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      in Soccer

      Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio investigated in child pornography case and could face up to five years in prison

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      REAL MADRID star Raul Asencio is set to face trial in a child pornography case.The defender is accused of disseminating images and a video of a minor and will stand trial in the Canary Islands.Raul Asencio is set to stand trial in a child pornography caseCredit: RexThree former Real Madrid reserve players are involved and claimed to have taken and recorded the content.Asencio, 21, is not deemed responsible for taking the images but he had access to them and is alleged to passed them onto others.It is claimed the players involved lied when they told the girls involved that the material had been deleted.Asencio reportedly requested to be left out of the trial but that has been denied by the court and if found guilty of disseminating child pornography he could be sentenced up to five years in prison.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThree former Real players – Ferran Ruiz, 21, Juan Rodriguez, 22, and Andres Garcia, 21 – were arrested in September 2023, with Asencio called to give testimony as a witness.After speaking to police Asencio became part of the investigation.A statement from Real Madrid at the time read: “Real Madrid wishes to announce that it has learned that a Castilla player and three Real Madrid C players have made statements to the Civil Guard in relation to a complaint about the alleged broadcasting of a private video via WhatsApp.”When the club has detailed knowledge of the facts, we will take the appropriate measures.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA statement from the High Court of Justice of Gran Canaria in November read: “The judge is investigating four footballers linked to Real Madrid as alleged perpetrators of crimes of disclosure of secrets and dissemination of pornography.”Ascencio is in line to start against Liverpool at Anfield with Real facing a defensive injury crisis.Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash They are without experienced stars Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and David Alaba. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea star is found NOT guilty of racially abusing cop who she branded ‘f****** stupid and white’ after drunk cab row

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr has been found not guilty of racially abusing a cop after branding him “f***ing stupid and white” in a drunk row.The 31-year-old was out with her partner – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – when one was sick in the cab and the other smashed a window.Sam Kerr has been cleared of racially aggravated harassmentCredit: PAThe footballer branded a cop ‘white and stupid’Credit: Central NewsShe was out with her fiance – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – at the timeCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20After the pair refused to pay a clean-up fee, the driver drove the pair to Twickenham Police station.Once there, Kerr was accused of becoming “abusive and insulting” towards PC Stephen Lovell.Footage showed the Australia international in the police station, saying: “Honestly, you guys are f***ing stupid and white”.Kerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, has now been found not guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment.She gave a thumbs up to her barrister as the verdict was returned following a day of deliberation.Kingston Crown Court heard the alleged verbal attack took place on January 30, 2023.Kerr denied using “whiteness as an insult” and believed she was treated differently “because of the colour of my skin”.She told jurors: “I believed it was him using his power and privilege over me because he was accusing me of being something I’m not. Most read in Football”I was trying to express that due to the power and privilege they had, they would never have to understand what we had just gone through and the fear we were having for our lives.”Asked if she was saying PC Lovell was “stupid because he was white”, Kerr said: “No.”Recalling the events leading up the rant, Kerr said she had put her head out of the taxi window when she began to feel sick.She claimed the driver then “rolled it up” and began to “drive dangerously” – causing her and Kristie to be “thrown around”.Kerr said this continued for 15 to 20 minutes – causing her to feel “terrified for my life”.She said there was “no reasoning” with the driver even after partner Kristie begged him to stop.Kerr added: “Everything was going through my mind about being in a car with a stranger I deemed to be dangerous.”Kristie was very distressed. She was crying and scared. I’ve never seen her like that before and it made me more scared.”I started to realise how serious the situation was. It put me in protective mode… he had the power over us.”We were not in control… I deemed him to be dangerous because of the driving but also because he could have taken us anywhere. He couldn’t be tracked so no one knew where we were.”Kerr said the pair tried to open the doors and windows multiple times but they remained locked.Eventually, Kristie “kicked out (the window) with her boot” which resulted in Kerr feeling “relieved”.Once she got to the police station, Kerr referenced Sarah Everard’s murder – telling the officer: “Look at what happened last year when a girl accepted a police officer’s help in Clapham and got raped and killed.”Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC said the police officer was left “shocked, upset and humiliated” by the comments.Matildas captain Kerr pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment.The footballer has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.She has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESKerr and fiancee Kristie got engaged last year and are expecting a baby together.The Chelsea star was accused of abusing a police officerCredit: GettyShe said she and Kristie were locked in the taxi following a rowCredit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Olympics to be hit by legal action over Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting after Donald Trump’s ban on trans women in sport

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      THE International Olympic Committee is facing a lawsuit for allowing boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting to compete at the 2024 Olympics.The pair were at the centre of a heated gender row that dominated the Paris Games.Imane Khelif’s participation at the 2024 Olympics caused controversy as she allegedly failed a gender eligibility test 18 months earlierCredit: APTaiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting was also said to have failed the same testCredit: AFPImane Khelif won Under-66kg goldCredit: REUTERSLin Yu-Ting won gold in the 57kg finalCredit: AFPBoth competed at the Games 18 months after being disqualified from the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.Tests administered by the International Boxing Association are said to have determined that Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The IOC, however, permitted the pair to compete – much to the frustration of the IBA.And in light of Donald Trump’s executive order preventing transgender women from competing in female sports in the USA, the Russian-backed organisation has decided to take legal action against the IOC.READ MORE MORE BOXING NEWSA snippet of a statement read: “In light of the gender eligibility issues surrounding boxers in 2022 and 2023, the IBA proactively conducted all necessary testing and subsequently banned individuals deemed ineligible from participating in women’s competitions.”Despite notifying the IOC about the disqualification of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, the IOC disregarded this critical information, allowing both athletes to compete in the Qualifiers and ultimately at the 2024 Olympics, where they secured gold medals, denying opportunities to deserving female athletes.”As a result, IBA is filing an official complaint with the Attorney General of Switzerland, Mr Stefan Blatter, regarding the IOC’s actions that facilitated the participation of these ineligible athletes in the 2024 Olympic boxing tournament in Paris.”According to the Swiss law, any action or inaction that poses a safety risk to competition participants warrants investigation and may serve as grounds for criminal prosecution.Most read in BoxingImane Khelif’s 46-second victory over Angela Carini turned into a global talking pointCredit: REX”In addition, similar complaints are to be filed with the Attorneys General of France and the USA.”IBA chief Umar Kremlev said: “President Trump’s order to ban transgender athletes from women’s sport validates IBA’s efforts to protect the integrity of female sports.Gender row boxer Imane Khelif ‘names Elon Musk & JK Rowling in Olympics cyberbullying lawsuit'”Our actions aim to ensure gender equality in boxing.”We urge other International Federations to follow IBA’s example, as we are uniquely positioned to address this issue and advocate for our athletes’ rights.”He added: “IBA will provide free-of-charge comprehensive legal support to our boxers in these lawsuits.”As this is a clear violation of human rights, an outrage towards the female boxers, and simply a crime that should be punished accordingly.”In my personal opinion, Thomas Bach should take the full responsibility for this, as he was in charge when it happened.”And he needs to compensate the damages caused, if the court or any other instance rules this.”Khelif, who won Under-66kg gold, received a barrage of hate after forcing Italy’s Angela Carini to quit a mere 46 seconds into their opening bout.Multiple erroneous reports, most from social media, claimed she was a biological man.Imane Khelif has launched legal action against Elon Musk and JK Rowling for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”Credit: ALAMYKhelif has taken legal action against several prominent figures for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling.Reflecting on her ordeal, she told El Birard: “Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world.”And even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me.”I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot. I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had.”The scenario was very scary. Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will.”Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sports and politics are two separate things. “These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Ex-champion motorbike racer jailed for rape of girl, 7, as judge slams sexual predator for taking ‘no responsibility’

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      A FORMER motorbike champion has been slammed by a judge for not taking responsibility as he was jailed for the rape of a 7-year-old girl.Connor Behan, 33, denied all charges against him before he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child.Connor Behan has been jailed for 18 years over after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a childCredit: SWNSThe former Isle of Man TT rider came to the attention of police in 2022, after the victim reported him to her teacherCredit: AlamyBehan, of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions starting in May 2019, when she was just seven-years-old, the jury heard.They endured physical and psychological suffering from the abuse according to prosecutor Mark Connor. Following the week-long trial, Judge Michael Leeming stated: “You accept no responsibility for your actions and you continue to deny them but I cannot accept it.”You have no awareness, you have no empathy, and there is an element of victim-blaming throughout your pre-sentence report.”Read more SportBehan became an Irish road race super twin champion in 2014 and was active in the circuit from 2004 and 2015. He was jailed for 18 years and handed a restraining order at Chester Crown Court on Friday following years of abuseThe former Isle of Man TT rider came to the attention of police in 2022, after the victim reported him to her teacher.Using a seminal detection dog, police found traces of the disgraced rider’s semen on a blanket owned by the victim.Most read in MotorsportDenying all charges, he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child following a week-long trial last year.A victim statement said: “As a result of it I cannot be close to anyone.”It affects everything and I take it out on my family and on my friends.”Defending, Adam Watkins said Behan had an issue with drinking and drug-taking due to the death of his father.He added: “It does not explain or excuse his conduct but it is an idea of his difficulties at the time.”Behan will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.Following the verdict, DS Scott Graves said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim who is now just 10 years old, for her bravery and courage shown throughout this investigation and trial. Sadly there are no winners in this case, however I truly hope this result will provide her closure.”Behan sexually abused his victim for a sustained period of time – he showed no remorse, denying everything throughout the investigation.”Thankfully, the jury were able to see through his lies, and he will finally be held accountable for what he’s done.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hope this result will allow the victim to eventually move on with her life, now that Behan will be unable to hurt her ever again.”Behan was found unanimously guilty for the string of abhorrent offences at Chester Crown Court last December where he was also found not guilty of an additional count of sexual assault by touching of a child under 13. More

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      in Soccer

      Celtic-Rangers League Cup final chaos update as four charged in connection with Glasgow mayhem

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      FOUR men have been charged in connection with violent scenes which broke out ahead of the Old Firm League Cup clash in December.Violence erupted on Glasgow’s city centre ahead of the Rangers v Celtic game which saw the Hoops clinch the cup in a nail biting penalty shoot-out.Members of the Green Brigade march down Argyle Street on December 15, last yearPyros were let off during the violent scenes between Rangers and Celtic fansHowever the excitement of the December 15 game was already marred by horror scenes in the city’s Argyle Street before the match when gangs of Rangers and Celtic yobs rampaged in the city.We told how Christmas shoppers were left terrified as masked ultras wearing Santa hats threw pyros and confronted cops in the city centre before the Celtic-Rangers Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden. One officer was allegedly struck in the eye by a glass bottle while a 26-year-old fan was said to have been badly hurt as Green Brigade and Union Bears thugs faced-off.Revellers dodged a lit flare hurled inside Celtic fan favourite pub Gallagher’s, while horrified women and kids watched as thugs in balaclavas charged their rivals.Police had been hunting 19 people involved in the violence and today confirmed four men, aged 23, 26, 27 and 28, were arrested from the Glasgow and South Lanarkshire areas.All four suspects are all being held in Police custody and are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 February.Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: “This is an ongoing operation and enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace those involved in the disorder. Most read in Football”I urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to please attend at a local police station or contact us via 101.”The arrests come as Celtic managed to avoid a predicted away fan ban for the Champion’s League play-off round tie against Bayern Munich.The Hoops have a suspended one-match ban hanging over them over the use of pyrotechnics, which was assumed would be initiated after a fan threw a green smoke bomb onto the pitch during the defeat to Aston Villa.However in a shock move Uefa opted for just a 10,000 Euro fine, meaning that Celtic fans will be allowed to attend the huge clash against the German giants at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.However the club reminded fans that the suspended one-match ban remains in place and any future pyrotechnics events would leave an “extremely high risk” of it being triggered down the line.The Club added: “Again we must make it very clear that pyrotechnics have absolutely no place at our matches and should further incidents occur, then clearly, once again, there is an extremely high risk of our supporters not being permitted access to future matches.” More

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      in Soccer

      Man City launch new legal battle against Premier League two weeks before landmark hearing

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      MANCHESTER City launched another legal battle against the Premier League – as they want the LATEST sponsorship rules declared ILLEGAL.City’s pre-emptive strike was initiated last month ahead of this week’s hearing into their challenges against the previous set of Associated Party Transaction rules.Man City have launched another legal battle against the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPrem and City lawyers argued their case at a two day Arbitration hearing which is due to determine whether the regulations which were declared “unlawful” in the autumn have been fixed by the changes voted in by a 16-4 majority vote of clubs in November.City are arguing that the declaration by the panel that the rules as they previously stood were “unlawful” meant that they could not just be adjusted by the “tweaks” approved by the club after Prem bosses took independent legal advice.But now Prem chief executive Richard Masters has told the 20 clubs that City have begun separate proceedings which call into question the legitimacy of the entire rulebook relating to the deals.Associated Party Transactions – APTs – are commercial contracts entered into by clubs with companies related to their owners.Read More on Man CityIn November, Prem bosses persuaded Chelsea, Everton and Wolves to change sides and back the new regulations, which allowed owners to convert previous “shareholder loans” into shares in their clubs.City wanted ahead of the vote that a decision not to look retrospectively at the loans – often at low or zero interest rates – would not be legally viable.That is understood to be the thrust of the latest legal move, with Lord Pannick KC understood to again be leading City’s legal arguments.In his letter to clubs – issued ahead of next week’s two day “shareholder” meeting, likely to be an even feistier affair given the anger brewing between the two sides – Masters explained: “Manchester City FC seeks a declaration that the amendments approved by clubs in November (and therefore the current APT rules in force) are unlawful and void.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The Premier League remains strongly of the view that the amendments passed in November were lawful and the APT rules comply with all competition law requirements.“We consider that the new arbitration must be resolved as soon as possible and, to that end, have agreed that the same tribunal should be appointed to hear the new case.How Arsenal humbled Man City with Arteta’s genius double press“The parties are currently corresponding in relation to further directions.“Meanwhile, the APT rules remain in full force and effect and clubs remain required to comply with all aspects of the system.”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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      in Soccer

      ‘I made a mistake’ – Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s grovelling apology after suspended prison sentence for drink-driving

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      MEMPHIS Depay has issued a grovelling apology after landing a prison term for drink-driving.Monaco police stopped the former Manchester United striker at the wheel of his Rolls Royce last August.Memphis Depay has publicly apologised after landing a suspended prison term for drink-drivingCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015Credit: GettyAnd a court in the French Riviera city handed him a four-month suspended jail term and £7,500 fine earlier this week after hearing he was over the alcohol limit.The former Prem star – who earns around £170,000-a-week with Brazilian club Corinthians – has also been banned from driving in Monaco for two years.Dutch international Depay was not in court to hear the verdict.But the 30-year-old wrote on social media: “I would like to come on here and apologise.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Last summer during my holidays in Monaco I made a mistake, and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant.”I should’ve got into a taxi instead, but I didn’t.”So I would like to apologise, and wanna take full responsibility for my action.”2024 was a year of lessons, and I will definitely learn from this one.  2025 we will do better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDepay, who also apologised at the time of his arrest, now has two weeks to appeal the decision.United – then led by Louis van Gaal – paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015, but he managed just seven goals in 53 games.Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hatThe striker rebuilt his career with Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before joining Corinthians last year.Despite his well-travelled playing career, Depay has been a reliable asset for the Netherlands national team, scoring 46 goals in 98 caps.Depay joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians last yearCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      in Soccer

      Tycoon who paid for divorce with property fraud after wife left him for Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas wins £4.5m battle

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      A TYCOON who paid for his divorce with a property fraud after his wife left him for Cesc Fabregas has won a £4.5million legal battle.Elie Taktouk married Lebanese model Daniella Semaan in 1998 but they split 13 years later when she dumped him for the ex-Arsenal star.Elie Taktouk carried out a property fraud after divorcing Daniella SemaanShe is now married to Cesc FabregasCredit: AFPDuring a bitter divorce battle, Taktouk lost the the £5.5million marital home in Belgravia to his ex and her new partner.The 50-year-old was then jailed for seven years in 2021 over a multi-million pound property fraud.He was ordered to pay £4.5million in a confiscation ruling two years later following the scam.A judge ruled Taktouk should serve eight years in jail consecutive to his seven year sentence if the money was not paid in default.Read more newsBut Taktouk has now won the right to appeal that order at the Court of Appeal.This is so judges can “receive fresh evidence from the appellant’s brother, Dr Wassim Taktouk, who is the executor of the estate of their late father”.The court heard previously how Taktouk’s dad Youssef Taktouk was one of the richest men in Ibadan, Nigeria, and was worth around £187million.Both he and brother Dr Wassim Taktouk were shareholders in his father’s company Wasseli.Most read in FootballA previous judge examined whether he inherited anything that could be subject to the confiscation order following his father’s death.But Taktouk argued: “I cannot comment on a company I had no control over, no power over.”My father gave me and my brother a ten per cent share each when we were younger, in 1992, I think when I was still a teenager.”I don’t have any details of his wealth.”The court also heard how Taktouk drove a Porsche and rented a £21,000 a month property in Kensington.Between September 2014 and August 2021, he bought £78,000 worth of luxury items from Harrods.Taktouk was convicted of 11 counts of fraud and forgery offences relating to a failed property redevelopment in Knightsbridge.The director of JMT Property Ltd was privately prosecuted by property developer Adrian Noël and his father Frank.They had made an initial investment to buy the property – and then made ten additional investments at Taktouk’s request for works to be done while he was project manager.But he used the cash to fund his extravagant lifestyle to the tune of £2.5million – although the total loss was believed to be £3,237,347.Taktouk has two children from his marriage to model Daniella.She and ex-Chelsea star Fabregas first met in Japanese restaurant Nozomi in 2013 – sparking a bitter divorce battle.READ MORE SUN STORIESFabregas now shares three children with Daniella, who he married in May 2018.The couple live in Italy where the ex-Arsenal skipper manages Serie A side Como.Daniella married Taktouk in 1998Credit: InstagramHe was previously jailed for seven yearsCredit: Paul KeoghDaniella and Fabregas met in a Japanese restaurantCredit: InstagramThe couple have three childrenCredit: InstagramDaniella now lives in Italy with her football manager husbandCredit: Instagram More