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      in Soccer

      Forgotten England striker sends Thomas Tuchel selection headache after becoming Champions League winner

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      IVAN TONEY handed Thomas Tuchel a new selection headache by adding ‘Champions League winner’ to his CV.England striker Toney helped Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli defeat Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to lift Asia’s elite club trophy.Ivan Toney poses with his medal after winning the Asian Champions LeagueCredit: AFPToney, 29, left Brentford for Saudi Arabia last summerCredit: GettyToney celebrates with his Al-Ahli team-matesCredit: GettyTuchel picked Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke ahead of Toney for his first Three Lions squad two months ago.This was Toney’s first major trophy win — and was Al-Ahli’s debut Champions League final success after near misses in 1986 and 2012.Toney, 29, left Brentford in a £40million switch last summer having played three games for Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024.And he was not the only ex-Prem star to pick up medals as Al-Ahli triumphed in Jeddah.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino had both won Uefa’s Champions League with their former clubs.Whil Edouard Mendy helped Chelsea prevail in the competition four years ago.Firmino set up both goals, teeing up fellow Brazilian Galeno for a 35th-minute opener and crossing for Franck Kessie seven minutes later.Toney — who has bagged 26 goals in 39 Al-Ahli appearances —   might have netted early on but  was denied by keeper Louis Yamaguchi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRoberto Firmino hailed his side as ‘mentality monsters’Credit: GettyEdouard Mendy was in goal for the victorious Saudi sideCredit: GettyRiyad Mahrez poses alongside team-mate Ziyad Al-JohaniCredit: GettyFirmino, who left Anfield in 2023, said: “This title win shows we have a monster mentality.”We believed we could be champions and we’ve done it.”Inside Ivan Toney’s wild £100k birthday party with free booze for women guests More

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      in Soccer

      Serie A star Edoardo Bove bursts into tears as he makes first appearance at Roma stadium since collapsing on pitch

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      EDOARDO BOVE made an emotional return to Roma this evening, six months on from collapsing during a match.While on loan at Fiorentina, the 22-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during a match against Inter Milan and was rushed to hospital.Edoardo Bove received a warm reception from Roma supportersCredit: GettyBove, 22, was visibly moved by his Stadio Olimpico returnCredit: GettyBove caught up with his Roma team-matesCredit: SplashBove was subsequently discharged 12 days later, having had a defibrillator fitted.The midfielder has since been recovering and has signalled his intention to return to action next season.Born in the Italian capital, Bove came through the ranks at boyhood club Roma.The Italy Under-21 international joined Fiorentina on loan last summer and remains contracted to Roma until 2028.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Fiorentina travelling to Roma earlier today, Bove made his first return to a packed Stadio Olimpico since his cardiac arrest.While still not back in action, the homecoming hero travelled with his team-mates to the match and was met with a brilliant response.Bove was visibly moved during a rapturous reception from Roma’s Curva Sud.While a banner read: “Edoardo, don’t give up, keep dreaming.”Most read in FootballSpeaking to the Italian edition of Vanity Fair earlier this year, Bove signalled his intention to return to action.The star said: “I know that this is a temporary condition. My goal is to return to playing in June.Christian Eriksen heads to public heart screening and urges fans to get checked after Euro 2020 cardiac arrest “I still have a few (medical) visits to do, the doctors have to cross-reference all of the data.”On how his defibrillator could affect his career, given that they are banned in Serie A, Bove added: “If I decide to keep it, I won’t be able to play in Italy.”Here, health comes before the individual, I’m not saying that the rule is wrong.”Abroad, yes, (it is possible to play) practically everywhere. Football is too important for me, I can’t allow myself to give up like this.”I’ll try again, without a shadow of a doubt. I will also see how I am, If I’m afraid, if I don’t feel calm, then everything will change.”Serie A’s defibrillator rule led to Christian Eriksen leaving Inter Milan, with the Dane initially returning to action with Brentford before signing for Manchester United.Bove collapsed during a match in December and was taken to hospitalCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘I was dying inside’ – F1 fans stunned after Martin Brundle CONGRATULATES Conor Benn despite boxer losing to Eubank Jr

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      FORMULA ONE fans were left stunned after Martin Brundle CONGRATULATED Conor Benn for his loss to Chris Eubank Jr.F1 favourite Brundle was in the paddock hunting for celebs ahead of the Miami Grand Prix when the incident happened.F1 fans were stunned by Martin Brundle’s interview with Conor BennCredit: Sky SportsBenn lost his grudge match to Chris Eubank Jr last monthCredit: PABrundle charged towards Benn for a quick chat.But he left supporters amazed when he congratulated the ace on his defeat.Benn was beaten on points in his grudge match with Eubank Jr last weekend.Yet that didn’t stop Brundle from praising Benn’s efforts.READ MORE IN SPORTAfter introducing himself, Brundle said: “Wow, what a boxing match that was, congratulations.”Benn took it in his stride though, saying: “Thank you, I appreciate that.“Althought it was a great fight, I didn’t get the W which I can for, so hopefully we’ll run it back in September and I can make amends.“This is my first time here, it’s absolutely amazing, what an event, what an occasion, I see why loads of people turn up.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFans certainly found Brundle’s interaction with Benn hilarious.One said: “I was dying inside.”’Never seen Martin Brundle more confused in my life’ – Bonkers moment F1 icon interviews UNICORN live on Sky Sports_1Another declared: “Felt stressed watching it, so awkward.”One added: “Brundle usually quick on his toes, not this time.”Oscar Piastri showed Max Verstappen who the daddy was to win the Miami Grand Prix on the Dutchman’s big weekend.Lando Norris also came in second as McLaren stole the show on the weekend where Verstappen welcomed his first child and secured pole position for Sunday’s race.The Dutchman, whose partner Kelly Piquet gave birth to their daughter Lily ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, settled for fourth, behind George Russell in third.Ferrari suffered more team orders chaos as Lewis Hamilton was left fuming with his race engineer over swapping positions with Charles Leclerc as the seven-time world champion finished eighth behind the other Ferrari in seventh. More

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      in Boxing

      I woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in my arm after nearly dying on a flight… I feared the worst, says Frank Bruno

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      FRANK Bruno has told how he thought he was dying after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flight — admitting: “I feared the worst.”The British boxing legend, 63, recalled feeling feverish before blacking out.Frank Bruno has told how he thought he was dying after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flightCredit: Louis WoodFrank’s PA took a snap of the star as they prepared to take off on the ill-fated flightCredit: FacebookBritish boxing legend Frank in his heydayCredit: GettyHe woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in his arm and worried PA Paul Hunter at his bedside.Unknown to Frank, he had been taken off the plane in a wheelchair after it landed, stretchered to a medical centre and then rushed off by an emergency ambulance.Talking for the first time about his mid-air health drama, the former world heavyweight champion said: “I did fear the worst because I have never been like that in my life.“If Paul hadn’t been there, I don’t think I would have been sitting here doing this interview with you.”Frank and Paul were on a Qatar Airways flight from Heathrow to Doha on March 3.As they prepared for take-off, Paul took a snap of Frank, which the star then shared online.They were due to take a connecting flight from Doha to Thailand, where four meet-and-greet speaking events had been lined up.But Frank became feverish and disorientated 2½ hours after take-off.Worried Paul, 59, alerted crew who found the now-delirious dad of four’s temperature was rising and his oxygen levels dropping.They alerted medics at Hamad International Airport.Frank Bruno in mid-air emergency after falling ‘seriously ill’ on flight prompting docs to take drastic actionSoon after being taken off the plane, Frank was heading to Al-Wakra Hospital, ten miles away — with Paul fearing it was “touch and go”.Frank was treated there for two weeks for a mystery virus.He was allowed to return home only after a doctor jetted out from London, passed him fit to fly and accompanied him back.Frank told The Sun: “I was excited to be going to Thailand. “I felt really good.“But on the plane, I was just agitated and couldn’t chill out. “I got up to go to the toilet and all of a sudden I forgot what was happening to me.’I just blacked out’“I had a fever but don’t really remember what happened at all. “It was crazy. “I’ve never had a problem on a flight in my life.“I just blacked out because next thing I knew, I woke up and I was in bed in hospital with a drip in my arm. “Paul was by my side and I just didn’t know what was going on.“I was wondering, ‘What the hell am I doing here? I’m supposed to be in Thailand’, you know what I mean? “I was surrounded by nurses and couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying.”Fan favourite Frank with his PA Paul HunterCredit: Louis WoodFrank was speaking at the Frank Bruno Foundation — his Northampton-based charity that offers those suffering mental health problems an eight-week programme including exercise to boost their well-being.He has made full recovery since his ordeal and looked in great shape due to his improved exercise regime at his home gym and a nearby fitness centre where he has a new personal trainer.During the chat, the much-loved fighter, known for his booming laugh, cracked jokes and did impressions.But he confessed he had struggled with having to stay in a hospital bed for two weeks.’My life was on the line’He had scans on his body and brain, and a lumbar puncture procedure which ruled out meningitis.He said: “I had a lot of energy and I was getting out and walking around.“I just wanted to move, and the doctors were b*****king me for getting out of bed.” As he had not cleared passport control, Frank had no belongings and could not discharge himself to leave the country.He said: “I realised I had to stay there for my health — because my life was on the line.“As for (contacting) family and friends, Paul was doing all the work, you know what I mean? I wasn’t allowed a phone.“And I felt bad because there’s a lot of British people in Thailand who had bought tickets and a lot of people involved who were disappointed. “I’ve been to Thailand before and I have a laugh over there.I feel very good about the tour. I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving.Frank Bruno“I bought a load of suits last time I was over there so I was planning to buy some more — some brightly coloured suits, but it never happened.“Hopefully I will get over there to see my fans soon.”PA Paul spoke to their insurers Zurich, which arranged for the UK-based doctor to fly out and return with them in business class.Frank was given VIP treatment to whisk him through airport controls.He said: “I was OK but just felt a little bit weak.”He spent another two weeks in a private hospital in London. Frank went on: “I was at least able to eat, go to the gym, watch TV and go for walks around Hyde Park. “I came out feeling very strong again.”He was buoyed by the public support after we revealed the drama on March 21. He said: “It was very nice to get cards, calls and messages.”He is now set for some of the British dates that had to be rescheduled. And he reassured fans: “I feel good, very, very good — I was up at 5.30 this morning training.”Frank added: “I feel very good about the tour. “I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving.” More

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      in Soccer

      Italian amateur side gifted lifetime subscription to escort website after winning promotion to Serie D

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      AN AMATEUR Italian side has been gifted a lifetime subscription to an escort website after winning promotion to Serie D.Athletic Palermo are based on the island of Sicily and have been playing at amateur level for many years.An escort website has given a lifetime subscription to a team for achieving promotionCredit: RedditAthletic Palermo will be playing in Serie D for the first time next seasonCredit: RedditBut fans are now celebrating after the club achieved promotion to the big leagues for the first time.Athletic Palermo will now be playing in Serie D after securing a spot in Italy’s fourth division for next term.Players have been toasting their success ever since confirming their new status with a win over rivals Partinicaudace.But they have now been given an extremely bizarre gift by their sponsors.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAthletic Palermo are backed by an escort website called Escort Advisor.And the adult platform decided to pay homage to the players by giving them a lifetime subscription.CEO Mike Morra declared the present in a congratulatory message.He said: “We wanted to mark this achievement with a practical gift.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Now the players and coaches can finally relax… with a little extra bonus.”Palermo’s escort present came as there were wild scenes amid Bradford’s promotion back in England.Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-timeFans invaded the pitch after a 97th minute sent them to League One.However, the ref’s final whistle had not yet blown, leading to panic among Bradford players as they tried to clear the supporters from the field. More

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      in Soccer

      William Saliba ‘in talks with Real Madrid for weeks’ over sensational summer transfer from Arsenal

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      WILLIAM SALIBA has been in talks with Real Madrid for weeks, claim reports in France.The Arsenal centre-back has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates.William Saliba has been a regular for Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyGunners chiefs are said to be keen on renewing the Frenchman’s deal.But according to French paper L’Equipe, Real Madrid are pursuing the 24-year-old.The Spanish giants are desperate to sign a new star centre-back this summer – with Saliba at the top of their list.Real chiefs are said to be willing to assure the Arsenal star that he would become the leader of their defence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners ace is unlikely to force an immediate move – but could run down his contract.It’s claimed that Real Madrid is the only club that could lure Saliba away from the Emirates.The LaLiga champions have an extensive recent track record of signing players that have run down their deals at previous clubs.Real Madrid snapped up Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have also arrived as free agents in recent years.Los Blancos are also expected to tie up a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to be out of contract at Liverpool this summer.Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clashThe Gunners bought Saliba from Saint-Etienne in a £27million deal in 2019.Following loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille, Saliba was finally given his chance in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.The classy defender has gone on to make 131 appearances for the Gunners.Saliba has also become a regular for his country, earning 26 caps for France. More

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      in Soccer

      Let football fans drink alcohol in the stands again, demands Labour MP

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      FOOTBALL fans should be allowed to enjoy a pint in the stands while cheering on their team, an MP says.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiums to allow supporters to have alcoholic drinks.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiumsCredit: SuppliedAnd the Football Supporters’ Association has given its backing to the call by the MP for York Outer.Booze is currently prohibited from being consumed in sight of the pitch in the Premier League, English Football League and National League.But it is permitted further down the football league pyramid — and in other countries, such as Germany.Mr Charters said: “I think it’s time to reconsider the alcohol ban in view of the pitch, and at least try to run some trials of designated drinking zones.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FANS“You can sit with a beer and watch the Bundesliga — so why can’t you have a pint while watching the Prem?“As a dad, I think it’s right that some parts of the ground should probably stay booze-free.“But let’s have a common-sense conversation about what we can do to make the matchday experience better — and back our great local breweries in the process.”The FSA backed Mr Charters’ call for drinking zone trials and said: “In the past, this is actually something many clubs have called for too.”Most read in FootballAlcohol can be sold on the concourse at games before and during matches but cannot be taken in to the stands.The ban has been in place in the men’s game since 1985.Shock moment ‘drunk’ football fans bellow crass chants at Ryanair hostess mid-flight and tell her to ‘get her t**s out’But trials allowing the consumption of alcohol in view of the pitch have taken place in the women’s game, which is not covered by the ban.Southampton, Birmingham City, Bristol City and Newcastle United took part this season.Mr Charters also tore into ticket prices and wants the £30 cap for away fans in the Premier League extended to the EFL and National League.He said: “Whether it’s clubs canning concessions or FA Cup Final ticket prices flying up, this fleecing of fans is blighting our beautiful game.”Football fans enjoy terrace drinking in 1984, one year before the banCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Aston Villa legend dies aged 91 as tributes pour in after last surviving member of 1957 FA Cup-winning team passes away

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      AN ASTON Villa legend has died – as tributes pour in for the last surviving member of club’s 1957 FA Cup-winning team. Peter McParland, who also won 34 caps for his country, had recently celebrated his 91st birthday before his death, according to the club.Peter McParland was the last surviving member of 1957 FA Cup-winning teamHe passed away shortly after his 91st birthday, the club has confirmedCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Northern Irishman scored both goals in the historic 2-1 win against Manchester United at Wembley – the last time the club lifted the trophy.He is also remembered for a dramatic extra-time winner against Rotherham United in 1961 – securing his team the League Cup title. This made him the first footballer to score in both major domestic knockout cup finals.Over a ten-year stint for Aston Villa, McParland scored 121 goals in 341 appearances.read more football newsHe was equally instrumental to his national side, scoring five goals for Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup – in which they reached the quarter finals.He remains the record-holder for the highest scoring Northern Irishman in World Cup history.In a statement, the club said it was “profoundly saddened” by the news of his death.It added: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”Most read in FootballMcParland was born in Newry, Northern Ireland, in April 1934 – and began his career with Dundalk FC.He was later signed by Villa manager George Martin – making his debut at home to Wolves in September 1952.The plucky young player was still a teenager when he won the first of his 34 international caps – scoring twice against Wales in 1954.As well as the League Cup and FA Cup titles, McParland also helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60.Praising his breadth of talent, the club wrote: “Equally at home at centre-forward as on the left wing, McParland boasted a powerful header of the ball as well as possessing a talented left foot.”In January 1962, after his career at Villa, McParland joined Wolves for £35,000.And in the latter years of his career, he also had spells with Plymouth Argyle and Worcester City – as well as Toronto Inter-Roma in Canada and Atalanta Chiefs in the US.In 2015, Aston Villa hosted McParland as a guest at the 2015 cup final against Arsenal.And in January this year, he attended a special exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.The Aston Villa team following the win against Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association More