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      in Soccer

      Mo Salah’s former team-mate collapses on pitch after ‘heart stopped for more than an hour’ as match is suspended

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      EGYPTIAN football star Ahmed Refaat is in hospital after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest on the pitch.The forward collapsed with two minutes remaining of Modern Future FC’s Egyptian Premier League clash with Ittihad on Monday night.Ahmed Refaat collapsed in Modern Future FC’s clash with Ittihad on Monday nightCredit: X@ISHAQCHEBLIThe forward’s heart stopped for an hourCredit: X@ISHAQCHEBLIThe match was immediately suspended after the severity of Refaat’s condition became clear and he was promptly taken to the hospital.Reefat’s heart stopped for an hour but he’s miraculously managed to survive the ordeal.And the 30-year-old – a former team-mate of Liverpool hitman Mohamed Salah- is currently being monitored in intensive care.A club statement read: “Ahmed Refaat’s heart stopped for more than an hour, despite all resuscitation attempts by the medical staff at Zamzam Hospital near the stadium before his heart rate improved gradually.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”However, his condition is still medically unstable, which prevents his transfer.”Unless his health condition stabilises, the player will continue to receive treatment and undergo the necessary tests.”The club are following the situation on a momentary basis from the hospital.”And everyone will be updated immediately.Most read in FootballAhmed Refaat is a former team-mate of Liverpool and Egypt international Mo SalahCredit: AFP”We would like to call on the media to respect the player’s personal life as well as his health and ask the Egyptian football fans to pray for Ahmed Refaat to be safe and sound as soon as possible.”Footage of Refaat’s collapse went viral on social media, prompting a slew of well wishes for the Egypt international.Raging Mo Salah in rare outburst as he butts head with World Cup rival as fans say ‘something crazy must have been said’One footie fan wrote on X: “Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.”Another said: “Stay Strong Ahmed Refaat.”One remarked: ” Praying for a full recovery and Prayers to his loved ones, in what has to be a difficult time to start this blessed month.”Another chimed in: “Praying for the health and safety of Future FC winger Ahmed Refaat.”Reefat has seven appearances for Egypt to his name, in which he’s scored two goals and provided one solitary assist. More

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      in Athletics

      I’m a porn icon dubbed the ‘Italian Stallion’ – I give my athletics ace son tips on how to beat performance anxiety

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      LEONARDO TANO’S porn-icon parents have helped him get his legs over – as a rising star of hurdles.Dad Rocco – dubbed the “Italian Stallion” – claims he gave the athletic all-rounder the heads-up on “how to fight performance anxiety”.Leonardo Tano is a bright young name in Hungarian sportCredit: Instagram @leonardotanoLeonardo and his brother Lorenzo flank parents Rocco and Rosa at a screening of new Netflix show Supersex at a Berlin film festivalCredit: ReutersDad Rocco, shown at his porn peak, has passed on tips such as self-belief to son LeonardoCredit: FacebookNow Leonardo, 24, is in pole position to exploit his versatile talents – as he has all the mental and physical attributes needed.Sports-wise, the part-time model eagerly plays the field – and the track.The social media influencer rode dirt bikes, was a karting champion and also ran before focusing on his main gift – hurdling.And thanks to some fatherly advice, he takes on all-comers with confidence as one of Hungary’s hottest prospects.Tano Senior, 59, who calls himself a sex addict, and wife Rozsa Tassi, 51, found fame via their screen names of Rocco Siffredi and Rosa Caracciolo.Rocco has appeared in more than 1,300 adult “movies” and features on Netflix show Supersex, which was released on Wednesday.But he is most proud of keeping his son on the straight and narrow in sport.The Daily Star report Rocco as having said: “I taught him how to fight performance anxiety.Most read in Athletics”Leonardo took all of my stubbornness. But in another area he uses his head much more, so to speak.”Tano Junior was a karting whizkid – until he grew too big.Five celebs that could have been professional athletes including mega movie star and a member of the royal familyLuckily, however, his 6ft4ins frame has proved ideal for the hurdles.And his dad loves the dedication Leonardo has shown in recent years, starting when he was a mechanical engineering student. He told Crush Fanzine at the time: “I try to play as many sports as I can. “My principal focus is track and field, which I do six times a week, resting on Sunday.”I would say I am sports addicted, as for me it is an important ingredient to my general health and happiness.”Instagram star Leonardo has branched out from his family’s fameCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      I’m homeless, back at AA & staying in my agent’s spare room, says England legend Paul Gascoigne as he opens up on battle

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      TROUBLED footie legend Paul Gascoigne is homeless and back at Alcoholics Anonymous, he has revealed.The 56-year-old, who for decades has battled alcohol addiction and mental health problems, says he’s bunking in a spare rom at his agent’s house.Paul Gascoigne told the High Performance Podcast he is homeless and back at Alcoholics AnonymousCredit: MEN MediaGazza was considered one of the greatest footballers of his generation and was capped 57 times for EnglandCredit: GettyDesperate to get sober, Gazza admits he’s now a “sad drunk” who boozes “indoors” instead of going out.He told Jake Humprey’s High Performance Podcast: “People know Paul Gascoigne but Gazza, no one knows. Even me sometimes.”When I’m really down, that’s when I pick up a drink to cheer myself up.”Considered one of the greatest footballers of his generation, the Gateshead-born midfielder was capped 57 times for England.Read More on Paul GascoigneHis most iconic moment came at Italia ’90 when he cried after being given a yellow minutes before England’s epic World Cup semi-final defeat on penalties to West Germany.But it was following the ex-Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio and Rangers legend’s retirement in 2004 that his life spiralled out of control.He explained: “The drinking side of it was more when I finished playing. I don’t think I let any managers down, or the players or the fans you know.”Gazza’s battle with alcohol has left him jailed or sectioned on numerous occasions over the years.Most read in FootballThese have included drink-driving offences and being drunk and disorderly.He went to rehab for a seventh time for alcohol addiction in 2014, attending a £6,000-a-month clinic in Southampton.Roy Keane told Paul Gascoigne ‘Gazza, stop it’ after England legend taunted Man Utd icon over his ‘wife’At his worst he splashed out £20,000 to have anti-boozing pellets put in his stomach to try and stop drinking.In a 2021 interview he admitted he will “always be an alcoholic”.Gazza’s demons have seen him seek on and off help from Alcoholics Anonymous, which he says he has recently started revisiting.The dad-of-three, who admitted violence towards first wife Sheryl, now lives at agent Katie Davies’s house in Poole, Dorset.He explained: “I called Katie up in November a few years ago crying my eyes out.”What I put myself through and other people, jail and rehab – taking cocaine off toilet seats.”Gascoigne says he now sinks six coffees by 10am and barely watches football as he misses it too much.But it hasn’t all been plain sailing – as cruel neighbours allegedly put gin bottles on Katie’s doorstep to try and tempt Gazza.He added: “I think the time I’ll give in is when I’m in a wooden box.”Apart from that, I’ll keep on fighting on.”It was following the ex-Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio and Rangers legend’s retirement in 2004 that his life spiralled out of control. More

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      in Boxing

      Boxer Ryan Garcia posts bizarre vid claiming he’s DEAD with ‘throat slit’ as ex Andrea Celina urges fans ‘pray for him’

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      BOXER Ryan Garcia has sparked concern among his fans after a bizarre video claiming he is dead was posted on his social media.The disturbing six-second clip was shared on the star’s Instagram and X account and it momentarily shows the figure of a man inside a house.Ryan Garcia is gearing up for a spring showdown with Devin HaneyCredit: GETTYThe 25-year-old has sparked serious concerns after his recent social media postsCredit: GETTYThe strange video was posted on X and InstagramGarcia’s ex-wife Andrea Celina is among those concerned about the boxerCredit: INSTAGRAM@DREACELINAThe clip is accompanied by the alarming caption: ”We got him boys. RYAN GARCIA RIP B***H. 666.”Video is exactly 666 in time. WE TOLD YOU WE WERE COMING.” followed by a series of random letters.It is unclear whether the social media posts were shared by the boxer or someone else.The boxing star’s ex-wife has expressed her fears following the worrying social media post.READ MORE IN BOXINGAndrea Celina has been in contact with the 25-year-old since the harrowing post but said she is still concerned about the father of her two children and urged his fans to pray for him.She wrote on her Instagram story: “‘If all my followers who are believers can you please pray for Ryan.”‘We are not together and I’ve been in contact with him and he may seem fine but he is not.”I know in my heart he is being heavily oppressed.Most read in Boxing”This is not a troll, I’m genuinely concerned and so is all his family members.”We are not part of any of this and want him to get better but this IS REAL. Pray for him.”However, Garcia’s dad, Henry, was quick to respond insisting his son is “trolling” his followers.Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia agree deal for mega-fight in SEVENTH bout between rivals as date and location is revealedHe wrote: “Yes Ryan is ok, he’s just trolling the wrong way.Henry, however, claimed all is not what it seems behind the scenes, adding: “There’s more to it. Trust.”Regardless the bizarre clip sparked concern about the boxer’s well-being with some fans claiming he’s been hacked and others believe he is unwell.MMA fighter Dillon Danis commented on the Instagram post: “I’ll pay for you to get help man feel bad for you.”Another fan said: “Please tell me Ryan is ok…”And one wrote: “Come on Ryan… We need to know your are ok. Ive been jumping on line all day for updates. “From literally the very moment this was posted.. Just something from someone. please.””Hope you’re okay Ryan,” someone else wrote.It comes after the former interim WBC lightweight champion celebrated the birth of his third child – his second with Celina – in January 2024.He gushed over the the arrival of his son on social media, just HOURS before announcing his separation from Celina.In a now-deleted post, he wrote: ” As I step into a new chapter in my life, it’s with a heavy heart to share that Drea and I have decided to divorce.”While this decision marks the end of our marriage, it’s important to emphasize that our relationship as co-parents remains our top priority.’He went on: ‘Throughout our years together, Drea has been an incredible partner and an even more extraordinary mother to our two children.”I’m deeply grateful for the years we shared and for her unwavering commitment to our family.”As we move forward, my focus remains on the health and wellbeing of our two beautiful kids. They are and will always be my first priority.”I’m fully committed to working with Drea to make sure our children’s needs and best interests always guide our path forward.”I believe our mutual devotion to our children is rock solid, and I trust that together we will provide them with the love, support and stability that they need.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarcia is now dating Australian model Mikaela Testa, who he recently revealed he plans to train for a Misfits boxing match.SunSport have reached out to Garcia’s promoters – Golden Boy Promotions – for comment.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Celina took to Instagram to claim her ex-husband is not wellCredit: INSTAGRAM@DREACELINARyan Garcia’s social media activity has left boxing fans concerned about his well-beingCredit: gettyRyan Garcia’s father, Henry, has claimed his son is just “trolling” with his social media anticsCredit: THE US SUN More

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      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather breaks down in tears over death of his long-time assistant who he says was the ‘sister I never had’

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER broke down in tears when emotionally discussing the death of his long-time assistant Marikit “Kitchie” Laurico.Kitchie worked with Mayweather for much of his 25-year unbeaten career and was one of his closest confidants.
      Floyd Mayweather broke down in tears when emotionally discussing the death of his assistant
      Marikit ‘Kitchie’ Laurico with MayweatherCredit: Instagram
      Mayweather called Kitchie ‘a sister’Credit: Instagram
      Kitchie sadly passed away in March 2023
      But she sadly passed away last March due to reportedly suffering health problems.
      Mayweather was left heartbroken following Kitchie’s passing and tearfully paid tribute to her on The Pivot Podcast.
      He said: “Kitchie was the only person in life that I could talk about anything to, that knew my deepest secrets.
      “There was no male or female in my life that I told more stuff to than her.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “She taught me a lot, she helped me a lot. Through rain, sleet, snow or hail, she had my back.”
      Mayweather revealed they had planned to celebrate Kitchie’s 50th birthday in Aruba and the most recent Super Bowl in Las Vegas.
      But she tragically passed away before they could fulfil their plans.
      Mayweather said she had been dealing with some health issues – but did not specify which – and had encouraged her to seek treatment just days before her death. 
      Most read in Boxing
      He tearfully added: “We argue, we debate, we help each other. That’s a sister I never had. A best friend I ever had.”
      A statement posted to Kitchie’s Instagram account by her family last year revealed that she died on Friday, March 31.
      Floyd Mayweather breaks silence over Manny Pacquiao rematch
      It read: “On March 31, 2023, our brilliant star Kitchie abandoned the physical garment… the angels of Thy loving-kindness descended successively upon her and have ascended her to the spiritual world.
      “We thank all of you who have reciprocated genuine love and positive energy with her
      “We are grateful for your patience and honoring our privacy. Homegoing/ celebration of life arrangements for Kitchie are currently in progress, and updated information will be shared accordingly.” More

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      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea ace Lennie Pidgeley reveals he contemplated suicide three years after winning Premier League

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      LENNY PIDGELEY admits he contemplated suicide three years after winning the Premier League with Chelsea.The former Blues goalkeeper, 40, played at Stamford Bridge between 2003 and 2006.
      Lenny Pidgeley has opened up on his battle with panic attacks and anxietyCredit: Rex
      Pidgeley, who retired in 2018, admits he considered suicideCredit: Getty
      He was there for the start of the Roman Abramovich era.
      And Pidgeley checked out his Chelsea career with victory in the Carabao Cup, then known as the League Cup, as well as the Premier League title.
      The stopper, who ended up playing just twice for Chelsea, eventually moved to London rivals Millwall in 2006.
      But it was during this time he began experiencing panic attacks.
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      Pidgeley, who was 23 years old at the time, recalls keeping himself in his bedroom during a turbulent period.
      He even considered suicide after struggling to cope.
      And when he was selected for a fiery Millwall game away at Leeds, he ended up locking himself in a toilet while battling anxiety.
      Pidgeley bravely told The Telegraph: “It had started during the summer, in the off-season. I started getting anxiety attacks and I’d be in bed, door locked under the covers with all the curtains closed. 
      Most read in Football
      “Millwall had sent me to the Priory and I hadn’t played for months. I’d just got back training a little bit and the goalkeeper who was on loan couldn’t play. 
      “I had been feeling a little bit better and the next thing I knew I was playing at Elland Road, first game back. I was in the toilet 10 minutes before kick-off having a panic attack. 
      I played with Lampard and Mata at Chelsea but flop who made just six appearances was most talented, says Eden Hazard
      “I was dripping with sweat, vomiting, my heart was pumping out of my chest and I was trying to convince myself that my hamstring was going to go. 
      “I thought about it so much that I could feel my hamstring actually tightening up. Then I was running out there, standing in front of 30,000 people. 
      “Three weeks earlier I was thinking about killing myself and now they’re calling me a w****r, and whatever, and I’m just thinking ‘oh my God, if you knew what was going on in my head.’
      “I got through the game, but I couldn’t tell you what happened or what the result was. I probably blanked it out because I don’t want to remember anything about it. 
      “Even talking about it brings it all back, look I’m getting hot now, rubbing my head, my mouth’s gone a bit dry.
      “The panic attacks were uncontrollable to the point where I wanted to jump off a balcony. I was in a real, real bad way. 
      “I was embarrassed, I didn’t want anyone to know. I felt weak, vulnerable, like my career was over.”
      You’re not aloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      Pidgeley ended up playing 55 times for Millwall before taking in spells at Carlisle, Woking, Bradford and Exeter.
      He then played for Newport County, Masnfield Town, Leatherhead and Forest Green Rovers.
      And Pidgeley’s final days in football came at Hastings United, Margate and Farnborough.
      The former England U20 goalie called time on his career in 2018.
      But his anxiety attacks still hadn’t gone away.
      Pidgeley added: “I was part-time by then and I hadn’t been at work because I wasn’t feeling well. On the morning of the game I was having anxiety and panic attacks. 
      “I called the manager and said I couldn’t play, but he said ‘you have to’. They didn’t have a goalkeeper.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I told him I was quitting football, that I had depression and it wasn’t good for my mental health. Straight away after the game, they just put it out there that I’d retired because of depression. 
      “They ended up deleting it after I spoke to them. I couldn’t believe it, it was a disgrace. I’d kept it quiet for 10 or 15 years.” More

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      in Soccer

      We must do anything to keep racist ‘fans’ out of grounds but I have serious doubts about Infantino’s plan

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      SERIOUS action must be taken against deluded football match attenders who attack players with racial slurs.Supporters? These individuals are not  supporting anything.They are sad, sick people and we must do anything necessary to keep them out of our stadiums.
      Gianni Infantino’s plan is ‘maybe not a sledgehammer but a poisonous substance’Credit: Reuters
      AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan talks to referee Fabio Maresca after facing racial abuse against Udinese last weekendCredit: Reuters
      I would support almost any sanction to prevent it but I do worry the about the method put forward by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who is preparing the ground for deducting points from any club whose fans brandish racial insults.
      Maybe not a sledgehammer this but certainly a poisonous substance. Dabbling with reducing points is dangerous.
      Nottingham Forest and Everton (again) are faced with similar actions and Manchester City might too to if, finally, the authorities budge themselves to move on what is said to be more than 100 cases of mysterious something-or-other offences.
      Points deductions strike at the very structure of our football.To cut them from clubs for other reasons bar putting the ball into the net is to hack down the goalposts and replace them with administrators.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      As a country, Britain has made substantial progress in equality for all races and sexes.
      But still all manner of vile racial behaviour continues to exist.
      Take the case of a guy, having watched viewed three of England’s black players miss shootout penalties in the Euro final in 2021, he then sent them despicable racial abuse on his Facebook account.
      He got a suspended sentence and had to pay £100 compensation — preposterous bearing in mind his crime would have had a massive impact on the trio representing their country in front of the world and their mental health.
      Most read in Football
      Think, too, of Nazi signals from the  terraces or cheers that follow racial taunts. It is a little surprising that no player has followed the examples of ‘coming-among-you byin your face’ Eric Cantona and Eric Dier.
      Clubs have worked hard to eliminate thugs and racists from our grounds.
      There isn’t one who would disagree with taking strong action and we are all ready with stewards, stand-by police, expulsions, education programmes and bans.
      But Infantino should do a white-shoe shuffle and try to reach a  different conclusion.
      Mine would be, with the greatest regret, to order stadium closure in the event of blatant racism.
      It might be surprising no-one has followed Eric Dier’s example
      Udinese in Serie A are an example. They just banned four fans for life and must play a match behind closed doors after racial abuse was directed at AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan last weekend.
      Closed doors are shameful to supporters, rightly, and for the club concerned it costs millions in gate, hospitality and catering revenue — let alone the millions likely to be lost from sponsors.
      A far better way to encourage supporters to police each other and clubs to take more action to eliminate the filth in the first place.
      Football’s a huge force in many people’s lives, reaching across all backgrounds, all ages and all sectors of life.
      It is a game supported by billions, played by millions and, nationally, contributes £7.6BILLION to the wider UK economy,  creating more than 94,000 jobs.
      Supporters can hiss and boo all they like. Even name-calling is sufferable as long as it isn’t personalised or filthy.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      We love football because it’s “the beautiful game” which may be a cliche but sums up the fundamental love that spread from our shores to the rest of the planet.
      Like race, sex, and religion, colour mustn’t matter and racism has no place in the game. All players are professionals who deserve our respect. More

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      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher health update as F1 boss says stricken legend is ‘receiving best medical treatment in human history’

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      MICHAEL Schumacher is receiving the best medical treatment in human history, ex-Mercedes boss Nick Fry has said.The F1 legend’s condition has been kept under lock and key over the last decade, leaving fans and motorsport enthusiasts wondering about his health.
      Nick Fry, pictured left, said ‘no human being in history has had the treatment Michael Schumacher has’Credit: Alamy
      The Ex-Mercedes boss hopes the stricken F1 legend has a good quality of lifeCredit: Getty
      Fry said he wouldn’t be surprised if Schuey does sit at dinner table after reports were shared by Michael’s retired pal, Johnny Herbert.
      He backed his certainty by saying no human in history has had better medical treatment like the stricken driver.
      “I haven’t heard anything about Michael Schumacher’s condition, so I’m unable to confirm or deny any of the recent reports about him,” Fry told Online Betting Guide.
      “Michael has the best medical team in the world, and I’m 100% sure that no human being in history has had the treatment Michael has had for his specific injury. The family has the resources. 
      Read more on Schumacher
      He continued: “I hope and pray that they’re making progress with him. If the reports about him at the dinner table or in a car are true, then it wouldn’t surprise me at all because I’d imagine that’s the type of thing you’d do to get the brain going again.
      “The only thing I hope for is for Michael’s quality of life to be good.
      “My mother has dementia, so I know what it’s like when someone is alive but not conscious of the world around them.”
      Fry added that if Schumacher makes progress, he will be a role model for people with brain injuries.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Humans are remarkable, and it’s not impossible to hope for things to get back to as close to normal,” he said.
      “I’m sure we’ll hear at some stage and if the medical team have learned something about how to treat people with these sorts of injuries then that will be Michael’s greatest contribution.”
      Despite having a rocky start with Schumacher at Mercedes, the Brit boss said everything changed once they got to know one another.
      “I’d say my experience of working with Michael Schumacher was complicated,” he said.
      “Being a good Brit, I’d never have Michael high on my list of most-loved people as he was the dastardly German who did rotten things to good, honest Brits and others!
      Fry then admitted: “I wasn’t an immediate fan of Schumacher but I had massive respect for what he had accomplished. I hate to say it, but when you meet Michael, you realise how special he is very quickly.
      “The difference was the level of teamwork. Michael really appreciated that everybody in the team needed to contribute if he was going to be successful.”
      December 29 marked a full decade since Michael fell and struck a rock so hard it split his ski helmet in two – leaving him in a coma for 250 days.
      Schuey has since been living alongside his wife Corinna at their Lake Geneva home under the care of a team of 15 doctors.
      Only a few people have been lucky enough to visit the seven-time world champion since his fateful ski accident in Meribel, France.
      That includes Schuey’s ex sister-in-law, who was kicked out of I’m A Celebrity amid fears she would reveal secrets about the F1 legend’s health.
      Cora Schumacher, 47, was married to Michael’s brother Ralf for almost 15 years and was dumped from the German spin-off reality show after only three days in the jungle.
      TV bosses were concerned that the OnlyFans model was too chatty and might reveal the guarded secrets about the stricken driver during a live show, German media reported.
      Any indiscretion would violate an implicit ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ between broadcaster RTL and the racing driver’s family not to pry into the driving champion’s personal life, BILD reports.
      Meanwhile, Schumacher’s ex-Ferrari rival Rubens Barrichello revealed the time he was denied a visit to the F1 legend after his fateful accident.
      Speaking to Flow Podcast in his native Brazil, Barrichello said he tried visiting his former teammate after his accident, but was declined after getting a call from Schuey’s team.
      “With Schumacher, I called once and said I wanted to visit him,” he revealed.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “They told me that unfortunately I wouldn’t be helping and that I might be sad.
      “So I understood that at that moment it was not the time to enter [his life]. More