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    Man Utd star ‘inhaled laughing gas from balloons’ before he was involved in 74mph car crash in his Audi A3

    FOOTIE ace Brandon Williams inhaled laughing gas before being involved in a high speed car crash, a court heard today.The Man United defender faced magistrates over last year’s 74mph smash.Brandon Williams pictured today as a court heard that he inhaled laughing gas before he was involved in a high speed car crashCredit: CHRIS NEILLWilliams behind the wheel last year as he arrived for Man Utd trainingCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAs Williams, 23, looked on, prosecutor Katie Johnson said he had been driving his Audi A3 S Line motor at speeds over 90mph along the A34 in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and was involved in an accident at a speed of 74mph.Ms Johnson said: “He was seen by witnesses to have taken nitrous oxide from balloons.”Williams, formerly of Wilmslow but who gave his address as his parents’ home in Harpurhey, Manchester, appeared in the dock in Crewe dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie.The clerk to the court said that Williams denied dangerous driving and did not accept he was responsible for the accident. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe also denied he was impaired and that he had no insurance.Magistrates sent the case for trial at Chester crown court with a hearing on April 19. Williams, who is on £65,000-a-week, was granted unconditional bail.He joined United’s academy as a youngster and went on to make 51 appearances for the first team.Most read in FootballHe has spent two stints on loan away from Old Trafford — firstly with Norwich City during the 2021/22 season where he made 26 appearances.In August boss Erik ten Hag sanctioned another loan move to Ipswich Town where Williams has made 15 appearances.Williams joined United’s academy as a youngster and went on to make 51 appearances for the first teamCredit: GettyMan United legend Patrice Evra reveals he convinced Solskjaer to give Brandon Williams first-team chanceWilliams, who has represented England at U20 and U21 level, is currently injured and returned to United’s training base prior to Christmas to work on his fitness.Last month we told how a football star had checked into rehab addicted to nitrous oxide.The anaesthetic gas is popular among players who inhale it from balloons for a short high.Risks include heart attacks, stroke and brain damage, while prolonged use can lead to depression, memory loss, incontinence, hallucinations and nerve damage.In November nitrous oxide was made a controlled Class C drug.Footie clubs now regularly test players. One set to sign for a Championship club saw the deal break down after doctors found signs his nervous system was ravaged by his use of laughing gas.Williams’ case was heard at the law courts in Crewe todayCredit: Alamy More

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    Most abusive Premier League fans revealed in survey – where does your club rank?

    GEORDIES are the most abusive Premier League football fans, a survey has revealed.Supporters of Saudi-backed Newcastle United used a swear word in half of messages on fan forums, while one in three comments were insults about their team.Ticket platform SeatPick found that Newcastle United fans are the most abusive, with one in three comments being insults about their teamCredit: GettyThey were 65 times more likely to drop F and C-bombs during chats about their side than Bournemouth fans, who were named the most polite.West London clubs Brentford and Fulham were ranked the second and third nicest.Champions Manchester City mustered a mid-table finish in 13th, with 26 per cent of social media messages critical of Pep Guardiola’s side — even during last season’s treble-winning campaign.West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Everton fans completed the bottom four, analysis of fans’ social media last season by ticket platform SeatPick found.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA SeatPick spokesman said: “The data paints a vivid picture of Newcastle United supporters as a passionate and vocal bunch.“There’s a disconnect between the team’s relative success and the fervent emotions exhibited by its supporters.“The data underscores the significance of social media platforms as a sounding board for fan sentiment. “It’s a space where emotions, whether positive or negative, find an outlet, offering a glimpse into the psyche of supporters.Most read in Football“It is worth considering that Northern fans appear to be more abusive than Southern fans, with Bournemouth and Brentford having the most respectful fanbases.” More

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    Man City ace Erling Haaland signs new two year contract as he boosts career away from the pitch

    FOOTIE ace Erling Haaland has netted again — this time a tasty deal promoting his home nation’s seafood.The Norwegian super-striker has proved to be a prize catch for Manchester City, scoring 81 goals in 87 games so far.Man City ace Erling Haaland has netted a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood CouncilCredit: Instagram / @herrelandslagetHaaland in the Seafood Council advertCredit: PressworksAnd now the Leeds-born 23-year-old has landed a whopper, signing a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood Council.The deal will run until October 2026 and see the goal machine appear in TV commercials, posters and digital ads worldwide.Haaland, who signed for City from German side Borussia Dortmund in a £51million deal in 2022, said: “Seafood has been part of my upbringing and my diet growing up.“Norwegian seafood, which I consider to be the best in the world, still has a natural place in my life. READ MORE ON ERLING HAALAND”The Norwegian Seafood Council does an important job of inspiring and building knowledge about tasty and healthy seafood, globally and at home in Norway.”Haaland has also scored 27 goals in 29 games for Norway’s national team and is expected to face the Czech Republic today.NSC chief executive Christian Chramer said: “Haaland is recognised as one of the world’s best footballers, and is a gigantic profile with unrivalled global visibility.“The match with Norwegian seafood is obvious. Being able to combine two of Norway’s best exports and strongest brands fills us with enormous pride.”Most read in FootballBut it is not just seafood that fuels the Nordic net-buster.The Sun revealed last week that Haaland is inspired by a lucky hat-trick pasta dish he eats at his favourite Italian restaurant.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralHe regularly tucks into a special of pasta, cream and mushrooms cooked for him by Beppe Piccoli, owner of Vero Moderno in Salford, Greater Manchester.The 6ft 4in goal monster has eaten at the restaurant once a week, almost every week, for the last two years and credits its signature dish for his prowess.Beppe said: “When I first gave it to him the very first time I met him, it was before the season kicked off. I said, ‘When you score a hat-trick on Sunday, please thank Beppe and Vero Moderno’. He scored a hat-trick, didn’t he? It was funny.” More

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    Geri Halliwell will not be at husband Christian Horner’s side at Australian Grand Prix amid sexting scandal

    SINGER Geri Halliwell will not be at scandal-hit husband Christian Horner’s side at this weekend’s F1 race.She has supported the Red Bull Racing boss, 50, at two grand prix amid a storm over sexts to a team aide.Geri Halliwell will not be at Christian Horner’s side at this weekend’s F1 raceCredit: GettyThe Spice Girl has supported the Red Bull Racing boss amid a sexting scandalCredit: SplashBut Geri, 51, will not be in Australia. A source said: “She never intended to fly to Melbourne and won’t be changing plans. “But she remains 100 per cent behind Christian.” The couple were seen walking hand-in-hand and exchanging awkward kisses at the Bahrain Grand Prix.READ MORE ON F1Spice Girl Geri appeared red-eyed and uncomfortable as she stood by her man hours after hundreds of embarrassing WhatsApp messages were leaked online. The mum of three seemed more composed at the Saudi Arabia race a week later.Horner’s accuser is appealing against an internal probe that cleared him.The couple were seen walking hand-in-hand in BahrainCredit: GettyGeri Halliwell appears WITHOUT Red Bull F1 boss husband Christian Horner at Commonwealth Day Service amid sexting storm More

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    AI robots set to replace Prem managers as tactics from artificial intelligence is almost always better, new study says

    FOOTBALL tactics devised by artificial intelligence are almost always better than those from humans, according to a study.The shock result means managers might eventually be replaced by bots, paving the way for Alexa Ferguson.TacticAI looked at more than 7,000 corner kicks taken by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool sideCredit: GettyHow a robot manager might lookA coaching tool from Google DeepMind looked at more than 7,000 corner kicks taken by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, then came up with some new routines.Analysts from the Premier League giants were shown different set-ups, without knowing which were real, and preferred 45 out of 50 — a thumping 90 per cent — from the bot coach.Google DeepMind’s Zhe Wang believes the tool, called TacticAI, “lays the groundwork for the next-generation AI assistant for football”.Wang said: “TacticAI is able to accurately predict the first receiver after a corner is taken as well as the probability of a shot as the direct result of the corner.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It has been shown to produce plausible tactical variations that improve outcomes, while being indistinguishable from real scenarios by experts.”Wang and colleagues designed TacticAI to work as an assistant coach.They reckon it could be used for other set-pieces such as throw-ins, as well as other sports.Previous research has focused on how AI is used to analyse players’ performances on the pitch.Most read in FootballJurgen Klopp calls out Gareth Southgate with brutal message on live TV after Liverpool held by Man City More

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    Anthony Joshua gets ‘very cosy’ with Brit hairdresser in Dubai desert after she congratulated him after brutal knockout

    BOXER Anthony Joshua enjoys a day out with a hairdresser beauty while quad biking in the desert.AJ, 34, was seen with Kika Osunde’s hands wrapped around his waist and with her head leaning on his back.Anthony Joshua rides through the desert outside Dubai with hairdresser Kika OsundeCredit: SnapchatAJ, third from right, and Kika, second from right, together outside a restaurantCredit: InstagramIn another video he sits at the back with his arms around her and leans forward to reach the handles. Heavyweight star AJ had been driving the bike alone while Kika, 37, was in a buggy with others. But they soon got close on his bike in Dubai.A source said: “They looked very cosy and like they were having fun with each other.”READ MORE ANTHONY JOSHUAThe pair have been spending plenty of time with each other since AJ’s win over Francis Ngannou in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.Moments after his KO, AJ rushed over to Kika for a ringside cuddle and kiss, above right. He said: “How are you Kika? I haven’t seen you in so long! How are you?” She replied: “Congratulations. I’m good.”On Tuesday they were spotted dining with pals at Lebanese restaurant Babati Lounge in Dubai.Most read in BoxingThe pair go back several years, with AJ urging followers to support her Instagram in November 2020.Kika, known as Kika Good Hair, runs a salon in West London and boasts hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.’I know I’m gonna see him one day’ – Anthony Joshua calls out reporter in press conference after KO of Francis Ngannou She has said previously: “I’m all about seeing people live their best lives each and every day and in that we become united in our dreams and aspirations — all day every day.”AJ has a son JJ, eight, with his ex Nicole Osbourne. He has been romantically linked to models Cara Delevingne and Bella Hadid.A spokesman for AJ said: “Anthony is in a relationship . . . with professional boxing. He has no time for extra commitments.“He is having a break from boxing and will return to the gym this week. Sadly the claims of a relationship are just rumours.”AJ with Kika in Saudi Arabia during one of his big matchesCredit: TikTokAJ and Kika have known each other for some time, and he asked his followers to support her all the way back in 2020Credit: Instagram More

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    Mason Greenwood’s Man Utd teammates BACK him to make shock Old Trafford return amid club’s goalscoring woes this season

    MASON Greenwood’s Man United teammates have backed him to make a shock return to Old Trafford.The striker, 22, feared his Red Devils career was over when he was sent to play in Spain after his arrest for attempted rape.Mason Greenwood’s Man United teammates have backed him to make a shock return to Old TraffordCredit: GettyUnited’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe suggested the door was not shut on Greenwood returning to the clubCredit: RexThe charge was dropped by Greater Manchester Police, along with an assault charge, but Greenwood has not played for United since the January 2022 arrest.But in a controversial interview new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe suggested the door was not shut on the ace, who has eight goals and five assists for La Liga side Getafe.And now the Man Utd dressing room has secretly offered its support in a poll.A source: “His team-mates would not be against him returning to Old Trafford.READ MORE MAN UNITED NEWS“They know all about the background and understand how controversial it would be to have him back.“Their decision is a footballing one, pure and simple.“United have struggled to score goals this season and they need a player like Mason. “They’re watching him score and create goals for Getafe every week.”Most read in FootballHe remains contracted to United until 2025 — but in September went on loan to Madrid, where he has settled with partner Harriet and their baby daughter Summer.However, his return would risk internal revolt, with the women’s team opposed to it.Mason Greenwood reveals ‘best feeling so far’ in rare interview after Getafe aces ‘take Man Utd loanee under their wing’The winger has settled into Madrid life with partner HarrietCredit: FacebookGreenwood has not played for United since January 2022Credit: AFP More

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    F1 star Carlos Sainz’s model girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson shows off her toned figure in floral bikini on beach

    RADIANT Rebecca Donaldson laps up the sunshine as she adjusts to life with her Formula One star boyfriend Carlos Sainz.The Scottish model, 28, who was first linked to the Ferrari driver last June, wore a floral bikini during a beach photoshoot.Stunning Rebecca Donaldson posed in a floral bikini for a photoshootCredit: Sea Level Swim / CMAThe Scottish model was first linked to F1 driver Carlos Sainz last JuneCredit: GettyRebecca has since been seen at F1 races with the Spaniard, 29, including the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November.He was replaced by Brit prodigy Oliver Bearman, 18, at last Saturday’s F1 battle in Saudi Arabia after being hit with appendicitis.At least he had the consolation of a pit stop with Rebecca.Rebecca got her foot in the modeling industry when she won her first beauty pageant at 17 years old.READ MORE CELEBRITIES“My mom entered me and I was really surprised when I found out,” she told the Daily Record in 2011. Alongside her successful modeling career, Donaldson is the founder of Muse, an activewear clothing line she started during the Covid-19 pandemic.”I knew I wanted to create something that not only I would wear and be proud of putting my name against, but also something that was missing from the market – affordable, good quality products that are also very wearable day-to-day, as I found I struggled to find items that covered all these aspects,” she told Vestd in 2021.The apparel found at Muse is transferrable from the gym to everyday life and uses a neutral, trans-seasonal color palette to make the clothes optional year-round.Most read in MotorsportCharles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz meet Ferrari’s 2022 F1 car for the first time More