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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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      in Soccer

      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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      in Soccer

      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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      in Soccer

      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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      in Boxing

      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

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      in Boxing

      Former world champion reveals he was pulled over by police and drug tested after eating HULA HOOPS at the wheel

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      BRITISH boxing legend Nigel Benn has revealed he was drug tested by police after eating HULA HOOPS as he drove his car.Benn, the father of welterweight contender Conor, decided to eat the beloved crisps as he drove his motor last weekend.British boxing legend Nigel Benn was recently stopped by police as he drove his carCredit: REXBenn – the dad of Brit star Conor – was stopped as he began swerving in the road as he ate Hula HoopsCredit: PAThe former WBC super-middleweight champion ended up being drug tested by coppersCredit: INSTAGRAM@NIGELBENNOFFICIALBut his wheelside scoffing caused him to start swerving in the road, so much so that the police decided to pull him over.And the coppers quickly gave the former WBC super-middleweight champion a roadside drug test.Nigel, 60, wasn’t under the influence of drink or drugs and passed the tests with flying colours.’The Dark Destroyer’ saw the funny side of the situation, so much so that he posted a photo of him being drug tested to his Instagram.READ MORE BOXING NEWSHis accompanying caption, which included several laughing emojis, read: “Got a drugs test on the weekend because I was swerving while eating Hula Hoops”[The] moral of the story ‘DON’T EAT HULA HOOPS WHILE DRIVING.'”Hundreds of Nigel’s fans flooded the post’s comment section, with one writing: “No way!?”Another said: “Hula Hoops are made for Walkers.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS10 Sep 1993: Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank trade blows during a bout. Mandatory Credit: Holly Stein /AllsportCredit: GettyAnd another said: “Tested positive for being cool as AF.”One remarked: “What flavour?”Four Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991Another chimed in: “Flavour?”Nigel has been an ever-present in son Conor’s boxing career, which was derailed two years ago after he failed two drug tests ahead of his family grudge match bout with Chris Eubank Jr.And Conor, who this month had his suspension lifted by the UK National Anti-Doping Panel, has claimed negotiations for his domestic dust-up with Eubank Jr – the son of his dad’s former rival Chris Eubank Sr – are underway.He told Sky Sports: “I believe negotiations have started.”It’s been very turbulent in terms of me going through what I was going through, in terms of the legal case.Conor Benn is in negotiations to fight rival Chris Eubank Jr – the son of dad Nigel’s bitter rival Chris Eubank SrCredit: GETTY”But now that that’s cleared, negotiations are on the way.”In my opinion, it’s one of the biggest British domestic fights in history.”I don’t think two fathers and two sons have ever fought [like this]. It’s about history. It’s about legacy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s the fight the public want. “It’s been two years and I don’t think I’ve slipped from people’s minds for good or bad over the past two years.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Sergio Perez opens up on overwhelming SMELL at Las Vegas Grand Prix that ‘all the F1 drivers will talk about’

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      FORMULA ONE star Sergio Perez has complained of a “very noticeable” SMELL in Las Vegas ahead of the Grand Prix.The Red Bull driver is in Sin City ahead of the Vegas GP on Sunday.Sergio Perez has opened up on the smell that has been wreaking havoc at the Las Vegas GPPerez claimed he was tired of the weed smell around the Vegas circuitPerez revealed that all F1 drivers will talk about the strong scent of WEED in the Nevada desert.Speaking after his second free practice session, Perez said: “What is very noticeable around the circuit is the smell of marijuana throughout the night.”I’m a bit tired of it already — the amount is incredible. It’s something all the drivers will definitely talk about.”Unlike the UK, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in the state of Nevada.READ MORE ON F1Fans attending the race are banned from bringing drugs to the 3.8-mile circuit, but it seems that’s not been enough to clear the air.Fellow driver Franco Colapinto took note of the scent as well.The Williams ace joked: Yes, there was a smell of weed.”If they dope the drivers now, I think we’ll all test positive, I swear – when we all test positive, there will be a mess.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs expected, cannabis is a prohibited substance for F1 drivers as part of the FIA Anti-Doping Regulations from the sport’s governing body.While fans attending the Grand Prix will be following suit, Jade – a cannabis dispensary – is situated a few miles from the racetrack.Monaco Grand Prix hit by RED FLAG after horrific first-lap crash tears Sergio Perez’s F1 car in halfThe shop even specifically markets itself to F1, with a statement on their website reading: “For the Las Vegas Formula 1 event attendees, the experience can be elevated with cannabis.”Rival chains last year also capitalised on F1’s arrival by offering discounted weed to locals affected by road closures and heavy noise.On track, Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton seemed to be unperturbed by Vegas’ scent as he topped both Friday’s practice sessions.The Vegas GP debuted last year, with Max Verstappen winning the inaugural race.Reigning three-time champ Verstappen can wrap up a fourth successive title with another victory on a track he won last year.The conditions for practice have carried a bad smellVegas is the third last race of the 2024 season🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More