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      Gianluigi Donnarumma update as full extent of PSG star’s gruesome injuries revealed after horror challenge

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      MONACO star Wilfried Singo has insisted his sickening on-field collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma was an accident. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper suffered gruesome facial injuries after a boot to the face from the Monaco defender on Wednesday. Gianluigi Donnarumma was left with a gaping wound in his cheek during Wednesday’s game with MonacoCredit: ReutersThe PSG goalkeeper was caught in the face by Monaco defender Wilfried SingoCredit: AFPThe Italian required a number of staples in his face following the brutal collisionCredit: AFPDonnarumma was forced off in the 22nd minute of PSG’s Ligue 1 contest at Stade Louis II.The 25-year-old dived at the feet of Singo during the top-of-the-table clash. Despite the brave stop, Donnarumma came off second best as Singo’s boot planted firmly into his cheek.The Italian required lengthy treatment with a huge gash pouring blood down his face.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to French outlet RMC Sport, he later needed 10 staples to treat the deep cuts on his right cheek.PSG confirmed in a statement that Donnarumma had suffered “a facial trauma with multiple cuts.”Donnarumma remonstrated with referee Francois Letexier at half-time after Singo wasn’t booked for the challenge.The defender was already on a yellow card at the time, with the collision deemed accidental by the officials. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing the game, Singo took to social media and penned messages in both French and Italian.He wrote: “My gesture was obviously not intentional, but I was able to see afterwards that he had a significant injury to his face.Gianluigi Donnarumma trolls England by singing It’s Coming Home in dressing room after Italy’s Euro 2020 win”I wish you a good recovery.”Donnarumma later updated concerned fans via his Instagram page.Sporting bandages and cuddling his pet dog, the Italian gave a thumbs up to the camera as he lounged on his sofa.Following Donnarumma’s injury, PSG battled back from 2-1 down to record an impressive 4-2 victory. A brace from Ousmane Dembele helped turn the game on its head after Monaco had come out firing after the break. The win extends their lead at the top of Ligue 1 over Marseille to ten points, with Monaco back in third. Donnarumma was fuming Slingo was not yellow-carded after the incidentCredit: AFPThe 25-year-old required lengthy treatment before being subbedCredit: AFPDonnarumma joined PSG in 2021 after starting his career at AC Milan.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe took the No. 1 jersey at the San Siro as a teenager, making over 200 appearances for the Rossoneri. This season, the Italian has played in 15 games for the Ligue 1 champions, keeping four clean sheets. The stopper posted an update on Instagram showing him with a bandage across his faceCredit: Instagram @donnarumma More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe changes ownership stake in Man Utd as he injects millions more but it won’t help Amorim

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has increased his ownership stake in Manchester United after injecting an extra £79million into the club.The Ineos chief previously owned 27.7 per cent of the Red Devils after paying the Glazers £1.2billion earlier this year.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has increased his stake in Man UtdCredit: PARatcliffe’s deal saw him promise to invest a further £237m.And a final payment of £79m has now been confirmed after being listed on the US Securities and Exchange Commission.It means Ratcliffe’s stake in United has increased to 28.94 per cent.Some of those shares have also been transferred from the chief to Ineos itself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Ruben Amorim will not be seeing any of the extra cash.United’s new boss is hoping to reshape his squad in January with several signings.Amorim wants to sign a new left-back and could also look to strengthen in midfield.But the Mail claims Ratcliffe’s £79m will not be added to the transfer coffers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInstead, it will be used to boost infrastructure across the club in a variety of areas.The latest cash injection comes as Ratcliffe and Ineos look to cut costs on and off the pitch.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ A whopping 250 members of staff have been let go – including sporting director Dan Ashworth.While players like Marcus Rashford are up for sale amid links with Arsenal.Ratcliffe has also come under fire for raising the price of match-day tickets with zero concessions for children or pensioners.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

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      Alex Greenwood has ‘successful’ surgery following knee injury on Champions League duty with Manchester City

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      ALEX GREENWOOD has undergone an operation on a knee injury she suffered during Manchester City’s Champions League defeat of St Polten.However the 96-capped England defender is set for lengthy spell out of action after having her medial collateral ligament (MCL) repaired.Man City say their medical team will work closely with Greenwood who sustained a knee injury this monthCredit: ReutersThe Man City skipper was stretchered off during the first half of her team’s defeat of Austrian side St Polten in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: ReutersMan City finished second in their Champions League group after falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on December 18Credit: AFPGreenwood sustained her injury in the first half of her side’s 2-0 home win against their Austrian opponents in Europe on December 12.  The Man City captain appeared to be in discomfort after going to ground following a collision with St Polten forward Melanie Brunnthaler.She was later stretchered off in the 32nd minute. There were initial worries the defender, who has made nine WSL appearances so far this term, had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.Read More Football Stories However this morning her club confirmed she damaged her MCL – which is the tissue connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone.While this usually involves a shorter period in recovery than an ACL injury it remains to be seen whether Greenwood will be fit ahead of England’s next set of international fixtures. In February Sarina Wiegman’s side are due to face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League as part of their build-up to next summer’s European Championship. And supporters will hope that Greenwood, who was part of the England squad that won the Women’s Euros two years ago, will be fit before the 2025 tournament in Switzerland. Most read in FootballMan City’s update follows their WSL team falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on Wednesday. Goals from Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmati and Barca captain Alexia Puttellas resulted in the Catalan giants finishing top of Group D with City in second spot. The Cityzens’ second place finish means they could potentially face Arsenal, Chelsea or Lyon in the competition’s quarter-finals next year. The team, who are currently second in the WSL and six points off leaders, Chelsea will find out who their opponents will be after the draw on February 7. City are contending with a swathe of injuries with forwards Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema currently sidelined. Vivianne Miedema hopes to be “fully recharged” and ready to make her Man City return in the new yearCredit: GettyAnd forward Chloe Kelly, who has faced a battle for minutes this term, was absent from the squad that faced Barcelona. City chief Gareth Taylor said this was due to “on-going symptoms” concerning concussion she sustained whilst on England duty in November. The Euros-winning Lioness star, whose current City contract runs until next summer, has started once in six top-flight appearances so far this season.  More

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      Three ways Arsenal could line up with Marcus Rashford as wantaway Man Utd ace is tipped for sensational transfer

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      ARSENAL could be able to line up in three unique ways if they sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.The England forward has revealed he is ready for a “new challenge” after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.Arsenal could fit Marcus Rashford into three different systems if he joins them from Man UtdCredit: PAUnited’s new boss insists he wants to keep Rashford at Old Trafford.But the versatile winger is on an eye-watering £325,000-a-week package.And with Sir Jim Ratcliffe making no secret of his desire to cut back on spending, Rashford could be heading off sooner rather than later.There are sure to be plenty of suitors available depending on United’s asking price.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLParis Saint-Germain are among foreign teams who have long-term interest in Rashford.But should he stay in the Premier League, Arsenal could end up being his ideal home.Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners from has-beens into title contenders.Their resilient style of play relies on moments of magic from superstars like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – something Rashford has in spades.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd should the 27-year-old make the move to north London, Arsenal could be able to fit him into three systems.The Gunners tend to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kai Havertz leading the line while being supported by Odegaard and Saka.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Arteta currently has a number of options to fill the final attacking spot on the left, including Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling.But the position would likely open up immediately for Rashford should he join Arsenal.The 2022/23 campaign saw him slam home 30 goals from that position.And should he rediscover that form at the Emirates, it would surely be a game-changer for the recently goal-shy Gunners.A variation of that system could also see Rashford slot in as a striker.Arteta sometimes prefers a technical dribbler like Martinelli or Trossard out wide.And Rashford’s speed could make him a preferable option to the rangier Havertz through the middle.Arsenal are also no strangers to an all-out attack when they are in desperate search of a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 4-2-4 formation has occasionally been used when chasing a game.And that could see Rashford take up a position as the left-central forward, giving him support to the left as well as two options on the right.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. 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      Football stadium set to look unrecognisable with enormous BEACH after 100 tonnes of sand is dumped in

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      A FOOTBALL team are trucking in 100 TONNES of sand to create a huge beach at their stadium.Auckland FC are trying to lure fans into their home games on December 21, January 1 and January 18 with the promise of cocktails, an inflatable slide and even a sandcastle competition.A football stadium in New Zealand is set to undergo a remarkable transformationCredit: GettyA project to move 100 tonnes of sand into a stadium will create New Zealand’s biggest inland beachCredit: LinkedIn/Auckland FCThe A-League expansion club say the inland beach will be New Zealand’s biggest.A statement said: “Those sticking around for summer can still hit the beach thanks to Auckland FC. “The club are trucking in more than 100 tonnes of sand to bring the best of the beach to the heart of the action for their upcoming home games on 21st December, 1st and 18th January.”The much-loved family fun zone is set to be transformed into a massive beach that’s decked out with all your summer’s day essentials.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe statement revealed the beach project would include live music, sandcastle competitions, a beachside cocktail bar and an inflatable slide.There will also be deck chairs and picnic areas as part of the transformation.And fans will even be able to take part in a fancy dress competition.The sand will be transported using six trucks to the centre of the 25,000-seat Go Media Stadium – previously known as Mount Smart Stadium – in Penrose, New Zealand.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAuckland FC were established in March 2024, and along with fellow expansionists Canberra, joined the Australian Professional Leagues from 2024/25.The club’s first professional game was held on 19 October in front of a sell-out crowd.American businessman and owner of AFC Bournemouth Bill Foley is the owner of the club.New Luton Town Stadium given planning permission More

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      Everton takeover COMPLETED as crisis club release statement with new owners set to bring ‘immediate financial stability’

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      EVERTON’S takeover has officially been completed as the club finally part ways with Farhad Moshiri after a turbulent eight years.The Friedkin Group (TFG) finalised it’s majority takeover in a deal which is believed to be worth in excess of £400m.The Friedkin Group (TFG) has completed its takeover of Everton, ending the Premier League club’s long search for new ownershipThe takeover ends the eight year turbulent tenure of Farhad MoshiriThe Texas-based group is led by billionaire chairman Dan FriedkinRoundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, which is an entity within The Friedkin Group, have bought Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club.The group reached an agreement with Moshiri on 23 September and were awaiting regulatory approval, with the Premier League having the final say on the deal, which has now been granted.Formal confirmation that the deal could go ahead came on Wednesday from the Premier League’s independent oversight panel.As part of the takeover agreement, TFG will significantly reduce the debt burden at the previously cash-strapped club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe owners have committed to paying off the £200m owed to American insurance firm ACAP via a series of instalments, and refinancing a further £150m owed to another lender, Rights and Media Funding, on long-term, low interest rates. TFG’s own loans to the club, which have since risen by the tens of millions in recent months, will now be treated as a mix of equity and long-term senior debt, secured against the new stadium.The Texas-based group is led by chairman Dan Friedkin and also owns Italian Serie A club Roma.Friedkin has a net worth of £6.1bn, according to Forbes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFriedkin has been proposed as the chairman of Everton’s board, with Marc Watts serving as executive chairman. Friedkin said in an open letter: “I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Arsenal player ratings vs Everton”Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.”Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world.”We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”Watts will be responsible for the management of the club.He said: “Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club.”We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. “Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. “While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”British-Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri has sold his 94.1 per cent stakeThe Friedkin Group’s proposed £800million takeover of the Toffees fell apart in July over concerns about the club’s debt to 777, an investment firm based in Miami.The debt was said to come from a series of loans taken out by the club from the firm last season and was worth £200m.TFG will be looking to clean up the club’s balance sheet and reduce debt of about £600m.The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will open at the start of the 2025-2026 seasonCredit: GettyRepresentatives are in the UK and will be at Sunday’s Premier League match with Chelsea at Goodison Park.The focus will be on maintaining the club’s position in the Prem and the Blues are 16th, three points above the relegation zone.It ends the Premier League club’s long search for new ownership.The Toffees become the 10th club in the Premier League under majority American ownership.British-Iranian businessman Moshiri first bought a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton for £87.5m in 2016, before increasing his holding to 94.1 per cent in 2022.While no sums have been disclosed, Moshiri will walk away having made a significant loss. Everton fans have held numerous banners up protesting the old ownershipIn all, Moshiri invested around £750m in his dream but ended with little or no financial return as the blue side of Merseyside spiralled downwards.Moshiri said: “I truly believe that the transaction with The Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the club and its future success.”I now hand over to new owners confident in the outlook for the club and that our incredible fans will see the success on the pitch that they so thoroughly deserve.”Ana Dunkel, TFG’s chief financial officer and Colin Chong, the club’s interim CEO, will also serve on the board. Additional appointments will be made in the coming weeks.Houston-based TFG made money through its subsidiary Gulf States Toyota before branching into other spheres including film and entertainment.The group posted revenues of over £10bn for the last financial year.Fans inside Goodison frequently protested against Farhad Moshiri’s ownershipWhat happened under Farhad Moshiri’s reign?Everton were regarded as a model of stability during the 11-year reign of David Moyes from 2002-13.However, Moshiri replaced this bliss with a rapid-fire revolving door approach during which he made seven full-time appointments.The first six lasting an average of only 309 days each between their first and final games before current gaffer Sean Dyche.Many supporters protested about his ownership, with Moshiri mostly absent from matches at Goodison Park since October 2021.He and the club were hit hard by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Everton suspending commercial sponsorships with USM Holdings, which was part-owned by Alisher Usmanov.The billionaire had his assets frozen by the European Union and Moshiri resigned from his role as chairman in the company when Usmanov was sanctioned.Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 85th minute winner kept Everton in the Prem in May 2022Moshiri had been looking for a buyer and agreed to sell his stake to 777 Partners in September 2023.But eight months later it missed a deadline to complete the takeover.Last season, Everton were deducted points twice – amounting to a total of eight after an appeals process – for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.The club have been flirting with relegation since the 2021-2022 season.Moshiri made his most controversial move that season by appointing former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who departed within seven months.Frank Lampard came in January 2022 and helped Everton to preserve their top-flight status on a dramatic final day of the season with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Lampard was sacked in January 2023 and replaced by Dyche, who also battled hard to keep them in the Prem.The Toffees again had to secure survival on tense a final day in May 2023, with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth getting them over the line.Toffees fans reacted furiously to the club’s point deductions last season More

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      Footballer in his 30s killed on night out in horror ‘attack’ as devastated club pays tribute & suspends all games

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      HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a footballer in his 30s who died following an alleged assault on a night out.James Hitchcock, who played as a goalkeeper for club Barton Town FC, passed away “peacefully” in hospital after suffering “serious head injuries”.James Hitchcock was described as a popular member of the teamCredit: Barton Town FCJames (right) died following an alleged assault on a night outCredit: Barton Town FCHe died after suffering serious head injuriesCredit: X @BartonTownOBThe married dad-of-one died from injuries sustained following an incident at York railway station at around 8.45pm on Sunday.According to British Transport Police, 22-year-old Mckenzie Dicicco has been arrested and charged with murder and affray.Dicicco is due to appear at York Magistrates’ Court.Tributes poured in for Hitchcock after Barton Town made the sobering announcement of his death on social media earlier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll the club’s weekend games have been postponed in tribute to Hitchcock.A statement from Hitchock’s club read: “Barton Town FC are devastated to announce that following a serious head injury, our First Team goalkeeper James Hitchcock has passed away peacefully in hospital.“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, April, their young son, Freddie, his parents, family and friends.“All the club’s games scheduled for this weekend will be postponed as a mark of respect.”Most read in FootballClub chairman Mark Gregory said the club was “devastated”, adding Mr Hitchcock was a “popular but quiet” member of the first team.He said: “The news of James’s death has been hard to take in. It’s horrible. James was a popular member of the club. “We are all devastated. We are a very close-knit club.”Barton Town’s senior men were due to play Silsden in the Northern Counties East Football League this weekend.Hitchcock joined Barton Town in May after being signed by manager Anthony Bowsley from Bridlington Town.His former side led the tributes with a club statement.It read: “It is with disbelief that the club has been made aware of the death of our much loved ex goalkeeper James Hitchcock in tragic circumstances.“The word ‘devastated’ does not explain how we as a club feel at this time.“‘Hitch’ will always be on our minds and in our hearts and our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers go to April and Freddie and all the family.“Hitch will be remembered before our home game on Boxing Day. RIP Keeps.”Barton Town’s NCEL rivals Pickering Town noted: “The club wish to send our deepest condolences to the family of goalkeeper James Hitchcock, who passed away yesterday after tragic circumstances.“James was a very good opponent of ours over many years for many clubs and will be sadly missed by many players and supporters.”Skelmersdale United noted: “We would like to offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of James Hitchcock. RIP.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHull City Ladies added: “On behalf of everyone at Hull City Ladies Football Club, we are deeply sorry to hear about James Hitchcock.“Our thoughts are with Barton Town and James’ family and friends.”Tributes have poured in for the dad-of-oneCredit: @SeasidersReview More

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 weigh in: What time is weigh in and how can I watch for FREE?

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      WE are days away from the blockbuster rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.The two faced off for the first time back in May – and the Ukrainian walked out the victor, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.Oleksandr Usyk weighed in at a career heaviest ahead of the last fightCredit: APFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchOn a dramatic night, Usyk won by a split decision, which saw Fury defeated for the first time in his illustrious 16-year professional career.The Gypsy King will be out for revenge this time around, and there is much speculation that he will come in way heavier for the rematch.All will be revealed at the official weigh-in – and SunSport has all the details so you can catch the two fighters stepping on the scales.When is the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 weigh-in?The official weigh-in for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will take place on Friday, December 20.The event will begin at around 5pm GMT.READ MORE IN BOXINGHow to watch the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 weigh-in for FREEThe Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 weigh-in will be available to watch for FREE.Sky Sports, DAZN and TNT Sports will all broadcast the weigh-in on their respective YouTube channels.SunSport will bring you each fighter’s official weight in our huge preview for the colossal heavyweight meeting.What did Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk weigh-in at for their first fight?In May, Fury weighed in at his lightest in over four years, with the scales reading 18st 7lb (262lb) ahead of his first fight against Usyk.Most read in BoxingWhile the Ukrainian came in at a career-heavy 16st (224lb).When is Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk 2?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will take place on Saturday, December 21.The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosts the big fight.The ring walks are expected from around 11pm BST.Watch Fury Vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.How to Watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 live on DAZNGet ready to rumble with Fury vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN Pay-Per-View! Here’s how:Buy the PPV: Get access to the fight by purchasing the PPV on DAZN.No Commitment, 7-Day Free Trial: With your PPV purchase, you’ll also receive a 7-day free trial of DAZN. Enjoy all the action and explore DAZN’s sports lineup with no extra cost!First Month Free: Monthly DAZN subscribers can get their first month for free when signing up!No Subscription Required: The PPV price is all you need to pay. There’s no obligation to continue after your free trial ends.Don’t miss the biggest fight of 2024! On December 21st “Gypsy King” Tyson Fury takes on “The Cat” Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in what promises to be the rematch of the century — order now and start your free DAZN trial today! More