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      in Soccer

      Football agent ‘threatened to send enforcers to Chelsea FC director over £300k cut from Kurt Zouma transfer fee’

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      A FOOTBALL agent threatened to send enforcers to a Chelsea FC director over a £300,000 cut from Kurt Zouma’s transfer, a court heard.Saif Alrubie, 45, allegedly demanded payment from Marina Granovskaia after the French defender moved to West Ham.Marina Granovskaia allegedly received a threatening email from Saif AlrubieCredit: PAThe football agent claimed he was owed £200k from Kurt Zouma’s transferCredit: PAZouma moved to West Ham from Chelsea in 2021Credit: GettyJurors heard he told the director: “I am done trying to be nice to you.”Southwark Crown Court was told Alrubie insisted he had played a part in the £29million move in August 2021.But prosecutor Arizuna Asante said he had “nothing at all to do with the deal” and had “no right to or credible expectation to” benefit from the transfer.He added: “It is then alleged that Mr Alrubie sent Ms Granovskaia an email threatening her on May 22 2022 that if the money was not paid – that is his commission – that she might suffer the fate of someone called Kia Joorabchian who owed him money and did not pay in time.Read more news”He (Mr Joorabchian) was allegedly accosted in a restaurant, an expensive watch taken from him, and thereafter in his office confronted by about a dozen men all at one time effectively intimidating him into handing over bundles of cash in intervals until the money that was owed was paid off.”Marina was director of Chelsea from 2014 to 2022 and also served as chief assistant to Roman Abramovich for over ten years.Jurors heard she told Alrubie if Zouma sold for more than 30 million euros he would get a commission, but there was “nothing binding” about those exchanges because it was “pre contract”.When the defender was sold to Premier League rivals West Ham, Alrubie’s name was not identified on the “deal sheet”, which had been signed by Zouma, it was said.Most read in FootballMarina emailed Alrubie on August 25, 2021, explaining she did not believe the football agent was working on behalf of Chelsea.He responded on May 22, 2022, saying: “In summary, you owe me and my partners £300,000 which needs to get paid ASAP.Frank Lampard lifts lid on brutal Chelsea sacking after being summoned to boardroom by Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia “If Chelsea don’t pay it then that debt will be on you to pay. I am done trying to be nice to you. And feel free to go to your boss who’s had his recent problems and tell him that you have a big problem with me as long as you tell him the truth about your behaviour. Because in life you can’t be wrong and strong.”I look forward to hearing from you on the above matters and hopefully have a swift solution to them otherwise I guess I will see you when I see you.”I’m sure you’ve heard the story about your other friend Kia when he owed me money for a year and how he ended up paying it. Wouldn’t want you to be in the same situation just because you have a personal issue with me.”Jurors heard the message was intended to be “threatening” in a bid to force Marina to send over the cash.Mr Asante added: “He intended her to feel anxiety or distress.”Marina became known as one of the toughest negotiators in football during Abramovich’s reign at Chelsea.She left Stamford Bridge when Todd Boehly bought the team for a record £4.25billion following the UK Government sanctions placed on Abramovich.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlrubie denies sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.The trial continues.Marina became known as the most powerful woman in football during her time at the clubCredit: Alamy More

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      Footie agent on trial for ‘sending threatening email to ex-Chelsea director over Kurt Zouma transfer’

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      A FOOTBALL agent has gone on trial for allegedly sending a threatening email to a former Chelsea director over the transfer of star Kurt Zouma.Saif Alrubie, 45, is said to have messaged Marina Granovskaia demanding payment for his role in the £29million deal to sell Zouma to West Ham.Kurt Zouma playing for West Ham against  Bayer 04 Leverkusen earlier this weekCredit: RexFootball agent  Saif Alrubie at Southwark Crown CourtCredit: Rights reservedSaif Alrubie, 45, is said to have messaged ex-Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia demanding payment for his role in the £29million deal to sell Zouma to West HamCredit: RexThe French defender, 29, signed in August 2021 and Alrubie is accused of emailing his demand for commission in 2022.Ms Granovskaia, 49, left Chelsea that year after almost 20 years at the Stamford Bridge club. Alrubie, from Fulham, West London, is on bail and denies one charge under the Malicious Communications Act.The jury was sworn in at London’s Southwark crown court yesterday ahead of a one-week trial starting today. Zouma has scored three times for the Hammers this season.READ MORE ON KURT ZOUMAZouma has scored three times for the Hammers this season.In 2022, Zouma was filmed kicking his cat like a football across his kitchen floor.The Premier League star, 27, was also seen slapping his pet’s face.The club condemned Zouma’s actions and fined him £250,000, which they stated was the maximum fine they were able to hand out.Most read in FootballThe West Ham defender was seen attacking the pet at his £2million mansion while his brother filmed him.Premier League defender Kurt Zouma seen in sick video drop kicking a cat – and slapping it across his kitchen More

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      Rapist ex-Man City star millionaire Robinho spends first month in prison in tiny cell & is signed up for work programme

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      DISGRACED footballer Robinho has spent his first month in jail sharing a tiny 8m squared cell with murderers and fellow rapists. The ex-Man City millionaire was taken from his seafront luxury home in Santos to a hellish Brazilian prison where he plays ball with inmates who make toilet cleaner.Football star Robinho is now serving a nine year sentence for a gang-rape in Italy in 2013Credit: AFPHe has been sent to a chilling Brazilian prison in Tremembé alongside murderers and fellow rapistsCredit: Laurene Santos/TV VanguardaBrazilian jails are severely overcrowded with dozens of inmates living in one cellRobinho spent the first 10 days of his nine years in prison in full isolation as part of a standard adaptation period.The Brazilian, who has an estimated £60million net worth, was then transferred to a tiny 8m squared cell, which he shares with another inmate, CNN reports.Used to living in a lavish mansion in Manchester back in his glory days, the mini concrete block is what Robinho will now call home for the better part of a decade.The cell is said to have only one single bed, a small sink and a toilet built into the floor.Read more on RobinhoAnd a barred up window will provide just a glimpse of the outside world.Here Robinho is set to be under observation by guards and made to do tests by doctors, psychologists and social workers.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.Most read in FootballAll 430 inmates inside the hellhole jail are made to wear matching outfits of a white t-shirt and khaki pants – a far cry from Robinho’s typical football kit.According to CNN, the former AC Milan player was even gifted a boot by fellow prisoners as he awaits to get a job at the penitentiary unit.He will be expected to work during his time behind bars potentially making school desks and chairs or even toilet disinfectant tablets – something the P2 jail is known for.Court finds Ex-Man City star Robinho ‘brutally humiliated gang rape victim’Timeline of Robinho’s rape caseThe rape case involving Brazilian footballer Robinho spans several years. Here’s the complete 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 was pictured in a police car being transported to his new home in jailCredit: EPARobinho being arrested following his sentencingCredit: Fábio Pires/TV TribunaInmates can also take acting lessons and participate in workshops on reading, literacy, and origami.Brazil’s prisons have earned the nickname “hell on earth” and for good reason as captives have been found decapitated after horrific attacks, with drug warlords calling the shots.The country’s jails have infamously bad living conditions, with overcrowding, violence, severe punishments, and gang battles among the many issues the underfunded facilities face.Harrowing photographs show hundreds of inmates jammed into a single cell, laying head-to-toe across the floor.Claims of innocenceRobinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club in 2013.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.He says he is innocent and his defence team is filing an appeal against the decision by Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ), G1 reports.Robinho previously accused the Italian justice system of “racism” and said the encounter in 2013 was “consensual”.He told a Brazilian network TV Record on Sunday: “I hope that here in Brazil I can have the voice that I didn’t have there.””I never denied it (the encounter). I could have denied it because my DNA was not there, but I’m not a liar.”I played for four years in Italy and I got tired of seeing stories about racism. The same people who do nothing about racism, which I repudiate, are the ones who condemned me.”A Brazilian news outlet previously published audio recordings obtained by Italian authorities which included Robinho discussing the case with friends.In one clip he says: “We will punch her in her face. You will punch her in the face and say; ‘What did I do to you?'”And in another: “That is why I am laughing, I don’t care at all.”The girl was extremely drunk, she doesn’t even know who I am.”A further leaked conversation shows him saying: “If this comes out in the press, it will screw me.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRobinho played for clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan, and signed a contract in 2020 to return to his first club in Brazil, Santos.However, the deal almost immediately fell apart after sponsors reportedly threatened to cut ties with the club for signing a player convicted of rape.Robinho with his wife Vivian Guglielmetti Junits on their wedding dayCredit: ReutersThe former Man City star hasn’t played football since 2020Credit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Boxing champion Andy Ruiz’s ex ‘gets restraining order’ after sex assault allegation and claims he pointed AK-47 at her

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      A CHAMPION boxer has reportedly been given a restraining order following allegations he pointed a gun at his ex-wife and sexually assaulted her.The order was imposed against former world heavyweight champion Andy Rui, earlier this month after an legal application by Julia Lemus, 34.Andy Ruiz’s ex, Julia Lemus, has had a successful application for a restraining order against himCredit: Instagram/@jjullieaLemus claims Ruiz sexually assaulted her and pointed a gun at herCredit: Instagram/@jjullieaLemus alleges Ruiz sexually assaulted, abused, and terrorised her throughout their relationship, reports TMZ. She also alleges he pointed an AK-47 at her face last year after she said she was uncomfortable with him buying a gun.Lemus and Ruiz started dating in 2016, with the order saying the boxer would often grab and pull Lemus to move her wherever he wanted her to go.She further claimed Ruiz would “jokingly” punch her arms and legs, leaving bruises, per TMZ. read more on boxingLemus claims Ruiz began sexually assaulting her last year, by forcing himself onto her at least six times. She was granted a temporary restraining order after the initial allegations.Ruiz strongly denied the claims, forcing a court battle to determine whether a permanent restraining order needed to be put in place.Both Ruiz and Lemus testified in front of a judge, as did witnesses, with the judge ruling in favour of Lemus on April 8. Most read in BoxingHeavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua’s tattoos explainedA three-year restraining order is in place, with Lemus able to renew the request before the agreement expires on April 8, 2027. The judge making the ruling, Sharon L. Kalemkiarian, stated in court filings she determined evidence showed Lemus “is in fear as a result of aggressive, demeaning and controlling behavior by Mr. Ruiz,” according to TMZ. Kalemkiarian concluded “Mr Ruiz did assault her”, “did disturb her peace, and did exercise coercive control throughout the entire relationship.”The protection order states that Ruiz must stay 100 yards away from Lemus, her home, her job, and her vehicle.Ruiz must was ordered to take a 12-week anger management course and must have no guns.Ruiz has not responded publicly to the report, with his last post on social media being a video with his new partner, Mayeli Alonso, announcing her pregnancy in March. Kalemkiarian also gave Lemus sole custody of the couple’s two children although Ruiz is permitted to have supervised visits with them.  Ruiz last fought in September 2022 when he won against Luis Ortiz.Ruiz is a former world heavyweight boxerCredit: Action Images – ReutersRuiz strongly denied the claimsCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times   More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Brandon Williams to stand trial accused of driving dangerously before high-speed car crash

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      FOOTIE ace Brandon Williams will face a trial next year accused of driving dangerously before a high speed crash.The Manchester United defender, 23, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town, appeared in court today to deny two charges.Footballer Brandon Williams arriving at Chester crown courtCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder PicturesThe full-back is on loan at Ipswich Town this seasonCredit: RexHe made 51 appearances for Manchester United before falling out of favourCredit: Kenny RamsayHe’s accused of dangerous driving in his Audi S Line on the A34 dual carriageway Wilmslow bypass in Cheshire in August last year, as well as driving without insurance.Williams, who earns £65,000-a-week, stood in the dock at Chester Crown Court dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and dark blue tie.He spoke only to confirm his name and to answer “not guilty” to both charges.The defender was told by Judge Simon Berkson that his trial, expected to last three days, will start on March 17 next year.He was granted unconditional bail.The court heard that Williams’s defence team would be instructing experts to give evidence on his behalf and there would be a recording of a 999 call, as well as items recovered from the scene.Williams, of Harpurhey, Gtr Manchester, joined United’s academy as a youngster and went on to make 51 appearances for the first team.He has spent two stints on loan away from Old Trafford.Most read in FootballThe first was with Norwich City during the 2021/22 season where he made 26 appearances.In August last year, United boss Erik ten Hag sanctioned another loan move to Ipswich Town.He represented England at U20 and U21 level. More

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      Redditch United boss who took ‘immediate break from football’ facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges

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      A NON-league footie boss who took a surprise leave of absence from the touchline is facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges.Redditch United announced in February that Matt Clarke, 50, would be having an “immediate break from football for personal reasons”.Redditch United manager Matt Clarke is facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges after the club announced his ‘break from football’ in FebruaryCredit: Redditch UnitedBut it has emerged he appeared at Hereford magistrates’ court with two co-defendants over the drugs allegations on Valentine’s Day.He also faced a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place when indicted at Worcester crown court last month.Clarke, of Bromsgrove, Worcs, will appear again on May 7 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The Southern Football League Premier Division club’s statement on Clarke’s hiatus came two weeks after the offences are alleged to have taken place on February 13.READ MORE BEAUTIFUL GAMEIt said at the time it “anticipates it to be a short break”.Former right back Clarke played for West Bromwich Albion and Wolves as a youngster.He later joined Kidderminster, Hereford and Telford United.Clarke managed Halesowen and Evesham before joining Redditch in 2020.Most read in FootballRedditch chairman David Faulkner gave “no comment” when asked if Clarke had been sacked or would ever return as manager.Thousands gather for pro-cannabis event in Hyde Park More

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      Teen abused England’s Callum Wilson online after he passed ball to white teammate instead of scoring himself

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      A TEENAGER abused England striker Callum Wilson on X/Twitter because he passed the ball to a white team-mate instead of scoring himself.Ibukun Quadri was 19 when he called the player a racially derogatory term for setting up Jack Grealish in the 2022 World Cup 6-2 victory over Iran.Teenager Ibukun Quadri used a racially derogatory term against England player Callum Wilson after he passed the ball to a white team-mate instead of scoring himselfCredit: GettyHe wrote: “Wilson you are a **** for that”, Westminster JPs heard.He told cops later that the previous four scorers had been black and if Newcastle’s Wilson had scored “it would have been a great achievement for black people”.Andrew Benington, defending, said “silly” Quadri had “not realised the racial connotations” of his comment.Quadri, 21, of Crayford, South East London, admitted sending a communication conveying an offensive message. READ MORE ON CALLUM WILSONJudge John Zani said: “Mr Quadri, you are obviously an intelligent young man. “You made a very serious mistake of judgement.“You need to learn the gravity of sending such communication and the effect it can have.“I do not have the view of sending you to prison for this.”Most read in FootballQuadri was bailed for reports.Callum Wilson arrives for training with England football team at St. George’s Park More

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      Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson sued after his Italian mastiff ‘attacked sports masseur’ as they posed for selfie

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      ARSENAL star Reiss Nelson is being sued by his sports masseur who claims the player’s Italian mastiff attacked him as they posed for a selfie.Saeid Motaali, 50, alleges the dog went for his neck and bit him on the arm he raised to protect himself at Nelson’s pad in North London.Reiss Nelson, with his Italian mastiff, is being sued by a sports masseur who claims the dog attacked himCredit: FieldfisherSaeid Motaali claims Reiss’s dog attacked his neck and bit him on the armCredit: FieldfisherNelson playing for the GunnersCredit: GettyIt is said to have happened in 2020 after Mr Motaali finished a sports massage with the star and asked for a photo with him and his pet.According to the Evening Standard, Mr Motaali’s legal team said: “The dog was a large powerful animal.”A High Court claim accuses Nelson of failing to control the animal, which had allegedly been trained as a guard dog.The therapist says he has not been able to work for more than three years due to the incident.READ MORE ON REISS NELSONMr Nelson previously denied the accusation.Nelson also has concerns on the pitch, after penning a contract extension last summerit would be no surprise to see the club cash in this time around.The 24-year-old winger has been in the starting XI just once across both the Prem and Champions League this season.Nelson is surplus to requirements and it would take an injury to a key man like Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli for him to be handed a chance in the remainder of the campaign.Most read in FootballHis best moment in a Gunners shirt came when he scored a last-gasp winner in the 3-2 victory over Bournemouth last season.He has to come up with something similar to avoid being sold amid interest from Brighton.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shocker More