More stories

  • in

    Formula 1 chaos as Brazilian GP qualifying POSTPONED due to heavy rain with drenched fans left waiting for hours

    THE Brazilian Grand Prix has descended into chaos after intense storms saw qualifying cancelled.Torrential rain drenched both the track and F1 fans in Sao Paulo prior to the start of Saturday’s Q1. Storms have hit Sao Paulo during the Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: APPools of water formed on the track at the Autodromo Jose Carlos PaceCredit: AlamyMarshals attempted to clear the track but the FIA has since cancelled racingCredit: APLando Norris had earlier won the sprint race at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace before heavy rain halted proceedings. Following hours of delays, qualifying was eventually postponed until Sunday.A statement released by the FIA said: “The decision was taken due to the lack of visibility caused by the level of rain we have experienced in the past few hours. “There is a lot of standing water on parts of the circuit which renders conditions unsafe.READ MORE ON F1″As much as we would all like to see competition on track, the safety of drivers, team members, volunteers, officials and spectators is our main priority.”A decision on a start time for qualifying tomorrow morning will be taken as soon as possible.”Qualifying will now take place before the Grand Prix, which is scheduled to start at 2pm local time (5pm GMT).McLaren’s Norris cut Max Verstappen’s lead to 45 points in the Drivers Championship thanks to help from teammate Oscar Piastri.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPiastri moved over to allow Norris through just two laps before the end of the race on team orders.Following the race, Norris said: “Not proud about it, but we worked well as a team together. I thank Oscar.Beloved Race track destroyed and swept away with car park underwater just two weeks before hosting huge Moto GP race “Today was the result we wanted, Oscar deserved it but I thank him and the team.”It was yo-yoing a little bit. The dirty air costs you a lot of lap time.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. “I felt a bit quicker but I couldn’t get close enough to pass.”I felt we were quicker than the guys behind but it’s difficult in the sprint to know how much to manage [the tyres].” More

  • in

    Valencia vs Real Madrid postponed as club release statement after city left ‘devastated’ by ‘catastrophic’ Dana floods

    VALENCIA’s LaLiga clash with Real Madrid has been postponed following devastating floods in Spain.More than a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours in some regions around Valencia this week, leaving at least 95 people dead. Valencia’s game on Saturday with Real Madrid has been postponedCredit: GettyThe Valencia region has been hit by horrendous flooding, washing away cars and bridgesCredit: APMore than 95 people have been killed, with a huge rescue operation underwayCredit: APResidents are facing a mammoth clean-up operation after the stormsCredit: EPAValencia were due to host second-placed Madrid at the Mestalla on Saturday night.But in a statement, the club announced the game has now been postponed by LaLiga. It read: “Valencia has received confirmation of the postponement of the match of Matchday 12 of La Liga, initially scheduled for this Saturday, November 2.”[This is] due to the severity of the Dana that has left numerous fatalities and affected people in the province of Valencia. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”At this difficult time, we wish to convey our deepest condolences and our love to the families, friends of the deceased and those affected by this catastrophe that leaves us devastated and that puts football on a secondary.”As yet, no new date for the game has been confirmed.The floods have hit areas in the south and east of the country hardest.Torrential rain fell in the provinces of Valencia and Malaga, causing flash flooding and overflowing rivers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCars and bridges have been swept away by the flood waters, with hundreds trapped and requiring rescue from the air.Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, a native of the area, spoke of his “heartbreak” in a social media post on Wednesday.More rain pounds flood-blitzed Spain TODAY after people drown ‘like rats’ as Brit killed & final toll feared to hit 100sHe wrote: “My heart breaks seeing my people and my homeland, Valencia, devastated by the floods. “I know it’s no consolation, but I want to send all my encouragement and support to the victims and their families from here. “Stay strong, Valencia.”Villarreal’s top-flight clash with Rayo Vallecano has also been postponed. Three games in the lower leagues have also been abandoned, with replay dates yet to be confirmed.They include Castellon vs Ferrol, Eldense vs Huesca and Levante vs Malaga. More

  • in

    Beloved race track destroyed and swept away with car park underwater just two weeks before hosting huge MotoGP event

    FLOODING in the Valencia region of Spain has left the season finale of MotoGP in jeopardy.The final round of the major motorcycle race is due to take place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo on November 17.The Valencia Circuit Ricardo Tormo has been hit by the severe flooding in SpainCredit: XFootage showed the entrance to the track as completely impassable with debris littered across itCredit: XHuge cracks in the road had also been shownCredit: XIt could have major repercussions for the MotoGP season finaleCredit: AlamyHowever, devastating flash floods in the south-east of the country have caused extensive damage to the race track and surrounding area.Footage captured on social media showed the main entrance to the race track – opened in 1999 – swept away and impassable with cracks and sinkholes in the road with detritus littered across it.The Race have reported that the circuit’s external car parks have been flooded.The surrounding villages of Cheste and Chiva near the circuit have been hit hard by the floods, with water in some areas said to have risen to three metres.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTAt least 62 people are confirmed to have been tragically killed by the extreme weather conditions, with many more still missing.Ricardo Gabaldon, the mayor of Utiel, a town in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE: “Yesterday was the worst day of my life.”We were trapped like rats. Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three metres.”MotoGP organisers Dorna are unlikely to want to place local authorities under more unnecessary pressure given the toll relief efforts are taking.Most read in MotorsportThe major sporting event would be expected to bring around 100,000 people into the area.Earlier this season, extensive flooding in Kazakhstan saw what should have been the inaugural race at the Sokol circuit delayed before being cancelled.Inside abandoned F1 track that was £300m ‘spectacular flop’ with just four races held and rubbish left rotting in bins Should Valencia follow suit, it leaves Dorna with a headache on finding a substitute venue on just two weeks notice.This consequence of this could see this weekend’s penultimate race of the season at the Malaysia Grand Prix be the season decider.Just 17 points separate Prima’s championship leader Jorge Martin from Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia.There is a chance European circuits such as ex-Formula One circuit Portimao, Portugal or Jerez in south-west Spain could be emergency hosts.However, this has its own major logistical hurdles for both organisers and the teams and would need to happen at a reduced capacity.MotoGP is not the only motorsport event hit by floods, with Formula E’s pre-season testing due to take place next week now under threat.A statement from Formula E said: “Our thoughts go out to those directly affected by the extreme weather conditions in Spain.”We are working closely with the local authorities and representatives of the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia ahead of the scheduled FIA Formula E official test next week.”We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates in due course.”Football in the region has also been postponed, with first round Copa del Rey matches between Parla Escuela-Fair Play and Valencia and Pontevedra CF and Levante postponed.The Valencia circuit was also hit last year when a man was rushed to hospital following an explosion in a team garage before Formula E testing.F1 was hit by floods at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May 2023, with the Imola race being cancelled because it was not safe to hold the event due to emergency services dealing with floods at the time.Earlier this year, it was announced that F1 owners Liberty Media were set to complete a £3.6billion purchase of MotoGP from Dorna at the end of 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESDorna have owned the sport since 1992, and will retain a 14 per cent share once the deal has concluded. But a Belgian MEP asked the European Commission to investigate the deal over fears it would create a monopoly in motorsport.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

  • in

    Serie A clash CALLED OFF at last-minute due to floods as club now face losing two key players for crunch clash

    AC MILAN’S Serie A clash with Bologna has been postponed due to extreme weather conditions.The two teams were expected to face off on Saturday at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium.AC Milan Serie A clash with Bologna has been postponed due to extreme weather conditionsCredit: RexExtreme rain and flooding have hit Bologna in recent daysCredit: GettyHeavy rain has caused landslides, flooding, road closures and some power outagesCredit: GettySchools, parks and sports centres will remain closed in the cityCredit: GettyHowever, Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore announced that the game would not be played due to extreme rain and flooding that hit the region in recent days.Lepore added that heavy rains, which started on October 19, caused landslides, flooding, road closures and some power outages in several areas.The game between Milan and Bologna will be rescheduled, but no details are known at this point.However, it will be hard finding another time to host the Serie A clash due to the league and the Coppa Italia schedule as well as the fact both teams play in the Champions League this season.Read More on FootballThat unfortunate event will have especially serious ramifications for Milan, who will be without two key players in their upcoming crunch clash with Napoli.Those are Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez, who were due to serve a suspension at Bologna.Instead, the Rossoneri duo will now serve it on Tuesday’s crunch clash with Napoli at the San Siro.Paulo Fonseca’s side will be hosting the Serie A leaders, who are five points ahead of the fourth-placed Milan giants.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe municipality of Bologna said in a statement that the match would bring about 35,000 people near the most critical area of the city.Schools, parks and sports centres will remain closed in the city as a precaution.Napoli fans try and fail to prounce ‘Scott McTominay’_1But Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni said: “The match is postponed because with a decision that in my opinion is incomprehensible, the mayor has prohibited the match from being played even behind closed doors.”Bologna vs AC Milan will be rescheduled at a later dateCredit: APTijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez were suspended against Bologna and will now serve the ban against NapoliCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd chaos just 24 hours before Porto clash as flight to Portugal is delayed by THREE HOURS due to severe weather

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S flight to Porto has been delayed by three hours due to severe weather.Erik ten Hag’s men have come under fire for their dismal performance on Sunday as they lost 3-0 to Tottenham at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s journey to Portugal has been disruptedCredit: GettyThe travel difficulties come just 24 hours before their Europa League clashCredit: GettyIt is a crunch game for Man Utd as they eye a first European win of the campaignCredit: GettyCaptain Bruno Fernandes was spotted boarding the flight on WednesdayCredit: GettyAnd things are not getting much better off the field as the Red Devils were hit with delays to their journey to Portugal.Man Utd are set to kick off their second Europa League game of the season against Porto at 8pm BST on Thursday evening.They were due to take off for Portugal around 3pm on Wednesday, but did not leave until 6.10pm due to foggy and rainy conditions.Ten Hag’s press conference was due to take place at 7pm but has now been pushed back to 8.30pm.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans have also suffered delays to their journeys.It is the latest inconvenience for manager Ten Hag – who is understood to have been given two games to save his job.Man Utd’s trip to Porto will be followed up by an away game in the Premier League against Aston Villa on Sunday.They failed to win their opening Europa League match as FC Twente held them to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the defeat to Spurs extended their winless streak to three matches – a run which started with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace.But captain Bruno Fernandes will be available for the trip to Villa despite being shown a red card against Tottenham.Patrice Evra is confident Erik ten Hag can turn it around at Man UtdMan Utd were successful in appealing the decision, meaning the Portuguese playmaker escapes a three-match ban.On the pressure he is under, Ten Hag said: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.” More

  • in

    Incredible before and after video shows AFC Wimbledon’s progress fixing huge sinkhole after Carabao Cup clash postponed

    AFC WIMBLEDON have issued an update on the pitch restoration at Plough Lane.The Dons were forced to postpone their Carabao Cup third round clash with Newcastle on Tuesday due to flooding.AFC Wimbledon have shared an update on their pitchCredit: AFC WimbledonThe Dons raised over £100,000 for repairsCredit: AFC WimbledonWork is underway to resurface the damaged part of the pitchCredit: AFC WimbledonAdverse weather conditions in the area caused “significant damage” to both the stadium itself and the pitch.A SINKHOLE formed by the corner flag, prompting the fan-owned club to start a fundraiser to pay for the damage.Work began on the pitch yesterday morning, with significant progress made in just a matter of hours.AFC Wimbledon shared a before and after clip of the work on social media last night.Read More in FootballIt showed the first steps of the pitch being evened out to repair the huge sinkhole.Wimbledon managed to raise over £100,000 for repairs by Wednesday afternoon.Newcastle donated £15,000 following the match postponement.The fixture has been pushed back to October 1 and moved to St James’ Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWimbledon will receive 45 per cent of the gate revenue from it.The winner of the clash will go on to face Chelsea in the fourth round.Watch AFC Wimbledon begin work fixing sinkhole on pitch after pumping more than 100,000 LITRES of water out of stadiumThe Dons hope to return to Plough Lane for their clash with Carlisle on October 12. More

  • in

    Serie A clash involving Champions League club POSTPONED after torrential rain as 18-word statement released

    ATALANTA’S clash against Como has been postponed due to a torrential downpour.The Serie A clash was set to kick-off at 7.45pm – but everyone now has to come back at the same time tomorrow.Atalanta vs Como has been called off and it was no surprise in the endCredit: EPAThe ball struggled to roll in the grass leaving the officials little choiceCredit: GettyKick-off was delayed by an hour then fans were sent homeCredit: ReutersFans took shelter at the back of the groundCredit: ReutersSme braved the conditions but it was all wasted in the endCredit: ReutersA statement from league chiefs initially confirmed: “Atalanta vs Como has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Another pitch inspection will be carried out shortly.”The players from both clubs had gone out onto the pitch to warm-up ahead of kick-off.But the action was compared to “water polo” by one fan watching on.The referee then carried out an inspection of the pitch by rolling the ball on the surface as the two captains watched on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ball struggled to move, getting stuck on the waterlogged grass and huge puddles also began to appear.A second inspection was then carried out 15 minutes later, with the referee deciding the game should go ahead.But Atalanta skipper Maarten De Roon reportedly called the decision “madness” as the rain continued to fall.After another discussion, the ref postponed the game until tomorrow as supporters inside the stadium were sent home.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAtalanta are in this season’s Champions League and drew 0-0 with Arsenal on Thursday last week.As for Como, they are winless in four games since promotion from the second tier.They are managed by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini caught throwing SANDWICH out of car at AC Milan fans who were abusing him after game More

  • in

    English football in chaos with SECOND game suspended for bad weather as fans say ‘the game’s gone soft’

    THE CHAMPIONSHIP match between Coventry City and Swansea was suspended for about seven minutes due to heavy rain.This is the second game this week that gets paused due to severe weather conditions as the same thing happed in the Premier League fixture between Leicester and Everton.The Championship game between Coventry and Swansea was suspended due to heavy rainCredit: RexThe Swans were 2-1 ahead against the hosts at the Coventry Building Society Arena.But referee James Linington called both sets of players off the pitch on 68 minutes when the heavens opened and rain started pouring on the ground.The game was stopped for over five minutes with fans finding their own way to deal with the bad weather.But thankfully the rain slowed down and the two teams returned on the grass to restart where they left off.Read More on FootballThe incident took place after Leicester and Everton’s clash at King Power Stadium saw the second half being delayed for the same reason.But after five minutes of waiting for the heavens to close up, match officials were forced into resuming the 3pm blackout clash.Fans were left furious after two games were suspended on the same day and stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “The games gone f*****g soft.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother gasped: “What?”A third wrote: “Utter nonsense.”Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showThis fan said: “Utterly embarrassing.”And that one commented: “What a farce.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More