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      England ace Jack Grealish due in court this week after he’s caught speeding – the latest in string of driving woes

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      ENGLAND footie ace Jack Grealish is due in court on a speeding charge this week — the latest in a string of driving woes.The Manchester City star’s £100,000 motor was caught on camera breaking a 30mph limit last July.
      Jack Grealish is due in court on a speeding charge this weekCredit: Cavendish
      The Manchester City star has had a string of driving offencesCredit: Getty
      The next month, he was charged with failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver in Wythall, near Birmingham.
      If convicted of speeding, the 28-year-old faces a fine based on his £300,000 weekly wage and up to six ­penalty points.
      The second offence also carries a fine and six points.
      Grealish has a chequered driving history.
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      He got a nine-month ban and an £82,000 fine after crashing his Range Rover into two parked vehicles in 2020.
      He was also charged with speeding after clocking almost 100mph on the M42 when he was with Aston Villa.
      He pleaded guilty to careless driving and was only allowed back in a car in September 2022.
      At the time of those offences, Grealish had six points on his licence from 2018 when caught speeding on the M42.
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      His case is due to be heard by Worcestershire JPs on Thursday.
      His agent said the hearing was a “mix up” and that his partner Sasha Attwood paid the fine at the time of the speeding offence.
      How does Gareth Southgate solve Phil Foden dilemma, with Jack Grealish possibly missing out on Euro 2024 More

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      Ex-Man Utd wonderkid John Cofie who was youngest-ever million-pound footballer ‘raped woman with pal after night out’

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      A FORMER Man Utd wonderkid raped a woman with his pal after a night out, a court heard today.John Cofie, 30, and friend Nathan Stuart allegedly attacked the woman when she was too drunk to consent.
      John Cofie is accused of raping a woman with a palCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Sean McGinty, Paul Pogba, Sam Johnstone, Cofie and Jesse Lingard celebrate winning the FA Youth Cup for Man Utd in 2011Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard how she had met the pair while on a night in Altrincham in April 2019.
      She and a friend visited a few bars with Cofie and Stuart before her pal decided to go home, it was said.
      Jurors were told the alleged victim was then seen “hanging off” Cofie’s arm and “slurring her words”.
      She ended up back at Stuart’s home where she was allegedly raped by the pair.
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      The woman was picked up by her parents at around 3am after they reported her missing when she failed to return home.
      She was “incoherent” and “not mentally alert” at the time, it was said.
      The court heard she had no recollection of the events and was later told by Stuart she’d had sex with him and Cofie.
      She claims she may have been spiked as it felt “similar” to a previous experience as a teenager.
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      The “distressed” woman was taken to hospital after she began “shaking and hyperventilating”, and was told the amount she drank couldn’t explain her memory loss, nausea, vomiting and headache.
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      When she told Stuart how unwell she felt, he allegedly told her: “Well, you don’t think we spiked you?”
      But when she questioned him further, he said they’d had sex and Cofie “was there as well”.
      The woman then told Stuart she wanted to carry out checks with the police, causing him to warn her: “Forget it and move on”.
      After Cofie and Stuart were arrested, they maintained she had consented to the sexual activity.
      Jurors heard officers went through the pair’s phones and discovered Stuart had messaged his footballer pal advising him to “say nada”.
      Stuart, of Northwich, Cheshire, denies two counts of rape while Cofie, of Sale, Greater Manchester, denies three counts of rape.
      Cofie became the youngest million pound footballer when he signed for Man Utd from Burnley in 2007 aged just 14.
      He played alongside Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard but left the club in 2013 when he failed to make the senior team.
      Ghanaian-born Cofie then had spells at Barnsley, Crawley Town and Wrexham.
      He also played on loan at clubs including Sheffield United and Belgian side Antwerp.
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      After hanging up his boots aged 27, he worked at a school mentoring children for a football programme.
      The trial continues.
      Cofie, pictured at a previous court hearing, denies rapeCredit: CHRIS NEILL
      Cofie had spells at 13 different clubs in his career More

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      Harry Maguire’s Greek retrial for assault and bribery shelved for over a year – and may never go ahead

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      HARRY Maguire’s retrial for assault and bribery has been shelved for more than a year — and may never go ahead. The England and Manchester United centre-back was due to plead his innocence this week at a long-awaited hearing on the Greek island of Mykonos. 
      Harry Maguire’s Greek retrial for assault and bribery may never go aheadCredit: Getty
      Maguire spent two nights in a cell after an altercation on a night outCredit: The Mega Agency
      But a legal strike saw it postponed and lawyers say it will now not take place until March next year at the earliest.
      Officials are now said to be reluctant to pursue the case amid fears it has damaged the island’s reputation and harmed tourism. 
      The move to postpone the case prolongs the ordeal for the ace who has vowed to clear his name after his shock arrest in summer 2020. 
      A source said: “Harry has — and always will — contest the charges.
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      “He was on holiday with friends and family and was understandably distraught. He doesn’t want this hanging over him another day but respects the Greek legal system.” 
      Maguire, 30, was held by police and spent two nights in a cell after an altercation on a night out. 
      He was hauled into court days later and his lawyers were given just two hours to prepare a case. 
      Crucial evidence was withheld from the trial and Maguire was found guilty of bodily harm, attempted bribery and violence.
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      The footie hero, who has won 62 caps for the Three Lions, got a suspended jail term of 21 months. 
      Maguire’s lawyers immediately lodged an appeal — quashing the original verdict — and vowed to return to court to clear his name. 
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      The player later told how the ordeal unfolded as he, his wife Fern, sister Daisy and six others waited for a taxi.
      He said two Albanian men approached Daisy and tried to talk to her. 
      Fern said she then saw Daisy’s eyes had rolled back as she drifted in and out of consciousness.
      Maguire said the group shouted at the men but there was no fight.
      Harry Maguire spoke to the BBC’s sports editor Dan Roan in 2020Credit: BBC
      Harry Maguire during his infamous 2020 interview about the Mykonos brawl
      Harry (right) with sister Daisy Maguire in MykonosCredit: Refer to CaptionHARRY MAGUIRE MYKONOS BATTLE TIMELINE More

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      Premier League facing imminent legal action from top-flight giants over controversial new rule brought in TODAY

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      MANCHESTER City led a failed rebellion against Premier League financial rule changes that split the 20 clubs even further.And the champions – already embroiled in a drawn-out battle over the 115 charges laid for alleged FFP breaches – are now threatening legal action against the league following what was described as the “tightest vote in Prem history”.
      Man City will now threaten legal action against the Premier League over a new rule changeCredit: Reuters
      Prem clubs think the new rule hinders their chance to sign deals to boost spending on playersCredit: PA
      The proposed changes to tighten and speed up the timetable on “related party transactions” – companies linked to club owners were tabled at yesterday’s “shareholder” meeting of the 20 clubs.
      Prem leaders believe the new rules stop clubs from being able to sign commercial deals with companies under common ownership at inflated prices to boost their spending power on players.
      Before the vote, Premier League bosses informed all the clubs that one of their number – believed to be City – were launching proceedings because they argued the new regulations were “unlawful”.
      City, who declined to confirm they were the protagonists, are arguing that the changes are “unlawful” and breach competition legislation.
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      They warned Prem chiefs that would consider launching arbitration proceedings – a legal process questioning the validity of the new rules – if they were passed.
      That led to a clear division between the two factions – just as when proposals to ban clubs from signing players on loan from multi-club ownership sister organisations were defeated in November.
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      City’s overall sponsorship deals total £235m this season and financial backers include Etihad Airways, technology group Etisalat, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Emirates Palace.
      Three months ago, City, Newcastle and Chelsea had four allies to prevent the changes being passed.
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      But it is understood that Burnley and one other club abstained at yesterday’s vote.
      That meant 12 clubs in favour, with six opposed – exactly meeting the two-thirds threshold required for a vote to pass under Prem regulations.
      The spat left some of the losing sides angry and frustrated, with one club furious that the Prem position had “squeaked” through by the minimum margin after the two unexpected abstentions.
      Others were privately pointing fingers directly at rivals and the Prem leadership, claiming the dispute had highlighted “fractured relationships” throughout the League.
      In a statement, a Prem spokesman said: “Following a full review of the existing Associated Party Transactions Rules and Fair Market Value assessment protocols, clubs agreed to a series of amendments to further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the system.”
      The new regulations will now be introduced into the Prem rulebook for next season but City and their allies may seek to overturn the new position either through a future vote or the legal option.
      It comes with disputes still between clubs on how future spending rules should be drafted, with a possible change in the Profitability and Sustainability threshold and linking expenditure to revenues on the table.
      But Prem bosses did signal a belief that the contentious potential “New Deal” for funding the EFL could be coming closer to an agreement after “productive discussions” including face-to-face meetings between clubs from both leagues on Wednesday evening.
      The spokesman added: “This included plans to move towards a new financial settlement with the EFL and to agree a long-term deal for the good of English football. 
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      “A desire to seek a resolution on remaining issues was reiterated in the meetings, including a commitment to a process and timeline, with the continuation of discussions between the leagues.
      “To build on this momentum, conversations between clubs from the two leagues will now continue over the coming weeks.” More

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      Football yob admits attacking Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after running on to pitch at Stamford Bridge

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      A FOOTBALL yob has admitted attacking Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka after he ran on to the pitch at Stamford Bridge.Jordan Chidley left the stands during the League Cup quarter-final after Mykhailo Mudryk netted a last-gasp equaliser.
      Jordan Chidley clattered into Martin DubravkaCredit: ALAMY
      The fan was captured goading the Newcastle keeperCredit: ALAMY
      As the clash was about to go into penalties, the 25-year-old then lashed out at Dubravka – intentionally clattering into him.
      Chidley also goaded the Slovakian keeper during the December 19 game.
      After he was arrested, the yob blamed his behaviour on “overexuberant celebrations” after the Blues scored in the dying minutes.
      Chidley avoided jail after pleading guilty to assault by beating at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
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      He was handed a three-year football banning order and ordered to pay £1,215.
      The court was told Dubravka had not provided a statement and “appears not to be too alarmed”.
      Prosecutor Malachy Pakenham said Chidley had clambered down on to the pitch and made a beeline for the Newcastle goalie.
      He added: “The steward tries to grab him, he then puts his arms out and grabs and touches the goalie who pulls away from him.”
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      The prosecutor said the contact was “quite minimal”.
      Footage showed Chidley also pointing in the goal-stopper’s face before running away.
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      His defence said the supporter is “not a football hooligan” and this was a “one-off incident”.
      Sentencing, the judge said: “When I’m sentencing you I’m thinking not only about the offence that was committed, but also I want to send out a message to deter other people from doing something similar.”
      Chidley pleaded guilty to assault by beatingCredit: PA
      He was given a three-year football banning orderCredit: PA More

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      Chris Eubank Snr’s youngest son Joseph, 27, denies raping teen girl near Brighton Pier

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      CHRIS Eubank Snr’s youngest son has denied raping a teenage girl near Brighton Pier.Joseph Eubank, 27, allegedly attacked the girl in the popular seaside resort in July 2022.
      Joseph Eubank denied rape charges todayCredit: Brighton Pictures
      Eubank, left, with his boxer dad and brother Chris JrCredit: Twitter
      He appeared at Lewes Crown Court today where he denied two counts of raping a woman aged under 18.
      Eubank, the youngest son of boxing legend Chris, was released on bail.
      Wearing a charcoal grey coat, black trousers and a black crew-neck top, Eubank was told he is facing trial in September.
      A police investigation was launched after the teen alleged she was raped near the pier on July 16, 2022.
      She was supported by specialist officers while Eubank was arrested and later charged.
      Chris Eubank Sr held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles between 1990 and 1995.
      Joseph Eubank’s brother Chris Jr is also a professional boxer and has fought the likes of Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves.
      Chris Eubank Snr’s youngest son Joseph, 27, appears in court charged with raping teen girl near Brighton Pier
      Eubank is accused of raping a teen near Brighton PierCredit: Brighton Pictures More

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      Police charge 10 men over death of football fan who was killed when Burnley and Blackpool supporters brawled outside pub

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      POLICE have charged ten men over the death of a football fan who died after a brawl between Burnley and Blackpool supporters.Tony Johnson, 55, suffered a fatal head injury after the fight erupted outside The Manchester Pub in Blackpool on March 4, 2023.
      Tony Johnson died following a clash between Blackpool and Burnley fansCredit: Social Media
      It came after the grandad’s beloved Blackpool drew 0-0 with Burnley at home.
      Lancashire Police confirmed ten men have been charged over Tony’s death.
      Jake Balmforth, 34, has been charged with manslaughter while the remaining nine defendants are charged with affray.
      They are John Oswell, 49, Jonothan Lines, 31, Reece Hutchinson, 19, Callum Howarth, 29, Nicholas Schofield, 31, John Whiteside, 46, Jason Tattersall, 19, Joshua Ashton, 19, and Zak Bailey, 19.
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      All ten are due to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on March 13.
      The horror unfolded hours after the Championship clash ended in a goalless draw.
      Paramedics administered CPR before Tony was taken to hospital, where he later died.
      Following his death, Tony’s partner said the family’s lives were “never going to be the same”.
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      She said: “I am devastated to have lost my best friend, life partner and soul mate in a cruel act.
      “Tony was a very much loved dad, son, brother, uncle and Gramps and obviously a beloved friend to many.
      “We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same.
      “He will be one missed gentleman and the party will live on through us all, just as he would’ve wanted.
      “Rest in peace my darling, tangerine dreams forever.”
      His partner previously paid tributeCredit: SWNS More

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      Footie assistant manager charged with betting breaches by FA after ‘placing 251 bets on matches’

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      MORECAMBE’s assistant manager has been charged with allegedly violating FA betting rules.John McMahon has been charged with a whopping 251 alleged violations over a near four-year period.
      Morecambe assistant manager John McMahon could be in hot waterCredit: REX
      He’s been charged with 251 alleged breaches of betting rulesCredit: MORECAMBE FC
      An FA statement read: “Morecambe assistant manager, John McMahon, has been charged with misconduct in relation to betting.
      “It’s alleged that he has breached FA Rule E1 (b) by betting on football matches 251 times between 30 November 2019 and 14 October 2023.
      “John McMahon has until Thursday 8 February to respond.”
      A statement from League Two Morecambe on the allegation read: “Morecambe Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement regarding the charge made against John McMahon.
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      “As this is an ongoing matter, we will be making no further comment at this time.”
      The allegations against McMahon came to light just hours after a Championship player received a lengthy ban for breaching rules – with one of the violations seeing him bet on his own team.
      Huddersfield Town’s Kian Harratt was slapped with a four-month ban after being found guilty of placing 484 bets on football over a three-year period.
      Harratt apologised for his actions, saying: “I am also cognisant of the fact that some of the bets that I have placed are more problematic than others, in particular those involving my own team.
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      “While the vast majority of the bets I have placed on football do not involve my own team, I recognise the issues that placing bets involving my own team can cause.”
      Huddersfield Town’s Kian Harratt was slapped with a four-month ban for 484 breaches of betting rulesCredit: GETTY
      He added: “Of the 44 bets of this nature that I placed, 36 involved Huddersfield.
      “I was not in the matchday squad for any of the fixtures involving Huddersfield that I bet on, as I was either on loan or training with the reserves at that time.
      “Nine of the 36 bets involving Huddersfield included selections for Huddersfield to lose. While, as explained above, I was not in the squad for these fixtures, I accept that these are perhaps the most serious of the bets on football that I have placed.
      “As is demonstrated by the spontaneous nature of the bets that I placed, I did not plan or give much thought to the teams that I included.
      “Looking back, I find it difficult to explain how or why I would have selected certain teams or fixtures to bet on.
      “In particular, I am unable to explain why I would have placed bets against my own team, when it is clear to me now that this is something that footballers should not do.”
      If found guilty, McMahon could face a serious touchline suspension.
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      The FA hit Brentford and England international Ivan Toney with an EIGHT-MONTH ban and a £50,000 suspension for 232 breaches of FA betting rules.
      Toney, 27, only returned to the fray on January 20 in the Bees’ clash with Nottingham Forest.
      Ivan Toney was slapped with an eight-month ban for 232 breaches of FA betting rulesCredit: PA More