More stories

  • in

    World champion boxing trainer and Amir Khan’s former opponent found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine

    Attention,
    Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
    News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
    This includes use of content for machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, engineering large language models (LLMs) or related generative AI systems.
    If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlerpermissions@news.co.uk. More

  • in

    F1 star ROBBED ahead of Canada GP with ‘passports, computer and everything’ stolen from car by opportunistic thieves

    Attention,
    Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
    News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
    This includes use of content for machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, engineering large language models (LLMs) or related generative AI systems.
    If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlerpermissions@news.co.uk. More

  • in

    Ex-Premier League star facing 13 YEARS in prison after being accused of smuggling TWO TONNES of cocaine

    Attention,
    Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
    News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
    This includes use of content for machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, engineering large language models (LLMs) or related generative AI systems.
    If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlerpermissions@news.co.uk. More

  • in

    England supporters pay touching tribute to 26-year-old Chelsea fan killed in M1 crash in 26th minute vs Senegal

    Attention,
    Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
    News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
    This includes use of content for machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, engineering large language models (LLMs) or related generative AI systems.
    If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlerpermissions@news.co.uk. More

  • in

    Football fans’ most exciting part of matchday revealed in study – and ‘deeply meaningful’ moment may surprise you

    FOOTBALL fans get a bigger rush from the pre-match pint than from the game itself, a study suggests.Supporters’ interactions with friends were found to be “deeply meaningful” and the most exciting part of matchday.Football fans get a bigger rush from the pre-match pint than from the game itselfThe findings are from 17 hard-core fans fitted with heart rate monitors ahead of a final.The participants were tracked for four hours before the game then 90 minutes of action.A large, prolonged and collective spike came during the time spent with mates before kick-off.The only time there was a bigger rush was when the Brazilian fans’ team scored in the first half of a game near Rio de Janeiro — but the high did not last as long.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLResearcher Professor Dimitris Xygalatas, from the University of Connecticut, said: “What we see is that the pre-game ritual generates more emotion than the game itself.“There’s just one moment in the entire game when they have more collective emotion, and that’s when they scored a goal.“Rituals are the kinds of things that, at first glance, don’t make any sense in terms of human behaviour, but are deeply meaningful to people.”Prof Xygalatas, a fan of Greek football, said the same effect also probably applied to concerts, festivals and religious events.Most read in FootballHe added: “Our study supports the idea that sports are about more than just the game.”Supporters’ interactions with friends were found to be the most exciting part of matchdayCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Boxer Keyshawn Davis ‘escorted out by police after backstage brawl caught on camera with his brother’s opponent’

    BOXER Keyshawn Davis was reportedly escorted out by police after a backstage brawl with his brother’s opponent. Keyshawn was due to headline a homecoming show in Norfolk, Virginia with his brothers Keon and Kelvin on the undercard. Keyshawn Davis was reportedly escorted out by police after a backstage brawlCredit: ESPNIt came after Kelvin Davis’ lossCredit: ESPNNahir Albright’s brother is in the purpleCredit: ESPNBut the 2020 Olympic silver medalist missed weight by 4.3lb and was stripped of his WBO lightweight world title. And opponent Edwin De Los Santos later pulled out of fighting Keyshawn at a revised weight – but was still paid his full purse. The show still went on and Keon scored a knockout win but Kelvin was stunned on points by Nahir Albright. And later in the night, ESPN footage captured the moment Keyshawn was involved in a backstage brawl with Albright. READ MORE IN BOXINGIn an interview with ESPN, Albright claimed he was “jumped” by Keyshawn and Keon. He said: “They started walking up to me all tough, putting his head against mine, and then grabbed me. “Then I was about to swing, but my team and everybody, they grabbed Keyshawn and everything, and it was crazy.”Albright also alleged that Keyshawn headbutted him and added he is contemplating whether to take legal action. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Davis brothers declined to comment when asked by ESPN. Keyshawn beat Albright by decision in 2023 – but the win was overturned to a no-contest when he tested positive for marijuana.Now Albright says there is unfinished business between the two that he plans to settle one way or another. He said: “It’s definitely unfortunate, but it added fuel to the flame. Keyshawn, you gotta run it back with me – in the ring, not outside of the ring.”Nahir Albright, left, beat Kelvin DavisCredit: Mikey Williams/Top RankKeyshawn Davis was stripped of his WBO lightweight belt after missing weightCredit: Getty More

  • in

    I was jailed for robbery aged 15 before becoming a drug dealer and rapper – but now I’m an academy scout for Arsenal

    JOSEPH BOL has gone from dealing drugs, getting stabbed by rival gangs and spending three separate stints in prison, to helping Arsenal uncover new talent as an academy scout.Bol, 39, has turned his life around, putting crime in his rear-view mirror and excelling as a football scout.Joseph Bol has turned his life around after three spells in prisonCredit: instagram @joeblackukBol is now an academy scout at ArsenalCredit: instagram @joeblackukBol works as Arsenal’s grassroots academy coordinator for East London, helping the Gunners identify the best talent across U9s to U14s level.It’s far cry from what he was doing at a similar age to the youngsters, with Bol being sent to prison for three years at just 15 years old for robbery.He also found himself wrapped up in dealing Class A drugs and ultimately being convicted for that too.Speaking to The Times, he recalled: “I wanted things my mum didn’t deem necessary, like designer clothes, trainers, and that led me down a slippery slope. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I stopped playing football and I started selling and smoking weed, and then it went on to be more Class A drugs. I was just in a bubble thinking this is going to be my career path.”After being let out of prison for the first time, Bol turned his attention to rap music – amassing millions of YouTube views for his songs about crime.He added: “I came out and got adulation from my peers, it boosts your ego, and I just started rapping about what I was going through. “It was more about selling drugs. We didn’t really have postcode wars at the time.”Most read in FootballBol releases rap music under the name ‘Joe Black’Credit: instagram @joeblackukJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesBol, who recalled taking Maths and English GCSEs in a young offenders’ institute, was still wrapped up in the world of crime for some time.And was even stabbed in the arm and leg while sitting in the front seat of his car by four members of rival gang at one point. But after turning 21 and finisng himself in an adult prison, Bol’s life changed thanks an officer who encouraged him to complete FA Level One and Community Sports Leader coaching courses.He recalled that decision helped him “break the cycle” and he started to volunteer at a local football club when he was released from prison.In 2012 he set up his own grassroots team, AC United, which snowballed into an eight-team club with performances catching the attention of top scouts.Bol continued rapping about his old life at the same time, earning a reputation under his stage name “Joe Black”, and even performed as a support act for hip-hop superstar Rick Ross.Bol turned to football coaching after his release from prisonCredit: instagram @joeblackukUnexpectedly, it was his rap career that helped Bol land his first proper job in football.A standout player at AC United, Clinton Mola, was invited for a trial at Chelsea – with Bol accompanying him to the training ground.Upon his arrival at Cobham, Bol was mobbed by a group of U14 players – including a young Reece James – who recognised him from his music videos.Recognising the sway and impact that Bol had in the local community, Chelsea decided to hire him as a member of their coaching staff.They also signed Mola, who now plays for Bristol Rovers in League One and represented England from U16 to U21 levels.Bol recalled being concerned that Chelsea would turn him away after a DBS check of his criminal history.He said to The Times: “Rightfully so, because there were obviously reservations after what showed up [on the DBS check].“I did a risk assessment and they asked me how I ended up in these situations and what I’d done to change my behaviour to ensure I wouldn’t fall back into those old patterns.”Long story short, I think the years I put in coaching unpaid went a long way to overpower the past. Clinton Mola now plays for Bristol RoversCredit: Rex”They could see I was making a big effort to make a change. I got the role and I was there for just over five years.”From there Bol’s career in football scouting has taken over and he made the switch to Arsenal’s academy in 2020 – where he has been ever since.Working alongside academy manager Per Mertesacker, Bol’s role is to manage a group of scouts and make sure they are always covering all parts of East London.Along his way he has helped unearth and develop some of of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.Zain Silcott-Duberry, who made his Prem debut for Bournemouth this season, is just one of the youngsters he has had a hand in developing.While 14-year-old Trey Faromo, another Bol has helped identify, is thought to be one of the country’s brightest talents and recently made his debut for Chelsea Under-18.Read More on The SunNow Bol is targeting a spot as the head of recruitment at a Premier League club, but still recognises how far he has come.He said: “I feel proud of where I’m going. It’s good to reflect every once in a while to remember how far I’ve come”Zain Silcott-Duberry is a rising star at BournemouthCredit: GettyBol is rising through the ranks at ArsenalCredit: instagram @joeblackuk More

  • in

    Ex-BBC football pundit BANNED from driving for six months after being caught speeding in his Mercedes

    RETIRED BBC football pundit Garth Crooks got a six-month driving ban yesterday after being caught speeding again.The former Tottenham Hotspur striker, 67, admitted driving his 1.4l Mercedes A Class diesel hatchback at 24mph in a 20mph zone.Garth Crooks got a six-month driving ban after being caught speeding againCredit: BBCHe complained that the speed camera that caught him in Holloway, North London, in January this year was hidden.But JPs at Lavender Hill magistrates’ court said the limit applies at all times and not just when a camera is spotted.Crooks already had nine points for two speeding offences and a traffic signal rap.He got a further three — triggering an automatic ban.Read more on FootballFA Cup and Uefa Cup-winner Crooks was fined £666 with £110 costs.He was also and ordered to pay a £266 victim surcharge.Crooks – who was awarded the OBE in 1999 – told the court he was now “retired” and in receipt of a £118,000 a year pension.On seeing a press photographer outside, Crooks covered his face with his jacket as he descended the court steps.Most read in FootballMartin Keown battles epic rant from Garth Crooks on BBC’s Final score More