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    West Ham issues major health update after star Michail Antonio involved in horror crash

    WEST Ham star Michail Antonio is “conscious and communicating” after a horror crash.The club issued a major update after the terrifying smash in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm today.Michail Antonio is ‘conscious and communicating’ after a horror crashCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe scene of the horrific crashCredit: XThe incident occurred earlier todayCredit: XThey confirmed Michail is in a “stable condition” and is being treated at a London hospital after the single vehicle collision.The dad-of-four is “under close supervision” but is “conscious and communicating”.A witness told The Sun how the footballer was trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes before being cut free by fire crews. A source added how the West Ham star’s legs have been “shattered” in the crash.In an update the club wrote on X: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Most read in FootballEarlier today they wrote: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update.One said: “Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need.”Another added: “Good news! Glad to hear this.”A third said: “Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he’s in stable condition.”Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.”An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. “On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. “The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”Michail has been at West Ham United since 2015 and played in a range of positions including right back, right midfielder, and as a winger.The forward joined the club from Nottingham Forest and was named as the club’s Player of the Year in 2017. Eventually, he established himself as the club’s main striker and on 23 August 2021 he became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntonio has made 15 appearances this season and scored once.He is the club’s all-time Premier League top goal scorer, with 68 goals. More

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    Inside very awkward F1 end-of-season dinner with Verstappen and Russell ‘sat as far away from each other as possible’

    MAX Verstappen and George Russell were sat as “far away from each other as possible” during the F1 driver’s end-of-season dinner.The Red Bull and Mercedes pair have been locked in a bitter war of words with Russell accusing the four-time champ of being a “bully”.Lando Norris posted a cheeky Instagram post stoking the flames of Max Verstappen and George Russell’s feudVerstappen and Russell were sat on opposite ends of the tableVerstappen accused Russell of being two-facedBut Russell has responded by labelling Verstappen a ‘bully’ and accusing the Red Bull ace of threatening himRussell claimed that Verstappen threatened to purposefully go out of his way to crash into him and “put my f***ing head into the wall”. It reportedly occurred during a heated private exchange following a controversial decision from the stewards last week.World champ Verstappen was furious at being demoted a place from pole position for driving “unnecessarily slowly” as they prepared for their final flying laps in qualifying in Qatar.The Dutchman later accused the Brit of “exaggerating” and being two-faced for the evidence he gave to the stewards.READ MORE ON F1But the two were forced into close proximity in what was sure to be an awkward and tension-filled end-of-season dinner ahead of the final race weekend of the calendar in Abu Dhabi.In a post on Instagram, Norris confirmed the pair were kept away from each other to avoid any face-to-face conflict at the meal.The McLaren ace shared an image of all 20 drivers smiling at the camera alongside the caption: “2024 dinner! And yes, the two you’re thinking about were sat as far away from each other as possible.”In the comments, Verstappen hinted at the “beef” between himself and Russell by posting a steak emoji. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Mercedes driver shared the picture to his own accounts but made no reference to the elephant in the room, simply captioning it: “Class of 24.”Verstappen and Russell were all smiles in the image and were separated by five of their colleagues at the plush restaurant.Lewis Hamilton in awkward car journey with George Russell and Carlos Sainz after Las Vegas GPLewis Hamilton was tucked away in the corner next to Charles Leclerc, who will be his team-mate at Ferrari next season. And Russell shared an image of the dinner on his Instagram, where he revealed that former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas picked up the tab.Perhaps a loaded revelation, as tradition states that the world champ must foot the bill.Just hours earlier, Russell told reporters: “I find it all quite ironic considering Saturday night he said he’d purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and, quote, ‘Put my f***ing head in the wall.'”So to question somebody’s integrity as a person while saying comments like that the day before, I find very ironic.”I’m not going to sit here and accept it. People have been bullied by Max for years now.”And you can’t question his driving abilities but he cannot deal with adversity. Lewis stood up to him in 2021 and lost that championship unfairly.George Russell”Whenever anything has gone against him, Jeddah ‘21, Brazil ‘21, he lashes out.”For me, those comments on Saturday night and Sunday were totally disrespectful and unnecessary because what happens on track – we fight hard – it’s part of racing. “What happens in the stewards’ room, you fight hard, but it’s never personal.”He’s a four-time champion. Lewis is the champion I aspire to be – hard but fair; never beyond the line. We have a duty as drivers.”The meal, which was the last one to be organised by Hamilton as a Mercedes driver, is held every year to commemorate the end of the campaign ahead of the final race at the Yas Marina Circuit.Russell, 26, added: “The second he does not have the fastest car, he crashes into Lewis, slams his team and loses the plot.”Straight after, 25 per cent of his engineering team were sending CVs because they said they can’t deal with a guy like that.”Lewis stood up to him in 2021 and lost that championship unfairly.”Can you imagine Max losing the way Lewis lost it? [Former race director Michael] Masi would be fearing for his life.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen was crowned a four-time world champ after clinching the 2024 title with a fifth-placed finish at the Las Vegas GP, before winning in Qatar over the weekend.The 27-year-old has also just announced he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet.Verstappn and Piquet are expecting a babyCredit: GettyF1 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

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    Former world champion reveals he was pulled over by police and drug tested after eating HULA HOOPS at the wheel

    BRITISH boxing legend Nigel Benn has revealed he was drug tested by police after eating HULA HOOPS as he drove his car.Benn, the father of welterweight contender Conor, decided to eat the beloved crisps as he drove his motor last weekend.British boxing legend Nigel Benn was recently stopped by police as he drove his carCredit: REXBenn – the dad of Brit star Conor – was stopped as he began swerving in the road as he ate Hula HoopsCredit: PAThe former WBC super-middleweight champion ended up being drug tested by coppersCredit: INSTAGRAM@NIGELBENNOFFICIALBut his wheelside scoffing caused him to start swerving in the road, so much so that the police decided to pull him over.And the coppers quickly gave the former WBC super-middleweight champion a roadside drug test.Nigel, 60, wasn’t under the influence of drink or drugs and passed the tests with flying colours.’The Dark Destroyer’ saw the funny side of the situation, so much so that he posted a photo of him being drug tested to his Instagram.READ MORE BOXING NEWSHis accompanying caption, which included several laughing emojis, read: “Got a drugs test on the weekend because I was swerving while eating Hula Hoops”[The] moral of the story ‘DON’T EAT HULA HOOPS WHILE DRIVING.'”Hundreds of Nigel’s fans flooded the post’s comment section, with one writing: “No way!?”Another said: “Hula Hoops are made for Walkers.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS10 Sep 1993: Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank trade blows during a bout. Mandatory Credit: Holly Stein /AllsportCredit: GettyAnd another said: “Tested positive for being cool as AF.”One remarked: “What flavour?”Four Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991Another chimed in: “Flavour?”Nigel has been an ever-present in son Conor’s boxing career, which was derailed two years ago after he failed two drug tests ahead of his family grudge match bout with Chris Eubank Jr.And Conor, who this month had his suspension lifted by the UK National Anti-Doping Panel, has claimed negotiations for his domestic dust-up with Eubank Jr – the son of his dad’s former rival Chris Eubank Sr – are underway.He told Sky Sports: “I believe negotiations have started.”It’s been very turbulent in terms of me going through what I was going through, in terms of the legal case.Conor Benn is in negotiations to fight rival Chris Eubank Jr – the son of dad Nigel’s bitter rival Chris Eubank SrCredit: GETTY”But now that that’s cleared, negotiations are on the way.”In my opinion, it’s one of the biggest British domestic fights in history.”I don’t think two fathers and two sons have ever fought [like this]. It’s about history. It’s about legacy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s the fight the public want. “It’s been two years and I don’t think I’ve slipped from people’s minds for good or bad over the past two years.” More

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    Driver ‘deliberately’ ploughs into fans outside Villa Park just minutes after match with urgent hunt underway

    COPS are hunting for a hit-and-run driver after a car “deliberately” ploughed into fans outside Villa Park yesterday. Emergency services rushed to Witton Road, Aston, at around 5.15pm yesterday after a crash involving a car and multiple pedestrians.The shocking incident happened after Aston Villa’s 2-2 draw with Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyWest Midlands Police are investigatingCredit: GettyThe horror incident took place just minutes after the team’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.West Midlands Police says it is investigating and carrying out CCTV inquiries to identify the vehicle involved.One Aston Villa supporter, 33, told how it was fortunate no one was killed after suffering serious leg injuries after a large car accelerated at her and other supporters.She had managed to move her 85-year-old grandmother out of the way just before impact, reports Birmingham Live.Read More in FootballBut the 33-year-old told how she was then flung over the vehicle’s bonnet and suffered injuries to her leg.Photos showing she had sustained extensive bruising after the dangerous collision.The fan said she was left “shocked and shaken” having just left the stadium alongside other Villa fans.She suffered ligament damage and will also have to wear a leg brace for a number of weeks. Most read in FootballThe woman had been attending the game with her grandmother and niece before chaos unfolded, and said the car had struck her on the side of her knee.She told Birmingham Live: “What was meant to be a good game of football ended up with me getting hit by a car, which struck me on the side of the knee. “He literally went into me, drove up the pavement into other people apparently. People around me were screaming. He hit multiple people, some people tried chasing after him. “Many witnesses helped me up, but it could have been a lot worse. It has shaken me up and scared everyone. “How no-one got killed I don’t know. It was absolutely reckless driving from him.”Cops have since said they are seeking to identify the vehicle involved in the Saturday crash, with people who may have seen the incident asked to come forward.A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “We were called to a collision involving a car and pedestrians in Witton Road, Aston, yesterday (Saturday).”Thankfully no-one was seriously injured. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We are investigating and carrying out CCTV inquiries to identify the vehicle.”Anyone who may have seen the incident or believes they can assist with the investigation has been asked to contact the service via its website Live Chat function or call the police non-emergency 101 number, quoting log 3654 of 23 November. More

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    Sergio Perez opens up on overwhelming SMELL at Las Vegas Grand Prix that ‘all the F1 drivers will talk about’

    FORMULA ONE star Sergio Perez has complained of a “very noticeable” SMELL in Las Vegas ahead of the Grand Prix.The Red Bull driver is in Sin City ahead of the Vegas GP on Sunday.Sergio Perez has opened up on the smell that has been wreaking havoc at the Las Vegas GPPerez claimed he was tired of the weed smell around the Vegas circuitPerez revealed that all F1 drivers will talk about the strong scent of WEED in the Nevada desert.Speaking after his second free practice session, Perez said: “What is very noticeable around the circuit is the smell of marijuana throughout the night.”I’m a bit tired of it already — the amount is incredible. It’s something all the drivers will definitely talk about.”Unlike the UK, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in the state of Nevada.READ MORE ON F1Fans attending the race are banned from bringing drugs to the 3.8-mile circuit, but it seems that’s not been enough to clear the air.Fellow driver Franco Colapinto took note of the scent as well.The Williams ace joked: Yes, there was a smell of weed.”If they dope the drivers now, I think we’ll all test positive, I swear – when we all test positive, there will be a mess.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs expected, cannabis is a prohibited substance for F1 drivers as part of the FIA Anti-Doping Regulations from the sport’s governing body.While fans attending the Grand Prix will be following suit, Jade – a cannabis dispensary – is situated a few miles from the racetrack.Monaco Grand Prix hit by RED FLAG after horrific first-lap crash tears Sergio Perez’s F1 car in halfThe shop even specifically markets itself to F1, with a statement on their website reading: “For the Las Vegas Formula 1 event attendees, the experience can be elevated with cannabis.”Rival chains last year also capitalised on F1’s arrival by offering discounted weed to locals affected by road closures and heavy noise.On track, Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton seemed to be unperturbed by Vegas’ scent as he topped both Friday’s practice sessions.The Vegas GP debuted last year, with Max Verstappen winning the inaugural race.Reigning three-time champ Verstappen can wrap up a fourth successive title with another victory on a track he won last year.The conditions for practice have carried a bad smellVegas is the third last race of the 2024 season🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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    Tragedy as footballer Marco Angulo, 22, dies of injuries from devastating car crash

    INTERNATIONAL footballer Marco Angulo has tragically died at the age of 22.Angulo was involved in a traffic incident in Ecuador’s capital of Quito on October 7, before he was rushed to hospital.Marco Angulo of LDU Quito has died 35 days after he was involved in a fatal car crashCredit: GettyThe car crash had occurred on the Rumiñahui highway in the southeast of Quito at 4.30am.While in hospital he underwent a “decompressive craniectomy” operation that extracted 300 cubic centimetres of blood to release pressure inside his head caused by the trauma suffered.Angulo had also suffered a lung contusion that required the placement of a chest tube, though no active bleeding was found.However, 35 days after the crash on November 11, Angulo was confirmed to have passed away from his injuries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was travelling in a Ford Explorer registered in his sister’s name with four other people when the crash happened.Angulo’s death means three people have been killed in the crash, including Independiente Juniors star Roberto Cabezas Simisterra and Víctor Charcopa Nazareno, the cousin of Cuniburo Fútbol Club player Diogo Nazareno.The car is reported to have crashed into a metal structure weighing 50 tons after failing to follow the road signs, with the impact moving the structure by 5 metres.Angulo starred for Ecuadorian club LDU Quito on loan from Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati.Most read in FootballThe midfielder, who only made his professional debut in 2020, had been capped twice by the Ecuador national team.His latest appearance had come in a 2-1 win over Australia in March 2023.Paying tribute following his death, his club said in a statement: “With profound pain and sadness, we regret to inform the passing of our beloved player Marco Angulo.”His departure is an irreparable loss that will leave an indelible mark in our hearts.Club captain Ezequiel Piovi said on Instagram: “May you rest in peace.”The Ecuador international was on loan from MLS side FC CincinnatiCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd star Harry Maguire facing HUGE fine after being clocked speeding in £200k Land Rover twice in two days

    MANCHESTER United star Harry Maguire is facing a hefty fine after he was clocked speeding in his £200,000 motor twice in two days.The England defender, 31, was caught exceeding a 50mph limit by a manned traffic camera.Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is facing a HUGE fine after being clocked speeding in his £200k Land Rover twice in two daysCredit: GettyMaguire, reportedly paid £190,000 a week, was in his Land Rover SV on March 5 in Wilmslow, Gtr Manchester.Two days later, in the same car, he was caught travelling at 68mph in a 60mph zone in Sheffield, South Yorks.In September he admitted that offence at the city’s magistrates’ court, was ordered to pay £1,028 and handed three points.Yesterday Maguire was due to appear before Bolton magistrates after pleading guilty last month for the first offence.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut he had given notice he would not attend and the hearing was adj­ourned to January 8.In September, The Sun revealed that Maguire’s pal Marcus Rashford was banned from the road after speeding at 104mph on the M60.The forward was pulled over by an undercover cop car and claimed he only sped up as he was scared of being followed.Last year Rashford, 26, infamously collided with a grandmother in his £700,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan as he left United’s Carrington training ground.Most read in FootballBoth drivers luckily escaped without harm.Fellow England star Jack Grealish, of United’s rivals Man City, was also fined £666 earlier this year for speeding at 44 in a 30mph zone.Maguire was due to appear before Bolton magistrates after pleading guilty last month for the first offenceCredit: APMan Utd fans say Harry Maguire ‘should still be captain’ as they spot ‘class act’ towards academy stars in pre-season More

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    Max Verstappen comes from 17th to WIN with one of the great F1 drives at bonkers Brazil GP as Norris title hopes fade

    MAX VERSTAPPEN produced a jaw-dropping comeback from 17th to win a bonkers Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The ruthless Dutchman overcame a five-place grid penalty, shambolic qualifying session, a penalty in the sprint, as well as handbags with Damon Hill this weekend.Max Verstappen made light work of his penalty and elimination in Q2 to win the Brazilian GPCredit: ReutersVerstappen won his first race since June after starting in P17The Dutchman seized the lead from Esteban Ocon after the second restart on lap 43Credit: GettyThe 27-year-old now leads Lando Norris in the drivers’ championship by 62 pointsNorris, who started in pole, lost his place early to George RussellCredit: APVerstappen climbed the grid early from P17Credit: APThe three-time world champion made a huge statement in the title-race, crossing the line 19 seconds ahead of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly on a bumper day for Alpine.Verstappen’s last time on the top of the podium was at the Spanish Grand Prix a whopping ten-races and six-months ago.The Dutchman bagged the fastest lap and can clinch the title in Las Vegas in three weeks’ time if he beats Lando Norris there after the Brit finished sixth today following a woeful performance.Brazil had been riddled with drama all weekend and today’s race continued where a chaotic, crash-strewn qualifying session in the morning had left off. READ MORE F1 NEWSNorris had secured pole while a seething Verstappen finished in 12th after a session which saw FIVE red flags for heavy crashes. Verstappen was furious about the delay in throwing the red flag for Lance Stroll’s crash which believed had allowed other drivers to knock him out of the top 10. It only seemed to ignite the fire in the Dutchman’s belly as he lined up on the grid all the way back in 17th after Red Bull put a new engine in his RB20. Drama erupted before the race had even started as Stroll lost control of his car on the formation lap and was stuck in the gravel, aborting the start and prompting a Safety car. Most read in MotorsportFranco Colapinto was out of the race after hitting the wall on Lap 30Credit: GettyThe Carlos Sainz crash caused second Safety CarCredit: AFPLando Norris dropped into P5 after an error at restartCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRemarkable scenes followed, with some drivers including Norris peeling away to go for another formation lap while Verstappen and others stayed put. Norris was then put under investigation for a starting procedure infringement as replays showed there was no green light on the gantry when Norris led most of the field away. Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing To rub salt in the wounds, Verstappen had pointed out the error. Finally the fans were treated to some racing and it was George Russell who was ahead on lap 1 after nipping past Norris off the line. It was a stunning first lap from Verstappen who meant business and sky-rocketed seven places up.By lap 10 the Dutchman had passed Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri for seventh-place. At the front of the pack, Norris was hunting down Russell with just over a second separating the pair as the rain lashed down. On lap 28 there was the first Virtual Safety Car as Nico Hulkenberg was out of the race at Turn One.It sparked pit stop chaos as Russell and Norris pitted with the virtual safety car ending.Russell remained ahead but Ocon and Verstappen stayed out, as did Gasly. Ocon nipped into first-place and Verstappen was second, while Norris overtook Russell for fourth on lap 30. George Russell launched an x-rant attack on his radio after Mercedes pittedNico Hulkenberg’s black flag saw him disqualified for receiving assistance after his off momentCredit: GettyIt continued peeing it down and there was a Safety car amid the heavy rain with Ocon leading, Verstappen is second, Gasly in third then Norris and Russell.But a red flag was shown after Franco Colapinto suffered a massive crash on the run up the hill towards the finish line. Colapinto got out of his car and appeared to be fit, but Williams’ budget was certainly suffering, given it was their third big crash of the day. Russell was left seething and fumed on Mercedes team radio after being told the race had been red flagged just a few laps after his pit stop:”I f****** said it!”We should have stayed out!”Full Sao Paulo Grand Prix race resultVerstappenOconGaslyRussellLeclercNorrisTsunodaPiastriLawsonHamiltonTo add to the drama, Hulkenerg was then disqualified for receiving assistance after he spun off the track. When the race resumed, Norris’ nerves got the better of him and he went deep at Turn Four, allowing Russell through. Carlos Sainz was then out of the race on lap 40 after spinning into the wall, prompting another safety car. Verstappen laid down a huge marker in the title-race after the restart as he bulldozed into the lead while Norris disastrously ran off the track and dropped into seventh. Piastri came to the rescue and let Norris through on the run down to Turn Four so the Brit was up to sixth while his rival Verstappen had left him for dust.The Dutchman now leads Norris in the drivers’ championship by 62 points with three races remaining.READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase said after the race: “Wow, been a long time coming mate but boy was that worth the wait. You are the man.Verstappen: “Yes! What an unbelievable race guys. You know what that is. Simply lovely. I tell you that.”Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly made up the front threeLance Stroll did not start the race after losing control in the formation lapCredit: Getty More