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    Highly-rated boxer Sherif Lawal, 28, dies after collapsing in the ring during his first professional fight

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    A BOXER has died after collapsing in his first professional fight as heartfelt tributes pour in.Middleweight Sherif Lawal lost consciousness during the bout with Portuguese opponent Malam Varela at Harrow Leisure Centre in London yesterday after he was struck on the temple.Sherif Lawal sadly passed away after being struck in the temple at Harrow Leisure CentreCredit: Philip SharkeyReferee Lee Every began the knockout count but immediately called time after realising the extent of the 28-year-old’s condition on the canvas.Sherif, of Islington, was treated in the ring by doctors before being rushed to nearby Northwick Park Hospital.But he was tragically later pronounced dead despite the efforts of medics.Doctors arrived and worked on him in the ring for about 20 minutes, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. This was in front of a packed house, and everyone was in total shockEyewitnessA witness said: “It’s unbelievably sad. This was his pro debut – he has died while chasing his dream.”His fight was first on the card, but the event was cancelled and the remaining three fights scrapped after Sherif was taken to hospital. That tells you how serious it was.”He was hurt at the end of round three. He then came out for the fourth and final round with his guard up, and took a right to the temple.”He dropped to his haunches and the referee started a count to ten – but then stopped and waved it off because he could see Sherif was in a bad way.”Doctors arrived and worked on him in the ring for about 20 minutes, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. Most read in Boxing”This was in front of a packed house, and everyone was in total shock.”Sherif was then taken away on a stretcher before news came through later that he had passed away.”This is very rare. All care is taken to ensure the safety of fighters but in a sport like boxing these things occasionally happen. However, that doesn’t make it any less devastating.”‘A REAL INSPIRATION’Heartfelt tributes have rolled in since the tragic news of Sherif’s death.Costakis Evangelou, the promoter behind the Clash of the Titans event, told The Sun: “This was a tragic incident and my profound sympathies go out to Sherif’s family.“It’s a difficult time for everyone involved in the boxing fraternity and we’re trying to absorb what’s happened. No one wants to see something like this in any sport.“Sherif was a great boxer and man. It’s now in the hands of the Board and they’re going to assess the incident.”Writing on X, formerly Twitter, fellow boxer Denzel Bentley posted a ‘broken heart’ emoji and penned: “Went to a boxing show last night and a young man making his debut lost his life.”Among the replies was fight YouTube channel The P4P Boxing Show, which wrote: “RIP Sherif Lawal.”Sherif had been boxing since 2018. He wrapped up his amateur career and announced he was turning professional earlier this year.At the time, coach CJ Hussein, who also trained Tyson Fury’s 2009 opponent John McDermott, said: “I think the pro game will suit Sherif down to a tee, he’s got all the talent to become a great middleweight.“He’s a real inspiration to all the younger boxers at the gym.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA spokesman for the Met Police said it hadn’t been called to the venue over the incident.The British Board of Boxing Control and London Ambulance Service was approached for comment. More

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      Vile football coach Barry Bennell who abused young boys at top clubs died in jail in ‘significant pain’ from cancer

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      PAEDO football coach Barry Bennell died in “significant pain” in prison after being diagnosed with tonsil cancer, an inquest heard today.The predator died at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire where he was serving a 34-year sentence for abusing young boys.Barry Bennell died in prison in SeptemberCredit: PAAn inquest heard how Bennell, 69, was receiving palliative care after he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last year.The paedo had previously suffered from throat cancer in 2004, which had resurfaced in 2016.At the time of his death on September 16, Bennell was being fed with a tube and could only communicate through writing.Cambridgeshire’s area coroner Elizabeth Gray said he was in a “significant amount of pain which was managed by the healthcare team at the prison”.Read more on BennellHe had discharged himself back to prison from Hinchingbrooke Hospital against medical advice two days before his death.A post mortem found he died from bilateral bronchopneumonia , with his tonsil cancer given as a contributing factor.The hearing was told Bennell had previously tried to kill himself and was found with opiates in his possession.A report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman concluded the care Bennell received was of a “good standard and equivalent to that he would have received in the wider community”.Most read in FootballPolice found no signs of third party involvement, the inquest was told.The coroner said: “I’m satisfied the conclusion for Mr Jones is he died as a result of natural causes.”Paedophile Barry Bennell’s victims react after he is found guilty of 43 counts of child sex abuseBennell was jailed in 2018 after after being convicted of 52 child sex offences against 12 victims.The former Crewe Alexandra coach and Manchester City scout was found to have been responsible for “industrial sexual abuse of boys”.It is feared more than 100 boys were attacked by the child sex beast.Bennell abused his position by targeting youngsters who dreamt of becoming professional footballers.The coach would lure the boys to his home with exotic pets including a puma and a monkey, and took them on trips away.He was first jailed in Florida in 1994 for raping a British boy on a football tour in America.The coach’s horrific abuse in the UK was brought to light in a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation.This led to further prison sentences in the UK in 1998, 2015, 2018 and 2020.Bennell’s sickening crimes
      1994
      The coach was jailed for four years for abusing a a 13-year-old boy while on tour with a Staffordshire youth team in Florida.
      1998
      Bennell pleaded guilty to 23 counts of sexual abuse of 15 boys aged between nine and 14. He was jailed for nine years for the crimes, which took place between 1978 and 1992.
      2015
      Bennell admitted sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1980 and is jailed for two years.
      2016
      Brave footballer Andy Woodward revealed he had been groomed and abused by Bennell for four years, starting when he was just 11.
      2018
      The paedo was jailed for 30 years in 2018 after being convicted of 52 child sexual offences against 12 boys between 1979 and 1991.
      It is revealed Bennell may have more than 100 victims after a further 86 complainants come forward.
      2020
      The coach is sentenced to serve an additional four years after pleading guilty to three counts of buggery and six counts of indecent assault against two boys between 1979 and 1988.

      Brave footballer Andy Woodward waived his anonymity to reveal he was a victim – causing more complainants to come forward.After his 2018 conviction, more than 80 other alleged victims came forward to claim they had been abused by Bennell.Sentencing, Judge Clement Goldstone QC branded Bennell the “devil incarnate”.He added: “Your behaviour towards these boys in grooming and seducing them before subjecting them to, in some cases, the most serious, degrading and humiliating abuse was sheer evil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBennell was locked up for a further four years in 2020 after admitting nine sexual offences, including six counts of indecent assault against two boys.During his time in prison, it emerged he was being treated for cancer and had two operations to remove tumours from his tongue.Bennell was first jailed in 1994 in FloridaHe abused his position to target young boysCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Former Celtic star Stuart Gray dies aged 50 after agonising cancer fight as Hoops stars to pay tribute vs Ross County

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      FORMER Celtic star Stuart Gray has passed away at the age of 50 following a cancer battle, the club has confirmed. The son of Scotland and Leeds hero Eddie, Gray came through the ranks at Parkhead, spending six years at the Hoops in which he made 28 appearances.
      Stuart Gray made 28 appearances for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Stuart Gray in action for CelticCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The club paid tribute to their former midfielder – who was recently diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma – a cancer that forms in the bile ducts.
      The Hoops wrote: “Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened by the news that former Celt, Stuart Gray has passed away after illness at the age of 50.
      “The Celtic players will wear black armbands in tribute to Stuart at today’s game against Ross County. Rest in Peace Stuart, YNWA”
      After loan spells at Bournemouth and Morton, the Scotland Under-21 cap then joined Tommy Burns at Reading.

      A talented left sided player, Gray’s career continued south of the border with spells at Rushden and Diamonds, Oxford Utd, Fleetwood Town and Guiseley.
      Former teammate Craig Burley wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Thoughts & condolences to Eddie Gray & family after the loss of his son and my former teammate Stuart Gray. RIP Stuart.”
      So too did Simon Donnelly, an old contemporary and pal from the Parkhead youth ranks, telling Celtic TV: “A really sad day. Terribly sad, Stuart was one of my first mates at the club, when I came here in 1992.
      “Fantastic player. It’s fantastic to see the fans to a man there standing to pay tribute to him.”
      Most read in Football
      Gray was told that by the time this cancer begins to show symptoms, it is usually too advanced for surgery, which is currently the only known cure – with the situation complicated by the fact he was also suffering from a chronic liver disease.
      Fans and well wishers had raised £50,000 to help with his treatment via a GoFundMe page set up by his brother Nick.
      While some of the treatments for Stuart’s illness are widely available on the NHS, some of the newer and more experimental treatments are less readily available and very costly. 
      How Celtic broke the news
      Gray in action for the Scotland Under-21s
      Stuart Gray had raised almost £50k for his own treatment
      Stuart Gray plays for Morton
      He said recently how thankful he was for all the support, writing: “To all the people who have donated and sent messages and good wishes, I want to say how deeply thankful I am to each and every one of you. It means the world to me and my family to see the support we have. Love Stuart x”
      “Unfortunately, time is not on my side, and to wait for approval of these various experimental treatments, and then for the treatments to be administered by the NHS, will likely take years.
      “Accessing these drugs and treatments privately is costly and can be difficult. 
      “My family and I will be posting regular updates along the way and will be partaking in various fundraising efforts to help pay for any treatment that may be needed in the coming months and, God willing, years. 
      “Any help or support you can offer during this process would be appreciated more than you will ever know.” 
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Former PSG star Ezequiel Lavezzi has been hospitalised ‘with stab wound’ amid reports of row with family member

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      FORMER Paris Saint-Germain star Ezequiel Lavezzi has been hospitalised after he reportedly suffered an abdominal wound.Reports in South America say the ex-Argentina forward was taken to the Cantegrill Sanatorium hospital by Punta del Este, Uruguay on Wednesday.
      Ezequiel Lavezzi is in hospital after suffering an abdominal woundCredit: Getty
      Lavezzi used to star for Argentina and PSGCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But conflicting reports have emerged regarding the circumstances how he got the wound.
      A report from TYC Sports claims Lavezzi family sources said he received the wound when he slipped off a ladder while trying to change a light bulb.
      However, El Observador say police sources have said the 38-year-old was stabbed by a family member during a party in Jose Ignacio when emergency services were requested at 5am on Wednesday.
      Their report also alleges the alleged stabbing occurred over a “money” matter.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However, a report from Clarin indicates local police have not confirmed a stabbing incident.
      The outlet writes: “There is still no official report from the clinic and the severity of the 38-year-old former soccer player’s condition is unknown.”
      All reports say that Lavezzi has a broken collarbone from the incident, with the former report saying this came from him hitting a piece of furniture during the fall.
      FM Gente report he has been admitted to hospital alongside his girlfriend.
      Most read in Football
      Lavezzi has been retired from football for four years.
      Since hanging up his boots he has used his time to travel around the world and attend a number of parties.
      As well as PSG, Lavezzi has starred for the likes of Genoa and Napoli.
      He retired in 2020 playing for Chinese side Hebei FC. More

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      Newcastle legend Steve Harper, 48, rushed to hospital after suffering brain haemorrhage as club give update

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      NEWCASTLE legend Steve Harper has been hospitalised with a brain haemorrhage.The Toon icon suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage on Monday and was promptly taken to hospital.
      Former Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper suffered a brain haemorrhage on MondayCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      The 48-year-old club director and former goalkeeping coach is currently recovering in hospitalCredit: Getty
      Harper, 48, is currently awake and recovering “well”.
      And his former side were quick to send the retired goalkeeper a public message of support.
      A club statement read: “Newcastle United is sending love and best wishes to Steve Harper and his family after the club’s Academy director suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage on Monday.
      “The club is pleased to report that Steve is awake and recovering well in hospital.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Steve, his family and everyone at Newcastle United extends a heartfelt thank you to NHS staff for the incredible care he is receiving.”
      It ended: “Steve will be given the club’s full support as he recovers.
      “Everyone connected with Newcastle United sends their best wishes to Steve and his family as he continues his recuperation.”
      Shocked Toon fans took to Twitter to send their well wishes to their former goalkeeper.
      Most read in Football
      Steve Harper is Newcastle’s longest-ever serving player thanks to a 20-year stint at St James’ ParkCredit: PA
      One tweeted: “Get well soon, Steve.”
      Another said: “A wonderful man… wishing Steve all the best in his recovery.”
      And another said: “Shocking news. Wishing Steve a speedy recovery, he is the best of men.”
      One remarked: “Get well soon, Steve!!”
      Another chimed in: “This is awful and so scary, hope he makes a full recovery!!!”
      Harper began his Newcastle career all the way back in 1993 and spent 20 years between the sticks at St James’ Park.
      The Magpies hero made a total of 199 appearances for the club, keeping 66 clean sheets in the process.
      Harper left the Toon in the summer of 2013 to join Hull before calling time on his career in July 2016 after a six-month stint with Sunderland.
      Harper returned to the club that summer to take up the role of goalkeeping coach, which he held until becoming a club director in 2021.
      Scores of Newcastle fans sent well wishes to their former keeperCredit: Getty More

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      Teen who raised £26K for NHS during pandemic will wear her ‘lucky shirt’ for Lionesses’ World Cup semi-final clash

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      A GIRL who inspired the nation to do 7.1million keepy-uppies will wear her “lucky shirt” tomorrow for the Lionesses’ World Cup semi-final.Imogen Papworth-Heidel was 11 when she raised £26,000 to support NHS key workers during the pandemic, completing over 1.1million kick-ups herself.
      Imogen Papworth-Heidel will wear her ‘lucky shirt’ tomorrow for the Lionesses’ World Cup semi-finalCredit: Louis Wood
      England’s Keira Walsh, 26, yesterday said the team were ‘ready for the fight’Credit: PA
      Lioness Lucy Bronze sent the youngster, now 13, her signed shirt, which Imogen will wear at her home in Suffolk for the game against Australia.
      Imogen’s dad Karl, 53, said: “My daughter will be wearing that when she cheers on the Lionesses on Tuesday.
      “She’s been absolutely glued to every game.
      “Imogen just can’t get enough of it and the footie is really keeping her occupied during the summer holidays.
      read more on Lionesses
      “Lucy Bronze’s shirt normally hangs pride of place on Imogen’s bedroom wall, but she’ll be wearing it when England take on Australia.
      “She’s convinced that her lucky shirt will help them win.
      “She hardly ever takes it off the wall and she’s scared of getting it dirty in case washing it will erase Lucy’s autograph.
      “Lucy’s her absolute hero.”
      Most read in Football
      England’s Keira Walsh, 26, yesterday said the team were “ready for the fight”. More

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      Northampton Town aim to show life CAN begin at 40 with health checks for the public.. leaving our man facing harsh facts

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      SO it’s official. I’m getting older, overweight and need to start changing my lifestyle and eating habits.Yup, it’s time to finally accept I’m a forty-something who has to stop living like I’m in my twenties.
      SunSport’s Justin Allen has an “over-40s” health check with Northampton Town boss Jon Brady at the club’s training ground
      Ex-player Brady tells Justin how he has had to kick his beloved croissants from his breakfast routine to stay healthy
      Northampton Town gently broke the news after they invited me to undergo a health-check designed for people aged 40 and above, alongside their manager Jon Brady.So what happened to that well-worn belief that life begins at 40?
      The Cobblers have been going into their community visiting local businesses to give employees in that age category hassle-free tests.
      Akshay Mistry, the club’s community sports participation officer, is the man entrusted to deliver those checks.
      The roughly 20-30 minute procedure includes measuring body mass index (BMI) by taking height, weight and waist measurements — and then checking blood pressure and heart rate, cholesterol levels and, if necessary, a diabetes test.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Usually such check-ups are performed at a local GP surgery but getting a doctor’s appointment nowadays seems impossible.
      Akshay has performed more than 300 tests since the club started conducting them — and the Cobblers have almost certainly saved two people’s lives after discovering their health statistics were at dangerous levels.
      He told me: “We want to get people between the ages of 40 and 74 checked. It’s an easy procedure but GP surgeries have their hands full so this takes the pressure off the NHS while making these tests more accessible.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “Anything that can get flagged now will work better later as this can prevent future problems.
      Most read in EFL
      “If you have high blood pressure and are overweight to the point it’s dangerous that could be the end of you. 
      “But if you can discover this now, you can do something about it — either by changing or moderating your lifestyle and diet or, if at dangerous levels, being referred to a doctor to put you on medication as well as making a plan.
      “I’ve come across two who I referred to a GP — and it’s a good job because had they not had the check they almost certainly could’ve one day suddenly dropped dead.”
      The checks are done in coordination with Public Health England and the results uploaded to the NHS database to give your GP access.
      And even people who appear to live a healthy lifestyle can find that sometimes all is not as well as they think.
      Take Cobblers boss Brady, who is 48, for instance. He has lived his life in football — playing either in the EFL or at the top of non-league and working as a coach.
      He likes running, regularly walks his dog and is surrounded by healthy food and drink at the club’s training ground. 
      Jon Brady gets his height measurement taken by Akshay Mistry
      Northampton boss Brady has his blood taken to test his cholesterol
      Ex-Cambridge United wideman Brady is ready for his blood pressure test
      But, not so long ago, he did a check through the League Managers Association and was stunned to find there was a health issue that needed addressing.
      He told me: “The test flagged up my cholesterol levels needed to drop. 
      “They were concerned and did a lot of testing. I even had to wear the blood pressure measuring device for 48 hours.
      “And it came out that I need to look after my cholesterol. I’ve certain enzymes that aren’t working properly.
      “I always thought I was fit and healthy but that wasn’t the case. I now watch what I eat. I love a croissant in the morning and my wife goes mad at me — so I don’t have them anymore.
      “It’s non-dairy tasteless yoghurts with blueberries for me!”
      So on to my own check. My height is just shy of 6ft, waist is 39 inches and weight is 98.4kg. This means I have a BMI of 30 and, for the first time in my life, am officially obese! Although I think Akshay needs to double check his dodgy tape measure and scales!
      Like Brady, I enjoyed running — often going for 5k or 10k runs — but since the pandemic have lost that enthusiasm.
      Our man Justin gets his finger pricked in a cholesterol test
      Akshay takes Justin’s waist measurement
      I drink beer and wine, love food, enjoy socialising and have a job which takes me away from my home regularly, making it difficult to get into a healthy routine.
      Then came the blood pressure and heart rate test. Two readings were taken .. the systolic pressure (when your heart pushes blood out) and diastolic pressure (when your heart rests between beats).
      Mine came in at 139 (sp) and 93 (dp) … healthy levels are below 140 and 90. So my systolic pressure is creeping towards an unhealthy high while the diastolic pressure is now over the healthy threshold.
      However, the good news is I’m not at the worrying 160/100 level that would require me to be referred to a GP. 
      My heart-rate came in at 99 beats per minute. However, that was probably because it was pounding in fear that Akshay was about to tell me I’d no longer be able to scoff delicious pizzas, Chinese takeaways or kebabs.
      My Apple Watch says my average resting heart rate for the last week has been 78 — which is within the average level of 60-100. 
      And finally my cholesterol levels were recorded after having some blood pricked from one of my fingers.
      SunSport’s Justin Allen undergoes a Health Check at the Northampton Town FC training groundCredit: Alan Walter
      Brady works in the stressful environment of football management
      While The Sun’s Justin Allen has a busy schedule as a football writer
      My overall total came in at 3.74, which is a healthy level. Anything between five to six would mean you seriously need to eat healthier — but anything above that would require an urgent doctor’s appointment.
      My “good cholesterol level” only came in at 0.71 though. A healthy person would expect to have that at least 1.0.
      So I asked Akshay for some health tips.
      He said: “Your BMI isn’t exactly where you want it. For your height, you should lose about 10kg. That will automatically bring your waist down too.
      “Your blood pressure isn’t too bad but you do need to bring it down slightly. Losing weight should help that.
      “You also need to add more healthy cholesterol to your blood. So good food is the answer — oily fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel will help. Also things such as raw nuts, avocados, blueberries and non-dairy yoghurt and supplements of fish oils or multi-vitamins are all great.
      “And you need to get your resting heart rate down a bit. You don’t need to lift weights but I’d recommend doing more aerobic exercise. That should do the trick.”
      I’m going to get on it but, sorry, not ready to give up a steak and ale pie and a pint at the football. That is a non-negotiable. Gotta run — must meet my mates down the pub .. er, sorry, I mean health club!
      Read More on The Sun

      THE EFL’S 72 clubs have been running community events as part of the league’s Week of Action.

      A report — produced by research experts Substance — showed that EFL clubs created more than £865MILLION of social value across England and Wales between 2019 and 2022. More than £101m has been generated for community investment. More

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      Gary Neville blasted by No10 over political rant likening UK strike response to Qatar human rights abuses during final

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      RISHI Sunak today put the boot into Gary Neville for comparing the Government’s treatment of nurses to Qatar’s brutal use of migrant workers.The PM told the ex-Man United star to stick to football after he hijacked ITV’s World Cup final coverage to rant about Ministers “demonising” striking NHS medics.
      Gary Neville has been slammed for launching into a political rantCredit: ITV
      The PM told the ex-Man United star to stick to football after he hijacked ITV’s World Cup final to rant about about Ministers ‘demonising’ striking NHS medicsCredit: Rex
      Labour-supporting Neville said they were paid a “pittance” and likened them to the appalling exploitation of migrants by the Gulf state. 
      He said: “We can never accept that in this region or any other region and it is just worth mentioning we’ve got a current government in our country that are demonising rail workers, ambulance workers and terrifyingly nurses.”
      But on a military trip to Estonia PM Sunak told the Mail: “I think when most people are tuning in to watch Gary Neville they want to hear about the football and watch the football. They don’t want to discuss politics.”
      His official spokesman added that Neville’s comments were “clearly not legitimate or appropriate”.
      READ MORE ON GARY NEVILLE
      Nurses are taking a second round of strike action this week after Ministers rejected union demands for an “unaffordable” 19 per cent pay rise.
      They join rail workers, border force, civil servants and bus drivers on picket lines over pay rows.
      Neville also engaged in a war of words with Tory MPs who blasted him for making the comparison. 
      Red Wall Conservative Lee Anderson said: “Another party political broadcast by a millionaire… Talk about football Gary and keep your nose out of politics. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
      Most read in The Sun
      The defender-turned-pundit snapped back: “I’m glad you’re p***** off. The biggest set of charlatans to ever be in power!”
      The World Cup in Qatar – that ended yesterday with Argentina as champions – has been dogged by scandals from allegations of corruption to outrage over the country’s human rights practices.
      Thousands of migrant workers have reportedly died in the Qatari construction industry since the World Cup was awarded to them in 2010.
      During the punditry Neville said: “The working system of Kafala which obviously through football the conversation has started and it’s been removed here now in Qatar but it is abhorrent and we should detest low pay, we should detest poor accommodation and working conditions.
      “We can never accept that in this region or any other region and it is just worth mentioning we’ve got a current government in our country that are demonising rail workers, ambulance workers and terrifyingly nurses.
      “In our country we’ve got to look at workers’ rights but when football goes, we have to pick up on workers’ rights wherever it goes because people have got to be equal and treated equal.
      “We can’t have people being paid an absolute pittance to work, we can’t have people in accommodation that is unsavoury and disgusting. It shouldn’t happen here.
      “That shouldn’t happen here with the wealth that exists. 
      “But it shouldn’t happen with the nurses in our country either where our nurses are having to fight for an extra pound or two pound.”
      Thousands of migrant workers have reportedly died in the Qatari construction industry since the World Cup was awarded to them in 2010.Credit: PA More

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      World Cup will be a superspreader event – I know the best way you can protect yourself from a flu outbreak

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      YES, I know, I know. It’s happening at the wrong time of year in the wrong kind of place and we’ll doubtless end up with the wrong result.But once it gets going, all that will be forgotten.
      Social distancing will be long forgotten as bars pack out for the World CupCredit: Reuters
      We’ll be watching and we’ll want to be watching it together.
      Because — despite Fifa’s best efforts to mess things up — this is what football does and it’s what the World Cup does in spades.
      And the great nation coming together is one aspect of this World Cup which could be really special, precisely because the timing is all wrong.
      The atmosphere, as we crowd into pubs and so on to watch the games, is going to be something else.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP
      It’s always great during the usual summer tournaments but, crammed indoors with winter raging outside, it’s going to be so much more intense.
      While frosty winds will blow their worst outside, inside we’ll be heating ourselves up to fever pitch watching the football together.
      This will be the 28th international football tournament in my lifetime.
      The other 27 I’ve watched over long summer days and evenings. And I’ve loved them.
      Most read in The Sun
      DELIGHTING AND DESPAIRING
      Now I’m really looking forward to being part, for once, of some wintry World Cup fervour.
      But, but, but. As ever in football, there is a big but.
      If we can catch football fever from each other jammed in pubs delighting and despairing at the drama, there will be other bugs we can pick up from each other too.
      When Covid came along we had to learn a whole new way of living and new vocabulary to go with it.
      There was that thing called social distancing, and the notion of certain environments being great vectors for infection, and certain occasions becoming known as superspreader events.
      I don’t think you need to be very highly qualified in epidemiology to work out that hundreds of football fans, in a confined space, shouting, chanting, jumping around, kissing and crying, will facilitate the passing of germs.
      They’ll be getting sprayed around the place like nobody’s business.
      But, whatever, the craic will be so great that a few coughs and colds will be a price worth paying.
      Some catarrh thanks to Qatar? So what?
      Except, if we’re not careful, it could be about a whole lot more than an outbreak of winter sniffles.
      Covid is always threatening to send a new wave to break over us, quite possibly in the form of worrying new variants.
      And then there’s that annual killer, winter flu.
      Something we don’t worry about enough, which is daft, because it’s not rare and it’s well worth not getting because it’s extremely unpleasant and could even finish you off.
      If only there was something we could do to keep us safe from all this, freeing us up to whip up our football passions and hug and kiss strangers without fear of spreading anything other than joy or despair.
      If only the NHS that we applauded so loudly could somehow help us out.
      If only more of us realised that, of course, the NHS not only can vaccinate us but is desperate to do so.
      Yes, join The Sun’s campaign and get jabbed for Covid and jabbed for the flu. Do The Double.
      If you haven’t done that, then ask yourself why not, especially if you’re planning to spend large parts of the next month in confined spaces with others like you, shouting at TV screens.
      I’m sorry, but if you stood and applauded the NHS but now don’t help them out by doing the double, this winter of all winters, then you’re possibly a bit of a hypocrite.
      It really isn’t hard. It can’t be that hard. Because I’ve done it.
      First I got the flu one done, then the Covid booster a week later.
      The only challenging thing was explaining to jabber number two why I still had the plaster on covering jabber number one’s work a full week earlier.
      I assured him I did wash regularly, just not very thoroughly.
      GLORIOUS WORLD CUP
      As one of Britain’s leading hypochondriacs and a serial sufferer of terrible man-colds, I’m happy to report that the side-effects amounted to not very much at all.
      I felt a little bit rough after the Covid jab but it can’t have been so bad because that very afternoon I went to see West Brom at QPR.
      And we won, which restored me to rude health anyway.
      So come on, let’s do this. Let’s get right behind England and Wales in what yet could be a glorious World Cup for us.
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      Let’s Do The Double, then get ourselves down the pub, shut out the bleak mid-winter and enjoy the ride.
      Or, to put it another way, Do The Double so if and when the football does end in tears, you don’t have flu or Covid adding to your misery.
      Do the double and get jabbed for Covid and the winter flu More