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    Rugby match called off after mass brawl which left one player with a broken jaw

    AN amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators.The ruck was sparked when two opposing players were sent off for fighting.An amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators (stock photo)Credit: AlamyOne, playing for Gravesend then allegedly punched opposition Reeds Weybridge’s coach, who is said to have hit him back — knocking the player out and breaking his jaw.Other players and family and friends on the touchline then piled in on Saturday afternoon, witnesses said.The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police called.A witness said: “Throughout the game there were punches thrown and handbags.read more on rugby“Then at the end of the game there were two red cards for fighting.“Gravesend’s player walks off, punches the Reeds coach and he hit him back and it knocked him out.”Officers arrested and later bailed a man aged 30 on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.Another witness said: “What happened was a disgrace, especially with kids present.Most read in Football“The book should be thrown at both clubs.”A horrified dog walker said: “The match ended in a huge fight. It was absolutely disgraceful scenes.”It was a mass brawl with punches and stamps. Children were watching.”I went on a dog walk through Whitley Village. Instead I witnessed a reenactment of Passchendaele.”A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We attended the scene following reports of a facial injury.Eighth-tier football club move into former Rugby Premiership stadium with bigger capacity than Premier League side “One person was assessed and treated before being taken to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.”A joint statement from both teams read: “An unfortunate incident occurred towards the end of the game between Reeds Weybridge RFC and Gravesend RFC which saw a Gravesend player get injured.“The incident was dealt with properly at the time by the referee and pitch-side medical support from both clubs.“We would like to reassure our supporters that the player appears to be on the road to recovery and both clubs continue to support all those involved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The incident was subsequently reported to the relevant authorities.“The management of both clubs have and continue to work closely together but we will not be making any further statements until all investigations have been completed.”The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police calledCredit: Getty More

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    Alan Shearer’s glam daughter Hollie reveals engagement to rugby star by sharing brilliant pic with ‘my favourite person’

    ALAN SHEARER’S daughter Hollie has announced her engagement.England rugby star Joe Marchant, 28, popped the question to his glamorous new fiancee in Paris.Alan Shearer ‘s daughter Hollie is now engaged to England rugby star Joe MarchantThe singer proudly showed off her gorgeous diamond ring on InstagramHollie took to Instagram to share the romantic moment with her 81,000 followers.The 29-year-old posted photos taken in front of the Eiffel Tower with the world’s most romantic monument beautifully-lit.A thrilled Hollie proudly showed off her stunning diamond ring.Her jubilant caption read: “BEST DAY EVER!! 💍 Got to say yes to my favourite person ❤.”READ MORE SPORT NEWSDoting dad Alan rushed to congratulate the couple as he replied: “😍😍😍😍👏👏👏.”And England rugby No10 Marcus Smith wrote: “Congratulations buzzing for you both.”While Marchant’s team-mate Danny Care added: “Congrats guys!!”She is the second eldest of Alan and wife Lainya’s three childrenHollie and Marchant were first pictured together in DubaiFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHollie confirmed her romance with the former Harlequins ace back in April 2022 after they had started dating four months prior.Most read in FootballThe couple moved to a luxurious new home in Paris earlier this year after Marchant joined Top 14 side Stade Francais. Mick Schumacher’s model girlfriend sends clear message on engagement after being invited into ‘inner circle’Marchant was a key figure for Steve Borthwick’s England side as they finished third at last year’s World Cup.But he won’t be playing for his nation against Australia later today, as he’s currently ineligible for England as he is playing abroad.In July, Hollie took to Instagram to announce her new French abode while holding keys in front of a bright red front door with gold handles, showing sweet matching Eiffel Tower keyrings. Hollie has also shared a number of holiday snaps of herself and Marchant basking on hot beaches and on lavish yachts.Hollie is no stranger to the sporting life, with her dad being the Premier League’s top goalscorer with 260 strikes.The pair moved to Paris to follow Marchant’s rugby careerThe happy couple frequently enjoy stunning trips abroadWhen previously asked about his daughter’s romance with Marchant, Shearer quipped: “I’m just glad it’s not a footballer.”Hollie has chosen to pursue her dreams of music instead of sport, and her top single on Spotify has garnered more than 1.3 million listens.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe has had a passion for singing since an early age and is an alumnus of BIMM, a prestigious British music institute.Hollie is the second oldest of Shearer and wife Lainya’s three children, with the couple also sharing daughter Chloe, 31, and son Will, 23.Hollie is the glam daughter of Newcastle legend and World Cup pundit ShearerThe 29-year-old has become a celebrity in her own rightShe boasts almost 81,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramHollie has been dating Marchant since 2022Credit: InstagramHollie often posts dazzling snaps on InstagramThe couple are engaged after two years of dating More

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    My uncle is an England legend, now I’m a Premier League player making my way under Man Utd icon

    ODELUGA OFFIAH may be the nephew of rugby legend Martin Offiah.But the 21-year-old is making his own way as a footballer under Manchester United legend Steve Bruce.Odeluga Offiah is making his own way as a Premier League footballer with BrightonCredit: GettyHe is currently on loan at Blackpool with Man Utd legend Steve BruceCredit: GettyUncle Martin was a top rugby league and union player in his primeCredit: AllsportOffiah, who plays in defence, is on loan at Blackpool from Brighton.He has also spent time with Scottish giants Hearts.And the ace, who has 10 Premier League appearances for Brighton, has plenty of famous relatives.Uncle Martin is a former rugby league star who won 33 Great Britain caps and 5 England caps.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also enjoyed a career resurgence in union during his later years with Bedford and Wasps.And Martin’s son Tyler Offiah is now hoping to follow in his footsteps after signing a pro contract with Bath on the back of his England U18s debut.Meanwhile, Martin’s nephew Odeluga has been making a splash in the beautiful game after joining Blackpool this summer.He has made two appearances for the Seasiders since United hero Bruce replaced Neil Critchley earlier this month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut uncle Martin reckons Odel is on his way to being a star – mainly thanks to his dad Chike.Martin told the Argus: “Odel was playing rugby and football as a kid.Premier League fathers and sonsOdeluga was on loan at Hearts last seasonCredit: Willie VassThe ace hopes to have as much success as uncle Martin did in rugbyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“I said to Chike, ‘What is he going to do, be a rugby player or a football?’“He said he liked football, and I said, ‘You need to get him into an academy’.“I knew he was talented and played with adults at the park but he needed to get some coaching and people needed to see him.“They took him to Bromley and Odel was quite a late starter.“He tried to get into Crystal Palace and Charlton so Brighton was his third club.“I think Odel had the love more for football than rugby. Football was what he loved to do.“He is young with room to develop but he is already a bit of a beast.“He has got that Offiah speed.”Odeluga will be hoping to make his debut in tonight’s clash at Huddersfield, with games against Burtno and Lincoln also on the horizon.Speaking after his loan move, he said: “It feels good to be here. I’m really excited to show what I can do at this Club.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As soon as I heard of the interest I wanted to join, as this is a big Club with huge history and I want to be part of that.“I’m just excited to get going and get out on the pitch and play for this Club.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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

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

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    New Wales boss Craig Bellamy dealt selection blow with Dan James ruled out through injury

    CRAIG BELLAMY has been dealt a selection blow after Dan James was ruled out of Wales’ Nations League double-header with Turkey and Montenegro next month.Leeds boss Daniel Farke revealed winger James has a hamstring injury and is out of Saturday’s Championship clash with Hull at Elland Road.Dan James attended a McDonald’s event on Thursday afternoonJames will miss Wales’ Nations League clashes with Turkey and Montenegro next monthNew Wales chief Bellamy had named James in his 24-man squad for the September internationals on Wednesday morning.But the fitness setback means the winger will now not meet up with his country.James, 26, said: “I’m gutted to miss out. It’s a shame but I hope the injury won’t keep me out for too long. “The injury isn’t not too bad. I only found out on Wednesday afternoon.read more in football”It’s a new environment for all the players with the new manager and I was looking forward to going in and experiencing that.”James was speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football Day which saw over 500 children attend Bollington United to take part in a Fun Football session alongside their footballing heroes.James added: “This is the biggest football session I’ve ever been involved in! What McDonald’s is doing is incredible and something that should be applauded. “Football is all about fun and these sessions allow children to play football without any expectations or pressures on them,”Most read in FootballFarke announced the injury blow at his weekly press conference yesterday lunchtime but hopes James will be fit when Leeds take on Burnley on September 14.Farke said: “We are without Dan, who has a hamstring problem. It’s a minor injury. He also won’t travel to the Welsh squad so he can’t be involved.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out”I hope to have him back for the Burnley game but he will definitely miss out on this game and also the international game.”Bellamy is already without Bournemouth attacker David Brooks, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder sustained in last May’s Championship play-off final while on loan at Southampton.Ipswich pair Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead are also sidelined with hamstring injuries.All four attackers – James, Brooks, Burns and Broadhead – will sit out Bellamy’s first matches in charge since he replaced Robert Page as manager in July.Wales host Turkey in Cardiff on September 6 followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later.McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Dan James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UK.Sign up to a free session near you at: https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/football.html More

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    England clash risks being first in DECADES not to be shown on live TV amid frantic rush to agree deal

    ENGLAND’S clash with Japan next month is in danger of becoming the first Red Rose men’s Test not televised live in decades.Rugby chiefs are reportedly scrambling to agree a deal for the clash with ex-boss Eddie Jones’ new team in Tokyo on June 22.Eddie Jones might yet find his Japan team’s long-awaited home clash with England in Tokyo in June not shown live on TVCredit: RexRed Rose coach Steve Borthwick will take on Japan twice this yearCredit: GettyThe Times say negotiations have yet to result in a solution.And if no answer is found, the RFU could end up streaming England’s summer opener on its website.Japan – coached by ex-Red Rose boss Jones – will travel to Britain this winter.After playing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s men will finish their packed November schedule against the Brave Blossoms.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the fixture before that, in the Japanese capital in five weeks’ time, is causing concern off the pitch.Sky Sports signed a deal with Southern Hemisphere rugby chiefs (Sanzaar) to show England’s two summer tests against New Zealand.The Red Rose face the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland on July 6 and 13.But Sanzaar does not cover Japan, meaning there is currently a broadcasting hole for that matchMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland last played the Brave Blossoms in November 2022, registering a 34-12 win in a World Cup pool game at Nice Stadium.Japan have not visited Twickenham since a 52-13 defeat in November 2022.Meet the Six Nations WAGs cheering England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland stars onRed Rose chief Jones was sacked just a month after thatHe took charge of home country Australia for a second time in January 2023 – but resigned 10 months later after a dire World Cup saw the Wallabies slump to ninth in the world rankings.Jones then made it two spells leading Japan when they appointed him coach last December. More

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    Former Premier League stadium given bizarre new name but there’s a heartwarming reason why

    A FORMER Premier League stadium has received a bizarre new name – but there is a heartwarming reason behind it.Wigan Athletic won promotion to the top-flight in 2005 under Paul Jewell.A former Premier League ground will be is now known as The Brick Community StadiumCredit: RexThe 24,000-seater ground’s new name starts from May 13Credit: GettyAgainst all the odds, the Latics managed to defy the odds and stay up for eight years before finally suffering relegation in 2013.However, even that year saw the club make history as they famously beat Manchester City to lift the FA Cup.The 25,138-seater DW Stadium, which opened in 1999 and is also home to Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors, hosted all of the ups and downs throughout that period, including Europa League matches after their Wembley success.However, things have continued to go downhill since and they now find themselves in League One.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, under boss and former midfield star Shaun Maloney, hopes are high that years of struggles are coming to an end and they can try and push for promotion next term.And that will all be done at their newly-named home – The Brick Community Stadium.Fans were initially in shock at the news, but now the club have explained the reason behind the switch.A statement explained: “The renaming of Wigan’s historic multi-sports stadium is in partnership with local charity, The Brick, whose work began over 100 years ago to improve the lives of those in the town most in need. Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The Brick delivers effective solutions to address poverty and homelessness across the Wigan and Leigh Borough, providing supported and emergency accommodation services, street outreach services, wrap-around person-led support, a food community, and affordable furniture and essential household items to make a house a home.”It added: “The inspirational charity, which was Latics’ Official Charity Partner in both 2017/18 and 2018/19, has a long-standing affiliation with the Football Club, collectively raising much-needed funds to help people who are homeless, in poverty, or facing a debt crisis. Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derby“The name will initially remain in place until the end of 2025 with further support for local charities to be announced in the coming weeks.“Both clubs will also continue to work together to secure a long-term commercial stadium partner for 2026 and beyond.”Both clubs have also vowed to work closely with The Brick to explore other ways that the partnership can benefit the town.Wigan Athletic chairman, Ben Goodburn, said: “The Stadium is a spiritual home for so many of our loyal fans across both clubs, many of whom will have been, in some way, impacted by the positive work of The Brick.”The ground has hosted Premier League and Europa League action over the yearsCredit: RexWigan’s ground will be called ‘The Brick Community StadiumCredit: Instagram @laticsofficial More

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    Shocking moment ‘piece of s***’ fan sucker punches 15-year-old during rugby match as furious dad vows to hunt him down

    A RUGBY LEAGUE match was suspended after a fan punched a 15-year-old player.The Auckland Rugby League under-16s fixture between the Otara Scorpions and Manurewa Marlins was marred by the incident.A fan in a blue top walked onto the field to confront a playerCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyHe appeared to swing his fist at the player’s headCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyThe player managed to move out of the way of the punchCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyFootage has shown a man walking onto the field and throwing a punch at the Scorpions player.Fortunately, the player was able to move out of the way and reduce the amount of contact made by the attack.The father of the player has now called on social media to help him identify the fan.He wrote: “Needing help identifying this piece of s*** in the blue/yellow/white top who thought it was OK to run on the field and blind shot my 15yr old son.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Manurewa Marlins won’t give up his name, so I’m letting social media do its thing.”The Marlins char Karla Matua argued that social media does “not always show the full context of the situation.”She also claimed that they are “aware and have evidence to support this.”Matua told New Zealand website Newshub: “Our priority has been to ensure our team and team management are safe mentally, physically and spiritually and we have wrapped support services around them.Most read in Football”We are in positive dialogue with Otara RL and both clubs want the same thing, for our kids to be safe and those responsible are dealt with appropriately.”We are following ARL (Auckland Rugby League) processes and look forward to positive outcomes for our kids and whānau [families].”Otara Rugby League club general manager Willie Maea has insisted that they are trying to identify the spectator alongside the help of the Marlins.The club will then bring the matter to the police once it is confirmed.Maea said: “While the actions on the field were controlled by the referee, they don’t condone adults coming on the field.”For us, we’re wanting to identify these men, charge them with assault and trespass them from this ground.”The ARL have also released a statement on the incident and confirmed that the police would be involved.It read: “ARL has zero tolerance for this type of violence and behaviour.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have judicial processes in place and when necessary, we will involve the police.”This matter is now being managed by the police and we are unable to be commenting further.” More