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    Clement Kemboi dead at 32: Former African Games champion’s body found as tributes pour in

    AFRICAN GAMES champion Clement Kemboi has been found dead at the age of 32.The body of the former Kenyan athlete was found by police in the town of Iten in his home country on Monday.Clement Kemboi has passed away at the age of 32Credit: AFPHis body was found in the Kenyan town of ItenCredit: AFPKemboi’s body has been taken to Iten County Referral Hospital morgue and is awaiting an autopsy.He is best-known for winning the 3000m steeplechase at the 2015 African Games.Kemboi’s personal best time in the distance came at the Doha Diamond League in 2016 when he ran eight minutes and 10.65 seconds.This earned him sixth place, five and a half seconds behind winner Conseslus Kipruto.READ MORE IN SPORTKemboi’s PB in the regular 3000m was 7:51:65.His passing comes after 2016 World Athletics Under-20 800m champion Kipyegon Bett died on Sunday.Kenyan Bett had been in and out of hospital with a liver problem, before his sister confirmed his death.Purity Kirui told BBC Sport Africa: “He had been sick, complaining of stomach pains for about a month. The doctors said he had a liver problem and had been in and out of hospital.Most read in Athletics”Last week we took him to hospital after he started vomiting blood and he was admitted. I went to see him [on Sunday] morning and he told me he was in pain.”He told our dad, who is a pastor, to pray for him because he didn’t feel he would survive and after 12 noon he died. We tried everything to save him, but he left us. It’s very painful.”Bett was a promising runner in his youth and followed up his junior world championship success by winning world bronze in London in 2017.But a year later Bett was hit with a four-year doping ban and he struggled on his return, with his sister revealing he “started drinking a lot”.His coach Japheth Kemei described Bett as a gifted athlete and he expected him to make a comeback after his ban, but suggested Bett was unable to due to his battles with depression. More

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    I was in prison FIVE times before I turned my life around to become an EFL star… now I’m a full-time church pastor

    ON October 28, 1988, Ricky Junior Otto was sentenced to four years in prison aged 20 — the last of his five jail terms.He accepts he was a thug, bully and out-and-out menace to society — a product of a violent culture which ruled with fear growing up in Hackney, East London.EFL hero Ricky Otto is now a church pastorCredit: SuppliedOtto exclusively revealed how two inmates serving a combined 41 years during his time in Wandsworth changed his lifeCredit: AlamyBut following the time he served at Wandsworth, on this occasion for armed robbery, Otto walked out on January 25, 1990 an entirely different person to the one who arrived.And, remarkably, it was two inmates serving lengthy sentences who provided him with a lightbulb moment that changed his life forever.Now 56, Otto revealed: “It was these two guys — one was doing 24 years for murder, the other 17 for manslaughter.“They had watched me playing football in the gym and realised I had a talent and expressed this in the most incredible way.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They told me something that day I have never forgotten: ‘Don’t serve the time, let the time serve you’.“From that moment I understood what they meant: ‘Don’t just sit in prison doing nothing but rather start preparing yourself now for when you are released’.“After that I became a gym orderly and started to prepare myself mentally and physically for a life after prison. It was just the kick up the backside that I needed.“When I walked out of Wandsworth in 1990, I knew it was a new beginning — with football being my escape into a new world.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe former winger said: “My immediate thought was to re-engage with my old team-mates who were now playing for amateur side Haringey Borough.“After a few games I got injured and I was sent for treatment at non-league Dartford. I ended up playing four games for them.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing Fan “My performances caught the eye of Leyton Orient management duo Frank Clark and Peter Eustace.“They knew of my past and did not judge me but offered me a week’s trial, which was the opportunity of a lifetime that I’d been dreaming of while serving my time.“The trial was successful and I signed my first professional contract ten months after being released and just a couple of weeks before my 23rd birthday. It was the best birthday present ever!”After playing in the reserves and learning the game, Otto eventually got the chance to make his league debut when he was made sub for Orient’s fourth-tier game at Fulham in 1991, just 15 months after his release.He continued: “It was the last game of the season. I played the last 15 minutes, I should have scored too. But I was on the pitch playing and I had this wonderful feeling of achievement.”The following season he played 32 league games for the O’s, scoring his first goal at Hartlepool in September 1991.Otto said: “It was flattering that Barry Fry — then with Barnet — had watched me play against his side in the London Cup final and was clearly impressed.“When Barry joined Southend in April 1993 he signed me for £100,000. I don’t think I played in a better side at the start of the 1993-94 season.They knew of my past and did not judge me but offered me a week’s trial, which was the opportunity of a lifetime that I’d been dreaming of while serving my timeRicky OttoSunSport“Had Barry not been headhunted by Birmingham I genuinely believe we would have gone on to make the play-offs in what was the Championship at the end of that season.“We had such a wonderful camaraderie, with wins against big clubs with multi-million-pound budgets like Sunderland, Derby, Stoke and Middlesbrough. We were flying!”Otto’s next move was to link up with Fry again at Birmingham — this time in an £800,000 switch to St Andrew’s.His greatest football memories include his stunning equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield in the 1995 FA Cup and playing for City in the Football League Trophy final the same year — when his assist provided the extra-time winner for Paul Tait in front of over 76,000 fans at Wembley.Otto said: “I remember travelling on the coach to Wembley with a sea of Birmingham fans walking towards the stadium.“I had that pinch-me moment where I couldn’t believe I was going to be playing at Wembley.”After Birmingham, Otto played at Charlton, Peterborough and Notts County on loan.It was while he was with County, under Sam Allardyce, that he suffered a cruciate ligament injury which ultimately ended his career.I remember travelling on the coach to Wembley with a sea of Birmingham fans walking towards the stadium.I had that pinch-me moment where I couldn’t believe I was going to be playing at WembleyRicky OttoSunSportHe said: “I did manage to play again but I was never the same player. I’d lost that yard of pace and I always had that twinge of pain when I was playing.”After ten years, he knew his career was over.He added: “Having left school with no qualifications this was a period when I had think what I was going to do for the rest of my life.“Of course, I could have slipped back into my old ways before football but I knew I had to build another chapter to my life.”Instead, he trained as a probation officer, later creating his own consultancy working with offenders and those at risk of offending.Ricky said: “My work has enabled me to engage with some of the country’s most prolific offenders.“Being able to relate to their journey, I am able to use the same old adage that was spoken into my life when incarcerated: Don’t serve the time, let the time serve you.“For nearly 20 years I have primarily worked with adults. However, over the last two years I’ve been working with Walsall Youth Justice Service as a Resettlement Disproportionality Officer.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEven more remarkably, father-of-three Ricky is a committed Christian and, after passing his degree in Theology, is Pastor of ARC Birmingham Church. He is currently studying for a Masters degree.Yet in reflection of his extraordinary 56 years, Otto readily admits: “Without a shadow of a doubt, football saved my life.” More

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    Man City star Matheus Nunes ‘arrested on suspicion of stealing mobile phone in Madrid nightclub’

    MANCHESTER City midfielder Matheus Nunes has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone in a Madrid nightclub.The 26-year-old Portuguese international is said to have been held at sprawling disco La Riviera and taken to a local police station for questioning.Matheus Nunes was allegedly arrested on suspicion of stealing a mobile phoneCredit: AlamyRespected Spanish daily El Mundo said the arrest occurred around 5.30am on September 8 after he was accused of taking the phone from a 58-year-old man who had tried to take a photo of him without permission in the nightclub toilets.Brazilian-born Nunes is said to have snatched the mobile in a fit of anger and refused to return it.Police made the arrest according to El Mundo after being called to the club and confirming the footballer still had the phone in his possession.The former Wolves player was reportedly handcuffed at the nightspot before being taken to a National Police station in the Madrid neighbourhood of Arganzuela.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was released hours later following the intervention of a lawyer.El Mundo reported he is expected to face charges and trial over the incident.A spokesman for the National Police in Madrid said: “I can confirm a Portuguese national was arrested in the early hours of September 8 at a Madrid nightclub on suspicion of stealing another person’s mobile phone.”The police force confirmed the man arrested was born in 1998, the same year as the Man City midfielder was born, but said it was unable to comment on whether the suspect was the footballer.Most read in FootballA well-placed source said: “This matter will now be resolved by way of a trial in court.”Following the alleged arrest, Nunes has played in matches against Brentford, Watford and in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Slovan Bratislava – which ended in a 4-0 win.Nunes signed for Man City from Wolves last year for a transfer fee of £53million.He has played 35 times for Pep Guardiola’s side overall, scoring one goal and adding six assists. More

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    Tragedy as champion boxer, 17, dies after being ‘stabbed several times outside nightclub’

    A YOUNG boxer has been stabbed to death outside a nightclub in France. Kylian Binard, just 17, was fatally attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning in Subles, near Bayeu, Normandy. Amateur boxer Kylian Binard has been stabbed to death outside a nightclub in FranceTributes were paid to the 17-year-oldCredit:
    It took place in the parking lot of the Octavia nightclub.The suspect – identified as a 24-year-old – was apprehended by nightclub security at around 6:40am and held until police arrived.He is accused of stabbing amateur boxer Binard “several times” – in the throat and the back – after a fight broke out as the two left the club.According to the owner, both men were first-time visitors to the club and were members of the last two groups to leave, Remix News report. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut he insisted there had been no altercations between the pair earlier in the night to alert security staff.Binard – a champion in Normandy – had reportedly been enjoying a night out when the altercation unfolded. And despite immediate attempts to save his life, Binard sadly died at the scene.Caen’s public prosecutor Joel Garrigue confirmed an investigation is now underway with surveillance footage from the nightclub being looked at. Most read in BoxingThe suspect remains in police custody as authorities continue their inquiries.Binard competed for Saint-Lois Boxing Club and his trainer Jean Metay paid tribute to the tragic teen as he posted a picture of the pair online. Boxer Mylik Birdsong, 31, shot dead in Los Angeles just weeks before he was set to appear on UFC card More

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    Gary Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew, 18, ‘crushed to death by falling trunk’ as Match of the Day star’s sons pay tribute

    GARY Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew died after he was crushed by a falling trunk, an inquest heard. Jonty Parkinson, 18, was described as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet” by his cousin George Lineker, 31, in a touching tribute on social media.Jonty Parkinson, cousin of Gary Lineker’s kids, died while at workJonty worked as a tree surgeonGary Lineker with his first wife and the auntie of Jonty, Michelle, in 2000Credit: PA:Press AssociationOpening the inquest last week, senior coroner Darren Salter revealed the tree surgeon died following a crush injury to his abdomen whilst working on September 6.Oxford Coroner’s Court heard Jonty, of Coln St. Aldwyns, Gloucs., was killed by a falling tree in Eaton Hastings, Oxon.A GoFundMe page set up in memory of the teenager has raised over £32,000 to go towards a “beautiful memorial or event” for the family.A post under the appeal called Jonty a “very special, beautiful young man”.read more on footballIt added: “I realise money can’t fill the great chasm of loss they are feeling, but I hope it can be used to ease the burden of funeral expenses or go towards a fitting memorial for Jonty.”Gary Lineker’s son George, 31, last month described his tragic cousin as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet”.An Instagram story showed him with Jonty as a youngster, with George writing: “Taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you’ll be missed by all.”Tobias Lineker, 28, George’s brother, also wrote a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram alongside an old photo of a smiling Jonty.Most read in FootballHe said: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”Jonty was the nephew of Gary, 63, from his marriage to his first wife, Michelle Cockayne, with whom he shares four children – George, Harry, Tobias and Angus.Jonty’s mum, Ali Cockayne, is the sister of Michelle and was previously married to Former England rugby captain Will Carling.A date for the full inquest has not yet been confirmed.Gary Lineker with sons Harry, Angus, George and TobiasCredit: RexFormer England rugby captain Will Carling with Jonty’s mum Ali and their son Henry in 1998Credit: PA:Press Association More

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    Boxer Mylik Birdsong, 31, shot dead in Los Angeles just weeks before he was set to appear on UFC card

    PROFESSIONAL boxer Mylik Birdsong has died aged 31 after being gunned down.The 15-1-1 fighter was tragically killed in a shooting on Sunday in Los Angeles.Mylik Birdsong has passed away at 31Credit: Instagram @kingmylik_theboxerBirdsong was due to return to the ring on a UFC Fight Pass card next monthCredit: Instagram @kingmylik_theboxerBirdsong, nicknamed “King Mylik”, was the reigning World Boxing Foundation International Welterweight champion.While he was also due to return to the ring for the first time since March next month on a UFC Fight Pass card.Reports tell of the horrendous moment Birdsong lost his life near Watts, Los Angeles, after a shooting at around 4:50pm on Sunday.Several men inside a dark-coloured SUV are said to have driven up to the fighter and opened fire.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe police say that Birdsong tried to flee the situation but was chased down and shot again.The boxer died in hospital later that day after first responders had tended to him.News outlet KTLA were told by police that Birdsong sustained seven gunshots to his torso.Investigations are understood to be ongoing with police looking for the gunmen who had fled the scene before authorities arrived.Most read in BoxingBirdsong, an LA native, was set to fight Gor Yerisyan at the Commerce Casino on October 26.Tributes from fans of the exciting fighter have poured in online.One wrote: “Tragic news. RIP Mylik Birdsong”.While another added: “Such a tragic loss. Another life cut short too soon. RIP Mylik.” More

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    Chris Eubank’s son Joseph found not guilty of dragging girl, 16, along beach and raping her

    CHRIS Eubank’s son has been found not guilty of dragging a teen girl across a beach and raping her.Joseph Eubank, 27, was accused of attacking the 16-year-old near Brighton Pier on July 16, 2022.Joseph Eubank has been cleared of raping a teen girlCredit: Dan Jessup / Eddie MitchellHe then allegedly messaged her, saying: “Hey pup, are you ready for round two?”Eubank was today found not guilty to two counts of rape following a trial.Lewes Crown Court was told the girl had been out celebrating a birthday with friends before they became separated.She said she was “very drunk”, had lost her phone and was desperately trying to find it to call her friends.Eubank then approached the teen girl, who was stood near the seafront, because he found her attractive.He allegedly dragged her down across the pebbled beach under the pretence of “going to look at the moon”.She claimed in her evidence that he became “aggressive” and forced himself on her near the water,The distraught girl said she managed to call a friend and was found “hysterical, confused and very upset” a short time later.Most read in BoxingEubank admitted he engaged in sexual activity with the alleged victim but said it was “all very fluent and very consensual”.He also claimed the teen looked “completely sober” as they chatted near the beach.Following his acquittal, Judge Christine Laing KC told Eubank: “You need to reflect on what you did that night.”It was not decent behaviour in any way shape or form.”Joseph Eubank is the youngest son of Chris Eubank Sr, who held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles between 1990 and 1995.His brother Chris Jr is also a professional boxer and has fought the likes of Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves.Eubank had claimed the sex was consensualCredit: Dan Jessup / Eddie MitchellEubank, left, with his boxer dad and brother Chris Jr More

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    St Mirren star Shaun Rooney ‘assaulted woman and made homophobic slur’ in city centre chippy bust-up

    SUSPENDED footie ace Shaun Rooney was nicked over allegations he assaulted a woman and made an alleged homophobic slur in a city centre bust-up, we can reveal.The 28-year-old defender was lifted by cops in Queen Street, Glasgow, after reports over an incident outside the Blue Lagoon chip shop.He has been suspended by the Paisley clubCredit: Kenny RamsayRooney with his girlfriend who is British tennis ace Heather WatsonCredit: InstagramRooney, who dates British tennis ace Heather Watson, was suspended by the Paisley outfit after he informed them about an alleged incident on Thursday, September 19.Prosecutors are currently considering a report submitted by officers who attended the alleged early morning assault.Rooney began his career as a starlet at Dundee United and has enjoyed spells at Dunfermline Athletic, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and St Johnstone.In a statement on Thursday the Paisley club said he had been suspended “on a precautionary basis” after disclosing the alleged incident.They added: “The club will now undertake a full investigation into this incident and will make no further comment during this process.”A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an assault on an 18-year-old woman and a breach of the peace against an 18-year-old man in takeaway premises on Queen Street, Glasgow, in the early hours of Thursday, 19 September, 2024.”He was released on an undertaking to appeal at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.”A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”Most read in FootballSaints boss Stephen Robinson admitted the shock suspension of the defender is far from ideal for his side. Addressing the situation, he said: “Well Shaun’s not available … so it’s not an ideal scenario for a manager, is it?Shaun Rooney’s career Early Career: Shaun Rooney began his professional football journey at Queen’s Park, a club known for developing young talent in Scotland. He made his debut in the 2013/2014 season, showcasing his potential as a versatile defender.Move to Dunfermline Athletic: In 2015, Rooney transferred to Dunfermline Athletic, a club competing in the Scottish League One at the time. His performances helped the team secure promotion to the Scottish Championship, providing him with valuable experience in a more competitive league.Queen of the South: Rooney’s career progressed with a move to Queen of the South in 2016. Although his time at the club was brief, he gained further exposure in the Scottish Championship, contributing to the team’s defensive line.Return to Queen’s Park: Seeking more playing time, Rooney returned to Queen’s Park on loan in 2017. This move allowed him to refine his skills and gain regular first-team experience, which was crucial for his development as a player.Inverness Caledonian Thistle: In 2018, Rooney signed with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, a club with a strong presence in the Scottish Championship. During his tenure, he became a key figure in their defence, helping the team reach the play-offs in the 2018-2019 season.St Johnstone Signing: Rooney’s performances caught the attention of St Johnstone, and in 2020 he made a significant career move by joining the Scottish Premiership side. This transfer marked a step up to Scotland’s top-tier football, where he continued to develop his defensive prowess.Scottish Cup Success: Rooney played a pivotal role in St Johnstone’s historic 2020-2021 Scottish Cup campaign. His solid defensive performances and crucial goal in the final helped the club secure the prestigious trophy, further establishing his reputation.Scottish League Cup Triumph: In the same 2020-2021 season, Rooney was instrumental in St Johnstone’s Scottish League Cup victory. His contributions throughout the tournament, including a decisive goal in the final, were key to the club’s success in achieving a domestic cup double.Transfer to Fleetwood Town: In 2022, Rooney moved to Fleetwood Town, a club competing in England’s League One. This transfer marked his first venture into English football, where he aimed to bring his defensive skills and experience to a new environment.Return to Scotland with St Mirren: In the summer of 2024, Rooney return to Scotland after agreeing a two-year deal with St Mirren. “But these things happen and it gives other people opportunities and we’ll deal with it.”He spoke to the club and made us aware about an incident and as the club said in a statement last night they are investigating that incident.”I’m not really involved in that decision making, it’s a board level decision and I have got to concentrate on the football side of things.”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. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More