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      Former Newcastle youth star, 27, dies suddenly as his heartbroken club pay tribute and postpone match out of respect

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      FORMER Newcastle academy player Michael Newberry has tragically passed away at the age of 27.Newberry, who left the Toon in 2018, signed for Northern Irish club Cliftonville FC last summer.Former Newcastle player Michael Newberry has tragically passed awayCredit: GettyNewberry’s current club Cliftonville FC have postponed their game to honour his deathCliftonville confirmed Newberry’s death on Monday in a heartbreaking tribute, with the club left “shaken” by the loss.The tribute read: “Cliftonville FC are devastated to learn of the sudden death of Michael Newberry. “Our condolences are extended to Michael’s family and friends, as well as the many team-mates he played with during his career, and fans who will be shaken and saddened by this heartbreaking news.”This evening’s scheduled fixture with Dungannon Swifts at Solitude has been postponed.”Monday’s scheduled fixture with Dungannon Swifts at Solitude has been postponed out of respect.Dungannon said: “Everyone at Dungannon Swifts FC are deeply saddened by the news of Michael Newberry’s passing.”We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Newberry’s family and everybody associated with Cliftonville FC and Linfield FC at this sad time.”Also postponed is the game between Linfield and Larne following a request from the former due to his time at the club.Most read in FootballNewberry’s last game for Cliftonville was on Boxing DayCredit: A Linfield statement read: “Linfield FC is devastated to learn of the sudden passing of our former player, Michael Newberry. West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui defends loss against Liverpool “Linfield has agreed with NIFL that tonight’s Premiership game against Larne should be postponed. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michael’s family and friends at this very sad time.”Larne said: “Everyone at Larne Football Club are deeply saddened to hear of Michael Newberry’s passing. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael’s family and friends at this time and everyone associated with Cliftonville FC and Linfield FC.”Due to the tragic news, tonight’s game against Linfield has now been postponed.”A statement from the Northern Ireland Football League said: “The NI Football League are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Cliftonville player Michael Newberry.”Everyone connected with the NI Football League pass on our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family, friends and everyone connected with Cliftonville Football Club at this sad time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As a mark of respect, Cliftonville’s match against Dungannon Swifts in the Sports Direct Premiership tonight (Monday) has been postponed.”In addition, following a request from Linfield, and due to Michael’s time at Windsor Park and his close association with the Linfield players and staff – their match against Larne this evening has also been postponed.” More

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      Four Premier League teams sweating over dreaded points deduction as PSR D-Day arrives and clubs face revealing accounts

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      PREM club accountants face PSR D-Day tomorrow – with the threat of a points deduction hanging over them.Under League rules, all clubs that have posted aggregate losses over the previous two seasons must hand in their 2023-24 accounts by close of business.Clubs including Chelsea face a nervy wait with PSR deadlines tomorrowCredit: AlamyLeicester have already won a legal battle against sanctionsCredit: GettyPrem lawyers will then go through the numbers to decide if charges for breaches of Profitability and Sustainability Rules are due – with a decision made and published by January 13.And the biggest scrutiny is likely to be on the figures supplied by Leicester after the Foxes – already in the drop zone – won a huge legal victory to avoid being sanctioned before the season started.Clubs are limited to “allowable losses” – once spending on infrastructure, the youth and women’s teams and community projects is taken off – of a maximum £105m over three seasons.That sum is reduced by £22m for each season a club has spent in the Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it ensures an anxious time for fans of a number of top flight clubs until Prem chiefs confirm charges in the middle of next month – with the rules ensuring that any punishments MUST be applied this term.Last season saw Everton and Nottingham Forest both hit with points deductions for breaches in the 2022-23 season.Everton, who had already been deducted six points for a £19.5m breach over the three years to June 2022, had two more points knocked off for posting losses of £16.5m – although Prem lawyers argued that the Goodison club was responsible for a further £6.5m sum in “interest payments”.Forest, who were only in their season in the top flight, were docked four points for busting their £61m loss limit by £34m.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe City Ground club, the success story of this campaign and who will end the year with a six-point buffer in the race for a Champions League spot, admitted in March that they were on course for PSR losses of between £12m and £17m, despite finally being able to include the £47m sale of Brennan Johnson to Spurs in their calculations.But the previous losses meant they entered the season already £9m OVER their 2023-24 loss limit of £83m.Everton points deduction explainedNottingham Forest are hoping to avoid another points hitCredit: GettyEverton are also keeping their fingers crossed after doing plenty of business in the summerCredit: GettyForest are understood to be confident their end of season fire-sale, including the £20m departure of Greek keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos to Newcastle, will enable them to get in under the threshold for a charge, but it is likely to be touch and go.Likewise at Everton, who sold Ben Godfrey to Atalanta for £10m and Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa for £9m in the final days before the official June 30 end of last term.The Toffees, now under new ownership, were looking at a loss of around £90m for the previous two campaigns and were once again sailing close to the PSR wind.Those sales were part of an end of season transfer merry-go-round which also saw Everton pay £9m for Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam, Chelsea sell Ian Maatsen to Unai Emery’s men for £37.5m and buy youngster Omari Kellyman for £19m.Those deals led to Prem chiefs warning clubs that they must not use loopholes in the rulebook to avoid PSR penalties and that they are duty bound to act “with utmost good faith” towards the competition and rivals.There were arguments that charging each other potentially inflated fees – with incoming transfers “amortised” over contract lengths while sales can be lodged at full book value – to get round PSR provisions was a breach of that undertaking.Chelsea, who contentiously received the green light to sell two hotels on the Stamford Bridge site for £76m to sister company BlueCo 22 Properties, also owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, were perilously close to the maximum loss limit last season.A season without any European football knocked a £50m black hole in their anticipated income but the hotel sale is likely to see them clear the PSR hurdle for last term.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever the biggest cloud is hanging over Leicester, who successfully argued they were not under Prem jurisdiction because they had been relegated to the Championship.Promotion brings them back under the Prem auspices and the Foxes posted cumulative losses of £124m for the final three seasons before they were demoted, with last term likely to have seen their numbers take another hit. More

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      Julen Lopetegui ‘given two games to save West Ham job’ with ex-Chelsea boss waiting in wings to replace him

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI has reportedly been given two games to save his job at West Ham.The Spanish manager was named David Moyes’ successor in the summer following the Scot’s exit.Julen Lopetegui has two games to save his job at West HamCredit: PAThe Hammers were smashed 5-0 in their last match against LiverpoolCredit: ReutersLopetegui, 58, has endured a tough start to his tenure, with the Hammers lingering in the bottom half of the table.West Ham have only won six of their 19 league fixtures, with their last result being a 5-0 thumping by Liverpool at the London Stadium.The devasting result has heaped pressure on the former Real Madrid boss.TalkSPORT have claimed that the West Ham board have given Lopetegui two games to save himself from the sack.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis means that Lopetegui will have to pick up positive results from two away trips against Manchester City and Aston Villa in the FA Cup.He has already survived the sack this season with a crucial win over Wolves at the London Stadium.The game was labelled as ‘El Sackio’ as he and former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil were under huge pressure.Both survived the aftermath of the match, although O’Neil was axed just six days later after a defeat to Ipswich Town.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report claims that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is waiting in the wings should the trigger be pulled on Lopetegui.The English coach has been out of management since he was axed by the Blues in 2023.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter is reportedly waiting in the wings to replace LopeteguiCredit: AFPHe was in charge at Stamford Bridge for just eight months despite being poached from Brighton and Hove Albion.Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and German coach Roger Schmidt have also been linked to the hot seat in East London.Lopetegui has not had a trouble-free time in charge of the Hammers.In recent weeks, he has had to deal with the horrific car crash that has ruled star striker Michail Antonio out for the foreseeable.His dad, Jose, sadly passed away at the age of 94 earlier this month after suffering from health problems.West Ham youth goalkeeper Oscar Fairs also died aged 15 following a battle with cancer.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the loss to Liverpool, West Ham had gone four games unbeaten.This run saw wins over Wolves and Southampton as well as draws against Bournemouth and Brighton and Hove Albion. More

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      Incredible throwback photo shows Hollywood superstar playing against England’s Joe Gomez – can you guess who it is?

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      AN incredible throwback photo of England centre-back Joe Gomez alongside a Hollywood superstar has re-emerged on social media.But can you guess who it is?Joe Gomez (front left)played against a Hollywood actor (front right) as a childCredit: Instagram @manhattankickersfcGomez now plays for Liverpool and EnglandCredit: EPALiverpool man Gomez played against the actor in question during his time at Charlton as a youngster.The Addicks’ academy faced New York-based soccer school Manhattan Kickers in a friendly.Before the match, both teams lined up for a photograph.And England centre-back Gomez crouched down next to someone who would go on to star in Hollywood blockbusters such as Wonka, Dune and Little Women.Read More in FootballIf you haven’t guessed already, the 27-year-old posed next to Academy Award nominee Timothee Chalamet.Fans were left mind-blown after discovering the little-known crossover, with one person writing: “This is delightfully random.”Another commented: “Would have never predicted this crossover in a million years.”While another said: “Need more on this what…”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGomez played against Timothee ChalametCredit: ReutersChalamet, who most recently starred as Bob Dylan in new biopic A Complete Unknown, also stunned fans last week by revealing his favourite football team.In an interview, the 29-year-old revealed that he used to follow the Saint-Etienne team bus on his bike in the 2000s.’Such a pity’ – Major broadcaster ENDS Premier League coverage as fans are left heartbrokenHe said: “Yeah, that’s true. Chased the team up there. Bafetimbi Gomis, Dimitri Payet… it was that generation of Saint-Etienne players.”[I’m a] big Saint-Etienne fan, probably the team I support most in the world; better than the New York Knicks (basketball).” More

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      Boxer Paul Bamba made devastating brain damage admission weeks before tragic death aged just 35

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      PAUL BAMBA made a heartbreaking health admission just weeks before his passing.The 35-year-old boxer tragically passed away last week just SIX DAYS after claiming the WBA Gold cruiserweight title.Boxer Paul Bamba tragically passed away last weekCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAMBAJUICEThe cause of the untimely passing of Bamba – who was managed by musician Ne-Yo – hasn’t been revealed.But just weeks before his death, Bamba revealed that his ventures into the ring had taken their toll on his body – particularly his brain.After a troll took aim at him on X, he revealed he’d suffered brain damage in his Misfits Boxing clash with former UFC star Chris Avila in April 2021.He wrote: “Nah fighting Avila with a concussion and losing 22lbs in 3 days gave me slight brain damage.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”Which was a bit scary and I had to take 8 months off so it’s not a joking matter.”After the final fight of his career, Bamba set his sights on a showdown with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.He said: “[Jake Paul] you can come get it, you can come fight for it or whatever, you can keep doing the gimmick fights.”At the end of the day, I’ve put in the work.Most read in BoxingPaul Bamba made a frank admission about his health just weeks before his passingCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAMBAJUICE”You can say you’ve taken boxing seriously and yeah you’ve made a lot of money but you haven’t earned anything in boxing.”If you think about how I started everything versus how everything is going now, I didn’t wait for an opportunity I created one.Paul Bamba breaks silence after Tommy Fury fight cancelation and vows to break rival’s jaw if they reschedule bout”And I went out and grabbed it by the horns so to speak and did my thing this year.”Look at the facts; 14 fights, 14 KOs in one year, how many belts have I got here?”Paul was left gobsmacked by Bamba’s passing and led the tributes on social media, posting on X: “RIP Paul Bamba.” More

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      Inside Chris Eubank Jr’s new £4MILLION villa as boxer reveals he’s purchased stunning beachfront pad on Dubai island

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR has bagged himself a stunning new home in Dubai.The former IBO super-middleweight champion recently put his plush four-bed Hove house on the market.Chris Eubank Jr has purchased a stunning new home in DubaiCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIThe Brit boxer has bought an Indigo Ocean Villa on the plush Palm Jebel Ali IslandCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIEubank Jr has dropped a cool £4million on the stunning abodeCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIEubank Jr revealed the location of his plush new digs on InstagramCredit: PALM JEBEL ALI / CHRIS EUBANJ JREubank Jr – the son of British boxing great Chris Eubank Sr – slapped a £1.8million asking price on the stylish abode.And he’s seemingly already moved on from the gaffe by purchasing a plush property in the UAE.The 35-year-old has bought a stunning five-bedroom Indigo Ocean Villa on Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali Island.The brand-spanking new and highly-desired Palm Jebel Ali is described as a “sophisticated sanctuary” filled with “ultra-luxury homes”.READ MORE ON EUBANK JRAnd Eubank Jr’s oceanside villa is most certainly the definition of luxury.As well as five sizeable bedrooms and four bathrooms, the 7,882 square-foot home has multiple private balconies and a spacious roof terrace.The bedrooms and bathrooms are spaced out over three floors, the top of which features a stunning terrace.The luxury villa, understandably, doesn’t come cheap as they’re currently being listed for a whopping £4million.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChris Eubank Jr’s new UAE pad has five bedrooms and four bathroomsCredit: PALM JEBEL ALIPaying for the house will be a doddle for Eubank Jr if his long-overdue family grudge match with Conor Benn finally comes to fruition.The rivals have been publicly squabbling over a purse split for the domestic dust-up, which was initially set to take place in October 2022.Watch moment Conor Benn SHOVES Chris Eubank Jr and calls him ‘dead boy walking’ before boxing rivals are separated But Eubank Jr promoter Ben Shalom recently claimed his man had agreed to a 55-45 purse split.He told Sky Sports: “We have done an unbelievable job getting Chris to accept a 55 per cent fee.“We’ve worked wonders. You ask anyone, they can even see it, this isn’t even close to a 50-50 fight.”So the fact he’s managing to compromise on that is hugely generous from him. “I’ve done my job, and now it’s time for them to be sensible.“The fact they’ve already got us down to that shows how well we’ve done.Chris Eubank Jr is seemingly on course to finally face Conor BennCredit: GETTY”If the fight doesn’t get made now, then we know what it is.”But ‘Next Gen’ told Fight Hub TV last week: “Of course [Benn and Matchroom Boxing] they don’t want to budge [on the purse split].”These guys, their greed is what’s stopping the fight from happening.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The bottom line is the A-side doesn’t split 50/50 with the B-side and I am the A-side.”Once they comes to terms with that then the fight will be made.” More

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      Mo Salah leapfrogs Harry Kane, Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer to break Premier League record in 5-0 win over West Ham

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      MO SALAH broke a Premier League record during Liverpool’s 5-0 drubbing of West Ham.The Hammers were humiliated by the Reds at the London Stadium as the Egyptian forward played a starring role.Mo Salah broke a Premier League record in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over West HamCredit: ReutersHe scored and assisted two goals against the HammersCredit: GettySalah, 32, scored one goal and provided two assists for Liverpool as he put in a man-of-the-match performance.He set up Cody Gakpo for his side’s second of the game before firing in the third himself.Salah also picked up the assist for Diogo Jota to wrap up the scoring in the match.In doing so, he became the first player to score and assist in eight matches in a single Premier League season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSince the competition was started in 1992, it has only been managed seven times previously.Before doing it for the eighth time, Salah was level with the likes of Harry Kane, Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer.Bruno Fernandes and Robin van Persie had also managed the feat seven times in a single season.Salah’s impressive form has seen him already hit 20 goals for the campaign in all competitions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn the Premier League, he is leading the scoring charts with 17 goals as well as the assist leaderboard with 13.He has also scored or assisted in each of his previous 11 games to help his side lay down their title credentials.’We are far away from that,’ says Mo Salah as Liverpool star sends club another contract warningArne Slot’s team are currently leading the Premier League, eight points ahead of second-placed Nottingham Forest.They have only lost once in the league this season, which came against Forest at Anfield in September. Nuno Espirito Santo’s brave Tricky Trees have played one more game than the Reds.Arsenal are in third place with only 18 games played but are nine points off the pace.Meanwhile, Salah is out of contract at the end of the season and can negotiate with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement in January.After the win over West Ham, he insisted that he is still focused on Liverpool.He said: “No we are far away from that and I don’t want to put anything in the media and people start saying stuff.”Now I am focused on the team.”The only thing in my mind is for Liverpool to win the league, I just want to be part of that.”That is the only thing I have been focusing on since the start of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I will do my best for the team to win a trophy, we are in the right direction.”There are a few other teams catching up with us and we need to stay focused and humble and go again.” More

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      Hugo Sotil dead at 75: Barcelona legend who formed legendary partnership with Johan Cruyff dies after ‘health problem’

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      BARCELONA hero Hugo Sotil has passed away 75. The Peruvian was hospitalised earlier this month after experiencing a “health issue”.Barcelona legend Hugo Sotil has passed away aged 75Credit: Barcelona FCThe Peru international was hospitalised earlier this month but never recovered from his health issueCredit: AFPDoctors placed Sotil in intensive care and did their best to improve his condition.But the former striker was sadly unable to recover and passed away on Monday.Barcelona announced his passing an emotional statement, an excerpt of which read: “On Monday 30 December Hugo Sotil passed away.”Born in Ica in Peru on 18 May 1949, ‘Cholo’ as he was known, was considered one of the best South American players of his generation, and was a from fan favourites at Baraa during his time at the club.READ MORE ON BARCELONA”The striker came to Barça for the 1973/74 season from Peruvian club Municipal de Lima.”Sotil was a vital part of a team that included legends such as Johan Cruyff, [Juan Manuel] Asensi, [Carlos] Rexach and Marcial [Pina].”He became a favourite of the Camp Nou crowd who would chant “Cholooo, Cholooo” in his honour.”A social media post from the club read: “FC Barcelona mourns the passing of Hugo Sotil, who played for Barca from 1973 to 1976, and offers its condolences to his family and friends. Most read in FootballHugo Sotil was part of Barcelona’s successful team of the early 1970sCredit: GETTYHe formed an incredible partnership with the late Johan CruyffCredit: AFP”Rest in peace, Cholo.”Scores of Barca fans responded to the X post to pay tribute to the late Sotil. Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game One wrote: “Rest in peace, legend.”Another said: “”He wasn’t just talented on the field with his amazing dribbling and assists, loved by so many. “Rest in peace, Cholo.”Sotil joined Barcelona in 1973 from Peruvian side Deportivo Municipal and won a slew of trophies with the Catalan club. He scored 29 goals in 96 appearances during his four years at the Nou Camp. He formed an incredible partnership with the late Johan Cruyff, which is still talked about to this day.Sotil had incredibly fond memories of his time with the club and the love he received from the Nou Camp faithful. He said: “The love of the people of Barca is unforgettable. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The day I die I hope they bury me in a Barca shirt.”Barcelona will likely pay tribute to the late Sotil when they welcome Valencia to the Nou Camp on January 26. More