More stories

  • in

    Imane Khelif breaks silence after ‘naming Elon Musk & JK Rowling in cyberbullying lawsuit’ over boxing gender row

    IMANE Khelif has broken her silence after reportedly naming Elon Musk and JK Rowling in a cyberbullying lawsuit.Khelif won Olympic gold in the women’s 66kg boxing contest on Saturday after critics said her participation risked women’s safety.Imane Khelif has spoken for the first time since reportedly naming Elon Musk and JK Rowling in a cyberbullying lawsuitCredit: ReutersKhelif was at the centre of a ‘gender row’ controversy at the Olympics after being allowed to compete in women’s boxingCredit: GettyThe boxing champion is understood to have filed a criminal complaint to French authorities which alleges “acts of aggravated cyber harassment” against the Algerian from famous figures such as Rowling and Musk.Harry Potter author Rowling slammed Khelif after her win over Italian boxer Angela Carini.Rowling accused Khelif of being a man “enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head” after Carini left the bout in tears.Meanwhile, Twitter and Tesla owner Musk shared a post about Khelif claiming “men don’t belong in women’s sports”.Read More in BoxingNow, the 25-year-old Olympic champion has spoken out after a successful Olympics campaign shrouded in controversy.Khelif told El Birad: “Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world, and even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me.”I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot. I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had.”The scenario was very scary. Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will,’ said the Algerian boxer.Most read in Boxing”Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports. Sports and politics are two separate things. “These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.”Khelif’s lawyer Nabil Boudi previously told Variety: “JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others.”Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution.”What we’re asking is that the prosecution investigates not only these people but whoever it feels necessary.Gender row boxer Imane Khelif ‘names Elon Musk & JK Rowling in Olympics cyberbullying lawsuit’The Parisian lawyer added: “If the case goes to court, they will stand trial.”The Algerian was born female and does not identify as transgender or intersex.But just last year Khelif was thrown out of last year’s World Championships in India after failing an unspecified gender test.International Boxing Association officials said tests showed Khelif had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.However, the IBA has still not revealed which tests it used or published the results.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.But Khelif faced criticism on social media from a number of public figures saying she is male and should not be taking part.READ MORE SUN STORIESPossible repercussions for cyber-bullying offences in France are prison sentences ranging from two to five years and fines ranging from £26,000 to £39,000. If prosecuted as online hate speech, perpetrators could even be fined £64,000 to £214,000. More

  • in

    Fans joke it’s ‘like flexing a tenner to Elon Musk’ as they spot what Man City did before Real Madrid loss

    MANCHESTER CITY were mercilessly mocked for “flexing” their Champions League trophy… against record winners Real Madrid.City hosted Real on Wednesday in the second leg of their quarter-final clash at the Etihad following last week’s dramatic 3-3 draw in Madrid.Manchester City ‘flexed’ their sole Champions League trophy before facing Real MadridCredit: EPAFans were left cringed by Man City’s botched mind games against the most successful Champions League clubCredit: GettyReal Madrid eliminated City and will challenge for their 15th Champions League titleCredit: PALast year’s winners proudly displayed their first-ever Champions League trophy in the stadium before kick-off for all to see.The only catch is their rivals have FOURTEEN of them in their cabinet at home.And the stunt had fans watching on cringing.One fan tweeted: “Like me flexing a tenner to Elon Musk.”Read More on FootballAnother added: “Wow i’m sure Real Madrid are very impressed, they’ve never seen a CL trophy before.”A third posted: “They’ve won it 14 times. This was pathetic.”One said: “Small club mentality, got 14 ffs..”While another quipped: “They can flex when they win 13 more.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhy Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
    Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
    And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
    Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
    He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
    “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
    Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
    “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
    Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

    It’s safe to say the sight City’s trophy did not psych Madrid out – despite losing to Pep Guardiola’s side in the semis last season.Carlo Ancelotti’s men put on a stellar defensive performance to earn a 1-1 draw, with Kevin De Bruyne cancelling out Rodrygo’s early opener.Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snubGuardiola withdrew De Bruyne and star striker Erling Haaland during a goalless extra-time period.And City suffered penalty heartbreak as they lost 4-3, with Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missing from the spot. More

  • in

    Inside Cole Palmer’s impressive car collection, with the Chelsea star now driving a £190,000 Lamborghini Urus

    COLE PALMER can do no wrong on and off the pitch.For Chelsea, he has exploded into life and become a Premier League star since his £47.5million move from Man City last summer.Cole Palmer has exploded into life as a Premier League star since moving to ChelseaCredit: AlamyMost recently, Palmer has been spotted driving a £190k Lamborghini UrusCredit: GettyA hat-trick against Man Utd in a stunningly late 4-3 win for the Blues took his tally to 19 goals in all competitions.In what has been a disappointing campaign for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Palmer has been the one bright spark.Ony 21, the attacking midfielder has also managed to build a steady car collection that belie his young years.SunSport takes a look at what the England international has in his garage.Read more football news Lamborghini Urus, £190,000The staple motor for any Premier League footballer, Lamborghini’s first foray into the SUV world is regularly seen at the training grounds of all the major clubs.It genuinely is an astonishing motor, boasting all the finesse of a supercar – but offering a lot more leg room.There once was a huge waiting list for the Urus, but top class athletes have seemingly jumped the queue.The starting price is around the £190,000 mark, but can rise up to £240,000.Most read in FootballPowered by Lamborghini’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, it reaches 0-62 mph in around 3.5 seconds, while it has a top speed of around 190 mph.Chelsea fans furious as Raheem Sterling appears to take penalty off Cole Palmer… before barely troubling goalkeeperMercedes A-Class, £30,000A starter kit into the Mercedes brand, when Palmer scored his first big contract at Man City he splashed the cash on an A-Class.It can come as a hatchback or sedan, so is mostly seen as a family car.But Palmer looked pleased as punch when he showed it off on social media as a teenage prodigy.Depending on the model, it reaches 0-62 mph in between 4.8 or 9.3 seconds.There are also hybrid models that offer a combination of petrol and electric power, with an electric range of around 44 miles.Palmer shows off his first big purchase – a Mercedes-Benz A-ClassThe A-Class costs an accessible £30k for first time Mercedes ownersCredit: Alamyread more sport featuresBMW i4, £71,000Launched in 2022, as Palmer’s began to integrate with the first team at the Etihad he upgraded his A-Class Merc to this classy beamer.It is BMW’s first Gran Coupé electric car and is based on the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé.Available in two versions – eDrive40 and M50 – Palmer had the latter.With a base price of around £71,000, it wasn’t a cheap upgrade.However, it is a zippy motor – able to reach 0-62 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds.As Palmer became a name at Man City, he splashed the cash on a £71k beamerThe BMW i4 is available in two versions – the eDrive40 and M50Check out what these celebs drive…Volkswagen Polo, £20,000Because we all have to start somewhere…Palmer’s first car was a suitably sensible Volkswagen Polo, with new models starting at around the £20,000 mark.Renowned for being the best budget car on the market, it’s perfect for city life.Although it’s not a car for speed demons – managing 0-62 mph in 6.5 or 15.6 seconds, dependent on specs.Still, you can trust German engineering to get it right, which Palmer seems to believe in given his car choices.Thankfully, though, he’s English and plays for the Three Lions. Palmer’s first car was a reliable Volkswagen PoloThe Polo has been voted the best budget car on the marketCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Ex-Premier League footballer and racehorse owner claims he’s living off £250-a-week while trying to fight speeding fine

    A FORMER Premier League football star has claimed he’s living off £250 a week while trying to fight a speeding fine.Ex-England Under-21 international and racehorse owner Alan Rogers was punished for speeding in his new Tesla electric car.
    Alan Rogers played in the Premier League for Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
    He was caught driving his £50,000 Model Y at 51mph in a 40mph zone.
    But the former footballer’s lawyer said he had no pension and was struggling to make ends meet renting out properties.
    Rogers, a defender for Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, had faced being banned from driving under the totting-up procedure.
    But charges of failing to provide a document were dropped at Wirral Magistrates’ Court, where the 46-year-old was fined £50 for speeding.
    Read More On Premier League
    His barrister Daniel Bramhall told the court: “In terms of his income he is currently not employed. He is retired.
    “He has no access to a pension. He is paid £250 per week as a result of renting out properties. Those properties are part of his pension.
    “I ask for the fine to be as low as possible and for his licence to be endorsed with three penalty points. There are no penalty points on his licence.”
    Rogers, from Ormskirk in Lancashire, was part of manager Dave Bassett’s Forest team which won promotion to the top flight in 1998.
    Most read in Football
    He had joined the East Midlands side from Tranmere Rovers the previous year for £2million, a record sum for the Merseyside club.
    His account on X, formerly Twitter, describes him as: ”Proud Ex professional footballer and race horse owner. I am now a full time crypto trader/angel investor/researcher.”
    The magistrates’ court listing said he failed to respond to a traffic section 172 notice for a second time after his Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD was caught speeding in February this year.
    He had previously failed to respond to a section 172 notice in August last year after his previous 2021-registered Tesla Model 3 Standard Range was alleged to have committed a traffic offence in Manchester.
    Section 172 notices stipulate a registered keeper of a vehicle should notify police of the identity of a driver when the car has been caught speeding or another traffic offence.
    The penalty for failing to respond can be a fine and six points on a driving licence.
    But Rogers already had six points wiped off his licence at a hearing before Liverpool magistrates last month, after arguing he had not received the first section 172 notice.
    He has also now successfully argued he did not receive the second section 172 notice.
    Rogers admitted one speeding matter, driving his Tesla at 51 mph in a 40mph zone at 10.49am on February 17, along the A49 in Maghull, Merseyside.
    ENGLAND UNDER-21 CAPS
    Mr Bramhall told magistrates: “Mr Rogers was due to attend today because consideration was going to be given as to whether he ought to be disqualified.
    “But had Mr Rogers received the original section 172 notice he would have responded to that and a plea to the original speeding offence would have been accepted.
    “In all likelihood he would have been offered a speed awareness course – through no fault of his own, he did not receive that letter.”
    Rogers was also ordered to pay £50 costs.
    During his four years at Forest the defender scored 17 goals in 137 appearances and also won three England Under-21 caps in 1998.
    His other clubs included Wigan Athletic, Hull City and Bradford City before a knee injury ended his playing career in 2007 while at Accrington Stanley.
    He later took up coaching roles, including spells as caretaker manager at Tranmere in 2015 and boss of non-league Skelmersdale United two years later.
    Outside football, Rogers was reported in 2010 by the Liverpool Echo to be preparing to sue Merseyside Police for lost earnings of £1million.
    That was after his Liverpool nightclub Cube was forcibly closed due to concerns of violence.
    The £1.25million club in the city centre, covering four floors, opened in 2008 but was first shut down in March 2009 after allegations of assaults.
    His lawyers stated police were unable to provide any evidence of his links to Fitzgibbon when challenged by the city council’s licensing committee and that no one had been convicted of any offences inside or outside the club.
    Cops said at the time no claim for damages was received but that licensing conditions for the club had been amended.
    Rogers admitted assaulting a business rival at Chorley Magistrates’ Court in April 2018, for which he was given a conditional discharge, the Echo also reported.
    He later vented his anger at the Professional Footballers Association in 2019, telling the Daily Mail there had been a lack of support for retired footballers.
    Rogers said the PFA had “gone missing” after he sought help and advice when facing a financial ruin when a property investment went wrong.
    He said he had put £500,000 into a project to convert a pub into apartments but when the property failed to secure planning permission ended up selling it property at auction for £30,000.
    He also said he got no response when he applied to the PFA for a grant for an operation on his knee to help in his coaching career.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    The PFA said at the time it had offered support to Rogers regarding his investment concerns in 2015 but he had not taken it up.
    The footballer’s union said it had not received the required information about any request for medical support.
    Rogers featured for Forest in the top flight after helping them win promotion in 1998Credit: Getty
    He scored against Manchester United in February 1999 though Forest lost 8-1Credit: Getty
    Rogers was at Forest for four years before joining Leicester City in 2001Credit: Getty More

  • in

    Elon Musk proposes huge new F1 event as he reveals ‘discussions’ held at Miami Grand Prix

    THE Formula One paddock was greeted by Elon Musk ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.Twitter and Tesla owner Musk was pictured in the Red Bull garage ahead of FP3 as F1 gears up for the first of three races in the United States this season.
    Elon Musk revealed a huge new proposal for an F1 eventCredit: Getty
    Musk also revealed details of a chat with Christian HornerCredit: Getty
    The Twitter and Tesla owner was also joined by his son on the tour of the Red Bull garageCredit: Getty
    Following his visit, Musk revealed details of a discussion he had with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
    Taking to Twitter, Musk said: “Fun discussion of aero & battery technology in F1.”
    However, Musk then proposed a huge new F1 event.
    He added: “I proposed a pure EV (Electric Vehicle) vs gas/hybrid F1 race.”
    READ MORE IN F1
    However, some fans were quick to point out that an all-electric version of F1 already exists – Formula E.
    One wrote: “There’s Formula E buddy.”
    A second said: “So, Formula E??”
    “There is already a competition like F1 for electric cars,” remarked a third.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    A fourth joked: “About to invent the Formula E competition 😉.”
    The sport has seen a number of F1 stars try their hand at the format, such as former Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi.
    Current AlphaTauri driver Nyck de Vries also won the world championship for it in 2021.
    Formula E was introduced as a completely electric alternative to F1, and has seen F1 constructor McLaren join this year.
    The British team were joined by their own celebrity in the paddock this week, this being Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
    The tempers in the sport are not far off F1 either, with Dan Ticktum slamming Jake Dennis following a collision earlier this season.
    Red Bull unveiled a special livery ahead of the race, which they hope will not impact Max Verstappen or Sergio Perez as they bid to make it five wins from five for Red Bull.
    Meanwhile, Sir Lewis Hamilton swapped sports as he showed off his skills with a basketball.

    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo becomes unverified as Elon Musk begins purge, but Twitter boss PAYS for GOAT rival to keep blue tick

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has lost his blue tick after controversial Twitter owner Elon Musk’s outrageous purge, which has seen him “personally” pay for some celebrity’s verification badge.The social media platform erased all checkmarks from verified accounts on Thursday, which led to worldwide fear of misinformation being spread and impersonation.
    Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has lost his blue tick on TwitterCredit: AFP
    Ronaldo is no longer verified after Elon Musk’s unpopular purgeCredit: Twitter / @Cristiano
    Twitter owner Musk confirmed he pays for some celebrities’ blue ticksCredit: Reuters
    Users who have refused to sign up to Musk’s unpopular subscription service, which charges $8 per month, have been stripped of their blue tick amid the businessman’s chaotic takeover.
    Football superstar Ronaldo didn’t avoid the cull as he was stripped of his verification badge despite his 108.3million followers.

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is the highest earner in the history of sport as he bags a staggering £173million per year at Al-Nassr.
    But that didn’t help his case as the Manchester United legend has become unverified alongside a number of other celebrities as well as journalists, academics and politicians.
    Read More on Football
    However, some celebs managed to hold on to their ticks as Musk decided to pay for their subscriptions himself.
    Among them is NBA legend and LA Lakers superstar LeBron James, whose profile remained intact.
    The American entrepreneur took to Twitter to back a post from T(w)itter Daily News claiming that some famous people have been offered a “complimentary Twitter Blue subscription”.
    The 51-year-old appeared to confirm that he has indeed covered those expenses.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Musk tweeted: “I’m paying for a few personally.”
    However, the world’s richest person has a history of tongue-in-cheek tweets ever since purchasing the platform for $44billion (£35.5bn) in October.
    Such as when he created a poll in December asking users to vote whether he should step down as head of Twitter.
    Musk lost the vote by 57.5 per cent but still remains in charge even though he promised to abide by the result. More

  • in

    How Man Utd could line up under Elon Musk with world’s second richest man to spend millions on Kane, Bellingham and more

    ELON MUSK has become the latest billionaire linked with a Manchester United takeover – fuelling speculation of a transfer splurge.The unpopular Glazer family revealed in November they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the club or an outright purchase.

    British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe – who happens to be a United fan – is in the race alongside rival Qatari investors.
    But according to the Daily Mail, Twitter and Tesla owner Musk is also monitoring the situation.

    It is not the first time the South African-born second richest man in the world has teased taking over United.
    With a net worth of around £157BILLION, United fans would be dreaming of an unlimited transfer budget.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Keeper David de Gea is still yet to renew his contract, which expires at the end of the season, leading to speculation over his future.
    Porto and Portugal’s Diogo Costa is among those linked with United alongside Bayern Munich’s Yann Sommer.
    United are building a solid foundation at the back but Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries is believed to still be a transfer target.
    In midfield, England team-mates Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are two of United’s long-standing targets.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    So too is Wolves’ Ruben Neves, which would compliment a midfield already made up of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
    Going forward, Barcelona’s 20-year-old sensation Ansu Fati has emerged as someone United are monotiring.
    But it is the striker position that has fuelled the most rumours, with England captain Harry Kane still linked with the club.
    Victor Osimhen is an alternative but Napoli are understood to value the Nigerian at over £100m.
    But if wannabe astronaut Musk takes over, out of this world fees for players will quickly become the norm. More

  • in

    Elon Musk ‘considering shock Man Utd takeover with £157bn-rated mad-cap Twitter and Tesla owner mulling £4.5bn bid’

    TECH billionaire and the world’s SECOND richest man, Elon Musk, is considering a shock takeover swoop for Manchester United, according to reports.The Glazers revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
    Elon Musk could throw his name into the ring to buy Man UtdCredit: AFP
    The Glazers invited bids for the club last yearCredit: AFP
    A number of interested parties have to meet Friday’s deadlineCredit: Getty
    A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying United, which could be purchased for a world-record price for a sports franchise at £4.5billion, or more.
    Interest comes from the Far East, Middle East and United States with Raines Group, the merchant bank, tasked with the sale.
    British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who happens to be a Man Utd fan, is also keen.
    But according to the Daily Mail, Twitter and Tesla owner Musk also LIKES Man Utd.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Musk, 51, who’s worth a reported £157billion, is one of a select few who could afford to buy the Red Devils.
    He is second only to Bernard Arnault, the CEO and chair of luxury goods company LMVH, worth a reported £156m.
    Musk is believed to be monitoring the situation closely following the listing of United.
    The South African-born brainbox is wondering if there is an opportunity at Old Trafford that he should not miss. 
    Most read in Football

    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    However, Friday’s deadline for bids is rapidly approaching.
    Musk has previously sent his Twitter followers into a meltdown after claiming he was buying Man Utd.
    Elon Musk tweeted last August: “Also, I’m buying Manchester United ur welcome.”
    When asked if he was being ‘serious’, the Tesla chief said: “No, this is a long-running joke on Twitter.
    “I’m not buying any sports teams.
    “Although, if it were any team, it would be Man U. They were my fav team as a kid.”
    He added: “Standup is my side-hustle.” More