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    James McClean’s footballer brother under club investigation after online footage circulates of player at New IRA parade

    JAMES McClean’s footballer brother is under investigation at his club after being spotted at a New IRA parade in Derry on Easter Monday. Glentoran Football Club confirmed that it is “aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online” and said the club is “reviewing internally” the widely-circulated clip.Glentoran FC defender Patrick McCleanCredit: David Maginnis/Pacemaker PressFootage of Patrick McClean at the parade in Derry over the weekend has been circulating onlineCredit: Social MediaThe video of defender Patrick ‘Paddy’ McClean seemingly shows him walking in the same direction as a masked colour party made its way from Creggan to Free Derry Corner in the Bogside.During the parade, the PSNI made two arrests and seized items including a van, after officers were attacked with petrol bombs. However, there is no suggestion Paddy McClean was involved in any of the disorder, or was spoken to by police.In a statement, a spokesperson for The Glens said: “Glentoran Football Club is aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online. “The club is fully committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, staff, supporters and the wider community.”The matter is being reviewed internally in line with club policies and no further comment will be made at this time.”It is understood that around 150 people attended the gathering. Some of those taking part are understood to have been wearing masks and paramilitary-style clothing – despite a ban in place following a Parades Commission determination.Most read in FootballSenior officers have condemned the actions of those who caused trouble during the annual parade, which marks the 1916 Easter Rising. PSNI Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said that despite parade organisers’ claims that they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, “what we saw was the complete opposite”.She said: “From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination. “As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm.’UTTERLY SHAMEFUL'”Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street being closed for a time for public safety reasons. “Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls.”This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. “We have no doubt about this.” Read More on The SunThe senior police officer continued: “Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St Joseph’s Place to change out of their parade clothing.”This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful.” More

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    Scott Parker sheds tears in emotional celebration with family as Burnley boss retains hundred per cent promotion record

    SCOTT PARKER broke down in tears within seconds of Burnley winning promotion back to the Premier League. Parker’s side beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf Moor on Easter Monday as the Clarets and Leeds booked their spot in the automatic places.Clarets manager Scott Parker became visibly emotional after Burnley were promotedParker’s side beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf MoorCredit: PAParker was hugged by club captain and double goalscorer Josh Brownhill after becoming emotional at full-timeCredit: PABut later on, Parker’s players threw him into the air in celebrationCredit: GettyIn going up, Parker also maintained his 100 percent record in winning promotion to the English top-flight.The English manager lead Fulham to the glittering heights in 2000 and Bournemouth two years later.Parker only took over at Turf Moor in July from Vincent Kompany and yet has masterminded an incredible season for the Clarets.But all the hard work finally paid off after Josh Brownhill’s double — a clinical 28th-minute strike and a penalty a minute before half-time — took Burnley back up at the first time of asking.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSParker was visibly emotional in the moments after his third Premier League promotion was confirmed, with two games left remaining.He came onto the pitch to celebrate with his side as soon as referee David Webb blew the full time whistle after six long added minutes.And the 44-year-old, understandably, shed tears of joy and relief before hugging club captain Brownhill.The Sky cameras then picked the gaffer up sobbing happy tears with his family up in the stands.Most read in FootballParker went into the stands to share the moment with his familyThe ex-Fulham gaffer was clearly emotionalParker is now aiming to guide Burnley to the titleBurnley beat Sheffield United 2-1 to book their spot in the Premier LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSParker said: “It means everything. We set on a mission to get promoted and there were a lot of ups and down. “It has been nothing short of incredible. So proud of the young group, who have committed and given everything.Burnley pitch invasion marred by unsavoury scenes as Sheffield United star Hamza Choudhury is held back by security”This one feels more special. I’ve had some bumps in the road as a manager. “I decided to take a year out and come in to this knowing there was a big challenge ahead. I’m relieved and happy.”Indeed, he hasn’t had it all easy, after being sacked by both Fulham and Bournemouth in the last few years.The Cottagers sacked the Englishman after they were relegated upon their return, but later sealed an immediate promotion under Marco Silva in 2022/23.Meanwhile, the Cherries stayed in the Prem but axed Parker within a month of him guiding the club there.Asked if the Championship title remains an important motivation this season, he added: “We’re going to go for it. “We’ll enjoy today, but we want to go for the title. That’s exactly our aim.”Meanwhile, Burnley’s promotion celebrations were marred by shocking scenes involving Sheffield United ace Hamza Choudhury.There were huge celebrations at full-time as Burnley fans stormed the pitch to party alongside their players.A Burnley supporter then appeared to goad Choudhury. by celebrating directly in front of him.Elsewhere, Owner Alan Pace paid tribute to the man he appointed in the summer to replace Kompany, who left for Bayern Munich.”I can’t say enough about the job he has done. He has outperformed anything he could have said (when they met),” he said.Read More on The Sun”He is a living legend and he has shown multiple times how to handle this league.”We saw an individual who knew how to not only live the best version of himself, but how to bring that out in others.”Parker spoke to Sky about how proud he wasBurnley fans were treated to immediate promotion after being relegated from the top-flight last seasonBurnley owner Alan Pace paid tribute to ParkerCredit: Rex More

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    Football matches postponed in Italy following death of Pope Francis and Serie A games on Easter Monday called off

    ALL football matches in Italy have been postponed after the passing of Pope Francis.A Serie A statement confirmed the top flight would postpone all games on Easter Monday.The Serie A has postponed all games after the death of Pope FrancisCredit: APAs confirmed by the Vatican on Monday morning, the late Pope passed away at the age of 88.Four top flight games in Italy were scheduled to commence today, starting with Torino v Udinese at 11:30 UK time.A league statement released shortly after the announcement said: “Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today’s league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. “The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe other top flight games affected by the decision today were Cagliari v Fiorentina, Genoa v Lazio and Parma v Juventus.There were also three games in the Primavera 1 – Italy’s development league – which were also hit by the postponements.It is currently unclear when the games will be rearranged.The late Pope had suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was younger.Most read in FootballHe was admitted to hospital on February 14 for a respiratory issue that developed into double pneumonia.His Holiness had been in hospital for 38 days. The day before his death, he had emerged on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in a Popemobile tour.The Vatican statement on Pope Francis’ death said: “At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.” More

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    Leicester 0 Liverpool 1: Reds just one win away from Premier League title after Trent Alexander-Arnold winner

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD might not be around when Liverpool defend their Premier League title. But the Scouse full-back sent his team to the very brink of winning it when he drilled home the late winner which broke Leicester’s resistance and confirmed their relegation. Trent Alexander-Arnold climbed off from the bench to relegate LeicesterCredit: GettyThere was a real ferocity in Alexander-Arnold’s eyes as he celebrated that goalCredit: ReutersThe right-back went absolutely wild after scoring for LiverpoolCredit: ReutersThe Liverpool fans cheered Alexander-Arnold on after their recent fall outCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold was only five minutes into his comeback from injury, replacing Conor Bradley after a five-match absence with an ankle injury, when he drilled home the shot which left the Reds needing just three points from being rubber-stamped as champions. The England defender is expected to join Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season but he took full advantage of this opportunity to celebrate this impending triumph. After thumping shot straight through the previously-excellent Leicester keepers Mads Hermansen, Alexander-Arnold ripped off his shirt and kicked the corner flag before he cavorted in front of the travelling Red Army. There has been much debate among Liverpool fans about whether Alexander-Arnold should have been ditched by Arne Slot for the temerity of wanting to leave Anfield. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut those who followed their team to the King Power were jubilant when he leathered home his 76th-minute shot after a goalmouth scramble. As for Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester, they showed the sort of application which they had required several months as their second relegation in three seasons was confirmed with five games still to go. Only the haplessness of rock-bottom Southampton has spared the Foxes from greater ignominy because this was as their ninth straight home defeat without them managing a single goal – although Conor Coady had a header disallowed and Wilfred Ndidi hit the post.Arsenal’s thumping of Ipswich earlier in the afternoon meant there could be no title party, at least until midweek, and probably not until Liverpool host Tottenham next Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLeicester’s relegation had been all but mathematically confirmed by Wolves winning at Manchester United.But given that Van Nistelrooy’s side hadn’t scored a single Premier League goal at home this year, it was all looking pretty inevitable anyway. Leicester fans spotted streaming out just 35 minutes into Newcastle clash as hopeless Foxes hurtle towards relegationInside three minutes, Luis Diaz released Salah, whose shot cannoned off the inside of both posts. Then a remarkable thing happened – Leicester almost scored, Ndidi drilling a shot against an upright with Alisson rooted.Liverpool broke immediately and this time Salah’s shot was pushed out by an alert Hermansen. In keeping with this underwhelming Prem season, a clash between a team on the cusp of the title and another on the brink of relegation was being played out amid the atmosphere of a pre-season friendly. Liverpool’s supporters were having a nice sing-song in the corner but their team, unimpressive in recent weeks, were struggling to find their true tempo. A bizarre dummy from Coady in his own penalty area allowed Diaz to centre for a Cody Gakpo header which Hermansen kept out – as he did with a Gakpo cross-shot which threatened to loop inside his far post. Then from a Kostas Tsimikas centre, Salah couldn’t keep down his close-range volley with the goal gaping. A plane flew over the stadium, trailing a protest banner reading ‘King Power Clueless, Sack The Board’.Leicester have been relegated from the leagueCredit: PASlot brought him on the 71st minute – five minutes before his goalCredit: APVirgil van Dijk – who signed a new deal during the week – was among the first to celebrate with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: ReutersA plane flew over the stadium, pulling a banner in protest of the Leicester City board which read ‘King Power Clueless Sack the Board’ before kick-offCredit: GettyBut down on terra firma, Leicester were carrying out a passable impression of a competent football team. After the break, Dominik Szoboszlai had a shot repelled by Hermansen and a Diaz effort was blocked. Then Bradley burst forward from right-back and teed up Diaz, who volleyed over at the near post. Slot’s men were doing a better job of pinning back their hosts but there was still no way through – one excellent passing move ending with Hermansen off his line to block a Tsimikas shot. Next, Salah turned his man and curled one past the far post and after an hour the shot count read 19-2 yet the scoreline remained goalless.Slot sent on Diogo Jota in place of Gakpo, while Van Nistelrooy withdrew an anonymous Jamie Vardy and sent on Patson Daka. A Stephy Mavididi back-heel caused Bradley to kick out and earn a booking and soon Leicester did something truly extraordinary – they put the ball in the Liverpool net.Not that Conor Coady’s header counted, due to Daka’s shove on Alisson but for a second or so, Foxes fans felt the bliss of their team scoring at home. Leicester star Jamie Vardy has been relegated for the second time in three seasonsCredit: PATrent hung his shirt on the corner flag at the King Power StadiumRef Stuart Attwell was not endearing himself to the home supporters, turning down a penalty shout for a challenge on Daka, then awarding Liverpool a questionable free-kick outside the Leicester box. After Harvey Elliott arrived as sub, Attwell even things up a bit by refusing to award a corner when the England Under-21 star’s shot took a massive deflection. But then came Alexander-Arnold’s moment. Read More on The SunFrom a Tsimikas corner, Salah headed against the post, then Jota fired against the bar before Alexander-Arnold’s shot finally beat Hermansen.    Facundo Buonanotte screwed a shot wide when well placed but Leicester have gone down by a country mile and Liverpool will soon be crowned champions by a similar distance. 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    ‘I was cut out for it’ – Ben Whittaker opens up on fan backlash after freak ending to Liam Cameron bout ahead of rematch

    BEN WHITTAKER insists he was cut out to take the backlash that came his way in the aftermath of his draw with Liam Cameron. The pair look to settle their score on Easter Sunday in Birmingham – six months on from their controversial draw in Saudi Arabia.Liam Cameron and Ben Whittaker went over the top rope in their first fightCredit: GettyWhittaker was unable to continueCredit: ReutersIn Riyadh, the bout prematurely went to the judges scorecards after five rounds when the pair went over the top rope.Injured Whittaker was unable to continue – with many feeling Cameron was on the road to an upset.Whittaker – who divides opinion with his showboating in the ring – was accused of QUITTING by some supporters. But he told Sky Sports: “If the stick hits you, you are not cut out for it. Luckily, I was cut out for it.READ MORE IN BOXING”People talk about me because I am that guy, people say a lot of things about me because I am that guy.”I am supposed to be that guy so they’re talking for a reason.”Cameron, 34, claimed Whittaker, 27, deliberately pulled himself over the top rope. And Whittaker sarcastically added: “People saw what they saw, some people believe that happened and some people didn’t.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But all I know is he ended up on top of me and I got injured. [Cameron] is very calculated about it, it’s very nice, but at the end of the day it’s a good job I’ve been doing gymnastics this time so if it does happen I can land on my feet.”The usually-outspoken Whittaker went radio silent after the controversial draw – later switching trainers to Andy Lee in Ireland. Sam Eggington faces off with Lee Cutler ahead of fight And amid the fan backlash, he said: “I came from humble beginnings and I’m in a position now where I can change their lives, which is the best thing ever.”That’s what’s really grounding me and what makes me want to work hard. “That is what makes me not cut corners because where I’m from in the Midlands you don’t really get given much, you have to go and get it yourself. That’s what I do.”Controversy has also surrounded the rematch too.Cameron revealed he was sent a contract for a 12-round bout while Whittaker’s was for ten.Promoter Ben Shalom appeared to suggest the dispute had been resolved via financial compensation towards Cameron.But the former Commonwealth middleweight champion – now up at light-heavyweight – hit back to say no agreement had been reached.Read More on The SunHe posted online: “Boxxer have my terms to accept to change the fight to 10 rounds but they are refusing to send me a contract to vary the deal and are trying to suggest they can change the rounds without a contract. “Going into fight week not knowing how many rounds I’m fighting is a joke for me and for my opponent. As I post this it’s still a 12 round fight.” Whittaker and Cameron ahead of their rematchCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace shows off her curves in number of tiny bikinis on holiday

    COLE PALMER’s girlfriend Connie Grace has turned heads with her stunning holiday outfits. Connie, 22, is currently enjoying a sun-drenched Easter break to Montego Bay, Jamaica.Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace is enjoying the Caribbean sunCredit: INSTAGRAM @conniegrace_The 22-year-old hit up the beach under sun-drenched skiesCredit: INSTAGRAM @conniegrace_She also headed off on a river cruise with a cocktailCredit: INSTAGRAM @conniegrace_Grace and the Chelsea star went public last NovemberCredit: instagram @conniegrace_The Manchester-born blonde stunned in a series of bikini snaps as she posed on sun-kissed beaches in the Caribbean. Connie and Cole, 22, went public last November at the GQ Men of the Year Award.And the influencer documented her trip of a lifetime to a legion of 36,000 Instagram fans. Connie hit the beach for cocktails under bright blue skies, rocking a barely-there blue bikini.READ MORE ON WAGSShe later headed up river for a relaxing cruise, stopping off at a bar en route. Connie captioned the snaps: “Montego bae.”One fan responded in the comment section: “You look amazing.”Another said: “The best ever.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile a third joked: “I liked this before Cole does!”And a fourth wrote: “Don’t listen to impolite comments, you two are a perfect couple!”Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges Palmer, 22, and Connie met when they were both 17 years old.But they only went public with their relationship just before Christmas.Palmer, who cost Chelsea £42.5mllion from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, has endured a rough 2025. He has not scored for the Blues since January 14, a run that now stretches to 14 games across all competitions. Opening up on their relationship in a recent documentary, Connie said: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.”Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”When you know how much someone wants something and you know that’s someone’s dream, you just feel so proud.Palmer and Connie first went public at the GQ Mens AwardsCredit: Splash”Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17.”Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Cole will adapt to whatever situation he’s in. He’s not bothered that he’s that far from home because all he wants to do is play football. Read More on The Sun”If it means leaving home and being in a place which is completely different to where he’s from, he’ll do it.”He’s not bothered about the whole fame side of it and he’s not bothered what people think of him.The influencer boasts almost 80,000 followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @conniegrace_ More

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    Liam Cameron blasts Ben Whittaker contract row as a ‘joke’ but promoters insist dispute over rounds is resolved

    LIAM CAMERON and Ben Whittaker’s team STILL look to be at odds over how many rounds their rematch will be fought over.The two are set to meet on Easter Sunday in Birmingham – six months on from their bizarre draw in Saudi Arabia. Liam Cameron and Ben Whittaker’s team are still in dispute ahead of their rematchCredit: ReutersBut controversy has also surrounded the rematch after a stunning dispute over how many rounds the bout will be contested over. Cameron was sent a contract for 12 rounds – while Whittaker’s team are preparing for ten – the same terms as the original fight. Promoter Ben Shalom of Boxxer spoke out to suggest the dispute had been resolved by means of financial compensation. But on the Monday of fight week – six days before the scheduled bout – Cameron contradicted Shalom’s comments. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe posted online: “Boxxer have my terms to accept to change the fight to 10 rounds but they are refusing to send me a contract to vary the deal and are trying to suggest they can change the rounds without a contract. “Going into fight week not knowing how many rounds I’m fighting is a joke for me and for my opponent. As I post this it’s still a 12 round fight.” In another twist, the British Boxing Board of Control – sanctioning the bout – told BoxingScene the fight was scheduled for ten rounds. BBBoc’s Robert Smith said: “As things stand it’s 10 rounds. But I haven’t seen any contracts.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSShalom also added: “10 – confirmed with the Board and communicated to all parties.”The fight in Riyadh prematurely went to the judges scorecards after five rounds when the pair went over the top rope.Injured Whittaker was unable to continue – with many feeling Cameron was on the road to an upset.Whittaker and Cameron went over the top rope in their first fight which ended a drawCredit: Getty More

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    ‘This is everything for me’ – Liam Cameron out to snatch Ben Whittaker’s ‘stardom’ from him in bitter rematch

    LIAM CAMERON is out to snatch Ben Whittaker’s stardom in their bitter rematch.The pair look to settle their score on Easter Sunday in Birmingham – six months on from their controversial draw in Saudi Arabia. Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron ahead of their rematchCredit: GettyIn Riyadh, the bout prematurely went to the judges scorecards after five rounds when the pair went over the top rope.Injured Whittaker was unable to continue – with many feeling Cameron was on the road to an upset. Already Cameron won over a legion of fans with his humble approach compared to cocksure showboater Whittaker. And Cameron told Ariel Helwani: “This is life-changing for me. This is mega, mega-stardom for me in my own head. This is everything for me. READ MORE IN BOXING”This is, in a way, life or death in boxing. Do you know what it is? It’s one fight at a time [but] this is how much I want to win this fight — if I could win [just] one more [fight] in my life, and lose every single one of them [after that], it’d be this one.”Whittaker was accused of QUITTING after being pulled out before the halfway mark.And Cameron said: “I can remember thinking, I’m going to start [going through the gears], he’s unraveling — I’m going to stop him. “So I [stepped on the] gas a bit and hit him with some body shots, and he fell off balance, and he’s falling [onto] me. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Then he’s hitting me low, he’s holding a lot, he’s spitting his gum shield out, and [the fall out of the ring] just happened so fast.”It’s like when you’re having a hard spar sometimes, it’s horrible, [isn’t] it? And you’re tired — and that’s what it [was] like for Ben. Ben Shalom suggests Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron contract row has been fixed after ‘expensive’ mistake “He didn’t want [any] part [of the fight], his emotions got to him, he [was] looking all over. “I study body language and stuff — I watched everything of that fight, and he [was] like a rabbit in the headlights. Even in [the] corner, he got [the] shock of his life.”Controversy has also surrounded the rematch too. Cameron revealed he was sent a contract for a 12-round bout while Whittaker’s was for ten. Promoter Ben Shalom appeared to suggest the dispute had been resolved via financial compensation towards Cameron. But the former Commonwealth middleweight champion – now up at light-heavyweight – hit back to say no agreement had been reached. Opening up on the paperwork gaff, Cameron said: “What happened is we signed for a 12-round contract.”When I [was] signing, I thought, ‘This is a bit strange.’ [Whittaker was] tired after five [rounds] the last time, and this is [for] a 12, it [doesn’t] make sense.”Then obviously, a week later, it happened. [Promoter BOXXER was] saying, ‘Can we do 10 [rounds]? There’s been a mishap [with the contract], and will Liam do a 10 [round fight] now?’ And we’ve been saying no.”It remains unclear whether the dispute has been resolved or not. But regardless, Cameron said: “I’ve [now] got confidence in myself. “It can’t be every time that people are having bad performances, they’re [taking] me lightly. It was the same with [Arthur] before Ben. “He [supposedly] took me lightly. I [was] there to get beat both times, stopped, and looked good against.”But I’ve been boxing [for] years. I’ve done everything as an amateur apart from [going to the] Olympic Games. “I [was] on the GB podium [squad], and I turned it down and went pro. I’ve got pedigree, I am a good fighter. “I am, it’s been proven now. I just don’t like the fact that people [are] saying, ‘Oh, it’s an off night.'”That [was] Ben’s time to look good in Saudi. He had a fight penciled in for December, headlining in America. “There’s no way he took me lightly. He [wasn’t] showboating or anything — that’s all excuses. How long ago was that? “[Was] that four years ago [the 2020 Olympics — which took place in 2021]? That form is gone now. Read More on The Sun”[It’s been] four years [since Whittaker was] fighting at [the] elite level. He’s had shoulder injuries, he’s not boxed the best people. “What’s he done in [those] four years of boxing professionally?”Whittaker and Cameron went over the top rope in their first fight which ended a drawCredit: Getty More