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      in Soccer

      Hippy crack footballer’s transfer breaks down after more clubs start testing aces for laughing gas

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      TOP football clubs have started testing players for nitrous oxide use, with a growing number addicted to the “laughing gas” drug.Teams are noticing huge differences in the expected lung capacity of players and how they can actually perform.
      One footballer saw his transfer collapse after signs that his nervous system was ravaged by his use of laughing gas was found (stock image)Credit: Getty
      Top football clubs have started testing players for nitrous oxide useCredit: Alamy
      One player set to sign for a ­second-tier Championship club saw the deal collapse after doctors carrying out his medical discovered signs that his nervous system was ravaged by his use of the gas.
      The revelations come days after The Sun revealed that a Premier League star was in rehab for addiction to nitrous oxide, also known as “hippy crack”.
      His usage came to light when a car he was travelling in was stopped by police who found dozens of canisters.
      His family alerted the club and a medical intervention was made.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Dozens of Premier League stars, including England internationals, are known to be regular users of the drug — with many wrongly believing that it is harmless.
      But long-term use can reduce the body’s levels of Vitamin B12 — essential for nerve function.
      It was criminalised last November in a government crackdown and is now a Class C drug, in the same category as cannabis.
      One Prem player spent £10,000 on laughing gas canisters for a recent birthday party. And now clubs are testing for nitrous oxide abuse when carrying out medicals.
      Most read in Football
      A source said: “One player was massively addicted. He was with a club and during a fitness test they said the nerves in his legs were f****d.
      ‘Hippy crack’ laughing gas to be BANNED in major clampdown on ‘scourge’ of anti-social behaviour
      “He admitted he was doing loads of balloons and they got rid of him.
      “His agent got him into another club for a trial and they were keen to sign him.
      “But when they carried out his medical they basically said ‘You’re an addict’ and ended their interest. He’s now without a club.”
      Other players have been questioned by medical teams after their legs twitched uncontrollably while they were being treated for other injuries.
      Another source said: “It’s an absolutely massive problem, which clubs are only just starting to understand and get a grip on.
      “Players think they can get away with it because it doesn’t show up in drug tests and until recently it wasn’t illegal, but some are addicts and it’s having a hugely negative effect on their health and their careers.”
      In 2022 doctors warned they were seeing increased numbers of patients with neurological injuries caused by laughing gas including spinal cord and nerve damage.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Sport science professor and former FA performance head John Brewer warned of the impact that it could have on players.
      He said of the drug: “If you’re a top-level footballer trying to make skilful movements and pass a ball effectively, you don’t want your nerves to be damaged in any way because you need that peripheral ability to sense movements.”
      PREM STAR DRUG RIDEAmir Razavi & Richard Moriarty
      A PREMIER League rising star has been fined after he was caught inhaling laughing gas while driving.
      Man City defender Jamal Baptiste, 20, remained stationary at traffic lights in his VW Polo for about a minute after they turned green.
      He was seen inhaling the balloons with a pal in Dagenham, East London, on July 7 last year.
      He pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and was given six penalty points and a £1,000 fine by magistrates at Bromley, South ­London. He also had to pay a £400 victim surcharge plus costs of £110.
      It comes a week after The Sun revealed that a Premier League star was receiving rehab treatment for addiction to nitrous oxide.
      Baptiste is a former West Ham ­centre-back once billed as the next Rio Ferdinand by the club’s former striker Carlton Cole.
      Last May the club reportedly offered Baptiste a new deal but slashed his wages due to issues off the pitch.
      He moved to Man City on a free transfer in September. He is described on the club website as “an athletic and technically gifted defender who featured twice for West Ham while representing England at youth level.” More

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      in Soccer

      Harry Maguire’s Greek retrial for assault and bribery shelved for over a year – and may never go ahead

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      HARRY Maguire’s retrial for assault and bribery has been shelved for more than a year — and may never go ahead. The England and Manchester United centre-back was due to plead his innocence this week at a long-awaited hearing on the Greek island of Mykonos. 
      Harry Maguire’s Greek retrial for assault and bribery may never go aheadCredit: Getty
      Maguire spent two nights in a cell after an altercation on a night outCredit: The Mega Agency
      But a legal strike saw it postponed and lawyers say it will now not take place until March next year at the earliest.
      Officials are now said to be reluctant to pursue the case amid fears it has damaged the island’s reputation and harmed tourism. 
      The move to postpone the case prolongs the ordeal for the ace who has vowed to clear his name after his shock arrest in summer 2020. 
      A source said: “Harry has — and always will — contest the charges.
      READ MORE ON HARRY MAGUIRE
      “He was on holiday with friends and family and was understandably distraught. He doesn’t want this hanging over him another day but respects the Greek legal system.” 
      Maguire, 30, was held by police and spent two nights in a cell after an altercation on a night out. 
      He was hauled into court days later and his lawyers were given just two hours to prepare a case. 
      Crucial evidence was withheld from the trial and Maguire was found guilty of bodily harm, attempted bribery and violence.
      Most read in Football
      The footie hero, who has won 62 caps for the Three Lions, got a suspended jail term of 21 months. 
      Maguire’s lawyers immediately lodged an appeal — quashing the original verdict — and vowed to return to court to clear his name. 
      Luke Littler takes on Harry Maguire in incredible darts challenge as fans say Man Utd star should ‘switch careers’
      The player later told how the ordeal unfolded as he, his wife Fern, sister Daisy and six others waited for a taxi.
      He said two Albanian men approached Daisy and tried to talk to her. 
      Fern said she then saw Daisy’s eyes had rolled back as she drifted in and out of consciousness.
      Maguire said the group shouted at the men but there was no fight.
      Harry Maguire spoke to the BBC’s sports editor Dan Roan in 2020Credit: BBC
      Harry Maguire during his infamous 2020 interview about the Mykonos brawl
      Harry (right) with sister Daisy Maguire in MykonosCredit: Refer to CaptionHARRY MAGUIRE MYKONOS BATTLE TIMELINE More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish poses with £25,000 protection dog after terrifying gang raid at Man City star’s home

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      ENGLAND ace Jack Grealish poses with his £25,000 Belgian Malinois protection dog in a “show of strength” after his burglary ordeal.The star, also seen with cockapoo Skye, wrote “My two babies” next to the online pic, adding a heart emoji.
      Jack Grealish poses with his £25,000 Belgian Malinois protection dog in a ‘show of strength’ after his burglary ordeal.Credit: Instagram
      Jack and fiancée Sasha Attwood were targeted when a gang struck on Boxing Day as he played away for Manchester CityCredit: Instagram
      We told how Jack and fiancée Sasha Attwood lost £1m of gems when a gang struck on Boxing Day as he played away for Manchester City.
      He bought two Belgian Malinois last year from security firm Chaperone K9.
      Cops have yet to catch the gang who raided the Cheshire home while ten family members were watching Jack’s match on TV.
      A source said: “Jack and his family were left traumatised following the raid, but they won’t let it defeat them.
      MORE ON FOOTBALLER RAIDS
      “Jack and Sasha had only just moved in and are looking forward to building a life there.
      “It’s difficult for them knowing that the culprits haven’t been caught yet and may never face justice, but they’re keeping their head up.
      A source said: “His post is a display of strength — both for himself and his fans.”
      Jack and childhood sweetheart Sasha had moved in just five days before the burglary after tradesmen finished renovations.
      Most read in Football
      The property, which includes a helipad, tennis court, full-sized football and cricket pitches and a lake, is located within Cheshire’s affluent “Golden Triangle”, where a string of footballers have been targeted.
      Paul Pogba’s mansion was raided by thieves in March 2022, who broke in while his kids slept upstairs as he played at Old Trafford.
      Is this the moment Jack Grealish is told of his family’s terror at £1m jewellery break-in raid at his mansion?
      The same year the wife of Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof was forced to lock herself in a room with their two children after intruders burst in while he played away.
      Riyad Mahrez, Tahith Chong and Jesse Lingard have also been targeted. More

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      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford swaps 12-hour tequila benders for nights in with 1,000 piece jigsaws

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      MARCUS Rashford has swapped 12-hour tequila benders for jigsaw nights in.The England and Man United striker, 26, shared a picture of the 1,000-piece puzzle at his home.
      Marucs Rashford has swapped swaps 12-hour tequila benders for nights in with a jigsawCredit: Getty
      On Instagram Marcus shared a picture of a 1,000-piece puzzle at his homeCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Seemingly from the Wasgij range, he had yet to assemble any pieces.
      He’d made a start collecting 14 edges and putting them in a pile.
      A source said: “It’s an unusual choice for a top-flight footballer in his 20s, but the last thing he needs is to return to his partying.
      “He’s making an effort to stay in and behave himself.
      read more on marcus rashford
      “Let’s hope he sticks with it.”
      As we reported, Rashford missed training after partying in Belfast and was fined £650,000, two weeks’ wages.
      United said he has taken responsibility for his actions.
      Paris Saint-Germain will reportedly make another attempt to sign the footballer in the summer if he displays interest in leaving his boyhood club.
      Most read in Football More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 boss Christian Horner faces D-Day grilling by lawyer amid claims of ‘vicious power struggle’

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      SPICE Girl Geri Halliwell’s F1 boss husband will face a D-Day grilling on Friday amid claims of a vicious power struggle.Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer over shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer over shock allegationsCredit: Getty
      Wife Geri, 51, is standing by Horner, 50, who denies the allegationsCredit: Getty
      Horner with Red Bull’s three-time F1 world champ Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Sources say the investigation is set to centre on a female employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      An F1 source told The Sun: “Christian had concerns about her conduct and made it clear he was unhappy.
      “She went on to make a complaint about his ‘controlling’ behaviour, which detonated this crisis for the team.”
      One F1 source claimed a deliberate attempt was being made to destabilise Horner. Rumours of a power struggle have dogged Red Bull Racing since the death of his ally and billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      Last year, Horner played down rumours of a rift with adviser Helmut Marko, 80, as a “small difference of opinion”.
      Wife Geri, 51, is standing by Horner, 50, who denies the allegations.
      An independent lawyer appointed to examine the woman’s claims will quiz him at a UK meeting on Friday.
      Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at the Austrian team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Another source said: “It’s an awkward situation but it’s unavoidable until the air is cleared and this matter is resolved.”
      Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race meeting of the new F1 season, which starts in Bahrain at the end of the month.
      Since Horner took over as team principal in 2005, Red Bull has won seven F1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles. Top driver Max Verstappen is current world champion.
      Red Bull Racing referred all inquiries to its Austrian HQ yesterday. A spokesman said: “It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      When asked about allegations made against Horner, his rival team boss at Williams, James Vowles, said: “I think it means we all have to look each other in the mirror and make sure we are posing the right questions internally and acting in a way that we can only be proud of, not today but in the next ten years.”
      Max Verstappen’s race engineer admits ‘biggest fear’ he’s ‘not looking forward to’ after Red Bull’s dominant F1 season More

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      in Soccer

      Football ace Jack Grealish boosts his massive earnings by signing seven-figure deal with Pepsi for new advert

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      ENGLAND footie ace Jack Grealish is fizzing with excitement after signing a seven-figure deal with soft drinks firm Pepsi.He is part of a new ad campaign with ex-footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones.
      Jack Grealish, pictured with Sasha Attwood, is fizzing with excitement after signing a seven-figure deal with soft drinks firm PepsiCredit: Rex
      Jack, pictured with Sasha is part of a new ad campaign with ex-footballer turned actor Vinnie JonesCredit: Instagram
      It is the latest money-spinning commercial contract for the forward, who won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble last season with Man City under Pep Guardiola.
      Insiders revealed Jack, 28, and former Wimbledon hardman Vinnie, 59, filmed their Pepsi commercial in January.
      A source said yesterday: “Jack is banking another million with his new Pepsi deal.
      “It’s for a new advertising campaign with Vinnie Jones who has also been signed up.
      Read More on Football
      “Both of them have filmed their parts for the advert and it’ll be seen by fans later this year.
      “Jack is worth every penny as far as Pepsi are concerned because everything he touches turns to gold. It’s a really fun advert, and Jack and Vinnie are following in the footsteps of other big players like David Beckham and Lionel Messi.”
      As well as his Pepsi deal, Jack is a brand ambassador for Italian fashion house Gucci and has also sealed mega-money deals with US audio company Bose and German sportswear firm Puma.
      But in December, a gang of robbers struck at his Cheshire mansion, stealing watches and jewellery worth £1million.
      Most read in Football
      Jack’s fiancée Sasha Attwood, 27, and family members were there at the time.
      Last week, Jack and Sasha were seen out together for the first time since the raid.
      They enjoyed meal at a posh restaurant in West London.
      Last week, Jack and Sasha were seen out together for the first time since the raidCredit: Click News and Media
      Jack won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble last season with Man City under Pep GuardiolaCredit: PA
      ‘You have to be careful,’ Pep Guardiola says after Jack Grealish break-in as he issues warning to players most at risk More

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      in Soccer

      Sir Keir Starmer branded ‘pie snatcher’ after warning football fans to watch what they eat

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      SIR Keir Starmer was branded a ‘pie snatcher’ after warning football fans to watch what they eat to help the beautiful game go green.The Labour chief says there are “little things” supporters can change with their travel and eating plans as part of a veggie food push.
      Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been branded a ‘pie snatcher’ after warning football fans to watch what they eatCredit: Jonathan Brady / PA Wire
      The Labour chief says there are ‘little things’ fans can change with their travel and eating plans as part of a veggie food pushCredit: Getty
      But senior Tories seized on the comments telling him to keep his hands off their half-time pies as he made the comments ahead of his team Arsenal beating Liverpool 3-1 yesterday.
      It comes as Labour donor and Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince calls on environment issues to be part of the new football regulator’s remit.
      Sir Keir told Sky Sports: “I think what can happen with football is, if you get a campaign and it sort of surfs the wave, it can really take off.
      “If you look at some of the work that was maybe done in relation to racism. That really caught the imagination of fans. 
      READ MORE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      “And now it is really rare actually in the stands to hear much racism.
      “I’m not saying it’s gone away completely.
      “If the same can happen on sustainability, capture the imagination, little things that fans can do, whether its travelling, eating, whatever it is. I think this is good.”
      But  Cabinet Office Minister Esther McVey, said:  “I know Labour is being bankrolled by vegan and net zero extremist Dale Vince.
      Most read in Football
      “But I am not sure Keir Starmer’s desire to turn every club into Forest Green Rovers puts him in touch with most football supporters.
      The so-called Minister for Common Sense added: “If Keir thinks telling football fans to give up their half-time meat pies is a vote winner I think he is badly mistaken.”
      Eighty-five of the country’s top clubs signed up to the Green Football Weekend with plant-based burgers and pies offering a veggie match day experience for fans.
      Figures show that if football fans ate one veggie meal a day it would save the equivalent carbon of taking 5.5 million cars off the road.
      Tory MP Jonathan Gullis said:  “What fresh hell is this from Sir Keir?!
      “His idea to spend £28 billion extra every year on green projects with no plan of how to pay for them is madness.  Now he’s acting as a pie snatcher!
      “Sir Keir may love scoffing tofu but footy fans don’t need pious lectures from an holier-than-thou vegetarian about match day nosh. Keep your hands off our meat pies Sir Keir.”
      A Labour source insisted: “Football legends from Peter Crouch to Jamie Carragher back this important campaign. Football fans will surely be devastated to learn that the Tory Party do not.” More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League star becomes first footballer to go to rehab for addiction to illegal laughing gas

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      A PREMIER League star has become the first footballer to go to rehab for an addiction to laughing gas.He will be followed by other addicted stars, as sources warn that usage is rife among elite players despite it now being illegal.
      A Premier League star has become the first footballer to go to rehab for addiction to laughing gas (stock image)Credit: Getty
      Nitrous oxide, also known as ‘hippy crack’, comes in canisters and was made a Class C drug last NovemberCredit: Getty
      The player was admitted to a medical centre after his worried family asked his club for help.
      Police had stopped a car in which he was a passenger and found dozens of canisters in the footwell.
      The incident a few weeks before Christmas did not lead to police action as they could not prove who they belonged to.
      But a source said: “His family became aware and asked the club for help.

      “The player was told if he wanted to save his career, he had to go to a specialist residential centre and get some help.
      “He’s basically undergoing detox in the same way you would if you were hooked on alcohol or any other drug.
      “He’s the first Premier League footballer to be treated for addiction to nitrous oxide but, given how rife its use is among players, it’s unlikely he’ll be the last.”
      Nitrous oxide, also known as “hippy crack”, comes in canisters — sometimes super-sized — that are used to fill balloons, which are then inhaled repeatedly.
      Most read in Football
      It gives a quick high but comes with the risk of heart attacks, strokes and brain damage, while some users have died after taking it.
      Prolonged use can also lead to depression, memory loss, incontinence, hallucinations and nerve damage.
      The law was changed last November to make it a controlled Class C drug, with possession for inhalation now a criminal offence.
      It would be almost impossible for any footballer convicted to play where there are strict drug laws, such as the US and Saudi Arabia.
      However, a source said dozens are heavy users, with many starting in lockdown.
      Routine drugs tests are also unlikely to detect it.
      The source went on: “One Premier League star recently celebrated his birthday and splashed out on almost £10,000 of canisters.
      “Loads take them because they can’t get caught with it in their system.
      “It’s happening at all clubs and some of those using are very well-known players. I’m not sure any of them know it’s now a Class C drug.
      “No footballer would dream of having a stash of cannabis in their house, but many have a supply of balloons for them and their pals.
      “They seem to have no idea just how dangerous using it can be.”
      Websites sell a canister and nitrous oxide for a few quid, after the buyer confirms it is for food production and they are over 18.
      Previously users would buy single-shot canisters but many have switched to super-sized tubes delivering 80 times the usual dose.
      Stephen Ream, of solvent abuse and drugs charity Re-Solv, said: “The new large canisters are a real worry. One young man we’ve been supporting was using ten a day.
      “When you are doing the little ones, you know how many you’re getting through, but when you use a big one, you lose track.”
      In 2022, Kayleigh Burns, 16, of Liverpool, died after inhaling gas at a party in Leamington Spa.
      She had complained of feeling “too hot” before she collapsed.
      Sport science professor and former FA performance head John Brewer warned players to steer clear as it can reduce levels of vitamin B12.
      He said: “B12 is essential for nerve function.
      “So if you are a top-level footballer trying to make skilful movements and pass a ball effectively, you don’t want your nerves to be damaged in any way because you need that peripheral ability to sense movements.”
      He also said that it can cause anaemia, which reduces stamina levels.
      The star is set to be followed by other players (stock image)Credit: gETTY
      STARS ON THE GAS
      A STRING of Premier League players have been caught using nitrous oxide.
      In 2013, then-Spurs star Kyle Walker was pictured inhaling it.
      Jack Grealish was snapped inhaling from a balloon in 2019
      Leon Bailey also filmed himself inhaling in a car after partying all night last March
      Raheem Sterling was seen doing the same two years later, getting a rebuke from Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.
      In 2018, Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Matteo Guendouzi were filmed taking it at a pre-season bash.
      The following year, Jack Grealish, then at Aston Villa, was snapped inhaling from a balloon.
      Last year, Everton midfielder Dele Alli was pictured at a do surrounded by gas canisters and alcohol.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Villa’s Leon Bailey also filmed himself inhaling in his car after partying all night last March.
      None of these players are the ace in rehab. More