Courts

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Maddy Cusack’s football manager ‘called her a “psycho” and complained about her weight before death’, family claim

      by

      MADDY Cusack’s football manager allegedly called her a “psycho” and complained about her weight before her death, her family has claimed.The Sheffield United star’s family made an official complaint to the club after she took her own life in September.
      Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack took her own life in SeptemberCredit: Getty
      Jonathan Morgan was named in a complaintCredit: Getty
      Cusack’s lawyer dad David, who reportedly wrote the complaint, alleged that she was “troubled” after Jonathan Morgan was appointed as the team’s manager.
      Morgan reportedly denies treating Cusack unfavourably.
      The Sun has repeatedly contacted Morgan’s representatives for comment.
      The complaint, which has reportedly been seen by The Athletic, is said to read: “There were a number of factors that troubled her in the end.
      Read More Sport
      “But they all spring from the relationship with Jonathan Morgan.
      “As she confided to us, every issue had its origin in Morgan’s appointment.
      “We know she would still be with us had he not been appointed. Her text messages and conversations support this.”
      Morgan, who had previously managed Cusack at Leicester, was cleared of treating Cusack unfavourably by a nine-week external inquiry – with no disciplinary action taken.
      Most read in Football
      The complaint by Cusack’s family alleged that she left Leicester in 2019 because she felt worn down by Morgan – who she thought disliked her.
      Cusack and Morgan met again after she played for Sheffield against his Burnley women’s side.
      Morgan allegedly called Cusack a “psycho” when she ran near his dugout, adding to her sense that he disliked her.
      When Morgan was appointed as Sheffield’s manager, he dropped Cusack from the starting line-up and allegedly told her she was overweight.
      He also allegedly told other players about their previous clashes, giving the impression she was difficult to manage.
      Cusack stayed at Sheffield United because she had bought a house in the South Yorkshire city and had made friends at the club.
      She had reportedly never clashed with previous Sheffield managers and was popular at the club, according to the family’s complaint.
      It is claimed that Cusack moved back in with her parents after become unwell from anxiety.
      She was reportedly prescribed medication and asked the club doctor about counselling at the start of September.
      The family’s complaint was delivered to the club on September 27, a week after her body was found at her parents’ house in Derbyshire.
      An inquest has been opened into her death, which cops said is not suspicious.
      CLUB PROBE
      Sheffield United appointed retired Raoul Moat cop Dennis Shotton to handle a probe into the family’s allegations.
      He allegedly misspelled Cusack’s first and second names as “Madeline Cussack” in correspondence with her grieving family.
      Shotton also allegedly failed to record a witness interview with David Cusack and twice referred to him as a club employee – rather than Maddy’s father.
      The investigator also allegedly failed to contact a close confidante of Cusack whose details he had been given.
      It is also alleged that he did not contact some players who the family had recommended he speak to.
      Safecall, which employs Shotton as an investigator, confirmed that it has carried out an investigation on Sheffield United’s behalf.
      The firm declined to comment further.
      The Cusack family, which was not allowed to see Shotton’s report, has rejected its verdict.
      The FA has now begun gathering evidence after the family asked it to launch its own probe.
      The Maddy Cusack Foundation said: “Those who knew Maddy well will be aware she had no long-standing mental health issues or troubles.
      “Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, carefree girl with everything to live for.
      “By Christmas 2022, she could be described as being at her happiest.
      “This all changed gradually from February.”
      Morgan reportedly denies telling Cusack she was overweight, claiming he told her she needed to improve her conditioning following fitness tests.
      He also reportedly denies shouting that Cusack was a “psycho” or telling other Sheffield players anything negative about her.
      The manager reportedly claims that he tried to help Cusack, making her vice-captain and putting her in touch with the club doctor.
      Morgan also reportedly claims that he campaigned for Cusack to get a pay rise from £6,000 to £18,000.
      He reportedly maintains that he did not single out Cusack for criticism.
      Morgan’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
      ‘TRAGIC PASSING’
      Sheffield United declined to comment, instead referring The Sun to its December press release announcing the outcome of the external inquiry.
      The release read: “Sheffield United Football Club can confirm that an investigation has taken place following the tragic passing of Women’s team player and club marketing executive, Maddy Cusack.
      “Maddy was an important member of Sheffield United’s Women’s team.
      “She was our longest serving player, scoring 7 times in 110 appearances and was synonymous with the number 8 shirt that she wore with distinction.
      “Maddy was also a valued and popular member of the Club’s marketing team, working on promotion of all areas of the Blades.
      “Everyone at the Club remains deeply saddened by her passing.
      “At the request of and with cooperation from Maddy’s family, we appointed an independent third party to carry out a formal investigation into concerns the family raised about processes and conduct at the Club.
      “Following a thorough review of the valuable input provided by each of the key witnesses put forward by Maddy’s family and the Club, the investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing.
      YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      “The Club is always looking for ways to evolve and will reflect on the outcomes and recommendations arising from the investigation to consider how processes and policies may be improved.
      “Following Maddy’s death, the Club provided staff with the opportunity to engage with additional external support.
      “As part of the Club’s commitment to continual improvement, we have and will continue to review and expand the Club-wide wellbeing support offered to our staff.
      “We will increase the learning and development opportunities for all staff around language and culture, welfare and mental health awareness.
      “We have also recently strengthened our Women’s and Girls’ structure with the addition of a new highly experienced Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football and other key appointments.
      Read more on The Sun
      “We wish to offer support to Maddy’s family and the Maddy Cusack Foundation, MC8.
      “We hope to work with them to continue the lasting positive impact Maddy had on those who knew her.”
      If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
      Cusack was Sheffield United’s longest-serving playerCredit: PA
      Manager Jonathan Morgan has denied the claimsCredit: PA More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ‘sued by clothing brand Superdry’ due to training kit endorsement deal with brewery’s alcohol-free beer range

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have been sued by clothing brand Superdry over their training kit endorsement deal.According to the Telegraph high street fashion brand Superdry have launched a High Court claim against the Cityzens.
      Manchester City have been sued over their training kit sponsorship dealCredit: PA
      Their Asahi sponsored warm up gear features the words Super ‘Dry’Credit: Alamy
      The claim comes after Man City announced that their training gear would be sponsored by Japanese brewery Asahi’s alcohol free beer.
      The teetotal beverage is named Asahi Super “Dry” 0.0 and their sponsorship deal with City sees the words Super “Dry” plastered on the club’s training gear.
      As a result the clothing brand Superdry have alleged that the partnership represents a trademark infringement on their name.
      City announced in 2023 that their deal with Asahi Super “Dry” would see men’s and women’s training kit feature the brand’s logo for the current campaign.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But on December 15 Superdry asked for an “injunction” to be put in place to “restrain” the treble winners from using their name on the kit.
      And the clothing manufacturer is also said to be looking for costs alongside the injunction, but are yet to quantify the amount their claim is worth.
      While the law firm acting on behalf of Superdry, Fox Williams LLP, have also warned for a demand for the “destruction or modification upon oath of all goods and other items… [which] would constitute a breach of the injunctions.”
      Phillip Roberts KC, who represents the firm, explained that the public may confuse the branding on Man City’s training kit as something created by Superdry.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      He said: “The sponsored kit is identical to each of the selected goods [and is] identical with or similar to the mark for which the Superdry Registrations are registered in relation to goods identical with or similar to those for which the Superdry Registrations are registered,
      “In circumstances liable to give rise to a likelihood of confusion on the part of the public.”
      City’s sponsorship deal with Asahi goes beyond their training kit with a number of modifications and re-brands taking place at the Eithad Stadium.
      The Asahi Tunnel club was introduced by the club while technology has been put in place around the stadium to allow the beer to be served to fans.
      SunSport has approached Manchester City for a comment. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond claims he refused sex with rape accuser after she ‘got on top of me’

      by

      A CHAMPIONSHIP footballer accused of raping a woman told a court that he had refused sex with her.Sunderland winger Jack Diamond, 23, told a jury that his alleged victim was in a “huff” when he told her to stop after she “got on top of me”.
      Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond claims he refused sex with rape accuser after she ‘got on top of me’Credit: NCJMedia
      Diamond denied rape and assault by penetration at Newcastle crown courtCredit: Getty
      He explained that he did so because he feared things were “getting a bit too serious”.
      Diamond, who had previously been in a long relationship, said he kissed her later to “comfort” her and she told him, ‘I think the moment has gone’ and left.
      The footballer, who met the girl on dating site Tinder, is alleged to have attacked her at the home he shared with team-mate Anthony Patterson.
      He said he did feel regretful about his “immaturity” towards relationships at the time.
      READ MORE UK NEWS
      Diamond, of Washington, Tyne & Wear, denies rape and assault by penetration at Newcastle crown court.
      The trial continues. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Footie fan stripped of season ticket in three-year ban after sick taunt about Munich air crash

      by

      A FOOTBALL fan was today banned from matches for three years for a sick taunt about the Munich air disaster which went viral.Newcastle United supporter James Blake, 42, “photobombed” a YouTuber’s report at the club’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City in September.
      A clip went viral of Newcastle United supporter James Blake making a sick taunt about the 1958 Munich air crash, in which eight Manchester United players diedCredit: North News & Pictures
      Blake — who had been drinking heavily and was wearing a replica Newcastle shirt — yelled: “Hello! What about Man United, eh? Air disasters, air disasters.”
      Prosecutor Steven Davis said: “You will see a person address the camera when he is approached from behind by a man and a young child and he makes the comment.”
      Eight Manchester United players were among 23 people who died in 1958 when a plane crashed during take-off in then-West Germany.
      Painter and decorator Blake was stripped of his season ticket by Newcastle after his arrest.
      READ MORE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      Dave Parish, mitigating, said: “He is deeply remorseful and frankly ashamed by this behaviour.
      “He accepts he was highly intoxicated at the time.”
      Blake, of North Shields, admitted using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress at North Tyneside magistrates’ court.
      He was fined £400, ordered to pay a total of £780 and banned for three years from all football matches in England and Wales.
      Most read in Football
      23 people died when a plane took off in then-West Germany, with eight of them being Manchester United playersCredit: PA More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star Brenden Aaronson, 23, banned from driving after he was caught speeding in flash Mercedes AMG

      by

      A FORMER Premier League star has been banned from driving after he was caught speeding in his flashy Mercedes.Leeds midfielder Brenden Aaronson was clocked at 37mph in a 30mph zone while driving through Harrogate in North Yorkshire.
      Brenden Aaronson has been banned from drivingCredit: Getty
      The 23-year-old has now been barred from driving for six months after racking up 13 points on his licence.
      He was also ordered to pay a £666 fine, £266 surcharge and £90 in court costs.
      Aaronson, who is currently on loan with Union Berlin, pleaded guilty to the speeding offence at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court.
      JPs heard he already had ten points on his licence when he was caught speeding in his Mercedes AMG on March 12.
      Read more news
      Aaronson signed for Leeds in 2022 in a £25million transfer from RB Salzburg.
      The US international scored one goal in 40 appearances across all competitions.
      His one goal came following an extraordinary blunder by Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy.
      After the club was relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, Aaronson went out on loan to Bundesliga side Union Berlin.
      Most read in Football
      Aaronson signed for Leeds in 2022Credit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sunderland player Jack Diamond ‘raped woman he met on Tinder after promising “cuddles” at home he shared with teammate’

      by

      A SUNDERLAND footballer raped a woman he met on a dating site at the home he shared with a teammate, a court heard.Jack Diamond, 23, allegedly attacked the woman after inviting her over for “cuddling”.
      Jack Diamond has denied raping the womanCredit: NNP
      The winger has been suspended from Sunderland
      Once she arrived, the winger made it clear he “wanted more than that” and raped and sexually assaulted her, it is said.
      The alleged attack took place at the home Diamond previously shared with his Black Cats teammate Anthony Patterson.
      Newcastle Crown Court was told the woman feared he was messaging Mr Patterson to arrange a “threesome” after noticing the player on his phone.
      Jurors heard the Diamond, who claims the sex was consensual, met the complainant on Tinder.
      Read more news
      She told police she agreed to go to the footballer’s home “just for cuddles” as she was not on the pill at the time.
      The woman “eventually” consented to some sexual activity before Diamond fell asleep.
      When he awoke, the court heard he began to “feel and caress” the woman even when she asked him to stop.
      Prosecutor David Povall said: “She asked him to stop and told him she wasn’t in the mood, but he persisted.”
      Most read in Football
      Diamond then allegedly sexually assaulted the woman while he “straddled” her – causing her physical pain.
      Jurors heard she turned her back to Diamond as he performed a sex act on himself before he pushed her underwear to one side and raped her.
      Mr Povall said: “Some time later, she realised he was messaging on his phone, and she feared that he was communicating with (Sunderland goalkeeper) Anthony Patterson, his housemate, who had previously raised the possibility of a threesome.
      “She didn’t want to get into that situation. Fearful of what might happen, she messaged a friend, asking for help.
      “He told her to leave immediately, which she did. Her friend met her at her house, where he saw the very emotional and distressed state she was in, and he waited with her till the police arrived.”
      During her interview with police, she said she felt “sick” over the alleged attack and “turned over and cried” after.
      She said he “grabbed her wrists” and was “quite aggressive” during, telling officers: “It was like a switch had gone off.”
      The complainant added: “I’ve never felt that way before. I thought I was going to physically throw up”.
      Diamond, who denies rape and assault by penetration, told officers she had initiated the sexual contact, which he claimed he rejected.
      He also claimed the woman was “jealous and possessive”, the court heard.
      Diamond was on loan at League One club Lincoln City, who have since terminated his contract, when he was charged last season.
      The forward has also been suspended from Sunderland while the criminal case continues.
      Diamond made 45 appearances for the team – including when they won the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley in 2021.
      Read more on The Sun
      He scored eight times in 36 matches for League One club Lincoln last season.
      The trial continues.
      Diamond allegedly raped the woman in his homeCredit: NNP More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-England captain Sol Campbell sued for more than £800k after pulling out of buying £3.85m flat

      by

      EX-England captain Sol Campbell is being sued for more than £800,000 after pulling out of buying a £3.85million flat.Sol, 49, and wife Fiona had put a ten per cent (£387,500) deposit down on the home in London’s swish Cadogan Square.
      Sol Campbell is being sued for more than £800,000 after pulling out of buying a multi-million pound flatCredit: Getty
      The flat’s owner Lady Jadranka Beresford-Peirse has lodged papers at the High Court which claim the pair signed a contract to buy in 2021 but failed to pay the balance due.
      Widow Lady Jadranka is seeking a total of about £810,000 in alleged losses and new sale costs.
      Ex-Spurs and Arsenal defender Sol played 73 times for England.
      Campbell then went on to manage Macclesfield Town and Southend United.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      He married interior designer Fiona Barratt, granddaughter of Barratt Homes founder Sir Lawrie Barratt, in 2010.
      Lady Jadranka now accuses Sol and Fiona Campbell of breach of contract, saying they failed to pay the balance due for the flat, and threatened to sue them for specific performance of the contract if they failed to go ahead with the deal.
      She is seeking an order which would force them to have to buy the flat and pay her compensation.
      Lady Jadranka is seeking an order that would force him and his wife to have to buy the flat and pay her compensation.
      Most read in Football
      She claims she lost £260,000 after being unable to go ahead with her purchase of a smaller flat. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish’s family ‘feared they were being held HOSTAGE’ by gang of thugs who stole ‘£1m jewellery’ in 10 min ordeal

      by

      JACK Grealish’s family “feared they were being held hostage” by a gang of thugs who raided their home.The Prem ace was in action for Man City against Everton in a league clash on Wednesday night when thieves snuck into his £5.6million mansion.
      Grealish was in action against Everton when the horror raid happenedCredit: Reuters
      Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood was at the propertyCredit: Instagram
      Around ten of the 28-year-old England star’s family had gathered round the TV to watch Grealish help City put Everton to the sword.
      The Sun understands that some of Jack’s closest family were at his 24-acre Cheshire bolthole including fiancée Sasha Attwood, his parents, gran, two sisters and brother.
      But when Jack’s dogs began barking frantically and his relatives heard noises upstairs, they instantly hit panic buttons to alert cops.
      Despite extensive security and perimeter fencing around Jack’s   lavish home, the crooks got in and fled with £1million of watches and jewellery.
      Read More in Football
      Cops responded to a call at 9.50pm before shaken residents saw five police patrol cars at 10pm.
      A police helicopter scoured the area overhead with locals warned to stay indoors, before the gang were confirmed to have fled.
      And Jack’s “terrified” loved ones were said to have been “fearing a hostage situation”.
      A source exclusively told The Sun: “The family are really shaken. The gang took a lot of watches and jewellery.
      Most read in Football
      “Initially, they feared they could be facing a hostage situation or worse.”
      The source added: “They executed their raid when Manchester City were playing live on TV and all of his family had gathered downstairs to cheer him on.
      “No one was injured but there was a lot of panic – everyone was terrified as they were all so vulnerable.
      “It’s an enormous property, so it is understandable why no-one heard anything at first. It was also the first time the family had visited, and so they were unfamiliar with the property.
      “When the dogs went mad, and they could hear people creeping about, they pressed the security panic alarm.
      “An emergency crack unit responded immediately, with multiple police cars and a chopper deployed.”
      It is the latest raid to target multi million Premier League stars with West Ham skipper Kurt Zouma’s property in Essex targeted shortly   before Christmas.
      The raiders broke into his swanky £3million home and escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.
      Grealish and 27-year-old model and influencer Sasha bought the “exceptional modern” seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres last year but have only just moved in.
      Their home boasts a helipad, boating and fishing lake, wine cellar, tennis court, golf tee and full-sized football and cricket pitches.
      On Christmas Day Grealish and Sasha posed with their dog Skye and wrote on Instagram: “Merry Christmas everyone, beautiful day with the family.”
      Jack also posted an image of a dinner table set for eight guests and a menu titled “Sasha and Jack Christmas Day 2023”.
      In October The Sun told how Jack had won a planning battle to build a leisure suite at the ­mansion — complete with his own treatment room.
      He enjoys a close relationship with his immediate family and has described sister Hollie, 20, as his best friend.
      Confirming their investigation, Cheshire Police told The Sun: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday December 27 police were called to reports of a burglary.
      “The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.
      “Officers supported by police dogs and National Police Air Service were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area but there was no trace of the suspects.
      Read more on The Sun
      “No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police.”
      Cheshire Police cops made house to house inquiries after the break-inCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Sasha Atwood shared a heartwarming snap with Jack over the Christmas holidaysCredit: Instagram More