More stories

  • in

    German footballer Tim Lemperle rushed to hospital after being ‘assaulted’ and out of crucial Bundesliga promotion clash

    GERMAN football star Tim Lemperle was rushed to hospital after sustaining injures to his face during an assault on a night out.Koln star Lemperle will likely miss Sunday’s huge promotion final against Kaiserslautern for a place in the Bundesliga next season.Tim Lemperle was rushed to hospital after being assaulted on a night outCredit: RexLemperle reportedly suffered a broken nose and a gash on his face on Sunday evening, according to German outlet Bild.The report claims that the striker was out with friends in a borough of Cologne.A fight broke out in a boathouse bar near the bank of the River Rhine with another group, before things settled down.But Lemperle and his pals were allegedly attacked while leaving the venue later at 9pm local time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 23-year-old former Frankfurt star was taken to a local hospital where he stayed overnight until Monday morning.Koln boss Friedhelm Funkel hasn’t had any contact with Lemperle, who was forced to miss training on Monday afternoon.Funkel said: “I know he was physically assaulted on Sunday. He sustained facial injuries. “The likelihood of him playing on Sunday is slim. It can’t be completely dismissed, but it is slim. I can’t say anything more about it.”Most read in FootballThe police are investigating the incident and appealing for witnesses.Lemperle has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 24 second division appearances this season.And he was nailed on starter for the final, after having been named in the starting XI in 22 out of 24 league games this term.FC Koln finished second in Bundesliga 2, behind Hamburg who were automatically promoted to end a seven-year absence from the German top flight.Lemperle’s team-mates take on Kaiserslautern, who finished just inside the playoff places in sixth, in the final. More

  • in

    Chris Eubank Sr held my hand in hospital and told me I’m the superior fighter, claims defeated Conor Benn

    CONOR BENN said he was comforted by Chris Eubank Jr’s dad from his hospital bed following their brave battle. Eubank Jr beat Benn to walk away from Tottenham’s stadium with a heroic unanimous points win and most vitally family bragging rights. Conor Benn said he was comforted by Chris Eubank Jr’s dad from his hospital bedCredit: YouTube/iFL TVConor Benn with Chris Eubank Sr and his dad NigelCredit: AFPBut both ended up in the same hospital – just a few beds down from each other.And Benn claimed Eubank Sr – who made an emotional return to his son’s corner after their public falling out – was by his side following the thriller. He told iFL TV: “Sr came in to see me, we were chatting. He held my hand. Me and Sr were chatting away, kept telling me I’m the superior fighter.”We were just talking, man. He’s a vibe. He’s a vibe. I mean half of it I don’t know, half of it I couldn’t understand what he was trying to say.READ MORE IN BOXING”Then the other half was me in and out of consciousness. Can’t remember much.”Benn, 28, confirmed that Eubank Jr, 35, was only a few beds down from him after they were sent to hospital for precautionary checks.He said: “I mean, it was a bit of a weird turn out, to be honest. It’s like a family affair all of us at the hospital.”Eubank Sr had been vehemently against the second generation bout – which followed three decades after his win and draw over Benn’s dad Nigel.Most read in BoxingEubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe warned his son’s best days at middleweight were over and Benn should not have been allowed to go up to 160lb. Eubank Jr also missed weight on Friday’s by an agonising 0.05lb – costing him £375,000 – while also being restricted to a 10lb rehydration limit. Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in classy nods to their iconic dads during ringwalks for huge grudge fightBut – like a scene out of WWE – Eubank Sr did reunite with his boy – sending the 67,000 fans at Spurs’ £1billion stadium wild. And he watched as his severely dehydrated and exhausted son walked away with a famous victory. A rematch clause is included in the contract but even Benn himself could turn it down to instead target welterweight champion Mario Barrios. He said: “If the rematch doesn’t happen I’d love to fight Barrios for the WBC world title, for sure.”I’d love that to be my next fight if it’s not Eubank.”Both men were out of hospital by Monday but Eubank Jr now faces a British Boxing Board of Control investigation just three days after his win. The former super-middleweight world title challenger shared footage of himself using what appeared to be a portable sauna blanket and sweat suit.Both are prohibited under BBBoC rules and although they argue it is not clear when the video was taken – Eubank Jr faces a probe. Benn meanwhile revealed he will fly out to New York to watch Ryan Garcia make his welterweight debut against Rolando Romero. And Benn warned if he does indeed return to the 147lb division for his next fight – it KOs a rematch with Eubank forever. He said: “I’d either do the rematch at 160 next or drop back down to 147 and stay there.Read More on The Sun”I mean, it’s a hard one for me to just accept that he’s beaten me and not avenge the loss. We’ll see but I know the rematch clause is there.”All the terms have been agreed. We shall see.”Eubank Jr beat Benn by unanimous decisionCredit: GettyWBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios is another option for BennCredit: GettyBenn says he will fly out to New York to watch Ryan Garcia fightCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chris Eubank Jr breaks silence after hospital release with 46-word statement following epic Conor Benn victory

    CHRIS EUBANK JR has spoken out for the first time since being discharged from hospital following his victory over Conor Benn.He left Tottenham’s stadium with a heroic unanimous decision against born rival Benn. Chris Eubank Jr has been discharged from hospitalCredit: ReutersEubank was exhausted during the fightConor Benn is back in trainingCredit: https://x.com/ConorNigelBut Eubank Jr – who failed to make the 160lb middleweight limit and had a 10lb rehydration limit the morning of the bout – was taken to hospital.And just after 11am on Monday morning, Sky Sports reported that Eubank Jr had been discharged from after undergoing medical checks. Benn was also placed in hospital but spoke out on social media too on Monday morning – revealing he was already back training again. At 10.19am, Eubank Jr, 35, posted on social media: “Well it took nearly 3 years but we finally got the job done. READ MORE IN BOXING”Big shout out to everyone that supported the fight on Saturday & made it the once in a lifetime event that it was… without the fans none of this is possible, thank you.” Benn, 28, reacted to Eubank being discharged by posting “Great news”, and a hand-clapping emoji.He had already revealed he was back in training despite the gruelling 12-rounder, posting: “Yes, people. Attack the week, make the days count.”School’s never out. Working, learning and staying in shape. The same, really.Most read in Boxing”I watched the fight back. I, personally, have me up a point. I wouldn’t mind a, you know, one point either way.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Four points is a bit wide, in my opinion. But you keep it moving. I ain’t gonna cry over spilt milk. I’ve got to do better than I do.”And work harder, if that’s possible, and work as smart as I can. We gotta keep it moving. We’re just getting started. Just getting started, baby.Conor Benn back in training just 48 hours after brutal fight with Chris Eubank Jr that put both boxers in hospital”Come on, attack the week. Let’s go.”Eubank Jr missed Friday’s 160lb middleweight limit by an agonising 0.05lb – having to fork out a painful £370,000 fine for doing so.But he did hit the 170lb rehydration cap on the morning of the bout – leading to concerns over his health heading into the fight. Benn also jumped from his regular 147lb welterweight fighting weight – causing Eubank Sr to slam the grudge match and threaten to boycott it.But Eubank Sr did emotionally reconciled with his son and watched as his eldest walked away with family bragging rights over 12 gruelling rounds. Eubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.A rematch clause is in their contract with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh having already eyed Tottenham again for September.But Eubank Jr could choose to move back up in weight while Benn has options down at welterweight to fight WBC champion Mario Barrios.Benn said: “Do I avenge the loss or move back to 147lbs and win a world title? If Barrios is watching, I’d love that.”But I feel like I just want to settle this.”Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn added: “In defeat, he’s become a superstar.”We have to think about what we do next, we’ve seen tonight he’s a world-class fighter and can win world titles.”We’ve got a rematch up at 160lbs but this kid has an unbelievable future and can be a superstar in this country, filling stadiums.Read More on The Sun”I think he can win the rematch but we have to think carefully about what we do because he’s been through an unbelievable amount.”I’d like to see him go back to 147lbs and fight for a world title.”Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn on pointsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chris Eubank Jr DISCHARGED from hospital after 36-hour stay having suffered from severe dehydration in Conor Benn epic

    CHRIS EUBANK JR has been discharged from hospital following his bloody victory against Conor Benn.The Brighton boxer was admitted after the fight on Saturday night for checks.Eubank Jr and Benn went toe to toe for 12 brutal roundsCredit: GettyEubank Jr was exhausted during the fight and suffered severe dehydrationCredit: GettyEubank Jr needed medical care following his victoryCredit: ReutersEubank Jr, 35, was in medical care for 36 hours having suffered from severe dehydration.It had been suggested that Eubank’s jaw had been broken during the epic fight by Benn.However, these claims were rubbished.The boxer spent time at the Royal London hospital so his kidneys, brain and heart could be closely monitored.READ MORE ON BOXINGThis came after his dangerous 48-hour weight-cut dehydration tactics with a sweatsuit.He had so little water in his body during the fight that he was unable to sweat.Eubank Jr edged the grudge fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.He was named the winner by unanimous decision, with all the judges scoring the fight 116-112 in his favour.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe boxer has posted on social media this morning with a brief statement.It read: “Well, it took nearly three years, but we finally got the job done.Conor Benn back in training just 48 hours after brutal fight with Chris Eubank Jr that put both boxers in hospital”Big shout out to everyone who supported the fight on Saturday and made it the once-in-a-lifetime event that it was.”Without the fans, none of this is possible, thank you.”Benn, 28, was reunited with Eubank Jr in the hospital as he was taken in for precautionary checks.As it turned out, their beds were only a couple away from each other.It is unclear whether the adversaries spoke.But it is understood that their fathers – Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, who fought twice in the 1990s – did exchange words.Eubank Sr had made a surprise appearance ahead of the fight after months of distancing himself from the fight and claiming his son was being put in danger by cutting so much weight.Meanwhile, it might not be too long until the boxers meet again in the ring.Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has suggested that a rematch could happen in September.Benn is already back in training, less than 48 hours after the punishing loss.Read More on The SunHe shared a video of himself jogging on the treadmill on his Instagram and X pages on Monday morning, in which he reflected on his first professional loss.He wrote a lengthy message, telling his followers “attack the week, make the days count”. Benn is back in training alreadyCredit: Credit: X@CONORNIGELEubank shared worrying footage in the build-up to the fight of him traning in a sweatsuitCredit: InstagramEubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed. More

  • in

    Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn reunited in hospital… with pair awkwardly sitting two beds apart after gruelling fight

    CHRIS EUBANK JR and Conor Benn were reunited in hospital hours after their brutal grudge match.Eubank Jr triumphed in the ring over Benn via a unanimous decision after Saturday’s gruelling fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chris Eubank Jr was taken to hospital after his win over Conor BennCredit: GettyBenn spoke to media before he too later joined Eubank JrCredit: GettyBoth fighters were taken to hospital for precautionary checks.Eubank Jr, 35, left the stadium in an ambulance after the fight while Benn, 28, stayed to speak to media afterwards.However, he too was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after the slug fest.And according to the Mirror, the pair found themselves just a couple of beds down from one another during their stays.It is unclear whether the adversaries spoke.But it is understood that their fathers – Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, who fought twice in the 1990s – did exchange words.Eubank Sr had made a surprise appearance ahead of the fight after months of dismissing any idea of turning up.He had even labelled his son a “disgrace” after slapping Benn with an egg in February.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, he ultimately turned out to support his son in this generational clash.Eubank Sr also joined his son for his ring walk before seeing him slug out a 116-112 three-judge victory.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on Chris Eubank Jr’s win over Conor BennTeam Eubank were forced to deny rumours that Eubank Jr had suffered a broken jaw from the fight, with Benn saying: “I wish him well. I know he’s gone to the hospital.”I have heard he’s got a broken jaw do I wish him a speedy recovery.”Eubank’s promoter Ben Shalom said in a statement: “I’m pleased to confirm that Chris is doing well and currently resting. There is no truth to the rumours regarding a broken jaw.”As part of his standard post-fight protocol, Chris went to hospital for precautionary checks to monitor his vitals and ensure everything is in order.Eubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.”They take these measures very seriously, given everything they have experienced in the past. This process is something they now prioritise after every fight.”Chris and Conor gave absolutely everything in what was the biggest legacy fight of all-time.”With their fathers standing proudly behind them, it was a moment that will forever be stamped in sporting history.”SunSport understands Eubank Jr was showing signs of chronic dehydration.Benn had also laid down the gauntlet to say he wanted “revenge” in a rematch.However, a rematch clause had already been agreed ahead of this clash, with a date in September being suggested by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.Read More on The SunAlalshikh said: “If they’re not injured and ready, we want the rematch in late September at Tottenham.”The British fans were amazing, and I thank them.”Round by brutal roundCHRIS EUBANK JR secured the family bragging rights in his second generation grudge match against Conor Benn.With three unanimous 116-112 verdicts, Eubank Jr prevailed in the family feud, with his dad making a return to his corner to watch it.It lived up to the all hype – EVERY round was bloody, tasty and violent, before the more-experienced Eubank stood strong to come back into it and snatch victory.Here, SunSport’s Jack Figg gives you the ultimate breakdown of a gripping clash between the sons of two British boxing legends. CHRIS EUBANK JR VS CONOR BENN LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE GRUDGE MATCH More

  • in

    Eddie Howe returns to Newcastle duties after spell in hospital battling pneumonia

    EDDIE HOWE has returned to his managerial duties at Newcastle after suffering from pneumonia.The manager was admitted to hospital earlier this month and missed three matches.Eddie Howe is back working after being in hospitalCredit: GettyFans showed their support for the managerCredit: ReutersJason Tindall has been in charge in Howe’s absenceCredit: GettyHowe, 47, was missing from the dugout during games against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.Assistant Jason Tindall had taken charge of the team in the absence of the manager.He led the Magpies to impressive romps against Man United and Palace before losing to Villa on Saturday.The club has now confirmed that he is back working at the training ground with the players.READ MORE ON SPORTA statement read: “Newcastle United are delighted to confirm that Eddie Howe has returned to his duties at the club’s training Centre.”Eddie had recently been hospitalised with pneumonia and has now returned to work after a period of recovery.”We thank supporters for their warm wishes.”Howe initially believed that he had flu but was later diagnosed with pneumonia by doctors.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was admitted to hospital on April 12 after his condition deteriorated.The former Bournemouth manager is expected to be on the touchline when they host Ipswich Town this weekend.Watch Premier League manager rock up to press conference in golf buggy as fans joke ‘PSR hitting hard’ Fans have been left relieved with the news as they reacted on social media.One posted: “Fantastic news.”A second commented: “Wonderful news. Welcome back Gaffa.”A third wrote: “Welcome back Eddie!”A fourth added: “Great news!”Another said: “Great news! Demolition of Ipswich loading!”Howe will be hoping he can lead Newcastle back into the Champions League now he has returned.Read More on The SunAfter facing the Tractor Boys, the Magpies will have four games left of the Premier League season.They will take on Brighton, top five rivals Chelsea and Arsenal before finishing the campaign hosting Everton. More

  • in

    Paula Radcliffe’s daughter, 18, running London Marathon as she lifts lid on ultra-rare cancer diagnosis

    PAULA RADCLIFFE’S daughter is running the London Marathon after recovering from an ultra-rare cancer.Isla, 18, will take on the 26.2mile challenge on Sunday in what will be her first marathon.Paula Radcliffe’s daughter Isla [L] was diagnosed with cancer when she was 13Credit: Instagram @paula_radcliffeIsla will now follow in her mum’s marathon running footstepsCredit: AlamyIsla was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer five years ago when she was just 13.She has now recovered, and her mother, Radcliffe, opened up about the diagnosis.She told the Radio Times: “That’s when we knew something wasn’t right, and we went to the paediatrician.”It then moved very quickly.READ MORE ON SPORT”On the Tuesday she visited the doctor, we had a scan on the Wednesday and one week later we were already in the hospital starting the first round of chemo.”It’s the hardest thing a parent can go through.”You can support them and be with them the whole way through, but you can’t do that chemo for them.”It’s horrible to watch your child suffering through that, but at the same time we believed that if it felt bad, it was killing the cancer.”Most read in AthleticsRadcliffe, 51, is back running marathons and offers advice to runners of all levels.Her Paula’s Maratah Run Club podcast is sponsored by Children with Cancer UK.China races robots in Beijing half marathonWhat are the signs of ovarian cancer?Ovarian cancers affects the ovaries – the organs that store the eggs needed to make babies.It mostly affects women over the age of 50 and can sometimes run in families, according to the NHS.Symptoms of the cancer can be vague, particularly in its early stages, Cancer Research UK SAYS.The charity advises you speak to a GP if you have the following symptoms:Feeling full quicklyLoss of appetitePain in your abdomen or lower part of your abdomen that doesn’t go awayBloating or an increase in the size of your abdomenNeeding to wee more oftenTiredness that is unexplainedWeight loss that is unexplainedChanges in your bowel habit or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially if this starts after the age of 50The NHS added that bleeding from the vagina after the menopause could be another possible symptom of ovarian cancer. That is the charity that Isla is raising money and awareness for when she runs across the nation’s capital city.Radcliffe, who was world marathon champion in 2005 and won London three times, retired from professional racing in April 2015.She also revealed that she asked her gynaecologist if she could freeze her own eggs if Isla was left infertile from her cancer.She added: “He just looked at me and said, ‘Look, she isn’t going to want your 47-year-old eggs’.”When she lost her hair, I said I would cut my hair off and get it made into a wig for her. She flat-out refused that.”We’d not told many people at the time, and she didn’t want people asking why I’d done it.”There are things you’re not ready for – either going through it or as a parent.”She doesn’t know how it has affected her chances of becoming a parent.”She now has a tendency under stress to get allergic reactions on her skin, and we don’t know whether that’s linked to the treatment.”Radcliffe also has a son Raphael, 14, with husband Gary Lough.She has insisted that he has a promising career as a runner himself, as he is showing plenty of talent.And the Team GB icon also praised the teenager for how he was with Isla during her cancer battle.She said: “There was a huge amount of mother’s guilt for the fact that you have to focus more on one child for that period of time.”He’s (Raphael) extremely empathetic, probably in a way that most 14-year-old boys are not, right now.”I hope he doesn’t lose that because it’s really special.Read More on The Sun”He’d even let Isla sit and curl his hair when she had no hair to curl, the only proviso being that he would brush it before he went out anywhere.”He spent a lot of time with her and worrying about her, and they have a closer bond because of that.”Radcliffe won seven major marathons during her pro running careerCredit: AP:Associated Press More

  • in

    Victor Lindelof left Man Utd clash suddenly after son, 3, was rushed to hospital with serious head injury

    VICTOR LINDELOF had to leave midway through Manchester United’s best game of the season – after his son was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury.The Swedish defender had been due to come on as an interval sub during the Red Devils’ Europa League clash with Lyon last Thursday.Victor Lindelof had to leave Man Utd’s clash with Lyon at half-time due to an injury to his sonCredit: GettyThe news was revealed by Maja Lindelof on social mediaHowever he was instead withdrawn, with Luke Shaw taking the 30-year-old’s place.United finally won the quarter-final 7-6 on aggregate after a miracle comeback in extra time, with Harry Maguire scoring a 121st-minute decider.Afterwards boss Ruben Amorim said Lindelof and fellow defender Noussair Mazraoui had pulled out of the tie for personal reasons.The Swede’s wife Maja has now revealed he had to race to his son Francis’ hospital bedside after the three-year-old suffered a grisly domestic accident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMaja wrote: “An hour before the [Lyon] game started, our babysitter called and said they were in an ambulance on the way to hospital.”My youngest son Francis had split his entire head open.  He had been chasing his big brother Ted Louie at home, and fallen into our glass staircase.”His forehead was in two parts.  He was in hospital both Thursday and Friday.”He had to have plastic surgery to put his forehead back together.  He was put under anaesthetic.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”It is the first time I have experienced something like this happening with one of my children.”It was incredibly unpleasant, and not something I want to experience again.”The operation went well, and Francis is back on track.  He is a Viking, and back to normal.”Everyone was so worried, but he continues his life as if nothing has happened.”The doctors say he will have a big scar on his forehead.  But never mind – I’m just happy that it went so well.”Lindelof returned to the United side on Sunday as captain against Wolves.He was taken off straight after Pablo Sarabia’s goal as the visitors won 1-0 at Old Trafford. More