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      Footballer, 33, ‘raped woman as she slept’ hours after cup final win at Wembley – before sending explicit photos to pals

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      A FOOTBALLER raped a woman as she slept before sending explicit photos of her to his teammates, a court has heard.Michael Emery, 33, brought the woman back to a hotel after spending the night celebrating Warrington Rylands FC’s FA Vase win on May 22, 2021.Michael Emery, 33, celebrated a win in the FA Vase Cup final at WembleyCredit: AlamyHe is currently on trial for allegedly raping a woman while she sleptCredit: AlamySt Albans Crown Court heard they initially had consensual sex, which the woman described as “vanilla”, before the defendant fell asleep.But she allegedly later awoke to find Emery biting her “really hard” on her left thigh and breast.The woman said “ow twice” and told him she didn’t want to have sex, before Emery allegedly raped her, the court heard.She subsequently “played dead” while he continued to bite her, before allegedly raping her for a second time, jurors were told.read more on football Charlotte Newel KC, prosecuting, said the alleged offences took place at a hotel in Watford.The woman had consumed six or seven bottles of beer over eight hours and was said to be “merry but not drunk,” the court heard.Opening the case, Ms Newell said: “Whilst she was asleep, Mr Emery demonstrated his total disregard for the autonomy and consent of the woman he had intercourse with by taking photographs of her naked without her knowledge and distributing them shortly before 4am amongst his teammates.”Emery is accused of sending explicit pictures to two WhatsApp group chats, allegedly writing: “Anyone want a go?”.Most read in Football”She knew nothing of this and would never have consented to such pictures being taken,” Ms Newell added.In a police interview, the woman said: “I think that when it first sort of hit me a bit… I was feeling quite wavy, for want of a better way of putting it.”The woman confided in her two friends about the alleged rapes first, before approaching her GP on May 27, 2021, the court heard.Her injuries were assessed, samples were taken and she was referred to a counselling service for victims of sexual assault, jurors were told.She was reluctant to go to the police at the time as she was aware of rape conviction statistics, the court heard.But due to Emery’s association with a women’s football team, she decided to tell Mark Pye, Warrington Rylands club chairman, about the alleged attack.After contacting Samaritans for help, she reported him to the police on August 16, 2021.Following a recorded interview, Emery was arrested on September 29, 2021.He claimed they had consensual sex three times.Emery also said she appeared fine and “showed no signs of being unhappy” when she left the hotel room the following morning.However, he failed to mention the images and refused to answer questions about them, the court heard.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer denies two counts of rape and one count of disclosing private sexual photos with intent to cause distress.The case continues. More

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      Ex-Man City player Robinho fighting to get rape conviction DOWNGRADED to slash prison time in hellhole jail in half

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      FORMER Man City ace Robinho is fighting to get his gang rape conviction downgraded and slash his prison time in jail in half.The ex-Brazil international has served less than two months of his nine-year sentence for gang rape in the hellhole maximum security Tremembe Prison, near Sao Paulo.The football ace has been sentenced to nine tears behind bars for gang rapeCredit: AFPThe footie ace is trying to get his prison time slashed in halfThe Ex-Man City player being arrestedThe Brazilian, who has an estimated £60million net worth, was jailed after he was convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club in 2013, alongside five other men.He started serving his sentence in March, sharing a tiny 8m squared cell with some of Brazil’s most notorious murderers and rapists.But his lawyer is already trying to get him out of the hellhole jail in less than two years by arguing the gang rape he was convicted over should not have been categorised as “heinous.”Mario Rossi Vale is arguing it should have been given a “standard” categorisation instead under Brazilian law.READ MORE ON ROBINHOHe’s arguing the footballer’s conviction should never have automatically been labelled “heinous”, increasing the amount of time he has to do in a “closed prison regime” when Brazilian judges facilitated his imprisonment there.If his appeal is accepted, Robinho could be made to do just one year and eight months instead of three years and seven months in a maximum-security prison before being allowed to benefit from a semi-open regime which could enable him to work or study outside jail during the day.The former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester City striker was transferred to the maximum security prison in Tremembé after Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled he must do his time in his homeland as a result of his 2017 rape conviction in Italy.Italy issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star managed to dodge jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo.Most read in FootballBrazil’s High Court of Justice ended up accepting Italy’s request to make him serve his time in his homeland in March and the married dad-of-two was arrested hours after the decision.He was taken from his seafront luxury home in Santos to a hellish Brazilian prison where he plays ball with inmates.Tremembé is notorious for housing high-level criminals including child killers, murderers and other rapists.The cell is said to have only one single bed, a small sink and a toilet built into the floor.While in the cell all activities are isolated and he will be given four meals each day – the first being at 6am and the last at 5.30pm.But the convicted rapist has now been allowed to participate in physical activities with other prisoners, having already taken part in a football match.Timeline of Robinho’s rape caseThe rape case involving Brazilian footballer Robinho spans several years. Here’s a brief timeline:

      January 22, 2013: Robinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club during his stint for AC Milan.
      2014: Brazilian media reported on the allegations against Robinho, but no formal charges were filed at that time.
      2017: Robinho was found guilty of sexual assault by an Italian court and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, he denied the charges and appealed the verdict.
      2020: After the appeal process, Robinho’s sentence was upheld by the Italian court. But due to the statute of limitations in Italy, he was not extradited to serve his sentence.
      2022: Robinho’s prison sentence is ratified.
      March 2023: Robinho surrendered his passport to authorities
      November 2023: Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.
      March 20, 2024: Brazil’s Superior Court formed a simple majority and voted for Robinho to serve the sentence in his home country

      Robinho pictured with his wife Vivian Guglielmetti JunitsCredit: ReutersThe footballer is serving his sentence in Brazil’s Tremembe PrisonCredit: Laurene Santos/TV Vanguarda More

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      Conor Benn once again BANNED from boxing as he continues doping fight with BBBoC

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      CONOR BENN is once again suspended from boxing as he continues his doping fight with the British Boxing Board of ControlThe 27-year-old welterweight son of British ring legend Nigel failed two tests in the build-up to his axed 2022 super-fight with Chris Eubank Jr.Conor Benn has been suspended once again from boxingCredit: APHe has always passionately insisted on his innocence and claims to have spent in excess of £400,000 on lawyers and scientists to help clear his name.Benn even got his ban lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel in July 2023 but the BBBofC appealed against that decision and the ban has now been officially reinforced.A Board statement read: “The British Boxing Board of Control Limited refers to a statement published today, 10 May 2024, by UK Anti-Doping (“UKAD”).“As UKAD have stated, the BBBoC can confirm that Conor Benn is subject to a Provisional Suspension prohibiting him from participating in any capacity (or assisting another Athlete in any capacity) in a Competition, Event or activity that is organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the BBBoC or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.READ MORE ON BOXING“UKAD and the BBBoC were successful in their respective appeals of a decision handed down by a tribunal of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in July 2023, and Mr Benn’s Provisional Suspension was reimposed by the appeal tribunal following those successful appeals.“As Mr Benn’s case remains before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel and the case will now progress in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules, the BBBoC is not able to make any further public comment at this time.”Benn does not have a BBBofC licence but when the ban was lifted he managed two low-key fights in America.But now the ban has been reapplied, any commission that follows the WADA (World Anti-Doping Code) will face difficulty in licensing a bout with him.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOptions for the undefeated puncher are limited but the case could now be taken to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport).This comes after Benn launched a furious online attack on Ryan Garcia.Conor Benn launches X-rated blast at bitter rival Chris Eubank JrThe American shocked many with his points win over Devin Haney last month after necking a beer as he weighed in 3.2lbs over the weight limit for the bout.After a complimentary message from Benn, Garcia took to X to fire shots at The Destroyer and claim he would breeze past him if the pair came to blows.It has since emerged that The former interim WBC lightweight champion tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing drug Ostarine before and after his shock win.Traces of the SARM (selective androgen receptive modulator) – which can build lean muscle mass – were discovered in Garcia’s final pre-fight tests.Garcia, 25, has denied intentionally ingesting the substance, the discovery of which will likely see his win overturned to a No Contest. More

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      Ex-Arsenal ace & Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson banned from driving after being caught speeding three times in one month

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      EX-ENGLAND and Arsenal ace Paul Merson has been banned from driving after being convicted of speeding THREE times within a month.The Sky Sports pundit did 47mph in a 40mph limit on the A316 Great Chertsey Road in Feltham, south west London, on September 9.Paul Merson has been banned from drivingCredit: Ian WhittakerMerson, 56, was caught again doing the same speed on the same road just two days later in his silver Volkswagen Touareg.The retired midfielder was later caught speeding at 57mph in a 50mph stretch of the A316 Country Way in Sunbury on October 1.The trio of offences within a month came after he was caught driving 60mph in a 50mph limit on the M3 at Thorpe, Surrey, on February 27 last year.Merse, who also played for Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court today for a disqualification hearing.Read more newsHe pleaded guilty to all four charges and was banned from driving for six months after receiving 12 penalty points.The footy playmaker was also fined £2,640, must pay a victim surcharge of £1,056 and prosecution costs of £110 within 28 days.Chief Magistrate Joan Lindsay admitted his previous driving record was “not great” and warned: “You mustn’t drive on any UK road once you leave court.”The court heard he already had nine points on his driving licence for speeding twice in 2021 and once in 2022.Most read in FootballNicholas Maggs, defending, claimed the four new convictions were for “relatively modest” speeds in variable limits.He claimed disqualification will have a “substantial effect” on his wife, who doesn’t drive, and his family – as Merse does the school run.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowThe oldest of their three kids, aged three, six and nine, has to travel 45 minutes around four times a week for training and matches at Chelsea’s academy.He said: “On his behalf, I wish to put forward his remorse for these offences. He accepts it’s not acceptable.“Through me he apologises to the court for finding himself before the court and finding himself disqualified for driving. It’s going to make things substantially more difficult.“I’m sure the court will appreciate Mr Merson experienced a number of difficulties in his younger life and has now chosen to use these positively through unpaid speaking events to help younger people from suffering mental health problems.”The FA Cup winner, of Teddington, south west London, was driven to court in the passenger seat of his four-year-old VW.Asked if he wanted to comment after the conclusion of the case, Merson, wearing a maroon long-sleeved polo shirt and grey suit trousers, told The Sun: “Absolutely not.”It comes after the dad-of-eight received a 14-month ban for falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing his Mercedes into a lorry while drink driving on the M40 near Warwick in October 2011.READ MORE SUN STORIESMerson, praised for going public over his battle with alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions, earned 21 Three Lions caps and went to Euro ‘92 and World Cup ‘98.He won the old First Division title with the Gooners in 1989 and 1991, before securing an FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993.Merson appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court todayCredit: Ian WhittakerEx-Arsenal star Merson was fined £2,640Credit: RexThe Sky Sports pundit admitted the driving offencesCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League club boss’ identity to remain hidden in historical child sex abuse case

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      THE identity of a Premier League club boss will remain hidden after he was accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.A civil case has been launched against him by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of raping two girlsThe judge in the case granted the football figure anonymity – meaning his name will stay out of legal documents.Master Stevens, who sits as a judge in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, said this was necessary for the “administration of justice”.She said she had considered human rights to private and family life, as well as freedom of expression, when making the decision.Although privacy rules in the UK apply to identifying suspects in the early stages of a police probe, the media is usually allowed to report cases in court – including civil cases.The ruling came after the football boss’ lawyers argued he should remain anonymous because of the potential harm naming him would have.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.This was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Most read in FootballLegislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.Court papers seen by The Athletic state he “committed trespass to the claimant’s person (assault and battery) and intentionally inflicted injury”.This is said to have caused the woman psychological harm, the documents say.The case is separate to another historical rape allegation made by a different woman.Police previously confirmed the well-known football figure was  quizzed under caution last June regarding that claim.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post despite being under criminal investigation.The Met Police said previously: “On Thursday, September 23, 2021, the Met received a crime report regarding an historic rape allegation.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On Monday, June 12, a man was interviewed under caution at a police station.’’Further enquiries are being carried out in that case before a decision is made whether to charge him or take no further action. More

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      Nicky Butt breaks cover on red carpet after being told he faces possible jail time for smashing bikers leg in car smash

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      MAN Utd legend Nicky Butt was tonight spotted for the first time since being told he could face possible jail time for smashing a motorcyclist’s leg.The ex-England ace, 49, rammed into Andrew Fielden while driving carelessly in his Range Rover through Burnley, Lancashire.Nicky Butt attending the “99” World Premiere at Printworks todayCredit: RexThe footballer was seen with his children Ruben Butt (L) and Jersey Butt (R)Credit: EPAOur pictures show the Man Utd legend looking concerned moments after the crash involving his £100,000 Land Rover DefenderCredit: The SunAndrew spent two weeks in hospital and needed an operation to insert a metal rod into his mangled left legCredit: The SunButt pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to the riderThe biker suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Today the ex-midfielder was seen walking down the red carpet of an exclusive event – just days after admitting he caused injury by careless driving in front of the Blackburn Magistrates’ Court.Donning a classic suit paired with a satin-blue tie, the former England star beamed as he appeared at the premiere of Amazon Prime’s docu-series about the famous 1999 Treble winners. The three-part series features members of the Red Devils team that lifted a historic trio of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.more on the ex-midfielder The trailer teases interviews with both players and staff, including Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant Steve McClaren.David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Peter Schmeichel, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Butt, Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all feature.One episode will be dedicated to the stories behind each trophy.After the horror crash, Andrew needed an operation to insert a metal rod into the mangled limb and spent ten months on crutches.Most read in FootballHe developed a blood clot and requires medication for the rest of his life. The devastating injury also meant he had to give up his job as a Screwfix store manager.Wild scenes as Olympiacos celebrate reaching the Conference League final -Butt was handed an interim driving ban following the October 2022 crash.He could face up to two years in jail or an unlimited fine when he is sentenced on a date to be set.Butt, who was picking up his son at the time, suffered a “momentary lapse of concentration”, the court heardProsecutor Graeme Tindall said: “What appears to have happened is a number of vehicles pass what appears to look like a HGV.“Mr Butt having let the HGV come past, pulls out and this is when Mr Fielden is coming past on the motorcycle.”The court was told Andrew was left with no memory of the crash other than waking up in hospital “in immense pain”.Butt remained at the scene and has since written a letter of apology. Butt’s solicitor told Blackburn magistrates his client had “clearly shown remorse” in the letter.Inside the career of the former midfielderBUTT was an instrumental part of Alex Ferguson’s youth team – rising through the ranks with David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and the Nevilles.
      The midfielder began his professional career stepping in for Roy Keane as a sub before he landed a full-time spot when Paul Ince left in 1995.
      Along with the rest of the Class of ’92, Butt helped Utd win countless trophies as the club became a dominant force.
      This included the Champions League Final in 1999, where the Red Devils made history by winning the treble.
      By the time he left in 2004, the footballer had helped Utd win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League trophy.
      Butt later had spells at Newcastle and Birmingham City before moving into management in 2016 for Utd’s U23 team.
      In 2014, he bought Salford City along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary and Phil Neville.

      However, it is not clear whether this was an apology to the court or the victim.Despite claims in court that Butt had shown remorse, the Honda rider said that he never apologised to him for the incident.He told The Sun: “I have not heard anything from Nicky Butt.”He has never spoken to me or written me a letter.”Or if he has, I haven’t seen it. If I had put somebody through all this, I’d be doing everything possible to help. He has done some serious damage to me, and I have not fully recovered from my injuries.“His solicitors may have advised him not to make direct contact.”“If I had knocked someone from their bike, I would be making sure that person was looked after from the moment they got home.“I’d be doing their shopping and making sure they are OK but I have not heard a word from him.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJust days ago, Butt was seen for the first time after his court appearance.He looked glum as he sat on a park bench wearing jeans, a white t-shirt and white trainers.Nicky Butt seen for the first time since being banned from driving for careless drivingButt was part of the Class of 92 squadHe played 270 games for Utd during his 12 years on the senior team More

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      Norwich defender Shane Duffy arrested and charged with drink-driving after two-vehicle smash

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      NORWICH star Shane Duffy has been charged with drink driving.The former Premier League star is due to appear before magistrates in Norwich in July.Shane Duffy is due to appear in court charged with drink drivingCredit: AlamyDuffy, 32, was arrested in Hethersett, near Norwich, late on Monday after a collision involving two vehicles.A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “Police were called to Queen’s Road, Hethersett, 21:05, on Monday May 6, following reports of a two-vehicle collision.”Emergency services attended the scene and a man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.”No one was injured.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuffy has responded through a spokesperson who said: “[Duffy has been] charged with driving whilst unfit through drink, having provided an evidential breath sample of 102mcg.”A Norwich City spokesman said: “Norwich City Football Club is aware of an incident involving one of its first-team players.”The club is in the process of considering the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure.”Duffy is due to play for Norwich against Leeds United in the Championship play-offs, with the first leg on Sunday.Most read in EFLThe Republic of Ireland star has featured in 36 league games for the Canaries this season.He signed for the club last season after a short-lived spell at Fulham where he made just seven appearances. More

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      Man City star Jack Grealish handed five penalty points on his driving licence after admitting speeding

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      FOOTIE ace Jack Grealish has been handed five points on his licence after he admitted speeding.The Man City winger, 28, was clocked at 44mph in a 30 zone in Wythall, near Birmingham, last July in his Range Rover.Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been given points on his licence for speedingCredit: AFPA charge of failing to give information to police on the driver’s identity was withdrawn.Grealish did not appear before JPs in Worcester.He was fined £666 and told to pay £376 in costs.His lawyer said: “He can afford to pay that figure.”READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHThe Prem ace has a chequered driving history.He was caught on camera staggering away from his Range Rover in March 2020 in Dickens Heath, Birmingham, wearing odd slippers and a blue hoodie.The former Aston Villa midfielder had earlier attended a lockdown party before he mounted a kerb and collided with a Mercedes and a Citroen.He was hit with a nine-month ban and fined £82,000.Most read in FootballMagistrates in Birmingham were also shown dashcam footage of a second incident in October that year when an unmarked police car followed Grealish’s Range Rover on the M43 as it travelled at speeds of up to 98mph.The court was told Grealish was late for training and was worried he was setting a bad example to his teammates.Jack Grealish’s dog did ‘the biggest s***’ on Man City’s training pitch as England star reveals unusual habitsHe later pleaded guilty to two charges of careless driving and was only allowed back on the road in September 2022.At the time of those offences, Grealish already had six points on his licence from a previous motorway offence in 2018 when he was caught speeding on the M42. More