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      in Soccer

      Sonia Bompastor praises ‘brave’ Chelsea display as WSL leaders extend winning run with defeat of Brighton

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR hailed Hannah Hampton for helping Chelsea snuff out Brighton despite a clearance leading to an Albion goal.The Blues goalkeeper pulled off some stunning saves as Sjoeke Nusken’s brace contributed to a 4-2 defeat of the Seagulls on Sunday.Chelsea’s win enabled them to maintain their five-point lead at the WSL’s summit following Man City’s 4-0 defeat of LeicesterCredit: PASome well-executed saves from Hannah Hampton helped Chelsea protect their advantageCredit: GettySjoeke Nusken bagged her first two WSL goals for this season netting twice for ChelseaCredit: ReutersBrighton had nine shots on target including one from ex-Blues ace Jelena Cankovic who scored their first-half equaliserCredit: PAThe hosts registered their ninth win in nine games to maintain their flawless run and five-point lead at the summit. Bompastor’s side also equalled Arsenal’s record of nine straight victories in the top-flight set during 2018 to 2019 campaignAnd the six-goal thriller at Kingsmeadow included two goals conceded by Chelsea and Albion following wobbly moments at the back. This included Hampton’s 71st-minute attempted clearance paving the way for Kiko Seike netting Brighton’s second goal. Read More Football StoriesBlues boss Bompastor said: “Hannah had a great game even when you analyse her performance and you can also see the (second) goal we conceded. “But I don’t care about that when we get a win. “For me it’s more important for my players to try even if they don’t succeed. I want them to be brave and confident enough to try again. “And when you look at her performance the balance is more positive.Most read in Football”She made some great saves that allowed us to stay in the game and that’s what I focus on.” The Seagulls, who had forward Fran Kirby absent due to a calf injury, pushed their hosts all the way as they mounted a late fightback. The visitors had nine shots on target during the match and prompted some quality saves from Hampton, including a close-range stop from a Seike strike late on. Bompastor added: “Before the game in the press conference, someone told me you are dominating the league and it was not good for the league “This game showed we have a competitive league. “We were expecting a difficult game with players returning from international duty. “And at this time of the year they are fatigued and at these times it’s important to focus on performance and having good energy to win”Ex-Blues midfielder Jelena Cankovic had a ninth-minute strike cleared off the line in a frantic first half. Jorelyn Carabali forced Hampton to save her headed effort with an outstretched leg at the half hour point. And the deadlock was broken when Nusken exploited Brighton’s attempts to pass out from the back, easing the ball across the line in the 35th minute. Albion goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley was caught dawdling by Aggie Beever-Jones as Chelsea took a 2-0 lead in 40 minutesBut the Seagulls rallied with Cankovic pulling a goal back with a swept-in effort close to half-time. The second half saw highly-rated forward Michelle Agyemang come on for the visitors.But their hosts took a 3-1 lead with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd netting after Baggaley’s 51st minute save of Lucy Bronze’s shot deflected off herBut Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal, gave Brighton hope of a possible draw as her charge down of Hampton’s clearance teed up Seike’s walloped finishThe Japan striker had a late shot stopped by Hampton before Chelsea put the game to bed with Nusken’s injury-time header. And the result saw Albion drop to fifth before their league clash with Tottenham on Saturday, as Arsenal moved up to third spot with Manchester United sitting fourth. Brighton boss Dario Vidosic said: “We knew we had to come out and we wanted to try to win. “We probably could have scored five or six. “We made a few little mistakes that we normally don’t make, but that’s all part of the process.”But I’m really proud (of the players’ performance) after a short period with disruptions leading into this. Kiko Seike netted her fifth goal in eight WSL appearances when she scored Brighton’s secondCredit: Getty “We lost three players in Fran (Kirby), Maisie (Symonds) and Madison (Haley to injuries) during the international break. READ MORE SUN STORIES”To put in the performance we did it would have been just that we got something out of it.”We didn’t but we’ll learn from this and we’ll be ready to go again on Wednesday night (in the League Cup against Bristol City).” More

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      in Athletics

      ‘It’s not acceptable’: Sprint sensation Gout Gout’s parents reveal his real name and fume at identity mix-up

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      GOUT GOUT’S fuming dad has revealed the sprint sensation has been WRONGLY named for years – due to a shocking spelling error.The parents of the 16-year-old “next Usain Bolt” blamed officials for the “unacceptable” error – and explained what his real name should be.Gout Gout has been setting the world alight at 100m and 200mCredit: GettyBut he’s not known by the name his family gave himCredit: GettyGout Gout has shattered a string of age records at both 100m and 200m.His time of 20.04secs at the longer distance also broke the Australian record held since Peter Norman won silver at the 1968 Olympics. But now his father Bona has told of his upset over a major mistake that has left his son being called by a different name.The issue emerged after the family fled South Sudan as refugees for Egypt.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLBona told Channel 7 they were planning on moving to Canada.But documents from the Australian Government were first to arrive – so the family switched their future to Down Under.However, Bona believes the Sudan Government wrongly put “Gout Gout” on the relevant forms.He said: “His name is Guot, it’s supposed to be Guot.Most read in AthleticsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS’When I see people calling him Gout Gout, I’m not really happy for him.”He added that it should be pronounced “gwot”.Sprint sensation Gout Gout, 16, breaks 100m world record at school championships but it doesn’t count Bona pointed out the inflammatory illness gout that can cause foot pain and swelling.He said: “I know that gout is a disease name but I don’t want my son to be called a disease name… It’s something that’s not acceptable.”It’s culturally very important and in particular if (family) see Guot Guot running they connect to the name but when they hear Gout Gout they’ve lost the meaning of it.”Bona now hopes his son’s name can soon be changed back officially to Guot. More

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      in Soccer

      West Ham ace Michail Antonio’s first words after horror car crash revealed by dog walker who found stricken star

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      DAZED Prem star Michail Antonio asked a witness who rushed to help after his horror crash: “Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?”The West Ham striker, 34, was last night recovering from surgery to a broken leg.Michail Antonio asked a witness who rushed to help him moments after his horror supercar crash: ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’Credit: GettyMichail had a miraculous escape from his horrific supercar smash — suffering just a fractured legCredit: UKNIPMichail’s Ferrari FF hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on SaturdayCredit: GettyHe was trapped for almost an hour in the mangled wreckage before being airlifted from the scene in Theydon Bois, EssexCredit: UKNIPHe had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.Antonio had a miraculous escape from his horrific supercar smash.Witnesses told how the stricken West Ham ace was in a highly confused state.The driver’s side was ripped apart and the impact is believed to have sent Michail flying across to the passenger seat.Read More on SportHe was trapped for almost an hour in the mangled wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.Last night he was recovering from surgery on a lower limb fracture in a London hospital.Samuel Woods, 34, was driving home after walking his dog in Epping Forest when he saw what he thought was a dumped car by the roadside.He pulled over and rushed to help when he saw a man inside who looked “in big trouble”.Most read in FootballSamuel, a carer from Regent’s Park, told The Sun: “I said to him ‘hello’ to see if anyone was alive.“I heard sirens and told him that help was on its way.West Ham star Michail Antonio injured in horror crash in Ferrari as club reveals he’s ‘stable’ in hospital“He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’“The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrol.”Samuel, who does not follow football and did not recognise the star, went on: “I looked at him and thought, ‘He’s in big trouble’.“I just said, ‘You’ve had an ­accident’. He didn’t reply. He was looking around trying to make sense of what I just said. He was sitting in the passenger side.”Witnesses told how the stricken West Ham ace was in a highly confused state after his £260,000 Ferrari FF hit a treeOther drivers also reported seeing smoke pouring from the wreckage — near to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.One motorist, who passed by the scene just minutes after it happened, told The Sun: “I could see the car was a total mess.“Because there was smoke coming out of the car people were too scared to approach it I think.”Thousands of fans sent prayers and good wishes after news of the crash emerged.I said to him ‘hello’ to see if anyone was alive. I heard sirens and told him that help was on its waySamuel WoodsA West Ham spokesman said yesterday: “Michail has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon. Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.“Everyone at the club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere ­gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news.” The club also extended a “heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery”.Michail’s ex-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be by his bedside.Teammates past and present also sent goodwill messages to the popular star, including Declan Rice, who said: “Thinking of you and your family brother. Prayers to all of you.” Maxwel Cornet wrote: “With you brother.”He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’ The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrolSamuel WoodsThe Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011.It can reach 208mph and go from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds. Michail crashed a £210,000 Lamborghini into a garden wall on an icy road on Christmas Day 2019.He joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7million and has become the East London club’s top Prem scorer, with 68 goals in 268 games.READ MORE SUN STORIESMichail, who also hosts BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, was picked three times for England squads but never played.In 2021 he switched allegiance to Jamaica, where his parents are from, and has won 21 caps.West Ham issued a health updateCredit: XAntonio’s £260,000 Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011Credit: Supplied More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into job as Amorim’s ‘storm coming’ words come true

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      THE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.Dan Ashworth has left his role at Man UtdCredit: ZenpixAshworth lasted just five months under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAThere is word Ashworth did not favour appointing new head coach Ruben AmorimCredit: AlamySunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.READ MORE IN footballMeanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game.Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWas it the sight of the ineffective Joshua Zirkzee coming on as a sub that finally did it?You see, the 23-year-old Dutchman was thought to be a good buy at £36.5million. Ten Hag did not agree but had the player forced upon him.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85That is on Ashworth.Already the club are looking to offload the flop forward.The word from Old Trafford was that Ratcliffe had issued a ‘liberating decree’ when he arrived on his white charger after acquiring 27.7 per cent of the club last February.Instead, it all just gets worse. They are locked in a mess of their own making, and nobody seems to have the key to get them out.Ashworth was supposed to have it, but he spent as much time on gardening leave from Newcastle as he did overseeing much-needed change at Old Trafford.He walked through the post-match media area with a security guard and the club’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, around 30 minutes after the full-time whistle following the 3-2 loss on Saturday.It was odd as he marched with his head down without exchanging pleasantries.As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.Manchester United statement He was on his way to the boardroom in the East Stand to finally agree to part ways.He was apparently “not a good fit”.Although he seems to have been everywhere else he worked.But a disagreement with the others brought in to put the former foot-balling juggernaut back on the right path had done for him.The explanation from the club was that the decision had been made “collaboratively following a period of transition for the club”.Yet it was Ashworth who was supposed to be central to that transition.It was also said to be a “difficult decision”. The club stressed that they have been building “a new team and structure here at pace”.’This is down to Ratcliffe’They added: “As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.”So, the much-sought-after Ashworth, whom the club fought so hard to have released from Toon and paid £3m in compensation for, is now felt not good enough to be part of that ‘structure’.This is down to Ratcliffe, who is already vying with the Glazers as the most unpopular man at the club.If a mutual agreement was done collaboratively, it makes you wonder why Ashworth was at Old Trafford on Saturday. Or had tea cups flown in the directors’ room afterwards?The sheer enormity of the job on everyone’s hands at Old Trafford appears to be proving too much.Not a single boss, chief executive, technical director or whatever has gotten to grips with it.Everyone has an idea of what to do but from the outside it looks like nobody has a clue. And in the meantime a whopping £1.6BILLION has been spent on players post Sir Alex Ferguson.Wilcox is now in charge of recruitment but there is nothing left to recruit anyone with.Spending rules, cost-cutting, payments to departing staff, and a massive wage bill for under-performing stars have all stymied the club.There will be no big signings in January, nor next summer.The club is stuck with this lot and they are simply not good enough.READ MORE SUN STORIESAshworth knows it, everybody knows it. Amorim said there was ‘a storm coming’.It has well and truly hit. More

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      in Boxing

      Tommy Fury’s former opponent Genadij Krajevskij dies aged 37 as tributes pour in for boxer

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      TRIBUTES are pouring in after boxer Genadij Krajevskij died aged just 37.The Lithuanian journeyman, who lost to Tommy Fury four years ago, was well loved by British fans throughout his eight-year pro career.Genadij Krajevskij was hugely respected on the fight sceneCredit: BT SportThe Lithuanian took on Tommy Fury four years agoCredit: BT SportKrakevskij posed with Bradley Cousins after their November 2022 fightCredit: GettyMessages of mourning flooded in, along with praise and affection for the way the Merseyside-based “true warrior” conducted himself in the ring.Fans called him “one of the real characters of the fight game” and a “lovely fella”.The British Boxing Board of Control’s Midlands Area Council posted: “The Baltic Bomber graced the away corner in the Midlands area on numerous occasions.”He was always a delight to be around in and out of the ring.”READ MROE TOP STORIESVIPBoxing Promotions said they received the news of Krakevskij’s death with “deep sorrow”.They added: “We had the honour of featuring him in the VIP Shows on multiple occasions.”Licenced boxing MC Phil Seymour described Krakevskij as a “great presence at fight shows up and down the country”.Stockbridge Amateur Boxing Club wrote: “RIP to a proper fighter.”Most read in BoxingAnd respected referee Mark Lyson posted: “Terrible sad news, RIP Genadij Krajevskij a true warrior, and a lovely fella.”Krakevskij took on notable names like Bradley Rea, Macauley MacGowan and Gerome Warburton during his durable career.Gervonta Davis stuns boxing world by announcing retirement at just 30And although he lost 75 of his 76 bouts, he was stopped just nine times.Love Island star Fury halted him two rounds into their contest at the BT Sport Studio in Stratford four years ago.Krakevskij’s last fight was a four-round defeat against 26-year-old Midlander Levi Vaughan in August this year.Krajevskij was known as a ‘great presence’ at fight nightsCredit: BT Sport More

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      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen lashes out at ‘stupid idiots’ as F1 rival overheard dropping sarcastic dig on radio at Abu Dhabi GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN lashed out at Formula One officials after receiving a 10-second penalty at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Verstappen, 27, made contact with Oscar Piastri on the first corner of the opening lap on Sunday.Max Verstappen lashed out at Formula One officials after receiving a 10-second penaltyCredit: GettyVerstappen made contact with Oscar Piastri on the first corner of the opening lapPiastri started spinning off the track and ended up facing the other wayBoth Piastri and Verstappen issued some sarcastic messages on the radioCredit: RexPiastri, 23, started spinning off the track and ended up facing the other way, while the Red Bull superstar managed to keep going.However, the reigning Formula One champion was handed a 10-second penalty as a result of the collision.And the Dutchman was clearly not impressed with the stewards’ decision.Verstappen was heard saying on his radio: “Can we ask for 20 seconds? Stupid idiots.”Read More on F1McLaren star Piastri was also heard dropping a sarcastic dig at his rival on his radio after the incident.Piastri was heard saying: “Yep. Move of a world champion that one.”And when informed by his McLaren team that Verstappen had been handed a 10-second penalty, the Aussie star responded: “Good.”The reigning world champion finished the race sixth, while Piastri snatched 10th place.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcLaren team-mate Lando Norris was the big winner of the race.British legend Sir Lewis Hamilton finished ahead of both Verstappen and Piastri.Ferrari urged to rip up Lewis Hamilton’s contract by F1 legend after star’s ‘worrying’ admission Hamilton, who was racing with Mercedes for the last time ever before moving to Ferrari, was fourth. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd cult hero Nani announces retirement with emotional video after tragic death of his father

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      MAN UTD icon Nani has retired from football at the age of 38.The tricky winger announced his decision in an emotional video he shared on social media.Nani has announced his retirement from professional footballFormer winger Nani was a cult hero at Man Utd – winning four Premier League titlesCredit: PA:Press AssociationNani captioned the three-minute clip: “The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player.”It’s been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped me and supported me through the highs and lows during a career which lasted over 20 years and gave me so many unforgettable memories.”Time to turn a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams. See you soon!”The wideman’s announcement is seemingly a surprise given he was playing his football in his homeland in the top flight for Estrella Amadora.read more football newsAlthough the club are in a relegation battle, Nani had appeared 10 times this season and was considered a first team regular.Part of Nani’s decision to retire, he revealed in his post, was down to the recent passing of his father.That has forced him to contemplate his future – vowing to spend more with his family.He said: “I want to make the most of my time with my children, my wife, my mother, my siblings, cousins, uncles and aunts.Most read in Football”They also need me, and I need to be with them which is very important.”Ronaldo and Rio laugh as they reminisce about ‘making Nani cry’ at Man Utd Nani is best remembered on our shores for his time at Man Utd, where he won four Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and the League Cup twice.He also helped his country win the Euros in 2016 alongside fellow United alumni Cristiano Ronaldo.Nani turned out 230 times, scoring 40 goals.In 2015, he returned to Portugal on loan with Sporting Lisbon.Then spells at Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting again, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor followed.A hint where his future lies was given in the summer, when Nani bought fourth division side SU Sintrense.Nani won the Champions League with Man Utd alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdNani also lifted the Euros in 2016 with his country PortugalCredit: ReutersNani said: “I am very happy to be part of this project. I hope to add value to the club.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sintrense are an opportunity for me to do something interesting.”It is very important for me that they are close to the area where I grew up. I hope it will be a successful project.” More

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      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer breaks Premier League penalty record with outrageous Panenka goal as Tottenham fall apart against Chelsea

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      COLE PALMER set a hot new record in ice-cool style.But it’s just one reason why many fans are wondering if he’s now the best player in the world.One fan labelled Cole Palmer’s penalties and display ‘freezing’Credit: EPAPalmer led Chelsea’s sensational second-half turnaround at TottenhamCredit: EPAPalmer peaked Chelsea’s spectacular 4-3 comeback triumph at Tottenham with two penalties and an unofficial assist.But those stats only hint at the way he made a piece of Premier League history.A brilliant spot-kick to level at 2-2 was just the start.Because the England attacker then helped create an Enzo Fernandez wonder goal – before completing his penalty double with a Panenka chip that mocked the tension of a rousing derby.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means, at just 22, the 11-cap ace has leapt to the list of the players scoring the most spot-kicks in a row without missing.Palmer went into Sunday’s derby on 10.That was just one behind a legend from his old club Manchester City – Yaya Toure.Palmer had already overtaken Dimitar Berbatov’s total of nine, plus two players on eight – Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his weekend record-breaking only scratched the surface of a remarkable individual display.Yes, his audacity in choosing such a cheeky second spot-kick marked him out for his composure as much as his exciting footwork.Chelsea fans spot moment Nicolas Jackson ‘assisted’ Enzo Fernandez and stopped captain getting yellow cardBut fans raved over his “freezing” all-round ability.One claimed: “This boy is becoming the most influential player in the league right now.” Some made claims such as: “This guy is the best player in the world.”And a few made even more extravagant suggestions, including: “Cole Palmer is 3X the player Bukayo Saka is. What a player.”Saka’s deliveries are a major factor in big rivals Arsenal netting from so many set-pieces this season.And with Palmer famed for his penalties, one viewer renamed the two London giants as he posted: “Chelsea: Penalty FC Arsenal: Corner FC.”  This image shows how influential he was in may areas of the pitch More