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      ‘I was the victim of police brutality’ – ex-SPFL Premiership star accuses cops of beating him up on CHRISTMAS DAY

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      FORMER Hibs star Stephane Omeonga has claimed he was arrested and beaten up by police – on CHRISTMAS DAY.The Belgian midfielder had two loan spells at Easter Road, making 27 appearances.Stephane Omeonga in action for Hibs during his time at Easter RoadCredit: Alamy Live NewsHe also turned out for Livingston whilst in ScotlandCredit: Andrew BarrHe has claimed he was ‘beaten up’ by Italian police officers on Christmas DayCredit: STEPHANE OMEONGAHe shared video footage of a copper appearing to put him in a headlockCredit: STEPHANE OMEONGAOmeonga went on to play 57 Premiership games in two seasons for Livingston before joining Israeli club Bnei Sakhnin two summers ago.He has now accused Italian cops of mistreating him after he attempted to fly to Tel Aviv last week, claiming he suffered “total humiliation.”The 28-year-old posted a video on social media that appeared to show him being manhandled off a plane after an argument with police.Liege-born Omeonga wrote on Instagram: “On December 25th, I was a victim of police brutality.”During a flight between Rome and Tel Aviv, after boarding the plane and taking my seat, a steward approached me about an alleged issue with my documents and asked me to leave the aircraft.”Confident in the validity of my documents, I calmly asked him what kind of issue.”The police were called, and I was handcuffed and forcibly removed from the plane. Once outside the aircraft, away from the view of witnesses, the police violently threw me to the ground, beat me, and one of them pressed his knee against my head.”I was then taken in a police vehicle, handcuffed like a criminal, to the airport. An ambulance arrived, but in a state of shock, I was unable to respond to the paramedics’ questions. Shortly after, I heard over the police car’s radio, ‘He refused medical care; everything is fine.’ Most read in Football”This was completely false, I asked them to take me in the ambulance with them scared to what the police could do to me.”Next, I was placed in a grey room, without food or water, and left in a state of total humiliation for several hours. Upon my release, I learned that a police officer had filed a complaint against me for injuries allegedly caused during the arrest, even though I was handcuffed.Hibs players celebrate 2-1 over Edinburgh rivals Hearts in Boxing Day derbyFurthermore, to this day, I have not received any justification for my arrest.”As a human being and a father, I cannot tolerate any form of discrimination. This arrest is just the visible tip of the iceberg. “Many people who look like me cannot find work, have no access to housing, or cannot participate in the sports they love, simply because they are Black.”We must stand united and raise our voices to educate those around us—our colleagues, neighbours, and friends—about this issue that plagues our society and hinders its progress. Peace.”Omeonga won eight Belgium Under-21 caps.Of Congolese descent, in addition to Hibs and Livi he also played for Italian sides Genoa, Avellino and Pescara as well as Cercle Brugge in his homeland.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has approached the Italian National Police for comment.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Real Madrid star Endrick’s ‘brother-in-law’ is shot dead in Christmas Day bar massacre

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      A MAN shot dead on Christmas Day in Brazil has been identified as the “brother-in-law” of Real Madrid star Endrick.Mauricio Nunes Goncalves was killed in a hail of bullets at a street bar in Samambaia near the capital Brasilia.Mauricio Nunes Goncalves, 38, was shot dead in a bar massacreCredit: Lavinia Sudre/InstagramEndrick plays for Real MadridCredit: GettyHe died after receiving several head shotsCredit: Lavinia Sudre/InstagramThe 38-year-old was the brother of the partner of Endrick’s older sister Lavinia Sudre, but is being referred to in Brazil as the footballer’s brother-in-law.Mauricio received several shots to the head as he tried to escape the “targeted” gun attack.Lavinia changed her Instagram profile picture to one showing a black ribbon after learning about the gruesome murder, which happened early yesterday morning.She also posted a photo of the victim, naming him under the pic before adding: “You left beautiful memories in our hearts that we will never forget.”Read More in FootballThe funeral was due to take place this afternoon at 3pm local time.Witnesses have told the police there was no prior argument between the gunman and his victim and described it as bearing all the hallmarks of a cold-blooded execution.No arrests have been made, according to reports.Endrick, reportedly linked last month to a shock move to Southampton, has yet to make any comment.Most read in FootballThe 18-year-old Brazil international moved to Real Madrid from Palmeiras this summer but has been given little playing time since joining the Spanish LaLiga giants.Recent reports in Spain have also pointed to the possibility of a six-month loan deal with Seville side Real Betis as Endrick seeks more opportunities to demonstrate his quality on the pitch.Endrick blows minds with phenomenal skills at Real Madrid training Police were today continuing to investigate the murder. There have been no reports of any arrests in Brazil.Earlier this year, Endrick married his model and influencer girlfriend Gabriely Miranda.The Brazilian wonderkid shared a series of glamorous pictures from the occasion to his social media accounts back in September.Endrick and Gabriely tied the knot less than a year after first meeting.The happy couple were said to have agreed an unusual relationship contract prior to their wedding day.It is said to include a clause dictating that they must say “I love you” in all situations.READ MORE SUN STORIESBizarrely, it also reportedly contains a rule banning Endrick from having a virtual girlfriend on Grand Theft Auto, a game he is a big fan of.The football superstar is also said to be prohibited from commenting on other girls’ Instagram posts.The Brazil star has yet to comment on the death of MauricioCredit: Rex More

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      Harry Kane responds to deadly Magdeburg Xmas market attack as Bayern Munich star says it ‘puts things in perspective’

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      HARRY Kane has responded to the deadly Magdeburg Christmas attack that has so far killed four people.At least 86 people were injured in the attack in Magdeburg, with at least 15 being seriously hurt after the car ploughed into unsuspecting revellers.Harry Kane of FC Bayern München during the Bundesliga matchCredit: GettyThe smashed-up car that drove into a large crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market in GermanyCredit: ReutersFootage caught the moment the car ploughed into the marketCredit: XStar English footballer Harry Kane, who is playing for Bayern Munich, shared a heartbreaking tribute in a post on X.He said: “Hearing news of the tragedy in Magdeburg puts things in perspective and on nights like this football isn’t what’s most important.”My thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by the horrific tragedy.”Kane, 30, lives with his family above the River Isar near Munich.read more sportThe area is dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Bavaria”.The German footballing giants in Munich decided to cancel a planned Christmas ceremony which was scheduled for after their clash with RB Leipzig yesterday.The crowd came together instead and sang an emotional rendition of Silent Night, Holy Night with a local choir.The suspect of the attack was travelling at up to 40mph when he first smashed into those at the festive celebrations, horrified witnesses said.Most read in FootballHe reportedly raced through the packed market for at least 400m (1,300ft) – leaving trails of devastation in his path.Officials fear the number of deaths could rise in the coming hours due to the severity of many of the victim’s injuries.Footage later captured the driver of a black BMW being arrested at the scene just after 7.04pm local time on Friday.The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006, the state’s prime minister Reiner Haseloff said.Saudi suspect arrested after driving through German Xmas marketThe man was not known to German authorities as an Islamic extremist, Germany’s DPA news agency reported.Mr Haseloff told reporters at the scene: “We have arrested the perpetrator.“From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we don’t think there is any further danger for the city.”The man’s motive remains unclear.German newspaper Bild initially suggested that 11 people had been killed however just two deaths have been confirmed so far.There were also reports claiming there may have been a bomb in the passenger seat of the BMW after a suspicious piece of luggage was found.The city of Halle is now increasing security at its Christmas market as tensions remain high.The car was driven “across the Christmas market”, according to a police spokesman.Witnesses said the ground was covered in blood and tinsel as doctors scrambled to treat the injured.The two initial deaths were later confirmed by Mr Haseloff with city authorities confirming a total of 68 people were hurt.The car went “through people” and sent others “going over it”, a man standing just feet away from the crash added.Some of the injured are said to be in a critical condition with a huge number of emergency workers at the scene.Tents were immediately set up to treat victims while all hospitals in the area said they were preparing for a “mass casualty event”.Neighbouring cities, including Halle, around 50 miles from Magdeburg, also prepared their hospitals to take in victims.A special hotline was set up last night for family and friends fearing for their loved ones.Lars Frohmüller, a reporter for German public broadcaster MDR told the BBC: “It was a real chaotic situation.”We saw blood on the floor, we saw people sitting beside each other and having golden and silver foils around them.”And we saw many doctors trying to keep people warm and help them with their injuries.”Everywhere were ambulances, there were police, there were a lot of firefighters.”Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has condemned the attack and said it will stand in solidarity with Germany and the victim’s love ones.Dozens of injured revellers were being treated in tents at the sceneCredit: GettyFootage captured the moment the suspect was arrested by copsA black BMW drove through a crowded Christmas Market in MagdeburgCredit: APArmed cops were stationed all around the area – with pictures showing people led away on stretchers.One witness who gave her name as Nadine said her boyfriend Marco was ripped out of her arms when he was hit by the car.She told Bild: “He was hit and pulled away from my side. It was terrible.”Nobody even screamed. You couldn’t hear the car either.Marco had injuries to his leg and head: “We don’t know which hospital he went to. The uncertainty is unbearable.”The Christmas market posted to Instagram to ask people to stay away.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said “reports from Magdeburg lead us to fear the worst”. He added: “My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.“We stand by their side and by the side of all Magdeburg residents. My thanks to all the emergency services in these difficult hours.”Mr Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will travel to the scene of the incident today.Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice-chancellor, said on X: “What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the advent season in peace and community.“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight.”My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.”German special police forces attended the crime sceneCredit: APEmergency teams worked tirelessly to get those injured medical supportCredit: gETTY More

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      Boxer Florian Marku ‘facing up to five years in jail after arrest for wounding and illegal possession of a weapon’

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      FLORIAN MARKU is facing a second term in prison after he was reportedly arrested in Germany.The welterweight boxing champion was arrested by police on Wednesday before being extradited to Greece.Florian Marku has been arrested in GermanyCredit: GettyHe faces a second term in jail for wounding and illegal possession of a weaponCredit: PAHe was detained for an incident that happened seven years ago in Thessaloniki after police issued a warrant for his arrest.Marku, 32, is accused of wounding and illegal possession of a weapon. According to Greek media, he faced seven years in jail for the incident after he was previously convicted and jailed, serving one-a-half years locked up.However, the case has since been appealed, and according to changes in Greek law, he must serve at least one-third of the original sentence.READ MORE IN BOXINGWhile it means he could be facing up to five more years in jail, according to Pamfleti, Marku’s family have been told he will need to serve around six months to call the case closed.According to VoxNews, Marku was in Germany for personal reasons on December 9 before he was detained on the 18.The report adds that he has claimed the incident involved a bar fight with some Russians.Marku fights out of London with a background career in kickboxing and MMA but found the most success in professional boxing, where he has a 13-1-1 record.Most read in BoxingIn 2021 Marku won the IBF International welterweight title and Maxim Prodan. March 2024 saw Marku went up against Chris Kongo for the vacant IBO Intercontinental welterweight title.The arrest has cast doubt over his boxing future. More

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      Joey Barton charged with sharing ‘malicious’ posts about Jeremy Vine & Lucy Ward – as he slams ‘woke nonsense’

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      JOEY Barton has been charged with sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentator Lucy Ward.The former footballer was already accused of targeting pundit Eni Aluko but is now facing further charges against her colleague Lucy.Joey Barton has been charged with malicious communicationsCredit: AlamyHe allegedly lashed out at Lucy WardCredit: GettyHe is also accused of lashing out at BBC star Vine, Liverpool Crown Court was told today.Barton, 41, is now due to appear before magistrates at a later date over the new alleged offences.Cheshire Police confirmed he has been charged with two counts of malicious communications.The force added: “The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between Wednesday 3 January and Wednesday 20 March, involving two victims.”Read more newsBarton responded to the development on X today – branding it “more woke nonsense”.The ex-manager added “Still no sign of any charges for those from Manchester Airport? Three charges for me for a some jokes on tweets.”Barton has pleaded not guilty over the Eni Aluko tweets and is due to stand trial next year.He landed himself in hot water after launching into alleged attacks against a string of female pundits in December.Most read in FootballThis included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.”Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”The former Man City star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton branded him a “big bike nonce”.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton is accused of sharing posts about Jeremy VineCredit: GettyHe is already due to stand trial over alleged abuse aimed at Eni AlukoCredit: Alamy More

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      Football ultras ARRANGING Fight Club-style brawls in forests away from cops’ prying eyes…with brutal rules of engagement

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      VIOLENT football ultras have been organising sick Fight-Club style brawls in forests across Europe to avoid detection by police.Now there are signs the bloody rise in well-organised footie violence sweeping the continent could be creeping back into this country.England fans run from tear gas thrown by cops after they were ambushed by Russian supporters at the 2016 EurosCredit: Getty Images – GettyA member of the Cracovia Ultras, a football hooligan firm from Kraków, PolandCredit: GettyA picture posted to social media ahead of the brawl between Manchester United fans and Twente fans in September, allegedly showing Manchester United fansCredit: FacebookTen Manchester United fans were arrested in a string of dawn raids on Wednesday following a massive organised bust-up with Dutch team Twente in September.September’s mass brawl, involving around 80 men, happened in an area of wasteland in Salford, around four miles from Old Trafford.Photos went round social media apparently showing masked mobs posing for pics before the fight.One had the caption: “Manchester United vs FC Twente, 40×40 fair fight, win Manchester United, Twente run”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fight spilled over into a pub after Dutch supporters were allegedly followed, prompting terrified staff to ring the police.In the aftermath, fans congratulated themselves on a “fair fight” – although one Dutch man complained the England “side” was bigger than agreed.The following night, United played out a 1-1 draw with FC Twente at Old Trafford in the Europa League.A major police investigation followed, with specialist officers scouring CCTV from around the stadium and Most read in FootballGreater Manchester Police arrested the “high risk” supporters, aged 20-64, on suspicion of violent disorder for their alleged involvement in the clash.The investigation into the brawl and more arrests could follow.Shock moment Scottish football ultras clash on busy Glasgow street as fans chased by rival hooligans into pub doorwayA police spokesman said Wednesday’s arrests were part of a crackdown ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, of GMP, said: “Our proactive and positive action today has been targeted to highlight that organised violence of any kind has no place in Greater Manchester.A bloodied supporter being escorted away by police during the FA Cup clash between West Brom and Wolves, January 2024Credit: GettySupporters of TS Wisla, a football team from Kraków, PolandCredit: AlamyPolish football hooligans, who are notoriously dangerous and organisedCredit: HooliganstvFootball hooliganism, glorified in books, on film and around pub tables, has been steadily declining in the UK since its bloody height in the ‘80s.The law was tightened in 1989 to allow harsher punishments for brawling fans, more CCTV meant and cops had eyes everywhere, and attitudes slowly shifted against the violence.Recently, Europe has seen a rise in ultras who arrange scraps on the web, before meeting up in real life to tear chunks out of each other.Violence has occasionally marred England’s international fixtures on the continent, such as the carnage that unfolded when Russian ultras launched a barbaric assault on Brit fans during the 2016 Euros.The culture spread deep through countries like Poland, the Netherlands, France and Germany – whilst the UK looked on, shaking its head.But do Wednesday’s arrests represent a return to old ways – is England once again becoming infected by the English disease?Geoff Pearson, a professor of law at the University of Manchester and an expert on the subject, told the Mail that pre-arranged fights between rival footie fans are common in eastern and southern Europe – but rare in this country.Another significant example he noted was an arranged fight between Brentford and Millwall in August 2018, when one side went shirtless so they could be told apart.The grisly pre-match brawl, filmed on mobiles and uploaded to YouTube, led to six Brentford fans being charged and sentenced to a mixture of community service and suspended jail terms.The most severe punishment was for a 28-year-old who acted as “referee” for the fight – stopping things when someone was knocked down so the sides could “reset”.The man from Pinner received 12-month suspended prison sentence and 200 hours unpaid work.A group of restless Manchester United fans outside Old TraffordCredit: AFPPolice line up as fans celebrate winning the Scottish Premiership title in Glasgow in 2021 in GlasgowCredit: GettyThis level of organisation is increasingly seen in fan bust-ups, according to Dr Pearson.He said the scuffles are usually planned on WhatsApp, away from the eyes of the police, and footage uploaded to social media afterwards boasting of the violence.Hooliganism has surged in the Netherlands since February 2022 when Covid restrictions were lifted.Dutch criminologist Tom van Ham, who researched organised hooligan fights for his PhD, has learned how the fights over there are planned.He said that the fighters involved might not learn the details until the last minute, while the leaders of the “firms” refer to the plans in code – such as “going to a birthday party”.The location is often rural to minimise the chance of detection.In an article for the European Journal of Criminology in 2020, Dr van Ham wrote that “clear terms are set in advance about the number of people that will participate” and a decision over whether weapons are allowed is made.He added: “Our data suggests that the use of weapons is generally not accepted and that other ‘rules of engagement’ are used (for example, when someone is lying on the ground they are to be left alone).”In December last year, Turkey temporarily pulled the plug on all footie fixtures after a referee was punched to the ground by a raging club president.Also last year, Greece banned fans from top-flight football games for two months after violence erupted between rival volleyball supporters in Athens, severely injuring a police officer.The opening game for both sides has already been labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis year, England fans were warned that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans” were planning to swarm their Euros clash om Germany.The opening game for both sides was labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.An English supporter injured after a street brawl ahead of England’s 2016 Euros clash with RussiaCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Celtic fan who chewed off pensioner’s EAR after Rangers Old Firm clash jailed

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      A THUG who chewed a chunk off a pensioner’s ear after an Old Firm game was jailed today for two years.Alistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centre on September 3 2023.Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates the single-goal winCredit: AlamyAlistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centreCredit: SpindriftRangers and Celtic had earlier played a match at Ibrox which the visitors won 0-1.Celtic fan Mackay – who had earlier watched the game in a pub – got involved in an altercation with a man in a Rangers top.This was separated by Mr Brown who was then attacked by Mackay who bit his ear during the melee.Mackay pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Brown to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.Sheriff Tom Hughes said that the matter was linked to a “lethal combination” of alcohol being taken, a man being left with his ear bitten off and “mayhem caused in the city centre.”The sheriff added: “It must be abundantly clear to sensible minded people that this was totally and utterly unacceptable and should not be tolerated in this city.“I am aware that this weekend there will be another match with people being badly injured which will cause problems for people like you turning up before a judge for a serious sentence – for what? “A football match.Most read in Football“A clear message has to go out from the courts that this conduct will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously.“The only possible way to deal with this due to the serious nature of the offence is custody.”Paul Heaton reveals co-singer is a Celtic fan Mackay was also banned from attending football matches for five years.The court earlier heard that Mackay, with two friends, had watched the game and drank in The Barras and Merchant City areas of the city.The trio were walking to Glasgow Central train station when they came across Mr Brown and his friend who were strangers.The pair heard a disturbance and saw Mackay and his friends in a physical altercation with a young man wearing a Rangers top.Mr Brown went to separate the fight and tried to pull Mackay away.Prosecutor Jenny Reid said: “Mr Brown was then involved in a struggle with Mackay and both fell to the ground.”Mr Brown did not feel any pain or pressure to his ear at this time.”However, there was no one close enough to him which would have caused the damage to his left ear.”A witness pulled Mackay off Mr Brown who was bleeding profusely from his ear.Miss Reid added: “A section of his ear appeared to be missing.”Kyogo celebrates after scoring Celtic’s goal during the matchCredit: GettyThe victim later attended hospital where he was found to have “full thickness tissue loss of his left ear from the helix to the lobe.”The wound was closed and he was released from hospital the next day.Meantime, Mackay and his friends walked to Glasgow Central station.Miss Reid said: “As he passed the Grant Arms pub, he was in possession of a piece of Mr Brown’s ear in his right hand.”Mackay, of East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, turned himself in a month later following a media appeal.READ MORE SUN STORIESRoss Yuill, defending, told the sentencing that his client is unlikely to be in court again.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Former Everton star and Wayne Rooney team-mate Li Tie sentenced to 20 years in jail for bribery

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      FORMER Everton star Li Tie has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery.Li, 47, confessed to giving and receiving bribes, while also helping to fix matches.Li Tie was Chinese national team manager between 2020 and 2021Credit: AFPLi, 47, played for Everton between 2002 and 2006Credit: GettyThe former China midfielder was appointed manager of his homeland in January 2020, before resigning in December 2021.An investigation into Li’s conduct between 2015 and 2021 was launched by the Communist Party in November 2022.In March he pleaded guilty to giving and taking more than £12.6million in bribes.Featuring in a documentary aired by state broadcaster CCTV, Li said: “I’m very sorry. I should have kept my head to the ground and followed the right path.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There were certain things that at the time were common practices in football.”Li is even said to have offered bribes in order to land the China national team job.His conviction comes as part of President Xi Jinping’s efforts to crack down on corruption in Chinese sport.Earlier this year, former Chinese Football Association president Chen Xuyuan was sentence to life in prison after pleading guilty to taking bribes worth £8.9m.Most read in FootballThe CFA’s two-year investigation has seen a further 38 players and five club officials slapped with lifetime bans.Per Reuters, they found that 120 matches involving 41 clubs under their jurisdiction had been fixed.Abandoned stadium bigger that the Emirates left to rot just four years after club ‘offered Gareth Bale £1m per week’President Xi is a big football fan, and in 2011 revealed his “three wishes” for the game in China; to qualify for a second World Cup, to host the tournament, and then to win it.The national team have underachieved badly in recent years, and were eliminated from World Cup 2026 contention in March following defeats to Japan, Vietnam and Oman.During the last decade, clubs in China went on a huge recruitment drive that included the likes of Hulk, Mousa Dembele, Axel Witsel, Marko Arnautovic and Ramires.Following a crisis that saw several Chinese Super League clubs land themselves in significant debt, however, a salary cap was introduced in 2020.Not many high-profile foreign exports have since remained, with former Chelsea star Oscar saying a tearful farewell earlier this month having been one of the last.Oscar bid an emotional farewell to Shanghai earlier this monthThe Brazilian, 33, played 248 times for Shanghai PortCredit: GettyLi, meanwhile, was part of the only China side to play at a World Cup in 2002.He earned 92 caps, and went on to play alongside Wayne Rooney at Everton.Following 40 appearances during an injury-hit four-year spell with the Toffees, Li moved to Sheffield United before returning to China.He began his coaching career as Marcello Lippi’s assistant with Guangzhou Evergrande.READ MORE SUN STORIESLi also assisted Alain Perrin with the China national team in 2014, before moving to Hebei China Fortune, initially as an assistant and then as boss in 2015.Following another stint as national team No2 he worked as Wuhan manager between 2017 and 2019, before taking on the China job.Li was appointed China boss in January 2020Credit: AFP More