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      Ex-Celtic star Anthony Stokes being hunted by cops again as warrant issued

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      FORMER Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is being hunted by police after failing to appear in court.The 34-year old footballer had been due for sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court for bombarding his ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott with offensive text messages.
      Ex-Celtic star Stokes was due to appear at court today but failed to show upCredit: PA:Press Association
      Stokes was nicked in Northern Ireland and brought back to Scotland in JulyCredit: Mark Ferguson
      But the court heard that the former Celtic and Hibs star had not responded to calls from social workers trying to create a background report on him.
      Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen ordered a warrant for his arrest following a brief hearing.
      He said: “These are post-conviction cases.
      “He hasn’t been responding to calls from social work and I will grant a warrant.”
      Stokes had been arrested by police in Northern Ireland, who were assisting police in Scotland, and placed on a flight from Belfast to Dundee Airport in July.
      He missed another sentencing hearing last month after testing positive for Covid-19 and had been ordered to appear back in court today.
      In 2019, Stokes admitted a stalking campaign where he bombarded Miss Scott with a string of abusive messages that saw him send 100 texts a day on WhatsApp and email.
      He labelled her a ‘s**t’, a ‘s**’ and a ‘w***e’, turned up at her home in Shotts, Lanarkshire, late at night and demanded to know her whereabouts.
      Most read in Football
      The campaign of abuse lasted between July 2018 and February 2019.
      Ordering a warrant for his arrest in June last year, Sheriff Allan McKay said: “He pled guilty and was released on bail and he has now left the country in breach of bail.
      “He is not here in breach of his bail conditions and I’m not at all sure that he will come back unless required to do so by some sort of authority so to do that I’m issuing a warrant for his arrest.”
      Hours after the warrant was taken, Stokes posted a selfie on social media with the caption: “Any bad news?”
      And over the festive season he posted snaps of himself posing in a bar while wearing Adidas Yeezy trainers and later posted a photo showing an expensive Rolex watch.
      Stokes won seven trophies in six seasons at Parkhead and scored twice in Hibs’ 3-2 Scottish Cup win over Rangers in 2016.
      He has also had spells with Falkirk, Sunderland and Iranian outfit Tractor but is currently without a club.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Watch Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt fans launch FIREWORKS at each other before riot police are forced to intervene

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      RIOT police were forced to intervene as Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt fans clashed before their Champions League match in France.Shocking footage revealed fireworks being set off inside the Stade Velodrome, aimed at Frankfurt’s away section.
      Fireworks were set off inside the Stade VelodromeCredit: Getty
      Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt fans clashed before their Champions League match in FranceCredit: Getty
      Riot police were called to prevent any troubleCredit: Getty
      Eintracht Frankfurt fans are escorted by French riot policeCredit: AP

      Before the game, a large-scale police operation successfully contained the risk of fan violence in the city of Marseille.
      It followed after a stadium brawl in Nice last week left dozens injured, causing authorities to be on high alert ahead of Frankfurt’s trip.
      Tensions escalated when police marched a group of around 500 Frankfurt ultras up a long road – with ticketed fans taken to the game in coaches under police escort.
      But those without tickets stayed on site at a fan zone with police nearby.
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      Earlier in the day, Frankfurt fans had congregated in one of the city’s main squares with police blocking every entry point.
      Hundreds of riot police then escorted the crowd away at around 4:30 p.m, only for a brief skirmish with locals to break out.
      Following last Thursday’s mass brawl between fans from Nice and Cologne, before a Europa Conference League game, security measures have been ramped up.
      Police said five arrests were made Monday night when large groups from Frankfurt and Marseille were narrowly prevented from confronting each other.
      Most read in Football
      Dozens of police vans were stationed around the city’s Old Port area with some armed police present.
      Midfielder Jesper Lindstrom gave Frankfurt the lead just before half time for the visitors.
      And the first-half goal proved enough for the German side to travel back with three points.
      Police were on alert ahead of Marseille’s match with Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Reuters
      Frankfurt fans throw a flares before the Champions League match in MarseilleCredit: Getty
      Jesper Lindstrom gave Eintracht Frankfurt the leadCredit: Rex More

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      Man City star Benjamin Mendy still facing nine charges against six ‘victims’ after being cleared of one count of rape

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      BENJAMIN Mendy is still facing nine charges against six alleged victims after being cleared of one count of rape today.The 28-year-old World Cup winner was cleared at Chester Crown Court of the rape of a 19-year-old woman at his home in Cheshire on July 24 last year.
      Benjamin Mendy has been cleared of one count of rape but still faces multiple chargesCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Co-accused Louis Saha Matturie, 41, was also cleared of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault against the same woman.
      It came after the prosecution offered no further evidence against the defendants on those four counts.
      Football star Mendy still faces seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault against six young women.
      The Manchester City defender denies all charges against him.
      Matturie of Eccles, Salford, wiped tears from his eyes as he stood in the dock and the formal not guilty verdicts, as directed by the judge, were given by the foreman of the jury at Chester Crown Court.
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      Judge Stephen Everett warned jurors not to speculate as to why the prosecution had decided not to pursue guilty verdicts and to continue to “faithfully” try the defendants on the multiple charges they still face.
      Earlier, jurors were told of a private video of the woman having “enthusiastic sex” with Matturie, when she claimed she had been raped.
      The 20-minute mobile phone video was taken by Matturie on August 1 last year, the court heard.
      This was a week after both men had allegedly raped the same woman on the same night the previous weekend at the footballer’s mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.
      Most read in Football
      The woman had told the jury Matturie sexually assaulted her for a second time at a flat in Salford on August 1, last year, after clubbing at China White nightclub in Manchester.
      Lisa Wilding KC, defending Matturie, suggested what happened between them was, “consensual, willing and enthusiastic” sex, not rape, Chester Crown Court heard.
      The woman denied this, claiming the incident left her feeling “shamed and disgusted”.
      Ms Wilding continued: “When you and he had sex … you and he filmed that sex. You know that you and he had a discussion beforehand, words to the effect, ‘Let’s make our own little movie’.”
      The witness replied: “No. I wouldn’t do that.”
      Ms Wilding added: “He had his phone right in front of you all the time you and he was having sex.”
      The woman replied: “I was not aware of that.”
      Ms Wilding said: “You looked directly at the camera more than once, enjoying what you were doing?”
      The woman, who became tearful, replied: “No.”
      Ms Wilding continued: “The sex took nearly 20 minutes. You had sex initially on your knees. You then gave him oral sex, looking at the camera.
      “Did you then sit on top of him, gyrating and smiling at the camera?”
      “No,” the woman replied.
      Miss Wilding said: “Well, then I’m going to have to ask you to look at some images.”
      ON TRIAL
      The hearing was then adjourned and when court resumed after lunch time, Timothy Cray QC, prosecuting, told the court the prosecution was not now seeking guilty verdicts on alleged sexual offences involving the 19-year-old complainant.
      Jurors were then directed to enter not guilty verdicts against the defendants.
      The rape charge dropped against Mr Mendy related to an incident with Mr Matturie when the woman had claimed she awoke to find the footballer raping her.
      The same night, July 24 last year, Matturie is also alleged to have raped her according to DNA evidence, but she has “no memory” of that, the court heard. That count was also dropped.
      Prosecutors have alleged Mendy is a “predator” who “turned the pursuit of women for sex into a game”.
      Mendy still faces seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault against six young women.
      Matturie, the footballer’s friend and fixer, is alleged to have had the job of finding young women for sex.
      Matturie still denies six counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault relating to seven young women.
      Read More on The Sun
      Both men say if any sex did take place with women or girls it was consensual.
      The trial was adjourned until Wednesday morning. More

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      Flamengo fan arrested and banned from matches after kissing female reporter on cheek during live TV broadcast

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      A FLAMENGO supporter has been arrested and banned from matches after kissing an ESPN reporter during a live broadcast.Jessica Dias was recording a piece to camera ahead of Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores clash with Velez Sarsfield when a Brazilian fan was pictured kissing her on the face.
      Flamengo took on Velez SarsfieldCredit: EPA
      The supporter, named by newspaper El Pais as Marcelo Benevides Silva, was subsequently arrested for alleged sexual harassment.
      Later that evening, Flamengo wrote on social media: “Clube de Regatas do Flamengo repudiates the harassment committed by a red-black fan with ESPN journalist Jessica Dias during a report before tonight’s match.
      “It is unfortunate that disgusting acts like this, which do not represent the Red-Black Nation, still happen.”
      According to Brazilian paper O Globo, Benevides Silva was released a day after the game – but is now banned from matches and unable to leave his state without judicial permission.
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      He has also been banned from coming into contact with Dias.
      After the incident, Dias wrote on Instagram: “It was just a kiss on the cheek.
      “Not. It was not. Before, they had a lot of cursing and harassment because the live took a long time. I asked for calm and for him not to be cursing, he did not need to.
      “The “apologies” came with smoothing the shoulders and a kiss on the spot. I was about to be called to the link and I held the position, there is a logistics that requires concentration.
      Most read in Football
      “Another attempt at a kiss on the shoulder. I dodged and my camera caught his eye. The last act was the kiss on the cheek. That it could have been in the mouth and it wouldn’t change a thing.
      “I suffered sexual harassment while working and that is a crime. I didn’t want a kiss, I didn’t want affection, I didn’t want to spend 3 hours in a police station. I just wanted to work.
      “The human who did this was with an underage son who apologized to his father. The boy is not to blame, don’t punish his family.
      “I appreciate all the support and affection of my bosses,@espnbrasilit’s yes@lbvbrasil. I especially thank the@bandeira2000 e @andrelzdsouza, my team on the agenda.
      “Two MEN of character, who went after the guy and stayed with me the whole time. Saturday I get married and at the altar I will kiss the man I allowed to do so. I’ll be away from here and the canals for a few days. Thank you all.” More

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      Five arrested and police officer ‘breaks hand’ as Tottenham win marred by bottles and fireworks launched by fans

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      FIVE Marseille fans were arrested following crowd trouble at the end of their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday – which left one police officer with a suspected broken hand.There were ugly scenes in the away section at full-time after Spurs had won the Champions League group-stage opener 2-0.
      Marseille fans threw a firework into the Tottenham endCredit: Getty
      Marseille fans also tore down Tottenham’s Pride bannerCredit: Getty
      Stewards had to hold Marseille fans back before riot police stepped inCredit: Getty
      Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton, formerly of Marseille, was in the away sectionCredit: Getty
      Missiles were thrown by both sets of supporters and a firework was lobbed at Spurs fans.
      Riot police had to step in to support stewards to hold the Marseille fans back, some of which at one point tried to storm the barricade separating them from their hosts.
      The arrests were for a variety of offences including possession of an offensive weapon, affray, being drunk and disorderly and drugs.
      The travelling fans also ripped down the Pride banner in their section, which shows Tottenham’s support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.
      READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM
      A statement from the Metropolitan police read: “Five people have been arrested at the Champions League match Tottenham Hotspurs FC  versus Marseille FC on Wednesday, September 7.
      “The arrests were for a variety of offences including offensive weapon, affray, drunk and disorderly and drugs; all those arrested are believed to be away supporters.
      “During the match missiles were thrown on several occasions
      “One officer was injured during an arrest and suffered a suspected broken hand.
      Most read in Football
      “There was serious disorder at the end of the fixture and additional officers were deployed to restore and maintain order.”
      Both clubs are likely to be hit with a Uefa charge for failing to control their supporters in the coming days.
      Uefa’s disciplinary body will assess the report from the game and decide whether to take action – whether it be a warning or a fine. The clubs’ respective previous records will be taken into account.
      Spurs won the game thanks to two late goals from Richarlison.
      Read More on The Sun
      It was an even contest until Marseille had ex-Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba sent off two minutes into the second half for hacking down Son Heung-min.
      Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton was also spotted among the away fans, having played for Marseille on loan for a season in 2012.  More

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      Riot police swarm Tottenham Stadium as scrap breaks out in stands after Marseille fans ‘throw missiles’ at Spurs rivals

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      TOTTENHAM’S victory over Marseille was marred by angry fan clashes in North London.Richarlison’s double earned Antonio Conte’s side a 2-0 victory over the French team on their return to the Champions League.
      Angry clashes broke out between Tottenham and Marseille fans tonightCredit: Reuters
      The visiting supporters allegedly began the trouble by launching missiles at the home endCredit: Rex

      However, “ugly scenes” then occurred at the Tottenham Stadium as supporters from both sides clashed before riot police arrived on the scene.
      Twitter user @_walkeran shared video footage of fans attempting to break through barriers separating them.
      He captioned the clip with: “Ugly scenes at Tottenham Stadium.
      “Started with Marseille fans throwing a few missiles at Spurs fans, before escalating into a fight with stewards.
      “Riot police arrived to calm things down.”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      Meanwhile, talkSPORT’s Declan McCarthy also shared footage of Marseille supporters pulling down a pride flag inside the stadium as fighting broke out.
      He captioned the video with: “Ugly scenes at the Tottenham stadium. Fighting, flares and missiles thrown from the visiting fans.
      “Marseille ultras pull down Tottenham’s pride flag in the corner of the ground. Disgusting to see.
      “Riot police arrived to calm things down.”
      Most read in Sport
      Pride is part of the LGBT movement for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, with its internationally-recognised symbol being a rainbow.
      Both Spurs and Marseille could face a Uefa charge for failing to control the crowd following the ugly scenes.
      Marseille fans had earlier showered Joey Barton with affection as he cheered on his former club from the away end at Tottenham.
      Barton, 40, played for Marseille on loan back in the 2012/13 campaign and has a close affection for its supporters.
      And it seems that feeling is reciprocated by the Marseille fanbase as they still hold him in high esteem.
      A crowd of Marseille fans erupted into song when Barton entered a pub ahead of their Champions League group stage game against Spurs.
      The boisterous crowd sang Barton’s name and the former midfielder was happy to pose for photos.
      Barton was given an even bigger reception inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium wearing a Marseille t-shirt he appeared to be gifted.
      The Bristol Rovers manager looked humbled as he soaked up the adoration from nearby fans and he gestured his thanks to the crowd.
      Barton began fist pumping and then applauded the travelling supporters for their efforts as they were in fine voice.
      Marseille supporters vandalised Tottenham’s ground after the defeatCredit: Getty
      Trouble erupted when Marseille fans tore off a Pride flag at the groundCredit: Getty
      Flares were then launched from the away end into the home sectionCredit: Getty
      Stewards were then attacked as the trouble eruptedCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Disappointed’ Ryan Giggs pictured as he vows to clear his name at retrial over ‘headbutting girlfriend Kate Greville’

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      RYAN Giggs today said he is “disappointed” to be facing a retrial over accusations he headbutted his ex-girlfriend – but vowed to clear his name. The former footballer, 48, allegedly attacked PR exec Kate Greville, 38, and coercively controlled her over a three-year period.
      Ryan Giggs driving in Cheshire after hearing he is going to face a retrial next yearCredit: Zenpix
      Ryan Giggs leaving court after his trial collapsed on August 31Credit: PP.
      The former footballer allegedly headbutted his ex-girlfriend Kate GrevilleCredit: Tim Stewart
      He stood trial last month facing charges of actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour against her between December 2017 and November 2020.
      He also denied the common assault by beating of Kate’s sister Emma on November 1, 2020.
      But, after three weeks of evidence and 22 hours and 59 minutes of deliberations, jurors failed to reach a verdict and the trial collapsed.
      At a case management hearing at Manchester Crown Court this morning, a judge ruled the ex-Wales boss will be retried on domestic violence charges next year.
      READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGS
      In a statement in response to the decision, Giggs said: “After more than three weeks in court I am obviously disappointed that a retrial has been ordered.
      “My not guilty plea remains in relation to all charges. I am confident that justice will eventually be done and my name will be cleared of all the allegations.
      “I would like to thank my legal team, my mum, my children, my girlfriend Zara, as well as my closest friends, for their support throughout this period.
      “I understand the level of interest and the scrutiny around this case but I would like to ask that my and my family’s privacy is respected in the weeks and months ahead.”
      Most read in The Sun
      A trial date was set for July 31, 2023 – 143 weeks and one day after he was arrested.
      Giggs, who is on bail, did not appear, but was spotted behind the wheel of his Range Rover in Cheshire just 30 minutes later.
      During last month’s explosive trial that saw the sports star break down in tears, Kate claimed she became “a slave to his every need”.
      She said Giggs “made me feel like I had to do what he said, otherwise there were consequences” – which he denied.
      The court heard how Kate confronted her then-partner about his infidelity after finding “evidence” he had cheated on her with eight women when he allegedly headbutted her in the face.
      In later messages read out to the jury this rose to at least 12, and the former Manchester United ace’s love life was laid bare as he admitted he had never been faithful to any woman, including Kate and ex-wife Stacey Giggs.
      Jurors were also told how the couple exchanged 19,671 messages during their relationship.
      In one, he told Kate: “I’ll stalk you like mad – I’m good at that”, while in another he warned her: “I’m so f***ing mad… I am scaring myself. I could do anything.”
      He was also accused of bombarding her with sexual texts and threatening to publicly share X-rated videos of them together if she didn’t reply.
      Kate said in a police statement, which was read out in court: “He wouldn’t leave me alone.”
      ‘HE WOULDN’T LEAVE ME ALONE’
      Giggs later admitted he is unable to resist an “attractive woman” – regardless of whether he’s in a relationship.
      He later confessed that he lied to former wife Stacey and other girlfriends, including Kate, “many times” – but denied being controlling.
      Moments after he began giving evidence, Chris Daw QC, defending, asked: “You’re known in news articles as a love cheat. Is that reputation justified?”
      Giggs – who confirmed he’s a “flirt by nature” – replied: “Yes.”
      The barrister said: “In the course of your relationship with women, have you managed to be faithful to any of them?”
      The footballer said: “No.”
      He was also accused of cheating on Kate with a mystery cricketer’s wife, having “full on relationships” with several others, and even plotting threesomes with a woman named Charlotte.
      But former Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Giggs a “quiet boy” with a “fantastic temperament” who was the “best example” at the club.
      He claimed he was “very much a gentleman” and insisted he had “never even seen him raise his voice”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Giggs won 64 caps for Wales and had a lengthy playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
      He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
      Kate claimed she became ‘a slave to Giggs’ every need’ during the trialCredit: Tim Stewart
      Giggs denied all charges against himCredit: Reuters
      Giggs was seen behind the wheel of his Range Rover earlier todayCredit: Zenpix
      Ryan Giggs and ex-wife Stacey Giggs at an awards show in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Jurors were also told how the couple exchanged 19,671 messages during their relationshipCredit: Tim Stewart
      A court artist sketch of Giggs watching his ex give evidence on police video in courtCredit: PA More

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      Footage of drunken Benjamin Mendy dancing on nightclub table four days before he was charged with rape shown to jury

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      FOOTAGE of a drunken Benjamin Mendy dancing on a nightclub table four days before he was charged with rape was shown to a jury yesterday.The CCTV clip showed the £52million Manchester City defender bare-chested and with his trousers pulled down.
      Footage of a drunken Benjamin Mendy dancing on a nightclub table four days before he was charged with rape was shown to a jury yesterdayCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      It was played yesterday during cross-examination of a witness who said she was raped at the player’s home a month earlier.
      Mendy’s lawyer, Eleanor Laws QC, said the woman could be seen offering an arm to him and was at ease in his presence.
      Ms Laws accused her of copying a rape allegation made by a friend but the witness said: “I am not stood here to lie.”
      Ms Laws went on to accuse the witness of “making it up as you go along” because she could not explain why she returned to Mendy’s home 11 times after the alleged rape.
      Read more on Benjamin Mendy
      She replied: “I was trying to block it out of my mind and forget about it.”
      Mendy, 28, denies eight rapes and other charges.
      His trial continues at Chester crown court.
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