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    Ex-Premier League ace and dad of Strictly star Kai Widdrington suffers two strokes as shocked family rallies round

    FORMER Prem star-turned-manager Tommy Widdrington is recovering well after suffering two strokes last week.The 53-year-old has been supported by his loving family, including his Strictly Come Dancing star son Kai, after being rushed to hospital with a sudden illness on November 27.Tommy Widdrington was rushed to hospital after having two stokesWiddrington’s son Kai is a pro dancer on Strictly Come DancingHelen Skelton and Kai Widdrington pose during Strictly Come DancingCredit: GettyHis wife Sharon has been at his bedside as she spoke via a club statementWiddrington has been undergoing scans and tests since as part of treatment for two ischaemic strokes at Southend General hospital.He is now manager of National League side Aldershot Town, having overseen 82 matches since joining them in April last year.His eldest son Kai is a professional dancer on Strictly, while the youngest, Theo, plays for Aldershot.Kai took to Instagram to send a touching message, writing: “Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite his dad’s ongoing health battle, Kai was strong enough to bag himself a Guinness World Records certificate following an intense showdown in the annual Pro Challenge this week.He beat Neil Jones to the most Cha Cha Cha Time Steps executed in half a minute.Meanwhile, Widdrington’s family have promised to “rally around” the patriarch. An Aldershot club statement, on behalf of the family, read: “Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging.Most read in FootballKai thanked fans on his Instagram storyTommy Widdrington spent four years playing in the Premier League with Southampton”He has made very good progress and is feeling and looking a lot better already.”He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation.”He is very appreciative of all the messages of encouragement he’s received from all corners of the football world.”It is not yet known when Widdrington will be well enough to return to the dugout.His family added: “He also wants The Shots fans to know he has total faith in the staff and the players in his absence and looks forward to being back in the dugout when he’s deemed fit enough to do so.”The statement continued: “Tommy’s wife, Sharon, and immediate family have of course rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope that it will quash any possibility of misinformation being circulated.”Kai finished eighth in Strictly last yearMeanwhile, son Kai was not paired with a celebrity contestant for the current 2024 series of Strictly and has only appeared in group performances. Speaking to the Daily Star, Kai shared: “Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series.“Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them. Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is.”He added: “Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”He was partnered up with Angela Rippon in 2023The Strictly curse struck again when Kai and ex-girlfriend and fellow show dancer Nadiya Bychkova called time on their relationship in July.The ex-couple are being plagued by rumours that things are frosty after reportedly refusing to stand next to each other on screen.A source told The Sun: ‘It’s painfully obvious Nadiya and Kai are in the awkward post-break up phase and struggling to be near one another.”When the pair are in the Clauditorium, they’re always on opposite sides. Although they may have big smiles on their faces when the cameras are running, it’s been very tense between them.”Following Nadiya and Kai’s split it was reported bosses at Strictly were considering banning workplace romances due the tension backstage between the exes.Strictly dancers Nadiya and Kai called it quits in JulyMeanwhile, dad Widdrington’s illness came just four days after his side’s 2-2 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.Aldershot host Wealdstone in the third round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.And in his place, the club will be led by assistants Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden.Newcastle-born Widdrington made his name as a midfielder with Southampton, who he joined as a kid in 1987.After making his First Division debut in 1991, Widdrington become a big player for the Saints following their promotion to the Premier League a year later.What is an ischemic stroke? An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, cutting off blood flow and damaging brain cells. Common symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack include your face dropping on one side, not being able to lift your arms, and speech problems.It can also change how you think, feel and communicate. It’s the most common type of stroke.It accounts for about 87 per cent of all strokes.In total, he netted three goals in 90 games at St Mary’s.Widdrington went on to star at other clubs including Grimsby, Port Vale, Hartlepool and Macclesfield.He retired from playing in 2005 after a second spell at Port Vale.But four years later, Widdrington returned to the beautiful game as a manager with Salisbury City.He has since taken charge of Hemel Hempstead, Eastbourne Borough and King’s Lynn – as well as two interim stints at Bristol Rovers.Widdrington has been at current club Aldershot for 21 months, winning 32 of his 82 matches at the helm.The Hampshire-based outfit currently sit 17th in the National League, with just one win in their last five games.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they’ve conceded the second most goals in the league this season (33), three less than Boston United (36).Son Theo, 25, currently plays for Aldershot, scoring one goal and providing one assist this term.Widdrington scored three goals in his 90 Saints appearances More

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    Edoardo Bove given incredible show of support in first Serie A match since collapse as Roma wear special t-shirts

    ROMA players wore T-shirts in support of stricken Fiorentina ace Edoardo Bove.The 22-year-old — on loan from the Stadio Olimpico — is “awake” and “alert” in hospital after collapsing against Inter Milan on Sunday.Roma players wore T-shirts in support of Fiorentina ace Edoardo BoveCredit: RexRoma stars sported jerseys ahead of the Serie A clash with AtalantaCredit: RexBove’s horrible ordeal has led to tributes across the boardCredit: RexBove is no longer in danger after undergoing medical treatmentCredit: RexBove was seen bending down and tying his laces before standing up and after taking a few steps forward, he suddenly collapsed.The horrible incident took place during the 15th minute of the match as players and staff formed a wall around the midfielder while medical staff tended to him.Team-mates and opponents alike were seen crying and with their hands on their heads as the terrifying ordeal played out.The Italian was then taken off by stretcher before being placed in an ambulance and taken to Careggi hospital.Read More on FootballReferee Daniele Doveri later told players to leave the pitch, with the match suspended due to the medical emergency.According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bove’s mother Tanya fainted inside the stadium after the traumatic incident.Reports suggest his dad Giovanni and girlfriend Martina attended the hospital straight away.But his devastated mum attended the emergency room after regaining consciousness, along with the mayor of Florence Sara Funaro.Most read in FootballBove has since regained consciousness and doctors have assured that his “life was not in danger” as they plan to re-evaluate him.Fiorentina said: “Edoardo Bove has spoken with family, the club, the coach and team-mates. Further tests will be carried out in the coming days.”Roma superstar Paulo Dybala shows off his skills in training The Italian’s awful ordeal has led to immense tribute all across the board.That includes his parent club as pals sported jerseys ahead of Roma’s clash with Atalanta on Monday.The Giallorossi went on to lose 2-0 to the reigning Europa League winners at the Olimpico.Bove plays for Fiorentina on loan from RomaCredit: GettyBove has received support across footballCredit: Getty More

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    Ally McCoist reveals he’s suffering from incurable condition dubbed ‘Viking’s disease’ that two operations failed to fix

    RANGERS legend Ally McCoist has revealed he suffers from an incurable condition called Dupuytren’s contracture.McCoist, who is now one of the nation’s most popular football broadcasters, opened up about the inherited condition during a recent appearance on talkSPORT.Ally McCoist has opened up about his incurable condition dubbed ‘Viking’s disease’Credit: GettyThe condition can cause one or more fingers to curl towards the palm or pull sidewaysCredit: NHSHe revealed that both his parents had suffered from it.The former striker has undergone two operations on his hands over the years but the issue has returned.McCoist explained: “I have got Dupuytren’s. It’s a hereditary thing where your fingers close in.”I have had them done twice. I went to see the doctor and he said to me ‘Did your grandfather have it?’. I said ‘I don’t know’ because I never met any of my grandfathers, sadly they passed before I was born.Read More in Football”I said to him ‘But my dad had it’. He lifted his head up and said ‘You’re unlucky because it normally skips a generation’. I said ‘That’s good news because I have got five boys’.”My wee mum had it as well. My mum had it, my dad had it, it’s a hereditary thing.”The bizarre thing with Dupuytren’s is when I went to see the doctor he said ‘I will operate on it but it will come back in roughly nine years’. And I swear to God nine years later it came back.He added: “I have seen myself sending a text message which takes me five minutes to text with one finger when I should just dial the number.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDupuytren’s contracture – also known as ‘Viking disease’ – is an inherited condition that causes an abnormal thickening of the skin in the palm of your hand at the base of your fingers.It can cause one or more fingers to curl towards the palm or pull sideways.Ally McCoist on Rangers ‘really, really concerning’ finances It is estimated that two million people in Britain have some degree of Dupuytren’s.The cause is unknown but it runs in families and worsens with age.McCoist is one of the UK’s most beloved football pundits and commentators.He currently works for talkSPORT, ITV and Sky Sports.What is Dupuytren’s DiseaseDupuytren’s contracture mainly affects the ring and little fingers. It’s common to have it in both hands at the same time.It tends to get slowly worse over many months or years.It’s not usually painful, but it can affect how you use your hand.It starts with lumps, dimples or ridges on your palm.Eventually, 1 or more of your fingers may get stuck in a bent position.There are 3 main types of treatment:surgery to remove the affected tissue in the hand (fasciectomy)using a needle to make small cuts in the affected tissue (needle fasciotomy)surgery to remove the affected tissue and skin (dermofasciectomy) More

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    Alvaro Morata rushed to hospital after ex-Chelsea star suffers horror injury during AC Milan training session

    ALVARO MORATA was reportedly rushed to the hospital following a nasty clash of heads in training.The AC Milan hitman is said to have clashed heads with one of his team-mates in an aerial collision on Thursday.Alvaro Morata reportedly suffered a head injury in trainingCredit: GETTYThe striker, 32, is said to have been rushed to hospital to undergo emergency scansCredit: GettyAnd according to reports, the 32-year-old was promptly taken to a hospital in the Legnano district of Milan to undergo scans on his head.But ESPN claims the former Chelsea and Real Madrid striker hasn’t suffered “a serious injury.”He will, however, undergo further tests before giving the all-clear to return to action.Morata is expected to remain in hospital this evening and is set to miss the Rossoneiri’s trip to Cagliari on Sunday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Spaniard joined Milan from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in July for a fee of £10.9million.Morata – who inked a four-year contract at the San Siro – has struggled this campaign, finding the back of the net a mere three times in 12 appearances in all competitions.The veteran striker skippered Spain to Euro 2024 glory this past summer.But he went into the tournament fresh off a battle with depression, which was the result of heavy criticism from Spanish fans and journalists in the build-up to the tournament.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlvaro Morata skippered Spain to Euro 2024 glory in JulyCredit: GETTYHe bravely revealed to El Partidazo: “When you have really tough times, depression, panic attacks, it doesn’t matter what job you do. “What situation you have in life, you have another person inside that you have to fight against every day and every night.”Alvaro Morata throws cup at fan during Spainb’s trophy parade after Euro 2024 winHe added: “For me, leaving Spain was the best option; I couldn’t stand it.”I had a really bad time. I thought I wouldn’t be able to put my boots on and go out on the pitch again.”But hey, thanks to a lot of people, from [Diego] Simeone, Koke, Miguel Angel Gil last year, my psychiatrist, my coach.”We are what you see on TV and on social media but often it’s not real.”You have to give an image because it’s your job. “I had a really bad time, I exploded and there came a time when I couldn’t lace up my boots.”And when I did I would run home because my throat would close up and my vision would start to blur.Alvaro Morata was dealing with depression before Euro 2024Credit: GETTY”Three months before the Euros I was wondering if I would be able to play another match. “I didn’t know what was happening to me but it’s very complicated and delicate.”At that moment you realise that what you like most in the world is what you hate the most, it’s complicated.”Every time I went out with them I always had some episode, sometimes without malice, with people about something that had happened in previous games. “And, in the end, they didn’t want to go shopping either, things that a normal father does with his children. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There came a time when they said so many things to me in front of them that I was embarrassed to be with them. “I was an easy joke, a joke to make the person next to you laugh.” More

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    Frank Bruno health fears as boxing legend has hospital scans amid worries his brain is on a ‘slow decline’

    BOXING great Frank Bruno is having hospital scans amid fears his brain is on a “slow decline”.The former world heavyweight champion’s doctors are trying to discover whether blows to the head during his 14-year career caused long-term damage.Frank Bruno is having hospital scans amid fears his brain is on a “slow declineCredit: GettyDoctors are examining how blows to the head during Bruno’s boxing career have impacted his healthCredit: AFPFrank’s daughter, Rachel, said: “We have learned recently that his brain might be on a slow decline.“They are just doing scans and tests at the moment. With the impact of his career and constant knocks to the head, it’s obviously probably not helped.“We don’t know how fast his brain is going to decline. “It’s sad but we’re a strong family and we want to cherish these moments.”READ MORE FRANK BRUNOSpeaking on Amazon documentary Four Kings, 62-year-old Frank added: “I fulfilled my dream. “I won the world championship. I’ve got some beautiful kids. What more do you need?”Last night a source close to Frank insisted: “Frank’s in a great place at the moment and feeling fitter and healthier than he has in years.Each week he will be at three or four events talking about his career and working.Most read in Boxing“All retired boxers have regular checks, and Frank is no different.”The four-part documentary details the careers of Frank, Lennox Lewis, Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn.Boxing legend Frank Bruno trades blows with the mental health minister – as she visits him at his charity foundationIt also looks at the sport’s dangers — including the extensive brain damage suffered by Michael Watson during a fight with Eubank, and life-changing injuries suffered by Gerald McClellan in a bout with Benn.Frank is no stranger to adversity, having been sectioned to Goodmayes Hospital, North East London, 20 years ago. He was readmitted in 2021 when he hit rock bottom during lockdown.His charity, the Frank Bruno Foundation, campaigns on mental health issues. The source said: “It’s going from strength to strength.” More

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    Scottish Premiership star rushed to hospital after half-time collapse in dressing room

    DUNDEE ace Mo Sylla was rushed to hospital during his side’s defeat to Aberdeen – after collapsing in the dressing room.The Dark Blues midfelder fell unwell at half-time, with worried team-mates taken into the tunnel so that medics could treat him.Mo Sylla collapsed at half-time in Dundee’s defeat to AberdeenCredit: SNSHe was rushed from Dens Park to Ninewells HospitalCredit: Peter Kelly – The Sun GlasgowSylla was then taken to taken to Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital.Dens boss Tony Docherty said: “Mo took a turn at half-time. It wasn’t a nice thing to see.“The medics were involved and we had to get the players out of there.“He’s responsive. He’s in hospital right now. We’ll just need to assess that and see how he is.”The half-time horror happened in front of worried team-mates as the Dee went down 2-1 to Aberdeen at Dens Park.Earlier in the game there had been a sombre mood and a pre-match applause in honour of Fabian Caballero, who tragically passed away at the age of just 46.Dundee boss Docherty led the tributes to tragic Dark Blues cult hero after news broke that the Argentina-born Paraguayan playmaker had passed away in his homeland at the age of just 46.Former Arsenal star Fabian Caballero passes away aged 46Cabellero joined Dundee in 2000 and spent five seasons at Dens, making 142 appearances and scoring 27 goals, and also had a short spell in England with Arsenal.Most read in FootballHe won Dundee’s player of the year award in 2003/04 and was in the side that lost to Rangers in the 2003 Scottish Cup final.Fans also clapped in the seventh minute of the defeat to Aberdeen to honour their former No7.Docherty said: “We’re really saddened. The Dundee family are mourning the loss of a brilliant servant to the football club.“Huge condolences and sympathy goes out to his family.“He was here last year for Cammy Kerr’s testimonial and was a larger than life character.“You can see why he made his mark at Dundee and there is huge respect for him. As the Dundee FC family, we mourn his loss.”Former team-mates took to social media to post their tributes.Ex-Dark Blues striker Tam McManus wrote: “Stunned to hear of the passing of Fabian Caballero.“I played with Fab at Dundee and he was a wonderful footballer. Also spent a great night with him a few years ago at a tribute do for him in Dundee.“The Dundee fans absolutely adored him. RIP Fabian.”Former Dundee skipper Gavin Rae added: “RIP big man. Thanks for the memories. Was a pleasure.”Our New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. And ex-Dens forward Steve Lovell added: “I’m devastated to hear the news of Fabian’s passing. He was a fans favourite and it’s easy to see why.“He was such a gifted player and I never had the privilege of playing with someone quite like him again. RIP Fab.”Caballero’s colourful career also took him to Greece, Cyprus, South Korea and Guatamala as well as Argentina and Paraguay.A statement from the Paraguayan FA said: “We deeply regret the passing of Fabian Caballero, who had an outstanding career both in Paraguayan football and abroad.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We accompany the family and friends in this difficult time.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

    A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

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    International footballer, 30, rushed to hospital and in intensive care after falling from second floor balcony

    A SAUDI ARABIAN footballer has been rushed to hospital after falling from a balcony, according to reports.Fahad Al-Muwallad reportedly fell from his second-floor balcony at his home in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Saudi Arabia international Fahad Al-Muwallad has been hospitalised after falling from his second floor balconyCredit: Getty – ContributorThe incident is said to have occurred between 9-10am on Thursday.Al-Muwallad was rushed to hospital after suffering multiple fractures.Local news outlet Dubaieye1038 report the 30-year-old was placed in the intensive care unit upon arriving at the Rashid Hospital in Dubai.They add that no one was with the winger at the time of the incident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaudi sources indicate some friends left three hours beforehand.Street and home camera footage are now being looked into to determine the cause of the incident.Al-Muwallad recently starred for Saudi Arabia in their World Cup qualifying matches against Indonesia and China.He played just 19 minutes across the two matches, which were his first games for his country since March 2023 when he wore the captain’s armband.Most read in FootballThe Al-Shabab star has played 74 times for his country, scoring 17 goals.He starred for his nation at the 2018 World Cup, where he chipped in with one assist as the Falcons were eliminated in the group stage.Al-Muwallad had starred in both of his clubs matches in the Saudi Pro League this season.He was removed from his nations World Cup squad in 2022 as a “precautionary measure” due to uncertainty surrounding a doping case.The winger had been banned from all football activities for 18 months from the end of March that year.His sentence was later reduced by the Saudi Sport Arbitration Centre which allowed him to initially be selected to Qatar 2022.However, an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency to the Court of Arbitration for Sport saw Saudi Arabia remove him from the squad. More