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      in Soccer

      ‘Last straw’ – EFL chief reveals he’s stepping down over ‘VENDETTA’ against his club in lengthy statement

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      AN EFL chairman has confirmed they will be stepping down after a “vendetta” against his club.Andy Holt will be leaving Accrington Stanley after Saturday’s home game against Chesterfield.Andy Holt will step down as chairman of Accrington StanleyCredit: RexHe will leave the club at the end of the League Two seasonCredit: GettyThe League Two outfit are safe and are nine points clear of relegated Carlisle.Holt has claimed that he has had enough of a “vendetta” from the local authorities.The club have been hit with a series of sanctions which include the removal of a planning permission and a licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.Accrington Stanley have also been handed a noise abatement order.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis has led Holt to announce his decision to step down from the club at the end of the seasonA statement read: “This is the last straw.”Accrington Stanley Ladies Day, an event that never happened until we started it, was held at Fence Gate during the DAYTIME, whilst our multi-million pound facilities stand empty, silence because of the council and councillors working against their club behind my back, as though I didn’t know what was going on.”The undermining of the club has gone on since day one. And I mean day one, long before I took the club on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The councillors voted to remove our planning permission because of the noise complaints.”Following advice from the head planner, we paid to reapply, only for the councillors to turn it down again. After council advice to appeal and more wasted cash, they did the same.Former Premier League star, 39, sent off after 55 seconds for headbutting rival’s BACK in EFL clash”Not content, the council’s staff snooped on the club to build evidence to put a noise abatement order on us.”Not content with that, they removed our licence to sell alcohol on non-matchdays.”It’s been a vendetta, with some councillors actively working against THEIR OWN CLUB.”Whether we had planning permission or not, they have powers to stop the club trading.”Whether they stripped us of our licence or not, they still have the power to stop us trading. Now they have imposed conditions on matchdays that cannot possibly be adhered to.”The club has no opportunity to generate income bar putting prices of tickets etc. up. Prices that are high enough already enough for hard-pressed supporters.”We are not Premier League and don’t have the desire or opportunity to rip fans off.”It’s a mistake for the council to think I will continually replace funds, missing as a result of not being able to trade, forever.”I’m not wasting any more of my life arguing with the council, councillors or MPs that should support the best asset in the town. If they can’t see the blindingly obvious, that’s their problem.”Holt continued in his statement to insist that he has had a “great” time at the club.”I have done my ten years after next week’s home finale. We’re safe, and having thrown many points away through naivety this season, we’re a young team that is getting better.”We have a great club, great staff, more organised than ever, run properly by two top managers, a great medical team, and rigid training routines.”I’m so proud of what we’ve done as a team, turning Accrington Stanley Football Club into a professional club. It has the opportunity to feed the town for generations to come, if only the council, councillors and MPs support it.”I’ve had a great ten years, including with Coley [John Coleman] and Jimmy [Bell]. Players like Billy [Kee}, Seamus [Conneeley], Yosser [Mark Hughes], and Seany [McConnville] will always hold a special place in my heart, as will the rest of them. In John [Doolan] and Ged [Brannan], we have two top quality professionals.”Two of my friends. We have a great group of fans, they give everything for their club. I know many of them personally now, a major plus for me.”I will end my time at the club in any executive capacity after the last game on Saturday.”The club must become financially stable if the great future in front of it is to be realised.”Read More on The SunHolt joined the board of Accrington Stanley back in 2015 and assumed control of the club later that year.The club was on the verge of folding when he took over.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      in Boxing

      Security race to intervene as Daniel Dubois viciously shoves Oleksandr Usyk during first face-off at Wembley

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      DANIEL DUBOIS nearly sparked a premature Wembley brawl with Oleksandr Usyk by PUSHING his heavyweight rival.The pair faced off at the home of English football on Monday morning for the first time since the announcement of their July joust.Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk faced off at Wembley on Monday to promote their July joustCredit: RICHARD PELHAM / QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS

      Dubois upped the ante by shoving the unified heavyweight championCredit: X@QUEENSBERRYSecurity quickly intervened to stop a brawl from breaking outCredit: X@QUEENSBERRYThey intensely stared at one another in the centre circle before Dubois upped the ante by SHOVING the former undisputed heavyweight champion.Pound-for-pound king Usyk, 38, reacted by getting in a fighting stance.But security promptly jumped between the pair to ensure they didn’t prematurely trade blows on the hallowed Wembley turf.Boxing fans were quick to comment on the argy-bargy, with one writing on X: “Dubois flinched.”READ MORE ON USYK VS DUBOIS IIAnother said: “Usyk just smiles back. This will be a good fight.”And another said: “He’s definitely scared as f**k.”One remarked: “Pushed him and then proceeded to s**t himself when Usyk moved towards him.”Dubois and Usyk locked horns with one another in the unified heavyweight title showdown in Poland in August 2023.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDaniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk first locked horns with one another in August 2023Credit: GETTYUndefeated Ukrainian Usyk won their Polish punch-up via ninth-round TKOCredit: RICHARD PELHAMUsyk retained the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring heavyweight titles with a ninth-round stoppage.Dubois thought he was on his way to winning the fight in the fifth round when he dropped Usyk with a thudding body shot.Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois LIVE RESULT: Latest fight updates as Usyk WINS epic title fight after controversial shotBut referee Luis Pabon deemed the punch to be a low blow and gave Usyk the allotted five minutes to recover.Pabon, however, controversially urged Usyk to take more time to recover after the fan favourite said he was ready to fight.Dubois and promoter Frank Warren appealed to the WBA to overturn the result of the fight to a no-contest due to Pabon’s questionable low-blow call.But their attempts to have the result of Usyk’s second defence of the unified heavyweight titles were KO’d by the Panama-based sanctioned body.And to say revenge is on the mind of ‘Triple D’ ahead of July 19’s undisputed straightener would be an understatement. The IBF heavyweight king said: “This is the fight I wanted and demanded and now I get my chance for revenge. “I should have won the first fight and was denied by the judgement of the referee.Read More on The Sun”So I will make no mistake this time around in front of my people at the national stadium in my home city. “I am a superior and more dangerous fighter now and Usyk will find this out for himself.”Daniel Dubois has vowed to avenge his crushing loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: REUTERS More

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      in Motorsport

      Joel Evans dead aged 30: Family pay heartbreaking tribute to motocross star with rider set to become dad in months

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      MOTOCROSS star Joel Evans has sadly passed away following a horror crash.The 30-year-old Aussie rider was set to become a dad later this year.Joel Evans has tragically passed awayCredit: Instagram @joelevans_81Evans was set to become a father in OctoberCredit: Instagram @joelevans_81His partner Michaela was with him for ten yearsCredit: Instagram @joelevans_81Evans’s fatal crash occurred at the Gillman Speedway in Adelaide while he competed in the elite ProMX Championship.He was rushed to hospital but tragically could not be saved.His family posted a touching message online, which read: “Yesterday we lost the most incredible person on this earth. The most authentic, loved and kind hearted soul.“He loved and devoted his life to this sport which brought him so much joy and he rode it out right till the end. READ MORE IN SPORT”We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our beautiful man.“He is such a loved partner, uncle, brother, friend and son but most proudly a father to our adored little boy who is joining us in October.”Please share his name, share his legacy, this incredible man deserves to be remembered across the generations. We love you so much Joely.”His sister Renae added: “What do you say when you have no words? Yesterday our lives changed forever.Most read in Motorsport”Joel was the best brother a girl could ask for, and an even greater uncle for my girls.”He used to joke about not wanting to get old, now he never has to.”Joel was doing what he loved and was in one of the happiest eras of his life, but that doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.”We love you so much buddy. More than you’ll ever understand. Ride. In. Peace #81.“And for those reading. Hug your loved ones extra today, and please don’t ever take your time for granted. Tomorrow isn’t promised for any of us.”Evans, who was with his partner Michaela for ten years, bravely fought back to compete again after a horror accident in 2015 left him with a broken neck. More

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      in Soccer

      QPR boss Marti Cifuentes holds talks with Championship rival as he considers quitting club

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      QUEENS PARK RANGERS boss Marti Cifuentes has held talks with another Championship side as he considers leaving Loftus Road. Cifuentes, 42, joined the west London outfit in October 2023, and kept the R’s afloat in the second tier.Marti Cifuentes is in-demand and could move after a fall-out with the QPR hierarchyCredit: GettyThey sealed safety with a rampant 4-0 victory over Leeds United, which subsequently sent Leicester City back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.This term, Cifuentes has guided QPR to mid-table safety – 15th in the Championship – and his talents are being courted by one of his side’s rivals. Now, West Bromwich Albion are looking to lure the Spaniard to the east Midlands after a reported breakdown in relations between the manager and QPR’s chief executive Christian Nourry.The Baggies sacked Tony Mowbray last week after their play-off charge fell flat, with the former Premier League side 10th in the table and forced to play another season at step two of the pyramid. Read more FootballSunSport exclusively revealed that Cifuentes was considering his position at Loftus Road after a misalignment over the direction the club was heading.Cifuentes had begun to get agitated over the number of injuries that were plaguing his squad.And he was frustrated at the club’s decision to let director of performance Ben Williams reign over the sports science, medical, physio, and nutrition departments remotely from Dubai.Nourry, who was brought in in January 2024 to oversee the club’s recruitment, had previously worked for football data analytics and advisory business Retexo. Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCifuentes signed a new deal in west London back in September having been linked with the vacant post at Sunderland last summer before Regis Le Bris took the reins on Wearside.The Spaniard had wanted assurances from above that the R’s would be looking to progress next term, with a view to getting back to the promised land of the Premier League, which they last played in 10 years ago. QPR face Sunderland – whose place in the Championship play-offs is already confirmed – in their final game of the season on Saturday.Former QPR and Cardiff Star Leonne Jeanne Recalled to PrisonWest Brom sacked Tony Mowbray after their play-off pursuit came up shortCredit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Holiday season has started’ – Glam footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild in bikini as she sprawls on the rocks

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      MADELENE WRIGHT has sent fans wild after posing in a bikini while on holiday.The glamorous footballer has built an enormous fan base on social media with her racy content.Madelene Wright showed off her figure in new pictures on social mediaCredit: InstagramShe posed in a bikini while lying down on the rocksCredit: InstagramWright, 26, has done it again as she shared two bikini pictures on her Instagram account.The snaps show her sprawling on the rocks while wearing a salmon coloured bikini.She completed her outfit with a matching shell necklace and anklet.She wrote: “Holiday season has just started.”READ MORE ON SPORTHer 325k followers loved the snaps as they flocked to the comment section.One posted: “Oh my god, so beautiful.”A second wrote: “Just amazing Maddie.”A third commented: “Amazing as always Maddie.”Most read in FootballA fourth said: “Gorgeous.”Another added: “A beautiful view.”Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic She broke the hearts of Leyton Orient fans last year when she announced she was leaving the club after less than a year in E10.And she now lines up for FA Women’s National League side Chesham United.Madelene used to be on books at Charlton Athletic before she was sacked in 2021.Her axing came after footage was uploaded to Snapchat of her swigging champagne while driving and inhaling a balloon at a party.Alongside her globetrotting lifestyle and her time on the football pitch, Madelene works as an OnlyFans model.She has previously boasted that her side hustle earns her a whopping £500,000 per year and helps fund her lifestyle away from the beautiful game.Inside Madelene’s glamorous life as influencer, footballer and OnlyFans star…Wright lives a glamorous lifestyleShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Things happen for a reason’ – Canelo Alvarez leaves door open to Jake Paul fight but reveals he is HAPPY deal collapsed

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      CANELO ALVAREZ was HAPPY his mega-money deal with Jake Paul collapsed – but he has left the door open to a fight in the future. The Mexican great and YouTuber-turned-boxer were close to announcing a shock May 3 blockbuster in Las Vegas. Canelo Alvarez is ‘happy’ his mega-money fight with Jake Paul collapsedCredit: GettyJake Paul beat Canelo Alvarez in his last fightCredit: GettyBut Canelo dramatically walked away at the 11th hour to sign a bumper four-bout deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh. That kicks off with an undisputed super-middleweight title clash against William Scull in Riyadh on Sunday morning in the UK. And boxing purists can breathe a sigh of relief as it also KO’d Paul’s chances of fighting the sport’s biggest star – for now. Canelo, 34, told SunSport: “I’m very happy. Things happen for a reason and I’m happy with this and I’m gonna enjoy it as much as I can.”READ MORE IN boxing The four-weight champion even refused to refer to the bout with 11-1 Paul as a real or genuine fight.He instead said: “It’s an event for me, yeah, calling it a fight is very difficult for me, man. “It’s for me more like event more than a fight, you know, and this is not the moment.”Paul’s only defeat in the ring came against Tommy Fury, 25, via split-decision in February 2023.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has won five since and most recently brought Mike Tyson out of retirement at 58 for a controversial clash on Netflix. But despite the scrutiny surrounding the fight for the ages – over 100 MILLION watched on the streaming service. Canelo Alvarez warns he’s ready to bash more Brit rivals with boxing icon ‘dreaming’ of UK debut So Netflix gave Paul’s camp the green light to pursue talks with Canelo until the deal crumbled. But the unlikely fight even became the talks of the playground at Canelo’s daughter Maria’s school. Canelo revealed: “Maybe her friends told her about the fight.”Because the fathers of her friends told them and everything talking about it – because they don’t know anything about boxing.”That kind of people don’t know anything about boxing and they think Jake Paul is really good fighter. Which he is a fighter, but it’s levels in boxing.”And that’s why my daughter told me, ‘You’re gonna fight with Jake Paul?’ And I said, ‘He’s not on my level my love, don’t worry!’I’m very happy. Things happen for a reason and I’m happy with this and I’m gonna enjoy it as much as I canCanelo on collapse of Jake Paul fight “I think it’s for that fact that people don’t how boxing works.”Paul also considered an exhibition against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis – despite their SIX STONE weight difference. But Davis, 30, is now set to rematch Lamont Roach, 29, in the summer following their draw in March. So Paul switched his attention to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, and announced he will return to the ring on June 28 in California. Canelo meanwhile faces Scull in a bid to win back the IBF 168lb title he vacated last year – and once more become undisputed king.And a super-fight against unbeaten American Terence Crawford, 37, is due to follow in the summer in what could be his biggest bout of all. Read More on The SunCanelo said: “I have a lot of big fights. A lot of big fights, a lot of good fights in my career.”I’m focused on the in this fight, and we’ll see, we’ll see if if that fight happens. We’ll see, maybe it’s gonna be the biggest? We don’t know.”Canelo returns against William ScullCredit: GettyTerence Crawford is expected to fight Canelo in SeptemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn both make touching nod to dads in grudge match with subtle detail

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR and Conor Benn paid a touching but subtle tribute to their dads during their second generation grudge match. Eubank Sr shares Britain’s greatest rivalry with Benn’s father Nigel, who he beat in 1990 and drew with three years later. Chris Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn in their grudge matchCredit: GettyAnd he emotionally reunited with his son on the night of the fight – following their public falling out. Benn stepped out with Nigel to his dad’s old ring walk song Dangerous by Conroy Smith. And Eubank Jr was flanked by his old man – to the elation of Tottenham’s stadium – with Simply The Best blaring out. Eubank Sr of course having famously walked out to his fights to the Tina Turner classic. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut the tributes did not stop there as Benn wore all black shorts while Eubank Jr donned white and red. Fans were quick to point out they were the exact colours their dads fought in three decades ago. One said: “Both fighters came out in same the same shorts as their dads 35 years earlier in Eubank Jr vs Benn last night.”Another hailed: “Love that Eubank is wearing the same shorts his dad wore in his first fight with Benn.”Most read in BoxingEubank Sr beat Nigel Benn in 1990 with their sons wearing the same shots 35 years laterCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third added: “He had the same colour shorts his dad had on in his first fight with Nigel.”Eubank Sr had been passionately against the fight due to the weight difference between the two born rivals. SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on Chris Eubank Jr’s win over Conor BennBenn, 28, is a natural welterweight while Eubank Jr, 35, missed the 160lb middleweight limit by 0.05lb and had a 10lb rehydration clause. But Eubank Sr sent Spurs’ stadium into a frenzy by returning to his son’s side – something he apparently always planned to do. He revealed after the fight: “I’m so proud of him. That’s my son. I was always going to be here.”Eubank Jr earned a unanimous points win with a clean sweep of 116-112 scorecards. He was taken to hospital as a precautionary on the night of his heroic victory with Benn joining him a day later. A rematch clause is in their contract with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh having already eyed Tottenham again for September. Eubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.But Eubank Jr could choose to move back up in weight while Benn has options down at welterweight to fight WBC champion Mario Barrios. Benn said: “Do I avenge the loss or move back to 147lbs and win a world title? If Barrios is watching, I’d love that,” Benn said.”But I feel like I just want to settle this.”Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn added: “In defeat, he’s become a superstar.”We have to think about what we do next, we’ve seen tonight he’s a world-class fighter and can win world titles. “We’ve got a rematch up at 160lbs but this kid has an unbelievable future and can be a superstar in this country, filling stadiums.Read More on The Sun”I think he can win the rematch but we have to think carefully about what we do because he’s been through an unbelievable amount.”I’d like to see him go back to 147lbs and fight for a world title.”Benn contemplated his next move in the post-fight press conferenceCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigar

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      LIVERPOOL wrapped up their second Premier League title on Sunday and their celebrations matched the achievement.The Reds’ title was their 20th in the English top-flight and levels the club with rivals Manchester United.Trent Alexander-Arnold led celebrations in Liverpool’s dressing roomCredit: InstagramThe team danced along to Freed From DesireCredit: InstagramVirgil van Dijk danced along with TrentCredit: InstagramDarwin Nunez treated himself to a cigar after claiming the titleCredit: InstagramLiverpool romped to the trophy in Arne Slot’s debut campaign as manager, since replacing Jurgen Klopp.The Merseyside-based club claimed the title with a 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield.Players and fans alike broke out in wild celebrations following the final whistle of the match.Liverpool stars continued their wild jubilation into the dressing room while wearing special “Champions” shirts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrent Alexander-Arnold led dances as the players sang along to the 1997 classic Freed From Desire by Gala.The defender filmed himself singing along and dancing with his team-mates.He shared the clip on his X account for his 2.7million followers.Darwin Nunez also took to social media as he posted a selfie of himself with a cigar and a bottle of non-alcoholic beer.Most read in FootballCheeky Mo Salah reveals Liverpool’s Premier League title felt way better without Klopp, Mane and FirminoHe captioned the picture: “Premier League champion, let them tell it however they want.”Former Fulham ace Harvey Elliot was also involved as he shared a selfie with Tyler Morton and Caoimhin Kelleher.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLuis Diaz shared his own picture on social mediaCredit: InstagramCurtis Jones and Cody Gakpo continued their celebrationsCredit: InstagramHarvey Elliott was joined by Tyler Morton and Caoimhin KelleherCredit: InstagramHe added the caption: “Let’s goooooooooo.”Luis Diaz also shared a selfie as he took a seat in the dressing room.Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones continued their celebrations as the forward was hailed by the midfielder as “My brother”.There were plenty of brilliant moments during the pitch celebrations.Slot was sprayed with champagne by Cody Gakpo as he tried to address the crowd.The Dutchman also led a song paying tribute to his predecessor Klopp.Slot later confirmed that he will be celebrating with a few glasses of beer.He said: “The only moment I was emotional today was when we arrived at the stadium.”You could see what it meant for the people. Everyone inside the bus felt a responsibility.”It was impossible for us to lose this game of football.Read More on The Sun”I will probably celebrate with a glass of beer or two, or three.”While Mohamed Salah took a selfie in front of the stands with the supporters in the background.Mohamed Salah took a selfie in front of the Liverpool fansCredit: InstagramArne Slot was covered in champagneCredit: AFPThe league title was the 20th in Liverpool’s historyCredit: EPAPlayers also celebrated with fans on the pitchCredit: EPA More