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      I was banned for ten years for alleged spot-fixing in the FA Cup, Lucas Paqueta should get a 40-year ban if he’s guilty

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      FORMER non-league star Kynan Isaac called on the FA to smash Lucas Paqueta with a 40-YEAR ban for alleged spot-fixing.Isaac was banned for ten years in October 2022 after being found guilty by football’s ruling body of deliberately getting himself booked in an FA Cup tie.Kynan Isaac reveals he got depressed after his ban ‘but nobody from the PFA or FA got in touch to see how I was’West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been charged in relation to four bookings but denies doing anything wrongCredit: RexIt was claimed full-back Isaac’s caution for Stratford Town in a 5-1 loss to Shrewsbury in November 2021 was part of a betting scheme with pals.West Ham and Brazil midfielder Paqueta, 26, has been charged with deliberately getting himself booked in FOUR separate Prem matches so that he and/or his friends could benefit by betting on that happening. He denies any wrongdoing.Isaac, 31, said: “It will be very interesting to see what they do to him, there’s no point in me sitting here and letting everyone else get away with it.“It’s basic maths — if I got done for ten years for doing it once, by the same book he should get 40 years for doing it four times.READ MORE ON LUCAS PAQUETA“I can’t wait to see what they give him — it will be something pathetic like about a year or two, because he’s got money and an expensive lawyer.“If that happens they won’t be able to ignore me and the ban they gave me.”Isaac was also hit with a further 18-month ban after being found guilty of placing, or enabling, almost 350 bets on matches over a five-year period. The combined rap ensured he could not play until after his 40th birthday.Most read in FootballOne allegation against Brazil international Paqueta concerns this booking for a foul on Boubakary SoumareCredit: PAThe FA stopped him from playing immediately after his charges were announced and referred the case to police. He added: “The police came to my house and told  me there was a  warrant out for my arrest for X, Y and Z. I had my kids with me,  so I asked if I could hand myself in at a certain time.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five“I went there the next day at about midday with my lawyer and the police threw it out. I got a ten-year ban, even though they threw it out.“It will be interesting if they do the same with Paqueta, will he get the police turning up at his door. If not, why not? Why should he be treated any differently to me?“Also, even though I don’t know the exact details about what bets we’re talking about, it’s bound to be in the thousands. With me it was pennies.”Isaac — who passed his test to be a driving instructor  — was tempted to speak out when Brentford and England star Ivan Toney escaped with an eight-month ban a year ago after admitting 232 breaches of betting rules.The FA literally stopped me from playing any football, even seven-a-side or Sunday League. No-one worried about my mental health.He was also angered when Nottingham Forest’s Harry Toffolo was given a suspended five-month ban in September for 375 breaches of betting rules.Toffolo claimed he made the wagers when his “mental health was at a very low ebb”.Isaac said: “It was mentally awful for me. “Non-league footballer gets a ten-year ban and then you see a big-name star Toney — who was putting thousands of pounds on — still being allowed to play when he had been charged  and getting an England call-up.“His ban was really only six months, because it included the off-season. And he’ll be at the Euros.“The FA literally stopped me from playing any football, even seven-a-side or Sunday League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“No-one worried about my mental health after getting such a huge ban.“I was depressed and it hit me hard but nobody from the PFA or FA got in touch to see how I was.”Paqueta was booked for a challenge on John McGinn in one incidentCredit: RexHe tripped Crysencio Summerville to receive another cautionCredit: Sky SportsThe fourth Paqueta yellow in question involved a handballCredit: Sly Sports More

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      VAR offsides could be ‘scrapped’ from Euro 2024 as UEFA is taken to court by tech firm

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      VIDEO reffed offsides could be sensationally scrapped from the Euros – because the inventor of a similar system is taking UEFA to COURT.A firm that created tech like that used by VAR to spot goalside attackers wants the organisers halted from using it – claiming their idea has been copied.Video reffed offsides could be sensationally scrapped from the Euros – because the inventor of a similar system is taking UEFA to courtCredit: The TimesThey have bagged a court date to apply for an injunction just ten days before the opening match of the tournament, which kicks off in Munich on June 14.If granted it may rule out UEFA using the love-hate system – just as fans have started to accept it.The ruling would represent a huge embarrassment to European football’s governing body – which has spent a fortune licensing the system from another firm.An England fan said: “It’s just farcical. How has it got to this stage SO close to the Euros.Read More on Euro 2024“Love it, or hate it – we’ve all started getting used to VAR.“Can you imagine if England end up going out because of a duff decision thay VAR would usually have picked up?“There would be uproar. UEFA needs to sort it out.”Dutch firm Ballinno has filed a patent infringement suit against UEFA and ball tracking experts Kinexon, from Germany – alleging unauthorised use of its technology.Most read in FootballIt claims that 13 years ago it was granted a patent for a ‘method and system for detecting an offside situation’.It says it registered a proposal for a chip in balls to alert an earpiece worn by officials at the exact moment it is kicked – removing the need to continuously watch players.Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney leaves Sky Sports studio in stitches with brutal one-word response to news of VAR voteThe firms are now set to face a show-down in a courtroom in Hamburg, less than two weeks before Germany and Scotland begin the tournament, in Munich, on June 14.Incredibly the last-minute legal face-off comes despite the initial application being logged on April 18 – five weeks ago and the first contact over the claim being made last year.But Florian Müller, a patent law expert, told Dutch media the timing was clearly designed to put UEFA under time pressure.This Saturday’s FA Cup final and the Champions League final at Wembley will be unaffected, falling before the June 3 hearing – which will be chaired by three judges.A spokesman for UEFA said: “We cannot comment as such on ongoing litigation matters. However, UEFA is not overly concerned by Ballinno’s application.”He added UEFA did not believe the use of VAR would be impacted – even if it lost the case.The original patent that was filed shows a ball-tacking tech intended to alert referees specifically to offsides.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is unclear whether the claimant alleges the whole of VAR has infringed its original patent – or just offsides.A patent expert in the UK told The Sun: “It would be for a court to decide whether any of the protected tech was being unfairly used in the VAR process.” More

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      Footballer, 33, ‘raped woman as she slept’ hours after cup final win at Wembley – before sending explicit photos to pals

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      A FOOTBALLER raped a woman as she slept before sending explicit photos of her to his teammates, a court has heard.Michael Emery, 33, brought the woman back to a hotel after spending the night celebrating Warrington Rylands FC’s FA Vase win on May 22, 2021.Michael Emery, 33, celebrated a win in the FA Vase Cup final at WembleyCredit: AlamyHe is currently on trial for allegedly raping a woman while she sleptCredit: AlamySt Albans Crown Court heard they initially had consensual sex, which the woman described as “vanilla”, before the defendant fell asleep.But she allegedly later awoke to find Emery biting her “really hard” on her left thigh and breast.The woman said “ow twice” and told him she didn’t want to have sex, before Emery allegedly raped her, the court heard.She subsequently “played dead” while he continued to bite her, before allegedly raping her for a second time, jurors were told.read more on football Charlotte Newel KC, prosecuting, said the alleged offences took place at a hotel in Watford.The woman had consumed six or seven bottles of beer over eight hours and was said to be “merry but not drunk,” the court heard.Opening the case, Ms Newell said: “Whilst she was asleep, Mr Emery demonstrated his total disregard for the autonomy and consent of the woman he had intercourse with by taking photographs of her naked without her knowledge and distributing them shortly before 4am amongst his teammates.”Emery is accused of sending explicit pictures to two WhatsApp group chats, allegedly writing: “Anyone want a go?”.Most read in Football”She knew nothing of this and would never have consented to such pictures being taken,” Ms Newell added.In a police interview, the woman said: “I think that when it first sort of hit me a bit… I was feeling quite wavy, for want of a better way of putting it.”The woman confided in her two friends about the alleged rapes first, before approaching her GP on May 27, 2021, the court heard.Her injuries were assessed, samples were taken and she was referred to a counselling service for victims of sexual assault, jurors were told.She was reluctant to go to the police at the time as she was aware of rape conviction statistics, the court heard.But due to Emery’s association with a women’s football team, she decided to tell Mark Pye, Warrington Rylands club chairman, about the alleged attack.After contacting Samaritans for help, she reported him to the police on August 16, 2021.Following a recorded interview, Emery was arrested on September 29, 2021.He claimed they had consensual sex three times.Emery also said she appeared fine and “showed no signs of being unhappy” when she left the hotel room the following morning.However, he failed to mention the images and refused to answer questions about them, the court heard.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer denies two counts of rape and one count of disclosing private sexual photos with intent to cause distress.The case continues. More

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      Ex-Man City player Robinho fighting to get rape conviction DOWNGRADED to slash prison time in hellhole jail in half

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      FORMER Man City ace Robinho is fighting to get his gang rape conviction downgraded and slash his prison time in jail in half.The ex-Brazil international has served less than two months of his nine-year sentence for gang rape in the hellhole maximum security Tremembe Prison, near Sao Paulo.The football ace has been sentenced to nine tears behind bars for gang rapeCredit: AFPThe footie ace is trying to get his prison time slashed in halfThe Ex-Man City player being arrestedThe Brazilian, who has an estimated £60million net worth, was jailed after he was convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club in 2013, alongside five other men.He started serving his sentence in March, sharing a tiny 8m squared cell with some of Brazil’s most notorious murderers and rapists.But his lawyer is already trying to get him out of the hellhole jail in less than two years by arguing the gang rape he was convicted over should not have been categorised as “heinous.”Mario Rossi Vale is arguing it should have been given a “standard” categorisation instead under Brazilian law.READ MORE ON ROBINHOHe’s arguing the footballer’s conviction should never have automatically been labelled “heinous”, increasing the amount of time he has to do in a “closed prison regime” when Brazilian judges facilitated his imprisonment there.If his appeal is accepted, Robinho could be made to do just one year and eight months instead of three years and seven months in a maximum-security prison before being allowed to benefit from a semi-open regime which could enable him to work or study outside jail during the day.The former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester City striker was transferred to the maximum security prison in Tremembé after Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled he must do his time in his homeland as a result of his 2017 rape conviction in Italy.Italy issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star managed to dodge jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo.Most read in FootballBrazil’s High Court of Justice ended up accepting Italy’s request to make him serve his time in his homeland in March and the married dad-of-two was arrested hours after the decision.He was taken from his seafront luxury home in Santos to a hellish Brazilian prison where he plays ball with inmates.Tremembé is notorious for housing high-level criminals including child killers, murderers and other rapists.The cell is said to have only one single bed, a small sink and a toilet built into the floor.While in the cell all activities are isolated and he will be given four meals each day – the first being at 6am and the last at 5.30pm.But the convicted rapist has now been allowed to participate in physical activities with other prisoners, having already taken part in a football match.Timeline of Robinho’s rape caseThe rape case involving Brazilian footballer Robinho spans several years. Here’s a brief timeline:

      January 22, 2013: Robinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club during his stint for AC Milan.
      2014: Brazilian media reported on the allegations against Robinho, but no formal charges were filed at that time.
      2017: Robinho was found guilty of sexual assault by an Italian court and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, he denied the charges and appealed the verdict.
      2020: After the appeal process, Robinho’s sentence was upheld by the Italian court. But due to the statute of limitations in Italy, he was not extradited to serve his sentence.
      2022: Robinho’s prison sentence is ratified.
      March 2023: Robinho surrendered his passport to authorities
      November 2023: Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.
      March 20, 2024: Brazil’s Superior Court formed a simple majority and voted for Robinho to serve the sentence in his home country

      Robinho pictured with his wife Vivian Guglielmetti JunitsCredit: ReutersThe footballer is serving his sentence in Brazil’s Tremembe PrisonCredit: Laurene Santos/TV Vanguarda More

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      in Boxing

      Conor Benn once again BANNED from boxing as he continues doping fight with BBBoC

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      CONOR BENN is once again suspended from boxing as he continues his doping fight with the British Boxing Board of ControlThe 27-year-old welterweight son of British ring legend Nigel failed two tests in the build-up to his axed 2022 super-fight with Chris Eubank Jr.Conor Benn has been suspended once again from boxingCredit: APHe has always passionately insisted on his innocence and claims to have spent in excess of £400,000 on lawyers and scientists to help clear his name.Benn even got his ban lifted by the National Anti-Doping Panel in July 2023 but the BBBofC appealed against that decision and the ban has now been officially reinforced.A Board statement read: “The British Boxing Board of Control Limited refers to a statement published today, 10 May 2024, by UK Anti-Doping (“UKAD”).“As UKAD have stated, the BBBoC can confirm that Conor Benn is subject to a Provisional Suspension prohibiting him from participating in any capacity (or assisting another Athlete in any capacity) in a Competition, Event or activity that is organised, convened, authorised or recognised by the BBBoC or any other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport.READ MORE ON BOXING“UKAD and the BBBoC were successful in their respective appeals of a decision handed down by a tribunal of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel in July 2023, and Mr Benn’s Provisional Suspension was reimposed by the appeal tribunal following those successful appeals.“As Mr Benn’s case remains before the independent National Anti-Doping Panel and the case will now progress in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules, the BBBoC is not able to make any further public comment at this time.”Benn does not have a BBBofC licence but when the ban was lifted he managed two low-key fights in America.But now the ban has been reapplied, any commission that follows the WADA (World Anti-Doping Code) will face difficulty in licensing a bout with him.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOptions for the undefeated puncher are limited but the case could now be taken to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport).This comes after Benn launched a furious online attack on Ryan Garcia.Conor Benn launches X-rated blast at bitter rival Chris Eubank JrThe American shocked many with his points win over Devin Haney last month after necking a beer as he weighed in 3.2lbs over the weight limit for the bout.After a complimentary message from Benn, Garcia took to X to fire shots at The Destroyer and claim he would breeze past him if the pair came to blows.It has since emerged that The former interim WBC lightweight champion tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing drug Ostarine before and after his shock win.Traces of the SARM (selective androgen receptive modulator) – which can build lean muscle mass – were discovered in Garcia’s final pre-fight tests.Garcia, 25, has denied intentionally ingesting the substance, the discovery of which will likely see his win overturned to a No Contest. More

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      Ex-Arsenal ace & Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson banned from driving after being caught speeding three times in one month

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      EX-ENGLAND and Arsenal ace Paul Merson has been banned from driving after being convicted of speeding THREE times within a month.The Sky Sports pundit did 47mph in a 40mph limit on the A316 Great Chertsey Road in Feltham, south west London, on September 9.Paul Merson has been banned from drivingCredit: Ian WhittakerMerson, 56, was caught again doing the same speed on the same road just two days later in his silver Volkswagen Touareg.The retired midfielder was later caught speeding at 57mph in a 50mph stretch of the A316 Country Way in Sunbury on October 1.The trio of offences within a month came after he was caught driving 60mph in a 50mph limit on the M3 at Thorpe, Surrey, on February 27 last year.Merse, who also played for Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court today for a disqualification hearing.Read more newsHe pleaded guilty to all four charges and was banned from driving for six months after receiving 12 penalty points.The footy playmaker was also fined £2,640, must pay a victim surcharge of £1,056 and prosecution costs of £110 within 28 days.Chief Magistrate Joan Lindsay admitted his previous driving record was “not great” and warned: “You mustn’t drive on any UK road once you leave court.”The court heard he already had nine points on his driving licence for speeding twice in 2021 and once in 2022.Most read in FootballNicholas Maggs, defending, claimed the four new convictions were for “relatively modest” speeds in variable limits.He claimed disqualification will have a “substantial effect” on his wife, who doesn’t drive, and his family – as Merse does the school run.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowThe oldest of their three kids, aged three, six and nine, has to travel 45 minutes around four times a week for training and matches at Chelsea’s academy.He said: “On his behalf, I wish to put forward his remorse for these offences. He accepts it’s not acceptable.“Through me he apologises to the court for finding himself before the court and finding himself disqualified for driving. It’s going to make things substantially more difficult.“I’m sure the court will appreciate Mr Merson experienced a number of difficulties in his younger life and has now chosen to use these positively through unpaid speaking events to help younger people from suffering mental health problems.”The FA Cup winner, of Teddington, south west London, was driven to court in the passenger seat of his four-year-old VW.Asked if he wanted to comment after the conclusion of the case, Merson, wearing a maroon long-sleeved polo shirt and grey suit trousers, told The Sun: “Absolutely not.”It comes after the dad-of-eight received a 14-month ban for falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing his Mercedes into a lorry while drink driving on the M40 near Warwick in October 2011.READ MORE SUN STORIESMerson, praised for going public over his battle with alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions, earned 21 Three Lions caps and went to Euro ‘92 and World Cup ‘98.He won the old First Division title with the Gooners in 1989 and 1991, before securing an FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993.Merson appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court todayCredit: Ian WhittakerEx-Arsenal star Merson was fined £2,640Credit: RexThe Sky Sports pundit admitted the driving offencesCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League club boss’ identity to remain hidden in historical child sex abuse case

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      THE identity of a Premier League club boss will remain hidden after he was accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.A civil case has been launched against him by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of raping two girlsThe judge in the case granted the football figure anonymity – meaning his name will stay out of legal documents.Master Stevens, who sits as a judge in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, said this was necessary for the “administration of justice”.She said she had considered human rights to private and family life, as well as freedom of expression, when making the decision.Although privacy rules in the UK apply to identifying suspects in the early stages of a police probe, the media is usually allowed to report cases in court – including civil cases.The ruling came after the football boss’ lawyers argued he should remain anonymous because of the potential harm naming him would have.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.This was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Most read in FootballLegislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.Court papers seen by The Athletic state he “committed trespass to the claimant’s person (assault and battery) and intentionally inflicted injury”.This is said to have caused the woman psychological harm, the documents say.The case is separate to another historical rape allegation made by a different woman.Police previously confirmed the well-known football figure was  quizzed under caution last June regarding that claim.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post despite being under criminal investigation.The Met Police said previously: “On Thursday, September 23, 2021, the Met received a crime report regarding an historic rape allegation.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On Monday, June 12, a man was interviewed under caution at a police station.’’Further enquiries are being carried out in that case before a decision is made whether to charge him or take no further action. More

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      Nicky Butt breaks cover on red carpet after being told he faces possible jail time for smashing bikers leg in car smash

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      MAN Utd legend Nicky Butt was tonight spotted for the first time since being told he could face possible jail time for smashing a motorcyclist’s leg.The ex-England ace, 49, rammed into Andrew Fielden while driving carelessly in his Range Rover through Burnley, Lancashire.Nicky Butt attending the “99” World Premiere at Printworks todayCredit: RexThe footballer was seen with his children Ruben Butt (L) and Jersey Butt (R)Credit: EPAOur pictures show the Man Utd legend looking concerned moments after the crash involving his £100,000 Land Rover DefenderCredit: The SunAndrew spent two weeks in hospital and needed an operation to insert a metal rod into his mangled left legCredit: The SunButt pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to the riderThe biker suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Today the ex-midfielder was seen walking down the red carpet of an exclusive event – just days after admitting he caused injury by careless driving in front of the Blackburn Magistrates’ Court.Donning a classic suit paired with a satin-blue tie, the former England star beamed as he appeared at the premiere of Amazon Prime’s docu-series about the famous 1999 Treble winners. The three-part series features members of the Red Devils team that lifted a historic trio of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.more on the ex-midfielder The trailer teases interviews with both players and staff, including Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant Steve McClaren.David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Peter Schmeichel, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Butt, Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all feature.One episode will be dedicated to the stories behind each trophy.After the horror crash, Andrew needed an operation to insert a metal rod into the mangled limb and spent ten months on crutches.Most read in FootballHe developed a blood clot and requires medication for the rest of his life. The devastating injury also meant he had to give up his job as a Screwfix store manager.Wild scenes as Olympiacos celebrate reaching the Conference League final -Butt was handed an interim driving ban following the October 2022 crash.He could face up to two years in jail or an unlimited fine when he is sentenced on a date to be set.Butt, who was picking up his son at the time, suffered a “momentary lapse of concentration”, the court heardProsecutor Graeme Tindall said: “What appears to have happened is a number of vehicles pass what appears to look like a HGV.“Mr Butt having let the HGV come past, pulls out and this is when Mr Fielden is coming past on the motorcycle.”The court was told Andrew was left with no memory of the crash other than waking up in hospital “in immense pain”.Butt remained at the scene and has since written a letter of apology. Butt’s solicitor told Blackburn magistrates his client had “clearly shown remorse” in the letter.Inside the career of the former midfielderBUTT was an instrumental part of Alex Ferguson’s youth team – rising through the ranks with David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and the Nevilles.
      The midfielder began his professional career stepping in for Roy Keane as a sub before he landed a full-time spot when Paul Ince left in 1995.
      Along with the rest of the Class of ’92, Butt helped Utd win countless trophies as the club became a dominant force.
      This included the Champions League Final in 1999, where the Red Devils made history by winning the treble.
      By the time he left in 2004, the footballer had helped Utd win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League trophy.
      Butt later had spells at Newcastle and Birmingham City before moving into management in 2016 for Utd’s U23 team.
      In 2014, he bought Salford City along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary and Phil Neville.

      However, it is not clear whether this was an apology to the court or the victim.Despite claims in court that Butt had shown remorse, the Honda rider said that he never apologised to him for the incident.He told The Sun: “I have not heard anything from Nicky Butt.”He has never spoken to me or written me a letter.”Or if he has, I haven’t seen it. If I had put somebody through all this, I’d be doing everything possible to help. He has done some serious damage to me, and I have not fully recovered from my injuries.“His solicitors may have advised him not to make direct contact.”“If I had knocked someone from their bike, I would be making sure that person was looked after from the moment they got home.“I’d be doing their shopping and making sure they are OK but I have not heard a word from him.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJust days ago, Butt was seen for the first time after his court appearance.He looked glum as he sat on a park bench wearing jeans, a white t-shirt and white trainers.Nicky Butt seen for the first time since being banned from driving for careless drivingButt was part of the Class of 92 squadHe played 270 games for Utd during his 12 years on the senior team More