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      Former Rangers star warned he could face up to 15 years in prison for alleged sex attack on ex-wife

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      FORMER Rangers star Claudio Caniggia has been warned he could face up to 15 years in prison after being ordered to stand trial for an alleged sex attack on his ex-wife.The former Dundee and Argentina striker had tried to halt proceedings against him after Mariana Nannis accused him of forcing himself on her at a Buenos Aires hotel where they were both living at the time.
      Claudio Caniggia could be facing up to 15 years in prisonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But the 56-year-old, who played in three World Cups for his country alongside the likes of Diego Maradona, suffered a major setback after the Criminal Division of Argentina’s Nations Appeals Court rejected his lawyers’ arguments charges should not stand.
      He is set to be put on trial for “aggravated sexual abuse” over the alleged attack claimed to have occurred in 2018 at the Faena Hotel in the upmarket Buenos Aires neighbourhood of Puerto Madero.
      Mariana, mother of Caniggia’s three children, sparked the investigation that led to the retired footballer’s prosecution by claiming he had raped her on May 6, 2018 at the five-star hotel.
      The striker’s accuser, whose split from her husband was confirmed in July 2019 a year and a half after they began leading separate lives, has alleged he forced himself on her after she rejected his advances, hit her and threatened to kill her if she went to police.

      He has been told he could get 15 years in prison if convicted.
      Local reports point to hotel staff testimony and photographs showing Mariana’s injuries forming part of the evidence against him.
      Caniggia, who has been banned from leaving Argentina since June, has always denied any wrongdoing
      The former footballer went on to date model and influencer Sofia Bonelli, who at 29 is nearly 30 years younger than him.
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      Caniggia played for both River Plate and Boca Juniors in his homeland.
      He became a cult legend at many of the clubs he has played at.
      His goal against Dunfermline in 2003 helped Rangers win the title.
      The striker also scored against arch rivals Celtic in the League Cup final that year – having previously been at Dundee for a season from 2000 to 2001.
      Caniggia scored 16 goals in his 50 appearances for Argentina.
      He played at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups and scored four goals in eight matches before returning for the 2002 tournament after being frozen out of the national team for several years because he refused to cut his long hair under the strict regime of Daniel Passarella.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Ronaldo rape accuser launches fresh bid to force star to fork out millions more in hush money over 2009 Vegas ‘attack’

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      A MODEL who claimed she was raped by Cristiano Ronaldo has launched a fresh bid to force the footballer to pay millions more in hush money.Kathryn Mayorga alleged the Portuguese star, 38, attacked her in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009.
      Cristiano Ronaldo pictured with Kathryn Mayorga in Las Vegas in 2009Credit: AP:Associated Press
      The footballer has always vehemently denied the allegationsCredit: Reuters
      The Al Nassr player has always insisted they had consensual sex and has strongly denied her accusations.
      Former teacher Ms Mayorga, who waived her right to anonymity, accepted £275,000 in a hush-hush agreement in 2010.
      In June last year, a lawsuit attempting to push for a higher payout was thrown out by US District Judge Jennifer Dorsey after it was revealed stolen confidential documents had been used.
      But today, lawyers trying to revive Ms Mayorga’s bid for millions more have returned to court.
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      Her legal team is asking the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the dismissal of the case and reopen the civil lawsuit she first filed in Nevada in 2018.
      They will argue previouss attempts to include as evidence the confidentiality agreement she signed in 2010 after taking the payment from Ronaldo was repeatedly and wrongly rejected by the federal judge.
      Las Vegas police reopened a rape investigation after Ms Mayorga’s lawsuit was filed, but Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson decided in 2019 not to pursue criminal charges.
      He said too much time had passed and evidence failed to show that Ms Mayorga’s accusation could be proved to a jury.
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      Ms Mayorga, an ex model from the Las Vegas area, was 25 when she met Ronaldo at a nightclub in 2009 and went with him and other people to his hotel suite.
      She alleged in her lawsuit filed almost a decade later that the star, then 24, sexually assaulted her in a bedroom.
      Ronaldo, through his lawyers, maintained sex was consensual.
      The two reached a confidentiality agreement in 2010 under which Stovall acknowledged that Ms Mayorga received $375,000.
      In dismissing the case last year, US District Judge Jennifer Dorsey in Las Vegas took the unusual step of levying a $335,000 (£278,000) fine against Ms Mayorga’s lead lawyer, Stovall, for acting in bad faith in filing the case on his client’s behalf.
      The Sun has contacted Ronaldo’s representatives for comment. More

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      Antony comes on as sub in Man Utd’s clash against Galatasaray – despite domestic abuse allegations hanging over his head

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      ANTONY came on as a sub during Manchester United’s clash against Galatasaray – despite the domestic abuse allegations hanging over his head.The Brazilian star was sent on to rescue United in the 85th minute after Mauro Icardi put Galatasaray 3-2 ahead.
      Antony came on for United tonightCredit: Reuters
      But United still lost the Champions League game 3-2Credit: Getty
      Antony is facing domestic abuse allegationsCredit: AP
      There was no reaction from the crowd at Old Trafford as Antony entered the fray.
      Antony has been accused of physical assault by an ex-girlfriend and was questioned by Greater Manchester Police for five hours last week.
      The £85million signing was granted a leave of absence to address the allegations – which he vehemently denies – but returned to training on Sunday.
      The former Ajax man has been accused of assault by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who claims he assaulted her when she was pregnant with his baby.
      Read More Sport
      Cavallin reacted to the news of Antony’s return to training in a statement via her legal team.
      It read: “Gabriela Cavallin’s attorneys inform that the crimes committed by the player are still being investigated by the Manchester Police and also the Brazilian Police.
      “Which is why we believe that he will soon be sent to court, where he will have to face a trial.
      “It seems obvious to us that fallacies would be created with the intention that the team bringing him back to training.”
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      Antony has repeatedly denied the allegations, which became public in June.
      He wrote on Instagram: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations that I have been a victim of.
      “From the beginning, I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications to the police.
      “The investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public.
      “However, I can calmly say that the accusations are false, and that the current evidence and the ones yet to be produced demonstrate my innocence.”
      Manchester United issued a statement on the ongoing investigation last week condemning all “acts of violence and abuse”.
      It added: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK.
      “And he continues to do so.
      “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed.
      “This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
      “As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse.
      “We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
      United blundered their way to defeat on another sorry occasion at Old Trafford.
      Rasmus Hojlund twice put the Red Devils ahead in the 17th and 67th minutes.
      Former Red Wilfried Zaha had got one back on 23 minutes.
      In the final 20 minutes though United completely lost their heads with Andre Onana all over the shop.
      Kerem Arturkoglu plundered a 71st minute equaliser.
      Read More on The Sun
      Then Mauro Icardi, having just missed a penalty made amends with the 81st minute winner.
      It was Galatasaray’s first ever win in England in 11 attempts and their first away win anywhere in the competition, apart from a qualifier, in a decade. More

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      Bradley Lowery’s mum speaks out as football yob Dale Houghton admits mocking her son’s death at Sunderland game

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      BRADLEY Lowery’s mum has spoken out after a shameless footie yob admitted to mocking her son’s tragic death.Heartbroken mother Gemma said the sickening behaviour of Dale Houghton was like a “dagger to the heart”.
      Bradley Lowery’s mum Gemma hit out at a sick troll who mocked her son’s deathCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Dale Houghton sparked fury over the vile act
      Houghton will be sentenced next monthCredit: Facebook
      Houghton, 31, was snapped using a picture of the youngster to mock Sunderland fans during Friday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.
      The thug today admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
      And Gemma slammed him for showing no “remorse” after his shameful act.
      Speaking to The Mirror the 40-year-old said: “To be honest when I first saw it I was upset and a little bit angry, using my child in a negative light.
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      “However as the day went on and I saw the impact and the backlash the men got.
      “I’m the sort of person who tries to see the good in people, so I started trying to justify their actions, they’ve just been beaten 3-0.
      “But then I got sent some messages from a group chat they’d been in which you can clearly see there was no remorse.
      She continued: “They said that Bradley shouldn’t have got special treatment and that’s when it really, really hit us.
      Most read in Football
      “It was like a dagger to my heart and I got really really upset about that. What they did was intentional and they had no remorse for doing it.
      “That’s when I thought ‘actually you are not very nice people and you deserve to be punished’.”
      Houghton now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the Public Order offence when he sentenced on November 17.
      And he will be made to attend a drug intervention programme after testing positive for cocaine, the court heard.
      Football fans were left horrified after the pictures from the game were circulated on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
      Prosecutor Jade Short said Houghton’s antics caused a “huge public revulsion”.
      She also told the court the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
      Sunderland fan Bradley captured the nation’s heart during his battle with neuroblastoma, but succumbed to the illness in 2017. 
      He was a mascot for his beloved club and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
      Ex-prem star Defoe also blasted the heartless fan for his disgraceful act on Friday.
      The former Sunderland striker struck up a close friendship with Bradley, six, before his death from cancer in 2017.
      He told MailOnline: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
      “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
      “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
      Ex-prem star Defoe blasted the heartless fan for his disgraceful act on FridayCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Who is Dale Houghton? Man who used Bradley Lowery photo to taunt Sunderland fans

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      A TWISTED football fan held up a picture of Bradley Lowery to taunt Sunderland supporters at a match.Dale Houghton, 31, was seen grinning as he showed the image from his phone at the Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland match on Friday, September 29, 2023.
      Dale Houghton is due to be sentenced on November 17 and could face jail timeCredit: Facebook
      The 31-year-old was charged with a Public Order Offence after his arrestCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
      Who is Dale Houghton? 
      Houghton was arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency following the disgraceful incident.
      Prosecutor Jade Short spoke at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today and told the court Houghton viewed the picture as “enjoyable banter” and was smiling as he showed it.
      Houghton has since lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act, the court heard.
      Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realised he was “out of line” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
      Read More on Bradley Lowery
      A Sheffield Wednesday spokesperson told Mail Sport: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
      “We roundly condemn this completely outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour. We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
      What has Dale Houghton been charged with?
      The sick football fan was charged with a Public Order Offence after his arrest.
      He appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today where he admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
      Most read in Football
      The 31-year-old now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the offence and is set to be sentenced on November 17.
      Judge James Gould warned Houghton he faces jail as he bailed him on the condition he does not attend any games.
      The disgraced fan is also banned from going within a mile of Hillsborough on match days.
      He was also slammed by Bradley’s mum, Gemma, for the “unforgivable” act.
      In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
      “It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
      “This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
      “I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
      Who was Bradley Lowery?
      Bradley Lowery was a Sunderland superfan who tragically died aged six, in 2017.
      The brave little boy had been battling against a rare form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.
      Bradley had been given the crushing diagnosis when he was just 18-months old.
      After undergoing extensive surgery and pulling through chemotherapy, the footie-mad youngster went into remission for 18 months.
      But the cancer returned in 2016 and his family were told the disease was terminal.
      He captured the nation’s hearts appearing on the pitch alongside Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe several times.
      The pair spent a lot of time with each other, including in the months before Bradley’s passing.
      Defoe would text Gemma every morning asking for health updates on the brave boy.
      The devastated football player paid an emotional tribute to his “best pal” following his death.
      The club also honoured Bradley’s “indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile”.
      The statement read: “Despite battling neuroblastoma for much of his all too short life, he demonstrated a bravery and fortitude beyond his years that humbled us all.
      “He was truly an inspiration.
      “His heart-warming friendship with players and staff alike epitomised the impact this wonderful little boy had on everyone he met. He had a special relationship with Jermain Defoe and their feelings for each other were evident for all to see.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Jermain, naturally, is heartbroken.”
      Following the sick incident involving Houghton, The Bradley Lowery Foundation, which was set up by Gemma, wrote on Facebook: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
      Bradley Lowery on the pitch as a mascot for SunderlandCredit: PA:Press Association
      The superfan struck up a close bond with captain Jermain DefoeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The little boy’s mum, Gemma, has spoken out about the pain Houghton’s actions causedCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Dale Houghton faces jail for mocking football fans with Bradley Lowery pic for ‘banter’ as mum slams ‘unforgivable’ act

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      A “DEPLORABLE” football fan is facing jail for using a picture of tragic Bradley Lowery to mock Sunderland supporters for “banter”.Dale Houghton was one of two men seen smiling as they held up the image of Bradley, who died from cancer aged six, during the Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland match on Friday.
      Dale Houghton has been charged after the picture was used to mock fans
      Houghton is now facing jailCredit: Facebook
      Sunderland superfan Bradley died in 2017 aged sixCredit: PA:Press Association
      The 31-year-old appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today where he admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
      The disgraced fan now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the Public Order offence when he sentenced on November 17.
      Houghton was slammed by Bradley’s mum Gemma today for the “unforgivable” act, which drew criticism from all football supporters.
      In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
      “It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
      “This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
      “I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
      Prosecutor Jade Short said Houghton’s antics caused a “huge public revulsion”.
      Most read in Football
      She told the court the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
      The court was also told Houghton has lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act and is facing a ban from attending matches.
      Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realised he was “out of line” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
      Judge James Gould warned Houghton he faces jail as he bailed him on the condition he does not attend any games.
      He will be made to attend a drug intervention programme after testing positive for cocaine, the court heard.
      Houghton is also banned from going within a mile of Hillsborough on match days.
      South Yorkshire Police have applied for a football banning order.
      A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail while investigations continue.
      Football fans were left horrified after the pictures from the game were circulated on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
      Brave Bradley’s battle with against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.
      He was diagnosed with the aggressive disease when he was just 18 months old, and tumours spread through his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow.
      After major surgery and gruelling chemotherapy, he pulled through and went into remission for 18 months.
      But the cancer returned in 2016, with his family dealt the crushing blow his disease was terminal.
      The footie-mad youngster had struck up a close bond with Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe, who led him out on to the pitch before several matches.
      Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in his devastated parents’ arms, with Defoe paying an emotional tribute to his “best pal”.
      Speaking after Houghton pleaded guilty today, the ex-England star said he was “appalled and saddened”.
      Defoe said: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
      “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
      “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
      “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Houghton hid his face as he left court todayCredit: Ben Lack
      Jermain Defoe struck up a close friendship with BradleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A charity set up by mum Gemma slammed the fan on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Man, 31, charged with public order offence after tragic picture of Bradley Lowery was used to ‘taunt’ Sunderland fans

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      A MAN has been charged with a public order offence after a picture of Bradley Lowery was used to “taunt” Sunderland fans.Two men displayed an image of the six-year-old Black Cats fan, who tragically died from cancer in 2017, on Friday evening.
      Dale Houghton, 31, has been charged with a public order offence after a picture of Bradley Lowery was used to ‘taunt’ Sunderland fans
      Jermain Defoe pictured with mascot Bradley in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The reports came after the Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland match held at Hillsborough.
      Dale Houghton, 31, from Rotherham, was arrested yesterday and has now been charged with a Section 4a Public Order offence.
      Houghton has been remanded in custody and will appear before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
      South Yorkshire Police have also applied for a football banning order.
      Read more Sports News
      A 27-year-old man, also arrested yesterday, has been released on police bail while further enquiries are conducted.
      Bradley was a mascot for his beloved Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside his hero – former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
      Pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing two men laughing with one of them holding up a picture of Bradley to the camera.
      In a post on Facebook, the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up by the boy’s mother Gemma, said: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
      Most read in Football
      Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
      In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
      Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
      In the wake of Bradley’s death social media was flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
      His mum shared her heartbreak on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Sunderland fan tragically lost his life to cancer in 2017Credit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday More

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      Woman ‘sexually assaulted by pal of Benjamin Mendy after going to party at ex-Man City star’s home’

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      A WOMAN was sexually assaulted by a friend of football star Benjamin Mendy after going to a party at the ex-Manchester City player’s home, a court heard yesterday.The woman — 22 at the time — was in a car at the gates of Mendy’s house with his pal Louis Saha Matturie when she was allegedly attacked in 2021, the jury was told.
      Louis Saha Matturie denies charges of rape and sexual assault against him
      The prosecution claims it happened three months after Matturie raped two teenagers — aged 19 and 17 — in separate incidents at lockdown parties at his flat in Salford in 2021.
      Matturie, 42, of Eccles, Gtr Manchester, denies sexual assault in the car.
      He also denies two charges of rape and a further sexual assault.
      The trial continues at Chester crown court.
      READ MORE BENJAMIN MENDY More