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      Maradona trial on brink of COLLAPSE after glam judge appears in glitzy doc about ongoing case over football icon’s death

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      THE trial of late Argentine football superstar Diego Maradona’s medical team is on the brink of collapse after a glam judge appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing case.Julieta Makintach – dubbed the “judge of God” – recused herself after a trailer for the six-part mini-series was embarrassingly played to the court. Julieta Makintach – dubbed the ‘judge of God’ – recused herselfCredit: ClarinOne clip shows her going up in a lift in what appears to be a courthouseCredit: P14Makintach arrives at court for a hearing in the trial of health professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer star Diego MaradonaCredit: APArgentine former football star Diego Maradona died in 2020Credit: AFPIt emerged that Makintach, 47, had been shooting the series called Divine Justice about the case, potentially breaking a string of ethics rules.The shocking preview begins with Makintach strutting through the entrance of what seems to be a court house in high heels as she takes the lift to the upper floors.News broadcasts of footy legend Maradona’s death are also featured in the trailer, as well as an excerpt of an emergency call asking for an ambulance.It concludes with Makintach preparing documents at a desk.The bizarre footage suggests unauthorised recordings were shot inside the courtroom, which constitutes a breach of judicial rules.According to a script, the mini-series would follow Makintach as she “reconstructs the death of Maradona and certain painful milestones of his life related to abandonment.”The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspended.Tuesday’s hearing was marked by insults, recriminations, shouting and tears.Most read in SoccerIn a bitter exchange, prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of behaving “like an actress and not a judge.”He said: “[Makintach] spoke about Maradona, the trial, how it was unfolding.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death “She has been completely influenced by her leading role, by the centrality of her figure.”She lied to our faces for three months. I demand that the court recuse judge Makintach.”As the trailer was played, defence lawyer Rodolfo Baque jumped out of his chair to shout “trash” at the judge.The late footballer’s daughter Gianinna Maradona tried to calm him before she and Maradona’s former partner, Veronica Ojeda, both began to sob.Makintach sat with her head bowed, biting her lip and eventually said she had “no choice” but to recuse herself as one of the case’s three justices.Her removal is an embarrassment for Argentina’s judicial system and could yet derail a trial being watched by football fans worldwide.Maradona – considered one of the world’s greatest ever football players – had been recovering at his home in Buenos Aires from surgery on a brain blood clot when he tragically died of a heart attack aged 60.Seven members of the legend’s medical team are being prosecuted for negligent homicide over his death in November 2020.She also struts in her high heels in the trailerCredit: P14The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspendedCredit: Clarin Judges Veronica Di Tommaso, Maximiliano Savarino and Julieta Makintach attend the first day of soccer legend Diego Maradona’s death trialCredit: ReutersPortrait of Argentina’s midfielder Diego Maradona in 1986Credit: AFPThose responsible for his medical care face prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.The charges relate to their decision to allow him to recover from major surgery at home, and the conditions of his care.They deny the charges.The medical team on trial includes a neurosurgeon, a doctor and a night nurse.The defendants have claimed Maradona refused any further treatment and should have stayed home for longer following his operation.Gianinna Maradona has claimed her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely” place and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare.The court will decide on Thursday whether the trial will go ahead or be scrapped and then restarted.Some of the plaintiffs have called for a new trial, saying they felt proceedings have been tainted by scandal.The lawyer for Maradona’s ex-partner Ojeda said that “everyone now feels that this is compromised,” adding that it’s “healthiest to start over from scratch”.Glam Makintach denied being paid for the documentary and said that she had given “an interview to a childhood friend about the justice system”.Makintach added: “That material was raw, it was intimate. It was on a Sunday at 5pm. Does that give it the label of forbidden, hidden, illicit?”According to Argentinian media, prosecutor Ferrari said: “On Sunday March 9, before the trial began, Makintach entered the building with six people.”And if there is a script and a trailer, it wasn’t just an interview.Read More on The Sun”There were photos, footage. There was no authorisation for this irregular entry.”All the aggravating circumstances clearly exist that demonstrate the loss of independence and impartiality of the member summoned to this trial.”In 2019, Gimnasia y Esgrima team coach Diego Armando Maradona gestures to supporters as he leaves the field after an Argentina First Division Superliga football matchCredit: AFP More

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      Willie Stevenson dead aged 85: Tributes pour in for title-winning Liverpool icon who also won league with Rangers

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      LIVERPOOL legend Willie Stevenson has sadly died.The title-winning icon, who played under Bill Shankly, passed away at the age of 85.Willie Stevenson has sadly passed awayCredit: GettyStevenson made 241 appearances for Liverpool after being signed from Rangers for £20,000.He won the league and cup north of the border before his move to Anfield.Stevenson went onto become a vital part of the Liverpool side that won the First Division in 1964 and 1966.And the left-sided player tasted FA Cup success in 1965 after scoring a penalty in the semi-final against Chelsea. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStevenson also claimed a runners-up medal in the following year’s Cup Winners’ Cup.He left Liverpool in 1967 and he went on to play for the likes of Stoke, Tranmere, Macclesfield Town and the Vancouver Whitecaps.Stevenson is said to have owned a pub and a cleaning company after hanging up his boots.Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler led the tributes, saying: “Such sad news… an absolute gentleman. Rest in peace Willie.”Most read in FootballOther fans commented: “Rest in peace.”Another added: “A true Red. Condolences to his family and all who knew him.” More

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      Georgia O’Connor’s heartbreaking final post just days before boxer’s death aged 25

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      GEORGIA O’CONNOR posted a heartbreaking final Instagram message just over a week before her tragic passing. The inspirational boxer  – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January.Georgia O’Connor with her husband before her sad passingCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She got married before her deathCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She was also previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the boxing community in her corner all the way until she sadly passed away aged 25 from a rare and aggressive cancer.In her final Instagram post – ten days before her death – the brave boxer revealed she had married her boyfriend Adriano.She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.”READ MORE IN BOXINGInspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero.In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano.She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold on to him, because that kind of love is rare.”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.Most read in Boxing”Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me…”Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate.”A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.”Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate.”I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.”You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.”We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.”Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter – who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021 – following her sad passing. Her promoters Boxxer posted: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions wrote: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.”England Boxing added: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.”Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”Read More on The SunO’Connor was not only a talented boxer but also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Away from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing and became an inspiration to many after documenting her horror cancer fight.O’Connor had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1 More

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      Georgia O’Connor dead aged 25: Tributes pour in as Brit boxer dies following cancer battle 2 weeks after getting married

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      BOXER Georgia O’Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancer. The former Team GB representative – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January. Georgia O’Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancerCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryO’Connor married her partner Adriano just before her deathThe boxing hero revealed her marriage two weeks before her sad deathShe was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the whole of the boxing world backing her but devastatingly, she has passed away aged 25.Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter, who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021. Super-middleweight Joe Laws posted a picture of the pair and wrote: “Fighter till the end rest easy bro.” READ MORE IN BOXINGIn her last Instagram post – two weeks before her death – O’Connor revealed she had married her partner Adriano. She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.” In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano. She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold onto him, because that kind of love is rare.Most read in Boxing”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me. “Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me. “Whilst the doctors who neglected me are stuck in their ways, he’s out there driving across Europe, finding treatments they don’t even know exist. “Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate. “A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate. “I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you. “You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory. “We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.” Inspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero. Not only was she a talented boxer, O’Connor also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Read More on The SunAway from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing – posting videos on social media.Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1O’Connor bravely documented her fight on social mediaCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: Getty More

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      ‘With me all the time’ –  Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou gets emotional over death of dad after Europa League triumph

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU revealed how his love for his late dad helped spur him on to the biggest win of his career.Postecoglou ditched “Ange ball” to grind out a 1-0 win over a hopeless Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday.Postecoglou opened up about how his late father Jim (pictured together) has been with him every step of the way through his careerPostecoglou scored the biggest win of his life when he took Tottenham to Europa League glory with a 1-0 win over Man UtdPostecoglou, whose job could still be under threat, ended Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought in a magical night in Bilbao. And he immediately paid tribute to his dad Jim, who died in 2018 when the Aussie was coaching at Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos.Postecoglou made true on his promise of winning silverware in his second season and believed his dad was with him in spirit in Spain.The 59-year-old said: “Finally, to my beautiful wife, my boys, my family my friends… you know, they’re all my inspiration.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsked about his father, he replied: “He’s still with me, mate. His voice is in my head all the time.”As I get older I look in the mirror and see his face sometimes, which is frightening. He’s with me all the time. “My dear mum is in Greece with my sister and my nephews, I’m sure they’re over the moon. It’s massive in Australia and in Greece. “I’ve got family in both countries, friends in both countries, and they’ve been along for the journey the whole way.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPostecoglou’s wife Georgia and youngest sons Max and Alexi embraced him on the pitch after Spurs had collected their medals.Postecoglou also opened up about how criticism of him over the club’s struggles in the Premier League this season have hit home. Richarlison bangs on drum and celebrates with Tottenham fans following Spurs Europa League triumph He said: “It’s hard because I’m big enough and ugly enough to take whatever comes my way.”But they get hurt when people come at me and they pay the price, particularly those closest to me, my beautiful family and my friends.”The want to defend me and I keep telling them, it’s a small price to pay when you have nights like this.”Just seeing them tonight, and I know everyone in Australia … it’s another special night we share together.”Because I’m kind of the front man, it’s easy for me to take on the responsibility, but they’ve got no choice but to come along for the ride.”Just seeing them out there now on the pitch, smiling faces, I couldn’t be happier.”Brennan Johnson’s scruffy 42nd minute winner, which looked like a Luke Shaw own-goal, was enough to settle it as Spurs held on in added time.Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men… More

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      Ex-Man United player, 19, was found dead in bedroom weeks after quitting football – as family pay tribute

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      HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for an ex-Manchester United star who was found dead in his bedroom just weeks after quitting football.Vinicius de Oliveira Cabral de Souza, known to loved ones as Vini, tragically died aged 19 three months ago, an inquest heard.Popular footballer Vini de Souza passed away aged 19Credit: Instagram/@warringtontownfcThe young star was once on the books at Manchester UnitedCredit: JustGivingHe was found dead in his bedroom at his family home in Walkden on February 20, the court heard.Vini was born in Brazil and grew up in Portugal before moving to the UK.The young talent played for the Manchester United youth team at one point but was dropped by the Prem big shots when he was 14-years-old.Despite this setback, Vini continued playing football for the next five years and was on the books at Warrington Town FC before his death.Read More in FootballHowever, it was revealed that the teenager had quit football a few months prior to the tragedy, Bolton Coroner’s Court heard.Vini’s sister, Mayara De Souza, said that she had noticed his mood change and tried to help.She said: “He stopped doing the things that he liked to do such as football, going to the gym and seeing friends.”He started apologising about the way he treated us and we didn’t understand what he meant.Most read in Football”His best friend as well, he said the same to him and he said he doesn’t know why.”The teen’s self-esteem had also taken a hit when his acne returned after the steroid cream he had been prescribed had run out.When doctors would not prescribe more of the steroid cream, Vini bought some online from India but his sister told him not to use it.Remembering Gadi Kinda: A Football Star’s Legacy and Untimely PassingVini had booked tickets to travel to Brazil in April, the inquest heard, and was due to return on May 12 before his tragic death.Cops concluded that Vini died as a result of “self-inflicted means by hanging” after finding him dead back in February.The inquest heard that Vini stopped going out with his friends after telling his mum that he had taken drugs at a nightclub on one occasion a few months before his death. A toxicologist’s report found no trace of drugs or alcohol in Vini’s system when he died.However, Vini said that all of his friends used drugs which led to him feeling more “isolated” in the last few months of his life.Sharing the news of Vini’s death in February, Warrington Town FC said: “Scorer of the most spectacular goals, Vini was a well respected, much-loved member of the club, and his ability earned him a place training with the first team despite his young age.”He played for the first team last season in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Cheadle Town, and trained regularly with the first team, appearing in numerous pre-season friendlies over the past couple of seasons.”Assistant coroner Stephen Teesdale said he was satisfied that Vini caused his own death and recorded a conclusion of “suicide”.Addressing Vini’s sister and father at the inquest, Mr Teesdale said: “There’s nothing more you could have done. You did everything.Read More on The Sun”You spotted the problem – depression. You made a plan, you sought professional assistance from a psychotherapist.”You had a plan to take him to Brazil. There’s nothing more you could have done. He had an entirely supportive family. It was to do with how he saw the world.”You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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      Gadi Kinda dead at 31: Former Israel international and MLS star dies after ‘complex medical battle’

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      FORMER MLS star and Israel international Gadi Kinda has died aged 31.The attacking midfielder has passed away following a “complex medical battle” in recent weeks, according to his club Maccabi Haifa.Gadi Kinda has passed away aged 31Credit: GettyThe Israeli top-flight club, who Kinda last played for in March, announced the star’s passing in a statement.It comes just two weeks after the club revealed that Kinda has been hospitalised following his medical battle.Kinda, who earned 10 caps for the Israel national team, joined Maccabi Haifa last year after spending four years on the books at MLS side Sporting Kansas City.His former teammates posed with his shirt before their clash with the Portland Timbers earlier this month to show their support.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince the news of his passing, head coach Kerry Zavagnin said: “It’s still a raw emotion. “Obviously in the club right now and the way that the group is taking it, in such a difficult way, it goes to show what he meant to all of us.”Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. “He was such an electric figure in our club and he’s going to be dearly missed.”Most read in FootballSporting Kansas City players held up Kinda’s shirt for their former teammate ahead of their match against Portland TimbersCredit: GettyAdding: “[Kinda was] a pleasure to be with every day. No matter what the day looked like, he always came in with it with an optimistic view.”Everyone from the chefs, the cooks, the cleaning service, the coaches, the rest of the staff, the players, all had a good feeling when they were around him and it shows today in how everyone’s taken this tragic news.”While fans have paid their tributes with touching messages on social media too.One wrote: “Rest in peace, legend”.While another added: “Rest in peace, was genuinely one of the nicest people!”And a third commented: “Heartbreaking. SKC was lucky to have him.”Born in Ethiopia, Kinda moved to Isreal at just thee years old – a move that sparked his love for football.As a kid he joined FC Ashdod’s academy before making his senior debut at 17.He later moved to Beitar Jerusalem before making his big move to the US to play for Sporting KC.Read More on The SunWhile playing for Kansas City he made 80 appearances, scoring 16 goals and registering 17 assists.He made 10 appearances for the Israeli national side, including lining up against Cristiano Ronaldo in a clash with Portugal. Kinda made 10 appearances for IsraelCredit: AFP More

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      Nino Benvenuti dead at 87: Two-weight undisputed world champion and Olympic gold medallist passes away

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      BOXING great Nino Benvenuti has died at the age of 87.Benvenuti, widely considered as Italy’s greatest ever fighter, became world champion in two weight classes and won three world titles.Italian boxing legend Nino Benvenuti has died at the age of 87Benvenuti became world champion in two classes, light middleweight and middleweightBenvenuti held the undisputed super-welterweight championship from June 1965 to June 1966.He also held the undisputed middleweight championship twice, from April to September 1967, and from March 1968 to November 1970. He boasted a stunning record of 82 wins, including 35 knockouts, seven losses and one draw in his 90 professional boxing bouts.His three world title fights against Emile Griffith in 1967 and 1968 were epic battles.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBut Benvenuti’s amateur career was equally ground-breaking, losing just ONE of his 120 matches.The pinnacle of his amateur career came when he won Olympic gold at the Rome 1960 Games in the welterweight category, also receiving the prestigious Val Barker Trophy for boxing style. As an amateur, he won the Italian welterweight title from 1956 to 1960 and the European title in 1957 and 1959. Turning professional in 1961, Benvenuti eventually won the light-middleweight world championship in 1965 in front of a 40,000 crowd in Milan’s San Siro Stadium.Most read in BoxingBenvenuti lost just ONE of his 120 amateur matchesIn 1968, Benvenuti was named “Fighter of the Year” by Ring Magazine, the only Italian to receive this honour. In 1992, the Orthodox fighter became the first Italian to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.Although never holding U.S. citizenship, he was also admitted to the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements on American soil. He lost his last three fights, including two knockout defeats to Carlos Monzon.After retiring from the ring, Benvenuti’s movie star looks landed him a job in show business.He appeared in several Italian films such as “Vivi o preferibilmente morti” (1969) and “Mark il poliziotto spara per primo” (1975). He also worked as a sports commentator for RAI Italia and, since 1979, was registered with the Journalists’ Association.Benvenuti’s wife Nadì Bertorello died at the age of 75 after a short illness in January 2023. Benvenuti’s movie star looks landed him a job in show business after he retired from boxingBenvenuti’s stunning pro record in 90 fightsWins: 82Knockouts: 35Losses: SevenDraws: One More