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      in Motorsport

      Why do F1 cars spark?

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      FORMULA ONE cars have an impressive list of parts to make them go as fast as possible around tracks.But fans noticed a particularly striking feature that stands out during night races such as the recent Bahrain Grand Prix – showers of sparks following the cars as they race across the tarmac.
      Sparks fly from Leclerc’s Ferrari during a race in BahrainCredit: AFP
      Why do F1 cars spark?
      Formula One cars have titanium skid blocks underneath which produce the spectacular sparks seen at tracks like Spa.
      These skid blocks protect the wooden planks which make up part of the floor of the car. When the car is at high speeds, it gets pressed down onto the track from aerodynamic forces.
      The floor then scrapes along the track, producing a light show behind the car as it drives.
      Sparks from the back of a Red Bull as its floor hits the groundCredit: AP
      Sparks have been a part of the sport since the late Eighties, with teams running their cars as low to the ground as possible to create more downforce.
      Especially when full of fuel, the material underneath the cars would scrape along the tarmac, making the infamous sparks we see so often during races.
      However, the FIA introduced titanium blocks back in 2015 under then race director Charlie Whiting. Whilst the material was brought in as a safety feature, another impact was making the sport more exciting to watch on screen.
      Do the sparks impact driving?
      The sparks are great to watch on television but can be distracting for the drivers.
      After a race in Bahrain a few years ago, Carlos Sainz said “It looks great on TV, but for the drivers it is not pleasant at all”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Sparks can be distracting for drivers behindCredit: Getty
      Former race car driver Nigel Mansell would even seek out bumps in the track to create sparks in order to distract drivers close behind.
      Why are there more sparks at certain circuits?
      Some tracks are more susceptible to producing sparks. Circuits like Spa-Francorchamps that have hills cause many blinding displays as the cars skid along the track.
      Night races such as Jeddah and Abu Dhabi also give impressive displays with the sparks standing out against the night sky. More

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      in Soccer

      What happened to Kim Källström after his Arsenal loan and where is he now?

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      KIM Källström is best remembered by Premier League fans after his ill-fated spell at Arsenal in 2014.The Swede only played four times, but he still claims to have enjoyed his time at the North London club. This is what he has be doing since leaving.
      Källström only appeared four times in his short spell at Arsenal in 2014
      Who is Kim Källström and who did he play for?
      Kim Källström is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.
      He made his name in Ligue 1, playing firstly with Rennes, before joining Lyon in 2006.
      He won two league titles and two Coupe de France’s during his stay, and helped the team reach the UEFA Champions League semi-final in 2010, knocking out Real Madrid in the process.
      Källström joined Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow in 2012, but his first two seasons at the club were hampered by injury.
      READ MORE ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE
      He joined Arsenal on loan in January 2014, in the hope that who could help the team in their fight for silverware.
      He was ruled out with a back injury a day after signing, which ruled him out for The Gunners following six matches.
      He eventually made his debut on March 25, 2014 against Swansea City in a 2-2 draw.
      His next game came in the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic at Wembley.
      Most read in Football
      He was brought on for the second half of extra time with the teams locked together at 1-1.
      Källström stepped up to take Arsenal’s second penalty in the shootout that followed after the teams couldn’t be separated, sending his penalty past Scott Carson, as Arsenal reached the final for the first time since 2005.
      Despite this, Källström only played two more games for the club, and was not selected for their 3-2 victory against Hull City in the FA Cup final, despite receiving a medal.
      He returned to Spartak Moscow at the end of the season following the end of his loan spell.
      Källström had a successful international career with Sweden, appearing in four major tournaments across his 131 appearances for the national side.
      What happened to Kim Källström after his Arsenal loan?
      Källström returned to the Russian side, where he played fairly regularly, playing 28 league games, but couldn’t help them to European qualification.
      He then joined Swiss side Grasshopper, where he made 56 appearances across two seasons.
      Where is Kim Källström now?
      After a second spell with Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish top flight, Källström retired in December 2017.
      He has since completed the UEFA Executive Masters course for International Players, which helps former players prepare for a second career off the pitch. More

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      in Boxing

      Why do referees wear gloves in boxing?

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      BOXING referees are often spotted wearing gloves when in the ring.The rubber gloves are different to those players wear, so why do do the referees wear them?
      Referees are often spotted wearing gloves during fights.
      Why do referees wear gloves in Boxing?
      Referees wear gloves to prevent the transmission of contagious diseases. The rule was brought in during 1987, eight years after the discovery of AIDS.
      The disease can be caught from blood and other bodily fluids, which referees can be covered in after brutal fights.
      Referees are often spotted wearing rubber gloves during fights.Credit: AP
      However, the referees faces are often seen covered in blood, so the gloves don’t go far in protecting them.
      Has a referee ever been hurt in the ring?
      A boxing referee has previously been KO’d with a punch to the chest by a fighter.
      Read more on Boxing
      Mexican Jesus Granados was hurt after fighter Irvin Turrubiartes missed his opponent and landed a right hook on the referee’s solar plexus.
      Ref Jesus Granados took a punch to the chest from fighter Irvin Turrubiartes.
      Granados initially stayed on his feet but had to be stretchered out after doctors took a look at him.
      What is the risk of a referee contracting a disease in the ring?
      The risk of a ref catching a disease from a fighter today is almost impossible. Athletes must pass several medical tests to be able to fight, including HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C and Fungus tests.
      These make it incredibly hard for a referee or opponent to catch a disease from the fight.
      Most read in Boxing More

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      in Soccer

      Fulham vs Arsenal: Gunners aim to take huge step to first Premier League title since 2003-04 at high-flyers – TV, stream

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      ONE swing of Reiss Nelson’s boot left 60,000 Gooners bouncing around the Emirates, dreaming of a first title since 2003-04.Not since Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles have Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy.
      Arsenal kept their Premier League dream alive with a last-gasp win over Bournemouth last weekendCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta will be itching to keep up his side’s momentum at FulhamCredit: Getty
      In that time, Gunners fans have watched Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Leicester and Liverpool claim top honours.
      For a team that dominated in the 1990s and early 2000s, it’s barely-believable to think the red-half of North London have had to endure a near 20-year title drought.
      Arsenal have often been accused of being mentally weak, with a threadbare squad starved of world-class talent.
      But after staging an outrageous comeback in their last Premier League game, fans are ready to believe again.
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      On Saturday at the Emirates, Arsenal were a goal down within 10 seconds and, when they found themselves trailing 2-0, doubts began to creep into Gooners’ minds.
      To become champions, you have to win like champions – and sometimes that means doing things the hard way.
      It’s not always pretty. Thomas Partey and Ben White scrambled home a goal each to draw level against the Cherries.
      But the Arsenal side continually called mentally fragile in years gone by kept scrapping until the bitter end.
      Most read in Football
      Fulham vs Arsenal betting preview – tips, odds and price boosts
      And it was super-sub Nelson, with the sweetest swing of his left boot, who secured a vital three points in their last Premier League run-out.
      It speaks volumes that it wasn’t Martin Odegaard or Bukayo Saka who played the role of hero on the day.
      For while they are quickly developing into world-class talents, it was a fringe player out of contract this summer who saved the day.
      With a great blend of top young talent and experienced veterans, all under the leadership of a Pep Guardiola graduate, it’s looking more and more like being Arsenal’s year.
      There are just 12 games left to go and while Arsenal lead Man City by just five points, they keep finding the strength to keep them at arm’s length.
      Pep’s squad are seasoned veterans of the title-winning game and have a knack for a dramatic title win.
      Of course, there was Sergio Aguero’s iconic last-gasp strike against QPR to snatch the 2011-12 crown – the club’s first.
      But there was also last season, when an Ilkay Gundogan-inspired XI came from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 on the final day to break Liverpool fans’ hearts.
      Mikel Arteta knows the title race isn’t over as he guides his side to West London to take on high-flying Fulham.
      From here on in, every match is must-win. Every match is a cup final. Every match is a potential banana skin.
      But if any Arsenal side can sneak over the line, maybe it’s this one.

      What is their form like?
      Fulham: Very strong.
      The Cottagers are surpassing all expectations by pushing an unlikely European place for next season.
      So often caught yo-yo-ing between the Premier League and Championship, Marco Silva has his side looking genuinely threatening.
      Fulham were seven matches unbeaten in all competitions – including reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals – before their heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Brentford last time out.
      Arsenal: Also very strong.
      The Gunners have now won their last four Premier League matches since the 3-1 top-of-the-table six-pointer defeat at the hands of Man City last month.
      And on the back of their last-gasp win over Bournemouth, they’ll be full of confidence at Craven Cottage.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      Fulham: Layvin Kurzawa is the latest home star to pick up an injury, with a knee issue.
      He joins Tom Cairney (shin) and Neeskans Kebano (Achilles) in missing the match.
      Elsewhere, Palhinha will serve the first of his two-match suspension against the Gunners.
      Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus has rejoined the squad and is training after three months out with a knee injury, although this match may come too soon.
      Eddie Nketiah is still out and is joined by Leanardo Trossard on the physio’s table after the latter picked up a knock against the Cherries.
      Mohamed Elneny is a long-term absentee for Mikel Arteta.
      Who will be the star men?
      Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      Back from injury, the Serbian star will look to use his physicality to wreak havoc on the Gunners back-four.

      Arsenal: Martin Odegaard.
      Read More on The Sun
      Against a strong Fulham side, Arteta will look to his captain to pull the strings in midfield and open doors for Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Co in attack – or even add to his tally of nine Premier League goals himself.
      SunSport prediction
      Arsenal 2 Fulham 1 More

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      in Soccer

      When is the Europa League quarter-final draw?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal will both be hoping to make it through to the Europa League quarter-finals.The two Premier League giants both get their Round of 16 ties underway on March 9.
      Europa League ambassador Hungarian former footballer Zoltan Gera and UEFA Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti attend the draw for the round of 16 of the 2022-2023 UEFA Europa LeagueCredit: GETTY
      16 clubs remain in the 2022/23 Europa League, and all sides will be hoping that they are in the mix for the quarter-finals.
      This year’s final will take place at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on 31 May 2023.
      When is the Europa League quarter-final draw?

      The draw for the Europa League quarter-final will take place on Friday, March 17.
      It is scheduled to start at 1pm UK time.
      The draw will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

      What TV channel is the Europa League quarter-final draw on and can I live stream it free?

      The draw will be shown live on BT Sport on Friday, March 17.
      UEFA will be providing a FREE stream of the draw on their official website and YouTube channel.
      For BT Sport customers, it can also be streamed live through the BT Sport app, which is free to download to your mobile or tablet device.

      READ MORE IN EUROPA LEAGUE
      Which teams are in the Europa League quarter-finals?
      One team will progress from each of the Round of 16 ties, and the remaining teams are:
      Union Berlin / Union Saint-GilloiseLeverkusen / FerencvárosSporting CP / ArsenalRoma / Real SociedadSevilla / FenerbahçeJuventus / FreiburgMan United / Betis Shakhtar / Feyenoord
      Who can play each other in the Europa League quarter-finals?
      From the quarter-finals and onwards, teams from the same country can face each other, as there are no longer any seeds.
      Teams that competed in the same group stage earlier on in the competition can also be drawn against each other.
      Most read in Football
      When is the Europa League semi-final draw?
      The draw for the Europa League semi-final will be completed on the same night as the quarter-final draw.
      This means teams will know which side they could potentially face if they progress to the semi-finals. More

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      in Soccer

      Why does Real Betis star Borja Iglesias paint his nails?

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      REAL BETIS forward Borja Iglesias will be licking his lips as his side host a wounded Manchester United in the Europa League – and eagle-eyed fans have noticed a change in his appearanceIglesias has ten goals in La Liga this season and will be hoping to take advantage of the United backline’s recent shambolic performance at Anfield.
      Borja Iglesias is set to lead Real Betis’ front line against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Who is Borja Iglesias?
      The 6ft 2in striker was born in Santiago de Compostela in Spain in January 1993.
      He has played all of his professional playing career in the Spanish leagues.
      Borja Iglesias has scored 51 goals in the Spanish top flight, most of those goals playing in the colours of current side Real Betis.
      He has represented Spain just once in a 2-1 loss to Switzerland at the Nations League in 2022.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Why does Borja Iglesias paint his nails?
      The Spanish striker started painting his nails before matches back in June 2020.
      Iglesias paints his nails in an act of solidarity
      The 30-year-old initially started doing it as an act of solidarity when the Black Lives Matter protests began in 2020.
      He later painted his nails multicoloured as the message also became about fighting homophobia as well as racism.
      Borja Iglesias has also openly spoken about mental health issues and the obstacles he has had to overcome in his life.
      Most read in Football
      Iglesias is also a big fan of Marcus Rashford’s work off the pitch, as he has often used his platform to give visibility to societal issues.
      The Spaniard believes football should be responsible to “create a safe space” and hopes younger generations bring a “more open mentality.” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs Real Betis: United look to put Liverpool thrashing behind them in Europa League last 16 TONIGHT – TV, stream

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      JUST a week ago, Manchester United were riding high – and they’ll be hoping to rediscover that form TONIGHT.Erik ten Hag’s men got their hands on the Carabao Cup – their first piece of silverware in six years.
      Man Utd were ripped apart by arch-rivals Liverpool in their last match – can they bounce back in Europe with their Premier League dream in tatters?Credit: Rex
      Erik ten Hag could only watch on in shock as Liverpool put seven past UnitedCredit: PA
      And after suddenly closing the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League title race, they were on course for a shock Quadruple.
      United had been the form team in the country… until a trip up the M62 on Sunday.
      Ten Hag led his side to Anfield to take on a stuttering Liverpool side expected to be ripped apart by red-hot Marcus Rashford.
      In a barely-believable 90 minutes, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds showed signs of their old, rampant best as they stormed to a 7-0 win.
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      Liverpool played well, of course. But the manner of United’s second-half capitulation – conceding six times and seemingly having thrown in the towel – will be a huge concern to the boss.
      Famously-strict Ten Hag dragged his flops into training early on Monday morning – and turned up two hours before them as he plotted his next move.
      The boss has to figure out one simple thing: Was the Liverpool mauling a one-off, a fluke, an anomaly? Or was United’s incredible run simply just a purple patch?
      MAN UTD vs BETIS ODDS, PREDICTIONS AND BETTING OFFERS
      Most read in Football
      Ten Hag doesn’t have long to work it out, either, with Real Betis heading to Old Trafford for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.
      The LaLiga team may be without star man Nabil Fekir – with the former Premier League target out for the season with an ACL tear – but have another trump card up their sleeve.
      Boss Manuel Pellegrini knows all about United from his days in the Premier League with rivals City and West Ham,
      And the Chilean boss boasts a strong record vs Man Utd – winning five and drawing one of his nine games in the Prem.
      Ten Hag must put any thoughts like that to the back of his mind and get his shellshocked squad to bounce back strongly.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      A commanding win on Thursday will go a long way to helping restore the confidence.
      But a defeat could send a few jitters through the Old Trafford ranks.
      A collapse at this stage in the season could be terminal for their hopes of winning any more silverware… or even clinging on to a top-four spot.

      What is their form like?
      Man Utd: Up until Sunday, very good. But now? It’s up in the air. It’s all about how Ten Hag can get his team to bounce back.
      United had been unbeaten in 11 matches – including their two-legged win over Barcelona – since a 3-2 defeat against Arsenal in January prior to the Kop shock.
      Real Betis: Solid, if unspectacular.
      The LaLiga side most-recently drew 0-0 with high-flying Real Madrid last weekend and are unbeaten since losing a 4-3 thriller vs Celta Vigo on February 4.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      Man Utd: Ten Hag has no new injury concerns following the 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool, with Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen all long-term absentees.
      But the furious boss may decide to ring the changes.
      Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot had a tough day at the office, with both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia pushing for starts.
      Wout Weghorst and Fred may also see their places in the XI come under threat following their performances with Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer expected to play.
      Real Betis: Missing Fekir through injury is a blow, but the club have back up in academy graduate Rodri.
      Otherwise, Pellegrini has a full squad to choose from.
      Who will be the star men?
      Man Utd: Marcus Rashford.
      Ten Hag is almost certain to ring the changes, but Rashford but surely remain – most likely as a central striker.
      The England star has been in red-hot form since the World Cup and the Liverpool defeat is unlikely to harm his stock.
      The boss is unlikely to rest players at this point in the competition, particularly with their spot in title race gone.

      Real Betis: Rodri.
      The academy hotshot has been fast-tracked into the Betis first XI in Fekir’s absence and performed admirably.
      How he performs up against Casemiro could determine the outcome of the game.
      SunSport prediction
      Man Utd 2 Real Betis 0
      When is Man Utd vs Real Betis?

      United’s home clash with Betis will take place TONIGHT – Thursday, March 9.
      The game will be held at Old Trafford.
      United vs Betis will get underway from 8pm UK time.

      What channel is it can it be live streamed?

      Man Utd vs Real Betis will be shown live on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Read More on The Sun
      Odds

      Man Utd – 2/5
      Draw – 7/2
      Real Betis – 13/1

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

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      in Boxing

      Lawrence Okolie vs David Light: Date, UK start time, stream, TV channel, undercard, odds for world title fight

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      LAWRENCE OKOLIE will defend his WBO cruiserweight title against David Light at the AO Arena in Manchester.The Sauce most recently defended his title against Michal Cieslak back in February 2022.
      Lawrence Okolie retained his WBO cruiserweight belt against Michal CieslakCredit: Reuters
      The Hackney-born boxer defeated Cieslak by unanimous decision.
      This will be the third time Okolie will be defending his WBO cruiserweight belt.
      David Light will be a tough test for the current champion, as the 31-year-old is currently undefeated with an impressive 20-0-0 record.
      When is Lawrence Okolie vs David Light?

      Lawrence Okolie vs David Light will take place on Saturday, March 25.
      The ring walks for the main event are expected to begin at approximately 10pm UK time.
      AO Arena in Manchester will be the venue.

      READ MORE IN BOXING
      What TV channel is Lawrence Okolie vs David Light on?

      Lawrence Okolie vs David Light will be shown Live on Sky Sports Action.
      Coverage is set to get underway from 7pm UK time.
      Alternatively, you can follow all the action on SunSport’s live blog.

      Can I stream Lawrence Okolie vs David Light?

      Yes, Sky Sports customers can stream the WBO cruiserweight title bout through the NOW app, which is free to download to your mobile or tablet.
      You can purchase a pass for 24hr of NOW for £11.98 or a 1-month pass for £34.99, this will allow you to watch the fight and give you access to 11 Sky Sports channels.
      A NOW smartphone-only pass costs just £5.99 if you are wanting to watch Okolie vs Light on the go.

      Who’s on the Lawrence Okolie vs David Light undercard?

      Main event: Lawrence Okolie vs David Light
      Frazer Clarke vs Rydell Booker
      Karriss Artingstall vs Linzi Buczynskyj
      Michael Gomez Jnr vs Levi Giles
      Rhys Edwards vs Brian Phillips
      Aaron McKenna vs TBA
      Callum Simpson vs TBA
      Samuel Antwi vs TBA
      Harvey Lambert vs TBA

      Odds

      Lawrence Okolie – 1/6
      Draw – 25/1
      David Light – 4/1

      Most read in Boxing
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More