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      Former England star Trevor Sinclair facing bankruptcy battle over £36k unpaid tax bill after ‘hiding head in the sand’

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      FORMER England star Trevor Sinclair is facing a court bid to make him bankrupt over a £36,000 tax debt.Ex-Queens Park Ranger and Manchester City winger Sinclair, 52, earned a fortune during his playing career and went on to become a TV and radio pundit.Trevor Sinclair leaves Blackpool Magistrates court after facing a drink-driving charge in 2017Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdManchester City winger Sinclair, 52, with his wife NatalieCredit: Instagram/trevor8sinclairSinclair enjoyed five-and-a-half seasons with West HamCredit: GettyBut his career stalled in 2022 when he asked why “black and brown people” should mourn the Queen.And HMRC chiefs are now threatening to make him bankrupt unless he settles an unpaid tax bill for punditry work in 2021-22.Since retirement, the former wideman has worked as a pundit for media outlets including Talksport and the BBC on Football Focus and Final Score.But Central London County Court heard that he got into trouble with his finances and “hid his head in the sand” over money he owed to the taxman after his accountant died.Read more Sports NewsShabab Rizvi, for HMRC, told Judge Caroline Wilkinson that the ex-player has ignored demands for payment.Ms Rizvi told the court: “HMRC’s position today is that we are seeking a bankruptcy order,” she told the judge.”Since the breathing space order ended, we have had no contact from the debtor, she told the judge.”The debtor is a former Premier League footballer and should have the means to satisfy the debt, but there’s been no contact with HMRC at all.”Most read in FootballRobert Lee, for Mr Sinclair, however asked the judge to put off making the bankruptcy order and give him another chance to get the money together and pay up.He told the judge: “Mr Sinclair is seeking an adjournment. He is a former Premier League footballer and he was working in the media.Man City legend Trevor Sinclair slams Cristiano Ronaldo amid Man Utd dressing room woes “Mr Sinclair is currently in receipt of a job offer in Saudi Arabia.”As a footballer Sinclair starred as a winger for QPR, West Ham United and Manchester City in the Premier League in the 1990s and 2000s.He won the 1997 Match of the Day’s “Goal of the Season” with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick in an FA Cup tie against Barnsley.He won 12 caps for England, four in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, before retiring in 2008 following a stint at Cardiff City.District Judge Caroline Wilkinson explained that the debt is for the tax year 2021-22, consisting of two “large sums of £13,000-odd” each, plus outstanding National Insurance and penalties.She said: “Mr Sinclair has to wake up to the fact that there’s no more head in the sand because this is serious.”The case was adjourned for two months to allow the former Prem ace time to try to get the money together to pay his debt.He won 12 caps for England before retiring in 2008Credit: PA:Press AssociationTrevor Sinclair previously joined the coaching staff with the India national teamCredit: X @trevor8sinclairThe ex-QPR man in his role as a coach at Lancaster CityCredit: PA More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Jesse Lingard tells grandad’s sex abuse trial he’d ‘block daughter from seeing him if claims were true’

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      FOOTBALLER Jesse Lingard today told his grandad’s sex abuse trial that he would block his daughter from seeing him if the claims were true.The ex-Man Utd star is giving evidence after Kenneth Lingard, 86, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman from the age of five until she was 19.Jesse Lingard has given evidence at his grandad’s sex abuse trialCredit: PAKenneth Lingard allegedly assaulted a woman from the age of fiveCredit: PAShe reported the alleged historic abuse to the police after watching a Channel 4 documentary that featured Jesse.The England star, 32, had praised his grandfather’s influence on his career in the show.Jesse, who flew in from South Korea where plays for FC Seoul, told Liverpool Crown Court the woman contacted him after the documentary came out.He said: “She was just going on about the documentary and how I let him be part of it when he’s done those things.Read more news”I was like ‘what are you on about, I have not heard nothing about this’.”Jesse said the woman told him she was going to call the police – prompting him to tell her: “Call them if you want”.He told jurors she “popped out of nowhere” and that is was “kind of random”.Jesse also said he would have “cut ties” with his grandad straight away if he knew anything about the abuse allegations.Most read in FootballHe added: “My daughter wouldn’t be round there. My little sister wouldn’t be round there.”Jesse, who scored in FC Seoul’s 2-1 loss on Saturday against Gwangju, said the trial has caused a few of his sponsorship deals to fall through.He also told the court he had lived with his grandparents from the age of two or three and that Lingard was very supportive of his career.The footballer said: “He basically taught me football, taught all the skills, drove me up and down motorways from Liverpool to Manchester, Crewe, Barnsley, Stoke, to watch me play football.”He’s been the man that’s got me here today.”Jurors previously heard the woman messaged Jesse three times on November 18, 2022, after the show aired.In one text, she said: “Shame on you Jesse Lingard. Loads of lies. Your grandad Kenneth Lingard molested and sexually abused me and you know he did.”You did the documentary for money and to make yourself some kind of mental health ambassador. Well, as you say, I’m speaking out. No more silence.”In another, she referred Jesse hiding a “dark” secret that his grandfather was a “paedophile” and “child molester”.She also branded the former England star’s late grandmother Pamela an “enabler”.The woman claimed he had “no right doing that documentary” when his grandfather had “molested” her for years.Jurors also heard calls she made to police on the day Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story was aired.She asked officers how she could get someone “arrested for child abuse but historic child abuse?”The woman also told police she “thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received” after watching the show.She added: “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.”Read More on The SunLingard, of Warrington, has denied 17 counts of indecent assault.The trial continues.Lingard flew in from South Korea to give evidenceCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Premier League star’s son jailed for leaving cop, 67, with bleed on the brain after punching her 33 times in hospital

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      A FORMER Premier League’s star son has been jailed after punching a retired female cop 33 times in a savage attack at a hospital.Joni Hartson – son of Arsenal, Celtic and Wales player-turned-pundit John Hartson – lured fellow patient Dawn Lloyd, 67, into a garden.Joni Hartson has been jailed for attacking a retired detectiveCredit: WNSThe thug is the son of former Premier League star John HartsonCredit: The SunThe 22-year-old then launched into the terrifying attack – punching her 33 times as she desperately tried to defend herself.Chillingly, Hartson told police he targeted Dawn – a former Royal protection officer – because her age made her an “easy target”.He later admitted: “I wish I had killed her.”Hartson also attacked a healthcare worker days later by punching his arm when he was moved to a hospital in Carmarthen.The brute has now been jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to GBH and assault of an emergency worker.Cardiff Crown Court heard Hartson, who has autism, was a patient at Bryngofal Ward in the Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, South Wales.He had not been sectioned at the time of the attack on October 18 last year but was being treated for suicidal thoughts.Shocking CCTV showed Hartson battering Dawn – a former detective who had served for 17 years in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.Most read in FootballShe was left with a bleed on the brain following the horror and is now unable to form coherent sentences.But the court was told Dawn, who was suffering from confusion due to an autoimmune condition when she was attacked, is able to say: “He’s not going to hit me again.”Her sister Hannah Cox said in a victim impact statement how Dawn worked with the Royal protection team and later went on to be an office manager for on the Queen’s Jubilee.She added: “Dawn served diligently and with compassion.”But Hannah said her sister has since become anxious and worried and is scared of loud noises – including doors slamming.Owen Williams, defending, said Hartson was depressed with suicidal thoughts when he carried out the violent assault.He also said the thug was suffering from “possible hallucinations which were commanding in nature” – although no psychosis diagnosis has been given.Sentencing, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke called the attack “planned and premeditated”.She added: “You selected Miss Lloyd because you could see that she was vulnerable.”You used those vulnerabilities to select her as a target. You deliberately chose someone who would quite obviously be unable to resist.”Hartson was signed as a teenager by Swansea City, with his dad previously expressing his pride at the footballer’s hat-trick against Liverpool’s youth team.John Hartson began his career at Luton in 1992 before joining Arsenal three years later for £2.5million – a record for a teen player at the time.The striker played for the club 53 times – scoring 14 goals – before he left in 1997 to join West Ham.In 1999, John became Wimbledon’s most expensive signing ever when he signed a £7.5million contract.His time at the club didn’t last long though and after a stint at Coventry, John moved to Celtic in 2001 in a £6million transfer.Read More on The SunHe played for the team 146 times and scored 88 goals before moving make to England in 2006 to join West Brom.Hartson eventually hung up his boots in 2007 after gaining 51 caps for Wales.Hartson has been jailed for two yearsCredit: WNSJohn Hartson previously gushed about his son when he played for Swansea’s academy teamJohn played for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe also made 146 appearances for CelticCredit: Getty More

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      Jesse Lingard ‘refused to give police statement’ during investigation into sexual abuse by his grandad

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      FORMER England star Jesse Lingard refused to give police a witness statement during their investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by his grandad, a court heard yesterday.The footballer, 32, now based in South Korea, was contacted over claims that Kenneth Lingard, 86, had targeted his alleged victim over 15 years, starting when she was just five.Investigating officer DC Scott Chambers told jurors ex-Man United star Lingard and his mum had both declined to give a statement.Kenneth, of Warrington, Cheshire, denies 17 counts of indecent assault between 1970 and 1985.His alleged victim came forward after watching a Channel 4 documentary about Jesse’s rise to stardom.The woman, who is now 60, said that she reported the OAP to cops because the documentary portrayed him as “some kind of hero” and that Lingard had told “loads of lies”.READ MORE ON Jesse Lingard The court heard from the complainant’s second husband yesterday, who said that he had gone to see Kenneth over the allegations in the mid 1990’s.He told the jury: “I confronted him about it – the abuse.“I remember him looking me straight in the eye and saying that he didn’t do it.”The man, who divorced the complainant after eleven years of marriage, said that she had taken an overdose during their relationship and had been treated in hospital.Most read in FootballThe jury was told that Kenneth voluntarily gave a police interview in January 2023 – two months after the documentary aired – and dismissed the allegations.He said: “None of it happened.Jesse Lingard reels off FIVE different celebrations after ex-Man Utd star scores bizarre goal in South Korea” My grandson cannot believe what she is saying.”The trial continues.Jesse Lingard refused to give police a statement during an investigation into his grandadCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell ‘lost over 10st in four months after suffering multiple organ failure before tragic death’

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      ARSENAL and Everton legend Kevin Campbell lost more than 10st in four months after suffering multiple organ failure before his death, an inquest heard.The striker passed away in hospital last June aged just 54 – sparking an outpouring of grief from his ex-teammates.Kevin Campbell died after being admitted to hospitalCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal star suffered multi-organ failureCredit: GettyAn inquest into Campbell’s death today heard he he was “desperately unwell” when he was admitted to hospital months before his death and had lost more than half of his body weight.He had been fit and well until about January 2024 until he was admitted to hospital with heart and kidney failure.No underlying cause for his declining health was identified during his six-week stay and he was discharged two months later after “responding well to treatment”, it was said.But in May last year, Campbell was readmitted after his weight plummeted to 9.3st from 19.5st and he developed gangrene in his toes.He was so weak by this point that his family – including his Sheffield United striker son Tyrese – were told he was not expected to survive.Campbell was put on palliative care within five days of his admission but was still “alert” and “conscious” despite being “very weak”.He passed away on June 15 where it was then discovered the footballer had a rare infection in his heart called endocarditis.Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) declared a level 5 patient safety incident to see whether a delay in diagnosing the infection could have contributed to his death.Most read in FootballBut this was downgraded to a level 2 incident and the hospital concluded his death was “possibly avoidable but not very likely”.Consultant Dr Robert Henney said tests suggested the infective endocarditis was “not present during the first admission”.Unearthed footage shows Kevin Campbell tell incredible story about first time he played with 14-year-old Wayne RooneyHe added: “Kevin was so weak as a result of heart and kidney failure and weight loss that even if we had diagnosed the endocarditis on that day (of admission) I don’t think his treatment would have been any different.“What he actually needed was surgery … but he was so weak that was not an option. Unfortunately there was nothing else that could have been done.”The consultant admitted his weight loss was not recognised by hospital staff “as early as it should have been”.Coroner Zak Golombek ruled there had been “clear evidence of a missed opportunity or a delay in diagnosis” of Campbell’s endocarditis.He added: “That has been admitted by the trust.”However, it’s also part of the evidence that this particular missed opportunity or delay in diagnosis would not have more than minimally contributed to Kevin’s death on the balance of probabilities.”During an earlier hearing, Campbell’s family questioned his “delayed diagnosis” and why he was not given an echocardiogram – a heart scan – during his first hospital admission.His brother Harold and sister Lorna today confirmed they were “happy” with the coroner’s ruling that the footballer died from natural causes.Paying tribute, Harold said: “From a family’s point of view, he was a superstar. He was very loved.”Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.During his time at the club, he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.Arsenal led tributes for the star, who became a pundit after hanging up his boots.The team said: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.”Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time.”Rest in peace, Kevin.”Campbell’s former club Everton, where he spent six years after joining in 1999 – making 137 appearances for the club.The Toffees said: “Everton said: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.”Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know.”RIP, Super Kev.”In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.As well as Arsenal and Everton, he had stints at Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Cardiff City.Campbell holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.But he did make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.Wayne Rooney, who played at Everton with the footballer, said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev – thinking of all his family and friends.”Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”While Arsenal star Tony Adams added: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.Read More on The Sun”An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us.”Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995Credit: GettyHe also had a successful stint at EvertonCredit: GettyFormer teammate Wayne Rooney was among those who paid tributeCredit: PA More

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      Woman ‘sexually abused by Jesse Lingard’s grandad’ messaged star saying ‘shame on you’ after he praised him in TV show

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      A WOMAN who claims she was sexually abused by Jesse Lingard’s grandad messaged the footballer saying “shame on you”, a court heard.Kenneth Lingard, 86, is accused of sexually assaulting the woman from the age of five until she was 19.Kenneth Lingard allegedly abused the woman from the age of fiveCredit: CHRIS NEILLShe messaged Jesse Lingard after he spoke in a documentary about his grandadCredit: GettyShe reported the alleged abuse to the police after watching a Channel 4 documentary that featured ex-Man Utd star Jesse.The footballer, who now plays for FC Seoul in South Korea, had praised his grandfather’s influence on his career.Liverpool Crown Court heard the woman messaged him three times on November 18, 2022. In one, the woman said: “Shame on you Jesse Lingard. Loads of lies. Your grandad Kenneth Lingard molested and sexually abused me and you know he did. Read more news”You did the documentary for money and to make yourself some kind of mental health ambassador. Well, as you say, I’m speaking out. No more silence.”In another, she referred Jesse hiding a “dark” secret that his grandfather was a “paedophile” and “child molester”.She also branded the former England star’s late grandmother Pamela an “enabler”.When she received no reply, the woman messaged a friend of the footballer who he was on holiday with at the time, the court heard.Most read in FootballShe claimed he had “no right doing that documentary” when his grandfather had “molested” her for years.The alleged victim added: “F****** cheeky twat. Shame on you Jesse Lingard.”Jurors also heard calls she made to police on the day Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story was aired.She asked officers how she could get someone “arrested for child abuse but historic child abuse?”The woman also told police she “thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received” after watching the show.She added: “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.”Lingard, of Warrington, has denied 17 counts of indecent assault.The trial continues.Midfielder Jesse joined Man Utd’s youth academy aged seven and progressed to the first team in the 2011-12 season.He made 149 appearances – scoring 20 times including in FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield finals. Read More on The SunJesse moved to Nottingham Forest in 2022 but left a year later after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.He then joined South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week.Lingard had opened up about the influence his grandad had on him, jurors heardCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-England star Jesse Lingard’s grandad accused of child sex abuse after ‘victim’ watched documentary on footballer

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      EX-England star Jesse Lingard’s grandad was accused of child sex abuse after his alleged victim watched a documentary on the footballer, a court heard yesterday. Kenneth Lingard, 86, is said to have targeted her from the age of five until she was 19. Kenneth Lingard, 86, is said to have targeted the victim from the age of five until she was 19Credit: CHRIS NEILLThe alleged victim came forward after watching Channel 4 documentary Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story in 2022Credit: GettyShe came forward after Channel 4 screened Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story in 2022 where the former Man United star praised his grandfather. Prosecutor Benjamin Aina KC said the woman told police: “They made the documentary and I just thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received. “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.” Lingard, of Warrington, appeared in the dock in a wheelchair at Liverpool crown court to deny 17 indecent assaults. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe trial continues. Former Man Utd midfielder Jesse was released by Nottingham Forest in 2023, after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.He was stuck in a football free agent’s abyss, until he surprisingly moved to South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week. At Forest, he was earning a whopping £ 180,000 per week.Most read in FootballAlthough it was a tough start professionally, with coach Kim Gi-dong publicly criticising him for his fitness and a subsequent knee injury ruling him of action early on in his career, he soon won over the fans. More

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      Verdict on Man City’s 115 charges DELAYED again after Pep Guardiola hinted they’d learn fate this month

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      THE verdict on Manchester City’s mountain of charges from the Premier League is unlikely to arrive before the summer, reports suggest.The Prem’s landmark court battle with the club sees City facing more than 115 charges relating to breaches of financial rules over a nine-year period and allegations of failing to cooperate with investigations.Man City’s landmark legal case is unlikely to be resolved before the summerCredit: ReutersOriginally reported as 115, the charges actually come out to 130 overall because of confusion over some of the rules listed in particular seasons, with the Prem issuing a correction with the new figure.A hearing into the matter by an independent commission concluded in December after nearly three months of argument at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre.But now, according to The Telegraph, the outcome of the case is unlikely to emerge before the summer despite initial hope the verdict would be announced in the early spring.The complexities of the case, including the amount of evidence heard, challenged and scrutinised have all added to the tension around the legal battle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPremier League bosses first brought the charges against City in February 2023, with the investigation now dating back almost six-and-a-half years.City deny their guilt and claim they have “irrefutable evidence” to back up their position, with their defence being led by Lord Pannick KC.Manager Pep Guardiola has been on the front lines dealing with questions about the case.In February he had said: “In one month there will be a verdict and sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, a verdict remains some time away.If the charges are proven then City will face punishments ranging from a heavy points deduction or even relegation.Pep Guardiola talks about Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Man City after 10 years Rival Prem clubs could even claim for a loss of income over the outcome of certain seasons which could total hundreds of millions of pounds.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More