“I want to say a heartfelt thanks and to the incredible teams I have worked with and to my family, friends and fans for the love and support they have shown me.”
Early in his 17-year professional career, Khan won silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He was just 17 years old.
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His Olympic success attracted more funding for boxing and paved the way for the likes of Anthony Joshua and Nicola Adams.
Featured image: Twitter, Amir Khan
Sport
The cause of the fire at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium has been confirmed
Danny Jones
The cause of the fire at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium earlier this week has now been revealed.
Man City‘s European fixture against Club Brugge was at risk of being postponed on Wednesday night after a stand inside a merch kiosk set alight whilst fans were still waiting outside the ground.
Footage of the small fire which soon turned into a significant blaze was shared countless times across social media almost immediately, naturally causing plenty of concern for supporters and the club alike.
The incident also saw people speculating as to what sparked it and now a couple of days after the fact, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has confirmed the cause of the fire.
Although many were all too quick to blame the travelling opposition fans, with some even suggesting that supporters from a rival club had intentionally set the fire, arson has been ruled out by GMFRS.
Issuing an official statement to media outlets, the emergency service said: “At around 6pm on Wednesday 29 January, two fire engines from Blackley and Phillips Park fire stations were called to an incident involving a fire and a merchandise unit at the Etihad Stadium, Rowsley Street.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used two hose reels to extinguish the fire which was caused by some clothing accidentally falling onto an electric heater. Crews left the scene after approximately 75 minutes.”
Fortunately, the area was sufficiently cleared as soon as the fire was detected and no one was harmed during the incident.
The aftermath of the fire outside the Etihad Stadium tonight.
The fire also wasn’t severe enough to delay the start of the game either, with the Blues going on to notch a crucial 3-1 win to make it into the Champions League playoff.
City will now face either 15-time UCL victors Real Madrid or Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich – who also have half a dozen to their name – in the next round.
Whether they or not they make it past that point into the remainder of the knockout phase, we’ll have to wait and see but the quadruple-winners look to be regaining their form.
If you still have watched the game back, you can find the highlights from the game down below:
The Etihad fire didn’t cause any problems on the pitch – Pep Guardiola’s side looked to get back on track in the second half.
Featured Images — Harry Newton (supplied)/The Manc Group
Sport
Ex-England stars Jill Scott and Gary Lineker receive 2025 Legends of Football Awards
Danny Jones
Former England stars Jill Scott and Gary Lineker have been selected as the recipients of this year’s Legend of Football Awards.
The retired footballers turned pundits and presenters have 241 international caps and a combined 34 years of senior playing days between them, not to mention countless appearances at club level throughout their respective careers.
Confirmed on Thursday, 30 January, the pair joined the ranks of Pele, Wayne Rooney, the late Dennis Law; David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson, BBC colleague Alan Shearer and several other iconic names to have been chosen in the past.
The MBE and OBE duo will receive their awards at a special ceremony at the JW Marriot Grosvenor House in London this Fall.
Our annual charity fundraising night is hosted in aid of @nordoffrobbins – it has raised a staggering £8.5 million to date.
The Legends of Football Awards ceremony has been every year since it was founded back in 1996, with some of the biggest characters in English, European and world football having received the recognition over the years.
On the announcement of her award, Manchester City and Lionesses legend Jill Scott said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive the 2025 Legends of Football award.
“It’s truly an honour to follow in the footsteps of my former international teammates, Fara Williams and Ellen White, who have also been recognised in recent years.
“The incredible work Nordoff and Robbins do cannot be overstated”, says the Women’s Euro 2022 winner. “Seeing the charity’s incredible impact through its use of music therapy to transform the lives of people with life-limiting conditions has been inspiring.
“I’m really looking forward to the evening and excited to raise money for Nordoff and Robbins.”
As for ex-Spurs, Everton, Leicester and Barcelona star, Lineker, the 64-year-old added: “This acknowledgement is an honour and would not be possible without the support of my former managers and teammates.
“I’m thrilled to be part of an incredible evening that celebrates football and music, all in support of Nordoff and Robbins. Their work is vital in transforming lives through the power of music. Music therapy offers an extraordinary means of helping individuals express themselves and connect with others.”
Described by Sir Alex Ferguson as “the best night in the football social calendar”, the Legends of Football event is an annual charity fundraising night, supported by the Premier League, in aid of music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins.
Also the hosts and lead sponsor of the Northern Music Awards, the organisation champions music therapy charity that uses music as a key tool for those diagnosed with disabilities, living with illness or dealing with trauma, aiding expression and communication with others.
Up to now, the annual event has raised over a staggering £8.5 million to date since John Charles CBE was made the first recipient in its inaugural year. Incredible stuff.
Daisy Jackson -
13th May 2022 
