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      in Soccer

      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.
      Read More on Football Hooligans
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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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      in Boxing

      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.”
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      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.
      Most read in Boxing
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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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      in Soccer

      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%.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “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.
      Most read in Football
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      “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

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson opens his own coffee shop in Amsterdam and reveals he has ‘tried and tested all the products’

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      MIKE TYSON has expanded his post-fighting empire by launching a coffee shop in Amsterdam.The former undisputed heavyweight champion got into the lucrative marijuana business in 2016 after several states in America decriminalised the drug.
      Mike Tyson got into the marijuana business in 2016Credit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSON
      The boxing legend has raked in millions of dollars selling his own strain of weedCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSON
      And he’s branched out by opening a coffee shop in AmsterdamCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSON
      Iron Mike even came up with his own strain of weed, which he regularly smokes.
      And the marijuana mogul has branched out by opening a coffee shop in Amsterdam, where the sale and consumption of small amounts of weed is permitted in licensed premises.
      Coffeeshop Tyson 2.0, which is close to the famous Red Light district, officially opened its doors last Friday.
      And being the diligent owner that he is, Tyson has tried all the products available in the shop.
      READ MORE ON MIKE TYSON
      The boxing legend said in a press release: “It’s a dream come true to open our first coffee shop in Amsterdam.
      “The Coffeeshop Tyson 2.0 will immerse fans in a full-on experience where they can enjoy my favorite Tyson 2.0 products the way I do.
      “I’ve tried and tested all of them, and I can’t wait to share some of my most beloved and undefeated goods with Europe.”
      CEO of Tyson 2.0, Adam Wilks, added: “Amsterdam is a city with a deeply rich culture that has transformed it into one of the world’s premiere destinations with over 18 million tourists visiting every year.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “Coffee shop Tyson 2.0 celebrates our journey and marks a significant milestone for the company as we extend our international presence beyond North America into the burgeoning European market.”
      Visitors to Tyson’s cafe will be able to puff away as they please as recreational cannabis use in coffee shops has been legal in the Netherlands since 1976.
      But they won’t be able to take their purchases to the Red Light district as outdoor marijuana use will become illegal in May. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Brandon Williams caught inhaling ‘hippy crack’ in passenger seat of Mercedes

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      MANCHESTER United star Brandon Williams appears to inhale nitrous oxide from a balloon near the club’s training ground.The £60,000-a-week full back, 22, was a passenger in a parked Brabus supercar.
      Brandon Williams appears to inhale ‘hippy crack’ from a balloon while in the passenger seat of a Mercedes Brabus
      Williams was seen with a balloon in his mouth as he passed a friend a nitrous oxide canisterCredit: Getty
      Full-back Williams in his car last monthCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      He was seen with a balloon in his mouth as he passed a friend a canister of the legal high.
      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.
      “He’s meant to be a role model for youngsters and upcoming footballers.
      Read More on Brandon Williams
      “Taking that rubbish, especially so casually, could be hindering his ability on the pitch.
      “There is no doubt his manager will not be impressed by it.
      “He expects his players to be completely devoted to their career, especially when they are attempting to break into the side.”
      Nitrous oxide is an anaesthetic gas popular among young Brits who inhale it for a light-headed, short-lived euphoric high.
      Most read in Football
      But taking the drug comes at the risk of heart attacks and brain damage, while prolonged use can lead to memory loss and vitamin deficiency.
      It is a criminal offence to supply nitrous oxide to get high but not to possess it.
      The Man Utd star is facing the wrath of his manager Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
      But earlier this week Home Secretary Suella Braverman pledged new measures to crack down on the “unacceptable” use of the gas.
      She said: “I am clear that the use and proliferation of nitrous oxide is unacceptable and we will be announcing new measures soon.”
      Manchester-born Williams has played just five minutes of football this season under ten Hag.
      The defender joined his hometown club in 2008, rising through the Red Devils’ youth teams to make 51 professional appearances.
      He has been linked with a move to Middlesbrough in recent weeks after failing to break into United’s first team.
      Man United and his agent were contacted for comment. More

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      in Motorsport

      Who is Jenson Button’s ex-wife Jessica Michibata and why has she been arrested?

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      JESSICA Michibata, ex-wife of F1 legend Jenson Button, was arrested in Japan on March 20, 2023, for alleged drug offences.Here, we look at what happened to her and how long she was married to the former world champion.
      Jessica Michibata was married to 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button from 2014 to 2015
      Who is Jenson Button’s ex-wife Jessica Michibata?
      Jessica Michibata is a Japanese-born model.
      She was in a relationship with 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button between 2008 and 2015.
      They were married in 2014, but split up the following year.
      When together, she was seen on many occasions supporting Jenson from the pits.
      READ MORE ON JENSON BUTTON
      Why has Jessica Michibata been arrested?
      Michibata was arrested in Japan on March 20, 2023, after a package containing MDMA was sent to her hotel room in Tokyo.
      The model is being held on suspicion of violating the narcotics special measures law, according to the Japanese Metropolitan Police.
      She was working in Japan at the time of her arrest. She was born there, but now mostly resides in the United States.
      She has denied the allegations.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The drug was found when customs officers inspected the package after it came into the country from overseas.
      Revive, the modelling company which represents Michibata, said in a statement: “We apologise to everyone for any concern the reports of Jessica Michibata, which belongs to our company, have caused.
      “We are currently unable to contact Michibata directly and we are collecting information to confirm the facts.”
      Do Jenson Button and ex-wife Jessica Michibata have any children?
      Button and Michibata did not have children together during their relationship.
      Button married American model Brittny Ward in 2022, and together they have two children, a son named Hendrix and a daughter called Lenny.
      Michibata gave birth to a daughter named Joy in October 2017, but has never revealed the identity of the child’s father.
      Is Jessica Michibata currently dating anyone?
      It is not known if Michibata is currently dating anyone.
      In 2017, it was rumoured that she was dating film producer Ken Kao.
      Kao was seen holding hands with Michibata at the 2017 Cannes film festival while she was pregnant. More

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      I’m an ex-Premier League star who retired at 21 – I binged booze and cocaine for 25 years and am surprised I’m alive

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      AN ex-Premier League star who retired at 21 after binging alcohol and drugs has turned his life around – and said he is surprised to still be alive. Billy Kenny was once one of the most exciting young prospects at Everton and was the best player on the park during the Premier League’s first Merseyside Derby.
      Billy Kenny was briefly the star of Goodison Park before his career went into a downwards spiralCredit: Getty
      Billy Kenny played in the Merseyside derbyCredit: Alamy
      But things would quickly unravel for the star and he would make just 17 appearances for the Toffees before being moved on.
      Kenny, who had the world at his feet at 19, struggled with drinking amid football’s heavy booze culture that was still around when he made his breakthrough in the early 90s.
      Issues with injury, depression and drugs contributed to his downfall.
      The star had wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, Billy Kenny Sr, who played at Goodison Park between 1971 and 1974.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Now 49, Kenny told the Liverpool Echo how the dream of playing for Everton quickly became his sole purpose.
      He said: “Growing up on Burly [Burlington Street], wanting to play for Everton. That was it. That was all I ever dreamt of. In the ‘80s there were a lot of kids on the street playing football then.
      “Back in the ‘80s we only had a ball. Everyone wanted to either play for Everton or Liverpool. As soon as I found out my dad had played for Everton – I must have been about seven – I couldn’t believe it.
      “Naturally I wanted to play for them. I think I wanted it worse than any Everton player ever – the desire, the dream, the nightmares – and that derby game everyone goes on about, that was the dream. That was it.”
      Most read in Football
      Kenny would break into Everton’s first team from their reserves and made his debut against Coventry in October 1992.
      But his big moment would come in December when he was named man of the match in a game against Liverpool after an influential performance from midfield.
      The Reds took the lead in the derby thanks to Mark Wright before goals from Mo Johnston and Peter Beardsley handed Everton local bragging rights.
      GLORY DAYS SHORT LIVED
      But the glory would not last long as Kenny quickly fell into a drinking problem and became dogged with injuries which required operations, keeping him on the sidelines and away from the pitch.
      He would leave Everton before trying in vain to revive his career at Oldham and Barrow, making only a handful of appearances for both.
      Kenny retired at 21 and fell into a spiral over the next two decades.
      He said: “I was drinking for 25 years and on cocaine for 25 years as well.
      “I am talking absolutely non-stop. I am surprised I am alive. I was just getting up, boom boom boom, two day bender, get my head down and go on a three day bender, two days of sleep, have a Chinese then back on it.”
      He added that the “worst bit” was the embarrassment it caused for his mum and dad, with his “ashamed” dad not wanting to leave the house “for years”.
      The death of his mother Bella provided the former footballer with the inspiration to turn his life around.
      He said that now he is “sober and great” and is reflecting on mistakes he made.
      Read More on The Sun
      Kenny got to writing during the Covid lockdown and put his incredible story into words as a cautionary tale for younger players.
      His work is being turned into a stage play at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre.
      Billy Kenny dreamed of playing for Everton but could not sustain his career after early successCredit: PA More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 legend Jenson Button’s model ex-wife arrested in drug bust as cops raid hotel ‘after MDMA package addressed to her’

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      F1 LEGEND Jenson Button’s model ex-wife Jessica Michibata has been arrested for allegedly possessing MDMA. The model was detained by Japanese police after the psychoactive drug was found a package sent to her hotel room in Tokyo.
      Jessica Michibata and Jenson Button were together from 2008 to 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Michibata has denied the allegationsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      She is a famous model in Japan and now mainly resides in the US
      Michibata, 38, is being held on suspicion of violating the narcotics special measures law, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
      She denies the allegations.
      The drug was allegedly discovered inside the parcel by customs officers when it arrived in Japan from overseas.
      Police traced the address to a hotel and room where the model was staying alongside another person.
      The other individual has been described as an “acquaintance” of Michibata, reports Mainichi Shimbun and The Japan Times.
      Michibata, a mum-of-one, is currently living in the United States but was born in Japan. 
      In a statement, her modeling agency Revive said: “We apologise to everyone for any concern the reports of Jessica Michibata, which belongs to our company, have caused
      “We are currently unable to contact Michibata directly and we are collecting information to confirm the facts.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Since the incident is under investigation by the police, we will refrain from disclosing any further details.”
      F1 champ Button – who won the title in 2009 with Brawn GP – was in a long term relationship Jessica from 2008 to 2015.
      They got married in December 2014 – but separated on good terms in 2015.
      Button raced in F1 from 2000 to 2017 – winning 15 races and scoring 50 podiums.
      They were regularly seen together in the F1 paddockCredit: Getty More