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      Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over ‘significant role’ in plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK from Thailand

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      A FORMER Arsenal starlet has been jailed over a plot to smuggle £600,000 worth of drugs in the UK.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested after border officials seized two suitcases containing cannabis at Stansted Airport.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been jailedCredit: GettyHe was involved in a plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into the UKCredit: UnpixsEmmanuel-Thomas pleaded guilty to his roleCredit: PAThe drugs, which weighed around 60kg, had arrived via flight from Bangkok in Thailand.It is believed he may have been the intermediary between drug pushers in the UK and suppliers in Thailand and was described as having a “significant role”.Emmanuel-Thomas, 34, has now been jailed for four years after he pleaded guilty to fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cannabis.Judge Alexander Mills told him he had a “substantial fall from grace”.Read more newsHe added: “It is through your own actions you will no longer be known as a professional footballer.””You will be known as a criminal. A professional footballer who threw it all away.”Chelmsford Crown Court heard the drugs were brought into the UK by Emmanuel-Thomas’ girlfriend Yasmin Piotrowska.She had flown business class to Stanstead Airport with Rosie Rowland to carry put the plot on September 2.Most read in FootballEmmanuel-Thomas was linked to the discovery by numerous WhatsApp messages, voice notes and pictures.The court was told it was “apparent” he had recruited the women, who were cleared after prosecutors offered no evidence in their case.He used his influenced as a professional footballer to sway the two women – offering them £2,500 plus a free holiday to Thailand.After Piotrowska was stopped by border officials, Emmanuel-Thomas messaged Rowland to tell her to “delete everything from our chat if you can”.The footballer then travelled to Stratford, East London, on September 5 and replaced his mobile.He was sacked by Scottish club Greenock Morton following his arrest last year.Emmanuel-Thomas is a former England under-17 and under-19 international.He began his career at Arsenal before playing for various clubs – including Ipswich Town, Bristol City, QPR, Livingston and Aberdeen.The striker signed a six-month contract with Greenock Morton in July.David Philips, NCA senior investigating officer, 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 Emmanuel-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.”Emmanuel-Thomas is the latest Brit to be caught smuggling drugs.The Sun revealed how Cameron Bradford, 21, is being detained in Germany for allegedly hiding cannabis in her bags on a flight from Thailand.A British OnlyFans model was also caught allegedly smuggling nearly £200,000 worth of Thai cannabis into Spain.Read More on The SunElsewhere, Brit Bella May Culley, 18, sparked a massive international search operation in early May after she was reported missing while holidaying in Thailand.However, it was later revealed that the teen, from Billingham, County Durham, had been arrested 4,000 miles away on drug offences in Georgia.The footballer was arrested last SeptemberCredit: InstagramNCA officers found the drugs in two suitcasesCredit: UnpixsEmmanuel-Thomas previously played for AberdeenCredit: PA More

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      Raul Asencio accusers want Real Madrid defender jailed for FOUR YEARS over ‘video of minor having sex with team-mates’

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      THE lawyers representing a girl who has accused Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio of sharing a sexual video without consent believe that he should be sentenced to four years in jail.In September 2023, the defender was arrested for allegedly sharing a sexually explicit video involving two women – one of which was 16-years-old.Raul Asencio could face four years in jailCredit: GettyThree Real Madrid reserve team players – Ferran Ruiz, 22, Andres Garcia, 22, and Juan Rodriguez, 23 – were also arrested.The trio reportedly filmed the video, which also involved an 18-year-old.They are being accused of “disclosure of secrets without consent, and violation of privacy, distributing and sending videos to third parties without consent, capturing and using minors for pornographic purposes and possession of child pornography” in the case.Meanwhile, Asencio is charged with “revealing secrets in conjunction with another of child pornography” and could face several years in jail.Read More in FootballSpanish outlet AS reports that if found guilty, the 22-year-old could face around four years behind bars.Meanwhile, Cadena Cope says that the alleged victim’s lawyers want £48,900 in compensation for her and a £16.86 fine per day for 10 months.The 18-year-old woman also involved is expected to make the same request.Asencio fiercely protested his innocence regarding the ongoing legal case last month.Most read in FootballIn a lengthy statement on social media, he wrote: “I have not participated in any behaviour that violates the sexual freedom of any woman, much less minors.”The defender also said the “presumption of innocence must continue to prevail.”He added: “Should charges ultimately be filed and a trial commence, I will continue to defend myself before the Courts and Tribunals, in which I have full confidence, reaffirming my innocence of any criminal conduct.”All of this is without prejudice to the utmost respect for the conduct of the judicial proceedings as a whole, including those of the other persons under investigation.”I want to reiterate, once again, my absolute respect for the rights to sexual freedom and privacy of all women.”Asencio also claimed that he was not at the reported location at the time of the June 2023 incident.But despite the judge making it clear that he is not being charged for recording the footage, he remains indicted on charges of sharing it.The initial complaint was filed by the mother of the 16-year-old in the Canary Islands.Read More on The SunIt was stated that while the sexual activity was consensual, the alleged recording was not.Since breaking into the Real Madrid first team at the start of the season, Asencio has made 42 appearances for Los Blancos. More

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      Cop uncle of Premier League star died after he was hit by train while trying to save ‘vulnerable’ man on track

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      THE police officer uncle of a Premier League star died when he was hit by a train while trying to save a “vulnerable” man, an inquest heard.Sergeant Graham Saville, 46, suffered “catastrophic” injuries during the horror in Balderton, Nottinghamshire.Sergeant Graham Saville was killed on train tracks while trying to save a manCredit: PAHis footballer nephew Joe Worrall paid tributeCredit: GettyThe officer – uncle of Burnley and ex-Nottingham Forest star Joe Worrall – sadly died in hospital five days later.An inquest heard Sgt Saville was attempting to rescue a man, named as Patient C, from the tracks on August 23, 2023.Patient C had called emergency crews claiming he had taken an overdose, having previously tried to take his life a week earlier.The call handler advised him to stay where he was while the police and ambulance services were contacted.Read more newsAround 18 minutes later, the conversation ended when officers arrived on the scene and were handed the phone by the man.At 7.09pm, another call was made confirming Patient C had jumped in front of a train and appeared to have been electrocuted.The caller then revealed Sgt Saville had been hurt, suffering injuries to his left leg and arm.Paramedic Darren Sleigh told how he arrived to find the dad-of-two lying on his back “parallel” to the track.Most read in FootballHe said: “I noticed he had sustained serious injuries. Paramedics applied further tourniquets to his arm and leg. He was breathing, but not sufficiently so respiration was applied.”Observations were taken which were all indicative of pain, shock, or severe blood loss.”The court heard Sgt Saville wounds were treated with trauma packs before he was handed over to a doctor who was flown to the scene via air ambulance.He was then taken to hospital where medics found he had suffered a severe ischemic brain injury, which is when there is insufficient blood flow to the brain.His cause of death was listed as “multiple injuries”, which caused “profound blood loss”.Patient C was also taken to hospital with electrocution injuries before being released.Coroner Laurinda Bower said: “It is incredibly sad that Graham went to work as a public servant and didn’t return home to his loving family.”Sgt Saville, who was based at Newark Police Station, had just been promoted to a response sergeant when he died.He began his career with the Metropolitan Police in 2013 before transferring to Nottinghamshire Police in February 2017.Following his death, his wife Joanne said the tragedy death had “devastated” her family, but added they had taken “great comfort from the outpouring of love and admiration for him”.She said: “Graham was a wonderful man. He was laid back, funny, silly and adventurous – he lived life to the full.”He loved his job and joined the police to do something worthwhile and to make a difference.“Ultimately his desire to help others has led to him making the ultimate sacrifice. We are devastated. The outpouring of love from all those who knew him is testament to the amazing person he was.“We are so lucky to have loved him.”Following his death, a minute’s applause was held at Forest’s Carabao Cup match with Burnley at the City Ground.Worrall, 26, was seen looking heartbroken in the strands during the poignant tribute.He later paid tribute to his uncle, he said he was “proud” of how his family had stuck together following the tragedy.The centre-back added: “Thinking about him and his life is something that we’ll do behind closed doors and privately.”There’s a lot of good people out there and particularly people in the police force, the ambulance service and the NHS and these people need to be celebrated.Read More on The Sun“It takes such tragic circumstances for people to be celebrated and I think that these people are the real heroes.”The inquest, which is expected to last two weeks, continues.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Sgt Saville suffered catastrophic injuriesCredit: PABoth Forest and Burnley held a minute’s applause for Sergeant SavilleCredit: PAWorrall looked heartbroken during the poignant moment More

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      Chaos erupts in Paris as riot cops clash with PSG fans at Champions League victory parade in second night of violence

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      PARIS has been plagued by a second day of chaos with armed riot police battling with PSG fans at the Champions League trophy parade.Specialist cops could be seen brandishing batons and riot shields as they stormed through the Champs-Élysées to fight back against violent thugs in the capital.Crowds took to the streets of Paris for the second night of celebrations which turned violent once againCredit: AFPIndividuals were seen launching objects at police in ParisCredit: AFPSupporters cheer PSG players on as they take part in a a parade on the Champs-Elysee avenueCredit: APThe dramatic moment dozens of armed riot police charge at PSG fans ahead of the historic Champions League final trophy paradeCredit: XJubilant celebrations in France continued on Sunday after PSG swept aside a poor Inter Milan side 5-0 in Saturday night’s European final in Munich.But the joyous scenes over in Germany were quickly overshadowed by violence back home in France.PSG fans were hit with tear gas overnight as deadly clashes broke out – leaving two dead and nearly 200 people injured.Almost 600 people were arrested in the ugly scenes with cars, bins and mattresses all seen on fire. READ MORE ON PSGAnd 24 hours after France was first plunged into danger further issues between police and fans broke out.PSG players and staff were joined by around 110,000 supporters on Sunday afternoon as they held a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées.Many fans were said to have been trying to pack out the lined streets in the capital to watch the celebrations.Within a short period of time, the limit of supporters was reached with thousands still looking to find a spot to see the squad return.Most read in FootballThis influx of fans caused chaos for riot cops who were seen trying to disperse them by chasing many through the streets.Video of the intense moment a row of cops started to run across the Alma bridge towards a group of supporters has been shared online.PSG fans tear gassed in violent clashes with cops as 400 arrested and two dead after Champions League winThick plumes of blue smoke from flares can be seen next to the Eiffel Tower in the clip.An officer at the scene said: “They are throwing everything they can at us.”Flash ball guns were also used by gendarmes, in an attempt disperse gang members carrying weapons of their own, including long metal poles and bricks stolen from building sites.It followed two people losing their lives during intense nationwide violence following PSG being crowned European football champions.One of the worst incidents took place in Dax, in the south-west of France, where a 17-year-old was knifed in the stomach.A local police spokesman said: “He was part of a crowd celebrating the PSG win in designated fanzone, and died from his wounds in hospital.”A man was also killed when his scooter collided with a car in Paris on Saturday, after the victim was seen celebrating the football win.A police officer was seriously injured by a firecracker in Coutances, Normandy.Police officers clash with crowds following the PSG team bus paradeCredit: AFPMany fans took to the streets in Paris tonight as the tossed bottles, traffic cones and flaresCredit: AFPOver 110,000 fans took part in the paradeCredit: GettyMasked PSG fans celebrate on top of a car and next to a roaring fire overnightHe was placed in an induced coma, with a very serious eye and head injury, and was still in intensive care on Sunday morning.Paris’ police chief Laurent Nuñez has come out since and said the blame should be placed on looters and vandals who used the party atmosphere in Paris to cause chaos.He made it clear that “real” PSG fans should not be mixed up with violent thugs.A ring of steel had been created around the Champs-Élysées, with major department stores and banks using steel shutters to try and keep looters away.PSG’s official club shops on the Champs, and at their ground, were also barricaded over the weekend.Despite this, a Foot Locker sports store on Champs-Élysées was broken into, and goods including multiple trainers stolen.A Maisons du Monde furniture store on the nearby Avenue Wagram was also looted, said a police spokesman.I was in the heart of PSG’s celebrations in Paris – it was a war zoneBy Sun Sports Features Editor, Rob MaulOUTSIDE the Parc des Princes last night, it was carnage. Absolute carnage.No sooner had the final whistle blown in Munich – as Paris Saint-Germain sealed a record-breaking 5-0 Champions League Final win over Inter Milan – the French capital erupted in celebration.Those who live within a few-mile radius of the club’s home ground had prepared for the worst, sensibly boarding up their shops and cafes in anticipation of mass trouble, and it proved to be a wise decision.Tens of thousands of people, mostly young men wearing PSG shirts, sprinted away from the club’s football ground and once they were outside of the wide police security perimeter, chaos ensued.Motorists had to take evasive action coming off the motorway slip-roads as people dangerously spilled into the street, throwing flares into their path.Soon, the traffic was completely stopped around Porte d’Auteuil as supporters started celebrating in the street – and even jumped on stationary cars.I saw one woman hurt and needing attention from friends while others cowered for cover as fans rushed forward.Ambulances were called to the area and so, too, were fire trucks.And your SunSport correspondent had to sprint away for safety at one point when some of the remnants of the fireworks landed too close for his comfort.Most of the yobs would not have lived in the local area themselves but they saw this European success as an excuse to break the law and cause disruption.Youths wearing masks and hoodies were meanwhile seen roaming around the city looking for trouble.Motorbikes and discared mattresses were set alight, sending thick black smoke billowing through the night sky.There was even fighting reported around the Eiffel Tower, which was lit up in PSG’s red, white and blue following their 5-0 win.Read More on The SunAround 5,400 police officers were on duty across Paris at the weekend, as trouble was always expected, whatever the result.PSG fans have an increasingly bad reputation for hooliganism, and some attacked fans from Arsenal and Aston Villa during this year’s  Champion’s League campaign.Riot squads used tear gas against fansCredit: EPAPolice officers protect themselves from a flare on the Champs Elysees avenue More

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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