Courts

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sunderland player Jack Diamond ‘raped woman he met on Tinder after promising “cuddles” at home he shared with teammate’

      by

      A SUNDERLAND footballer raped a woman he met on a dating site at the home he shared with a teammate, a court heard.Jack Diamond, 23, allegedly attacked the woman after inviting her over for “cuddling”.
      Jack Diamond has denied raping the womanCredit: NNP
      The winger has been suspended from Sunderland
      Once she arrived, the winger made it clear he “wanted more than that” and raped and sexually assaulted her, it is said.
      The alleged attack took place at the home Diamond previously shared with his Black Cats teammate Anthony Patterson.
      Newcastle Crown Court was told the woman feared he was messaging Mr Patterson to arrange a “threesome” after noticing the player on his phone.
      Jurors heard the Diamond, who claims the sex was consensual, met the complainant on Tinder.
      Read more news
      She told police she agreed to go to the footballer’s home “just for cuddles” as she was not on the pill at the time.
      The woman “eventually” consented to some sexual activity before Diamond fell asleep.
      When he awoke, the court heard he began to “feel and caress” the woman even when she asked him to stop.
      Prosecutor David Povall said: “She asked him to stop and told him she wasn’t in the mood, but he persisted.”
      Most read in Football
      Diamond then allegedly sexually assaulted the woman while he “straddled” her – causing her physical pain.
      Jurors heard she turned her back to Diamond as he performed a sex act on himself before he pushed her underwear to one side and raped her.
      Mr Povall said: “Some time later, she realised he was messaging on his phone, and she feared that he was communicating with (Sunderland goalkeeper) Anthony Patterson, his housemate, who had previously raised the possibility of a threesome.
      “She didn’t want to get into that situation. Fearful of what might happen, she messaged a friend, asking for help.
      “He told her to leave immediately, which she did. Her friend met her at her house, where he saw the very emotional and distressed state she was in, and he waited with her till the police arrived.”
      During her interview with police, she said she felt “sick” over the alleged attack and “turned over and cried” after.
      She said he “grabbed her wrists” and was “quite aggressive” during, telling officers: “It was like a switch had gone off.”
      The complainant added: “I’ve never felt that way before. I thought I was going to physically throw up”.
      Diamond, who denies rape and assault by penetration, told officers she had initiated the sexual contact, which he claimed he rejected.
      He also claimed the woman was “jealous and possessive”, the court heard.
      Diamond was on loan at League One club Lincoln City, who have since terminated his contract, when he was charged last season.
      The forward has also been suspended from Sunderland while the criminal case continues.
      Diamond made 45 appearances for the team – including when they won the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley in 2021.
      Read more on The Sun
      He scored eight times in 36 matches for League One club Lincoln last season.
      The trial continues.
      Diamond allegedly raped the woman in his homeCredit: NNP More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-England captain Sol Campbell sued for more than £800k after pulling out of buying £3.85m flat

      by

      EX-England captain Sol Campbell is being sued for more than £800,000 after pulling out of buying a £3.85million flat.Sol, 49, and wife Fiona had put a ten per cent (£387,500) deposit down on the home in London’s swish Cadogan Square.
      Sol Campbell is being sued for more than £800,000 after pulling out of buying a multi-million pound flatCredit: Getty
      The flat’s owner Lady Jadranka Beresford-Peirse has lodged papers at the High Court which claim the pair signed a contract to buy in 2021 but failed to pay the balance due.
      Widow Lady Jadranka is seeking a total of about £810,000 in alleged losses and new sale costs.
      Ex-Spurs and Arsenal defender Sol played 73 times for England.
      Campbell then went on to manage Macclesfield Town and Southend United.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      He married interior designer Fiona Barratt, granddaughter of Barratt Homes founder Sir Lawrie Barratt, in 2010.
      Lady Jadranka now accuses Sol and Fiona Campbell of breach of contract, saying they failed to pay the balance due for the flat, and threatened to sue them for specific performance of the contract if they failed to go ahead with the deal.
      She is seeking an order which would force them to have to buy the flat and pay her compensation.
      Lady Jadranka is seeking an order that would force him and his wife to have to buy the flat and pay her compensation.
      Most read in Football
      She claims she lost £260,000 after being unable to go ahead with her purchase of a smaller flat. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish’s family ‘feared they were being held HOSTAGE’ by gang of thugs who stole ‘£1m jewellery’ in 10 min ordeal

      by

      JACK Grealish’s family “feared they were being held hostage” by a gang of thugs who raided their home.The Prem ace was in action for Man City against Everton in a league clash on Wednesday night when thieves snuck into his £5.6million mansion.
      Grealish was in action against Everton when the horror raid happenedCredit: Reuters
      Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood was at the propertyCredit: Instagram
      Around ten of the 28-year-old England star’s family had gathered round the TV to watch Grealish help City put Everton to the sword.
      The Sun understands that some of Jack’s closest family were at his 24-acre Cheshire bolthole including fiancée Sasha Attwood, his parents, gran, two sisters and brother.
      But when Jack’s dogs began barking frantically and his relatives heard noises upstairs, they instantly hit panic buttons to alert cops.
      Despite extensive security and perimeter fencing around Jack’s   lavish home, the crooks got in and fled with £1million of watches and jewellery.
      Read More in Football
      Cops responded to a call at 9.50pm before shaken residents saw five police patrol cars at 10pm.
      A police helicopter scoured the area overhead with locals warned to stay indoors, before the gang were confirmed to have fled.
      And Jack’s “terrified” loved ones were said to have been “fearing a hostage situation”.
      A source exclusively told The Sun: “The family are really shaken. The gang took a lot of watches and jewellery.
      Most read in Football
      “Initially, they feared they could be facing a hostage situation or worse.”
      The source added: “They executed their raid when Manchester City were playing live on TV and all of his family had gathered downstairs to cheer him on.
      “No one was injured but there was a lot of panic – everyone was terrified as they were all so vulnerable.
      “It’s an enormous property, so it is understandable why no-one heard anything at first. It was also the first time the family had visited, and so they were unfamiliar with the property.
      “When the dogs went mad, and they could hear people creeping about, they pressed the security panic alarm.
      “An emergency crack unit responded immediately, with multiple police cars and a chopper deployed.”
      It is the latest raid to target multi million Premier League stars with West Ham skipper Kurt Zouma’s property in Essex targeted shortly   before Christmas.
      The raiders broke into his swanky £3million home and escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.
      Grealish and 27-year-old model and influencer Sasha bought the “exceptional modern” seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres last year but have only just moved in.
      Their home boasts a helipad, boating and fishing lake, wine cellar, tennis court, golf tee and full-sized football and cricket pitches.
      On Christmas Day Grealish and Sasha posed with their dog Skye and wrote on Instagram: “Merry Christmas everyone, beautiful day with the family.”
      Jack also posted an image of a dinner table set for eight guests and a menu titled “Sasha and Jack Christmas Day 2023”.
      In October The Sun told how Jack had won a planning battle to build a leisure suite at the ­mansion — complete with his own treatment room.
      He enjoys a close relationship with his immediate family and has described sister Hollie, 20, as his best friend.
      Confirming their investigation, Cheshire Police told The Sun: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday December 27 police were called to reports of a burglary.
      “The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.
      “Officers supported by police dogs and National Police Air Service were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area but there was no trace of the suspects.
      Read more on The Sun
      “No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police.”
      Cheshire Police cops made house to house inquiries after the break-inCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Sasha Atwood shared a heartwarming snap with Jack over the Christmas holidaysCredit: Instagram More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Terrifying raid on Jack Grealish’s mansion as family hear thieves stealing ‘£1m of jewellery’ and hit panic button

      by

      JACK Grealish’s terrified family hit panic buttons as a gang of burglars looted his new home.Around ten relatives were cheering on the Manchester City star in his televised match at Everton when they heard noises upstairs and dogs barking frantically.
      Jack Grealish’s terrified family hit panic buttons as a gang of burglars looted his new homeCredit: Rex
      Jack, 28, and stunning influencer fiancée Sasha bought the property last yearCredit: Instagram
      The sprawling seven-bedroom home boasts a helipad, boating and fishing lake
      Grealish pictured at the home yesterdayCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      The shaken group — including fiancée Sasha Attwood, his parents, gran, two sisters and brother — dashed for cover at the unfamiliar mansion which Jack moved into just before Christmas.
      Police fearing a hostage situation raced to the scene and a helicopter scoured the estate.
      Neighbours were told to lock doors and stay inside.
      Despite extensive security and perimeter fencing around Jack’s   lavish home, the crooks got in and fled with £1million of watches and jewellery on Wednesday night.
      Read more on Grealish
      The England ace, 28, rushed back from City’s 3-1 win to comfort his traumatised family and was yesterday seen checking paths next to  the £5.6million Cheshire property.
      A source told The Sun: “The family are really shaken.
      “The gang took a lot of watches and jewellery.
      “They executed their raid when Manchester City were playing live on TV and all his family had gathered downstairs to cheer him on.
      Most read in Football
      “No one was injured but there was a lot of panic.
      “Everyone was terrified as they were all so vulnerable.
      “It’s an enormous property, so it is understandable why no one heard anything at first.
      “It was also the first time the family had visited  so they were unfamiliar with the property.
      “When the dogs went mad, and they could hear people creeping about, they pressed the security panic alarm.
      “An emergency unit responded immediately, with multiple police cars and a chopper deployed. ­Initially, they feared they could be facing a hostage situation or worse.”
      The raid is the latest on multi-million Premier League stars,  with West Ham skipper Kurt Zouma’s property in Essex targeted shortly   before Christmas.
      On Wednesday night and yesterday, cops combed the area around Jack’s mansion from the ground and air in a desperate bid to apprehend the gang.
      He and 27-year-old model and influencer Sasha bought the “exceptional modern” seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres last year but have only just moved in.
      Their home boasts a helipad, boating and fishing lake, wine cellar, tennis court, golf tee and full-sized football and cricket pitches.
      Yesterday forensic crime scene officers were seen leaving the property while two officers were carrying out door-to-door enquiries with neighbours in the hope of finding any CCTV footage.
      Sources said Jack was told of the break-in minutes after City’s win at Goodison Park.
      And shaken residents told how five police patrol cars dashed to the   area at 10pm.
      One said: “The police arrived at my property and asked if they could enter the land to carry out searches.
      “They went towards Grealish’s land and were shining lights up and down a bridleway.
      “They said there was a man on the loose and that we should lock our doors  then they drove off.
      “A police helicopter was circling for about 20-30 minutes and shining a red light down but then it flew off.”
      Jack had a perimeter fence installed soon after purchasing the vast property.
      Signs warn it is protected by a security company and guards are based  in a mobile home on the driveway.
      Yesterday a van from Adept Security Systems which specialises in CCTV, intruder alarms and barriers and gates was seen parked  at the property.
      On Christmas Day Grealish and Sasha posed with their dog Skye and wrote on  Instagram: “Merry Christmas everyone, beautiful day with the family.”
      Jack also posted an image of a dinner table set for eight guests and a menu titled “Sasha and Jack Christmas Day 2023”.
      In October The Sun told how Jack had won a planning battle to build a leisure suite at the ­mansion — complete with his own treatment room.
      He enjoys a close relationship with his immediate family and has described sister Hollie, 20, as his best friend.
      Confirming  their investigation, Cheshire Police told The Sun: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday  December 27 police were called to reports of a burglary.
      “The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.
      “Officers supported by police dogs and National Police Air Service were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area but there was no trace of the suspects.
      Read more on The Sun
      “No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police.”
      Police fearing a hostage situation raced to the sceneCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Jack shares the home with Sasha AttwoodCredit: Refer to Caption
      The couple have been dating she was 16
      The couple’s home boasts seven bedrooms More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment woman is ‘knocked out’ after throwing punches in football hooligan fight after Crystal Palace and Brighton game

      by

      A WOMAN was among a trio of hooligans who threw punches in a shocking brawl after a football game – before she was knocked to the ground. Daisy Adams, 23, her brother Calum Adams, 28, and ex Oliver Treagus, 22, were caught on CCTV in the shocking fight on the streets of Brighton.
      Daisy Adams was knocked to the ground amid a brawl after a football matchCredit: Jam Press Vid
      Daisy’s brother Calum Adams and ex Oliver Treagus were also involved in the clashCredit: Jam Press Vid
      The trio have now been dragged before the courtCredit: SWNS
      The clash came after a Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace match in March this year and the trio have now been dragged before the court.
      Footage showed the group approaching a pub, before they started shoving security outside the door.
      Bystanders can be seen trying to intervene as the trio start throwing punches as the guards try to protect themselves.
      Daisy can be seen rushing at and punching the security as they try to hold her back.
      Read more on football
      Innocent onlookers and security can be seen tumbling to the ground as the violent scuffle takes over the footpath.
      Amid the chaos, Daisy is knocked to the ground and appears to be knocked out, with a man hurrying to try to get her off the wet concrete.
      Her brother Calum had started causing issues in the hours prior, when he approached a group of Crystal Palace supporters as they left Brighton Station.
      He started abusing the group and being aggressive towards cops, seeing his match day ticket cancelled.
      Most read in Football
      Then, at 9.30pm, the violence outside the pub erupted.
      The trio had previously admitted to affray and this week appeared in the Lewes Crown Court for sentencing.
      Daisy was slapped with an 18-month community order, with 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions.
      She also has to pay a £200 fine.
      Brother Calum was locked up for six months, and also given a six-year Football Banning Order.
      And Dasiy’s ex Treagus was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work as part of an 18-month community order. He must also pay a £200 fine.
      A four-year Football Banning Order was also imposed.
      Sussex Police’s dedicated Football Officer, Darren Balkham, said: “The behaviour of the Adams family and Treagus was appalling.
      “Not only in how Calum spoke to officers before the match, but also in their drunken behaviour later in the night.
      Read more on The Sun
      “As a result, Calum Adams and Oliver Treagus have been served with Football Banning Orders which prevent them accessing football matches.
      “This case demonstrates our determination to catch offenders, and to ensure that football supporters and the wider public can attend matches or go about their business safely.”
      Calum was today locked up for six months after the violent scuffleCredit: Jam Press
      The brawl erupted after Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace match in March this yearCredit: Jam Press Vid
      Innocent bystanders were forced to interview in the fightCredit: Jam Press Vid More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League teams will be BANNED from European Super League thanks to legislation introduced by Rishi Sunak

      by

      ENGLISH teams are set to be BANNED from the European Super League.The controversial proposal could come back into the limelight after a court determined Fifa and Uefa acted against law when they blocked its formation in 2021.
      English sides could be banned from any ESL comebackCredit: Getty
      Twelve clubs tried to form a breakaway division but after much backlash the sides pulled out one by one.
      But following the court’s new ruling, the European Super League is back in the fold with Barcelona already revealing they are “satisfied” with the decision.
      However, the British government could prevent Premier League teams from being involved in its possible comeback.
      After the debacle two years ago, an independent football regulator has been put in place by the government from 2024.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      They promise to stop clubs from joining “breakaway or unlicensed leagues.”
      After this morning’s court decision a government spokesperson said: “We note the decision by the European Court of Justice’s judgement with regard to the European Super League.
      “The attempt to create a breakaway competition was a defining moment in English football and was universally condemned by fans, clubs and the Government.
      “We took decisive action at the time by triggering the fan-led review of football governance, which called for the creation of a new independent regulator for English football. 
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “We will shortly be bringing forward legislation that makes this a reality, and will stop clubs from joining any similar breakaway competitions in the future.”
      Tory MP Tracy Crouch previously said: “I am pleased that the Rishi Sunak, a passionate football fan himself, recognises that fans throughout the pyramid want to see the long-term financial sustainability of their clubs and have a greater say in how they are run.
      “On the pitch, English football is admired the world over, but it is important that measures are put in place to ensure our national game is fit for the future.
      “This is exactly what an Independent Regulator will do.”
      The latest idea put forward by European Super League chiefs is that up to 64 clubs should leave Uefa to form a new competition.
      That would be without any Prem clubs and Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 is using the success of English football as a justification for a rival tournament. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Hated European Super League is back on the table after shock court ruling in HUGE blow to Uefa and fans

      by

      FOOTBALL fans fear the hated European Super League is on the way back following a sensational ruling by the European Court of Justice.The court has determined Fifa and Uefa acted against competition law when they blocked the formation of a European Super League in 2021.
      Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is one of the advocates of the European Super LeagueCredit: AP
      Football fans around the country protested the Super League when it was proposed two years agoCredit: Getty
      “Football is not for sale” ❌UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on the European Super League ruling and the new format proposal from A22 Sports ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/k3evJhy2Mp— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 21, 2023

      Twelve of Europe’s biggest clubs proposed the formation of a European Super League two years ago.
      The proposal was met with significant backlash as fans across the continent protested the idea.
      Premier League clubs pulled out one by one following the visceral reaction from fans, who now fear the Super League could be introduced after all.
      Now the Super League has announced a new open format consisting of 64 teams and three divisions – Star, Gold and Blue – with promotion and relegation included.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Teams will play 14 games a season with seven at home and seven away, with the top teams battling it out in play-offs at the end of the season.
      One supporter reacted to the court ruling saying: “RIP football as we know it 😭”
      Another added: “Football is about to be ruined then…”
      A third wrote: “We the fans still don’t want that shoddy league.”
      Most read in Football

      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      And another commented: “Super league here we go.”
      Spanish giants Barcelona have instantly voiced their “satisfaction” with the court ruling.
      In a statement published on their website, the Catalans wrote: “As one of the clubs driving the Super League project, FC Barcelona feels that the sentence paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe by opposing the monopoly over the football world, and wishes to initiate new discussions as to the path that European competitions should take in the future.”
      Club president Joan Laporta also released a video voicing his support for the hated Super League.
      And their fellow LaLiga rivals Real Madrid and their president Florentino Perez did likewise with a statement on their website.
      However, English football fans may not need to be concerned as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government have promised to stop clubs from joining new competitions that would kill off the domestic game.
      And United released a statement confirming their anti-Super League stance.
      It reads: “Our position has NOT changed”.
      “We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game.”
      Bayern Munich followed suit saying: “It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed.
      “Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football.”
      And Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin: “I hope they start that competition as soon as possible with two clubs.
      “I hope they know what they are doing which I am not so sure about. Football is not for sale.”
      But conspirators Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are refusing to give up on their breakaway project despite it crashing and burning inside 48 hours two years ago.
      The latest idea put forward was for up to 80 clubs to leave Uefa to form a new competition.
      But that would NOT include any Premier League clubs, with Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 using the success of English football as a justification for the new tournament.
      And in a boost to that trio of clubs the European Court of Justice ruled that Fifa and Uefa rules giving them the power to approve club competitions “are contrary to EU Law”.
      The Court said: “The Fifa and Uefa rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions are unlawful.
      “There is no framework for the Fifa and Uefa rules ensuring that they are transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate.
      “Similarly the rules giving Fifa and Uefa exclusive control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related to those competitions are such as to restrict competition, given their importance for the media, consumers and television viewers in the European Union.
      “The Court observes that the organisation of interclub football competitions and the exploitation of the media rights are quite evidently economic activities.
      “They must therefore comply with the competition rules and respect the freedoms of movement, even though the economic pursuit of sport has certain specific characteristics, such as the existence of associations having certain regulatory and control powers and the power to impose sanctions.”
      The only consolation was the Court not giving specific approval for Super League.
      It said: “That does not mean that a competition such as the Super League project must necessarily be approved.
      “The Court, having been asked generally about the FIFA and UEFA rules, does not rule on that specific project in its judgement.”
      Real Madrid and Barca have responded positively to the court’s judgement, while Super League CEO Bernd Reichart has voiced his approval.
      A statement read: “UEFA-monopoly is over. Football is FREE. Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction AND free to determine their own futures!”

      “For fans: We propose free viewing of all Super League matches.”
      “For clubs: Revenues and solidarity spending will be guaranteed.”
      Real Madrid released a statment that read: “At Real Madrid we welcome with enormous satisfaction the decision adopted by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is responsible for guaranteeing our principles, values ​​and freedoms.
      “In the coming days we will carefully study the scope of this resolution, but I do anticipate two conclusions of great historical significance. Firstly, that European club football is not and will never again be a monopoly. And secondly, that from today the clubs will be the masters of their destiny.
      Read more on The Sun
      “The clubs see our right to propose and promote European competitions that modernize our sport and attract fans from all over the world fully recognized. In short, today the Europe of freedoms has triumphed again and today football and its fans have also triumphed.
      “In the face of the pressures that we have received for more than two years, law, reason and freedom prevail today. And for this reason, Real Madrid will continue working for the good of football.” More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Roofer in court charged with murder after Sunday league footballer Sam Wilson, 26, killed when van ploughed into crowd

      by

      A ROOFER has appeared in court charged with murder after a Sunday league footballer was killed by a van that ploughed into a crowd.Sam Wilson, 26, had just left a pub in Ilkeston, Derbyshire with his teammates at around 2am on Saturday when a van collided with them.
      Sam Wilson was killed in a horror crash on SaturdayCredit: BPM
      Roofer Zac Newman today appeared in court
      Police cordoned off a van involved in the incidentCredit: BPM
      Zac Newman, 27, was charged with murder following the horror smash.
      The defendant, who looked visibly shaken, today spoke only to confirm his name, age and address at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court in Derby.
      Newman, whose girlfriend and two friends attended the brief hearing, was not required to enter a plea.
      The burly roofer from Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, was remanded in custody to appear at the city’s Crown Court tomorrow.
      Read More Sport
      In addition to murder, he has also been charged with wounding with intent and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
      Sam’s sister said there are “no words” to describe the family’s loss, on a JustGiving page which has raised more than £7,000.
      She said: “Our hearts will forever be broken, and there are no words to describe the huge hole it has left in all of our hearts.”
      Euro Soccer Long Eaton Sunday League said: “The league would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and teammates of Sam Wilson of AFC Curzon.
      Most read in Football
      “Sam lost his life in an incident in Ilkeston last night.
      “Our thoughts are with him and those that he leaves behind.”
      Curzon AFC coach Wayne Riley said: “It’s taken me all day to process what happened in the early hours of this morning.
      “But it’s with a broken heart that I am writing this.
      “I first met Sam at Long Eaton Utd and I knew when I first saw him play that he was good.
      “Two days after he turned 16 he made his debut for me in Long Eaton Utd Reserves and proved he was good enough to play at that level by scoring.
      “He always played with a smile on his face was never greedy always wanting to set others up instead of having a go himself.
      “I have lost a very good footballer, a great lad and a good mate.
      “Until I can be your football manager again Sam and we meet again on the heavenly pitch R.I.P you will be truly missed.”
      Two other men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and are now recovering at home.
      COP PROBE
      Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is the senior officer leading the investigation, said: “We have a team of officers working to establish the events of that night, which has included viewing CCTV footage from around the Market Place that night.
      “I would like to thank all those who have come forward and spoken to us as part of our enquiries so far.”
      DCI Croome added: “We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or have any information about reports of an altercation at The Market Inn shortly before the incident.
      “Any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Anyone with information can contact police with the reference number 23*771155.
      Sam, 26, was on a night out with team-matesCredit: Facebook More