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    Football-loving Evan Gershkovich is ‘thrilled’ by Arsenal tribute as family plead with Putin to free him from hellhole

    BY rights, Arsenal fan Evan Gershkovich should be savouring the Gunners’ end-of-season title race from a comfy seat at the Emirates Stadium.Instead, he still languishes in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo Prison where Soviet tyrant Joseph Stalin once caged his enemies.Journalist Evan Gershkovich is languishing in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo PrisonCredit: APA banner is displayed in support of Evan prior to the Premier League match of his favourite team ArsenalCredit: GettyElla Milman, Danielle and Mikhail Gershkovich, mother, sister and father have put out an emotional plea, a year one from his captureCredit: AFPIt’s now a year since the brilliant young American reporter was held on trumped-up spying charges by Vladimir Putin’s regime — yet the Arsenal faithful have not forgotten one of their own.Twice this season fans have raised banners in the North Bank stand bearing his image and demanding #freeevan.His friend and fellow London-based Wall Street Journal reporter Eliot Brown told The Sun that the gesture by Gunners fans had left Evan “thrilled”.Although he is locked up with a cell mate for 23 hours a day, news of the placards filtered through via letters he is permitted to receive.READ MORE ON RUSSIAFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen — who helped to organise the demonstrations — said: “The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hell.“As fellow Arsenal fans we thought we’d do our bit to keep his story in the spotlight.”Now the North Bank is planning more #freeevan protests after the innocent reporter was told by a Russian court on Tuesday that his pre-trial detention was being extended by a further three months.’Strong & resilient’Afterwards in the News UK offices in London — which the Journal’s UK bureau shares with The Sun — hundreds of sombre staff held up #istandwithEVAN posters.Most read in FootballThe 32-year-old reporter is the first US journalist to be charged with spying by Russia since the Cold War, and faces a possible 20-year prison sentence if convicted.America’s ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, said he remained “strong and resilient” and added that it was “a tragedy that he is awaiting trial for a crime he did not commit”.Falsely jailed reporter Evan Gershkovich must be freed NOW after one year in Russian prisonThe bitter irony is that Evan loves Russia.He was born in Princeton, New Jersey, after his Jewish parents Mikhail and Ella had fled rising anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union.He and his elder sister Danielle grew up speaking Russian at home.At five Evan began playing football, which soon became “all-encompassing”, and Danielle said: “I remember him coming home from school and practising against the back of the garage.Bilingual skills “He would be out there and you would hear it — kick, kick, kick. I remember him being obsessed with Pele, his first big soccer idol.“Later he was into Thierry Henry, which led him to Arsenal.”Thatcher Foster, a teammate of Evan’s at youth team Princeton Spartak, said: “Football was such a big part of Evan’s identity.“Each year he would get around five different Arsenal kits.”After leaving school he became a journalist, using his bilingual skills to secure a reporter’s job on the online Moscow Times in Russia.There he bonded with colleague Pjotr Sauer over their love of Arsenal.The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hellFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen Pjotr, who writes to Evan in prison to update him on their team’s fortunes, said: “Evan knew everything about Arsenal. I wasn’t expecting to meet a fellow Gunner who was an American guy.”After six years of working in Russia Evan moved to the globally-renowned Wall Street Journal in January 2022, a month before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The journalist divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war ragedCredit: APAccredited by the Kremlin as a reporter, he divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war raged.Eliot, his colleague at the Journal’s London office, said: “We’d go out for beers and just talk about journalism and current events.“He has a million thoughts on everything. He is a fantastically talented young journalist.”But working in Moscow was becoming increasingly perilous.In July 2022, Evan tweeted: “Reporting on Russia is now a regular practice of watching people you know get locked away for years.”He assumed his phone was being tapped and he had been followed and filmed when on assignment.On March 29, 2023, Evan travelled to Yekaterinburg, nearly 900 miles east of Moscow, on a reporting trip.Constant brightnessHe was arrested at a steakhouse and led away with his head hooded.Conditions in Lefortovo prison are wretched.Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a day.He usually spends it walking in one of the small courtyards on the prison roof, watched by armed guards.Cells are brightly lit, even at night.President Biden has pledged to do “whatever it takes” to bring him home, while Nato and the EU have also demanded his release.During several court appearances Evan has smiled for the cameras and looked remarkably relaxed.My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalistDanielle Gershkovich His mum Ella described one hearing in June: “We went and stood next to him, and immediately, Evan was talking and joking.“We were laughing. Russians don’t expect laughter in a court. Crying — that’s what they expect.”Evan spends his time keeping fit, reading Russian novels and answering letters from family and friends.The Arsenal results normally filter through to him two weeks late and he can watch limited match highlights on Russian TV.Pal Pjotr said: “He is very happy about how they are playing but obviously upset he can’t see for himself.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd sister Danielle has a heartfelt message for Putin: “My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalist.“Please, I just want him home.”Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a dayCredit: AP More

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    Sergio Ramos’ wife Pilar Rubio stuns in belted swimsuit after 46th birthday

    MODEL and TV presenter Pilar Rubio is an absolute belter in a white swimsuit.The 46-year-old wore a belted swimming costume from her own collection at Selmark.Sergio Ramos’ wife Pilar Rubio stuns in this white belted swimsuitCredit: Splash NewsIt comes just after she celebrated her 46th birthdayCredit: InstagramMum-of-four Pilar is married to football ace Sergio Ramos, who plays at centre-back for La Liga club Sevilla.On her birthday last week, Sergio said: “Thank you for being the best mother and the best example of love for everyone.”Mum-of-four Pilar previously revealed that the couple have sex every day.When asked how often she had romped with her husband, the stunning brunette replied: “We do it every day, except for the days when I am in Madrid.”READ MORE ON WAGSShe commuted between Paris and Madrid when Ramos joined PSG, although he rejoined Sevilla last year.Told by the shocked host of chat show La Resistencia they were like Avengers superheroes having sex so often with four youngsters in the house, she added: “My children are in bed at 9.30pm. Sex is life.”She insisted the fact they had four kids had no impact on their sex life.Rubio tried to turn the tables by asking host David Broncano about how often he did it – but was told he had no children so there was no comparison.Most read in FootballIn her tell-all interview, Rubio also claimed she had just £46,000 in the bank.Seeing the admission was causing as much shock as her confession about sex with Sergio Ramos, she added: “I’m talking about the current account which is the one I saw.” More

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    Incredible rise of new England football star Kobbie Mainoo who earns £20k a week aged just 18 – and still lives with dad

    HE made his full England debut against Belgium at Wembley tonight and looked right at home – paving the way for selection at this summer’s Euros.But The Sun can reveal that away from the floodlights of the national stadium, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo leads a humble, quiet life, just like any average teenager.Kobbie Mainoo made his full debut tonight in England’s game against BelgiumCredit: GettyKobbie grins after winning the FA Youth Cup in 2022Credit: GettyThe Sun speaks to Kobbie’s first ever coach, Steve Vare, who mentored him when the star was just four years oldLocals told how the Manchester United midfielder loves eating out at Nando’s and still lives with his dad Felix in a modest £370,000 semi — in a street where some neighbours have no idea who he is.In fact, the only sign of any of the perks of Kobbie’s £20,000-a-week job is an £80,000 BMW X4 — given to him by United – along with a Mercedes A-Class which takes pride of place on the drive.Kobbie is the most talked-about young player in English football right now, with accomplished performances beyond his years culminating in a late call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad last week.Those who know Kobbie say he is a down-to-earth lad who “takes everything in his stride”.READ MORE KOBBIE MAINOOHis first coach, Steve Vare, who mentored him as a four-year-old at Cheadle And Gatley FC, told us: “He came from a lovely family — I used to have regular chats with his dad.“I do know Kobbie is still in ­contact with his old school friends — he hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very grounded. “That is probably down to him coming from a loving, very stable family.”Kobbie’s parents Felix and Abena Herold — who are Ghanaian immigrants — are separated but he splits his time between their homes, which are within 30 minutes of each other.Most read in FootballAt Felix’s house in Sale, some locals do not even know who Kobbie is.Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilThe family moved into the rented three-bedroom home around four or five years ago and Kobbie keeps himself to himself, with one neighbour saying: “I’ve got no idea who he is.”Others talk proudly about having an England star in their midst, with another saying of the young star: “I remember him going to and coming home from school in his uniform.“He was always a very smiley young boy. “I say hello to Felix when I see him. “They’re a nice family.”A third neighbour, who is a friend of the family, added: “I’ve known Kobbie and his dad for years. “Kobbie is a really nice boy from a really nice family – and he’s a really good ­footballer. “He’s going to be a star.”Kobbie is powered by grub from Nando’s — one of his favourite treats.He was recently spotted collecting a bag of food from his local branch in Altrincham, where he fist-bumped a member of staff who is a huge ­Manchester United fan.One onlooker said: “Kobbie came in on his own with his hood up, but he got recognised straight away. “He was a lovely lad and fist-bumped a ­member of staff. “He seemed really nice and down to earth.”Kobbie receives his England cap from Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyThe star signing for Man Utd, pictured with the rest of his familyCredit: Instagram / Kobbie MainooThere was a time, before he became a United first team regular, that Kobbie was not even the most famous person in his own family.His older half-brother Jordan ­Mainoo-Hames, 29 — Felix’s son from another relationship — appeared on season five of ITV2 dating show Love Island, spending 38 days in the villa.Jordan, who has since embarked on a successful modelling career, is one of Kobbie’s biggest fans — frequently shouting about him to his 711,000 Instagram followers.When Kobbie got the England call-up, Jordan shared a snap of him and wrote: “Movin’ on up.”Kobbie, whose close family circle includes his sisters Ama and Efia, also spends time at mum Abena’s £500,000 detached three-bed home in Cheadle Hulme.Abena is a secretary of her new husband Robin’s construction firm.Kobbie is said to still regularly visit his parents’ home country of Ghana.He was quick and had a really powerful shot for a kid that ageSteve VareThe ace — full name Kobbie ­Boateng Mainoo — was born on April 19, 2005 in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, and raised in the sleepy suburb of Cheadle Hulme.Aged four, he began playing for local side Cheadle And Gatley under Steve — who quickly spotted his incredible talent.Steve said: “He was only here for about a year and he was very good for his age. “He found some things too easy. “It was obvious we needed to test and challenge him more.“In game situations, he would just run from one end to another and score, so we put in challenges — like he could only score with his weaker foot. “He was quick and had a really powerful shot for a kid that age.“He could have won a trophy for best player every week, to be honest, but I would tell him, ‘I am going to give it to someone else this week’ – and he never got upset.”Kobbie in the sun during a trip to LACredit: InstagramKobbie seated next to Daniel Gore as they headed to the US last JulyCredit: GettyKobbie playing for his school in Year 6Credit: Facebook / Cheadle And Gatley FCOver the past few weeks, Steve has been inundated with interview requests to talk about Kobbie — from media across the globe including America and Denmark.He added: “We are immensely proud of Kobbie. “He does come across as a really grounded person who just takes it all in his stride.“I am sure that he will still be the same Kobbie.”Kobbie left Cheadle And Gatley for Failsworth Dynamos before being asked to train with United and local rivals Man City.He later opted for his beloved boyhood side United, joining the club aged seven — and was regarded as one of their best talents throughout his time in the academy.Kobbie studied at Cheadle Catholic Infant School and St James’ Catholic High before moving on to Ashton-on-Mersey School under United’s scholarship programme.One source said: “Kobbie was a very bright, very well-rounded young man and he finished with good grades.”During his time playing for the Red Devils, Kobbie has won the FA Youth Cup and the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player Of The Year award for the 2022/23 season.He signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday – the earliest date a player can do so — and made his first team debut in the League Cup against Charlton Athletic last January.I think he’s incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he’s shownWayne RooneyAnd he has started gaining the plaudits he deserves over the past few months from the great and good of the game thanks to some stellar performances – after his season was delayed by an injury suffered in pre-season.Kobbie has shown calmness, composure and class on the ball in some tough matches — including arguably his best game so far in the 4-3 FA Cup thriller against fierce rivals Liverpool, in front of 72,291 fans at Old Trafford.He won the Premier League’s Goal Of The Month competition in February for a sensational individual goal away at Wolves – dribbling past players with ease before bending the ball into the corner in the 97th minute of a frantic 4-3 victory.United legend Rio Ferdinand compared him to AC Milan’s great Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf, while Wayne Rooney has also heaped praise on him.Wayne said: “I think he’s incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he’s shown. “He always seems to make the right decisions. “He has a very bright future.”No challenge seems to faze ­Kobbie — including his 15-minute cameo for England against Brazil on Saturday, which they lost 1-0.He has settled into our group with no problems at all and he looks completely at homeGareth SouthgateIt was fitting that his debut was against Brazil, as he grew up idolising silky Samba Boy Ronaldinho.At one point during the game, Kobbie showed nimble footwork the ex-Barcelona forward would have been proud of.Ahead of tonight’s match, ­manager Gareth Southgate said of Kobbie: “We put him in the team as the game went on the other day — when it was 0-0 against Brazil.“That would suggest we would be happy to put him on the pitch at any moment.“We will be mindful of how quickly we go with a young player.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He has settled into our group with no problems at all and he looks completely at home.”Some of Kobbie’s neighbours may not know him yet — but he could well be among the names this country never forgets if Southgate’s men finally win a major tournament this summer. 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    Over 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during Euros in new crackdown

    MORE than 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during the Euros this summer.A fresh law imposed from today will force the yobs to surrender their passports to the police.Over 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during the Euros this summerCredit: Fame FlynetAny failing to comply and trying to travel to host nation Germany faces six months in jail or an unlimited fine.Policing minister Chris Philp said: “Violence, abuse, and disorder have no place in the game we love.“The vast majority of fans are law-abiding, but we will have zero tolerance for those who disrupt this incredible event.“These measures will ensure true football fans can travel to the tournament safely and prevent hooligans from committing these crimes abroad.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe crackdown applies to 1,624 in England and Wales with football banning orders. Courts issued 682 of these five-year bans last season — the most for 12 years after possession of Class A drugs such as cocaine was added.During the month-long Euros, the sanctioned hooligans can only go abroad with the permission of the Football Banning Orders Authority. Cops will also get new powers to intercept other known louts.Most read in FootballAround 1,300 yobs were stopped from travelling to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, under banning laws covering international games, but they have now been extended to the Euros.Pub-drinking England fans are most at risk at Euros from martial arts trained football ultras More

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    My wife ‘sorted’ the ‘woke’ collar motif on our grandson’s England shirt – here’s how she did it

    GRAN Lynne Bellinger came up with a super sub when hubby John asked her to “sort” England’s “woke” collar motif.She made an iron-on St George’s flag to cover the purple and blue emblem on the £64.99 Nike shirt John bought for grandson Bobby, 11.Bobby wearing his England shirt with pride after his gran went to workCredit: Lynn BellingerThe young England fan wore the modified shirt to Wembley to watch his heroes play BrazilCredit: Lynn BellingerAnd the home-made version wowed fans who pledged to follow the lad’s lead if they fork out a fortune on the new Euro 2024 shirtCredit: Lynn BellingerEngland and West Ham nut John Bellinger, 61, bought the shirt for Saturday’s friendly against Brazil at Wembley.But he made sure Bobby went to the game sporting an iconic red and white flag after asking his enterprising wife Lynn to bring on a substitute.Lynne, 61, used a high-tech “Cricut” machine to make a miniature replacement iron-on flag which covered up the unloved emblem hours before the game.And the home-made version wowed fans who pledged to follow the lad’s lead if they fork out a fortune on the new Euro 2024 shirt.READ MORE ON ENGLAND FLAG ROWCaterer John told The Sun: “My wife often uses her machine to make motifs for footy shirts and it took her just five minutes to produce a perfect-sized St George’s Cross.“It only cost about £1 and she ironed it on top of the badge on the back of the collar to cover up that awful woke design.“Bobby is named after England’s 1966 captain Bobby Moore – a West Ham legend who would have hated the new shirt.“And our Bobby was so proud of the badge he kept taking his jacket off at the game to show it off, even though it was freezing cold.Most read in Football“Loads of fans came up to us asking how we did it and said they would be doing the same.“It only took five minutes to make the change and I’m sure loads of England supporters will follow our lead.“If I had a tenner for every one of them that loved Bobby’s shirt I’d be able to buy Harry Kane!”Bobby appeared on TV in his shirt in the crowd close to Phil Foden when the Man City star took a corner during England’s 1-0 home defeat to Brazil.Fans, soccer legend and politicians hit out at the flag revamp when it was unveiled as the Three lions official kit for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.But the FA have backed US-based Nike – blasted last year for using a transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney to promote womenswear – and insist the design will not be recalled.England shirt slammed by Rishi Sunak as he says St George’s Cross ‘should not be messed with’ More

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    Lauryn Goodman blasts Kyle Walker for ‘wheeling out kids’ at Wembley & says star ‘will be overweight bald nobody soon’

    ENGLAND captain Kyle Walker’s former mistress blasted him after the three sons he has with his wife appeared at the Brazil match as mascots.Reality TV star Lauryn Goodman – who has a son and daughter with him – claimed he was using the children as ammunition in the bitter fall-out between them.Reality TV star Lauryn Goodman has claimed Kyle Walker was using children at Wembley as ammunition in the bitter feud between themCredit: PAKyle posed with mascots ahead of a friendly clash between England and Brazil this weekendCredit: Mike Egerton/PA WireA source close to Lauryn, 32, said: “It’s a shame to see children wheeled out as part of a row between adults and his many infidelities.“Lauryn couldn’t be less bothered and says he will be an overweight bald nobody soon.”Proud Kyle, 33, walked out at Wembley with Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five.But he later limped off with a suspected hamstring injury.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERThe Man City defender is expecting a fourth child with wife Annie, who was also there on Saturday night.Annie was also at Wembley to support her kids and Kyle. A source said: “She remains dignified throughout the dramas, united for the sake of her three children and upcoming new born whom they are all looking forward to welcoming into the world.“Kyle is focusing on his family, Manchester City and England – and is determined to do whatever he can to contribute to their success.”Most read in FootballA spokeswoman for Kyle Walker said: “Kyle’s sons were on the pitch to share the honour of their Dad leading out England ahead of the Euros. “Previous England captains have celebrated in the same way with their families. Prem stars won’t know what’s hit them’, as wronged pair Lauryn Goodman & Rita Johal set for TV show about life of WAGS“It was a special occasion for Kyle and a proud moment for the boys which was appreciated by England fans at Wembley.”In a bombshell interview with The Sun, Kyle, 33, said he bitterly regretted betraying his “soulmate”.And he admitted making “idiot choices and idiot decisions” after sleeping with Lauryn.He added: “The man that’s meant to love, care and be there for her, did this.“There have been days in this ordeal where I’ve just wanted to curl up in a ball and go to sleep.“The only person to blame is me. I have roles and responsibilities that I’m aware of and I’ve made stupid choices. But I need to own up to my mistakes — I owe it to everyone.“My actions have caused a lot of pain to a lot of people. I’m sorry because, as a family, this isn’t meant to happen.”The Man City defender is expecting a fourth child with wife Annie Kilner, who he says he regrets betrayingCredit: GettyWalker limped off the pitch with a suspected hamstring injuryCredit: Getty More

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    Lewis Hamilton joins celeb dating app Raya after splitting from Brazilian model Juliana Nalu

    LEWIS HAMILTON has joined celeb dating app Raya after splitting from Brazilian model Juliana Nalu.The seven-times F1 champ, 39, who competes in today’s Australian Grand Prix, set his profile to “visiting Melbourne from Monaco” while he’s in Oz.Lewis Hamilton and supermodel Juliana Nalu are no longer datingCredit: Twitter/@fastpitstopJuliana Nalu dated Kanye West before being linked romantically to HamiltonCredit: InstagramLewis, who previously dated Shakira and Nicole Scherzinger, also set his profile song to Drake’s Search & Rescue and his occupation as “travel”.He and Juliana were spotted partying in Brazil for a pre-New Year’s Eve bash.Hamilton became an honorary citizen of Brazil in November last year.Rio de Janeiro-born Juliana previously dated Kanye West for two months before splitting in December 2022.READ MORE LEWIS HAMILTONLast year she made an appearance at the Miami Grand Prix paddock in where Hamilton was competing.Hamilton starts 11th on the grid at the Australian Grand Prix, behind Brit teammate George Russell once again.He said: “George is doing a better job with our car, three qualifyings in a row that he’s out-qualified me. He just seems to get on a lot better than I do.”Inside the top secret Mercedes facility that Lewis Hamilton uses before every F1 race and is adapted to every track Following his split from Juliana, Hamilton updated his profile on celeb dating app RayaCredit: InstagramThe F1 superstar is in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Grand PrixCredit: Getty More

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    England fans rage over ‘woke’ kit as Three Lions wear woke design for the first time

    ENGLAND wore their controversial kit for the first time last night against Brazil — as fans raged over its woke design.Nike’s addition of purple and blue horizontal stripes to the St George’s cross angered many in the official England kit store at Wembley Stadium.England fans are furious following Nike’s offensive adaptation of the St George’s Cross on the new England ShirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/officialfootballfashion/p/C4s5FMHsU1J/?img_index=10The emblem is on the back of the shirt’s neckCredit: RexMichelle Betterton, 43, with her twins, ten, said: “I support inclusivity and diversity, I’m just not sure they should have done it on the cross. Can you imagine if they coloured the Welsh Dragon black?”Dean Ward, 54, who travelled from Stamford, Lincs, with wife Leanne, 52, and son Jack, 12, said: “It’s all woke marketing. I’m not a fan of them messing about.“They wouldn’t get away with messing about with any other flag.”Lee Farrell, 43, who was at the game with wife Helen, 44, son Jude ten, and daughter Aoife, 12, all from Leicester, said: “They should have left the shirt alone. But it’s the world we live in now.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLiam, a dad from Wigan, told us: “I’m showing the shirt the red card.”Fans also hit out at the cost.A match day version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for kids, while replicas are £84.99 for adults and £64.99 for children.Michelle added: “It’s disgusting. £65 for a child’s? Absolutely not!” The redesign is widely believed to have been brought about because of concerns over the flag’s history and its link to far-right groups.Most read in FootballCoach Gareth Southgate has said: “If it is not white with a red cross, it is not the St George’s flag.”Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the national flag is a “source of pride and identity” and should not be messed with.Keir Starmer blasts hated change to England footie shirt on Sun’s new politics show and demands kits must be cheaperNike said it never intended to offend.The Three Lions will wear it again on Tuesday against Belgium.
     THE German FA has sparked fury by ditching its national team kit supplier, home-grown adidas, after 70 years — for Nike.
    Ollie Watkins in the shirt against Brazil on Saturday nightCredit: PA’I’m showing the shirt the red card. They should never have changed the colours’, says dad Liam, from WiganCredit: John McLellan’I support diversity but can you imagine if they coloured in the Welsh Dragon black?’, says mum MichelleCredit: John McLellan’It’s all woke marketing. I’m not a fan of them messing about’, says Dean from StamfordCredit: John McLellan More