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      Ex-West Ham star Dimitri Payet beat me up & made me film sick sex acts, ex lover tells cops as ace faces police probe

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      FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet has been accused of “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence” during a seven-month affair.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari reported the married midfielder to police last month over claims he forced her to film degrading videos and assaulted her during a ­campaign of abuse.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of ‘physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence’Credit: NewsflashThe footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims LarissaCredit: NewsflashLarissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to policeThe Brazilian lawyer alleged that former French international Payet, 38, even made her take part in a fake wedding and wear a ring to “prove her love”.Last night police in Rio de Janeiro — where Payet now plays — confirmed they have opened an investigation into him.Speaking in Rio, mum-of-two Larissa told The Sun on Sunday: “He’s a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I’m still scared.“I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.”Read more on Dimitri PayetPayet spent 18 months with West Ham before Marseille paid £25million for him in January 2017. He then moved to Rio in 2023 after signing for Vasco de Gama.The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet, who has four children with wife Ludivine in France, used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp.Larissa, who knew the star was married, flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio’s Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match.Asked for ‘weird things’She said: “He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.”Most read in FootballAs the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time.Larissa said: “I opened up to him. I told him I had just come out of a relationship and that I was mentally fragile and he was very supportive. It felt like he was my shelter.”However Larissa said that in October he started to ask for “weird things” and told her to dress up as a bride.She said: “We had a fake wedding. He said it was an official moment of us entering into a real relationship.“He never mentioned his wife and I didn’t like to ask him about her. He asked me to buy a wedding ring to wear and told me that he would never leave me.”Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a “normal couple”. But in early December Larissa’s pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them.Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: “This was the first time I saw this side of him.“He said he was the only person I could trust. He then told me he was going to punish me and would go to France for 30 days back to his family. He told me that when he came back I would be sexually punished as well.”Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West HamCredit: PA:Press AssociationLarissa wearing bridal gear for ‘ceremony’When Payet returned to Rio in January, Larissa went to see him.She alleged he kicked her and beat her up and then had violent sex with her.Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises. She also handed them to police.She recalled: “Within seconds of me arriving at his house he said, ‘Now your punishment starts’.“I felt like I deserved it though, as he had manipulated me into believing that I needed to be punished for our relationship to continue. I was vulnerable and I didn’t want him to leave me.“I knew I was being hurt but I couldn’t stop it as it felt like a condition for us to stay together.”The next day Larissa said Payet “rewarded” her and sent a driver to take her to watch him play from a VIP box.He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.Larissa FerrariOn January 22 another footballer reached out to her on Instagram and they started messaging but Larissa insisted it was friendly and that she told Payet.Wiping tears from her eyes, Larissa went on: “He got really mad and started calling me a ‘bitch’. He said that I was cheating on him.“He told me that I had seven days to prove that I really loved him. I didn’t know what to do to prove to him. I said I would get a tattoo of his name but he said that wasn’t enough.“He said he wasn’t with me as he was in Rio and I was home so I needed to punish myself as he wasn’t here to do it.“He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.”In text messages seen by The Sun on Sunday, Payet asked for “humiliating” sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for “disgusting acts” to prove her love.Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of fourCredit: AFPLarrisa claims Payet made her wear a wedding ringLarissa said that she sent shocking videos to Payet of her deg­rading herself as she was desperate for his approval and “really loved him”.She added: “They were really horrible things like putting my head in the toilet. He seemed happy at first that I had sent the videos he wanted, but then he kept asking for more.”Larissa said she rented an apartment in Rio in February to be close to him, only for him to leave her bruised once more.She said: “He said I was a ‘slag’ because I’m a Brazilian woman. What scared me was that I started to believe that I deserved it all.“None of my family or friends knew what was happening.”Pictures seen by The Sun on Sunday and police show bruises on Larissa’s buttocks, legs and arms.She finally gained the courage to end the relationship last month after attending therapy following a panic attack.Larissa said: “I was emotionally fragile and he knew that, which was how he was able to manipulate me so that he could do whatever he wanted with me.“I paid for every plane ticket and every stay to go and see him.“One week I had to take a bus instead of a plane and, as I was longer than he wanted me to be, he started abusing me on the phone.When I stepped off the bus in Rio I just collapsed and had a panic attack.Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.Larissa Ferrari“I got on the first plane back to my home city without seeing him.“Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.”Larissa said Payet’s behaviour changed and that he became “very sweet” and even asked her to live with him.She added: “I felt I had to try to protect myself. I went to a newspaper in Brazil to tell them about us — but at this point I didn’t mention the abuse as I wanted to go to the police first.”News broke of their alleged affair on March 22 and one week later Larissa contacted the police.Documents seen by The Sun on Sunday show she made an online report claiming she suffered “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence”.According to the official report, Larissa’s lawyer said she was “assaulted by Dimitri Payet, which left marks on her body”.On March 30, Larissa filed an additional police report in Parana at a station specialising in assisting women requesting “emergency protective measures” against Payet.A forensic and psychological examination was carried out and police opened an investigation into her claims on March 30.Read More on The SunDefiant Larissa said: “I want to teach women the signals that sometimes we don’t see — especially if you’re a young girl falling for a powerful rich man.” Payet was approached for comment.Domestic abuse – how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak toThreats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:Remember, you are not alone.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. More

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      in Soccer

      Amad Diallo brutally trolls Man Utd team-mates after Lyon heroics with X-rated Garnacho pop and dig at Onana ‘injury’

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      AMAD DIALLO brutally trolled his Manchester United team-mates after their Lyon heroics at Old Trafford.Man Utd clawed victory from the jaws of defeat against Lyon with three late goals in extra time, including an injury-time stunner from Kobbie Mainoo and a headed winner from Harry Maguire.Amad Diallo trolled his team-mates after their chaotic Europa League clash with LyonCredit: AFPAmad firstly took aim at Andre Onana for his ‘injury’ after Harry Maguire’s winnerCredit: TNT SportsOnana had sprinted over to Ruben Amorim and the bench to celebrate the goalCredit: GettyAmad then trolled Manuel Ugarte and Alejandro Garnacho in an X-rated social media postCredit: X @Amaddiallo_19Injured Red Devils winger Amad was at the stadium watching the game as the stunning match played out.Man Utd stars rushed to celebrate with Maguire following his last-gasp winner to send the Red Devils into the Europa League semi-finals.But goalkeeper Andre Onana headed over to the subs’ bench to hug manager Ruben Amorim and back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.However, with a few moments of football still to play after the winner went in, Onana fell to the floor with his leg lifted in the air and arms sprawled out either side of him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 29-year-old, who was reinstated in the starting XI after being dropped for the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, appeared to be suffering with cramp when Maguire came over to help him stretch.Of course, it could just have easily been a time-wasting tactic, copying the actions of Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri when the French outfit were winning the game.Regardless, Amad managed to find a screenshot of the moment and shared it on his Snapchat account.The 22-year-old accompanied the photo with a quartet of emojis; two crying faces and two crying with laughter faces.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAmad then also took to X and blasted his team-mates for putting him and all United fans through the emotional wringer.He shared a dressing room selfie alongside Manuel Ugarte and Alejandro Garnacho and accompanied it with an explicit and typo-riddled caption, doubtless a symptom of the excitement from the game.Man Utd fans celebrate outside Old Trafford after leaving Lyon game early It said: “UNITER WILL NEVER DIED, congrat manu for your’re s*** goal, f*** Garna for that miss, you gaves us pain heart.”Ugarte had scored the opening goal on the night following a stunning move which saw Bruno Fernandes spin in behind before passing the ball inside to Garnacho.The Argentine then took an exquisite touch to dribble round two defenders before squaring it back to the unmarked Ugarte for a tap-in.But after the interval of regulation time, Garnacho had the chance to kill the tie completely as he raced through on goal.He managed to successfully cut the ball back behind the scrambling defender, leaving him one-on-one with Perri with the entire goal to aim at.But he was somehow unable to finish the golden chance as he struck the ball directly at the goalkeeper instead of tucking it into the corner.A goal there to make it 3-0 on the night would have all but killed the tie as a contest, meaning the Lyon comeback would have been far more unlikely to ever come about.The explicit post has now been viewed 4.4 million times and liked 141,000 times, though the off-the-cuff nature of it left some fans wondering whether it was his real account.Amad has teased his comeback from injury on social media, with Amorim saying before the Lyon thriller that he hopes to have him available again next month.Like Amad taking aim at his team-mates, fellow crocked ace Joshua Zirkzee aimed a dig towards Man Utd fans who left Old Trafford early.Taking to Instagram, he shared a video of the deafening noise inside Old Trafford as the remaining United faithful cheered on the team.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordUgarte scored a ‘s***’ opening goal for UnitedCredit: GettyGarnacho missed a glorious chance at 2-0 to effectively kill the game, which Amad said ‘gave us pain heart’Credit: GettyAnd in a swipe at the fans who left early, he captioned the video: “To all the fans who left when we were down. Have a listen to this.”Amorim told TNT Sports after the game he had watched some of the 99 documentary for inspiration before labelling the unbelievable match a “great night”.He said: “I was watching again the 1999 documentary to have some inspiration for these moments. “It was a great night – 4-2 with one more player you think it’s over, but here it is never over. I felt here everything is possible.”However, the 40-year-old also had a harsh reality check for his squad after admitting they need to focus on Europa League.He said: “The reflection of the coach is the league. You can be good in European games but your reflection as a team is in the league and we are underperforming, but then we have to see the context.”We lack a lot of characteristics in our team – sometimes you want to push forward and you see that Garnacho is really tired but he’s the only one who can make transitions.”Physically is it a problem. When we play against European teams you can see we cope better with that – in the Premier League we suffer a lot.”He continued: “It is one type of moment that can change a lot of things. These kind of moments can change a lot in the players’ mind.”We have to be really focused on the Europa League and we have to take a risk with the kids in the Premier League.Read More on The Sun”We have to be tough on that and the fans have to understand our focus is on the Europa League.”Man Utd will face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals of the competition, with those matches on May 1 and May 8, with the latter once again being at home.Man Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again. More

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      in Soccer

      Beaming Roy Keane shares heartmelting photo of newest grandchild as fans hail ‘king of Grandfathering’

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      ROY KEANE announced the arrival of his newest grandchild with a heartmelting photograph on Instagram.Keane, 53, is already a grandfather to two kids and took to social media to reveal that a third has arrived.Roy Keane shared a photo of his new grandchildCredit: Instagram/officialkeane16The youngster is his third grandchildCredit: Instagram/officialkeane16He said: “My new grandson, big baby ❤️”Fans took to the comments to congratulate the Republic of Ireland and Manchester United legend.The Red Devils themselves said: “Just in time for kick-off ❤️” while ex-Ireland teammate Robbie Keane posted: “Congrats ❤️”Shaun Wright-Phillips said: “Congratulations 🍾” while a fourth follower commented: “Roy Keane king of Instagram and king of Grandfathering 👑”A fifth said: “I immediately read ‘Big Baby’ in your voice 🤣🤣🤣 Congratulations 👍🏻”detail has yet come to light on which of his and wife Theresa’s five children is the parent.The Cork native is notoriously private when it comes to his family life.The only recent spotlight thrust upon his loved ones has been when it emerged that his daughter Leah is engaged to Southampton and England centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.Most read in FootballThe latter had to field questions on his and Leah’s major life milestone during England’s last international window of 2024 – and did his best to not to give the press too much information.Harwood-Bellis kept his words to a minimum when asked about Keano’s presence in his life.’This is big boy stuff’ rants Roy Keane as Man Utd legend blasts stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir after Newcastle blunderAt a press conference before England’s revenge mission vs Greece, he simply stated: “Yes, it’s something that is good and I take a lot of advice.”But there were plenty of on-air jokes cracked in the ITV studio over the following days as Keane smirked through the gags of colleagues.The best of the lot saw Mark Pougatch quiz Keane on what he knew about the England debutant after he’d marked his first senior appearance with a goal…against Ireland at Wembley.The Man United great was quick-witted as ever in his reply about Taylor and Leah’s looming wedding.He insisted: “Listen, it’s not done and dusted yet.”Things can change very quickly in the Keane household.”Read More on The SunHis playful reaction left co-pundit Ian Wright in fits of laughter.However, Keane did admit that Harwood-Bellis “is a nice kid” and that his family had “done very well.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘World’s most controversial Wag’ goes topless and shows off major sideboob leaving fans in shock

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      CONTROVERSIAL Wag Wanda Nara took social media by storm once more with her latest raunchy snap.This time Wanda, 38, posed topless on her bed in an image that left very little to imagination.Wanda Nara took social media by storm with a topless snapThis is not the first time Wanda shares raunchy contentWanda took social media by stormWanda is undergoing divorce proceedings with husband Mauro IcardiThe Argentine – previously dubbed the world’s most controversial Wag – shares a raft of glam pics across social media and this one attracted a staggering 135,000 likes.Wanda posted the following caption on Instagram: “Changing up the game.”The social media model and football agent’s 17.5million followers were left in awe as they flooded the comments section.One fan commented: “Beautiful.”Read More on FootballAnother posted: “Amazing.”A third wrote: “Awesome.”This fan said: “Ridiculous.”And that one gushed: “Wonderful.”Most read in FootballHer revealing post comes after Wanda split with Galatasaray star Mauro Icardi in July after a controversial and turbulent 11-year relationship.Their tense relationship started making headlines immediately after it started back in 2013 when she ditched Icardi’s former team-mate and close friend Maxi Lopez in favour of the striker.Wanda Nara flaunts curves in tiny black bikini as she shows off new short hair and fans call her ‘too perfect’Their marriage, which began in 2014, seemed to have ended in 2021 when Wanda apparently confessed to splitting up with her husband.Wanda, who at one stage acted as Icardi’s agent, seemed to accuse the Argentina international of cheating on her in an explosive social media post.The pair ultimately tried to make things work but Wanda ended up asking for a divorce last summer.And the two are now in the middle of divorce proceedings.Scroll down for more from Wanda NaraWanda decided to divorce IcardiCredit: Instagram @mauroicardiWanda and Icardi tried to work things outCredit: instagram @wanda_naraBut Wanda ultimately decided to go on with the divorceCredit: InstagramWanda continues to work on her social media game More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘It’s petrifying’ – Glam F1 hopeful Bianca Bustamente, 20, lifts lid on ‘scary’ fight to thrive in male-dominated sport

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      MOTORSPORT’S most glamorous driver has opened up on the “scary” nature of her incredible dual career.Bianca Bustamante is hoping to become one of the biggest names in racing alongside Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.McLaren development driver Bianca Bustamante has three-million social media followers combinedCredit: Instagram @racerbiaBustamante has made history by becoming McLaren’s first female driverCredit: Instagram @racerbiaBustamante earned two podium finishes in the debut F1 Academy seasonCredit: GettyHer first podium coincided with Lando Norris’ maiden race win in DecemberCredit: GettyThe 20-year-old beauty will start a mixed sex race at the GB3 Championship at Silverstone next weekendCredit: McLarenBustamante splits her time between racing podiums for McLaren in an all-female category AND professional modelling.And the 20-year-old beauty will start a mixed sex race at the GB3 Championship at Silverstone next weekend.The race is a feeder event for young drivers hoping to progress to elite motorsport and even Formula One.Bustamante was the first woman to be accepted into the prestigious McLaren Driver Development Programme in 2024.READ MORE MOTORSPORTBut it hasn’t come easy for the Filipino driver, who is the poster girl of Netflix’s new docuseries F1 Academy alongside 14 other female drivers.The self-starter – who was on the cover of Vogue – has been able to fund her passion for F1 and buy her dream London flat through brand deals.As well as modelling for Storm Management, Bustamante has more than three million followers on Instagram.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSShe told Mail Sport: “It’s petrifying to be an open book for everyone on social media.Most read in Motorsport”I have used it as a platform to fund my career and to help me progress on the motorsport ladder.McLaren F1 racer Bianca Bustamante reveals how she gets in shape for her races – and why she almost quit”I grew up in front of three million people across all my social media platforms and I find it very scary sometimes.”It can be worrying to lose myself along the way. Lose my sights and morals and who I really am.”Bustamante was born and raised in the Philippines, a country with no recognisable history or heritage of motorsport. She was introduced to her first go-kart at age three by her racing-mad dad Raymund and it was love at first sight. On Monday, she was named by Forbes as one of the 30-under-30 record-breaking athletes for her achievements in F1.While F1 is predominantly a male-dominated sport, there have been a few female drivers who have entered Grand Prix races.The Filipino driver lifts heavy weights as part of a gruelling training regimeCredit: Instagram @racerbiaShe has starred in Vogue PhilippinesShe was named by Forbes as one of the 30-under-30 record-breaking athletes for her achievements in F1Credit: CBR MediaShe boasts three million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @racerbiaMaria Teresa de Filippis was the first, followed by Lella Lombardi, Divina Galica, Desire Wilson and Giovanna Amati.But De Filippis and Lombardi are the only women to have started an F1 race, with the latter the only one to score points in her 12 starts.I find it very scary sometimes.BustamanteThe MailBustamante told The Mail: “This new step up still feels so new to me.”I get in the car and I still feel like I know nothing. I feel like a rookie every single time, which I am I guess.”That step from junior driver to being professional now as we go into the GB3 season… people talk to me like I’m no longer a kid, I’m an adult.”Working with the new team is amazing. It’s my first time working with a British team.”I’ve got teammates that are like brothers to me now.”Lella Lombardi is the only female driver to score points in F1Credit: Getty Images – GettyA picture of Lando Norris and Bustamante grinning ear to ear at the Miami Grand Prix in May summarises the family feel at McLaren. She sealed her first-ever F1 Academy podium on the same weekend that Norris secured his maiden race win,Read More on The SunBefore McLaren announced her signing, she became only the second ever driver to compete in the newly launched all-female F1 Academy series with Prema Racing.She made the podium, finishing third in her first race and seventh in the final championship standings. More

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      in Basket

      Paige Bueckers: A Basketball Star is Born

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      Last Sunday, the University of Connecticut basketball player Paige Bueckers achieved what she set out to do when she joined the team almost five years ago: Win an N.C.A.A. championship. After being sidelined by injuries for nearly two seasons, Ms. Bueckers, a 23-year-old point guard, led the Huskies to a blowout victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, earning UConn its 12th N.C.A.A. women’s basketball title and becoming the school’s top point scorer in the women’s tournament in the process.For some, the win would be a star-making moment. But Ms. Bueckers (pronounced BECK-ers) — whom the Dallas Wings are expected to select first overall in the 2025 W.N.B.A. draft on Monday — was already a star by then, both on and off the court.In December, she became the first college athlete to have her own Nike player-edition shoe, the Paige Bueckers G.T. Hustle 3. She was also the first college athlete to sign a name, image and likeness deal with Gatorade. According to on3 and SponsorUnited, both of which track sponsorship and other deals for college athletes, Ms. Bueckers is the third most valuable woman in college sports, has the second largest social media following and the highest engagement from her followers.“It’s so surreal,” Ms. Bueckers said of UConn’s championship win in an interview on Wednesday. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet.” She was dressed in a lavender Nike sweatsuit, and her long vanilla-blond hair was neatly cascading down her back. Earlier that day, she had been interviewed on the “Today” show; later, Ms. Buckers would head to a taping of “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon.Ms. Bueckers finished this season with the distinction of becoming UConn’s top point scorer in the women’s N.C.A.A. tournament.Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesMs. Bueckers with her namesake Nike shoe.NikeWe are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      in Soccer

      What I’ve heard about Phil Foden makes he respect him and even more angry at sick chants about his mum

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      THE problem with teenagers, a headteacher told me this week, is that they are trying to live in two different moral universes.He says that there is the moral universe we all know, with its rules, conventions and niceties.Pep Guardiola embraced Phil Foden after he had endured Man Utd fans chanting ghastly things about his MumCredit: GettyIncredibly, to a significant number of fans such conduct is quite acceptableCredit: GettyDeclan Rice endures similar stuff as Foden, along with his long-time partner Lauren FryerCredit: RexAnd then there’s another universe, the internet’s moral universe, where there are next to no rules and precious few niceties.OK, every day’s a school day, so I’ll take that on board and, just for good measure, I’m going to throw a third moral universe into this mix — football’s moral universe.This one, while not all bad by any means, can be a very ugly place indeed.I’ve not met Phil Foden but from what I’ve seen and heard, as well as being a prodigiously gifted footballer he’s a decent guy.READ MORE FROM ADRIAN CHILESI was talking to one of his coaches at England youth level. Listing the attributes Foden showed as a kid — speed, awareness, bravery, command of the ball etc — the coach added another, one which has stuck in my mind. “He cared what his teammates thought about him,” said the coach.Interesting that. You’d think that caring what your teammates thought of you would be common enough among footballers to not even merit mention. It would seem this isn’t the case.Most read in FootballPhil cares though, and that’s another reason I hold him in high esteem.Perhaps that’s why I was more appalled than usual at the behaviour of football fans when I saw that photo of Pep Guardiola embracing him after he’d endured Man Utd fans chanting ghastly things about his Mum.‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mumAwful. But incredibly, to a significant number of fans such conduct is quite acceptable. Because, you see, this is in football’s moral universe where, for some reason, there are those who think it’s OK to behave despicably.Declan Rice, double miracle-freekick scorer and another nice guy, endures similar stuff — along with his long-time partner, the equally appealing Lauren Fryer.Lauren, you see, doesn’t conform to some football fans’ idea of what a footballer’s wife should look like. So the poor woman gets abused on social media and, for Declan’s benefit, from the stands. Dreadful.This is what happens in football’s moral universe. We seem to forget that footballers are human beings with, you know, feelings. However thick their skins have to be, they still have feelings.I’ve been as guilty of forgetting this as anyone. Many years ago, when I was presenting Match Of The Day 2, I made a joking reference to Arjen Robben’s baldness. The following week I got a letter — yes, a letter, that’s how long ago it was — from someone who said I should be ashamed of myself as Robben could well be very sensitive about his hair loss.Initially I scoffed and was minded to reply that Chelsea’s multi-millionaire Dutch superstar could probably deal with a jibe from me.But when I had thought about it, even though the man himself probably couldn’t have cared less, I concluded that I had been very wrong to mock his appearance.That was on TV. I’m afraid I’ve said a lot worse as a fan at matches.I’m not without sinSo I don’t preach this sermon from any moral high ground, because I’m not without sin. I confess, I’ve yelled and chanted stuff at football matches that I would never, and I mean never, have yelled or chanted anywhere else.I shouted some dreadful things at Jack Grealish, for example, at a play-off semi-final when he was at Villa. I’m quite sure he couldn’t care less, but I can’t say it was my finest hour.I don’t excuse myself, but these things happen in football’s moral universe, where it’s not that there’s no right or wrong, but there is a big, bad grey area.There’s a line in there somewhere and we all know where it is.Bawling abuse at a footballer, calling them terrible names, isn’t a good look. But it probably, arguably, just about falls on the right side of the line.Abusing that footballer’s family is a different matter. That’s on the wrong side of the line.It’s bang out of order, and everyone guilty knows this.BOB’S A COMEDY GREATThere was no danger of anyone else but Bob Mortimer winning Last One LaughingCredit: RexSOME comedians you look at, and think there walks a genius, with a routine to die for.Others, often by means of cruelty or crudeness, shock you into laughter despite yourself.And then there’s Bob Mortimer, who just seems to have funny bones.Really funny bones.There was no danger of anyone else winning TV’s Last One Laughing.What chance did any of them have against a man who can make “have you got a kitchen island?” sound like the funniest question ever asked.And as for, “I like sausage dogs, with those tiny legs”, I will never again see a dachshund waddling past without thinking of Bob.DON AND ON AND ON AND ..The role journalists played in Donald Trump’s rise will one day be worthy of examinationCredit: GettyWHEN the history books about Donald Trump are written, the role of us journalists in his rise will be worthy of examination.We can take a lot of the blame/credit – delete according to your view of The Orange Man. Like him or loathe him, laugh at him or with him, we have found it quite impossible not to give him all the attention he craves because he provides us with all the material we crave.He fills pages of papers and hours of television, radio and podcasts. Where would we be without him.After his first term ended in ignominious defeat, we assumed we’d seen the last of him.Back then, the brilliant political commentator, comedian and excellent Trump mimic Matt Forde captured the mood of many of us when he tweeted, “Goodnight sweet prince”. And now it’s like he never went away.IT’S BOT TO BE A BONUSTHE march of artificial intelligence will, at worst, destroy humanity or, at best, just take a lot of our jobs.One thing pleases me, though, even if it means me being replaced by a machine – I’ve heard what’s about to happen described as the first technological step-change in history that’s going to hit middle-class jobs the hardest.Writers and radio presenters will be easy meat for the machines.But it’ll be a long time before AI can do proper jobs, requiring blood, sweat and tears as well as great skill.Plumbers, chippies, sparks, gardeners, scaffolders, bricklayers – your jobs are as safe as houses.Enjoy the ride, you’ve earned it.WHY do so many people sit on public transport looking at or listening to their phones without wearing headphones?Why should we all have to hear terrible music from those who look at their phones on public transport without wearing headphones?Credit: GettyWhy should we all have to hear their terrible music, boring conversations or mindless TikTok-ery. I’m genuinely interested.But I can’t come up with a way of asking the question in a way that’s not going to end with some kind of violence visited upon me.PAIN IN THE CHIP BUTTYA chip shop owner in Gloucestershire has apologised for putting up its price to fifteen quidCredit: GettyA CHIP shop owner in Gloucestershire has apologised for putting up the price of cod and chips to 15 quid.I can’t remember the last time I left a chippy having dropped anywhere near that little. I just get too excited.After a couple of pints with some mates in Stourbridge last month, I popped into the local chip shop on the way home.Before I knew it I’d bought large cod and chips, small cod and chips, mushy peas, two battered potato slices and some cod roe.And this was only for me and my Mum. We’re still not back to full health, financially or physically.AIMEE’S PEARLY QUEENAimee Lou Wood is just brilliant in the White Lotus, despite the show being absolutely indigestibleCredit: HBOEVERYONE I know is banging on about White Lotus being the best TV ever. I’ve heard it praised so many times that it must be true.Well, I’ve found it to be absolutely indigestible, veering wildly between rather silly and terribly boring.Read More on The SunBut I’m glad I saw the bits I managed to stay awake for because that was enough to confirm for me that Stockport’s Aimee Lou Wood is just brilliant.At first you can see nothing but her proudly prominent teeth. But before long all you’re seeing is a brilliant acting talent going from strength to strength. More

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      ‘Definitely making a comeback’ – Tyson Fury, 36, sends fans into frenzy with latest retirement U-turn hint

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      TYSON FURY sent fans into a frenzy by posting a training video – amid rumours of another comeback. Fury announced his fourth and perhaps most surprising retirement in January – a month after rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. Tyson Fury sent fans into a frenzy by posting a training videoCredit: Instagram @tysonfuryFans are convinced Fury is preparing for a comebackCredit: Instagram @tysonfuryAnd the Gypsy King also walked away from a mega-money fight against British rival Anthony Joshua. Fury has so far appeared content as a retired fighter enjoying time with wife Paris – but now the signs are pointing towards a comeback. And fans were convinced the former WBC champion left the biggest hint he is returning to fight yet with his training post on Instagram. Fury lets off his jab, combinations and body shots to the extra-heavy boxing bag as one fan said: “He’s definitely making a comeback.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother added: “Looking sharp.”One asked: “Is champ coming back??”Another begged: “Come back big man.”Fury, 36, lost his undefeated record and WBC title in the same 12 rounds against Usyk, 38, last May in Riyadh. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he was beaten via another controversial decision in the rematch – retiring just a month after. It also followed in the aftermath of Joshua’s knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, 27, in September. Eddie Hearn says Tyson Fury will have to personally phone up Anthony Joshua to rescue super-fight AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn still holds out for the Great British blockbuster. But he believes it will take Fury reaching out to Joshua, 35, personally to get the wheels in motion. Fury’s manager Spencer Brown also added fuel to the comeback fire after revealing the maverick superstar is growing bored in retirement. Brown Brown told iFL TV: “I spoke to him last week, he’s really happy. Really happy.”He’s getting a little bit bored but he was really happy. I think he went to a nice birthday party over the weekend and had a few beers.”Just speaking to him gives you a bit of light in your life because he makes you smile and he doesn’t anything too seriously.”Is he going to fight again? He’s retired.”Brown also revealed Fury is staying in shape, training and avoiding an unhealthy diet – the hallmarks of a boxer preparing to fight.He cryptically said with a smile: “He might be getting a little bit bored at the moment but that’s just a natural thing.Read More on The Sun”He’s just enjoying himself, he’s running everyday. He really looking good. He’s tanned, he’s fit. He looks good. I was quite surprised when I saw him.”He’s usually eating Jelly Babies and sweets but this time none of that. He’s proper on his diet.”Fury has been enjoying retirement alongside wife ParisCredit: InstagramFury retired after his rematch loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYAnthony Joshua looks set to lose out on the fight with FuryCredit: REUTERS More