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    Moment footballer ARRESTED during match & hauled off pitch in handcuffs by cops – just minutes after scoring a goal

    THIS is the moment a footballer is arrested during a match and escorted off the pitch – while just moment earlier he’d scored a goal.The non-league player came on in the 52nd minute with his team, Baglan Dragons, trailing 3-1 in the JD Cymru South game against Cwmbran Celtic on September 7.The 31-year-old footballer is escorted off the pitch by two copsCredit: TwitterAfter creating two goals and scoring another, the 31-year-old carried his team to a narrow 4-3 triumph in the second-tier Welsh league game. But his afternoon ended five minutes from time when two policemen walked onto the pitch and escorted him away.In a video posted on X, spectators appeared to shout words of encouragement to the player, before clapping him off the pitch. The poster captioned the video: “Just a casual game in the Welsh leagues.Read more Sport”A lad gets subbed on, scores a goal and gets an assist. Then gets arrested in the 85th minute. Only in South Wales”.After the game, a disconsolate Cwmbran manager Simon Berry said of the incident: “Fair play to him, he came on the pitch and completely transformed the game.”He assisted in the two goals that drew them level and then banged in the winner.“He played really well for 20 minutes and then the police arrived and took him away.Most read in Football”There was a three minute stoppage in the game and Baglan were forced to substitute him before he was escorted away.“It was a mad few minutes, a bit surreal. If they’d come a bit earlier for him before he came on we might have held onto our lead.”X, formerly Twitter, users expressed their confusion after the clip was posted.One asked: “What did he do?”Another echoed: “Why did he get arrested?”Others shared memories of past intrusions in Welsh football games, with one saying: “Don’t forget last year up at caernarfon either where a knife was allegedly drawn in the stand”.Baglan Dragons were promoted to the Cymru South league in 2023 after beating Risca United in the Ardal South Promotion Play-Off final. The team finished in tenth place in the 2023/4 season, with victories against local rivals Afan Lido, Goytre United, Trefelin and Pontardawe Town.The recent win against Cwmbran Celtic seems to be the first in several fixtures, with recent losses to Penrhiwceiber Rangers, Trefelin BGC, Ammanford AFC and Carmarthen Town. A spokesperson for the South Wales Police said: “Officers arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of theft. He was later released without charge.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sun Online has approached Baglan Dragons for comment.Two police officers are seen walking across the pitchCredit: Twitter More

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    New vid shows rapist Dani Alves playing football for 1st time in Barcelona after prison release on €1million bail

    DISGRACED footballer Dani Alves has been seen playing football for the first time since his release from prison in Spain.A new video appeared to show the convicted rapist playing alongside his pals and fans at a pitch in Barcelona.Dani Alves leaving prison in March after serving just four weeks of his sentenceAlves was seen playing football at an informal match in BarcelonaCredit: Twitter / @ssvideos8The disgraced footballer donned a Boca Juniors shirtCredit: Twitter / @ssvideos8Alves makes weekly appearances in court as part of his bail conditions, pictured here last Friday with his lawyerCredit: EPAThe 41-year-old Brazilian spent just four weeks of his sentence behind bars after a rape conviction – stumping up £850k to be released on bail.Ex-Barcelona star Alves hopes to be acquitted and restore his public image, eventually making a shocking comeback to the sport, El Pais reports.But the shamed rapist already gave a glimpse of his return as he joined a casual match on an artificial turf pitch in Barcelona, according to Spanish outlet Marca.Alves reportedly organised the match through a mobile app designed to help users find local players and set up informal matches with people they don’t necessarily know.Read more on Dani AlvesThe disgraced ace added an unexpected twist to his appearance by going to the game with several friends and wearing a jersey from Boca Juniors, an Argentine team he has never played for.The other players didn’t seem to notice the Brazilian football player at first, but soon enough, his presence created a stir. Alves started to get recognised by the crowd, with many asking for pictures with the convicted rapist after the game.He served a few weeks of his four-and-a-half-year sentence before being released on bail from a prison near Barcelona in March.Most read in FootballAccording to reports, Alves and his estranged wife Joana Sanz are holed up in their £4million Spanish mansion for most of the time.Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bailAlves’ relationship to Joana Sanz broke down after the shocking rape accusations came outCredit: GettyBut the on-and-off couple are said to be living a low life in their luxurious mansion in EspluguesCredit: Instagram/danialvesThe Brazil ace also had a remarkable career at BarcelonaCredit: GettyBut the former footballer did recently visit a high-end Barcelona hotel, enjoying wagyu beef steak with a friend, El Periodico reports.The pair reportedly dined on a variety of expensive dishes from the steakhouse restaurant as Alves spoke to press about his parole terms.Alves told a reporter he has to “play a game” in court during weekly appearances while on bail.Struggling financially since losing his income and hefty sponsorship, the shamed footballer does not expect football clubs or companies to return even if he is acquitted, El Pais reports.It is not clear exactly in what role he plans to return to the world of professional football.The Brazilian had made several attempts before his conviction to get bail, but they were turned down in part because he was deemed a flight risk.Days of speculation preceded his release from jail over where the money was going to come from.Despite earning over £45million across his successful career, Alves had his bank accounts frozen when he was sat in his jail cell meaning he couldn’t fund his own release.Just hours after the disgraced star was released he hosted an all-night party at his £4.5m mansion in Esplugues de LLobregat – a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona.Dani Alves rape case: a timelineDECEMBER 30, 2022: Brazilian footballer Dani Alves allegedly raped a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona.JANUARY 20, 2023: Alves is arrested and is held in pre-trial detention.FEBRUARY 2024: In a trial held in Barcelona, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. Held at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court, the trial lasted three days and saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.In court she claimed that he was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.Following the trial, Alves was found guilty of raping the woman.FEBRUARY 22, 2024: Alves was convicted and sentenced to four and a half years in prison.The court also ordered Alves to pay £130K (150,000 euros) in compensation to the victim.Alves’ lawyers immediately appealed his sentence.MARCH 20, 2024: A Barcelona court released Alves on a bail of €1million (£850k) pending an appeal on his conviction.MARCH 25, 2024: Convicted rapist Alves left Brians 2 Prison after spending just weeks behind bars – stumping up £850k to be released on bail.PRESENT DAY: His defence is seeking his acquittal while the prosecutor wants his prison sentence increased to nine years.There is no date yet for the new trial at a higher court in Barcelona. It can then go to the Supreme Court in Madrid.Meanwhile, Alves and his estranged wife Joana Sanz are holed up in their £4million Spanish mansion in the outskirts of Barcelona.Days later, Spanish media reported that supermodel Sanz had already paid Alves a visit.Following reports that their marriage was over, Sanz shared a picture of the pair holding hands with matching tattoos to her Instagram last week.Alves, once a serial winner on the football pitch with 44 medals to his name, was arrested by Catalan police in January 2023 and spent over a year behind bars afterwards.Dani Alves was accused of raping the woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.He claimed the sexual encounter was consensual, insisting “he would never hurt anyone”.The player was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars in February.But on March 20, 2024 a court ruled he could appeal his conviction and get out of his hellhole jail while his team, headed by Ines Guardiola, carried out the appeal.His bail was set at his €1million (£850,000) – a figure originally thought to be getting paid for by pal Neymar Jr’s father, say LaVanguardia.Neymar da Silva Santos Sr had been expected to help Alves pay the money to secure his freedom, but he issued a statement denying he would hand over any cash after coming under political pressure in his homeland.The bail conditions set by the court say Alves must stay at least 1,000m away from the home of the victim or any other place she frequently goes.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is also banned from ever contacting her and must handover his Brazilian and Spanish passports.The court feared Alves could leave Spain and travel to his native Brazil to try and avoid serving any more jail time.Alves was convicted of rape in February but has only served a month behind barsCredit: APAlves walked free after he struggled to stump up the cash needed to make bail last weekCredit: ReutersAlves is keeping a low profile in his £4m Spanish boltholeCredit: InstagramJoanna Sanz shared this picture of her and estranged husband Dani Alves – with matching tattoos More

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    Former PSV Eindhoven star faces 30 months in prison over death of four-year-old boy as he withdraws appeal

    FORMER PSV Eindhoven midfielder Rai Vloet is facing two-and-a-half years in prison for causing a fatal accident which killed a four-year-old boy.The 29-year-old was sentenced last year for the incident which took place in November 2021.Rai Vloet, centre, is facing 30 months behind bars for the fatal accidentCredit: GettyHe opted to appeal the decision after The Public Prosecution Service did the same as they called for his sentence to be increased by a further 12 months.However, ANP have now revealed Vloet’s lawyer, Alrik de Haas, confirmed on Monday that the footballer decided to withdraw his appeal on September 3.The Public Prosecution Service followed suit, meaning Vloet can now expect a summons to serve his two-and-a-half-year prison sentence.He will also have to pay “several hundred thousand euros” in damages.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing the crash on the A4 near Hoofddorp which killed four-year-old Gio Roos, Vloet was found “smelling of alcohol and with bloodshot eyes”.The prosecution later called the speed he was driving at “absurd”.Vloet played 16 games for PSV, including three in the Europa League and one in the Champions League.At the time of the accident, he was at Dutch side Heracles.Most read in FootballSince then, he has gone on to play in Kazakhstan and Russia, but is now a free agent after his contract with Ural Yekaterinburg expired at the end of last season.AD have reported Vloet is considering hanging up his boots.It is understood he wants to serve his sentence “normally”. More

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    Who was Rebecca Cheptegei? Olympic runner died after ‘petrol attack by ex-boyfriend’

    REBECCA Cheptegei tragically died when her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The Ugandan athlete, 33, had recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Rebecca Cheptegei tragically died after being set on fire, allegedly by her ex-boyfriendCredit: AlarmyRebecca had competed at the Paris 2024 OlympicsCredit: AFPWho was Rebecca Cheptegei? The Olympian competed in cross country, long distance and marathon events. Rebecca was born on February 22, 1991, in Uganda and began racing in 2010.According to her Olympics bio, she was a soldier and trained with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.The runner’s final competition was at in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Read more in crimeShe sadly died months later after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attacked her at her home on September 1, 2024.What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei? Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told local reporters that Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema were heard arguing outside their home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. He said: “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her”.Rebecca suffered from burns on over 75 per cent of her body as a result of the attack.Most read in AthleticsShe was rushed to an intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but sadly passed away from her injuries on September 5, 2024. According to Kenyan newspaper The Nation, a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone were discovered at the scene of the incident.Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend also suffered from burn injuries as a result of the attack and was rushed to hospital. The attack had come after a report published in January 2023 found that 34% of women in Kenya (above the age of 15) had experienced physical violence. There have been several high-profile murders of women in Kenya in recent years, including the death of runner Agnes Tirop who was found stabbed to death in her home in October 2021. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is on trial for her murder but denies the charges.Who has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei? The Ugandan Athletics Federation paid tribute to RebeccaCredit: AP: Associated PressThousands of fans and several sports bodies have paid tribute to the incredible runner. The Ugandan Athletics Federation said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. “May her soul rest In Peace.”Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters that he prayed for “justice for my daughter”.He also said that his daughter and her ex-husband had been embroiled in a property dispute, before her death.What did Rebecca Cheptegei achieve during her career?Rebecca had just competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics before she died on September 1, 2024. She raced against her fellow athletes in the Olympic marathon, where she finished 44th. When Rebecca qualified for the Olympics, she set a new personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ugandan athlete also previously finished fourth in the half marathon at the 2024 African Games, as well as finishing in 14th place in the 2023 World Championship Marathon. Before this, she finished in 14th place at the marathon at the 2023 World Championships More

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    Former Premier League striker Rafa Mir arrested on suspicion of alleged sexual assault

    FORMER Wolves striker Rafa Mir has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.The 27-year-old was held last night and failed to show up for training this morning with LaLiga side Valencia, where he is currently on loan from Sevilla.Rafa Mir has been arrested in SpainCredit: RexThe striker made four appearances for WolvesCredit: GettyPolice confirmed a LaLiga footballer had been arrested, but denied Spanish media reports a second man was also in custody at present.Sources close to the ongoing investigation told Spanish radio station Ser that Mir and another man were arrested over an alleged sex crime against two women aged 21 and 25 during a party at the footballer’s home.It is claimed local police had initially been called to the house to deal with reports of a possible altercation and put an end to the bash before leaving.A police statement read: “We can confirm a LaLiga footballer has been arrested over an alleged sexual assault.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“No-one else has been arrested at the moment but that may change later.“The man who has been detained is currently in police custody.”A source close to the inquiry said: “Under Spanish law police have 72 hours from the time of arrest to hold him in custody before releasing him or handing him over a judge who has the right to question him further before deciding in principle whether to free him on bail or remand him in custody pending an ongoing investigation.“The arrest took place yesterday evening.”Most read in FootballHis club Valencia released a statement on the matter while sources at the club have been quoted as saying they are going to see how the ongoing investigation against Mir develops before taking a decision about his future.It read: “In relation to the press reports that have appeared regarding the arrest of Valencia CF player Rafa Mir, the vlub is aware of said arrest and, in the absence of details about it, for the moment it can only state that it will cooperate in everything that justice may require.”Mir won the Under-21 2019 European Championship with Spain and a silver medal with the Olympic team at the 2020 tournament.He played for Wolves in the Premier League after signing in January 2018 and but only made four appearances for the club and failed to score.He had loan spells at Las Palmas and Nottingham Forest and has featured in the Champions League for Valencia.At Forest, he was again unable to find the target in 13 appearances for the East Midlands outfit.He had more success at Las Palmas, as he scored seven goals in 30 outings.Mir left Wolves in August 2021 when he signed a six-year contract with Sevilla.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on to make 105 appearances for the club but struggled for goals as he hit the net just 24 times before leaving.He returned to boyhood club Valencia on loan in July and since making his return he had featured in four LaLiga games, assisting one goal. More

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    Footballer attacked at home by thugs after appearing in Bayern Munich shirt as police launch probe

    POLICE are investigating an attack on Nurnberg footballer Niklas-Wilson Sommer.The right-back was attacked in his home and shared images of his wounds on social media.Niklas-Wilson Sommer was attacked in his homeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The attack is thought to be because he wore a Bayern Munich shirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The incident took place after he shared a picture of himself wearing a Bayern Munich shirt.The image had been deleted from social media and Sommer had already apologised for it.The 26-year-old has been supported by the club, which has condemned the attack.A club statement read: “During the night from Saturday to Sunday, there was a physical attack on one of our U23 players.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”By lying in wait on the doorstep in the early evening and then physically attacking him a few hours later in the night, these people crossed all boundaries.”The act is apparently a reaction to the player appearing in a Bayern jersey on social media three days earlier.”The photo was deleted shortly after publication and the player also publicly apologized.”The club will never accept players being physically attacked.Most read in Football”That is exactly what happened last night through the actions of individuals.”The club condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. It is absolutely incompatible with the values ​​of FCN.Sommer currently plays for Nunrberg IICredit: GettyHe has also played for Mannheim and DAC Dunajská StredaCredit: Getty”The police investigation into the incident began last night.”If there are any convictions in this connection, the club will of course react accordingly.”Former Premier League star John Paintsil rushed to hospital after terrifying car crashSommer was targeted by a crowd protest during the 4-0 defeat at home to Magdeburg on Saturday.One banner read: “Club pride instead of hipster posing. Niklas Wilson, you’re s**t, like FCB.”Another stated: “Wilson, p**s off, you Bayern pig.”Sommer shared images of the wounds he suffered after the attack on social media.The pictures showed red marks and swelling across his face.Sommer posted his injuries on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Swelling could be seen around his faceCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Who are these famous footballers? More

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    International football star ‘had car wrecked & was robbed at gunpoint’ by thugs as he was leaving stadium after match

    NAPOLI star David Neres had his car wrecked and was allegedly robbed at gunpoint after his team’s 2-1 victory against Parma.The Brazilian sportsman, 27, was forced to hand over his watch after a pair of armed thugs shattered the window of his black minibus, Italian media reports.Napoli ace David Neres was allegedly robbed at gunpointCredit: RexDavid Neres was robbed of his watch by thieves on a bikeCredit: X/@FootballTalkHQNeres was taken back into the hotel by his bodyguardCredit: X/@FootballTalkHQThugs smashed two windows in the Mercedes minivan Neres was travelling inCredit: Dario CimminoNeres’s wife Kira posted an explanation to fans waiting outside the hotel on her Instagram storyCredit: InstagramOnline clips appear to show the footballer being escorted to safety following the alleged crime.The thieves, who were on a motorbike, threatened Neres with a gun as he left the car, before he cowed and gave up his watch.They then brazenly fled the scene, with Neres unable to greet his fans outside the stadium, L’Unione Sarda reports.Neres and his wife Kira Winona were on their way to their hotel after Napoli secured a 2-1 win against Parma.READ MORE in sport The flashy watch is believed to be a Rolex worth a staggering €100,000 (£84,000), according to local media.The couple was fortunately left uninjured as footage shows them being guided into the hotel by security.More footage shows the attacked Mercedes van drive off with two of its windows completely smashed in by the thugs.Neres’ wife Kira wrote on Instagram: “David would like to apologise to the fans who were waiting for him outside.Most read in Football”As they were trying to leave the stadium after the match, two men on a motorcycle wrecked his car and robbed him at gunpoint.”The crime has been reported to Italian cops and the shaken sportsman was welcomed into Grand Hotel Parker’s in Naples by fans awaiting him following his team’s victory.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.The traumatic victory came after his team’s 2-1 victory against ParmaCredit: Getty More

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    Conference League clash suspended as police evacuate entire away stand after shameful scenes

    POLICE have evacuated away yobs after a Conference League clash was suspended.The tie between NK Olimpija Ljubljana and HNK Rijeka was brought to a halt after flares were thrown into the home stands.A Conference League clash was suspendedCredit: xFlares were thrown into one of the standsCredit: xThe Rijeka hooligans were escorted out by policeCredit: xThe match was stopped in the 65th minute, and the players were taken into the dressing rooms.Reports online have claimed that the Rijeka hooligans started to fight with police who were confronting them.The yobs were then escorted out of the Stožice Stadium in Slovenia.The suspension of the match lasted 26 minutes and was restarted with the away stand empty of fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFans slammed the actions of the away hooligans as they reacted on social media.One posted: “Just call off the game.”A second wrote: “This is the biggest disaster in Croatian football since I can remember. Shame.”A third commented: “Croatia should be banned from football.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “Those idiots have acted shamefully.”Another added: “I hope those supporters that were near the flares are okay.”The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25The yobs were slammed by fans onlineThe match was suspended for nearly half an hourThe incident did little to dampen the joy of the Olimpija supporters.Their team has romped into a 5-0 lead inside the first half with the score 6-1 on aggregate.Raul Florucz opened the scoring in the 2nd minute before goals from Thalisson Charles Alves Moreira (x2), Dino Kojic and Perdo Lucas put the result to bed.Elsewhere in the competition, Chelsea took on Swiss side Servette in the second leg of their play-off tie.The Blues were forced to stream the match for free for their supporters due to a website error.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More