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    Conor McGregor wins huge £1.2MILLION bet after backing UFC rival Nate Diaz to beat Jorge Masvidal in boxing rematch

    CONOR McGREGOR made a huge £1.2MILLION after backing Nate Diaz to beat Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal beat Diaz in the UFC in 2019 after causing a cut deemed too gruesome to fight on with. Nate Diaz won Conor McGregor over £1m by beating Jorge MasvidalCredit: Getty – ContributorMasvidal was beaten by majority-decisionCredit: Fanmio But it only served to keep the bad blood brewing and the rivalry was renewed five years later in the ring. Before the bout, McGregor shared his huge wager as he tipped old UFC rival Diaz – with whom he is 1-1 with – to get revenge in the ring. He posted: “I’ve decided to put $500,000 on Diaz to win tonight’s boxing match. “Range, form, experience, solely hands being used, I can’t see Masvidal causing any problems to Nate in a boxing ring whatsoever. READ MORE IN MMA”They are both little play around dips***s in a fight, play around bollox, but I feel Nate does him in EASY here for real. $500k gets me back $1,625,000 all in.” Diaz, 39, went on to defeat Masvidal, 39, via majority-decision to bank McGregor the huge wager.McGregor, 35, was beaten by Diaz in March 2016 but won the rematch five months later. It was this time Diaz’s turn to triumph in a rematch as his volume shots prevailed over Masvidal’s power punches. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “It feels good to get the job done, for sure. Mission accomplished.” Masvidal, who called for a rematch, said: “I thought I won, I thought I hit the harder shots. Jake Paul’s business partner defends controversial Mike Tyson fight”He did land more volume but I definitely felt I landed the way, way better shots.”Win or lose, all praise to Jesus Christ, my saviour. And we can do it again, we’re 1-1 so we can definitely run it back in boxing.”I felt I won that one, we can definitely find a place to do it again.”Masvidal called for a rematchCredit: Fanmio More

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    Nate Diaz BEATS Jorge Masvidal to gain revenge for UFC loss with huge win in boxing rematch

    NATE DIAZ got sweet revenge five years in the making over Jorge Masvidal after winning their boxing rematch. Masvidal was the initial winner via third-round stoppage at UFC 244 in 2019 after Diaz was pulled out with a cut. Masvidal came out in the southpaw stanceCredit: Fanmio It was back and forth actionCredit: Fanmio Diaz was the busier of the twoCredit: Fanmio Masvidal landed the bigger blowsCredit: Fanmio But it forced the bad blood to only brew and almost half a decade later the rivalry was renewed in the boxing ring. It was a back-and-forth affair over ten rounds but the judges in Diaz’s home of California gave the Stockton man the nod. Diaz said: “It feels good to get the job done, for sure. Mission accomplished.”One judge scored the bout even while the other two had it 97-93 and 98-92 in favour of Diaz as Masvidal called for a rematch. READ MORE IN BOXINGMasvidal said: “I thought I won, I thought I hit the harder shots.”He did land more volume but I definitely felt I landed the way, way better shots. “Win or lose, all praise to Jesus Christ, my saviour. And we can do it again, we’re 1-1 so we can definitely run it back in boxing. “I felt I won that one, we can definitely find a place to do it again.” Most read in BoxingMasvidal sprung up the first surprise of the bout when he came out in the southpaw stance – but it did not prevent Diaz from being the busier of the two.Diaz – known for his relentless output – rolled back the clock in the early stages to swarm Masvidal with combinations.Jake Paul’s business partner defends controversial Mike Tyson fightBut after three rounds, Masvidal began to time his overhand left only for Diaz to just walk forward and take it.Heading into the second half of the fight, Masvidal began to land some telling left hands over the top and air-sucking body shots.In round seven, it was his lead right hook that whipped off Diaz’s chin but the veteran Californian replied right back with a barrage of shots.Masvidal might have thought he landed his best shot of the fight in the eighth but Diaz wore it well and put his hands in the air to motion to the crowd.Somehow, Diaz managed to keep up the same relentless pace that he started the bout with during the final two rounds.But Masvidal, as he did throughout, continued to connect with looping hooks and energy-zapping body shots.Eventually, Diaz’s work rate and volume punching was rewarded as he walked away with the majority-decision win. He now stands 1-1 in the boxing ring having lost his debut last August to Jake Paul – a fight he now wants to revisit along with UFC champion Leon Edwards. READ MORE SUN STORIESMasvidal was beaten on pointsMasvidal landed a strong right hookCredit: GettyDiaz was quick to come backCredit: Getty”My main objective has always been to be the best fighter in the world so I want to go back and get the UFC title,” Diaz said. “Leon Edwards, Jake Paul and anybody the f*** else, you’re dead.” More

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    Watch moment Roy Keane is called out for ‘lying smirk’ after Ian Wright reveals he cried during Inside Out 2

    ROY KEANE was accused of having a “lying smirk” after he claimed to not have cried while watching a movie.During the downtime from the Euros, Ian Wright and Keane visited a cinema together to watch Pixar’s Inside Out 2.Roy Keane was called out for his ‘lying smirk’ by Gary Neville after claiming not to cry during Inside Out 2Credit: ITVIan Wright watched the movie alongside KeaneCredit: ITVNeville could not believe the two were sat in the cinema crying togetherCredit: ITVKeane and Wright were discussing their time away from football with Gary Neville and Jill Scott for Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast.Reminiscing on the trip to the cinema, Keane said to Wright: “What about that cartoon we went to the other day? Inside Out?”Scott then asked Keane: “Did that make you cry?”But Keane had an immediate rebuttal and said: “I had hay fever.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWright immediately stepped in to say: “He’s acting like he weren’t crying, I heard him crying.”Neville then burst out laughing as he pointed at the duo and said: “Imagine them two crying in a movie!”Keane then laughed to himself which was a dead giveaway for Neville who said: “That’s a lying smirk!”A frustrated Keane then insisted: “I have hayfever!” Which Wright again denied.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeville then continued: “I knew you [Wright] were emotional but I didn’t realise Roy was emotional!”Keane insisted: “I wasn’t! He’s lying!”Man Utd legend Roy Keane reveals why he last cried in touching momentWright then summed up by saying: “He is emotional! It’s like we were saying, certain things get to you. It’s like what happened with Ronaldo.”He was referring to Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears after missing a penalty against Slovenia in the round of 16 earlier this week.Ronaldo was emotional again yesterday as Portugal were knocked out at the hands of France in the quater-finals of the competition.It comes as Keane and Wright opened up about crying earlier in the podcast, with Keane revealing he had cried after his daughter sent him a video message.Wright said: “You know something, Roy. I’m really pleased to hear that because when I watched it, it moved me.”Keane and co will not be taking viewers through England’s quarter-final against Switzerland, with BBC One showing the game instead.BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:BBC presenters:Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark ChapmanITV presenters:Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods BBC pundits:Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

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    Inside football juggernaut’s 35-year curse featuring seven buried cats, an exorcism, bankruptcy and relegation by rivals

    MANY followers of the beautiful game believe in the power of curses and superstitions.From Béla Guttmann’s Benfica curse which has seen the club fail to win European silverware since 1962, to Birmingham’s 100-year curse at St Andrews and Harry Kane’s trophy curse, belief is a powerful tool.Racing Club’s rivalry with Independiente is huge in ArgentinaCredit: GettyThe Avellaneda derby has the two clubs just 370 metres apartCredit: GettyA stunning curse saw seven black cats buried under Racing Club’s stadiumCredit: AFP or licensorsThe curse was in place for 35 yearsCredit: AP:Associated PressBut one so-called curse hailing from Argentina is almost too wild to be believed.This legend takes us to Buenos Aires for the Avellaneda derby of Racing Club and Independiente – the country’s second-most important derby behind Boca Juniors and River Plate.Their two stadiums, El Cilindro de Avellaneda (now Estadio Presidente Perón) and Estadio Libertadores de América sit just 370 metres apart, marginally more than Dundee and Dundee United’s 322 metres.The tale of the curse features the burial of seven black cats, an exorcism, toads, relegation, near-bankruptcy and title glory.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut before we get into the details of this legend, it is important to understand the history that came before.Racing Club were the definition of a football powerhouse in the early 20th century. Racing Club honoursList of Racing Club’s main honoursPrimera División x18 – Racing Club’s tally of seven titles in a row between 1913 and 1919 puts them in an elite club featuring just four other teams who have managed to do the same; Lyon, Bayern Munich and Juventus.Segunda División x3Intercontinental Cup 1967Copa Libertadores 1967Supercopa Libertadores 1988Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional 2022Supercopa Internacional 2022They were the first club in the world to win seven league titles in a row (1913 to 1919) – five of which were undefeated – and the first Argentine club to win a national cup.Racing, also known as La Academia due to their footballing excellence, were also the first Argentine club world champions after winning the Intercontinental Cup in 1967 by beating Celtic.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn 1966 they had been crowned champions of Argentina for a 15th time, and understandably rivals Independiente were furious at their success.And in a desperate bid for revenge, a group of Independiente fans are said to have broken into Racing’s El Cilindro.Football stars’ weird phobiasTaking advantage of the fact that the night watchman was an Independiente fan, they broke in and buried seven black cats at the behest of alleged encouragement from a local witch.This curse appeared to yield instant success as Independiente beat Racing Club 4-0 in December 1967 to win the Primera Division league title.However, little did Racing know their plight had only just begun.In 1970, the club sacked manager Juan Jose Pizzuti, who had led them to victory over Celtic before going through four different coaches in one season.Five years later they suffered a colossal 10-0 defeat to Rosario Central before barely avoiding relegation by finishing second bottom of the league in 1976.By 1980, the impact of the curse seemed real enough, and new boss Juan Carlos “Toto” Lorenzo opted to tackle the curse head on by finding the cats and removing them.Racing fans dug up the ground and found six of the seven catsCredit: Andy Bush – The SunThey then replaced the skeletons with toads in a bid to counter the hexCredit: GettyDuring the search they had success by finding a number of cat skeletons beneath one of the goalposts. But they were left one short as only six of the seven were found.In a bid to reverse the hex, Lorenzo ordered six toads – said to be associated with cleansing and rebirth – to be buried in the spot the cats were.But things did not get better for The Academy, and in 1983 they suffered the most bitter of fallout’s as they were relegated from the top flight for the first time in their history.From an Independiente point of view, the cherry on top was that they got to deal the coupe de grace, with a 2-0 win over their rivals at the Libertadores simultaneously crowning them champions and relegating Racing.Racing were back in the top flight after two seasons, but their curse was far from over as the 1990s added to the pain of the decades prior.By 1998, enough was enough, and in February Racing called in the biggest guns they could in the entirety of Argentina, the Catholic Church.God is a Racing fan. The devil is notRacing Club fan bannerHuge crowds gathered outside the Santa Iglesia Cathedral in Avellaneda, with some estimates suggesting some 100,000 people followed the procession.Father Horatio Della Barca sprinkled holy water on both goalmouths, with Racing president Daniel Lalín saying: “This is not an exorcism but an act of faith. “The Racing fans deserve all the good times that they have not received for a long time.”A banner hung around the ground is also said to have read: “God is a Racing fan. “The devil is not.” All told, this act of faith was said to have cost over US$30,000, but it was rewarded with Racing losing their next game 2-0.READ MORE SPORT FEATURESAnd just one year later, Racing hit their lowest point as they were officially declared bankrupt on March 4 1999 after racking up multi-million dollar debts, with the court-appointed accountant issuing the statement: “Racing Club has ceased to exist.”However, Racing fans – who had continued to attend in high numbers throughout the years of regression – refused to stand for the news, fighting legal battles, protesting outside parliament and occupying the club’s headquarters to prevent administrator’s taking control.Some 30,000 are even said to have turned out for the club’s first game of the season and sang for ninety minutes non-stop, even though no teams appeared on the pitch due to it being cancelled.It was from these ashes that Racing fans had their prayers answered.In late 2000 the club hired Reinaldo “Mostaza” Merlo – a big believer in superstition – as their new boss, who insisted the seventh cat be found and convinced club bosses to excavate the pitch and dig up the concrete moat surrounding the pitch.Finally after 34 years of searching, the final cat skeleton was found behind the goal covered in concrete, a spot allegedly suggested by the former Independiente supporting night watchman.Racing vs Independiente head-to-head recordMatches played: 233Racing won: 70Independiente: 88Draws: 75Total titles: 85Racing titles: 40 – 18 Primera Division, 1 Copa LibertadoresIndependiente titles: 45 – 16 Primera Division, 7 Copa LibertadoresIt was summarily removed from El Cilindro, and low-and-behold in December 2001 Racing ended their 35-year drought by winning their first title since 1966 against all odds.Celebrating their victory, Racing fans held up a banner saying: “What ghosts? No ghosts. Merlo already said: Racing are Champions!”Racing did not have to wait anywhere near as long to get their hands on the title again, with victory in 2014 and then again in 2018/19.But whether it was all real or simply a stunning coincidence is up to the fans to decide.Former Racing player José Raúl “Toti” Iglesias claims an alleged quote of him speaking about a “haunted goal” where cats are buried is false.He told the Buenos Aires Herald: “There is no truth to that quote, nor do I remember it. Some things go around for years, but it’s not true, or at least I never saw it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhether or not football gods exist, Racing were unfortunate to have a long period of misfortune.Though many more fans of other clubs would be over the moon to have some of the success they tasted in the last 60 years.The club were on the brink of bankruptcy in 1999Credit: AP:Associated PressBut in 2000 they found the seventh cat skeletonCredit: AFPAnd they proceeded to win the league in the following seasonCredit: AFP More

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    I needed four stitches after winning brutal boxing war but my real hero dad still called me a p***y

    DANNY QUARTERMAINE won a bloody and brutal war last Saturday – needing four stitches – but his superhero dad still joked he is a ‘p***y’.The 27-year-old super-featherweight was dropped in the opening round by James Chereji and left with a horribly cut and swollen eye.Danny Quartermaine celebrates victory alongside his dadBut he came through the trenches and rallied to win a unanimous decision – moving him to 12-0 – that impressed almost everyone apart from the main man.After his battle wounds were stitched up, 1st battalion paratrooper Quartermaine Snr took the hilarious chance to remind his fearless lad who the toughest man around the dinner table will always be.The Leamington Spa star laughed to SunSport: “I had two stitches in my eyebrow and two in my head and I looked at him and he looked back at me and said ‘p***y’.“But this is coming from a man who once had 22 stitches right across his forehead, so I have to take it and get on with it.READ MORE BOXING“But that mentality has always been in me. I was never pushed too hard to do anything. “I always understood how important it was to give my all, never give up and fight to win.“My dad never boxed, but he did a lot of martial arts and he was also a doorman for a long time, since the age of 16, going all over the country. “So I think that fighting mentality has always been there for him and it’s there for me now.”Most read in BoxingBoxing is full of some of the world’s toughest blokes but there is still the odd pretender playing the tough guy.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk proved they’re the real deal in their undisputed duel in May – only for attention-grabbing John Fury to blow his boy’s chance at immortality with laughable corner work.Tyson says Paris doesn’t know how much is in their bank accounts Thankfully Quartermaine knows his old man – who also bravely served and protected us in the Pathfinder Platoon – is far too honourable to pull a similar stunt.He told us: “You won’t ever see him jumping up and celebrating, never. For my dad it’s a case of ‘job done’.“He won’t go down the John Fury route, he’s far too quiet. He taught me to stay quiet and take everything in, then react if you have to.“Dad’s definitely not getting up and getting involved in anything, I am pretty sure he’s seen enough p***heads in his lifetime on doors to avoid all that. “I’d never find him in my corner talking over my coach, I’d more likely look over the ropes and see him throwing people out for free!”Role at Aston MartinDespite his father being a real-life James Bond, Quartermaine walked out on 007’s favourite supercar firm Aston Martin when they tried to cut into his training time.A steady 9-5 with one of the most glamorous motor companies on the planet was not enough to stop the proud Midlands lad trying to make himself a local legend and secure his family’s future.The handsome fighter explained: “I have been full time for almost three years now, thanks so much to my sponsors.“Before that I had all sorts of jobs, just to work around my training. People thought I was mad to leave Aston Martin, such a prestigious company, but they moved into shift work and that meant I had to leave because I have always known I want to be a boxer and everything else has to revolve around that.“I want to create a bit of a legacy. I would love in years to come, if someone says ‘Danny Quartermaine’ in a pub or gym, I would love someone to overhear and say ‘I remember him, I remember him being in a great fight and winning that title’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have just started making a living out of it now and I would love to be able to change the lives of the people around me with it too.”Danny Quartermaine is proudly sponsored by Scott Simpson, Jay RSD, Max Biddle, Steve Massey & The Hope, Simon Bennett and Barry Gueney, John Barrett, Ace Scaffolding, Laki, The Bulldog Pub and the K9 Club.  More

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    I played with Bellingham, Musiala and Palmer before swapping countries – England star’s act in training blew me away

    SERINE SANNEH has played alongside some of the biggest stars in Europe.At the age of 15 he represented England alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala and Cole Palmer to name a few.Serine Sanneh currently plays for non-league side RusthallSanneh played for England as a teenagerThe goalkeeper first joined the England set-up aged 15However, a horrific knee injury stopped him from taking the same path.The former West Ham academy star now plays for non-league side Rusthall FC having recovered from the devastating setback.But he is thrilled to see his former England team-mates shining on the big stage.Sanneh discussed his time in the Three Lions set-up during an exclusive chat with SunSport ahead of the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.Read More in Football”I remember the first day I went to the England camp and, obviously I’d just spent my whole life at West Ham so that was a comfortable environment,” he recalls.”Then all of a sudden you’re at the England camp and you’re playing the best of the best and it was just crazy.”The ability that everybody had there – less mistakes, obviously the standard was a bit higher, it was crazy.”Three players in particular stood out to him at the time – Bellingham, Bayern Munich ace Musiala and former Newcastle winger Amadou Diallo, who is now a free agent.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSanneh recovered from a severe knee injury two years ago”Speaking about Jude, he did stand out because he was a skilful player.”But I remember he was training up with Musiala and there was one guy called Amadou Diallo, I think it was those three that were training up. Yeah, at the time Jude, he was very good. Musiala as well.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlines”Obviously I hadn’t really played against Jude that much, it was my first time actually meeting him because he was playing for Birmingham.”But Jamal Musiala, I played against him while he was at Chelsea so I knew that he was very good.”It’s funny, I think a player at the time, we were U15s, had never gone one-v-one and dinked me. The first ever time it was Jude Bellingham! I was shocked!”I was like, ‘yeah, this is crazy!’ When you’re playing against them it’s different because their shooting is a lot better and as a keeper, you have to make an outstanding save against them.”Yeah, they just can finish. I think the best finisher out of the three was probably Diallo, but they could all finish.”Sanneh still remains in contact with Bellingham.In fact, he made sure to congratulate the England midfielder on his Euro 2024 last-16 heroics following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Slovakia.Bellingham scored a stunning bicycle kick to equalise before Harry Kane went on to net the winner.”It was very good! That was the goal I messaged him about and said congratulations because it was a very big goal.”He seems to be in the right position at the right time every time. But he deserves it because I know how hard he works and he’s very talented.”Sanneh always knew the midfielder had a special gift – even when they were both playing for the U15s.”I feel like when you have a lot of talent, when you believe, and I’m not saying Jude was ahead of himself but he was confident in a way that’s good.”He knows ‘okay, I’m good at football, it’s time to show these guys why I’m here.’ Because he was training up an age group. He was coming in and doing so well, so he was very, very good.The goalkeeper played for England U15s, U16s and U17sSanneh played alongside Jude Bellingham as a teenagerCredit: GettyHe messaged Bellingham to congratulate the midfielder on his goal against SlovakiaCredit: AP”Sometimes it’s good to show that confidence because that’s how you’re going to play well.”If you show that throughout your career, like he has done, building up his way from Birmingham City, kept going and into the first team.”He played well and just kept getting more confident, got his move to Dortmund and now looks good to show that. Otherwise I don’t think he’d be in the position he is now.”Like his former team-mate Musiala – who now plays for Germany – Sanneh made the decision to switch international allegiance after two years in the England set-up.At just 18-years-old he was given the opportunity to play for Gambia’s U20s – a new challenge that he relished.”It was a very proud moment playing for Gambia, very proud to play for my African team.”At the time I was standby for England because I wasn’t really playing as much at West Ham. Complications happened at West Ham, nothing to do with my football ability or attitude-wise, they were out of my control I’d say.”I wasn’t really getting picked for England and then I think Gambia, we had an upcoming tournament, U20s, and I was still 18 at the time so I got picked to go. I’d played a few matches before and they saw my clips, it was very good but different.”Having played non-league football since recovering from a severe meniscus tear in 2022, Sanneh is now looking to the future with a sense of belief and optimism.But in the mean time he is loving life with Southern Counties side Rusthall.”My ambitions are obviously to get back to where I belong and where I deserve. Obviously I’m working hard everyday.”I’m at a club where I’m enjoying my football and the managers. I love them to bits because they’re letting me play how I play.”Everyday I’m training hard and luckily now I’m performing how I was before. I even think I’ve improved in terms of my goalkeeping.”I can’t really know where I see myself in the next few years but I know it’s something good because I know behind the scenes I’m working very hard to get back to where I need to be.”Sanneh has even enlisted the help of close friend Anthony Elanga, who currently plays for Nottingham Forest, in training.”I have friends like Anthony Elanga, who I was with a few days ago. We were doing a shooting competition.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He was doing good shooting, I was making good saves and we were just talking about how he came up as well, what was difficult for him.”I speak to him and he tells me that he knows one day I’ll be back to where I need to be.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Inside abandoned race track named after writer and left to rot with weeds growing in grandstand and start lines in tact

    A FORMER race track named after William Shakespeare is looking worse for wear after being left abandoned.The Shakespeare County Raceway was built on the old runway of RAF Long Marston in Stratford-upon-Avon.The abandoned Shakespeare County Raceway in Stratford-upon-AvonCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexIt was originally opened in 1940 as RAF Long Marston airbaseCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexHowever, after the war it hosted its first drag race in 1973Credit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexThe races became a permanent fixture in 1980Credit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexIt is considered to be Britain’s second dragstripCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexWeekend music events were also a common attractionCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexIt later played host to the Hells Angels Bulldog BashCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexBy 2007 it attracted some 50,000 peopleCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexThe airfield had been built in 1940 before ceasing its operations in 1954.Then in 1973, Long Marston held its first ever drag race before the event became a permanent fixture at the venue from 1980.It is considered to be Britain’s second dragstrip, after the Santa Pod Raceway which also claims the title of Europe’s first dragstrip.However, it was not only racing that took place at the race track, with weekend music events a common theme.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTIndeed, 1987 saw the first ever edition of the Hells Angels Bulldog Bash, which grew to an incredible size of a reported 50,000 people in 2007.In 1990 the track was renamed as Avon Park Raceway, before being renamed again in 2008 as the Shakespeare County Raceway in honour of English writer William Shakespeare.Racing and events continued there all the way until 2017.However, that year saw the site sold off to property developers before the decision was confirmed in 2018.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRacing and music events carried on there until 2017Credit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexIt was renamed the Avon Park Raceway in 1990 before later getting its Shakespeare name in 2008Credit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexLocal newspaper the Stratford Herald reported a local council document had detailed plans for £100m of funding from development company Cala.These plans allegedly featured the building of an initial 400 homes with a further 3,100 to follow later on.Inside the world’s abandoned stadiums, which have been abandoned and left to rot after years of disuse and in desperate need of repairHowever, as it stands, the track has been left derelict and remains frozen in time.Nature has overtaken the buildings on the site, with weeds and vegetation encroaching on the desolate old strip.Not much of it remains intact, with the exception of the start-finish line which pays homage to the history of the site.The Shakespeare racecourse is not the only venue of its kind in the UK, with the Brooklands Motor Course in Surrey that hosted the first ever British Grand Prix being left abandoned since World War Two.Overseas, there is the French Reims-Gueux circuit and Circuit de Charade, the £540million Hanoi motor race circuit in Vietnam and the Flemington Speedway in New Jersey, USA.However, it was abandoned in 2018Credit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexIt was set to make way for property developers building as many as 3,500 houses on itCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexThe plans would have seen £100m spent on the siteCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexOnly the start-finish line has been left largely intactCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexBut the site has been left frozen in timeCredit: Jam Press/Chloe UrbexOvergrown vegetation has left it looking unrecognisableCredit: Jam Press/Chloe Urbex More

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    A ‘world class goalie’ and a ‘winger who offers something different’, meet the Switzerland stars looking to down England

    SWITZERLAND should “not be scared of anybody” and have the belief and momentum to down England.That is according to 47-year-old Raphael Wicky, who led Young Boys to the Swiss Super League and Cup double last year.Raphael Wicky provided a run-through of the Swiss men looking to down EnglandCredit: GettySwitzerland face the Three Lions in the quarters of Euro 2024 on SaturdayCredit: GettyWhen asked by Sun Sport if Murat Yakin’s side can create history in Germany by overcoming England to reach their first semi-final, the ex-Atletico Madrid star said: “Absolutely, the belief is there.“The energy in the country after the performances from the players is amazing and everyone has the right to dream big.“The momentum is really positive for the team, and you can see that even if players don’t play, they are all happy for each other and celebrate together.“Playing Hungary and Scotland, the expectation was that we needed four or six points from both fans and the players and staff.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“Then, Switzerland played one of the best tactical games in the last few years against Germany where they were very strong defensively and they interrupted the German game very impressively.“They then dominated Italy completely, but dominated not defensively but with the ball.“So we have shown that we have a lot of different ways to play and be very solid in defensive but very dominant with the ball.“That’s why I don’t believe that we should be scared of anybody right now. The momentum is very big with Switzerland.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYakin’s team have lined-up in a 3-4-3 formation so far, and Wicky believes that will be the case again against Gareth Southgate’s England in the quarters.The ex-Basel coach said: “Switzerland have played it very well this tournament, it’s very fluid, they can press high and remain in a low block without possession.Watch as Switzerland supporter is smacked in face by ball but fans can’t get over Scot’s reaction in front of him“There is no reason to have a change but there was not really to change and after the first game we did because they had a plan.“I don’t expect many, but it is possible there are one or two changes.“He may bring Silvan Widmer back in a right wing-back, which will be a little bit more defensive, and put Dan Ndoye back into his wing position, that is a possibility.“I don’t think anything will change on the left, but on the right it is possible – but for sure there will be no changes in the midfield, that will be Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka.“They have worked very well together for many years and they are the heart of this team.”Wicky continued: “I think Embolo will play, but it depends on his fitness. He had a big injury and didn’t play much after being out with an ACL.“So he did not play for Monaco much and now, at a tournament where he plays every three or four days, the biggest question is how is his body doing?“But they’ve had a longer break now and it should be enough time to recover, then I expect him to go in.”So who exactly are the Swiss stars looking to roll over Gareth Southgate’s side? Wicky told SunSport in his own words:YANN SOMMER“A proven world class goalkeeper for many years and he is so important because of his experience, calmness and he is really, really good with his feet as well as being a good shotstopper.“He is a very, very important piece for this team.”FABIAN SCHAR“A lot of experience and has been with the national team a long time.“His strengths are also that he is very calm and good with the ball, his diagonal passing fits very well to this system with the width on both sides.”MANUEL AKANJI“A world class defender who I coached in Basel before he went to Dortmund and I’m not surprised with how his career has gone.“He is one of THE most important parts of this team with his overall package; strong is duels, very fast and he is unbelievably intelligent when in possession which helps a lot to build.”RICARDO RODRIGUEZ“A different player from Schar and Akanji, he was originally a left-back, but just as much experience and intelligence.“But I think that he is perfectly suited to play a back three as he’s the left-footed but he is always able to make a numerical advantage on the left hand as he often goes to help the wing-back on the offensive.“So this suits him as he is used to going forward from playing as a left-back.”England must go old-school to shock Switzerland… this formation would be perfect, says Jurgen KlinsmannIT might be time for England to try something different at these Euros, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.Maybe Gareth Southgate will want to start the quarter-final against Switzerland in a 4-4-2 formation, with Ivan Toney alongside Harry Kane up front.I think it might work, and if Gareth feels the same, he should do it.This is the time when, as a manager at a tournament, you have to trust your gut instinct and never hold back from unpopular decisions.The quarter-finals are make-or-break time. Win and you’re in the last four and everyone respects you.Lose and it’s not acceptable for big nations like England, Germany, France and Spain.England are facing the best Swiss team of all time on Saturday – and it is certain to be another rollercoaster.I understand there can be snobbery about playing a 4-4-2 but sometimes you have to do something different. It can still be a fantastic system — two hard-working frontmen like Kane and Toney can be a real threat to the opposition.I think England need to surprise the Swiss, to try something different.And that just might be a good old-fashioned 4-4-2.Read Jurgen Klinsmann’s column in full.Or check out all of Jurgen’s Euro 2024 opinions.DAN NDOYE“Ndoye is a very fast winger and a very vertical player who is always a threat when one-on-one with a defender.“He offers something different to the other players that we have.”REMO FREULER“It did not quite work out as he’d have wanted at Nottingham Forest so English fans may not have seen the real side of him but he’s another very experienced player.“He played for many years in Italy and has a very good tactical understanding. He’s everywhere, sees the spaces very well and he is a box-to-box midfielder.“For me, he is the complete team player – the team always comes first and that is why everyone really respects him in Switzerland.”GRANIT XHAKA“Swiss fans love him – he is with Sommer and Akanji the rhythm of our game, they are the leaders.“He is the captain, leader and along with those other guys, he is the most important player in this team.”Granit Xhaka will lead Switzerland out against EnglandCredit: GettyMICHEL AEBISCHERA central midfielder originally, he may play defensively as a left wing-back but in possession he usually goes into the centre to create an overload.“He then has the full freedom to go into the No.10 and No.8 position and float around and that has worked really well.“But then he has to defend as a left wing-back, where he did not often play for his club. So he and Ndoye are completely different players but the combination works well on the flanks.”FABIAN REIDERDespite only being 22, he is very mature for his age.Has an extremely good left foot and engine, a real box-to-box central midfielder with big volume.RUBEN VARGASHe’s similar to Ndoye and is also a winger and a big threat with his pace and in one-on-one situations.In them, we have two players that whenever they receive the ball wide, they are always a threat.He has made a great progression from playing in Germany the last few years. We need this mix of vertical players to go with our good central midfield players.BREEL EMBOLO“He is completely different to Shakiri, who would play as a false nine, and have the freedom to go anywhere and drop between the lines, but then you relieve the threat from Vargas and Ndoye to go in behind.“With Embolo, he is very strong, very physical and can hold the ball. And that would provide a very different problem for the English defenders than Xherdan Shaqiri.”Wicky played twice for Switzerland at the European Championship and won honours for Sion, Werder Bremen, Atletico and Hamburg before retiring in 2008 after a stint in America.His coaching career started at youth level with youth sides FC Thun, Servette and Basel before he took over their first-team late in the 2016/17 season.They wrapped up the title days later and followed that up with Swiss Cup success but he left the club the following summer after they finished runners-up.Wicky then had spells as USA under-17 and Chicago Fire in the MLS but returned to his homeland in June 2022.He took over Young Boys and led them to a Swiss double in his first season in charge but he left them in March despite them still being a point clear in the title race.Wicky is working as a pundit for Swiss TV throughout Euro 2024 but is looking forward to a challenge that excites and feels right enough for him.He added: “I’m enjoying some time off because, as every coach will tell you, the job is very intense so I’m enjoying this little bit of a break.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I always say though that I’m not just searching for A job – I’m very open if there is an interesting project that I can work with good people who have the same philosophies of how I see the game.“Whenever there is a good possibility then I am open, but I’m also very relaxed at the moment and don’t need to just jump into any job. It needs to feel right.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More