Courts

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Club apologise for ‘jaw-droppingly offensive’ Murder on the Dancefloor stop sign post of player who killed man in crash

      by

      A LEAGUE of Ireland club has deleted and apologised for a controversial social media post of a player holding a stop sign featuring the song Murder On The Dancefloor.It had been pointed out the man had been convicted of killing a dad-of-two in a car crash.
      Galway United’s Instagram post image was accompanied by the Sophie Ellis-Bextor hit Murder On The Dancefloor
      McCarthy was given a two-year suspended sentence and a seven-year driving ban in November 2020 after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Andrezej ObalekCredit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
      Tragic Andrezej Obalek died in the crash
      The Instagram post by Galway United to promote a Premier Division clash against St Patrick’s Athletic tomorrow showed Ed McCarthy, 22, holding up the traffic sign.
      The image was accompanied by the Sophie Ellis-Bextor hit Murder On The Dancefloor and a golf club that is used to tee off and hit a ball long distances, which is known as a driver.
      The Moyross, Co Limerick native was 19 when he was given a two-year suspended sentence and a seven-year driving ban in November 2020 after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Andrezej Obalek, 55.
      McCarthy was driving home from a training session with Cork City on February 18 that year at Ballybeg, Buttevant, Co Cork on the main Cork-Limerick road at around 10.40pm and was speeding through bends.

      He lost control of his car and crossed over the divide to the wrong side of the road, hitting the Polish national’s car and causing him to hit a ditch and die instantly.
      McCarthy also hit another car that was following behind Mr Obalek’s vehicle and that driver suffered minor injuries.
      He told a court he “never meant harm to anyone” and “never set out to do anything like that to anyone”.
      During the trial, Judge Sean O’Donnabhain at Cork Circuit Criminal Court read a victim impact statement by Obalek’s sister, Urszula Obalek-Owstrowska.
      Most read in Football
      It said: “Andrezej’s death caused a great gap in my life that I cannot fill with anything. I am still waiting for his calls, text messages, full of optimism.
      “You robbed me of this forever. I believe that the greatest punishment for you will be living with the knowledge that you have killed a great man.”
      The judge then addressed the court saying: “I hope the victim impact statement by Mr Obalek’s sister is burned into his brain and he never forgets it.
      “It is a belief that she has expressed to bring out the hurt that she has felt over the loss of her brother.”
      After it was posted, social media users were quick to point out the problems surrounding the image.
      In a post about the picture on Reddit, one user said: “Wow, not a good look at all.”
      Another added: “That golf club is a driver as well. Just jaw-droppingly offensive.”
      On X, one user said: “What would possess someone to think that was a good idea?”
      ‘Tasteless’
      Another described it as “horrible” and “tasteless, from both club and player”.
      The post on Instagram has since been deleted.
      Today, Galway United said it had meant no offence and wanted to “unreservedly apologise”.
      A statement on the club’s website read: “Galway United wish to advise that there was no offence intended by a recent social media post issued by the club and would like to unreservedly apologise for any hurt or distress that the post may have caused.”
      New contract
      Right-sided defender or midfielder McCarthy signed for Galway United in February 2022.
      McCarthy, who previously played for Cork City, Treaty United and Regional United, signed a new contract at Galway United last month.
      He had been named in the 2023 Professional Footballers Association Ireland First Division Team of the Year.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s 2001 hit Murder on the Dancefloor has returned to popularity after featuring in a memorable final scene in hit flick Saltburn.
      The hit movie, starring Ireland’s Barry Keoghan, tells the shocking story of what unfolds when a quiet young student spends a summer with a rich pal at an English country house. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      read more on jack grealish
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      Read more news
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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.
      Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund taunts Aston Villa crowd after Scott McTominay winner
      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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      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

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      READ MORE ON HARRY MAGUIRE
      “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.
      Most read in Football
      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. 
      Luke Littler takes on Harry Maguire in incredible darts challenge as fans say Man Utd star should ‘switch careers’
      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

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      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.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      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.
      Most read in Football
      What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer window
      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. 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “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

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      Read more news
      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.”
      Most read in Football
      The prosecutor said the contact was “quite minimal”.
      Footage showed Chidley also pointing in the goal-stopper’s face before running away.
      Cristiano Ronaldo misses SITTER for Portugal before lunging into Martin Dubravka two-footed but somehow escapes red
      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

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

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

      by

      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

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      Read more news
      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”.
      Most read in Football
      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