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      Chelsea star tells court ‘I feared for my life’ before she branded cop ‘f****** stupid & white’ after drunken taxi row

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr today told a court “I feared for life” in a drunken taxi row before she branded a cop “f***ing stupid and white”.The 31-year-old was out with her partner – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – when one was sick in the cab and the other smashed a window, it was said.Sam Kerr is giving evidence todayCredit: Gettyhurled racial abuse at a police officerCredit: Central NewsShe was out with her fiance – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – at the timeCredit: Central NewsAfter allegedly refusing to pay a clean-up fee, the taxi driver drove the pair to Twickenham Police Station.Once there, Kerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, became “abusive and insulting” towards Pc Stephen Lovell, jurors heard.Giving evidence today, the Aussie international said she had put her head out of the window when she began to feel sick before the driver “rolled it up” and began to “drive dangerously”.Kerr told Kingston Crown Court: “He accelerated and began to swerve in and out of lanes… We were getting thrown around.Read more news”I couldn’t hear what he was saying. He was speeding up and stopping.”Neither of us had our belts on so we stood up and tried to talk to him… it felt like he was going wherever he thought… I was terrified.”Kerr said the dangerous driving continued for 15 to 20 minutes – causing her to feel “terrified for my life”.She said there was “no reasoning” with the driver even after partner Kristie begged him to stop.Most read in FootballKerr added: “Everything was going through my mind about being in a car with a stranger I deemed to be dangerous.”Kristie was very distressed. She was crying and scared. I’ve never seen her like that before and it made me more scared.”I started to realise how serious the situation was. It put me in protective mode… he had the power over us.”We were not in control… I deemed him to be dangerous because of the driving but also because he could have taken us anywhere. He couldn’t be tracked so no one knew where we were.”Kerr said the pair tried to open the doors and windows multiple times but they remained locked.Eventually, Kristie “kicked out (the window) with her boot” which resulted in Kerr feeling “relieved”.Footage played to jurors previously showed Kerr in the police station saying: “Honestly, you guys are f***ing stupid and white”.She also reference Sarah Everard’s murder – telling the officer: “Look at what happened last year when a girl accepted a police officer’s help in Clapham and got raped and killed.”At one point in the bodycam video, Kerr branded the taxi driver a “f***ing liar” and calls him a “stupid c***”.Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC said the police officer was left “shocked, upset and humiliated” by the comments.He added: “He took offence to the comments that Ms Kerr made about his race because you may think that his being a white man really had nothing to do with anything.”Matildas captain Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment.The court heard she described the moment on January 30, 2023, as “heated” and said she was “just very angry at how I felt”.Mr Jones added: “Ms Kerr said that both herself and Ms Mewis were crying at the time.”Kerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes told jurors that no one disputes the words that were used but that they do not “make you guilty of a criminal offence”.She continued: “The words were a comment, however poorly expressed, about positions of power, about privilege, and how those things might colour perception.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.She has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie, with the couple getting engaged last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The trial continues.The Chelsea star is accused of abusing a police officerCredit: GettyShe is currently sidelined due to injuryKerr and Kristie are expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20 More

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      Newcastle fans deserve a trophy and this is the year they’ll get it thanks to ‘PlayStation-like’ Alexander Isak

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      GET THE BEERS on ice because Tyneside is set for the mother of all parties next month.That is at least according to Newcastle legend Shay Given as he confidently declared: “This is the year!”Shay Given (right) has backed Eddie Howe (left) to deliver a trophy at NewcastleCredit: PANewcastle are hoping Alexander Isak can fire them to WembleyCredit: GettyThe 1955 FA Cup is the last piece of major silverware to be lifted by the Magpies. However, that long-wait for more is about to end with “PlayStation-like” Alexander Isak firing them to glory.Having seen them blow it several times over the past seven decades, few of the Toon Army are allowing themselves to dream just yet.That is even despite them going into tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg on home turf with a 2-0 lead over Arsenal. Though Given, who spent 12 years as No1 at Newcastle, has no splinters in his backside as he nailed his black and white colours firmly to the cup.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter coming so close to winning it two years ago when they were beaten by Man Utd, the former Irish star insists they’ll go one better this time around.And that is despite them losing their last two matches on home turf.Given said: “Look, it’s been 70 years. Even if you’re a neutral fan that doesn’t even support Newcastle it must be getting to the stage where you just wish that their fans could do it.“We’re talking about generations of fans that have just never seen it before. You know, it’s so long. It’s crazy when you think about it. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I just hope they can get the job done with Arsenal and then of course get to the final. “A lot of players will have played in that final as well, which is a good thing I think, because they can use that experience to help them as well.Arsenal fans will have watched Carabao Cup disaster and wished Alexander Isak was playing for them – he’s unbelievable“So yeah, let’s go with it. This is the year, man. This is the year.”Given is one of those that have come agonisingly close to delivering glory to the long-suffering Toon Army.He was part of the Newcastle squad that suffered two-successive FA Cup final defeats in the late 90s.That side even included the club’s all-time top scorer Alan Shearer in its ranks.But Given believes the Magpies now possess another great leading the line in Isak.He said: “The goal against Southampton recently, if you slow it down and look at the angle and his run. His first touch made the goal, just the way he touches with his left away from the defender and then placed it in the corner. It’s nearly like PlayStation stuff.“It was the perfect movement from a forward. We see many forwards in the Premier League snatching at stuff when they get through on goal, he seems to go the opposite.“He seems to just go into sort of ice cold mode in the head and everything just seems to be in slow motion for him.“I just think he’s a real deal. I really do. There’s a lot of clubs who wish they could have him.”As Given knows full well himself, nothing is ever straightforward when it comes to Newcastle United Football Club.And after a 4-1 stuffing at home to Bournemouth was followed by a 2-1 loss to Fulham on Saturday, nerves are jangling that Arsenal could make it an unwanted hat-trick of setbacks at St James’.Shay Given was part of the Toon side beaten by Arsenal in the 1998 FA Cup finalCredit: PA:Press AssociationShay Given is now a brand ambassador for CopyBetGiven, though, has other thoughts regarding the recent setbacks on Tyneside, saying: “Maybe it was the perfect tonic leading into the semi.“The psychology of the Newcastle players and I suppose the crowd as well will be ‘this is not over yet’ and I’m sure that’s the message that Eddie will have. He was sending that straight after the game.“You know, if Arsenal get an early goal, then it’s an anxious night, isn’t it? So there’s so much to do yet in the tie.“Newcastle never seem to do it the easy way but to earn something like this, it’s never easy, is it? So they’ve got a lot of work still to do but they’re in a good position and have to use what they’ve done.“I wouldn’t want to see too much of a defensive sort of job. I’d like to see Newcastle on the front foot again and try and get a goal themselves, you know, rather than trying to defend the 2-0 lead. “You have to go with a 0-0 mentality. That’s why I think that you start the game on the front foot, especially at home. The last thing the crowd and Eddie will want is a nervy start.“There’s a big prize at stake, a place at Wembley. That’ll be all on everyone’s mind, players and fans.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I think Eddie Howe’s teams, and credit to Eddie and his staff, that’s how he’s always went about his business, home and away.”*Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.comUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      Emile Heskey lands new job at security firm as England cult hero, 47, vows to make ‘huge impact’

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      EMILE Heskey has landed a shock new job as a security firm director.The move is the culmination of a lifelong friendship between the former England forward and Nottingham-based Octavian founder Sukhi Ghuman.Emile Heskey has landed a new job as a director at a security firmCredit: GettyHeskey won multiple trophies with Liverpool and LeicesterCredit: Getty Images – GettyHeskey, 47, said: “The company is a real route for progression for me. “I first met Sukhi at school and we’ve really worked on this relationship for the last 15 years.  “It’s my mission to encourage more athletes into the business world to not only learn, but also share their winning mindset and help businesses grow.”Octavian Security works alongside blue chip and public sector organisations to manage risk, provide manpower resource and protect their operations and interests.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 62-cap England striker will juggle his new job with his role as the Head of Football Development at Leicester City Women.Ghuman said: “This is a move that has been long in the making.“Emile understands from his days at the top of football that you need inner strength and determination to succeed.“I can’t wait to watch him make a huge impact on Octavian.”Most read in FootballHeskey enjoyed a professional football career spanning more than two decades. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMaking his debut as a 17-year-old, Heskey won the FA Cup and the Uefa Cup and Uefa Super Cup with Liverpool.He also lifted four League Cups across spells with Leicester and the Reds and played 633 club career games, scoring 130 goals. Ex-England ace Emile Heskey facing bankruptcy in latest battle with taxmanHe also scored seven goals for England, including in the memorable 5-1 win away in Germany in 2001.He has two sons Jaden, 19, and Reigan, 17, who both play as forwards for Man City’s under-21s.Heskey Snr also enjoyed spells with Birmingham City and Aston Villa in his club career.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Champions League play-offs mean extra Manchester City fixtures but can they take advantage?

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      ALL but one of the English clubs involved in Europe this season progressed directly to the round of 16.Manchester City are the exception as they needed a win against Club Brugge just to scrape a spot in the Champions League play-off round having finished 22nd in the league phase.Man City must get past Real Madrid if they are to make the Champions League last 16Credit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side must now beat Real Madrid, the most decorated club in the competition’s history, over two legs if they are to join Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa in the last 16.While this is a daunting prospect for the defending Premier League champions, it’s another avenue to points for Dream Team managers.At the time of writing, Man City are the only team with four fixtures to fulfil across the next two Gameweeks.For comparison, Arsenal are currently scheduled to play just once in the same time frame.The fixture list will change depending on this week’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg results but it’s true to say that no team will have more point-scoring opportunities than City from now until the end of Gameweek 24.Haaland has scored 25 goals in all competitions this seasonCredit: EPAGaffers can expect a second-string team away to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup fourth round this Saturday but Guardiola will name what he believes to be his strongest XI against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.It’s worth repeating that the La Liga giants are far from favourable opponents and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and company exposed City’s defensive frailties.Dream Team bosses should therefore be wary of backing Josko Gvardiol (£4.4m), John Stones (£3.4m) and other assets at risk of minus points if Carlo Ancelotti’s side run riot.Most read in FootballEspecially with Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham all to come before the end of February.But the club’s main attacking threats are viable options.City have scored 29 goals in seven games since the turn of the year with points aplenty for Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Phil Foden (£6.6m) and Savinho (£4.3m).Savinho has quietly amassed 14 goal involvementsCredit: GettyThe Brazilian winger is probably a tad underrated among Dream Team managers as he currently features in just 3.6% of teams.Savinho ranks eighth among all players for bonus points while only Mohamed Salah (£7.9m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) have provided more assists in all competitions.Or perhaps Omar Marmoush (£4.5m) will come to the fore?The Egyptian forward will be eligible to play against Real Madrid in the play-off round of the Champions League.Rewind a year and most Dream Team managers would not hesitate for a moment when presented with an opportunity to load up on Man City players but the current version of this side is far from imperious, as evidenced by their capitulation at the Emirates last time out.Will Haaland, Foden and friends make the most of their busy schedule or is this a bear trap set to ensnare naive gaffers?Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Man Utd ‘line up Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca, 21, in transfer worth over £20m’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting a summer swoop for Flamengo star Wesley Franca, according to reports.The 21-year-old right-back has risen through the ranks at the Brazilian giants.Wesley Franca (right) is being targeted by Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyThe full-back has starred for Flamengo since breaking into the first-team two years agoCredit: ReutersWesley was a near-ever present as Flamengo finished third in Brazil’s Serie A last season. The versatile defender is being watched by Red Devils scouts ahead of a potential £25million move, according to reports in Brazil.Reports claim Ruben Amorim wants to put Wesley on the right side of his 3-4-3 system.United splashed the cash on Patrick Dorgu earlier this week, bringing in the left-sided full-back from Lecce.READ MORE ON MAN UTD NEWSBut any deal for Wesley is likely to take place after the Club World Cup.Flamengo are taking part in the revamped 63-game competition, which gets underway on June 14.The club have already rejected a bid worth over £20m from Russian side Zenit for Wesley.And they believe they could receive an even bigger offer from United in the summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited have yet to fire under Amorim, with reports suggesting almost the entire squad could be up for sale.The Portuguese boss has been unable to turn around the club’s fortunes since arriving in November.Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd are ‘trying everything’ to improve his squad after Crystal Palace defeat Amorim has since claimed he is in charge of the “worst Manchester United team in history”.And the 40-year-old admitted last month he had lost his temper in the dressing room following a 3-1 defeat to Brighton, breaking a TV.Amorim said: “I’m a young guy and sometimes I make a mistake.”That’s why I don’t [usually] speak after the game. This game, I needed to talk and maybe it was a mistake.”Then I get more nervous and go to the [press] conference really nervous and say things you should not say.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t promise I will not do it again. I don’t know, but I’ll try to improve.”Amorim later clarified his comments, adding: “I did not say I was nervous. I said the team was nervous and I was frustrated.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘You have no life’ – Cristiano Ronaldo reveals brutal messages from pals after spending 40th birthday in recovery mode

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has revealed the brutal messages he gets from his pals… even on his 40th birthday.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner spent part of his milestone birthday in recovery mode, as shown in a social media post.Cristiano Ronaldo spent part of his birthday in compression bootsRonaldo shared a picture of himself on the sofa with both of his legs enveloped by £4,000 cryo compression boots.The post showed just how dedicated the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star is to keeping himself in shape.However, Ronaldo has admitted that some of his friends are not impressed with his passion.He revealed in an interview that some will say he has “no life”. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCR7 told Canal 11: “If you say to me ‘do you still like training?'”I still like training. Is it the same as I felt when I was 20? No, it’s not the same.”But I still feel the passion. Of doing a finishing training, of being there competing with others, left foot, right foot. I still like it.”And it’s strange, there are a lot of my friends who say ‘you have no life’.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s true, but I like it. I know it will end.”In a year, or two, or three. I don’t know. And I don’t care either.”Cristiano Ronaldo praises event as he attends UFC in Saudi Arabia Ronaldo has suggested he may play on for a few more seasonsCredit: GettyRonaldo’s comments also suggest that the forward could continue his playing career for a few more seasons.And he believes that should he retire he would end his career as the best ever.Ronaldo said: “I am the best player ever, I believe that.”I’m fast, I’m strong, [I score] with my head, with the left, no one has ever been more complete than me.“You may prefer Pele, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, I understand and respect that.“If I finish on 920, 925 goals… it doesn’t matter to me at all. I am the best in history. Period.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If I reach 1,000 goals, great. If not, that’s fine too. Numbers don’t lie.”Meanwhile, he has recently hit out at some former managers of his as he insisted some of them were “clueless” about football.Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Arsenal must achieve never-before-seen feat in Carabao Cup semi-final with odds stacked against them versus Newcastle

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      ARSENAL must overcome a never-before-seen feat in order to progress to the Carabao Cup final.Mikel Arteta’s side lost the first leg of the semi-final to Newcastle 2-0 at the Emirates.Arsenal lost the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final to NewcastleCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon netted the second goal in the Magpies victoryCredit: GettyAlexander Isak and Anthony Gordon netted in the clash last month to put Eddie Howe’s side in a great position.The Gunners face the Magpies tonight at St James’ Park but face an uphill battle due to the deficit.In the history of the competition, only 24 times has a team come back from a first-leg defeat to reach the final.On two occasions, that has been by a team that has lost at home, but both of those were only by one goal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne of these was Arsenal as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in 1987 at White Hart Lane after losing 1-0 at home.The Gunners then won the replay 2-1 away from home to reach the final.Only once has a team come from a two-goal deficit to progress to the final.This was in 1994 when Aston Villa recovered from a 3-1 defeat by Tranmere to win the second leg by the same scoreline and then go through after penalties.Most read in FootballBut no team has ever gone through after losing the home leg first by a margin of two goals or more.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArteta, 42, has insisted that Arsenal have been boosted by their shock 5-1 win over Manchester City.He also claimed that the mental state of the team is much improved from the first leg.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerHe said: “When you compare the emotional state of the team straight after the defeat and the manner that it happened and how we are, today is very different because we come from very strong performances, some great wins and especially the last one at home against Manchester City.”After that game we’ll have a break so it’s the moment to go full gas.”The next step is a final in Wembley so we know how big that is, and you can feel it straight away.”The boost the game against City gave us, the manner that we won it, and the fact that it is a game in the competition where we are closest to a final, so we’re going to give it a real go.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Tottenham snap up England star’s son seven months after older brother signed contract in different sport

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      TOTTENHAM have signed Martin Offiah’s son Phoenix.The rugby league legend scored over 500 tries throughout his career and is the top try-scoring English player ever. Phoenix Offiah has signed for TottenhamCredit: InstagramHis dad Martin is a rugby league legendCredit: Graham Hughes – The TimesHis youngest son Phoenix, 15, has been snapped up by Spurs after previously being on the books of Crystal Palace, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers. Having put pen to paper on his contract, the young striker wrote on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone who helped me along my journey.”Happy to say that I have signed for Tottenham. Grind don’t stop now.”His proud dad, who has passed his lightening quick pace down to his kids, said: “Another proud day in the Offiah household. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Phoenix signs for Spurs seven months after his older brother Tyler signed for Bath Rugby. The hard work starts now my boy.”On his journey, dad Martin previously said: “It’s been a long road for Phoenix to get this far. He played rugby union at Ealing Trailfinders, like his brother, up until the age of eight and scored a really good try at Twickenham.”After that, he said ‘Dad, I want to play football’, but he was just as good at rugby as Tyler. “It wasn’t for him, though, and I said, ‘It’s your life, I’ll support you on your journey’. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”So when he was about ten he got scouted by QPR and Fulham.”He chose QPR because it was closer to home and spent two years in their development system. Inside making of Spurs whiz Bergvall who outshone Kulusevski and Gyokeres as kid “When QPR told Phoenix that he wasn’t the finished article, he was very distraught and went away to work hard on his skills.”Phoenix’s brother Tyler, 18, is yet to make his senior rugby union debut but has featured for England’s Under-18s.Sport runs in the Offiah family as their cousin Odeluga is on the books of Brighton.The 22-year-old defender has featured ten times for the Seagulls and is currently out on loan at League One outfit Blackpool.Odeluga Offiah plays for BlackpoolCredit: Getty More