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      Top footballer punched woman, 60, and left her unable to speak in bloody queue row at nightclub

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      A FORMER Premier League footballer is facing jail after he punched a 60-year-old woman and left her covered in blood following a nightclub row.Marcus Maddison insulted the victim’s daughter before launching the brutal assault which left the older woman unable to speak due to her facial injuries.
      Maddison started out at Newcastle but played most matches for PeterboroughCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Maddison attacked his victim after spending time at The Gate nightclub in DarlingtonCredit: The Gate/Facebook
      The attack happened after the ex-pro – who rose through the youth ranks at Newcastle United – left The Gate nightclub in Darlington in the early hours of September 25 last year.
      Teesside Crown Court has now heard how he got into a row with two women for apparently jumping the queue in a kebab shop close to the nightclub in County Durham.
      Prosecutor Robin Turton told how Maddison threatened: “You come near me and I’m going to pelt these cheesy chips at you.”
      Mr Turton added: “As the defendant threw the chips he fell backwards and he punched the victim with his right clenched fist.
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      “There was a steady stream of blood coming from what appeared to be a broken nose. She was unable to speak due to her injuries.
      “The victim was taken to hospital and a CT scan revealed complex midfacial bone fractures.
      “She reported that she continues to suffer numbness to the teeth, diminished sense of taste and smell and is now reluctant to go out on her own.”
      Maddison was arrested and later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
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      He now faces sentencing on August 8.
      The judge, Mr Recorder Paul Reid, extended his unconditional bail while an updated victim impact statement is prepared and a medical carried out on the victim.
      The 29-year-old midfielder scored 52 goals in more than 200 appearances during a six-year stint at League One side Peterborough United.
      He also played for former Premier League sides Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
      He also won two caps in 2014 for England C, the team representing the country for non-league level footballers.
      Maddison signed for National League North club Darlington in June last year but had his contract ripped up days after the assault.
      Darlington FC said: “The club were made aware of an alleged incident and conducted an immediate disciplinary investigation.
      “After discussions with the player concerned, the club agreed to mutually terminate his contract with immediate effect at that time.
      “Darlington FC is a fan-owned club and has a zero tolerance towards discrimination, violence of abusive behaviour.
      “It would be inappropriate for Darlington FC to comment further at this time.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Maddison took time off from football in March 2001 for mental health reasons, having played ten matches for Bolton on their way to promotion from League Two.
      Speaking a year later, he said: “Things didn’t go well at Bolton and, headspace, I just wasn’t in the right way to play football anymore.” More

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      Benjamin Mendy poses with new shirt as he arrives at Lorient’s training ground after shock transfer to Ligue 1 club

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      BENJAMIN MENDY has arrived at FC Lorient’s training ground after his shock transfer to the Ligue 1 club.The former Manchester City defender was pictured posing with the club’s dark orange jersey after taking a medical today.
      Benjamin Mendy has arrived at FC Lorient after his shock transferCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Mendy was pictured posing with the club’s dark orange jerseyCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Mendy has signed a two-year deal with the French club just days after he was cleared of rape and attempted rape.
      “Lorient are happy to announce today the signing on a two-year deal of the French international left-back Benjamin Mendy,” FC Lorient said in a statement.
      The 29-year-old could also return to the UK on August 5 to face AFC Bournemouth in a friendly at the Vitality Stadium.
      Lorient moved to sign the former Monaco and Marseille defender a month ago, according to Le Parisien.
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      Mendy was cleared of sex offences last week, ending a three-year court process.
      The player had previously being cleared in January of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault following a six-month trial.
      But jurors in that trial had been unable to reach a verdict on two other counts, triggering the retrial that ended last week.
      Mendy, whose contract with English and European champions Man City expired at the end of June, had denied all the charges against him.
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      Lorient finished 10th, behind champions Paris Saint-Germain, in Ligue 1 last season.
      His arrival at the club comes almost two years after his last match for City.
      Mendy has signed a two-year deal with the French clubCredit: INSTAGRAM
      His arrival at the club comes almost two years after his last match for CityCredit: INSTAGRAM
      He was cleared of sex offences last week, ending a three-year court processCredit: AFP More

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      New blow for Mason Greenwood as Man Utd pre-season kicks off without him – amid fears star’s career is ‘in tatters’

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      MASON Greenwood has been left off Manchester United’s squad for their pre-season tour to the United States, according to reports.The striker, 21, has not played since January last year when he was arrested after allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
      Mason Greenwood has not played for United since being suspended in January last year
      He is not joining the team for their pre-season tour, according to reportsCredit: Getty
      Greenwood is still suspended by United, despite charges including attempted rape being dropped against him.
      He was recently pictured at a private training session with Utd teammate Anthony Elanga.
      But now the club’s pre-season has apparently kicked off without him  – sparking fears his career is “in tatters”.
      According to The Athletic, he is not in the squad for the club’s pre-season tour.
      It comes as Greenwood is reportedly being used as a pawn by Manchester United to net a striker rumoured to be worth £50m.
      Serie A club Atalanta are interested in signing the forward on loan, according to Manchester Evening News.
      Manchester United football director John Murtough has reportedly held talks with the Italian side as part of a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund.
      The Danish striker scored nine goals in 32 games last season and is one of United’s targets this summer.
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      The Red Devils believe they can net 20-year-old Hojlund for around £50 million, the Telegraph reported.
      But sources close to Atalanta played down the prospect of a move for Greenwood – with Manchester United not proactively exploring other loan options, The Athletic reports.
      Greenwood has not played since January last year when he was arrested after a woman made allegations against him on social media.
      He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      The charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      Manager Erik ten Hag and the majority of the first team are open to the idea of bringing the star striker back.
      But United’s women’s team is understood to have reservations while sponsors are also concerned about being linked to the footballer.
      The player joined the club aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
      In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
      Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
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      In 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate gave the striker his first cap when Greenwood came off the bench in a 1-0 win against Iceland.
      Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
      Greenwood was given his England debut by Gareth Southgate in September 2020 More

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      Ryan Giggs ‘to make comeback as he eyes return to coaching career’ after being cleared of domestic violence charges

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      RYAN Giggs is plotting a football comeback after his retrial for attacking his ex-girlfriend was dropped today.The ex-Utd star stepped down as manager of the Wales international team in July last year in the wake of the allegations.
      Ryan Giggs is plotting a football comeback after his retrial collapsedCredit: Reuters
      The footballer, who won 64 caps for his country, had been on leave from his post since November 2020.
      Prosecutors today dropped a retrial against Giggs, which was due to take place on July 31.
      A source has now revealed the star has “unfinished business” in football and could return to the sport.
      The insider added: “His intention is to resume his managerial and coaching career. He’s got unfinished business in the game.
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      “The last three years his life has been put on hold, but he’s a huge football man.
      “He’s been found not guilty and wants to get back into the game. He’s football through and through.”
      Giggs, 48, was accused of assaulting Kate Greville, 36, at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
      He was also charged with attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
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      Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court the Crown Prosecution Service were formally offering no evidence.
      Speaking after the decision, Giggs’ lawyer said he was “deeply relieved” after “fighting throughout” for three years to clear his name.
      He added: “He will now seek to rebuild his life as an innocent man”.
      Jurors failed to reach a verdict following a three-week trial last August with a re-trial scheduled to begin on July 31.
      Giggs had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
      He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
      Giggs was accused of attacking his ex Kate Greville
      He stepped down from his post as Wales manager in the wake of the claimsCredit: PA
      The former Man Utd star had been due to face a retrial this month More

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      Prosecutors reveal why Ryan Giggs’ domestic abuse charges have been dropped – and ex-footballer WON’T face second trial

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      PROSECUTORS have revealed why Ryan Giggs’ domestic abuse charges have today been dropped. It was this morning revealed that the ex-footballer, 49, won’t face a second trial for allegedly attacking his former partner Kate Greville.
      A prosecutor has revealed why charges against Ryan Giggs have today been droppedCredit: Reuters
      The former Man Utd ace was accused of assaulting the 36-year-old at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
      He was also charged with attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
      The Crown Prosecution Service today revealed it had abandoned the charges ahead of a retrial set to kick off in coming weeks.
      Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court they were formally offering no evidence.
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      The barrister said Kate had “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence in a re-trial as giving evidence in the first trial had “taken its toll” on her and her sister Emma.
      Mr Wright told the court: “This is not a decision taken lightly.”
      He explained there was no realistic prospect of a conviction on the count of coercive control, telling the court it was no longer in the public interest to proceed to prosecute on the other charges of assault.
      The prosecutor added: “That being the case, we formally offer no evidence on counts one, two and three.”
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      Judge Hilary Manley then told the court: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of those counts.”
      Speaking after the decision, Giggs’ lawyer said he was “deeply relieved” after “fighting throughout” for three years to clear his name.
      Chris Daw KC said: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name.
      “He will now seek to rebuild his life as an innocent man.”
      Last August jurors failed to reach a verdict following a three-week trial, with a re-trial scheduled to begin on July 31.
      In the wake of the allegations last year Giggs stepped down as manager of the Wales international team.
      The ex-footballer, who won 64 caps for his country, had been on leave from his post since November 2020.
      Giggs had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
      He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
      Kate met Giggs when she was working on PR for his Hotel Football business venture, opposite Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
      In April 2018 she was appointed head of PR and communications for GG Hospitality, the hospitality management firm co-owned by Giggs and former United team-mate Gary Neville.
      She was involved in the launch of their Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre before she took up a new PR consultancy post last July with a former employer.
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      Giggs denied causing her actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.
      He also pleaded not guilty to the common assault by beating of Emma Greville. More

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      Ryan Giggs’ statement after ex-Manchester Utd star’s domestic abuse retrial collapses

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      RYAN Giggs is looking forward to “rebuilding his life as an innocent man” after his retrial was dropped today.The ex-Man Utd star was charged with attacking his ex Kate Greville and coercively controlling her over a three-year period.
      Ryan Giggs is no longer facing a retrialCredit: PA
      Giggs was also accused of attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date.
      He had been due to face a retrial on July 31 but the Crown Prosecution Service is no longer proceeding with the charges.
      The footballer’s lawyer has now released a statement after the case collapsed saying he has “always been innocent of these charges”.
      Chris Daw KC, defending, added: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name.
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      “He’s now been found not guilty of all the charges and going forward would like to rebuild his life and career as an innocent man.”
      Jurors failed to reach a verdict following a three-week trial last August with a re-trial scheduled to begin on July 31.
      Giggs stepped down as manager of the Wales international team in July last year in the wake of the allegations.
      The ex-footballer, who won 64 caps for his country, had been on leave from his post since November 2020.
      Most read in Football
      Giggs denied causing Kate actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.
      He also pleaded not guilty to the common assault by beating of Emma Greville.
      The footballer previously issued a statement in which he said he would “look forward to clearing my name”.
      Giggs was accused of attacking his ex Kate Greville More

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      Ryan Giggs is cleared and WON’T face another retrial as domestic abuse case over ‘attacking ex Kate Greville’ collapses

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      RYAN Giggs is no longer facing a retrial for allegedly attacking his ex after charges against him were dropped today.The former Man Utd ace, 48, was accused of assaulting Kate Greville, 36, at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
      Ryan Giggs has had charges against him dropped
      He was accused of attacking Kate Greville
      He was also charged with attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
      The Crown Prosecution Service today abandoned the charges ahead of a planned retrial on July 31.
      Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court they were formally offering no evidence.
      The barrister said Kate had “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence in a re-trial as giving evidence in the first trial had “taken its toll” on her and her sister Emma.
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      Mr Wright also explained there was no realistic prospect of a conviction on the count of coercive control.
      He told the court it was therefore no longer in the public interest to proceed to prosecute on the other charges of assault.
      The prosecutor added: “That being the case, we formally offer no evidence on counts one, two and three.”
      Speaking after the decision, Giggs’ lawyer said he was “deeply relieved” after “fighting throughout” for three years to clear his name.
      Most read in Football
      He added: “He will now seek to rebuild his life as an innocent man”.
      Jurors failed to reach a verdict following a three-week trial last August with a re-trial scheduled to begin on July 31.
      Giggs stepped down as manager of the Wales international team in July last year in the wake of the allegations.
      The ex-footballer, who won 64 caps for his country, had been on leave from his post since November 2020.
      Giggs had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
      He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
      Kate met Giggs when she was working on PR for his Hotel Football business venture, opposite Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
      In April 2018 she was appointed head of PR and communications for GG Hospitality, the hospitality management firm co-owned by Giggs and former United team-mate Gary Neville.
      She was involved in the launch of their Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre before she took up a new PR consultancy post last July with a former employer.
      Giggs denied causing her actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.
      Read More on The Sun
      He also pleaded not guilty to the common assault by beating of Emma Greville.
      The footballer previously issued a statement in which he said he would “look forward to clearing my name”.
      Giggs first met Kate Greville when she was working on PR for his Hotel Football business venture
      The ex-Utd star had denied all the charges against him More

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      Benjamin Mendy turns up at local kick-about after being cleared of rape – in Man City’s sky blue colours

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      BENJAMIN Mendy has turned up to a local kick-about after being cleared of rape – in Manchester City’s sky blue colours. The French World Cup winner has wasted no time getting back on the pitch after he was cleared of rape and attempted rape by a jury at Chester crown court on Friday. 
      Benjamin Mendy has been spotted joining a kickaboutCredit: Twitter
      He was wearing Manchester City sky blueCredit: Twitter
      Mendy last played for City in 2021Credit: PA:Press Association
      Mendy, 28, celebrated with pals on Friday evening by going out. 
      And on Sunday he turned up at the Pitts complex in Ardwick, Manchester, for a kickabout with strangers. 
      An onlooker said: “Mendy turned up and asked some lads if he could join in.
      “They couldn’t believe it – getting to play against a Premier League star and a World Cup winner. 
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      “He had a laugh and just enjoyed himself and was happy to shake everyone’s hand at the end and sign autographs.”
      City signed Mendy for £52 million from Monaco in 2017 on a £100,000-a-week six-year deal. 
      But they released him at the end of June, leaving him without a club. 
      The defender is hoping to restart his career in Europe but could move to Saudi Arabia to rebuild his finances. 
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      He was forced to close down his company BM Sport Consulting after being chased by the taxman for unpaid debts and is fighting off bankruptcy. 
      On Friday he celebrated his freedom after a jury cleared him of being an alleged sexual predator by partying with pals in a nightclub. 
      He smiled for the camera just hours after a jury cleared him of attempting to rape a woman aged 29 as she showered at his home in October 2018. 
      He was also found not guilty of raping a 24-year-old woman in his bedroom at his £4.8m mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire, two years later. 
      A pal of Mendy’s posted video of the French World Cup winner wearing a traditional thobe at his home before posting another video which showed the defender in a black T-shirt smiling as dance music played in the background. 
      Mendy – who kept fit at a gym in Wilmslow, Cheshire, during his trial – broke down in tears in the dock at Chester crown court as he was cleared and later said he was “delighted” with the not guilty verdicts. 
      He last played for City in August 2021.
      The footballer took a huge financial hit after being charged in 2021, with City stopping his salary the following month.
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      He had already pocketed £5million but his fast-spending lifestyle quickly caught up with him.
      He also lost heavily in sales of six-bed mansion The Spinney in Prestbury, Cheshire, motors including a Lamborghini and expensive watches.
      Mendy has been cleared of rape More