More stories

  • in

    Dani Alves orders burgers to his £4.5m mansion on first night of freedom after paying €1m bail weeks into rape sentence

    DANI Alves spent his first night of freedom ordering burgers to his £4.5million Barcelona mansion after after serving just four weeks of his rape conviction.After finally forking out enough cash for his €1million (£850,000) bail, the disgraced footballer left prison yesterday afternoon apparently craving fast food.Stony-faced footballer Dani Alves was silent as he was released from jail on Monday pending an appeal on his rape convictionCredit: APThe moment burgers were ordered to his home for one of his first post-prison mealsCredit: TelecincoFlowers were also delivered to his £4.5million mansion – prompting speculation that his estranged wife Joana Sanz may be at the propertyCredit: TardeARThe ex Barcelona player leaving the Brians 2 prison with where he spent 14 monthsCredit: GettyOn Monday, Alves, 40, walked out of Brians 2 Prison at around 4:25pm local time alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola and was driven to his luxury property.The Brazilian, who was convicted of raping a young woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022, only served four weeks of his four-and-a-half-year sentence.On March 20, he won his fight to appeal sentence from the comfort of his own home.Local reports said he had left a bible, a fan and a box of books at the jail for inmates to use.read more on dani alvesAlves then arrived at the huge pad, which he still owns with his ex-wife but later lived at with his model partner Joana Sanz before his incarceration in January last year.Stony-faced, he declined to answer any questions and stayed quiet as he walked through his front door.A housekeeper appeared at the door of his bunker mansion in Esplugues de Llobregat, a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona city centre, in the evening to receive hamburgers Alves ordered for dinner.His estranged wife Sanz’s whereabouts remain a mystery and she is yet to update her Instagram after deactivating it last week then mysteriously reactivating it over the weekend before Alves’ release on bail.Most read in FootballDespite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Sanz did testify on behalf of Alves in court claiming she was with him the night of the accusations.A bouquet of flowers was delivered to the property soon after Alves returned, sparking speculation it was a gift for the Tenerife-born brunette who might be inside or could soon arrive.The dad-of-two can stay fully hunkered down inside the property until the end of the week if he wishes.Ex-Brazil international footballer Dani Alves is to be released from jail pending an appeal against his rape convictionAs well as paying his €1million bail bond, he has to leave his home to make appearances at court every Friday.He also had to hand in his Spanish and Brazilian passports so he cannot flee Spain.It is not known how he raised his bail bond, although speculation is rife that a group of his former teammates could have put the money together.The convicted rapist was forced to spend another five nights behind bars as he desperately attempted to raise the bail bond despite his £50million career earnings.Alves pictured inside his multi-million pound home in BarcelonaHe used to live at his £4.5million mansion with estranged wife Joana SanzCredit: GettyAlves had only served one month in jail of his four-and-a-half sentenceCredit: AFPAlves, one of the world’s most decorated footballers who played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, was sentenced on February 22 after being convicted of raping a woman, 23, at a Barcelona nightclub in the early hours of December 31, 2022.The jail sentence he received, considered lenient by some critics, was far less than the nine years public prosecutors demanded and the 12 years Alves’ female accuser wanted if he was convicted.Prosecutors have appealed the decision to release him on bail, but the appeal did not affect yesterday’s release.THE TRIAL Alves protested his innocence on February 7 after taking the stand on the last day of his three-day trial, saying the sex he had with his 23-year-old female accuser was consensual and insisting he would never hurt anyone.The victim, who testified behind a screen to protect her identity, said Alves had violently forced her to have sex in a private bathroom of the nightclub despite begging him to let her go, causing her “anguish and terror”, prosecutors said.Alves’ lawyers had argued the victim had been “glued” to the player while dancing at the nightclub, saying there was “sexual tension” between them.But the court said in its 61-page decision that this did not mean “that she consented to anything that might have subsequently happened”.He was due to leave prison on Thursday, but missed the deadline to pay the court his bail.The fee was believed to be being settled by pal Neymar Jr’s father, reported LaVanguardia.But Neymar da Silva Santos Sr quickly shut down these claims by issuing a brutal 11-word statement after refusing to pay.Sources say Santos Sr originally offered help to Alves after his assets were frozen and it is also believed that he also helped to pay the £130,000 compensation package to his victim ordered by the court.The footballer’s difficulties in raising his bail bond were largely due to the fact his accounts in Brazil have been blocked as a result of an ongoing conflict with his ex-wife.His former partner, his ex-agent and the mother of his two children, has previously said that Alves “doesn’t exist” for her and refers to him as having died.Ester Garcia, the lawyer of Alves’ rape victim, attacked the decision to grant him bail last Wednesday.She fumed on RAC1 radio: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”Garcia added: “It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”She added: “I am very dissatisfied with this court decision. “We will lodge an appeal because we believe it is not in accordance with the law.”Spain’s former Equality Minister Irene Montero said on X, formerly Twitter: “Powerful men can always buy their freedom.“This is a dangerous message of lack of legal protection for all women.“We need the justice system to be feminist and equal for all.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also condemned Alves’ release.He said last week: “The money that Daniel Alves has, the money that someone can lend him, cannot buy the offence that a man does to a woman by committing rape.”What happened?BRAZILIAN international footballer Dani Alves was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.
    In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. 
    Held at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court, the trial lasted three days and saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.
    His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
    In court she claimed that he was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.
    Following the trial, Alves was found guilty of raping the woman.
    He was convicted on February 22 and sentenced to four-and-a-half years.
    The court also ordered Alves to pay £130K (150,000 euros) in compensation to the victim.
    The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
    He had previously been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest on January 20, 2023.
    Alves’ lawyers immediately appealed his sentence.
    On March 20, 2024 – a Barcelona court released Alves on a bail of €1million (£850k) pending an appeal on his conviction.
    His defense is seeking his acquittal while the prosecutor wants his prison sentence increased to nine years.
    There is no date yet for the new trial at a higher court in Barcelona. It can then go to the Supreme Court in Madrid.
    On March 25, 2024 – Alves was released from prison after paying his €1million (£850,000) bail bond.

    Alves paid £850,000 bail to secure his release and will also have to hand over his passports while appealing his rape convictionCredit: ReutersAlves did not speak as he walked out of his jailCredit: EPAAlves with his model wife Sanz who filed for divorce last year btu testified on his behalf at courtCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Football clubs with the most fans arrested and banned last season revealed – is your team on the list?

    THE football clubs with the naughtiest fans have been revealed.New arrest and banning statistics for each club during the 2022/23 season have been released showing which of England’s clubs are the worst behaved.Fans clash with police in the stands during a Europa League matchCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe number of arrests at football matches has jumped since CovidCredit: PAFollowing Covid, the number of arrests and bans at football matches has spiked to levels last seen in the 2013/14 season.Some 682 bans were issued last season – the most for more than 12 years after possession of Class A drugs like cocaine was added to the list of offences.Football banning orders are issued by courts lasting five years for offences including violence, pitch invasions, and booze-related behaviour.Manchester United fans had the most football banning orders, with 69.Read more on sportSecond was Millwall, third Leicester City, fourth Birmingham City, and fifth West Ham United.The team with the highest number of arrests was West Ham United, with 89 people arrested – 69 per cent at London Stadium.Second was Manchester United with 83 arrests, 49 per cent at Old Trafford. Third was Leeds United with 69 arrests with 43 per cent of them at home.Most read in FootballManchester City came in fourth on the table, Spurs in fifth, and Arsenal in sixth.The most common offences were violent disorder and public disorder.Over the last nine years, alcohol-related offences have reduced from 25 per cent to nine per cent. Banning orders showed some of the traditional hooligan firms.Pub-drinking England fans are most at risk at Euros from martial arts trained football ultrasThe Premier League had one of the lower arrest rates out of competitions played in England at 4.3 arrests per 100,000 people.The highest number of arrests at a domestic competition was the FA Cup with 6.4 arrests per 100,000.But the highest number of arrests was at international matches, with a whopping 13.5 arrests per 100,000 attendees.Football hooligans will be all-but banned from leaving Britain during the Euros this summer.Fans gather in Leicester Square after England’s victory against GermanyCredit: AlamyFresh laws imposed from today will force more than 1,600 yobs to surrender their passports to the police from June 4 until the tournament ends.Anyone who fails to comply – or tries to travel to Germany or any countries en route to the host nation – faces six months in jail for severe offences or an unlimited fine.Policing Minister Chris Philp last night said: “Violence, abuse, and disorder have no place in the game we love.“The vast majority of fans are law-abiding, but we will have zero tolerance for those who disrupt this incredible event.“These measures will ensure true football fans can travel to the tournament safely and prevent hooligans from committing these crimes abroad.”The travel crackdown applies to the 1,624 people in England and Wales who currently have a football banning order.During the month-long Euros – which kicks off on June 14 – the sanctioned hooligans can only go abroad with the explicit permission of the Football Banning Orders Authority.READ MORE SUN STORIESCops will also get new powers to intercept other known louts threatening to cause chaos.Possession of Class A drugs amounted to 9 per cent of all bans last year after being made a banning offence, on par with alcohol offences.The return of hooliganism
    Across the continent, authorities are struggling to control hooliganism — often aimed at travelling English fans, who receive massive police protection as continental supporters try to test their reputation for street brawling.
    Two months ago in Milan a Newcastle United fan was stabbed in the stomach by a machete-wielding yob in a balaclava.
    This season was Brighton and Hove Albion’s first taste of competitive European football.
    But last month in Athens, tear gas aimed by police at riotous fans of the defeated home team AEK ended up choking Brighton supporters.
    In May, West Ham players tried to intervene when hooded fans of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar piled into the section of the stadium where the English team’s families were sitting.
    Football’s ruling bodies fear the return of the hooliganism from decades ago, which in 1985 saw English teams banned from Europe for five years after the deaths of 39 mostly Italian fans in the riot at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels.

    Police walk through the Liverpool fans outside the ground before the Premier League match at AnfieldCredit: PA More

  • in

    Marco Muller dead at 71: Ex-footballer turned bank robber dubbed ‘Swiss Robin Hood’ dies after 36 years on the run

    A FORMER top-flight star turned jailed bank robber has been found dead after 36 YEARS on the run from police.Marco Muller, 71, played for current Swiss Super League champions Young Boys during the Seventies.Marco Muller, 71, died after 36 years on the run from the policeCredit: PoliceThe defender also won Swiss youth international caps, and played for lower-league club SR Delemont.But Muller turned to a life of crime after hanging up his boots aged just 20, and was dubbed the Swiss Robin Hood.He robbed a series of banks and cash-in-transit vans during the 1980s, netting a haul estimated at over £2.5million.Muller escaped from Jura prison while serving time for a string of armed heists.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLater re-arrested, he went on the run while on remand in Berne jail in 1988 and was never recaptured.He had been due to answer charges of holding up cash vans in Geneva and Delemont.Muller’s story ended tragically when his body was found by a railway line near his home town Bassecourt last month.His identity was only confirmed by DNA tests last week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe fugitive footballer had been thought to be hiding out in France in the intervening years.Muller’s former accomplice Andre Jaggi said: “I don’t think Marco returned to his home town while he was on the run.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”He wasn’t stupid. Even in disguise he would have been recognised here from his way of walking.”The police came to tell me he was dead. It gave me a funny feeling.”He used to keep the lion’s share of the money after robberies. Then he would borrow more from me, and say he’d repay me after the next heist.”Yves Girard, 71, worked in a bank in Bassecourt raided by Muller in 1979.He recalled: “The guy came in wearing a red wig and a long coat, like in a Sergio Leone film.”He pulled out sticks of dynamite, and told me to get all the money out of the safe or else I’d be blown sky high.” More

  • in

    Vile football coach Barry Bennell who abused young boys at top clubs died in jail in ‘significant pain’ from cancer

    PAEDO football coach Barry Bennell died in “significant pain” in prison after being diagnosed with tonsil cancer, an inquest heard today.The predator died at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire where he was serving a 34-year sentence for abusing young boys.Barry Bennell died in prison in SeptemberCredit: PAAn inquest heard how Bennell, 69, was receiving palliative care after he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last year.The paedo had previously suffered from throat cancer in 2004, which had resurfaced in 2016.At the time of his death on September 16, Bennell was being fed with a tube and could only communicate through writing.Cambridgeshire’s area coroner Elizabeth Gray said he was in a “significant amount of pain which was managed by the healthcare team at the prison”.Read more on BennellHe had discharged himself back to prison from Hinchingbrooke Hospital against medical advice two days before his death.A post mortem found he died from bilateral bronchopneumonia , with his tonsil cancer given as a contributing factor.The hearing was told Bennell had previously tried to kill himself and was found with opiates in his possession.A report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman concluded the care Bennell received was of a “good standard and equivalent to that he would have received in the wider community”.Most read in FootballPolice found no signs of third party involvement, the inquest was told.The coroner said: “I’m satisfied the conclusion for Mr Jones is he died as a result of natural causes.”Paedophile Barry Bennell’s victims react after he is found guilty of 43 counts of child sex abuseBennell was jailed in 2018 after after being convicted of 52 child sex offences against 12 victims.The former Crewe Alexandra coach and Manchester City scout was found to have been responsible for “industrial sexual abuse of boys”.It is feared more than 100 boys were attacked by the child sex beast.Bennell abused his position by targeting youngsters who dreamt of becoming professional footballers.The coach would lure the boys to his home with exotic pets including a puma and a monkey, and took them on trips away.He was first jailed in Florida in 1994 for raping a British boy on a football tour in America.The coach’s horrific abuse in the UK was brought to light in a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation.This led to further prison sentences in the UK in 1998, 2015, 2018 and 2020.Bennell’s sickening crimes
    1994
    The coach was jailed for four years for abusing a a 13-year-old boy while on tour with a Staffordshire youth team in Florida.
    1998
    Bennell pleaded guilty to 23 counts of sexual abuse of 15 boys aged between nine and 14. He was jailed for nine years for the crimes, which took place between 1978 and 1992.
    2015
    Bennell admitted sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1980 and is jailed for two years.
    2016
    Brave footballer Andy Woodward revealed he had been groomed and abused by Bennell for four years, starting when he was just 11.
    2018
    The paedo was jailed for 30 years in 2018 after being convicted of 52 child sexual offences against 12 boys between 1979 and 1991.
    It is revealed Bennell may have more than 100 victims after a further 86 complainants come forward.
    2020
    The coach is sentenced to serve an additional four years after pleading guilty to three counts of buggery and six counts of indecent assault against two boys between 1979 and 1988.

    Brave footballer Andy Woodward waived his anonymity to reveal he was a victim – causing more complainants to come forward.After his 2018 conviction, more than 80 other alleged victims came forward to claim they had been abused by Bennell.Sentencing, Judge Clement Goldstone QC branded Bennell the “devil incarnate”.He added: “Your behaviour towards these boys in grooming and seducing them before subjecting them to, in some cases, the most serious, degrading and humiliating abuse was sheer evil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBennell was locked up for a further four years in 2020 after admitting nine sexual offences, including six counts of indecent assault against two boys.During his time in prison, it emerged he was being treated for cancer and had two operations to remove tumours from his tongue.Bennell was first jailed in 1994 in FloridaHe abused his position to target young boysCredit: PA:Press Association More

  • in

    Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bail

    CONVICTED rapist Dani Alves has left prison today after spending just weeks behind bars.The ex-Barcelona ace paved the way for his release after stumping up the £850,000 bail he needed and should be back in the comfort of his Spanish home in the coming hours. Dani Alves alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola leaving prison todayCredit: RexThe Brazilian defender should be back to his Spanish home later this evening where he can stay until his appeal has been ruled onCredit: ReutersAlves was convicted of rape in February but has only served a month behind barsCredit: APAlves walked free after he struggled to stump up the cash needed to make bail last weekCredit: ReutersAlves was silent as he walked out alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola at around 4:25pm local time.The disgraced ex footballer hopped straight into a car wearing jeans, and a black jacket over a white roll-neck jumper.Despite only spending a few weeks in jail he was seen sporting a moustache as he left.The footballer is also understood to have complied with the other orders of the three judges who said he could leave jail despite his recent rape conviction by handing in his Spanish and Brazilian passports.read more in Dani AlvesHe was told he could leave Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona last Wednesday after winning his bid to appeal his four-and-a-half year jail sentence from the comfort of his own home rather than a cell.But the 40-year-old spent the weekend still locked up as he failed to find the cash to get free from the Spanish jail.Brazilian teammate Neymar’s dad had been expected to help Alves pay the money to secure his freedom, but he issued a statement denying he would hand over any cash after coming under political pressure in his homeland.The Brazilian had made several attempts before his conviction to get bail, but they were turned down partly on the basis he was a flight risk.Most read in FootballAlves is now set to live in the comfort of his £4million home in Esplugues de LLobregat – a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona – as his lawyers go through the appeal process, reports say.The dad-of-two managed to pay his bail earlier today.A court spokesman said: “We inform you that Daniel Alves’ bail bond has been deposited in the account of the 21st section of the Barcelona Court of Appeal.”Prosecutors have appealed the decision to release him on bail, but the appeal did not affect today’s release.The 23-year-old victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, described Alves’ release as “scandalous”, branding it as “justice for the rich”.International footballer Alves was accused of raping the woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.Alves claimed the sexual encounter was consensual, insisting “he would never hurt anyone”.I’m very surprised and totally outraged because it’s like this is justice for the richEster Garciavictim’s lawyerHe was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars in February.But on March 20, 2024 a court ruled he could appeal his conviction and get out of his hellhole jail while his team, headed by Ines Guardiola, carried out the appeal.His bail was set at his €1million (£850,000) – a figure originally thought to be getting paid for by pal Neymar Jr’s father, say LaVanguardia.Neymar da Silva Santos Sr had been expected to help Alves pay the money to secure his freedom, but he issued a statement denying he would hand over any cash after coming under political pressure in his homeland.He said: “For us, for my family, this matter is over. Full stop.” Neymar’s father didn’t specify how much they gave Alves but added that it’s a “different situation” now because the three judge panel at the Barcelona Provincial Court ruled against him.”With the Spanish court ruling for his conviction, there’s speculation and an attempt to associate my name and my son’s to a matter that is not within our reach any longer,” Neymar’s father said in the family’s statement.He added that he hopes Alves “can find all the answers he looks for in his own family.”Dani Alves guilty of raping woman in nightclub bathroom with ex-Barcelona star jailed for more than 4 yearsAlves’ team requested that the disgraced full back was released as he had already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention following his arrest in January 2023.Garcia blasted the decision to let him walk out as she fumed on RAC1 radio: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”Before adding: “It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”The bail conditions set by the court say Alves must stay at least 1,000m away from the home of the victim or any other place she frequently goes.He is also banned from ever contacting her and must handover his Brazilian and Spanish passports.The court feared Alves could leave Spain and travel to his native Brazil to try and avoid serving anymore jail time.He will now return to his multimillion-pound home a short drive from Barcelona.It was built in 2010 when he was still married to his ex-wife Dinorah Santana before he met and married Tenerife-born model Joana Sanz.Sanz revealed last year she had demanded a divorce after Alves admitted for the first time to having sex with the woman he was found guilty of raping, but claimed as he still does that the relations were consensual.Media waiting outside the prison for Alves’ release last weekCredit: EPAAlves left the Brians 2 prison where he was being heldCredit: ReutersDani Alves relationship to Joana Sanz broke down after the shocking rape accusations came outCredit: GettyDani Alves walked away from his Brians 2 prison after meeting the bail conditionsCredit: ReutersWORLDWIDE REACTIONSBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned Alves’ release.He said on Wednesday: “The money that Daniel Alves has, the money that someone can lend him, cannot buy the offence that a man does to a woman by committing rape.”It comes as residents of Barcelona – where Alves was once seen as an icon – blasted the court’s ruling to free him on bail.I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matterBarcelona residentOne woman said: “I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matter.”If you have money and you are a man, you can do whatever you want and you won’t have to pay.”As a second angered local told AS TV: “Sentences must be served and executed equally. “If you have a sentence then you have to fulfil it not just pay their way out of it because they have a lot of money.”As a man also gave his view saying “evil” things can’t be forgotten about simply because of money.Alves’ mum posted a collection of pictures on Instagram on Wednesday of her son hours after he was allowed to make bail and leave prison.They were captioned: “Victory has come for the honor and glory of the Lord, thank you my God.”What God has joined together no one can separate.”In a separate post she also said: “For all those who only believe in the justice of men @danialves is free. “Free from European justice as I was told. But I believe in divine justice. And I always believed in his innocence.”And Alves’ former wife Joana Sanz deactivated her Instagram account just hours after he was granted release on bail.Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves in court claiming she was with him the night of the accusations.It is currently uncertain what the pair’s status is after Joana accidentally shared a bizarre letter from her rapist ex where he declares his love for her from jail.WHAT HAPPENED IN COURT?In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, he denied the allegations saying the sexual encounter had been completely consensual. The three-day trial saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.His accuser told the prosecution she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but was then forced to stay after wanting to leave.She told the court Alves allegedly slapped and insulted her before forcing her into having sex.Alves did confirm he had sex with the woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.Alves was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars.The court also ordered Alves to pay £130,000 (€150k) in compensation to the victim.The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence to consider the rape provenCourt statementHe also faced a nine-and-a-half-year restraining order from the accuser.The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”Following the sentence, Alves was sent to Brians 2 prison in Barcelona.Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves when she took to the stand.During her testimony on February 6, 2024, Joana claimed they were not legally divorced and that she had been with Alves on the night of the accusation.Joana told the court Alves “smelled of alcohol” and “he bumped into several pieces of furniture and collapsed on the bed” after arriving home from the night out.But she said she didn’t want to talk to him because of “the state he was in”.A disgraced Alves publicly apologised to Joana during an interview from his prison cell in 2023.He told Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.”I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”It comes as former Man City star Robinho, 40, was arrested at his home on Thursday by Federal Police in Sao Paulo.He is now set to finally serve his nine-year jail sentence for a gang-rape committed in Italy, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled.READ MORE SUN STORIESItaly issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star managed to dodge jail for seven years while living in Brazil.The former Santos star says he is innocent.The ex-Barcelona ace is one of the most decorated footballers ever but has spent the last few months embroiled in the shock accusations against himCredit: AFPAlves on the dock during his trial at the start of 2024Credit: EPAThe lawyer of Alves’ victim Ester Garcia labelled the decision to release him ‘scandalous’Credit: The Mega AgencyJoana took to the stand at Alves’ trial and claimed she was with him the night of the accusationsCredit: instagram/joanasanzNeymar da Silva Santos Sr released an 11-word statement after refusing to pay Dani Alves’ bailCredit: AFPAlves’ lawyers Ines Guardiola said her client has already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention after being arrested last JanuaryCredit: ReutersFormer Manchester City forward Robinho is finally set to serve his nine-year prison sentence for a gang-rape in ItalyCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Sheffield United may have to return £10MILLION to Nigerian businessman charged with fraud in the USA

    SHEFFIELD UNITED face having to pay back £10million pumped into the club by a Nigerian businessman who failed to buy the Premier League strugglers last year.The cash-strapped Blades have been warned by lawyers they will have to return £8.85m plus interest if Dozy Mmobuosi is found guilty of fraud charges made against him in the United States.A legal case across the pond could prove costly for Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyDozy Mmobuosi is at the centre of fraud charges, having previously tried to buy the Blades as well as showing interest in other Prem clubsThe cash blow comes with Chris Wilder’s side on the brink of relegation from the Prem, which would cost them £100m.Lawyers warned: “Should the charges prove to be accurate, up to £8,850,000 plus interest could potentially be recovered from the club.”No date has been set for the trial.Mmobuosi, 45, disappeared from his luxurious London home in January after US authorities charged him with securities fraud, making false filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and conspiracy following an FBI investigation.READ MORE TOP STORIESMmobuosi, who had also shown interest in investing in Crystal Palace and Southampton, was touted as a potential saviour for the Blades after he was linked to a £115m takeover bid.He agreed terms with United’s owner Prince Abdullah and said he paid the cash as a deposit.But the EFL asked him and the club to answer further questions.Talks then broke down between the Prince and the African businessman.Most read in FootballThe Blades return to Prem action after the international break at home to Fulham.But the bottom side face a huge task to stay up as they are eight points from safety.Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discuss the possibility of Manchester United going for Gareth Southgate as their new boss More

  • in

    Man Utd star ‘inhaled laughing gas from balloons’ before he was involved in 74mph car crash in his Audi A3

    FOOTIE ace Brandon Williams inhaled laughing gas before being involved in a high speed car crash, a court heard today.The Man United defender faced magistrates over last year’s 74mph smash.Brandon Williams pictured today as a court heard that he inhaled laughing gas before he was involved in a high speed car crashCredit: CHRIS NEILLWilliams behind the wheel last year as he arrived for Man Utd trainingCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAs Williams, 23, looked on, prosecutor Katie Johnson said he had been driving his Audi A3 S Line motor at speeds over 90mph along the A34 in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and was involved in an accident at a speed of 74mph.Ms Johnson said: “He was seen by witnesses to have taken nitrous oxide from balloons.”Williams, formerly of Wilmslow but who gave his address as his parents’ home in Harpurhey, Manchester, appeared in the dock in Crewe dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie.The clerk to the court said that Williams denied dangerous driving and did not accept he was responsible for the accident. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe also denied he was impaired and that he had no insurance.Magistrates sent the case for trial at Chester crown court with a hearing on April 19. Williams, who is on £65,000-a-week, was granted unconditional bail.He joined United’s academy as a youngster and went on to make 51 appearances for the first team.Most read in FootballHe has spent two stints on loan away from Old Trafford — firstly with Norwich City during the 2021/22 season where he made 26 appearances.In August boss Erik ten Hag sanctioned another loan move to Ipswich Town where Williams has made 15 appearances.Williams joined United’s academy as a youngster and went on to make 51 appearances for the first teamCredit: GettyMan United legend Patrice Evra reveals he convinced Solskjaer to give Brandon Williams first-team chanceWilliams, who has represented England at U20 and U21 level, is currently injured and returned to United’s training base prior to Christmas to work on his fitness.Last month we told how a football star had checked into rehab addicted to nitrous oxide.The anaesthetic gas is popular among players who inhale it from balloons for a short high.Risks include heart attacks, stroke and brain damage, while prolonged use can lead to depression, memory loss, incontinence, hallucinations and nerve damage.In November nitrous oxide was made a controlled Class C drug.Footie clubs now regularly test players. One set to sign for a Championship club saw the deal break down after doctors found signs his nervous system was ravaged by his use of laughing gas.Williams’ case was heard at the law courts in Crewe todayCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Robinho being kept in isolation in TINY cell at prison where inmates make toilet cleaner as he begins 9-year sentence

    FORMER Man City footballer Robinho is set to live inside a tiny isolation cell as he begins his nine year sentence for a gang-rape.The disgraced 40-year-old has been transferred to a chilling Brazilian prison in Tremembé alongside murderers and fellow rapists who are made to make toilet cleaner.Robinho being arrestedCredit: Fábio Pires/TV TribunaFootball star Robinho is now serving a nine year sentence for a gang-rape in Italy in 2013Credit: APRobinho has been sent to a chilling Brazilian prison in Tremembé alongside murderers and fellow rapistsCredit: Laurene Santos/TV VanguardaRobinho 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 reportedly filing an appeal against the decision.Robinho is due to spend the first 10 days at least in a temporary holding cell completely by himself.read more in disgraced athleteHere he will be under observation by guards and made to do tests by doctors, psychologists and social workers. The cold, lonely enclosure is made up of little to be admired.As the tiny 8m squared concrete block Robinho will now call home only has a single bed, small sink and a toilet built into the floor.A barred up window will also provide just a glimpse of the outside world.Most read in FootballHe could stay here for up to 30 days depending on how his evaluation goes. While in the cell all activities are isolated, report g1 and he will be given four meals each day.Decapitated inmates & jailhouse warlords – inside Brazil’s hellish prisons where ex-Man City star Robinho faces 9 yearsThe first at 6am and the last at 5:30pm.Robinho will then be moved to the common housing pavilion within the Penitentiary Two (P2) jail.Here he will meet up with the other 430 prisoners for the first time. Tremembé is notorious for housing high level criminals including child killers, murderers and other rapists.All 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.Although the prison grounds do have a football pitch for inmates to use.Robinho 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.Robinho was pictured in a police car being transported to his new home in jailCredit: EPAThe former Manchester City player has escaped prison for seven years by hiding out in BrazilCredit: GettyRobinho with his wife Vivian Guglielmetti JunitsCredit: ReutersInmates also have access to drama based lessons and other workshops in reading, literacy and origami.Brazil’s prisons have been dubbed “hell on earth” before and for good reason as inmates have been found decapitated after savage attacks as drug warlords call all the shots.The country’s prisons have notoriously horrid living conditions with overcrowding, violence, harsh punishments and gang wars being only some of the many problems the underfunded facilities face.Harrowing photos show dozens of inmates crammed in one cell, lying head-to-toe across the floor.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.

    CLAIMS OF INNOCENCERobinho, who has claimed he is innocent, 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.”Robinho 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.Speaking after the Santos announcement, the striker took to Instagram to admit: “Guys, this is Robinho.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Of course, with a lot of sadness in my heart, I’m here to tell you that I made the decision with the club president to suspend my contract at this troubled time in my life.“My goal has always been to help Santos Football Club and if in any way I’m getting in the way, it’s best I leave and focus on my personal things.”Brazilian prisons are severely overcrowded with dozens of inmates living in one cellThe left winger hasn’t played football since 2020Credit: Getty – Contributor More