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      in Soccer

      Inter Milan hero Lautaro Martinez reveals he ‘sat at home crying for two days’ BEFORE Barcelona clash

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      INTER MILAN hero Lautaro Martinez reveals he was sat at home crying days before the Barcelona clash.Martinez opened the scoring at the San Siro to set up a thrilling Champions League semi-final clash, which Inter won 4-3 (7-6 aggregate).Lautaro Martinez revealed he spent two days crying before the Barcelona clashThe striker opened the scoring in Inter Milan’s 4-3 winCredit: GettyMartinez was taken off in the 71st minuteCredit: RexBut the Argentine talisman was in danger of missing the second leg after feeling a problem in his leg.Martinez, 27, thanked the medical staff for their assistance in ensuring he made the game.He also revealed he had spent days crying before overcoming the issue.Martinez told Sky Italia: “I was struggling, my leg didn’t feel right. I spent two days crying at home, but I couldn’t miss tonight’s game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I had a double session all week, I wasn’t at my best and I put a tight bandage on.“This is how I experience football, you’ve got to give your all in these games. I promised my family that I would get on the pitch today.”Martinez was taken off on 71 minutes, despite the match being delicately poised at 2-2 at the time of his substitution.The striker is now set to feature in his second Champions League final for Inter – two years after his first, which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said of reaching the final: “I am so happy, I am so proud of Inter Milan.“I am so grateful to the fans and my family who are here today. I am so glad we are going through.”Rooney reveals sweet thing Inter star Mkhitaryan asked his old Man Utd team-mate after reaching Champions League final More

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      Manuel Neuer’s wife, 24, takes ‘very difficult decision’ to step away from professional sport as he plays on at 39

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      MANUEL NEUER’S wife has decided to step away from professional sport.Anika, 24, married the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, 39, in November 2023 and they welcomed a son Luca last year.Manuel Neuer’s wife Anika has paused her handball careerCredit: GettyThe couple married in a secret ceremony in 2023 and have one sonCredit: GettyShe has made the decision to focus on being a mumCredit: GettyShe has ruled out retiring from the gameCredit: GettyAnika is a professional handball player, who plays for ESV 1927 Regensburg in the German second division.But the left-winger has now opted to walk away from the side to prioritise being a mother.She said in a statement: “The decision was very difficult for me. I really like the team and I really enjoy playing with the girls. “I don’t see the break as the end of my handball career; I just want to have more time for my son.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I will miss the girls and handball very much, so I want to particularly enjoy the final games and finish our great season in the best possible way.”The team’s coach Bernhard Goldbach added: “It’s simply impressive what Ani has achieved on and off the field this season. “She came back from maternity leave stronger than ever and played in all of her season’s games. We can only take our hats off to that.”Neuer married the blonde beauty in a secret ceremony and no official announcement was ever made – but Anika changed her surname on Instagram.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSShe has since been regularly spotted in the stands cheering her husband on.The two-time Champions League and World Cup winner recently shut down retirement rumours by penning a new contract at Bayern, which runs until the summer of 2026.Harry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future Neuer has played 33 games in all competitions this season. He is currently out injured after hurting his calf while celebrating a goal.Manuel Neuer has a year left on his Bayern Munich contractCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Controversial supermodel-loving Flavio Briatore was given lifetime ban for Crashgate but has returned to top of F1

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      FLAVIO BRIATORE is back in charge of a Formula One team, 16 years after he was handed a “lifetime ban” from one of the motorsport’s most infamous scandals.The Italian has taken the reins as team principal at F1 outfit Alpine after Oliver Oakes resigned from his position just six races into the season.Flavio Briatore is back in F1 as a team principalCredit: RexHe is infamous for his part in Crashgate which saw Nelson Piquet Jr crash his car so Fernando Alonso could win the raceCredit: Formula OneThe controversial figure dated supermodel Naomi CampbellCredit: GettyHis first move since returning as Alpine boss was to axe Jack DoohanCredit: PAThat decision appears to have come due to Briatore pushing for Jack Doohan to be replaced by Franco Colapinto, a decision that was confirmed the morning after his appointment.Briatore was brought back into the F1 fold by Renault chief Luca de Meo after more than a decade on the sidelines following 2009’s Crashgate scandal.The incident, regarded as one of F1’s biggest controversies, had seen Renault order then driver Nelson Piquet Jr to crash his car at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to help Fernando Alonso win the race – a decision which had huge ramifications for the maiden title won by Lewis Hamilton.Alonso was cleared of any wrongdoing in the aftermath, while Renault were charged by the motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, with Briatore being ousted from his then role as team principal and managing director.READ MORE IN F1Briatore was then slapped with a lifetime ban by the FIA for his part in the incident before he saw it overturned in 2010 following an ugly court battle, though he added at the time he did not think he would ever return to F1.But fast forward 12 years, he initially rejoined the sport as an ambassador in 2022 before being appointed as special advisor to Renault last year, and it seems he has ultimately been calling the shots since then.Fraud convictions and fugitive statusControversy has followed Briatore both in and out of F1.In the 1980s he was convicted on multiple counts of fraud and received two prison sentences in Italy.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoth convictions were reduced on appeal and Briatore never actually went to jail as he lived as a fugitive on the Virgin Islands.He returned to Europe when his convictions were extinguished by amnesty, but had maintained close relations with one Luciano Benetton, who would eventually found an F1 team.Flavio Briatore’s £18m yacht bought for bargain £6.6m by Ex-F1 boss Bernie EcclestonePoaching Schumacher and Renault world championsBriatore poached Michael Schumacher from Eddie Jordan in 1991Credit: AlamySchumacher won two driver’s titles at Benetton with the team winning the 1995 Constructors’ ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe later unearthed Fernando Alonso, right, and won two more driver’s title with himCredit: AFPBriatore became the team manager of the Benetton F1 team, formerly Toleman, in 1990, after firing the previous team management in his role of commercial director.As team manager he then managed to poach Michael Schumacher from the grasp of the late Eddie Jordan after his first F1 race, before the German went on to win F1 titles in 1994 and 1995 while Benetton won the Constructors’ Championship in 1995.In 1994 the team was accused of using multiple forms of cheating, including unproven alleged use of illegal software and discarding a regulation fuel filter to speed up pit stops, only escaping punishment for the latter after pointing out multiple rivals had done the same.The team slipped into the midfield when a number of key technical staff and Schumacher moved to Ferrari in 1996 before Renault took over the Benetton team in 2000.There he found and nurtured a young Alonso and fired Jenson Button to hand the Spaniard a seat before he went on to win the Drivers Championship in 2005 and 2006 and end Schumacher’s dominance.Supermodel feverBriatore dated supermodel Heidi KlumCredit: GettyHe later married Elisabetta Gregoraci before they got divorced in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe glitz and glamour of the F1 lifestyle spilled over into Briatore’s personal life.In 1998 he got engaged to supermodel Naomi Campbell, but they never married with the pair being involved in an on and off relationship before they split in 2003.In March of that year he then started dating supermodel Heidi Klum, with Klum announcing her pregnancy in December before the pair split. Klum gave birth to daughter Leni, but said Briatore was not involved in her life before, in 2009, she was officially adopted by Klum’s partner, Seal, and had her name changed.Briatore briefly dated English actress and model Emma Heming Willis in 2004, with later flings coming with German catwalk pro Nadine Smith and actress Annemarie Warnkross – and it’s even been speculated he romanced Polish model Marzena Cieslik.He eventually married “Wonderbra” model and TV presenter Elisabetta Gregoraci in 2008, with the pair getting wed in Rome and Alonso driving the newlyweds to their lavish reception at the Castello di Torcrescenza.She gave birth to son Falco in 2010, but in 2018 the pair divorced, with Briatore being seen dating Benedetta Bosi – 49 years his junior – in 2019.However, last year it was reported in Italy that Briatore had rekindled his romance with Gregoraci.Crashgate falloutsBernie Ecclestone claimed he kept Crashgate under wraps to avoid scandalCredit: AFPFelipe Massa subsequently launched legal action into the 2008 World ChampionshipCredit: GettyNelson Piquet Jr claimed he had his F1 career threatened by Briatore over CrashgateCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CplSDxMAk1w/Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone claimed in 2023 that he and former FIA president Max Mosley had kept the “Crashgate” plot hidden initially to avoid scandal.Ecclestone said: “We decided not to do anything for now. We wanted to protect the sport and save it from a huge scandal. That’s why I used angelic tongues to persuade my former driver Nelson Piquet to keep calm for the time being.”Back then, there was a rule that a world championship classification after the FIA awards ceremony at the end of the year was untouchable.”So Hamilton was presented with the trophy and everything was fine. We had enough information in time to investigate the matter. According to the statutes, we should have cancelled the race in Singapore under these conditions.”That means it would never have happened for the championship standings. And then Felipe Massa would have become world champion and not Lewis Hamilton.”Those comments sparked a legal case from 2008 runner-up Felipe Massa, who believes he missed out on the title that season through no fault of his own, while Piquet Jr claimed he had his F1 career threatened by Briatore if he did not follow orders.Piquet Jr told On the Tracks Podcast: “The race came to Singapore and they put me psychologically up against the wall, I had no escape.”A lot of people still ask me, ‘Would you do it again?’ My answer is always, ‘No, obviously not.'”At that age and under so much pressure… “There was no one with me, except that grotesque Briatore, who was always bullying and was always complaining, pressuring me and warning me: ‘This is your last chance’.”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 FARF1 returnBefore his return Briatore – a former ski instructor and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers – underwent heart surgery.But since returning to the F1 grid, Briatore has not exactly been subtle.The latest season of the popular Netflix series Drive to Survive features Briatore playing up to a role of villain as he told Aussie rookie Doohan “I control you every millimetre” in one scene.Alpine sit P9 in the Constructors Championship with just seven points from six races.Read More on The SunAnd his first move as the official team boss was to axe Doohan – who he is also manager of- for Colapinto.Now the controversial F1 manager is back in place. And fireworks are sure to follow. More

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      in Soccer

      Leeds United legend issues fan warning and urges owners to back boss Daniel Farke for Premier League return

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      BRIAN DEANE warned Daniel Farke that fans “will have you” if Leeds United make a poor start to life back in the Premier League.And the legendary ex-Elland Road striker believes there’s still “work to be done” between the German coach and chairman Paraag Marathe.GCA6JX BRIAN DEANE [L] OF LEEDS UNITED LEADS THE CELEBRATION WITH CAPTAIN GARY MCALLISTER AFTER HE SCORED THE GOAL WHICH DEFEATED MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 AT ELLAND ROAD.Credit: AlamyDaniel Farke has just guided Leeds United back to the Premier LeagueCredit: PAThe boss has been publicly backed by chairman Paraag Marathe after promotionCredit: GettyFarke and his title-winning side celebrated their club record 100-point haul with an open top bus parade in front of an estimated 150,000 fans on Monday in the city centre.Marathe “ended speculation” over the future of the manager by confirming he is “my man” amid reports of concerns over his ability to keep them up and then vowed to turn the Whites into “one of the best in Europe”.Deane, who enjoyed two spells as a Leeds player, speaking exclusively to The Sun via BetSelect said: “Farke deserves the chance to prove himself in the Premier League.“I was a big fan of his even when they didn’t get promoted last year. He’s definitely the man for the job. They came up short last year, but he’s done a fantastic job at Leeds and has been rewarded with promotion this season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“If you look at the Premier League, it’s hard to say if any manager will be given a full season because if you’re underperforming, the fans will have you. You have to take it one step at a time.”Though he was the toast of the town over Bank Holiday, Farke knows first-hand how quickly things can change.Especially after being sacked by Norwich in 2021 despite months earlier guiding them to a second promotion.And, even though Marathe has publicly backed him, Deane insists they must show their faith in him on the transfer front also.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 57-year-old added: “The recruitment is key. He’ll coach the team as best he can, but if you don’t have players good enough for the Premier League, or if your budget’s not high enough, that’s when you’ve got a problem.“I’m sure he’ll already have his ideas on how to manage the club in the Premier League. It’ll be down to him to sell his ideas to the club.Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroes“The club will be looking at their budget and thinking, ‘What are you going to do with our money?’“And, also, asking how they are going to have a solid platform to move forward. So there’s work to be done between them both.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Soccer

      Donald Trump claims letting Russia qualify for World Cup 2026 could be ‘incentive’ to end Ukraine war

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      DONALD TRUMP has claimed the 2026 Fifa World Cup could be an “incentive” to bring the war in Ukraine to an end.Russia has been banned from playing in international competitions since the nation’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Donald Trump spoke about the 2026 World Cup with Gianni InfantinoCredit: SplashHe claims that letting Russia play could be an ‘incentive’ to end the war in UkraineCredit: APThe US president claimed he would end the ongoing conflict on “day one” of being in office during his campaign.Trump, 78, began his second term as president on January 20 – over 100 days ago – and the war is still ongoing.Current rules state that Russia will not take part in next summer’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.The ban was put in place by Fifa and Uefa and includes removing Russian clubs’ places in European competition.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrump has now claimed that letting Russia back into the footballing world could incentivise an end to the war in Ukraine.He made the suggestion during his administration’s World Cup taskforce in the presence of Fifa president Gianni Infantino.At first, he was unaware that Russia was banned from the tournament.He asked: “I didn’t know that. Is that right?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTo which Infantino replied: “That is right.”They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.”UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournament2026 World Cup stadiumsHere are the stadiums that will feature at the World Cup…MexicoEstadio Banorte, Mexico City – 87,523Estadio BBVA, Monterrey – 53,500Estadio Akron, Guadalajara – 49,850CanadaBC Place, Vancouver – 54,500BMO Field, Toronto – 28,180US MetLife Stadium, New York – 82,500AT&T Stadium, Dallas – 80,000GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City – 76,416NRG Stadium, Houston – 72,220Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 71,000SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 70,240Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – 69,796Lumen Field, Seattle – 69,000Levis’ Stadium, San Franciso – 68,500Gillette Stadium, Boston – 65,878Hard Rock Stadium, Miami – 64,767 The former Apprentice US host suggested: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?”We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop.”Five thousand young people a week are being killed – it’s not even believable.”However, Trump admitted that Infantino was “the boss” when it came to decision-making over football.He also insisted that he would have “nothing to do” with any demands to have Vladimir Putin’s Russia reinstated.In February, it was reported that Ukraine had suffered losses of over 46,000 soldiers since the invasion in February 2022.Previously thriving Ukrainian cities such as Mariupol and Bakhmut have been reduced to rubble.Meanwhile, vice-president JD Vance demanded that travelling supporters must “go home” after the tournament.Some 78 of the 104 matches of the tournament will be hosted in the US, including the final.The World Tourism Forum Institute has warned the US that the current strict immigration policies could disrupt fans’ travel plans.Vance said: “I know we’ll have visitors, probably from close to 100 countries.”We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game.”But when the time is up, they’ll have to go home.”Read More on The SunIt is expected that two million tourists will make the trip to the US, Canada and Mexico for the World Cup.Tickes for the 2026 World Cup have already gone on sale with packages costing up to a whopping £55,000.JD Vance urged fans to leave the US after the tournamentCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Sky Sports star quits role after 23 years in ‘difficult’ announcement after news of channel transformation

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      A SKY SPORTS star has quit after 23 years following the broadcaster’s announcement that there would be a shake-up.Several presenters and reporters are expected to leave their roles.Alan Myers has left his role at Sky Sports NewsIt is the latest shake-up by the broadcaster as they aim to become “more agile and better equipped to serve audiences”.Key figures such as Geoff Shreeves, Martin Tyler and Bianca Westwood have left their posts in recent years, along with a number of match reporters.The latest big-name journalist to quit is Alan Myers, who worked for Sky Sports for more than two decades.He announced on Twitter: “After a 23-year association I have decided to leave Sky Sports News. Difficult decision but one that I felt was right.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s been such a fantastic experience from my first report at a Bolton Wanderers outwood bound course, to [the] World Cup finals, ECL Finals and everything in between!”I couldn’t wish to have worked for a better company with the most talented and professional colleagues. I thank every one of them for their support and friendship over many years.”It’s been a blast and I have some incredible memories, worked on some headline stories and visited over 30 countries, thank you.”Myers was largely based in the North West and North East during his time at Sky Sports News, covering the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle, Liverpool and Everton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSeveral more staff are expected to leave amid the shake-up, with Sky Sports News prioritising breaking news stories.’S— happens’ – Sky Sports forced to apologise after Cole Palmer swears before slamming trolls in awkward interview More

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      in Soccer

      Why is Rio Ferdinand not on commentary for TNT Sports during PSG vs Arsenal?

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      RIO Ferdinand will not be a part of TNT Sports’ coverage for Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg away at PSG this evening.The Gunners are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit following Ousmane Dembele’s strike in London last week.Rio Ferdinand will miss the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and PSGCredit: Andrew Orchard/Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live newsArsenal will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit as they head to Paris this weekendCredit: GettyPSG VS ARSENAL LIVE – LATEST UPDATESLes Parisiens historically do not perform well in home Champions League semi-finals, so the Gunners will be given a boost before the clash even kicks off.PSG have appeared in the competition’s final more recently than the Gunners, having been there in 2020, with Arsenal not appearing since 2006. Both sides are aiming to lift the iconic Champions League trophy for the first time in their history this season.Why is Rio Ferdinand not on commentary for PSG vs Arsenal? Rio Ferdinand confirmed via X that he will miss tonight’s match after being hospitalised.Read more Champions LeagueThe former Man Utd defender posted: “Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!!”Rio Ferdinand will not be a part of TNT Sports’ coverage this eveningCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5″Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”TNT Sports replied to the post by saying: “Get well soon, Rio.”SunSport understands his condition is not serious.Most read in Champions LeagueHow to watch PSG vs ArsenalPSG vs Arsenal is available to watch on TNT Sports 1.The match can be live streamed on discovery+.The game will start at 8pm BST.PSG currently lead the tie 1-0 after last weeks first-leg. More

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      ‘At least three injured’ as violence erupts in Paris with car set alight & 20 arrested after PSG vs Arsenal game

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      At least three people have reportedly injured in chaotic scenes of violence after Arsenal’s game against PSG in Paris.A car was set alight after driving into football fans celebrating Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory in the French capital.PSG fans clashed with police ahead of the matchCredit: AFPThe supporters set off fireworks outside the groundCredit: AFPRiot police tried to disperse the crowdsEntire streets were tear-gassedSupporters celebrated goals by climbing on to busesCredit: AFPHooded French youths wearing were also seen fighting with riot police on the Champs Elysée, and on nearby streets.By 2am, more than 20 people had been arrested in connection with the violence.A police source said: “The worse incident so far involved a car apparently being driven into a group of PSG fans.”At least three supporters were injured, one seriously, and others were sent flying. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A gang then chased the car, setting it on fire and leaving it to burn after they forced it to stop in a side street.”Earlier, riot police tear-gassed an entire street of fans while shots were reportedly fired prior to kick-off.The atmosphere had been building across Paris throughout the day and fans began to gather near the Parc des Princes with two hours until kick-off.But there were clashes with riot cops and videos have surfaced of police pushing PSG supporters with shields and firing tear gas.Most read in Champions LeagueChaotic scenes show fans running from the cops and covering their mouths with scarves.A French reporter claimed “entire streets were tear-gassed by police” after fireworks were let off. How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Checkpoints around the stadium to stop ticket-less fans getting near to the ground were “reinforced” after the trouble.Yet there was more carnage during the game as PSG supporters swarmed the Parisian streets.Hundreds circled around a bus and some attempted to climb on to it in celebration after their side scored.Tear gas was fired and what sounded like shots were heard as objects were thrown back at cops in shocking scenes.It is not clear what the shots were fired from or if they were fireworks. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt comes after Arsenal fans were warned to be “vigilant” in Paris amid fears of clashes with PSG’s notorious ultras.The 2,000 travelling Gunners were all given a free red and white scarf when collecting their tickets in the French capital.Though there have been concerns that wearing the scarves around the city could prove dangerous and put a “target on their back”.Arsenal fans were advised by the club to “take sensible precautions” in Paris and not visit the Auteuil suburb where the Ultras meet.A statement read: “Supporters are strongly advised to avoid the Auteuil suburb of Paris and should take note of this when travelling to the Parc des Princes on matchday.Read More on The Sun”Street crime, including pickpocketing, can take place in Paris. Supporters are advised to be vigilant, take sensible precautions and ensure they have valid travel insurance.”Supporters are strongly advised not to use line 10 on the metro system which would result in supporters exiting the metro system in Auteuil.”PSG are into the final in MunichArsenal fans were warned to be ‘vigilant’ amid fear of clashes with PSG ultrasCredit: AFPEntire streets were reportedly tear-gassed More