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    Footballer rushed to hospital after being shot as he got into firefight with bungling robbers who killed man at bar

    A FORMER Colombian top-fight footballer has been rushed to hospital after being shot by bungling robbers who killed another man in an attack on a bar.Elkin Blanco was identified in CCTV footage of the horror incident as the man who resisted the armed robbery by picking up a gun and getting into a firefight with one of the assailants as his accomplice wrestled with the victim who lost his life.Elkin Blanco has been rushed to hospital after being shot in a firefightCredit: GettyElkin had two spells at Colombian First Division side MillionariosCredit: GettyCCTV footage showed an armed gunman firing shots at the sceneCredit: https://x.com/BLUAntioquiaFootage showed the two people chasing after the assailantsCredit: https://x.com/BLUAntioquiaThe footage showed the 35-year-old, who had two spells at Colombian First Division side Millionarios, risking his life by chasing the robber away after the gunmen announced the hold-up while they were still wearing their motorbike helmets to disguise their identity.Federico Gutierrez, mayor of Medellin where the incident occurred last night, thanked fans for their support in an Instagram message and confirmed Elkin, who is currently without a club, was out of danger.The midfielder, a youth player with Brazilian side Gremio before he returned to his homeland, is said to have been shot four times during the attack although none of his injuries have been described as life-threatening.The man who died after reaching hospital has been named as Duván Alejandro Mosquera Vargas, 25.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA spokesman for local police said: “The man who died lunged at one of the assailants who shot him with a firearm.“The injured 35-year-old, Elkin Blanco, reached with a weapon, generating an exchange of gunfire with the other criminal.”Mayor Mr Gutierrez, promising arrests would be made and justice done, said on X: “Yesterday evening, an unfortunate incident occurred. “Two criminals entered a commercial establishment in the Rosales area of Medellin, with the intention of robbing it.Most read in Football“They murdered a person identified as Duvan Alejandro Mosquera and injured the former footballer Elkin Blanco who is out of danger.“The instruction to our police officers is clear, catch these criminals.“We already have the images with their faces and we have also identified the motorbike on which they were travelling. “We also know in which sector of the city these cowards were hiding.  The police have been operating in the area since last night. These bandits will fall.”I regret the death of Duvan. Solidarity with his family and friends We will get justice.”Elkin has been identified locally as the owner of the unnamed nightspot that was targeted.Customers could be seen seeking refuge under terrace tables as the gunfight occurred.Fans took to social media today to wish the ex-Millionarios star, who also played for Colombian sides Atletico Nacional and America de Cali, to wish him a speedy recovery.One said: “God bless you. Thanks God you weren’t seriously injured.”Elkin said in his first comments about the incident late this afternoon, on his Instagram profile where he has 100,000 followers and describes himself as a ‘partner of God’: “Thanks to all of you for your messages.“I am okay health-wise and thanks to God I am now back at home and recovering.”Read More on The SunDescribing the man shot dead as a “great friend” he referenced by his nickname Alejo which is a short form of Alejandro, he added: “I’m very sad about the departure of a great friend. “I will always remember you Alejo.” More

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    Bundesliga star shellshocked as stepfather shot dead in street after ‘shooting 10-year-old son and going on rampage’

    GERMAN league star Kenneth Schmidt has been left in shock… after armed police shot his stepfather dead in the street.The 22-year-old defender belongs to his hometown club, Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg.Kenneth Schmidt plays for hometown club SC FreiburgCredit: GettySchmidt, 22, has been on loan at Hannover 96Credit: AlamyCapped 18 times at youth level, he joined second-tier Hannover 96 on loan last month.But Schmidt’s world was turned upside down on Sunday when his stepdad reportedly attacked his mum Samira and half-brother.Reports say the man, named as Christoph S., threatened the pair at their home in the quiet village Eichstetten near Freiburg.The 48-year-old is said to have fired a shotgun through his son’s bedroom door, wounding the ten-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInvestigators told German media that the man then rampaged though nearby streets, armed with the shotgun and a pistol, before being gunned down by armed cops.He was rushed to hospital, but could not be saved.A police spokesman said: “The man’s motives seem completely unclear.”Samira, 47, and her younger son have received treatment for their injuries as well as psychological help.Most read in BundesligaSchmidt bravely turned up to Hannover training on Tuesday despite learning of the tragic drama the day before.However club chiefs have urged the centre-back to take time off to process events.North Korea’s Bizarre Ban on Tottenham HotspurA Hannover spokesman said: “We ask for people’s understanding that we are unable to comment more precisely about this matter at this time.”Hannover’s coach is Andre Breitenreiter, who had a three-month spell as Huddersfield boss last year.He was sacked after the Terriers’ relegation from the Championship, having won just two of his 13 games in charge.Christoph S. reportedly had previous convictions for drug offences and illegal gun possession.Schmidt is contracted to hometown team SC FreiburgCredit: Alamy More

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    Shocking moment gunman shoots pistol during mass brawl between football players as others flee for safety

    THIS is the terrifying moment a gunman shot his pistol at a footballer during a mass brawl at a teenage match.Alarming footage caught on a fans mobile phone shows the punch up in full flow at a game on December 19 in Rosario, Argentina.An armed man shot his pistol during a fight between players in ArgentinaMobile footage caught the terrifying incident on December 19Players and spectators ran for their livesTwo youngsters were swinging punches at each other before a spectator walks onto the turf to follow the fight.The shooter then raised an automatic pistol and fired at point-blank range at one of the players at the centre of the fight.Players and spectators ran for their lives after the shot rung out in front of a large crowd.One teenager in a red shirt, who was in the midst of the bust-up, clutched his arm as if he had been wounded.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHis two teammates help him from the pitch and his punching opponent ran off, before the video later went viral on social media.Meanwhile, the gunman, who had to be held back by a young woman, waved his weapon in the air and pointed in the opposite direction.It is unclear whether the shooting was triggered randomly by the violence on the pitch or if the gunman was targeting a specific player.The club ground owner later told local media: “Both teams use the ground regularly.Most read in Football”But had never seen the man with the gun before. We’re going to rise above this.”Police are understood to be investigating the shooting, according to NewsX.Hibs star in x-rated blast at rivals Hearts Last month, the leader of a notorious group of football hooligans in Argentina was shot dead near his club’s stadium in Rosario.Andres Bracamonte had spent more than 20 years as head of the Rosario Central supporters’ gang and had a history of taking part in violent conflicts with rival hooligans.He and his deputy, Daniel “Rana” Atardo, were just four blocks from the Gigante de Arroyito stadium when they were gunned down by a motorcyclist on Saturday.Rosario Central had just played a league game, but Bracamonte did not attend.He had been banned from matches because of previous incidents and had been accused extortion by Argentine authorities. More

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    Real Madrid star Endrick’s ‘brother-in-law’ is shot dead in Christmas Day bar massacre

    A MAN shot dead on Christmas Day in Brazil has been identified as the “brother-in-law” of Real Madrid star Endrick.Mauricio Nunes Goncalves was killed in a hail of bullets at a street bar in Samambaia near the capital Brasilia.Mauricio Nunes Goncalves, 38, was shot dead in a bar massacreCredit: Lavinia Sudre/InstagramEndrick plays for Real MadridCredit: GettyHe died after receiving several head shotsCredit: Lavinia Sudre/InstagramThe 38-year-old was the brother of the partner of Endrick’s older sister Lavinia Sudre, but is being referred to in Brazil as the footballer’s brother-in-law.Mauricio received several shots to the head as he tried to escape the “targeted” gun attack.Lavinia changed her Instagram profile picture to one showing a black ribbon after learning about the gruesome murder, which happened early yesterday morning.She also posted a photo of the victim, naming him under the pic before adding: “You left beautiful memories in our hearts that we will never forget.”Read More in FootballThe funeral was due to take place this afternoon at 3pm local time.Witnesses have told the police there was no prior argument between the gunman and his victim and described it as bearing all the hallmarks of a cold-blooded execution.No arrests have been made, according to reports.Endrick, reportedly linked last month to a shock move to Southampton, has yet to make any comment.Most read in FootballThe 18-year-old Brazil international moved to Real Madrid from Palmeiras this summer but has been given little playing time since joining the Spanish LaLiga giants.Recent reports in Spain have also pointed to the possibility of a six-month loan deal with Seville side Real Betis as Endrick seeks more opportunities to demonstrate his quality on the pitch.Endrick blows minds with phenomenal skills at Real Madrid training Police were today continuing to investigate the murder. There have been no reports of any arrests in Brazil.Earlier this year, Endrick married his model and influencer girlfriend Gabriely Miranda.The Brazilian wonderkid shared a series of glamorous pictures from the occasion to his social media accounts back in September.Endrick and Gabriely tied the knot less than a year after first meeting.The happy couple were said to have agreed an unusual relationship contract prior to their wedding day.It is said to include a clause dictating that they must say “I love you” in all situations.READ MORE SUN STORIESBizarrely, it also reportedly contains a rule banning Endrick from having a virtual girlfriend on Grand Theft Auto, a game he is a big fan of.The football superstar is also said to be prohibited from commenting on other girls’ Instagram posts.The Brazil star has yet to comment on the death of MauricioCredit: Rex More

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    ‘Last roll of the dice’ – Three-weight world champion fears Tyson Fury is ‘shot to pieces’ ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight

    BRITISH boxing legend Duke McKenzie fears Tyson Fury’s “legs are completely shot to pieces” ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. Fury attempts to avenge the only defeat in his 36 bouts when he faces Usyk again on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Tyson Fury with sparring partner Kevin LerenaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kevinlerena/Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his rematch with FuryCredit: ReutersBut former three-weight champion McKenzie is concerned the fleet-footed Fury who dethroned Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 is no more. He told Seconds Out: “I think Tyson Fury’s legs are completely shot to pieces. “We’re not looking at the same Tyson Fury as the guy that went over to win the world titles initially when he beat Klitschko. “We’re not looking at the same guy anymore. This guy can’t bounce around the ring for twelve rounds, which he proved in the last fight.READ MORE IN BOXING“The fact that he’s putting on weight and he’s coming into the fight even heavier now proves to me yet again he’s saying to himself this is my last roll of the dice. “If I’m going out, I’m going out on my shield on my terms.”Fury, 36, lost his WBC title and undefeated record after 12 classic rounds in Riyadh seven months ago. Usyk, 37, became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in history and Fury looks to right his only career wrong.Most read in BoxingFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut McKenzie said: “I don’t think he can claw back the deficit. It’s not happening … This is heavyweight boxing. “You’re one punch away from disaster, one punch from victory. Of course Fury can win the fight. Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd “He could find he throws a haymaker and knocks Usyk out. But it’s highly unlikely.“Usyk doesn’t go down unless it’s a low blow. I’ve never seen anybody have him rocked and really hurt. “And the one time Tyson Fury did have him hurt, Usyk managed to disguise it and cover it up so that Fury couldn’t maintain the onslaught. “He’s too smart for that. And he would’ve learnt from that mistake.”Three-weight world champion Duke McKenzieCredit: @duke_mckenzie_mbe More

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    Joshua Zirkzee’s gun goal celebration explained after Man Utd star’s double against Everton

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has revealed all about the MOVIE which inspired his ‘gun shooting’ celebration. Manchester United’s newest striker whipped out his signature moves after netting a double as the Red Devils’ thumped Everton 4-0 on Sunday.Joshua Zirkzee has explained his to-go gun celebrationThe United striker bagged a brace against Everton at Old TraffordIt’s not exactly brand new to the Prem – Phil Foden bends down and poses with an imaginary gun whenever he scores too.But Zirkzee’s cele has left everybody talking – because he sprays an invisible machine gun.Lifting the lid on how he came to choose it, he said: “I started off with something else.”But I got it from the film Django Unchained. There’s a point where he (Christoph Waltz) teaches Django (Jamie Foxx) to shoot.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDElsewhere, Zirkzee also revealed that it pays tribute to Fiorentina legend Omar Batistuta.Argentine legend Batistuta, 55, is famed for creating the firing gun celebration more than 30 years ago.Zirkzee said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJoshua Zirkzee said he was inspired by Jamie Foxx’s shooting scene in DjanoFiorentina fans booed Zirkzee for doing the celebration when Bologna converted a penalty against them in November 2023.They thought it was disrespectful to emulate Batistuta’s moves in his former Stadio Artemio Franchi stomping ground, as then manager Thiago Motta was forced to apologised after the game.Man Utd player ratings v Everton articleMeanwhile, Zirkzee will be hoping to award fans with it again and again, after an upward turn in form over the weekend.Many believed his United career was over before it’d even begun after news that he’d arrived overweight and that Erik ten Hag didn’t even want him. The former Bologna striker said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”The Red Devils forked out £36.5million for the 23-year-old but fans were hoping to lure Liam Delap from Ipswich next summer.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. 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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    Football pundit rushed to hospital after he is shot while leaving TV studio following Europa League clash

    A TURKISH football pundit was SHOT in the foot after covering the Europa League on Thursday night.Former Turkey international Serhat Akin had been working on coverage of Fenerbahce’s clash with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in an Istanbul studio.Pundit Serhat Akin was shot in IstanbulAkin, 43, posted a picture of his injuries on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/serhatakin81/?hl=enThe former Fenerbahce star works as a pundit for Turkish broadcaster Sports DigitaleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/serhatakin81/?hl=enAfter finishing up his evening’s work for Turkish broadcaster Sports Digitale, Akin was attacked outside the studio, in the Beykov region of the city.In shocking security footage, a masked figure could be seen approaching Akin.He subsequently fired one shot from his gun, before crossing the street and being escorted away on a motorbike.Passersby then rushed to check on Akin, who had taken cover behind a car.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt later emerged that the 16-cap star had sustained a gunshot wound to his right foot.He was subsequently rushed to a private hospital for treatment.His condition is not believed to be life threatening, although he will have to undergo an operation.The former Fenerbahce star later posted a picture of his injury to Instagram Story.Most read in Europa LeagueHe captioned it: “They shot my foot, our last word is Fenerbahce.”Local cops have launched a probe into the shooting.Jose Mourinho makes dramatic Super Lig debut as huge row sees Special One booked after just 20 minutesAkin has been visited in hospital by his pal, former Middlesbrough and Stoke star, Tuncay Sanli.The ex-forward said of his friend’s condition: “He is currently very well, his morale is low. There is not much to say. He will undergo surgery tomorrow.”I was with my brother because of the situation. He is my brother, we have experienced great things together. We have also experienced sadness.’SAD AND ANGRY'”I came to him as soon as I heard. There is nothing very serious about his condition. He will most likely undergo surgery tomorrow.”I am both sad and angry. Right now, his condition is very good. He is not in a good mood and his morale is low. I hope he regains his health as soon as possible.”In an official statement, Fenerbahce wrote: “We condemn the armed attack on our former football player Serhat Akin.”We wish him a speedy recovery. We expect the perpetrators to be held accountable before justice as soon as possible.”The Turkish Football Federation added: “We have learned with regret that former national team player Serhat Akin was injured in his foot as a result of an armed attack.”We strongly condemn the heinous attack and wish Serhat Akin a speedy recovery.”Jose Mourinho’s side had beaten Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 on the night.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Leicester star Caglar Soyuncu gave them the lead on 26 minutes, before it was doubled by a Christian Burgess own goal.Accrington Stanley old boy Ross Sykes then pulled one back for the visitors in stoppage time.Fenerbahce beat Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 last nightCredit: Getty More