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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

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      I went from the Prem to prison ‘hell’ filled with shower stabbings and cockroaches but now I’m eyeing an FA Cup shock

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      NILE RANGER sat in prison with his gut churning after eating half-cooked chicken and watching cockroaches crawling through cracks in the walls of his cell.The ex-Newcastle striker, 33, was banged up at Pentonville in north London in 2017 after pleading guilty of committing online banking fraud.Nile Ranger spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: Jon BondHe was a promising Premier League starCredit: GettyHe helped Newcastle win promotion from the Championship in 2010 and went on to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPBut things spiralled out of control and saw Nile end up in prisonCredit: Jon BondHe had conspired to swindle more than £2,000 from a woman two years earlier.It completed a fall from grace for a highly-promising player who made 26 Premier League appearances for the Geordies before nose diving down the leagues.Ranger swapped training and playing alongside stars such as Michael Owen, Fabricio Coloccini and Andy Carroll for mixing with criminals who boasted about such things as tossing an unfortunate soul into a car boot after cutting their fingers off!But on Sunday he will be back on a football field with Southern Premier Kettering hoping to create some FA Cup magic as they host League Two Doncaster — having scored the winner in the previous round to topple League One Northampton.READ MORE FOOTBALLTo say Ranger is the ultimate model for any young professional NOT to follow is an understatement.He told SunSport: “It was bad in prison, full of wrong ’uns, and no place to be if you’ve got your head screwed on.“I had mine on compared to those people. I had just been silly, unruly and lacked discipline.“There was this guy who told me he had put someone in a car boot and chopped off their fingers.Most read in FA Cup“I heard people planning murders and armed robberies when they got out.“There were prisoners getting stabbed in the showers and drones flying in drugs and mobile phones. It was hell.”Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashAlthough sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to serve eight months inside one of Britain’s most notorious jails, Ranger was released after 10 weeks for good behaviour — although he had to wear an electronic tag to make sure he was not up to no good.Ranger said: “There were cockroaches coming through the gaps of the cell walls and door.“We had to block those with towels and if you killed a cockroach others would appear from eggs they laid. There were mice running about as well. It was disgusting.“The food was appalling. The chicken I’m certain wasn’t properly cooked.“I was locked up 23 hours a day — using the hour outside my cell to exercise and shower.“Some of the guards were arrogant — trying to make me feel small. They were jealous because I was a footballer. But I didn’t rise to it.”I focused on getting out and thought, ‘I’m only going to be here for two or three months and playing football again.’“I was at Southend and they were still paying my wages while in prison so that was always on my mind when the guards were belittling me.“I felt the sentence was unfair. People have done far-worse and only got suspended sentences.“I reckon the judge had already decided while having dinner with his wife the previous evening he was going to lock me up.”Kept messing upRanger concedes he screwed up and wasted his incredible talent. Had he applied himself he could have had a good Premier League career.But he kept messing up — despite countless chances.Just shortly after signing for Southampton from Crystal Palace as a kid, he was banged up for 11 weeks in a young offenders institute for being involved in an armed robbery.The Saints stuck by him then but lost patience after he stole his entire academy team’s kit and a box of chocolates from the kit lady.He explained: “I don’t know why I took the chocolates but we had been told we could have some of the kit. The season had finished and Southampton were getting us new ones.“I had friends at home in North London who loved football so I took everything, all the kit and boots. I was caught on camera and Southampton terminated my contract.”Ranger helped fire Kettering into the FA Cup second roundCredit: PAYet Ranger landed on his feet when Newcastle snapped him up and despite breaking into the first team and helping them win promotion from the Championship in 2010 and going on to play in the Premier League, he pressed the self-destruct button with a series of disciplinary problems.He also had such a gambling addiction that the club got him banned from every casino in Newcastle. He was constantly late for training or did not show at all.Kevin Keegan got so fed up with him when he started training with the first team, he told Ranger: “I’m going to pull out and sell your gold tooth if you’re late again because your wages will not be enough to cover the fine.”Chris Hughton, who had a summit meeting with Ranger and his mum, and Alan Pardew, who banished him to train with the academy team until he sorted out his time-keeping, both tried in vain to save his career before the latter decided to let him go.Swindon, Blackpool and Southend (twice) all took punts but to no avail — and after a spell with National League club Boreham Wood he crashed out of the game for 20 months before joining Kettering in September.When he was a promising 18-year-old at Newcastle he was earning almost £10,000-a-week — and admits he would be penniless today if it was not for his beloved mum Karen.He said: “When I was making the money I was, I didn’t appreciate it and was spunking it.“My mum sorted out some property investments. I should’ve done way more. Had she not done that, I’d have nothing now.“I’ve a bit of money to live on but cannot live a lavish lifestyle.”Mum has always looked out for me and out of everyone I’ve upset with my actions she’s the one I regret hurting the most — along with all my family.”Celebration promiseRanger believes he has matured since becoming a dad. He has a three-year-old son Aziel and while he has since split from the mother, insists he prioritises being a good dad.And while the striker knows seventh-tier Kettering is a world away from the level he reached, he still believes he can play in League One or Two.But right now he wants to help the Poppies win promotion this season and help youngsters not make the same mistakes he has as well as inspire criminals serving time to mend their ways.He said: “Prison is supposed to be a place where they rehabilitate you. I didn’t see any of that happening. In fact, jail can make people worse.“I accept I’m not a good football role model — but I am a role model, one who made lots of mistakes, but who can teach people what NOT to do.“I’ve already done a talk to some youngsters at an academy. I’ve been invited to schools and prisons. I’d like to use my experience to help others.“But right now my focus is on enjoying the last part of my career and hopefully creating another FA Cup shock.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Ranger has promised to do one thing on live TV if he scores against Doncaster.He said: “I have a tattoo on my lower lip of a smiley emoji. I am going to run to a TV camera and show my happy lip!”He’s vowed to show off his tattoo if he scores this weekendCredit: Jon BondTV viewers will get a close up view of his ‘happy’ lip tattooCredit: Jon Bond More

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      Conor Benn breaks silence after major breakthrough for hopes of UK boxing return following appeal decision

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      CONOR BENN has broken his silence after his return to British boxing took a giant step towards coming to fruition.Benn – the son of world former champ Nigel – was banned by the British Boxing Board of Control and the National Anti-Doping Panel after failing two drug tests in the build-up to his cancelled clash with Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022.Conor Benn failed two drug tests ahead of his cancelled clash with Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022Credit: GETTYThe NAD lifted Benn’s suspension earlier this month and UKAD and the BBBofC have opted not to appeal the decisionCredit: MATCHROOMBenn took to X shortly after the news broken to shush his detractorsCredit: X@CONORNIGELThe NAD, however, lifted the suspension earlier this month – although both the BBBofC and UKAD had the right to appeal the decision.But both governing bodies have chosen NOT to appeal the decision, paving the way for Conor to fight in the UK for the first time in over two-and-a-half years.And an elated Conor took to X shortly after the news broke, posting a shush emoji in a message to his detractors.Despite the good news, Conor still has one hurdle left to clear before he can box in the UK.READ MORE ON CONOR BENNHe must first successfully apply for a new BBBofC license, which he ripped up in the fallout of his failed tests, to compete on these shores.Alternatively, he could secure a foreign license and obtain board approval to fight here.The World Anti-Doping Agency could, however, scupper a UK return as they have extended deadline of 21 days to appeal the NADP’s ruling.Conor’s positive tests returned traces of the banned female fertility drug clomiphene, which can increase testosterone levels in men.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSConor Benn has fought twice since his failed drug testsCredit: MATCHROOM BOXINGHe vehemently ever denied intentionally taking the substance, which he believes may have entered his system through “contamination”.Conor, who has twice fought in America during the ongoing saga, doubled down on his innocence after the NADP lifted his suspension.He said: “I am thankful that after an incredibly challenging two years the National Anti-Doping Panel has today finally cleared me of any wrongdoing.”The past 24 months have unquestionably been the toughest fight of my life. “”A rollercoaster period within which the WBC had already decided that I was innocent and the NADP decided in the first instance that there was no case to answer and I was free to fight.“As someone who is passionate about boxing and an advocate for clean sport, I hope now that I have been cleared it can be understood why I maintained my innocence so strongly throughout.“As a man of God, I bear no ill will toward UKAD or the British Boxing Board of Control.”We have a shared ambition of a clean sport and I look forward to reconciling with the Board and moving forward together.” More