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      F1 boss Christian Horner grilled for eight hours in crunch meeting over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations

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      FORMULA One team boss Christian Horner was grilled for eight hours today over alleged “controlling” behaviour.The Red Bull Racing chief — married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell — was questioned by a barrister late into the afternoon at a private location.
      Formula One team boss Christian Horner was grilled for eight hours over his alleged ‘controlling’ behaviourCredit: Peter Jordan – The Sun
      Horner runs the all-conquering Red Bull Racing, the team of world champion Max VerstappenCredit: AFP – Getty
      The 50-year-old looked grim-faced earlier as he was being whisked to the crunch meeting.
      An F1 source said: “Christian has been in there, and having his chat which has been ongoing for many hours. We are hoping for a swift resolution to this but that may be unlikely.”
      The source went on: “This is not a trial and we are not going to have an answer and an outcome by the end of the day.
      “This is not something that is going to be rectified that quickly.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      “But Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign.
      “We are in an investigation and we have to respect the integrity of the investigation, which means ­letting it run its course.”
      The Sun told on Tuesday how Horner was being investigated over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female colleague.
      He was seen as a chauffeur-driven car picked him up from his North London home at 7.15am.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Unshaven Horner tried to force a smile after clambering into the back of the BMW with a briefcase.
      Red Bull brought in independent lawyers following the complaint.

      The meeting is understood to have taken place in London rather than near the racing team’s base in Milton Keynes or Red Bull’s HQ in Salzburg, Austria.
      Late this afternoon, Horner was still being quizzed after the meeting got off to an early start.
      Horner, who runs the all-conquering F1 team of world champion Max Verstappen — arch rival of British favourite Sir Lewis Hamilton — has denied the controlling behaviour claims.
      The allegations are said to centre on concerns about a strict work regime and do not include sexual impropriety.
      Horner, who has been Red Bull Racing’s “principal” since its founding in 2005, was quizzed by an external barrister hired by the Austrian company.
      Red Bull said it began an inquiry after being made aware of the complaint, understood to have been lodged in Austria.
      Today, BBC Sport reported insiders had told them that they did not expect Horner to survive the furore.
      Staff at the team’s UK base in Milton Keynes have said they had no knowledge of the allegations when approached.
      I completely deny these claimsChristian Horner
      The probe threatens to overshadow the start of the new F1 season — with the first practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place on February 29.
      However, insiders say a decision on Horner’s future at the helm of the team was unlikely to be reached following today’s first meeting with the barrister.
      Our source added: “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.
      “It will be a longer process than that as we have to conduct the investigation thoroughly.”
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      Spice Girl wife Geri is standing by HornerCredit: Getty
      Wife Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband and has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Former racing driver Horner and Geri married at a church ceremony in Woburn, Beds, in 2015 after a year-long engagement.
      They have a seven-year-old son together and Horner has a daughter from a previous relationship.
      Red Bull Racing has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles since the team’s formation under Horner 19 years ago.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motor sport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Christian has done nothing wrongGeri Horner
      Red Bull Racing declined to comment today.
      In a statement earlier this week, it said it was probing “certain recent allegations”.
      A spokesman added: “This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.”
      Horner remains one of the most influential figures within Red Bull and Formula One.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      If he gets the chop, insiders expect him to be replaced by an executive from the Austrian side of Red Bull.
      A likely favourite would be German businessman Oliver Mintzlaff, former head of RB Leipzig football club.
      Horner remains one of the most influential figures within Red Bull and Formula OneCredit: GettyA look at Christian Horner’s life and career CHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.

      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish poses with £25,000 protection dog after terrifying gang raid at Man City star’s home

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      ENGLAND ace Jack Grealish poses with his £25,000 Belgian Malinois protection dog in a “show of strength” after his burglary ordeal.The star, also seen with cockapoo Skye, wrote “My two babies” next to the online pic, adding a heart emoji.
      Jack Grealish poses with his £25,000 Belgian Malinois protection dog in a ‘show of strength’ after his burglary ordeal.Credit: Instagram
      Jack and fiancée Sasha Attwood were targeted when a gang struck on Boxing Day as he played away for Manchester CityCredit: Instagram
      We told how Jack and fiancée Sasha Attwood lost £1m of gems when a gang struck on Boxing Day as he played away for Manchester City.
      He bought two Belgian Malinois last year from security firm Chaperone K9.
      Cops have yet to catch the gang who raided the Cheshire home while ten family members were watching Jack’s match on TV.
      A source said: “Jack and his family were left traumatised following the raid, but they won’t let it defeat them.
      MORE ON FOOTBALLER RAIDS
      “Jack and Sasha had only just moved in and are looking forward to building a life there.
      “It’s difficult for them knowing that the culprits haven’t been caught yet and may never face justice, but they’re keeping their head up.
      A source said: “His post is a display of strength — both for himself and his fans.”
      Jack and childhood sweetheart Sasha had moved in just five days before the burglary after tradesmen finished renovations.
      Most read in Football
      The property, which includes a helipad, tennis court, full-sized football and cricket pitches and a lake, is located within Cheshire’s affluent “Golden Triangle”, where a string of footballers have been targeted.
      Paul Pogba’s mansion was raided by thieves in March 2022, who broke in while his kids slept upstairs as he played at Old Trafford.
      Is this the moment Jack Grealish is told of his family’s terror at £1m jewellery break-in raid at his mansion?
      The same year the wife of Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof was forced to lock herself in a room with their two children after intruders burst in while he played away.
      Riyad Mahrez, Tahith Chong and Jesse Lingard have also been targeted. More

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      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford swaps 12-hour tequila benders for nights in with 1,000 piece jigsaws

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      MARCUS Rashford has swapped 12-hour tequila benders for jigsaw nights in.The England and Man United striker, 26, shared a picture of the 1,000-piece puzzle at his home.
      Marucs Rashford has swapped swaps 12-hour tequila benders for nights in with a jigsawCredit: Getty
      On Instagram Marcus shared a picture of a 1,000-piece puzzle at his homeCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Seemingly from the Wasgij range, he had yet to assemble any pieces.
      He’d made a start collecting 14 edges and putting them in a pile.
      A source said: “It’s an unusual choice for a top-flight footballer in his 20s, but the last thing he needs is to return to his partying.
      “He’s making an effort to stay in and behave himself.
      read more on marcus rashford
      “Let’s hope he sticks with it.”
      As we reported, Rashford missed training after partying in Belfast and was fined £650,000, two weeks’ wages.
      United said he has taken responsibility for his actions.
      Paris Saint-Germain will reportedly make another attempt to sign the footballer in the summer if he displays interest in leaving his boyhood club.
      Most read in Football More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 boss Christian Horner faces D-Day grilling by lawyer amid claims of ‘vicious power struggle’

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      SPICE Girl Geri Halliwell’s F1 boss husband will face a D-Day grilling on Friday amid claims of a vicious power struggle.Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer over shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer over shock allegationsCredit: Getty
      Wife Geri, 51, is standing by Horner, 50, who denies the allegationsCredit: Getty
      Horner with Red Bull’s three-time F1 world champ Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Sources say the investigation is set to centre on a female employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      An F1 source told The Sun: “Christian had concerns about her conduct and made it clear he was unhappy.
      “She went on to make a complaint about his ‘controlling’ behaviour, which detonated this crisis for the team.”
      One F1 source claimed a deliberate attempt was being made to destabilise Horner. Rumours of a power struggle have dogged Red Bull Racing since the death of his ally and billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      Last year, Horner played down rumours of a rift with adviser Helmut Marko, 80, as a “small difference of opinion”.
      Wife Geri, 51, is standing by Horner, 50, who denies the allegations.
      An independent lawyer appointed to examine the woman’s claims will quiz him at a UK meeting on Friday.
      Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at the Austrian team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Another source said: “It’s an awkward situation but it’s unavoidable until the air is cleared and this matter is resolved.”
      Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race meeting of the new F1 season, which starts in Bahrain at the end of the month.
      Since Horner took over as team principal in 2005, Red Bull has won seven F1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles. Top driver Max Verstappen is current world champion.
      Red Bull Racing referred all inquiries to its Austrian HQ yesterday. A spokesman said: “It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      When asked about allegations made against Horner, his rival team boss at Williams, James Vowles, said: “I think it means we all have to look each other in the mirror and make sure we are posing the right questions internally and acting in a way that we can only be proud of, not today but in the next ten years.”
      Max Verstappen’s race engineer admits ‘biggest fear’ he’s ‘not looking forward to’ after Red Bull’s dominant F1 season More

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      in Soccer

      Football ace Jack Grealish boosts his massive earnings by signing seven-figure deal with Pepsi for new advert

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      ENGLAND footie ace Jack Grealish is fizzing with excitement after signing a seven-figure deal with soft drinks firm Pepsi.He is part of a new ad campaign with ex-footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones.
      Jack Grealish, pictured with Sasha Attwood, is fizzing with excitement after signing a seven-figure deal with soft drinks firm PepsiCredit: Rex
      Jack, pictured with Sasha is part of a new ad campaign with ex-footballer turned actor Vinnie JonesCredit: Instagram
      It is the latest money-spinning commercial contract for the forward, who won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble last season with Man City under Pep Guardiola.
      Insiders revealed Jack, 28, and former Wimbledon hardman Vinnie, 59, filmed their Pepsi commercial in January.
      A source said yesterday: “Jack is banking another million with his new Pepsi deal.
      “It’s for a new advertising campaign with Vinnie Jones who has also been signed up.
      Read More on Football
      “Both of them have filmed their parts for the advert and it’ll be seen by fans later this year.
      “Jack is worth every penny as far as Pepsi are concerned because everything he touches turns to gold. It’s a really fun advert, and Jack and Vinnie are following in the footsteps of other big players like David Beckham and Lionel Messi.”
      As well as his Pepsi deal, Jack is a brand ambassador for Italian fashion house Gucci and has also sealed mega-money deals with US audio company Bose and German sportswear firm Puma.
      But in December, a gang of robbers struck at his Cheshire mansion, stealing watches and jewellery worth £1million.
      Most read in Football
      Jack’s fiancée Sasha Attwood, 27, and family members were there at the time.
      Last week, Jack and Sasha were seen out together for the first time since the raid.
      They enjoyed meal at a posh restaurant in West London.
      Last week, Jack and Sasha were seen out together for the first time since the raidCredit: Click News and Media
      Jack won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble last season with Man City under Pep GuardiolaCredit: PA
      ‘You have to be careful,’ Pep Guardiola says after Jack Grealish break-in as he issues warning to players most at risk More

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      in Soccer

      Former Man City star given more time to clear £800,000 tax debt and dodge bankruptcy

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      FORMER Premier League star Benjamin Mendy has been given more time to clear a £800,000 tax debt and avoid bankruptcy.The one time Man City defender, 29 — last year cleared of rape and sexual assault — is hoping to sell his mansion.
      Former Man City defender Benjamin Mendy has been given more time to clear a £800,000 tax debtCredit: PA
      A hearing at the High Court was told the pad in Macclesfield, Cheshire, has had a price cut from £5million to £3.8million.
      A sale is expected in the next eight weeks.
      Louis Doyle KC, for Mendy, said: “He wants to get rid of this debt as quickly as possible.”
      He continued: “If we get 10 weeks down the line and it is still not sold, I accept I might have a very different fight on my hands.”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The court also heard Mr Mendy is bringing legal action against former club Manchester City after they stopped paying him when he was charged with rape back in 2021.
      The player was cleared of rape and attempted rape at Chester Crown Court.
      Mr Doyle said that Mendy being made bankrupt could have a “potentially catastrophic impact” on his claim which is due to go into mediation later in the year.
      At a previous hearing, Mendy said he would pay HMRC £20,000 a month from his salary at new club Lorient in France, which he has not done.
      Most read in Football
      Judge Joseph Curl KC adjourned the case for 12 weeks to allow for the sale of the house but said he was “troubled” by Mendy’s failure to pay the monthly bill. More

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      in Soccer

      Sir Keir Starmer branded ‘pie snatcher’ after warning football fans to watch what they eat

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      SIR Keir Starmer was branded a ‘pie snatcher’ after warning football fans to watch what they eat to help the beautiful game go green.The Labour chief says there are “little things” supporters can change with their travel and eating plans as part of a veggie food push.
      Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been branded a ‘pie snatcher’ after warning football fans to watch what they eatCredit: Jonathan Brady / PA Wire
      The Labour chief says there are ‘little things’ fans can change with their travel and eating plans as part of a veggie food pushCredit: Getty
      But senior Tories seized on the comments telling him to keep his hands off their half-time pies as he made the comments ahead of his team Arsenal beating Liverpool 3-1 yesterday.
      It comes as Labour donor and Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince calls on environment issues to be part of the new football regulator’s remit.
      Sir Keir told Sky Sports: “I think what can happen with football is, if you get a campaign and it sort of surfs the wave, it can really take off.
      “If you look at some of the work that was maybe done in relation to racism. That really caught the imagination of fans. 
      READ MORE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      “And now it is really rare actually in the stands to hear much racism.
      “I’m not saying it’s gone away completely.
      “If the same can happen on sustainability, capture the imagination, little things that fans can do, whether its travelling, eating, whatever it is. I think this is good.”
      But  Cabinet Office Minister Esther McVey, said:  “I know Labour is being bankrolled by vegan and net zero extremist Dale Vince.
      Most read in Football
      “But I am not sure Keir Starmer’s desire to turn every club into Forest Green Rovers puts him in touch with most football supporters.
      The so-called Minister for Common Sense added: “If Keir thinks telling football fans to give up their half-time meat pies is a vote winner I think he is badly mistaken.”
      Eighty-five of the country’s top clubs signed up to the Green Football Weekend with plant-based burgers and pies offering a veggie match day experience for fans.
      Figures show that if football fans ate one veggie meal a day it would save the equivalent carbon of taking 5.5 million cars off the road.
      Tory MP Jonathan Gullis said:  “What fresh hell is this from Sir Keir?!
      “His idea to spend £28 billion extra every year on green projects with no plan of how to pay for them is madness.  Now he’s acting as a pie snatcher!
      “Sir Keir may love scoffing tofu but footy fans don’t need pious lectures from an holier-than-thou vegetarian about match day nosh. Keep your hands off our meat pies Sir Keir.”
      A Labour source insisted: “Football legends from Peter Crouch to Jamie Carragher back this important campaign. Football fans will surely be devastated to learn that the Tory Party do not.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Geri Horner in ‘floods of tears’ over Red Bull boss hubby Christian as he faces allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’

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      SPICE Girl Geri Halliwell’s F1 boss hubby is being investigated over claims of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female colleague.Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner, 50, is the focus of a probe being run by an independent lawyer appointed to examine her allegations.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner is under investigation over allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ – pictured with wife GeriCredit: Getty
      The Red Bull chief pictured with world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      The female staffer is understood to have complained about Horner to the team’s parent company at Red Bull in AustriaCredit: AFP
      News of the allegations broke yesterday as the team boss was locked in preparations for Red Bull’s defence of their championship titlesCredit: Getty
      Horner, who runs the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen, said: “I completely deny these claims.”
      News of the allegations broke yesterday as the team boss was locked in preparations for Red Bull’s defence of their championship titles.
      Given Horner’s high-ranking position, the woman staffer is understood to have complained to the team’s parent company at Red Bull in Austria.
      Staff at the team’s UK base, in Milton Keynes, Bucks, claimed to have no knowledge of the allegations when approached yesterday.
      Read More on Sport
      Wife Geri, 51, was standing by him last night, telling pals she does not believe gossip that has been swirling for days.
      A source close to the Ginger Spice star said: “Geri has been in floods of tears all weekend while looking after her kids.
      “She is insisting Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Red Bull Racing’s Austria-based parent company said yesterday: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.
      “The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible.
      “It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      F1 sources said the allegations against Horner could jeopardise his position at the helm of the Red Bull team.
      He was said to be locked in an F1 Commission meeting all day yesterday and aides stressed he would not be making any further comment.
      A Red Bull Racing source said: “Nothing further is being added to ensure the integrity of the investigation is respected.
      The couple at the Royal Artillery Point to Point at Larkhill in Wiltshire on January 27Credit: Splash
      Horner and wife Geri pose with several famous musicians including Gary Barlow and Rod Stewart at his 50th birthday bash
      “Christian has issued a denial and we’re hoping for a swift and speedy resolution.”
      Former racing driver Horner married Geri at a church wedding in Woburn, Beds, in 2015 after a year-long engagement.
      He has a seven-year-old son with Geri and a daughter from a previous relationship.
      Geri also has a 17-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
      Since Leamington Spa-born Horner took over as team principal in 2005, Red Bull has won seven Formula 1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Last season, Red Bull won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, with 26-year-old Verstappen the runaway winner of the drivers’ crown.
      F1 sources claimed the investigation had been launched amid a power struggle at the F1 team following the death of Red Bull co-founder and Horner ally Dietrich Mateschitz.
      Spice Girl Geri Horner posts loved-up message to husband Christian as Red Bull F1 boss turns 50A look at Christian Horner’s life and career CHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.

      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Horner tied with knot with Geri in 2015 and they have one child together
      The couple pictured at the Larkhill Royal Artillery Point to Point on January 27Credit: Splash
      Geri threw a surprise 50th birthday bash for Christian in DecemberCredit: Instagram
      Horner lives a life of luxury in the country with his familyCredit: Instagram
      Horner poses on the grounds of his Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram
      The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram
      Geri and her husband pose at the premiere of Ferrari in London on December 4Credit: AFP More