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Astonishing SIMULTANEOUS KNOCKDOWN sees kickboxing fight likened to Dragonball Z as fighters fly off each other

THIS is the astonishing moment two kickboxers achieved a simultaneous knockdown in a fight likened to Dragonball Z.

The amazing scenes occurred in Thailand at the ONE kickboxing event.

Two Muay Thai fighters exchanging blows in a ring.
Two fighters landed simultaneous knockdowns in amazing scenes
Muay Thai match; one fighter falls to the mat as the referee watches.
The incredible battle occurred in Thailand
A Muay Thai fighter is knocked down in a ring.
Fans were left amazed at the double hit

It saw Ramadan Ondash and Chartpayak Sakastoon clash in a star-studded fight.

And there was plenty on the line, with the winner securing a £70,000 contract with the ONE Championship.

The high-stakes battle showed from the off as both men went hammer and tongs at each other.

The two fighters both ended up hitting the deck as blows went flying in from all angles.

However, the second round got even crazier.

As the competitors clashed, they each struck each other at the same time.

And in amazing scenes, the two fighters both went flying before hitting the ground simultaneously.

The crowd went wild as they got back to their feet.

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But it was Ondash who took the win on the night, securing his contract while inflicting Saksatoon’s first-ever career defeat.

Fans at home were left amazed by the battle, with some likening the double knockdown to cartoon Dragonball Z.

Illustration of two anime characters fighting.
Dragonball Z
The fight was compared to cartoon Dragonball Z[/caption]

One said: “Like Goku and Vegeta.”

Another declared: “Bruh the double knockdown.”

One noted: “This fight was bananas.”

Another added: “This was crazy.”

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Moment plain clothes police chase down thief and return bag to its owner before she even realised it was missing

THIS is the moment plain clothes police chase down a thief and return a bag to its owner before she even knew it was gone.

Shocking CCTV footage show Emad Lechhed steal the valuable accessory outside a pub on Cannon Street, London.

Arrest of a bag thief.
Facebook/City Of London Police
Emad Lechhed bends down and picks up the bag as if it is his own[/caption]
Surveillance image of a bag thief being arrested.
Facebook/City Of London Police
The 26-year-old calmly walks away from the busy pub[/caption]
Mugshot of Emad Lechhed.
Lechhed, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four months in jail for theft

The 26-year-old scoped out his target, on Martin Lane, and hovered in the area before pinching the bag on June 12.

The clip shows Lechhed, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, blue jeans, and sunglasses, calmly walk past a bustling pub.

He simply kneels down and picks up a black bag from the floor, as if it belonged to him.

The thief takes advantage of a split second the owner’s back is turned from the street.

But, within moments, three plain clothes police officers appear from nearby and chase the yob.

They pursue him through busy streets and navigate congested London roads.

The 26-year-old discarded the item as he was running, before being caught and detained on London Bridge in five minutes.

Inspector Dan Green, of the City of London Police’s proactive acquisitive crime team, said: “The stolen bag, and the contents, was soon returned to the owner, before they knew it was stolen.

“The victim was full of praise for our officers when he got his bag back so quickly and we made an arrest.

“This is another fantastic result from our plain-clothed officers.

“Our warning to criminals; don’t come into the City to steal bags. If you do, you risk being spotted by our plain-clothed officers, who will track you down, arrest you and bring you to justice.”

Lechhed, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four months in jail for theft.

He was also slapped with a criminal behaviour order which prevents him from entering the Square Mile for two years.

This comes as other shocking moments have been caught on camera across the UK.

This is the wild moment all hell breaks loose after Morrisons shopper launches items at customers at self-checkout desks.

The dramatic footage depicting staff breaking up the brawl, was captured inside an Eccles store, in Salford, Manchester, on June 3.

It shows a woman hurling items in her basket through the air in front of horrified onlookers.

Someone can be heard yelling “you stupid b****” as the irate shopper continues to throw products.

Concerned Morrisons staff attempt to jump in and diffuse the situation with help from security guards.

But the disturbing scene escalates after the woman kicks another customer, throwing her to the floor.

Elsewhere, a cyclist was filmed tearing between traffic with a child clinging to his back before going the wrong way through a roundabout.

Concerning footage showed the man riding in a cycle lane on Springfield Road, in west Belfast, with the youngster on his back.

The child, who didn’t appear to be wearing a helmet or any protection padding, was riding piggyback style.

At one point the little one, donning a short sleeved red top and beige shorts, flung their legs out to the side – barely clinging on as they gripped the man’s neck.

Plus, watch the shocking moment a knifeman lunged at cops after biting his victim’s ear off.

The disturbing scenes unfolded after a robbery went wrong at a property in Leicester on July 8 last year.

Dramatic body-cam footage shows Costel Remus Galoi lunging at police with a kitchen blade.

Surveillance footage of a bag thief being chased and arrested.
Facebook/City Of London Police
Three plain clothed police officers chase the thief down[/caption]
Surveillance footage of a bag thief being apprehended.
Facebook/City Of London Police
Within five minutes they had arrested him on London Bridge[/caption]

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Love Island girls go to war after Toni DUMPS Harrison over ‘sneaky’ Helena snog

THE LOVE Island girls have gone to war after Toni dumped Harrison over a “sneaky” Helena snog.

The American bombshell, 24, branded her co-star a “sneaky b***h” after the pair sneaked off to the Hideaway.

Screenshot of Shakira reprimanding Harrison on Love Island.
The Love Island girls have gone to war after Toni dumped Harrison over a “sneaky” Helena snog.
Eroteme
Harrison from Love Island being reprimanded.
Toni told Harrison that she was upset that he had kissed someone after their date
Eroteme
Shakira from Love Island reprimanding Harrison.
Helena told Toni to shut up when she heard her arguing
Eroteme

Helena told Harrison tonight that she’s not feeling Giorgio and that she doesn’t fancy him.

But Shakira and Toni were watching the pair and Shakira warned: “She’s what he’d go for in the outside world.”

“Don’t put demons in my head,” Toni replied.

Shakira continued: “I just don’t want you to look like a mug… I see that he’s still invested in other people and I don’t want you to be all in for him.”

Helena then called it quits with Giorgio and headed to the Hideaway Terrace with Harrison as Toni watched on.

After they returned to the garden Harrison and Toni talked at the Firepit.

She told him: “We just went on a f***ing date yesterday and you’re already going to the Hideaway with another girl.”

He then admitted that he and Helena had a kiss on the terrace.

“I hope you enjoyed it,” retorted Toni.

She then remarked that she thinks it’s weird that Helena is smiling at her knowing that she likes Harrison.

Helena told Toni to shut the f*** up and Shakira told her not to say that.

Shakira then had a go at Harrison for not being truthful to Toni about how he feels about Helena.

Then Meg, Helena, and Remell separately, questioned why Shakira was getting involved in the argument.

Later, Shakira then gave Harrison a piece of her mind about his behaviour.

She said: “I don’t know what planet you’re on, you’ve obviously upset the girl, you know what reaction it was going to have…”

But then the Islanders received a text and were asked to sit around the firepit for the results of the public vote.

And fans were left in shock as “cheaters” Remell and Megan were sent packing in a savage vote.

Shakira reprimands Harrison for kissing Helena.
Shakira had a word with Harrison and told him he must have known how Toni would feel
Eroteme
Screenshot of a woman crying on Love Island.
Toni said she thought it was weird how Helena was behaving with her
Eroteme

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Tesco Ireland shoppers racing to tills for festival-ready co-ords in stores now – and prices start from €20

TESCO F&F shoppers are set for a frenzy over a brand new range of co-ords that have hot the shelves in stores.

The retailer has been bringing out some stellar pieces for the warmer weather.

Two women in embroidered dresses stand in front of lush green foliage.
The supermarket giant has dropped a selection of new summer items
Tesco
Woman on beach wearing striped pants and waistcoat.
The tie front co-ord waistcoat is €29
Tesco
Cream tube top with black damask print.
The cute top is sleeveless and has a cropped design
Tesco
Tiered maxi skirt with black floral print on ivory background.
The matching skirt has an elasticated waist and costs €32
Tesco

And shoppers have been racing to get their hands on the pieces that are perfect for holidays.

Now, the popular supermarket’s own clothing brand, F&F has brought out some stunning new co-ords that are set to be a huge hit.

Co-ords are super versatile, making them a great investment for your summer wardrobe.

Style each item together or mix with items from your wardrobe.

They are the perfect outfit to wear when you want a comfy yet stylish option.

First, shoppers can pick up the Ivory print detail co-ord.

This is made up of a bandeau top and a maxi skirt, which are sold separately.

Both come in an ivory colour with a black print across them.

The top is sleeveless and has a cropped design, retailing for just €20.

The matching maxi skirt features an elasticated waist and costs €32.

In total, the summer co-ord is just €52.

The outfit is perfect for any upcoming festivals, either worn together or separately.

Style the skirt with a bodysuit or crop-top for a summer festival.

Team the top with some shorts and high boots for another festival option.

Next, fashion fans can pick up the tie front co-ord waistcoat for just €29.

This short-sleeve waistcoat is perfect for the warmer weather, with a plunging v-neckline and ties up the centre.

The waistcoat comes in white, with black vertical stripes across it.

The wide-leg trousers, which are sold separately, also feature the same print and an elasticated waist.

ELEGANT OPTION

Pick up a stunning yet elegant co-ord in a cream colour.

The cream lace trim cami top is just €20 and has spaghetti straps along with a lace detailing.

The matching cream lace trim maxi skirt has the same lace detailing along with an elasticated waist – and is just €35.

In total, the pretty outfit is a steal at just €55.

The Tesco F&F Clothing range has also dropped a popular TV star’s must-have co-ord.

In a post on social media, the retailer shared a look at the new outfit from Abbey Clancy.

In the caption of the post, the team wrote: “The cool-girl co-ord, chic and easy to style.”

LOVELY LACE

The pictures show a stunning light beige top and skirt with a darker brown pattern splattered across it.

The top has a flattering tight fit, with a round neckline and short sleeves.

And the skirt is made from a see-through lace material, with lining down to the mid-thigh.

The floor-length piece is perfect for a festival or holidays abroad, and features a slit up the side.

The co-ord is part of the Abbey Clancy Festival Edit in stores now.

Woman in snakeskin dress and gold necklace.
The co-ord is part of the Abbey Clancy Festival Edit in stores now
Instagram/fandfclothing

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Sam Todd and Ronan Boyce pop up with goals as Derry City hammer Drogheda Utd to take second place in Premier Division

DEFENDERS Sam Todd and Ronan Boyce struck a goal apiece as Derry City swatted Drogheda United aside to move into second place.

Todd and Boyce — who both hail from Donegal — netted within three minutes of each other to kill off the game in the first half.

Derry City soccer players celebrating a goal.
Derry City hammered Drogheda United
Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Danny Mullen of Derry City celebrating a goal.
Danny Mullen of Derry City celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal against Drogheda
Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Carndonagh man Todd headed home the opener on 33 minutes from Michael Duffy’s clipped cross.

Ramelton lad Boyce then pounced to fire home a rebound after Andrew Quinn cleared Duffy’s strike off the line.

Substitute Danny Mullen added a third five minutes into stoppage time.

Duffy was again involved as his strike at the near post was turned into the path of the Scotsman by Drogheda keeper Luke Dennison.

It was a third win and clean sheet on the bounce for the Foylesiders who remain 11 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers with two games in hand.

They are now above Bohemians on goal difference.

And Derry were lively in the early stages with Gavin Whyte testing Drogs keeper Dennison from 25 yards.

Kevin Holt also came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the opening period when he met Duffy’s inswinging free-kick.

But his glancing header bounced just wide.

Sadou Diallo then tried his luck from distance on the half hour but his effort sailed harmlessly off target.

Derry eventually broke Drogheda’s resolve from a short corner.

Duffy received the ball back from Whyte and clipped it into a crowded penalty area where Todd headed into the corner of the net.

The hosts doubled their lead three minutes later when Duffy raced on to Liam Boyce’s through ball and rounded the keeper but his strike was cleared off the line by Quinn.

The clearance fell to Ronan Boyce who steered the ball into the net.

Derry were well in control but Drogheda found a way in behind the City defence moments later.

Thomas Oluwa got away from Mark Connolly and sent a strike towards goal but Brian Maher stood tall and saved at the front post.

Carl Winchester had the ball in the net when he received the ball from a sublime defence-splitting pass from Whyte.

But the Belfast man strayed offside and the goal was ruled out.

Diallo then picked out the run of Duffy with a pass over the top.

But the winger’s effort on the volley dipped over the crossbar as Derry threatened to put the match to bed before the break.

SECOND GEAR

Derry continued to dominate at the start of the second half.

And livewire Duffy was the next to threaten as his effort from the edge of the penalty area was just deflected behind by Conor Keeley’s block.

Keeley — scorer of a brace on Drogheda’s last visit to the Brandywell — was then in the thick of the action at the other end.

The former St Pat’s defender chested down a cross inside the Derry box before volleying narrowly wide of the target on 63 minutes.

Substitute Mullen put the icing on the cake in the fifth minute of stoppage time for the hosts.

Duffy’s strike was saved by the foot of Dennison — but it fell straight to the feet of the ex-Livingston ace who tapped in from four yards.

SUN STAR MAN

Michael Duffy (Derry)

DERRY CITY: Maher 7; Cann 7, Connolly 7, Holt 7; R Boyce 8, Winchester 8 (McMullan 76, 6), Diallo 8 (O’Reilly 63, 6), Whyte 7 (Mullen 75, 7), Duffy 9, S Todd 8; L Boyce 7 (Benson 75, 6).

DROGHEDA UNITED: Dennison 5, Kane 6 (Cruise 55, 5), Quinn 7, Harper-Bailey 6, James-Taylor 6 (Bosakani 87, 6), Farrell 5, Brennan 5 (Markey 55, 6), Heeney 6, Keeley 6, Lambe 6, Oluwa 5 (Kareem 60, 6).

REFEREE: R Harvey (Dublin) 6.

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Thomas Tuchel set to make last-minute 5000-mile trip to Slovakia to watch England U21 in Euro final

THOMAS TUCHEL is making the 5,000-mile trip to cheer on England Under-21s, hoping to spark a golden year ending in World Cup glory.

The senior England boss jets in from the Club World Cup in America to watch the Young Lions in tomorrow’s Euros final against his home nation Germany.

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, at a training session.
Getty
England head coach Thomas Tuchel will fly to Slovakia to watch the U21s in the Euros final[/caption]

Lee Carsley has backed this crop to kick off a new Golden Generation with a second straight title in Slovakia.

U21s boss Carsley said: “The travel arrangements have been made for him to get to the game, hopefully he gets here on time. He’s been a great support for myself.

“He’s very interested in the players, he’s committed to the Under-21s.

“He was very supportive when I was picking the squad and the information about what he may need for obviously two games himself in the summer.

“We’ll look forward to having him here. I’ve not known him long but he’s a very nice guy. We look forward to welcoming him here.

“He’s been there whenever I’ve needed him in terms of on the phone or a message. Same with the rest of the staff. We’ve got a good relationship.”

On his Young Lions side, ex-Everton player Carsley said: “It helps that they’ve got that experience of winning with England. We believe they can. I’ve got a lot of belief in them.

“They’re an exciting team, they’ve grown as the tournament’s gone on.

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“Hopefully they get what they deserve.”

SunSport exclusively revealed senior German boss Julian Nagelsmann is taking time out of a holiday in Majorca to attend.

Now Tuchel is following suit after leaving Florida.

Tuchel was Stateside to watch Manchester City smash Juventus 5-2 but has now boarded a flight and is travelling back across the pond.

Should his schedule go to plan, Tuchel will land in Slovakia tomorrow afternoon. He will then be in the stands alongside Nagelsmann, the man he replaced at Bayern Munich in 2023, in the VIP seats at the  Narodny Futbalovy Stadion.

Tuchel has been in the US to watch a number of his international stars, combining the trip with a recce ahead of next summer’s World Cup there.

England captain James McAtee said: “I didn’t know he was coming. If he does it’d be extra motivation for the lads to win.”

Manchester City’s star, 22, has no problem missing the Club World Cup. He said: “It’s a tough one to answer  — but I do  not regret my  decision at all.

“I’m happy, I’m here and my focus is now on this, it’s not on the Club World Cup.

“The highlight was definitely on the pitch against Spain in the quarters, the opening goal. But I am hoping I can add a more special highlight.”

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Terrifying moment passenger planes collide on runway as wing rips through stationary Airbus leaving hundreds stranded

THIS is the harrowing moment two planes collide on a runway – with one slicing through the other’s tail wing moments before it takes off.

Hundreds were left stranded after the horror collision, which saw a Boeing jet’s wing rip through a stationary Airbus in front of terrified passengers.

Two planes collided at Hanoi Airport.
x/Fahadnaimb
A plane sliced through another one’s wing on a runway[/caption]
Two planes colliding at Hanoi airport.
x/Fahadnaimb
Debris scattered across the tarmac during the horror collision[/caption]
Two airplanes collided at Hanoi airport.
x/Fahadnaimb
Nearly 400 passengers disembarked both flights[/caption]

The two Vietnam Airlines aircraft smashed into each other at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam on June 27.

Both flights were grounded and nearly 400 passengers from the two planes were evacuated back to the terminal.

In the shocking footage, a blue Airbus can be seen taxi-ing just moments before take-off.

But seconds later, another jet’s right wing shreds through the rear section of the stationary aircraft – almost like butter.

Frightened passengers watched in horror as they saw debris scatter across the tarmac.

The plane then stopped and disembarked hundreds of panicked flyers.

The crash occurred at 2:23pm local time, and involved a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for Ho Chi Minh City, clipping the tail of a stationary Airbus A321.

The Airbus was waiting to depart for Dien Bien, the airport authorities said.

The dramatic collision took place at the intersection of taxiways S and S3, under clear weather conditions.

Initial investigations suggest the Airbus stopped short of the designated holding point.

Authorities are therefore looking at pilot error as a potential reason for the smash.

A probe has been launched to find any operational or communication-based lapses in judgement.

The 386 total passengers from both jets were unharmed.

After being left stranded – Vietnam Airlines arranged alternate flights for them to take.

Both planes were towed to remote stands for technical inspection.

A formal investigation has been started by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) and the Northern Airports Authority.

The terrifying footage comes after a recent string of horror aviation accidents.

Heartstopping footage showed the moment an American Airlines flight saw smoke and sparks flying from the plane’s engine.

Harrowing video of the incident was shared on social media, showing puffs of smoke and orange sparks coming from the plane’s engine.

And last week, a Ryanair flight crashed into a barrier and suffered a badly smashed wing after landing at a Greek airport.

The Boeing 737 suffered “severe turbulence” during the flight, before those onboard heard a huge bang as the aircraft landed and collided with a barrier.

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Substitute Robert Burns scores dramatic equaliser with five minutes to go as Galway Utd steal draw against Shelbourne

GALWAY UNITED salvaged a valuable home point thanks to a late goal from sub Bobby Burns.

The Tribe had been second best for most of the game at Eamonn Deacy Park, with champions Shelbourne missing a bundle of ­chances.

The hosts started brightly though, with Stephen Walsh playing Malcolm Shaw in early but his low shot was well covered by Conor Kearns.

At the other end, Seán Boyd did brilliantly to play Mipo Odubeko in — and only a goal-line clearance from Garry Buckley prevented the opening goal.

But Odubeko made up for the miss when he headed home from five yards in the 23th minute.

The goal sparked a response from Galway with Shaw bringing out a save from Kearns. Ed McCarthy should have done better with the rebound.

Rob Slevin then missed with a free header just before the interval.

Shels continued to dominate after the break and Odubeko should have doubled the Dublin side’s lead after brilliant play from Harry Wood.

Boyd did hit the back of the net, but his effort was waved offside.

Odubeko continued to create chances but he could not find a finish.

He had eight shots, but did not trouble Watts too much except for his goal.

It made things more nervous than they needed to be, with United needing one chance to undo all of Shels’ good work.

They nearly did it from a set-piece, but Buckley could not get the connection he wanted.

Yet in the 84th minute second-half sub Burns pounced to fire home after keeper Kearns spilled a cross.

Boyd had one more chance for Shels to claim all three points but dragged his shot just wide as stand-in boss Joey O’Brien was unable to claim a win in his second game in charge since Damien Duff’s departure.

The away side ran out of time and United escaped with a point.

SUN STAR MAN

Harry Wood (Shels)

GALWAY: Watts 7; Esua 7, Buckley 8, Brouder 6 (Borden 45, 6), Slevin 7, Cunningham 6 (Burns 57, 7); Hurley 7 (Donelon 81, 5), Byrne 6, McCarthy 6 (McCormack 81, 5, [Horgan 90, 5]); Walsh 7, Shaw 6 (Tollett 72, 7)

SHELBOURNE: Kearns 5; Kelly 6 (Caffrey 62, 7), Gannon 8, Temple 7, Ledwidge 7, Norris 7 (Wilson 62, 6); Wood 8 (McInroy 62, 7), Lunney 7 (Coyle 75, 6), Chapman 7 (Coote 89, 5); Boyd 8, Odubeko 7.

REFEREE: K O’ Sullivan (Cork) 8.

27 June 2025; Robert Burns of Galway United celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Galway United and Shelbourne at Eamonn Deacy Park in Galway. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Robert Burns celebrates after scoring Galway Utd’s equaliser against Shelbourne
Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

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Will Enzo Fernandez be punished for racism row? Latest update on Chelsea star’s inflammatory song about Kylian Mbappe

ENZO FERNANDEZ takes on his old club Benfica tonight  at the heart of the Chelsea revolution under boss Enzo Maresca.

The Portuguese giants made a staggering £96million PROFIT when they sold the Argentinian midfielder to the Blues in 2023 — just six months after buying him for £10m.

Enzo Fernandez #8 of Chelsea FC at a soccer match.
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez will take on former side Benfica at the Club World Cup
Getty
A man in a light blue hat laughs while celebrating with others on a bus.
It comes nearly a year on from his racism storm with Argentina

Even so, the fixture reopens old wounds over his departure — and a most unsavoury incident which took place a year ago next month.

Benfica were angry at the way they claimed Chelsea unsettled their player and then ducked and dived during negotiations. But that’s business.

What is not “business” is the cloud of racism hanging over the Blues’ vice-captain that is not yet fully cleared.

Fans back in England have seen plenty of great football from Fernandez this past 12 months.

WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN

But nothing has been heard from the authorities charged with investigating the moment of madness that has followed the player around since he went viral for all the wrong reasons.

Fernandez, 24, was filmed heartily joining in with dreadful songs alongside his Argentina team-mates questioning the heritage of black French players. 

The midfielder had just won Copa America for his country, only to let himself down massively when he should have been in a  celebratory mood.

With a large contingent of black French players in Chelsea’s squad — Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi — the reaction was understandably incendiary.

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The Instagram post also carried a transphobic jibe at French superstar Kylian Mbappe and a reported relationship with transgender model Ines Rau.

Fernandez apologised profusely. Fofana and those affected by the bombshell video say they have accepted it and have moved on.

Club World Cup 2025 Guide

SOME of the world’s biggest clubs are in action at this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States!

Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.

The likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane are showcasing their skills to packed crowds across the US.

Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZN

INFO

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There certainly does not appear to be any disharmony over it within the Chelsea camp.

For that, those players in the dressing room who were so hurt by the rash actions of a team-mate deserve unreserved respect and admiration.

News of a “probe” being launched was posted on social media not long after Argentina had beaten Colombia 1-0 in the final yet there is still no  conclusion. 

Fifa says it is the responsibility of South America’s governing body Conmebol and SunSport has contacted them for an update — but is yet to receive a reply.

Fernandez made a donation to an anti-discrimination charity as well as saying sorry to his team-mates, say Chelsea.

And the club also claimed they would use the episode as an opportunity to “re-educate” their player.

At the last time of asking there was no clear detail available of what that actually entails. The club wants to keep it in-house.

And, in a remarkable show of defiance, new head coach Maresca backed his man by making him captain for the opening Premier League game of last season against Manchester City.

Fernandez appears to have put the whole thing behind him and is now a key figure in a team that is back in  the  Champions League.

But the silence around the investigation into a moment of madness that went worldwide within hours — and damaged the reputation of a fine player and an upstanding football club — is deafening.

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Bohemians drop to third as James Clarke saves draw against Sligo Rovers following Owen Elding wondergoal

JAMES CLARKE scored a last-gasp equaliser as Bohemians drew a game they should really have won but might have lost.

Trailing to Owen Elding’s sublime first-half strike, the Gypsies huffed and puffed for the whole second half, not finally finding a way past an inspired Sam Sargeant between the Sligo post until the fifth minute of added time

Sligo Rovers players celebrating a goal.
Owen Elding, left, put Sligo Rovers in front against Bohemians with a goal of the season contender
Seb Daly/Sportsfile
James Clarke of Bohemians celebrates scoring a goal.
James Clarke saved a draw late on
Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Dayle Rooney floated over Bohs’ tenth corner of the game with Clarke arriving to head to the net, adding to his goal in the Dublin Derby win over Shamrock Rovers last Monday.

Remarkably, Bohs might then have won it with the last kick of the game in the 100th minute when skipper Dawson Devoy shaved the crossbar from the edge of the area.

Bohemians slip to third place on goal difference behind Derry City.

Sligo are four points ahead of Cork City at the bottom of the table.

Full of confidence following Monday’s win over bitter rivals Rovers, Bohs began brightly, Niall Morahan bringing an easy save from Sargeant having worked a one-two on the right with Rooney inside two minutes.

With two wins from their last three games Sligo were not short on belief either and came to play.

Will Fitzgerald worked Kacper Chorazka with a dangerous cross scarcely a minute later.

Chorazka had a little more to do on seven minutes when getting down smartly to hold the ball at the second attempt from Had Hakiki’s header, with Elding having provided the clever delivery.

In an open game, the Gypsies’ Ross Tierney might have done better than head tamely wide after Clarke and Rooney had carved the opening down the right.

But Sligo quickly responded through Hakiki, who held off the challenge of Devoy to cut in from the left and bring another save from Chorazka.

If they were half-chances, the first real opening arrived on 15 minutes.

Collie Whelan’s delightful flick found the run of Tierney, who outmuscled Ollie Denham but blazed high and wide with only Sargeant to beat.

And the openings kept coming.

Devoy found Whelan in space, but he too drilled wide when he should have hit the target.

Jordan Flores got forward from centre-back to volley wide from distance while Adam McDonnell brought a fine save from Sargeant as the game somehow remained scoreless.

That changed on 28 minutes when the home crowd were stunned into silent admiration as Sligo took the lead against the run of play with a cracking goal.

The ball was worked out from the back by Reece Hutchinson and Daire Patton, on his full debut.

Elding picked it up on the halfway line.

The 19-year-old skipped confidently forward unchallenged before the talented teen put the laces of his left boot through the ball to find the roof of Chorazka’s net from some 30 yards.

The brilliant strike mirrored one Elding scored against Shelbourne last month as he registered his eighth goal of the campaign.

GOAL SEARCH

A terrific save from Sargeant ten minutes later ensured Sligo took their lead into the break.

The keeper parried a drive from John Mountney after Rooney’s deep cross found him at the far post.

Clearly unhappy with what he saw in the first half, Bohemians boss Alan Reynolds replaced Mountney and McDonnell with Liam Smith and Keith Buckley ahead of the resumption.

The hosts had more energy as they chased the game, with Devoy and Rooney trying their luck from distance early on.

Sargeant’s safe hands would deny Devoy while Rooney put a free-kick over the top before Bohs thought they had levelled on 81 minutes.

Rhys Brennan chipped a ball in from the left which was met by fellow sub Smith, whose downward header came back off a post.

Sargeant saved from Brennan before home frustration was finally eased with Clarke’s late leveller.

SUN STAR MAN

Sam Sargeant (Sligo Rovers)

BOHEMIANS: Chorazka 7; Morahan 6 (Strods 85, 6), Cornwall 7 (Kavanagh 90+1, 6), Flores 7, Mountney 6 (Smith h-t, 6); Devoy 6; Rooney 7, McDonnell 6 (Buckley h-t, 6), Clarke 7, Tierney 6; Whelan 6 (Brennan 60, 6).

SLIGO ROVERS: Sargeant 8; McDonagh 7, Denham 6 (Wolfe 61, 6), Reynolds 7 (Mallon 86, 6), Hutchison 7; Patton 7 (Van Hattum 86, 6), Doyle-Hayes 7; Elding 8, Hakiki 7, Fitzgerald 7; Waweru 6 (Lomboto 68, 6).

REFEREE: D Toland (Athlone) 6.

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