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      in Soccer

      Inside Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood’s relationship from high-school romance to career highs and baby reveal

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      JACK GREALISH and Sasha Attwood’s romance is going up a notch.The Man City star and his model girlfriend, both 28, have announced they are expecting their first child together.The focus is always on Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood – football’s most glam coupleCredit: AFPGrealish and Sasha are childhood sweethearts who got together at secondary schoolCredit: Social Media – Refer to SourceJack Grealish and Sasha Attwood have announced she is expecting their first childThe outrageously attractive couple shared the news on social media with a heartwarming post to their millions of delighted fans.Sasha shared a picture of her baby bump and the caption: “Half of me, half of you – beyond blessed ✨🤍🙏🏻.”Grealish added: “Life’s biggest blessing 👶🏻.”It’s the icing on the cake for football’s most delectable pairing.Read more football newsThe pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school and haven’t looked back.Jack has conquered the football world, winning the Premier League and Champions League.While beautiful model Sasha has appeared in ad campaigns for the likes of Boohoo, L’Oreal, Pretty Little Thing, Lipsy and GHD.Those career highs mean the pair can enjoy a glam lifestyle, including five-star holidays.Most read in FootballSunSport delves into their romance – starting from the beginning.Teenage kicksGrealish was on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.LETS LOOSE Jack Grealish dons hilarious shoulder-length blonde WIG as he lets his hair down after England exile (1)Already ploughing through the youth ranks at Aston Villa, he was a popular boy of St Peter’s Roman Catholic Secondary School.His good looks made him a favourite among the girls, even at that age.At 13, Sasha was already recognised for her beauty.She was spotted by a talent scout for a modelling agency while out on a shopping trip with her mum in Birmingham.The gorgeous blonde would go on star in shoots for House of Fraser in her early years.It wasn’t until both Grealish and Sasha turned 16 when they started dating.Their relationship escalated quicklyDespite the longterm nature of their relationship, Sasha remained on the sidelines as Grealish’s career took off.He was reportedly happy to purvey the image of a single man to aid his image.And she didn’t have any insecurities when it came to their relationship, so a happy medium was found and their kept social media interactions to modest level.However, intense interest in Grealish and his private life came to a head in 2021.Not only did he play a starring role as England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of Covid.As Grealish rose through the ranks at Aston Villa, Sasha was happy to take a backseatSasha and Grealish’s romance came under the spotlight at Euro 2021Stunning beauty Sasha revealed she received death threats daily on social mediaGrealish also earned a blockbuster British record transfer to Man City for £100million.It was an immense time in his life, but Sasha was faced with her own difficulties.Because of their romance, she was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram to the tune of 200 death threats a day.Sasha revealed: “They said, ‘I hope you get cancer and die’ or ‘I hope your whole family dies’.“They say, ‘I hope the next time you’re in the car you crash it and die, I hope after Wembley you die’.”Speaking on her YouTube channel, she added: “I was receiving 200 death threats a day. I’m not exaggerating when I say that.“I had so many messages every single day. I still get them now, all day every day.”Sasha needn’t worryJealousy was clearly a factor for her abusers, as Sasha’s own career began to take off.She signed to Elite Model Management, where the work piled in.The fashion influencer, who can count on an army 300,000 Instagram followers for likes and comments, then follow in Grealish’s footsteps as a model for Boohoo.Pretty Little Thing also used Sasha to endorse their products.Grealish and Sasha ignored the haters as their careers took offCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sasha__rebecca/?hl=enFootballer Grealish and model Sasha became hot properties in fashionBrands like L’Oreal and Pretty Little Thing asked Sasha to endorse their productsread more sport featuresWhile skincare tutorials in partnership with L’Oreal draw plenty of eyes to her social media accounts.Sasha, herself, became a hot commodity for brands.Who said romance is dead?Making time for one another has allowed Grealish and Sasha to thrive as a couple.Over the years, Grealish has enjoyed lads’ breaks in Las Vegas and Ibiza – but Sasha always comes first.Back in 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary like many loved-up couple would.They cuddled up on the sofa and watched romantic movie The Notebook from a projector.Then, at Halloween that same year, Grealish and Sasha dressed as Grease’s Danny and Sandy – with matching T-Birds leather jackets.A couple in unison, romantic getaways were also the order of the day.If Jack did go away with the boys, Sasha was treated to her own five-star holiday.The most notable came in 2023, when Grealish whisked his beloved off to the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France.World’s away from Cheshire, where they live in a £6million mansion, the resort boasts rooms that cost up to £14,000-per-night.Grealish and Sasha got into the spirit of Halloween by dressing as Danny and Sandy from GreaseWhen they get away, Grealish and Sasha do it in styleGrealish once whisked Sasha off to the South of France, where they stayed at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-RocJust a short drive from the glitz and glamour of Cannes, the hotel has played host to some of the biggest names in history including Picasso and Cary Grant.A new challengeJack and Sasha are getting ready to embrace parenthood.Their announcement on social media was met with a chorus of well-wishes from the footballing fraternity.England pal Jude Bellingham replied: “Congrats brother❤️.”While Three Lions skipper Harry Kane said: “Congratulations!! ❤️❤️.”The later could act as inspiration for Grealish, with family man Kane juggling life as an international footballer and devoted dad seemingly with ease.READ MORE SUN STORIESSasha Attwood shared her baby news on InstagramGrealish and Sasha are getting ready to embrace parenthood togetherCredit: InstagramSasha famously modelled maternity gear for BoohooInterestingly, Sasha already modelled maternity wear for a Boohoo range.Now, maybe it’s a photoshoot she can revisit for real this time. More

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      in Motorsport

      British GP scandals from Schumacher’s infamous Silverstone win to VERY awkward Cara Delevingne chat and X-rated blunder

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      IT’S one of the most legendary races in Formula 1, but the British Grand Prix has had to steer a path through shocks and scandals over the years.From spying on the competition to insane collisions, countless infamous sporting moments have left fans reeling.The British Grand Prix has given fans some of the most memorable moments in Formula 1Credit: Tim Williams/British Photography AwardsMichael Schumacher has been involved in controversies at SilverstoneCredit: AP:Associated PressThe legend celebrated coming second in 1994 – little did he know he’d be disqualified and banned shortly afterwardsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdAnd there’s been some spicy moments off the track too – remember Cara Delevingne’s infamous grid chat with Martin Brundle last year? As Formula 1 returns to Silverstone on Sunday, there could be more fireworks in store, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen all vying for the top prize.Here, we look at the British Grand Prix’s most memorable controversies – from the scandalous to the pure ridiculous.No stopping himMichael Schumacher is considered by many to be the greatest driver in F1 history, but his glittering career didn’t come without a few controversies.READ MORE FEATURES In 1994, the star – who tragically suffered a severe brain injury in 2013 – was hit with a five-second penalty after illegally passing frontrunner Damon Hill on the formation lap.Remarkably, he ignored the punishment and, after 21 laps, was served a black flag, which should have resulted in his disqualification – only to seemingly ignore that too.He finally served the time penalty on lap 27, eventually finishing second as confusion reigned.Princess Diana presented Hill with his award on the podium as Schumacher looked on.Most read in MotorsportHowever, shortly after, Michael was disqualified and banned for two races after being dragged to the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.His protests that he had not seen the black flag did not go down well with officials.Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa and SuzukaVictory from the pitsSchumacher won in 1998 while not even on the trackCredit: AP:Associated PressIn 1998, Schumacher again came under intense scrutiny when he won the British Grand Prix… from the pit lane.It all started when he was judged to have illegally overtaken Alexander Wurz while the safety car had been deployed as he chased down race leader Mika Hakkinen.The German was given a 10-second penalty for the move, but Ferrari claimed to be confused by whether it would be added to their driver’s time or if he would need to come into the pits for a stop-and-go.Ultimately, Schumacher was called in by his team on the final lap, meaning that by the time he reached the team’s garage, he had already crossed the finish line, sparking fury among their rivals.It soon emerged that the bungling stewards had only announced the punishment with just two laps of the race left.Despite many expressing disappointment at how Schumacher won, the rules at the time were vague, meaning his victory stood.180mph smashLewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have had one of the most heated rivalries in Formula OneCredit: GettyThe pair collided at top speed, with Max having to go to the hospital to get checked outLewis Hamilton’s wild celebration did not go down well with everyoneCredit: PAWhen it comes to heated rivalries on the grid, very few come close to the intensity of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.In 2021, their feud came to a head when they collided in a 180mph clash at Copse Corner. It was the first time that year that a battle between the two would end in a collision.Max crashed heavily into the barriers and was taken to hospital for precautionary checks. Lewis was penalised with a 10-second penalty but still went on to win the race by passing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.He was later accused of “dirty driving by Red Bull’s Christian Horner as the debate about racing etiquette raged.Max also slammed Lewis’ behaviour on X, writing: “Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour, but we move on.”Spygate Nigel Stepney stole hundreds of pages of Ferrari data and passed them on to McLarenCredit: GettyTheir plan came to light when Mike Coughlan’s wife made photocopies of the documentsCredit: Sutton Motor Sport ImagesIn 2007, McLaren was hit with a huge $100million fine in one of the biggest controversies to come out of Formula 1.Dubbed Spygate, it centred around Nigel Stepney, who worked for Ferrari and his old friend, Mike Coughlan, who was the chief designer of McLaren.When Stepney felt like he had been unfairly shut out of a promotion, he stole almost 800 pages of confidential Ferrari data and passed them on to Coughlan. But their plan came crashing down when Coughlan’s wife tried to make copies of the documents at a shop in Woking.The photocopier, a Ferrari fan, became suspicious and alerted the team, who launched a bombshell legal case days ahead of the British Grand Prix in July.While McLaren was initially cleared of wrongdoing, a second investigation led to the record punishment. The scandal remains a huge stain on McLaren’s legacy.Protest on live trackJust Stop Oil protestors recklessly sat on the tracks while a race was underwayCredit: RexThe protestors were arrested and charged for their actionsCredit: RexIn 2022, a huge security lapse at Silverstone saw six environmental protestors storm the tracks and recklessly sit down while the race was ongoing.Luckily, the cars had slowed by the time they got to the protestors, due to a multi-car incident at Turn 1.After they were removed, all six Just Stop Oil protestors were arrested and charged with causing a public nuisance.At their trial, prosecutors said they risked “serious harm” to the drivers and the marshals who had to get them off the tracks. Although they were found guilty of the offence, they were spared jail and handed suspended sentences instead. Cringe snubCara Delevingne declined an interview with Martin Brundle on the gridCredit: Sky Sports F1The model was slammed on social media for snubbing F1 legend MartinCredit: Sky Sports F1Former racing driver turned commentator Martin Brundle is one of the most respected figures in Formula One. The Sky Sports presenter is known for interviewing team principals, drivers, and VIPs before the beginning of each race. But it seemed last year, model Cara Delevingne didn’t get the memo when she appeared to snub him as he approached her for an interview during the grid walk.Initially, a member of her team said she did not want to talk. Martin then responded with: “She doesn’t want to talk? But everybody needs to talk on the grid, that’s the deal now.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 He then took matters into his own hands and asked her for a “quick chat”, to which she said: “No” and added that she couldn’t “hear anything”.As Martin walked away from Cara, he quipped: “Oh well, I’m sure it would have been extremely interesting.”Fans immediately took to social media to slam her over the incident, which went viral.One vented: “Terrible form. This is Martin Brundle’s gridwalk. Has been for eternity.”As the storm grew, Cara was forced to defend herself, telling one fan: “I was told to say no so I did. Thank you for seeing both sides xxx”X-rated displayA screen malfunction resulted in a very awkward sceneCredit: YouTubeIn 2015, fans in attendance were left in fits of laughter after the big screen malfunctioned and appeared to depict a lewd act. The screen showed two men in a jerking motion, with one man’s hand in front of the other. READ MORE SUN STORIESAs the up-and-down hand motions continued, fans could be heard laughing, with one shouting, “What’s he doing?”After a few more seconds, the two men disappeared from the screen as it went completely blank. More

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      in Boxing

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

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      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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      in Boxing

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

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      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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      in Soccer

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

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      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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      in Soccer

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

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      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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      in Boxing

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

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      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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      in Soccer

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

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      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