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    ‘It’s more than ridiculous, it’s a disgrace’ – Jim Ratcliffe has gone ‘too far’ with latest Man Utd decision, fume fans

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are demanding Sir Jim Ratcliffe face the music over his latest cost-cutting at Old Trafford.SunSport exclusively revealed on Friday the Red Devils owner is slashing funding for a charity helping out former players.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come under fire from Man Utd fansCredit: AlamySunSport revealed on Friday the club was halting payments to a charity helping former playersThe club previously gave £40,000 a year to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, which fears it will fold without the cash.Set up in 1985, the charity helps former footballers who didn’t earn the millions raked in by today’s superstars.,Ratcliffe – who is worth £23.5billion – has recently raised ticket prices and even axed the club’s famous Christmas party. Outspoken United fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge is the latest to rail against the cost-cutting measures. READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking on The United Stand, he said: “It’s more than ridiculous – it’s a disgrace.”This football club may be about winning on the pitch, this football club may be about transfers.”But this football club is also [about] community.He added: “This is not what we want at our football club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Good people are being sacked. Good people are not getting bonuses. And now good people are getting their costs cut.”Fans were quick to agree, with one demanding “answers” from Ratcliffe over the decision to cut the charity support.Ruben Amorim admits he’s in danger of losing Man Utd job if results don’t improve with fans ‘tired’ of disastrous slump One fan fumed on X: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to do an interview and explain what is currently going on with his running of Manchester United. We need answers.”Another argued: “Has any owner in Premier League history made as many PR gaffes as Jim Ratcliffe in his first 12 months in charge? I don’t think so.”A third added: “Genuinely feel sorry for the fans who were excited about Ratcliffe.As I feared a year ago, a Glazer 2.0!”While a fourth commented: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting the wrong people. He rode in like the Lone Ranger only to reveal he’s one of the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse.”Man Utd ratings vs WolvesBy Ken LawrenceWOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.Here is how SunSport rated the performances…ANDRE ONANA: 4He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.LENY YORO: 5Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.HARRY MAGUIRE: 6The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.MANUEL UGARTE: 5Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.KOBBIE MAINOO: 5Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.DIOGO DALOT: 6Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.AMAD DIALLO: 5Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.BRUNO FERNANDES: 3Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.RASMUS HOJLUND: 5Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.SUBSCasemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5On the field, United’s fortunes have not improved despite tempting boss Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon.The Portuguese has endured a torrid start to life at Old Trafford.Following a 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day, Amorim is now the first United coach since 1932 to lose five of his first ten games. United’s dismal form could also end up costing them in the pocket down the line.According to The Times, United’s contract with kit manufacturer Adidas contains a penalty clause that sees them lose out on £10MILLION for every season they fail to qualify for the Champions League.Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into jobBy Neil CustisThe blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed in November that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.Defeat Nottingham Forest in December, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.READ MORE ON MAN UTD’S CHAOS That hefty loss would be coupled with huge amount of losses in broadcasting and match-day income too.The club’s annual report says that players’ salaries change based on their participation in Europe or not.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.”To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.” More

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    Man Utd fans blast Sir Jim Ratcliffe after he cuts £40k donation to charity helping club icons despite £23bn fortune

    MAN United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been dubbed Scrooge after cutting funding for a charity helping former players.United previously gave £40,000 a year to the trust, which fears it will fold without the lifeline.Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, worth £23billion, has been dubbed Scrooge after cutting funding for a charity helping former playersCredit: Alamy­Payments to the charity helping some of the club’s older players, including former skipper Bryan Robson, have been terminatedCredit: AllsportRed Devils great Denis Irwin is among 300 members of the Association of Former Manchester United PlayersCredit: AlamySupporters said it was a “kick in the teeth” following £23billion tycoon Sir Jim’s ticket price rises and a Christmas do ban.It follows a series of petty penny-pinching measures by Sir Jim, Britain’s richest man who is worth an estimated £23billion.The club had previously given a yearly sum to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, which was set up in 1985 to help footballers from bygone eras who earned nothing like the megabucks of today’s superstars.It puts on four events a year where ex-players can rub shoulders with others who signed professional forms with the club but never made a first-team appearance.READ MORE ON MANCHESTER UNITEDBut when the charity contacted Old Trafford after two quarterly payments of £10,000 failed to arrive, it was shocked to learn it plans to end all funding as part of Sir Jim’s cost-cutting drive.Trustee Jim Elms, 84, who played for United’s youth team and reserves from 1957 to 1960, called the move “ridiculous”. He said the charity does “so much good for the club for so little”, and has urged it to reconsider.He told The Sun: “We sent a ­letter to say we’ve not been paid. Nobody came out and told us so we had to send another letter.“That’s when we started hearing things that it was going to be the end of us.”Most read in FootballHe told how United’s chief executive Omar Berrada called him just days before Christmas.Jim, who played with Bobby Moore for an England youth team, said: “It didn’t go too well.Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decision“Omar was non-committal. He’s going to meet us again in January but he said he couldn’t see it changing.“He didn’t seem to think that we were a necessity.”Jim, of Bramhall, Cheshire, added: “We’ve ran it since 1985.“Keeping the old players together. Looking after the ones that couldn’t pay for funerals.“I just can’t understand them myself. It’s ridiculous.”He added that each event was held at Old Trafford’s Manchester suite, which they pay to hire out.Among its 300 members are ­former skipper Bryan Robson, Alex Stepney, Denis Law, Brian Kidd, Arthur Albiston, Frank Stapleton, Denis Irwin and David May.Jim went on: “We give away around £10-20,000 to charity, mostly children’s charities in the local area. We’ve had £20,000 this year but not the rest of it.”The tycoon has launched a ruthless cost-cutting drive since his minority takeover of the club was announcedSir Jim has been clear that United need to save money, but this move has left him looking like a Christmas ScroogeA sourceHe has written a follow-up letter to the CEO, telling him: “We do so much good for the name of MUFC for so little. Please look again.”The cuts were also slammed by Dan Coombs, editor at supporters’ group United In Focus.He said: “After a summer where United spent £101million net and continue to pay incredibly high wages, the savings from this latest cut are a drop in the ocean, and are a kick in the teeth for many of the club’s former greats, who were not paid the excesses today’s footballers receive.”A source added: “Everyone knows the club needs to save money but some things just shouldn’t be cut.”Some of the players who benefit from this organisation never earned a penny from football and aren’t in the best financial circumstances.“Sir Jim has been clear that United need to save money, but this move has left him looking like a Christmas Scrooge.”Party scrappedThe chemicals tycoon, 72, has launched a ruthless cost-cutting drive since his minority takeover of the club was announced 12 months ago.More than 250 employees have been made redundant, while managerial legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year ambassador role has been axed.Staff have also seen their ­traditional Christmas party scrapped and their bonus cut.Employees no longer receive free tickets for the FA Cup Final and had to pay for their own transport to Wembley in May this year.Ticket discounts for youngsters and over-65s were also scrapped.A club source said United “greatly appreciated” the role of AFMUP in maintaining relationships between former players and would continue supporting events.They added: “We are no longer able to make charitable donations to AFMUP while the club is ­making significant losses.“Our focus is on putting the club back on a sustainable financial footing so that we are in a position to invest in our priorities of achieving success on the pitch, and renewing our infrastructure.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charityThe move comes at a turbulent time on the pitch, with new ­manager Ruben Amorim overseeing four defeats in their last five ­Premier League matches.There were fan protests against ticket price rises at last month’s game against Everton at Old ­Trafford, with banners reading “Stop Exploiting Loyalty”.A spokesman for supporters group MUST said asking them to pay their “fair share” after decades of mismanagement was “offensive”.He went on: “We have done everything we have been asked. We’ve cheered the players on even in the face of substandard performance.”But United have defended their penny-pinching, saying: “We have been focused on cost saving to put us on a stronger financial footing.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSir Jim has also insisted “hard choices” are needed. He added: “I want to be free for us to buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure.”United were approached for comment. RUTHLESS RATCLIFFEBy Sarah RidleySIR Jim Ratcliffe’s savage cuts even shocked United skipper Bruno Fernandes.He was “taken aback” when staff lost their traditional free FA Cup Final ticket, travel, food and accommodation. Fernandes offered to pay himself but was rejected.Some 250 staff were then made redundant in the summer. The club also stopped Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year ambassadorial salary, cancelled the staff Xmas party, and axed company credit cards and private chauffeurs.The cost of disabled parking bays were also hiked by 20 per cent. Sir Jim has also considered halving the annual £40,000 budget for the club’s Disabled Supporters’ Association.Earlier this month fans protested at a rise in ticket prices, with the club abolishing discounts for kids and OAPs.The Old Trafford roof is also leaky while water came though the ceiling during manager Ruben Amorim’s press conference last week.A mice infestation has also seen United’s food hygiene rating drop.Fans have expressed their fury over the club’s latest ticket price hikesCredit: GettyManchester United’s stadium Old Trafford has a leaky roofCredit: GettyThe club has stopped Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year ambassadorial salaryCredit: Getty More

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    Carl Froch hits back as he dubs Jake Paul ‘FAKE PAUL’ and says his partner is ‘a clown managing a clown, in clown world’

    CARL FROCH has dubbed Jake Paul’s promotional partner a “clown managing a clown” as the war of words continues.Froch, who retired in 2014, has embarked on an outspoken punditry career since hanging up the gloves. Carlo Froch hit out at Jake Paul and his teamCredit: YouTube/Froch on FightingJake Paul with Nakisa BidarianCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsAnd YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has been among the most criticised by the British legend. Even his business partner Nakisa Bidarian has faced the verbal wrath of Froch and he unloaded once more on his YouTube channel. Froch said: “Right, Nakisa is Jake Paul’s manager.”This guy is an absolute clown, it’s a clown managing a clown in the fake world, in the clown world that is Jake Paul pretending to be a professional fighter.READ MORE IN BOXING”We’ll call him Fake Paul from here on in because he’s not real, is he? He’s a fake boxer. But Nakisa said I’m “irrelevant.””I’ve straightened him out, I’ve already said that I’m not irrelevant and I’ve invited him on the show. And guess what? He’s declined.”He doesn’t want to come on the show because he knows The Cobra speaks facts and he tells it how it is. Shoots from the hip.”Nakisa cannot come on the show because he knows as soon as I say to him, you’re convinced Jake Paul is going to become world champion, who is he going to fight for a world title?Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As soon as I ask him the question about Jake Paul becoming a world champion, he’s going to hit a brick wall because Fake Paul is never going to become a world champion.”He’s got that f***ing plastic Toys R US belt that Nakisa gave him and that just about sums up Jake Paul’s career, a fake world title belt.”Mike Tyson’s ex-coach opens up on boxing’s legend’s bizarre ‘biting fixation’ after chewing on glove in Jake Paul fightFroch retired in 2014 after knocking out George Groves in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. But he has called out Paul and vowed to fight for FREE by donating his purse to charity. Bidarian – who is not officially Paul’s manager but instead a business and promotional partner – hit back with their terms. He told SunSport: “Sure Carl, show up with an offer that makes sense – since he’s fighting for charity anyways – he’s made it clear that he’s going to donate 100 per cent of his earnings to charity.”Show up with an offer that makes sense for MVP and Jake Paul, who drive the biggest numbers in the entire sport and we’ll have happy to have a conversation. “We’ll call him Fake Paul from here on in because he’s not real, is he? He’s a fake boxer.Carl Froch”We’re certainly not looking to come to the UK to offer a 47-year-old Carl Froch -who’s never sold a pay-per-view in his life in the US which is the most important market – and make him an offer.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And, he’s fighting for charity anyways, he’s fighting for free. So, if and when they’re ready to show us an offer that shows that he’s 100 per cent donating all proceeds that he gets paid and any entities associated with him to charity… “And that it is an eight-figure opportunity for Jake Paul – which is what Jake Paul makes in every single fight – happy to have the conversation. Absolutely.” Calr Froch retired in 2014 after knocking out George Groves in their rematchCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Ex-England star Luther Blissett, 66, ‘collapses at charity event’ and rushed to hospital as Watford release statement

    FORMER England star Luther Blissett was rushed to hospital after falling ill at a charity auction last week.The 66-year-old reportedly collapsed while hosting this year’s My Local Hero fundraiser at Watford’s Grove Hotel on Saturday.Luther Blissett was rushed to hospital after collapsing on SaturdayCredit: GettyAccording to the Watford Observer, he was immediately rushed to Watford General Hospital before being transferred to a specialist in London for further assessments.Blissett had auctioned off a Watford shirt just hours beforehand.A statement from his former club on Thursday read: “Watford FC is aware of reports that the club’s all-time record appearance-maker and goalscorer Luther Blissett OBE DL is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.”Chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury said: ‘Luther and all of his loved ones know they have our full support. We will do all we can to help.’Read More in Football”The Hornets wish to confirm at this stage, however, that the club has had no direct confirmation of his circumstances from Luther or his family.”Everyone connected with Watford FC would like to wish Luther the fullest possible recovery.”‘Watford’s Favourite Son’ was helping raise money at a community event last weekend when he was taken ill.”Blissett spent 14 years with Watford across three different spells as a player.Most read in FootballHe made 210 appearances in total and scored 90 goals.The striker also played for AC Milan, Bournemouth, West Brom, Bury, Derry City, Mansfield Town, Southport, Wimborne Town, Fakenham Town and Chesham United.He was capped 14 times by England and scored three international goals.After retiring, Blissett briefly took up management and spent another year with Chesham.He was awarded an OBE in 2022 for his services to football and charity. More

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    The soft side of the ‘Baddest man on the planet’ – Inside Mike Tyson’s hidden story as doting dad and benefactor

    MIKE TYSON has a fearsome reputation as one of boxing’s bad boys – but not everything is as it seems. The Baddest Man on the Planet is in final preparations ahead of a stunning return to the ring later this month. Mike Tyson is known for his hell-raising antics – but there’s a softer side to the boxing greatCredit: GettyTyson has seven children and in recent years has attended the Kids’ Choice Awards with daughter MilanCredit: GettyThe 58-year-old was known as the Baddest Man on the Planet during his careerCredit: GettyTyson will go toe-to-toe with YouTuber Jake Paul in a dust-up broadcast live to the world on Netflix. It will be the 58-year-old’s first pro fight in almost two decades since hanging up his gloves in 2006. Throughout his career, Iron Mike has built up a fearsome reputation as one of boxing’s greatest hell-raisers.He memorably bit Evander Holyfield’s ear off during their 1997 bout and was responsible for 44 opponents ending up on the canvas. READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONBut behind the bluster, there is a softer side to one of the world’s greatest-ever heavyweights.After years of chaos, Tyson has finally settled down after his third marriage with soulmate Lakiha Spicer.He is a doting dad and has mellowed in his later years, even accompanying daughter Milan to the Kids’ Choice Awards in 2018.Tyson has six kids with four different women named Mikey, 34, Rayna, 28, Amir, 27, Miguel, 22, Milan, 16, and Morocco, 13.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTyson last returned to the ring in 2020, fighting Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition bout. He revealed his children had told him to “sit his old a** down”, but ultimately ignored them and went ahead with the fight. ‘Is it fixed?’ Mike Tyson’s ex-trainer has serious questions about the Jake Paul fightHe laughed: “My kids think I should sit my old a** down, but what do they know?”I’m very confident. They don’t know how to fight, none of my kids can beat me in a fight, so what are they talking about?”Despite being offered staggering sums to come out of retirement, the 58-year-old gave the majority of his £7.8million earnings to charity.Away from the ring, he has also set up the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation to help “give kids a fighting chance.”The foundation aims to help the homeless, build educational programs, and fight social injustice.Mike Tyson and wife Lakiha SpicerCredit: GettyTyson last came out of retirement in 2020 to face Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibitionCredit: GettyJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTTyson explains: “I am a product of poverty, so I identify with the struggles that plague communities that feel hopeless and despair. “I want my foundation to support community-based programs and turn hopelessness into hope.”Iron Mike’s charity work also stretches beyond his own Foundation.He helped create We 2 Matter in 2021, an organization aimed at helping female prisoners rejoin society.And on a recent episode of his podcast Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, magician and musician Criss Angel revealed another selfless act from the boxing legend. Tyson was branded a “wonderful human being” by Angel, who revealed Iron Mike had given thousands in donations to his cancer charity.Angel said: “You have donated so much money to pediatric cancer, to my foundation and I just want to say as a friend and as a person with the kid that went through it, thank you so much.”Mike Tyson’s controversial comeback Mike Tyson is BACK!Yes, boxing’s youngest heavyweight champ of all time – just 20 when he achieved the feat – is preparing to lace them up again. He faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on July 20 in Texas.The controversial clash – set for the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Dallas – has been scrutinised over the 30-year age gap.Tyson will be 58 by the time the fight for the ages comes around and nearly 20 years removed from his last professional contest.He was last seen in the ring in November 2020 for an exhibition with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr, which ended a draw after eight rounds. Paul is meanwhile 9-1 in the ring, losing only to Tommy Fury in 2023, and has won three times since.His fight with Tyson will also be a landmark first on Netflix, with over 250MILLION subscribers able to watch the bout. Prior to his remarkable career, Tyson’s first love was his beloved pigeons.The New York native has kept the birds since he was a child, revealing he threw his very first punch after a bully killed one of his pets.Tyson explained: “The guy ripped the head off my pigeon. This was the first thing I ever loved in my life, the pigeon. That was the first time I threw a punch.”I have loved pigeons since I was nine. They were my escape.”I was fat and ugly. Kids teased me all the time. The only joy I had was pigeons.”Paul attempted to break bread with Mike ahead of their bout on November 15.He bought a pigeon for Tyson as a bizarre pre-fight gift – only for it to backfire in style.Mike Tyson’s most controversial moment was biting Evander Holyfield in 1997Credit: AFPThe former world heavyweight champion has a love for pigeonsCredit: GettyJake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles comparedONE is a notorious YouTuber-turned-boxer who has taken the sport by storm.The other terrorised all in the ring in the 1980s and 1990s, famously biting the ear off an opponent in one fight.Iron Mike has rebuilt his life after squandering a £300m fortune with a cannabis empire, and is a huge advocate of the drug.And as Paul has continued to rise up the ranks, he has splashed the cash on a fleet of amazing cars.Whereas Tyson had more money than sense until a £15m debt saw him part with his cherished car collection.Paul now lives in a plush mansion worth £13m in Puerto Rico, after escaping his hectic life in LA.But these days, Tyson lounges in his Vegas property he paid £2.5m for with wife Lakiha, who he married in 2009. Paul is not yet married but is smitten with his speed skater girlfriend  Jutta Leerdam. She will be by his side when her man puts his 9-1 boxing record on the line against two-time heavyweight champ Tyson on July 20.Read more: Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles compared, from The Problem Child’s £13m mansion to Iron Mike’s huge cannabis empire.Despite his charitable work, Tyson declares he is not a “nice person”, but does do “kind things.”He recently admitted: “There’s nothing nice about me. I’m not a nice person.”No, I’m a decent person, I try to do the right thing but a nice person I am not.”So anybody that has an auspice that I’m a nice person, they’re gonna be disappointed.”I’m just not a nice person. I don’t make people happy for no reason. I’m just who I am. I’m not trying to gain friends.”Basically what I’m saying, I don’t wanna make friends with you. I don’t care if you don’t put me on your boat or you let your yacht, I don’t give a f***.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not gonna ever be nice to nobody. I’ll be kind but never nice.”You can watch Tyson’s showdown with Paul live on Netflix on November 15. More

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    Tottenham star Pedro Porro will donate part of wages to help clean up flood-hit Valencia

    TOTTENHAM star Pedro Porro will donate part of his salary to help with the clean-up of flood-hit Valencia.Spain is in mourning after more than 200 people were killed in the catastrophe, which began on Tuesday following a period of intense rainfall.Pedro Porro will donate part of his salary to the Valencia relief fundCredit: AlamyFloods have devastated ValenciaCredit: AFPThe horrific weather conditions have caused a huge amount of damage to the areaCredit: EPAIt was the worst flood to hit the country for decades which saw bridges collapse and nearby towns covered in thick mud.Spanish international Porro, who comes from humble beginnings himself, said he would be back in his homeland now helping with the tidy-up if his football schedule allowed.Instead the 25-year-old is offering up some of his wages to go towards any resources needed to restore the area.Porro, speaking after playing in Spurs’ 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, said: “First of all, I just want to say that, well, for a Spaniard, today, for all Spaniards, it’s a sad day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I think we’ve had three, four, five days of terrible suffering. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for everyone involved in Valencia.“And, as I posted on social media, I want to dedicate this victory to them.”Porro wrote a message on Instagram after the thumping win over top-four rivals Aston Villa that read: “Big result. I want to dedicate today’s win to all those who are currently suffering in Valencia at this extremely difficult time. You are in all of our prayers”, together with a black-coloured heart emoji.Spurs and Villa’s players all wore black armbands during the game in tribute to the victims of the flood, which totalled a tragic 217.Most read in FootballAsked what it has been like for him watching on from England: “There’s a sense of helplessness.“Helplessness about not being there, because I know what it’s like to be ‘in the mud’.Mum sobs as she begs for help to find daughter missing for 4 days in Valencia floods as 10k troops deployed & 213 dead“I’d be the first one there to help, to show up, but I’m in London, I have competitions, I can’t.“I’d say it’s helplessness because I’d like to help.“But I’ve already spoken to my agents, and I’m going to donate part of my salary to cover whatever they need, to buy shovels, food, especially anything they need.”Porro joined Spurs from Sporting Lisbon for £40million, after an initial loan spell, in 2023.He arrived from Sporting Lisbon, where he worked under incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.Porro praised Amorim for how he boosted his confidence after he joined the Portuguese side from Manchester City – and for how the 39-year-old’s 3-4-3 system suited his skillset.The five-cap La Roja full-back said: “He’s a great coach. I worked with him for three years.“He’s coming to one of the best stages in the world, which is the Premier League. I wish him the best and hope things go as well as possible for him.“He helped me a lot with confidence. I think the confidence he gave me was fundamental for me, and that’s why, when I arrived at Sporting, things went well for me.“The style of play also suited me well.”Several players shared their condolences and sent well-wishes to those affected by the floods in Spain over the weekend.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti claimed on Monday that fixtures around the country should not have taken place.He explained: “I think the whole football world has been quite clear on this.”Nobody wanted to play and that seemed to me to be the right decision. We are not the ones in charge and we have to respect the decision of those in charge.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s very difficult to prepare for a match like this because you have it in your head all the time. What happened was unbelievable and terrible.”It’s been a difficult week — it’s a difficult week because the atmosphere is not normal, but nothing to do with the Ballon d’Or, which has already happened and we congratulate the winners… The sadness is not there, but in what is happening here in Spain.”A red warning is in place for Valencia with orange and yellow warnings along the east coast More

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    Paul Gascoigne reveals he once got into a hilarious punch up with Mickey Mouse and his Disney pals

    FOOTIE legend Paul Gascoigne once got into a hilarious punch up with Mickey Mouse and his Disney mates.The scrap erupted during a drunken bender when he fled to Disneyland Paris after a row with club bosses at Lazio.Paul Gascoigne once got into a hilarious punch up with Mickey Mouse and his Disney matesCredit: GettyGazza said: ‘I go down the tunnel and Diego Maradona is standing there. I said, ‘Diego f***ing hell I’m p*ssed.’ He said, ‘It’s OK Gazza, so am I’Credit: GettyThey wanted him to star in a charity match alongside Diego Maradona but it would have meant him missing a vital league clash with Juventus.So in a fit of anger he flew to Paris, got drunk and ended up brawling with Mickey, Pluto and Donald Duck.The former Tottenham and England star recounted the hilarious story at “An Evening with Gazza” at Newcastle’s 02 City Hall.He told the 2,000-strong audience: “I played a game against Milan and I scored and got man of the match.Read More on Sport”We had a game the next Sunday and the manager said, ‘Gazza you’re not playing’.”He said, ‘The president wants you to play against Diego Maradona in Seville in a friendly on Tuesday’.”I said, ‘Am I f***. I am playing against Juventus.’ “So you know what I did? I f** off to EuroDisney on my own.Most read in Football”All I can remember is I headbutted Mickey Mouse, kicked Pluto up the a***, and had a fight with Donald Duck. Roy Keane told Paul Gascoigne ‘Gazza, stop it’ after England legend taunted Man Utd icon over his ‘wife'”My dad said to me, ‘F*** EuroDisney? Go and play that game’.”Gazza had a change of heart and caught a flight to Seville for the November 1992 match which ended 1-1 and was hoping for a £120,000 pay day.He had the audience in fits of laughter as he told how he downed more drinks on the plane and said: “I got to the dressing room and the lads knew I was p*ssed. “”I go down the tunnel and Diego Maradona is standing there. “I said, ‘Diego f***ing hell I’m p*ssed.’ He said, ‘It’s OK Gazza, so am I.’ I go down the tunnel and Diego Maradona is standing there. I said, ‘Diego f***ing hell I’m p*ssed.’ He said, ‘It’s OK Gazza, so am I Paul Gascoigne”I don’t know how but I scored a f***ing unbelievable goal.”I did the press conference which didn’t go down too well.”Lazio then said they weren’t giving me 120 grand, they were taking 40 grand from my wages.”You know what I did? I f** off to the airport and went back to EuroDisney.” Gazza, who scored six goals in 43 appearances with Lazio, made a quip that he was only drinking water before the show. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told the audience: “By the way this is water so if you want to take a photo you’ll make f** all from the newspapers.”And if you do, we’ll go halfers.” More

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    Premier League legend, 46, looks like he hasn’t aged a day as he scores screamer in charity match

    A PREMIER LEAGUE legend rolled back the years to score a screamer in a charity match.James Beattie was joined by ex-Prem stars Theo Walcott, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matt Le Tissier in the Southampton Legends game against current boss Russell Martin’s XI.Former Premier League striker James Beattie bagged a worldie at St Mary’sThe 46-year-old hardly celebrated after proving age is just a number before the Saints Legends went on to lose on penaltiesSt Mary’s played host to two teams of former footballing stars, pulled together by the likes of Glenn Cockerill – and current gaffer Martin himself. But Martin’s XI, mostly made up of retired Norwich City stars, needed penalties to beat the Saints Legends following a 4-4 draw on Sunday.And Southampton icon Beattie proved he’s still got it after hammering a sublime strike into the top corner from 20 yards.The ex-Stoke City striker – wearing the same No9 he donned as a Saint – patiently waited for Shane Long to offload it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 46-year-old then perfectly curled the ball into the net past 51-year-old Jimmy Walker, who had earlier saved a Rickie Lambert penalty, with 15 minutes remaining.Fans were left stunned as one said: “Class is permanent 😇”Beattie briefly reduced the deficit to 3-2 before competition winner Craig Swanborough had his big moment, scoring from close range to restore the two-goal advantage for Martin’s XI.Andrew Surman pulled another one back before spot-kick specialist Le Tissier scored a contentious 91st minute penalty to bring penalties.Most read in FootballBeattie spent eight years at Southampton, scoring 68 goalsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalcott, who retired in 2023 after departing St Mary’s, scored an unstoppable equaliser with his own first-half wonder goal from 30 yards.The former Arsenal star then whipped out Marcus Rashford’s signature celebration – where he points to his temple – after promising a local child he’d do so.BBC pundit comes dressed as Gareth Southgate for England’s Euro 2024 clash against SwitzerlandWhen visiting a local school in Southampton, Walcott asked the youngster, after inviting him to the charity game: “When I score, and I will score, what do you want me to do?”To which the schoolboy named Cam responded: “The Marcus Rashford.”The former England international was named Man of the Match as he rolled back the years in front of 7,000 fans.The game was played to raise funds for various charities, including the Saints Foundation.Walcott pulled out Marcus Rashford’s signature celebration in dedication to a local fanIn the shootout, Saints boss Martin stepped up first and scored, setting the tone for his team.Before heroes Walcott and Beattie both missed their penalties in the shootout to give the away side a 4-2 shootout victory.Martin, 38, actually started the game himself from centre-back.The Prem manager played the pantomime villain as he was booed every time he touched it in the early stages, which peaked when he slipped over less than five minutes in. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was hauled off after 60 minutes and limped across the dugout to meet young fans, who rapidly amassed an army on the advertising boards.Martin will return to manage Southampton against Leicester when the Prem returns on Saturday.Russell Martin acted as a player-coach for his side that beat the Saints Legends on penalties over the weekend More