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      Tyson Fury says ‘his country’s at war so people are siding with him’ moments after defeat to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk

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      TYSON FURY claimed “his country’s at war so people are siding with him” after his split decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.The world tuned in to watch the Gypsy King and Ukrainian fight for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.Oleksandr Usyk is the new undisputed heavyweight champion of the worldCredit: GettyHe produced a brilliant display to outclass Tyson Fury in RiyadhCredit: ReutersThe two fighters shared a warm embrace after Usyk got the split decisionCredit: GettyFury then claimed that Usyk won as ‘his country’s at war’Credit: Sky SportsAnd it was Usyk who became the new king of the division courtesy of a split decision victory – despite later being rushed to hospital with a suspected broken jaw.However, despite the majority agreeing that the result was right, Fury claimed that the war in Ukraine had an impact on their battle in the ring.Fury said: “I believe I won that fight. He won a few of those rounds but I won the majority.“What can you do, one of them daft decisions in boxing.READ MORE IN BOXING“We’ve all put on a good fight, the best we can do.“His country is at war so people are siding with a country at war but make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion and I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause.”Fury added: “I’ve thanked Jesus for all the victories that he has given me, I’ve had a split decision loss to a good little man, and I thank him again.“In the mighty name of Jesus, we go back home to our families and we run it back in October.Most read in BoxingTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK AS IT HAPPENED: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE THRILLER“Good luck to Oleksandr, well done and happy new year.”His promoter Frank Warren was then asked about the rematch, to which he replied: “That’s what the contract says and that’s what he wants.Tyson Fury answers HOW he managed to get up from Usyk blows that seemed to have him knocked out“It’s Tyson’s clause so whatever he wants to do it’s up to him. And the clause in the contract says immediate rematch.”Fury then added: “For sure. We’ll go back, have a little rest up, spend some time with our families and we get it back on in October.“Like I said, I believe I won the fight but I’m not going to sit here, cry and make excuses. It was a good fight.”Usyk then confirmed his desire for a rematch, saying: “Yes, of course. I’m ready for the rematch. One more time we’ll do it.”Fury stunned fans as he walked out to Barry White and Bonnie Tyler for the fight.He showboated in the very first round while he was on the ropes in the opening stanza against his Ukrainian opponent.Despite being under some slight pressure from Usyk, Fury showed he still felt very comfortable and, to prove it, he hilariously played up to the crowd.Fury danced with his arms up on the top rope and then he turned his face away from Usyk and opened his mouth wide while looking out into the audience inside the Kingdom Arena.Later on, he also did his usual trick of dropping his arms down by his side and behind his back before shimmying his body and he then lifted his arms high in the air mid-way through the fourth round as well as wagging his tongue towards the spectators.But the crowd was slammed pre-fight as viewers fumed that there was “more atmosphere in Greggs” than in the Kingdom Arena.Fury, whose nose was busted open, looked to be in control but he was saved by the bell in dramatic fashion against Usyk.Usyk peppered his opponent with a flurry of massive shots to send his rival stumbling around the ring seemingly totally dazed.Tyson Fury was up to his usual antics inside the first roundCredit: ReutersThe Gypsy King survived a big scare when he was saved by the bell in the ninthCredit: TNT SportsThe ref jumped in to save the Brit as the bell rang for the end of the roundCredit: TNT SportsFor all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else

      OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
      A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
      Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
      He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
      But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
      Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
      Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
      So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
      He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
      The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
      Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
      The rematch will be superb.
      Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
      There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
      Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here…

      But just as Usyk was tightening the screw and looking to close in on a historic win, the referee pulled the pair apart before the klaxon sounded followed by the bell as Fury escaped.But it was Usyk who got his arm raised to become undisputed champ as two judges scored in his favour – 115-113 and 114-113 – with the other giving it to Fury at 114-113.The stars were out at ringside for the bout – with Cristiano Ronaldo seated alongside Anthony Joshua on the front row.The 39-year-old Ronaldo stole the show though with his cream Gucci outfit and £1.2m watch after arriving in his a £400k Ferrari.The blingy Franck Muller watch, which is finished with 424 glistening white diamonds, sparkled on CR7’s wrist as he took in the action. Tyson Fury instantly confirmed that he wants a rematch in OctoberCredit: GettyOleksandr Usyk announced that he is ready for a rematchCredit: PAMeanwhile, UK fans had three choices on how to watch the drama unfold between Fury and Usyk, who arrived carrying a CUDDLY TOY.But fans were all switching to Sky Sports’ coverage after realising who was back on their punditry panel.Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse was hailed as being “absolutely smashing” as she fronted the show in the studio in London.Meanwhile, Becky Ives stunned on the TNT Sports screens after her late call-up for boxing duty.Those that purchased the fight on TNT Sports will have quickly noticed that Laura Woods was not on hosting duties as expected.The fan favourite host dropped out after suffering a freak accident this week.Anthony Joshua and Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from ringsideCredit: GettyThe two legends were sat alongside Turki Al-Sheikh on the front rowCredit: PAWoods posted a heartfelt note on Friday evening revealing she is unable to attend the clash after a horror injury while on holiday with boyfriend Adam Collard.She explained that she had accidentally smashed a glass lampshade above her head, causing it to shatter and cut her face and arm.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was soon announced that Becky would be stepping into the shoes of Woods on fight night.And she was certainly ready to rumble in a bold green dress in Riyadh as she got to work alongside Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce to analyse the action.Fusy vs Usyk: Round by round verdict
      HERE’S how SunSport’s Chisanga Malata saw the fight as Oleksandr Usyk was crowned undisputed king of the world against Tyson Fury.
      ROUND 1
      Here we go. Both men look to establish dominance early by taking the centre of the ring.
      Fury marches down the Ukrainian, who opens up with a stiff body shot.
      The Gypsy King looks massive in comparison to Usyk, who is no dwarf whatsoever.
      Usyk is happy to operate on the outside, although the early jab he’s eaten will have given him some food for thought.
      Fury is trying to draw out attacks from Usyk, who is not putting too much into his punches.
      Fury gets backed into the corner and channels his inner Muhammad Ali by doing the rope-a-dope.
      Usyk lands a big overhand left just seconds before backing Fury into the corner.
      Fury dodges the ensuing flurry and gestures to the crowd as if demanding them to acknowledge his head movement. USYK 10-9
      ROUND 2
      Usyk opens up the round with a big one-two that snaps back the head of Fury.
      Fury tries to make light of it but that combo clearly stunned him.
      Usyk is setting the stone and the pressure as he advances forward.
      A big uppercut narrowly misses for Fury, who knows all too well that’s the shot to deploy on a shorter opponent.
      Fury is throwing more punches but isn’t being as accurate as Usyk.
      Usyk backs up Fury into the corner and lands a good three-punch combo.
      But Fury comes roaring back with a hard body shot after circling away from danger.
      Fury finally lands an uppercut, albeit to the body of the former cruiserweight king. FURY 10-9
      ROUND 3
      Fury is on his bike after the restart and lands a stiff straight right from range.
      Usyk has decided to close the distance after eating that shot and is going to work on Fury’s trimmed-down torso.
      A solid overhand left snaps back the head of Fury with just over a minute of the stanza remaining.
      Fury lands a good combo with thirty seconds remaining. But he gets pushed back against the ring again and eats another flurry before the bell. USYK 10-9
      Round 4
      Fury goes to work to the body with two hard shots after the restart.
      He’s absolutely loving this, dancing around after landing his shots.
      But he’s still allowing himself to get backed up and invite the pressure from Usyk.
      Fury lands a beautiful counter right as Usyk comes forward.
      Usyk has his head snapped back by another hellacious uppercut.
      Both men nearly land hard back hands before the bell, with Fury narrowly missing an uppercut and Usyk an overhand left. FURY 10-9
      Round 5
      Usyk takes the centre of the ring after the restart and looks to feint his way into range.
      Fury is doing a good job of keeping the Ukrainian at bay when he looks to close the distance.
      A rasping uppercut snaps back the head of Usyk.
      Fury is hurting Usyk to the body with relentless hooks to the midriff. FURY 10-9
      Round 6
      Usyk is on the front foot straight after the restart and is looking to put Fury on the back foot again.
      A hard body shot to the solar plexus gives Usyk more food for thought.
      Fury almost closed the show with a huge uppercut with a minute and a half of the round remaining.
      But he finds a home for it 20 seconds later and Usyk is in retreat mode.
      Fury closes out the round with a bit of showboating, put his hands behind his back before resting his arms on the ropes.
      A huge round for the Wythenshawe warrior. FURY 10-9
      Round 7
      Usyk once again closes the distance after the restart but he’s getting picked off at range.
      And when he does take a step back, his body is getting blasted by nasty hooks.
      Usyk finds a home for his straight left but Fury eats it like a packed lunch made by his loving wife Paris.
      Another straight left snaps back the head of Fury, who circles back out of range to try to create space for a body shot
      Usyk manages to close the distance with seconds remaining ad finds a home for a two-punch combo.
      But Fury manages to circle away to hear the bell. FURY 10-9
      Round 8
      Fury is happy to operate on the back foot in the eighth and pick his shots.
      But he gets his dome rattled by back-to-back straight left hands – which he brushes off before going back to feinting and trying to create space for a body shot.
      Usyk briefly finds himself dealing with Fury’s weight in the clinch after landing a good straight left.
      Fury is bleeding profusely from his nose. I’m not what caused the damage. Big round that for Usyk. USYK 10-9
      Round 9
      Fury is doing a good job of bamboozling Usyk with feints, but the Ukrainian continues to come forward.
      But he’s slowly but surely allowing the gap to be closed, which leads to him eating a big left hand flush in the corner.
      Fury gets hurt and is stumbling around the ring. It was a left hand that did the damage.
      Fury doesn’t know where he is and is eating a barrage of crisp follow-up shots. He beats the count and the bell thankfully saves him. USYK 10-8
      Round 10
      Usyk – like the Big Cat he is – senses blood and isn’t giving Fury any respite.
      Fury is barely throwing anything and what he is throwing is telegraphed and slow.
      Usyk looks tired, but he needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal if he’s to have any chance of becoming a two-weight undisputed champion. USYK 10-9
      Round 11
      A desperate Usyk, spurred on by the plight of his fellow Ukrainians back home, immediately goes to work after the restart.
      Fury tries to keep him at bay with the jab but is struggling to pump it out with the stiffness it had in the early rounds.
      Usyk briefly traps the WBC king in the corner and lands a rasping left hand.
      Usyk doubles up with two left hands that briefly back Fury against the ropes.
      The round ends with yet another big overhand left from Usyk. USYK 10-9
      Round 12
      The fans in attendance at the Kingdom Arena cheer both warriors on after the final restart of the fight.
      Fury is playing matador as Usyk looks to step into range to land his left hand.
      And he finds a home for it with a minute and a half of the stanza remaining.
      A chopping right hand sends Fury backwards, but he returns fire with a booking shot of his own that backs up the southpaw.
      Fury puts his hands behind his back in a bid to goad Usyk to making a sloppy mistake in the closing seconds.
      But he stays sharp as he looks to close the distance, which Fury times to initiate a clinch. FURY 10-9
      TOTAL Fury 113 Usyk 114 More

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      Ex-Chelsea owner Abramovich’s £2.5BILLION for Ukraine tied up in red tape… Government must shame those responsible

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      TWO years after former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich promised £2.5BILLION to help Ukraine victims, shamefully not a penny has left the UK.Blocked by red-tape, this huge sum from the sale of the club — seven times more than this country has provided — is idle and waiting for the Government to act.The huge sum promised by Roman Abramovich for Ukrainian victims of Russia’s invasion has yet to be dished outCredit: GettyKarren Brady says delays in help must end nowCredit: News Group Newspapers LimitedI’m told that a disagreement has formed between the Trustees running the fund and the Government about how it should be spent.Responsibility has passed from department to department while Ukrainians are slaughtered and buildings are reduced to rubble.Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron stated recently that Russia was “going to have to pay reparations for its illegal invasion, so why not spend some of the money now, rather than wait till the war is over and have all the legal wrangling.” Quite right too.Redress, a charity seeking justice for survivors, are demanding action from the Government in setting up structures here and in Ukraine to compensate victims.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe figures are mortifying — more than 125,000 war crimes including sexual abuse and torture have been reported, ten million people displaced and about 14 million in need of psychological aid.Many need help now. It’s a national disgrace that a charity which could do so much good in a country fighting a vicious, evil enemy is being stood up by Trustees who are the very ones who are meant to distribute the money.If I was the Government I would name and shame each one of these “Trustees” who have yet to apply for a License so the Government can release the money.Then I’d hold them to account by inviting them to a Select Committee to answer this question. Where is the money and why haven’t you released it to Ukraine?Most read in FootballFrank Lampard reveals brutal Roman Abramovich blast after ex-Chelsea owner threatened to axe first team stars More

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      Arsenal star Zinchenko says he will fight in Ukraine if he’s called up & reveals school pals are battling Putin’s forces

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      ARSENAL star Oleksandr Zinchenko has revealed he would leave the UK to fight in Ukraine if he was ever called up by his country.The footballer, 27, said his school pals are already battling Vladimir Putin’s forces as Ukraine has become a “shield” for Europe.Oleksandr Zinchenko said he will take up arms if he was called to fight in UkraineCredit: BBCNewsnightThe footballer spoke with BBC Newsnight about the invasion of his home countryCredit: BBCNewsnightZinchenko went on to call ‘super tough’ Ukraine a ‘shield’ for EuropeCredit: BBCNewsnightThe Arsenal ace said his former school friends are fighting on the frontlineCredit: GettyThe Arsenal defender told BBC Newsnight if he would take up arms and if that’s more valuable than continuing to play in the Premier League.Adamantly, Zinchenko said: “I think it’s a clear answer. I would go [to fight].”On Wednesday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed legislation that reduced the military mobilisation age from 27 to 25.This would allow the government to call up more individuals to refill its reserves, after the President’s announcement in December that the country would require 500,000 additional troops to be mobilised.Read more on ZinchenkoI really hope that this war will end soon.Oleksandr ZinchenkofootballerZinchenko added that his former school pals are fighting Putin’s troops on the frontline.”It’s tough to understand that just recently we’ve been in the same school, we were playing in the playground or on the football pitch, and now they have to defend our country,” he said.”And, honestly, [it’s] so hard to accept this, but it is what it is. We cannot give up.”The Arsenal ace went on to call Ukraine a “shield” for Europe, saying it was a “super tough nation”.Most read in FootballHe said: “I know maybe some people might think that it’s much easier … for me being here [in London] rather than being there [in Ukraine].”I really hope that this war will end soon.”Man City star Oleksandr Zinchenko breaks down in tears over Ukraine after winning Prem titleOleksandr Zinchenko and Andriy Shevchenko (right) pictured with Ukrainian president Volodymyr ZelenskyyCredit: AFPZinchenko said he and his family were ‘proud of our president’Credit: Instagram @u24.gov.uaZinchenko and Shevchenko at the destroyed school during their trip to UkraineHe also said he and his family were “proud of our president”.Zinchenko, who kick-started his football career with Russian team Ufa in 2016, said he no longer talks to his friends or former teammates in Russia.”Since the invasion really few [have] texted me and sent me some messages and I can’t blame them because this is not their fault,” he said.”I cannot tell them, ‘Guys, do the protests outside and all these things’, because I know they can be [put] in prison.”The footballer explained that Russians used to call Ukrainians their “brothers and sisters”, but the invasion of their country has shown “all of us Ukrainians that we can’t be friends with them anymore”.He said: “We will never forget what they have done to us, to our people.”And that’s what I will teach my kids as well. And my kids will teach their kids. This is not acceptable.”In February, President Zelensky said that 31,000 Ukrainian troops had been slain during Russia’s full-scale invasion, as well as tens of thousands of people in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.Zinchenko donated about £1million to help people in his home country since the start of Putin’s onslaught.He also mentioned that he knows of hundreds of youngsters whose parents died in the battle.The Premier League star said: “What is my duty now? How can I help as much as I can to my country, to my people, over there and all these things?”I can’t be more proud than I am right now to be Ukrainian.”I have a dream that this war will end very, very soon, and we can rebuild our Ukraine like we really want [to].”The Gunners full-back has spoken about the war and the toll it has had on him and his nation as a whole.He previously recalled the harrowing moment Russia began the invasion of his home country.Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, he said: “My wife suddenly woke me up. And she said, ‘It started’. I said ‘What started?’ She was crying, you know, like flooding tears.”I said ‘What’s started, what’s wrong?’ And she showed me the pictures of this invasion.”Discussing his family and friends in Ukraine, he went on to add: “I’m so worried about them. And I’ll tell you what – the mentality of people they don’t want to leave, they don’t want to leave the country, even if they could.”This is their homeland. And I would for sure, after [my] football career, I will be living in Ukraine, that’s for sure. One million percent.”I was there one week ago and as soon as I passed the border it’s just my homeland, my place.”He said: “There will be a time everyone will be there. It will be the last call or something or whatever. It will be a call.”We go, all of us, we go there. Everyone will go. Of course [I would fight]. But at the same time I am thinking I am much more helpful from here at the moment.”But you never know what is going to happen. Maybe this is the last speech we are going to speak to each other. You never know.”And how many people have already been killed by this invasion? I’m not seeing myself hiding somewhere.”Last May, Zinchenko and former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko visited a school devastated by Russian attacks in Ukraine.Zinchenko and Shevchenko – who coached the Ukrainian national team between 2016-2021 – travelled to the Mykhailo-Kotsyubinsky Lyceum in Chernihiv Oblast, northern Ukraine.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe village was under occupation for 33 days from February 27 2022, with around 100 people hiding in the shelter inside the secondary school.A third of them were children, with the youngest only two months old.The Ukrainian player started his football career in Russia but said he no longer speaks to his Russian teammatesCredit: Rex More

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      Euro 2024 terror warning to England fans after ISIS Moscow attack and kamikaze drones raise ‘dangers to new level’

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      ENGLAND fans have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024.The Islamist attack in Moscow has raised “dangers to a new level”, said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, just 75 days before kick-off.England fans travelling to Germany to watch Gareth Southgate’s team have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe warning comes just 75 days before kick-offCredit: AdidasThe Islamist attack in Moscow has raised ‘dangers to a new level’, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser saidCredit: APMs Faeser added: “We are pooling the forces of the security authorities even more strongly for the Euros and are preparing for all possible dangers.“This is necessary to protect this major international event in the best possible way.“The security of the tournament is paramount.”Her chilling alert came just days after the ISIS-K terrorist atrocity at a concert hall in Moscow killed 143.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong the drastic steps taken to protect Three Lions fans at the tournament in June will be a plan to temporarily close borders and ramp up frontier checks. British police will also be in Germany.A ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as skipper Harry Kane and young sensation Jude Bellingham.They will stay at the swish five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain – with Wags and families also protected.Most read in FootballIt comes amid fears of a menacing reaction from Russia after they were banned from taking part in the Euros – and enemy nation Ukraine qualified last week.Author and terrorism expert Neil Doyle said: “Euro 2024 represents a major target for groups looking to mount mass casualty attacks for revenge and global headlines.Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot “The use of drones will be a major concern as they have become a new feature of modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine.“Germany as a location in itself is also attractive as it has backed Ukraine with arms and equipment.”Security expert Colonel Richard Kemp, who has worked for the Joint Intelligence Committee and national crisis group Cobra, said: “Russia would like to disrupt this event in some way, such as a cyber attack, and they would hope to embarrass the German government.”As more than half a million UK nationals prepare to be in Germany for the tournament starting in 75 days, Ms Faeser said: “One thing can be said for sure – the dangers have reached a new level.”She added: “The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats.“This ranges from protection against Islamists and other ­potential violent criminals to the security of our networks against cyber attacks.”The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threatsGerman Interior Minister Nancy FaeserAleksander Ceferin, president of tournament organisers Uefa, has spoken of the “world going crazy” and warned: “The biggest concern is security.” Germany will host 23 other nations – including England and Scotland – during the month-long 51-game football showpiece kicking off on June 14.Experts warn both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze dronesCredit: AFPVladimir Putin runs an army of web warriorsCredit: GettyFar-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is also gaining popularityCredit: RexAfD politician Rene SpringerCredit: Getty’Vital to be safe’Last night, fans were urged to be on high alert for the dangers, with British police being deployed to Germany.A UK government spokesman said: “Football fans all over the country will be looking forward to a summer of football. “We are working with the German police to support a safe and trouble-free tournament. “A UK police delegation will be deployed to Germany during the event and we will also be offering support and advice on how to engage with fans attending from the UK.”Caroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committee, said:  “Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have fun.”Referring to Ms Faeser’s warning, Damian Green, Tory MP and former deputy PM, who sits on the sports select committee, said: “This is a disturbing and sobering ­comment for all of us who love ­visiting Germany. “It is always important to listen to local advice about how to stay safe.”Tim Loughton, Tory MP and a member of the Home Affairs select committee, said: “With terrorist threat levels heightened across the world it is a sad reality of modern life that popular international sporting occasions have routinely become targets for attacks by ­fanatical groups who would undermine everything we stand for.”Safety fears centre on gun-carrying Islamists sneaking into Germany among migrants from the Middle East, and Russian agents entering among Ukrainians fleeing the war.Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have funCaroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committeeGerman intelligence experts say the biggest threat is an attack from the same ISIS-K group’s gun gangs which slaughtered 143 rock fans in Moscow last weekend.Both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze drones which could cause mayhem if smuggled into Germany.Unmanned flying drones have added a new dimension to the ­terrorist threat after being used by both sides in the Ukraine war and Islamists of Gaza, Yemen, Iran, Syria and Lebanon.  ‘Danger increases’One of the greatest fears at Euro 2024 is a potentially devastating drone attack on a stadium or large gathering of fans.Drone expert Professor Nicolas Stockhammer warned: “Isis in particular has repeatedly used drones in attacks over the past ten years.“But technology is more readily available today for both kamikaze drones and as drones equipped with explosive charges.“And the danger increases if the attackers succeed in capturing modern military drones such as those being used in the current war zones.”Authorities suspect Russia’s army of cyber hackers are gearing up to cause computer chaos with attacks on stadium lights, transport, ticketing and security systems.The Kremlin’s industrial scale hacking operations look certain to ramp up as Vladimir Putin seethes over Russia’s exclusion from the tournament.Ms Faeser also spoke of her ­concern about the threat posed by far-right groups feared to be graduating from hate crime to terrorism.Neo-Nazi thugs have fired up ­bigotry since Germany absorbed more than two million migrants followed by a million refugees from the war in neighbouring Ukraine.Ms Faeser said: “We thwarted right-wing extremist acts and uncovered a large terrorist network of German citizens.”Far-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is gaining popularity, with politicians such as Rene Springer sitting in the German parliament.Yesterday, the FA said security was a matter for the Foreign Office.We approached Uefa for comment.German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser says: ‘The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats’Credit: GettyA ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as Jude BellinghamCredit: Alamy More

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

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      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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      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch Ukraine Under-17s captain… but turn attention to team-mate after shining in defence’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to watch a Ukrainian wonderkid – but ended up liking the look of his team-mate.United are turning over a new leaf under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and are planning some major changes at the end of the season.Man Utd initially targeted Kyrylo Digtyar but now focus on Demyan TretyakCredit: GettyRatcliffe’s Ineos group is now responsible for all football matters and will be overseeing operations across all of the Red Devils’ teams, including the youth squad.According to Scouts in Attendance, the Manchester giants sent representatives to Greece for an Under-17 tournament.United were initially keen on Ukraine’s 16-year-old centre-back Kyrylo Digtyar, whose club is Metalist Kharkiv.According to Sport.UA, however, the scouts ended up preferring Digtyar’s national team-mate and fellow defender Demyan Tretyak, 16.Read More on Man UtdTretyak plays for Dynamo Kyiv and has become the representatives’ main focus.The centre-back captained Ukraine during Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Slovakia.United have started collecting information about the talented youngster and will continue to monitor him in his next few matches.Tretyak played in all three matches during the mini tournament in Europe.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And he helped Ukraine’s Under-17s win all three matches in the elite round to qualify for the European Championship.United could be set for major changes in defence with Raphael Varane linked with a move away.Amad Diallo removes all reference to Man Utd on social media accountsJonny Evans’ deal also runs out in June while Harry Maguire has been unable to live up to expectations after his £85million arrival in 2019. More

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      I’m an ex-boxing champ dubbed The Razor shooting Russians dead in Ukraine…I was more scared in the ring than I am of war

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      AN EX-WORLD champion boxer nicknamed “The Razor” has turned his skill-full hands to the war in Ukraine to fight against Putin’s troops.But for the former light middleweight king Serhiy Dzinziruk, shooting Russians dead is a much easier task than any fight he ever faced in the ring.
      Former champion Serhiy Dzinziruk has fought in the war since Putin invaded and says he was always more scared in the ring than on the frontlinesCredit: Champion
      Dzinziruk was the world champion during his career and had an impressive unbeaten record for over a decadeCredit: Getty
      Dzinziruk (second from left) now fights in Kyiv’s Territorial Defence unitCredit: Champion
      Dzinziruk bravely signed up to Kyiv’s Territorial Defence unit in Ukraine after seeing the horrors of war unfold on his doorstep.
      He was quickly appointed as a unit commander and a reserve officer – a role he thrived in as the fighting ramped up.
      The 47-year-old spoke about his daily wartime routine saying: “We have two machine guns, a searchlight, a night vision device.
      “When the siren starts, we take positions, wait for the shaheds [drones]. Our task is to destroy them. We shoot only our zone at 45 degrees.
      READ MORE IN BRAVE BOXERS
      “We were trained for about a month, we learned to shoot with various weapons. Guys returning from the front for treatment taught us all the basics of military art.”
      After becoming an integral part of his unit, the former world champion is still battling it out against Putin’s troops on the frontlines to this day.
      But his current situation inside cramped trenches sits miles apart from his old life inside the ropes.
      Dzinziruk made it clear that despite the idea of barbaric warfare being a far cry from his usual technically perfect boxing skills, he found one much scarier than the other.
      Most read in Boxing
      He said in an interview with UP-Sport: “I did not take the threat of a full-scale invasion seriously. I did not prepare for this but when I entered the ring, preparation for championship fights lasted two to three months. 
      “There is time to study the opponent, think about the scenario of the upcoming match and get a little excited. In our work, there is no time for that. So I was more worried in the ring.”
      Vitali Klitschko says Kyiv is ‘encircled’ by Russians trying to take capital as ex-boxing champ warns them to ‘go home’
      The best heavyweight of a generation Wladimir Klitschko previously dubbed Dzinziruk “one of the most technical boxers in the world”.
      This expert ability to hit and not get hit by his formidable opponents earned Dzinziruk an impressive 37 wins across his 40-fight career.
      He also earned the nickname of “The Razor” for his unique ability to leave almost all of his opponents with nasty cuts on their face from his lightening fast hands.
      From 1999 all the way through to 2010, Dzinziruk was unbeaten with a perfect 37-0 record.
      He managed to pick up the WBO Inter-Continental, European and then the light middleweight title in this incredible run.
      Dzinziruk even gave Putin a stern warning saying: “For his crimes against millions of Ukrainians, he should die slowly and painfully.”
      When asked which other Ukrainian fighters he would like to fight alongside in the war Dzinziruk listed an impressive five names of former world champions and one current in Oleksandr Usyk.
      His other four were Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and Andrii Kotelnyk and Yura Nuzhnenko. 
      BOXERS ON THE FRONTLINE
      Oleksandr Usyk – the fearless unbeaten father-of three, followed in the footsteps of Dzinziruk and also enlisted with the Kyiv Territorial Defence when the war first broke out.
      The world champion says he lost friends, was separated from family and even saw people die through binoculars when he helped out.
      He explained: “Through binoculars, from 900 metres, I saw my enemies running, exploding tanks and broken houses. I saw people with no legs and arms.
      “I saw people walking but looking like they were dead.
      “When I was going in the car around the city, I realised it was a dead city. I saw children’s toys and playgrounds but everything looked dead, there was no energy in the city.”
      But perhaps the greatest ex-boxer to enlist for the fight in Ukraine is Wladimir Klitschko.
      Wladimir has refused a boxing comeback in recent years as he pledged to fight on the frontline.
      He enlisted in Ukraine’s reserve army in early February and has publicly pleaded with Russia to end the war.
      However his brother Vitali, has done the most for Ukraine since the Russian invasion two-years-ago.
      The former heavyweight ruler, 50, last fought in 2012 and retired a year later to focus on politics.
      The father-of-three who married wife Natalie in 1996, has been the mayor of Kyiv since 2014.
      And as a result, it left the ex-boxer ‘no choice’ but to take up arms.
      He told ITV: “I don’t have another choice. I have to do that. I will be fighting.”
      Masterful southpaw, Vasiliy Lomachenko, 34, is one of the greatest amateur boxers of all time, leaving the unpaid ranks with a record of 396-1 and two Olympic gold medals.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      But he also pledged his loyalty to his nation and decided to keep fighting on the Ukrainian front line instead of box.
      Oleksandr Onyshchenko – part of the country’s national team – died in combat near the besieged city of Bakhmut, last year.
      Dzinziruk says he hopes Putin has a ‘slow and painful death’Credit: Champion
      Dzinziruk with his daughter Nadja after one of his fightsCredit: Getty
      The Ukrainian boxer had the nickname ‘The Razor’Credit: Alamy More

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      Eerie Ukrainian drone footage shows abandoned Euro 2012 stadium which hosted England clash in war-torn Donetsk

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      EERIE drone footage has captured a rare glimpse inside a war-torn Euros stadium in Russian-held Ukrainian territory.The Donbass Arena was the new sparkling jewel of Eastern Europe before Vladimir Putin’s forces laid waste to the region over the last decade.
      A Ukrainian UAV soared high above the ruins of the long abandoned stadium
      It caught a rare glimpse inside after years of neglect and destruction
      The barely-holding stadium has been abandoned since 2014Credit: Twitter/FCShakhtar_eng
      It has suffered successive blasts from shelling as fighting rages in DonetskCredit: Twitter/Shakhtar_ua
      Opened in 2009, the £320million stadium in the city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine was home to national giants and reigning champions Shakhtar Donetsk.
      The ghost ground once played host to Champions League games and five major matches in the Euros 2012, including two of England’s group stage fixtures and the semi-final between Portugal and eventual-winners Spain.
      It was one of eight venues used for UEFA championships, which was jointly hosted by Ukraine and Poland.
      With a capacity of 52,000, it was the third-largest stadium in the tournament.
      read more on ukraine war
      But since 2014, The Donbass Arena has been out of bounds since Russian forces invaded the region.
      The new Ukrainian drone footage reveals a stadium that has been ravaged by war – haunting, empty, and a shell of its former glory.
      The UAV soars high above the stadium just catching a peek inside, where ‘Donetsk’ is still spelt out in huge white letters.
      Mysterious white stuff covers the darkened, overgrown grass and the once bright red seats have turned into a faded grey.
      Most read in Football
      The arena was heavily damaged by artillery shelling in August 2014 as Putin’s troops and pro-Russian separatists battled Ukrainian forces in the area.
      By this point, the club had already moved out of its home, relocating more than 600 miles west to Lviv, far from the front line.
      In October 2014, further artillery shelling blasted holes right through the stadium from east to west.
      The fighting continued on and off for years, making it unsafe for Shakhtar to return.
      Then the long abandoned stadium suffered further destruction when it was caught in the crossfires in March 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
      Russian state TV shared footage of shell craters just metres from the stadium, as well as a number of shattered windows on its outside.
      In June 2022, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky commemorated a decade since the site hosted the 2012 football extravaganza.
      “Exactly 10 years ago this day marked the start of EURO 2012 which brought together all Ukrainians, Poles and the vast majority of Europeans,” he said.
      After a decade of war, it now lies in ruins – bomb-blitzed and abandoned – with smashed turnstiles and shattered glass exteriors.
      The floodlights have been out of power for years, the racks inside the club shop lie empty and the pitch has been destroyed.
      It seems unlikely the stadium will be used again, with Donetsk being illegally claimed as part of Russia by Putin in September.
      “It’s only been 10 years and it feels like being in another world,” Zelensky said.
      “10 years ago, our Donetsk was a strong, proud and developed city. And then Russia came. Now it’s a ghost town that has lost most people, thousands of lives, and absolutely all prospects.”
      He also railed against the rumours that illegally-appointed Russian authorities in Donbas were planning to create a separate football league and use the stadium for it.
      The teams were set to include players from the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic, annexed Crimea and Georgia.
      But for now, the abandoned venue remains a frightening reminder of the fragility of peace in Europe.
      Elsewhere in Ukraine, the Tsentralnyi football stadium in Mykolaiv has been abandoned since 2021 and a Russian missile blew a huge chunk out of it last year.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Another blast from the past is the Ukrainian 5,000-seater Avanhard Stadium in Chernobyl, which was abandoned after the power plant disaster in 1986.
      The ground is now covered in a forest of trees and is barely recognisable after more than 30 years of neglect – the site was seized again by Russian forces in 2022.
      The Donbass Arena in its heyday as it hosted five games in the Euros 2012Credit: PA:Press Association
      A Wayne Rooney goal helped England beat Ukraine in a Euro 2012 match at the stadium
      Years of neglect and the effects of war have turned this stadium into a football graveyardCredit: AFP
      A firefighter works at the site as the stadium got caught up in renewed shelling in DonetskCredit: Getty
      The damage caused by shelling in March 2022 More