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    Silverstone F1 chiefs sue contractors who relaid track for £8m after Lewis Hamilton labelled it ‘the worst job ever’

    SILVERSTONE chiefs are suing contractors who relaid their F1 track for £8million after Lewis Hamilton branded it “the worst job ever”.Bosses spent £2million on the new surface in 2018.
    Tito Rabat broke his leg in three places during practice in the run-up to the British MotoGP in August 2018Credit: AFP
    The Spaniard was one of five riders to crash in the wetCredit: AFP
    But the firm they hired, Aggregate Industries, is accused of leaving it bumpy, easily waterlogged and “breaking up” in places.
    Seven-times F1 champ Hamilton, 37, said in 2018: “It’s the bumpiest track I’ve ever experienced.”
    During practice in the run-up to the British MotoGP in August 2018, five riders crashed in the wet. One, Tito Rabat, broke his leg in three places.
    The fallout led the FIM, motorcycling’s governing body, to revoke Silverstone’s licence — throwing its F1 future into doubt.
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Silverstone.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TIRED TYRES .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hamilton’s British GP tyre blowout blamed on Mercedes and not debris on track
    The loss of the MotoGP cost the iconic circuit, in Northants, at least £3.5million, court papers show.
    Relaying the track again with another firm cost £3.7million.
    In a High Court writ, lawyers for Silverstone claim the new track had “microbumps” which made racing vehicles vibrate at speed and visible day joint lines where different sections were laid at different times.
    They allege bitumen seepages led to “fatty” patches, while there was excessive water retention, with the track releasing foaming white liquid at times.
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    Silverstone called in Tarmac Trading Ltd to relay the surface in time for the 2019 British Grand Prix, the writ states.
    Silverstone is suing Aggregate for the cost of the cancelled MotoGP and further resurfacing and for loss of profits of around £624,552.
    The total amounts to £7,933,124 plus legal costs. More

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    Grealish, Foden and Trent must find a way to earn Southgate’s loyalty as England side begins to look like a closed shop

    IS Gareth Southgate too loyal?Are his England team stagnating, rather than evolving and progressing?
    England only woke up in the 1-1 draw in Germany when exciting wideman Jack Grealish came on for one of his cameosCredit: Rex
    Phil Foden is currently an injury doubt but has all the class needed to show Gareth Southgate he’s worth a start in the World CupCredit: PA
    Is Southgate’s starting line-up, for A-list fixtures, becoming something of a closed shop?
    The Three Lions boss denies these accusations and insists he is ‘open-minded’.
    But ten of the 11 players who lost last summer’s Euros final started in the 1-1 draw in Germany on Tuesday night — only the injured Luke Shaw missing out.
    And seven of that 11 also lined up for the World Cup semi-final defeat by Croatia at the 2018 World Cup.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GREAL TALK .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Grealish admits he plays better for Southgate than Guardiola due to free role
    There is a growing feeling that others, especially Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold, are not given a fair crack of the whip.
    Meanwhile, established Southgate favourites — in particular Harry Maguire but also Kieran Trippier, Jordan Pickford and Mason Mount — are often included despite their form, and will start at the World Cup in Qatar whatever.
    Asked whether he was too loyal, Southgate replied: “No. We’re totally open-minded.
    “Bukayo Saka came out of the pack and we didn’t hesitate putting Jude Bellingham in the fray (as an early sub on Tuesday), which was an incredible experience for him.
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    “But to win big matches there’s a huge amount of qualities needed. It’s not just about talent. You’ve got to have know-how and awareness.
    “Germany tested us tactically without the ball to such a high level, with the movement and runs they made, so the reading of the game and communication on the pitch is vital.
    “That group of players have played together a lot and on those nights it’s vital.
    “Of course we want to try to develop others and bring that competition and to give them the similar sorts of experiences, which indirectly Jude ended up getting (in Germany). But that’s a process.”
    It is a difficult balancing act for Southgate, or any international manager.
    When fixtures are scarce, particularly elite-level tests like an away game in Germany, there is always a temptation to go with the tried and tested.
    And teams that win tournaments — which must be England’s goal after a semi-final and a final — tend to have a shedload of caps behind them.
    It was Italian nous and game- management which saw them edge the Three Lions at Wembley last summer, rather than superior talent.
    There’s a rising suspicion that Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn’t had a fair chanceCredit: Getty
    Harry Maguire remains a fixture in England’s central defence despite his woeful season with Man UtdCredit: Rex
    England are not an old team. Of those who played at the Allianz Arena, only Walker and Trippier are over 30.
    But they are in danger of going stale, with Southgate’s commitment to the stalwarts of his Russian campaign never wavering.
    Centre-back Maguire is the epitome of this. Despite a shocking season with his club Manchester United, he remains a nailed-on England starter.
    Eric Dier, who enjoyed an excellent campaign with Tottenham, did not even make the squad for this current run of four Nations League fixtures.
    Southgate’s team were largely poor in Munich, until the introduction of Grealish, 18 minutes from time, gave them renewed attacking impetus, which allowed them to nab a point through Harry Kane’s late penalty.
    The Grealish debate has raged long and loud for the last two years — and he lies at the heart of another question mark over Southgate. Is the England boss too cautious and conservative?
    Why doesn’t he fully trust the £100million Manchester City man?
    Is it simply true that Grealish is more influential as a substitute, when opposition legs are tired and the game is more stretched?
    Or is it more accurate that, as Southgate apparently believes, Grealish is most effective as the main man in a lesser team — such as Aston Villa — rather than for England or City, where he has not been a regular for Pep Guardiola’s champions either.
    Grealish certainly needs an outstanding start to next season if he is to force his way into Southgate’s starting line-up in Qatar this winter. His City team-mate Phil Foden is perhaps a more likely candidate.
    But if, as seems likely, the team which started on Tuesday will be very similar to that which kicks off the World Cup against Iran on November 21, there should be concerns for Southgate.
    It would be ironic if Grealish, such a crowd-pleasing buzz-merchant, is offered a start against the Italians behind closed doors at Molineux.
    England’s passing was shoddy, they were overly cautious and they struggled to cope with Germany’s fast, fluid attacks.
    Yes, they were tired after a gruelling season but it was not so different for the Germans.
    The back five of Pickford, Trippier, Maguire, John Stones and Walker all started against Croatia in Moscow.
    They are the backbone of Southgate’s team. Along with Kane and Raheem Sterling they are near-permanent fixtures, when available.
    Because of the nature of this post-season block of four games in 11 days, there will be changes for England’s home games with Italy on Saturday and Hungary on Tuesday.
    That chance to experiment should be welcomed, although the exciting duo of Foden and centre-back Fikayo Tomori — title-winners with City and AC Milan respectively — are doubtful.
    It would be ironic if Grealish, such a crowd-pleasing buzz-merchant, is offered a start against the Italians behind closed doors at Molineux this weekend.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Sun.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}HI, KY! .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Kylie shows off her REAL post-baby body in pink jeans in unedited snaps
    One thing is for certain, Grealish, Foden, Alexander-Arnold and the rest of England’s fringe players must find a way to earn Southgate’s loyalty.
    Because once the England manager gets loyal, he stays loyal. More

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    Jack Grealish admits he plays better for Southgate than Guardiola as Man City star revels in free role with England

    JACK GREALISH claims he plays better for England than Manchester City.The £100million British record signing won a Premier League winner’s medal in his first season at the club.
    England star Jack Grealish believes he plays better for his country than he does for Manchester CityCredit: Rex
    Grealish helped the Citizens retain the Premier League title during the 2021-22 seasonCredit: Alamy
    But the former Aston Villa midfielder, who impressed as a Three Lions substitute in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Germany, said: “I feel that I’ve played a bit safe at City.
    “But when I come here with England, I train really well, I score goals, get assists and whatnot.
    “I do feel like I play with a lot more freedom here and hopefully I can transfer that into my club football and keep on improving.”
    Grealish, 26, made 31 starts for City and eight substitute appearances, scoring six times and delivering four assists.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE IN 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’CAN GET BETTER’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Southgate tells Grealish to be ‘more tactically aware’ to get more action
    He also stressed there are major differences playing for England boss Gareth Southgate compared to City manager Pep Guardiola.
    Grealish added: “Of course they’re two different managers so it’s always going to be difficult. Pep’s a lot more structured.
    “You can’t complain because of what he’s done in the game, how successful he is. Whereas Gareth is more ‘whatever you think’.
    “Obviously you have a formation and a structure but he says to me if you feel like you need to go to the other side of the pitch to get the ball then go and do that.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    That’s not really part of the freedom, the freedom is more in myself. Hopefully I can try to transfer that to City.”
    Grealish hopes to start in England’s third Nations League match at home to Italy at Molineux on Sunday.
    Southgate is set to make a string of changes while the Three Lions are also at home to Hungary in Wolverhampton on Tuesday.
    The England boss says Grealish can be just as valuable from the start as he is coming off the bench – but has demanded more from him tactically.
    He said: “He can do both. If we didn’t trust him we wouldn’t put him on the pitch with 20 minutes to go in the belief he can make a difference.
    “At the start of the game the challenge for the wide players was to attack, defend and to try and score goals – high tactical level and you’ve got to be spot on – and that’s an area Jack can get better at.
    Grealish will be hoping to start against Italy on Saturday after impressing off the bench in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with GermanyCredit: Getty
    “What he did do was carry the ball as the game opened up with a little bit more space and opportunity.
    “The impact both he and Jarrod Bowen had was really important in those attacking areas.
    “There is a good challenge there among those players but we’ve got to keep pushing them.” More

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    Thibaut Courtois’s fiancé Mishel Gerzig stuns in blue lacey lingerie

    MODEL Mishel Gerzig certainly has winning ways — just her like new fiance, Real Madrid and Belgium goalie Thibaut Courtois.Mishel, 25, did a footie strip of her own to show off her Hunkemoller lingerie before sharing a snap of the ex-Chelsea star, 30, asking for her hand.
    Mishel Gerzig wows in blue lacey lingerieCredit: Hunkemoller
    Mishel is a regular visitor to partner Thibaut Courtois’ games for Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Mishel shared a snap of Courtois asking for her hand
    First he helped win the Champions League — now he’s celebrating being in glove.
    Courtois got on one knee during a summer retreat in a stunning setting on a yacht and Gerzig happily agreed to become his wife to top off the goalkeeper’s dream week.
    The Israeli supermodel took to social media and shared snaps of the former Chelsea’s star’s proposal and gushed: “Yessss to a lifetime with you.”
    It was fitting the pair announced their relationship on Instagram, as that is where they met, when the Belgian slid into Mishel’s DMs.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on Mishel Gerzig.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SHE’S A KEEPER .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Courtois tops off dream week proposing to model girlfriend Mishel on yacht
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Courtois led Real to their 14th European title with a Man-of-the-Match performance between the sticks in the Champions League Final.
    The Belgium international made a series of key saves to deny Liverpool’s biggest stars.
    Mishel shows off her figure in a pink bikini on the beachCredit: Instagram / @mishelgerzig
    Gerzig is an Israeli supermodelCredit: Getty
    Courtois led Real to their 14th European title with a Man-of-the-Match performanceCredit: Reuters More

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    Silverstone F1 bosses sue contractors who relaid track for £8m after Lewis Hamilton branded it ‘the worst job ever’

    SILVERSTONE chiefs are suing contractors who relaid the F1 track for £8million after Lewis Hamilton branded it “the worst job ever”.Bosses spent £2million on the new surface in 2018.
    Tito Rabat broke his leg in three places during practice in the run-up to the British MotoGP in August 2018Credit: AFP
    The Spaniard was one of five riders to crash in the wetCredit: AFP
    But the firm they hired, Aggregate Industries, is accused of leaving it bumpy, easily waterlogged and “breaking up” in places.
    Seven-times F1 champ Hamilton, 37, said in 2018: “It’s the bumpiest track I’ve ever experienced.”
    During practice in the run-up to the British MotoGP in August 2018, five riders crashed in the wet. One, Tito Rabat, broke his leg in three places.
    The fallout led the FIM, motorcycling’s governing body, to revoke Silverstone’s licence — throwing its F1 future into doubt.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more on 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TIRED TYRES .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hamilton’s British GP tyre blowout blamed on Mercedes and not debris on track
    The loss of the MotoGP cost the iconic circuit, in Northants, at least £3.5million, court papers show.
    Relaying the track again with another firm cost £3.7million.
    In a High Court writ, lawyers for Silverstone claim the new track had “microbumps” which made racing vehicles vibrate at speed and visible day joint lines where different sections were laid at different times.
    They allege bitumen seepages led to “fatty” patches, while there was excessive water retention, with the track releasing foaming white liquid at times.
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    Silverstone called in Tarmac Trading Ltd to relay the surface in time for the 2019 British Grand Prix, the writ states.
    Silverstone is suing Aggregate for the cost of the cancelled MotoGP and further resurfacing and for loss of profits of around £624,552.
    The total amounts to £7,933,124 plus legal costs. More

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    Ashley Cole buys ‘£20,000 security dog’ after he was held at knifepoint in horrifying robbery

    EX-ENGLAND footballer Ashley Cole has bought his family a protection dog following his knifepoint robbery ordeal.Fiancée Sharon Canu shared a clip of the German Shepherd in training.
    Ashley Cole, pictured with fiancée Sharon Canu, has bought his family a protection dog following his knifepoint robbery ordealCredit: Instagram
    She wrote: “My baby went to school today” — adding a devil emoji. London-based Elite Protection Dogs has prices starting from £20,000.
    The company’s website says: “All our puppies come from military and police backgrounds with generations of experience.”
    The German Shepherds are also taught to search for missing persons, drugs and bombs.
    Sharon, mum to their kids Jaxon, five, and Grace, four, was at home with Ashley, 41, when a gang tied him up and threatened to cut off his fingers with pliers.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on Ashley Cole.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}DESPERATE PLEA .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ashley Cole’s girlfriend begged ‘please someone’s coming’ as thugs broke in
    They made off with watches, phones, cash, a Gucci bag, and BMW smart key in Fetcham, Surrey, in January 2020.
    Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley had been clutching his daughter before he was bound with cable ties.
    His hands were doused with odour eliminator Febreze in an apparent bid to destroy DNA evidence.
    Kurtis Dilks, 34, of Clifton, Nottingham, has denied robbing the couple.
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    His trial continues at the city’s crown court.
    The Sun told recently how Man City’s Jack Grealish spent £40,000 on two guard dogs.
    Other stars to do similar include Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford and Rio Ferdinand, plus Tour de France hero Mark Cavendish.
    Elite Protection Dogs says: ‘All our puppies come from military and police backgrounds with generations of experience’Credit: Getty More

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    Michael Owen said his marriage was a sham and begged me for nude pics, Big Brother’s Rebecca Jane says

    A REALITY TV star has spoken for the first time about how England football hero Michael Owen told her that his marriage was a “sham” — as he asked her for nude pictures.Owen, 42, was at the centre of a scandal last year over his messages to ex-Big Brother contestant Rebecca Jane, 37.
    Rebecca Jane has spoken for the first time about how England football hero Michael Owen told her his marriage was a ‘sham’ — as he asked her for nude pictures.Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The reality TV star says Owen said he was in a marriage of convenience with childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall, above, and was ‘keeping up appearances’Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Footie legend Michael Owen on the pitch for EnglandCredit: Offside
    She now says he said he was in a marriage of convenience with childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall and “keeping up appearances”.
    But she also revealed she felt 5ft 8ins Owen was too short for her.
    Speaking in detail for the first time about the messages, Rebecca — a regular on ITV’s This Morning and GMB — said she felt like she was messaging a single man after the BT Sport pundit’s assurances.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE ABOUT MICHEAL OWEN.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TAKING THE MIC .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Owen’s sad decline from England hero to Real failure & ‘boring’ pundit tag
    Rebecca, who runs a mental health business, said: “The story that Michael span me was that they were not really married and it was a sham.
    “He said it was a marriage of convenience for the sake of appearances and to keep their racehorse business going.
    “He told me his marriage was over, it was all a big façade and he wasn’t really married any more.
    “I should have perhaps investigated his situation a bit more and been more cautious — but I took him at face value.
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    “He fed me a load of rubbish over a six-week period when I was in communication with him and he wanted to meet me.
    “But it should be remembered that I actually turned him down — I turned him down quite a bit and didn’t meet him.
    “To be honest, he didn’t meet my height requirements.” 
    Rebecca also revealed she spoke to Owen’s wife Louise, 41, for an hour in the days after the story appeared — and said she was “understanding” and accepted her version of events.
    But the ex-footballer’s daughter Gemma was less forgiving, branding Rebecca “desperate” on social media.
    However, Rebecca hit back, saying the 19-year-old — who is due to appear on Love Island from tomorrow — was a “hypocrite”.
    Former Liverpool, Man Utd, Newcastle and Real Madrid star Owen’s squeaky-clean image was shattered last June when it was revealed he had begged Rebecca for nude pictures.
    He also asked Rebecca — who admits she was thrilled to be contacted by a childhood hero — to meet him at Chester races and urged her to “leave nothing to the imagination” in pictures which he would “judge” for her.
    Dad-of-four Owen, who has spoken publicly about his marriage and written two autobiographies, started following Rebecca on Twitter, before swapping messages on the site and then WhatsApp.
    ‘I feel sorry for you’
    He told Rebecca he had viewed one image of her 65 times as they swapped messages and calls during April and May last year.
    After Rebecca sent him pictures, he replied: “Tremendous by way.”
    Rebecca, who appeared on Big Brother in 2017 and has tens of thousands of social media followers, faced a storm when the story about their messages was revealed, although she did not speak publicly.
    And one of those who criticised her was Owen’s eldest child, Gemma, an international dressage rider who enters the Love Island villa in Majorca this weekend.
    As well as her “desperate” jibe on Instagram, Gemma also said: “I feel sorry for you getting your t**s out for a bit of fame” and branded her “the lowest of the low”. 
    She also accused Rebecca of “ignoring” an attempt by her mum Louise to speak to her.
    Rebecca, who lost her previous job at a mental health charity after the story came out and was then in hospital with Covid, said Gemma’s attack added to her woes.
    She said: “I thought it was immature and it caused unnecessary further distress.
    “It was her dad who was in the wrong, and not me — I had taken him at his word and she should have realised that. 
    “I also did not ignore her mum. She had messaged me on a social media site that I was forced to close down, and I did end up speaking to her in the end. 
    “What Gemma said about me was vile, and it seems hypocritical now that she is going into Love Island.
    She needs be careful now she is seeking fame. Good luck to her on the show, though — although I won’t be watching.”
    Mum-of-two Rebecca, whose business helps companies with the mental health of employees, sent a message to Louise, provided her number and asked if she wanted to discuss the messages days after the story came out. 
    She added: “I ended up speaking to Louise about it and in the end, after I explained what happened, she was lovely.
    “It appeared to me that Michael had fed her a load of rubbish too.
    “She thought it was someone else messaging me, like his social media manager, and asked me to prove it was him.
    “I sent her voice notes he had sent me on WhatsApp, and she checked dates and stuff and it all tallied up.
    “She was calm and really understanding, and agreed I hadn’t done much wrong.
    “She realised he had made the running and spun me a few lines.
    “It did make me wonder if it was the first time it had happened or if she had friends that it had happened to before.
    “And I think Louise realised Michael and I didn’t meet up and that he had got carried away.”
    Rebecca, who has a law degree and used to run a love cheat detective agency, says she faced sexual harassment from a boss at the mental health company she was working at when the story broke.
    And she was plunged into despair when the firm — from which she has now taken a payout — released a statement distancing itself from her in the wake of the story.
    Rebecca speaks about her work experiences, and her dalliance with Owen, in the Tim Marner podcast episode out next week.
    Owen and childhood sweetheart Louise married in June 2005, with pictures of their wedding appearing in Hello! magazine. 
    He had shot to global fame aged 18 when he scored a solo wonder-goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.
    Owen was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year months later and went on to score 40 goals in 89 games for England.
    He and Louise founded a stables business in Cheshire and since retiring from football, Michael has worked as a pundit and covered last weekend’s Liverpool v Real Madrid Champions League Final for BT Sport.
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    In 2019 book, Reboot: My Life, My Time he spoke about marriage problems and revealed he had “stared into an abyss called divorce” as he struggled after retiring from football.
    Owen declined to comment

    HEAR more of Rebecca’s story on the Tim Marner podcast on YouTube, Spotify or iTunes.

    Michael with daughter Gemma who will be heading to the Love Island villaCredit: Instagram/themichaelowen
    Former Big Brother star Rebecca lost her job at a mental health charity after the story came outCredit: PA:Press Association
    Michael has worked as a pundit and covered last weekend’s Liverpool v Real Madrid Champions League Final for BT SportCredit: GettyWe pay for your stories!Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? More