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    Ex-Man City star banned from driving & given community work after being caught in Mercedes while disqualified

    A FORMER Manchester City star has been banned from driving and given community work after being caught behind the wheel while disqualified.Leeds United player Ian Poveda was caught driving a Mercedes-Benz AMG A180 while banned in Manchester on April 14 of last year.
    Ian Poveda was caught driving a Mercedes-Benz AMG A180 while bannedCredit: Rex
    The young winger figured for Pep Guardiola’s first team just once
    The 23-year-old appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
    He was handed a six month driving ban and a community order for 140 hours of unpaid work.
    Poveda was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge and court costs, but avoided a fine.
    The young winger figured for Pep Guardiola’s first team just once.
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    He joined the Whites on a permanent deal in 2020 and played for a number of clubs throughout his youth career including Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona.
    The offence happened while Poveda was on loan with Blackburn Rovers and out injured.
    Asked about his court appearance in September, manager Daniel Farke said: “I respect my players as being human beings and also mature, and they have a private life.
    “Obviously I always prefer when in their private life everything’s okay, but like all human beings [have to be] also professional.
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    “We all have sometimes our times when it’s also a bit tough for us due to private reasons or whatever and then we still have to keep going in our job.
    “So again, it’s also like I asked him to be professional and to concentrate on the hard work.”
    Poveda has made four appearances for the Championship side this season.
    The Sun has contacted Leeds United for comment. More

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    Ex-porn star and football WAG, 27, jailed after trying to traffic 14lbs of coke into Spain…but shock texts gave her away

    A FORMER porn star and football WAG has been jailed for almost three years after shocking texts revealed how she trafficked 14lbs of coke into Spain.Mia Etcheverria was one of five seized at Carrasco International Airport, in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo.
    Mia Etcheverria was one of five seized by cops after trafficking 14lbs of cocaine into SpainCredit: instagram
    The former porn star was married to Richard Morales, a Uruguayan football starCredit: instagram
    Morales, right, played for Osasuna and Malaga during his club careerCredit: AP:Associated Press
    The adult actress, and ex-wife of Uruguayan football star Richard ‘Chengue’ Morales, 48, was nabbed by cops on June 24.
    While the gang of five made their way through the airport, police carried out a routine check on one of the men.
    Officers found his two suitcases had hidden compartments containing six slabs of cocaine with a staggering total weight 14lbs 5oz.
    Cops then pulled over the rest of the group, including three women aged 26, 27, and 36, and a 35-year-old man.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Etcheverria initially denied having any knowledge of the drug plot but confessed later during a plea-bargaining deal, according to local reports.
    Police then found Telegram messages while investigating the WAG’s mobile phone where she was seen giving other gang members tips on how to avoid being caught.
    She told them: “It is your attitude that will determine your trip, you understand? Travel listening to music.”
    Etcheverria added: “When you get off the plane, take photos (but do not upload anything) until you reach your destination. As touristy as possible, trust me.”
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    Her lawyer, Pablo Casas, claimed at the time of the group’s bust that his client “was unaware of the contents of the suitcases”.
    The ex-porn star – real name Camila Navarro – was one of the main stars on the Uruguayan adult channel Divas TV.
    She shares two daughters with Morales, who made 27 appearances for Uruguay between 2001 and 2005.
    The footie ace played for Osasuna and Malaga during his club career.
    Morales paid all her legal fees during the trial and said in a statement: “Nowadays, more than ever, my only priority is my daughters and their well-being, and I will protect them from any media exposure related to this issue.
    “I understand that we are both public figures in different contexts, but I consider it unnecessary to constantly refer to me and my daughters.”
    She has been jailed for two years and seven months after previously facing 18 years in jail for the offense.
    It comes after a former Leeds Utd player was jailed for shifting cocaine for a major crime gang after cops smashed a secret EncroChat network.
    Paul Shepherd, 45, worked as a “trusted courier” for the four-man drug racket by moving cash and drugs around for them.
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    And Sebastian Guilhaus, a former Married at First Sight star, was charged with drug trafficking after cops said they seized almost £47,000 worth of meth during a raid.
    He was arrested in June by the Serious and Organised Crime Branch detectives at his Adelaide home.
    Morales paid all of Etcheverria’s legal fees during the trialCredit: instagram
    The 27-year-old has been arrested for two years and seven monthsCredit: instagram
    Etcheverria was one of the main stars on the Uruguayan adult channel Divas TVCredit: instagram More

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    Ally McCoist in shock career move as Rangers hero unveils new business venture with son

    RANGERS legend Ally McCoist has started a chauffeur and limos firm, we can reveal.The footie hero, 61, set up the business with his eldest lad Alexander, 29.
    McCoist has started a new business venutreCredit: Getty
    But since forming AM Executive Chauffeur Ltd he has been fined for speeding twice on the same day.
    Officials say the pair’s company is involved in the “renting and leasing of cars and light motor vehicles”.
    It’s registered in Erskine, Renfrewshire, with both Coisty and his lad named as its sole directors.
    Last month the ex-Scotland football legend was hit with £510 in fines after he admitted going over the speed limit twice on January 6.

    Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard the former Rangers striker was clocked driving at 48mph in a 30mph zone in Tarbet, Argyll. And on the same day McCoist was also recorded doing 55mph in a separate 30mph zone on the A83 in nearby Arrochar.
    The telly pundit, of Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, also had four penalty points added to his licence.
    His vehicles business was incorporated days before he was cleared of liability for a £244,000 insurance bill.
    Aviva claimed he should’ve stopped son Argyll, 24, driving his motor before a hit-and-run crash in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, in 2016.
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    Victim Stephan Murdoch was given a £200,000 compo payout. But a judge said Ally did not have to pay up for his uninsured lad.
    Last night a source said: “Ally has a lot of contacts who like to be driven about in limos, so this could be a nice earner.”
    And last night Sheffield Hallam University sport finance expert Dr Dan Plumley said diversifying income and considering business alternatives was vital for retired professional footballers.
    He added: “Of course, they are also often in a more privileged position to do some of these things linked to their profile as a footballer.
    “It is a case of leveraging that as much as possible to your advantage, just like any business will do with its brand and reputation.”
    Ally McCoist has set up a chauffeur firmCredit: Getty
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    Former Rangers star warned he could face up to 15 years in prison for alleged sex attack on ex-wife

    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’

    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

    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.
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    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

    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.
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    “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.
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    “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

    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