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      Frank Bruno in mid-air emergency after falling ‘seriously ill’ on flight prompting docs to take drastic action

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      BOXING legend Frank Bruno was rushed to hospital after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flight.The former world heavyweight champ was left “in a really bad way” as he headed off on a speaking tour.Frank Bruno smiles for a photo on a plane before falling seriously illCredit: FacebookBoxing legend Frank was feverish and ‘in a really bad way’Credit: Louis WoodBruno retired from boxing after his 1996 defeat to Mike TysonCredit: GettyThe father of four, who was feverish, was treated by airport medics after landing in Doha, Qatar, before he was whisked to a hospital ten miles away for a series of urgent tests.Dad-of-four Frank, 63, had posed for a photo before the mid-air drama this month. Doctors eventually diagnosed him with a viral infection — and kept him in for nearly two weeks, taking his passport so he could not try to leave.Last night his manager said he was recovering and looking to return to work “as soon as possible”. Read more on Frank BrunoBruno had been due to talk at four events in Thailand so took a connecting Qatar Airways flight on March 3 from Heathrow to Doha.He posted a picture of himself in his seat, smiling with sunglasses perched on his head.He wrote: “Morning so the Frank Bruno World tour continues. Up early for a plane, I don’t sleep well on planes but trying to catch up on some zzzzzzzzzzzs.”But Bruno, travelling with his PA Paul Hunter, became ill soon after take-off, with crew alerted to his plight.Most read in BoxingA source said: “Frank was fine when he boarded the plane — but quickly went downhill during the flight. He was in a really bad way and they were unsure what the problem was.“It was extremely worrying as it was mid-flight so he was stuck on the plane.Boxing legend Frank Bruno trades blows with the mental health minister – as she visits him at his charity foundation“Paul and Frank thought it might be food poisoning, but it turned out to be worse than that.“Frank was in a bad way and was sweating profusely and had fever-like symptoms.“Paul was worried but was doing his best to keep him calm. He was treated on the flight to Doha, in the airport and then at the hospital.Frank was fine when he boarded the plane — but quickly went downhill during the flightA source“Doctors were really worried and carried out all sorts of tests, including for meningitis. They then diagnosed him with a viral infection, which at least meant they could start treating him.”Bruno — who recently starred in Amazon Prime documentary Four Kings alongside fellow Brit fighters Lennox Lewis, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank — was due to start his Thailand tour on March 6.But he was forced to cancel as medics kept him at the Al Wakra Hospital until he improved.His PA — UB40’s former tour manager — stayed with him and kept loved ones informed.Boxing champ Frank with wife Laura in 1995, who he split from in 2001Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe boxing great was awarded an MBE for services to the sport in 1990Credit: Getty Images – GettyFrank took a connecting Qatar Airways flight on March 3 from Heathrow to DohaCredit: AlamyFrank — awarded an MBE for services to boxing in 1990 — is now “on the mend” and has returned to Britain. Our source went on: “Frank was severely ill but, thankfully, got good treatment in Doha.”The hospital he was at is very modern and the biggest in Qatar, and he was in good hands. He and Paul were grateful to the medics for the way they looked after him.“They had to monitor him really closely when he first came in, and that’s why they took his passport.“They feared Frank might think he was better before he was and try to discharge himself.“But Frank was too ill to leave anyway, as he battled the infection.“By the end of his time in Qatar, Frank was getting frustrated as he was bored and wanted to leave.“But they did not take any chances and let him leave only when his condition had improved.”Bruno’s Thailand tour was scheduled to kick off in Pattaya, before more dates with fans in Bangkok, Hua Hin and Koh Phangan.Our source said: “In typical Frank fashion, he was more worried about supposedly letting his fans down.By the end of his time in Qatar, Frank was getting frustrated as he was bored and wanted to leaveA source”He is massively popular in Thailand and a lot of expats go to his shows. But there was nothing he could do.“Thankfully he’s now on the mend.”However Bruno’s management has cancelled a scheduled appearance on Sunday at Manchester’s Hotel Football.It is hoped he will be able to fulfil UK tour commitments in May and June, including an “Evening With” bash at Birmingham City FC.Bruno hung up his gloves in 1996 after a defeat to Mike Tyson.He then struggled after quitting and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998, before splitting with wife Laura in 2001.Bruno is now a mental health campaigner. He told The Sun in 2021 that he was sectioned — for a fifth time — during lockdown.He spent six weeks in hospital after family and friends feared for his safety — and Bruno bravely admitted: “I hit rock bottom.”Sources said his Qatar ordeal was not linked to mental health issues.His manager Dave Davies said: “Frank was flying out to work in Thailand when he was taken ill on the plane at Doha.”Medical crew attended Frank on the plane and at hospital. He’s now recovering and hopes to be back at work as soon as possible.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFrank’s scare came after England footie legend Stuart Pearce spent five days in hospital due to chest pains on a flight home from the US. Stuart is now “in good form” recovering.30YRS ON FROM EPIC WORLD WINBy Michael HamiltonFRANK Bruno’s planned UK tour this year will celebrate 30 years since his greatest achievement — beating Oliver McCall to land the WBC heavyweight title.He outpointed the American in front of a frenzied Wembley crowd in September 1995 — landing the world crown on his fourth attempt.Londoner Frank had made his professional debut in 1982 and became a fan favourite, winning 21 consecutive bouts by KO.He also enjoyed a long-standing TV double act with BBC boxing presenter Harry Carpenter.He popped up on TV shows, Comic Relief appeals and appeared in pantos, with the nation loving his “Know what I mean, ’Arry?” catchphrase.His first world title loss came against Tim Witherspoon in 1986, before defeats to Mike Tyson in 1989 and Lennox Lewis in 1993.After beating McCall, his first defence was against Tyson, who stopped him in round three.Bruno suffered eye damage in the 1996 fight and retired — with a career record of 40 wins from 45 bouts, 38 by knockout.The star has been open about his battles with mental health since quitting.He helps others via his charity The Frank Bruno Foundation, and his book 60 Years a Fighter was published to mark his birthday in 2021.The Sun was invited to the landmark bash, with tributes from stars including Tyson, Stephen Fry and Ricky Hatton. More

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      Premier League stars among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling

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      PREMIER League stars are among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling and other mental health issues, figures reveal.Last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances such as cocaine and nitrous oxide, as well as sleeping pills and booze.Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard, pictured above, recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets. He said: “It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.”Some have become addicted to using black market zopiclone tablets to help them sleep as part of their recovery from training.The stars received treatment from the Sporting Chance clinic, which works with the Professional Footballers’ Association.READ MORE ON ADDICTIONOf the 530 supported last season, 42 players got help for gambling addictions.But these latest PFA figures for 2023-24 are said to be just the tip of the iceberg as scores of top stars seek help privately.Officials are also increasingly worried about the prevalence of nicotine pouches, called snus — with one in five professional footballers admitting to using them.And on Friday, it emerged two unnamed players tested positive for a banned ­substance immediately after games in the Premier League and Football League last season, according to UK Anti-Doping.Most read in FootballA dealer, who has supplied sleeping tablets to stars in the Premier League, said: “The main reason some players rely on them is because of their sleeping patterns.“Some expect players to train twice a day and want them to sleep in the afternoon to recover. It’s hard when your body is wired.A Premier League star has become the first footballer to go into rehab for an addiction to nitrous oxide canisters”Other times they rely on them is when they have a big midweek game which kicks off at 8pm. They might not get home until the early hours.“I know a few players who have tried to wean themselves off them but it’s hard.“They go cold turkey and spend days suffering from acute tiredness — but also being unable to sleep.”Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets More

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      I feared I would become addicted to sleeping pills – Dele Alli’s interview hit me hard, says Brentford captain Norgaard

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      CHRISTIAN NORGAARD began choking up when he sat down to watch Dele Alli’s candid and tear-jerking interview two years ago.There was one moment in particular that tugged at the Brentford captain’s heartstrings because he had been in a similar position himself.Christian Norgaard feared he could become addicted to sleeping pillsCredit: GettyDele Alli was very open about addiction strugglesCredit: PAIt was when former England player Alli, 28, revealed he had spent six weeks in rehab because of a sleeping pill addiction and mental health issues.Popping tablets most nights to nod off is, according to Alli, “something going around more than people realise in football” and he admits: “I definitely abused them too much.”Norgaard, 31, was one such person who had dabbled with the medication but was lucky enough to avoid falling down a deep rabbit hole of long-term dependence.Speaking for the first time about fears he may have become “addicted” like Alli, Norgaard said: “I watched Dele Alli’s interview, maybe a year back now, where he spoke about sleeping tablets.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was tough to watch but it was also touching and it was quite emotional for someone like me who struggled a lot with it.“And maybe could have ended up being addicted to these sleeping tablets.”Uniquely for a Premier League club, but unsurprising given their open-minded approach to football and wellbeing matters, Brentford have employed a ‘sleep coach’ since 2016.Anna West helps the players get much-needed shuteye and has been instrumental in the Danish midfielder’s improved night-time patterns since he arrived in West London from Fiorentina in 2019.Most read in FootballHe was quick to show his gratitude when he realised Alli, now with Serie A side Como, had struggled after using pills.Norgaard continued: “I remember also sending a text to our sleeping coach Anna to say thank you for the things we’ve been working on because this is a clear picture of how bad it can go.”Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky Sports“If you don’t have some different routines you can use outside of only taking the easy choice. Because I had been on sleeping tablets.“I did for a season in Brondby. Only for away games. Only when I was in a hotel but yeah, that’s one of the things I’m really happy about, having left it behind. Happy that I’m not addicted to it now.“Because I think once you finish with your career, it’s something you can struggle with, falling asleep.”Friday (March 14) is World Sleep Day and rest and recovery are just asimportant for a world-class athlete as training, running or lifting weights.Norgaard’s problems intensified when he was playing in his homeland, for Brondby between 2013-2018, due to an anxiety about a lack of sleep hindering his performance on the pitch.It’s a topic that has maybe been going a bit under the radar. I think now it’s getting emphasised, not only in football but in general, how important it is.Christian NorgaardIn an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “I really pretty remember when it (first) happened.“It was before quite an important cup game in Denmark and that’s when the mind started going. I was at Brondby.“I had a bad night’s sleep and I brought those thoughts into the game and I was like: ‘Ah, what if I don’t play well now because I’ve slept bad?’“That became my thinking pattern for the next game. ‘Now I need to sleep good before the game otherwise I’ll be a disaster in the game’.“Then it’s hard to fall asleep. So that’s why you have to break those patterns up.“It’s a topic that has maybe been going a bit under the radar. I think now it’s getting emphasised, not only in football but in general, how important it is.“I needed some routines. So I bring my own pillow to every away game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It can be like a hot shower before I go to bed, a cup of tea, these small things. Reading a book. A few bits that helped me quite a lot to unwind.“That has been my problem, it has been overthinking stuff. I have felt it really hard to sleep.” More

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      Plied with drugs dissolved in booze and hosed down like an animal – inside tragic Maradona’s House of Horror court case

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      ON the football pitch, Diego Maradona was revered as a god, but in his final days the legendary footballer is alleged to have been treated more like an animal.This week Argentina has been gripped by the start of a five-month trial in which seven of the people tasked with caring for the man who led the country to the 1986 World Cup are accused of his homicide with possible intent.Seven people tasked with caring for Diego Maradona are accused of his homicide with possible intent, the legend in coaching role in 2019Credit: GettyMaradona’s cheat goal against England in the quarter-final of 1986 World Cup in MexicoCredit: GettyFans crowd the hearse as Maradona’s body is taken to the cemetery in 2020Credit: AFPDoctor Leopoldo Luque, centre, wrote ‘the fat man’s going to end up kicking the bucket’ in vile WhatsApp messagesCredit: AFPMaradona died aged 60 from heart disease at his rented home in Tigre, near Buenos Aires, on November 25, 2020, two weeks after undergoing brain surgery.The prosecution claims that the team paid to look after him were criminally negligent.In heated scenes, Maradona’s former lover, Veronica Ojeda, was heard shouting “daughter of a bitch” at one of the accused as the hearing got under way on Tuesday.Outside the court in San Isidro, north of Argentina’s capital, a fan held up a placard with the message “Justice for D10S” — a nickname mixing Maradona’s shirt number and the Spanish word for God.READ MORE ON MARADONA‘Kicking the bucket’Others had tears in their eyes as they chanted his name.There have been claims that Maradona drank beer in the morning and was given sleeping pills dissolved in his booze at night while he was under the accused’s medical care.WhatsApp messages were uncovered in which his neurologist, Leopoldo Luque, wrote “the fat man’s going to end up kicking the bucket”.And it is alleged Maradona was washed down with a hosepipe rather than being helped to the shower.Most read in FootballThe former Barcelona and Napoli player has been adored in the South American nation since his moments of individual brilliance — and his infamous handball “hand of God goal” against England — saw them lift the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.Considerable amounts of his fortune, once estimated at £75million, were blown on addictions to alcohol and cocaine, which contributed to his terrible state of health.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death At the time of his death his heart weighed 503 grams, which was almost double what it should have been.But the prosecution case is that with the right medical care, Maradona would have survived.Chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari told the court: “You will see during this trial what reckless home care is — reckless, deficient, without precedent, without any type of control during the period that ended with Diego’s death. “In that house of horror where Diego Maradona died, no one did what they had to do.”The problems began for Maradona when he was feted in the southern Italian city of Naples for twice taking their once-lowly side to historic league titles in 1987 and 1990.The Mafia, dominant in the region, kept him supplied with drugs and prostitutes, yet he still somehow managed to play at the top level.Two years before his death, the star told British documentary maker Asif Kapadia of his time there: “Sunday to Wednesday I was partying on cocaine. I would come home high on drugs.”In that house of horror where Diego Maradona died no one did what they had to doChief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari In 1991, traces of cocaine were found in Maradona’s urine sample and a couple of weeks later 1.5g of the same drug was found by police at his flat in Buenos Aires.Maradona’s ex, Veronica Ojeda, demands justice outside trialCredit: GettyA fan holds up a placard with the message ‘Justice for D10S’ — a nickname mixing Maradona’s shirt number and the Spanish word for GodCredit: AFPMaradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna arrive for trialCredit: GettyLater, he was sent home from the 1994 World Cup in the United States after testing positive for a stimulant called ephedrine.His attempts to get clean were always short-lived, with hangers-on often willing to get him whatever substances he desired.He also had a voracious appetite for alcohol, food and young women.In 2005, the 5ft 5in Maradona weighed nearly 20st and underwent a gastric band operation.Emergency surgeryThe star had eight children by various mothers that are known of, but since his death at least three other people have come forward claiming to be his offspring.It was not until 2007 that he recognised Diego Jnr as his son. He had been born in 1986 to a mistress.There were a number of health scares over the years, including being treated by doctors at half-time when he was watching Argentina play at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.The most serious was on November 3, 2020, when he underwent emergency surgery at La Plata hospital in Buenos Aires for a blood clot on his brain.His personal doctor, neurosurgeon Luque, performed what appeared to be a successful operation.But there was a question over whether the patient would be better off staying in hospital, where there would be swift access to emergency care, or if he should instead recover in a home setting.Luque, who is one of the seven accused, agreed to take Maradona to the legend’s rented residence in Tigre on November 11.If he got up at 9am and asked for beer he was given itGriselda Morel, an educational psychologist Prosecutor Ferrari told the court: “Clearly, the victim was not in full use of his mental faculties and even less could decide on his own about his health.”He entered that place for a clinical rehabilitation and home medical care that we can say without any doubt was calamitous.”The prosecution alleges that there was no defibrillator on hand to help restart Maradona’s heart if he went into a cardiac arrest and that the medical team did not carry out the necessary checks.Prior to the start of the trial, Griselda Morel, an educational psychologist who worked with Maradona’s eight-year-old son and visited his home, claimed that the sick star was given alcohol.She alleged: “If he got up at 9am and asked for beer he was given it.“One of his custodians crushed tablets he was taking and put them in his beer so he didn’t cause a fuss at night.” Griselda said that Maradona was so confused he would speak on an imaginary phone.The other six accused are psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, addiction specialist Carlos Diaz, doctor Nancy Forlini, nursing co-ordinator Mariano Perroni, nurse Ricardo Almiron and clinical physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna.Heart in formaldehydeAnother nurse, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, has asked to be tried separately.Gisela’s lawyer, Rodolfo Baque, has claimed that when the nurse warned that Maradona’s heartbeat reached a high 115 beats per minute in the days before his death, “nothing” was done about it.When the former footballer was found unconscious at around 12.30 in the afternoon on November 25, 2020, the medical team spent 45 minutes trying to revive him. But experts believe he died between 4am and 6am, which suggests no one checked on the patient for at least six and a half hours.Post-mortem blood and urine tests revealed Maradona had been given a cocktail of prescription drugs including Quetiapine, Venlafaxine and Levetiracetam which are used to treat depression, panic attacks and epilepsy among other conditions.Fernando Burlando, the lawyer representing Maradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna, said outside court that the player had been treated like an animal and went as far as to call it “murder.”The accused are on trial for homicide with possible intent, which could result in 25-year prison sentences. They all deny the charges.Luque said: “The death occurred unexpectedly, suddenly, during sleeping hours, without offering us any time.”The complex medical trial will last until July and see around 100 witnesses give evidence.The final verdict will be delivered by three judges.One of the key pieces of evidence will be Maradona’s heart, which has been kept in formaldehyde at a police laboratory ever since his death.One of the key pieces of evidence will be Maradona’s heart, which has been kept in formaldehyde at a police laboratory.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere have been claims that fans had plotted to steal the organ. And during the 2022 World Cup, Argentinian fans campaigned to have the heart flown to host nation Qatar along with the country’s football team.Why the heart finally failed Maradona — a lion on the football pitch — is sure to inspire a passionate response from devoted fans whatever the court decides.Model of Maradona in a model house shown to courtCredit: Getty More

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      Stuart Pearce reveals medics ‘shoved a tube down his throat’ as he relives horror health scare on trans-Atlantic jet

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      STUART Pearce has opened up about his health battle after falling ill during a transatlantic flight.The former England ace turned pundit described having chest pains on his way back from Las Vegas before doctors had to “stick a tube” down his throat and dramatically “reboot” his heart.Stuart Pearce on talkSPORT this afternoonPearce is in good spirits after he suffered a medical emergency on a plane at 30,000ftCredit: The SunThe Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in CanadaCredit: PA:Press AssociationFans had been rooting for the hardman defender, nicknamed Psycho, since we told how he became ill during a Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow.The father-of-two, 62, appeared on talkSPORT today as he continues his recovery, having been discharged after spending five days in hospital.Speaking to Jim White and Simon Jordan at midday, he said: “I feel brilliant in myself and have done since probably mid last week, to be quite honest with you. “I’m in really good hands. The people in the hospital have been magnificent.”READ MORE ON THIS STORYHe said his insurers are looking at how to get him home to the UK, explaining he needs a “medical chaperone”.”Over the next day or so, hopefully,” he added.During the flight, Pearce was hooked up to a monitor as he began sweating profusely and struggling with acute pain on Flight VS156.First aiders treated Pearce, whose partner watched helplessly as the drama unfolded.Most read in FootballThe decision was made to divert the flight to St John’s on Newfoundland where the star was helped off the plane.Describing the health scare itself, Pearce told talkSPORT: “On the flight I had chest pains, so the crew on Virgin were brilliant and looked after me fantastically.”England great Stuart Pearce suffers health scare on trans-Atlantic flight forcing jet to make emergency landing in CanadaHe continued: “My heart rate was racing, my resting heart rate was anything above 155 bpm so that was ridiculous, really.”My heart wasn’t pumping enough blood around the system and had some swelling…”At the end of the week, on Friday, they said we’ll stick a tube down your throat, if there’s no swelling around your heart we’ll stop your heart and reboot again and that’s exactly what they did.”My heart went back to a normal rate and I left the next day.”He’s been able to watch some football as he recovers, saying: “I’ve been fortunate enough to watch a few games – the Forest game against Man City was very humbling.”Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support.”The former full-back, who played for Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Man City, received 24/7 care but has been out of hospital now for several days.’IN GREAT SPIRITS’During Saturday’s Premier League game between Forest and City, supporters stood for a round of applause in the third minute. Pearce wore the number ‘3’.Sam Matterface, a talkSPORT colleague, told listeners: “I spoke to him yesterday and he was in great spirits.”He isn’t 100 per cent — that is definitely the case.”But he’s in the right place in the hospital. They’re dealing with it.“He’s a little bit disappointed about not being here today. He actually said to me, ‘I’ve got so much I’ve had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can’t go!'”Pearce, who won 78 England caps, had been flying home after watching Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors in Vegas in the first rugby league Super league match in the US.A source previously said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort.“It was very clear the situation was serious.“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”The remaining 225 passengers were later flown to Heathrow, arriving at 6.15pm on Monday — six hours later than scheduled.Pearce has opened up about his health scareCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Major Stuart Pearce health update after England legend’s terrifying health scare at 30,000 feet

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      THREE Lions great Stuart Pearce left hospital yesterday following his transatlantic health scare at 30,000ft.The former England ace turned pundit was discharged by doctors in Canada after an eight-day stay and is planning his homecoming.The Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in CanadaCredit: PA:Press AssociationFans had been rooting for the hardman defender, nicknamed Psycho, since we told how he became ill during a Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow.The father-of-two, 62, was hooked up to a monitor as he began sweating profusely and struggling with acute pain on Flight VS156.First aiders treated Pearce whose partner watched helplessly as the drama unfolded.The decision was made to divert the flight to St John’s on Newfoundland where the star was helped off the plane.read more on Stuart PearceThe former full-back, who played for Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Man City, received 24/7 care.During Saturday’s Premier League game between Forest and City, supporters stood for a round of applause in the third minute. Pearce wore the number ‘3’.Sam Matterface, a talkSPORT colleague, told listeners: “I spoke to him yesterday and he was in great spirits. “He isn’t 100 per cent — that is definitely the case. Most read in Football”But he’s in the right place in the hospital.”Pearce, who won 78 England caps, had been flying home after watching Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors in Vegas in the first rugby league Super league match in the US. Tony Cascarino & Stuart Pearce recall hilarious memories during Irish Sun’s Goals Live eventFans had been rooting for the hardman defender since we broke the news of him falling illCredit: GettyThe talkSPORT pundit was hooked up to a monitor by the cabin crew as shocked passengers looked onCredit: TWITTER @talksportUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘It was hard to watch’ – John Fisher opens up on his son’s brutal fight against Dave Allen after he needed brain scan

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      JOHN FISHER opened up on the struggle of watching his boy put his health on the line in the boxing ring. Son Johnny beat Dave Allen in a brutal 12-round slug fest in Riyadh last December – which fans deemed controversial but an all-out thriller. Johnny Fisher after his fight with Dave AllenCredit: The Stomping Ground Johnny Fisher with his dad JohnCredit: @Johnfis08605918And heavyweight Fisher was left baring his battle scars after being rushed to hospital for a precautionary brain scan. Dad John – who helps flog hundreds of tickets for his son thanks to his TikTok fame – watched through his fingers alongside wife Charlotte.John told SunSport: “It’s hard to watch. “My wife was next to me, I’ve seen boxing in it’s most brutal form, I’ve seen Johnny spar in harder fights than that.READ MORE IN BOXING”So I’ve seen it before, but Charlotte was a bit, ‘Oh my God, oh my God.’ “And when you’re in Saudi, it was quite a way back away, you can’t really see what’s going on fully.”Everyone’s standing up so it wasn’t a nice watch no, if I’m being hones. It wasn’t a great watch.”Fisher was taken to hospital after winning a tight points decision having taken damage to his ear.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJohn said: “Listen, we had to go to the hospital.”We had to have brain scans, his ear was like that thick on his left side, he couldn’t even stand up in the changing rooms, had no balance whatsoever.Eddie Hearn reveals latest on Anthony Joshua’s boxing return”But the doctors, everyone in Saudi Arabia had really looked after him, so it was very comforting when he was at the hospital.”He was all right, he had all his faculties about him, it’s just his balance had totally gone.”But it’s boxing, it’s a dangerous, dangerous game, so the top respect to all boxers, men and women that do it, boys and girls, there’s no other sport like it.”Fisher, 26, was dropped in round five by Allen, 32, but battled on to take a disputed split-decision win. Now he looks to silence any doubters by taking the immediate rematch on May 17 at the Copper Box – just six months on from the epic first battle. And Fisher – who is 13-0 with 11 knockouts – cherished his painful rumble in Riyadh. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told us: “We’ve always spoken about it in training, back against the wall showing people you can tough it out and grit it out. “They’re the things you dream of as a professional fighter. Can’t do it all the time but to show people I’m not just a knockout artist, I can dig in, that’s another good positive.” Dave Allen lost a controversial decision to FisherCredit: PA More

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      Former Premier League star Jason McAteer, 53, breaks down as he bravely opens up on battle with depression

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      JASON MCATEER has bravely opened up on his battle with depression – admitting he contemplated taking his own life.The former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland international hung up his boots in 2007 following a three-year stint with Tranmere Rovers.Jason McAteer has bravely opened up on his battle with depression following his retirementCredit: BEIN SPORTSMcAteer had a 15-year professional career, in which he made over 100 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: GETTYMcAteer retired from football in 2007 following a stint with Tranmere RoversCredit: PAAdjusting to life after football, as it is for many former players, has proven difficult for McAteer – who often works as a pundit.But the sporadic nature of the work left him without a sense of “purpose” in his life, which he once contemplated ending while en-route to pick up his son.During an appearance on beIN SPORTS’ Tales, Tears and Trophies podcast, an emotional and teary-eyed McAteer recalled: “I just had no purpose, mate, it was no structure.”The TV stuff, I mean I wasn’t working every day of the week. It would be like maybe one show a week or maybe two shows a week. READ MORE IN SPORT”It was very sporadic. Days and days and days with nothing to do, yeah.”I got to the tunnel, that tunnel between the Wirral and Liverpool.”My child, who I was keeping this relationship with under difficult circumstances, lived on the other side of this tunnel.”And I was driving through the tunnel, and it upsets me because it takes me back to this moment because I can feel it.Most read in FootballIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.An emotional Jason McAteer shed a tear as he recalled his battle with depressionCredit: BEIN SPORTS”And as you go out the daylight into the tunnel light, it’s like this kind of light. I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m just going to swing the car here and just end it.’ That’s how easy it is.”McAteer, 53, fought with every ounce of his being to not let the dark thoughts in his mind prevail and take his own life.He continued: “I was fighting myself not to do it, fighting going, ‘Do it, do it, do it, do it do it.’ And I’d be like, ‘No. Do it. No’.”And I’d be fighting the steering wheel and I remember coming towards the end of the tunnel and it was like the daylight was opening up.”And I remember coming out the tunnel thinking, ‘Thank God. Just thank God’.”And I went to get my little boy, because I always used to take him to the pictures. I took him to the pictures and I drove home.”Jason McAteer has struggled to fill the void football has left in his lifeCredit: GETTYMcAteer was overcome by a wave of emotion shortly afterwards and bravely opened up to his mum on her doorstep.He said: “I got to my mum’s, my mum lived 10 minutes around the corner.”And I knocked on a door and I remember just saying, ‘I can’t do it anymore. ‘That’s it, that’s it.’ And I was just at that point.”A visibly emotional McAteer then broke down as he said: “It was tough. Just like everything had gone – I don’t half miss it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I miss – I miss everything about playing. I miss it. Yeah, I just miss it.”Just like running, just running out, just running out, just free on a footy pitch. No problems.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More