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      Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes, 34, hunted by cops after he failed to appear in court for sentencing for stalking ex

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      FORMER Arsenal star Anthony Stokes is being hunted by police after he failed to appear in court for sentencing. The striker, 34, was expected at Hamilton Sheriff Court today after admitting stalking his ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott.
      A warrant has been issued for Anthony Stokes after he failed to show up to sentencingCredit: Pressteam
      The ex-Arsenal striker admitted stalking his ex-girlfriendCredit: Sportsfile
      Stokes bombarded ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott with hundreds of messagesCredit: Instagram/@eilidhscott
      But the court heard Stokes had not responded to calls from social workers trying to create a background report on him.
      A warrant for the arrest of the ex-Celtic and Hibs forward was then ordered by Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen following the brief hearing.
      He explained: “These are post-conviction cases. He hasn’t been responding to calls from social work and I will grant a warrant.”
      Stokes bombarded his ex-partner Ms Scott with abusive text messages, seeing him send 100 texts a day on WhatsApp and email.
      Read More on Football
      He labelled her a “s**t”, a “s**” and a “w***e”, turned up at her home in Shotts, Lanarkshire, late at night and demanded to know her whereabouts.
      The campaign of abuse lasted between July 2018 and February 2019.
      The 34-year-old, of Glasgow, was banned from contacting her and her mother for four years in 2019 after he admitted stalking.
      Stokes was nicked by cops in Northern Ireland, who were assisting police in Scotland, back in July and placed on a flight to Dundee.
      Most read in The Sun
      His sentencing was deferred at the time on the condition of good behaviour, but he was ordered to appear back in court last month.
      However, Stokes missed the sentencing hearing after testing positive for Covid-19, seeing it be rescheduled for today.
      Police are now hunting for the footie ace after he failed to show up.
      Ordering a warrant for his arrest in June last year, Sheriff Allan McKay said: “He pled guilty and was released on bail and he has now left the country in breach of bail.
      “He is not here in breach of his bail conditions and I’m not at all sure that he will come back unless required to do so by some sort of authority so to do that I’m issuing a warrant for his arrest.”
      Hours after the warrant was announced, Stokes posted a selfie on social media with the caption: “Any bad news?”
      And over the festive season he posted snaps of himself posing in a bar while wearing Adidas Yeezy trainers and later posted a photo showing an expensive Rolex watch.
      Stokes won seven trophies in six seasons at Celtic and scored twice in Hibs’ 3-2 Scottish Cup win over Rangers in 2016.
      Read More on The Sun
      He has also had spells with Falkirk, Sunderland and Iranian outfit Tractor but is currently without a club.
      The 34-year-old was capped internationally for Ireland nine times during his career.
      Stokes terrifyingly turned up at Ms Scott’s home and harassed herCredit: Instagram/@eilidhscott
      The 34-year-old former Celtic star is now being hunted by cops againCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Celtic star Anthony Stokes being hunted by cops again as warrant issued

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      FORMER Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is being hunted by police after failing to appear in court.The 34-year old footballer had been due for sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court for bombarding his ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott with offensive text messages.
      Ex-Celtic star Stokes was due to appear at court today but failed to show upCredit: PA:Press Association
      Stokes was nicked in Northern Ireland and brought back to Scotland in JulyCredit: Mark Ferguson
      But the court heard that the former Celtic and Hibs star had not responded to calls from social workers trying to create a background report on him.
      Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen ordered a warrant for his arrest following a brief hearing.
      He said: “These are post-conviction cases.
      “He hasn’t been responding to calls from social work and I will grant a warrant.”
      Stokes had been arrested by police in Northern Ireland, who were assisting police in Scotland, and placed on a flight from Belfast to Dundee Airport in July.
      He missed another sentencing hearing last month after testing positive for Covid-19 and had been ordered to appear back in court today.
      In 2019, Stokes admitted a stalking campaign where he bombarded Miss Scott with a string of abusive messages that saw him send 100 texts a day on WhatsApp and email.
      He labelled her a ‘s**t’, a ‘s**’ and a ‘w***e’, turned up at her home in Shotts, Lanarkshire, late at night and demanded to know her whereabouts.
      Most read in Football
      The campaign of abuse lasted between July 2018 and February 2019.
      Ordering a warrant for his arrest in June last year, Sheriff Allan McKay said: “He pled guilty and was released on bail and he has now left the country in breach of bail.
      “He is not here in breach of his bail conditions and I’m not at all sure that he will come back unless required to do so by some sort of authority so to do that I’m issuing a warrant for his arrest.”
      Hours after the warrant was taken, Stokes posted a selfie on social media with the caption: “Any bad news?”
      And over the festive season he posted snaps of himself posing in a bar while wearing Adidas Yeezy trainers and later posted a photo showing an expensive Rolex watch.
      Stokes won seven trophies in six seasons at Parkhead and scored twice in Hibs’ 3-2 Scottish Cup win over Rangers in 2016.
      He has also had spells with Falkirk, Sunderland and Iranian outfit Tractor but is currently without a club.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Man City star Benjamin Mendy still facing nine charges against six ‘victims’ after being cleared of one count of rape

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      BENJAMIN Mendy is still facing nine charges against six alleged victims after being cleared of one count of rape today.The 28-year-old World Cup winner was cleared at Chester Crown Court of the rape of a 19-year-old woman at his home in Cheshire on July 24 last year.
      Benjamin Mendy has been cleared of one count of rape but still faces multiple chargesCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Co-accused Louis Saha Matturie, 41, was also cleared of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault against the same woman.
      It came after the prosecution offered no further evidence against the defendants on those four counts.
      Football star Mendy still faces seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault against six young women.
      The Manchester City defender denies all charges against him.
      Matturie of Eccles, Salford, wiped tears from his eyes as he stood in the dock and the formal not guilty verdicts, as directed by the judge, were given by the foreman of the jury at Chester Crown Court.
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      Judge Stephen Everett warned jurors not to speculate as to why the prosecution had decided not to pursue guilty verdicts and to continue to “faithfully” try the defendants on the multiple charges they still face.
      Earlier, jurors were told of a private video of the woman having “enthusiastic sex” with Matturie, when she claimed she had been raped.
      The 20-minute mobile phone video was taken by Matturie on August 1 last year, the court heard.
      This was a week after both men had allegedly raped the same woman on the same night the previous weekend at the footballer’s mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.
      Most read in Football
      The woman had told the jury Matturie sexually assaulted her for a second time at a flat in Salford on August 1, last year, after clubbing at China White nightclub in Manchester.
      Lisa Wilding KC, defending Matturie, suggested what happened between them was, “consensual, willing and enthusiastic” sex, not rape, Chester Crown Court heard.
      The woman denied this, claiming the incident left her feeling “shamed and disgusted”.
      Ms Wilding continued: “When you and he had sex … you and he filmed that sex. You know that you and he had a discussion beforehand, words to the effect, ‘Let’s make our own little movie’.”
      The witness replied: “No. I wouldn’t do that.”
      Ms Wilding added: “He had his phone right in front of you all the time you and he was having sex.”
      The woman replied: “I was not aware of that.”
      Ms Wilding said: “You looked directly at the camera more than once, enjoying what you were doing?”
      The woman, who became tearful, replied: “No.”
      Ms Wilding continued: “The sex took nearly 20 minutes. You had sex initially on your knees. You then gave him oral sex, looking at the camera.
      “Did you then sit on top of him, gyrating and smiling at the camera?”
      “No,” the woman replied.
      Miss Wilding said: “Well, then I’m going to have to ask you to look at some images.”
      ON TRIAL
      The hearing was then adjourned and when court resumed after lunch time, Timothy Cray QC, prosecuting, told the court the prosecution was not now seeking guilty verdicts on alleged sexual offences involving the 19-year-old complainant.
      Jurors were then directed to enter not guilty verdicts against the defendants.
      The rape charge dropped against Mr Mendy related to an incident with Mr Matturie when the woman had claimed she awoke to find the footballer raping her.
      The same night, July 24 last year, Matturie is also alleged to have raped her according to DNA evidence, but she has “no memory” of that, the court heard. That count was also dropped.
      Prosecutors have alleged Mendy is a “predator” who “turned the pursuit of women for sex into a game”.
      Mendy still faces seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault against six young women.
      Matturie, the footballer’s friend and fixer, is alleged to have had the job of finding young women for sex.
      Matturie still denies six counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault relating to seven young women.
      Read More on The Sun
      Both men say if any sex did take place with women or girls it was consensual.
      The trial was adjourned until Wednesday morning. More

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      ‘Disappointed’ Ryan Giggs pictured as he vows to clear his name at retrial over ‘headbutting girlfriend Kate Greville’

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      RYAN Giggs today said he is “disappointed” to be facing a retrial over accusations he headbutted his ex-girlfriend – but vowed to clear his name. The former footballer, 48, allegedly attacked PR exec Kate Greville, 38, and coercively controlled her over a three-year period.
      Ryan Giggs driving in Cheshire after hearing he is going to face a retrial next yearCredit: Zenpix
      Ryan Giggs leaving court after his trial collapsed on August 31Credit: PP.
      The former footballer allegedly headbutted his ex-girlfriend Kate GrevilleCredit: Tim Stewart
      He stood trial last month facing charges of actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour against her between December 2017 and November 2020.
      He also denied the common assault by beating of Kate’s sister Emma on November 1, 2020.
      But, after three weeks of evidence and 22 hours and 59 minutes of deliberations, jurors failed to reach a verdict and the trial collapsed.
      At a case management hearing at Manchester Crown Court this morning, a judge ruled the ex-Wales boss will be retried on domestic violence charges next year.
      READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGS
      In a statement in response to the decision, Giggs said: “After more than three weeks in court I am obviously disappointed that a retrial has been ordered.
      “My not guilty plea remains in relation to all charges. I am confident that justice will eventually be done and my name will be cleared of all the allegations.
      “I would like to thank my legal team, my mum, my children, my girlfriend Zara, as well as my closest friends, for their support throughout this period.
      “I understand the level of interest and the scrutiny around this case but I would like to ask that my and my family’s privacy is respected in the weeks and months ahead.”
      Most read in The Sun
      A trial date was set for July 31, 2023 – 143 weeks and one day after he was arrested.
      Giggs, who is on bail, did not appear, but was spotted behind the wheel of his Range Rover in Cheshire just 30 minutes later.
      During last month’s explosive trial that saw the sports star break down in tears, Kate claimed she became “a slave to his every need”.
      She said Giggs “made me feel like I had to do what he said, otherwise there were consequences” – which he denied.
      The court heard how Kate confronted her then-partner about his infidelity after finding “evidence” he had cheated on her with eight women when he allegedly headbutted her in the face.
      In later messages read out to the jury this rose to at least 12, and the former Manchester United ace’s love life was laid bare as he admitted he had never been faithful to any woman, including Kate and ex-wife Stacey Giggs.
      Jurors were also told how the couple exchanged 19,671 messages during their relationship.
      In one, he told Kate: “I’ll stalk you like mad – I’m good at that”, while in another he warned her: “I’m so f***ing mad… I am scaring myself. I could do anything.”
      He was also accused of bombarding her with sexual texts and threatening to publicly share X-rated videos of them together if she didn’t reply.
      Kate said in a police statement, which was read out in court: “He wouldn’t leave me alone.”
      ‘HE WOULDN’T LEAVE ME ALONE’
      Giggs later admitted he is unable to resist an “attractive woman” – regardless of whether he’s in a relationship.
      He later confessed that he lied to former wife Stacey and other girlfriends, including Kate, “many times” – but denied being controlling.
      Moments after he began giving evidence, Chris Daw QC, defending, asked: “You’re known in news articles as a love cheat. Is that reputation justified?”
      Giggs – who confirmed he’s a “flirt by nature” – replied: “Yes.”
      The barrister said: “In the course of your relationship with women, have you managed to be faithful to any of them?”
      The footballer said: “No.”
      He was also accused of cheating on Kate with a mystery cricketer’s wife, having “full on relationships” with several others, and even plotting threesomes with a woman named Charlotte.
      But former Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Giggs a “quiet boy” with a “fantastic temperament” who was the “best example” at the club.
      He claimed he was “very much a gentleman” and insisted he had “never even seen him raise his voice”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Giggs won 64 caps for Wales and had a lengthy playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
      He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
      Kate claimed she became ‘a slave to Giggs’ every need’ during the trialCredit: Tim Stewart
      Giggs denied all charges against himCredit: Reuters
      Giggs was seen behind the wheel of his Range Rover earlier todayCredit: Zenpix
      Ryan Giggs and ex-wife Stacey Giggs at an awards show in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Jurors were also told how the couple exchanged 19,671 messages during their relationshipCredit: Tim Stewart
      A court artist sketch of Giggs watching his ex give evidence on police video in courtCredit: PA More

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      Footage of drunken Benjamin Mendy dancing on nightclub table four days before he was charged with rape shown to jury

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      FOOTAGE of a drunken Benjamin Mendy dancing on a nightclub table four days before he was charged with rape was shown to a jury yesterday.The CCTV clip showed the £52million Manchester City defender bare-chested and with his trousers pulled down.
      Footage of a drunken Benjamin Mendy dancing on a nightclub table four days before he was charged with rape was shown to a jury yesterdayCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      It was played yesterday during cross-examination of a witness who said she was raped at the player’s home a month earlier.
      Mendy’s lawyer, Eleanor Laws QC, said the woman could be seen offering an arm to him and was at ease in his presence.
      Ms Laws accused her of copying a rape allegation made by a friend but the witness said: “I am not stood here to lie.”
      Ms Laws went on to accuse the witness of “making it up as you go along” because she could not explain why she returned to Mendy’s home 11 times after the alleged rape.
      Read more on Benjamin Mendy
      She replied: “I was trying to block it out of my mind and forget about it.”
      Mendy, 28, denies eight rapes and other charges.
      His trial continues at Chester crown court.
      Most read in Football More

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      Benjamin Mendy ‘rape victim’, 19, recalls through tears ‘moment she woke to him on top of her after going to bed alone’

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      ONE of Benjamin Mendy’s alleged rape victims tearfully told detectives how she woke up with him on top of her after going to bed alone. The then-19-year-old said she had been drinking champagne with the Manchester City footballer, 28, and his pals at a nightclub before heading to his Cheshire mansion.
      Benjamin Mendy arriving at Chester Crown CourtCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      The Manchester City footballer is accused of rape, attempted rape and sexual assaultCredit: © Andrew Price / View Finder Pi
      After spending time in the swimming pool, she said she became sleepy and went up to a top floor bedroom at the house in Mottram St Andrew near Prestbury.
      The woman changed out of the bikini she had brought with her and into her underwear and fell asleep, alone, in the double bed.
      In her police interview, played to jurors today at Chester Crown Court, the witness, breaking down in tears, said: “I woke up to find Ben on top of me, but I was on my side.
      “It was horrific, I was on my period.
      READ MORE ON BENJAMIN MENDY More

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      Ryan Giggs seen with new girlfriend for first time after domestic abuse trial for attacking ex Kate Greville collapses

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      RYAN Giggs was today spotted with his new girlfriend for the first time since his domestic abuse trial against his ex collapsed.The former footballer, 48, was accused of headbutting Kate Greville, 38, and coercively controlling her over a three-year period.
      Ryan Giggs seen with girlfriend Zara Charles for the first time after his domestic abuse court case collapsedCredit: Splash
      The former footballer and blonde model were seen driving through CheshireCredit: Splash
      Zara out walking the dog on September 3Credit: Splash
      But, after 22 hours and 59 minutes of deliberations, jurors failed to reach a verdict and they were dismissed on Wednesday.
      Giggs, who was warned he may be waiting until June for any future trial, appeared to keep a low profile in the days that followed.
      However, the ex-Wales boss and his new partner Zara Charles were seen going for a drive earlier today.
      Former Manchester United star Giggs looked concerned as the pair travelled through Cheshire.
      READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGS
      Just hours earlier, model Zara, dressed in black joggers and a white vest, took her dog for a walk.
      The couple, who have been dating since at least last year, jetted to Portugal for a holiday just days before his trial began.
      They were spotted soaking up the sun and frolicking in the sea before flying home to face Manchester Crown Court last month.
      Giggs was charged with attacking PR exec Kate and coercive and controlling behaviour against her between December 2017 and November 2020.
      Most read in The Sun
      He denied the charges, as well as an allegation of common assault by beating of Kate’s sister Emma, 26.
      Jurors were unable to reach a verdict and the trial collapsed on August 31.
      A hearing will be held on September 7, which Giggs does not need to attend, but any future trial may not take place until next year.
      During the explosive trial that saw the sports star break down in tears, Kate claimed she became “a slave to his every need”.
      She also said Giggs “made me feel like I had to do what he said, otherwise there were consequences”.
      Emma said her sister was planning to leave him while he was away on touring duties after finding “evidence” he had cheated on her with eight women.
      In later messages read out to the jury this rose to at least 12, and Giggs’ love life was laid bare as he admitted he had never been faithful to any woman, including Kate and ex-wife Stacey.
      Describing the night he allegedly headbutted his then-partner, Emma said there was “physical contact” and “his face was in line with hers”.
      “From her facial expressions I could tell she was in pain,” Emma added.
      ‘GET HIM OFF ME’
      Kate then yelled “get him off me” and he retreated, but he quickly went from “annoyed to extremely angry” and put both his hands on Kate’s shoulders and headbutted her in the lip, the court was told.
      Jurors also heard how the couple exchanged 19,671 messages during their six-year relationship.
      In one, he told Kate: “I’ll stalk you like mad – I’m good at that”, while in another he warned her: “I will come to yours and I will get in.”
      A third read: “I’m so f***ing mad… I am scaring myself. I could do anything.”
      He was also accused of bombarding her with sexual texts and threatening to publicly share X-rated videos of them together if she didn’t reply.
      Others were cringe-worthy poems in which he told Kate she made him “as hard as a totem pole” and praised her legs and vivaciousness.
      Kate said in a police statement, which was read out in court: “He wouldn’t leave me alone.”
      The former Wales boss leaving Manchester Crown CourtCredit: PP.
      The former Manchester United footballer’s ex-girlfriend Kate GrevilleCredit: Refer to Caption
      Giggs was charged with attacking the PR exec and coercive and controlling behaviour against herCredit: Tim Stewart
      Jurors were also told how Giggs is unable to resist an “attractive woman” – regardless of whether he’s in a relationship.
      And he admitted that he lied to former wife Stacey and other girlfriends, including Kate, “many times”.
      Moments after he began giving evidence, Chris Daw QC, defending, asked: “You’re known in news articles as a love cheat. Is that reputation justified?”
      Giggs – who confirmed he’s a “flirt by nature” – replied: “Yes.”
      The barrister said: “In the course of your relationship with women, have you managed to be faithful to any of them?”
      The footballer said: “No.”
      He was also accused of cheating on Kate with a mystery cricketer’s wife, having “full on relationships” with several others, and even plotting threesomes with a woman named Charlotte.
      Read More on The Sun
      Giggs won 64 caps for Wales and had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
      He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
      Kate, 38, accused her former partner of cheating on her with 12 other womenCredit: Jim Clarke – The Sun
      Her sister said she found evidence of him being unfaithful and wanted to leave himCredit: TWITTER/KATE GREVILLE
      Giggs praised his then-girlfriend’s ‘vivaciousness’ in a cringe-worthy poemCredit: Tim Stewart More

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      Ryan Giggs’ hotel has lost more than £3million over past two years – and owes £10million in loans

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      RYAN Giggs’ own hotel has lost a staggering £3.2million in just TWO years – its firm now owes more than £10million in loans.Hotel Football near Old Trafford is drowning in debt as its co-owner Giggs faces a potential retrial over charges of headbutting his ex-girlfriend.
      Hotel Football by Old Trafford is co-owned by Ryan Giggs and Gary NevilleCredit: Rex
      Giggs faces a potential retrial over charges of headbutting his ex-girlfriendCredit: AFP
      The footie-themed hotel, which opened in 2015, overlooks Man Utd’s home ground and sells itself as a fan-favourite.
      Yet the trendy tower hasn’t quite been the victory Giggs and former teammate Gary Neville had hoped for.
      Business accounts filed this week exposed how the rooms rapidly lost cash in just two years.
      Old Trafford Supports Club Ltd, the pair’s company behind the business, lost an eye-watering £1,148,879 in 2021 and a further £2,042,812 in 2020.
      Read more Football
      The firm also pulled a restaurant from the National Museum of Football to save cash, documents have revealed.
      Gigg’s co-owner Neville blamed the pandemic for the hotel’s poor figures, saying their bookings and finances had been “hit drastically” by lockdown restrictions.
      The footie legend told the Daily Star, “challenges around inflation and the labour market continue up to this day”, but added that there are plans in the works to improve the business’ prospects.
      He said: “The directors have continued their policy of investing in the hotel to improve operational performance and to promote the Hotel Football brand even post the pandemic year.
      “The directors feel that whatever the case the quality of the brand and of the property they manage cannot be sacrificed.”
      Luckily, Neville said this year’s figures were “very encouraging” as the UK hospitality industry returns to pre-pandemic levels.
      He also confirmed that the firm’s parent company Orchid Leisure Ltd had loaned the hotel £10.2m to keep it afloat.
      Ryan Giggs’ charges of actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour are not the only issue to be linked to Hotel Football’s name.
      The Sun later reported in 2016 that the rooms were being used as a base for prostitutes.
      A sex agency was being inundated with calls from footie fans looking to romp with one of 30 girls listed online.
      STADIUM VIEW ROOMS
      And an escort claimed to have bedded eight clients since the four-star Manchester hotel’s launch.
      We also revealed cocaine was found in the toilets just a year after the hotel opened.
      Tests on three cubicles revealed traces of for the Class A drug on loo roll casings and toilet lids.
      A small trace was also found on the disabled loos handrail next to thefamily-friendly reception area. Club officials will be horrified.
      Photos on the hotel’s website advertise the rooms which overlook the iconic stadium.
      Football-shaped mints appear to be placed on the pillows which are embroidered with the words “dreaming of victory”.
      Posters of footballs and nets decorate the walls of the family-sized “Squad Rooms”.
      Some pictures of the “Class of ’92 Rooms” show football shirts and quotes from sporting legends adorning the walls – with one photo even showing a framed photo of Giggs himself above the bed’s headboard.
      Downstairs guests can eat “Veganaldo”, “Messi Fries” or “Giggsy grilled Cumberland sausage” at Cafe Football.
      On Wednesday, Giggs dropped his head when he heard any future trial might not be until at least June next YEAR as the jury was dismissed.
      The 48-year-old stood trial accused of headbutting PR exec Kate Greville, 38, and coercively controlling her over a three year period – but jurors failed to reach a verdict and the trial collapsed.
      He denied the charges, as well as an allegation he attacked Kate’s sister Emma, 26.
      Read More on The Sun
      Manchester Crown Court told the ex-player a hearing will be held on Wednesday next week, September 7, to decide when a potential retrial would be.
      The judge warned Giggs that he may be waiting until June 2023 at the earliest for any future trial – a decision to be made at next week’s hearing.
      The football-themed rooms opened in 2015Credit: Rex
      Giggs’ trial collapsed on Wednesday when the jury was dismissedCredit: The Mega Agency More