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      in Boxing

      Ben Whittaker bursts into tears in press conference after beating Liam Cameron as he opens up on abuse

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      BEN WHITTAKER burst into tears in his press conference after beating Liam Cameron.The boxer opened up on the online abuse he was subjected to following his withdrawal from the clash with Cameron last October.Ben Whittaker was visibly emotional in his press conferenceCredit: X/ringmagazineHe opened up about the online abuse he suffered in the last six monthsCredit: X/ringmagazineHe beat Liam Cameron in their rematch on Sunday nightCredit: GettyHe won the fight with a second-round stoppageCredit: PAWhittaker, 27, was slammed as a “quitter” by members of the boxing fraternity.It came after he withdrew from the fight following a fall over the top rope in the fifth round.As a result he was met with loud boos on his walk to the ring to face Cameron in their rematch on Sunday night.But it was Whittaker who finished the victor following the rematch with Cameron.READ MORE ON SPORTThe Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist stopped his rival in just the second round at the BP Pulse Live Arena in Birmingham.Following the fight, he opened up on what had been a tough six months, which saw him burst into tears in an emotional press conference.He said: “Truthfully, nothing has changed if I’m honest.”I knew I should be doing that to people like Liam Cameron, no disrespect, but it was the six months out.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Stuff like my brother had two daughters, I couldn’t really enjoy it too much because of what I was going through online.”And it didn’t really bother me, but even close friends, people that I classed as family, left me.Ben Whittaker DESTROYS bitter rival Liam Cameron in second round of rematch before raging at opponent’s corner”They had a lot to say about me, but it was a great time to go back to the old Ben Whittaker.”Whittaker also admitted that he became humbled in the six months following the first fight with Cameron.He made a change as he replaced his coach, Joby Clayton, with Andy Lee at the Ballbrack Boxing Club in Dublin.He added: “Before the Olympics, I locked in, I trained hard and I dedicated the sport.”My life was moving at 100 miles per hour. Like I say, I come from a humble household where not a lot of stuff was given to us, so to be in the position where everything is coming at me at free will, it was amazing.”But that six months out really humbled me, got me closer to God, and the small people around me are just what I needed.”I went to the gym daily, took away the cameras, took away the social media and just got back to the old Ben.”I want to thank my church as well, Living Hope, because I went through that door very quietly and kept myself to myself, and they brought the old Ben out of me.”I got a text from Andy Lee. A lot of people were laughing behind my back, but he came to me and said, ‘Come to Ireland, and I truly believe we can get the old Ben Whittaker back’.”We trained hard, and after a couple of days he said ‘You’re going to knock him out’.”And I just believed in him, he believed in me, and I went out there and did what I was supposed to do in Saudi.”Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Sunday’s fight was filled with controversy as Whittaker also had to deny spitting at Cameron’s trainer.He was almost slapped by the trainer after he had showboated in his face. More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea star, 37, is unrecognisable as he ditches iconic hair leaving fans stunned at his new look

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      FORMER Chelsea star David Luiz looks unrecognisable after getting rid of his iconic hair.The defender had two spells at Stamford Bridge and now plays for Fortaleza in his native Brazil.David Luiz looks unrecognisable after cutting his famous locksDavid Luiz signed for Brazilian side Fortaleza in JanuaryCredit: EPADavid Luiz used to boast flowing curly locksCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has since trimmed his classic curly-hair look which drew comparisons to Simpsons character Sideshow Bob in the past.So fans have been left stunned after a photo of Luiz from a recent match against Palmeiras went viral.The centre-back looked unrecognisable with his short, unkept hair, which some fans scarcely believe is real.One reacted saying: “Man is getting old.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Is this real??”A third wrote: “David Luiz lost the battle.”And another commented: “End of an era.”Luiz, 37, previously joked he would only cut his hair when he wanted to become a manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked what style changes he would make if he became a coach, the ex-Brazil said: “I’d put a suit on and cut my hair.”I can’t be a coach with this hair, nobody’s going to respect me!”Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final More

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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

    • 238 Shares59 Views

      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