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      Ex-Arsenal ace & Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson banned from driving after being caught speeding three times in one month

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      EX-ENGLAND and Arsenal ace Paul Merson has been banned from driving after being convicted of speeding THREE times within a month.The Sky Sports pundit did 47mph in a 40mph limit on the A316 Great Chertsey Road in Feltham, south west London, on September 9.Paul Merson has been banned from drivingCredit: Ian WhittakerMerson, 56, was caught again doing the same speed on the same road just two days later in his silver Volkswagen Touareg.The retired midfielder was later caught speeding at 57mph in a 50mph stretch of the A316 Country Way in Sunbury on October 1.The trio of offences within a month came after he was caught driving 60mph in a 50mph limit on the M3 at Thorpe, Surrey, on February 27 last year.Merse, who also played for Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court today for a disqualification hearing.Read more newsHe pleaded guilty to all four charges and was banned from driving for six months after receiving 12 penalty points.The footy playmaker was also fined £2,640, must pay a victim surcharge of £1,056 and prosecution costs of £110 within 28 days.Chief Magistrate Joan Lindsay admitted his previous driving record was “not great” and warned: “You mustn’t drive on any UK road once you leave court.”The court heard he already had nine points on his driving licence for speeding twice in 2021 and once in 2022.Most read in FootballNicholas Maggs, defending, claimed the four new convictions were for “relatively modest” speeds in variable limits.He claimed disqualification will have a “substantial effect” on his wife, who doesn’t drive, and his family – as Merse does the school run.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowThe oldest of their three kids, aged three, six and nine, has to travel 45 minutes around four times a week for training and matches at Chelsea’s academy.He said: “On his behalf, I wish to put forward his remorse for these offences. He accepts it’s not acceptable.“Through me he apologises to the court for finding himself before the court and finding himself disqualified for driving. It’s going to make things substantially more difficult.“I’m sure the court will appreciate Mr Merson experienced a number of difficulties in his younger life and has now chosen to use these positively through unpaid speaking events to help younger people from suffering mental health problems.”The FA Cup winner, of Teddington, south west London, was driven to court in the passenger seat of his four-year-old VW.Asked if he wanted to comment after the conclusion of the case, Merson, wearing a maroon long-sleeved polo shirt and grey suit trousers, told The Sun: “Absolutely not.”It comes after the dad-of-eight received a 14-month ban for falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing his Mercedes into a lorry while drink driving on the M40 near Warwick in October 2011.READ MORE SUN STORIESMerson, praised for going public over his battle with alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions, earned 21 Three Lions caps and went to Euro ‘92 and World Cup ‘98.He won the old First Division title with the Gooners in 1989 and 1991, before securing an FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993.Merson appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court todayCredit: Ian WhittakerEx-Arsenal star Merson was fined £2,640Credit: RexThe Sky Sports pundit admitted the driving offencesCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League club boss’ identity to remain hidden in historical child sex abuse case

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      THE identity of a Premier League club boss will remain hidden after he was accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.A civil case has been launched against him by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of raping two girlsThe judge in the case granted the football figure anonymity – meaning his name will stay out of legal documents.Master Stevens, who sits as a judge in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, said this was necessary for the “administration of justice”.She said she had considered human rights to private and family life, as well as freedom of expression, when making the decision.Although privacy rules in the UK apply to identifying suspects in the early stages of a police probe, the media is usually allowed to report cases in court – including civil cases.The ruling came after the football boss’ lawyers argued he should remain anonymous because of the potential harm naming him would have.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.This was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Most read in FootballLegislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.Court papers seen by The Athletic state he “committed trespass to the claimant’s person (assault and battery) and intentionally inflicted injury”.This is said to have caused the woman psychological harm, the documents say.The case is separate to another historical rape allegation made by a different woman.Police previously confirmed the well-known football figure was  quizzed under caution last June regarding that claim.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post despite being under criminal investigation.The Met Police said previously: “On Thursday, September 23, 2021, the Met received a crime report regarding an historic rape allegation.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On Monday, June 12, a man was interviewed under caution at a police station.’’Further enquiries are being carried out in that case before a decision is made whether to charge him or take no further action. More

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      Nicky Butt breaks cover on red carpet after being told he faces possible jail time for smashing bikers leg in car smash

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      MAN Utd legend Nicky Butt was tonight spotted for the first time since being told he could face possible jail time for smashing a motorcyclist’s leg.The ex-England ace, 49, rammed into Andrew Fielden while driving carelessly in his Range Rover through Burnley, Lancashire.Nicky Butt attending the “99” World Premiere at Printworks todayCredit: RexThe footballer was seen with his children Ruben Butt (L) and Jersey Butt (R)Credit: EPAOur pictures show the Man Utd legend looking concerned moments after the crash involving his £100,000 Land Rover DefenderCredit: The SunAndrew spent two weeks in hospital and needed an operation to insert a metal rod into his mangled left legCredit: The SunButt pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to the riderThe biker suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Today the ex-midfielder was seen walking down the red carpet of an exclusive event – just days after admitting he caused injury by careless driving in front of the Blackburn Magistrates’ Court.Donning a classic suit paired with a satin-blue tie, the former England star beamed as he appeared at the premiere of Amazon Prime’s docu-series about the famous 1999 Treble winners. The three-part series features members of the Red Devils team that lifted a historic trio of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.more on the ex-midfielder The trailer teases interviews with both players and staff, including Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant Steve McClaren.David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Peter Schmeichel, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Butt, Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all feature.One episode will be dedicated to the stories behind each trophy.After the horror crash, Andrew needed an operation to insert a metal rod into the mangled limb and spent ten months on crutches.Most read in FootballHe developed a blood clot and requires medication for the rest of his life. The devastating injury also meant he had to give up his job as a Screwfix store manager.Wild scenes as Olympiacos celebrate reaching the Conference League final -Butt was handed an interim driving ban following the October 2022 crash.He could face up to two years in jail or an unlimited fine when he is sentenced on a date to be set.Butt, who was picking up his son at the time, suffered a “momentary lapse of concentration”, the court heardProsecutor Graeme Tindall said: “What appears to have happened is a number of vehicles pass what appears to look like a HGV.“Mr Butt having let the HGV come past, pulls out and this is when Mr Fielden is coming past on the motorcycle.”The court was told Andrew was left with no memory of the crash other than waking up in hospital “in immense pain”.Butt remained at the scene and has since written a letter of apology. Butt’s solicitor told Blackburn magistrates his client had “clearly shown remorse” in the letter.Inside the career of the former midfielderBUTT was an instrumental part of Alex Ferguson’s youth team – rising through the ranks with David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and the Nevilles.
      The midfielder began his professional career stepping in for Roy Keane as a sub before he landed a full-time spot when Paul Ince left in 1995.
      Along with the rest of the Class of ’92, Butt helped Utd win countless trophies as the club became a dominant force.
      This included the Champions League Final in 1999, where the Red Devils made history by winning the treble.
      By the time he left in 2004, the footballer had helped Utd win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League trophy.
      Butt later had spells at Newcastle and Birmingham City before moving into management in 2016 for Utd’s U23 team.
      In 2014, he bought Salford City along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary and Phil Neville.

      However, it is not clear whether this was an apology to the court or the victim.Despite claims in court that Butt had shown remorse, the Honda rider said that he never apologised to him for the incident.He told The Sun: “I have not heard anything from Nicky Butt.”He has never spoken to me or written me a letter.”Or if he has, I haven’t seen it. If I had put somebody through all this, I’d be doing everything possible to help. He has done some serious damage to me, and I have not fully recovered from my injuries.“His solicitors may have advised him not to make direct contact.”“If I had knocked someone from their bike, I would be making sure that person was looked after from the moment they got home.“I’d be doing their shopping and making sure they are OK but I have not heard a word from him.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJust days ago, Butt was seen for the first time after his court appearance.He looked glum as he sat on a park bench wearing jeans, a white t-shirt and white trainers.Nicky Butt seen for the first time since being banned from driving for careless drivingButt was part of the Class of 92 squadHe played 270 games for Utd during his 12 years on the senior team More

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      Norwich defender Shane Duffy arrested and charged with drink-driving after two-vehicle smash

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      NORWICH star Shane Duffy has been charged with drink driving.The former Premier League star is due to appear before magistrates in Norwich in July.Shane Duffy is due to appear in court charged with drink drivingCredit: AlamyDuffy, 32, was arrested in Hethersett, near Norwich, late on Monday after a collision involving two vehicles.A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “Police were called to Queen’s Road, Hethersett, 21:05, on Monday May 6, following reports of a two-vehicle collision.”Emergency services attended the scene and a man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.”No one was injured.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuffy has responded through a spokesperson who said: “[Duffy has been] charged with driving whilst unfit through drink, having provided an evidential breath sample of 102mcg.”A Norwich City spokesman said: “Norwich City Football Club is aware of an incident involving one of its first-team players.”The club is in the process of considering the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure.”Duffy is due to play for Norwich against Leeds United in the Championship play-offs, with the first leg on Sunday.Most read in EFLThe Republic of Ireland star has featured in 36 league games for the Canaries this season.He signed for the club last season after a short-lived spell at Fulham where he made just seven appearances. More

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      Man City star Jack Grealish handed five penalty points on his driving licence after admitting speeding

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      FOOTIE ace Jack Grealish has been handed five points on his licence after he admitted speeding.The Man City winger, 28, was clocked at 44mph in a 30 zone in Wythall, near Birmingham, last July in his Range Rover.Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been given points on his licence for speedingCredit: AFPA charge of failing to give information to police on the driver’s identity was withdrawn.Grealish did not appear before JPs in Worcester.He was fined £666 and told to pay £376 in costs.His lawyer said: “He can afford to pay that figure.”READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHThe Prem ace has a chequered driving history.He was caught on camera staggering away from his Range Rover in March 2020 in Dickens Heath, Birmingham, wearing odd slippers and a blue hoodie.The former Aston Villa midfielder had earlier attended a lockdown party before he mounted a kerb and collided with a Mercedes and a Citroen.He was hit with a nine-month ban and fined £82,000.Most read in FootballMagistrates in Birmingham were also shown dashcam footage of a second incident in October that year when an unmarked police car followed Grealish’s Range Rover on the M43 as it travelled at speeds of up to 98mph.The court was told Grealish was late for training and was worried he was setting a bad example to his teammates.Jack Grealish’s dog did ‘the biggest s***’ on Man City’s training pitch as England star reveals unusual habitsHe later pleaded guilty to two charges of careless driving and was only allowed back on the road in September 2022.At the time of those offences, Grealish already had six points on his licence from a previous motorway offence in 2018 when he was caught speeding on the M42. More

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      Shocking moment ‘piece of s***’ fan sucker punches 15-year-old during rugby match as furious dad vows to hunt him down

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      A RUGBY LEAGUE match was suspended after a fan punched a 15-year-old player.The Auckland Rugby League under-16s fixture between the Otara Scorpions and Manurewa Marlins was marred by the incident.A fan in a blue top walked onto the field to confront a playerCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyHe appeared to swing his fist at the player’s headCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyThe player managed to move out of the way of the punchCredit: X formerly Twitter / @mmmmaggyFootage has shown a man walking onto the field and throwing a punch at the Scorpions player.Fortunately, the player was able to move out of the way and reduce the amount of contact made by the attack.The father of the player has now called on social media to help him identify the fan.He wrote: “Needing help identifying this piece of s*** in the blue/yellow/white top who thought it was OK to run on the field and blind shot my 15yr old son.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Manurewa Marlins won’t give up his name, so I’m letting social media do its thing.”The Marlins char Karla Matua argued that social media does “not always show the full context of the situation.”She also claimed that they are “aware and have evidence to support this.”Matua told New Zealand website Newshub: “Our priority has been to ensure our team and team management are safe mentally, physically and spiritually and we have wrapped support services around them.Most read in Football”We are in positive dialogue with Otara RL and both clubs want the same thing, for our kids to be safe and those responsible are dealt with appropriately.”We are following ARL (Auckland Rugby League) processes and look forward to positive outcomes for our kids and whānau [families].”Otara Rugby League club general manager Willie Maea has insisted that they are trying to identify the spectator alongside the help of the Marlins.The club will then bring the matter to the police once it is confirmed.Maea said: “While the actions on the field were controlled by the referee, they don’t condone adults coming on the field.”For us, we’re wanting to identify these men, charge them with assault and trespass them from this ground.”The ARL have also released a statement on the incident and confirmed that the police would be involved.It read: “ARL has zero tolerance for this type of violence and behaviour.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have judicial processes in place and when necessary, we will involve the police.”This matter is now being managed by the police and we are unable to be commenting further.” More

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      ISIS-K threatens attacks on Bayern Munich & Dortmund matches ahead of Champions League with image of gunman in stadium

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      ISIS-K has threatened to attack Champions League matches tonight after posting an image of a gunman in a football stadium online.The photo shows a terrorist in full camouflage looking across a stadium with the words “Where do you want” plastered across it.The terrifying poster threatening to attack Champions League matches this weekCredit: Voice of KhurasanThe chilling poster of the gunman looking at a football stadium was made and released by terror group ISIS-KCredit: ISIS-KOn the photo, the word “Where” sits atop the purposely designed threat with a slit through the middle of the letters as blood stains drip down the photo.Three German cities are also mentioned in the image – Berlin, Dortmund and Munich.The only other text says “Then score the last goal”, seemingly referencing the Champions League games this week.It is unclear what the threat means exactly, but there are two German sides competing in the semi-finals.read more in terrorismBayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are both looking to create an all German clash in the final as Bayern look to nick a win away in Madrid.Dortmund have a slightly easier task as they take a one-goal lead to Paris, meaning a draw will take them through.The image has been posted in Voice of Khurasan – a regular “terror magazine” published online by the squad.It appears on the final page of the magazine.Most read in FootballThere has been no statement yet from European football’s governing body UEFA or any of the four sides involved in the matches.Elite anti-terror unit to protect Champions League stadium from ISIS threat as France takes NO chances over attack fearsAlthough The Sun can confirm elite anti-terrorist police will be on duty in Paris tonight.Heavily-armed specialist officers from the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) are expected to be around the stadiumA police source in the French capital said: “Officers from the BRI will be on standby around the ground, along with around 500 regular officers. “Every eventuality will be covered.”Paris, where Borussia Dortmund play PSG tonight, have previously announced considerable reinforcements to their match day security after previous terror threats as major events.France’s interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, warned the security around future Paris Saint-Germain European games will be “considerably reinforced”, last month.The countries most elite anti-terrorist unit was drafted in for their quarter final match with Barcelona.Former Bundesliga champions, Bayern, travel to the capital of Spain for their game tomorrow night.In the previous round, the Spanish government deployed 2,000 extra police officers to guard Real Madrid versus Man City.Who are ISIS-K
      Originally formed in 2015, the group have been a consistent threat to security in Afghanistan, carrying out brutal suicide bombings and vile ceremonial executions.
      The “K” refers to the historical region of Greater Khorasan, which included parts of Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
      Despite efforts from the West, the former Afghan government and the Taliban to fight them back – they seized on the chaos sown by the country’s collapse and quickly established a reputation for extreme brutality.
      One of the most active regional affiliates of the Islamic State militant group, ISIS-K’s membership peaked in 2018 before declining.
      It suffered heavy losses inflicted by American air strikes and Taliban forces, reportedly cutting its ranks in half.
      However, it got a dramatic second wind after the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and the country’s fall to the Taliban.
      The warped army of barbaric fanatics that even terrify the Taliban – are believed to have led the massacre at a Russian rock concert that killed at least 133.
      Earlier this year, the top US general in the Middle East said ISIS-K could attack US and Western interests outside of Afghanistan “in as little as six months and with little to no warning.”
      The group was also responsible for an attack on Kabul’s international airport in 2021 that killed 13 US troops and scores of civilians during the chaotic US evacuation from the country.
      They also perform filmed executions and have even been videoed killing children.

      This latest warning to fans going to Champions League ties comes less than a month after a sinister poster was revealed by ISIS.It included the names of the four high-capacity venues hosting quarter final clashes and a message that read: “Kill them all”.Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, Real’s Santiago Bernabeu, Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium and PSG’s Parc de Princes were all on high alert.This prompted the reactions from the Spanish and French authorities to step up their protection. UEFA made a statement on the day of the games saying they were aware of the terror threats. They said they were “closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues with appropriate security arrangements in place”.Thousands of added security were deployed across the European cities hosting the games on hand to identify and dispel any trouble.Police outside Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena as they prepare for this week’s massive clashCredit: GettyISIS-K claimed the horror attack in Moscow earlier in the year as their own doingCredit: ISIS-KSecurity experts told The Sun armed cops would be stationed on roofs with packs of prowling bomb dogs for the games.Chris Phillips, a security expert and former police officer, told The Sun that the security operations will even stretch beyond stadiums to city centres and busy transport hubs.After ISIS singled out the game locations, he said armed cops will be on the lookout for trouble at “train stations, bus stations, even airports” which he says will be “an easier target”.He said at-risk areas in Paris and Madrid – where the two games are being played this week – will likely be crawling with “firearms officers” with sniffer bomb dogs to deter any terrorist threat.Chris continued saying the Champions League threat was ISIS “trying to put themselves back on the map”, and a “call to arms” for extremist individuals.A new wave of bloodshedIn recent weeks, ISIS have resurfaced across Europe and the US in a concerning escalation putting British counter-terror experts on high alert.Will Geddes spoke to The Sun and said he would not be surprised if the UK’s terror threat level increases.He said: “I would be remarkably surprised if we did not see a terrorist attack on UK or on European soil, certainly in the next few months.”These worries have stemmed from a horrific attack in Moscow as four ISIS-K gunmen unleashed gunfire on concert-goers, slaughtering over 140 and publishing horrific videos of their deaths.It was the worst Islamic extremist terror attack in Europe to date.London and Paris are expected to take further measures in the coming months as they are both are set to host huge sporting events in the Champions League Final and the Olympics.France raised its terror threat level to the highest marker after the Moscow attack – meaning an attack is “imminent”.The UK is yet to announce any increases to the level.It was also remarkably revealed that cops foiled 12 terror plots across Europe in the past year.Ten jihadist attacks have been bravely intercepted and prevented in Europe last year, says Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.Among the attacks foiled include stabbing rampages at global events, and barbaric assaults on specific venues and groups being targeted, the annual report revealed.READ MORE SUN STORIESAIVD, the Dutch agency who made the report, listed two potential reasons for the high number of attacks in the last year.It said: “There were two mobilising issues: the destruction of Korans in the Netherlands and other European countries and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.”Borussia Dortmund is believed to be one of the teams ISIS-K are targeting through their poster as Dortmund was named on itCredit: GettyBayern Munich face Real Madrid tomorrow evening for a chance to play in the finalCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Misbehaving England fans face being marched by police to ATMs for on-the-spot fines at Euro 2024

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      RACIST online trolls who target England’s Euro 2024 squad have been warned they will be unmasked within hours by social media companies.And fans who misbehave in Germany face being frogmarched by cops to the ATM to hand over on the spot fines.Police have issued a number of warnings to England fans ahead of Euro 2024Credit: PASenior police officers visited Gareth Southgate’s squad at St George’s Park before the March double header with Brazil and Belgium to reinforce the message that they would be fully supported by the authorities.Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were all subjected to foul racist abuse after the shoot-out defeat by Italy in 2021.Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the country’s leading football cop, said: “We were conscious after the Euros in 2021, where there was racist abuse of some of England’s black players, and were able to prosecute some people.“We were very keen to speak to the squad and make sure they were aware we were committed to dealing with this and treat it really seriously and also to advise them how to protect themselves.READ MORE ON EUROS“One problem in the past was that there was a six month statute of limitations on these sort of social media posts and when we asked the companies for data we wouldn’t get a response until after that limit had passed.“But we have worked very hard and now we are seeing those replies turned around in a matter of days.“So if people think they can hide behind their keyboards and commit hate crimes online, we will pursue them and we will prosecute.”Police and the Foreign Office expect 300,000-plus England fans – the vast majority without tickets – will travel to Germany for what is the first “accessible” tournament since Euro 2016.Most read in FootballMore than 2,000 banning orders – which see hooligans ordered to hand in their passports for the duration of the tournament – remain in place.But Chf Con Roberts, who made it clear he does not expect widespread problems – pointing to the spectacular improvement of the behaviour of England fans over the last decade – made it clear that German police will crack down on antisocial behaviour in the streets, stadiums and fan zone.Boost to England fans ahead of Euro 2024 as Germany relaxes bonkers law that could have seen supporters JAILEDThis summer could see a large number of England fans attending their first tournament, although there will also be the “largest deployment” of British cops alongside the hosts on record.Referring to the 2005 hooligan movie, Chf Con Roberts added: “In terms of behaviour, we’re talking more ‘The Inbetweeners’ than ‘Green Street’.“The hope is that our fans will be good guests in Germany, support the team and enjoy the country, as they have done at the recent tournaments overseas.“We will have police spotters at every game and with the fans, so if they do look as if they are stepping out of line they will try to calm things down.“Germany has a similar football and social culture – their police are used to people drinking, singing and chanting and the people are reasonably tolerant.“But there are certain things you should simply not do, obvious things, even if you have drunk too much. And if you are fined by the police, that is on the spot.If you don’t have the money in your pocket, you can be marched to the nearest cash point. The fines are unlimited.” More