The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lost lads are filling void with callous, manipulative & toxic influencers like Andrew Tate, warns Sir Gareth Southgate

      by

      FORMER England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has lashed out at “manipulative and toxic influencers” — and insisted young males need better role models.He said teenage boys are spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching pornography, and risk falling under the spell of internet personalities like vile Andrew Tate.Sir Gareth Southgate has lashed out at ‘manipulative and toxic influencers’Credit: BBCHe said teenage boys risk falling under the spell of internet personalities like the vile Andrew TateCrossbow killer Kyle Clifford was under the influence of misogyny ‘poster boy’ TateCredit: PASir Gareth, 54, spoke out after it was revealed crossbow killer Kyle Clifford was under the influence of misogyny “poster boy” Tate, 38, when he murdered his ex-girlfriend, her mum and her sister.His comments, at the BBC’s annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, also come as Netflix hit Adolescence, starring Stephen Graham and teen Owen Cooper, highlights toxic masculinity.The Centre for Social Justice also released a “Lost Boys” report about the problem.Sir Gareth said many young men end up “searching for direction” and fill the void with a “new kind of role model who do not have their best interest at heart”.read more on gareth southgateHe said: “These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain.“They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them.“They are as far away as you could possibly get from the role models our young men need in their lives.”Sir Gareth delivered the 46th Richard Dimbleby Lecture at the University of London.Most read in FootballIt has been held in honour of the broadcaster most years since 1972.Previous speakers have included King Charles and Bill Gates.In his speech, Sir Gareth continued: “As real-world communities and mentorship declines, young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters’ acclaimed drama Adolescence smashes huge Netflix record by DOUBLE after taking world by storm“They spend more time online searching for direction and are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography.“And this void is filled by a new kind of role model who do not have their best interest at heart.”Sir Gareth, who led England to two Euros finals, added: “Young men are suffering. “They’re feeling isolated. “They’re grappling with their masculinity and with their broader place in society.“We need leaders to set the right tone — to be the role models we want for our young men.“We have to show young men that character is more important than status; that how you treat others is more important than how much money you make.“That values matter — courage, humility and integrity over selfishness, greed, arrogance. “The culture we create today will shape the kind of men that we inherit tomorrow.”During his speech, the former centre-back spoke about his penalty miss in England’s 1996 Euros semi-final defeat to Germany.Gareth consoles Jude Bellingham after England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 finalCredit: AlamyHe said: “Missing that penalty was undoubtedly a watershed moment that made me a stronger, better man. “It forced me to dig deep and revealed an inner belief and resilience I never knew existed.”Sir Gareth stepped down as England boss last July, two days after England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Germany.He was credited with reviving the Three Lions’ flagging fortunes and was then knighted in the New Year Honours for services to football.Sir Gareth also referred to the Centre for Social Justice report, which warned young men were “in crisis” amid an increase in those not in education, employment or training.He said: “Too many young men are isolated. Too many feel uncomfortable opening up to friends or family. “Many don’t have mentors — teachers, coaches, bosses — who understand how best to push them to grow.“And so, when they struggle, young men inevitably try to handle whatever situation they find themselves in alone. “Young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.”The former Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough star also warned that young men are often denied the chance to fail — and learn from their mistakes.He said: “If we make life too easy for young boys now, we will inevitably make life harder when they grow up to be young men.“Too many are at risk of fearing failure, because they’ve had too few opportunities to experience and overcome it. “They fail to try, rather than try and fail. “If I’ve learned anything from my life in football, it’s that success is much more than the final score.“True success is how you respond in the hardest moments.”Sir Gareth recently visited the “brilliant” OnSide youth zone in Oldham. He said: “I saw children from all backgrounds playing, talking, having fun. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was online gaming but no one was on it.“If we can create the right environments for [youngsters] they will still want to go and play and that might be a very important message.”Owen Cooper in Netflix’s Adolescence, which highlights toxic masculinityCredit: Courtesy of Netflix. More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Family of international burglars facing jail for raiding Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak’s home

      by

      A FAMILY of international burglars is facing jail for raiding footballer Alexander Isak’s home. Three previously admitted conspiracy to commit burglary while Valentino Nikolov, 32, was found guilty yesterday. The gang made off with £68,000 of jewellery and up to £10,000 cash from Newcastle star Alexander Isak’s Northumberland home last AprilCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedValentino Nikolov and Charlie Jovanvic both face jail over the raidThe gang drove from Italy to target homes in the North East — stealing more than £1million of items from two houses. They then made off with £68,000 of jewellery and up to £10,000 cash from Newcastle star Isak’s Northumberland home last April. Valentino and brother Giacomo, 28, their sister Jela Jovanovic, 43, and her son Charlie, 23, were traced and arrested. Judge Robert Spragg said jail “is inevitable” when they are sentenced at Newcastle crown court. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDetective Constable Mark Armstrong, of the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit, added: “This is a fantastic result.” “Burglaries are an insidious crime and cause a great amount of emotional and financial trauma to victims.” Prosecutor Daniel Cordey said: “It is the prosecution case that they all travelled to the North East together as part of that conspiracy or agreement to commit high value targeted burglaries of residential properties. “The burglary was discovered when Mr Isak returned just after 10pm. He found his bins had been moved and entry had been gained by smashing a glass door leading from the back of the property to the TV room. Most read in Football”Inside an untidy search had taken place and cash to the value of between £5,000 and £10,000 had been stolen together with jewellery valued at about £68,000.” Giacomo Nikolov and sister Jela Jovanovic both played a part in the raidNewcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend’s trendy restaurant shuts suddenly after going bust with eye-watering debts

      by

      A RESTAURANT owned by former Man United star Ryan Giggs has gone bust.George’s Dining Room and Bar, which shut suddenly last month, was wound up with debts of £563,600.George’s Dining Room and Bar was wound up with debts of £563,600Credit: Jim Clarke – The SunFormer Man United star Ryan Giggs owned the restaurantThe restaurant closed its doors last month, blaming ‘unforeseen circumstances’Credit: SplashThat included £129,357 owed to traders, £75,616 in taxes and £44,095 in bank loans and overdrafts, according to the last set of accounts for the business.Giggs, 51, opened George’s in Worsley, Greater Manchester, with old school pals Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor in 2014.Last month, the restaurant closed its doors, blaming “unforeseen circumstances”.On March 7, the RKB Ventures Ltd company set up by Giggs and his mates to run the business was officially liquidated.READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGSWhen George’s shut, staff were sent text messages telling them bosses “regret to announce that with a heavy heart we have no alternative but to close George’s effective immediately”.The message added: “This is due to the obvious reduction   in trade and business against   the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of ­living crisis.”A staff member said then: “It came totally out of the blue.”We were all supposed to be working today and then we got the text messages through, we are all stunned.” Most read in FootballFormer Man Utd stars Bryan ­Robson, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville were all at the opening of George’s.At the time Giggs, director of football at Salford City, said of his fellow owners: “We’ve known each other for 30 years and we always said it would be great to do something like this together.Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs talks about his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson “We’re all local lads and have lived in this area all our lives so we wanted to do something in Worsley and we think we’ve got a really different offering for the area.”Giggs is involved in property development, hospitality and fashion.Last year girlfriend Zara Charles, 36, gave birth to daughter Cora. More

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Athletics

      I refused to let horror car crash that took my legs ruin me – now I’m world record holder, says Strictly’s Billy Monger

      by

      “BILLY MONGER . . . you are an Ironman.”Those words are still sinking in for a 25-year-old who has already beaten all odds to become a world-record holder.Billy Monger is a double-amputee after a shocking Formula 4 racing accident weeks before his 18th birthdayCredit: Simon JonesBilly training for the Ironman’s 112-mile bike ride across volcanic terrainCredit: Daniel Loveday/Comic ReliefThat’s a world-record holder in triathlon’s most gruelling event, the Kona Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.A 2.4-mile swim in jellyfish and shark-infested waters.A 112-mile bike ride in treacherous crosswinds across volcanic terrain. Then a marathon, 26.2miles of running.And, in case you hadn’t noticed, Billy is a double-amputee after losing one leg just below the knee and the other above the knee in a shocking Formula 4 racing accident weeks before his 18th birthday.Read more on Billy MongerBut his time of 14 hours, 23 minutes and 56 seconds smashed the world record for a double amputee by more than TWO HOURS.So was that drive always there, or was it his accident that changed him?Billy, who was raising money for Comic Relief, says: “I remember after my accident being like, ‘I’m the same 17, 18-year-old kid that I always was, wanting to be a Formula One world champion’.“There’s no getting away from it, that does affect things. You do have to grow up quicker.Most read in Athletics“Learning to deal with that adversity all of a sudden, other adversity you face in your life doesn’t seem that daunting.”So the jellyfish stings suffered on the swim are now something you just brush off?Cheryl praises inspirational racer Billy Monger’s fundraising in rare TV appearance“Yeah, well, that is what it is really!”In the brilliant film of his year of training, Billy can even joke with his coaches about sharks not being interested in him as they’d be better off chasing someone with legs.I don’t think Billy looks at things in a “normal” way, but that’s probably because he’s not normal. And that’s far from an insult and nothing to do with him being an amputee.He adds: “Because of the accident, I’m more curious about what I’m still capable of.“I don’t want to go, ‘Oh well, this bad thing happened to me, so I’m just gonna feel negative about it’.‘About to pass out’“If I did that, it’s quite obvious what my life would look like and I didn’t really fancy a piece of that.”Instead, he fancied a piece of Hawaii — not grass-skirts and sunshine but 14-plus hours of endurance racing.He says: “It’s seen to be the hardest Ironman, so looking back, I was a bit nuts for signing up.”Because of the accident, I’m more curious about what I’m still capable ofBillyHe had done only “a bit of doggy-paddle for rehab” and had not run more than 5km without pain before the training started.It is normally a four-year plan for an Ironman. Billy did it in one.His journey before is just as remarkable.Billy had been on the road to F1 as a prodigiously talented and dedicated karting racer before the horror crash at Donington Park in 2017.Billy put in hundreds of hours of trainingCredit: 2024 Comic ReliefBilly in 2017 after his horror crash at Donington ParkCredit: Rex FeaturesBut since then he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special, BBC’s Race Across The World and covers F1 for Channel 4.Billy’s previous Comic Relief challenge, a 140-mile walking, kayaking and cycling trip across the UK in 2021, raised £3.2million.But an Ironman? Kona?!“Mad, isn’t it?” he says, reflecting on going from learning to walk as a double amputee to competing in a world championship triathlon. “But one step at a time.”His steps included needing four different sets of prosthetics, “eight spare legs”.Modest as well, he even blushes when you compliment him.But there is such a steely determination in his eyes, perhaps he always knew he would complete it?“No way,” he says. “I feared not getting across that line plenty of times.Get to race day knowing you’ve done all you can. Be the best version of yourself and that’s all that mattersBilly“To train for something like that, you have to shape every decision around your training.”Billy did the vast majority of his hundreds of hours of training alone and stump health was a serious concern, despite having a prosthetics specialist on hand.Put simply, sores and blisters from pressure and rubbing on his legs could put him back in a wheelchair for weeks, meaning no chance of getting to Kona.Even after all the hundreds of hours’ training, there were still doubts during the event.He says: “My body was doing things that I’d never seen it do before. Then you see someone passed out on the side of the road and it just adds to that anticipation.“The shaking, the ‘Am I about to pass out here?’.”But after a year dedicated to helping others, he wasn’t about to quit.He adds: “I didn’t want to let other people down.“The message was, get to race day knowing you’ve done all you can. Be the best version of yourself and that’s all that matters.”Billy barely remembers the moment the PA announcer screamed “You are an Ironman” at the finish, seconds before he collapsed into the hoardings.Fuel for the fire“But he can now watch it back time and time again as he is forever an Ironman. The Iron Monger, if you will.But Billy still doesn’t feel like this challenge is complete as it is all to raise money for Comic Relief and the community projects the charity supports, such as running clubs, food banks and care centres that Billy visited during his epic year.I ask if it has sunk in, what he and his family have achieved?He replies: “In ways it has, but in ways it hasn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Comic Relief and Red Nose Day on Friday was the fuel for the fire, so it feels like the job is only half done.” More

    • 300 Shares119 Views

      in Motorsport

      Meet the stunning F1 WAGs stealing the show in 2025 – from pro golfer to racing star & top model who dated Kardashian ex

      by

      AS the Formula 1 aces took to the grid this weekend, some fans were driven to distraction by the bevvy of beauties in the paddocks.The drivers’ glamorous wives and girlfriends  tried to keep their cool at the Australian Grand Prix as the mercury hit 32C and their partners burned rubber.At the Australian Grand Prix the F1 Wags stole the showCredit: GettyAnd with a host of rookies on the track alongside veterans Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, there were some unfamiliar faces on the sidelines, too.American Hannah St John, 21, was all smiles at Albert Park Circuit, in Melbourne, as she cheered on Red Bull Racing’s rising star Liam Lawson. She joined Scot Rebecca Donaldson, 28, the girlfriend of Carlos Sainz, who was making his Williams’ debut after four seasons at Ferrari.And the Wags also live life in the fast lane, with impressive careers of their own including as a professional golfer, model and racing driver.read more on formula oneHere, Thea Jacobs takes a look at the F1 stars’ stunning other halves, who are in pole position to steal the limelight from their men . . . Isabella Bernardini & Gabriel BortoletoYOUNG love is at the races this year, in the shape of Team Sauber’s newbie driver Gabriel, 20, and his girlfriend Isabella, who is just a year older.The couple are high school sweethearts, having got together when he was 16.Isabella Bernardini is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the NetherlandsCredit: GettyIsabella and Gabriel Bortoleto are high school sweetheartsCredit: AFPMeet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and medical student Isabella is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the Netherlands.Most read in MotorsportThe couple aren’t afraid to show off their romance online, posing together for a cute New Year’s snap in which she perched on his knee, and sharing pictures of his Formula 2 races last year.Brazilian Isabella flew in to watch her beau make his F1 debut, and she looked stunning in a white mini-skirt and blouse combo.Sadly, Gabriel was not placed in his first race of the season – but he was surely a winner with Isabella.KELLY, 36, is in a relationship with Max , 27, the four-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion.She is also racing royalty, as the daughter of three-time winner Nelson Piquet, 72.Kelly Piquet is the daughter of three-time winner Nelson PiquetCredit: GettyKelly is expecting her first child with Max VerstappenCredit: RexSince she started dating Red Bull racer Max in 2020, the Formula E social media manager has been a regular at the grand prix.But the heavily pregnant model missed out on this weekend’s race to attend an event at swanky restaurant Kaspia London, in Mayfair.It will be Kelly and Max’s first baby together. She also has a daughter with Russian driver Daniil Kvyat.Francisca Gomes & Pierre GaslyPORTUGUESE Francisca, 22, has been in a relationship with Alpine’s French driver Pierre Gasly since 2022.She posted a sweet black- and-white snap of the pair kissing after his first outing of the season and revealed they had relaxed with a plush Italian meal the night before.Francisca Gomes has built a career as a model and influencerCredit: GettyPierre Gasly has dubbed Francisca his ‘lucky charm’Credit: AFPBeing in the paddock isn’t a new experience for “Kika” either as her father is former F1 driver Goncalo Gomes, 49.And thanks to her mum being TV presenter Maria Cerqueira Gomes, Francisca isn’t easily fazed by the limelight.She has built a career as a model and influencer, which allows her to follow Pierre, 29, around the world for his races.Which is lucky for the driver as he dubbed her his “lucky charm.”Not too lucky though, as he only took 11th place on Sunday.Eliska Babickova & Andrea Kimi AntonelliELISKA and boyfriend Andrea, 18, clearly love life in the fast lane – as they’re both professional racing drivers.She is more likely to be seen trackside this year as Andrea has been promoted to the F1 circuit and snatched fourth place for Mercedes Down Under.Eliska Babickova was the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting classCredit: AlamyEliska and Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrated a year together in OctoberCredit: AFPEliksa – the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting class – will understand the nerves and determination involved when it comes to racing.Outside the sport, she has a YouTube channel with her sisters, fellow drivers Petra and Tereza, where they document their lives.Eliska and Andrea celebrated a year together in October, and while he is off racing all over the world, she is finishing high school and plans to study economics at uni.Carmen Montero Mundt & George RussellAS fans of Netflix documentary Drive To Survive will know, George loves nothing more than showing off his stunning 26-year-old Spanish girlfriend Carmen.She appears to be a good omen too, as 27-year-old British Mercedes ace George took third place in the Aussie Grand Prix at the weekend.Carmen Montero Mundt recently returned to studies after a finance job in LondonCredit: InstagramCarmen and George Russell have been together since 2020Credit: AFPThe couple, who have been together since 2020, live in Monaco.Carmen recently returned to studies after a finance job in London, but her life is worlds away from her childhood in Spain.She said: “I always wanted to work in finance. “My family struggled financially during the global crisis, and that determined what I wanted to do from a very young age.”Hannah St John & Liam LawsonHER rookie boyfriend Liam may have endured a nightmare start to his Red Bull career, but Hannah looked like a seasoned Wag as she cheered him on from the sidelines.Wearing this black halter-neck dress to the race, she later changed into a striped blue two-piece to console the 23-year-old Kiwi driver after he swerved into the wall and crashed out in Melbourne.Hannah St John graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical SciencesCredit: Avalon.redHannah was there to support Liam Lawson as he began his Red Bull careerCredit: APHannah, 23, graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. She also works as a model and influencer, with 40,000 followers and partnerships including Bvlgari.The beauty flew to New Zealand last year to meet Liam’s family and followed him around the world in his last season as a Formula 2 driver.She was also there to support him last year when he replaced Daniel   Ricciardo for the last six races of the F1 season.Alexandra Saint Mleux & Charles LeclercSHE has only been dating Ferrari ace Charles since 2023, but that hasn’t stopped Alexandra winning over legions of fans and becoming the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social media.The Italian influencer – who has a degree in Art History and a social media account dedicated to her favourite pieces of work – is often seen trackside cheering on her boyfriend, who placed eighth yesterday.Alexandra Saint Mleux is the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social mediaCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc has been dating Alexandra since 2023Credit: GettyShe has also started carving out a career as a model, and last month appeared in adverts for Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand.Alexandra, who has more than 1.6million followers on Instagram, often posts snaps of her pet dachshund, holidays and outfits, leading Tatler to brand her the “most stylish woman in F1” – quite the accolade.Rebecca Donaldson & Carlos SainzSCOTTISH beauty Rebecca did a few laps of the showbiz circuit before she shacked up with Williams driver Carlos in 2023.Now an established model, she started out in pageants and appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TV, and was linked to Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick.Rebecca Donaldson appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TVCredit: RexCarlos Sainz started dating Rebecca in 2023Credit: EPAThese days she is often spotted cheering on 30-year-old Carlos, who she has dated since 2023, and was seen gracing the paddock this weekend in a body-hugging grey dress.During her catwalk career, 28-year-old Rebecca has been a cover girl for Vogue and Marie Claire, and in October 2020 she launched her own activewear range, Muse.Sara Pagliaroli & Lance StrollVICTORIA’S Secret Angel model Sara and 26-year-old Aston Martin race ace Lance made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of 007 blockbuster No Time To Die.And with her bombshell good looks, the gorgeous 29-year-old Italian could pass for a Bond Girl herself.Sara Pagliaroli started modelling at 17Credit: InstagramLance Stroll and Sara made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of No Time To DieCredit: AFPSara started modelling at 17 and has worked with brands including Replay Jeans and Adria Beachwear.In 2020 she launched her own jewellery brand called Blue Lemon Jewels, and she is currently the face of clothing brand Yamamay.Lily Muni He & Alexander AlbonLILY, 25, might be known to some as the girlfriend of F1 driver Alexander, 28, but she is a sports star in her own right.The stunning brunette is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of five and currently takes part in the US-based LPGA Tour.Lily Muni He is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of fiveCredit: GettyAlexander Albon and Lily had their first date on a golf course in 2019Credit: AFPLily wasn’t there to cheer on ­Alexander as he took fifth place in Oz, but she showed her ­support on Instagram.It was F1 that brought the pair together as they began their relationship after she watched Netflix series Drive To Survive. They had their first date on a golf course in 2019.While Lily travels the globe playing golf, she does find time to cheer on Alexander during races – such as at Silverstone in 2023, when she was spotted in the paddock.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander repays the favour and has been seen ­supporting her on the green, posting about it on his own social media.These two are well on their way to taking pole ­position as a true sporting power ­couple.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League star faces High Court showdown over claims he owes an agent £650k in unpaid fees

      by

      A PREM star faces a High Court showdown over claims he owes an agent £650,000 in unpaid fees.Crystal Palace ace Daniel Muñoz is facing a legal battle over an intermediary involved in his £6.5m transfer to Selhurst Park.Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Muñoz, 28, is ­facing a legal battle over his £6.5million transfer to Selhurst ParkThe full-back, already a summer target of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona, has been written to by lawyers.In paperwork seen by The Sun, the Colombian 28-year-old is accused of not paying an invoice sent by agent Ruben Caicedo.The agent insists he was promised 10% commission on the £6.5m deal which took Munoz to Palace from Belgian side Genk.Colombian Mr Caicedo says he tracked his countryman’s career and proved pivotal in bringing the player to England.Read more on footballHe could also claim a cut of a deal which is likely this summer when the much lauded player is set to leave Palace for a bigger club if his £25m release fee is met as expected.Palace have told Mr Caicedo that an agent’s fee was paid as part of the Munoz signing – but they were sent to another agent.Mr Caicedo, who has worked alongside some of the game’s biggest figureheads, including Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson, is understood to have paperwork and recordings to support his legal claim against Daniel Munoz.Munoz, who played for Aguilas Doradas and Atletico Nacional in Colombia before a 2020 switch to Belgium, is represented by former Aston Villa legend Juan Pablo Ángel.Most read in FootballBut a source close to proceedings told The Sun: “Ruben Caicedo was the individual responsible for getting Daniel to Crystal Palace.“Ruben initiated the negotiations, and he gave the player his partner’s number, and the process continued. It led to a positive outcome in January last year.“But neither Ruben or his partner have received the commission due to them.“Daniel has gone from being in touch with Ruben and incredibly grateful to not answering his phone or letters.“The player is now on notice he is facing legal action. Daniel is heading to the High Court in what is a very unlikely legal showdown involving a Premier League millionaire.”Munoz – who has scored three goals in 42 impressive appearances for the Eagles, earning him 36 Colombia caps – did not comment. Crystal Palace also chose not to provide a statement. More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      Kika Gomes sizzles in striped bikini as she supports boyfriend Pierre Gasly at Aussie Grand Prix

      by

      MODEL Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikini — as she and F1 driver boyfriend Pierre Gasly find their love is still in the fast lane.Portuguese Kika, 22, and Frenchman Gasly, 29, who drives for Alpine, were together at the Aussie Grand Prix.Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikiniCredit: Capture Media AgencyKika, 22, and F1 driver Gasly, 29, were together at the Aussie Grand PrixCredit: GettyPierre qualified 9th for today’s race in Melbourne.Whatever the result, he’s already a winner.Kika has been dating F1 driver Pierre since last October.She grew up in the fast lane with racing driver dad Gonçalo and TV host mum Maria.Read more on Kika GomesKika, real name Francisca, has collaborated with several beachwear brands including Calzedonia and Natura Portugal.Her mum Maria is a top TV presenter and model, and dad Goncalo was a racing driver.Gasly, 27, drives for the Alpine team now co-owned by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce.He is considered as one of the sport’s biggest rising stars.Most read in MotorsportWatch Pierre Gasly’s F1 car burst into flames forcing Frenchman to leap out of fire ravaged Alpha Tauri More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League stars among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling

      by

      PREMIER League stars are among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling and other mental health issues, figures reveal.Last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances such as cocaine and nitrous oxide, as well as sleeping pills and booze.Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard, pictured above, recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets. He said: “It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.”Some have become addicted to using black market zopiclone tablets to help them sleep as part of their recovery from training.The stars received treatment from the Sporting Chance clinic, which works with the Professional Footballers’ Association.READ MORE ON ADDICTIONOf the 530 supported last season, 42 players got help for gambling addictions.But these latest PFA figures for 2023-24 are said to be just the tip of the iceberg as scores of top stars seek help privately.Officials are also increasingly worried about the prevalence of nicotine pouches, called snus — with one in five professional footballers admitting to using them.And on Friday, it emerged two unnamed players tested positive for a banned ­substance immediately after games in the Premier League and Football League last season, according to UK Anti-Doping.Most read in FootballA dealer, who has supplied sleeping tablets to stars in the Premier League, said: “The main reason some players rely on them is because of their sleeping patterns.“Some expect players to train twice a day and want them to sleep in the afternoon to recover. It’s hard when your body is wired.A Premier League star has become the first footballer to go into rehab for an addiction to nitrous oxide canisters”Other times they rely on them is when they have a big midweek game which kicks off at 8pm. They might not get home until the early hours.“I know a few players who have tried to wean themselves off them but it’s hard.“They go cold turkey and spend days suffering from acute tiredness — but also being unable to sleep.”Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets More