more than an undefeated success.“I feel a bit sorry for Lyndon Arthur, he’s the Manchester lad on a home show in Bolton but I feel like I’ve got all of the backing.” More

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    Fans left baffled by England vs Iceland graphic as they ‘forget which country Three Lions are playing’

    FANS were left baffled by the abbreviation used for Iceland in England’s final warm-up match before the Euros.Channel 4’s broadcast abbreviated the two names to ‘ENG’ and ‘ISL’.England fans were left confused by the abbreviation used during the gameCredit: XIt led to many England fans to take to X to ask why the name of the nation was abbreviated in the way that it was.One fan wrote: “Why is Iceland abbreviated as ‘ISL’?”Another said: “Why is Iceland abbreviated to ISL?”A third wrote: “Why is Iceland abbreviated to ISL, there isn’t an S in the spelling?”READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSA fourth wrote: “My main focus of the opening 20 minutes is trying to figure out why Iceland is abbreviated to ISL.”While a fifth said: “Why is the TV abbreviation for Iceland….ISL on the football? ⚽️”The explanation as to why the graphic was show that way was a simple one.Channel 4 use a global feed to show their games, which uses nations’ native spelling to abbreviate their names.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo say Iceland in Icelandic, it is said and spelt as ‘Ísland’.That’s why the graphic shows Iceland abbreviated to ‘ISL’.The meteoric rise of England star Adam WhartonIt’s also why England is abbreviated to ‘ENG’.Gareth Southgate will take the handbrake off at Euro 2024… because he has no choiceBy Charlie Wyett
    GARETH SOUTHGATE will have no choice but to take the handbrake off his England team at Euro 2024.
    The defensive crisis gripping the Three Lions means the only option in Germany, within ­reason, will be outright attack.
    Southgate has often been lambasted for his safety-first approach — even if he points out you must go back to Walter Winterbottom’s sides in the 1950s to find an England manager with a better scoring record.
    But with the crocked Harry Maguire left out, Luke Shaw not fit enough to start the tournament and John Stones having made just 12 ­Premier League starts this season, this is not a defence you would stake your life on.
    The last time England went to a major tournament in Germany — the 2006 World Cup — the four centre-backs selected were Sol Campbell (68 caps), Rio Ferdinand (47), Jamie Carragher (25) and John Terry (24).
    This time, when England fly out on Monday, the quartet will be Lewis Dunk (six), Joe Gomez (14), Marc Guehi (ten) and Ezri Konsa (three).
    It makes Southgate’s decision not to recall the 49-cap Eric Dier for his ­provisional squad even stranger — especially considering his strong end to the season with Bayern Munich.
    The elder statesman in his defence — and the one who absolutely has to stay fit — is 71-cap Stones. More

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    England stars serve up a dog’s dinner as Gordon, Rice and Gallagher are put through Crufts-style challenge

    ENGLAND will be out to prove they can hold on to a lead — and that is BEFORE kick-off against Iceland.A hat-trick of Three Lions stars took part in a Crufts-style dog agility competition to be broadcast in the build-up to Channel 4’s coverage.Viewers won’t have to be beagle-eyed to spot England stars Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher leading the challengesCredit: GettyRice and Co can’t avoid some ups and downsCredit: Channel 4 / Lee BrownConor Gallagher can’t be accused of paw form but now it’s the turn of his ‘not the most intelligent’ pup to face the spotlightCredit: Channel 4 / Lee BrownGareth Southgate will hope his players go through hoops for himCredit: AlamyAnthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher and Declan Rice put three pooches through their paces during some downtime ahead of their final warm-up before the Euros in Germany.In an event more paw-paw-two than 4-4-2, Gordon paired up with a mutt named Jack Growlish, Gallagher was with Harry Canine and Rice partnered Collie Watkins. Two of the players’ attempts ended up resembling a dog’s dinner, though.All three have hounds of their own, with Newcastle star Gordon, 23, revealing: “My dogs don’t listen to me. READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”But they’re good, they’ve got good energy.”Chelsea ace Gallagher, 23, said of his pup: “He can jump up on his back two legs which is always quite cute but he’s not the most intelligent.”It was the latest in a series of fun films, with England stars also taking part in Bake Off and Countdown.But injuries in defence have been less amusing for boss Gareth Southgate.Most read in FootballEngland must overcome hurdles of their own at the EurosCredit: Channel 4 / Lee BrownENGLAND’S BONE FIDE XI OF BULLDOG SPIRITTHE Three Lions go into Euro 2024 hoping to collar only their second major trophy.
    And when they won the 1966 World Cup, it needed a border collie named Pickles to find the trophy when it went missing.
    So as England add a dog-style challenge to their build-up for Germany, here’s how they might line up if they want to match Euro icons of the past like Franz Barkenbauer, Johan Crufts and, erm, John Terrier.
    Dean HoundersonKyle WalkiesBark GuehiEbere-Chihuahua EzeJack GrowlishCollie Watkins Jarrod BoneConor Ga-waggerKobbie MainoofoundlandHarry CaninePhil Fido

    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCentre-back rock Harry Maguire has been left out of the 26-man squad entirely due to his calf problem.Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw made the cut – but isn’t yet fully fit.England make their official Euros 2024 squad announcement And Brighton’s Lewis Dunk will sit out the Iceland clash as he recovers from a leg injury.This all means Liverpool’s breakthrough star Jarell Quansah has been put on standby.The 21-year-old was omitted from the final 26 but is in the squad for Friday’s final warm-up game.Con your marks, get set, go! – Gallagher hopes his pup is up for the cupCredit: Channel 4 / Lee BrownEngland are relying on Rice to be a good boy in midfieldCredit: Channel 4 / Lee BrownHow England will line up after big names axed from Euros More