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      Chris Kamara defends suspended Michael Vaughan – insisting the ‘devastated’ star is not a racist

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      FOOTBALL pundit Chris Kamara insists his former England cricket captain pal Michael Vaughan “isn’t a racist”.He said his friend would be devastated at the claims — and being dropped from the BBC’s Ashes coverage.
      Chris Kamara insists his former England cricket captain pal Michael Vaughan ‘isn’t a racist’
      Vaughan is alleged to have told Asian Yorkshire team-mates there are ‘too many of you lot’ in 2009, which he denies
      Sky Sports presenter Kammy, 63, said: “I have known Michael Vaughan for long enough and I know him really well and in my opinion he isn’t racist at all.
      “That’s the last thing I would accuse him of.
      “He is a good pal of mine. I would never be able to believe he is racist.”
      Vaughan’s career is in tatters after being accused of making racist remarks to whistle-blower cricketer Azeem Rafiq, 30.
      Vaughan, 47, is alleged to have told Asian Yorkshire team-mates there are “too many of you lot” in 2009, which he denies.
      Chris, who will be the new host of Channel 5’s Cash in the Attic, said: “I can’t say whether he said it or not. It is hard to comment because if someone else believes he did say it or is racist then that’s their opinion.
      “But from my personal point of view, I know he isn’t racist. I have known him long enough to say that with confidence.

      “I know he will be devastated and hurt over this.”
      Ex-Leeds United player Chris is a long-term advocate for kicking out racism in ­football as a patron of Show Racism the Red Card.
      Azeem Rafiq broke down in tears as he revealed the horrifying extent of racism in cricket to MPs
      Azeem Rafiq urges BBC to sack ex-England captain Michael Vaughan following accusations of racism at Yorkshire More

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      in Soccer

      Stan Kroenke staying at Arsenal a GOOD thing after American snubbed Daniel Ek bid with Gunners moving in right direction

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      SIX MONTHS since his £2billion bid for Arsenal was rejected, Daniel Ek is still sitting by the phone waiting for a call from Stan Kroenke.So his ears probably pricked up this week when it was confirmed that Silent Stan is writing out a £590million cheque to settle a long-running legal dispute.
      Arsenal owener Stan Kroenke pictured in 2019Credit: Getty
      Spotify founder Daniel Ek made a bid to buy ArsenalCredit: Getty
      The row has been going on since 2016 when Kroenke decided to move his American football team from St Louis to Los Angeles.
      He’s already forked out £3.75billion to build a new Rams stadium in LA and a further £410m in relocation fees.
      But if Spotify kingpin Ek hopes this latest compensation payment to the city of St Louis might force Kroenke into accepting his Emirates offer, he is going to be disappointed.
      Because when you’re a multi-billionaire married to the Walmart heiress, money is never an object.
      That’s bad news for all those angry Gooners who have been protesting long and loud against their club’s absent American owner.
      But maybe it is not so bad for manager Mikel Arteta and the expensive young squad he has quietly been assembling over the past year.

      Because the last thing Arsenal need right now is more behind the scenes upheaval, just when they finally appear to be getting their act together.
      Last week’s chastening defeat by Liverpool, following earlier beatings by Chelsea and Manchester City, confirmed how much work still lies ahead.
      But it is not too fanciful to suggest that they are decent contenders for fourth place and the final Champions League qualification place.
      They are certainly no worse than Manchester United or Tottenham right now and it’s difficult to imagine West Ham holding on to their current lofty position, no matter how well things are going right now.
      Arteta was allowed to spend more than any other Premier League manager over the summer months.
      And he received unwavering support from the owners when they were pointless and goalless after three games this season.
      Kroenke has also put his hand in his pocket to pay off the dressing room malcontents who were poisoning the atmosphere at the club’s London Colney training ground.
      So now Arsenal have the youngest and arguably most enthusiastic group of players in the Premier League.

      They’re still way off the finished article — and no club has suffered more false dawns than this lot in recent years.
      But at least they appear to be moving in the right direction and that was more than most supporters expected when their team failed to qualify for Europe for the first time since 1995.
      Signing up for the European Super League was a major mistake by Kroenke and he deserved the flak which came his way.
      Ek tried to exploit that explosive situation to seize control of the club and recruited legendary players Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp to front his bid for power.
      Even when their move was rejected, Henry stubbornly ins- isted: “We’re not going away.”
      But Vieira has already jumped ship after joining Crystal Palace as manager and Ek has been strangely quiet in recent months.
      They know that Silent Stan won’t be relocating any time soon.
      And perhaps that’s not such a bad thing for Arsenal after all.
      CROUCH DOWNER
      WITH four English teams top of their Champions League groups and a new £2billion TV rights deal just signed with NBC, Premier League football would seem to be in a pretty good place.
      But ex-Sports Minister Tracey Crouch begs to differ and has led a review which is recommending the appointment of an independent regulator to run the game in England.
      Not in Scotland, though, because their football is going swimmingly.
      And who will appoint this regulator? The Government, of course.
      Now you and I might think that the very last thing football — or any other sport for that matter — is crying out for is more involvement from Boris Johnson and his political cronies.
      But Tracey knows better and with everything else this Government touches turning into gold, I’m sure football can now strap in for a trip to the sunlit uplands.
      Ex-Sports Minister Tracey pictured in 2018Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      NO WAVE GOODBYE
      BAYERN MUNICH have slashed the wages of five unvaccinated players and Werder Bremen have dumped their manager following claims of faked Covid certificates.
      Meanwhile, tennis star Novak Djokovic looks set to miss next month’s Australian Open as he refuses to confirm that he has been double jabbed.
      Eddie Howe spent his first match as Newcastle boss in isolation and West Ham’s Europa League tie at Rapid Vienna was played in an empty stadium.
      We might like to think coronavirus has finished with sport in this country but with lockdowns all across Europe don’t rule out another UK wave.
      Markus Anfang quit Werder Bremen following a fake Covid vaccination certificate scandalCredit: Reuters
      ASHES TO CRASHES
      ANOTHER Test series, another sobbing Aussie captain quitting in tears.
      Turns out that Tim ‘nice but dim’ Paine wasn’t quite the squeaky clean leader needed to restore the reputation of cricket Down Under.
      So now, ‘Sandpaper’ Steve Smith is back as vice-captain while the newly-promoted Pat Cummins is probably deleting his internet history as we speak.
      And while they’re up to their necks in sleaze, England captain Joe Root and numerous Yorkshire team-mates are accused of turning a deaf ’un to racist abuse.
      All we need now is for the BBC and Sky commentary teams to be dragged into the row. Sorry, what’s that?
      Tim Paine resigned as captain of the Australian Test cricket team over a sexting scandalCredit: PA
      PILLOW TALK
      IF you thought some YouTuber fighting a geriatric former boxer was as low as pay-per-view could go, think again.
      Because coming very soon is the world’s first Pillow Fighting Championship.
      The organisers promise: “All the excitement of MMA but none of the blood.”
      Presumably all fights will be at featherweight.
      The world’s first Pillow Fighting Championship More

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      in Soccer

      Tyson Fury stars on League of Their Own’s Road Trip as boxing champ plays bingo in Morecambe with Redknapp and Flintoff

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      TYSON FURY is set to star on A League of Their Own’s Road Trip as he played bingo in Morecambe with Jamie Redknapp and Freddie Flintoff. Both of the captains on the hit Sky One TV show teased Fury’s appearance on their spin of Road Trip series.
      Jamie Redknapp, Freddie Flintoff and Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram @jamie.redknapp
      Tyson Fury with his WBC heavyweight titleCredit: Getty
      England cricket legend Flintoff, 43, posted: “Just three lads playing bingo in Morecambe.
      “What a day me and @jamie.redknapp have had with the @gypsyking101, legend.”
      Ex-Tottenham midfielder Redknapp, 48, wrote: “Bingo and with the big man and champion of the world. Coming soon.”
      The trio visited Buzz Bingo in Morecambe, Lancaster, Fury’s hometown, as part of a segment for A League Of Their Own, the hit Sky Show.
      Fury’s heavyweight rival Anthony Joshua has previously featured on A League of Their Own.
      And he even travelled with Flintoff, Jamie Redknapp and comedian Tom Davis to Rotterdam to play some darts in an episode with aired in January 2019.
      Since then, the landscape of the heavyweight division has changed drastically, with Joshua, 32, and Fury, 33, still yet to fight each other.

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      They were due to clash in an undisputed title decider in August for all the heavyweight titles.
      But instead, Fury was ordered into his contracted trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, 36, after the American took the dispute to an arbitrator.
      Wilder was later knocked out after 11 epic rounds in Las Vegas, only two weeks after AJ was dethroned by Oleksandr Usyk, 34.
      Joshua is now set to rematch Usyk, while Fury could be called to face WBC mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte, 33.
      The Gypsy King has even offered to coach rival AJ to beat his Ukrainian conquerer, to ensure they can finally fight.
      Tyson Fury looks dapper in £560 Versace shoes and suit jacket as he helps coach in local gym after announcing UK tour More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd owners The Glazers OUTBID in attempt to buy IPL franchise after their offers fell well short of winning £685m

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      THE Glazer family have been outbid in their attempt to buy an Indian Premier League franchise.Although the value of their bid was not revealed, it is understood they were a long way short of the winning offers of £685million and £542million.
      Avram Glazer (left) and Joel had hoped to buy an IPL teamCredit: PA
      The Glazers hoped a stake in cricket’s most lucrative competition would work alongside the growing popularity of football – and particularly Manchester United – in India.
      But even they must have been gobsmacked at the price of the new franchises as the IPL increases from eight to ten teams next year.
      The auction was held at the Taj Hotel in Dubai but there was no sign of the Glazers in person. They sent their representatives.
      The RPSG Group, an Indian industrial and services conglomerate, paid the most and are expected to choose a team based in Lucknow. 
      CVC Capital, who already have interests in Six Nations rugby union and Formula One, will opt for a team with a home in Ahmedabad.
      When the IPL started in 2008, the Mumbai Indians, the most expensive team, cost India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani £80million. 

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      Organisations and investors could bid only if they have an annual turnover in excess of £280million or a personal wealth of £240million.
      And the net worth of the Glazers is reported to be around £3.4billion as of 2016 , according to Forbes.
      The auction for the two new teams began at £195million, with the IPL set to boast ten teams next year for just the second time since its inception.
      Moeen Ali won the 2021 IPL with Chennai Super KingsCredit: Sportzpics – BCCI More

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      Man Utd owners could buy IPL team with Glazers ‘confirming interest in one of league’s two new franchises’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could be poised to enter the world of cricket by buying a team in the Indian Premier League.The Glazer family, who own United, are reported to have purchased an Invitation to Tender for the right to own one of the two new franchises in cricket’s biggest money-spinning tournament.
      Reports in India suggest the Man United-owning Glazers could be set to enter the IPL cricket worldCredit: PA
      The net worth of the family, who hail from New York, is reported to be around £3.4billion ($4.7bn) as of 2016 according to Forbes.
      The IPL is due to be increased from eight franchises to ten in 2022. The sale of the two new teams will be completed at an auction in Dubai on October 25.
      The base price at the auction for each team is an eye-watering £195million.
      Organisations and investors can bid only if they have an annual turnover in excess of £280million or personal wealth of £240million.
      An Invitation to Tender is effectively a document that displays an interest in buying a team
      The venture capital company CVC, whom have extensive interests in Six Nations rugby union and Formula One, are one of around 20 other businesses that have paid £10,000 for an ITT.

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      Buying an ITT does not mean a business will definitely make a bid for one of the franchises – but they can’t do it without one.
      A source told the Times of India newspaper: “Overseas investors are eligible to submit a bid if they meet the conditions. We don’t really know whether the Manchester United owners will come to the bidding table. 
      “What we certainly know is that they’ve shown interest. The IPL is a global entity now.
      “People usually pick up these tender documents to study and gather information.”
      The Glazers’ reported interest in the IPL is likely to prompt curiosity and concern from Man United supporters.
      The Red Devils owners made a formal club takeover bid in May 2005 before securing 98 per cent of shares and control of United in June that year.
      The total value of the Glazers’ takeover is reported to be around £790m.
      The club owners provoked fury amongst many Red Devils’ fans with their attempts to have United join the much-derided and now kiboshed European Super League.
      Protests amongst supporters even led to players being kept inside the Lowry Hotel as fans blocked their exit.
      However, it is thought Cristiano Ronaldo’s comeback combined with summer swoops for Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane has momentarily quelled supporter unrest.
      Reports claim the Glazers could invest in India’s top tier cricket league if they meet the criteria for overseas investorsCredit: BBCI
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      Angry Solskjaer snaps at BT Sport reporter when asked whether Man Utd stars are playing for him after win over Atalanta More

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      in Athletics

      Kohli and India stars pay tribute to Olympic great Milkha Singh with black armbands in World Test Championship final

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      TRIBUTES have poured in for Milkha Singh after the India sprint sensation passed away at the age of 91 on Friday.One of India’s greatest-ever athletes, Singh – known affectionately as ‘The Flying Sikh’ – won his nation’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal, as well as four Asian Games golds.
      India sprint legend Milkha Singh has died aged 91 after contracting coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Milkha Singh won India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in the 400m in Cardiff in 1958Credit: Time & Life Pictures – Getty
      India’s cricketers, including Virat Kohli, wore black armbands for their World Test Championship final against New Zealand on SaturdayCredit: AP
      On Friday, it was confirmed Singh had died following complications from coronavirus, having contracted the virus last week.
      Singh passed away just days after wife and former volleyball star Nirmal Kaur succumbed to the disease.
      They are survived by their four children, including golf star son Jeev Milkha Singh – who became the first Indian to join the European Tour in 1998 and has ranked as high as No28 in the world.
      And now, tributes have poured in for 200m and 400m star Singh – whose career was immortalised with a Bollywood movie entitled Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which translates as Run Milkha Run, in 2013.
      Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes to the ‘colossal sportsman’, as India’s cricketers wore black armbands for their World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Lord’s.
      Modi said: “In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians.
      “His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions.
      “Anguished by his passing away.”
      In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away. pic.twitter.com/h99RNbXI28— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021

      Rest in Peace our very own ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji. Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several generations to come. pic.twitter.com/ImljefeUEN— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 19, 2021

      Milkha Singh was immortalised in a movie entitled Run Milkha Run in 2013

      India’s cricket team – led by Virat Kohli – donned black armbands for their World Test Championship clash with New Zealand at Lord’s.
      Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: “Rest in Peace our very own ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji.
      “Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several generations to come.”
      Ex-India captain Sourav Ganguly wrote: “Extremely saddened by this news… RIP.
      “One of India’s greatest sportsmen… you have made young Indians dream of becoming an athlete.”
      Another ex-cricket icon, Ravi Shastri, added: “India’s greatest @Olympics runner.
      “Shook the world in 60s with his competitive spirit in spite of the most limited facilities.
      “He took the word determination and will to compete to another level.
      “Respect. God bless your soul. Condolences to @JeevMilkhaSingh & family.”
      Extremely saddened by this news ..RIP ,India’s one of the greatest sportsman..you have made young Indians dream of becoming an athlete..had the privilege of knowing you so closely .. pic.twitter.com/mbEk9WPDBd— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) June 19, 2021

      India’s greatest @Olympics runner. Shook the world in 60s with his competitive spirit inspite of the most limited facilities. He took the word determination and will to compete to another level. Respect. God bless your soul. Condolences to @JeevMilkhaSingh & family 🙏🏻 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/oiJlkdK6fh— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) June 19, 2021

      Milkha Singh came agonisingly close to clinching a medal at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, only to finish fourth in the 400mCredit: AP
      Singh won India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in Cardiff in 1958 after storming to the 400m crown after discovering his talent on the track during his days in the army in 1951.
      He also finished fourth in the final of the 400m at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome having won gold in the 200m and 400m events at the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, Japan.
      Singh also won gold in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
      Arguably India’s greatest-ever Olympian, Singh once admitted he hadn’t even heard of the Games growing up.
      Singh once claimed: “I came from a remote village, I didn’t know what running was… or the Olympics.”
      Moment cricket player KOed after batsman strikes his head with 125mph ball during match More

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      Mouthwatering British sporting summer calendar revealed as ‘Fury vs Joshua on July 24’ added to Euro 2020 and Wimbledon

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      A remarkable British sporting calendar is taking shape in what promises to be a summer to remember.After the coronavirus pandemic put sport on its knees 12 months ago, events such as the European Championships and Wimbledon were postponed and cancelled as fans were left with little entertainment.
      This summer promises to be a sensational festival of sport
      England will be hoping to win a first major tournament in 55 years this summerCredit: Getty
      Now, one year on from that we are set for one of the best ever summers of jam-packed British sport as spectators return to whip up a frenzy.
      It all kicks off on June 11 with the postponed Euro 2020 which is being played for the first time ever across 12 different European countries.
      But the semi-finals and final of the tournament – which ends on July 11 – are scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium, the first major international final at the ground for 25 years.
      While the Euros are going on, there is also the small matter of Wimbledon returning for the first time in two years on June 28.
      Incidentally, the final at the All England Club will be played on the same day as the conclusion of the Euros.
      From June through to September a festival of cricket will also be taking place with England taking on Pakistan and Sri Lanka in a number of one-day internationals, before a five Test series with India.
      And to top it all off, the inaugural edition of The Hundred gets underway in July.
      In athletics there is the Diamond League Anniversary Games at the London Stadium, an event which takes place just five days before another huge day in Formula 1 with the British Grand Prix.
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      Hamilton will look to secure a record-extending eighth British Grand Prix victory this summerCredit: AFP
      Ben Stokes will be hoping he can drive England to victory over India in their five Test seriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wimbledon will make a triumphant return after being cancelled last year for the first time since WWIICredit: Reuters
      The day before the British GP there is also the small matter of the Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley on July 17.
      And then perhaps the biggest one of them all could be confirmed in the coming days as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury prepare for an undisputed heavyweight clash on July 24.
      The fight looks set to take place in the Middle East, but a 100,000 capacity crowd at Wembley Stadium has not yet been ruled out.
      Throw in a bit of golf action with The Open and Women’s British Open and you have yourself a blockbuster few months of UK sport.
      With events such as the London Marathon and Rugby League World Cup then rounding off 2021, it promises to be unquestionably one of the greatest ever years of British sport.
      You’d be a fool to miss it.
      The Anniversary Games at the London Stadium promises to be another special eventCredit: PA
      Hearn hits back at Tyson Fury’s dad John over lack of support for Anthony Joshua fight More

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      Incredible British sporting summer calendar revealed with potential Fury vs Joshua on July 24 added to Euros & Wimbledon

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      A remarkable calendar of British sport is taking shape in what promises to be a summer to remember.After the coronavirus pandemic put sport on its knees 12 months ago, events such as the European Championships and Wimbledon were postponed and cancelled as fans were left with little entertainment.
      This summer promises to be a sensational festival of sport
      England will be hoping to win a first major tournament in 55 years this summerCredit: Getty
      Now, one year on from that we are set for one of the best ever summers of jam-packed British sport as spectators return to whip up a frenzy.
      It all kicks off on June 11 with the postponed Euro 2020 which is being played for the first time ever across 12 different European countries.
      But the semi-finals and final of the tournament – which ends on July 11 – are scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium, the first major international final at the ground for 25 years.
      While the Euros are going on, there is also the small matter of Wimbledon returning for the first time in two years on June 28.
      Incidentally, the final at the All England Club will be played on the same day as the conclusion of the Euros.
      From June through to September a festival of cricket will also be taking place with England taking on Pakistan and Sri Lanka in a number of one-day internationals, before a five Test series with India.
      And to top it all off, the inaugural edition of The Hundred gets underway in July.
      In athletics there is the Diamond League Anniversary Games at the London Stadium, an event which takes place just five days before another huge day in Formula 1 with the British Grand Prix.
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      Hamilton will look to secure a record-extending eighth British Grand Prix victory this summerCredit: AFP
      Ben Stokes will be hoping he can drive England to victory over India in their five Test seriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wimbledon will make a triumphant return after being cancelled last year for the first time since WWIICredit: Reuters
      The day before the British GP there is also the small matter of the Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley on July 17.
      And then perhaps the biggest one of them all could be confirmed in the coming days as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury prepare for an undisputed heavyweight clash on July 24.
      The fight looks set to take place in the Middle East, but a 100,000 capacity crowd at Wembley Stadium has not yet been ruled out.
      Throw in a bit of golf action with The Open and Women’s British Open and you have yourself a blockbuster few months of UK sport.
      With events such as the London Marathon and Rugby League World Cup then rounding off 2021, it promises to be unquestionably one of the greatest ever years of British sport.
      You’d be a fool to miss it.
      The Anniversary Games at the London Stadium promises to be another special eventCredit: PA
      Hearn hits back at Tyson Fury’s dad John over lack of support for Anthony Joshua fight More