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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. 
      Most read in Football
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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

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      England star Kalvin Phillips reveals how he plans to keep dad out of jail as he serves 12 year sentence behind bars

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      KALVIN Phillips has revealed how he plans to keep his dad out of jail as he serves a 12 year sentence behind bars.The Man City star’s dad, Mark, is based at HM Prison Wealstun, which is only a short drive away from Phillips’ previous home in Leeds.
      Kalvin Phillips has spoken of how he wants to help his father once he is out of jailCredit: Getty
      The star won the treble but had a stop-start season at Man CityCredit: Getty
      As a teen, Phillips would often go and see his dad, but those visits to the prison started to become less frequent over the past few years.
      The England ace, 27, said he had driven past the Category C prison every day while at Leeds United.
      He would never visit Mark, incarcerated for a series of crimes, although the pair would speak on the phone.
      But the Prem star recently went in a couple of months ago for around an hour and a half with Phillips describing the meeting “like I’d never been away”.
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      Speaking to MailOnline Phillips said: “I think it was six years since I’d last seen him.
      “It was literally like I’d never been away from him to be honest. He looked a bit older and stuff like that but it was like the last time I saw him. We had a laugh, talked about football, saying how proud he was.”
      Phillips’s father was in and out of prison for much of his son’s childhood.
      He and his three siblings were raised by his hard-working mum Lindsay Crosby and beloved late grandmother Val.
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      But despite his challenging upbringing, Phillips spoke about how he wanted to “look after” and help his dad be “secure” when he is released from prison.
      The Man City ace said: “Obviously I mentioned about looking after him.
      “To make sure he is secure, so he doesn’t go straight back into prison like he has in the past. He could’ve asked me for anything: for a car, a house, anything.
      “He said all he wants is to be able to travel around the world and watch me play football. That’s obviously something I can help with.”
      And Phillips gave a little more insight into the complex relationship between him and his father saying he “doesn’t have a problem with it”.
      The England international said: “He feels like he’s intruding, because he hasn’t been there through our childhood. He doesn’t want to take up our time, but I always say if he needs to ring, just call.
      “My dad’s one of those people who gets something in his head, like if he’s interrupting, or life gets a little bit too much, he’ll back away as if he’s doing something wrong.”
      The Man City star then spoke of how he is longing for the day his dad will be released in two years so he can come and watch him play.
      He continued: “We’d speak and he wouldn’t call for another two or three months. After I visited him, obviously I said to make sure he rings me. He hasn’t called since.
      “That’s just how he feels, that’s what he is like. I’ve never had a problem with the relationship we’ve had. I’d love him to be out and be in a secure house and be able to come and watch. I’ll have to wait.”
      Phillips joined City for over £40million last summer but injuries and fitness issues limited him to just two league starts.
      Although Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble, Phillips played just 21 times across all competitions for a combined 593 minutes.
      He has largely been on the sidelines for City having been unable to dislodge Rodri from a starting spot.
      Read More on The Sun
      Phillips will hope to build on what has been a inconsistent season after an initial struggle to understand Pep Guardiola’s tactics and a number of injuries.
      In December, Guardiola left Phillips out of the Carabao Cup win over Liverpool because he was “overweight” after a post-World Cup holiday with his girlfriend. More

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      Benjamin Mendy left ruined after selling property, supercars & watches for losses over £1m to fight rape charge in court

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      BENJAMIN Mendy has been left ruined fighting to clear his name and sold property, supercars and designer watches for losses of over £1million.The former Man City star was already a millionaire when he joined from Monaco in 2017 on a six-year contract.
      Benjamin Mendy has been left ruined fighting to clear his nameCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      The former Man City star ended up fighting bankruptcy after his 2020 arrest for rapeCredit: Getty
      His deal guaranteed him a basic £100,000-a-week salary and up to £170,000 with bonuses.
      But instead of pocketing £31.2million, he ended up fighting bankruptcy after his 2020 arrest for rape.
      And he was forced to close his image rights company after being chased for unpaid tax.
      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 last played for Man City on August 15, 2021, during their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the start of last season.
      But the Premier League champions released him when his contract expired last month.
      Most read in FootballHow Benjamin Mendy lost £1m in £9m spreeHIS losses include:

      Overpaying £650,000 on £4.8million home The Spinney;
      Spending £800,000 on home improvements which added no value;
      Buying Lamborghini for £700,000, selling for £410,000;
      Buying Audi RS6 for £200,000, selling for £100,000;
      Buying Merc GT for £160,000, selling for £90,000;
      Buying three Richard Mille watches for £1,150,000, selling for £820,000;
      Buying two Rolexes for £195,000, selling for £130,000;
      £200,000 Covid rules breach fine by Man City.

      Total spend: £8.88millionTotal loss: £1.056million

      Benjamin Mendy sold his Lamborghini for £410,000 after buying it for £700,000
      Mendy sold two designer watches for tens of thousands less than he paid for themCredit:
      The footballer took a huge financial hit after being charged in 2021, with City stopping his salary the following monthCredit: AFP More

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      Benjamin Mendy’s ‘appetite for sex meant the word ‘No’ doesn’t feature in his dictionary’

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      FOOTBALLER Benjamin Mendy’s appetite for sex and control meant “the word ‘No’ does not feature in his dictionary”, his rape trial heard yesterday.Prosecutor Benjamin Aina also claimed of the ex-Man City star, 28: “What he wants, he gets.”
      Footballer Benjamin Mendy’s appetite for sex and control meant ‘the word ‘No’ does not feature in his dictionary’, his rape trial heard yesterdayCredit: Mirrorpix
      Mr Aina added: “Benjamin Mendy had wealth, position in society and access to women who wanted to be in his company and, as he said, he had slept with thousands.
      “He was used to women saying ‘Yes’ but this case is all about what he did when women said ‘No’.
      “How does his ego handle ‘No’?”
      Mr Aina also said: “He does not care about the feelings or views of the women unless they ­coincided with how he feels.”
      READ MORE ON BEN MENDY
      Earlier trial judge Steven Everett, the Recorder of Chester, told the jury that the trial was ” not a court of morals.”
      He told the six men and six women:” You have heard about Mr Mendy’s approach to women in general. Please remember this is a court of law and not a court of morals.
      “If you conclude that you do not approve of Mr Mendy’s lifestyle, it is not a reason for reaching an adverse verdict.”
      The £52million French World Cup winner denies rape and attempted rape.
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      The trial continues at Chester crown court. More

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      Manchester City executive who stole £100,000 from club to pay for gifts and her wedding only has to pay back £2,500

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      A FORMER Manchester City executive who stole more than £104,000 from the club to pay for her wedding only has to pay back £2,550.Fiona Barclay, 34, worked as a business development manager within the Premier League champions’ hospitality department, earning up to £30,000 a year.
      Football exec Fiona Barclay was jailed following a trial at Manchester crown courtCredit: MEN Media
      The mum-of-one was jailed in November last year for fraud after swindling huge sums from Manchester City to fund her big day and buy lavish gifts for her husband and family.
      Yet she has now been ordered to pay back just £2,500 at a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing.
      She was told the news when appearing via video-link from her native Falkirk in Scotland.
      The hearing began with Barclay being asked whether she was alone, before telling the judge she had her seven-week-old baby beside her.
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      Judge Timothy Smith ruled: “In light of everything uploaded, the benefit figure is £104,934.16, arising out of general criminal conduct. The available amount is £2,550.
      “This must be paid back by October 6.”
      When she was jailed, Manchester crown court heard how Barclay was first rumbled in March last year after accountants flagged a suspicious £25,000 refund.
      When questioned by bosses she claimed she’d transferred £15,000 of the sum into her own bank account “in error”.
      Most read in Football
      But following an investigation, the club discovered Barclay had been stealing from them since June 2019 – more than £104,000 overall.
      She pleaded guilty to an offence of fraud by abuse of position and was sacked by the Etihad Stadium side in March 2021.
      Her barrister Patrick Buckley described Barclay as “utterly disgusted with herself”, adding: “There is nothing in terms of reason or logical reason why she did what she did.”
      She spent less than half of her 18-month sentence in prison, with the rest to be served on licence.
      The latest court hearing was told she had found a new job with a travel firm and informed them about her conviction, while also trying in vain to arrange with City for repayment of the money owed.
      When jailing her for 18 months, Manchester crown court recorder Ciaran Rankin had said: “This is a tragedy – you have thrown so much away because of your dishonesty and, I’m afraid, pure greed.”
      On the pitch, City won an historic treble this past season – claiming the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.
      Mum-of-one Barclay was sentenced tp 18 months in prisonCredit: MEN Media
      Barclay was condemned by the trial judge for her ‘dishonesty’ and ‘pure greed’Credit: MEN Media More

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      Mason Greenwood’s career in tatters as he faces being used as pawn by Man Utd to land ‘£50m’ striker

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      MASON Greenwood’s career faces being left in tatters as he faces being used as a pawn by Manchester United to net a striker rumoured to be worth £50m.Greenwood, 21, has not played since January last year when he was arrested after allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
      Mason Greenwood, 21, has edged closer to a return to footballCredit: Getty
      Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund is said to be part of a loan deal for GreenwoodCredit: AFP
      It has now emerged that Serie A club Atalanta are interested in signing the forward on loan, according to the 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.
      The Red Devils believe they can net the 20-year-old for around £50 million, the Telegraph reported.
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      Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, but the CPS dropped its case in February.
      The £75,000-a-week star has been suspended on full pay ever since.
      United bosses will rule on his future this month.
      And boss Erik ten Hag is said to be willing to let the Bradford-born player back in the squad.
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      The club started their own investigation when claims against Greenwood came to light.
      Ten Hag will now decide what to do based on the findings and believes there is a place for the England international in the team, reports The Athletic.
      Negotiations over Greenwood’s review have taken longer than expected with some speculating he’ll be kicked to the curb, the outlet continued.
      However, it shows the club’s “thoroughness and seriousness” during their investigation.
      The Sun understands most of his team-mates at Old Trafford would welcome him back into the dressing room if the club agrees.
      Boss Erik ten Hag is said to be willing to let the Bradford-born player back in the squadCredit: Getty
      Greenwood has not played since January last yearCredit: AFP
      However, it could trigger a wave of controversy after United’s women players called for Greenwood to go earlier this year.
      A source claimed Greenwood and his teammates made it clear to United owners Glazer – who will be making the final call – that they need to “sack him or back him”.
      The 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.
      “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.”
      Read More On The Sun
      The Sun revealed that his former boss Jose Mourinho has telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to Roma.
      Greenwood is set to become a dad later this month, with his partner enjoying a baby shower with pals this weekend.
      Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviourCredit: AFP More

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      Bristol Rovers star Jevani Brown spat at and slapped woman outside nightclub after she tried to stop row with bouncer

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      A FOOTBALLER spat at and slapped a woman outside a nightclub after she tried to stop a drunken row with a bouncer.Bristol Rovers striker Jevani Brown left Cara Hutchings with bruises on both sides of her face in the attack.
      Jevani Brown slapped a woman outside a clubCredit: BPM
      The footballer, who was playing for Exeter City at the time, also left another woman terrified he would assault her.
      Brown, 28, has now been fined £5,000 after he admitted assault and criminal behaviour at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
      He was also ordered to pay £350 compensation to both victims and £2,135 in costs and victim surcharge fees.
      The court heard Brown got into an argument with Ms Hutchings and Sophie Davey outside the Vaults nightclub in Exeter in February.
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      The footballer, who did not know either women, had got into a row with a bouncer before turning on Ms Hutchings as she stepped in.
      Brown then spat at the woman, causing her to pull his dreadlocks, before he slapped her twice in the face.
      Ms Davey had rushed over to help her pal when Brown took a step towards her and told her not to get involved.
      She then called police in tears to report the attack and the star was detained.
      Most read in Football
      Torell Hector, defending, read a letter from Brown saying he was “truly sorry” and that alcohol had been a huge factor in his life.
      He also confirmed he is receiving support from the PFA’s Sporting Chance clinic.
      The letter added: “If I had not been under the influence of alcohol the outcome would have been different and I have taken steps since to address my behaviour.”
      Brown began his career at MK Dons before joining Peterborough United.
      He also had stints at Cambridge United and Colchester United before he was signed by Exeter in 2021.
      England-born Brown, who represents Jamaica at an international level, was Exeter City’s top scorer this season with 14 goals and nine assists.
      Brown was playing for Exeter at the timeCredit: Rex More

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      Ex-porn star & WAG Mia Etcheverria busted ‘smuggling 14lbs of cocaine on flight to Spain’ as she faces 18 years in jail

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      A FORMER porn star is among five arrested after being suspected of “smuggling 14lbs of cocaine on a flight to Spain” and now faces 18 years in jail.Mia Etcheverria, two other women, and two men were seized at Carrasco International Airport, Uruguay, as they attempted to board a flight to Madrid.
      Mia Etcheverria was one of five arrested after being caught ‘smuggling cocaine’ on a flight to SpainCredit: Newsflash
      Six slabs – 14lbs – of coke was seized from the suitcaseCredit: Newsflash
      Mia is an ex of footballer Richard Morales, who played for Osasuna and Malaga during his senior club careerCredit: Facebook
      The five were stopped by the Uruguayan cops during a routine check on one of the men, aged 29, on June 24.
      Officers found that his two suitcases had hidden compartments containing six slabs of a white, powdery substance with a total weight of 14lbs.
      The police then pulled aside the rest of his group – three women, aged 26, 27, and 36, and a 35-year-old man.
      One of the women has been identified as former porn actress and model Mia Etcheverria, 27, who was once in a relationship with retired footballer Richard Morales.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Morales, 48, made 27 appearances for Uruguay between 2001 and 2005 and played for Osasuna and Malaga during his senior club career.
      The five suspects have been hit with charges related to “attempted drug exportation”.
      Four, including Mia, are currently in custody as the police search for a sixth person in relation to the case.
      Mia’s lawyer, Pablo Casas, is claiming that his client “was unaware of the contents of the suitcases”.
      Most read in Football
      He told local media: “The conclusions that she collaborated, that she was aware of the contents, and that she simply passed those suitcases are incorrect.”
      Mia – real name Camila Navarro – from Las Piedras, was one of the main stars on Uruguayan adult channel Divas TV.
      She has two daughters with Morales, who, following her arrest, has said he will pay her legal fees.
      He 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.”
      The Ministry of the Interior of Uruguay said in a statement: “In the morning hours of Saturday, 24th June, personnel from the Carrasco International Airport Delegation, belonging to the General Directorate for the Repression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (DGRTID), were conducting checks in the check-in area of a flight bound for Madrid when they detected a passenger with a possible risk profile.
      “After verifying his itinerary, a routine inspection of his luggage was requested, which the passenger authorised. He was escorted to the inspection room while the three women travelling with him remained in the check-in area”.
      They revealed that the passenger was identified as a 29-year-old Uruguayan citizen whose luggage contained the six slabs of cocaine.
      “Furthermore, two vehicles used for the transportation of all these individuals were identified, and £770 and four mobile phones were seized from them”.
      The individual who officials believed was the organiser of the illegal activity was identified and an arrest warrant was requested.
      “The Justice system initiated a formal investigation regarding the passenger who had the slabs in his suitcase “for his alleged involvement in an offence stipulated in Article 31 of Decree Law 14, 294, in the form of attempted drug exportation”, the statement read.
      Two of the women and the second man identified at the airport were charged “for their alleged involvement in an offence stipulated in Article 31 of Decree Law 14, 294, in the form of attempted drug exportation as co-perpetrators”.
      And the third woman was reportedly charged “for her alleged involvement in an offence stipulated in Article 31 of Decree Law 14,294, in the form of attempted drug exportation as an accomplice”.
      Read More On The Sun
      For the first four individuals, pretrial detention was ordered, while the last woman was placed under total house arrest with an electronic monitoring device, all for a period of 90 days.
      The investigation is ongoing.
      Under Uruguay laws, Mia could now face up to 18 years in prisonCredit: Newsflash
      Mia, 27, is also a former porn star and modelCredit: Newsflash More