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      Football wonderkids who went off the rails – from Prem ace’s month-long burglary spree to star’s £64m cocaine bust

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      THEY were once the bright-eyed youngsters tipped for greatness – but even with all the talent and potential in the world, the football industry can be a fickle place. With so much fame and fortune so young comes a dangerous downside, and whether it’s a result of injury or by going off the rails, football careers can easily come to an abrupt end.Former teen sensation Jamie Cassidy was jailed for his involvement in a cocaine drugs operationCredit: PAJamie Cassidy played alongside the likes of Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen as a youngsterCredit: AlamyWhich means sadly not all top league ‘wonderkids’ are going to be able to carve out the illustrious careers they’d once hoped for, and some encounter a spectacular fall from grace. Here are the teen football prodigy whose lives went off the rails to varying degrees after being tipped for big things, and how it impacted their career.Jamie Cassidy Jamie Cassidy, 46, was once a hugely popular youth player who starred in Liverpool’s star-studded youth side in his heyday, alongside the likes of Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen.During his teenage years he became one of the top goal scorers in youth football country, and he won the FA Youth Cup in 1996.READ MORE FEATURESHowever, sadly it all went downhill after his career was hampered by injury, and without his football career, Cassidy spiralled into a life of crime.Last month he was jailed for 13 years for his role in a huge drug conspiracy alongside his brother, which involved using encrypted phones to import cocaine into the UK from South America.Cassidy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert or transfer criminal property.Ciaran Dickson Ciaran Dickson played for Celtic and Rangers and had been tipped for first team footballCredit: GettyThe young footballer pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to death by dangerous drivingCredit: SpindriftFormer Celtic and Rangers starlet Ciaran Dickson, 22, was once tipped for first team football and scored two goals in his first two appearances for Celtic’s B team.Most read in FootballHowever, Dickson consistently flouted the law over the years and this ultimately led to tragedy as he went on to kill a teenage pedestrian in a drunken hit and run while still signed to the top team.Forensic scientists calculated that Dickson was approximately more than three times over the drink drive limit.Thomas Ross KC, defending, said: “Nothing said by Ciaran Dickson can offer comfort to Aidan’s family and friends… He recognises that he is fully deserving of a sentence of imprisonment.”Dickson’s previous convictions also include careless driving from December 2020.He was also convicted of punching his ex following their split in April 2023, and was ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work.Callum Flanagan Callum Flanagan had shown real promiseCredit: EmpicsFlanagan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was handed an eight-month sentence at a young offenders’ institutionCredit: PA:Press AssociationAt Man United in the Nineties, Callum Flanagan was a highly regarded youth player who’d shown real promise.However, shortly after scoring in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Man City in the FA Youth Cup, everything changed in 2004 when the then-19-year-old was driving team-mate Phil Marsh home after a training session. In what he later described as one of the “most harrowing days of [his] life”, he raced fellow United youth player Mads Timm, crashing and flipping his Honda Civic. He was released from the club shortly after, and after pleading guilty to dangerous driving was handed an eight-month sentence at a young offenders’ institution.He has since turned his life around, and reportedly now lives in Australia where he’s carved out a career as a personal trainer and firefighter. Speaking to an Australian paper, Flanagan said: “If I could give any advice it would be to focus fully on football and don’t let outside things get in the way.” Ismail H’MaidatIsmail H’Maidat was jailed for his role in a spree of armed robberiesCredit: AlamyFormer Arsenal trialist and Crystal Palace wonderkid Ismail H’Maidat cost Roma £3.5million back in 2016 and seemed destined for great things.But just two years later in 2018 he was jailed for 46 months for his role in a month-long spree of armed robberies – despite earning at the time a reported £9,000 a month.The Dutch-born star, who trialled with the Gunners in 2012 and joined Crystal Palace the following year, robbed betting shops, a supermarket and a petrol station.Quincy PromesQuincy Promes’ career was blighted by injuryCredit: GettyQuincy Promes lived the high life before being sentenced to six years in prisonCredit: Instagram @qpromesFormer Holland star Quincy Promes, 32, stood out when he played for the likes of Sevilla and Ajax, but his career became blighted by his recent serious run-ins with the law.Last month the winger was sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in the smuggling of 1,363kg of cocaine into Antwerp, estimated to be worth around £65million.That wasn’t the first time the ex-Netherlands international has been in trouble, having received an 18-month sentence just last year for stabbing his cousin in the knee at a family party.Now the Dutchman is serving time in the infamous Al Aweer prison in the UAE – a far cry from the high life famous footballers usually enjoy.Andy van der MeydeAndy van der Meyde’s personal life went off the rails after a turbulent spell at EvertonCredit: Getty Images – GettyAndy Van Der Meyde came out of the famed Ajax academy in the Nineties, and helped Holland reach the Euro 2004 semi-finals.He managed to avoid getting in trouble with the law, but he saw his personal life spiral after he encountered a turbulent spell at Everton that led to problems with gambling, sex, drugs and depression.He struggled in his first season with injuries and quickly fell into an alcohol and prescription drug-fuelled spiral, eventually quitting football at just 32.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can quickly go off the rails because there is no limit and you could do what you wanted,” he previously said. “It was going out and drinking, and not thinking of reality.”Andy van der Meyde pictured during a photo shoot in January 2015 at his house in The NetherlandsCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Man, 43, arrested after linesman is PUNCHED in the face during football game by coach

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      COPS have arrested a man after shocking footage emerged of a linesman being punched in the face by a coach during a football match.The chaos broke out during a game between Amlwch Town FC and Penrhyndeudraeth FC in Anglesey on Saturday afternoon. The man is seen to punch the linesman close to the dugoutsCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/The linesman was sent hurtling to the floor from the strikeCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/Furious players ran over to the dugouts following the altercationCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/Footage of the incident has gone viral after being shared on social media, with police having launched an investigation.The man, 43, was released on bail but North Wales cops are vowing to enquire further. Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Gibson said: “Our investigations into the incident are ongoing.“We are liaising closely with North Wales Coast Football Association and urge people not to speculate or further share footage which is currently being circulated on social media to avoid potentially prejudicing any legal proceeding.”Read more sportThe video, taken from a camera above the dugouts, shows a man walking towards the linesman – who is carrying a flag and wearing a brightly-coloured bib.The man, believed to be a coach of one of the teams, is then seen to punch the linesman, sending him hurtling to the floor.Several furious players then made their way to the dugouts after spotting the punch, before the footage cuts out.Do you have more information about the incident? Contact jamie.phillips@thesun.co.ukMost read in FootballA spokesman for North Wales Police told The Sun: “We can confirm that we are currently investigating an assault which occurred at Amlwch Town FC’s grounds on Saturday, April 27.”We can also confirm that we are aware of the footage which is being circulated on social media and ask that people do not share to avoid potentially prejudicing any legal proceedings.”Police enquiries continue and we are urging anybody who may have mobile phone footage showing the incident to contact us as soon as possible quoting reference number 24000385680.”North Wales Coast Football Association said it is aware of the footage but would not be commenting at this stage.A post on Amlwch Town FC’s Facebook said: “Given that there are further investigations pending, it would not be appropriate for us to comment at this time.”In their own Facebook post, Penrhyndeudraeth FC added: “A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.’Going to get hurt’ – UFC fans all say same thing after Conor McGregor has final night out before Chandler fight campUnfortunately, the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game when a Penrhyn player, acting as a voluntary linesman, was assaulted. “The Club will not be making any further comments but will support the player as the matter has been reported to the police.”The man could be seen walking over towards the linesmanCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/ More

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      Ex-Arsenal wonderkid in court after ‘trying to force tenants out & making their lives hell by peeking through blinds’

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      A FORMER Arsenal wonderkid tried to force his long-suffering tenants out by peeking through their blinds, a court heard today.Emmanuel Frimpong, 32, is accused of making Reiane McGregor’s life “hell” after she moved into the star’s home with mum Fay.Emmanuel Frimpong appeared at court todayCredit: JEREMY SELWYNEdmonton County Court heard the former Arsenal player also shacked up with his tenants alongside his wife and kids.He initially promised the arrangement would last for two weeks but the stay was extended, it was said.Frimpong then allegedly told his tenants: “I can come to the property whenever the hell I like.”He also peered through the living room blinds after filing an “accelerated possession” claim to turf the pair out, it was said.Read more newsBut Ms McGregor told the court the claim was bogus and several documents were fake too.She said: “What he sent across, they can be seen to be falsified.”A hearing has now been arranged to establish the authenticity of the documents.Deputy District Judge Elizabeth Boon said: “She says: ‘I wasn’t ever provided with the copy of the energy performance certificate or gas safety certificate.Most read in Football”If she was never provided with that it would mean the section 21 notice wasn’t valid.”The mum and daughter sought advice from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to investigate the allegations.Speaking outside court, Reiane said: “It is a house, but not a home anymore.”Frimpong joined Arsenal as a nine-year-old and went on to with the FA Youth Cup and two Premier League titles.But his career with the Gunners was blighted by injury and became overshadowed by a bust-up with teammate Samir Nasri.The pair were seen clashing in the tunnel following Arsenal’s loss to Man City in the League Cup in 2011.Shortly after, Frimpong was sent on loan to Wolves and later joined Charlton Athletic for a brief spell.In 2014, the Ghanaian international joined Barnsley for an undisclosed fee.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went straight into the squad for the Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday, but was sent off after 31 minutes.After spells at Russian side Ufa and Cypriot team Ermis Aradippou, he hung up his boots in March 2019.Frimpong started his career with Arsenal when he was nineCredit: GettyHe appeared for a hearing at Edmonton County Court todayCredit: JEREMY SELWYN More

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      Man Utd legend Nicky Butt ADMITS breaking motorcyclist’s leg after smashing into him in Range Rover

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      MAN Utd legend Nicky Butt today admitted breaking a motorcyclist’s leg after smashing into him while driving in his Range Rover.The Class of ’92 graduate was driving carelessly through Burnley, Lancashire, when he failed to spot the rider.Nicky Butt has pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to a riderCredit: John GladwinVictim Andrew Fielden suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Butt, 49, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court today where he admitted causing serious injury by careless driving.The former England star was handed am 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.Read more newsThe court heard Butt, who was picking up at his son at the time, suffered a “momentary lapse of concentration”.Prosecutor 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 Mr Fielden was left with no memory of the crash other than waking up in hospital “in immense pain”.Most read in FootballButt remained at the scene and has since written an apology to the rider.Mr Fielden chose not to share a victim impact statement and said previously he does not “any ill feeling to the other party”.John Dye, defending the ex-footballer, said: “The loss of his licence is going to be extremely inconvenient to him and his family but that is the inevitable consequence of this case.”Butt was a instrumental part of Alex Ferguson’s youth team – rising through the ranks with David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and the Nevilles.David Beckham, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs celebrate at Wembley as Salford City break into Football League with National League playoff final over FyldeThe midfielder began his professional career stepping in for Roy Keane as a sub before he landing 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESButt 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.Butt appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court todayCredit: John GladwinButt was part of the Class of 92 squadHe played 270 games for Utd during his 12 years on the senior teamCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Leeds United Supporters’ Trust apologise after fans booed dad of QPR youngster who was stabbed to death

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      LEEDS fans were heard booing while a man whose son got stabbed to death was addressing supporters at Loftus Road on Friday.QPR youth player Kiyan Prince was 15 when he was killed outside his school gates in Edgware while trying to peacefully break up a fight between peers in 2006.Kiyan Prince was stabbed at his school gates in EdgwareCredit: PA:Press AssociationDr Mark Prince OBE appealed to end knife and gun crime at Loftus RoadCredit: RexAnd his grieving father Dr Mark Prince OBE, speaking ahead of the 18th anniversary of his son’s death, appealed on the pitch at half-time for an end to knife and gun crime on our streets.And he also spoke about The Kiyan Prince Foundation that works with youths in a bid to reduce violent crime.Yet he was met by loud boos from a section of the travelling supporters.Prince asked them: “Are you booing? Wow! You’ve got family? You have got kids, haven’t you?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLet’s not forget two Leeds fans – Kevin Speight, 40, and Christopher Loftus, 37 – were stabbed to death in Turkey ahead of the Uefa Cup semi-final with Galatasaray in April 2000.Thankfully, Leeds fans turned on the hecklers and their supporters groups have been quick to apologiseLeeds United Supporters’ Trust said: “LUST & LUSC would like to address the booing during Mark Prince’s speech at half time of last night’s game, and would like to offer our sincere apologies.”To provide some context, the fans in the away end were unable to hear the content being spoken due to the quality of the sound system, or see the big screen, which led to a frustrated and unfortunate reaction during Mark’s speech.Most read in Football”Leeds United have spoken to us and said that they weren’t made aware that Mark was going to be speaking at half time, otherwise communications would have been issued to supporters before the game.”The club will also be reaching out to QPR and Mark individually to apologise for the incident.”As a group of fans that know all too well the dangers of knife crime, we would like to assure those connected to Mark and the wider QPR family that had our fans understood the importance and sensitive nature of the speech last night, in no way would Leeds fans have reacted in the way they did.”We also want to acknowledge the great work the Kiyan Prince Foundation does.”We pass on our sincere apologies to Mark, his family, the fans and to QPR.”Mark Prince issued a response on behalf of the Kiyan Prince Foundation.He said: “When I went up to do the speech to the QPR fans a lot of the Leeds fans were booing.”My heart has already been broken into a million pieces, so some booing from Leeds fans is not going to damage me.”I have spent the last 18 years building and working for a great team of people to build the Kiyan Prince Foundation.”We care about everybody’s young people, we care about people in our community and a few Leeds fans do not represent the whole of Leeds United.My heart has already been broken into a million piecesDr Mark Prince OBE”We have nothing against Leeds, the CEO has already messaged and apologised as have fans.”It is silly to take it any further or make it deeper than that.”You are always going to people in life who may not see things in the way we see things.”It is all love.”The QPR Supporters’ Trust also responded to the statement on social media.A statement read: “QPR1st Supporters Trust welcomes today’s statement from @lufctrust and @LUSCExec (Trust and Supporters Club).”The events at half time were unsavoury to say the least, and went some way towards spoiling an otherwise wonderful night for QPR fans in the stadium.”Mark prince OBE is a hugely respected and loved figure for what he has achieved in turning the dreadful untimely death of his son into a positive for the wider community.”We accept that there are mitigating factors behind the negative response of some away fans. We acknowledge that knife crime is also a subject very close to the hearts of the Leeds fanbase.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We thank the Leeds fans groups for their words and efforts to reach out and make amends. Knife crime is a scourge across the country, both north and south.”We look forward to supporting Mark and the Kiyan Prince Foundation (@TheKPF) in the years to come.” More

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      Burnley fan charged with public order offence after ­’mocking Munich air disaster at Man Utd clash’

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      A FOOTIE fan has been charged with a public order offence after ­allegedly mocking the Munich air disaster while celebrating a goal against Man United.Nathan Rawlinson, 44, was arrested over alleged “tragedy chanting” after Burnley’s late equaliser in Saturday’s clash. A Burnley supporter has been charged with a public order offence after ­allegedly mocking the Munich air disaster while celebrating a goal against Man UnitedVideos online show a man seemingly making plane gestures at Old Trafford fans — a reference to the 1958 disaster that killed 23, including eight Busby Babes.The fan also appeared to shout “Munich” after Zeki Amdouni’s 87th-minute penalty.Rawlinson, of Bacup, Lancs, has been bailed to face court at a later date.Burnley FC condemned the “offensive footage”.read more on footballBurnley previously condemned the “offensive footage” and vowed to work with Man United and police to identify and prosecute fans involved.The club said: “We are aware of offensive footage currently circulating on social media from the away end of today’s fixture at Old Trafford.“Tragedy-related gesturing and chanting is completely unacceptable, and Burnley Football Club take a zero-tolerance approach.“We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police and Manchester United to help identify and prosecute the individuals responsible.”Most read in FootballThe Premier League added in a statement: “There is no place for football tragedy abuse in our game.“We strongly condemn this behaviour and sanctions are in place to ensure anybody found guilty faces consequences.Man City fan appears to mock Man United over Munich air disaster with sick aeroplane gesture during derby clash”We continue to treat this as an unacceptable issue and fully support Burnley FC, Manchester United and the police in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.” More

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      Teammates reeling after two Premier League footballers are arrested over ‘rape’ and suspended by club

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      TEAMMATES have been left reeling after two Premier League footballers were arrested in a rape probe and suspended by the club.The players, both 19, were arrested at the weekend after the alleged victim contacted cops.Two footballers were arrested after a rape allegation was made (stock image)Officers swooped on the club’s stadium and spoke to one of the players.He was driven out of the ground in a club Mercedes to a nearby police station where he was formally arrested on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape.Sources said he was allowed to leave the stadium after a brief interview before he was then arrested later that night.The player, 19, spent the night in the cells and was later quizzed by detectives under caution.read more on footballHis team-mate, also 19, was arrested the following day and questioned on suspicion of rape.Teammates and club officials were left reeling from their arrests.A source said: “News began to filter through the club on Monday morning.”Everyone is understandably shocked at what has unfolded.Most read in Football”The club is also trying to get to the bottom of what has happened.”But with an ongoing police investigation and the seriousness of the allegations both players have been suspended.”Yesterday, police said the pair had been released on bail pending further inquiries.The alleged rape is said to have taken place on Friday night.The alleged victim contacted officers hours later and filed a formal complaint.A police spokesman said: “Officers have arrested two men following a report of a rape.”A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape. A second 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape.“Both men have since been released on police bail.”A source told The Sun how the police arrived at the stadium to speak to the footballer.They added: “He was taken to a private room within the ground and was spoken to by police.“The player left the club with another individual and was formally arrested by police later that night.”The club previously said they would not be making any further comment while police investigated.The Premier League has been plagued by a series of high-profile sex scandals.Man United striker Mason Greenwood, 22, was suspended in 2022 after he was arrested for attempted rape.The case was later dropped and he is now on loan at Spanish side Getafe.Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, 29, was cleared of multiple rapes after two trials last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is now at French side Lorient.Their cases and others prompted the Premier League to launch sexual consent lessons for all players. More

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      Two Premier League footballers arrested over ‘rape’ are suspended by club after cops swoop on stadium

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      TWO footballers at the centre of Premier League rape probe have been suspended by their club, we can reveal. The players, both 19, were arrested at the weekend after the alleged victim contacted cops. Two footballers were arrested after a rape allegation was made (stock image)Officers swooped on the club’s stadium and spoke to one of the players. He was driven out of the ground in a club Mercedes to a nearby police station where he was formally arrested on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape. Sources said he was allowed to leave the stadium after a brief interview before he was then arrested later that night.The player, 19, spent the night in the cells and was later quizzed by detectives under caution.Read more newsHis team-mate, also 19, was arrested the following day and questioned on suspicion of rape.Yesterday, police said the pair had been released on bail pending further inquiries.The alleged rape is said to have taken place on Friday night. The alleged victim contacted officers hours later and filed a formal complaint.Most read in FootballA police spokesman said: “Officers have arrested two men following a report of a rape.”A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape. A second 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape.“Both men have since been released on police bail.”A source told The Sun how the police arrived at the stadium to speak to the footballer.They added: “He was taken to a private room within the ground and was spoken to by police.“The player left the club with another individual and was formally arrested by police later that night.”The club previously said they would not be making any further comment while police investigated.The Premier League has been plagued by a series of high-profile sex scandals.Man United striker Mason Greenwood, 22, was suspended in 2022 after he was arrested for attempted rape.The case was later dropped and he is now on loan at Spanish side Getafe.Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, 29, was cleared of multiple rapes after two trials last year. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is now at French side Lorient.Their cases and others prompted the Premier League to launch sexual consent lessons for all players. More