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      Major boost for Mason Greenwood’s Man Utd return hopes as CEO Richard Arnold leaves club before ‘takeover’

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      HOPES of Mason Greenwood returning to Man United may have been given a boost today – after the man who sacked him leaves the club.CEO Richard Arnold will depart Old Trafford before the end of the year.
      Richard Arnold is set to leave his role as Manchester United CEOCredit: AFP
      Manchester United General Counsel Patrick Stewart has been appointed interim CEOCredit: Getty
      Greenwood sealed a shock season-long loan move to LaLiga side Getafe on transfer deadline day to end the 18-month exileCredit: Rex
      Patrick Stewart, United’s general counsel, will remain in post but also be interim CEO.
      Greenwood “mutually agreed” to leave United on August 21 following his January 2022 arrest for attempted rape and sexual assault which saw him suspended from the club.
      He was charged in October that year but all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      It was Stewart who helped conduct an internal Man United investigation into Greenwood which ruled he should return.
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      But Richard Arnold did not follow this recommendation.
      He was previously reported to have been considering giving the star a second chance following an internal investigation by the club.
      But backlash from fans and protests outside Old Trafford saw Arnold reconsider and he sent Greenwood packing.
      In a statement in August, Man United said they “recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career” at the club.
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      They said his exit was the “most appropriate” result from the saga, adding: “We will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
      Arnold added: “This case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.”
      The controversial striker, 21, sealed a shock season-long loan move to LaLiga side Getafe on transfer deadline day to end the 18-month exile.
      There is no suggestion Patrick Stewart will bring Greenwood back.
      Arnold had been United’s CEO since succeeding Ed Woodward in February, 2022.
      He entered the football world when he joined United in 2007, initially being appointed a group commercial director.
      It comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Sport is set to confirm its acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the club.
      Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman, said in a statement: “I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
      “We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO.” More

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      Ex-Man City star Robinho comes step closer to having to serve nine-year jail sentence for rape in Brazil

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      FORMER PREMIER LEAGUE star Robinho has come a step closer to having to serve his nine-year jail sentence for rape in Brazil.Last November Italian authorities asked Brazilian officials to make the former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester City forward do his prison time in his homeland after his extradition was ruled out for legal reasons.
      Robinho’s nine-year jail sentence has moved a step closerCredit: PA:Press Association
      The former Brazil striker was sentenced for rapeCredit: Getty
      Yesterday public prosecutors in Brazil said they thought the footballer, 39, could and should be jailed there.
      They told the country’s High Court of Justice it was in line with national legislation and would serve the twin purposes of demonstrating the country’s efforts in combating crime and judicial cooperation.
      The possibility that Robinho will do prison time in Italy following his 2017 conviction for sexual assault in a Milan nightclub and the failure of his appeals against his nine year sentence, has been ruled out because Brazil doesn’t extradite its citizens sentenced abroad.
      Local reports said Brazil’s Public Prosecutor’s Office had indicated in its communication with the High Court of Justice that a failure to heed the Italian request risked allowing Robinho to flout the law with impunity.
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      He was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a Milan club on January 22, 2013 while he was playing for AC Milan.
      The news was made public in November 2017.
      Robinho, whose real name is Robson de Souza, re-signed with boyhood club Santos for a fourth stint in October 2020 but less than a week later his contract was ended by mutual consent.
      The decision was taken after leading sponsor Orthopride cut its ties with the club in reaction to the deal because of his Italian rape conviction.
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      Speaking after the Santos announcement, the striker took to Instagram to admit: “Guys, this is Robinho.
      “Of course, with a lot of sadness in my heart, I’m here to tell you that I made the decision with the club president to suspend my contract at this troubled time in my life.
      “My goal has always been to help Santos Football Club and if in any way I’m getting in the way, it’s best I leave and focus on my personal things.”
      Since then he has updated his social media on just a handful of occasions, wishing his two million fans Happy New Year with posts on January 1, 2022 and again in January this year.
      Robinho’s lawyers have said their client had consensual sexual relations at a bar with a young woman, along with five of his friends.
      They have not yet commented on the positioning of Brazil’s Public Prosecutor’s Office about the former footballer going to prison in his home country. More

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      What are the accusations against Dani Alves?

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      DANI Alves is one of the most decorated footballers of all time, having won a number of Europe’s top leagues and lifting the Champions League trophy three times.The former Barcelona defender has been accused of sexual assault and is understood to be denying any wrongdoing — but what are the accusations against him and will he stand trial?
      Alves was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrestCredit: Getty
      What has Dani Alves been accused of?
      Dani Alves has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
      At first he claimed to have never met the woman in question, before backtracking at a later date and saying the pair had consensual sex, according to reports.
      It was also initially reported he had put his hands down a woman’s underwear in the club’s VIP area’s toilets, but it later emerged the 23-year-old was alleging she had been the victim of rape.
      The fact Alves changed his story was reportedly key to the decision to remand him in custody.
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      It came after CCTV footage published by Spanish media was said to show him and the alleged victim in a VIP area and then going to the toilet for 47 seconds.
      The accuser said that after the alleged attack she was too scared to leave the toilet for several minutes, and when she finally opened the door the footballer and his companions had left the venue.
      Alves, a father of two, was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest at the start of 2023.
      What has Dani Alves said about the accusations?
      In a Spanish TV interview following the confirmation of a formal investigation being opened, Alves said: “I don’t know who this lady is.
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      “I don’t know her name, I don’t know her, I’ve never seen her in my life.”
      In June 2023, during an interview from his prison cell with Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro, Alves also said: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.
      “I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”
      Alves continued: “I entered the nightclub bathroom after her.
      “I didn’t even lock the door. The door was open all the time. She could have left at any time because I spent virtually all my time in there sat on the toilet seat.”
      Will Dani Alves stand trial?
      Alves will stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub in late 2022.
      Three judges at Barcelona’s Provincial Court announced their decision in an eight-page legal ruling made public on November 14, 2023.
      The document read: “We consider there is sufficient prima facie evidence at this stage to agree the opening of the trial in the terms requested by state prosecutors and the prosecutor acting privately for the alleged victim.
      “The statements the alleged victim has made and witness evidence and expert reports that form part of these proceedings can be considered as sufficient in that regard, without prejudice to the final verdict.”
      Alves’ lawyer is expected to insist his client should be acquitted of any wrongdoing.
      A date for the trial hasn’t been set yet, but it is likely to take place at the start of next year.
      According to reports in Spanish outlets, Alves could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
      Where is Dani Alves now?
      Alves is currently incarcerated.
      Read More on The Sun
      He is being detained at the Brians 2 prison in Catalonia, Spain.
      Alves was held at the Brians 1 Penitentiary Centre initially, but was transferred to Brians 2 three days after his arrest. More

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      Brazil star Dani Alves ordered to stand trial accused of sexually assaulting woman in Barcelona nightclub toilet

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      FORMER Barcelona footballer Dani Alves will stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub late last year.The 40-year-old Brazil international has been kept in preventative custody since he was arrested on January 20.
      Dani Alves was arrested in Barcelona on January 20
      Alves of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during a match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at Camp Nou in March 2022Credit: Getty
      The Sutton Nightclub in Barcelona where Alves has been accused of sexually assaulting a womanCredit: TripAdvisor
      Dani Alves and his wife Joana SanzCredit: Instagram @joanasanz
      Three judges at Barcelona’s Provincial Court announced their decision in an eight-page legal ruling made public today.
      The document read: “We consider there is sufficient prima facie evidence at this stage to agree the opening of the trial in the terms requested by state prosecutors and the prosecutor acting privately for the alleged victim.
      “The statements the alleged victim has made and witness evidence and expert reports that form part of these proceedings can be considered as sufficient in that regard, without prejudice to the final verdict.”
      State prosecutors and Alves’ lawyer will now have five working days to present their indictments outlining the prison sentence, fines, and compensation orders they are seeking if the footballer is found guilty.
      Read more on Dani Alves
      Alves’ lawyer is expected to insist his client should be acquitted of any wrongdoing.
      A date for the trial is yet to be set, though it will likely take place in the first part of next year.
      The footballer could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, according to Spanish reports.
      Alves was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30 last year.
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      A judge ordered he be jailed without bail after hearing testimonies from Alves, the alleged victim, and witnesses.
      It was initially reported he had put his hands down a woman’s underwear in the nightclub’s VIP area toilets, but it later emerged the 23-year-old was alleging she had been raped.
      Alves, a dad of two, was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest at the start of the year.
      He claimed to have never met the woman in question, then later backtracked and said the pair had in fact had consensual sex.
      His lawyer reportedly said his initial story came about as Alves did not want his wife, Spanish model Joana Sanz, to find out about his infidelity.
      In an interview from his prison cell with Spanish TV and newspaper reporter Mayka Navarro, Alves said: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.
      “I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”
      Alves, who is set to remain in prison until his trial, continued: “I entered the nightclub bathroom after her [the alleged victim].
      “I didn’t even lock the door. The door was open all the time. She could have left at any time because I spent virtually all my time in there sat on the toilet seat.”
      He accused the alleged victim of being “badly advised”, adding: “I can only think that she felt bad after having sex, that she took a decision and that she has not been capable of getting herself out of the mess she’s got into and has got me into.
      “I appeal to her conscience. There hasn’t been a single night that I haven’t slept well. Not a single night. My conscience is clear.
      “I’ve never voluntarily hurt anyone. And I didn’t hurt her that night either.
      “I don’t know if her conscience is clear and if she sleeps well at night. But I forgive her.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Alves is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time and has played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo, as well as Barcelona.
      He became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup last December in Qatar. More

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      Man arrested over depraved killing of Brighton footballer Jorelyn Carabali’s brother

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      A MAN has been nicked over the murder of Brighton women’s footballer Jorelyn Carabali’s brother.The suspect has been remanded in custody pending an ongoing criminal probe by an investigating judge.
      A man has been nicked over the murder of Brighton women’s footballer Jorelyn Carabali’s brotherCredit: Alamy
      Luis Ocampo — also known as Pipe Pollo — was held in the Colombian city of Cali.
      Jorelyn, 26, whose team won 1-0 at Manchester City in the Women’s Super League at the weekend, posted a Bible verse on her Instagram as news of the arrest broke.
       It said: “Have faith and smile, because God loves you.”
      Cali prosecution chief Sandra Eugenia Gonzalez Mina said yesterday: “The suspected killer of the brother of our Colombian international footballer Jorelyn Carabali has been detained and sent to prison pending a formal ongoing investigation.”
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      She added: “Thanks to the work of police and prosecutors the identity of the man who allegedly assassinated Jorelyn’s brother has been established.
      “The victim was shot six times, four in the face.
      “The evidence gathered so far points to the alleged aggressor having a row in the disco that night with the victim as well as a year ago and leaving the nightclub to get a firearm before returning and shooting him.”
      Jorelyn lost another brother, Juan, 15, in 2017. He was shot while at a football match.
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      Who is Oliver Finney and what has he been charged with?

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      A PROFESSIONAL footballer has been accused of raping a woman. OLIVER Finney, 25, will face court over the charge – here we look at the footballer’s life, career, and what he has been accused of.
      Oliver Finney scored the winning goal for Hartlepool United against Swindon Town in April 2023Credit: Alamy
      Who is Oliver Finney?
      Oliver Vincent Finney was born on December 15, 1997.
      Finney is from Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire.
      He is a professional footballer who plays in midfield.
      Finney began his footballing career at Crewe Alexandra, which was formed in 1877 as an offshoot of Crewe Alexandra Cricket Club, where he graduated from the team’s academy.
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      To gain first team experience he completed periods on loan at non-league sides Nantwich Town during the 2016/17 season, and Halesowen Town on a two-month loan deal during the 2017/18 season.
      The midfielder returned to Crewe in 2017, signing a further one-year contract in 2018.
      He made 124 appearances for the Cheshire club and scored 17 goals.
      Finney signed for Hartlepool on transfer deadline day in January 2023 on a permanent contract.
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      Who did Oliver Finney play for?
      Finney played for Hartlepool United FC before being suspended in October 2023.
      He had made 20 appearances for the club and scored two goals for the team, which was relegated to the National League at the end of last season.
      On joining the Pools, Finney said: “I’m buzzing to be here. There’s a lot of work to do, but there’s no reason that this squad can’t kick on.
      “The quality here is plain to see.”
      What has Oliver Finney been charged with?
      Finney has been charged with one count of rape, according to the Cheshire Constabulary.
      The midfielder allegedly attacked a woman in 2022 while playing for Crewe Alexandria in League Two.
      Finney has been suspended by Hartlepool while the case is ongoing.
      The club released a statement on October 27, 2023 reading: “Hartlepool United have been made aware of a police investigation surrounding a first-team player which has been reported in the press today.
      “The allegation dates back to before the player joined Hartlepool United.
      “Upon being informed of the allegation and investigation for the first time the Club immediately placed the player on suspension pending the investigation outcome.
      “The matter is subject to an official process and therefore no further comment will made at this time.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Cheshire Constabulary said: “A man from Hartlepool has been summonsed to court following an investigation into a rape.
      “Oliver Finney, 25, is set to be appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13th November charged with one count of rape.” More

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      Marcus Rashford’s agent brother arrested on suspicion of attacking girlfriend after finding phone messages from Prem ace

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      MARCUS Rashford’s agent brother was arrested on suspicion of attacking his girlfriend after discovering messages on her phone from a Premier League ace.Dane Rashford, 31, was held in Miami while holidaying in the US with partner Andrea Pocrnja.
      A source told The Sun that Manchester United and England forward Marcus, 26, was devastated by his brother’s arrestCredit: AP
      Dane, who has a £1.2million mansion in Wilmslow, Cheshire, spent two nights in Miami Dade county jail in a shared holding cell before his sister, Chantelle, paid a $1,500 bond
      Pals say the couple, who have a 14-month-old daughter, had been experiencing relationship problems.
      Dane, who has a £1.2million mansion in Wilmslow, Cheshire, spent two nights in Miami Dade county jail in a shared holding cell before his sister, Chantelle, paid a $1,500 bond.
      He has pleaded not guilty to battery and is due in court on November 27.
      Staff at the £200-a-night four-star Kimpton Angler’s Hotel called police when Andrea walked through reception with a bloodied nose after a night out.
      READ MORE ON MARCUS RASHFORD
      According to the police report, Dane said he “went through the victim’s phone and found text messages from another male”.
      It added Andrea claimed he had hit her twice in the face “with a closed fist” in an Uber on the way back to the hotel at 3.30am.
      Her partner said he pushed her.
      The report alleges there was another bust-up in their room when Andrea was trying to get the wifi password so that she could disable her phone.
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      A source told The Sun that Manchester United and England forward Marcus, 26, was devastated by the October 20 arrest.
      They added: “Marcus has been having a tough time on the pitch and things in his personal life have contributed.
      “He’s split up with his fiancé Lucia — and now this.” More

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      I was earning £10,000-a-week in Premier League and could have been Erling Haaland – now I’m unemployed after jail time

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      NILE RANGER once pocketed £10,000-a-week and says he could have been as good as Erling Haaland – now he is unemployed after stints in jail.Although the 32-year-old, who says he has matured since becoming a father two years ago, still believes he can do the business on the pitch and wants to use his experiences to help future stars.
      Nile Ranger is now unemployed after a stint in jail and a brief spell playing non-leagueCredit: Alamy
      The striker was earning £10k-a-week at Newcastle UnitedCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      The former England U19 international, who was put in prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud, initially burst onto the scene at Newcastle United.
      That was after he had spent 11 weeks in a young offenders institute for his part in an armed robbery while at Southampton’s academy.
      He has also been involved in a number of other controversies away from the field as well as playing in the top five divisions of English football.
      He caused outrage in 2011 while still at the Magpies after posing with a gun and was later fined £6,000 by the FA in 2012 for making a string of homophobic comments on Twitter.
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      Fans also slammed him for posting a picture of his name spelt out in £20 notes that very same year.
      Ranger was then convicted of assaulting two police officers in October 2012 and was given a conditional discharge then in 2014 he was cleared of raping a woman in the Carlton Hotel in the city after a week-long trial.
      He got himself in trouble at Swindon Town after kicking down the door to his own flat, where he denied a charge of criminal damage but did get fined and made to pay court costs.
      While all of these incidents were going on away from the pitch, Ranger, who has also battled a gambling addiction, was making his way down the divisions.
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      After four years at Newcastle, which included loan spells at Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday, he left on a free transfer in 2013 just two years into a five-year £10,000-a-week deal.
      A year at Swindon was followed by a two-year stint at Blackpool before a move to Southend United in 2016.
      That ended in 2018, and since then, he has featured in one game for Spalding United in the Northern Premier League Division One South East in the eighth tier, a brief 12 minute return for Southend in League Two and then one-season spell at Boreham Wood in the National League.
      Speaking to The Athletic, Ranger said: “There needs to be a movie on my life because it’s a real one, it’s an interesting one.”
      The 6ft 2in forward, who has a number of eye-catching tattoos, has been without a team since his departure from Boreham Wood nearly a year-and-a-half ago.
      He says: “I have players coming to me saying, ‘What happened? What’s wrong with you? With your talent, what are you doing?’.
      “I made my bed and now I have to lie in it. I feel frustrated. I know what I can do but it’s deeper than that because I’ve had so many chances.
      “I didn’t take in the advice. I should be minimum Championship right now. I shouldn’t be having problems but I didn’t listen.
      “If I added nutrition to my game and behaviour, I’m Haaland. But I didn’t want to listen. I thought I knew it all.
      “People can learn from me. I played in every league — I’ve been at the highest level, I’ve been there, I can help the kids. It’s not the end of me. I love football, there’s still opportunity but there’s more to life than just football.”
      However, despite all of the controversies, he still insists that he is desperate for one more shot.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ranger added: “I know I’m very good at football, people can play to 38 or 39. I can still play. I want to get back then I can climb.
      “I’ve got to go and show what I can do or I’m going to get to an age where I can’t move. It catches up with you.”
      If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More