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      Conor Benn charged over failed drugs test and could face two-year boxing ban

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      CONOR BENN has been charged by UK Anti-Doping over his failed drugs test as the boxer vowed to ‘start the process’ to clear his name.Following two failed summer Voluntary Anti-Doping Association tests, an October catchweight clash with Chris Eubank Jr was cancelled.
      Conor Benn has been charged over his failed drugs testCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The WBC dropped their investigation into the traces of clomifene and blamed contaminated eggs.
      But Team Benn believes the lab that processed his tests is at fault and has now handed Ukad a 270-page document in his bid to beat a two-year ban.
      However the 26-year-old son of ring legend Nigel still believes the British Boxing Board of Control have an agenda against him and is not interested in regaining his licence here.
      Following news that Benn was handed a provisional Ukad suspension on May 15 and charged a month later, he said: “Another day, another attempt to create a headline with my name.
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      “I am involved in a confidential procedure and I have respected my confidentiality obligations.
      “Yet each day brings a new leak and a misrepresentation of what’s actually happening
      “There is no news. Being “charged” is a start of a process by which an athlete has to defend themselves. 
      “I have not been sanctioned by anyone & I’m not banned from boxing.
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      “I remain free to fight in events that are not sanctioned by the BBBoC. I don’t even have a BBBoC licence.”
      Such procedures are usually confidential, such as the recent case with Amir Khan who failed a post-fight test 14 months ago and was only just served with a two-year ban.
      But, following intense speculation and social media posts from Benn on Wednesday, Ukad have released a statement that said: “Following reports in the media and comments made by professional boxer Mr Conor Benn on Tuesday 18 April 2023, and in exceptional circumstances, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirms that Mr Benn was notified and provisionally suspended by UKAD on 15 March 2023 in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules. 
      “Whilst provisionally suspended Mr Benn is prohibited from participating in any capacity (or assisting another Athlete in any capacity) in a Competition, Event or activity that is organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the British Boxing Board of Control or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.
      “UKAD can also confirm that on 3 April 2023 it charged Mr Benn with an Article 2.2 violation for the alleged Use of a Prohibited Substance (clomifene). The charge against Mr Benn is pending and will now follow the Results Management process in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.
      “UKAD issues this statement in accordance with its Policy on Public disclosure of provisional suspensions and charges and Articles 7.10.7 and 7.11.5 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules. UKAD will not be providing any further comment at this stage.”
      The Board, who employ Ukad to handle all of their doping policing and policies, said: “The BBBoC can confirm that Conor Benn has been charged by UKAD with an Article 2.2 violation for the alleged Use of a Prohibited Substance.
      “The BBBoC relies upon UKAD to ensure that professional boxers comply with the UKAD Rules (as incorporated into the BBBoC’s Rules and Regulations), and awaits the outcome of the UKAD process in due course. 
      “The BBBoC will not be making any further comment at this time.”
      There is no news. Being “charged” is a start of a process by which an athlete has to defend themselves. Conor Benn
      Benn and promoter Eddie Hearn have been exploring the idea of resuming his career in Abu Dhabi.
      But now charges have been brought against Benn and Ukad work in conjunction with the World Anti-Doping Agency, that move could be kyboshed.
      The Board have contacted a number of foreign commissions and warned them against hosting a Benn bout.
      And any British licence holder involved – like trainer Tony Sims, promoter Hearn or potential opponent Eubank Jr – could be fined or suspended.
      And Hearn is furious that so many details about Benn’s case are being made public.
      He told IFL: “Why do all the media know before me? Yet in Amir Khan’s situation, for 14 months nobody knew?
      “Someone from the Board or Ukad have told the media, there is no other explanation for it.
      “What can Ukad ban him from? He doesn’t have a BBBofC licence.
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      “Ukad have everything they need now, they have the 270-page document, that should keep people happy.
      “But do you honestly think Conor Benn is going to get a fair hearing? Please.”
      Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s fight was axedCredit: Getty More

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      Fallen ace Dele Alli sprawls on bed with four girls and three pals on same night as hippy crack snap

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      FALLEN England star Dele Alli sprawls on a bed with four girls and three male pals during a night partying.He ended up in a girl’s flat after a splurge at a club, where more than £6,000 was splashed on champagne and tequila.
      Fallen England star Dele Alli has been pictured sprawling on the bed with four girls and three male pals after a night partyingCredit: Supplied
      He was later pictured with a balloon in his mouth and laughing gas canistersCredit: Twitter
      It was the same night he was later pictured with a balloon in his mouth and laughing gas canisters, which led to concern being expressed about him in the football world.
      Our exclusive pictures show Dele, 27, hiding his face while on the bed with mates including recently-retired ex-Chelsea player Izzy Jay Brown, 26, and four young women after the trip to Chinawhite in Manchester.
      And we can reveal the ex-Spurs idol went clubbing twice in ten days in Turkey, where he was on loan to Besiktas from current club Everton.
      Sources claimed £110,000-a-week Dele, in a relationship with Sports Illustrated model Cindy Kimberly, 24, left Chinawhite with the girls — at least one of whom is said to work there — at 4am.
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      They are thought to have headed to a flat in Salford, where they all posed for a selfie on a bed.
      Dele was snapped around 7am or 8am in a vest and the same cap as in our bedroom pic — with the balloon and the canisters of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas and hippy crack.
      Dele once England’s brightest footballing talent, returned to Everton for hip injury treatment after the failed loan in Turkey.
      A source said: “Dele was having a great time drinking with his mates at the club.
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      “They had a booth and the girls were serving them. They went back to one of the girls’ apartments and partied on until morning.”
      One of the women is art student Niamh Saunders, 20, who shared the bed snap on Instagram.
      We can reveal Dele spent some of his final days at Besiktas partying in nightclubs until the early hours.
      The team played three matches in March but he was not involved and his manager said he went AWOL.
      Dele confirmed today his season is over as he shared a pic from his hospital bed on Instagram after hip surgery. He vowed to “focus fully on my recovery”.
      But he is suggested to have “forgotten how to play” while in Turkey.
      A fan there said: “It’s crazy to think what he is like now compared to a few years ago.”
      Dele was once England’s brightest footballing talentCredit: Getty
      Dele confirmed today his season is over as he shared a pic from his hospital bed on Instagram after hip surgeryCredit: Instagram
      Dele is in a relationship with Sports Illustrated model Cindy KimberlyCredit: Getty More

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      Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin drug test results revealed following scrappy fight at the O2

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Jermaine Franklin have returned clean drug tests following their fight.AJ returned at the start of April with his first win since 2020 by beating Franklin over 12 rounds.
      Anthony Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin on pointsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The scrappy affair may not live long in the memory but Joshua successfully bounced back after two losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
      And it has now been confirmed by Voluntary Anti-Doping Association that both the heavyweight headliners passed their doping tests.
      Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn had hoped for an active 2023 for the two-time champion with as many as three bouts lined up.
      But AJ made the shock revelation on Instagram that he would not be back in the ring until the end of the year.
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      He posted: “My next fight is scheduled for December. Not ideal but everything is part of a bigger picture.”
      Despite the shock announcement, Hearn’s Hall of Fame father Barry warned not to rule out a change of plan.
      He told Joe: “Firstly, I think there were a few misquotes about he’s not boxing until December. He’s thinking about not boxing until December.
      “I love Anthony but he’s on holiday at the moment, He’s having a good time. He spends his life in training camps.
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      “When you’re having a good time, you like to carry on having a good time, but I know Anthony a bit better than that.
      “I won’t be a 100 per cent surprised to see a U-turn on that.”
      Joshua, 33, is currently enjoying time off in Dubai, before planning a trip back to Texas for more training under new coach Derrick James.
      It comes amid rumours of a fight against Deontay Wilder, 37, in December in Saudi Arabia.
      And Tyson Fury, 34, would also face Usyk, 36, with the winners of the two bouts meeting in a proposed tournament.
      It would tie into Joshua’s plan to wait till the end of the year to fight following his comeback victory against American Franklin, 29.
      Anthony Joshua said he will not fight again until DecemberCredit: Getty More

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      Boxer Ricky Hatton denies taking cocaine after he was filmed with white powder on his nose

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      BOXER Ricky Hatton has reassured fans he is not on cocaine after footage showed white powder on his nose.The ex-world champ, 44, appears bleary-eyed and slurring on a night out.
      Ricky Hatton has reassured fans he is not on cocaine after footage showed white powder on his nose
      His lawyers told The Sun the powder is a product similar to snus, popular with footballers as a stimulant and substitute for cigsCredit: Alamy
      Sitting in a car he jokes and swears with pals, though it is unclear to who or what he is referring.
      As the camera turns to him, Ricky stares before starting to talk.
      He says: “Tell you what, listen. It’s not acceptable.”
      The clip cuts to a mate and Ricky adds: “And if you don’t buck your ideas up, we’re gonna let this fat c**t f*****g jump all over you.
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      Signing off to laughter, he adds: “Nice one.
      “Ricky Hatton MBE — Massive B*** End. Nice to see you.”
      Sources said he was on his way to Albert’s Schloss bar in Manchester in early February.
      A source said: “Ricky doesn’t look great so fans will obviously worry.”
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      Ricky had rehab after confessing to a year-long addiction to cocaine in 2010.
      His lawyers told The Sun the powder is a product similar to snus, popular with footballers as a stimulant and substitute for cigs.
      They said: “It is easily available across the high street and subject to usual tobaccorestrictions.”
      Ricky had rehab after confessing to a year-long addiction to cocaine in 2010Credit: PA More

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      Premier League stars desperate for help after becoming addicted to ‘snus’ drug

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      PREMIER League aces are seeking help after becoming addicted to tobacco product snus, The Sun has found.The pouches are put in the mouth like old-fashioned chewing tobacco and are seen as less harmful than cigarettes.
      Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, pictured in 2016, used snus for its supposed calming effectCredit: Fame Flynet
      Swedish-made snus is not illegal but can’t be sold in the UK due to cancer fearsCredit: Corbis – Getty
      But with many players hooked and struggling to cope, the Professional Footballers’ Association is investigating amid health fears — and the impact on kids who may copy their role models.
      Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, Man United centre back Victor Lindelof and Newcastle defender Emil Krafth have used snus for its supposed calming effect.
      Now the PFA has launched workshops highlighting the risks.
      We found some users are getting through 25 tea bag-style pouches — which are placed under the top lip — each day.
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      A source said: “Many are now hooked as they don’t realise snus contains more addictive nicotine than a cigarette.
      “Club doctors fear usage is spiralling out of control.”
      Swedish-made snus is not illegal but can’t be sold in the UK due to cancer fears.
      Tubs are as little as £5 online.
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      The PFA said it has trialled workshops on potential snus risks and recognises “the need to roll this education out to the entire membership”. More

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      I’m UK’s most notorious football hooligan – but I went from fighting on terraces to bestselling author & cult movie icon

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      A MAN who was once one of the UK’s most notorious football hooligans turned his life around to become a bestselling author and cult movie star.Carlton Leach, 64, built up an infamous reputation for fighting on the terraces at West Ham in the 1980s and ’90s, but now leads a life far away from crime.
      Carlton has left the world of gangs and football hooliganism far behind himCredit: Twitter/Carlton Leach
      Carlton Leach gave up his criminal life in 1995 after his friends were killed in a drug-related shooting
      Leach, who was born in Canning Town, East London, got involved in crime at an early age, after joining the brutal Inter City Firm (ICF), who follow West Ham FC, known as the Hammers.
      The gang got its moniker from using InterCity trains to travel to away matches and start fights with the opposition’s fans.
      The ICF became notorious for leaving a business card on the bodies of those they attacked that read: “Congratulations, you’ve just met the ICF.”
      While he was a part of the gang, Leach met drug dealers Tony Tucker, Craig Rolfe, and Pat Tate.
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      The four men later became members of the notorious Essex Boys gang which sparked a savage drug war in the 1990s.
      Leach was one of Britain’s most feared faces during his 20-year career as a criminal.
      However, he decided to turn his back on a life of crime after three of his best friends and gang mates were murdered in a drug-related shooting.
      Tucker, Rolfe, and Tate were all shot during the 1995 Range Rover shooting.
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      The three drug dealers were shot in their car on a small farm track in Rettendon, Essex.
      Leach started telling his story in the hope it would deter others from following in his criminal footsteps.
      In 2003, he wrote his first autobiography called “Muscle” about his experiences as a criminal.
      The ex-footie thug then wrote his second memoir in 2009, titled, “Rise of the Footsoldier: In My Game, the Choice Is a Jail or a Grave,” which detailed his stories of violence, gang crime, and the loss of his best friend.
      In October 2021, Leach released his final, bestselling autobiography, entitled, Carlton: The Final Say.
      The book details his early and criminal life, as well as the two most recent decades of his life since.
      His first memoir was turned into a film in 2007, entitled, Rise Of The Footsoldier by Bafta-award nominated director Julian Gilbey.
      It starred actor Ricci Harnett, who played Leach.

      The British crime and gangster film grossed £220,868 and had a second part made in 2015, that followed Leach in the aftermath of the Rettendon murders.
      The 64-year-old also inspired the 2015 film, Essex Boys: Law of Survival, which detailed the Essex boys gang and Range Rover murders of 1995.
      Carlton was previously a member of the football hooligan gang InterCity FirmCredit: Exclusivepix Media
      Carlton has penned three books about his lifeCredit: Twitter/Carlton Leach More

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      Fuming Kell Brook breaks silence as Amir Khan is BANNED after testing positive for illegal substance

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      KELL BROOK has raged at Amir Khan for his “disgusting” positive drugs test.Khan, 36, who retired after losing to Brook by stoppage last year, has been handed a two-year doping ban after the banned substance ostarine was found in his system following the loss.
      Kell Brook, left, stopped Amir Khan last yearCredit: Reuters
      Brook slammed Khan after finding out about his failed drug testCredit: iFL TV
      And Brook, 36, did not pull any punches in his assessment of his long-time rival.
      Speaking to iFL TV, he said: “I heard about it today, when everyone else heard.
      “I’m disgusted, it’s been over a year since we boxed, it makes me feel sick.
      “I’ve got three beautiful kids. He’s gone in there to try and hurt me. It’s a f***ing joke.”
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      Khan has claimed ingestion of the banned substance was not intentional.
      Ostarine is a drug designed to have similar effects to testosterone, used by athletes and bodybuilders to boost muscle mass and performance.
      However, it has also been used to treat muscle-wasting diseases and osteoporosis.
      The result of Khan’s fight against Brook has now been wiped out.
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      His ban has been backdated to start immediately after the 2022 fight and will run until April 2024.
      Khan has broken his silence on the matter, telling Sky Sports: “I’ve never cheated.
      “I’m a retired fighter… you can see by my performance. My performance against Kell Brook wasn’t the best.
      “I lost the fight… if I’d gone in and knocked him out if would be different.
      “I’ve never cheated in my life… I was the one who wanted testing on the fight.
      “The amount that was in my system could have been from shaking hands.”
      Khan continued: “I didn’t know what the drug was in my system.
      “I’ve never cheated in my life… I’d never cheat.
      “Like I said, I am a retired fighter. I’ve got a two-year ban now which is quite strange and funny that they’ve banned me… I’m already retired anyway.”
      On a potential return to the ring, Khan added: “[I’ve got] no comeback plans at all.
      “But, like I said, I’ve never cheated and never will. That’s just not something I would do.”
      UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) earlier confirmed the news in a statement.
      It read: “Professional boxer and Olympic medallist Amir Khan has been banned from all sport for two years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of a Prohibited Substance.
      “On 19 February 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Khan after his fight against Kell Brook at the Manchester Arena.
      “Mr Khan’s Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for ostarine.
      “UKAD notified Mr Khan of the AAF on 6 April 2022 and that he may have committed ADRVs under the 2021 UK Anti-Doping Rules (ADR).
      “UKAD issued him with a Provisional Suspension from all Code-compliant sport on the same date.
      “On 20 July 2022, UKAD charged Mr Khan with the commission of two ADRVs: Presence of a Prohibited Substance and Use of a Prohibited Substance.
      “Mr Khan accepted the violations charged but maintained that his ingestion of ostarine was not ‘intentional’.”
      UKAD went on to reveal the case was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel – with the charges upheld.
      The statement continued: “As a consequence his case was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel to be considered by an independent tribunal.
      “Mr Khan’s case was heard by the independent tribunal on 24 January 2023 and in its written decision dated 21 February 2023, the panel found both violations proved, concluded that Mr Khan had established that they were not ‘intentional’ within the meaning of ADR Article 10.2.3 and imposed a two-year ban on him.
      “The panel also disqualified Mr Khan’s result from the bout against Mr Brook.
      “Mr Khan’s two-year ban is deemed to have commenced on 6 April 2022 (the date his Provisional Suspension was imposed) and will expire on 5 April 2024.”
      In the weeks leading up to the Brook fight, Khan revealed he was yet to be drug-tested and that he was chasing officials to get it done.
      He called the whole experience “a bit strange” as he was desperate for a “fair fight”.
      Khan retired in 2022 with a record of 34-6 following defeat to Brook, bringing down the curtain on an illustrious career.
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      The Bolton star was catapulted into the spotlight after bagging silver at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.
      Khan won his first 18 fights but lost the biggest fights of his career against the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford and Brook. More

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      Cardiff City star Connor Wickham posts vid ‘inhaling hippy crack’ after Swansea defeat as he responds to angry fans

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      CARDIFF City star Connor Wickham is seen appearing to inhale “hippy crack” laughing gas after his side’s defeat to rivals Swansea on Saturday.The clip, posted on his Instagram, seems to show Wickham breathing in with a balloon to his mouth – a known method of taking the drug, just hours after his team’s 3-2 home defeat.
      Cardiff City star Connor Wickham posted a video that seemed to show him taking laughing gas
      He was seen inhaling from a balloon, a known way of taking the drug
      The since-deleted footage sparked criticism from fans as the ace, who turned 30 the previous day, could be seen with a group of people singing and dancing in a car.
      Wickham himself has responded to the controversy, with a statement posted to social media.
      He wrote: “I’m obviously aware of a video circulating on social media. I know my responsibility as a professional.
      “Playing for Cardiff City is a huge privilege, I’ve been so welcomed by you all and I will always give 100%.
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      “To lose the game the way we did yesterday hurt more than ever, even though you will feel it doesn’t seem that way to me.”
      Wickham came on as a substitute in the match before Swansea won the South Wales derby to a 99th minute stunner from Ben Cabango.
      The under-fire striker added: “I hope you can all understand and I will do my best [to] help my team and this club to achieve the best possible outcome this season.”
      A spokesperson for Cardiff City told Wales Online that the club was “looking into” the video.
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      It comes less than a week after the Government announced plans to make possession of nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, illegal.
      The previously legal high can be highly dangerous if abused.
      Taking too much can cause nerve damage, heart issues and even death as users can slip into unconsciousness and asphyxiate.
      It comes after fellow footballer Brandon Williams, who plays for Premier League side Manchester United, was seemingly caught puffing the same gas.
      The £60,000-a-week full back was snapped inhaling from a balloon while sitting as a passenger in a Brabus supercar near the club’s training ground.
      A witness told the Sun: “It was so obvious to anyone driving by what he was doing.
      “Anyone who follows United or football seriously would have recognised him instantly.
      “It’s irresponsible considering he’s a public figure.
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      “He’s meant to be a role model for youngsters and upcoming footballers.
      “Taking that rubbish, especially so casually, could be hindering his ability on the pitch.”
      His club said they are ‘looking into’ the footageCredit: Huw Evans
      Man Utd star Brandon Williams was recently seemingly caught inhaling ‘hippy crack’ near the club’s training ground
      The Government announced recently that possession of the drug would be bannedCredit: Alamy More