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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

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      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

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      in Motorsport

      World Cup’s hottest fan looks unrecognisable with dramatic new look as she wears bold F1-themed bra to Miami Grand Prix

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      IVANA KNOLL delighted fans with a dramatic new look at today’s Miami Grand Prix.Ivana, 32, shot to fame during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Ivana Knoll was in the Aston Martin garage for the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexThe influencer wore toy cars on her outfitCredit: AFPThe social media star poses in front of a picture of Fernando AlonsoCredit: RexIvana perches on an Aston Martin front wingCredit: RexThe Croatia super-fan gathered a huge online fanbase with her array of bold outfits.This weekend, Ivana has dipped into the world of Formula 1.The influencer was invited into Aston Martin’s garage.Ivana enjoyed herself at yesterday’s sprint event, won by McLaren’s Lando Norris.READ MORE IN SPORTFor today’s race, the social media star sported a new look.Down the years, Ivana has worn a jet black hairstyle.But for today’s trip to the paddock, the popular online star went blonde.Ivana ditched her usual look for blonde bangs.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIvana shot to fame at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: AlamyThe influencer also attended Euro 2024Credit: GettyWhile she topped off her look with pale blue jeans and a bold bra.The Instagram supremo, who gathers thousands of likes on her posts, clipped toy cars to her top to complete her look.World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll reveals career change as she shows off hidden talent in racy outfit-Posting from the paddock yesterday, Ivana wrote: “let’s go @astonmartinf1”.And plenty of fans commented on the part-time DJ’s post.One wrote: “F1 girl.”While a second gushed: “Spectacular.”Unfortunately for Ivana, Aston Martin endured a disastrous qualifying for tonight’s grand prix.Fernando Alonso will start 17th on the grid, while Lance Stroll will begin in 19th.Ivana was also in the Aston Martin garage on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea ratings: Cole Palmer runs the show as he finally ends goal drought but Jackson is constantly offside

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      ON THE BEACH Liverpool were beaten comprehensively by Enzo Maresca’s tricky Blues as the home side picked up a huge three points in the race for Champions League football. Before joining Chelsea, it was Liverpool who were rumoured to be interested in the Blues’ midfield trio of Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia AND Enzo Fernandez, ending up with none of them – today, it was easy to see why. Chelsea kept up the heat in the Champions League race with a 3-1 win over LiverpoolCredit: ReutersCole Palmer was among the star performers for the hostsCredit: GettyWith changes coming in for Liverpool, the three of them were on top of their game in a confident win against the champions who are usually dominant in the middle of the park. It took only three minutes for Chelsea to establish control, with Enzo Fernandez caressing the ball into the bottom corner. It was then Cole Palmer causing chaos for the goal that put the Blues two to the good, with a mazy run and low cross leading to a Van Dijk clearance cannoning in off of Jarell Quansah’s face. The Reds made it tight with Van Dijk header with five minutes to go, but it was the Stamford Bridge outfit who took home all three points after a Cole Palmer penalty sealed the deal for the SW6 outfit. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Robert Sanchez – 7Had one of his best games in a Chelsea shirt last week in the win against Everton, and it looked as though in that game his confidence improved massively. Fans were hopeful it would be the same Robert Sanchez that showed up today, and it was. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe was confident coming out to meet the ball, didn’t spill any shots back to oncoming Liverpool attackers, and came up big for his team when required – ending up unfortunate not to get a clean sheet. Most read in FootballDeserves credit for something of a remontada on a personal level, which Chelsea fans will be hoping he can continue. Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeMoises Caicedo – 9M.C. That can stand for Moises Caicedo or Mr. Consistent, take your pick. The Ecuadorian started at right back again today, as he did against Everton, and he is that good he might just displace club captain Reece James in that spot, if Romeo Lavia can stay fit or with the arrival of Andrey Santos next season. Stepped into midfield every time it was required of him, and didn’t give Cody Gakpo or Diogo Jota an inch on Liverpool’s left. Another fantastic, dominant, display rounded off by winning the penalty that saw Cole Palmer end his 18-match goal-barren run. Trevoh Chalobah – 6A largely good performance up against a dangerous Liverpool attack was let down by being beaten in the air at a corner by Virgil Van Dijk when the Reds equalised. Aside from that he was pretty solid, putting in some clutch challenges and notably clearing the ball well when required to get the ball away from danger. Trevoh Chalobah was solid on the pitchCredit: APLevi Colwill – 6Similar to his counterpart in the centre of defence, Levi did what was asked of him for large parts of the game, and was perhaps unfortunate not to walk away with a clean sheet today. Was good in the air and along the ground, although has admittedly had busier days this season. Has a great relationship with Cucurella on the left side of Chelsea’s defence, one which is expected to blossom as the BlueCo project does so in the next few seasons. Marc Cucurella – 8I have said numerous times this season that Marc Cucurella is the best left-back in the Premier League, and it feels like every time I watch him he proves me right. Playing up against Mo Salah is no easy task in the slightest, but Cucu handled it well. With that threat up against him, it nullified his prominent attacking threat a bit, but that allowed Moises Caicedo to invert into midfield on the opposite side, which suits him. Marc Cucurella was impressive at left-backCredit: ReutersRomeo Lavia – 8Romeo Lavia was heavily fancied by Liverpool before joining Chelsea from Southampton, and was last week praised by Enzo Maresca who said he could be one of the best midfielders in the WORLD if he can stay fit. That’s an opinion of the Italian’s that I share, as he started a second successive league game at Stamford Bridge and was fantastic again. He is without doubt a part of Enzo Maresca’s favourite XI, and it’s easy to see why when he is so good on the half turn and able to break the lines with confident passes forward. A transitional machine who didn’t misplace a single pass either. Enzo Fernandez – 9Having his most productive season to date, it took the Argentine midfielder just THREE minutes to settle inside the box and roll the ball past Alisson into the bottom corner. Not only that, he was combative in midfield in his own box and composed in the middle of the park on the ball. His passion and energy is unmatched in this Chelsea squad, and was evident today again as he seems to share the joy of those supporters that have been coming to the Bridge for years – a man of the match display. Pedro Neto – 7Bagged an assist inside three minutes with a run down the right wing before his low cross found the feet of Enzo Fernandez in the box. Came close with a shot in the first half that hit the side netting and remained a threat throughout the opening 45. He was a handful for Kostas Tsimikas to deal with and put in a few good crosses which saw him a bit unfortunate not to get on the assist sheet again. Cole Palmer – 9’Palmer again, Ole, Ole’ chanted the fans as he ended his goal drought. He’s back.After arguably his least impactful game in a Chelsea shirt against the Blue half of Merseyside last time out in the Premier League, Cole Palmer looked like he had a spring in his step today. The attacking midfielder was instrumental in both of the Blues’ goals, breaking Curtis Jones’ ankles in the build up to the first and completing a mazey dribble followed by a dangerous ball into the middle that caused chaos for Liverpool’s defence and ended up with Quansah directing it into his own goal. Finally ended his goal drought with a killer blow at the death from the penalty spot. Noni Madueke – 7Starting on the left again after a great performance against Everton in that position, we might be starting to see a new rendition of Noni Madueke at Stamford Bridge. We know his game on the right, stand up the fullback, beat him, and get a shot off. But on the left he seems a different player, more exciting, with the same pace and power he combined well with Marc Cucurella and tracked back to do his defensive due diligence. Nicolas Jackson – 4If the offside rule didn’t exist, Nicolas Jackson would’ve had a huge impact on this game – unfortunately it does. After just a few minutes he rounded Alisson and would’ve seen the keeper sent off had he not been beyond the last defender. Jackson ran the channels well, and you can criticise his efforts, but was offside too frequently and made the wrong decisions when he received the ball in a good position, namely nutmegging Quansah and taking a shot from an impossible angle rather than squaring it for Neto. Was replaced by Sancho as the first change. SUBS: Jadon Sancho (Nicolas Jackson, 72) – 5Wasn’t able to impact the game in the same way he has lately, in what has been a good run of form for the tricky winger. Didn’t have an awful lot of time to make a meaningful impact, but wasn’t bad by any means. Malo Gusto (Romeo Lavia, 78) – 5Did his part in seeing out the game for Chelsea, making tackles and clearances when needed as Liverpool pushed for an equaliser. Read More on The SunReece James (Enzo Fernandez, 88) – 5Much the same as Gusto, did what was asked of him in limited minutes.  More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘set to join transfer race for £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo despite being on brink of Matheus Cunha deal’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to join transfer race for Bryan Mbeumo despite being on brink of Matheus Cunha deal, according to reports.Telegraph Sport reported that the 25-year-old Brentford forward is expected to be one of Amorim’s top targets.Brentford’s Mbuemo is set to be targeted by the team he beat on SundayCredit: GettyWolves striker Cunha is another target for the Manchester club – despite worries from Scholes – but plays mainly through the middle so does not take up the same space as Mbeumo.Mbeumo has scored 18 – three more than Cunha’s 15 – in the league this season and is rated at £60 million.The hefty price tag, alongside Cunha’s £62.5million release clause, could mean that United look to profits earned by the sales of loanees Rashford (at Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (at Chelsea) and Antony (at Real Betis).Mbeumo joined Brentford as a 19-year-old in 2019 from Troyes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was a part of the squad that got promoted to the Premier League in 2021 and started this Sunday as Brentford beat the Red Devils 4-3.Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted to Sky Sports earlier this season that the player could leave.He said: “If the price is right – and that’s going to be expensive – is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it.”I’ve said many times: we are a selling club.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordManchester United have suffered a disappointing season sat at 15th with three games to go and striker inconsistencies have been a big part of it.Injuries to players such as Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo have punctured their front line, reinforcements could be key to improving next season.Mbeumo’s league season in numbers More