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      in Motorsport

      What car was Craig Breen driving?

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      CRAIG BREEN was one of the world’s most popular rally car drivers to ever touch a course.But the Irish icon tragically lost his life during a test event in Poland
      Craig Breen tragically passed away at age 33Credit: Getty
      The news has shocked the motorsport industry as Breen was set to figure in the 2023 Croatia Rally which gets underway next week.
      And SunSport has knowledge on the car Breen was driving when the horrific accident took place.
      What car was Craig Breen driving?
      Breen, 33, drove for the works Hyundai Motorsport team and was conducting a pre-event test in his i20 N Rally 1 when the fatal incident happened.
      His co-driver James Fulton was also in the car but he escaped from the crash unharmed.
      Read more on Craig Breen
      The Irish star had been a mainstay in the top level of rallying since 2014 but Breen’s racing career began in karts before making the switch to rallying in 2007.
      He made his debut at a WRC event at the 2009 Rally Portugal in a Ford Fiesta ST and then raced at the highest level for Citroen, Hyundai and M-Sport.
      What has Craig Breen won?
      Craig became the WRC academy champion in 2011 and the rally superstar secured the second-tier SWRC championship in 2012.
      Unfortunately, Breen didn’t manage to get his hands on a European championship.
      Most read in Motorsport
      But the Irishman did land two podiums on his way to seventh during his first full-time drive as the lead driver for M-Sport.
      He was also runner-up in the 2015 European Rally Championship.
      And outside of Breen’s WRC exploits, he raced at the Goodwood Revival in 2022 where a number of classic rally cars took to the track.
      What has been said?
      A statement from the WRC said: “The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time.”
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also paid his condolences, writing: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident in Croatia.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Who was Craig Breen?

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      RALLY driver Craig Breen has tragically passed away during a test event in Poland. Breen was preparing for the 2023 Croatia Rally, which was due to take place next week, when his Hyundai went off road and crashed.
      Craig Breen was killed in a crash in Poland while preparing for a race in Croatia next weekCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The 33-year-old succumbed to his injuries, but his co-driver James Fulton survived the crash unharmed.
      The world of motorsport is now in mourning for Breen, who began rallying in 2007.
      Who was Craig Breen?
      Breen began karting for the first time in 1999 as a 9-year-old and was the son of Ray Breen, an Irish rally champion.
      It was 10 year later that Breen made the full-time move to rallying, where he competed in the Irish and British Fiesta Sporting Trophies, winning both.

      Breen earns himself a contract with M-Sport and he was crowned Young Irish Rally Driver of the Year.
      In 2012, tragedy struck as Breen’s co-driver Gareth Roberts was killed during the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
      Craig Breen began his rally career in 2009 and went on to grab numerous podiumsCredit: Getty
      Breen went on to enjoy success later in his career with multiple podiums, having signed deals with Peugeot and M-Sport Rally Team.
      However, Breen failed to win a championship before his tragic death.
      Most read in Motorsport
      A statement from the WRC said: “The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time.”
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also paid his condolences, writing: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident in Croatia.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More

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      in Soccer

      Is Chelsea vs Brighton on TV? Lampard looking to get first win back at Blues but faces in-form Seagulls – Stream, odds

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      CHELSEA face Brighton in a tough fixture this weekend in the Premier League – and Frank Lampard will be desperate to pick up three points.The former Blues midfielder took over as interim boss until the end of the season in his second spell as manager last week.
      Enzo Fernandez has struggled to change Chelsea’s fortunes since joining in JanuaryCredit: PA
      Solly March and Alexis Mac Allister have been two of Brighton’s best players this seasonCredit: Getty
      But Chelsea’s poor form has continued, as they lost 1-0 to Wolves in the league before being outclassed by Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
      Now they host Brighton, who have been in terrific form all season and beat Chelsea 4-1 the last time the two sides played.
      Attacking threats Karou Mitoma, Solly March and Alexis Mac Allister have been the source of much of their goals.
      Chelsea, however, are still lacking their forward line threat, having failed to score in each of their last four games.

      When is Chelsea vs Brighton?

      Chelsea’s big clash with Brighton will take place on Saturday, April 15.
      The game will kick off at 3pm BST.
      Chelsea vs Brighton will be held at Stamford Bridge.

      Is Chelsea vs Brighton on TV?
      Unfortunately, Chelsea vs Brighton will not be shown on TV this weekend due to the 3pm football blackout.
      You can, however, keep up to date with all the action from Stamford Bridge at our live blog on SunSport.
      Team news
      Chelsea may have to make do without Kalidou Koulibaly in their backline after he suffered an injury in the loss to Real Madrid.
      Most read in Football
      Marc Cucurella could take his place, as he did in Madrid, but Lampard also has Benoit Badiashile to count on at the back too.
      N’Golo Kante should continue in midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic and Enzo Fernandez.
      Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi practically named half of his starting line-up earlier this week.
      “Dunk, Mac Allister, Caicedo, Mitoma, March, Estupinan,” he said in a news conference when asked about who would be in his XI.
      “But normally I want to see in the week of work to decide better. Because in this period we play a lot games and I have to be ready to change something inside the first XI.”
      Odds

      Chelsea – 8/5
      Draw – 9/4
      Brighton – 33/20

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz: Date, UK start time, TV channel, stream, and undercard for HUGE boxing bout

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      JAKE PAUL is returning to the ring for the first time since his defeat to Tommy Fury in February.The Problem Child lost to the Mancunian by way of a split decision in Saudi Arabia at the start of the year.
      Tommy Fury (L) of Great Britain in action against Jake Paul in February 2023Credit: EPA
      Jake Paul will face former UFC star Nate Diaz in his return to the ring as they look to settle their feud.
      The two have had a public battle on social media for the past 18 months and now the pair have come to an agreement to fight in the summer.
      When is Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz?

      Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz will be on Saturday, August 5th
      Depending on the length of the undercard fights the main event is expected to take place at around 4am UK time.
      The venue will be the American Airlines Centre in Dallas, Texas.

      What channel is Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz on and can it be live streamed?

      Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz will be shown live on DAZN PPV.
      You can purchase a DAZN monthly pass for £9.99 a month.
      DAZN subscribers can live stream Jack Paul vs Nate Diaz via the DAZN app or website.

      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Who’s on the card?
      Here are all the confirmed fights for the night:
      MAIN EVENT: Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz (8 rounds)
      What’s been said?
      Jake Paul said: “My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations.
      “Now, the world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but that’s not how I am built.
      Most read in Boxing
      “Nate Diaz is considered one of the most bad-ass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long.”
      Paul, who is 6-1 in the ring, continued: “People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for f***ing Nate.
      “I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5, a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”
      Diaz beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September in the last fight of his deal with the MMA company.
      Boxing has been a staple throughout the 37-year-old Diaz’s near two-decade career.
      He has had a hugely successful MMA career with 22 fights and a victory over Conor McGregor.
      Diaz said: “Besides Canelo he’s the biggest thing in boxing. I’m here to conquer that. I’m the King of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts.
      “I f***ed up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.” More

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      in Soccer

      What happened to Chelsea legend John Terry and where is he now?

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      JOHN Terry is among the Premier League all-time greats, with a stellar career that brought tonnes of silverware.Here, we look at his extraordinary career as captain of Chelsea, and where he is now.
      John Terry won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League during his time at Chelsea
      Who is John Terry?
      John Terry is a former professional footballer, who played as a centre back.
      He was born on December 7, 1980, in Barking, London.
      Terry is best known for his time at Chelsea, where he made 717 appearances between 1998 and 2017.
      He was club captain, and is considered one of the greatest players to wear the blue shirt.
      READ MORE ON JOHN TERRY
      Terry made his debut for the club in 1998 in a League Cup tie against Aston Villa, which Chelsea won 4-1.
      He scored his first goal for the club in February 2000 against Gillingham at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup quarter final, in a season where Chelsea would lift the trophy.
      He established himself in the first team in the 2000/01 season, being named the club’s player of the season at the age of 21.
      2002 saw Terry score the winner in the FA Cup semi final against Fulham at Villa Park, however, Chelsea lost in the final to Arsenal in Cardiff.
      Most read in Football
      In 2004, following the arrival of Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, Terry was named permanent captain, relaxing Marcel Desailly.
      The 2004/05 season would be a landmark in Terry’s stellar career.
      Chelsea won the Premier League by 12 points after losing only one game all season. It was their first league title for 50 years.
      Through a partnership with Ricardo Carvalho, Chelsea conceded 15 league goals all season, the least in Premier League history.
      Chelsea also won the League Cup with a thrilling 3-2 win against Liverpool in Cardiff, ending the club’s five year trophy drought.
      Terry was a presence going forward that season as well, scoring vital goals against Arsenal and Barcelona.
      At the end of the season, Terry became only the third centre half to win the PFA Player of The Year award, after Gary Pallister and Paul McGrath, due to his outstanding performances.
      The 2005/06 season saw Chelsea become only the second team in history to retain the league title in the Premier League era after Manchester United.
      Chelsea won the league by eight points, winning 29 of their 38 games.
      Another solid season defensively saw the team only concede 22 goals in the league all season.
      2006-07 was ultimately a disappointment for Chelsea, not being able to retain their league title, and losing to Liverpool on penalties in the semi final of the UEFA Champions League.
      Terry did however lead them to the FA Cup against Manchester United at Wembley and Arsenal in the League Cup final at the Millennium stadium.
      The 2007/08 season saw Chelsea finish without a trophy following the departure of Mourinho.
      This included defeat in the League Cup final against Tottenham and losing the league to Manchester United by two points.
      Chelsea lost the 2008 Champions League final to Manchester United on penalties in Moscow, with Terry slipping and missing his kick which would have gifted the Blues European glory.
      Terry and Chelsea bounced back to win the FA Cup in 2009, and were moments away from another Champions League final, conceding in added time to lose on away goals against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona after a questionable refereeing performance.
      Chelsea achieved the Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010, with Terry a rock at the heart of defence.
      He scored vital winners against Manchester United and Burnley as Chelsea pipped Sir Alex Ferguson’s men to the title by two points.
      The 2011/12 season saw Chelsea win the Champions League for the first time, with Terry playing in eight of the sides 13 games, including an outstanding defensive performance to subdue Lionel Messi in a semi final first leg victory at Stamford Bridge.
      Terry missed the final after a red card for kicking Alexis Sanchez during the second leg of the semi final.
      He did however lift the trophy after Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties in the final.
      A poor relationship with new manager Rafa Benítez saw Terry dropped for much of the 2012/13 season, much to his fury.
      He did score a vital goal in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie against Steaua Bucharest, a game Chelsea won 3-1.
      Chelsea won the trophy against Benfica in the final, with Benitez leaving at the end of that season.
      The return of Mourinho in 2013 saw Terry back in the starting line-up, and in 2015 he helped the club to the Premier League title, their first for five years.
      Terry played every minute of the 38 games in another outstanding season.
      Mourinho also won the League Cup once again in this season, with Terry scoring the opening goal in the final against Tottenham at Wembley in a 2-0 win.
      Terry left Chelsea in 2017, after appearing more sporadically towards the end of his time at the club.
      His last goal came in his second to last game at Stamford Bridge against Watford, his 67th goal in total for the Blues.
      Terry was substituted in the 26th minute of his last ever game for the club against Sunderland, a nod to his iconic squad number which he had worn since his debut.
      Chelsea won 5-1 in the game, with Terry lifting his fifth and final Premier League title at the end of the match.
      Terry then bid an emotional farewell to the Chelsea faithful over a microphone.
      Terry also made 78 appearances for England, scoring six times including goals against Brazil and Germany.
      He was England captain from 2006 to 2010 and then again from 2011 to 2012.
      What happened to John Terry?
      Terry signed for Aston Villa in the summer of 2017, for the first time signing permanently for a club other than Chelsea.
      He was immediately appointed club captain, and led Villa to the Championship play-off final, where they lost to Fulham at Wembley.
      Terry called time on his illustrious playing career at the end of this season.
      He returned to Aston Villa in October 2018 as part of Dean Smith’s backroom staff, and helped the team return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016.
      Terry left Villa’s backroom staff in 2021 after three years at the club.
      He then returned to Chelsea, taking up a coaching consultancy role.
      Where is John Terry now?
      Terry joined Leicester City in April 2023, once again joining Smith’s backroom staff.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Foxes are in a fight against relegation, just two years after winning the FA Cup.
      Unlike his friend and former Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard, Terry has ruled out a foray into football management. More

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      in Soccer

      Will Marcus Rashford play for Man Utd against Sevilla? Latest injury updates

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is having the season of his life for Manchester United – but it could be coming to an abrupt halt.Rashford, 25, has taken his game to the next level under Erik ten Hag by bagging 28 goals in all competitions.
      Rashford hobbled off having sustained a groin injury against EvertonCredit: PA
      This includes breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible record while firing United to the Europa League quarter-finals.
      However, Rashford hobbled off with a groin injury during the Red Devils’ 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday.
      And United are sweating over whether the England international can feature in the crunch clash with Sevilla.
      Will Marcus Rashford play for Man Utd against Sevilla?
      Manchester United have revealed that Rashford will NOT be available for the huge clash against Sevilla.
      Read more on Man Utd
      Rashford went for a scan on Tuesday so that the club doctors could assess whether he’ll be fit to play against Sevilla.
      And earlier reports suggested that Erik ten Hag will not risk playing his red-hot forward with so much to riding on the rest of the campaign which has now been confirmed.
      Furthermore, Rashford it set to be out for a ‘few’ games but the England international will be back for the run-in.
      What has been said?
      The Manchester United club website announced the bad news this morning.
      Most read in Europa League
      A statement read: “Marcus Rashford will be unavailable for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final game against Sevilla because of a muscle injury.
      “The forward was withdrawn in the 80th minute of Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at Old Trafford and immediately headed to the dressing room for treatment.
      Subsequent assessment of the injury suggested that Marcus will be unavailable for a few games, but is expected to be back for the season run-in.”
      Which competitions are Manchester United still involved in?
      Mathematically, Manchester United can still win the Premier League although it is highly unlikely due to the points tally of Arsenal and Manchester City.
      But having already secured Carabao Cup glory this season, the Red Devils can complete the treble as they have a favourable FA Cup semi-final against Brighton coming up.
      And if United can see off serial winners Sevilla, they’ll only be two steps away from winning the Europa League too. More

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      in Soccer

      Why does Wrexham play in the English football league pyramid and not in Wales’ leagues?

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      WREXHAM AFC has been hitting the headlines after being purchased by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhanney.Here, we look at the history of the club, and why they play in the English football league pyramid despite being Welsh.
      Wrexham is one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world and plays at the Racecourse GroundCredit: AFP
      Why does Wrexham play in the English football league?
      The reason why Wrexham plays in the English league is quite simple, there wasn’t a Welsh football league when the team was founded.
      Wrexham formed in 1864 by members of the Wrexham cricket club, making it the third oldest professional club in world football.
      It is the oldest club in Wales.
      Since then, it has played in a variety of different leagues, including The Combination League and the Birmingham & District League.
      READ MORE ON WREXHAM
      Wrexham joined the English football league in 1920.
      The team is, of course, not the only Welsh club to play in the English leagues, with Cardiff, Swansea, Newport County, and Merthyr Town, all playing in various English divisions.
      Why doesn’t Wrexham play in Wales’ football league pyramid?
      The League of Wales (now the Cymru Premier) commenced in 1992, however, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) allowed Wrexham to remain in the English league pyramid.
      Wrexham played in the Welsh Senior League for two seasons.
      Most read in Football
      The club has been allowed to take part in the Welsh Cup, winning the competition on 23 occasions and reaching the final a total of 45 times.
      However, following pressure from UEFA, Wrexham was banned from entering the Welsh Cup following their final victory in the competition in 1995.
      In 2011, Wrexham was invited back into the competition, but only reached the third round after having to play a weakened side against Airbus UK Broughton due to fixture congestion.
      Wrexham and other Welsh sides in the English football league pyramid were barred again from competing in the Welsh Cup ahead of the 2012/13 season, as they ruled that clubs competing in England could not represent Wales in European competition.
      This is because the winner of the Welsh Cup gains a European spot in the following season.
      What league is Wrexham in?
      Wrexham play in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
      They have been in this division since they were relegated from League Two at the end of the 2007/08 season.
      The team spent eighty years within English football’s top four divisions prior to this.
      When did Ryan Reynolds buy Wrexham?
      Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds bought Wrexham along with his friend and fellow actor Rob McElhenney in November 2020.
      The deal received strong backing from the Wrexham supporters trust, and was completed in February 2021.
      Read More on The Sun
      The idea for the purchase came through looking at clubs on the database of popular video game Football Manager, which described Wrexham as a sleeping giant.
      They claimed that they chose Wrexham over other clubs because of the good feeling they had about them. More

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      in Soccer

      Who was AFC Portchester footballer Mason Peddle and when did he pass away?

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      YOUNG footballer Mason Peddle died unexpectedly in April 2023, leaving those who knew him devastated.Here, we look at what was known about him, and when he tragically died.
      Young footballer mason Peddle tragically died on April 10, 2023
      Who was AFC Portchester footballer Mason Peddle?
      Mason Peddle was a young footballer who played for AFC Portchester, a team based in Hampshire, England.
      The team play in the Wessex league, the ninth tier of the English football pyramid.
      Peddlw was originally from Portsmouth, as is shown on his Twitter bio.
      He died in April 2023, just under five months after signing for the club.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      When did Mason Peddle die?
      Mason tragically died suddenly on April 10, 2023, leaving his family, friends and club devastated.
      AFC Portchester tweeted in tribute after the news broke: “Everyone at AFC Portchester is shocked and saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mason Peddle – captain of our under-23s side.
      “Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. The club will be doing all it can to support his family.”
      Mason’s manager Mark Dugan also paid tribute to his captain, saying:
      Most read in Football
      “Our captain, our teammate and our friend – you will be so, so missed by all at the club, and no more so than by us all at the under-23s.
      “Our captain yes, but also a huge character around the club, around the island and surrounding football community.
      “As teammate to many his influence was there for all to see and will no doubt be carried on by the many he helped in their footballing journey.
      “A true friend to all that met him and a huge loss to everyone. RIP Mason – fly high brother.”
      When did Mason Peddle play for AFC Portchester?
      Mason played for AFC Portchester and captained their under-23 side.
      He signed for the club in October 2022, joining from Moneyfields FC, who are based in Portsmouth.
      A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Mason’s family with funeral costs.
      The page set up by a man named John Madden has already raised over £14,000. More