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      Marcus Rashford takes up new sport to keep in top condition for Man Utd

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      FOOTBALLER Marcus Rashford is fighting fit — after taking up boxing and mixed martial arts.The Manchester United and England striker, 27, has been working out in a boxing gym.Marcus Rashford is taking up martial arts to get in peak conditionCredit: GettyHe has also had sessions with a trainer who specialises in Muay Thai, a form of martial arts favoured by cage fighters.Rashford was left out of the England squad for this month’s Nations League games. Instead, he went to New York and watched a UFC cage fight and basketball game.A source said: “Marcus has really started to get into fighting in recent years. READ MORE MARCUS RASHFORD“He’s always enjoyed watching boxing with his mates but he’s also developed an interest in MMA as the sport has become more popular.“The club know and have no problem with it.“They just think it’s great extra fitness training.”Rashford is hoping to win the favour of new head coach Ruben Amorim, who backed his recent trip to New York.Most read in FootballThe Manchester United forward is looking to impress his new bossCredit: PAHow Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change More

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      Glenn Hoddle reveals dramatic football match which kick-started his heart problems

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      GLENN Hoddle says the dramatic end to England’s World Cup qualifiers against Italy in 1997 kick-started his heart problems.As manager he led the Three Lions to the 0-0 draw in Rome which secured their place in the finals in France 98 — but they nearly missed out in the final seconds.Former England manager Glen Hoddle says the dramatic end to England’s World Cup qualifiers against Italy in 1997 kick-started his heart problemsCredit: Getty – ContributorHoddle, 67, went into cardiac arrest on a BT Sport show in October 2018Credit: GettyMoments after England striker Ian Wright hit the post, Italy’s Christian Vieri flashed a header inches past the upright.Hoddle, 67, who went into cardiac arrest on a BT Sport show in October 2018, thought it was a certain goal.He told a football podcast he felt like his “heart jumped out of his body”, went boom and he came out in what he called the “biggest sweat”.Hoddle said: “If I’m behind it, I can see it’s going wide, but David Seaman just stopped. He just stood there. This ball, it flies by the net and it goes out.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said his heart went “boom” and he came out in the “biggest sweat”, adding: “To this day that is the moment where I think I had a heart problem and I didn’t know anything about it.“Then they found out I had AF which is an aerial fibrillation and I think it stemmed from that moment.Former England defender Gary Neville, who also appeared on the podcast, joked that Wright’s miss was “attempted murder” because it led to Hoddle’s heart attack.Wright laughed before saying: “It’s not my fault”.Most read in FootballHoddle added: “Boom, it went out and I remember going down the tunnel cos we’re all elated because we’re going to the World Cup and thinking to myself ‘Do I say something to the doctor? And to be honest I just went ‘Nah, C’mon, we’re celebrating, we’re going to the World Cup’.“Looking back I think that was the lead into my fibrillation and maybe whatever happened to me six years ago. It is stressful that technical bench.”Hoddle said ‘I never want to be put in that position again’ after ‘awkward’ call from Man Utd icon Sir Alex FergusonHoddle collapsed on his 61st birthday while working as a pundit for BT Sport.Luckily sound engineer Simon Daniels had recently completed a first aid course and jumped into action, breaking seven of the legend’s ribs as he performed CPR.His actions kept him alive for long enough for Hoddle to be rushed to hospital for open heart surgery at St Bart’s hospital in London.Simon later said: “I could tell Glenn was seriously unwell. Just being able to do CPR and do it quickly, you give someone that chance of making it.”Hoddle joked that Simon’s actions had given him “extra time”, but didn’t want to go to penalties.In May, Hoddle launched a campaign by the British Heart Foundation and Sky Bet which is aiming to encourage more than a quarter of a million people to learn CPR.More than 30,000 people suffer heart attacks outside of hospital every year, with fewer than one in ten surviving. More

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      ‘Smitten’ England ace Trent Alexander-Arnold dating stunning Instagram model months after split from Jude Law’s daughter

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      ENGLAND ace Trent Alexander-Arnold is dating an Instagram model months after his split from Jude Law’s daughter.The Liverpool star has even whisked 23-year-old influencer Estelle Behnke on a £6,000-a-night getaway.Footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold and Estlle Behnke were seen together at celeb haunt Cibo in Hale, CheshireCredit: mancpicss66Estelle on her InstagramCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeThey were seen together days ago as they enjoyed a 2½-hour meal at celeb haunt Cibo in Hale, Cheshire.Earlier in the day, the £180,000-per-week footballer was seen visiting Christmas markets in Manchester’s city centre.Trent, 26, had been called up to the England squad for the latest Nations League matches, but withdrew on Monday due to injury.Last month, he and Estelle took a romantic trip to the five-star Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEagle-eyed fans noticed the pair had tagged themselves in separate posts from the private members’ club.A source told The Sun: “It’s very early days but they are officially dating — they seem really into each other. Trent hasn’t been single long and is enjoying spending time with Estelle.“They’re just really enjoying each other’s company and seem quite smitten.”Trent started liking Estelle’s Instagram posts from her jet-set lifestyle on October 17, a month after his split from model and actress Iris Law — the daughter of Jude and actress Sadie Frost.Most read in FootballThey had dated for five months after meeting on a Guess Jeans photoshoot.A pal insisted there is “no bad blood” between Iris and Real Madrid target Trent, but added: “Being a Wag was never really going to be her bag.”Roy Keane says ‘looked like he’d never played right-back’ in savage criticism of England star Trent Alexander-ArnoldTrent’s new fling comes a month after his split from model and actress Iris lawCredit: Dan CharityThe defender has been heavily linked to Real MadridCredit: Alamy More

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      Andy Carroll caught sneaking back into £8.5m mansion by estranged wife Billi Mucklow leaving her fuming

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      FOOTIE star Andy Carroll was caught by his estranged wife sneaking into his former home.The ex-Liverpool striker, 35, waited until Billi Mucklow had left before slipping in — but home security cameras alerted her to his movements via her phone.Footballer Andy Carroll was caught by his estranged wife Billi Mucklow sneaking into his former homeCredit: InstagramAndy with new love, celebrity make-up artist Lou Teasdale, 42Credit: GettyBilli Mucklow watched from her phone as Andy snuck back into their homeCredit: CLICK NEWS AND MEDIAIt comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed that the couple had split earlier this year and are selling their £8.5million six-bed Essex mansion, previously owned by Sir Rod Stewart.Billi, 36, also told pals she is angry at how quickly Andy — now with French club Bordeaux — has moved on with celebrity make-up artist Lou Teasdale, 42.A pal revealed: “Since the split, Andy had agreed to stay away from the house but sneaked in while she was out — leaving Billi fuming.“Even though he owns the house, she doesn’t expect him to just turn up when he wants now that he’s left her.READ MORE ON ANDY CARROLL“It seems he wanted to collect some belongings but he didn’t tell her.“But he was busted the moment he entered the property as Billi was alerted to his movements on their home CCTV, connected to her phone.”She hadn’t realised he was back from France and was understandably shocked and upset.“She watched the whole thing unfold on her phone.Most read in FootballA sleeping Andy Carroll next to bar manager Taylor Jane Wilkey after a wild night of partying days before he was due to wed BilliAndy and Billi got engaged in 2014, before finally marrying eight years laterCredit: Instagram/@billimucklowShe felt it was sneaky.” Andy, who has a £19million fortune, has been seen with Lou in London and Majorca.The insider added: “Billi just thinks it’s disrespectful to be flaunting his new romance so openly.”Andy and Billi got engaged in 2014, before finally marrying eight years later.Billi’s fury over Carroll’s girlThe wedding was almost off after a picture emerged of Andy passed out in bed with two women on his Dubai stag do.The pair have three kids aged nine, six, and four. Andy also has two, aged 15 and 14, from a previous relationship.The Sun on Sunday approached him for comment. More

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      Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about it

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      SHAMED ref David Coote sent messages arranging a drugs party just before a key game where he was officiating — and even during the half-time break.A pal said they were shocked at Coote’s behaviour around last month’s Spurs Man City Carabao Cup clash, where he was fourth official.David Coote was fourth official at last month’s Spurs vs Man City Carabao Cup clashCredit: ReutersCoote sent messages arranging a drugs party in a Travelodge for after the cup gameCredit: XFootage has emerged of Coote sniffing white powder in a hotel at Euro 2024Credit: APShamed ref David Coote sniffing white powder in a hotel at Euros 2024The 42-year-old was suspended this week for a foul-mouthed rant about Jurgen Klopp before footage emerged of him sniffing white powder in a hotel at Euro 2024.We can now reveal that Coote tried to arrange a drugs party in a Travelodge for after the cup game at Spurs on October 30.He booked the room at 7.38pm, just 37 minutes before the game was due to start, and sent a booking notification to someone else at 8.04pm, perilously close to kick-off.Coote then took his spot on the touchline before messaging his pal at the break, saying “hope you’re getting ready” to meet.Read more on David CooteThe friend, who was watching the match in disbelief on the TV, told The Sun: “On the day of the game he was messaging me repeatedly and wanting a drugs party after he’d finished at Spurs.“He didn’t book the Travelodge until just before kick-off, then sent a notification 11 minutes from the game starting. It was crazy.“City striker Erling Haaland was on the bench, so I was watching them on TV pretty much side by side.”And moments before and afterwards he sent me messages.Most read in Football“When he messaged me at half-time I thought it was so surreal.”Surely he should have been concentrating on the game, not arranging drugs parties.”Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024To Coote’s fury, the party never even happened. The pal said: “I didn’t feel like meeting up in the end so told him I couldn’t make it.”He went mad and asked for the £73.99 total booking fee back.”Uefa yesterday opened an investigation after we revealed footage of wide-eyed Coote snorting powder while on duty at the Euros.He was already suspended by refs’ governing body PGMOL after he was filmed calling then-Liverpool boss Klopp a “German c***”.The PGMOL has been approached for comment.Footage showed a wide-eyed Coote snorting powder while on duty’No plans to test officials’PREMIER League referees do not face mandatory drugs testing, it emerged last night.Footballers and other sportspeople are subject to testing — anytime and anywhere — under the World Anti-Doping Authority code.But it does not mention match officials, who are classed as “athlete support personnel”.Despite ref David Coote’s powder video, The Sun understands there are no plans for future testing. More

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      BBC staff fear MOTD will go woke after ruined Football Focus was geared towards ‘snowflakes and millennials’

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      RANK and file staff at the BBC fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go woke — just like much-mocked Football Focus.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.BBC staff fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go wokeCredit: GettyAlex Kay-Jelski, who became the BBC’s Director of Sport seven months agoInstead, under Alex Kay-Jelski who became Director of Sport seven months ago, they could be replaced by online influencers and celebrities.That has happened on sister show Football Focus, with core viewers complaining it is being geared more towards “millennials and snowflakes”.A BBC insider said: “The hope would be to draw in younger, new audiences — but the danger is they end up alienating their current viewers and driving them away.“Everyone expects there to be some changes but they don’t want to have MOTD left unrecognisable just because of the whims of a handful of executives.READ MORE ON MATCH OF THE DAY“They want experts on the show who have some genuine expertise and experience, not amateurs who are brought on for their star appeal or online pulling power.“But with change at the top, there’s the concern that the BBC will take the chance to make a major overhaul.”The Sun exclusively revealed on Tuesday that ex-England captain Gary, 63, was leaving as the show’s frontman after 25 years.Yesterday it emerged that bosses wanted Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers to take turns as host, but Chappers is against the idea. MOTD this year celebrated its 60th birthday while Football Focus has been screened on Saturday afternoons since 1974.Most read in FootballHowever, it has been derided due to some of the stars featured.These include Love Island’s Jordan Mainoo-Hames interviewing players, and actors Will Mellor and Ralf Little who appeared together in BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsFormer Lioness Alex Scott took over as host of the show in 2021.By last year it had lost a third of its viewers in the space of four years, leaving some fearing the Beeb may end up axing it.Previous presenter Dan Walker said at the time: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling. I loved it growing up and it was an honour to host it and I still miss it.“We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.” More

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      Fresh heartache for George Baldock’s family over late defender’s official cause of death

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      THE family of football star George Baldock faced fresh heartache yesterday over his official cause of death.They were told it could be months before they know for sure what killed the Panathinaikos defender last month.Football ace George was found dead in his swimming pool at his villa in AthensCredit: ReutersSheffield United players paid tribute to their former starCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old former Sheffield United player was found dead in his swimming pool at his villa in Athens.A report detailing toxicology and histology results will be prepared but is unlikely to be ready until the new year.Dr Grigoris Leon, of the Hellenic Society of Forensic Medicine, said: “The release of official findings could take months.“There are only five people with the expertise to conduct microscopic tests in Greece.READ MORE ON GEORGE BALDOCK“The cause of his death is very likely to have been pathological and related to the heart.”Baldock, who signed for Panathinaikos in the summer, was repatriated to the UK and laid to rest a week ago.Mourners included former England midfielder Dele Ali.Baldock, known to fans as Furious George due to his all-action playing style, made over 200 appearances for the Blades.Most read in FootballHe also won 12 caps for Greece.England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31The family of football star George Baldock faced fresh heartache over his official cause of deathCredit: Getty More

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      David Coote booted off Uefa match list and facing sack after vid of him calling Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’ leaked

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      DAVID COOTE has been booted off UEFA’S match list as the fallout grows from his astonishing video rant at Jürgen Klopp.The Premier League ref faces the sack after being captured on film calling the former Liverpool boss a “German c***” among other things.He admitted the viral video of him slamming Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool is of himCredit: XDavid Coote has been booted off of Uefa’s match list following the leaking of his Jurgen Klopp rant videoCredit: ReutersDavid Coote takes on the fourth official role at the San Siro for a Champions League gameCredit: AlamyHe was immediately suspended by his bosses at the PGMOL and now Europe’s governing body are taking similarly strong action.Coote is a VAR specialist for Uefa and was involved in Champions League action only last week when Dutch side PSV Eindhoven beat Girona 4-0 on November 4.Coote was down to work at one of Uefa’s Nations League games taking place during this current international round of fixtures.  But he has now been removed.RAD MORE IN FOOTBALLEurope’s refereeing chiefs have followed their English counterparts and Coote will not be appointed to any UEFA matches for the foreseeable future.The PGMOL have launched an investigation into the sensational footage which emerged online on Monday afternoon.Coote is seen sitting with a male friend also labelling Klopp an “arrogant c***”.Coote has not denied the authenticity of the footage but says he “cannot recall” recording the footage which is several years old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe goes on to dismiss Liverpool as ‘s***’ and says he had  ‘no interest in speaking to somebody as f****** arrogant’. I do my best not to speak to him. My God… German c***. F*** me.”Coote has history with ex Liverpool boss Klopp.They clashed after Burnley drew at Anfield in July 2020 when the football season was extended due to COVID.Coote was criticised as being too lenient. Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantKlopp said at the time: “The referee let lots of challenges go.”Nottinghamshire official Coote’s career as an official faces ruin as his comments about Liverpool and Klopp will be viewed as evidence that he had an axe to grind with the Anfield club.Coote, a Prem ref since 2018, has been involved in a number of controversies involving Liverpool and their title rivals as both a referee and VAR over recent seasons.That includes a Marcus Rashford goal way back in 2019 which saw Divock Origi seemingly fouled in the build-up – but VAR Coote did not intervene.He was also at Stockley Park when Jordan Pickford crunched Virgil van Dijk, rupturing the Liverpool defender’s ACL – but again Coote did not step in as the Reds did not even get a penalty.And he was once again the VAR when he denied Klopp’s side a penalty last season despite a clear handball from Martin Odegaard at Anfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESA PGMOL statement on Monday said: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.”PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”Coote insists he does not remember making the comments about KloppCredit: ReutersShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.” More