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      Benjamin Mendy RELEASED by Man City as he faces retrial for rape

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      BENJAMIN Mendy has been released by Man City as he faces a retrial for rape. Mendy was listed as released by City on the Premier League website – but the club has not published its own list yet.
      Benjamin Mendy has been released from Man City ahead of his retrial for rapeCredit: AFP
      Mendy, pictured with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, appears on the list of players let go by the teamCredit: PA
      The footballer is set to go to trial again later this monthCredit: PA
      The former France international currently awaits a retrial for rape.
      It comes after he was found not guilty of six rapes and one sexual assault against four women during a high-profile trial in January.
      Jurors could not reach verdicts on one count of rape and one of attempted rape against two other alleged victims after 67 hours and 17 minutes of deliberations.
      Mendy’s lawyer said he was “delighted” to have been cleared of sex attacks and “look forward” to clearing his name at re-trial.
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      He will return to court on June 26.
      Mendy signed a six-year £28million contract with Man City, which included an annual average salary of £4,680,000, in 2017.
      He managed just 75 appearance in all competitions across six seasons.
      The defender was suspended by the Sky Blues last season as he stood trial.
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      Mendy played no role in City’s historic treble-winning season this year.
      His contract expired this month. More

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      Major Mason Greenwood update as it’s revealed Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag wants him back in the squad

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      MANCHESTER United boss Erik ten Hag is willing to bring Mason Greenwood back into his squad.He has made it clear he is happy for the suspended striker, 21, to play again after charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped earlier this year.
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is willing to bring Mason Greenwood back into his squad, pictured above in action for United in 2021Credit: PA
      The suspended striker, 21, had charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour dropped this year, pictured Mason out with his girlfriendCredit: Raw Image Ltd
      However a final decision is expected to be made by United’s owners, the Glazer family, within the next week after the conclusion of a club probe.
      A reinstatement would trigger a wave of controversy, with United’s women players calling for Greenwood to go earlier this year.
      The Sun understands most of his team-mates at Old Trafford would welcome him back into the dressing room if the club agrees.
      But Old Trafford executives who deal with sponsors and commercial deals remain concerned about the effect on the club if he plays for them again.
      READ MORE ON Mason Greenwood
      United bosses began an investigation into the circumstances which led to his arrest in January 2022 after a woman made a series of allegations against him.
      Greenwood, who is expecting a child with his partner, has spent 18 weeks waiting for a decision after key witnesses withdrew their evidence, leading to charges being dropped in February.
      A source said: “Mason was delighted to hear that the manager and most of his team-mates would welcome him back.
      “He firmly believes he is an innocent man and is very frustrated he’s not been able to play.
      Most read in Football
      “He understands that the club have had to carry out an investigation, but he feels like his career is slipping by.
      “He and his team have made clear to United that they now want to know what is happening.
      “They have basically said, ‘sack him or back him’.
      “If they want to reintegrate him, then do so. If they want to sell him, then tell him.
      “And if they want to loan him out, then tell them so his team can find the best club for him.”
      Any return by Greenwood would spark major controversy.
      Earlier this year it was revealed that the Manchester United women’s team did not want him back.
      The feeling was said to be “strong” that he should be let go.
      Only three months ago, Natalie Burrell, founder of United Women’s Supporters’ Club, said she never wants to see him play for them again.
      She added: “United need to make a statement and letting him back would be the worst thing they could do.
      “It would set back our club in terms of what we’re trying to do with our women’s team and campaigns like Her Game Too, which aim to encourage women to play and watch football.
      “I don’t want to see him training, in a kit, or coming out at Old Trafford again. And I’m confident they won’t (let him).”
      Manchester United have already had contact with three Italian teams — Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan — about a possible loan move.
      It would see Greenwood retain his £75,000-a-week salary, with a possible option for the loan club to buy.
      Greenwood, who has one full cap for England, last kicked a ball for United in January 2022.
      He was arrested the same month after a woman made allegations of physical and sexual abuse on social media. United immediately suspended him on full pay.
      He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
      Fans with shirts bearing his name were told they could exchange them for free and the club removed all Greenwood-related merchandise from its website and megastore.
      Nike also ended its multi-million pound sponsorship deal with him while EA Sports removed the player from its FIFA 22 video game.
      But the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the case on February 2 after Greenwood’s alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
      Greenwood hoped the move would leave him clear to start playing for United again. But the club instead immediately launched its own investigation.
      Read more on The Sun
      Meanwhile, United are in the middle of a potential sale.
      The owners want £6billion and are currently weighing up two bids, from British billionaire businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim.
      Erik Ten Hag has made it clear he is happy for Greenwood to play againCredit: PA
      But a final decision is expected to be made by United’s owners, the Glazer family, pictured above Joel Glazer with brothers Avram and Bryan in 2005Credit: Getty
      Timeline of twists and turns
      JAN 30 2022: Greenwood arrested on suspicion of rape and GBH after a woman posts videos of bruises and cuts on social media. He is suspended by Man U “until further notice”.
      JAN 31 2022: Striker is further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
      FEB 1 2022: Man U issue a “strong condemnation of violence of any kind”, adding £75,000-a-week Greenwood still suspended.
      FEB 2 2022: Ace freed on bail after three nights in custody.
      FEB 6 2022: Nike terminates multi-million-pound deal with him as video games axe him.
      OCT 15 2022: Greenwood is charged with attempted rape, coercive control and ABH.
      NOV 27, 2022: We reveal cops probing claims star broke bail terms by buying designer clothing for alleged victim.
      FEB 2 2023: All charges dropped after a dozen witnesses, including alleged victim, refuse to co-operate with CPS probe.
      MAR 17 2023: Ace reveals he is to marry his pregnant university student partner.
      APRIL 28 2023: We reveal ace has told pals he will “never play for Man United again” as internal probe continues. More

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      Man United consider sending Mason Greenwood out on loan to a European club for WHOLE of next season

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      MANCHESTER United are reportedly considering sending Mason Greenwood out on loan to a European club for the whole of next season.The young striker is still under an internal investigation by the club over charges of rape and assault that were dropped in February.
      Mason Greenwood could be spending a year on loan to a European clubCredit: AFP
      The striker hasn’t played for United since January 2022Credit: AFP
      Man United officials are said to be considering sending Greenwood out for an entire year, as their internal probe continues with several European teams showing interest.
      Mail Sport reports that the likely options are Italy, Spain and Turkey after the club stepped up their investigation into the 21-year-old.
      Last month, The Sun exclusively revealed that Juventus were keen to take on Greenwood – giving him a route back to top-level football.
      And the Italian club hope a long-term loan deal can be agreed this summer, while Milan and Roma are also keen on signing Greenwood.
      read more on mason greenwood
      It is unlikely the Bradford-born player will head to another Premiere League club.
      The footballer still has two years remaining on his £75,000-a-week contact and United fear they will struggle to attract a serious fee if they opted to sell.
      The club faces two options – either release the player following the probe if found to have brought the club into disrepute or send him overseas to allow time for further investigation.
      It provides United with a chance to gauge public reaction to the move and also to monitor Greenwood’s playing ability following his time away from football.
      Most read in Football
      That makes a long-term loan his likeliest chance of a move, and that’s only as long as the club he joins agrees to cover his wages.
      The 21-year-old was suspended when the allegations were made against him in January of last year and he has not featured for United since.
      All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
      Greenwood was due to stand trial in November, 2023 after being accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      The Crown Prosecution dropped the charges, citing “a withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
      Greenwood could most likely be looking at a year-long move to Italy or SpainCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League legend Robbie Keane and his wife win fight to kick OAP out of their £3.8m mansion as she owes £300k rent

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      PREMIER League legend Robbie Keane and his wife have won a £300,000 fight to kick an OAP out of their £3.8m mansion.The former Spurs and Ireland striker, 42, and his TV star spouse Claudine have been locked in an emotional three-year court battle.
      Robbie Keane and his wife Claudine have been locked in a three-year court battleCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sandi St Paul and Stewart Lawrence have been renting out their family homeCredit: Champion News Service Ltd
      The gated five-bedroom mansion is situated in HertfordshireCredit: Champion News
      Fashion boss Sandi St Paul, 74, and her musician friend Stewart Lawrence have been renting out their family home in Hertfordshire since December 2019.
      This week the Keanes told Central London County Court the pair owe them nearly £300,000 in back rent.
      Mrs Keane, 42, a former Miss Ireland contestant, claimed she had been reduced to tears and was left ‘begging’ for access to her home during the row.
      The ex-footballer and his wife let their house after Mr Keane secured coaching jobs in Middlesbrough and Ireland.
      Read More on Sport
      They became more and more at odds with Ms St Paul and Mr Lawrence, who was a drummer for sixties icon Donovan, after rent payments stopped in April 2020.
      Ms St Paul, who as well as being a property developer has run a string of fashion boutiques, told Judge Heather Baucher that she and Mr Lawrence had withheld rent on the £8,000-a-month house.
      She alleged they had been left with ‘no heating or hot water for two winters’ by their famous landlords, adding that she felt the stress of the situation had led to her having a stroke.
      But the judge has now ordered her out of the house – on pain of being evicted by High Court sheriffs.
      Most read in Football
      Ms St Paul and Mr Lawrence were also handed a bill for £292,192 rent arrears, plus £70,000 towards Mr and Mrs Keane’s legal fees.
      The gated five-bedroom mansion boasts extensive gardens and a cinema room.
      Mr Lawrence moved out of the property around a year ago, leaving Ms St Paul, who was his guarantor for the rent, in occupation of the house, although she was not named on the tenancy.
      Ms St Paul, who attended court in a wheelchair and without a lawyer, accused Mrs Keane of ignoring ‘heartfelt emails’ which she and Mr Lawrence sent pleading for an out-of-court ‘resolution’.
      Mrs Keane explained tensions had been ramped up to fever pitch when there was a serious leak at the property and workmen were refused access to fix it.
      “When there was a leak I begged you to let workers in and you refused. I cried on that phonecall and begged you ‘please don’t destroy my property’,” she said.
      Of Mr Lawrence, she added: “We were told because he was a famous person we were not allowed to have his telephone number. We have never seen him. I’ve never been offered any money.”
      Ms St Paul, in reply, said that if she didn’t answer the door to tradesmen it was because of her health problems.
      “I was hospitalised twice and had to take bed rest,” she said. “If somebody were to knock on the door I wouldn’t hear them from my window.
      “Nobody was ever refused entry to that house. We’ve never been anything less than pleasant to anybody who came round even after my second stroke.”
      The court heard that Mr Lawrence had countersued the Keanes in a bid to offset the rent arrears against alleged failures to make repairs to the property, including a faulty entrance buzzer and to the underfloor heating system which Ms St Paul slammed as ‘absolute rubbish’.
      But the judge dismissed the counterclaim due to lack of evidence supporting it.
      Read more on The Sun
      Striking out the bid to offset the back rent, Judge Baucher said both defendants had failed to engage with the owners of the house to ‘allow access to assess disrepair’.
      Speaking outside court after the hearing, Ms St Paul said: “Somebody said he was in football. I hate football.”
      Mr Lawrence moved out of the property around a year ago
      The ex-footballer and his wife let their house after Mr Keane secured coaching jobsCredit: Rex More

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      Former Champions League star Ishak Belfodil, 31, arrested for ‘trying to strangle his 15-year-old sister’ in France

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      A FORMER Champions League player has been arrested after allegedly trying to strangle his 15-year-old sister.Police sources said Ishak Belfodil, 31, left his sibling with strangulation marks after an argument.
      Former Champions League player Ishak Belfodil has been arrested last nightCredit: Getty
      He is being accused of allegedly trying to strangle his younger sister, 15Credit: AFP or licensors
      Her injuries did not require treatment but Belfodil was placed in police custody.
      According to information Le Parisien reported on Monday (June 5), the striker was arrested on Sunday night at his parents’ home, in the Paris region, where he was spending a few days.
      According to the French paper, cops were called 6.45pm by Belfodil’s sister, who accused the player of having wanted to strangle her.
      Upon arrival, police found strangulation marks and scratches on her arms.
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      The footballer was then questioned by police at Elancourt.
      However, it is understood the alleged victim has not filed a complaint yet, French Football Weekly and RMC Sport reported.
      The footballer will be interviewed by the investigators and the Versailles prosecutor’s office has 48 hours to decide what to do with this case.
      A forward with Qatari club Al-Gharafa, Belfodil has played 19 times for Algeria, scoring two goals since 2013, after representing France at youth level.
      Most read in Football
      The Franco-Algerian athlete also played for Inter Milan in the 2013/14 season.
      Belfodil came through the Paris Saint-Germain youth training system but frequently changed teams during his career with 12 clubs in 13 years.
      When playing for German team Hoffenheim in 2018, the former forward stunned Man City when he opened the scoring after just 44 seconds.
      Belfodil also notably wore the colours of French club Lyon from 2009 to 2012.
      He later had spells with Parma in Italy, Standard Liege in Belgium, and other German team Hertha Berlin before joining Qatari club Al-Gharafa last year.
      Belfodil played for Italian giant Inter Milan in the 2013/14 seasonCredit: Getty
      The 31-year-old was arrested at his parents’ home after cops were called by his sisterCredit: Getty
      The 31-year-old (centre) played for German teams Hoffenheim and Hertha BerlinCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Italian footballers ‘gang rape American student after meeting her in a club on night out in Milan’

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      TWO ITALIAN footballers allegedly gang-raped a student they met in a nightclub. Mattia Lucarelli, son of ex-Livorno striker Cristiano, and Federico Apolloni, are both set to face a prelimary hearing amid the investigation.
      Mattia Lucarelli is being accused of allegedly raping a 22-year-old US studentCredit: @mattialucarelli16/CEN
      Federico Apolloni (pictured) and three friends have also allegedly participated in the crimeCredit: @federicooapolloni/CEN
      They are being accused of allegedly gang-raping a 22-year-old American woman.
      The alleged crime would have taken place on the night between March 26 and 27 last year at a private apartment in Milan.
      The city’s prosecutor’s office, through magistrate Alessia Menegazzo and deputy Letizia Mannella, requested the indictment on the charge of sexual assault for the footballers, both aged 23.
      Prosecutors also requested an indictment for the three friends who participated in the alleged rape.
      Read more sport
      According to La Presse, they also coordinated a months-long investigation to reconstruct what happened that evening by using videos found on the footballers’ mobile phones.
      Italian outlet Corriere Della Sera reported the alleged victim would have been deceived after having accepted a lift from the group of boys she met at Gattopardo nightclub, in Milan’s city centre. 
      The preliminary hearing has been set by investigating judge Roberto Crepaldi for June 13.
      Apolloni, a Livorno central midfield, and Lucarelli, who plays for Serie D side Follonica, were placed under house arrest on January 20. 
      Most read in Football
      They were obliged to stay in Livorno and were not allowed to leave their homes from 8pm to 8am.
      The measure was later revoked by the Court of Review.
      Both players have strongly denied the allegations.
      Lucarelli is the son of ex-Serie A footballer CristianoCredit: @mattialucarelli16/CEN
      Lucarelli (pictured), Apolloni, and their friends have allegedly met the woman in a clubCredit: @mattialucarelli16/CEN
      Apolloni plays as a central midfield for LivornoCredit: @federicooapolloni/CEN More

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      Sunderland star Jack Diamond appears in court charged with rape and sexual assault

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      SUNDERLAND star Jack Diamond has today appeared in court charged with rape and sexual assault.The 23-year-old is accused of attacking a woman on two separate occasions at a home in Tyne and Wear.
      Jack Diamond, pictured in court previously, denied sexual assaultCredit: NCJMedia
      Diamond has been suspended from SunderlandCredit: Getty
      Diamond appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today where he denied one count of sexual assault.
      The winger did not enter a plea to the one count of rape he is also charged with.
      A provisional trial date was set for January 2, 2024, with Diamond released on bail.
      The alleged offences are said to have taken place between May 6 and May 9 last year.
      Read more on Sunderland
      Diamond was on loan at League One club Lincoln City, who have since terminated his contract, when he was charged.
      The forward has also been suspended from Sunderland while the criminal case continues.
      A spokesperson said: “Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      “The player has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the judicial process, and his loan agreement at Lincoln City Football Club has also been terminated.
      Most read in Football
      “As this matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time.”
      Diamond made 45 appearances for Sunderland including when they won the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley in 2021.
      He scored eight times in 36 matches for League One club Lincoln last season.
      His rep previously released a statement, saying: “Jack Diamond strenuously denies the allegations which have been made against him.
      “Jack is looking forward to clearing his name in court.”
      Diamond his contract terminated at Lincoln where he was on loanCredit: Getty More

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      Footie fan on the run for 20 years over brutal racist attack brought to justice

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      A FOOTBALL fan on the run for 20 years over a racist attack has finally been brought to justice.Gordon Colquhoun, 39, battered Dale Clark after Celtic beat Liverpool 3-1 in the 2003 Uefa Cup quarter-finals.
      Football fan Gordon Colquhoun has been brought to justice after 20 years on the run over a racist attackCredit: Supplied
      He left the victim with a split lip and black eye in the attack in Bracknell, Berks.
      Colquhoun asked Mr Clark “are you English” before laying into him with a friend.
      Prosecutor Sarita Basra said: “An ambulance was called but just after the assault they continued to shout abuse.”
      Colquhoun admitted his guilt to the police.
      READ MORE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      But he evaded justice by going into hiding in Scotland in 2004.
      Reading Crown Court heard his co-defendant had been convicted over the racially-aggravated assault soon after the attack.
      Although the race-hate assault case was abandoned, he has now been given 21 days behind bars for failing to surrender.
      Passing sentence at Reading crown court, Judge Sarah Campbell said: “You are now a grown man and have had nearly 20 years in effect to resolve the situation but you have chosen not to do so.
      Most read in Football
      “You buried your head in the sand.” More