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    Nike ‘deeply concerned’ by Mason Greenwood rape & GBH allegations as star’s sponsor ‘closely monitors situation’

    MASON Greenwood’s lucrative Nike sponsorship has been thrown into jeopardy after the company said they are “deeply concerned” by his abuse allegations.The Manchester United star, 20, spent the night in a police cell after cops swooped over rape and GBH claims which came to light on Sunday morning.
    Nike said they are ‘deeply concerned’ by the allegations against Mason GreenwoodCredit: Getty
    Cops attended his home after his arrest on SundayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Sportswear giant Nike, which provides the striker’s boots, said they are worried by the “disturbing” accusations against him.
    In a statement they said: “We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
    Greenwood has worn Nike boots since breaking into United’s first team in 2019.
    He has been suspended indefinitely by his club after being arrested on suspicion of rape and GBH following a series of allegations posted online.
    Crime scene investigators from Greater Manchester Police were seen parked outside the footballer’s house in Bowdon, Greater Manchester, on Sunday afternoon.
    Security staff, thought to have been provided by his club, were present at a second home he owns nearby and they confirmed his parents were inside.
    The Premier League club initially said it did “not condone violence of any kind” and later suspended the £75,000-a-week star as a police probe was launched.
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    A spokesman for the club said: “Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice.”
    Last night the Manchester United Supporters Trust tweeted: “The club has now confirmed that Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice. MUST fully support the decision of the club in this regard.”
    The images and allegations were reportedly visible on the woman’s Instagram on Sunday morning, but have since been deleted.
    A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Police were made aware of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.
    “An investigation was launched and following enquiries we can confirm a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. 
    “He remains in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing.”
    Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor, tweeted on Sunday: “These allegations need to be investigated quickly.”
    Greenwood joined Manchester United at the age of six and progressed through the academy ranks.
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    He started playing for the first team in 2019, aged 17, and has made 129 appearances fore the Red Devils.
    Greenwood also represented England several times as an under-17 and under-21 before being named in the England senior squad in August 2020.
    Greenwood remained in custody overnight after being arrestedCredit: Getty More

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    Man City fans flood Joao Cancelo with support after four burglars attacked him

    FANS have flooded Man City star João Cancelo with support after four burglars attacked him.One wrote: “Absolutely disgusting! Irrespective of what team you support, this is wrong and pray that you and your family are OK.”
    The defender, 27, suffered bruises and a gash above his eye
    Another said: “I’m absolutely disgusted. This is happening way too often nowadays.
    “Something has to change.”
    The defender, 27, suffered bruises and a gash above his eye on Thursday as he fought off the raiders in Manchester.
    His fiancee and young daughter were inside the luxury property in Manchester at the time.
    The burglars managed to snatch jewellery before making a getaway.
    He posted on Instagram: “Unfortunately today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family.
    “They managed to take all my jewellery and leave me with my face with this state.
    “I don’t know how there are people with such meanness.”
    The burglars managed to snatch jewellery before making a getaway
    Joao Cancelo reveals horror facial injuries after being attacked by four burglars More

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    Mafia bosses offering top UEFA referees £25k bungs online in bid to fix footie matches

    MAFIA bosses are targeting top UEFA referees with cyber-crime hits to try to fix footy matches.Officials are offered up to £25,000 to swing matches, according to a leaked memo seen by The Sun.
    Mafia bosses are targeting top UEFA referees with cyber-crime hits to try to fix footie matchesCredit: Reuters
    Criminals are using the phishing techniques fine-tuned during the pandemic to tempt refs to throw European clashes.
    The memo, which was sent to the FA and other governing bodies, warns: “The corrupters made use of cyber-crime tactics not previously seen in reported corrupter messages, possibly pointing to a bleed-over in tactics from more sophisticated groups or even the potential for collaboration with such groups.”
    It talks of “incidents in which a suspected match-fixer attempted to recruit referees to manipulate matches via social media”.
    It reads: “This evolution may have been accelerated by the Covid lockdown, during which cyber criminals both diversified and intensified their criminal activities, according to Europol.”
    The memo adds: “We assess corrupters will likely continue to attempt contact with players, referees and other officials via social media and the use of more sophisticated messages, including personalised content and manipulation techniques.”
    The messages are understood to have originated from Asian crime gangs and were sent in English — but it’s not thought British refs were targeted.
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    Jude Bellingham slapped with £34k fine over match-fixing comments about referee after Dortmund defeat to Bayern More

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    Football manager Joey Barton faces trial TODAY accused of assaulting former Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel

    BRISTOL Rovers manager Joey Barton is to go on trial today accused of attacking another football boss after a heated League One game.Barton, 39, denies attacking then-Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel back in April 2019.
    Joey Barton will face a trial at Sheffield Crown Court this morning after an alleged assaultCredit: PA
    The Bristol Rovers manager is accused of assaulting then-Barnsley boss Daniel StendelCredit: PA
    It’s claimed Barton, who was then managing Fleetwood, battered Stendel in the tunnel after a Barnsley win.
    Stendel was left with facial injuries after the alleged bust-up.
    Ex-Premier League star Barton, of Widnes in Cheshire, was said to be furious after seeing one of his players sent off in a 4-2 defeat.
    His BMW was stopped from leaving the ground by a police officer and a steward after the reported row.
    He was later arrested after Barnsley complained to South Yorkshire Police.
    Barton appeared in court on Friday, when jurors were picked for the trial.
    He is back in the dock as the hearing begins at Sheffield Crown Court today.
    The fracas was initially sparked after Fleetwood’s Harry Souttar was sent off midway through the second half.
    Barton was allegedly furious that German manager Stendel had got involved and chased him down the tunnel at the full-time whistle.
    The two managers were reportedly seen ‘squaring up to each other’ on the touchline at the final whistle, with Stendel waving his finger at Barton.
    BARTON ON TRIAL
    Barton then shook hands with Barnsley staff and the match officials before racing off up the tunnel where the alleged brawl took place, it’s claimed.
    The former midfielder played more than 250 Premier League games for Newcastle United, Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers.
    He began managing League One side Fleetwood Town in 2018, before moving to Bristol Rovers in February this year, shortly before the club were relegated to League Two.
    Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.

    He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.
    The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.
    Barton made one appearance for England in 2007.
    Joey Barton calls Bristol loss a ‘holocaust’ in post match interview More

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    Football manager Joey Barton in court today after ‘attacking Barnsley coach in tunnel after match’

    JOEY Barton is set to go on trial accused of assaulting another football manager after a heated League One game.The Bristol Rovers manager, 39, denies attacking then-Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel back in April 2019.
    Joey Barton is set to go on trial next week following an alleged assaultCredit: PA
    He arrived alone this morning for a hearing at Sheffield Crown CourtCredit: PA
    Prosecutors allege he attacked Daniel Stendel, then the manager of Barnsley
    Prosecutors claim Barton – who was then managing Fleetwood – hit out in the tunnel after a Barnsley win.
    Stendel was left with facial injuries after the alleged bust-up.
    Ex-Premier League star Barton, of Widnes in Cheshire, was said to be furious after seeing one of his players sent off in a 4-2 defeat.
    A steward and a cop stopped his BMW from leaving the ground.
    He was later arrested after Barnsley complained to South Yorkshire Police about the alleged incident.
    A trial will begin at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday after jurors were selected today.
    The fracas was initially sparked after Fleetwood’s Harry Souttar was sent off midway through the second half.
    Barton was furious that German manager Stendel had got involved and chased him down the tunnel at the full-time whistle.
    The two managers were seen squaring up to each other on the touchline at the final whistle, with Stendel waving his finger at Barton.
    Barton then shook hands with Barnsley staff and the match officials before racing off up the tunnel where the alleged brawl took place.
    BARTON IN THE DOCK
    The former midfielder played more than 250 Premier League games for Newcastle United, Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers.
    He began managing League One side Fleetwood Town in 2018, before moving to Bristol Rovers in February this year, shortly before the club were relegated to League Two.
    Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.
    He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.

    The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.
    Barton made one appearance for England in 2007.
    Joey Barton calls Bristol loss a ‘holocaust’ in post match interview More

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    Brighton star Yves Bissouma’s bail extended for five weeks after dramatic nightclub arrest

    PREMIER League ace Yves Bissouma today had his bail extended for another five weeks following his dramatic nightclub arrest.The in-form Brighton midfielder, 25, was led away in handcuffs by uniformed cops in the early hours of October 6 after he was detained on suspicion of assault.
    Brighton ace Yves Bissouma’s bail has been extended
    The star was arrested in the early hours of the morning last month at a Brighton club
    Shocked revellers at The Arch, on the seafront in Brighton, told how they saw Bissouma being marched out of a packed nightclub in handcuffs by police officers.
    The Man Utd and Liverpool target spent a night in the cells with a pal in his 40s.
    The pair were bailed until today.
    But Sussex Police confirmed they’ve extended the date as investigations continue.
    A spokesperson said: “The bail date for both individuals has been extended to Monday, December 6 while investigations continue.
    “No further information is available at this time.”
    Bissouma, a likely big-money target in the upcoming January transfer window, was filmed by revellers during his arrest at 2am.
    An insider said: “The club was packed — it was a popular student night, especially with freshers in town.
    STAR BAILED AGAIN
    “People were starstruck to see Bissouma in the club — he’s Brighton’s best player at the moment, so he definitely caught some eyes.
    “They were even more shocked to see him later being led away in handcuffs outside the club.
    “People were absolutely stunned by what was going on.
    “The next thing we knew, two police officers were taking him away in cuffs. I couldn’t believe it.”
    Brighton said at the time of £45,000-a-week Bissouma’s arrest: “Brighton & Hove Albion are aware that one of its players is assisting police with the investigation of an alleged offence.
    “The matter is subject to a legal process and the club is therefore unable to make further comment at this time.”
    The star has been one of Brighton’s top performers this year.
    He recently declared his aim to be the best in the top flight.
    SHOCK ARREST
    Asked who was the Premier League’s top midfielder, he told BBC One’s Football Focus: “I don’t want to be arrogant, but it’s me because in my head I am working to be the best. So I cannot say another name.
    “I know in the Premier League there are so many good midfielders, but for me, it’s me because that gives me the confidence and the energy to work hard to show people I am here and I am Bissouma.”
    The player — born in the Ivory Coast but now a Mali international — signed for the Seagulls from French side Lille in 2018 for a reported £15million.
    He scored his first goal for the club against Bournemouth in the FA Cup third round in 2019. Bissouma has since attracted the attentions of a clutch of Big Six clubs with a string of impressive performances.
    One against Everton last season had Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher raving he was “the best player by a mile on the pitch”. He added: “You looked at him and he really does look like a top-quality player.”
    Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has called him an “exceptional footballer”.
    Among his highlights was a 30-yard strike he netted against Everton in October 2020, which won him the club’s Goal of the Month award.

    Brighton had to fight tooth and nail to keep him over the summer amid fierce interest, and he started this season equally strongly before picking up a knee injury.
    He has been tipped to leave the club when the January transfer window opens.
    Brighton manager Graham Potter has branded his 6ft star “unique”, saying he “does not have a direct replacement” for him.
    The Sun reported the shock arrest in October
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    Premier League star and terrified girlfriend tied up at home by machete wielding thugs

    A PREMIER League star was attacked by masked thugs with machetes in his own home, then tied up along with his terrified partner.The player — who we are not naming — was dragged around the house by the balaclava-clad raiders who smashed their way into his £1.5million property.
    Raiders ransacked the home while the terrified couple were tied up
    The gang broke into the secluded mansion during the recent international fixture period believing he had travelled abroad. But the player had been released from the squad.
    As he was watching his team-mates on TV, four men smashed their way in through a glass door.
    His partner was taking a bath at the time.
    Both were grabbed and tied up and the home was ransacked.
    A source said: “It’s everyone’s worst nightmare. He was pretty brave and did his best, but he was outnumbered and they were pretty aggressive.”
    The raiders made off with watches, jewellery and electrical items.
    The robbery has sent shock waves through his club and left officials deeply upset.
    The source added: “The player lives a pretty low-profile life off the pitch, so he was shocked to be targeted. He doesn’t flash his wealth and enjoys being as normal as possible.”
    Police said: “Entry was forced to the property and jewellery, along with other household items, were stolen. Inquiries are ongoing.”

    Footballers are being targeted by burglary gangs dubbed “away day robbers”, as they raid their homes when they are playing matches.
    But larger squads and complicated fixture lists have seen some stars’ properties burgled when they are at home.
    In March, The Sun told how then Everton FC goalkeeper Robin Olsen and his terrified family were confronted by a balaclava-clad gang wielding machetes in Hale, Cheshire.
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    Just ONE England fan convicted of causing trouble at Euros

    JUST one England fan has been convicted of causing trouble at the Euros.And police do not know if they were even among those wreaking havoc at the final.
    Only one England fan has been convicted of causing trouble at the EurosCredit: Reuters
    The Three Lions are expected to be ordered to play at least one match at Wembley behind closed doors as punishment for the fans’ rampage at the July 11 final.
    But without convictions in court, no banning orders can be issued.
    So all who shamed the country are free to continue following the national side home and away.
    The lack of action heaps more pressure on Met chief Dame Cressida Dick.
    Force figures show there were more than 150 arrests for disorder during games in England.
    Of those, 19 were charged and 26 issued with cautions or penalty notices for disorder.
    A further 104 have been released under investigation or bailed.
    But just one person has been convicted so far.
    We can also reveal just one Met officer was at a Wembley safety meeting before the security shambles at the final.
    The force said: “We refute any claim that our representation at these meetings underestimates our commitment to keeping people safe and mitigating disorder.”
    The lack of action heaps more pressure on Met chief Dame Cressida DickCredit: PA

    ITV reveal fans without tickets did manage to break into Wembley before England’s huge Euro 2020 final game against Italy More