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      Diego Maradona homicide trial BEGINS as late football icon’s medical team accused of fatal negligence over 2021 death

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      DIEGO Maradona’s medical team could face 25 years in prison as the football legends homicide trial starts today in Buenos Aires.The Argentinian star died after suffering a heart attack at his home in 2020 while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot.Diego Maradona’s homicide trial has started todayCredit: ReutersDoctor Leopoldo Luque (C) during the trial for the death of Diego MaradonaCredit: APPsychologist Carlos Angel Diaz (C-R) during the trial at the San Isidro courtCredit: AFPEight members of the World Cup winner’s medical team have been accused of negligence that contributed to his death at 60 years old.Each defendant has denied wrongdoing but risks between eight and 25 years in prison if convicted of “homicide with possible intent”.His neurologist Leopoldo Luque, who performed the surgery, is one of the seven people facing trial.Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Diaz, doctor Nancy Forlini, clinical physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna, and nurses Mariano Perroni and Ricardo Almiron, will also appear in court.read more on maradonaThe day nurse Gisela Dahiana Madrid, who found Maradona dead just two weeks after his surgery, has asked to be tried by jury separately.More than 100 witnesses, including members of Maradona’s family and his doctors over the years, are expected to take the stand in the long-delayed trial in the Buenos Aires suburb of San Isidro.Although the icon struggled with obesity, alcoholism and drug abuse, 20 medical experts stated in 2021 that his death could have been avoided with better treatment.Prosecutors have accused the medical team of pushing for Maradona to receive home care, which proved “reckless” and “totally deficient.”Most read in FootballThe night nurse said he had seen “warning signs” but had received orders “not to wake” Maradona.Prosecutors allege the footballer was abandoned to his fate for a “prolonged, agonizing period” before his death.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death The football legends’ family claimed that leaked audio and text messages show that the star’s health was in imminent danger, said Mario Baudry, a lawyer for Maradona’s son Dieguito.He said the messages showed the medical team’s strategy was to try and ensure that Diego’s daughters did not intervene “because if they did, they (the medical staff) would lose their money.”The expert 2021 report that ignited this trial questioned why the football legend was released from hospital so soon after his surgery, saying: “The home confinement did not comply with norms and protocols.”The rented home Maradona stayed in notably did not have a defibrillator.This huge trial is expected to last until July.Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, said he was “very optimistic” of an acquittal, arguing his client was in charge of Maradona’s mental, not physical health.The World Cup winner’s death plunged Argentina into mourning during the pandemic.Maradona shaking hands with his doctor Leopoldo Luque in Olivos in 2020Credit: AFPFans outside the courthouse on TuesdayCredit: GettyTens of thousands of people queued to bid farewell to the former Boca Juniors and Napoli striker as his body lay in state in the presidential palace.Mardona’s former partner Veronica Ojeda arrives at the courthouseCredit: GettyLocals have remained heartbroken over the World Cup winner’s tragic death.READ MORE SUN STORIESpensioner Hilda Pereira told AFP: “All society needs to know… what really happened, who abandoned him… and whoever is responsible must pay the price.”Maradona “did not deserve to die as he died, alone,” she added, her voice quavering.The star’s daughter Jana Maradona, arrives at courtCredit: ReutersEight people have been accused of ‘homicide with possible intent’Credit: AFP More

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      Rangers star hit speeds of 100mph in motorway police chase where he tailgated cop car

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      RANGERS star Rabbi Matondo hit speeds of over 100mph as cops chased him to Ibrox — after he had tailgated their unmarked motor.The Welsh winger, 24, also weaved in and out of traffic on Glasgow’s M8 and ran a red light as he rushed to training.Rabbi Matondo was slapped with a driving banMatondo was driving an Audi Q8 at the timeCredit: GettyHe was clocked on the M8He was hit with a year’s road ban and fined after being convicted of dangerous driving.But cops didn’t try to keep up with Rangers ace Rabbi Matondo’s car during a 100mph dash to Ibrox — in case he lost control and killed someone, a court heard.A traffic constable told how he feared “a fatality” if he tried to match the high speeds hit by the winger, 24, as he raced to a public training session.Officers finally caught up with the footie ace at the Rangers stadium, where they marched in through the players’ entrance to charge him with dangerous driving.And the Welsh international was hit with a 12-month driving ban after being convicted of the offence at Glasgow Sheriff Court.PC James Bowie told how he was with a colleague in an unmarked police motor on the M8 when they were tailgated by Matondo’s Audi Q8 on the city’s Kingston Bridge.Dashcam footage showed the powerful SUV speeding off, sparking a pursuit on August 1, 2023. The Light Blues forward was then seen undertaking an HGV and running a red light as he left the cops in his wake.Most read in FootballPC Bowie said they “never went anywhere near” his car despite reaching 80mph.He explained: “I knew it was a nice big Audi Q8. But I thought that if he loses control at 100 miles per hour there is a possibility of a fatality.”Former Sky Sports pundit and Rangers striker Andy Gray’s foul-mouthed rant at Jose MourinhoWhen the officers eventually got to interview Matondo, they said he was “remorseful”.Defence lawyer Ronnie Simpson said the officers’ report stated the player’s average speed was 72mph on a 50mph stretch.PC Bowie replied: “That’s an average between distances.“In among that the speed was in excess of 100mph.”He was also asked why he charged Matondo with dangerous driving rather than hand him a fixed penalty notice.PC Bowie said there were “other elements” to his driving, and it was a “course of conduct”.The cop added: “In my opinion, he seemed remorseful and his attitude was pretty good.“He understood what we were explaining and seemed to accept why we were there.”Mr Simpson said: “He was a young man running late to his work — and he didn’t want to let his colleagues down.”But Sheriff Mary Shields found Matondo — currently on loan at German side Hannover 96 — guilty of dangerous driving.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first offender was handed a year’s road ban and £420 fine.The law chief said: “I think overwhelmingly the way in which Mr Matondo drove the Audi car over the distance shown on CCTV is obviously far below what is expected of a driver.”Matondo at Glasgow Sheriff Court where he given a 12 month ban and fined £420Credit: Spindrift More

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      Ex-Championship striker facing jail time after raping woman he met on night out while she slept in Airbnb

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      A FORMER Championship striker is facing jail after he was convicted of raping a drunk woman in her bed while she slept at an Airbnb.Oluwasanmi Odelusi, known as Sanmi, retired from the game in 2020 due to injury after playing for clubs including Bolton Wanderers, MK Dons and Coventry City.Former pro-footballer Sanmi Odelusi is facing jail after being convicted of rapeCredit: LinkedinSanmi Odelusi in action for Wigan Athletic back in 2015Credit: GettyThe former pro, 31, announced the retirement to his 11,000 followers on Instagram and now helps youngsters get into the sport and is a “devout Christian” and church usher.Prosecuting, Charles Evans said the victim, then 27, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was visiting London from the USA with two female friends.The woman had come with her pal for a week to celebrate Thanksgiving in November 2021 when she was raped, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard. Mr Evans said: “They stayed in an Airbnb flat with three bedrooms in Shoreditch, east London, and on the evening of Friday November 26 decided to go clubbing.Read More in Football”The complainant had a friend in London she wanted to meet so they all went to Reign nightclub in Piccadilly.”Mr Evans said the victim and her friends were drinking quite heavily.He said: “The complainant couldn’t remember how many shots of tequila she had but says that she did have quite a few.”They then went to the club in Piccadilly, arriving there some time after midnight. More alcohol was consumed and the complainant was feeling drunk but not to the point of blacking out.”Most read in FootballInside the club one of the victim’s friends kissed Ryan Sellers, a footballer friend of Odelusi’s and when it was time to leave the club, the two men were invited back to the Airbnb with the three women, arriving there at 4am or 5am.The victim said her memory “let her down a little” due to the alcohol and she did “not recall much of the taxi ride home,” but she could clearly remember the subsequent rape.Mr Sellers went into one of the girl’s rooms and Odelusi first went into the victim’s, but she explained she was not interested, and he was, instead, welcomed into her other friend’s bed, the court heard.Odelusi had consensual sex with the friend, but after a while she asked him to stop, which he did, the court heard.He then went into the victim’s room and raped her at about 6am, the court heard.She awoke and realised someone was having sex with her, but she was unable to speak.Odelusi then returned to the friend’s room, while the victim went back to sleep, the court heard.HORROR ATTACKOdelusi and Mr Sellers later then left the flat, the court heard.Mr Evans said the victim awoke at 11am and felt confused.She only told another female friend about the rape, when she met her in Stratford, later the same day, the court was told.The friend urged her to report it to police, but she was scared she might not be able to identify her attacker, even though she knew he was black, Mr Evans said.At about 12:50am on November 28 police received a call from friends of the complainant, to report the offence, as she was too upset.The three women were due to leave the country later that day.One of her friends had a video interview with police before they left, but the victim later was interviewed by Met Police officers who travelled to Beverly Hills police station.The interview was video recorded on April 19 2022.The CPS used a new system in the trial whereby the video of the victim’s interview was played and the witness did not have to give live evidence.Odelusi was identified from CCTV at the club and from a photograph one of the girls had taken on the night.DNA MATCHOdelusi was invited to attend a voluntary on November 29, and made no comment. His DNA was later matched to semen traces.Mr Evans said: “A sleeping person cannot give consent. It is that simple.”It is not the Crown’s case that the complainant was toointoxicated to consent, but it is the Crown’s case that her intoxication certainly contributed to the circumstances whereby the defendant was able to rape the sleeping complainant.”Odelusi, vehemently denied this, and insisted she was awake and had consented before anything happened.Defending Claire Cooper, told the court the victim had shown interest in Odelusi in the taxi and had shown him her Instagram account and he complimented her pictures, but they “did not add each other.”She said: “He was shocked and surprised when he was asked to attend the police station. “He cooperated with the police. He was not been proud of himself after sleeping with both women, but his actions were not of someone who was guilty of rape.”She said the sex had been consensual with both women and he had initially stayed at the flat after both encounters.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe jury found him guilty by a ten to two majority verdict. Odelusi was released on conditional bail ahead of sentence in May.Sanmi Odelusi of Blackpool back in 2017Credit: Getty More

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      Footballer, 24, charged with string of sex offences including imprisoning and raping woman

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      A FOOTBALLER has been charged with a string of sex offences including rape.Harry Butters allegedly imprisoned and sexually assaulted the woman, who is aged over 16, in March.Harry Butters has been charged with raping a womanCredit: NNPThe 24-year-old appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court for a hearing.Butters is accused of two counts of sexual assault, one of rape and a count of false imprisonment.All the offences allegedly took place on March 2 in the Darlington area.Butters, who plays for Darlington FC’s under 23s, was released on conditional bail to appear at Teesside Crown Court next month.Read more newsHe has been made subject to a n electronically monitored tagged curfew between 7pm and 7am.Butters has been suspended by the club pending the outcome of court proceedings.He has so far played 21 times this season – including in Darlington’s 5-0 win over Crook Town Youth on March 1.The team said in a statement: “The player is suspended until further notice.”Most read in FootballButters plays for Darlington’s youth teamCredit: NNP More

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      Ruthless gang ‘stole £80k-worth of cash and jewellery from Prem star Alexander Isak’

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      A GANG of international thieves stole jewellery worth £68,000 and £10,000 in cash from the home of Premier League star Alexander Isak, a court heard yesterday.They drove from Italy in a car and a motorhome to target upmarket properties, it was said.The Newcastle United and Sweden striker was the third victim of the gang in April last year.They also took a safe and his Audi sports car — which was later found abandoned, Newcastle crown court heard.Isak, 25, was not at his home in Northumberland at the time of the raid.Three members of the same family have already admitted conspiracy to commit burglary.Read more on Alexander IsakBut Valentino Nikolov, 32, denies the charge and is on trial with his ex dad-in-law Safet Ramic, 58, who denies handling the safe. Prosecutor Daniel Cordey said: “It is the prosecution case that they all travelled to the North East together as part of that conspiracy or agreement to commit high value targeted burglaries of residential properties.“Once in the North East, the Citroen C3, a black small car, was used then to travel to and from the burglaries”Trial continues.Most read in FootballIsak was not at his home in Northumberland at the time of the raidCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Footballer starts League One match just hours after pleading guilty to causing cyclist’s death in horror crash

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      A FOOTBALLER started a League One match just hours after he pleaded guilty to causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crash.Mansfield Town striker Lucas Akins, 36, was driving his Mercedes G350 near Huddersfield when he hit 33-year-old Adrian Daniel.Lucas Akins admitted causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crashCredit: GettyAdrian Daniel was struck by the player’s MercedesCredit: West Yorkshire PoliceThe cyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but tragically couldn’t be saved and died ten days later on March 27, 2022.Akins appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday where he admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.Just hours later, he took to the pitch for Mansfield Town in their 0-0 draw against Wigan.Manager Nigel Clough later discussed his decision to include Akins in his starting 11.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “We’ve known about it for some time, it’s not just happened but we’re not in a position to comment.”The court was told the horror unfolded on March 17, 2022, as Adrian cycled in the village of Netherton.Prosecutor Carmel Pearson said Akins’ plea was accepted by the Crown, who had relayed the information to the cyclist’s family.His Honour Judge Menary told the footballer: “You have pleaded guilty to the offence at count 2.Most read in Football”I am imposing an interim disqualification and you are now disqualified from obtaining or getting a driving licence. You must not drive on a public road.”Akins was bailed to return to court for sentencing on April 24.The striker came through the youth academy at Huddersfield and made his debut for them in 2007.He had stints at Northwich Victoria, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage.Akins spent eight years at Burton Albion before he joined Mansfield in January 2022.He has made four international appearances for Caribbean nation Grenada, who he qualifies for through his mum.The Mansfield Town star will be sentenced next monthCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League star Alexander Isak was targeted by ‘family of burglars who carried out string of high-value raids’

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      PREMIER League star Alexander Isak was targeted by a family of burglars who carried out a series of high-value raids, jurors were told.The Newcastle United and Sweden forward was the third victim of the gang, who had already stolen £1million of jewellery and clothes from a Tyneside businesswoman.Three members of the same family, living in Italy, have admitted conspiracy to commit burglary, Newcastle crown court heard.But a fourth, Valentino Nikolov, 32, denies the charge and is on trial.Dan Cordey, prosecuting, said the gang arrived in the UK via a ferry from Calais to Dover in a Citroen C3 and a Ford motorhome last March.They headed to London then drove to the North East a few days later, Mr Cordey said.Read more on Alexander IsakHe alleged the car was used to drive to targeted properties and they slept in the motorhome.The first burglary was at the home of Helen and Michael McCardle in Jesmond, Newcastle, on March 30 last year when the couple were on holiday, Mr Cordey said.The gang stole her CBE medal, the prosecution said, as well as clothes, jewellery, gold coins and handbags worth more than £1 million.The trial continues.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak was targeted by a family of burglars who carried out a series of high-value raids, jurors were told More

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      True story of Dicky Eklund – boxing champ-turned-crack addict who ended up in jail before inspiring Oscar-winning movie

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      DICKY EKLUND inspired an Oscar-winning performance by Christian Bale for his depiction of the boxing champion-turned drug addict.Bale took Best Supporting Actor in 2011 for his role in The Fighter alongside Mark Wahlberg – who played Eklund’s brother Micky Ward. Former boxer Dicky Eklund in HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’Credit: HBOChristian Bale with Dicky Eklund in 2010Credit: GettyChristian Bale played Eklund while Mark Wahlberg portrayed his brother Micky WardCredit: AlamyMicky Ward and Dicky Eklund in 2011Credit: GettyIt followed the story of how Eklund went from hometown hero who fought the great Sugar Ray Leonard for $7,500 (around £6,000) to a crack cocaine addict.His brother Micky meanwhile was attempting to break out of Lowell, Massachusetts, and into the big time in boxing.But 20 years before The Fighter’s release, Eklund featured in the grim true-life HBO documentary called “High on Crack Street”.It followed a group of drug users and drew back the curtain on the harsh reality of addiction. READ MORE IN BOXINGIn the episode, Eklund can be seen smoking from a crack pipe and reminiscing about his boxing past – and his 1978 loss to Sugar Ray.He is later arrested – for the 27th time – and his family put on a fundraiser to pay off the $5,000 bail. A group of locals, paying $10 apiece, watch back Eklund’s HBO fight against Leonard, which included a disputed knockdown against the legend. Eklund is eventually bailed and starts training brother Micky for a fight. Most read in BoxingAnd after Ward wins a bout, Eklund said: “I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.”Eklund then went missing the day after brother Mickey’s fight and was found in a local crack house.A-listers in surprisingly humble cars & why Daniel Radcliffe feels ‘more comfortable in a £2k hatchback than a Ferrari’His trainer Mickey O’Keefe – who actually played himself in The Fighter – said: “The addiction’s too much for him. It’s real sad. “Sad because he’s got a family and kids at home. A little baby that depends on him.”Maybe the best thing for him is going to jail, maybe it will save his life.”The doc finishes with Eklund being sentenced to ten years in jail for a series of crimes including armed robbery. In that time, Ward went on to win titles and shared an iconic trilogy with the late Arturo Gatti which earned him $3million in total.Eklund only served five years in prison and came out to again train Ward. But he found himself in trouble with the law over the years, again getting arrested in 2006 on drug charges. Ward retired in 2003 after his trilogy loss to Gatti, who he later coached and became close friends with.His son visits him in jailCredit: HBOThis was Eklund’s disputed knockdown against Sugar Ray LeonardCredit: HBOThe American opened up a gym and trained fighters alongside brother Eklund, who was clean of drugs. Their story was so inspiring Hollywood’s Wahlberg spent years trying to get it green lit. Eventually, director David O Russell produced the 2010 classic The Fighter with Wahlberg co-starring alongside Bale and Amy Adams.Bale dropped TWO STONE to portray drug-addicted Eklund at just 10st 3lb. The two spent time together in local Lowell bars and boxing gyms – with Bale still in touch with Eklund and his son Dicky Jr to this day. He told GQ in 2022: “Dicky, he’s such a character. “He makes his presence felt all the time. I spent so much time hanging out with Dicky beforehand. Wahlberg played Eklund’s brother Micky WardBale won an Oscar for his performance”Being in Lowell, hanging out with him, going walking around, getting kicked out of bars, having almost every cop stopping and going, ‘Hey, hey Dicky!’ and then telling me a story about when they arrested him. “Going to the boxing gym, jumping in the ring and sparring with him — and oh my God, it’s really quite something when you might think you can, ‘Ah, I’ll be a decent boxer,’ you spar with other amateurs and whatnot, I’d done that a few times. “But when you get in the ring with a pro? Bloody hell.”The success of The Fighter fuelled demand for a sequel and a year after its release plans for a follow up were in place. Wahlberg wanted to tell the story of Ward’s legendary trilogy with Gatti and their friendship after battle. But the sequel sadly never came to fruition despite Wahlberg never losing hope. He said in 2022: “I was never really in the sequel business. “But The Fighter really lent itself for another movie because of Micky and Arturo Gatti’s trilogy.I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.Dicky Eklund, speaking on HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’“I’m always kind of looking for the next thing. But if the audience really wants it, and they really love it, and we can make one better than the first then I’d be willing to do it again, for sure.”Gatti was mysteriously found dead in 2009 in a hotel in Pernambuco, Brazil where he was on holiday with his wife and ten-month-old son.His wife Amanda Rodrigues was initially charged with murder after Brazilian authorities ruled Gatti’s death a homicide. But after the coroner’s autopsy report was released, they declared it was a suicide by hanging, and charges against his widow were dropped.Ward often pays tribute to his opponent and close friend – posting a picture of them this past April. He captioned it: “Happy 52nd Arturo! Not a day goes by I don’t think of ya buddy.”Eklund has two sons, Dicky Jr and Tommy, and a daughter named Kerry. READ MORE SUN STORIESDicky Jr works at the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles where Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach took him under his wing. And Sean was an 11-4 fighter who owns a gym himself Massachusetts, meaning after all these years, boxing is still in the family. Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward’s trilogy was the rumoured plot for The Fighter 2Credit: GettyEklund and Ward pose togetherCredit: Instagram More