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    Illegal immigrant who swiped £250k from Jenson Button’s wife is jailed after CCTV showed shocking heist

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    A CAREER criminal who swiped £250,000 from Jenson Button’s wife has been jailed after the terrifying heist was caught on camera.Mourad Aid, 41, stole Brittny’s carry-on, which contained lavish jewellery and designer handbags, from St Pancras station.Jenson Button’s wife was robbed at St Pancras stationCredit: GettyMourad Aid stole a red suitcase containing £250k of goodsCredit: British Transport PoliceBrittny later said she did not want to return to the UKAid has been jailed for two yearsCredit: BTPFootage showed Formula One driver Button stood with his back turned as he helped a chauffeur load his belongings into a vehicle.Aid was then filmed running through the busy station and past the British Library while wheeling the red suitcase.He has now been two years and four months after pleading guilty to theft at Westminster Magistrates’ court.The Algerian national will be automatically deported once he has served his sentence, Mail Online reports.Read more newsJPs were told Aid came to the UK in 2019 on a six-month tourist visa but stayed illegally when it expired.He has never applied for asylum or appeared to have legal employment, it was said.Brittny revealed the bag had more than £250,000 worth of items, including countless sentimental objects and antique jewellery from her wedding and the birth of her daughter.The suitcase also contained two Kelly bags, which together are worth a whopping £70,000.Most read in MotorsportEx-Playboy model Brittny said she would normally not carry such sentimental items but was travelling for a Valentine’s trip to Paris.Many of the stolen goods were listed online following the theft – although these were later tracked down.Brittny, now an interior designer, says the experience left her “traumatised” and cast a dark cloud over their getaway.She also revealed the couple have “no interest” in flying back to the UK from California, where they currently live.The mum added: “It definitely was shocking that I just didn’t think.”I’m normally pretty cautious when I’m out in public and travelling, but I just didn’t think that there were gangs literally just waiting for people and watching.”Aid was arrested by plain clothes officers on February 17 – four days after the couple were targeted.British Transport Police Detective Sergeant Marc Farmer said: “This was a brazen and opportunistic theft by a man who took advantage of the victim and her husband having their backs turned for a matter of seconds while loading up their car with luggage.Read More on The Sun”He was able to quickly swipe the suitcase without them even noticing, which hammers home just how sneaky these sorts of criminals really are and why it’s so important to keep one eye on your belongings at all times.”While the incident wasn’t captured on CCTV, we were still able to trace Aid through other investigative opportunities, and he was arrested by our plain clothes officers just days later.”The thief has been jailed for two yearsCredit: British Transport PoliceJenson and Brittny had returned from a tripCredit: brittny/Instagram More

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      Inside vast Champions League security op with 5,000 cops, riot units & ring of steel…& that’s NOT even in host Munich

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      A MAJOR security operation with riot cops and a ring of steel is being mobilised for the final PSG vs Inter Milan Champions League showdown – but it is 500 miles away from the host city. Security officials are on high alert as thousands of fans are expected to flock to Munich to witness the European football season’s epic climax. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporters set off flares and wave a team logo flag as they gather ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-finalCredit: AFPAnti-riot police officers stand guard during a football match in FranceCredit: AFPInter fans celebrate after a match winCredit: GettyPolice cars in front of the Allianz Arena in Munich where tomorrow’s finale will take placeCredit: GettyBut a separate security operation will take place in Paris, where footie fans are equally charged up as they continue to cheer for their home team PSG. The French capital will deploy 5,400 police officers for Saturday’s final game, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez said. Although the match will be held in Munich, a PSG victory would be expected to spark celebrations in the club’s home city, which could escalate into disturbances.Just like the violent clashes that broke out in the streets of Paris several hours after the semi-final match between PSG and Arsenal.read more in football To tackle this, police units will be deployed alongside “mobile gendarmes”, which are French mobile police units. Many of the officers will be on the watch around the capital’s Champs-Élysées avenue, where fans are expected to take to the streets if their home team lifts the cup tomorrow. Cops are expected to shut down the traffic near the venue, and constant camera surveillance will be activated. Security will also be beefed up around Parc des Princes, PSG’s home stadium on the southwestern edge of the city, the Paris police chief added. Most read in Champions LeagueNunez said: “We have a large network throughout the metropolitan area. So yes, a massive deployment in the capital and its metropolitan area with 5,400 personnel mobilised. “We have called up personnel from the police headquarters, and the Minister of State has placed numerous mobile forces, CRS [riot police] and mobile gendarmes at my disposal. Everyone is on deck.” French riot police ‘tear gas entire streets’ as fans ‘throw fireworks’ in chaotic scenes before PSG vs ArsenalShocking footage from just hours after the PSG vs Arsenal match showed a car ploughing into a crowd of football fans before being torched. The burning wreck of the vehicle can be seen on Rue Christophe-Colomb, close to the Champs-Elysées.Young PSG supporters were seen confronting riot police.There were reports that some targeted even shops and banks, leaving the windows smashed. A Paris Police Prefecture spokesperson said at least “43 people were arrested during the PSG victory celebrations”, mainly for public order offences.Meanwhile, cops in the host city of Munich are also bracing up for the high-stakes final game. An increased police presence is expected throughout the city, with more than 2,000 special police officers deployed around key areas. PSG supporters set off flares as they gather ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football matchCredit: AFPGerman police at a Bundesliga match betweenCredit: GettyInter Milan fans celebrate winning Serie A in 2021Credit: ReutersAerial view of Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris.Credit: GettyThis include the massive Allianz Arena stadium, where the match will take place and the Olympic Park, where thousands of fans will gather for a free public viewing. A German police spokesperson said: “It is to be expected that high-risk individuals will be here. But we are well prepared.”The Italian fans in particular have a certain potential. Therefore, the match has been assessed as a high-risk match.” Units of Bavarian riot police will be deployed to tackle any chaos. Hawk-eyed undercover cops will comb through the area while mobile and fixed barriers in different positions will be built throughout. The barriers are designed to help prevent car rammings similar to the one witnessed in Liverpool last week during a Premier League victory parade, which left 79 people injured.There has been a spate of violence in recent weeks surrounding big football matches. Shocking scenes of violence erupted in Poland just hours before the Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis kicked off.British and Spanish football fans were seen brawling in the streets, launching bottles and smoke grenades and even being pushed back by police water cannons. The ugly scenes have kicked off mainly near the fanzone in Wroclaw – where the final was held – with riot police forced to defuse the violence.Just hours before kickoff, the fighting spilt over when fans started kicking and throwing flares into each other’s camps.Fans clash in ugly scenes in Poland before the Europa Conference FinalCredit: AFPSupporters were seen hurling punches, kicking, launching bottles and smoke grenadesCredit: AFPTottenham Hotspur fans in the streets of BilbaoCredit: ReutersTables and chairs were thrown to the floorCredit: EPASoon, chairs were hurtling through the air as the fans squared up to each other before police, some armed with guns, came to separate them.Cops were even forced to hurl powerful water cannons at Chelsea supporters, according to footage on social media.Last week, Bilbao launched its biggest security operation to maintain law and order during the ultimate Spurs vs Manchester United showdown.Spanish security officials were on high alert and had deployed a ring of steel to fortify the San Mames Stadium as brawls had broken out and streets had been rashed ahead of the final.Shocking images showed Brit fans tearing down traffic lights, vomiting in the city’s streets and chucking bottles, vapes and cans around. Local media reported that some footie fanatics have become “difficult to control”.PSG and Inter Milan are both chasing the grandest prize in Europe, but only one of them can go home with the riches.Read More on The SunLuis Enrique’s side saw off Arsenal in the semi-final, having already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa in the round of 16 and quarter-final respectively.Simone Inzaghi managed one of the most thrilling ties of all-time against Barcelona, with the Italians knocking out the La Liga winners 7-6 on aggregate.Champions League 2025 prize moneyINTER and PSG are guaranteed to take home at least £15.9m, but the runner-up prize will not appeal to either of them.For winning the competition, either of the pair could walk home with £21.9mWinner: £21.5mRunner-up: £15.9mSemi-finalist: £12.9mQuarter-finalist: £10.7mRound of 16: £9.4mLeague stage qualification: £1.7mLeague stage win: £1.8mLeague stage draw: £590,000 More

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      Maradona homicide trial COLLAPSES after glam judge appeared in glitzy doc about case over football icon’s death

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      THE homicide trial of footballing icon Diego Maradona’s medical team has officially been cancelled.The trial was said to be on the brink of collapse just 24 hours ago after a glam judge appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing case.Argentine former football star Diego Maradona died in 2020Julieta Makintach – dubbed the ‘judge of God’ – appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing caseCredit: ClarinJudge Makintach – one of the three presiding judges – has since resigned in the face of allegations of an ethical breachCredit: ReutersJulieta Makintach – dubbed the “judge of God” – featured in a trailer for the six-part mini-series which was embarrassingly played to the court.News broadcasts of footy legend Maradona’s death were also featured in the trailer, as well as an excerpt of an emergency call asking for an ambulance.It ended with Makintach preparing documents at a desk prior to the trial.The bizarre footage suggests unauthorised recordings were shot inside the courtroom, which constitutes a breach of judicial rules.read more in MaradonaIt is unclear how the footage was captured. The trailer preview was one of several pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week which left the trial suspended.It has now reportedly been designated as “null and void” by the Third Criminal Court of San Isidro, reports Clarin.Judge Makintach has also since resigned in the face of the allegations.Most read in SoccerThis has left the case with just two remaining judges in Maximiliano Savarino and Verónica Di Tommaso.Mr Savarino announced the cancelled trial today as he blasted Makintach’s actions.Maradona homicide trial BEGINS as his medical team accused of fatal negligenceHe said: “The trial was well conducted by all of us except for one person who was sidelined.”Before adding: We believe the case should be heard in another court.”When the decision to cancel the trial was read out, the daughters of Maradona, Dalma and Gianinna, broke down in tears.The trailer caused such a national outcry that Makintach said on Tuesday that she had “no choice” but to resign from the proceedings.Diego Maradona’s daughters Gianina Maradona (L) and Dalma Maradona attend the trial for their father’s deathCredit: EPADoctor Leopoldo Luque attends the trialThe judges stated that there would be a new trial, but did not indicate when that would occur. In addition, new judges will selected via a lottery.The trial began on March 11 and dozens of witnesses had already testified. It was expected to conclude in the summer, but now that could be a new starting point.”I trust we could have a sentence by the end of the year,” said Fernando Burlando, an attorney for Maradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna Maradona.The family accused the medical team of failing to provide appropriate care for Maradona, 60, after his surgery for a hematoma that formed between his skull and brain. The surgery was performed in early November and he died weeks later during his recovery at a private home.The seven defendants all deny the charges and claim that Maradona fought against them during the recovery period.The former doctor of Maradona, Nancy ForliniCredit: AFPJulio Rivas, lawyer of Leopoldo Luque, the personal doctor of MaradonaCredit: ReutersThe Argentinian legend- considered one of the world’s greatest ever football players – had been recovering at his home in Buenos Aires from surgery on a brain blood clot when he tragically died.He suffered a heart attack aged 60.Seven members of the legend’s medical team were then placed under investigation over his death and are now being prosecuted for negligent homicide.Those responsible for his medical care face prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.The charges relate to their decision to allow him to recover from major surgery at home, and the conditions of his care.They deny the charges.The medical team on trial includes a neurosurgeon, a doctor and a night nurse.Read More on The SunThe defendants have claimed Maradona refused any further treatment and should have stayed home for longer following his operation.Gianinna claimed her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely” place and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare.Portrait of Argentina’s star midfielder Diego Maradona in 1986Credit: AFP More

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      Maradona trial on brink of COLLAPSE after glam judge appears in glitzy doc about ongoing case over football icon’s death

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      THE trial of late Argentine football superstar Diego Maradona’s medical team is on the brink of collapse after a glam judge appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing case.Julieta Makintach – dubbed the “judge of God” – recused herself after a trailer for the six-part mini-series was embarrassingly played to the court. Julieta Makintach – dubbed the ‘judge of God’ – recused herselfCredit: ClarinOne clip shows her going up in a lift in what appears to be a courthouseCredit: P14Makintach arrives at court for a hearing in the trial of health professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer star Diego MaradonaCredit: APArgentine former football star Diego Maradona died in 2020Credit: AFPIt emerged that Makintach, 47, had been shooting the series called Divine Justice about the case, potentially breaking a string of ethics rules.The shocking preview begins with Makintach strutting through the entrance of what seems to be a court house in high heels as she takes the lift to the upper floors.News broadcasts of footy legend Maradona’s death are also featured in the trailer, as well as an excerpt of an emergency call asking for an ambulance.It concludes with Makintach preparing documents at a desk.The bizarre footage suggests unauthorised recordings were shot inside the courtroom, which constitutes a breach of judicial rules.According to a script, the mini-series would follow Makintach as she “reconstructs the death of Maradona and certain painful milestones of his life related to abandonment.”The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspended.Tuesday’s hearing was marked by insults, recriminations, shouting and tears.Most read in SoccerIn a bitter exchange, prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of behaving “like an actress and not a judge.”He said: “[Makintach] spoke about Maradona, the trial, how it was unfolding.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death “She has been completely influenced by her leading role, by the centrality of her figure.”She lied to our faces for three months. I demand that the court recuse judge Makintach.”As the trailer was played, defence lawyer Rodolfo Baque jumped out of his chair to shout “trash” at the judge.The late footballer’s daughter Gianinna Maradona tried to calm him before she and Maradona’s former partner, Veronica Ojeda, both began to sob.Makintach sat with her head bowed, biting her lip and eventually said she had “no choice” but to recuse herself as one of the case’s three justices.Her removal is an embarrassment for Argentina’s judicial system and could yet derail a trial being watched by football fans worldwide.Maradona – considered one of the world’s greatest ever football players – had been recovering at his home in Buenos Aires from surgery on a brain blood clot when he tragically died of a heart attack aged 60.Seven members of the legend’s medical team are being prosecuted for negligent homicide over his death in November 2020.She also struts in her high heels in the trailerCredit: P14The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspendedCredit: Clarin Judges Veronica Di Tommaso, Maximiliano Savarino and Julieta Makintach attend the first day of soccer legend Diego Maradona’s death trialCredit: ReutersPortrait of Argentina’s midfielder Diego Maradona in 1986Credit: AFPThose responsible for his medical care face prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.The charges relate to their decision to allow him to recover from major surgery at home, and the conditions of his care.They deny the charges.The medical team on trial includes a neurosurgeon, a doctor and a night nurse.The defendants have claimed Maradona refused any further treatment and should have stayed home for longer following his operation.Gianinna Maradona has claimed her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely” place and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare.The court will decide on Thursday whether the trial will go ahead or be scrapped and then restarted.Some of the plaintiffs have called for a new trial, saying they felt proceedings have been tainted by scandal.The lawyer for Maradona’s ex-partner Ojeda said that “everyone now feels that this is compromised,” adding that it’s “healthiest to start over from scratch”.Glam Makintach denied being paid for the documentary and said that she had given “an interview to a childhood friend about the justice system”.Makintach added: “That material was raw, it was intimate. It was on a Sunday at 5pm. Does that give it the label of forbidden, hidden, illicit?”According to Argentinian media, prosecutor Ferrari said: “On Sunday March 9, before the trial began, Makintach entered the building with six people.”And if there is a script and a trailer, it wasn’t just an interview.Read More on The Sun”There were photos, footage. There was no authorisation for this irregular entry.”All the aggravating circumstances clearly exist that demonstrate the loss of independence and impartiality of the member summoned to this trial.”In 2019, Gimnasia y Esgrima team coach Diego Armando Maradona gestures to supporters as he leaves the field after an Argentina First Division Superliga football matchCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd star AVOIDS jail after he crashed Audi in 99mph horror smash with ‘balloon in his mouth’

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      A FORMER Man Utd star has avoided jail after he was caught with a balloon in his mouth before he crashed his Audi in a 99mph horror smash.Brandon Williams was driving erratically on the A34 near Handforth in Cheshire on August 20, 2023.Brandon Williams has pleaded guilty to driving dangerouslyCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder PicturesThe former Man Utd player crashed his Audi at 99mphCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old was playing for Utd at the time but was loaned to Ipswich for the 2023-24 season.Williams today avoided jail after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without third party insurance following the high-speed crash.He was instead handed a 14 month sentence, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for three years.Sentencing, Judge Eric Lamb said: “There was no reason for driving in the way you did.”Chester Crown Court heard the defender was with a female passenger at the time of the crash and was “showing off”..She was seen filming him at one point as Williams reached speeds of 99mph with a balloon in his mouth, it was said.He lost control of the Audi A3 before it collided with a blue Ford Fiesta and then smashed into the central reservation.Three of the occupants of the Fiesta, which was written off, were injured with one saying she “felt she was going to be killed”.Most read in FootballThe female driver and a male passenger suffered whiplash, while another passenger was left with seatbelt injuries and bruising.Williams, who no longer has a team, was breathalysed at the scene but the test was negative.A witness said Williams’ Audi had been “closing in” behind her before the smash and claimed both the star and his passenger had “yellow balloons in their mouths”.But Max Saffman, prosecuting, told the court that the crown did not contend Williams was “impaired” by nitrous oxide or any other substance.The footballer was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries before he was arrested.Williams told police he was driving the Audi but initially denied he was driving erratically.He also attempted to blame another driver for the crash – telling officers he only hit the central reservation as he was forced to swerve.Williams was asked about witnesses who saw him with a balloon at his mouth but he replied: “No comment”.The court heard had been given “too much too soon” and was experiencing “significant mental health issues” at the time.Williams, who is without a club, is now said to be “in better shape mentally and physically” and is hoping to secure a contract this summer. The footballer joined United’s academy as a youngster and went on to make 51 appearances for the first team.Williams has spent two stints on loan away from Old Trafford — firstly with Norwich City during the 2021/22 season where he made 26 appearances and then Ipswich.In June last year, Utd announced that Williams would leave the club at the end of his contract.Andrew Madden, a senior crown prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Brandon Williams’ driving on that day clearly fell far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver.“Expert analysis showed that he was driving at 99 mph four seconds before he hit the Ford Fiesta.“Witnesses said Williams kept speeding up and then breaking sharply.“It was clear he wasn’t in control of the vehicle.“The driving was erratic and the speed was grossly excessive. “Eventually, Williams lost control completely and crashed.“It is a fortunate no one was seriously injured or killed.Read More on The Sun“To drive at 99mph in those circumstances was extremely dangerous and placed the lives of other road users at serious risk of harm.“The Crown Prosecution Service wishes to thank the witnesses for supporting this prosecution.”Williams pictured arriving at court todayCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures More

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      Just SEVEN arrests among 80k Bilbao Brits after Europa League final as Spurs fans partied & Red Devils drowned sorrows

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      JUST seven arrests were made among the 80,000 Bilbao Brits after Tottenham ended their silverware drought with a 1-0 win against Manchester United.Spanish security officials deployed a ring of steel to fortify the San Mames Stadium as brawls had broken out and streets trashed ahead of the game.One football fan holding a traffic light in Bilbao on Tuesday nightCredit: ReutersBasque Police line up as supporters leave the stadium after the UEFA Europa League finalCredit: EPAFans gather in Bilbao yesterdayCredit: ReutersManchester United fans look dejected after Tottenham Hotspur’s first goalCredit: ReutersThe Basque regional police force confirmed the handful of arrests related to incidents arising following the Europa League showdown.Five of the detainees had already been released but would be summoned to appear before a judge at a later date, and two remained in police custody but were expected to be allowed to leave later today, a spokesman said.The handful of incidents that marred what was otherwise a good-natured, boozy celebration included a fight between rival sets of fans in San Sebastian on Tuesday night.Cops managed to defuse the situation without making any arrests.read more sportAnd brawls broke out in the Spanish city yesterday, with one Brit filmed being pinned to the ground by cops with batons and guns and marched away in handcuffs after getting into a street punch-up with a rival fan.Locals speaking to the Daily Mail yesterday branded the two teams’ supporters “drunken yobs”, with one pensioner claiming: “I’m used to seeing football fans coming to Bilbao from all over Spain and Europe because the ground is very close to me.“But these English fans are like out-of-control animals.”Despite Brits drinking Bilbao dry and a small minority displayed obvious anti-social behaviour, police confirmed today they had not had to deal with any major incidents and weren’t aware of any serious injuries.Most read in FootballThe Ertzaintza spokesman said: “We have made seven arrests linked to incidents arising from the Europa League final.“All are foreigners but I can’t confirm if they are all British.Shocking footage shows Man Utd and Spurs fans brawl in the streets of San SebastianCredit: XThis football hooligan is pictured picking up a wheelie bin before throwing it at the opposing fansCredit: XFootball fans can be seen hurling whatever they can get their hands on during the vicious brawlCredit: X“The arrests were for fighting, criminal damage, disobedience and assaulting a police officer.”He also confirmed detentions were made from robberies that Spurs and Man United fans fell victim to.At least three British nationals who had travelled to Bilbao for the game are said to have had expensive designer watches stolen from them.One was worth £42,000, another £33,000 and the third £21,000, according to local reports.Cops were only able to recover the second of the timepieces after arresting the offender minutes after he targeted his victim.The crimes have been linked to the “state of drunkenness” the Brits were in.City hall-employed local police in Bilbao, the other force responsible for policing the final, are expected to comment later.Newspaper El Correo, which claimed overnight the total number of arrests stood at eight and said the vast majority were British, said in a report this morning: “A lot of police and few incidents in the Europa League final.“Over and above a few disturbances which the authorities felt were inevitable, in a party where there were tens of thousands of visitors and litres of alcohol, the main objective was to try to guarantee general security and avoid large-scale serious fighting between supporters.“And that is something the authorities consider they have achieved.”Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur lifts the UEFA Europa League trophyCredit: GettySpurs have now finally ended their 17-year trophy droughManchester United fans react in the stands before the matchCredit: ReutersBrennan Johnson’s 42nd-minute strike was enough to seal a scrappy game for Spurs, with the winning goal bouncing in off England ace Luke Shaw.Thousands of white-shirted fans went wild when the final whistle blew, meaning their 17-year wait for a trophy ended and the club qualified for next season’s Champions League.Supporters leapt over barriers and flooded the north London pitch, as some even climbed on top of the giant screens waving their shirts in the air.Within minutes of the game ending, north London was gridlocked.Fans swarmed the streets with many holding white flares while chanting ‘North London is ours!’The scrappy game saw United dominating possession but there were few clear cut chances – betraying both teams’ dismal Premier League form – as the tie lived up to its ‘El Crapico’ billing.In Bilbao, the final was played out to a packed stadium with thousands waving flags and chanting.On Tuesday,  shocking footage emerged showing a brutal clash between the fans of the two football clubs.In the video, a large group of hooligans are seen brawling as they throw objects and punches at each other.Witnesses say the fight broke out when two large groups of supporters began shouting and hurling insults.It quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl, with both Man Utd and Spurs fans grabbing whatever they could to throw at each other.One hooligan overturned a terrace table and used it as a weapon against the other group.Read More on The SunDrinks and bins were also hurled, creating a chaotic scene that posed a serious risk to local businesses and passersby.Several local police patrols rushed to the scene after reports of the brawl and quickly restored order.Gun-wielding cops walk through Bilbao ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United matchCredit: Reuters More

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      Ex-Arsenal star, 34, admits role in £600k Stansted Airport drug smuggling plot

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      A PROFESSIONAL footballer has admitted that he was involved in a drug smuggling plot worth £600,000.The celebrity was arrested at his home on September 18, after 60kg of cannabis was found in suitcases linked to him two weeks earlier.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested after 60kg of cannabis was discovered in his suitcasesCredit: GettyThe drugs arrived in the UK via Stansted AirportCredit: National Crime AgencyThe footballer pleaded guilty to the drug charge in MayCredit: PAJay Emmanuel-Thomas, 34, was found to have brought 60kg of cannabis into the UK from Thailand.According to Met police, the drugs had travelled via Dubai before arriving at Stansted Airport on September 2.Cops now believe that the celebrity might have been the intermediary between drug pushers in the UK and suppliers in Thailand.Now, he will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex at a later date.Read More on Sport NewsHe pleaded guilty to the offence earlier in May, but reporting restrictions on the case have only just been lifted.Initially, the footballer known as “JET” denied the charges when appearing in court in October 2024.Two other people were arrested in connection with the case, but an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) have led to the charges being dropped.The two women were arrested with the drugs from Thailand on September 2, after making the journey for Emmanuel Thomas – in exchange for £2,500.Most read in FootballHowever, the Crown had offered no evidence against the two women, allowing them to go free.Rosie Rowland, 28, and Yasmin Piotrowska, 33, were said to have sobbed as they were allowed to leave the dock.They had previously denied importing cannabis between July 1 and September 2.According to Prosecutor David Josse KC, the two women thought they were “importing gold, not cannabis”.As he was taken into custody, Emmanuel-Thomas said: “I just feel sorry for the girls.”NCA senior investigating officer, David Philips, revealed how criminal groups try to profit from drugs. He said: “Organised crime groups make significant profits by trafficking and selling perceived high-quality cannabis legally grown in the US, Canada and Thailand illegally in the UK.“Organised criminals like Thomas can be very persuasive and offer payment to couriers. But the risk of getting caught is very high and it simply isn’t worth it.”In Britain, the maximum sentence for smuggling cannabis – a class B drug – is a 14-year-stretch behind bars. Emmanuel-Thomas was a fan-favourite footballer who had played for Arsenal, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, MK Dons and PTT Rayong.He was axed from his most recent team, Greenock Morton, after appearing in court for the crime. A spokesperson for Greenock Morton released a short statement on social media after the sacking. Read More on The SunThe statement read: “Greenock Morton FC can confirm that the contract of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been terminated with immediate effect.”The club will be making no further comment on the matter.”More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun OnlineThesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.The star admitted to his crime in courtCredit: PA More

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      Bilbao cops launch ‘biggest security operation ever’ after brawls & trashed streets as 70k fans arrive for Europa League

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      BILBAO’S biggest security operation ever is underway as over 70,000 Brit’s are flooding the Spanish city to witness the ultimate Spurs vs Manchester United showdown.Spanish security officials on high alert have deployed a ring of steel to fortify the San Mames Stadium as brawls have broken out and streets trashed ahead of the final.One football fan holding a traffic light in Bilbao last nightCredit: ReutersGun-wielding cops walk through Bilbao ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United matchCredit: ReutersManchester United fans gather to show their support to their teamCredit: GettySpecialist officers protect Manchester United squad before crunch finalCredit: UEFA via Getty ImagesThousands of charged footie fans have already flooded the streets of sunny Bilbao in good spirits with drinks flowing.But overnight fiery clashes and ugly brawls between the two fan bases broke out – with hooligans expected to sow chaos ahead of the final today.Shocking images show Brit fans tearing down traffic lights, vomiting in the city’s streets and chucking bottles, vapes and cans around, with local media reporting that some footie fanatics have become “difficult to control”.To counter this, Spanish authorities have deployed more than 3,000 gun-wielding cops to oversee three security rings around the stadium.read more newsOne will sit in the immediate perimeter, another on the esplanade in front of the stadium, and the final near the Sabino Arana area. Access will be restricted to only ticket holders and local residents as fears loom those without a seat in the final will attempt to illegally enter the stadium.Each club has millions of fans across the globe, but there are just 15,000 tickets allocated to each team for the 53,000-capacity stadium.A 10-foot high fence has been erected around the site, with border controls reinforced by the Spanish National Police.Most read in FootballFan zones equipped with giant screens and more than 60,000 litres of beer have been set up outside the city centre to attract fans without tickets away from the security perimeter.To minimise the risk of confrontations, the two sets of fans will be kept in separate areas – 1.5 miles apart – before kickoff.Sniffer dog units have also been deployed, with rigorous searches to be constantly conducted on fans.Fans had climbed up to get the traffic lights and tore them offCredit: ReutersPolice clashing with fans earlier this year in a Europa League clash between Athletic Bilbao and AS RomaCredit: APA Tottenham Hotspur fan wearing a shirt reading ‘Bilbao 25’ poses for a photoCredit: GettyBilbao cops have launched the ‘biggest security operation ever’Credit: Dave CourtnadgeRoads have been shut off ahead of tonight’s gameCredit: Dave CourtnadgeThe Basque Government’s security minister has admitted that the clash is “the greatest security challenge” they have had to face.Bingen Zupiria revealed that the security measures being deployed surpassed the ones taken for the Tour De France.He told SER Deportivos Bilbao that “we are constantly reviewing the operation,” adding that the UEFA, UK police and the clubs involved are working together with Basque authorities to maximise safety.But this hasn’t settled the security chief’s nerves, as he confessed: “I won’t hide the fact that I’m nervous; this job generates moments of anxiety.”Cops in Bilbao also made an unusual trip to Wembley to meet with their British counterparts on how they safely secure the perimeter of the national stadium.New security measures had been introduced at the London stadium following crowd troubles in the European Championship final of 2021.Officers from the Met Police and Greater Manchester Police met with UEFA and local cops last week as they all look to avoid issues encountered at the hands of English fans at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris, as well as the 2023 final in Istanbul.UEFA has previously praised host cities like Dublin for their management of such a gargantuan event, with the Basque Government hoping Bilbao will be the latest successful host.Tottenham Hotspur fan Jangwon Son plays the trumpet ahead of the UEFA Europa League FinalCredit: GettyTottenham Hotspur enjoy the atmosphere ahead of the finalCredit: GettyTottenham Hotspur fans in the streets of BilbaoCredit: ReutersSecurity chief Zupiria added: “We’re going to need patience, citizen collaboration, and common sense.”Bilbao mayor Juan Mari Aburto said on Tuesday: “We are very excited and proud to host this game. We want [English fans] to see what we are like, the passion we feel, the good values of football and our culture.”Just yesterday, shocking footage emerged showing a brutal clash between the fans of the two football clubs.In the video, a large group of hooligans are seen brawling as they throw objects and punches at each other.Witnesses say the fight broke out when two large groups of supporters began shouting and hurling insults. Shocking footage shows Man Utd and Spurs fans brawl in the streets of San SebastianCredit: XThis football hooligan is pictured picking up a wheelie bin before throwing it at the opposing fansCredit: XFootball fans can be seen hurling whatever they can get their hands on during the vicious brawlCredit: XIt quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl, with both Man Utd and Spurs fans grabbing whatever they could to throw at each other.One hooligan overturned a terrace table and used it as a weapon against the other group.Drinks and bins were also hurled, creating a chaotic scene that posed a serious risk to local businesses and passersby.Several local police patrols rushed to the scene after reports of the brawl and quickly restored order.Meanwhile, charged-up Brits who flocked to the sunny Spanish city have kicked off the party before the stellar finale. Some are braving an epic 32-hour-plus ferry ride which set sail at 10pm on Sunday evening and won’t arrive until 8am on Tuesday morning.Shocking moment Rangers fans attacked by Bilbao ultras in violent street brawl With flights to Spain rocketing over £1,000 after the Prem teams sealed their final spots, many took advantage of the cheaper sea-route option, which set them back £260 for a cabin.The sky-high air prices are due to just six direct flights from Britain to the Basque region’s industrial port city each day.And with only 65 hotels in Spain’s tenth largest city, accommodation has been fully-booked for weeks.Precious tickets to the big game were selling on the black market for up to £10,000.EasyJet was charging £1,823 to fly from Gatwick to Bilbao on Wednesday morning and return on Thursday morning, while the cheapest hotels for Wednesday night cost around £1,200.But for those fans who managed to snap up the golden tickets, footage has shown them enjoying themselves.A Bilbao bar was flooded with Brit fans chanting and drinking ahead of the anticipated final.Spurs fans were also seen welcoming the team bus as it arrived in the city one day before the clash.Footage taken by The Sun showed fans arriving to fill the streets of Bilbao about 40 hours before kick-off.Read More on The SunBoth sets of supporters have been pictured marching through the streets, chanting songs with beers in hand as they gear up for the Europa League final.Aside from European glory, the victorious team qualifies for next season’s cash-riddled Champions League, worth a cool £100m to the club lifting the prized trophy.Footie fanatics get the party started earlyBy Sun man in Bilbao, Dave CourtnadgeIT’S barely midday in Bilbao on the day before the Europa League final between Manchester United and Spurs – but it’s already getting lively.I arrived in the city at about 9am after a 32-HOUR ferry ride from Portsmouth.And the first thing a lot of fellow fans planned to do was find a pub for a well-earned drink.Walking around the area around the San Mames stadium this morning, a fair few others had the same idea.Many have had long journeys, stopping off overnight in another city to keep down the soaring cost of getting here, with some direct flights over £1,000.So it’s no surprise many are already getiing the party started, or the Bilbao leg of the party anyway.Spurs fan Gary, who flew out from London before an overnight stay in a Madrid hotel resembling a “prison cell”, joked as he supped a pint in the sun: “I’m just getting some practice in for tomorrow.”The atmosphere has been brilliant so far, and hopefully that will continue.There had been claims that Spurs fans are set to outnumber United fans by 5 to 1, with an estimated 50,000 supporters of the two English sides expected to arrive.One Tottenham follower I spoke to joked that they had bought all the flights out of London to keep the Reds out.Based on the number of Spurs shirts I’ve already seen, he might be right. 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      Ex-Man United player, 19, was found dead in bedroom weeks after quitting football – as family pay tribute

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      HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for an ex-Manchester United star who was found dead in his bedroom just weeks after quitting football.Vinicius de Oliveira Cabral de Souza, known to loved ones as Vini, tragically died aged 19 three months ago, an inquest heard.Popular footballer Vini de Souza passed away aged 19Credit: Instagram/@warringtontownfcThe young star was once on the books at Manchester UnitedCredit: JustGivingHe was found dead in his bedroom at his family home in Walkden on February 20, the court heard.Vini was born in Brazil and grew up in Portugal before moving to the UK.The young talent played for the Manchester United youth team at one point but was dropped by the Prem big shots when he was 14-years-old.Despite this setback, Vini continued playing football for the next five years and was on the books at Warrington Town FC before his death.Read More in FootballHowever, it was revealed that the teenager had quit football a few months prior to the tragedy, Bolton Coroner’s Court heard.Vini’s sister, Mayara De Souza, said that she had noticed his mood change and tried to help.She said: “He stopped doing the things that he liked to do such as football, going to the gym and seeing friends.”He started apologising about the way he treated us and we didn’t understand what he meant.Most read in Football”His best friend as well, he said the same to him and he said he doesn’t know why.”The teen’s self-esteem had also taken a hit when his acne returned after the steroid cream he had been prescribed had run out.When doctors would not prescribe more of the steroid cream, Vini bought some online from India but his sister told him not to use it.Remembering Gadi Kinda: A Football Star’s Legacy and Untimely PassingVini had booked tickets to travel to Brazil in April, the inquest heard, and was due to return on May 12 before his tragic death.Cops concluded that Vini died as a result of “self-inflicted means by hanging” after finding him dead back in February.The inquest heard that Vini stopped going out with his friends after telling his mum that he had taken drugs at a nightclub on one occasion a few months before his death. A toxicologist’s report found no trace of drugs or alcohol in Vini’s system when he died.However, Vini said that all of his friends used drugs which led to him feeling more “isolated” in the last few months of his life.Sharing the news of Vini’s death in February, Warrington Town FC said: “Scorer of the most spectacular goals, Vini was a well respected, much-loved member of the club, and his ability earned him a place training with the first team despite his young age.”He played for the first team last season in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Cheadle Town, and trained regularly with the first team, appearing in numerous pre-season friendlies over the past couple of seasons.”Assistant coroner Stephen Teesdale said he was satisfied that Vini caused his own death and recorded a conclusion of “suicide”.Addressing Vini’s sister and father at the inquest, Mr Teesdale said: “There’s nothing more you could have done. You did everything.Read More on The Sun”You spotted the problem – depression. You made a plan, you sought professional assistance from a psychotherapist.”You had a plan to take him to Brazil. There’s nothing more you could have done. He had an entirely supportive family. It was to do with how he saw the world.”You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More