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      Joey Barton tells court he ‘has temper’ – but denies ‘kicking wife in the head as their kids slept upstairs’

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      JOEY Barton today told a court he can “lose his temper” but denied he kicked his wife in the head as their kids slept upstairs.The former footballer allegedly attacked Georgia Barton at their home in Kew, South West London.Joey Barton, pictured arriving at court today, is accused of shoving his wife to the groundCredit: RexBarton, seen with wife Georgia outside court today, allegedly attacked his wife before their anniversaryCredit: PABarton, 42, and Georgia had both drunk “four or five bottles of wine” with two other couples when a row erupted.Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard the ex-Man City star threatened to fight his wife’s brother and father in a “verbal disagreement about a family matter”.Barton then “grabbed [Georgia] and pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the head”, it was said.The court heard that as a friend tried to intervene, Barton “threw” him off and said “don’t disrespect me”.Read more court newsGeorgia, who was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose, called police shortly after 11pm to “report she had been hit by her husband”.During a tearful 999 call played to the court, she said: “Me husband’s just hit me in the house.”He’s in the house, I’m outside.”Asked if anything similar had happened before, she said: “No, it’s the first time,” adding that she had been hit “in the face”.Most read in FootballWhen police arrived at around 11:30pm, Georgia told them: “I’ve been pushed down and kicked about and stuff.”He said he was going to fight with my brother and my dad.”Barton was arrested at about midnight in his bedroom, where he had been asleep, and was still drunk.The couple are still married and living together, the court heard.Giving evidence, Barton admitted he had drunk “six to eight” drinks when the alleged attack unfolded.He told the court there had been a “disagreement” and he “stupidly took me mate’s side”.Barton continued: “We just got into petty name calling.”We ended up getting a bit more agitated and were close to each other.”The former footballer admitted he was someone that “on occasion” might lose his temper.But he denied the claims against him, saying: “If I kicked someone in the head there would be a lot more damage than what’s alleged in this case.”Barton was due to face trial in 2022 after pleading not guilty to assault by beating but this was halted when Georgia retracted her claims.The High Court ruled last year that the trial could go ahead and that the previous decision to drop the case was “wrong in principle”.Barton married his childhood sweetheart in a lavish ceremony in 2019 at a country house in Oxfordshire.The couple have two children together – a son born in 2011 and a daughter born in 2014.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton denies a single charge of assault by beating and the trial continues.Barton has denied assault by beatingCredit: PAHe allegedly attacked his wife, seen with Barton in 2011, after drinking up to five bottles of wineCredit: Getty – ContributorBarton married childhood sweetheart Georgia in 2019Credit: Instagram / Georgia McneilThe former manager’s trial continuesCredit: Alamy More

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      Joey Barton appears in court after ‘sharing malicious posts about Jeremy Vine & football pundit Lucy Ward’

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      JOEY Barton has appeared in court after allegedly sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentator Lucy Ward.The former footballer was already accused of targeting pundit Eni Aluko but is now facing further charges against her colleague Lucy.Joey Barton has been charged with malicious communicationsCredit: PAHe allegedly lashed out at Lucy WardCredit: GettyBarton, who is also accused of lashing out at BBC star Vine, appeared via video-link at Chester Magistrates’ Court today.The 42-year-old is charged with two counts of malicious communications between January 3 and March 20 last year.According to the charges, the messages were of an indecent or grossly offensive nature for the purpose of causing distress and anxiety.Barton indicated he would be pleading not guilty pleas to both offences.Read more newsHe has already pleaded not guilty over the Eni Aluko tweets and is due to stand trial this year.The former Man City star was bailed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on February 13.Barton previously branded the fresh charges as “more woke nonsense”.He landed himself in hot water after launching into alleged attacks against a string of female pundits in December 2023.Most read in FootballThis included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.”Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”The star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton branded him a “big bike nonce”.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton is accused of sharing posts about Jeremy VineCredit: PAHe is already due to stand trial over alleged abuse aimed at Eni AlukoCredit: Getty More

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      Tragic Sven-Goran Erikkson faced string of disasters that saw him lose MILLIONS & conned by fake football billionaire

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      HE was one of the highest-paid football managers of all time, raking in a cool £25million during his five-year reign as England boss. But Sven-Goran Eriksson’s glittering career was scarred by a string of financial disasters that left him penniless.Sven Goran-Eriksson died £8.6million in debtCredit: AP:Associated PressHe was led to believe he was helming a Man City-style transformation at Notts CountyCredit: The TimesSven and the club were led on by convicted fraudster Russell KingCredit: Action ImagesThe Swede, who tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer last August, lost millions over the years before a desperate bid to save his fortune. Despite his footballing success, Swedish documents revealed Eriksson died £8.6 million (88 million kronor) in debt.His lawyer and close friend Anders Runebjer blamed his tax debts on poor investment decisions – including a failed film scheme in 2006.The 76-year-old was best known for managing England from 2001 to 2006 and made history as the first foreign manager to lead the team at two World Cups.Read More on SvenDuring his 36-year career, Eriksson had a number of lucrative roles and received around £7million in pay-offs alone from England, Manchester City – where he spent a season in charge – and Mexico.He also coached IFK Goteborg, Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio and Leicester City, winning 17 major trophies.But away from the pitch, Sven fell victim to several embarrassing scams and financial disasters.From fake billionaires to an unscrupulous adviser, we take a look at scams which fleeced the late manager…Most read in FootballFootball club scamThe most bizarre chapter of Eriksson’s football career began in June 2009 when he was first contacted by convicted fraudster Russell King, a former financier from Jersey.He claimed to represent a wealthy group of investors from the Middle East and Europe, reaching out through a third party.Emotional David Beckham looks close to tears at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin is led out of church following funeral service in SwedenHe and an associate wined and dined Eriksson at the Dorchester Hotel and gave a “very clever, very convincing” pitch about taking over Notts County, billing it as a Manchester City-style transformation.”I met these two guys, and they were very enthusiastic about what they had to say,” Eriksson recalled. “They told me they had already bought the club and had big plans to take it to the Premier League. “They promised improvements to the players, the training ground, the academy, and even said they would fix the stadium and buy feeder clubs.”Unbeknown to Sven, King had served a two-year sentence for fraud in the early 1990s for trying to claim £600,000 in insurance by falsely reporting his Aston Martin stolen.King managed to seize control of nearly 50 per cent of a London investment bank by falsely claiming he was overseeing the sovereign wealth of the Bahraini royal family.He then used a bank guarantee from the same institution to take control of Notts County, only for it to later be revealed as worthless.The conman lured Eriksson in with promises of £10million in shares and Eriksson became director.They promised improvements to the players, the training ground, the academy, and even said they would fix the stadium and buy feeder clubsSven Goran ErikssonKing wanted Eriksson’s star power to legitimise his schemes, even dragging him to North Korea to seal a deal with the rogue state’s officials. King claimed one of his companies was worth a jaw-dropping $2trillion (£1.27 trillion) after supposedly securing rights to mine the country’s gold, oil, and iron ore in exchange for £1billion from Bahrain.But the promised billions never materialised. King fled to Bahrain, leaving millions in debts and Notts County unable to pay basic bills.Extradited years later, he was jailed in 2019 for 25 counts of fraud and larceny but released from Jersey prison in 2021.England football manager Sven Goran Eriksson and his ex-partner Nancy Dell’OlioCredit: PAEriksson later admitted his embarrassment, recalling how he was taken in by King’s outlandish promises. “They used my name, of course they did,” he said. “At the time, we couldn’t even pay the milk bill at Notts County. It was a big, big mistake.”’Hated’ financial advisorAfter the embarrassing Notts County saga, the football icon later claimed he had lost £10 million thanks to the actions of his trusted financial adviser, Samir Khan.In a bombshell interview with the Telegraph in 2013, Sven said he had been forced to put his £4 million Swedish “dream house” on the market. “I never hate anyone in my life,” he said. “I don’t think I have many enemies but I hate Samir Khan because you can’t treat people like he has done.He’s probably the only person on earth I hate. I feel let down, angry and disappointed because I trusted this man for many, many yearsSven Goran Eriksson “He’s probably the only person on earth I hate. I feel let down, angry and disappointed because I trusted this man for many, many years.”The pair met in 2004, and by 2007, Khan had control of Sven’s affairs. Two years later, the Swede grew concerned and asked Deloitte to run checks on Khan.In 2010, Eriksson’s lawyers obtained a worldwide freezing order in the High Court against Khan and launched legal proceedings, claiming that Khan made negligent investments and pocketed “secret profits”.Khan denied the claims before being declared bankrupt. Eriksson said: “I gave him too much freedom. I gave him all the authority he needed to take care of my economy.”Film scheme backfiredSven admits he made some bad financial decisionsCredit: AP:Associated PressAs Sven scrambled to recover cash, he also fell victim to the failed Eclipse Film investment scheme.The series of film financing schemes, conceived by HSBC, claimed they would make money by buying the rights to blockbuster Disney movies and leasing them back to studios.Investors were told they could defer their tax bills and spread the payments out over a number of years.But HMRC became concerned the £2.2 billion scheme was being used to avoid tax, leading them to take Eclipse to the Supreme Court in 2016.Investors were handed accelerated payment notices the following year – reversing the tax benefits they had previously enjoyed and demanding they pay interest on the multi-million pound sums.The Supreme Court crushed any hopes for the scheme in 2012 by refusing to challenge HMRC’s ruling.Investors, including Sven, were told they wouldn’t receive the £117m in tax relief promised, leaving them liable for massive bills.Home sold at ‘bargain’ priceSven’s mansion near Sunne, SwedenCredit: AlamySven is seen in the swimming pool of his his mansionCredit: AlamyWhile managing the Three Lions, Sven bought a grand 19th-century lakeside manor in Sunne, Sweden, for £420,000. The sprawling 835-square-metre home features numerous reception rooms, a library, and an expansive poolhouse, which includes a saltwater pool, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, and relaxation space. Outside, the property boasts a tennis court, a jetty, a sandy cove, and waterside gazebos. Sotheby’s agents noted Sven had added his personal touch to both the interior and exterior. READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, when it came to selling the estate after Sven’s death last year, the financial gods were unkind once again.Despite its value peaking at £3 million, by last year its value had plummeted by nearly half, selling for a “bargain” price of £1.8 million.Nancy paid tribute to her ex after his death, saying ‘you will be missed’Credit: Instagram @nancydellolioThe late football manager with his partner Yaniseth Alcides during the Sports Gala 2024Credit: RexSven’s partner and David Beckham at his funeral last yearCredit: RexEriksson with Roberto ManciniCredit: GettySVEN’S AMAZING CAREER1977 – Having played football professionally in Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson kicked off his managerial career with Swedish side Degerfors.2000 – He guided Lazio to the Serie A title to become one of the hottest coaches in the world.2001 – Following the resignation of Kevin Keegan, he was appointed England’s next permanent manager in February 2001. He oversaw 66 games with the Three Lions, winning 39 and losing just 12.2002 – Eriksson led England to the 2002 World Cup with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and David Beckham in his squad. The Three Lions were knocked out in the quarter-finals.2004 – The legendary manager also led the Three Lions to Euro 2004, but they were knocked out of the quarter-finals to Portugal.2006 – Eriksson led England to another World Cup, his final tournament in charge, before resigning.2007 – The Swede took charge of Manchester City a year after leaving the England job and oversaw 45 games.2010 – Having coached Mexico, Ivory Coast and Notts County after parting ways with Man City, Erikson took charge of Leicester and saved them from relegation. Following his time with the Foxes he went on to manage China and Philippines.2024 – In January 2024, Eriksson announced he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Three months later, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool in a legends match at Anfield, before passing away in August. More

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      Chelsea star arrives at court accused of racially abusing police officer in row over taxi fare

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of racially abusing a police officer in a row over a taxi fare.The 31-year-old allegedly lashed out at the cop in Twickenham, South West London, in January 2023.Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of a racially aggravated offenceCredit: Twitter/@hansinclair9The Chelsea star allegedly abused a police officerCredit: AlamyKerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, was seen arriving at Kingston Crown Court today for a hearing.The Australia international has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment and is due to stand trial next month.Scotland Yard previously said: “Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.“The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.Most read in FootballShe has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie Mewis with the couple getting engaged last year.They announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The Australia captain is currently sidelined due to injuryCredit: GettyKerr is engaged to fellow footballer Kristie MewisThe couple announced they are expecting a baby More

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      I was Man City prospect who fell into booze and drugs, was stabbed twice and jailed… now I’m earning coaching badges

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      FORMER Manchester City prospect Daniel Warrender has opened up about being jailed and stabbed twice after falling into booze and drugs.Manchester-born Warrender has since turned his life around and is working hard to earn a Uefa B coaching badge.Former Man City prospect Daniel Warrender has bravely opened up how he turned his life aroundWarrender came through the ranks at Man City before turning professional in 2005The later stages of Warrender’s non-league career was derailed by prisonWarrender bravely opened up about overcoming past struggles on the ‘I Had Trials Once Podcast’.The former Man City youth star was first stabbed outside a city centre nightclub following a Manchester derby match in 2010.Warrender’s wound was reportedly minor, but doctors informed him that the shock of the incident had brought on a heart problem.And the ex-defender unfortunately went on to land himself in a world of trouble with the law a year later in 2011.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWarrender was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2013 after punching a man in a nightclub bust-up.According to court reports at the time, he left the victim scarred after he fell over on to a broken pint glass.The shards tore a 3.5cm wound down the man’s right cheek, and made several other cuts on his face, nose and arm, a court heard.The judge noted that Warrender was usually a “decent, hard working man” but had drunk “a skin-full” of alcohol before the attack in Stockport. Most read in FootballJustice Bernard Lever told him that his single blow had “absolutely tragic consequences” for both men, according to the Manchester Evening News.And that it did, as Warrender, who was playing football for non-league side Ramsbottom United at the time, found himself behind bars.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferWarrender said: “I’ve been at Manchester City, decent little prospect whatever.”And then within two years I was in prison for various violent offences and drugs and drink, whatever, you name it, I’ve done it. “I was stabbed on two different occasions and hospitalised a total of nine times.”But that was normal life to me. But now I’m on the Uefa B course. I’ve got two beautiful kids. One of them is a superstar at City.”Warrender’s son George is currently playing for Man City’s Under-11 youth side.Fans have dubbed the youngster a “mini Phil Foden” for his skill – but also because of his uncanny resemblance to the England superstar. Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Senior Cup in 2005Warrender’s son is coming through the ranks at his dad’s former sideAnd tearful Warrender added: “I’ve got my own coaching pitch, which I own outright…sorry I’m going again. I told you I cry all the time.”But now, honestly, when kids give me a thank you and that, I’m in the house with my missus crying. But I love it.”The now 38-year-old was brutally attacked for the second time on New Year’s Eve in 2017. His brother David Warrender, a convicted drug dealer, was said to be in control of the bar.But it was substantially worse on this occasion as Warrender was stabbed several times and suffered a punctured lung and kidney.Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Manchester Senior Cup in 2005.He was shipped out on loan to Blackpool a few months later, before he joined the League One side permanently in 2006.But his time at The Tangerines was cut short when he moved down into the non-league game with Rossendale United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then spent time in the USA with San Francisco Seals before returning to the UK with FC United of Manchester. Warrender was shipped back and forth between Ramsbottom and FC United before and after his time in prison.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Shocking moment football coach, 43, punches teen linesman to the ground during 8-0 defeat – as thug avoids prison

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      THIS is the shocking moment a football coach punched a teen linesman to the ground during an 8-0 defeat.Robert Williams-Jones was managing Amlwch Town FC when he grew frustrated at the humiliating scoresheet.The linesman was sent crashing to the groundCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/Robert Williams-Jones was handed a suspended sentenceJust 15 minutes into the match, the 43-year-old was filmed landing a blow on the linesman – leaving him sprawled on the ground.Footage then showed spectators and staff rushing over to the dugout to help the official, whose age hasn’t been released.Williams-Jones pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm but avoided a prison term.The thug was instead handed a 24 week sentence suspended for 12 months at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court.Read more newsHe was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in compensation.The shocking attack took place in Amlwch, Wales, last April as the North Wales Coast West team took on Penrhyndeudraeth FC.Williams-Jones was stood on the touchline as the linesman did his job when he appeared to assault him out of nowhere.As the teen was sent flying, the game was paused while the raging gaffer returned to his team’s bench.Most read in FootballThe Penrhyn player, who had been acting as voluntary linesman, was then seen standing up looking dazed before being led off the pitch.Footage of the punch was shared widely online – causing police to launch an investigation.Amlwch Town FC later confirmed it had cut ties with Williams-Jones.Penrhyn said at the time: “A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.”Unfortunately, the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game when a Penrhyn player, acting as a voluntary linesman, was assaulted.”Their manager Riccardo Pellegrino later praised his side, saying: “Your behavior on the pitch after what happened was impeccable, I’m proud to coach this fantastic group of lads.”I’m proud all of you COYC.”The voluntary linesman was attacked on the touchlineCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/His fellow players came rushing overCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/ More

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      Preston North End star Jordan Storey set to stand trial after pleading not guilty to assault charge

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      A FOOTBALLER is set to stand trial on charges of assault and affray.Defender Jordan Storey, 27, is accused of assaulting Tomas Whatmough.He pleaded not guilty at Preston crown court yesterday to two charges from last January.Preston North End’s Jordan Storey is set to stand trial on charges of assaultA trial lasting up to three days was originally scheduled for 2026, but has been brought forward to May 6 this year.The Preston North End stopper has signed a deal to stay at the club until the summer of 2028.Storey has been at the Lancashire club, who currently lie 14th in the Championship, since 2018, making nearly 200 league appearances for them.He has also played for Exeter City and has been out on loan at Preston’s fellow Championship ­outfit Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPreston North End have been contacted for a comment.In November, The Sun revealed that a former Premier League prodigy had been jailed for stabbing a teen with a Rambo knife after turning to crime when his career flopped.Causso Darame left 19-year-old Ronnie Evans partially paralysed with “life-changing injuries” after attacking him in a “vicious” robbery.The 25-year-old, who was signed by Swansea City FC when they were in the Premier League, stole the teen’s neck chain and bracelet.Most read in FootballDarame has now been jailed for four years and four months after he admitted robbery and possession of a knife.Portsmouth Crown Court heard the horror unfolded in the early hours of May 12 last year near Ken’s Fried Chicken restaurant.Brighton ace’s home burgled as model fiancee shares security footage More

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      Argentine football star under investigation after ‘fatally hitting motorcyclist and failing breathalyser test’

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      ARGENTINE footballer Rodrigo Garro is under investigation following a fatal collision with a motorcyclist, according to reports.Garro, who turned 27 today, stars for Brazilian club Corinthians.Corinthians star Rodrigo Garro is under investigation following a fatal collision with a motorcyclistCredit: GettyThe midfielder is under investigation by police after fatally hitting a 30-year-old motorcyclist in General Pico, La Pampa Province, Argentina.According to local reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.At around 5am, the motorcyclist is said to have collided with a truck being driven by Garro at the intersection of Streets 300 and 108 with both vehicle’s travelling in opposite directions.Eyewitnesses said both vehicles were travelling along street 300 when the truck turned onto street 108.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGarro allegedly failed a subsequent breathalyser test – reportedly having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 grams – following the incident and was detained by police, but has since been released.Both Garro and his passenger, former team-mate Facundo Castelli, were said to have been unharmed in the collision.The case has been classified as “involuntary manslaughter”.Prosecutor Francisco Cuenca has said authorities are currently analysing the evidence collected from the scene.Most read in FootballAs quoted by footboom1, Cuenca said: “Right now, the classification would be involuntary manslaughter. “We need to wait for the results of the forensic analysis to determine how we proceed from here.”The victim’s body has been taken to the morgue for autopsy while further findings from the forensic examination are awaited.After giving his testimony on the events of the incident, Garro was released by police.Corinthians released a statement on the investigation.It read: “In the early hours of this Saturday (04), midfielder Rodrigo Garro was involved in an accident in La Pampa, Argentina, which, unfortunately, resulted in a fatal victim.”Garro gave his first statements, was released and is now at home.”Football executive Fabinho Soldado and legal affairs director Vinicius Cascone have contacted the athlete’s lawyers and family and will continue to contact them for more information.”The club is following the investigations and will wait for them to be concluded before returning to discuss the case.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Corinthians expresses its solidarity with the victim and his family.”Garro made 36 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A last season, scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists – the most in the division – as Corinthians finished seventh in the league table. More