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      Benjamin Mendy WINS battle against Man City over £11m unpaid wages after salary stopped following rape charge

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      BENJAMIN Mendy has won his battle against Man City for the majority of his £11.5million in unpaid wages following his rape charge.The 30-year-old took the Premier League winners to an employment tribunal when his £500,000-a-month salary was halted in 2021.Benjamin Mendy took Man City to an employment tribunalCredit: GettyMendy stood trial twice on a string of rape and attempted rape charges but was cleared last year.The star, who now plays for French Ligue 2 club Lorient, claimed for “unauthorised deductions” from his wages.Mendy has today won the fight for the majority of his unpaid salary while he was facing the charges.The exact amount will have to be calculated by Mendy and the club, or determined at a future hearing if they cannot reach an agreement.Read more in newsBut City could end up forking out around £8.5million, which covers the 17-month period his pay was wrongly blocked. Employment Judge Joanne Dunlop ruled Mendy is “entitled to recover some, but not all of the sums claimed”.This is because five months of the 22 months Mendy claimed he was owed were spent in custody after he breached his bail conditions.The judge found that when Mendy was not in custody, he was “ready and willing” to work and was “prevented from doing” so by reasons that were “unavoidable or involuntary on his part”.Most read in FootballManchester Employment Tribunal heard how his contract showed that on top of his salary, the star would receive a £900,000 bonus for appearing in 60 per cent of matches.Mendy would then also be handed a £1million bonus if City qualified for the Champions League, and an annual £1.2million payment to his image rights company.Benjamin Mendy says ‘several’ Man City stars JOINED sex parties as he sues club for £11m unpaid wages after rape chargeBut a month after he was charged, City bosses told Mendy they were stopping wages as he was “not presently ready and able to perform the obligations of his contract”.He claimed he was assured by Man City’s then chief football operating officer Omar Berrada that he would receive his unpaid wages once he had been cleared.But the tribunal was told when Mendy messaged the chief in November 2022 asking for confirmation, he received no response.The French international also claimed he got no message back from Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the Emirati chief executive of the club.As a result, Mendy told the tribunal he was forced to borrow money from his teammates after he ran out of cash “very quickly”.The court was told current and former players Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez helped the left-back out.Mendy also had to sell his Cheshire mansion to cover legal fees, bills and child support payments after his wages were withheld.But Sean Jones KC, representing City, told the tribunal Mendy had only himself to blame for not being paid because of his own irresponsible behaviour.This included reports of lockdown-busting parties at his mansion and breaking his bail conditions.Mr Jones added: “The essence of the submission by Mr Mendy is that his contract creates a moral hazard.”He says, ‘I can behave as irresponsibly as I like, I can ignore all the rules, both legal, of the club and common sense to the point where my behaviour results in prison’.”He is trying to make a moral hazard into a virtue.”He says, ‘It should in no way affect my entitlement to pay. There should be no consequences to my behaviour’.”Mendy urges City to do ‘honourable’ thingIn a statement, Mendy said: “Today the Employment Tribunal upheld the main part of my claim against Manchester City Football Club for unpaid wages, finding that the club had unlawfully made deductions from my wages for a total period of 16 months and 23 days.”Having had to wait for three years for my wages, I am delighted with the decision and sincerely hope that the club will now do the honourable thing and pay the outstanding amounts, as well as the other amounts promised to me under the contract, without further delay, so I can finally put this difficult part of my life behind me.”I would like to thank my friends, family, agent (Meissa N’Diaye) and my legal team (Nick De Marco KC, Laffer Abogados and Fletcher Sports Law) for all of their support.”City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017 on a six-year contract.The tribunal heard the club continued to pay Mendy following his first arrest in November 2020.He left the club when his contract expired in June 2023 after not playing for the club since his second arrest in 2021.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast year, Mendy was found not guilty of one charge of rape and one charge of attempted rape following a retrial.He had previously been cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.Mendy was twice cleared of rape chargesCredit: PAThe tribunal heard his £500k-a-month City salary was stopped after he was chargedCredit: PAMendy claimed he had to borrow money from his teammates including SterlingCredit: AP:Associated PressThe club told the tribunal Mendy had only himself to blame for not being paidCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buy UK’s oldest lager brewery in shock side hustle

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      RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have invested in a shock side hustle.The Wrexham AFC owners have taken co-ownership of the UK’s oldest lager brewery.Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have invested in Wrexham LagerCredit: InstagramThe pair made the announcement in a social media videoCredit: InstagramWrexham Lager is already the sponsor of the Welsh football club and has now been added to the owners’ empire.The pair said: “Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history and we’re excited to help write its next chapter.”Reynolds and McElhenney have also joked that they have “learned a lot” since entering the football world.They announced their latest purchase on social media in a video in which Morse code was used to translate their message.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis was to enforce the message of the 1882-founded brewery’s history.They added: “We’re now proud co-owners of Wrexham Lager, brewed since 1882, which is why we’re using 1882 technology.”The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offside rule and the occasional need for beer — especially after finance meetings.”They have been doing wonders for the town of Wrexham and strongly share our passion for once again seeing Wrexham Lager enjoyed in all the far-flung corners of the globe.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey took over Wrexham in a £2million deal back in February 2021 when it had been slumped in the National League.The club has since risen up the English football leagues having won back-to-back promotions to League One.Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clashThey used telegraph keys as a nod to the age of the breweryCredit: InstagramWrexham have settled into life in League One well and are currently third in the division.They have won seven of their opening 13 games and are sitting just four points outside of the automatic promotion spots.However, the club was dumped out of the FA Cup by League Two outfit Harrogate Town in the first round.Meanwhile, the club has also agreed to a three-year partnership with M&S Food, which will see it support community initiatives.It is the first time M&S has partnered a league side, after sponsoring the UK’s four national teams. More

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      John Dempsey dead at 78: Chelsea legend who won FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup dies as tributes pour in

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      CHELSEA legend John Dempsey has died aged 78.The former defender spent nine years at Stamford Bridge between 1969 and 1978.Chelsea legend John Dempsey passed away at the age of 78Credit: AlamyThe former defender played 207 times for the BluesCredit: Rex FeaturesThat saw him lift the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in back-to-back seasons for the Blues. In fact, the centre-back scored “one of the crispest volleys seen from a Chelsea player” as the Blues beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the 1971 final replay in Greece. In total, he scored seven goals in 207 games for the club, having joined from West London rivals Fulham where he started his career.Chelsea announced his sad passing on Wednesday morning.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe club said: “It is with tremendous sadness that Chelsea Football Club announces the passing of our former centre-back and FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup winner John Dempsey. He was 78.”All at Chelsea send our heartfelt condolences to John’s wife Trish and all his family and friends at this difficult time.”Dempsey had stints with the Serbian White Eagles and Philadelphia Fury in North America before finishing his career as player-manager at Dundalk in Ireland in 1984.Born in London, he represented the Republic of Ireland 19 times.Most read in FootballThe defender became the first Irish player to be sent off in a World Cup qualifier when he saw red against Hungary before the 1970 tournament.After his time in football, Dempsey spent time working as a carer supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties in North London. How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyJohn Dempsey’s careerPOSITIONCentre-backCLUB CAREER1964–1969 Fulham 149 league games (4 league goals)1969–1978 Chelsea 166 (4)1976 Serbian White Eagles1978–1980 Philadelphia Fury 81 (2)1983–1984 Dundalk 10 (0)Total 404 (10)INTERNATIONAL CAREER1966–1972 Republic of Ireland 19 (1)TROPHIESFA Cup: 1969–70European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1970–71MANAGERIAL CAREER1976 Serbian White Eagles1982 Maidenhead United1983–1984 DundalkEgham TownSource: WikipediaTributes poured in from the footballing world for Dempsey following his passing. One fan said: “Sorry to hear about the death of John Dempsey. A very underrated centre-half and as most of you will know a particular favourite of mine for his iconic hairstyles.”A second wrote: “Rest in peace legend.”A third added: “With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Chelsea legend John Dempsey. His legacy on the field and his contributions to our club will never be forgotten. “Our deepest condolences to John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”A fourth typed: “A true Chelsea legend who will never be forgotten.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a fifth replied: “Really sad to hear that Chelsea’s legendary 1970s centre-back John Dempsey has died. “My ex-wife’s sister worked for the Philadelphia Fury team when he played there and stayed close to him. As a result I got to chat to him and found him to be a lovely, warm, humble man.”Dempsey started out at Fulham before making the short switch across West LondonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe scored in the final of the 1971 European Cup Winners’ Cup against Real MadridCredit: PA:Empics SportDempsey worked for local charities and supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties after footballCredit: Rex Features More

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      in Athletics

      Sprint sensation Gout Gout, 16, smashes another record as he looks to become next Usain Bolt

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      A 16-YEAR-OLD sprint sensation has broken another record after already running faster than Usain Bolt this year.Australian Gout Gout won the 100m and 200m at the All Schools Queensland Championship.Gout Gout broke another record with an incredible displayCredit: GettyHe ran an incredible 20.29 in the 200m heat, beating his competitors to the finish line by a considerable margin.Gout Gout’s time was the quickest by an Australian for 31 years, while he also broke Area Under-18 and U20 records.He is now the fourth fastest Australian and fourth fastest U18 ever in the 200m.The teen went on to claim victory in the 200m final with a time of 20.52 seconds.READ MORE IN SPORTBoth of his 200m times are quicker than Bolt’s previous record for 200m at the U20 World Championships.Gout Gout has also ran 100m in just 10.2 seconds, leading to big expectations for his future.He was signed by Adidas last week, penning a sponsorship deal with the sports clothing brand.However iconic US sprinter Justin Gaitlin has warned against comparing Gout Gout and other promising youngsters to a legend like Bolt.Most read in AthleticsHe said: “Looking at what Bolt did – and not taking anything away from Gout Gout or anybody else that’s doing their thing right now and dominating.“When Bolt was a junior, he had the junior world record, which at that point in time, in 2004, this dude ran 19 low nine. 19.93 was his record, bro.Watch ‘ridiculous’ moment 16-year-old sprint sensation Gout Gout runs 100m in 10.2secs after ‘turning into Forest Gump'”If you put that against these guys today, he is eclipsing them.”To say that this person is the next and that person is the next, I feel like we give the microphone to the bandwagoners.“Stop putting these young athletes on a path that comes with a lot of stress and comes with a lot of pressure. Let them go out there and develop themselves.“If anything, let them say, ‘No, I’m Gout Gout, I’m about to be different. I’m [Letsile] Tebogo, I’m about to be different.” More

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      Micah Richards offered chance to be frontman for football club with ‘big investors’ and pick manager and players

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      MICAH RICHARDS has been offered the chance to become the ‘frontman’ for a football club – a role that included picking players and appointing a manager.The former Manchester City and England defender, 36, moved immediately into punditry after retiring from football in 2019.Micah Richards has revealed a club wanted him to become the ‘frontman’ for themCredit: GettyHe has worked for a host of broadcasters including BBC, Sky Sports and CBS Sports – while he is also a Man City ambassador.Over the course of two decades Richards has also developed an extensive portfolio of properties.He owns places in Leeds, Harrogate and Manchester – a venture he has previously stated has been “really good for me”.Now he has opened up about an opportunity that was presented to him to become the face of an unnamed football club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: “I won’t mention the club but a club got in contact with me to basically be the frontman for their club. Big investors.”They wanted me to be the guy who would bring everyone together, pick a coach, pick the players that I wanted.”But what they wanted from it was too much, it was too far from my house. It was never going to work.”Alan Shearer jokingly responded: “What the f*** did they see in you that they thought you could run a football club?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo which Richards replied: “They needed someone with charisma. Someone who is knowledgeable about the game. Someone that has got contacts.”Before Gary Lineker sarcastically added: “This was obviously Manchester City but in the end you just opted for an ambassadorial role.” Fans ask ‘do they hate him-‘ as Micah Richards gets savaged live on CBS Sports with segment dedicated to his mistakesRichards has admitted in the past that his work ethic is fuelled by regretfully rejecting a lucrative Man City contract.Speaking last year, he said: “You had to have so much English players for the quota.”So Man City offered by £100,000-a-week, five-and-a-half year deal. And I said no.”He then went on to add: “Why do you think I work for every f***ing broadcaster?” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left worried after Ruben Amorim’s latest comments.The incoming Red Devils boss won his final home game in charge of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.Ruben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon impressed in their 4-1 win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag often claimed that Manchester United could not play like his Ajax sideCredit: AlamyThe Portuguese side outclassed Manchester City in Lisbon as they romped to a 4-1 victory. A hat-trick from Viktor Gyokeres and a strike from Maximiliano Araujo saw the hosts bounce back from an early Phil Foden goal.The result buoyed Manchester United supporters who are increasingly excited over Amorim’s arrival.However, the manager warned fans not to expect the same style of football at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “What I can tell you is that this doesn’t mean anything in particular – don’t take anything from this.”We cannot transport one reality to another.”Manchester United cannot play the way we play, and we will have to adapt.”Amorim’s comments mirrored those of Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman was hailed for his style while he was leading Ajax, which saw the club reach a Champions League semi-final.And fans flocked to social media to beg Amorim not to fall into the same trap as his predecessor.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.One posted: “Bro no please not you as well.”A second wrote: “Erik said this and got cooked for it.”A third commented: “Oh no. Please don’t be like Erik.”A fourth said: “Jesus Christ not again.”A fifth declared: “Please not again… dealt with three years of Ten Hag ‘We cannot play this way’.”Another added: “That’s what Ten Hag said about Ajax.”In 2023, Ten Hag admitted that Man United would never play the same style as his Ajax side.He said: “Never. We will never play that football. Because those were different players.”This is also not why I came here. We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to, because I can’t play the same way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe home crowd unveiled a banner to commemorate Amorim and the two league titles he won in Lisbon before kick-off.After the victory over City, Amorim was given a guard of honour by his players and staff.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals when Viktor Gyokeres will leave Sporting Lisbon as new Man Utd boss drops major transfer update

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      NEW Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has dropped a major hint about Viktor Gyokeres’ future at Sporting Lisbon.Reports have suggested that the former Championship star, now one of the most-sought after strikers in Europe, could follow Amorim to Old Trafford.Viktor Gyokeres continued his fine goalscoring streak in Sporting’s 4-1 win over Man CityRuben Amorim then dropped a hint over the Swedish international’s future at the clubThe Swedish forward, 26, scored a second half hat-trick as Sporting thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League, as Erling Haaland, who missed a penalty at 3-1, had to settle for second place in the battle of the strikers.It brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Amorim, 39, is set to bring most of his young coaching staff when he starts life at Carrington on November 11.But with United in dire need of a 25-plus goalscoring striker, it remains to be seen whether Gyokeres will come along too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Amorim has broken his silence on the matter and revealed that he expects Gyokeres to leave Sporting in the near future.He told Portuguese outlet A Bola: “If I start joking about this Gyokeres situation I’ll get in trouble.”This is my city, this is my country, so I’ll respect it. “Viktor has to stay until the end of the season and then his life will probably go somewhere else.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThough a January move appears to be off the table, Amorim appeared to hint that he could launch a summer move for Gyokeres.Earlier in the night, United legend Rio Ferdinand tipped Gyokeres to follow Amorim to United.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City United don’t want to get into the territory of bringing in a mass influx of players from a new manager’s former club, after the chaos caused by signing six former Ajax players who starred under Erik ten Hag in Holland. Ferdinand said: “The recruitment teams in all the clubs in the Prem must be scratching their heads about how they let him get away.”He hasn’t had a conventional route, his route to the top hasn’t been straightforward.”He has had a journey where he has had to build himself and create what he is now.”Gyokeres has an £85million release clause in his contract, which expires in June 2028.But according to Sky Germany, that will be reduced at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sweden international’s market value is steadily increasing, with it thought to be around £70million.Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the other clubs interested.Gyokeres scored 38 goals in 91 appearances for Coventry More

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      in Motorsport

      MotoGP 2024 final moved to new track at last-minute after devastating floods in Valencia

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      THE MOTOGP 2024 final has been moved to a different track after the devastating floods in Valencia.The event was set to take place in Valencia, but a last-minute change was made due to the flooding in the region.The MotoGP final will be staged at the Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyCredit: GettyFlooding destroyed the track in ValenciaCredit: XThe final Grand Prix of the season will not be raced at the Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluny in Barcelona, Spain.MotoGP confirmed the change as the association claimed it was “owed” to the fans for the race to go ahead. A statement read: “MotoGP can now confirm the 2024 curtain closer will be held in Barcelona.”We will return to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where the World Championship will be decided, on the original dates of the season finale: the 15th to the 17th of November.READ MORE IN SPORT”The Grand Prix will be held in solidarity with the Community of Valencia. “The event was previously set to take place in Valencia before the devastating flooding that has impacted the region so heavily.”Being the last Grand Prix of the season, the sporting context the Championship is in, and the positive impact the event has, we owe it to our fans, our paddock, the sport, and Valencia to hold the event.”The association insisted that the race will be “for” Valencia rather than in the region.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt added: “Instead of racing in Valencia, MotoGP will race for Valencia. For all those affected, and the entire Community of Valencia.”MotoGP made the request to the authorities to race in Barcelona as it was the best possible choice.BREAKING- MotoGP star rushed to hospital by air ambulance after terrifying crash with rival as 120mph collision is investigated”The track is the easiest option for fans who were already planning to attend the MotoGP season finale.”The location and circuit are also the most efficient choice, providing a close to seamless alternative for personnel and logistics.”The event will be organised by MotoGP™ and we remain committed to our mission to have a positive impact on people, place and planet wherever we race.”In this case, racing near the Community of Valencia will also allow the paddock to put that into action even more directly.”The final will take place on the weekend of November 15.Jorge Martin is currently leading the standings heading into the final.The Prima Pramac Racing star has amassed 485 points but is only leading Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia by 461.MotoGP standingsHere is a look at the standings of the MotoGP Championship…J. Martin – 485ptsF. Bagnaia – 461ptsM. Marquez – 369ptsE. Bastianini – 368ptsP. Acosta – 209ptsB. Binder – 206ptsM. Viñales – 189ptsF. Di Giannantonio – 165ptsF. Morbidelli – 161ptsA. Marquez – 155ptsA. Espargaro – 146ptsM. Bezzecchi – 144ptsF. Quartararo – 108ptsJ. Miller – 84ptsM. Oliveira – 71ptsR. Fernandez – 66ptsJ. Zarco – 53ptsA. Rins – 31ptsT. Nakagami – 31ptsA. Fernandez – 27ptsJ. Mir – 21ptsL. Marini – 14ptsP. Espargaro – 12ptsD. Pedrosa – 7ptsS. Bradl – 2ptsR. Gardner – 0ptsA. Iannone – 0ptsL. Savadori – 0pts More