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    Ex-Celtic & Rangers starlet Ciaran Dickson downed pints of high-strength VENOM before mowing down teen at 70mph

    A FORMER Celtic and Rangers starlet downed pints of high-strength VENOM on a boozy pub crawl before mowing down a teenager in a horror hit-and-run.Ciaran Dickson, 22, fatally hit Aidan Pilkington, 18, in the Anniesland area of Glasgow before fleeing the scene on foot on September 11, 2021.
    Ciaran Dickson pled guilty to causing death by dangerous drivingCredit: Spindrift
    The footie starlet killed teenager Aidan PilkingtonCredit: PA
    Map of Dickson’s locations before fatal crash
    Dickson pled guilty today at the High Court in Glasgow to causing death by dangerous driving after Aidan suffered significant head injuries which he succumbed to later in hospital.
    The ex-Celtic B team player raced down the road at a speed between 64 and 71mph while three times over the limit when he struck Aidan.
    In court it emerged the footie youngster consumed several drinks – including the potent cocktail called Venom – before getting behind the wheel and killing his teenage victim.
    The former Rangers youth player was on a boozy night out with a friend and drank a pint of lager and a bottle of Corona at the Duck Bay Marina in Loch Lomond.

    He then got behind the wheel and drove to a pool club in Glasgow city centre.
    CCTV showed that Dickson then consumed a further two pints of lager before driving to The Black Horse bar.
    While he was there, he downed three pints of the strong cocktail venom – which was topped up with an extra measure of vodka.
    The Venom cocktail is popular with young party-goers and pub revellers due to its high alcohol content. It is made by mixing vodka, Southern Comfort and orange juice, before adding in a blue WKD to create a bright green colour.
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    Aidan was on a night out with school friends at the time and left the bar at around 11.30pm.
    He was heading to a friend’s house when Dickson hit him on Crow Raod at around midnight.
    Dickson, now of Erskine, Renfrewshire, then dragged Aidan along the ground, causing significant head injuries.
    Dickson, who was employed by Celtic’s B team at the time of the offence, then fled the scene at around 50 to 70 miles per hour.
    He then abandoned his rented Mercedes car and ran 178 metres back to his home – which was discovered by police who seized his fitness watch.
    Aidan’s friend Ben Smith recalled seeing a vehicle a “distance away” and believed there was enough time to cross the road. Aidan followed behind him.
    Prosecutor John Keenan KC said: “Mr Smith was walking within the two lanes when he realised the car was getting closer, faster than he expected.
    “He could not estimate the speed of the vehicle, but it caused him to ‘quicken up’.
    “He was halfway into the lane when he turned around to see if Aidan was following.
    “He observed that Aidan was halfway into the nearside lane of the road.”
    Mr Smith stated that a white car struck Aidan, who was about to start university, when he was positioned between the two lanes.
    He added that he did not remember Aidan being run over by the car but to “have travelled for around 10 to 15 metres with the car.”
    Other witnesses described hearing a loud bang and a thud as well as seeing Aidan on the ground.
    He was noted to be unconscious with blood coming from his mouth and ears.
    Aidan was also found to have an exposed fractured skull, very shallow breathing and CPR was carried out at the scene by medics.
    Aidan was taken to hospital where he remained unresponsive and was tragically pronounced dead at 1.55am.
    Police noticed the damage that was done to the Mercedes – including a missing badge.
    Dickson handed himself into police the next day and he was released pending and investigation.
    He gave a no comment interview to officers in February 2022 and on June he was finally arrested.
    A post-mortem examination was carried out which revealed major external injuries to Aidan’s head and trunk.
    Aidan suffered bruising and wounds to his forehead, scalp, eye and cheek.
    There was also a full-thickness wound to the back of his head surrounded by bruising.
    Mr Keenan added: “Pathologists considered that the injuries to the front and back of the head were consistent with a run over or dragging type scenario.”
    Further injuries included to the abdomen and pelvis as well as a number of rib fractures.
    An internal examination revealed a large skull fracture which was associated with a small amount of bleeding on the surface of the brain.
    Pathologists considered that a brain injury might be responsible for the “very rapid death.”
    Mr Keenan said: “The major cause of death is considered to be severe head injury which is consistent with being sustained as a result of road traffic collision.”
    It was also suggested that Aidan was not standing at the time of the collision. It is not known if he slipped or fell.
    Thomas Ross KC, defending, said: “Nothing said by Ciaran Dickson can offer comfort to Aidan’s family and friends.
    “He recognises that he is fully deserving of a sentence of imprisonment.”
    Dickson’s previous convictions include careless driving from December 2020 when he was hit with three penalty points.
    He was also convicted of a domestic pattern in April 2023 when he was ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work.
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    Dickson – who was tipped for first-team football – was released by Celtic having scored two goals in his first two appearances for the B team.
    Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Judge Lord Colbeck who remanded Dickson in custody meantime.
    He played for Celtic’s B team at the time of the offenceCredit: SNS
    He played for Rangers before joining CelticCredit: The Sun More

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    Eni Aluko ‘flees the UK’ fearing her safety after Joey Barton’s sexist rants as she & Lucy Ward ‘take legal action’

    ENI Aluko says she has fled the country out of fear after Joey Barton’s sexist rants.Barton, 41, sparked fury earlier this month when he took aim at pundits Aluko and Lucy Ward, dubbing them “the Fred and Rose West of football commentary”.
    Barton compared female commentator Eni Aluko to a serial killerCredit: PA
    Aluko claims to have fled the UK after the sexist tiradeCredit: Instagram
    Joey Barton has made repeated claims that women should not commentate on men’s footballCredit: PA
    Fred and Rose West were two of Britain’s worst serial killers.
    Barton made the comparison as he questioned their legitimacy as pundits after they covered Crystal Palace’s FA Cup draw with Everton.
    But instead apologising after backlash, the ex-Manchester City footballer launched another foul-mouthed tirade, likening Aluko to communist dictators Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot.
    Now, Aluko has revealed she has left the UK fearing for her safety after being bombarded by online abuse, in a 15-minute video posted on her Instagram account.
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    The star said she had not left her house until Friday but is “now abroad” after feeling “genuinely scared”.
    The post also included a stark warning that the online abuse of women working in football was in real danger of ending in tragedy.
    She wrote: “I’ve genuinely been scared this week. I didn’t leave my house until Friday, and I’m now abroad.
    “Because it’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how safe you feel in real life. I felt under threat this week. I felt like something was going to happen to me.”
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    The former England striker also suggested she is taking legal action following Barton’s disgusting rants.
    She continued: “If you come out and are racist, or sexist or misogynistic and threaten people online, there are laws for that and that govern that behaviour. It’s not free. It’s not freedom of consequences, either.
    “There are consequences for that. And over the past week I’ve taken advice from lawyers and a course of action has now been decided upon.”
    The former England striker did not mention Barton by name but branded him the “loudest critic right now, who used to play for Man City”.
    Fellow pundit Ward is also set to take legal action over the disgraceful posts, according to the Telegraph.
    Barton was already facing Government and legal action over his “dangerous” posts on X, with Stuart Andrew, the sports minister, last week announcing he would “look at” what could be done about the former footballer’s rants about women.
    While Barton’s rants appear an attempt to gain publicity ahead of the launch of his podcast, Mr Andrew insisted he must be held accountable. 
    He said: “These are dangerous comments that open the floodgates for abuse and that’s not acceptable,’ Andrew said at a Department for Culture, Media and Sport select committee.
    “I’m slightly wary that these sort of people want the oxygen and I don’t want to fuel that.”
    Barton was called out on social media by the likes of Laura Woods, Bianca Westwood and Piers Morgan as well as thousands of fans following his controversial comments.
    And ITV Sport also hit back at Barton in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
    The ITV post said: “For Joey Barton, an ex-professional player with a significant social media presence, to target two of our pundits, Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, with such vindictive remarks based on gender and to invoke the names of serial killers in doing so is clearly contemptible and shameful on his part.”
    Gary Neville backed the statement of ITV, his former employer, in a post on X.
    But Barton threatened the former Manchester United star saying he would “get emptied”.
    Barton then responded to ITV’s post with a foul-mouthed tirade.
    He wrote: “Shut up you f***ing idiots. Keep them off the telly. They’re ruining the game for everyone of us.
    “It’s what happens when you force under qualified, under prepared, tokenistic people onto us.
    “I will be calling them all serial killers from now on.”
    He then doubled down on his remarks, including likening Aluko to dictators Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot.
    Stalin was the supreme ruler of the Soviet Union for a quarter of a century, including throughout World War II and is known for his totalitarian communist regime.
    Pol Pot, meanwhile, was another communist dictator who ruled Cambodia as Prime Minister of Democratic Kampuchea in the 70s.
    And on January 7 he then continued on his sexist rant against women footballing pundits with another vile accusation.
    The former Bristol Rovers manager alleged the experienced stars have used “pillow talk” and their “sexuality to get an advantage”.
    The post, on X, formerly Twitter, made several sexist accusations at unnamed women pundits.
    “We all know whose marriages you have violated. What info you got from the pillow talk to get ahead…”
    “I also, don’t blame you using your sexuality to get an advantage. It’s a big tool and everyone should use all there tools wisely in the game of life.”
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    Barton is one of football’s most controversial characters, and served time in prison in 2008 for assault.
    He was sacked as Bristol Rovers manager in October, weeks after fans slammed him for “throwing his own player under the bus.”
    Lucy Ward is reportedly now taking legal action along with AlukoCredit: Getty More

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    Chris Eubank Snr’s youngest son Joseph, 27, appears in court charged with raping teen girl near Brighton Pier

    CHRIS Eubank Snr’s youngest son has appeared in court charged with raping a teen girl near Brighton Pier.Joseph Eubank, 27, is accused of attacking the alleged victim in the seaside town in July 2022.
    Joseph Eubank appeared at court today
    Eubank, left, with his boxer dad and brother Chris JrCredit: Twitter
    He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court today charged with two counts of raping a woman aged under 18.
    Eubank, the youngest son of boxing legend Chris, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
    He was released on conditional bail to next appear at Lewes Crown Court next month.
    District Judge Richard Hawgood told him: “I’m sending your case for these two charges to the Crown Court at Lewes for trial.
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    “These are matters which can only be dealt with at crown court due to the nature and seriousness of these allegations.”
    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.
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    Joseph Eubank’s brother Chris Jr is also a professional boxer and has fought the likes of Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves.
    Eubank was released on conditional bailCredit: Brighton Pictures More

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    Disgraced former Premier League star ‘facing jail’ after admitting match fixing and accepting bribes

    FORMER Everton midfielder Li Tie is facing a lengthy jail term after being charged with a series of bribery offences.The 46-year-old was accused of “serious violations of the law” by state prosecutors in China last year.
    Former Everton midfielder Li Tie is facing jailCredit: Getty
    He was also held in a detention centre, according to Chinese media.
    A statement from the Supreme People’s Procuratorate read: “Li Tie, the former head coach of the Chinese national men’s football team, was suspected of accepting bribes, offering bribes, offering bribes at the unit, accepting bribes of non-state employees, and offering bribes to non-state employees.
    “The investigation was completed by the Chibi City Supervision Committee and Chibi Public Security Bureau of Hubei province. The investigation was completed and transferred.”
    The charges are part of a wider government crackdown on alleged corruption in Chinese football.
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    Last year, senior executives at the Chinese Football Association, including secretary general Liu Yi and deputy secretary general Chen Yongliang, were investigated over “severe violations of the law”.
    CFA president Chen Xuyuan and Shandong Taishan midfielder Son Jun-ho were also investigated.
    Li Tie joined Everton on an initial season-long loan from Liaoning FC in 2002 before eventually joining the Toffees in a permanent transfer the following year.
    He then signed for Sheffield United in 2006 and spent three years at Bramall Lane.
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    The midfielder went on to play for Chengdu Blades and Liaoning before retiring and turning to management.
    He took charge of the China national team from 2019 to 2021. More

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    Ex-England ace Emile Heskey facing bankruptcy in latest battle with taxman

    FORMER England star Emile Heskey was facing bankruptcy last night in his latest battle with the taxman.The ex-Liverpool striker — whose net worth was estimated at £12million in 2009 — has had financial woes since joining a celebrity investment scheme now at the centre of a £1.6billion tax dispute.
    Emile Heskey is facing bankruptcy in his latest battle with the taxmanCredit: Getty
    The former England star has had financial woes since joining a celebrity investment schemeCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    He has been hit with a High Court bankruptcy petition filed by HMRC — setting off alarms for a string of VIPs.
    Dad-of-six Heskey, 45, was last year found to have defaulted on £92,000 of tax while working as a football development officer between 2017 and 2020.
    He was handed a £42,000 penalty.
    Meanwhile, the trendy bar he ran with wife Chantelle in posh Alderley Edge, Cheshire, was wound up by the courts with £163,000 of debts.
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    It was unclear whether the court case arrears were related to the investment scheme or his business flop.
    Heskey has recently been involved in the running of Leicester City’s women’s team and supporting the England under-18s squad.
    The tax scheme was among those run by Ingenious Media, a financing company which funded more than 60 movies.
    David Beckham, Ant and Dec and Robbie Williams are among the famous names who pumped in cash, with a minimum £50,000 stake required.
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    Clients were said to have been able to claim tax relief against most of their payment.
    Other stars linked to the scheme included Liverpool greats Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and ex-Newsnight host Jeremy Paxman.
    Gerrard and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber were among investors reported in 2019 to be suing HSBC for “dishonestly assisting” Ingenious Media.
    Take That singers Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen have already repaid £20million.
    They insisted they had paid significant tax and believed the investments were legitimate enterprises.
    But Barlow later admitting it was “the stupidest thing I have ever done”.
    HMRC and Heskey were approached for comment. More

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    Sunderland star Jack Diamond weeps in the dock as he’s cleared of rape

    A FOOTIE star wept in the dock today after he was cleared of rape.Jack Diamond, 23, put his head in his hands after a jury found him not guilty in 15 minutes.
    Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond told Newcastle crown court there was consensual sexual activity at his home in 2022Credit: NNP
    Diamond denied rape and assault by penetration at Newcastle crown courtCredit: Getty
    The Sunderland winger had denied attacking the woman at his home.
    His trial heard the pair were “friends with benefits” after meeting on the dating app Tinder.
    Diamond told Newcastle crown court there was consensual sexual activity at his home in 2022.
    He said he then told the woman he did not think sex was a “good idea” and explained to the jury this was because he feared things “getting a bit too serious”.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    He said after being rejected, the woman turned away from him in bed and appeared to be in a “huff”.
     Eleanor Laws KC, defending, said: “He is not on trial for being immature . . . for misreading signals about whether he hurt someone.”
    Outside court Diamond, of Washington, Tyne & Wear, insisted: “The last 18 months have been hugely challenging.
    “I now look forward to resuming my career.”
    Most read in Football
    Diamond was on loan with Lincoln City last season but the deal was terminated after he was charged, and Sunderland suspended him. More

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    Maddy Cusack’s football manager ‘called her a “psycho” and complained about her weight before death’, family claim

    MADDY Cusack’s football manager allegedly called her a “psycho” and complained about her weight before her death, her family has claimed.The Sheffield United star’s family made an official complaint to the club after she took her own life in September.
    Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack took her own life in SeptemberCredit: Getty
    Jonathan Morgan was named in a complaintCredit: Getty
    Cusack’s lawyer dad David, who reportedly wrote the complaint, alleged that she was “troubled” after Jonathan Morgan was appointed as the team’s manager.
    Morgan reportedly denies treating Cusack unfavourably.
    The Sun has repeatedly contacted Morgan’s representatives for comment.
    The complaint, which has reportedly been seen by The Athletic, is said to read: “There were a number of factors that troubled her in the end.
    Read More Sport
    “But they all spring from the relationship with Jonathan Morgan.
    “As she confided to us, every issue had its origin in Morgan’s appointment.
    “We know she would still be with us had he not been appointed. Her text messages and conversations support this.”
    Morgan, who had previously managed Cusack at Leicester, was cleared of treating Cusack unfavourably by a nine-week external inquiry – with no disciplinary action taken.
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    The complaint by Cusack’s family alleged that she left Leicester in 2019 because she felt worn down by Morgan – who she thought disliked her.
    Cusack and Morgan met again after she played for Sheffield against his Burnley women’s side.
    Morgan allegedly called Cusack a “psycho” when she ran near his dugout, adding to her sense that he disliked her.
    When Morgan was appointed as Sheffield’s manager, he dropped Cusack from the starting line-up and allegedly told her she was overweight.
    He also allegedly told other players about their previous clashes, giving the impression she was difficult to manage.
    Cusack stayed at Sheffield United because she had bought a house in the South Yorkshire city and had made friends at the club.
    She had reportedly never clashed with previous Sheffield managers and was popular at the club, according to the family’s complaint.
    It is claimed that Cusack moved back in with her parents after become unwell from anxiety.
    She was reportedly prescribed medication and asked the club doctor about counselling at the start of September.
    The family’s complaint was delivered to the club on September 27, a week after her body was found at her parents’ house in Derbyshire.
    An inquest has been opened into her death, which cops said is not suspicious.
    CLUB PROBE
    Sheffield United appointed retired Raoul Moat cop Dennis Shotton to handle a probe into the family’s allegations.
    He allegedly misspelled Cusack’s first and second names as “Madeline Cussack” in correspondence with her grieving family.
    Shotton also allegedly failed to record a witness interview with David Cusack and twice referred to him as a club employee – rather than Maddy’s father.
    The investigator also allegedly failed to contact a close confidante of Cusack whose details he had been given.
    It is also alleged that he did not contact some players who the family had recommended he speak to.
    Safecall, which employs Shotton as an investigator, confirmed that it has carried out an investigation on Sheffield United’s behalf.
    The firm declined to comment further.
    The Cusack family, which was not allowed to see Shotton’s report, has rejected its verdict.
    The FA has now begun gathering evidence after the family asked it to launch its own probe.
    The Maddy Cusack Foundation said: “Those who knew Maddy well will be aware she had no long-standing mental health issues or troubles.
    “Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, carefree girl with everything to live for.
    “By Christmas 2022, she could be described as being at her happiest.
    “This all changed gradually from February.”
    Morgan reportedly denies telling Cusack she was overweight, claiming he told her she needed to improve her conditioning following fitness tests.
    He also reportedly denies shouting that Cusack was a “psycho” or telling other Sheffield players anything negative about her.
    The manager reportedly claims that he tried to help Cusack, making her vice-captain and putting her in touch with the club doctor.
    Morgan also reportedly claims that he campaigned for Cusack to get a pay rise from £6,000 to £18,000.
    He reportedly maintains that he did not single out Cusack for criticism.
    Morgan’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
    ‘TRAGIC PASSING’
    Sheffield United declined to comment, instead referring The Sun to its December press release announcing the outcome of the external inquiry.
    The release read: “Sheffield United Football Club can confirm that an investigation has taken place following the tragic passing of Women’s team player and club marketing executive, Maddy Cusack.
    “Maddy was an important member of Sheffield United’s Women’s team.
    “She was our longest serving player, scoring 7 times in 110 appearances and was synonymous with the number 8 shirt that she wore with distinction.
    “Maddy was also a valued and popular member of the Club’s marketing team, working on promotion of all areas of the Blades.
    “Everyone at the Club remains deeply saddened by her passing.
    “At the request of and with cooperation from Maddy’s family, we appointed an independent third party to carry out a formal investigation into concerns the family raised about processes and conduct at the Club.
    “Following a thorough review of the valuable input provided by each of the key witnesses put forward by Maddy’s family and the Club, the investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing.
    YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
    It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
    It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
    Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
    That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
    The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
    Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
    If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

    “The Club is always looking for ways to evolve and will reflect on the outcomes and recommendations arising from the investigation to consider how processes and policies may be improved.
    “Following Maddy’s death, the Club provided staff with the opportunity to engage with additional external support.
    “As part of the Club’s commitment to continual improvement, we have and will continue to review and expand the Club-wide wellbeing support offered to our staff.
    “We will increase the learning and development opportunities for all staff around language and culture, welfare and mental health awareness.
    “We have also recently strengthened our Women’s and Girls’ structure with the addition of a new highly experienced Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football and other key appointments.
    Read more on The Sun
    “We wish to offer support to Maddy’s family and the Maddy Cusack Foundation, MC8.
    “We hope to work with them to continue the lasting positive impact Maddy had on those who knew her.”
    If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
    Cusack was Sheffield United’s longest-serving playerCredit: PA
    Manager Jonathan Morgan has denied the claimsCredit: PA More

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    Man City ‘sued by clothing brand Superdry’ due to training kit endorsement deal with brewery’s alcohol-free beer range

    MANCHESTER CITY have been sued by clothing brand Superdry over their training kit endorsement deal.According to the Telegraph high street fashion brand Superdry have launched a High Court claim against the Cityzens.
    Manchester City have been sued over their training kit sponsorship dealCredit: PA
    Their Asahi sponsored warm up gear features the words Super ‘Dry’Credit: Alamy
    The claim comes after Man City announced that their training gear would be sponsored by Japanese brewery Asahi’s alcohol free beer.
    The teetotal beverage is named Asahi Super “Dry” 0.0 and their sponsorship deal with City sees the words Super “Dry” plastered on the club’s training gear.
    As a result the clothing brand Superdry have alleged that the partnership represents a trademark infringement on their name.
    City announced in 2023 that their deal with Asahi Super “Dry” would see men’s and women’s training kit feature the brand’s logo for the current campaign.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    But on December 15 Superdry asked for an “injunction” to be put in place to “restrain” the treble winners from using their name on the kit.
    And the clothing manufacturer is also said to be looking for costs alongside the injunction, but are yet to quantify the amount their claim is worth.
    While the law firm acting on behalf of Superdry, Fox Williams LLP, have also warned for a demand for the “destruction or modification upon oath of all goods and other items… [which] would constitute a breach of the injunctions.”
    Phillip Roberts KC, who represents the firm, explained that the public may confuse the branding on Man City’s training kit as something created by Superdry.
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    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    He said: “The sponsored kit is identical to each of the selected goods [and is] identical with or similar to the mark for which the Superdry Registrations are registered in relation to goods identical with or similar to those for which the Superdry Registrations are registered,
    “In circumstances liable to give rise to a likelihood of confusion on the part of the public.”
    City’s sponsorship deal with Asahi goes beyond their training kit with a number of modifications and re-brands taking place at the Eithad Stadium.
    The Asahi Tunnel club was introduced by the club while technology has been put in place around the stadium to allow the beer to be served to fans.
    SunSport has approached Manchester City for a comment. More