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    Mykhailo Mudryk ‘pictured in Saudi Arabia for Usyk v Fury’ days after Chelsea star suspended for positive drugs test

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    CHELSEA star Mykhailo Mudryk has reportedly been photographed in Saudi Arabia, days after he was suspended for failing a drugs test.Mudryk, 23, was snapped with a Chelsea fan YouTuber, who shared the image on social media.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a drugs test and faces a four-year banCredit: GettyThe Chelsea ace is thought to have flown to Riyadh to support fellow Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in his blockbuster rematch with Tyson Fury.The YouTuber – known only as Shargi – also reported a brief chat with the £88million winger.He claimed he told Mudryk: “Chelsea fans from all over the world trust you that you did not take a performance-enhancing substance. We love you very much and we trust in your returnAnd the fan reports that the Chelsea star replied: “Thank you very much, I hope everything is gonna be fine.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Ukrainian winger tested positive for a banned substance in October and is set for a lengthy ban of up to four years.Mudryk denied knowingly taking meldonium, which was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in 2016. It can apparently allow the body to “use oxygen sparingly and quickly restoreenergyto prepare for new loads of physical stress.”Meldonium is widely used in Eastern Europe and has been on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016.Most read in FootballMudryk has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for meldoniumCredit: Getty Mudryk released a statement on Tuesday morning insisting he has never “knowingly used any banned substance.”He said: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance”.“This has come as a complete shock as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened”.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has come out in support of the £88million signing and believes he will return to the team.He said: “We all believe Mudryk is innocent.“I don’t think Misha’s Chelsea career is over. I think he will come back. “We don’t know when, that is the only doubt we have in this moment.“But for sure, he will be back.”What drug did Mudryk take?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK returned a positive sample for a drugs test in October.The Chelsea winger could face a ban for up to four years – because the drug was a performance-enhancing substance.It is alleged Mudryk had the drug meldonium in his system.Meldonium – aka mildronate – is a metabolic modulator similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern Europe.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in January 2016 following its high prevalence at the 2015 European Games in Baku.Just months later, former tennis world No1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation – although this was later cut to 15 months on appeal.Sharapova had been taking the drug for ten years for various health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.Also in 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin was found to have traces of meldonium in his system before he was due to fight fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder. More

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      Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea future

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      ENZO MARESCA has broken his silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test.The FA has provisionally suspended the Ukrainian winger after he provided a positive result for an A-sample in October.Enzo Maresca has broken his silence on Mykhailo MudrykCredit: GettyMudryk has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for meldoniumCredit: GettyThe drug is similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern EuropeCredit: Instagram / @mmudryk10Mudryk, 23, reportedly tested positive for meldonium, which is a banned substance similar to insulin which could lead to a FOUR YEAR BAN.He and Chelsea are now awaiting the result of a B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it is positive.Maresca has come out in support of the £88.5million signing and believes he will return to the team.He said: “We all believe Mudryk is innocent.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“I don’t think Misha’s Chelsea career is over. I think he will come back. “We don’t know when, that is the only doubt we have in this moment.“But for sure, he will be back.”Mudryk has protested his innocence and claimed he was left in “complete shock” when he was told.Most read in FootballHe said: “This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.“I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs testWhat drug did Mudryk take?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK returned a positive sample for a drugs test in October.The Chelsea winger could face a ban for up to four years – because the drug was a performance-enhancing substance.It is alleged Mudryk had the drug meldonium in his system.Meldonium – aka mildronate – is a metabolic modulator similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern Europe.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in January 2016 following its high prevalence at the 2015 European Games in Baku.Just months later, former tennis world No1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation – although this was later cut to 15 months on appeal.Sharapova had been taking the drug for ten years for various health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.Also in 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin was found to have traces of meldonium in his system before he was due to fight fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder.“I know I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.Maresca has also insisted that Mudryk’s team-mates are also in support of the player.He added: “We all support Misha.”The situation is a bit more clear.”We have a statement from the club, who have already said what we need to say, so there is not anything to add.”All the players inside the training ground support and trust Misha.”Chelsea released a statement in the aftermath of the news in which it backed up Mudryk’s claims.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt read: “Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.“Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.”How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine.  More

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      Mykhailo Mudryk banned from training with Chelsea team-mates as fresh details emerge on shock drug scandal

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK is unable to train with his Chelsea team-mates as fresh details surrounding his drug scandal emerge.The Ukrainian has been provisionally suspended from football and faces up to a FOUR-YEAR ban after failing a doping test.Mykhailo Mudryk is unable to train with his Chelsea team-mates amid his drug scandalCredit: GettyMudryk – who could end up costing the Blues £88.5million – provided a positive result for an A-sample in late October. The winger and Chelsea are now awaiting the result of the B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it also comes back positive.Mudryk is believed to have tested positive for meldonium, a banned metabolic substance similar to insulin.It can apparently allow the body to “use oxygen sparingly and quickly restore energy to prepare for new loads of physical stress.”READ MORE IN football Meldonium is widely used in Eastern Europe and has been on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016.Tennis star Maria Sharapova was banned for 15 months after testing positive for meldonium at the Australian Open that same year.According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Mudryk is unable to train at Cobham due to his provisional suspension.Mudryk categorically denies intentional wrongdoing and passed a test in August and has a specialist law firm dealing with the matter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe positive A-test occurred on international duty and it’s reported the player believes contamination caused the result.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been kept in the loop but is not dealing with the matter day-by-day. ‘I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsMaresca referred to Mudryk as ill and it is understood the forward did return from international duty sick.The maximum punishment he faces is a four-year ban but Paul Pogba had his reduced to 18 months and is eligible to play again in March. Sharapova had her two-year suspension reduced to 15 months.Mudryk has made 15 appearances this season, with three goals all scored in the Europa Conference League. The positive A-test occurred on international dutyCredit: Getty More

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      Drug that Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk allegedly took is same one Maria Sharapova was banned for

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      THE drug Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk is alleged to have taken is the same one that saw Maria Sharapova slapped with a lengthy ban from tennis.Mudryk, 23, has been provisionally suspended from football after failing a drugs test.Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a drugs testCredit: GettyThe Chelsea star is alleged to have taken the same drug that saw Maria Sharapova banned in 2016Credit: AFPThe winger returned a positive result for an A-sample in late October and now awaits the answer from a decisive B-sample.Reports in his homeland of Ukraine say meldonium has been found in Mudryk’s system.The performance-enhancing drug makes the body “use oxygen sparingly and restore energy quickly”.It has been described as a “metabolic modulator” that “modifies how some hormones accelerate or slow down to different enzymatic reactions in the body”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeldonium was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2016.Tennis legend Sharapova was initially banned for two years after testing positive for it soon after it was added to the prohibited list.An an appeal saw her suspension reduced to 15 months.Sharapova revealed she had been taking meldonium for ten years due to health issues and did not realise it had become a banned substance.Most read in FootballIn another high-profile case, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin also tested positive in 2016 and it led to his bout against Deontay Wilder being called off.He was later cleared following a second test.Chelsea player ratings vs BrentfordIn recent years, four-year bans for it have been dished out to wrestler Tamerlan Tagziev, Olympic curling bronze medallist Alexander Krushelnitskiy, canoeing star Oleksandr Senkevych and gaelic football ace Ray Walker.Kazakh footballer Aybol Abiken was banned for three years in 2022 after he took meldonium.Mudryk insists he is innocent, writing on Instagram: “This has come as a complete shock as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.”I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.“I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine. Maria Sharapova claims she took the drug for years due to health issues and did not realise it became bannedCredit: Splash More

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      Mykhailo Mudryk and Chelsea break silence on failed drugs test after £88million star is suspended from football

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      BOTH Chelsea and Mykhailo Mudryk have broken their silence following the winger’s provisional suspension from football.The Ukrainian star failed a drugs test after providing a positive result with an A-sample in late October.Mykhailo Mudryk has broken his silence after being provisionally suspended from footballThe 23-year-old winger, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2023 for a fee that could rise to £88million, insists that he never knowingly broke any rules.Mudryk wrote on Instagram this morning: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.“This has come as a complete shock as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”Mudryk and Chelsea are now said to be awaiting the result of the B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it also comes back positive.Tribuna claims Mudryk has tested positive for meldonium, a banned metabolic substance similar to insulin.It can apparently allow the body to “use oxygen sparingly and quickly restore energy to prepare for new loads of physical stress.”Most read in FootballMeldonium is widely used in Eastern Europe and has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list since 2016.But if confirmed, the 23-year-old could face a ban of up to four-years from football.Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A Chelsea meanwhile shared a statement on Tuesday morning, writing: “We can confirm the FA recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test.”Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested. “Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. “Both Mykhailo and the Club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.”The Club will not be commenting any further.”Mudryk is a Ukraine internationalWhat drug did Mudryk take?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK returned a positive sample for a drugs test in October.The Chelsea winger could face a ban for up to four years – because the drug was a performance-enhancing substance.It is alleged Mudryk had the drug meldonium in his system.Meldonium – aka mildronate – is a metabolic modulator similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern Europe.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in January 2016 following its high prevalence at the 2015 European Games in Baku.Just months later, former tennis world No1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation – although this was later cut to 15 months on appeal.Sharapova had been taking the drug for ten years for various health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.Also in 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin was found to have traces of meldonium in his system before he was due to fight fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder.Mudryk has not played since scoring in the 2-0 Conference League win at Heindenheim on November 28.He has also not been in a match-day squad since the 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on December 1.And the official reason given for Mudryk’s absence by his club is that he has been ill.Mudryk has not been seen training at Cobham in the interim.  SunSport has reached out to Mudryk’s agent for comment.FA rules state that a player notified of a test result can then be provisionally suspended. They then have the chance to respond with an explanation before a decision is made on a potential charge. Mudryk is known to have undergone a test in August which was clear and insists he had not changed his behaviour since.Enzo Maresca will next speak to reporters on Wednesday ahead of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League clash with Shamrock Rovers on Thursday evening, with Chelsea hosting an open training on the same day at 3pm.  How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine. Two decades ago, the Blues saw Romanian striker Adrian Mutu banned from football for seven months in September 2004 after he tested positive for cocaine.Mutu’s deal was terminated for breach of contract and Chelsea were eventually awarded £14m in compensation by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.While ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was banned for 18 months in August 2023 after testing positive for performance-enhancing substance DHEA, leading to the eventual termination of his Juventus contract.Mudryk has featured in 15 games in all competitions this season – chipping in with three goals and five assists.But he is yet to be directly involved in a Premier League goal this term from his seven outings.READ MORE SUN STORIESMudryk made the switch to West London from Shakhtar Donetsk in an £88million deal after Chelsea pipped Arsenal to his signature.But he has so far failed to justify his hefty price tag – banging in just five top-flight goals from 53 matches. More

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 thrown into chaos as undercard fighter fails anti-doping test just days before event

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      A SCHEDULED undercard bout for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 has been cancelled due to a failed drugs test.British super-bantamweight Dennis McCann has been pulled from his scheduled meeting with Peter McGrail after an “adverse finding” was discovered in his anti-doping test.Dennis McCann has been pulled from his undercard fight due to a failed anti-doping testCredit: GettyThe bout was scheduled for the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 undercardCredit: AFPAn update from Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and the mastermind behind the huge battles that take place in Saudi Arabia, on Friday evening read: “The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has today informed all relevant parties that Dennis McCann has returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted in advance of his upcoming bout.”Mr. McCann’s scheduled fight next Saturday will no longer take place, as the relevant parties investigate the matter further.”No further comment on this will be made at this time.”The Brit’s promoter, Frank Warren’s Queensberry, also confirmed the cancellation.READ MORE IN BOXINGMcCann is the current European super-bantamweight champion, having claimed the title in July.At just 23 years old he is also British and Commonwealth champion.McCann vs McGrail was one of five scheduled undercard fights for Fury vs Usyk 2.The main event is set for next Saturday, December 21, in Riyadh.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury insists he won’t make the mistake of trying to outbox Usyk in their crunch rematch.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.Moment Tyson Fury tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘you look like a sexy beast’ as heavyweight boxer shows off new look”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious.”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.” More

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      Shamed referee David Coote seen for first time since being sacked as Premier League referee

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      SHAMED ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since he was sacked.The 42-year-old wore a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms for a visit to the gym.Shamed ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since his sacking, as he was pictured heading to the gymCredit: BackGridThe loss of Coote’s career is set to cost the glum-looking ref £1m over the next few years in loss of earningsCredit: BackGridReferees body, The PGMOL sacked Coote on Monday after probing his rants and drug use, based on evidence from The SunCredit: PADespite having no games to officiate, Coote enjoyed a weights and cardio session.Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since a video emerged of him calling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”. He was then filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024.Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEThe Sun also told how he allegedly arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order. A separate independent Football Association investigation is ongoing.The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings.Most read in FootballThe top-flight ref was filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024The former ref was looking glum as he made his way to and from the gym sessionCredit: BackGridDespite having no games to officiate, the 42-year-old enjoyed a weights and cardio sessionCredit: BackGridCoote sent messages arranging a drugs party in a Travelodge for after a cup game between Tottenham and Manchester CityCredit: BackGridCoote has been lying low near his Midlands homeCredit: BackGridThe shamed ref, seen here getting into his car after his gym outing, has also been the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to orderCredit: BackGridMoment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024 More

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      Cause of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash wasn’t booze or drugs, cops say – as striker remains in hospital

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      COPS have ruled-out drink and drugs as causes of West Ham star Michail Antonio’s horror crash, sources claim.Officers are working on the basis no third-parties were involved in the moments before the £260,000 wrecked Ferrari FF was wrecked in Essex, on Saturday.Michail’s Ferrari FF hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on SaturdayCredit: GettyMichail miraculously survived the horror crash with only a fractured legCredit: Steve BellHe was stuck in the wreckage for nearly an hour before being airlifted from the siteCredit: UKNIPIn a tribute to their team mate West Ham players wore Michail Antonio shirts ahead of their game with WolvesCredit: PAAnd there has been no suggestion of excessive speeding – raising the spectre Antonio’s miracle escape could be a freak accident.A source said: “Drink and drugs have already been ruled out, and officers are not currently looking for anyone else.“There is no smoking gun as far as cops are concerned right now – but they have to investigate because the smash was so serious and caused such extensive injuries.“Just because cops are involved doesn’t mean a crime has been committed.”Read more SportSkid-marks show Antonio was driving uphill from Theydon Bois to Waltham Abbey, when his motor slid off the road.The crash took place at 12.50pm on Saturday as the front end of Storm Darragh swept across the country – with locals saying the route can be treacherous with run-off, in heavy rains.The wreck of Antonio’s rare supercar was said to be in a tight-security lock-up – rather than the usual compound cars involved in crashes around the M25 in Essex.Sources said it was set to be kept there in case investigators needed to examine it as part of an investigation into the star’s shocking near-miss.Most read in FootballThe striker was continuing to recover from surgery to a broken leg on Tuesday, amid fears the fracture could shorten the 34-year-old’s career.Dog walker Samuel Woods, also 34, told how Michail was seriously dazed when he saw him trapped in the ripped-apart motor.Major update on Michail Antonio as West Ham star undergoes surgery after horror Ferrari crashSamuel told The Sun: “I said to him, ‘Hello’ to see if anyone was alive. He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’ I couldn’t believe what happened.”The driver’s side of the high-powered car was ripped apart by the impact with a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday. Michail was sent flying across the interior to the passenger side.Drivers reported seeing smoke pouring from the motor.The star was trapped inside the supercar for almost an hour in the wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.He had to be cut free from the 2011 Ferrari FF and was rushed to hospital.Cops have appealed for dashcam footage in a bid to understand the lead-up to the smash.They said an investigation by its Roads Policing Unit had been opened.In a heartfelt tribute, Hammers stars wore shirts featuring Antonio’s name and number ahead of their clash with Wolves at London Stadium.Team-mate Jarrod Bowen said: “Mic has been longer than I have, everyone loves him. He’s a big character in here.”Those few hours on Saturday were difficult. He’s not just a team-mate he’s a friend of ours, he’s been a friend of ours for many years. A dad as well to beautiful children.”And you see the support, I just want to say thank you for all the support from everyone.”Michail moved to West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7 million,READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since become the top Premier League scorer for the East London club, with 68 goals in 268 games. The athlete also co-hosts the BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Callum Wilson from Newcastle.Michail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…” More

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      Inside EFL club’s stadium with police-seized LED lights from cannabis factory helping maintain pitch

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      POLICE have gifted LED lights to Crewe Alexandra after seizing them during a raid at a cannabis factory.The Christmas donation will help to maintain the League Two side’s pitch at their formerly named Gresty Road.Christmas lights of a different variety have arrived at Crewe Alexandra courtesy of Cheshire PoliceIt came after a police raid seized equipment at a local cannabis farmsCheshire officers arrived with a special delivery to Crewe’s ground last week, according to The Mail.LED grow lights are an efficient and sustainable option for illuminating stadium grass playing surfaces and reusing heat, according to HortiDaily.And Crewe’s snazzy new lights fit the bill for a fourth-tier side battling for promotion to League One.The sponsored Mornflake Stadium is currently kitted out with a set of modern-looking floodlights.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Crewe welcomed the extra utilities that could even be used on the training ground pitches.Multiple outlets have reported several successful million-pound police raids in the area of Crewe this year.And it seems they’ve run out of places to put the seized cannabis farm equipment.Items, including compost, garden canes, flower pots and fertiliser were donated to local gardening centres over the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAuthorities have also donated some of the cultivation material to primary schools, including electric fans.Lighting was even provided to a pigeon flying club.If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here and now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life In June 2021, the club agreed a £500,000 naming rights deal with its long-term shirt sponsor Mornflake.Dating back to 1906, the home of the Railway Men has a current capacity of 10,100 with a complete rebuild of all four stands occurring in the 1990s.Crewe dropped to third in the League Two table after drawing 1-1 away at Carlisle on Saturday. The club, managed by former EFL midfielder Lee Bell, confirmed the LED delivery to SunSport.Crewe have confirmed the delivery to SunSport More