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      in Soccer

      Darrell Clarke SACKED by Barnsley as former Premier League star, 34, handed reins until end of the season

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      BARNSLEY have sacked manager Darrell Clarke following a horror run of form.The League One side have won just two of their last 11 games and slipped to tenth in the table.Darrell Clarke has been sacked by BarnsleyCredit: GettyConor Hourihane takes over until the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyClarke has lasted just ten months in the job and leaves the club eight points off the play-off places. Former Premier League star Conor Hourihane will now take charge until the end of the season.The 34-year-old ex-Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland midfielder rejoined Barnsley in a player-coach role before the start of the season.He officially hung up his boots in December and became assistant manager. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJon Stead, who played for the likes of Blackburn, Sunderland and Sheffield United in the Prem, will be Hourihane’s right-hand man.On the sacking of Clarke, Barnsley chairman Neerav Parekh said: “We would like to thank Darrell for his efforts in a season which has been difficult for various reasons. “Darrell has worked extremely hard to try and get the team competitive and pushing for promotion, unfortunately, we find ourselves eight points away from the play-offs and feel that a change is needed.”Sporting director Mladen Sormaz said: “Darrell is someone I respect and have enjoyed working with and I’d like to thank him for his efforts this season. Most read in EFLCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”Whilst a list of replacements has been identified, we will take some time to ensure the next appointment is the right one with a focus on playing identity, returning to high pressing and attacking football.”We believe that Conor can help to create enough bounce to keep us fighting for the top six until the end of the season. “We will also be working in parallel to have a new Head Coach in place over the summer.”Wayne Rooney is back in football management as Soccer Aid’s England boss alongside Tyson Fury More

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      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher’s close friend claims F1 legend should be STRIPPED of seventh world title and won’t acknowledge it

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER should have a world title taken away, claims his friend Roger Benoit.The F1 legend won the world championship a record seven times between 1994 and 2004.Michael Schumacher should have a world title taken away, says Roger BenoitCredit: APDamon Hill could have won the 1994 title if not for a crash with SchumacherCredit: GettyBenoit believes Schumacher won his first title thanks to a foulCredit: AlamyBut Benoit believes his first triumph should be stripped away from him due to the controversial manner of the win.Schumacher led the championship ahead of Damon Hill going into the final race in Australia, where the pair infamously crashed.The German is often blamed for his role in the clash, which saw him hit into Hill before his car flipped over.Both were forced to retire from the race which meant Schumacher won the title by just a point, and Benoit believes the title was settled unfairly.READ MORE IN F1He told Blink: “As a six-time world champion, he definitely belongs in the top five.”Of course, I know that he was world champion seven times. “But the 1994 title should actually be taken away from him because he only won it because of his foul on Damon Hill.”Hill, 64, won one world title in 1996 but is still disappointed by the way the 1994 championship was decided.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBenoit added: “It has become a blemish really on his incredible career.“What happened in Adelaide was a bit disappointing, the way it ended. Disappointed in him, let’s say. That’s the way he went about things.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating update“You look at someone like Roger Federer, who’s had an outstanding career, and there’s not a blemish on it.“A total sportsman the whole way through.“Why would you not want that for your legacy?“And some people just can’t help themselves. They’re just very, very ruthless in competition. And that’s how Michael went about things.“It’s one I think he knew was perhaps regrettable.” More

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      in Soccer

      Heartwarming reason Tottenham stars all wore mismatched socks in training ahead of Europa League tie with AZ Alkmaar

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      TOTTENHAM stars all wore mismatched socks for training ahead of their Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar.Many may have been confused by the different kit – but it was for a good reason.Tottenham Hotspur players all wore mismatched socks for trainingCredit: GettyThe reason was to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome DayCredit: GettyThe team trained ahead of the match against AZ AlkmaarCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou’s players were prepping for their round of 16 second leg tie when they wore the mismatched socks.The reason behind the choice of different socks was to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.A club statement read: “We are proudly supporting Down Syndrome Awareness Week, with our men’s and women’s first team players today training in colourful mismatched socks.”Wearing mismatched socks is the perfect way to show that no two people are the same – regardless of the number of chromosomes they have.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”People across the world are encouraged to take part by ‘rocking their socks’ on Thursday March 21, World Down Syndrome Day.”Our players wore a range of colourful mismatched socks, provided by Nike, at a session attended by young people with Down syndrome and their families.”Meanwhile, there were some concerns for Spurs ahead of the clash against Alkmaar.The North London side lost the first leg 1-0 in Holland after Lucas Bergvall’s own-goal.Most read in Europa LeaguePostcoglou was without January signing Kevin Danso, who was not spotted.The manager admitted: “Kevin got a hamstring injury in the last game so he’s out.”Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham performance ‘nowhere near’ required standard after AZ Alkmaar loss Ange Postecoglou admitted that Kevin Danso was injuredCredit: ReutersForward Richarlison was also training by himself as he builds his fitness.The Europa League is Spurs’ last chance to win silverware this season after exits in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.It also represents the only likely entry into European football for the 2025/26 season.In Postecoglou’s press conference, he was asked if he regretted making the claim that he always wins a trophy in his second season with a club.He said: “My view has always been when you’re asked something, you answer it.”People have used it for their own purposes to make out I was making a bold claim. I was just stating a fact [about the past].”If we do win a trophy this season, then some people might say ‘oh isn’t it nice that he did that after making such a bold claim’.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It wasn’t.”People will just use it the way they want to, whatever the circumstances.” More

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      in Boxing

      Leigh Wood opponent and former world champion Mauricio Lara slapped with two-year boxing ban after failing drugs test

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      BOXER Mauricio Lara has been handed a two-year ban after failing a drugs test before his loss to Leigh Wood. Lara brutally knocked out Wood in February 2023 and they rematched just three months later. Mauricio Lara has been handed a two-year ban after failing a drugs testCredit: GettyBut the Mexican was this time beaten on points – losing his WBA featherweight title. Lara has fought just once more since – drawing to Daniel Lugo in Mexico in February of last year. But it has now emerged that Lara failed a UK Anti-Doping test before his rematch loss to Wood – landing himself a two-year ban. His suspension is backdated to the start date of his provisional suspension and so will expire on March 6th, 2026.READ MORE IN BOXINGUKAD posted: “Mexican professional boxer Mauricio Lara has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport for two years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.”Lara tested positive for betamethasone – known to treat inflammation and pain. The 27-year-old claimed the positive test was caused by an injection into his shoulder on 12 May in the build-up to the Wood fight. But Ukad said that did not explain how betamethasone entered his system.Most read in BoxingLara shot to notoriety overnight when he knocked out Josh Warrington in 2021. There rematch then ended in a no-contest due to a cut in round two to Lara’s eye. Lara beat Wood, 36, for the WBA title but lost it in the immediate rematch. Lara knocked Wood out in their first fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunLara lost the rematch on pointsCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Mason Mount returns to Man Utd training after THREE MONTHS out but Ruben Amorim facing another selection crisis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Mason Mount has returned to training after three months out injured.The 26-year-old midfielder has not played since the 2-1 derby win over Manchester City on December 15 due to a hamstring tear.Mason Mountis back in training ahead of the Real Sociedad gameCredit: EPAIt was Mount’s first session back after a hamstring tearCredit: PAManuel Ugarte also returned after a brief period out injuredCredit: GettyRuben Amorim still has an injury crisis to deal withCredit: EPAMan Utd welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford on Thursday in the second leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.The fixture will reportedly come too soon for Mount, but he is nearing a return to fitness.In another boost for Ruben Amorim, there is hope Manuel Ugarte will be back after he was also spotted in training today.The midfielder missed the last two matches with a minor problem and the manager admitted he “thinks” he will be fit to face Real Sociedad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite the duo’s much-needed return, Amorim still has an injury crisis to contend with. In a major blow, centre-backs Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire were not pictured at Carrington today. They join Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo on the sidelines.Man Utd will also be without teenage striker Chido Obi as he is not eligible to play in the Europa League. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAmorim is “desperate” for Mount to avoid anymore injury problems as he views him as key to his plans.The boss did not hide his feelings on the former Chelsea man earlier this season, saying: “Mason Mount… I have to tell you I love that kid.How Ruben Amorim’s genius tweak unleashed Mazraoui to give Man Utd new attacking threat”You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad. This is the most important thing.”He played in this system, so it’s perfect for him… I have two positions for Mason Mount, so he should be very happy.”He fits our style. He’s a very good player inside and also outside the pitch. The type of character we want in this team and the club want.”Mount’s Man Utd career has struggled to take off since his £55million move from Chelsea before the start of last season.He has got just one goal and one assist, missing 49 games through various injury problems.Mount is seen as a key player by AmorimCredit: PAUnited are 1-1 with Real Sociedad after the first legCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s plans for Old Trafford revealed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveils £2billion new stadium project

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S iconic Old Trafford may be deconstructed a year after moving into their brand new stadium.United revealed images and graphics of the 100,000-seater super ground worth a staggering £2billion they are planning to build near their current home.Manchester United’s Old Trafford may be deconstructed a year after movingCredit: EPAMan Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has yet to make a final decision about Old TraffordCredit: PAThe Red Devils’ minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting the 2030-31 season for the move to the “New Trafford” stadium.The plan is to continue playing at Old Trafford until the permanent switch.Foster + Partners, the firm hired to design the new stadium as well as the renovation of Carrington training complex, insist Man Utd would not spend a day away from Old Trafford during construction.According to Manchester Evening News, the architects also suggested that their legendary ground could be demolished within a year.Read More on Man UtdThe Manchester giants explored the possibility of keeping Old Trafford as a mini stadium that would host women’s and academy matches, but that idea appears to have been scrapped.United chief executive Omar Berrada stated that a final decision regarding Old Trafford has yet to be taken but added it’s “unlikely” they will keep it in operation.Berrada said when asked if Old Trafford could be kept: “I’d say it’s unlikely.”We haven’t made a decision on it yet. It’s true that at some point there was some thinking either keeping it as it is or reducing the capacity to 25 or 30,000, as somewhere where the women’s team could play, the youth teams could play.Most read in Football”I think given our ambition to build what you saw today [Tuesday], maybe that needs to be re-visited. “Again, our ambition is for the women’s team to have a big enough fan base that they’re playing in the main stadium, not in a smaller capacity stadium.Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid'”It’s not off the table [to have a mini Old Trafford]. It’s feasible but we have to find the best ways to finance a new stadium and we’re thinking about this in the context of how can it benefit the wider regeneration project.”If we feel the space where Old Trafford currently is can be used in a different way whilst preserving the history of Old Trafford then we’ll explore it.” More

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      in Boxing

      I cried after announcing my MMA retirement and got job on railway tracks… now I’ve got a second chance through boxing

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      WITH his eyes full of tears and admittedly harbouring regret, Darren Stewart announced his retirement from MMA. And after getting a job on the railway tracks to support his family – the father-of-two might have thought his fighting days were over. Darren Stewart retired from MMACredit: GettyBut an opportunity Stewart had been waiting for finally arised – offering his career a second chance. Stewart had fought professionally in MMA since 2014 – spending five years in the UFC until a losing streak saw him demoted to the domestic scene. And after six Cage Warriors bouts – the Londoner’s fight offers had dried up – prompting him to announce a heartbreaking retirement. Stewart, 34, told SunSport: “That day I was asking like, ‘What’s happening any more fights?’ READ MORE IN BOXING”And I was getting told that there might not be no more fights until the end of the year.”And I fought at the beginning of the year, so how am I gonna survive? “Remember, I got no job, how am I gonna survive from the beginning of the year to end of the year? No sponsorships, I mean, nothing”And then when I got that message, I started breaking down into tears. I was crying, I said, ‘You know what I’m done.’Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”My missus came and said, ‘What’s wrong?’ I said, ‘I’m gonna call it a day.’ I think she said something like, ‘Yeah, but you always say this.’ “I was like, ‘I’m done now.’ That’s a hard thing to do and I had to do it.” Chris Eubank Jr reveals relationship with dad has broken down completely Stewart was fighting full-time, relying only on his purses to get by and the cost of his fight camp expenses also piled up. He said: “I was getting loads of messages and saying, why, why, why? “I said, ‘What do you mean why?’ I’m not getting no help as a fighter, people just see us fight – it’s more than that.”What happens after the fight? What happens after three, five minutes (rounds). You gotta pay this, you pay that.”I didn’t have no sponsorship either, so you gotta pay this and pay that. It’s just too much, man.”And then what you’re left with that’s gotta cover your rent until so and so and when’s the next fight? You don’t know.” Stewart got a job working on a railway tracks and clocked in every evening as a retired fighter. I started breaking down into tears. I was crying, I said, ‘You know what I’m done.’Darren Stewart on retiring But everything changed when he got the call from Misfits Boxing – an avenue he had his eyes on for a while. Misfits – headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI – homes to celebrity-style crossover bouts. And Stewart will fight ex-UFC star Darren Till, 32, in Manchester on March 29 having never lost faith in a getting another break. He said: “It was a struggle, man.”I started working on the railway, so going to work every night when everyone’s sleeping. Working on the tracks, lifting heavy stuff. It’s not me.”I mean, my body wasn’t recovering, it was a big struggle, I just kept praying and saying, ‘You know what, something will come around, something will come around.'”I had good people around me and my coach I was still training with, not only do I box with him, I do rehab with him. ‘It’s sad that I’m saying it'”So I do my rehab, get my mobility back for all the years and trauma that my body took from MMA.” Stewart admits to regretting putting all his chips into the MMA basket without having a back-up plan to turn to. And he would advise his eldest so Tyler – who has just started judo – against doing the same. Stewart said in rare honesty: “I will support him, but I’ll say to him, ‘Do something else, just learn it for self defence.'”And depending what he goes into as well. If he’s really good at it, I can’t say nothing I’ve gotta support him, but if you’re just doing it for fun, no, it’s not a fun game.”Fighting’s a real thing, just do it for self defence and go do something else. It’s sad that I’m saying it. “I know people don’t wanna hear this, but I’m the only guy I tell you the truth.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I should write a book after this, honestly. A lot of people ain’t telling you this. When I speak to people, they’re like, ‘Wow, really?’ Yeah, really.”I’ll tell my son, ‘You know what, if you really want to, I’ll support you, but honestly, just learn their self defence and just keep it moving’.”Stewart with his eldest son TylerCredit: @darren_mma More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘interested in signing Leroy Sane’ in free transfer with ex-Man City yet to be offered new contract

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      ARSENAL are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements.Arsenal are interested in Leroy SaneCredit: GettyThe club’s recent injury crisis has highlighted the lack of squad depth at the Emirates, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and on-loan winger Raheem Sterling the only available options in attack.Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad when the summer transfer window opens.And German outlet Bild has claimed that Sane could be a top pick.The 29-year-old’s Bayern Munich contract is set to expire at the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is yet to agree terms for a new deal so could become available on a free transfer come July.Arteta is understood to be keen on the prospect of signing Sane.The German winger joined Bayern from Manchester City for around £55million in July 2020 and has since managed 106 goal contributions in 209 appearances.Prior to his time in Munich, Sane spent four years with Man City and won two Premier League titles.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsArsenal are also interested in signing Joshua Kimmich in a free transfer from Bayern.The German side allegedly withdrew his contract offer last month.Leroy Sane PUNCHES TV camera after Bayern Munich concede third goal in devastating defeat to Bayer Leverkusen More