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    Jamie Carragher reveals pro footballer son’s injury hell left him in ‘dark place’ that he ‘wouldn’t wish on worst enemy’

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has revealed that he was in a “dark place” after his son’s injury hell.The retired Liverpool star enjoyed a 17-year career in which he suffered some serious injuries.Jamie Carragher has admitted he was in his ‘darkest’ place during James’ injuriesCredit: Instagram @jcarragher31Carragher had a largely injury-free playing careerCredit: PAJames has suffered from a reoccurring knee problemCredit: Kenny RamsayCarragher, 46, did manage to avoid suffering niggling injuries and muscular problems.His son James has not been as lucky as he has had to deal with a reoccurring knee issue.The injury has threatened to end the 21-year-old defender’s career.He is currently contracted to League One outfit Wigan and spent time on loan at Scottish side Inverness Caledonian Thistle for the end of last season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCarragher admitted that James’ injuries affected both of their mental health.He said on The Overlap: “12 months ago I was in a dark place over my son’s injuries. I wouldn’t wish that on my own enemy.”I didn’t get injured [as a player]. I’ll be honest, my mentality with injuries, even when I was at Liverpool. I’d go in the treatment room and see people on the bed and think ‘they’re faking it, they’re not tough enough’, because I didn’t get injured, I didn’t understand how people got injured.”Now I had a broken leg, I had a knee operation, but in terms of hamstrings, calves or something not feeling right, I would always play through things, that’s just the way I was brought up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I would dismiss people for it because I couldn’t understand, but then my own son went through it.”He had a knee problem on the back of Covid – so Covid came in so no one could go to the training ground, so I said ‘you’ll have to do a bit of training on your own because we don’t know when you’ll go back’.Gary Neville demands APOLOGY from Jamie Carragher for showing up nearly an HOUR late as Jill Scott asks ‘are you rough?'”One-on-one coaching and his knee blows up, but everything was closed, you couldn’t get an operation or go to physio, nothing.”His knee would keep swelling up and swelling up.”It went on for a couple of years, and he had the operation and I’m thinking he’ll be back now.”He’d been playing on with it, taking anti-inflammatories, played non-league at Oldham.”He then got a knock on the knee so we said let’s get the operation.”He then starts pre-season, I go on holiday, and as soon as he phones me – it was a big day, his first day back with the group – I knew already, my stomach dropped. As soon as I got that phone call I booked a flight that night, I knew he couldn’t be at home on his own.”Seeing him and what we did to get to the bottom of the issue last summer, I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.”I was thinking ‘Is he going to play again?’ I remember on the flight home I made a list of things that me and him could do together if he couldn’t play again, I was thinking I’ve got to keep him going, because mentally… I knew where I was, but what about him?”For me it was probably one of the darkest moments of my life.”James spent much of his youth career at Liverpool before moving to Wigan in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile his father, spent his whole career at the Reds, making 737 appearances in all competitions.He won one Champions League title, a Uefa Cup, three League Cups and two FA Cups.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Mikel Arteta accused me of ‘knifing him in the back’ says Aubameyang as he opens up on ‘crazy’ exit

    FORMER Arsenal hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has claimed Mikel Arteta accused him of putting “a knife in my back”.The striker, 34, has revealed the “crazy” situation which sparked his Gunners exit two years ago and the toxic fallout with boss Arteta.Aubameyang won an FA Cup at Arsenal with Arteta as managerCredit: GettyBut tensions rose between the two during CovidCredit: GettyAuba was stripped of the captaincy in December 2021 after returning late from a trip to France.It was an authorised trip to care for his unwell mum but Covid protocols delayed him by 24 hours and he missed training.Angry Arteta told the Gabon legend to train alone and axed him from the squad for the next game against Southampton.Auba claimed: “I arrive, the coach finishes his meeting, and then he grabs me and completely tears into me. He shouts at me like I’m crazy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“He says, ‘You put a knife in my back. You can’t do that to me, given the times we’re going through’.“At that moment, I tell myself I’m not going to answer him as it’s going to end angrily. I didn’t go partying. He knows very well the reason for my departure, so at that moment I don’t understand why he’s lecturing me.“I go home and the doctor calls and says, ‘Tomorrow, the coach doesn’t want you there’.“Days pass and the doctor tells me, ‘Look, he doesn’t want you with the group anymore. You will be able to come and train but separately’.Most read in FootballAubameyang has found his feet again at MarseilleCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I say to myself OK and then he calls me and we have a meeting so he can explain to me that one, he’s taking away the captain’s armband, and two, I’m not training any more with the group.”Aubameyang is now at French giants Marseille and revealed he would never play for Arsenal again.Arsenal star Mikel Arteta hits back at Aubameyang after free Barcelona transfer exit It was one of many disciplinary breaches, including multiple accounts of lateness.In March 2021, Aubameyang was left on the bench for being late to a team meeting ahead of a derby at Spurs.Once the January transfer window opened, Arsenal were desperate to get rid of him and he was locked in talks over a move to Barcelona.That potential switch took a sudden turn when Auba was spotted in the Spanish city despite Arsenal not knowing he was there.In the Gunners’ Amazon series All or Nothing, a clip showed club chief Edu being told he was in Barcelona.Aubameyang on his drinkingAubameyang has revealed that he turned to drinking during his Arsenal exit,
    Reflecting on the end of his time at the club, Aubameyang said: “I’m sure I was depressed.
    “There are attitudes that are seriously different from your daily life.
    “For example, I started drinking a lot. It was a difficult passage. It started a little before I was fired from Arsenal.
    “So yes, it was depression, I think that personally it was related to the state of health of my parents. It affects a man, it was difficult.
    “How to get out? Often we say that we have to talk about it, there’s no shame in that.”

    Fellow director Richard Garlick asks Edu: “What is he supposed to be doing now?”, and Edu replies: “Training.”Auba eventually got his move to Barca in February 2022 after Arsenal ripped up his contract, allowing him to sign on a free transfer.But he revealed he suffered from mental health issues and turned to alcohol after his exit.Auba said: “I’m sure I was depressed. There are attitudes that are seriously different from your daily life.“For example, I started drinking a lot. It was a difficult passage. It started a little before I was fired from Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So yes, it was depression. I think it was related to the state of health of my parents. It affects a man — it was difficult.“How to get out? Often we say that we have to talk about it and there’s no shame in that.”SunSport’s verdict on Arsenal starsMikel Arteta is looking to get Arsenal ready to beat Man City to the title after another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his squad in order to do so. Here’s SunSport’s verdict on who should stay and who should go.
    David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.
    Aaron Ramsdale – GO: Unfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.
    Karl Hein – STAY: Unlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart – but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.
    William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.
    Ben White – STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.
    Gabriel – STAY: Was on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence. One of Arteta’s most important signings.
    Jurrien Timber – STAY: Yet to see the best of the Dutchman after an injury-hit season, but Arteta views him as a game-changing full-back.
    Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.
    Cedric – GO: Leaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.
    Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores. Can play centre-back or right-back and is a real presence at set-pieces.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing at £35m but has shown himself to be limited defensively.
    Thomas Partey – GO: Injury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March. Contract is up next summer.
    Martin Odegaard – STAY: Captain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
    Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.
    Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, has Arsenal playing better with him in the team.
    Fabio Vieira – GO: Perhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football. A loan move could help.
    Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.
    Kai Havertz – STAY: Seems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.
    Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.
    Bukayo Saka – STAY: An undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.
    Gabriel Jesus – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.
    Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: A dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.
    Eddie Nketiah – GO: Career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around. His six-figure wages could put Premier League suitors off.
    Leandro Trossard – STAY: Can bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title.
    Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months. More

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    We had 5 hours of hell as Siena had life-saving op…but she’s fixed now. She’s our heart warrior, says Jack Wilshere

    FORMER Arsenal and England star Jack Wilshere suffered “five hours of hell” as his five-year-old daughter Siena had life-saving cardiac surgery.And he said he had been “100 per cent” sure she would die during the operation to fix a hole in her heart in February.Retired football star Jack Wilshere suffered ‘five hours of hell’ as his five-year-old daughter Siena had life-saving cardiac surgery, pictured with wife Andriani, leftCredit: Eleven Miles.Siena had a rare kind of heart issue which required swift actionCredit: Eleven Miles.Jack, 32, also recalled how he and his wife Andriani spent 45 minutes crying as they were gripped by the fear of losing her.Only a month earlier, doctors had told the father-of-four that Siena — his second-youngest child — had the heart condition.While it can be fatal, it often does not need surgery — but Siena had a rare kind which required swift action.Arsenal ace Jack, who played 34 times for his country, told The Sun how he lost almost a stone due to stress during the month between her diagnosis and the surgery.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEven worse was the moment when Siena, now six, was given an anaesthetic just before the op began.He said: “When I took Siena down to the surgery I had to drag my wife out of the anaesthetic room and we went to a room upstairs and we were just crying, both of us, for about 45 minutes.Heart murmur“It was five hours from hell, waiting for the phone to ring. It was a blur.”Jack and Andriani have now become ambassadors for the British Heart ­Foundation, and he praises the charity’s work in helping to keep poorly children like their daughter alive.Most read in FootballHe also hopes to alert other parents to the signs of heart problems.In Siena’s case the early symptoms for a congenital heart defect, which means it was present from birth, were not ­obvious.Four Arsenal stars confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere Jack said: “She was probably a bit more out of breath than her friends when she was on a trampoline, and chest infections hung around for longer.”Medics thought it may be due to asthma, because Andriani had ­it as a child.But it took two years for the real cause to be discovered, during a family holiday in Cyprus, where many of Andriani’s relatives live.Jack said: “My kids got ill — nothing serious — ear infections. The doctor listened to her heart and said, ‘I don’t want to worry you, but I can hear a bit of a murmur in her heart’, and said, ‘You should get it checked when you get back to the UK’.“That doctor saved my daughter’s life.”A cardiologist carried out a series of tests on Siena, and days later, rang Jack, who coaches Arsenal’s under-18s, just as he was about to go away with his squad.He recalled: “At the time I found out I was with my assistant.“I was at the training ground and I virtually broke down in his arms when I told him. All my staff were brilliant.”The hole in Siena’s heart was so serious that surgery was arranged for just a month later.Tests had revealed the gap in the muscle wall between the lower ­chambers of her heart meant it had to work much harder, which is why she was so out of breath.A tearful Andriani, 33, said: “I remember just falling to the floor and crying, I just couldn’t believe the news. It was shocking.”Siena after the life-saving February operationCredit: BBC SportOnly 40 per cent of people born with a heart defect need heart surgery.Often the issues are spotted while the child is in the womb.But the worst cases carry the chance of sudden death, and it is necessary to carry out the operations while patients are still young.Siena had a rare condition in which, Jack said, her veins had rerouted because they were leaking into her lungs.The wait for the day when she would be “fixed” was almost impossible for the doting dad to bear.And there was also the fear of his daughter undergoing a precarious operation.He said: “I remember the date she got diagnosed — the 27th of January — and she eventually had the surgery on the 27th of February, and that whole month I lost six kilos.Bag of nerves“I can’t even remember it, it was so stressful, because obviously there were risks involved in the surgery.”There was a one per cent chance she wouldn’t wake up.”His wife was equally anxious.Andriani said: “The night before, we were a bag of nerves. I remember having this feeling in the pit of my stomach.”A team of medics had to close the defect in Siena’s heart, which could have caused sudden death.She had surgery on Monday and we were back home on Friday. She was laughing, she’s really bubbly, she loves lifeJack WilshireAfter crying with his wife, Jack went for a coffee with his parents and took a walk around the block.Thankfully, they got the message that Siena had pulled through.Andriani recalled: “When we went down to the intensive care unit, it was all such a blur.“I heard Siena cry and it was then that I knew she was going to be OK.”Jack is in awe of the way his brave daughter had dealt with the terrible ordeal.He said: “I have been through surgery. I had a lot of injuries as a player, and it took me ages to recover.“She had the surgery on the Monday and we were back at home on the Friday and she was laughing.“She’s really bubbly, she loves life. It’s great to have her fixed.”And he added: “We call her our heart warrior. The bravery and strength she’s shown has been incredible.”Three months on, it seems that Siena is making a good recovery.Jack said: “The surgery has made all the difference and she has so much energy now.”Up against itThe breathlessness and coughing fits have relented.The couple are far from alone, because every day 13 babies in Britain are diagnosed with congenital heart disease.It was the British Heart Foundation which helped Jack and Andriani to understand what they were up against.Andriani said: “We didn’t know anything about congenital heart conditions and never thought our daughter would ever require open- heart surgery.“Turning to the BHF made us feel less alone and gave us the answers and support we needed.”The charity has been funding research into heart conditions for more than 60 years and put £99million into the field during 2022-2023.Wilshere and partner Andriani have become ambassadors for the British Heart FoundationCredit: BBC SportProud dad Jack says: ‘We call her our heart warrior’Credit: Eleven Miles.Jack said: “We’re supporting the British Heart Foundation because without life-saving research keeping children’s hearts beating, we might not have Siena here with us today.”It is not the first time the star has faced a health crisis with one of his children.His eldest son, Archie, 12, from his relationship with Lauren Neal, often had to be rushed to hospital in the middle of the night, suffering from seizures.Under controlJack, who also has daughter ­Delilah, ten, with Lauren and a four-year-old son, Jack Junior with Andriani, said in 2019: “My wife and I would sit up most nights because most of the seizures were happening at night.”Fortunately, doctors got the ­condition under control.Now Jack’s aim as a British Heart Foundation ambassador is to raise awareness of the charity’s important work and to encourage people to have any problems or concerns properly assessed.Many adults don’t even know they have a hole in the heart.Jack said: “There are people ­suffering cardiac arrests who have gone undiagnosed.”And he added: “You know your child better than anyone. If you think something isn’t quite right, don’t take no for an answer.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is the most common defect you can be born with.”
    To donate £5 please text FIVE to 70507 and help British Heart Foundation fund more life-saving research.
    Jack played 34 times for EnglandCredit: Getty More

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    Mike Tyson speaks for first time after suffering medical emergency as boxing legend delivers health update

    MIKE TYSON has spoken for the first time since suffering a medical emergency on a plane to Los Angeles.The 57-year-old became nauseous and dizzy on a flight yesterday after suffering what was believed to be a stomach ulcer flare-up.Tyson suffered a medical emergency on his planeCredit: instagram @miketysonMike Tyson and Jake Paul will do battle on July 20Credit: RexHe has now offered an update on his condition to concerned followers on X.Iron Mike wrote: “Now feeling 100% even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.”He is set to fight Paul on July 20 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas.There were obvious fears as to whether the fight would go ahead yesterday after Tyson’s health scare.READ MORE BOXING NEWSWith Paul aged 27, Tyson is more than 30 years older than his adversary and there is concerns for Tyson’s health.After paramedics rushed to Tyson’s flight from Miami to LA, a source told the New York Post: “He became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare up 30 minutes before landing.“He is appreciative to the medical staff that were there to help him.”An eyewitness said: “He was in first class, but we were an exit row.Most read in BoxingCredit: The Sun”They asked us to stay on the plane and landed so paramedics could enter. [The stewardess] said something like, ‘He’s a really important passenger so we wanna make sure he’s OK.’ I knew it was him, but I just mouthed the words ‘Mike Tyson’ and she nodded her head yes.”Tyson previously said that he suffers from the nerve condition sciatica in the past, and that the condition has left him unable to walk and talk on occasion.Jake Paul and Mike Tyson showcase their jacked physiques ahead of insane body transformations He said: ” have sciatica every now and then, it flares up. When it flares up, I can’t even talk! Thank God it’s the only health problem I have. I’m splendid now.“Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have.”Paul, meanwhile, rubbished claims that the proposed fight had been called off due to Tyson’s health struggles.He took to X to address the rumours and said: “You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks/likes. Nothing changed #PaulTyson”The cross-generational bout will be streamed on Netflix.What is sciatica?
    Sciatica is a condition that causes nerve irritation.
    It usually affects one side, starting from the lower back or bottom and spreading down one leg.
    Symptoms of sciatica include shooting pain that starts in your lower back or bottom and runs down the back of your leg, often to your foot and toes.
    Common treatments for sciatica include exercises and stretches. Other treatments like injections or surgery may help if it does not get better.
    Sciatica can occur when something presses or rubs on the sciatic nerve. The most common cause is a slipped disc in your spine. More

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    Inside Mike Tyson’s list of serious health issues after mid-air emergency as 57-year-old returns to boxing

    MIKE TYSON’S medical emergency on board a flight is the latest health scare suffered by the former boxer.Iron Mike required medical assistance from paramedics on board a plane bound for LA from Miami after suffering an ulcer flare up.Mike Tyson suffered a medical emergency after an ulcer flare upCredit: EPAThe former champion also suffers from sciaticaThe condition has left him requiring a cane and a wheelchairCredit: TheImageDirect.comTyson retired in 2005 because of back problemsCredit: TheImageDirect.comTyson, 57, became nauseous and dizzy but was later said to be “doing great”, according to one of his representatives.It comes just weeks before he is due to face Jake Paul in his first boxing fight for almost four years.He previously took on Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout in November 2020 but has since struggled with various health issues.Tyson suffers from sciatica and a flare-up 18 months ago left the former world champion requiring a wheel chair.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe has also used a wooden cane to aid himself while walking on occasion, and has previously stated he believes his “expiration date is coming close, really soon”.Tyson has even been warned by a doctor that he is at risk of suffering a subdural haematoma, which is the tearing of veins in the brain, in his fight against Paul, because of his age and former alcoholism.UFC commentator Joe Rogan has also raised fears about Tyson being at risk of dying, though did not rule out the former champion causing problems for Paul inside the ring.Tyson’s health issues have not held him back from getting into top shape for the clash, and he warned his opponent he will have to “fight like his life is depending on it”.Most read in BoxingHe is set to return to the ring in July to face Jake PaulCredit: GettyWhat is sciatica?
    Sciatica is a condition that causes nerve irritation.
    It usually affects one side, starting from the lower back or bottom and spreading down one leg.
    Symptoms of sciatica include shooting pain that starts in your lower back or bottom and runs down the back of your leg, often to your foot and toes.
    Common treatments for sciatica include exercises and stretches. Other treatments like injections or surgery may help if it does not get better.
    Sciatica can occur when something presses or rubs on the sciatic nerve. The most common cause is a slipped disc in your spine.

    Tyson retired from boxing in 2005 due to a back issue, while he also struggled with a knee injury late in his career.He revealed sciatica, which is a condition that causes nerve irritation, is the only health issue he suffers with.Jake Paul and Mike Tyson showcase their jacked physiques ahead of insane body transformations Despite that, he still thinks about his own mortality, saying on his podcast: “We’re all gonna die one day of course. Then, when I look in the mirror, I see those little spots on my face.”I say, ‘Wow. That means my expiration date is coming close, really soon.'”Credit: The Sun More

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    I was banned for ten years for alleged spot-fixing in the FA Cup, Lucas Paqueta should get a 40-year ban if he’s guilty

    FORMER non-league star Kynan Isaac called on the FA to smash Lucas Paqueta with a 40-YEAR ban for alleged spot-fixing.Isaac was banned for ten years in October 2022 after being found guilty by football’s ruling body of deliberately getting himself booked in an FA Cup tie.Kynan Isaac reveals he got depressed after his ban ‘but nobody from the PFA or FA got in touch to see how I was’West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged in relation to four bookings but denies doing anything wrongCredit: RexIt was claimed full-back Isaac’s caution for Stratford Town in a 5-1 loss to Shrewsbury in November 2021 was part of a betting scheme with pals.West Ham and Brazil midfielder Paqueta, 26, has been charged with deliberately getting himself booked in FOUR separate Prem matches so that he and/or his friends could benefit by betting on that happening. He denies any wrongdoing.Isaac, 31, said: “It will be very interesting to see what they do to him, there’s no point in me sitting here and letting everyone else get away with it.“It’s basic maths — if I got done for ten years for doing it once, by the same book he should get 40 years for doing it four times.READ MORE ON LUCAS PAQUETA“I can’t wait to see what they give him — it will be something pathetic like about a year or two, because he’s got money and an expensive lawyer.“If that happens they won’t be able to ignore me and the ban they gave me.”Isaac was also hit with a further 18-month ban after being found guilty of placing, or enabling, almost 350 bets on matches over a five-year period. The combined rap ensured he could not play until after his 40th birthday.Most read in FootballOne allegation against Brazil international Paqueta concerns this booking for a foul on Boubakary SoumareCredit: PAThe FA stopped him from playing immediately after his charges were announced and referred the case to police. He added: “The police came to my house and told  me there was a  warrant out for my arrest for X, Y and Z. I had my kids with me,  so I asked if I could hand myself in at a certain time.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five“I went there the next day at about midday with my lawyer and the police threw it out. I got a ten-year ban, even though they threw it out.“It will be interesting if they do the same with Paqueta, will he get the police turning up at his door. If not, why not? Why should he be treated any differently to me?“Also, even though I don’t know the exact details about what bets we’re talking about, it’s bound to be in the thousands. With me it was pennies.”Isaac — who passed his test to be a driving instructor  — was tempted to speak out when Brentford and England star Ivan Toney escaped with an eight-month ban a year ago after admitting 232 breaches of betting rules.The FA literally stopped me from playing any football, even seven-a-side or Sunday League. No-one worried about my mental health.He was also angered when Nottingham Forest’s Harry Toffolo was given a suspended five-month ban in September for 375 breaches of betting rules.Toffolo claimed he made the wagers when his “mental health was at a very low ebb”.Isaac said: “It was mentally awful for me. “Non-league footballer gets a ten-year ban and then you see a big-name star Toney — who was putting thousands of pounds on — still being allowed to play when he had been charged  and getting an England call-up.“His ban was really only six months, because it included the off-season. And he’ll be at the Euros.“The FA literally stopped me from playing any football, even seven-a-side or Sunday League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“No-one worried about my mental health after getting such a huge ban.“I was depressed and it hit me hard but nobody from the PFA or FA got in touch to see how I was.”Paqueta was booked for a challenge on John McGinn in one incidentCredit: RexHe tripped Crysencio Summerville to receive another cautionCredit: Sky SportsThe fourth Paqueta yellow in question involved a handballCredit: Sly Sports More

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    Boxing fans raise thousands of pounds for family of fighter who died during first pro bout

    BOXING fans have raised thousands for the family of a fighter who died in his first professional bout.Middleweight Sherif Lawal, 29, collapsed in the ring after being knocked down by Portuguese Malam Varela, 33, on Sunday night.Middleweight Sherif Lawal, 29, collapsed in the ring during his first professional bout on Sunday nightCredit: Philip SharkeySherif was studying nursing at North Middlesex UniversityCredit: InstagramHis sister Katherine set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for a funeral after the sudden death at Harrow Leisure Centre, in North West London.She wrote: “Sherifdeen passed away while doing the sport he loved and dedicated his life to.“On top of working towards being a mental health nurse, he was also a devoted support worker in mental health.“This fundraiser aims to raise funds for his funeral arrangements. Any support you can provide will be deeply appreciated.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSLast night, more than £10,000 had been raised towards its £15,000 goal.Flowers were left at his St Pancras Boxing Club in London, where coach Claire Williams has raised £2,600 for Sherif’s family through a separate GoFundMe page.She wrote on it: “He went out doing what he loved but it shouldn’t have been this way.”She said Sherif was studying nursing at North Middlesex University.Most read in Boxing More

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    Tyson Fury ‘won’t mind if there’s blood and guts all over the ring’ as he shrugs off cuts worry ahead of Usyk fight

    TYSON FURY has no fears of his cut reopening in tomorrow’s undisputed world heavyweight title fight with Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King suffered the gash above his right eye during a sparring session just a fortnight before their  proposed February 17 showdown.Tyson Fury suffered this cut in sparring that saw the Usyk fight postponedCredit: X @QueensburyFury claims cuts are all part of the game as he prepares to take on fellow unbeaten heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed titleCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King posed with his WBC belt at Thursday’s press conferenceCredit: EPABut Britain’s WBC champion insists there is no lasting damage as he prepares  to seize the WBA, WBO and IBF belts from southpaw Usyk here in Saudi Arabia.Fury, 35, said: “The cut’s the cut and if it opens up, it opens up.“It’s a fight and I’ve had plenty of cuts before, plenty of blood and guts all over the ring. I’m not concerned.“It wasn’t a massive cut, it was only seven stitches, it’s not like the 47 I had after Otto Wallin.”The flesh around the scar looks fresh and Fury is talking like a man with his physical and mental health in peak condition.READ MORE BOXING NEWSAnd the Morecambe heavyweight, who is  bipolar, added: “The best version of me is any version where I’m happy.“I’m always happy when I’m boxing — I’m getting paid and getting laid.“I get paid a s**t ton of money every time I fight.”After two years of trash talk, contract rows, two cancelled bouts and a stray headbutt, the pair will finally clash.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury bottled his first face-off chance with Usyk on Thursday night when he refused to go eye-to-eye.He had promised to use the press conference to wind up Ukraine’s 37-year-old hero.John Fury’s maddest moments from headbutting glass wall to prison for gouging man’s eye outIn a flame-covered suit, he looked away from Usyk’s determined gaze, preferring to dance and pose — much to the crowd’s disappointment.Fury told them: “Thanks to all the fans who  travelled over to support me because I know times are hard.“I have nothing to say apart from I’m ready for a fight, whether it’s tough or easy.“I’ll pray for him, that we both get home to our families, because that is what it is all about.“Me and Oleksandr are going to put on a fantastic show for the world to watch.”When asked why he did not face-off with Usyk, he added: “He’s a scary-looking dude.“I’m just here to relax now and wait until I get into the ring.”Usyk said: “I’m happy to be here. I’m excited and grateful. Let’s make  history.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd when asked what he was doodling at the start of the event, he added: “That drawing was my homework.“It’s a poem. I will not show it now. Later.”Fury suffered this HORROR gash in his fight against Otto WallinCredit: GettyThe Brit boxer needed 47 stitches in the woundInside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport. More