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      Ex-Championship striker facing jail time after raping woman he met on night out while she slept in Airbnb

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      A FORMER Championship striker is facing jail after he was convicted of raping a drunk woman in her bed while she slept at an Airbnb.Oluwasanmi Odelusi, known as Sanmi, retired from the game in 2020 due to injury after playing for clubs including Bolton Wanderers, MK Dons and Coventry City.Former pro-footballer Sanmi Odelusi is facing jail after being convicted of rapeCredit: LinkedinSanmi Odelusi in action for Wigan Athletic back in 2015Credit: GettyThe former pro, 31, announced the retirement to his 11,000 followers on Instagram and now helps youngsters get into the sport and is a “devout Christian” and church usher.Prosecuting, Charles Evans said the victim, then 27, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was visiting London from the USA with two female friends.The woman had come with her pal for a week to celebrate Thanksgiving in November 2021 when she was raped, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard. Mr Evans said: “They stayed in an Airbnb flat with three bedrooms in Shoreditch, east London, and on the evening of Friday November 26 decided to go clubbing.Read More in Football”The complainant had a friend in London she wanted to meet so they all went to Reign nightclub in Piccadilly.”Mr Evans said the victim and her friends were drinking quite heavily.He said: “The complainant couldn’t remember how many shots of tequila she had but says that she did have quite a few.”They then went to the club in Piccadilly, arriving there some time after midnight. More alcohol was consumed and the complainant was feeling drunk but not to the point of blacking out.”Most read in FootballInside the club one of the victim’s friends kissed Ryan Sellers, a footballer friend of Odelusi’s and when it was time to leave the club, the two men were invited back to the Airbnb with the three women, arriving there at 4am or 5am.The victim said her memory “let her down a little” due to the alcohol and she did “not recall much of the taxi ride home,” but she could clearly remember the subsequent rape.Mr Sellers went into one of the girl’s rooms and Odelusi first went into the victim’s, but she explained she was not interested, and he was, instead, welcomed into her other friend’s bed, the court heard.Odelusi had consensual sex with the friend, but after a while she asked him to stop, which he did, the court heard.He then went into the victim’s room and raped her at about 6am, the court heard.She awoke and realised someone was having sex with her, but she was unable to speak.Odelusi then returned to the friend’s room, while the victim went back to sleep, the court heard.HORROR ATTACKOdelusi and Mr Sellers later then left the flat, the court heard.Mr Evans said the victim awoke at 11am and felt confused.She only told another female friend about the rape, when she met her in Stratford, later the same day, the court was told.The friend urged her to report it to police, but she was scared she might not be able to identify her attacker, even though she knew he was black, Mr Evans said.At about 12:50am on November 28 police received a call from friends of the complainant, to report the offence, as she was too upset.The three women were due to leave the country later that day.One of her friends had a video interview with police before they left, but the victim later was interviewed by Met Police officers who travelled to Beverly Hills police station.The interview was video recorded on April 19 2022.The CPS used a new system in the trial whereby the video of the victim’s interview was played and the witness did not have to give live evidence.Odelusi was identified from CCTV at the club and from a photograph one of the girls had taken on the night.DNA MATCHOdelusi was invited to attend a voluntary on November 29, and made no comment. His DNA was later matched to semen traces.Mr Evans said: “A sleeping person cannot give consent. It is that simple.”It is not the Crown’s case that the complainant was toointoxicated to consent, but it is the Crown’s case that her intoxication certainly contributed to the circumstances whereby the defendant was able to rape the sleeping complainant.”Odelusi, vehemently denied this, and insisted she was awake and had consented before anything happened.Defending Claire Cooper, told the court the victim had shown interest in Odelusi in the taxi and had shown him her Instagram account and he complimented her pictures, but they “did not add each other.”She said: “He was shocked and surprised when he was asked to attend the police station. “He cooperated with the police. He was not been proud of himself after sleeping with both women, but his actions were not of someone who was guilty of rape.”She said the sex had been consensual with both women and he had initially stayed at the flat after both encounters.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe jury found him guilty by a ten to two majority verdict. Odelusi was released on conditional bail ahead of sentence in May.Sanmi Odelusi of Blackpool back in 2017Credit: Getty More

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      ‘Mateta is not the answer for Man Utd’ – Pundit explains why transfer move for Palace striker would be a mistake

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been warned not to try and sign Jean-Phillipe Mateta despite their ongoing striker issues.SunSport exclusively revealed this week that Man Utd are monitoring the Crystal Palace striker and could move to sign the 27-year-old in the summer.Jean-Philippe Mateta is being monitored by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are both struggling for goals at the momentCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is searching for solutions up top with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund currently firing blanks for the Old Trafford outfit.Zirkzee has scored just two goals in his last 17 appearances, while Hojlund hasn’t found the back of the net in his last 18 games. But despite Mateta scoring seven in his last 10, former Premier League striker Troy Deeney doesn’t reckon he’s the right man for United.Speaking to talkSPORT, Deeney said: “No [he’s not the answer for Man Utd], because he’s not the answer for Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So why is he going to be the answer for Manchester United?”Mateta struggled when he first signed for the Eagles in 2022, managing just 13 goals in his first 83 appearances.But has been a man transformed since the arrival of boss Oliver Glasner last season, scoring 28 goals in 46 games.Probed on why he thought Mateta wouldn’t be the right man for the job at the Red Devils, Deeney added: “I think Jean is a very good player, by the way.Most read in FootballTroy Deeney doesn’t think Mateta is the right signing for Man UtdCredit: APCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But he’s a very good player at Crystal Palace. I was a very good player at Watford. Going to the levels of these big clubs is completely different.”The only thing that plays into his favour is they kind of play a similar formation with Palace at the moment, where he’s the lead one through the middle.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd must make more of opportunities after draw with Real Sociedad “But I would argue that Palace’s No. 10s are better than what Manchester United have got currently.”So I think he’s going through a good vein of form because Palace are in a good moment. No-one was saying they should have signed him in pre-season.”Deeney, who scored 47 Premier League goals for Watford, went on to explain that he still thinks United need to bring in a centre-forward, suggesting it could help improve the talent that is already there.He added: “You bring in someone to improve them. I think Zirkzee is more of a ten, more than a striker. “At Bologna, he was a ten and on the left. People try and force him into the position.”I think you go and get a proper No.9 and you allow Hojlund to learn off that No.9. Maybe someone that’s five, six years older.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a player there in Hojlund. I still think the same with Darwin Nunez. They’re both great team players that run around and do all the good stuff, they just don’t score.”I think they need to work on that and be a bit more selfish as opposed to team-oriented, then they’ll get the goals.”Ruben Amorim is trying to find a source of goals for his teamCredit: Alamy More

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      Stuart Pearce health update after England legend fell ill on LA flight forcing it to make emergency landing

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      LEGENDARY former footballer Stuart Pearce is in good spirits while he recovers from a recent health scare.The England icon and former gaffer fell ill during a flight from Las Vegas to London Heathrow on Monday.Stuart Pearce is reportedly in good spirits after he suffered a medical emergency on a plane at 30,000ftCredit: The SunTalksport’s chief football commentator Sam Matterface today provided an update on the charismatic hardman’s condition.“I spoke to him yesterday, he was in great spirits,” Matterface said.“He isn’t 100 per cent – that is definitely the case.“But he’s in the right place in the hospital. They’re dealing with it.read more in football“He’s a little bit disappointed about not being here today. He actually said to me, ‘I’ve got so much I’ve had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can’t go!’Stuart’s flight had to be diverted to St John’s in Canada where he was rushed to a nearby hospital after falling ill.Virgin Atlantic crew had hooked up the Three Lions hero and talkSPORT pundit, 62, to a monitor 10,000 feet as shocked passengers looked on.The 62-year-old had jetted into Vegas to watch his beloved Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors.Most read in FootballA source previously said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort.“It was very clear the situation was serious.“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous.“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”The remaining 225 passengers were later flown to Heathrow, arriving at 6.15pm on Monday — six hours later than scheduled. More

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      SPFL side launch probe and apologise after ‘unfavourable content’ featuring Only Fans star shared on club’s X account

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      IT’S set to be another busy day in Scottish football, with action in the second, third and fourth tier and a Scottish Cup quarter-final too.But the social media admin of one SPFL club clearly had something other than the football on his mind earlier today. An SPFL account has apologised and launched a probe into ‘unfavourable’ content posted on its X accountCredit: RexThe club also hit out at some of the negative reaction towards members of their media teamCredit: Kenny RamsayThe official account of League Two side Clyde on X were caught reposting a picture from an Only Fans starThe official account of League Two outfit Clyde on X, formerly Twitter, was seen reposting content from an adult star on Saturday morning. The post was quickly removed from the Clyde account, and the club later produced a statement on the incident.It said: “We’re aware of some unfavourable content that was shared on the club’s X account early this morning. “Needless to say, this content does not reflect the views of the club.”A full investigation is currently underway into the source of this activity.”We also strongly condemn the personal abuse that has been aimed at members of the media team this morning, in particular, those without access to the club’s X account.”The adult star in question was Only Fans creator Sophie Rain, who had posted a suggestive photo and caption. And the Clyde account’s action didn’t go unnoticed by one of their rivals, as fellow fourth tier team Peterhead posted a screenshot of the unusual post.Most read in FootballThe Peterhead account said: “Someone’s admin has clearly run out of their Valentine’s love.”Clyde are in League Two action at 3pm as they host league leaders East Fife. Kris Boyd on the Rangers player who is ‘miles off it’ and should be droppedMeanwhile, Scottish Championship promotion hopefuls Falkirk have delivered a huge vote of confidence to their management team. The League One champions last term are on track for back-to-back promotions as they lead the second tier’s title race by three points over Scott Brown’s Ayr United. And the Bairns have decided to reward their management team for their good work. That’s as they have handed boss John McGlynn and assistant Paul Smith bumper contract renewals until 2029.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Nottingham Forest and Man City fans pay emotional tribute to Stuart Pearce after England legend’s health scare on flight

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST and Man City fans sent an emotional message of support to Stuart Pearce after the England great’s health scare.The Sun revealed on Friday that Pearce had suffered a medical emergency onboard a trans-Atlantic flight, forcing it to make an emergency landing in Canada.Stuart Pearce suffered a health scare onboard a trans-Atlantic flightCredit: GettyFans paid tribute to the legend of the game on the third minuteCredit: GettyFans applauded their former starCredit: TNT SPORTSFans held up a banner in support of their heroCredit: AFP or licensorsDuring Saturday’s lunchtime kick off between Forest and City – two of Pearce’s former clubs – supporters stood for a round of applause in the third minute.’Get well Stuart’ was displayed on the big screen at the City Ground, and the TNT Sports commentators also paid tribute to the legendary defender.Fans in the stands also displayed a banner showing support for the hero.Pearce, 62, wore the number three for many of his former clubs and when playing for the Three Lions too.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe icon of the English game played some 460 times for Forest, winning to League Cups with the club.While he also managed the historic club for 32 games between 2014 and 2015.It was Manchester City where he ended his incredible career, playing just one season with the Cityzens and making 43 appearances.He then took charge City in his first ever managerial role, seeing the club through 97 games between 2005 and 2007.Most read in FootballStuart Pearce spent most of his career as a Nottingham Forest playerCredit: GettyHe played out his final season as a pro with Manchester CityCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdForests official X account also tweeted “Psycho” with a love heart on the third minute, a tribute to Pearce’s nickname during his playing days.Pearce, who represented England 78 times, was taken to hospital after his mid-air scare and is now recovering. Tony Cascarino & Stuart Pearce recall hilarious memories during Irish Sun’s Goals Live eventStaff on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner checked him constantly and decided to change course to land at St John’s in Canada early on Monday.Medics rushed on board and took the former Nottingham Forest defender to hospital.He and his partner had been in the economy section of Flight VS156 that left the US at 8.45pm last Sunday.A source said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort.“It was very clear the situation was serious. The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous.“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said last night: “Due to an unwell customer on board, the VS156 on March 2 flying from Las Vegas to London Heathrow diverted to St John’s International Airport, Canada, and was met by the medical services.“The safety and well-being of our customers and crew is always our number one priority and we apologise for the delay to our customers’ journey.” More

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      Sidemen Charity Match 2025 player numbers: Who is wearing what shirt number for Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars clash?

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      THE Sidemen group are expected to fill out Wembley TODAY as they take on a host of YouTube’s biggest names. It’s the sixth edition of the charity match, with the the Sidemen having visited many stadiums around England – in West Ham’s London Stadium last time out. KSI has played in all Sidemen charity matchesCredit: PAYouTube sensation, Speed, has chosen the number of his football idolCredit: PA WireIt’s expected that the national stadium’s 90,000 capacity will be packed out, with tickets selling out in just THREE HOURS. The Sidemen are taking on the YouTube Allstars, and currently hold a 4-1 record in five matches, ranging back to 2016.SIDEMEN CHARITY MATCH LIVE – LATEST UPDATES Ahead of the game, the shirt numbers were released with some big names donning some top numbers. READ MORE IN SIDEMENHere are the shirt numbers for both sides: Sidemen 0 – JME 1 – Logan Paul4 – Zerkaa 7 – Miniminter8 – George Clarkey 9 – Joe Weller 11 – Callux 12 – XQC 14 – Lazarbream 17 – Randolph 19 – KSI 21 – TBJZL 24 – Mark Rober 25 – Behzinga 27 – Manny 77 – Wroetoshaw 99 – Jasontheween123 – VikkstarYouTube Allstars 1 – Sketch 2 – Willne3 – Kai Cenat 5 – Max Fosh7 – Speed 10 – ChrisMD13 – AngryGinge 14 – Theo Baker 17 – CarryMinati21 – Chunkz22 – Fanum25 – Lachlan 27 – Danny Aarons66 – Stable Ronaldo67 – Jynxzi69 – Niko999 – Deji 23 – Mr Beast More

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      Sidemen Charity Match 2025 EXACT time – what time is huge game kicking off today?

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      YOUTUBE group the Sidemen will take on YouTube Allstars in a HUGE charity match at Wembley Stadium.The game has been a proven hit in the past, taking the game from Southampton, Charlton and the London Stadium to Wembley.The Sidemen are some of the most famous people in the UKCredit: Anthony Stanley/WENNIShowSpeed played at the charity match in 2023Credit: Kieran Cleeves/PA WireYouTube Allstars have only one win against Sidemen FC, back in 2017, but the games are usually high scoring, entertaining matches.The YouTube group puts on the event to raise money for charity.SIDEMEN CHARITY MATCH LIVE – LATEST UPDATES What times does the Sidemen Charity Match kick-off?Sidemen FC will take on the YouTube Allstars at 3pm GMT on Saturday, March 8.Read more FootballHow to watch Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars?The big match is live on the Sidemen YouTube channel, as it has been in previous years.Coverage on the Sidemen’s YouTube channel begins at 2.10pm.The match will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.Who is playing in the Sidemen Charity Match?Sidemen FC:Olajide Olatunji aka KSISimon Minter aka MiniminterTobi Brown aka TBJZLJoshua Bradley aka ZerkaaHarry Lewis aka W2SVikram Barn aka VikkstarEthan Payne aka BehzingaJMELogan PaulGeorge ClarkeyJoe WellerCalluxXQCLazarbeamRandolphMark RoberMannyJasontheweenManager: CalfreezyYouTube AllstarsMost read in FootballSketchWillNEKai CenatMax FoshIShowSpeedChrisMDAngryGingeTheo BakerCarryminatiChunkzFanum3LachlanDanny AaronsStable RonaldoJynxziNiko OmilanaDejiMr BeastManager: TheBurntChipAre there still tickets available for the Sidemen Charity Match?In short, no, tickets are now officially sold out on the Sidemen FC website.Despite upgrading to the 90,000 seater stadium, the YouTube sensations had no problem selling out the match. More

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      ‘Bro you don’t look like me, you’re very ugly’ – Cristiano Ronaldo takes issue with lookalike fan at Al-Nassr match

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO sensationally called a lookalike an “ugly” version of himself.A CR7 doppelganger captured the eyes of Al-Nassr fans ahead of their Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Shabab on Friday night.A Cristiano Ronaldo lookalike was in attendance for Al-Nassr’s clash with Al-ShababRonaldo, 40, was quick to tell the man that he doesn’t look like himThe five-time Ballon d’Or winner jokingly called his doppelganger fan “ugly”The unidentified man played up his resemblance to the footie icon by styling his hair the same way and wearing a Portugal top.He soon came to the attention of Ronaldo, who took time out of his warm-up to speak to him.The 40-year-old said: “Bro, you don’t look like me. You don’t look like me.”And as he retreated to continue warming up, he jokingly said: “You are very ugly.”READ MORE SPORTS NEWSFootage of the incident went viral, and footie fans around the world couldn’t help but comment.One said: “Ronaldo is funny, man.”Another said: ” Does that mean Ronaldo called himself ugly?”And another said: “Ronaldo keeping it real.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOne remarked: “I guess when you’re the GOAT, even the jokes are on another level! At least the fan got a story to tell for life!”Another chimed in: “I love his sense of humor hehe. Bro made his day…smiling, shining.”Cristiano Ronaldo explodes in fit of fury after £64million signing Jhon Duran gets sent off for SLAPPING rivalAl Nassr were on course to run out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Ayman Yahya and Ronaldo, the latter of whom has now found the back of the net 26 times this campaign.But Mohammed Al Shwirekh made sure the spoils were shared with a 67th-minute equaliser.Ronado and his Al-Nassr team-mates will be back in action on Monday night, hosting Esteghal FC in the second-leg of their AFC Champions League last 16 tie. More