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      in Soccer

      Football star who notched up over 300 appearances for his club dies aged 89 as tributes pour in

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      FOOTBALL star Mick McGrath has passed away aged 89.The defender was one of the last remaining survivors of Blackburn Rovers’ 1960 FA Cup final side.Football star Mick McGrath has passed away aged 89Credit: FacebookThe stalwart made more than 300 appearances for Blackburn RoversCredit: GettyMcGrath later made the East Lancs town his homeCredit: GettyThe Irishman also featured in the 1957/58 Division Two promotion-winning team.McGrath arrived from the Home Farm club in Dublin.The stalwart made more than 300 appearances for the club and secured 22 caps for the Republic of Ireland.He told the Telegraph: “Coming from Ireland as a young lad playing for someone like Blackburn Rovers was a great thing in itself and to get in the first team, well it was a feeling hard to describe.”He played 50 times for Bradford after leaving Rovers at the end of the 1965-66 season.The footballer finished his career as player-manager at Bangor City.McGrath later made the East Lancs town his home.He worked for Thwaites Brewery for over 20 years before retiring.Most read in FootballA Rovers spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Mick McGrath, at the age of 89.”Everyone at Blackburn Rovers offers our thoughts and sincere condolences to Mick’s family and friends at this sad time.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Raging Christian Horner told brings picture evidence against ‘very harsh’ Max Verstappen F1 penalty at Saudi Arabia GP

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER presented fresh evidence disputing the “very harsh” penalty given to Max Verstappen at the Formula One Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.Verstappen finished the race in second behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, but was only overtaken after being handed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.Raging Christian Horner showed a printed picture to media claiming Max Verstappen was wrong to be punished by race stewardsCredit: RexVerstappen was handed a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantageCredit: GettyHe came second to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in Saudi ArabiaCredit: RexThe incident occurred off of the race start at Turn 1 as Piastri made it to the first corner apex quicker than Verstappen.The Red Bull star then abandoned his attempt at making the second turn in the chicane, instead driving over the track limits to not lose any time.Piastri, 24, was over the team radio asserting he was ahead at the corner and that Verstappen needed to give the position back, while the Dutchman said he had been left with nowhere to go.Verstappen, 27, was then handed a penalty by race stewards which he responded to by saying “f***ing lovely” down the team radio, before serving it during his mandatory pit stop.READ MORE IN F1That advantage ended up being the difference as Piastri won his third race win of the season, making him the first Australian to lead the World Drivers Championship since Mark Webber in 2010.But in the media room after the race, fuming Red Bull team principal Christian Horner went around waving a picture of the Turn 1 incident as supposed evidence that the penalty was wrong.F1 reporter Chris Medland said a rival team principal not from McLaren told Horner: “Let it go, he was never making that corner.”Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Horner said: “We have that discussion before the race with the directors. We have the notion of let them race but I’m not sure where Max is supposed to go.”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFuming Verstappen stormed out of his post-race interview with David Coulthard and was quiet in the cooldown room before the podium.He later went full Jose Mourinho as he raged on the penalty: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull future”The world we live in, you can’t share your opinion fully, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth. For me it’s better. “I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time. We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming. Everyone is super sensitive about everything.“Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway, that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.”On whether he would appeal the decision, the four-time world champion said it was “not in my interest” and was only looking to go home.After the race the FIA released a statement explaining their decision, revealing Verstappen had actually escaped a punishment of double the severity.It said: “Car 81 was alongside Car 1 at the apex. Based on the Driver’s Standards Guidelines, it was therefore Car 81’s corner and hewas entitled to be given room.”Car 1 then left the track and gained a lasting advantage that was not given back. He stayed in front of Car 81 and sought to build on the advantage.”Ordinarily, the baseline penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is 10 seconds.”However, given that this was lap one and turn one incident, we considered that to be a mitigating circumstance and imposed a 5 second time penalty instead.”Read More on The SunSaudi Arabia brought a close to the first triple-header of the F1 season, with a week break now before the Miami Grand Prix on May 4.Piastri leads the World Drivers Championship ahead of team-mate Lando Norris, who recovered from a crash in qualifying to finish fourth, by 10 points and Verstappen by 12 points.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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      in Soccer

      Football matches postponed in Italy following death of Pope Francis and Serie A games on Easter Monday called off

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      ALL football matches in Italy have been postponed after the passing of Pope Francis.A Serie A statement confirmed the top flight would postpone all games on Easter Monday.The Serie A has postponed all games after the death of Pope FrancisCredit: APAs confirmed by the Vatican on Monday morning, the late Pope passed away at the age of 88.Four top flight games in Italy were scheduled to commence today, starting with Torino v Udinese at 11:30 UK time.A league statement released shortly after the announcement said: “Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today’s league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. “The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe other top flight games affected by the decision today were Cagliari v Fiorentina, Genoa v Lazio and Parma v Juventus.There were also three games in the Primavera 1 – Italy’s development league – which were also hit by the postponements.It is currently unclear when the games will be rearranged.The late Pope had suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was younger.Most read in FootballHe was admitted to hospital on February 14 for a respiratory issue that developed into double pneumonia.His Holiness had been in hospital for 38 days. The day before his death, he had emerged on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in a Popemobile tour.The Vatican statement on Pope Francis’ death said: “At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘lead race to sign in-demand Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, 25, but sky-high valuation could be an issue’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are leading the race to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, according to reports.The forward has been in fine form this season, finding the net ten times in all competitions.Man Utd lead the race to sign Antoine SemenyoCredit: RexHe is believed to have attracted attention from every Big Six club, with the exception of Arsenal.But it is United who are the frontrunners for his signature, claim Sky Sports.Ruben Amorim is said to be a big admirer of the winger, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £10.5million in January 2023.Now it is understood Semenyo could cost £70m, with the Cherries unlikely to let him go easily.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat could present an issue for United, although the structure of the deal could include a lower fee with big add-ons.The Red Devils are in need of a forward with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony all expected to depart on a permanent basis.However Liverpool also need an attacker so could battle United for Semenyo’s signature.Amorim is in desperate need of new recruits after suffering his 13th defeat as boss at home to Wolves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCrystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze is another who has been earmarked for the summer in a potential £50m deal.Aston Villa are also interested in the midfielder and could make Rashford’s loan stay permanent.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd More

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      in Boxing

      Ben Whittaker denies SPITTING at rival Liam Cameron’s trainer after all hell broke loose following stunning KO win

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      BEN WHITTAKER denied spitting at Liam Cameron’s trainer after his stunning knock-out win.There were dramatic scenes in Birmingham as Whittaker put to bed any doubts by KOing Cameron in the second round.Ben Whittaker denied spitting at Liam Cameron’s trainer after his winWhittaker won the rematch with a devastating second round KOCredit: PACameron and Whittaker tumbled out of the ring in their first meetingCredit: PAThe pair faced off six months after their controversial draw in Saudi Arabia, which saw both fighters tumble out of the ring before Whittaker withdrew on medical grounds.He faced criticism in the aftermath of that result and he admitted he allowed his emotions to get the better of him after beating Cameron.Whittaker, 27, lunged out of the ring and into the face of Cameron’s trainer Grant Smith, who attempted to slap him.But he denies claims he spat at Smith, instead suggesting some saliva may have come out of his mouth as he roared in delight over his win.READ MORE IN BOXINGWhittaker said: “They are portraying me as a bad guy, but I work very hard, I was roaring like a lion.”If a bit of dribble came out, dribble came out.”Whittaker’s trainer Andy Lee supported his fighter, suggesting his emotional reaction was to be expected given the criticism he has faced.Whittaker – who divides opinion with his showboating in the ring – was accused of QUITTING against Cameron first time round by some boxing fans.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLee said following Whittaker’s win: “He has been through so much, just to be back in the ring tonight, he has had to suffer so many insults. “It is natural that he would be a little bit emotional.”Ben Whittaker DESTROYS bitter rival Liam Cameron in second round of rematch before raging at opponent’s corner More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN feels the FIA is gagging him as the four-time world champion says “people cannot handle the truth”.The Dutch Red Bull driver was left frustrated after being slapped with a five-second penalty for illegally going off the track in a battle with Oscar Piastri on the first lap.Max VErstappen hit out at his penalty during the Saudi GPCredit: GettyHe also confronted FIA President Mohammed ben SulayemCredit: GettyThis cost Verstappen, who finished in second, and he slammed the punishment as “f***ing lovely” on his team radio and walked off after a blunt post-race interview.When asked about the penalty he said: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.“The world we live in, you can’t share your opinion fully, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth.“For me it’s better. I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time.READ MORE ON F1“We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming.“Everyone is super sensitive about everything.“Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway, that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.When asked if his anger was directed at the FIA’s swearing rules, he said: “I know I cannot swear in here but at the same time you can also not be critical.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Or any kind of form that might harm or danger, let me get the sheet out…“There’s a lot of lines, that’s why it’s better not to talk about it or you can get yourself in trouble and I don’t think anyone wants that.”Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureOscar Piastri won the Saudi GPCredit: GettyVerstappen suggested that he could be hit with a fine if he were to speak out of line.And he wouldn’t have been the first driver to have to pay up for an unusual reason.Carlos Sainz was hit with a £17,000 bill for breaching pre-race procedure despite suffering a medical issue at the Japanese Grand Prix.The punishment came after he was seconds late to the national anthem due to an upset stomach.He has then risked a £34,500 fine for his X-rated outburst following the original sanction.McLaren’s Piastri powered home to win the Saudi GP and go top of the Drivers’ Championship.After claiming victory, Piastri said: “I’m looking for a couch, it was a pretty tough race.”I’m very happy to have obviously won, I made the difference at the start and made my case into Turn One, and that was enough.”It was really tricky to follow out there, I couldn’t really stay with Max Verstappen at the end of the first stint and I just chewed up my tyres.”The clean air was nice after the pit stop, it was a clean race and we did the parts we needed to right.”We still needed a bit more, Max [Verstappen] was a bit too close for our liking but a great race and a great weekend.”There is now a two-week break before the next F1 race.Read More on The SunRace six will come on May 4 in Miami as the first of three races in the United States this season.It is also the second Sprint Race of the season, following on from China.Drivers standings after Saudi Arabia GPHere’s how we look after five races of the season…P1) Piastri – 99P2) Norris – 89P3) Verstappen – 87P4) Russell – 73P5) Leclerc – 47P6) Antonelli – 38P7) Hamilton – 31P8) Albon – 20P9) Ocon – 14P10) Stroll – 10 More

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      in Soccer

      Ruud van Nistelrooy drops huge hint over Leicester future after Foxes are relegated back to the Championship

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has dropped a big hint about his future after Leicester were relegated.The Foxes fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool courtesy of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dramatic winner 14 minutes from time.Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to continue as Leicester boss despite taking them downThat was Leicester’s 23rd Premier League defeat of the season with Van Nistelrooy winning just two of his 21 league matches in charge.Despite his record, Van Nistelrooy is hopeful he will be given the chance to continue in his role and lead the rebuild at the King Power Stadium.He said following Leicester’s relegation: “I’m focused on taking my responsibility to do the best things for the future and next season. “Performances like Brighton and the Liverpool game are signs that the players are willing to do that. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We have to take responsibility and that’s what I’m doing for the next five weeks and after that we have to see.”Van Nistelrooy highlighted the gulf in quality between the three promoted sides and the rest of the division, with Leicester and Southampton set to be joined by Ipswich in the Championship next season.He is still keen on the job however and spoke about coming to an agreement with the owners over staying on.Asked if he wants to continue, Van Nistelrooy said: “Of course. Then you have to find each other.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”The winter window went a certain way and we have to take that into evaluations moving forward.”If we are willing to do so, both sides, then we have to find each other, and of course the sooner the better.”Leicester fans spotted streaming out just 35 minutes into Newcastle clash as hopeless Foxes hurtle towards relegationHe added: “I expected to get more points than I was able to get.”I think there some very good performances and that’s what we’ve said in press conferences and there were games where didn’t perform to our capabilities. “Over 33 games, it’s the level of the three promoted sides – the gap has been too big compared to the other 17 teams – it’s a clear, difference in quality with two teams relegated already and the other one 15 points back with five games – that’s the first conclusion and most important one.” More

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      Argentina legend Hugo Gatti dies aged 80, after ‘complications’ following hip surgery during two-month hospital stay

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      LEGENDARY Argentinian goalkeeper Hugo Gatti has died aged 80, just months after he reportedly suffered complications following surgery.The footballer, nicknamed El Loco or “The Madman” for his outspoken character and eccentric play style, also made more than 350 appearances for Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in an illustrious career.Argentina legend Hugo Gatti has died aged 80Credit: GettyThe goalkeeper was credited with being one of the first to wear gloves and to regularly leave his penalty areaHe made 18 appearances for the Argentinian national team, including at the 1966 World Cup in EnglandCredit: AlamyIt comes just weeks after it was reported Gatti was in intensive care after contracting pneumonia, following surgery undertaken on his hip.The star was operated on after injuring himself in a fall while walking his dog..Tragically, he passed away on Sunday, after more than a month in hospital, sources confirmed to La Nacion.Gatti is credited as one of the first goalkeepers to wear gloves and made 18 appearances for the Argentinian national team.Read More on SportHe was also part of the squad that travelled to England to compete at the 1966 World Cup.The iconic goalkeeper played for both River Plate and Boca Juniors in Argentina after turning professional with Buenos Aires club Atlanta.He holds the record for the most appearances in the Argentine league ever, with 765 games played.Gatti was also credited as being one of the first keepers to regularly leave his penalty area.Most read in FootballAfter retiring, following 13 years at his last club Boca Juniors, he became a TV football pundit.Earlier this year, it was reported how the legendary keeper was being treated in intensive care after contracting pneumonia, following hip surgery.While the 80-year-old’s operation initially went well, a virus he contracted in hospital caused post-op complications.The aftermath and breathing problems that occurred saw Gatti placed in a high-dependency care unit.One of his two sons was already in Argentina, but the other had to return to his homeland after being told Gatti was fighting for his life.It comes less than a year after the goalkeeper lost his wife of more than 50 years, Nacha Nodar.They had married in 1977 and had two children.One of their kids, Lucas, went on to play as a midfielder for Argentinos Juniors, Dundee, and Badajoz.Lucas was appointed U23 manager at League Two side Bromley after hanging up his boots in 2022.Read More on The SunThe 47-year-old coach also managed Serie D side Olbia in Italy for a month last year.Argentina legend Gatti made headlines in 2019 after he claimed Lionel Messi would need to leave Barcelona and join Real Madrid to prove he was truly the greatest of all time.Gatti made more than 350 appearances for Boca Juniors during his careerCredit: AlamyThe goalkeeper was hospitalised earlier this year after suffering from ‘complications’ following surgeryCredit: GettyHe played his last match in 1988Credit: AFP More