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      Rapist ex-Man City star millionaire Robinho spends first month in prison in tiny cell & is signed up for work programme

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      DISGRACED footballer Robinho has spent his first month in jail sharing a tiny 8m squared cell with murderers and fellow rapists. The ex-Man City millionaire was taken from his seafront luxury home in Santos to a hellish Brazilian prison where he plays ball with inmates who make toilet cleaner.Football star Robinho is now serving a nine year sentence for a gang-rape in Italy in 2013Credit: AFPHe has been sent to a chilling Brazilian prison in Tremembé alongside murderers and fellow rapistsCredit: Laurene Santos/TV VanguardaBrazilian jails are severely overcrowded with dozens of inmates living in one cellRobinho spent the first 10 days of his nine years in prison in full isolation as part of a standard adaptation period.The Brazilian, who has an estimated £60million net worth, was then transferred to a tiny 8m squared cell, which he shares with another inmate, CNN reports.Used to living in a lavish mansion in Manchester back in his glory days, the mini concrete block is what Robinho will now call home for the better part of a decade.The cell is said to have only one single bed, a small sink and a toilet built into the floor.Read more on RobinhoAnd a barred up window will provide just a glimpse of the outside world.Here Robinho is set to be under observation by guards and made to do tests by doctors, psychologists and social workers.While in the cell all activities are isolated and he will be given four meals each day – the first being at 6am and the last at 5.30pm.But the convicted rapist has now been allowed to participate in physical activities with other prisoners, having already taken part in a football match.Most read in FootballAll 430 inmates inside the hellhole jail are made to wear matching outfits of a white t-shirt and khaki pants – a far cry from Robinho’s typical football kit.According to CNN, the former AC Milan player was even gifted a boot by fellow prisoners as he awaits to get a job at the penitentiary unit.He will be expected to work during his time behind bars potentially making school desks and chairs or even toilet disinfectant tablets – something the P2 jail is known for.Court finds Ex-Man City star Robinho ‘brutally humiliated gang rape victim’Timeline of Robinho’s rape caseThe rape case involving Brazilian footballer Robinho spans several years. Here’s the complete timeline:

      January 22, 2013: Robinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club during his stint for AC Milan.
      2014: Brazilian media reported on the allegations against Robinho, but no formal charges were filed at that time.
      2017: Robinho was found guilty of sexual assault by an Italian court and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, he denied the charges and appealed the verdict.
      2020: After the appeal process, Robinho’s sentence was upheld by the Italian court. But due to the statute of limitations in Italy, he was not extradited to serve his sentence.
      2022: Robinho’s prison sentence is ratified.
      March 2023: Robinho surrendered his passport to authorities
      November 2023: Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.
      March 20, 2024: Brazil’s Superior Court formed a simple majority and voted for Robinho to serve the sentence in his home country.

      Robinho was pictured in a police car being transported to his new home in jailCredit: EPARobinho being arrested following his sentencingCredit: Fábio Pires/TV TribunaInmates can also take acting lessons and participate in workshops on reading, literacy, and origami.Brazil’s prisons have earned the nickname “hell on earth” and for good reason as captives have been found decapitated after horrific attacks, with drug warlords calling the shots.The country’s jails have infamously bad living conditions, with overcrowding, violence, severe punishments, and gang battles among the many issues the underfunded facilities face.Harrowing photographs show hundreds of inmates jammed into a single cell, laying head-to-toe across the floor.Claims of innocenceRobinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club in 2013.Italy issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star managed to dodge jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo.He says he is innocent and his defence team is filing an appeal against the decision by Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ), G1 reports.Robinho previously accused the Italian justice system of “racism” and said the encounter in 2013 was “consensual”.He told a Brazilian network TV Record on Sunday: “I hope that here in Brazil I can have the voice that I didn’t have there.””I never denied it (the encounter). I could have denied it because my DNA was not there, but I’m not a liar.”I played for four years in Italy and I got tired of seeing stories about racism. The same people who do nothing about racism, which I repudiate, are the ones who condemned me.”A Brazilian news outlet previously published audio recordings obtained by Italian authorities which included Robinho discussing the case with friends.In one clip he says: “We will punch her in her face. You will punch her in the face and say; ‘What did I do to you?'”And in another: “That is why I am laughing, I don’t care at all.”The girl was extremely drunk, she doesn’t even know who I am.”A further leaked conversation shows him saying: “If this comes out in the press, it will screw me.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRobinho played for clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan, and signed a contract in 2020 to return to his first club in Brazil, Santos.However, the deal almost immediately fell apart after sponsors reportedly threatened to cut ties with the club for signing a player convicted of rape.Robinho with his wife Vivian Guglielmetti Junits on their wedding dayCredit: ReutersThe former Man City star hasn’t played football since 2020Credit: Getty More

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      Boxing champion Andy Ruiz’s ex ‘gets restraining order’ after sex assault allegation and claims he pointed AK-47 at her

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      A CHAMPION boxer has reportedly been given a restraining order following allegations he pointed a gun at his ex-wife and sexually assaulted her.The order was imposed against former world heavyweight champion Andy Rui, earlier this month after an legal application by Julia Lemus, 34.Andy Ruiz’s ex, Julia Lemus, has had a successful application for a restraining order against himCredit: Instagram/@jjullieaLemus claims Ruiz sexually assaulted her and pointed a gun at herCredit: Instagram/@jjullieaLemus alleges Ruiz sexually assaulted, abused, and terrorised her throughout their relationship, reports TMZ. She also alleges he pointed an AK-47 at her face last year after she said she was uncomfortable with him buying a gun.Lemus and Ruiz started dating in 2016, with the order saying the boxer would often grab and pull Lemus to move her wherever he wanted her to go.She further claimed Ruiz would “jokingly” punch her arms and legs, leaving bruises, per TMZ. read more on boxingLemus claims Ruiz began sexually assaulting her last year, by forcing himself onto her at least six times. She was granted a temporary restraining order after the initial allegations.Ruiz strongly denied the claims, forcing a court battle to determine whether a permanent restraining order needed to be put in place.Both Ruiz and Lemus testified in front of a judge, as did witnesses, with the judge ruling in favour of Lemus on April 8. Most read in BoxingHeavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua’s tattoos explainedA three-year restraining order is in place, with Lemus able to renew the request before the agreement expires on April 8, 2027. The judge making the ruling, Sharon L. Kalemkiarian, stated in court filings she determined evidence showed Lemus “is in fear as a result of aggressive, demeaning and controlling behavior by Mr. Ruiz,” according to TMZ. Kalemkiarian concluded “Mr Ruiz did assault her”, “did disturb her peace, and did exercise coercive control throughout the entire relationship.”The protection order states that Ruiz must stay 100 yards away from Lemus, her home, her job, and her vehicle.Ruiz must was ordered to take a 12-week anger management course and must have no guns.Ruiz has not responded publicly to the report, with his last post on social media being a video with his new partner, Mayeli Alonso, announcing her pregnancy in March. Kalemkiarian also gave Lemus sole custody of the couple’s two children although Ruiz is permitted to have supervised visits with them.  Ruiz last fought in September 2022 when he won against Luis Ortiz.Ruiz is a former world heavyweight boxerCredit: Action Images – ReutersRuiz strongly denied the claimsCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times   More

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      Dele Alli’s ex Ruby Mae reveals her first thought as armed raiders stole £35k at England ace’s £2m London mansion

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      DELE Alli’s ex has revealed what first crossed her mind when armed raiders broke into their £2million London mansion. The thugs took off with £35,000 worth of the England ace’s watches and gems – including a Rolex.Traumatised Ruby Mae, right, speaks of the horrific experience of encountering armed robbers at ex Dele Alli’s homeCredit: Tom Horton / REXDele, who played for Spurs at the time of the crime, was badly shaken by the incidentCredit: Peter Byrne / PA WireWhile the attackers remain at large, Ruby says the police were very helpful when they turned upCredit: Paul Edwards – The SunA view of Dele’s gated property in North London where the incident took placeBut Dele’s ex Ruby Mae has now told all to The Sun about how the horror unfolded – and the fact the attackers are still at large. The 29-year-old said she had been up in the bedroom while the footballer and his pals were downstairs playing pool. Ruby said she had just taken their poodle Uno outside to go toilet before the two masked men broke in.They roughed up Dele, before trying to rip the models rings and bracelets off. Read more on footballTalking for the first time about her ordeal in London, she said: “I thought I was going to be killed.“It was terrifying. I was just hoping for it all to be over and for us to be safe.”Desperate Ruby said her instant reaction was to shield Uno at the £2million North London home. The model bravely said: “When the burglar came in, my first instinct was to protect the dog.Most read in Football“I wasn’t answering any of their questions as I was in shock and didn’t know, at this point, that there were two of them — and that one was already taking the jewellery with Dele.“I couldn’t get the jewellery off as I was panicking and holding the dog behind me.Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky Sports“I wasn’t answering his requests and I was terrified they were going to hurt Uno.“I didn’t know whether to tell them or not, and I didn’t even know where everything was. I wasn’t thinking straight.”The traumatised model was laying in the dark as the men with concealed weapons burst into the bedroom.She said that the thugs roughed up Dele and made him hand over three watches, including a Rolex.Ruby was in bed with the lights off and as the men grabbed her arms for her rings and bracelets.They failed to take them before panicking and fleeing with the goods.Ruby and Dele’s relationship
      Ruby and Dele split in 2021 — less than a year after the raid — with Ruby saying they “drifted” and lost their spark.
      They had met in a London bar in 2016 and for five years were one of the most photographed young couples in Britain.
      Ex-Tottenham midfielder Dele won PFA Young Player of the Year two years running, and made his Three Lions debut aged 19 in 2015.
      He scored in a 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with Ruby, from Wigston, Leics, cheering him on with other Wags.
      But Dele lost his place in the England squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers and has yet to be recalled.
      He left Spurs for Everton in January 2022, but failed to impress and went on loan to Turkish side Besiktas.
      He returned early and has yet to play for Everton this season.
      Last year Dele revealed that one of his mum’s friends had abused him as a child.
      He also spent six weeks in rehab in the United States for an addiction to sleeping pills.
      Last Monday Dele appeared on Sky Sports as an analyst as his side were hammered 6-0 by Chelsea.
      He revealed his ambitions to play for England again saying: “You know you can set reminders on your phone. I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says ‘World Cup 2026’. That’s my aim for now.
      “I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place, and I’m feeling good.”
      Ruby remains a successful model and said: “People think it’s a glamorous life but it’s quite cut-throat with a lot of pressure to look a certain way.
      “The good things are that you get to meet amazing people, work with different brands daily and travel.”

      Ruby recalled: “It was like a movie. I feared all sorts of things were going to happen.“I honestly didn’t know what was going to come next.”She had been watching Netflix thriller Dead To Me, and Dele and pals were playing pool downstairs when the burglars evaded security to get in through the back door.Ruby said: “They roughed up Dele and forced him upstairs with them into the wardrobe area, which is separated from the bedroom.“I couldn’t see the door from the bed but Dele’s friend came up first. “They came to me in a panic and I instantly realised something was wrong. His friend wouldn’t have usually come into the bedroom.When the burglar came in, my first instinct was to protect the dog.Ruby MaeDele Alli’s ex “Behind the friend, towards the door was what looked like a silhouette. I was confused and said, ‘Dele?’ and the guy didn’t answer.“I realised this guy was not the same height or body structure as Dele. He came over to me and was very intimidating.“He started asking me where everything was while trying to take off my bracelets and rings.”Ruby said the raiders began to panic when they realised how long they had been in the house.She added: “They jumped the fence out the front and ran away with whatever they had both managed to find. I don’t have a clue how they got past the security and into the house.“The police turned up a few minutes later. They were very helpful and made sure we were OK.”Met Police’s statement at the time
      Police were called at approximately 00:35hrs on Wednesday, May 13 to reports of a robbery at a residential address.
      Two males gained entry to the property and stole items of jewellery, including watches, before fleeing.
      Two male occupants at the property suffered minor facial injuries after being assaulted.
      They did not require hospital treatment. There have been no arrests. Enquiries into the circumstances continue.

      Dele, 27, his adoptive brother Harry Hickford, 27, and the pal were badly shaken.Ruby added: “It affected all of us. To get burgled is one thing, but to get burgled when you’re in is so scary. All of us were speechless.“We were all just like, ‘What the hell has happened?’ We didn’t even know what to say to each other.“We were all very emotional and up and down. We were tired and had to do the police interviews. It was all very traumatic.“Psychologically, it has had an impact. Being home alone is scarier than it once was.“Every now and then I still think about it. I can’t believe it happened. It was awful.”A watch is a watch, who cares. As long as you’re safe, that’s the most important thing.Ruby MaeDele Alli’s ex After the raid in May 2020’s Covid lockdown, police gave Dele and Ruby alarms to activate if they were in danger which signalled directly through to cops.Ruby said they randomly sounded weeks later and police turned up with a dog unit within moments.The alarms were on top of the 24-hour security they already had in place before the break-in.No arrests have been made and the attackers remain at large.Ruby said: “It’s a pretty weird feeling knowing the people who did it never got caught and are still out there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But they took stuff that can be replaced, so I’m just glad we all got through it without something really serious happening.“A watch is a watch, who cares. As long as you’re safe, that’s the most important thing.”The pair a year after the 2020 incident, with Ruby saying that they ‘lost their spark’Credit: Getty More

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      Masked thugs roughed up Dele Alli during armed raid at his house… I was terrified and feared I’d die, says ex Ruby Mae

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      DELE Alli’s ex Ruby Mae has revealed she feared she was going to die when armed raiders stole £350,000 of watches and gems.The model, 29, said two masked men tried to rip rings off her after roughing up the England star.Traumatised Ruby Mae, right, speaks of the horrific experience of encountering armed robbers at ex Dele Alli’s homeCredit: Tom Horton / REXDele, who played for Spurs at the time of the crime, was badly shaken by the incidentCredit: Peter Byrne / PA WireWhile the attackers remain at large, Ruby says the police were very helpful when they turned upCredit: Paul Edwards – The SunTalking for the first time about her ordeal in London, she said: “I thought I was going to be killed.”The traumatised model lay in the dark as two men with concealed weapons burst into her bedroom.She added that the thugs roughed up Dele and made him hand over three watches, including a Rolex.Ruby was in bed with the lights off and tried to protect their dog as the men grabbed her arms for her rings and bracelets. READ MORE DELE ALLIThey failed to take them before panicking and fleeing with the goods.Ruby told The Sun: “It was like a movie. I feared all sorts of things were going to happen.“I honestly didn’t know what was going to come next.”She had been watching Netflix thriller Dead To Me, and Dele and pals were playing pool downstairs when the burglars evaded security to get in through the back door.Most read in FootballRuby said: “They roughed up Dele and forced him upstairs with them into the wardrobe area, which is separated from the bedroom.“I couldn’t see the door from the bed but Dele’s friend came up first.Dele Alli shows off drastic new haircut.. and fans think it’s a cryptic transfer hint for his new club“They came to me in a panic and I instantly realised something was wrong. His friend wouldn’t have usually come into the bedroom.“Behind the friend, towards the door was what looked like a silhouette. I was confused and said, ‘Dele?’ and the guy didn’t answer.“I realised this guy was not the same height or body structure as Dele. He came over to me and was very intimidating.“He started asking me where everything was while trying to take off my bracelets and rings.”She added: “It was terrifying. I was just hoping for it all to be over and for us to be safe.”Desperate Ruby tried to shield poodle Uno at the £2million home in North London. She said: “I had taken the dog out to go to the ­toilet, then went upstairs.“When the burglar came in, my first instinct was to protect the dog.“I wasn’t answering any of their questions as I was in shock and didn’t know, at this point, that there were two of them — and that one was already taking the jewellery with Dele.“I couldn’t get the jewellery off as I was panicking and holding the dog behind me.“I wasn’t answering his requests and I was terrified they were going to hurt Uno.I wasn’t answering any of their questions as I was in shock Ruby Mae“I didn’t know whether to tell them or not, and I didn’t even know where everything was. I wasn’t thinking straight.”Ruby said the raiders began to panic when they realised how long they had been in the house.She added: “They jumped the fence out the front and ran away with whatever they had both managed to find. I don’t have a clue how they got past the security and into the house.“The police turned up a few minutes later. They were very helpful and made sure we were OK.”Dele, 27, his adoptive brother Harry Hickford, 27, and the pal were badly shaken.Ruby added: “It affected all of us. To get burgled is one thing, but to get burgled when you’re in is so scary. All of us were speechless.A view of Dele’s gated property in North London where the incident took place“We were all just like, ‘What the hell has happened?’ We didn’t even know what to say to each other.“We were all very emotional and up and down. We were tired and had to do the police interviews. It was all very traumatic.“Psychologically, it has had an impact. Being home alone is scarier than it once was.“Every now and then I still think about it. I can’t believe it happened. It was awful.”After the raid in May 2020’s Covid lockdown, police gave Dele and Ruby alarms to activate if they were in danger which signalled directly through to cops.Ruby said they randomly sounded weeks later and police turned up with a dog unit within moments.It’s a pretty weird feeling knowing the people who did it never got caught and are still out thereRuby MaeThe alarms were on top of the 24-hour security they already had in place before the break-in.No arrests have been made and the attackers remain at large.Ruby said: “It’s a pretty weird feeling knowing the people who did it never got caught and are still out there.“But they took stuff that can be replaced, so I’m just glad we all got through it without something really serious happening.“A watch is a watch, who cares. As long as you’re safe, that’s the most important thing.”Ruby and Dele split in 2021 — less than a year after the raid — with Ruby saying they “drifted” and lost their spark.They had met in a London bar in 2016 and for five years were one of the most photographed young couples in Britain.Ex-Tottenham midfielder Dele won PFA Young Player of the Year two years running, and made his Three Lions debut aged 19 in 2015.He scored in a 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with Ruby, from Wigston, Leics, cheering him on with other Wags.But Dele lost his place in the England squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers and has yet to be recalled. I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says ‘World Cup 2026’. That’s my aim for nowDele AlliHe left Spurs for Everton in January 2022, but failed to impress and went on loan to Turkish side Besiktas.He returned early and has yet to play for Everton this season.Last year Dele revealed that one of his mum’s friends had abused him as a child.He also spent six weeks in rehab in the United States for an addiction to sleeping pills.Last Monday Dele appeared on Sky Sports as an analyst as his side were hammered 6-0 by Chelsea. He revealed his ambitions to play for England again saying: “You know you can set reminders on your phone. I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says ‘World Cup 2026’. That’s my aim for now.“I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place, and I’m feeling good.”Ruby remains a successful model and said: “People think it’s a glamorous life but it’s quite cut-throat with a lot of pressure to look a certain way.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The good things are that you get to meet amazing people, work with different brands daily and travel.”
      Read more of Ruby Mae’s interview online tomorrow
      The pair a year after the 2020 incident, with Ruby saying that they ‘lost their spark’Credit: Getty More

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      Redditch United boss who took ‘immediate break from football’ facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges

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      A NON-league footie boss who took a surprise leave of absence from the touchline is facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges.Redditch United announced in February that Matt Clarke, 50, would be having an “immediate break from football for personal reasons”.Redditch United manager Matt Clarke is facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges after the club announced his ‘break from football’ in FebruaryCredit: Redditch UnitedBut it has emerged he appeared at Hereford magistrates’ court with two co-defendants over the drugs allegations on Valentine’s Day.He also faced a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place when indicted at Worcester crown court last month.Clarke, of Bromsgrove, Worcs, will appear again on May 7 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The Southern Football League Premier Division club’s statement on Clarke’s hiatus came two weeks after the offences are alleged to have taken place on February 13.READ MORE BEAUTIFUL GAMEIt said at the time it “anticipates it to be a short break”.Former right back Clarke played for West Bromwich Albion and Wolves as a youngster.He later joined Kidderminster, Hereford and Telford United.Clarke managed Halesowen and Evesham before joining Redditch in 2020.Most read in FootballRedditch chairman David Faulkner gave “no comment” when asked if Clarke had been sacked or would ever return as manager.Thousands gather for pro-cannabis event in Hyde Park More

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      Cops raid Germany’s biggest slum ‘Zombieland’ in frantic bid to clean up hellhole ahead of England’s Euros visit

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      GERMAN cops raided Frankfurt’s ‘Zombieland’ drugs slum in a frantic bid to clean up the hellhole area before England’s Euros visit.Scores of officers descended on the crime-ravaged Bahnhofsviertel district – two days after The Sun revealed how clueless UEFA recommended it as a base for thousands of travelling Three Lions fans.Cops descended on crime-ravaged Bahnhofsviertel district in FrankfurtCredit: BILD FotoserviceThe operation saw cops in bulletproof vests storm the area, arresting dozens of dealersCredit: BILD FotoserviceThe dangerous area in Frankfurt is plagued by ‘zombie’ drug addictsCredit: Dan CharityThe streets are packed with 5,000 shuffling junkies and 300 dealersCredit: Dan CharityFrankfurt’s railway station area is known as the “most dangerous slum in Germany” – with its streets packed with 5,000 junkies and 300 dealers.The no-go zone is so dangerous that kids are escorted to schools and even road sweepers receive police protection.Officials in the city are desperate to clear up the district before Euro 2024 kicks off in two months – with England playing Denmark on June 20.The major operation last Wednesday saw cops in bulletproof vests storm the station district, arresting dozens of dealers.more on Euro 2024 Pictures show suspects pinned to the ground while having their bags searched for drugs and weapons during the hours-long raid.Others were patted down against walls and were ordered to take off their shoes to check for concealed bags of crack cocaine.,Dozens were said to have been handcuffed and arrested – with local brothels also raided by cops.According to German newspaper Bild, more than 10,000 people have had their details checked by cops in the station area since February.Most read in Euro 2024Five Euros clashes will be played in Frankfurt – and most football fans will arrive at Frankfurt Central Station in the heart of the drugs slum.The Sun revealed last week how tournament organiser UEFA had used its official tournament app to suggest fans STAY in the dangerous district for the crucial group tie with Denmark.Adidas unveil Germany Euro 2024 kitHalf of all the crimes in million-strong Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the station district – with four violent attacks taking place every day.The area is SO packed with dangerous drug addicts, US companies have banned their employees from walking along them.Politicians have described the violent area – riddled with traditional drugs like heroin and cocaine but also zombifying crystal meth – as “the open wound of Frankfurt”Cornelia Bensinger from the Pro Altstadt association said: “You almost have to be ashamed to be from Frankfurt  And now the gateway to the city looks like Harlem in the 1970s.”The crackdown by cops comes as authorities race to clean up the district, recommended by UEFA as a place for fans to stay.The footballing governing body was condemned by fans after official advice describing Behnhofsviertel as “an especially appealing choice if you’re considering trips to explore the city or its surroundings.”Addicts make no attempt to disguise their drug use on the streetCredit: Dan CharityHeroin and cocaine had been the traditional drugs of choice for addicts in the areaCredit: Dan CharityThe area has been branded ‘the most dangerous slum in Germany’Credit: Dan CharityHalf of all the crimes in Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the areaCredit: Dan CharityIt is so bad that road sweepers are given police protectionCredit: Dan CharityThe area went downhill during the pandemic when businesses and bars closedCredit: Dan CharityUefa earmarked hotels for tens of thousands of Three Lions supporters attending games at the Deutsche Bank Park stadium, pictured, home of Eintracht Frankfurt More

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      I was a Premier League star who played more than 500 games – but now I’m a COP armed with gun & driving fast cars

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      A PREMIER League star who has more than 500 games under his belt is now an armed cop who enforces the law.The 54-year-old made a half-century of appearances for five different English clubs across his career from 1995 to 2008.A former Premier League star has left football behind for a life as a copCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Dutch former star now spends his days solving crimes and catching crooksCredit: YouTubeThe defender competing for the ball against Thierry Henry back in 2004Credit: GettyBut the Dutch footballer has since returned back to his native country as a police officer specialising in forensics.The ex-Prem defender now spends his time catching crooks instead of chasing down strikers.Arjan de Zeeuw, who is best known in England for his spell at Wigan Athletic, has even claimed that his new job is filled with “fast cars and guns”.In a 2020 podcast hosted by his former Latics team-mate Emmerson Boyce, De Zeeuw revealed that he is now living a “boys’ dream”. Read More in FootballHe said: “I still work with the Dutch police force, believe it not as an inspector, or detective as you call it.”Having a medical degree, my first idea was to become a doctor, but at the time the Dutch police were looking for people with higher education to do a fast-track course into the police force.”It sounded a little bit like a boys’ dream – being in fast cars and having a gun and all that stuff and I realised it was still going to take me a long time to become a doctor, whereas it was a much quicker route into the police force.”He continued: “I realised that I loved playing football so much that I didn’t not want to play it and be on the side of the pitch all the time.Most read in Football”I realised I didn’t want to be on the football pitch not playing football, so I thought no, I’m not going to do all the badges and go into management.”I’m just going to get completely out of football altogether.”De Zeeuw hung up his boots in 2009 with ADO ’20 after making a mere 12 appearances. I’m a former Premier League striker but now I’m a COP – I spend my days solving crimes & catching crooksHis stint at Coventry City the year before didn’t quite pan out due to nagging injuries preventing him from securing a regular spot in the Championship side.De Zeeuw is also still into football and manages Vitesse 22 in the Dutch non-league.Back in 2005 he earned a stunning tribute from the then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair.Newcastle fan Blair went on the BBC’s Football Focus to pick out three Prem players – England striker Teddy Sheringham, Fulham stylist Steed Malbranque and De Zeeuw.Blair lasted another two years as PM while the Dutchman carried on playing until 2009, bowing out after a season with Dutch side ADO’20.And Blair said of him: “He’s really strong, never gives up. I could do with him at the whips’ office!”However, before starting his playing career, he completed a degree in medical science, which he is now putting to use in his investigative work.Police work is like football, it’s still very much a team effort.”Arjan De Zeuuw, 54In 2014, he told BBC Sport: “I was looking at something else other than football.”I’ve been in football that long and I thought I just need to look at the world a bit more.”So I tried to get back into my medical studies and I bumped into a friend of mine who was a detective in Alkmaar, where we are now.”Arjan continued: “It’s challenging. The good thing is it’s like football, it’s still very much a team effort.”You’ll hardly ever solve a crime on your own.”However, despite leaving the beautiful game behind as a career, he’s still joined up with the force’s team, who he generously described as “energetic”.He joked: “You have to be careful for your legs with these.”On top of that, he plays for the police’s national team, who qualified for the European final that year.Discussing how his footie skills have kept up, he chuckled: “I’m lacking a bit of speed and a little bit of touch, but the competitive edge is still there.”It’s possible he was just being modest though as he also recalled how his training came in handy when chasing down a suspect.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe ex-Prem defender outlasted him for stamina and made the arrest.He laughed: “I had enough pace to keep up.”Former football stars with interesting jobs
      Mathieu Flamini
      Arsenal’s combative midfielder Flamini, 40, went from pro footballer to environmental entrepreneur as co-founder of GF Biochemicals.
      The company is estimated to be worth £21billion thanks to its ability to mass-produce levulinic acid, which is a fuel made from plant waste that can be used in the creation of plastics.
      Asamoah Gyan
      Better known for his stunning 51-goal haul for Ghana than his two-year spell at Sunderland, the World Cup semi-finalist is on course for a very comfortable retirement.
      Gyan’s business ventures in airlines, real estate, bottled water, boxing promotion, petrol stations and rice and noodles means his net worth is about £17million.
      Robbie Fowler
      Liverpool’s goalscoring legend hung up his shooting boots seven years ago but had already been building a sustainable income away from football long before then.
      He is involved in horse-racing and has owned a sports promotion company since the 1990s.
      But real estate is where Fowler shines as he reportedly owns more than 100 properties and has a net worth of more than £30m.
      Thomas Gravesen
      The Danish hardman delighted Everton fans with his take-no-prisoners approach on the pitch but stopped playing at the age of 32.
      He went on to amass a tidy fortune through clever investments and then boosted his pot up to £100m through poker winnings in Las Vegas. 
      Gravesen, 48, now works back in Denmark as a TV pundit.

      De Zeuuw says he still enjoys playing football from time to timeCredit: BBCDe Zeuuw made over 500 appearances for five different English clubs between 1995 and 2008Credit: Getty More

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      ISIS issues chilling threat to Euro 2024 as German cops bust four teen terror suspects planning molotov & knife rampage

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      GERMAN police have arrested a warped cell of four teenage terror suspects planning an ISIS rampage with knives and molotov cocktails.It comes as security officials prepare for a possible ISIS attack on the Euro games in Germany this summer.Germany is on high alert ahead of ISIS threats to this summer’s EurosCredit: AlamyArmed cops outside a stadium in GermanyCredit: GettyA twisted ISIS poster shows an armed terrorist about to exit a German trainCredit: ISISA packed stadium in Dortmund, Germany this weekCredit: GettyFour young boys and girls were arrested near Dusseldorf by police after they discovered the group’s horrific plans, Bild reports.Investigators were appalled to find the teens, aged just 15-16, were in possession of a machete and dagger and were texting on a group chat about attacking German cities.Just days ago ISIS issued a disturbing threat to the Champions League matches held in London, Madrid and Paris.It’s warped PR arm sent out a poster which read “kill them all”, sparking major security operations at each stadium.A mammoth security operation was launched across Europe with armed cops, prowling bomb dogs and elite anti-terror units.While the games went ahead without a hitch, security officials in Germany have now been placed on high alert ahead of this summer’s major championship games.ISIS magazine Voice of Khorasan released a particularly disturbing issue filled with calls to action for extremists around the world.German officials believe they were directed at the upcoming UEFA tournament, Bild reports.Most read in FootballChilling graphics inside the publication included one of a terrorist holding a gun, kitted out in camouflage gear and poised to exit a German train.Next to him are signs that read: “Welcome to Europe” and “Last call before exit”.On the seat in front of him is a box of explosives.SITE Intelligence, which monitors global terrorist activity, also reported a pro-ISIS cell calling for drone strikes on the Champions League stadiums this week.An ISIS graphic showed a drone flying over the Madrid stadium with the caption: “If they constrict and oppress you on the ground, then strike them from the sky”.Text in the terrifying magazine reads: “Run over the kuffar (non-believers) with your vehicle, stab them with knives, fill their food with poison, blow out their brains with bullets, and set their houses on fire.”German officials believe ISIS-K, who carried out Europe’s deadliest Islamic extremist attack in Moscow just weeks ago, have a significant presence in Europe.They reportedly have a network of more than 100 agents in western Europe with 50 in Germany alone.One security official told Bild: “(This propaganda piece) shows that the ISPK absolutely wants to carry out sensational attacks, no matter how and by whom. “To this end, all potential attackers, including self-radicalised individual perpetrators, so-called lone wolves, are now being called upon to carry out attacks.”Some of the recent ISIS messaging has been aimed at young people in particular – like those in Germany this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESDortmund, Dusseldorf and Cologne were all floated as possible locations for the disturbing teen attack but no ironclad plan came of it before their arrest.The current terror threat level in Germany assumes an attack is “very likely”.Armed cops in London, Madrid and Paris were placed on high alert this week for the Championship League quarter-finals More