SNOOKER star Mark Allen has threatened to BOYCOTT the German Masters in a fiery social media rant.

The Northern Irishman, who clinched the 2018 title in Berlin, is not a fan of the Tempodrom venue.

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Mark Allen has threatened to boycott the German Masters[/caption]

Allen criticised the format and admitted he “hates the event” following his second-round defeat to Wu Yize.

The 38-year-old even went as far to suggest he might skip the German Masters altogether unless significant changes are made.

He vented on X: “Not to be in this years German Masters. Well done to Wu. 

“Anyone who sees me back at this event under current conditions has permission to tell me off. Thanks in advance.”

Allen’s frustrations revolve around the tournament’s early set-up, where multiple tables surround the main TV table.

He famously declared in 2018: “So (my) hate/hate affair with the German Masters continues.

“Seriously hate the event. So distracting for all players who aren’t on table one.

“Will not be back until set-up changes. Such a shame by the way about Germany as it has the potential to be amazing.”

Allen had cruised to a 5-0 victory over David Lilley in the first round this week, before losing 5-4 to Wu.

He has skipped tournaments in favour of honing his skills for the World Championship in Sheffield this May.

The Pistol has won 11 ranking titles throughout his career.

HUNDREDS of mourners have attended the funeral of Belfast man John George, who was murdered in Spain.

The father-of-two’s coffin was carried from the family home in the Lagmore area of west Belfast early on Saturday morning and taken onward for a service at nearby St Luke’s Church in Twinbrook.

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2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved

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A crowd of mourners walked behind the cortege as it made its way along Lagmore Avenue as music played on a portable loudspeaker.

Mr George’s father Billy, his brother Darren and grandfather Joseph Hardy were among those who carried the coffin.

During the subsequent funeral service, parish priest at St Luke’s Fr Brian McCann told mourners that their attendance was a source of great comfort for the family.

He praised the community for the “practical, emotional and spiritual support” they had offered to Mr George’s loved ones in the weeks since he went missing.

He said: “Maybe one resolution we can make as we gather here today is to continue to pray each day for John’s family.”

Mr George, 37, also known as John Hardy, had been on holiday in Alicante when he was reported missing in December.

He was last in touch with his family on December 14 and was reported missing four days later after he failed to board his flight home to Northern Ireland.

His parents Billy and Sharon, brother Darren, and sisters Courtney and Caitlin, along with up to 50 friends and wider family from Northern Ireland, travelled to Spain where they were involved in the search operation.

Throughout the search, his father said his focus was on getting his son’s body home so the family could give him a Christian burial.

Mr George’s body was discovered on January 7. The family said the results of a post-mortem examination from the Spanish authorities revealed he was stabbed and shot.

His body was returned to Northern Ireland last month.

Members of the volunteer K9 canine search and rescue team who travelled to Spain to assist with efforts to find Mr George attended Saturday’s funeral.

A funeral notice for Mr George ahead of the funeral paid tribute to the father of two.

It said: “John will be missed by his heartbroken sons, parents, brother, sisters, partner and all those who knew and loved him.”

After the service, Mr George’s remains were taken onward to Blaris Cemetery in Lisburn for burial.

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KATIE McCABE paid tribute to Julie-Ann Russell following her retirement from football.

The Galway United star, 33, hung up the boots on Friday after a career that included 66 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The scored seven goals in that time, including three in 2024 after a four-year hiatus from football.

On Instagram, Ireland captain Katie McCabe paid tribute to her now former teammate, calling her “one of a kind”.

Alongside a photo of them playing against one another during their time in the Women‘s National League, she said: “It’s been a pleasure to play against you…”

And posting a pic of them playing with each other for the Girls in Green, the Arsenal star added: “…but even more special to learn from you, share the pitch with you and celebrate all special moments together”.

She continued: “Couldn’t have been happier you came back to us and brought baby Rosie with you

“Enjoy your retirement my friend we will miss you (& Kieran)”

Moycullen-native Russell enjoyed spells in the United States of America, England, and Australia during her storybook career.

It was Down Under that her four-year hiatus began during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Off the field, she gave birth to her daughter Rosie, who became a fixture of the Irish fold when Russell made her return last year.

What followed was three goals against England, France, and Georgia as she ended her tenure with seven goals in 66 caps.

Russell was twice named SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Player of the Year, in 2014 and 2024, while she was named in the Team of the Season three times.

She won a league title with Peamount United in 2012 and ended her career back at her home club of Galway United.

Announcing her retirement, Russell said: “After 24 incredible years, the time has come to step away from football.

“The game has been a central part of my life, providing unforgettable memories and opportunities that I will never forget.

“There are so many people who have had such a positive influence on my career – family, teammates, coaches, managers, volunteers and fans.

“It would be impossible to name everyone, but please know that I sincerely appreciate everything you’ve done to help me live my dream.

“While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, I’m excited for the next chapter and will forever cherish the memories football has given me.”

She is the third experienced Ireland star to announce her retirement, preceded by Diane Caldwell and Niamh Fahey.

FORMULA ONE star Valtteri Bottas is set to be banned from releasing nude photos.

The 35-year-old has re-joined Mercedes ahead of the new season as a reserve driver.

@valtteribottas

The Mercedes reserve driver is no stranger to stripping off[/caption]

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Bottas’ calendar was called ‘Botass 2024’[/caption]

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Toto Wolff wants to keep him ‘authentic’[/caption]

Bottas is no stranger to stripping off, having shown off his bum in ‘cracking’ Netflix documentary Drive to Survive and he has posted snaps of himself swimming naked in a river online.

The Finnish icon also released a nude calendar last year, hilariously titling it “Botass 2024”.

All cash made was donated to Prostate Cancer Research and he reportedly raised £121,000 for the good cause.

But Bottas now needs to keep his kit on as Mercedes chief Toto Wolff suggested it is time for him to reign it in.

He told R365: “We are Mercedes, so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore.

“So we have said that, but we need to keep him authentic.”

Wolff added with a smile: “If he wants to keep the ugly mullet, then he should.”

Bottas’ Mercedes return is a homecoming for the veteran, who twice came second in the standings to team-mate Lewis Hamilton in 2019 and 2020.

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He has spent the last three seasons with Alfa Romeo and Sauber respectively, going from wearing nothing to scoring nothing across the whole of last term.

George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are on the grid for Mercedes.

The Italian is set to debut at the Australian Grand Prix and become the third-youngest driver in Formula One history at 18 years and 203 days old

A GROUP of car experts have revealed some of the UK’s most powerful police patrol cars that are putting the brakes on crime.

Vehicle lease firm Select Car Leasing recently sent a Freedom of Information request to all forces across the UK to uncover the most potent vehicles in police fleets.

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Volvo XC90[/caption]

Select Car Leasing

Tesla Model 3 Performance[/caption]

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BMW 3 Series M340i[/caption]

The data generally relates to marked police cars, with the details and power figures of covert or armed response vehicles naturally a closely-guarded secret.

Not all forces were able to respond to the request, but Select Car Leasing can reveal some of the cars being deployed by the boys in blue are pretty formidable – from performance saloons and hot estates to rapid EVs.

One of the most imposing is the Volvo XC90, an all-wheel drive SUV with 380 bhp and a top speed of 140 mph.

According to Select Car Leasing’s figures, it can clock 0-62 mph in roughly 5.4 seconds, and is used by multiple police forces, including Cleveland Police, Dyfed-Powys Police, Essex Police, Merseyside Police, Northumbria Police and West Mercia Police.

Select Car Leasing said: “The Volvo XC90 is a big, imposing SUV with generous amounts of power.

“Most forces deploy the powerful mild-hybrid ‘B6’ engine, recently withdrawn by Volvo, while others boast the more powerful ‘T8’ plug-in hybrid first registered in 2020.”

From a gas-guzzling giant to an eco-friendly speed demon, South Wales Police have been spotted recently using a Tesla Model 3 Performance.

The high-powered EV, which is priced in the UK from £59,000, produces a frightening 480 bhp and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.

Select Car Leasing added: “It’s good to see some police forces embracing electrification, and the Tesla Model 3 is potent indeed.

“Though not confirmed, we suspect this is a ‘Performance’ model, capable of leaving some supercars in its wake.

“South Wales Police has a pair of Model 3s on its fleet following a national trial of Tesla Model 3 Performance cars that began in 2022.”

The slightly more conventional BMW 3 Series M340i is certainly no slouch, with 374 bhp and the acceleration of 0-62 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

For civilians, the M340i is a brilliant blend of luxury and performance – making it the perfect daily, especially the Touring estate version.

Forces in Wiltshire and the Derbyshire Constabulary utilise the speedy Beemer, while Select Car Leasing said: “The 3 Series M340i sits just one rung down from the fully-fledged BMW M3 Competition, and it’s an impressive bit of kit.

“Most forces have opted for the ‘Touring’ estate model for maximum practicality.”

Considered a more “unusual choice for a police car” is the Cupra Leon Estate, another seriously stylish German-built estate with plenty of oomph under the bonnet.

Boasting 305 bhp of power, it can manage 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds, and is used by West Yorkshire Police – who opt for the all-wheel drive iteration.

It’s noted by Select Car Leasing for its “aggressive exterior styling and road presence”.

While not as fast as the others mentioned above, the BMW X5, used by the likes of the North Yorkshire Police, comes with 295 bhp and can hit 62 mph in 6.1 seconds.

Select says: “While not an outright performance model, the BMW X5 is a familiar sight as a police car on UK roads.

“North Yorkshire Police has two models on its fleet, registered in 2021. They’re no-doubt perfect for coping with the potholed rural roads of the region.”

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, added: “If you’re a criminal looking for a quick getaway, this list is sure to make you think twice.

“South Wales Police’s fleet, for example, features an electric, all-wheel drive 480 bhp Tesla Model 3 Performance, capable of break-neck acceleration.

“Meanwhile several forces can also rely on blisteringly-quick BMWs, including the 374 bhp BMW 3 Series M340i, which can hit 62 mph from a standing start in 4.4 seconds.”

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Cupra Leon Estate[/caption]

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BMW X5[/caption]

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