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    Ex-Premier League star’s son jailed for leaving cop, 67, with bleed on the brain after punching her 33 times in hospital

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    A FORMER Premier League’s star son has been jailed after punching a retired female cop 33 times in a savage attack at a hospital.Joni Hartson – son of Arsenal, Celtic and Wales player-turned-pundit John Hartson – lured fellow patient Dawn Lloyd, 67, into a garden.Joni Hartson has been jailed for attacking a retired detectiveCredit: WNSThe thug is the son of former Premier League star John HartsonCredit: The SunThe 22-year-old then launched into the terrifying attack – punching her 33 times as she desperately tried to defend herself.Chillingly, Hartson told police he targeted Dawn – a former Royal protection officer – because her age made her an “easy target”.He later admitted: “I wish I had killed her.”Hartson also attacked a healthcare worker days later by punching his arm when he was moved to a hospital in Carmarthen.The brute has now been jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to GBH and assault of an emergency worker.Cardiff Crown Court heard Hartson, who has autism, was a patient at Bryngofal Ward in the Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, South Wales.He had not been sectioned at the time of the attack on October 18 last year but was being treated for suicidal thoughts.Shocking CCTV showed Hartson battering Dawn – a former detective who had served for 17 years in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.Most read in FootballShe was left with a bleed on the brain following the horror and is now unable to form coherent sentences.But the court was told Dawn, who was suffering from confusion due to an autoimmune condition when she was attacked, is able to say: “He’s not going to hit me again.”Her sister Hannah Cox said in a victim impact statement how Dawn worked with the Royal protection team and later went on to be an office manager for on the Queen’s Jubilee.She added: “Dawn served diligently and with compassion.”But Hannah said her sister has since become anxious and worried and is scared of loud noises – including doors slamming.Owen Williams, defending, said Hartson was depressed with suicidal thoughts when he carried out the violent assault.He also said the thug was suffering from “possible hallucinations which were commanding in nature” – although no psychosis diagnosis has been given.Sentencing, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke called the attack “planned and premeditated”.She added: “You selected Miss Lloyd because you could see that she was vulnerable.”You used those vulnerabilities to select her as a target. You deliberately chose someone who would quite obviously be unable to resist.”Hartson was signed as a teenager by Swansea City, with his dad previously expressing his pride at the footballer’s hat-trick against Liverpool’s youth team.John Hartson began his career at Luton in 1992 before joining Arsenal three years later for £2.5million – a record for a teen player at the time.The striker played for the club 53 times – scoring 14 goals – before he left in 1997 to join West Ham.In 1999, John became Wimbledon’s most expensive signing ever when he signed a £7.5million contract.His time at the club didn’t last long though and after a stint at Coventry, John moved to Celtic in 2001 in a £6million transfer.Read More on The SunHe played for the team 146 times and scored 88 goals before moving make to England in 2006 to join West Brom.Hartson eventually hung up his boots in 2007 after gaining 51 caps for Wales.Hartson has been jailed for two yearsCredit: WNSJohn Hartson previously gushed about his son when he played for Swansea’s academy teamJohn played for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe also made 146 appearances for CelticCredit: Getty More

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      Jesse Lingard ‘refused to give police statement’ during investigation into sexual abuse by his grandad

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      FORMER England star Jesse Lingard refused to give police a witness statement during their investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by his grandad, a court heard yesterday.The footballer, 32, now based in South Korea, was contacted over claims that Kenneth Lingard, 86, had targeted his alleged victim over 15 years, starting when she was just five.Investigating officer DC Scott Chambers told jurors ex-Man United star Lingard and his mum had both declined to give a statement.Kenneth, of Warrington, Cheshire, denies 17 counts of indecent assault between 1970 and 1985.His alleged victim came forward after watching a Channel 4 documentary about Jesse’s rise to stardom.The woman, who is now 60, said that she reported the OAP to cops because the documentary portrayed him as “some kind of hero” and that Lingard had told “loads of lies”.READ MORE ON Jesse Lingard The court heard from the complainant’s second husband yesterday, who said that he had gone to see Kenneth over the allegations in the mid 1990’s.He told the jury: “I confronted him about it – the abuse.“I remember him looking me straight in the eye and saying that he didn’t do it.”The man, who divorced the complainant after eleven years of marriage, said that she had taken an overdose during their relationship and had been treated in hospital.Most read in FootballThe jury was told that Kenneth voluntarily gave a police interview in January 2023 – two months after the documentary aired – and dismissed the allegations.He said: “None of it happened.Jesse Lingard reels off FIVE different celebrations after ex-Man Utd star scores bizarre goal in South Korea” My grandson cannot believe what she is saying.”The trial continues.Jesse Lingard refused to give police a statement during an investigation into his grandadCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell ‘lost over 10st in four months after suffering multiple organ failure before tragic death’

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      ARSENAL and Everton legend Kevin Campbell lost more than 10st in four months after suffering multiple organ failure before his death, an inquest heard.The striker passed away in hospital last June aged just 54 – sparking an outpouring of grief from his ex-teammates.Kevin Campbell died after being admitted to hospitalCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal star suffered multi-organ failureCredit: GettyAn inquest into Campbell’s death today heard he he was “desperately unwell” when he was admitted to hospital months before his death and had lost more than half of his body weight.He had been fit and well until about January 2024 until he was admitted to hospital with heart and kidney failure.No underlying cause for his declining health was identified during his six-week stay and he was discharged two months later after “responding well to treatment”, it was said.But in May last year, Campbell was readmitted after his weight plummeted to 9.3st from 19.5st and he developed gangrene in his toes.He was so weak by this point that his family – including his Sheffield United striker son Tyrese – were told he was not expected to survive.Campbell was put on palliative care within five days of his admission but was still “alert” and “conscious” despite being “very weak”.He passed away on June 15 where it was then discovered the footballer had a rare infection in his heart called endocarditis.Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) declared a level 5 patient safety incident to see whether a delay in diagnosing the infection could have contributed to his death.Most read in FootballBut this was downgraded to a level 2 incident and the hospital concluded his death was “possibly avoidable but not very likely”.Consultant Dr Robert Henney said tests suggested the infective endocarditis was “not present during the first admission”.Unearthed footage shows Kevin Campbell tell incredible story about first time he played with 14-year-old Wayne RooneyHe added: “Kevin was so weak as a result of heart and kidney failure and weight loss that even if we had diagnosed the endocarditis on that day (of admission) I don’t think his treatment would have been any different.“What he actually needed was surgery … but he was so weak that was not an option. Unfortunately there was nothing else that could have been done.”The consultant admitted his weight loss was not recognised by hospital staff “as early as it should have been”.Coroner Zak Golombek ruled there had been “clear evidence of a missed opportunity or a delay in diagnosis” of Campbell’s endocarditis.He added: “That has been admitted by the trust.”However, it’s also part of the evidence that this particular missed opportunity or delay in diagnosis would not have more than minimally contributed to Kevin’s death on the balance of probabilities.”During an earlier hearing, Campbell’s family questioned his “delayed diagnosis” and why he was not given an echocardiogram – a heart scan – during his first hospital admission.His brother Harold and sister Lorna today confirmed they were “happy” with the coroner’s ruling that the footballer died from natural causes.Paying tribute, Harold said: “From a family’s point of view, he was a superstar. He was very loved.”Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.During his time at the club, he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.Arsenal led tributes for the star, who became a pundit after hanging up his boots.The team said: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.”Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time.”Rest in peace, Kevin.”Campbell’s former club Everton, where he spent six years after joining in 1999 – making 137 appearances for the club.The Toffees said: “Everton said: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.”Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know.”RIP, Super Kev.”In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.As well as Arsenal and Everton, he had stints at Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Cardiff City.Campbell holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.But he did make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.Wayne Rooney, who played at Everton with the footballer, said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev – thinking of all his family and friends.”Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”While Arsenal star Tony Adams added: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.Read More on The Sun”An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us.”Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995Credit: GettyHe also had a successful stint at EvertonCredit: GettyFormer teammate Wayne Rooney was among those who paid tributeCredit: PA More

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      Woman ‘sexually abused by Jesse Lingard’s grandad’ messaged star saying ‘shame on you’ after he praised him in TV show

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      A WOMAN who claims she was sexually abused by Jesse Lingard’s grandad messaged the footballer saying “shame on you”, a court heard.Kenneth Lingard, 86, is accused of sexually assaulting the woman from the age of five until she was 19.Kenneth Lingard allegedly abused the woman from the age of fiveCredit: CHRIS NEILLShe messaged Jesse Lingard after he spoke in a documentary about his grandadCredit: GettyShe reported the alleged abuse to the police after watching a Channel 4 documentary that featured ex-Man Utd star Jesse.The footballer, who now plays for FC Seoul in South Korea, had praised his grandfather’s influence on his career.Liverpool Crown Court heard the woman messaged him three times on November 18, 2022. In one, the woman said: “Shame on you Jesse Lingard. Loads of lies. Your grandad Kenneth Lingard molested and sexually abused me and you know he did. Read more news”You did the documentary for money and to make yourself some kind of mental health ambassador. Well, as you say, I’m speaking out. No more silence.”In another, she referred Jesse hiding a “dark” secret that his grandfather was a “paedophile” and “child molester”.She also branded the former England star’s late grandmother Pamela an “enabler”.When she received no reply, the woman messaged a friend of the footballer who he was on holiday with at the time, the court heard.Most read in FootballShe claimed he had “no right doing that documentary” when his grandfather had “molested” her for years.The alleged victim added: “F****** cheeky twat. Shame on you Jesse Lingard.”Jurors also heard calls she made to police on the day Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story was aired.She asked officers how she could get someone “arrested for child abuse but historic child abuse?”The woman also told police she “thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received” after watching the show.She added: “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.”Lingard, of Warrington, has denied 17 counts of indecent assault.The trial continues.Midfielder Jesse joined Man Utd’s youth academy aged seven and progressed to the first team in the 2011-12 season.He made 149 appearances – scoring 20 times including in FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield finals. Read More on The SunJesse moved to Nottingham Forest in 2022 but left a year later after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.He then joined South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week.Lingard had opened up about the influence his grandad had on him, jurors heardCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-England star Jesse Lingard’s grandad accused of child sex abuse after ‘victim’ watched documentary on footballer

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      EX-England star Jesse Lingard’s grandad was accused of child sex abuse after his alleged victim watched a documentary on the footballer, a court heard yesterday. Kenneth Lingard, 86, is said to have targeted her from the age of five until she was 19. Kenneth Lingard, 86, is said to have targeted the victim from the age of five until she was 19Credit: CHRIS NEILLThe alleged victim came forward after watching Channel 4 documentary Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story in 2022Credit: GettyShe came forward after Channel 4 screened Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story in 2022 where the former Man United star praised his grandfather. Prosecutor Benjamin Aina KC said the woman told police: “They made the documentary and I just thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received. “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.” Lingard, of Warrington, appeared in the dock in a wheelchair at Liverpool crown court to deny 17 indecent assaults. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe trial continues. Former Man Utd midfielder Jesse was released by Nottingham Forest in 2023, after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.He was stuck in a football free agent’s abyss, until he surprisingly moved to South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week. At Forest, he was earning a whopping £ 180,000 per week.Most read in FootballAlthough it was a tough start professionally, with coach Kim Gi-dong publicly criticising him for his fitness and a subsequent knee injury ruling him of action early on in his career, he soon won over the fans. More

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      Verdict on Man City’s 115 charges DELAYED again after Pep Guardiola hinted they’d learn fate this month

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      THE verdict on Manchester City’s mountain of charges from the Premier League is unlikely to arrive before the summer, reports suggest.The Prem’s landmark court battle with the club sees City facing more than 115 charges relating to breaches of financial rules over a nine-year period and allegations of failing to cooperate with investigations.Man City’s landmark legal case is unlikely to be resolved before the summerCredit: ReutersOriginally reported as 115, the charges actually come out to 130 overall because of confusion over some of the rules listed in particular seasons, with the Prem issuing a correction with the new figure.A hearing into the matter by an independent commission concluded in December after nearly three months of argument at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre.But now, according to The Telegraph, the outcome of the case is unlikely to emerge before the summer despite initial hope the verdict would be announced in the early spring.The complexities of the case, including the amount of evidence heard, challenged and scrutinised have all added to the tension around the legal battle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPremier League bosses first brought the charges against City in February 2023, with the investigation now dating back almost six-and-a-half years.City deny their guilt and claim they have “irrefutable evidence” to back up their position, with their defence being led by Lord Pannick KC.Manager Pep Guardiola has been on the front lines dealing with questions about the case.In February he had said: “In one month there will be a verdict and sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, a verdict remains some time away.If the charges are proven then City will face punishments ranging from a heavy points deduction or even relegation.Pep Guardiola talks about Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Man City after 10 years Rival Prem clubs could even claim for a loss of income over the outcome of certain seasons which could total hundreds of millions of pounds.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence by training ground

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      COPS pulled over Britain’s most expensive footballer Moises Caicedo and found he was driving his £160k supercar without a valid licence.The £115million Chelsea midfielder, 23, was nabbed in his Audi RSQ8 last Friday near the club’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey.Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo had his £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without a valid licenceCredit: GettyCaicedo has regularly been seen driving in Britain since signing for Brighton in 2021 for £4.5million, pictured behind the wheel last yearMoises faces a court summons for driving illegally in the UK, pictured outside Cobham in his motorCredit: © Jim BennettThey are now carrying out further checks to clarify if Caicedo, 23, had valid insurance.And he faces a court summons for driving illegally in the UK.People with international driving licences can use them in Britain for 12 months but must then apply for a UK provisional licence and pass the practical driving test.Caicedo has regularly been seen driving in Britain since signing for Brighton in 2021 for £4.5million.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe joined the Blues in 2023 for a British record fee of £115million.On March 31, he was seen at the wheel of the Audi — which can do 155mph and reach 60mph in 3.8 seconds — leaving Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey.Cops pulled him over last Friday as he headed to the nearby home he shares with partner Paola Salazar.Caicedo flew to Poland yesterday with his teammates for today’s clash with Legia Warsaw in the Uefa Conference League.Most read in FootballHis brush with the law raises questions over whether other foreign footballers may also be driving without the correct documents.Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges Law firm JMW said: “If you have been charged with driving without a licence, you could face serious punishment. Potential penalties for this type of offence include a fine, penalty points and a driving ban.“Driving without a licence is a serious motoring offence in the eyes of the law. This means it can carry significant penalties that may affect your ability to drive in the future.”Caicedo, who has 53 international caps, is the youngest of ten siblings and often visits his home town of Santo Domingo in Ecuador, where he plays football with the locals.He comes from a poor family but has helped to fund new footballing facilities in the area.Caicedo has played 66 games for Chelsea and scored two goals.Surrey Police told The Sun: “A man in his 20s from Cobham was stopped by officers on Fairmile Lane in Cobham on Friday 4 April and found to be driving without a licence. The vehicle was seized, and our enquiries are ongoing.”Chelsea FC said the issue was a personal matter.Read More on The SunCaicedo’s agent Manuel Sierra Camacho said yesterday: “There is no comment from us about this matter. I’m sorry.”The DVLA explained that police are responsible for potential offences surrounding licensing and insurance while their role is to maintain a database of drivers and vehicles in the UK.The midfielder was nabbed in his Audi RSQ8 last Friday near the club’s training ground in Cobham, SurreyCredit: Alamy More

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      Joey Barton LOSES part of libel case against Eni Aluko after accusing ex-England footballer of ‘playing race card’

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      ENI Aluko has won the first part of her libel case against Joey Barton after he accused her of playing the “race card”.Ex-Man City star Barton was taken to court by the pundit following a string of posts he made on X in January.Joey Barton has lost part of a libel case against Eni AlukoCredit: APEni claimed two of the posts were defamatoryCredit: AlamyShe claimed the two posts were defamatory – including one where he targeted her family and background.Barton, 42, branded her a “race card player” and accused her of playing the “victim card”, adding: “Cry me a f***ing river”.He also claimed “everyone is laughing at you” and said she knew “next to nothing about men’s football”.Eni has now won part of her case at the High Court after a judge found Barton made defamatory remarks.Read more newsMr Justice Lavender had been asked to consider the “natural and ordinary meaning” of the posts.Eni, 38, welcomed the ruling, saying: “The posts were an unwarranted attack on my personal and professional identity, my integrity and my family life – in particular my late father.”Barton could still appeal the decision and defend his statements if the case proceeds to trial.His lawyer William McCormick KC previously described the claims as “strained, forced and unreasonable”.Most read in FootballIn a separate case, Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine, Eni and her colleague Lucy Ward.The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits to Fred and Rose West and branded Radio 2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.He is due to stand trial later this year at Liverpool Crown Court charged with 12 offences.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Eni bought the case against BartonCredit: PAHe denied the posts were inflammatoryCredit: Getty More

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      Jack Grealish ‘slapped in face by Man Utd fan’ in new crowd shock after vile Phil Foden mum chants

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      JACK Grealish was allegedly slapped in the face by a Manchester United fan at Old Trafford.The Man City star, 29, was apparently assaulted near the tunnel as he made his way off the pitch following the Manchester derby on Sunday.Jack Grealish prior to the game on SaturdayCredit: GettyPhil Foden was subjected to vile chants during the same gameCredit: AlamyFootage has emerged of the moment Phil Foden was targeted by Manchester United supportersCredit: TikTok/mohsin.d10Grealish was the victim of a violent encounter in 2019, when a Birmingham City fan stormed the pitch and clobbered him from behind – sending the then-Villa player sprawling onto the turf.A 20-year-old man has been charged with assault following Sunday’s alleged attack.He will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court in July.Both Man City and Man United are yet to make public comment on the incident, though police are understood to have immediately launched a probe following reports of the assault yesterday.Read more footballA spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Alfie Holt, 20, of Haven Drive, Droylsden, has been charged with assault. “He will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court.”This charge relates to an incident which took place at Old Trafford Football Club yesterday.”Grealish started on the bench for City, but came on for Ilkay Gundogan in the 74th minute of the clash.Most read in FootballThe alleged slap comes after sections of the United crowd chanted “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g” during the drab draw.City manager Pep Guardiola blasted fans for the vile song.​Pitch invader punches Jack Grealish in the middle of Birmingham City vs Aston Villa​Speaking after the game, he said: “It was a lack of class.“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”He added: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Foden has also issued a three-word message on social media.”We keep going,” the Man City star wrote alongside five photos of himself from the match.Fans flocked to the comments to offer the midfielder some support, with one person writing: “Don’t mind the haters Phil every great person has haters we keep going.”While another said: “We are with you.”It comes after cops promised an increased police presence in the city over the weekend.Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, head of Special Operations at GMP and Gold Commander for the Manchester derby, earlier said: “We are lucky in Manchester to have clubs with passionate fan bases represented across all football leagues – a Manchester derby especially always brings excitement as the city unites in its passions for football.“There is a policing plan in place for Sunday – fans will notice an increased police presence in busier locations and specialist officers will be deployed to ensure fans remain safe and can enjoy the match.“We want everyone to enjoy the match – anyone with concerns can report them to a police officer or a member of security staff on the day.”Birmingham City fan Phil Mitchell, then 27, was jailed for 14 weeks in 2019 after admitting thumping Grealish during the clash with Aston Villa.Mitchell said he launched the attack as a “joke” because he thought Grealish was “a k***”.Read More on The SunIn a tragic twist, the footy fan was then found dead in 2023 aged 32.His body was discovered at an address in Birmingham, and he was later described by family as having “the kindest heart”.Grealish came on as a sub for his side in the second halfCredit: Getty More