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    Inside Tyson Fury’s family life with wife Paris forever by his side as kids again bear brutal brunt of boxing career

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    TYSON FURY’S family has once again borne the brutal brunt of his boxing career.His wife Paris and their seven children live a life of magnificent luxury thanks to the 36-year-old’s fighting skills.Tyson Fury has given his family, which includes seven kids, an incredible lifeCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1The Gypsy King has secured generational wealth for his familyCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1He’s sealed the futures with bruising victories inside the ringCredit: GETTYWife Paris withheld the new of a tragic misccariage ahead of Tyson’s showdown with Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYBut back in May — just days before his original clash with Oleksandr Usyk — all that was suddenly irrelevant when they lost their son six months into pregnancy.When brave Paris could not fly in for her man’s Saudi megafight, he knew tragedy had struck.But she withheld the news from the emotionally vulnerable 6ft 9in star until he was home.Fury refused to use the awful loss as an excuse for his split-decision defeat to the Ukrainian.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2And as soon as the summer was over, he flew out to Malta for a 12-week camp where he trained like a brute and supposedly cut off all contact from his family.When Paris and eldest son Prince arrived in Riyadh and took their places in the second row at Thursday’s press conference, Fury ignored his childhood sweetheart.There was no gushing reunion kiss or cuddle, there was barely even any eye contact.When asked how it felt leaving his brood behind after such a traumatic experience, Fury replied: “Difficult.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: “It’s difficult timing but, you know, life is difficult and this fight is even harder.“So I have got to give myself the best opportunity that I can to get the victory.Paris Fury shares ‘chaotic’ Christmas Day plans after Tyson’s fight & insists they have ‘nothing fancy’ at £1.7m mansion“I won’t see Paris before the fight, not until after the fight.“I’m fully focused and I don’t want my mind changing or taking off from where I am in fight mode and going into husband mode and all of that.“In all my career of 36 fights, she’s only missed three of them.“The first was when she was having our first child, Venezuela, on the same night as I boxed in Dublin years ago.“Then there was another at The O2. And the other one was the last Usyk fight.“This time, she’s coming but I won’t be seeing her, not until after the fight.”It feels like a Spartan siege mentality we have never seen the likes of before — and all, apparently, to keep the Morecambe roof over their heads and Christmas presents under this year’s tree.With the £300million the Gypsy King has banked from boxing alone — before you factor in his Netflix, book and sponsorship deals — his claims that back-to-back defeats to Usyk, 37, could lead to an eviction notice are fanciful.But there’s a danger that — after decades of bravado — Fury could be left emotionally bankrupt by another loss, with the kids having to cope with the impact of that.Fury said: “The kids are used to Daddy going away.”Daddy’s got to do his job and pay the bills.Tyson Fury has done everything in his power to make sure his kids feel lovedCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1″And if Daddy doesn’t do that, then the house gets repossessed, unfortunately.“If you don’t pay your bills, no matter how rich you are, you get repossessed, don’t you?”While Fury is worried about the mortgage, there is a risk Usyk has been living in his head rent-free.Trainer Andy Lee told SunSport that he won’t know the psychological damage the Usyk defeat has taken on his charge until the first bell.Fury could have had his soul snatched and be a broken fighter by the manner of that first schooling.On the other hand, he might be re-energised, laser-focused and harnessing the challenger mindset every fighter thrives on.Even Fury himself does not seem to really know the answer.He said: “Sometimes you think about the fight — it would be a lie to say you don’t.“I don’t really feel nervous but . . . it’s not nerves for the fight.”Because obviously I’ve had a lot of fights, I’m not bothered about anybody.“But you feel like you’re nervous whether you’re going to perform to your best ability or not. Does that make sense?“It’s not like a pressure of, ‘Oh, I’ve got to go for a fight now’. It’s something I’ve always done, amateur and professional.“But you feel like, ‘I need to be the best I can be.’“Hopefully you’re going to be good, do you know what I mean?”“A lot of people, when they come to training camp, everybody thinks the job’s done.“But fight week is the most important time of your training because during camp you can make a mistake.“You can have a late night, you cannot sleep one night, whatever. And it’s fine.“But make those mistakes in fight week — you go around too many people and catch a cold.Tyson Fury suffered a split decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in their first meeting in MayCredit: PAThe Gypsy King has vowed to exact revenge on the slick southpaw on Saturday nightCredit: AP”You get an illness, whatever, even on the day before — and it can all be finished.”Fury’s overbearing dad John — who headbutted a member of Team Usyk in the build-up to May’s clash and confused his son’s in-fight breaks with uneducated instructions — has been exiled from the corner.But the Gypsy King has taken clearer orders this time from an arguably more mature family member.Legends of the boxing world have expressed their offerings on the best approach to the fight.But a tiny little terror — named after an ancient Greek icon more famous for love than war — has provided the most ruthless guidance.READ MORE SUN STORIESFury explained: “My Adonis, that’s my second-youngest son, he wants me to smash Usyk’s face right in.“He’s only five. He wants me to severely smash it in.”Tyson-Fury’s son, Adonis, wants him to “severely smash” Oleksandr Usyk in their second Saudi showdown UsykCredit: AP More

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      Mario Lemina and Co’s disrespectful antics are just embarrassing – deal with it the old school way and be done with it

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      A REAL team of fighters do not get involved in the sort of disrespectful antics Wolves have recently.Mario Lemina was pushing his own team-mates and coaches after they lost to West Ham this month, and then last weekend Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri clashed with Ipswich players and staff after falling to a late defeat.Mario Lemina clashed with team-mate Toti GomesCredit: GettyMario Lemina was held back by team-mate Toti GomesCredit: GettyIf something like that happens once, you go: Right, that’s just someone losing their cool.It’s not the right way to go about things, but sometimes emotions spill over, especially when you are under that much pressure or in a relegation battle.But for it to happen in back-to-back weeks, it looked like they were just reacting off Gary O’Neil after he asked for more ‘fight’ from his team.That is not what he meant.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe’re footballers, not tough guys. You want to be a boxer or a fighter? Go watch a proper fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk tonight.Get in the ring with them, I dare you.I wouldn’t even use the word ‘fight’ to describe what those players did.It’s petulance. It stinks of a team that is needing leadership and direction from both the top of the club and on the pitch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYou want to do it properly? Go old school and do what we used to do back in the day, even if it was our own team-mate we had a disagreement with.Get down the tunnel, into the boot room, have someone hold the door shut, one-on-one for a few minutes, then shake hands and it is finished.Alan Shearer left red-faced and fuming after botching question about his own career The next morning, it was back to work and we didn’t speak about it again.If it lasted longer than 30 seconds, people would dive in and break it up, but often it was just three or four punches to blow off some steam, and that happened a few times a season.But those involved at Wolves were pretending to be something they’re not, pretending to be up for a fight by getting themselves involved in something. It is embarrassing.If you fight after the final whistle, it says to me that you don’t care about fighting for the ball or for tackles or for the win during a game.And if they really were that hard or tough or up for a fight, they wouldn’t be doing what they did.It’s like that friend who says you can trust him. If you have to tell me, I don’t think I should trust you.As the saying goes: It’s easier for a nice guy to pretend to be tough than it is for a tough guy to pretend to be nice.And this Wolves group, they’re not tough, they’re just nice kids, nice people.If you fight after the final whistle, it says to me that you don’t care about fighting for the ball or for tackles or for the win during a game.Troy Deeney You wouldn’t be scared to bits if you came across them in a dark alley, would you?I saw Lemina having a go at the assistant, Shaun Derry, at West Ham.I tell you what, if Lemina had tried that on Derry a few years ago, he would have been put on the ground.And then I saw Craig Dawson try to carry Ait-Nouri down the tunnel to calm him down.As a whole, there is just a lack of respect across that whole team. There should be a genuine, healthy fear and respect of senior players or leaders in any dressing room.I saw a few of those incidents close up during my career, especially during my early days with Walsall.After something like that, we would be terrified knowing the manager would tear us a new one or the captain would have us up against the wall after making such fools of ourselves.I don’t sense that happening now. Respect your elders.But saying that, it seemed to me like the players actually liked O’Neil before he got sacked.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt wasn’t like they ever quit on him. There were so many times they could have.They followed him and liked him and respected him and didn’t want him to go.Rayan Ait-Nouri was restrained by Craig DawsonCredit: Rex More

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      Mystery over football fan’s missing £14k Rolex after it was lost during CPR before he died – as son issues urgent plea

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      A HEARTBROKEN son whose father died after receiving CPR at a football game has issued an urgent plea to find a missing Rolex.Jay Gray watched the West Ham match in Stratford, London, on Monday night alongside his dad who suddenly collapsed and passed away.Jay Gray claims the watch went missing as his father was being moved to receive CPRCredit: X/jay grayJay posted a picture of the type of watch alongside his urgent appealCredit: Rolex”Desperately” pleading on social media for the safe return of the watch worth more than £14,000, Jamie ‘Jay’ Gray wrote a detailed account from memory.His post on X, formerly known as Twitter, read: “My dad unfortunately collapsed and passed away at the Wolves game last Monday night, he had to be carried up stairs from his seat in block 123 to be able to have CPR performed on him, his watch went missing when he was moved and we desperately want it back.”The caption was shared with a smiling father-son selfie, snapped in front of a football pitch.”Reward for anyone that has any information that results in the return of this watch, my dad wore this every day and it means so much to our family to have it back,” the post went on.Read more Sports NewsJay continued: “Please can anyone associated with West Ham, as well as anyone else that wants to help get this sentimental bit of jewellery back to our family in this tough time please.”So far the post has been viewed by 35 million people with an English football manager and former player helping in the appeal.Martin Allen played more than 100 games as a midfielder for both Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United.He wrote: “Horrible news re that West Ham fan that has passed away at our home game last week in the London stadium. Most read in Football”His family have appealed to all of us to help find his watch that has gone missing. Please someone return it.”A friend close to the family took to Facebook to share her condolences and help spread the word.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starLouise Anne said: “PLEASE PLEASE SHARE…”Kev & his family are extremely close to my family, Kev sadly died on Monday evening. “His wife Lou & his kids Taela & Jamie just want the watch back, no one cares who has it or why – they just want it back, Kev wore it everyday.”A spokesperson from London Stadium said: “We would like to send our condolences to the family.”We are assisting the football club by investigating the CCTV footage from Monday evening.”It is thought over 60,000 fans were in attendance at the match, which saw home fans celebrate a 2-1 defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League game took place at London Stadium in Stratford.The Sun has approached West Ham United FC, the London Ambulance Service and Jay Gray for comment. More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua shows his caring side as he hands out gifts at children’s hospital and hails ‘hero’ NHS staff

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      ANTHONY Joshua dished out Christmas presents during a surprise visit to a children’s hospital.The two-time heavyweight boxing champion stunned poorly children on the Kids Starfish ward at Watford General Hospital and hailed “hero” NHS staff.Anthony Joshua posed up for pictures with happy patientsCredit: SuppliedThe boxing star visited Watford General Starfish WardCredit: SuppliedHe hailed the NHS staff as heroesCredit: SuppliedThe heavyweight boxing champion gave out giftsCredit: SuppliedAnthony beams alongside NHS staffCredit: SuppliedDuring his moving visit, Joshua chatted with youngsters about sport and posed for selfies with patients and staff.The boxing star was seen handing out gifts to beaming children as he spent hours touring the specialist ward.He also spent time chatting to parents and West Hertfordshire NHS staff who help keep the ward operational during the festive period.On the visit the world champ said: “Today was all about trying to put smiles on a few faces and to acknowledge the tireless work of all NHS staff across the entire nation.Read More in Boxing”I met some amazing kids and some inspirational parents. I waslucky Santa was available to help me hand out a few small gifts.”Christmas can be a really tough time of year so it is important to do your bit, especially in your own local community.”Joshua’s association to the hospital goes back years – as he was born there in 1989.As a teenager he visited the A&E department a few times too many for his mothers liking.Most read in BoxingThen following his Olympic triumph in 2012 he returned to open the Leigh Warman Mural in the Children’s A&E Department.Paediatric Consultant Lynn Sinitsky said: “The joy that Anthony has spread today is truly healing. Anthony Joshua attends surprise birthday party for coach who ‘saved his life’ and shares incredible throwback snap”The smiles on the faces, especially from one ten year old who woke up to see Anthony was incredible.”Meanwhile, Ward Manager Kerry Beasley said: “Its a great thing he has done, its amazing for the staff and the patients. “It really boosts morale and spreads Christmas spirit. We couldn’t get him out!”During the Coronavirus Pandemic Joshua led a program to gift NHS staff members at the hospital with 2,000 pieces of Under Armour kit.The idea was to give a little bit back to the tireless efforts from staff, including medical professionals, cleaning and kitchen staff.Clean Herts Community’s mission is to provide aid and opportunities for people of various demographics across Anthony’s home town of Watford, with a focus on young people.The Olympic Gold Medallist has always been very passionate about providing opportunity to specifically the younger generation in his local area. This year CHC has launched both physical and educational programs from football camps to cooking and science classes.They also teamed up with Hollywood legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in November to give some Watford-based kids the opportunity of a life time.And they took part in the launch of his blockbuster Christmas film Red One.It comes as Joshua attended the surprise birthday party for the boxing coach he credited for saving his life.AJ first walked into the Finchley Amateur Boxing club aged 18 in a bid to get himself out of trouble on the streets of London.And head trainer Sean Murphy guided Joshua to elite national championships before setting up an Olympic gold victory.The two have remained close over the years and AJ was a guest at Murphy’s surprise bash – organised by Finchley ABC.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe posed alongside Murphy and posted a throwback snap of his amateur days with the caption: “Ride Or Die.”In Joshua’s last three bouts, he has been cornered by British coach Ben Davison.Joshua playing with a childCredit: SuppliedJoshua set up the Clean Hearts Community, a community-interest company dedicated to uplifting the local communityCredit: SuppliedThe boxer looked very happy speaking with NHS staff and parentsCredit: SuppliedJoshua showed off his caring side in the visitCredit: Supplied More

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      in Athletics

      ‘It’s not acceptable’: Sprint sensation Gout Gout’s parents reveal his real name and fume at identity mix-up

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      GOUT GOUT’S fuming dad has revealed the sprint sensation has been WRONGLY named for years – due to a shocking spelling error.The parents of the 16-year-old “next Usain Bolt” blamed officials for the “unacceptable” error – and explained what his real name should be.Gout Gout has been setting the world alight at 100m and 200mCredit: GettyBut he’s not known by the name his family gave himCredit: GettyGout Gout has shattered a string of age records at both 100m and 200m.His time of 20.04secs at the longer distance also broke the Australian record held since Peter Norman won silver at the 1968 Olympics. But now his father Bona has told of his upset over a major mistake that has left his son being called by a different name.The issue emerged after the family fled South Sudan as refugees for Egypt.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLBona told Channel 7 they were planning on moving to Canada.But documents from the Australian Government were first to arrive – so the family switched their future to Down Under.However, Bona believes the Sudan Government wrongly put “Gout Gout” on the relevant forms.He said: “His name is Guot, it’s supposed to be Guot.Most read in AthleticsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS’When I see people calling him Gout Gout, I’m not really happy for him.”He added that it should be pronounced “gwot”.Sprint sensation Gout Gout, 16, breaks 100m world record at school championships but it doesn’t count Bona pointed out the inflammatory illness gout that can cause foot pain and swelling.He said: “I know that gout is a disease name but I don’t want my son to be called a disease name… It’s something that’s not acceptable.”It’s culturally very important and in particular if (family) see Guot Guot running they connect to the name but when they hear Gout Gout they’ve lost the meaning of it.”Bona now hopes his son’s name can soon be changed back officially to Guot. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea sign 15-year-old son of Arsenal cult hero with teenager playing at age groups well above his own

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      CHELSEA have landed one of the country’s top 15-year-olds.And if he goes on to emulate his dad – a true cult hero for Arsenal – then luring him from Watford will have been worth it.Mathis Eboue joins Chelsea after a rapid rise at WatfordCredit: InstagramDad Emmanuel Eboue, bottom left, was with Arsenal for seven yearsCredit: GettyMathis Eboue, an attacking midfielder, shone for the Hornets all the way up to under-21 level.And his move across London is another example of how Chelsea are looking to recruit so many of the nation’s leading starlets for their academy.Eboue Junior has also played three times of England U-16s.In fact, he hit the only goal as the Lion cubs beat France to win the U16 Challenge Trophy in Spain two months ago.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut of course whatever he’s achieved at such a young age can’t compare with what his father did over a 15-year career.Emmanuel Eboue, now 41, earned 79 caps for Ivory Coast, mainly at right-back.But his peak fame came with Arsenal from 2004-2011.Legendary then-boss Arsene Wenger recruited the pacy ace from Belgians Bevern.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd although Eboue took two seasons to become something like a regular, his bubbly nature and bursting runs made him a talk of the terraces.However, at one stage he was booed by Gunners’ supporters.I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I had trials at Arsenal – I was gobsmackedAnd just last month he recalled: “I got back home and I was crying. “But the same week some of the fans came to the club to say sorry to me about that. That was very nice. It meant a lot.”‘Eboue, don’t listen,’ they said. ‘You know we love you’.”He finally left Arsenal – accompanied by a runners-up medal in the Champions League and two in the League Cup – for four years at Galatasaray.Then came an ill-fated short spell with Sunderland.Eboue Senior was banned for a year in 2016 after refusing to pay an agent, leading to the “lowest time” of his playing days.But eight years on from that, he surely can’t help but be cheered by his son’s big step-up.The Premier League applied their rigorous process to protect players so young before Eboue Junior’s switch to Chelsea could go through.READ MORE SUN STORIESCompensation to Watford also had to be agreed.But on Friday night transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insisted all the paperwork had been done to make it a “completed deal”. More

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      in Soccer

      Edoardo Bove’s mum ‘fainted in the stands’ after his terrifying collapse as his first words after waking up are revealed

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      HOSPITALISED Fiorentina star Edoardo Bove’s mum fainted in the stands after her son collapsed against Inter Milan, according to reports.Bove was rushed off the pitch in an ambulance after plunging to the turf during his side’s Serie A match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday.Edoardo Bove’s mum fainted in the stands after her son collapsed on the pitchBove collapsed during Fiorentina’s game against Inter MilanBoth sets of players formed a wall around BoveHe was stretchered into an ambulance before being taken to hospitalThe 22-year-old went down untouched in the 16th minute with referee Daniele Doveri stopping the game immediately to allow him to receive treatment.Bove was seen bending down and tying his laces before standing up, but took a few steps before suddenly collapsing.Fiorentina have confirmed that he is now awake and has said his first words since the terrifying incident.The club statement read: “ACF Fiorentina announces that Edoardo Bove, after spending a quiet night, was awakened and extubated this morning. He is currently awake, alert and oriented.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAccording to La Repubblica, Bove said: “Thank you everyone.”Heartbroken players and staff had yesterday formed a wall around the midfielder while medical staff tended to Bove.The ref then took players off the pitch with the match initially suspended and later abandoned at 0-0.Team-mates and rivals alike were seen crying and with their hands on their heads as the horrifying ordeal played out.Most read in FootballBove was then taken off by stretcher before being placed in an ambulance and taken to Careggi hospital.Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Bove’s mother Tanya fainted inside the stadium after the traumatic incident.According to reports, his dad Giovanni and girlfriend Martina attended the hospital straight away.But his devastated mum later attended the emergency room after regaining consciousness, along with the mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro.The Italian star was reportedly under sedation in intensive care.Bove has since regained consciousness and doctors have assured that his “life was not in danger” as they plan to re-evaluate him in the next 24 hours.Kind-hearted Moise Kean’s touching gesture for young fans backfires as supporters troll him after cruel video editAccording to La Repubblica, the Viola footballer is “alert, conscious and breathing independently.”Several Fiorentina staff members – including head coach Raffaele Palladino – are believed to be at the hospital to support Bove.The midfielder joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Roma in August, with a view to make the deal permanent.He scored his first goal for his current club against his parent side in October.Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso said: “Forza Edoardo, we’re with you. You’re a strong boy with a great character. We’re reaching out to his family during these moments.”Giuseppe Marotta, Inter president, told Sky Italia: “Inter and the entire football world express their closeness to Bove’s family and Fiorentina.”The decision to postpone the match was spontaneous on everyone’s part, we are a community, all the players and even the referee were emotionally involved. We hope it is nothing serious.”Bove’s team-mate David de Gea, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, posted on X, external: “God please. 🙏”READ MORE SUN STORIESFollowing the incident, Fiorentina’s full statement read: “We and the Commisso family thank Viola fans, the clubs, fans and the world of football and sport for the support shown towards Edoardo Bove and his loved ones.”An Italy international, Bove has played for his country at every age group up to the Under-21s but is yet to receive a call-up to the senior set-up.Bove has since regained regained consciousness in hospitalBove’s team-mate Dodo was seen visibly concernedPietro Comuzzo was consoled by Inter star Alessandro Bastoni as Bove was being stretchered offLater in the night, Fiorentina fans put up a banner outside the Careggi hospital in support More

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      in Soccer

      I went from the Prem to prison ‘hell’ filled with shower stabbings and cockroaches but now I’m eyeing an FA Cup shock

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      NILE RANGER sat in prison with his gut churning after eating half-cooked chicken and watching cockroaches crawling through cracks in the walls of his cell.The ex-Newcastle striker, 33, was banged up at Pentonville in north London in 2017 after pleading guilty of committing online banking fraud.Nile Ranger spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: Jon BondHe was a promising Premier League starCredit: GettyHe helped Newcastle win promotion from the Championship in 2010 and went on to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFPBut things spiralled out of control and saw Nile end up in prisonCredit: Jon BondHe had conspired to swindle more than £2,000 from a woman two years earlier.It completed a fall from grace for a highly-promising player who made 26 Premier League appearances for the Geordies before nose diving down the leagues.Ranger swapped training and playing alongside stars such as Michael Owen, Fabricio Coloccini and Andy Carroll for mixing with criminals who boasted about such things as tossing an unfortunate soul into a car boot after cutting their fingers off!But on Sunday he will be back on a football field with Southern Premier Kettering hoping to create some FA Cup magic as they host League Two Doncaster — having scored the winner in the previous round to topple League One Northampton.READ MORE FOOTBALLTo say Ranger is the ultimate model for any young professional NOT to follow is an understatement.He told SunSport: “It was bad in prison, full of wrong ’uns, and no place to be if you’ve got your head screwed on.“I had mine on compared to those people. I had just been silly, unruly and lacked discipline.“There was this guy who told me he had put someone in a car boot and chopped off their fingers.Most read in FA Cup“I heard people planning murders and armed robberies when they got out.“There were prisoners getting stabbed in the showers and drones flying in drugs and mobile phones. It was hell.”Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashAlthough sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to serve eight months inside one of Britain’s most notorious jails, Ranger was released after 10 weeks for good behaviour — although he had to wear an electronic tag to make sure he was not up to no good.Ranger said: “There were cockroaches coming through the gaps of the cell walls and door.“We had to block those with towels and if you killed a cockroach others would appear from eggs they laid. There were mice running about as well. It was disgusting.“The food was appalling. The chicken I’m certain wasn’t properly cooked.“I was locked up 23 hours a day — using the hour outside my cell to exercise and shower.“Some of the guards were arrogant — trying to make me feel small. They were jealous because I was a footballer. But I didn’t rise to it.”I focused on getting out and thought, ‘I’m only going to be here for two or three months and playing football again.’“I was at Southend and they were still paying my wages while in prison so that was always on my mind when the guards were belittling me.“I felt the sentence was unfair. People have done far-worse and only got suspended sentences.“I reckon the judge had already decided while having dinner with his wife the previous evening he was going to lock me up.”Kept messing upRanger concedes he screwed up and wasted his incredible talent. Had he applied himself he could have had a good Premier League career.But he kept messing up — despite countless chances.Just shortly after signing for Southampton from Crystal Palace as a kid, he was banged up for 11 weeks in a young offenders institute for being involved in an armed robbery.The Saints stuck by him then but lost patience after he stole his entire academy team’s kit and a box of chocolates from the kit lady.He explained: “I don’t know why I took the chocolates but we had been told we could have some of the kit. The season had finished and Southampton were getting us new ones.“I had friends at home in North London who loved football so I took everything, all the kit and boots. I was caught on camera and Southampton terminated my contract.”Ranger helped fire Kettering into the FA Cup second roundCredit: PAYet Ranger landed on his feet when Newcastle snapped him up and despite breaking into the first team and helping them win promotion from the Championship in 2010 and going on to play in the Premier League, he pressed the self-destruct button with a series of disciplinary problems.He also had such a gambling addiction that the club got him banned from every casino in Newcastle. He was constantly late for training or did not show at all.Kevin Keegan got so fed up with him when he started training with the first team, he told Ranger: “I’m going to pull out and sell your gold tooth if you’re late again because your wages will not be enough to cover the fine.”Chris Hughton, who had a summit meeting with Ranger and his mum, and Alan Pardew, who banished him to train with the academy team until he sorted out his time-keeping, both tried in vain to save his career before the latter decided to let him go.Swindon, Blackpool and Southend (twice) all took punts but to no avail — and after a spell with National League club Boreham Wood he crashed out of the game for 20 months before joining Kettering in September.When he was a promising 18-year-old at Newcastle he was earning almost £10,000-a-week — and admits he would be penniless today if it was not for his beloved mum Karen.He said: “When I was making the money I was, I didn’t appreciate it and was spunking it.“My mum sorted out some property investments. I should’ve done way more. Had she not done that, I’d have nothing now.“I’ve a bit of money to live on but cannot live a lavish lifestyle.”Mum has always looked out for me and out of everyone I’ve upset with my actions she’s the one I regret hurting the most — along with all my family.”Celebration promiseRanger believes he has matured since becoming a dad. He has a three-year-old son Aziel and while he has since split from the mother, insists he prioritises being a good dad.And while the striker knows seventh-tier Kettering is a world away from the level he reached, he still believes he can play in League One or Two.But right now he wants to help the Poppies win promotion this season and help youngsters not make the same mistakes he has as well as inspire criminals serving time to mend their ways.He said: “Prison is supposed to be a place where they rehabilitate you. I didn’t see any of that happening. In fact, jail can make people worse.“I accept I’m not a good football role model — but I am a role model, one who made lots of mistakes, but who can teach people what NOT to do.“I’ve already done a talk to some youngsters at an academy. I’ve been invited to schools and prisons. I’d like to use my experience to help others.“But right now my focus is on enjoying the last part of my career and hopefully creating another FA Cup shock.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Ranger has promised to do one thing on live TV if he scores against Doncaster.He said: “I have a tattoo on my lower lip of a smiley emoji. I am going to run to a TV camera and show my happy lip!”He’s vowed to show off his tattoo if he scores this weekendCredit: Jon BondTV viewers will get a close up view of his ‘happy’ lip tattooCredit: Jon Bond More

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      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen’s MUM ‘could have been one of the best F1 drivers of all time’ but gave up dream at 21

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could have been following a Formula One legacy crafted by his mum.The Dutchman was crowned a four-time World Champion during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.Max Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen was a champion in kartingCredit: Instagram @sophiekumpenChristian Horner believes she was among the best ten drivers in the worldShe gave up her dream of racing in F1 to raise Max and sister VictoriaCredit: Instagram @sophiekumpenAfter marrying Jos Verstappen in 1996, Kumpen gave birth to Max in 1997His father, Jos was an F1 driver, but Verstappen’s mum, Sophie Kumpen was also a champion in karting and could have been a motorsport great in her own right.That is the view of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who made a stunning claim that she was even among the “top ten drivers in the world”.As quoted by Marca, Horner said: “I competed against her in 1989, in the Junior Karting World Championship. “In that race, there were very talented drivers, such as Jan Magnussen, Jarno Trulli, Giancarlo Fisichella or Dario Franchitti. READ MORE IN F1″And she was among the top ten drivers in the world, without a doubt.”Eddie Jordan is also a huge advocate of her talents and insists she should not be forgotten in the conversation when people speak about Verstappen’s racing tutelage.Speaking to the On the Formula for Success podcast, Jordan said: “Don’t forget that it’s not all about his [Verstappen] dad [Jos], who drove for me as well, but his mother actually is just the best at karting. “She was absolutely an institution. She was amazing.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it isn’t just F1 team bosses who Kumpen, 50, commands the respect of, with 2009 world champion Jenson Button also heaping praise on her. He said: “Sophie, Max’s mother, was a fantastic driver. Max Verstappen chokes back tears as he thanks Red Bull on team radio after winning fourth F1 world title”When I was racing karting in 1995, she was my partner. I saw how she drove, I know she was very good.”Belgian-born Kumpen started her career in racing at the age of 11 and was the national champion of karting at the age of 16 competing against men.She also finished ninth in the world championships of the Formula A category. But it is her 1995 victory in the Andrea Margutti Trophy, where she beat F1 cult hero Trulli, that stands as the highlight of her career.However, Kumpen quit racing at the age of 21 after getting married to Jos in 1996 before having two children together, Max in 1997 and Victoria in 1999, and deciding to prioritise raising them over her motorsport career.Speaking to Marca, she reflected on how the difficulties of being a wife and mother and the logistics of travelling so much meant she had to give up on her dream.Women in F1Only five female drivers have officially competed in Formula One.The first of these was Maria Teresa de Filippis in the 1958 and 1959 seasons for Maserati and Porsche.Only one has managed to score points in F1, with Lella Lombardi scoring 0.5 points during her career from 1974–1976.Her three seasons in the motorsport also mark her as the most experienced with 17 races (12 starts) to her name with March, RAM and Williams.Olympian skier Divina Galica MBE is the only British female driver to grace the sport but failed to qualify to start a race in three attempts.South Africa’s Desiré Wilson and Italy’s Giovanna Amati in 1980 and 1992 also attempted to qualify to start an F1 race but were unsuccessful.Female drivers have competed in testing events, with Jessica Hawkins being the latest woman to test an F1 car in 2023.However, Susie Wolff was the last driver to take part in an active F1 session in 2015.Wolff is now the director of the F1 Academy scheme for female drivers.She said: “I wanted to get to Formula 1. I had already tried some cars, but I married Max’s father and I had to make a decision. “He was an F1 driver and we travelled a lot. “So I gave up on my dream, but now I’m having a lot of fun seeing that my son is doing what I wanted to do.”Verstappen himself has even spoken about his mother’s racing career when in conversation with Horner.After Horner said “she was very good,” Verstappen cut him off to say: “But then she got married to my dad.”Kumpen and Jos stayed married for 12 years before they got a divorce.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Kumpen never made it to F1, she did return to the track in 2013 once more in 2013 during the Formido Swift Cup.However, her return ended in a crash resulting in a broken vertebra.Kumpen gave up her racing career to raise Max and sister VictoriaShe said she is having fun seeing Verstappen do so wellCredit: Instagram @sophiekumpenKumpen beat F1 cult hero Jarno Trulli in her karting careerKumpen returned to the track in 2013 but crashed out and broke a vertebraCredit: RexF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More