Sport shorts: Ben Stokes hits out at The Sun’s ‘disgusting’ front page story and the Champions League returns

1. Stokes: The Sun story is ‘utterly disgusting’

England cricket star Ben Stokes has issued a statement in response to The Sun’s front page story today.

The tabloid reports that Stokes’s family have been living with a “secret tragedy” after his half-brother and sister were shot dead by his mother’s jealous ex, three years before his birth.

In a statement on Twitter World Cup hero Stokes said: “Today The Sun has seen fit to publish extremely painful, sensitive and personal details about events in the private lives of my family going back 31 years. 

“It is hard to find words that adequately describe such low and despicable behaviour, disguised as journalism. 

“I cannot conceive of anything more immoral, heartless or contemptuous to the feelings and circumstances of my family.

“To use my name as an excuse to shatter the privacy and private lives of – in particular – my parents, is utterly disgusting. 

“I am aware that my public profile brings with it consequences for me that I accept entirely. But I will not allow my public profile to be used as an excuse to invade the rights of my parents, my wife, my children or other family members. They are entitled to a private life of their own.”

2. Champions League returns 

The 2019-20 Uefa Champions League season starts tonight with matchday one of the group stage. Defending champions Liverpool start their campaign with a trip to Italy to face Napoli – a fixture the Reds lost last season.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard makes his European debut as a manager with Chelsea hosting Valencia at Stamford Bridge. 

2019-20 Champions League: matchday one fixtures and TV guide 

Today’s back pages: Jurgen Klopp’s Champions League war cry

3. Neymar’s ban reduced

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has had his European football ban reduced from three matches to two.

The Brazilian, who was charged for insulting match officials, will miss PSG’s Champions League games against Real Madrid and Galatasaray but will be free to play against Club Bruges on 22 October. 

4. Grealish plays down Villa spat

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish says last night’s clash between team-mates Anwar El Ghazi and Tyrone Mings was “put to bed at half-time”.

The duo went head-to-head in Villa’s 0-0 draw with West Ham and Grealish said: “As soon as we got in at half-time, it was put to bed and they shook hands. We said that can’t be happening on the pitch and said as soon as we left the dressing room, everyone had to be together.”

5. Vaughan has say on Anderson and Broad future

Former England captain Michael Vaughan does not believe bowlers James Anderson, 38, and Stuart Broad, 33, should play together for England in the future.

Vaughan told the BBC: “I don’t think it is right both of them play now. It might be that Broad plays one series and Anderson plays one series. 

“They are not going to like it, but they are at that stage of their careers where England are going to have to manage the combination very smartly.”

6. Big deal for United No.1 De Gea

Manchester United’s David De Gea has become the world’s highest-paid goalkeeper after signing a new contract worth between £350,000 and £375,000 per week. The deal runs until 2023 and there is an option for a further year. The Spaniard said: “It has been a privilege to spend eight years at this great club and the opportunity to continue my career at Manchester United is a genuine honour.”

7. England to host new netball event

The inaugural Netball Nations Cup will be held in the English cities of London, Birmingham and Nottingham from 19-26 January 2020. The tournament will feature host nation England, Jamaica, South Africa and world champions New Zealand.

8. Injury blows for NFL quarterbacks

NFL team the Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed that star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will miss the rest of the season because of an elbow injury. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints could be without Drew Brees for six weeks.

9. Konta won’t feature in Asia or WTA finals

British No.1 Johanna Konta will not be able to qualify for the season-ending WTA Championships after withdrawing from the China Open in Beijing because of knee pain. The BBC reports that the 28-year-old will also miss the Wuhan Open in China. 

10. Wolff and Hamilton discussed Formula E 

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that Lewis Hamilton would one day be “open” to driving in Formula E, but for now the five-time world champion is fully focused on Formula 1. 

The Silver Arrows have recently launched a Formula E team and Wolff said: “Lewis follows a lot of motorsports and we have certainly already talked about Formula E. 

“Lewis is a versatile driver who really has an eye for that sport. If the popularity for Formula E will increase, then he really is someone who is open to it. But now his focus is still on Formula 1.” 

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