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      Premier League fans braced for crackdown on illegal streams with IPTV ‘piracy shield’ being used

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      PREMIER LEAGUE fans are braced for a crackdown on illegal steams with an IPTV “piracy shield” potentially coming into play.Inter Protocol Television (IPTV) technology allows supporters to access top-flight games for free via illegal streams.Premier League fans are braced for an illegal stream crackdown using a ‘piracy shield’Credit: ReutersMany use it as a way to bypass the 3pm blackout on a Saturday, while also avoiding the huge subscription fees demanded by the likes of Sky Sports and TNT Sport.However, those that do are in breach of the Fraud Act 2006.It could even result in jail time, with one man locked up for two-and-a-half years for selling illegal firesticks.And authorities could be set to clamp down further by potentially implementing an IPTV “Piracy Shield.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is already live in Italy, with 114 illegal streaming sites and 528 IP addresses blocked so far since February.It can reportedly target DNS (Domain Name System) and VPN (Virtual Private Network) services that normally go undetected.And the shield is also able to remove illegal stream results from search engines.Italian authorities are already hailing it as a huge win for national cybersecurity.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd it could yet be rolled out in the UK.There are no official plans for the software to come into force just yet.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanBut one UK barrister has warned fans to be wary if streaming illegally.Lynette Calder said: “For more serious and organised offending that went to the Crown Court, you are talking up to a maximum of 10 years in prison if the charge is under section 7, or five years for section 6 and 11.“Why take the risk? If you can’t afford the streaming service for Premier League, then why not find yourself a pub that can.” More

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      Disgraced ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves will spend ANOTHER night in prison as Neymar’s dad refuses to pay £1m bail

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      DANI Alves is set to spend another night behind bars in a Spanish prison after Neymar’s dad refused to pay his £1million bail.The disgraced ex-Barcelona star was given the chance to appeal his rape conviction earlier this week and reportedly borrowed cash from fellow Brazilian star Neymar Jr’s dad to cover the hefty costs.Brazilian defender Dani Alves has failed to make bail and will stay in prison for at least another nightCredit: APAlves was convicted of rape in February but has only served a month behind barsCredit: AFPIt was previously believed that Neymar Jr’s dad was set to pay the £1million bail needed for Alves to get out of jailCredit: ReutersMedia waiting outside the jail for Alves on ThursdayCredit: EPABut Neymar da Silva Santos said in a statement on behalf of his family that they won’t pay the £1 million to bail him out of Spanish prison. He said: “For us, for my family, this matter is over. Full stop.” International footballer Alves, 40, was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.Alves claimed the sexual encounter was consensual.read more in Dani AlvesHe 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.Alves has only served a month of his sentence so far.Part of his bail conditions however included paying the £1million – something he hasn’t yet managed.Most read in FootballNeymar Jr’s father Neymar Santos Sr was thought to be helping to raise the funds, say LaVanguardia.It was also believed that Santos Sr helped to pay the £130,000 compensation package to the 23-year-old victim ordered by the court.Neymar’s father didn’t specify how much they gave Alves but added that it’s a “different situation” now because the three judge panel at the Barcelona Provincial Court ruled against him.”With the Spanish court ruling for his conviction, there’s speculation and an attempt to associate my name and my son’s to a matter that is not within our reach any longer,” Neymar’s father said in the family’s statement.He added that he hopes Alves “can find all the answers he looks for in his own family.”Defence sources confirmed last night that Alves will stay inside the Brians 2 prison for another night at least.They assured people he should be out on Friday.The superstar right back is believed to be heading to the comfort of his own home in Spain as lawyers go through the appeal process. Dani Alves guilty of raping woman in nightclub bathroom with ex-Barcelona star jailed for more than 4 yearsThe Barcelona court ordered the money was deposited by Alves and his team before 2:30pm the day before leaving in order for his release.Given that he is set to stay an additional night in his holding cell, Alves did not meet the deadline.It is currently uncertain what stopped the money from being transferred.But Alves will continue to stay in his hellhole cell in provisional prison until he can muster up the money.Sources close to the player said that the money needed could take up to five days to be successfully deposited through the Treasury and to the courts.The decision to allow Alves to leave prison after making bail was made in court by the majority of those on the ruling panel.Although not unanimous, Section 21 of the Barcelona Court set his bail to $1million (£850,000).The other bail conditions say Alves must stay at least 1,000m away from the home of the victim or any other place she frequently goes.He 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 anymore jail time.Alves failed to meet bail before the 2:30pm deadline ordered by the Barcelona courtCredit: AFPDani Alves relationship to Joana Sanz broke down after the shocking accusations came outCredit: Getty – ContributorAlves on the dock during his trial at the start of 2024Credit: RexThe footballer’s lawyers requested the disgraced footballer was released as he had already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention following his arrest in January 2023.Sources say Santos Sr offered to assist Alves after his assets were frozen under a Brazilian court order related to his ex-wife, Dinorah Santana.The generosity from the Neymar family is thought to come from the close friendship between Neymar Jr, 32, and Alves.Outside of the Brazil national team, Alves and Neymar also played together at PSG and were apart of one of the greatest football teams of all time at Barcelona.The Brazilian show boater also recently signed a blockbuster £236million-a-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.WORLDWIDE REACTIONSBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also condemned Alves’ oncoming release.He said on Wednesday: “The money that Daniel Alves has, the money that someone can lend him, cannot buy the offence that a man does to a woman by committing rape.”The female victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, described the decision to allow Alves to leave prison on bail as “scandalous”.And branded it as “justice for the rich”.I’m very surprised and totally outraged because it’s like this is justice for the richEster Garciavictim’s lawyerGarcia fumed on RAC1 radio saying: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”It comes as residents of Barcelona – where Alves was once seen as an icon – blasted the court’s ruling to free him on bail.One woman said: “Sentences must be served and executed equally. “If you have a sentence then you have to fulfil it not just pay their way out of it because they have a lot of money.”I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matterBarcelona residentAs another told AS TV: “I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matter.”If you have money and you are a man, you can do whatever you want and you won’t have to pay.”As a man also gave his view saying “evil” things can’t be forgotten about simply because of money.Alves’ mum posted a collection of pictures on Instagram yesterday of her son captioned: “Victory has come for the honor and glory of the Lord, thank you my God.”What God has joined together no one can separate.”In a separate post she also said: “For all those who only believe in the justice of men @danialves is free. “Free from European justice as I was told. But I believe in divine justice. And I always believed in his innocence.”And Alves’ former wife Joana Sanz deactivated her Instagram account just hours after he was granted release on bail.Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves in court claiming she was with him the night of the accusations.It is currently uncertain what the pair’s status is after Joana accidentally shared a bizarre letter from her rapist ex where he declares his love for her from jail.WHAT HAPPENED IN COURT?In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, he denied the allegations saying the sexual encounter had been completely consensual. The three-day trial saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.His accuser told the prosecution she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but was then forced to stay after wanting to leave.She told the court Alves allegedly slapped and insulted her before forcing her into having sex.Alves did confirm he had sex with the woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence to consider the rape provenCourt statementAlves was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars.The court also ordered Alves to pay £130,000 (€150k) in compensation to the victim.He also faced a nine-and-a-half-year restraining order from the accuser.The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”Following the sentence, Alves was sent to Brians 2 prison in Barcelona.Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves when she took to the stand.During her testimony on February 6, 2024, Joana claimed they were not legally divorced and that she had been with Alves on the night of the accusation.Joana told the court Alves “smelled of alcohol” and “he bumped into several pieces of furniture and collapsed on the bed” after arriving home from the night out.But she said she didn’t want to talk to him because of “the state he was in”.A disgraced Alves publicly apologised to Joana during an interview from his prison cell in 2023.He told Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.”I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”It comes as former Man City star Robinho, 40, is set to finally serve his nine-year jail sentence for a gang-rape committed in Italy, Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled.READ MORE SUN STORIESItaly issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star has dodged jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo.The former Santos star says he is innocent.The Brazilian ace is one of the most decorated footballers ever but has spent the last few months embroiled in the shock accusations against himCredit: AFPAlves’ lawyers Ines Guardiola said her client has already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention after being arrested last JanuaryCredit: EPAThe Brians 2 prison where Alves was being heldCredit: RexFormer Manchester City forward Robinho is finally set to serve his nine-year prison sentence for a gang-rape in Italy More

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      Ex-Man City star Robinho ARRESTED after judges ruled he will serve his nine-year rape sentence in Brazil

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      EX-MAN City star Robinho has been arrested at his home as he is set to serve his nine-year rape sentence. The Brazil ace was arrested by Federal Police on Thursday at his home in Santos, in the state of Sao Paulo.Brazil star Robinho has been jailed today at his home in Santos, Sao PauloHe was convicted of a 2013 gang-rape in 2017 and has been free ever sinceCredit: AFPThe former Premier League footballer is set to serve his sentence in BrazilCredit: GettyIt is understood he will undergo a custody hearing this evening in Brazil, Globo reports.The former player was detained after the Special Court of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) decided that he serve a nine-year sentence for the crime of gang rape, following a conviction by the Italian justice system.Italy had issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star has dodged jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo.Convicted in 2017, he will now serve his sentence in Brazil at the request of Italian authorities in an unprecedented move.Read more on RobinhoThe former Santos star says he is innocent.But yesterday Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) took a fresh look at Italy’s request.Nine of the 15 ministers voted in favour of the player serving his sentence in his home country – forming a simple majority and sealing the footballer’s fate.They did not judge whether the player is guilty or innocent, but whether he should serve the sentence in Brazil or not.Most read in FootballCONVICTED IN ITALYRobinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club on January 22, 2013 during his stint for AC Milan.He was found guilty in November 2017 in an Italian court and has made several failed attempts over the years to appeal.Decapitated inmates & jailhouse warlords – inside Brazil’s hellish prisons where ex-Man City star Robinho faces 9 yearsUnder Italian law, his sentence will not begin until the appeal processes have been completed.The Brazilian constitution doesn’t typically allow for the extradition of its citizens who’ve been sentenced abroad.Meaning that until today, the 40-year-old would have only faced actual arrest if he travelled abroad.In November last year Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.Brazil previously argued that he should serve his time in Italy, arguing that it would represent joint efforts to combat crime and judicial cooperation.Robinho, full name Robson de Souza, currently lives in Sao Paulo and surrendered his passport to authorities in March 2023 after his prison sentence was ratified in 2022.CLAIMS OF INNOCENCERobinho, who has claimed he is innocent, accused the Italian justice system of “racism” and said the encounter in 2013 was “consensual”.He told a Brazilian network TV Record on Sunday: “I hope that here in Brazil I can have the voice that I didn’t have there.””I never denied it (the encounter). I could have denied it because my DNA was not there, but I’m not a liar.”I played for four years in Italy and I got tired of seeing stories about racism. The same people who do nothing about racism, which I repudiate, are the ones who condemned me.”A Brazilian news outlet previously published audio recordings obtained by Italian authorities which included Robinho discussing the case with friends.I hope that here in Brazil I can have the voice that I didn’t have there [in Italy]RobinhoIn one clip he says: “We will punch her in her face. You will punch her in the face and say; ‘What did I do to you?'”And in another: “That is why I am laughing, I don’t care at all.”The girl was extremely drunk, she doesn’t even know who I am.”A further leaked conversation shows him saying: “If this comes out in the press, it will screw me.”Robinho played for clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan, and signed a contract in 2020 to return to his first club in Brazil, Santos.However, the deal almost immediately fell apart after sponsors reportedly threatened to cut ties with the club for signing a player convicted of rape.Speaking after the Santos announcement, the striker took to Instagram to admit: “Guys, this is Robinho.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Of course, with a lot of sadness in my heart, I’m here to tell you that I made the decision with the club president to suspend my contract at this troubled time in my life.“My goal has always been to help Santos Football Club and if in any way I’m getting in the way, it’s best I leave and focus on my personal things.”Robinho’s Rape Case: a TimelineThe rape case involving Brazilian footballer Robinho spans several years. Here’s a brief timeline:

      2014: Brazilian media reported on the allegations against Robinho, but no formal charges were filed at that time.

      2017: Robinho was found guilty of sexual assault by an Italian court and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, he denied the charges and appealed the verdict.

      2020: After the appeal process, Robinho’s sentence was upheld by the Italian court. But due to the statute of limitations in Italy, he was not extradited to serve his sentence.

      2022: Robinho’s prison sentence is ratified.

      March 2023: Robinho surrendered his passport to authorities

      November 2023: Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.

      March 20, 2024: Brazil’s Superior Court formed a simple majority and voted for Robinho to serve the sentence in his home country.

      Robinho pictured in 2012 during his time at AC MilanCredit: Reuters More

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      Ex-Liverpool prodigy Jamie Cassidy who won silverware with Premier League legends is jailed for 13 years after drug plot

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      A FORMER Liverpool prodigy who once played alongside stars Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen has been jailed for his role in a massive drug conspiracy.Jamie Cassidy, now 46, helped Liverpool win the FA Youth Cup in 1996, when the reds beat a West Ham United team featuring Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.Jamie Cassidy photographed when he signed for Cambridge UnitedCredit: AlamyJamie Cassidy was jailed following an investigation by Greater Manchester PoliceJamie’s brother Jonathan Cassidy sent images of El Chapo on his Encro deviceBut he is now behind bars after being jailed for 13 years and three months after admitting his role in a multi-million pound drugs operation.His brother Jonathan was also jailed.Paul Greaney KC told Manchester Crown Court heard how Jamie was signed by Liverpool FC as a schoolboy and flourished within the club’s youth set up. During his teenager years he became one of the top goal scorers in the country and was hand picked along with Carragher to attend the FA’s centre of excellence at Lilleshaw.The Liverpool man later left Liverpool for Cambridge United and drifted into non-league football.The court heard how in his 2008 autobiography Carragher said Cassidy would have been a “certain Liverpool regular” but for the injuries that ended his career in top flight football. Without football to fall back on, Cassidy spiralled into a life of crime alongside his old brother Jonathan, 50, who was today locked up for 21 years and nine months.The pair used encrypted phones to import cocaine into the UK from South America to flood the streets of Liverpool with the drug.Most read in FootballJonathan managed the import business while Jamie was specifically responsible for distributing the drugs to criminals across Merseyside and Manchester.When police hacked the so called EncroChat network in the spring of 2020 they discovered that Jamie used the handle NuclearDog while Jonathan used WhiskeyWasp. Narcos plotNasar Ahmed, 51, Jonathan’s business partner, used the handle DottedJaw.The three men sent messages on the Encro network about the movement of drugs and cash. Jonathan sent images from the Netflix series Narcos on his Encro phone to associates, including stills of infamous drug dealers such as El Chapo.Jonathan, who had a more senior role in the crew than Jamie, liaised with established brokers in Holland who sold large quantities of cocaine. The drugs were smuggled into the UK inside adapted vehicles known as “taxis.”In March and April of 2020 Jonathan was involved in the importation of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Holland into the UK. The Cassidy gang had their first security scare when one of their associates was arrested by police in Holland.The man, identified only as Cappie, was being used to deliver large amounts of cash on behalf of Cassidy.The brothers had been confident their messages about their thriving drug business were secret, until EncroChat warned all customers of a hack in the spring of 2020.On June 15 Ahmed was arrested by police at his home in the Bury area of Greater Manchester. On July 8 Jonathan Cassidy spent the day reading online articles about the arrests of well known criminals in Manchester and Liverpool before flying out to Dubai.When in the UAE he began trying to buy a villa, telling agents his budget was in the region of £2.3m. He messaged a contractor who was building a bed for him costing around £22,000.The following day he flew back to the UK, and was arrested as he arrived at the airport. Fall from graceWhen police raided Jamie Cassidy’s home in the Knowsley area of Merseyside on November 5 they found a case summary document for the police investigation into the Cassidy’s gang, an encrypted telephone and machete.Jonathan Cassidy, 50, and Nasar Ahmed, 51, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to evade prohibition on importation of Class A Drugs,conspiracy to supply class A drugs and conspiracy to conceal ,disguise , convert or transfer criminal property.Jamie Cassidy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to conceal ,disguise , convert or transfer criminal property.Mr Bromley-Martin KC, speaking on behalf of Jonathan Cassidy, said that his client only used the handle Whiskywasp during March and April of 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESMr Bromley-Martin made reference to a letter from a prison chaplain to the judge which claimed Jonathan Cassidy was of “good character.”The court heard that Jamie Cassidy had been a model prisoner and was working with the Samaritans to help other inmates.Joshua Avis is now wanted by Greater Manchester Police.The bar in Jonathan Cassidy’s homeNasar Ahmed and Jonathon Cassidy enjoy a meal together in happier times More

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      Disgraced ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves’ ex-wife Joana Sanz takes down her Instagram as rapist to walk free on £1m bail

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      THE estranged wife of disgraced ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves has deactivated her Instagram account just hours after he was granted release from prison on bail.Alves, convicted of raping a woman at a Barcelona nightclub, yesterday won a fight to appeal his four-and-a-half-year jail sentence.Dani Alves and his ex Joana Sanz attend the Earthshot Prize 2021 at Alexandra PalaceCredit: GettyJoana shut down her Instagram profile as her rapist ex walked free from prisonCredit: InstagramDani Alves’ wife Joana SanzCredit: InstagramAlves, 40, allegedly called on the father of his pal and fellow footballer Neymar to pay his €1million (£850,000) bail.Neymar’s dad is not believed to have been able to gather the funds as yet, and the former Barcelona player remains behind bars.Not 24 hours after a Barcelona court ruled in favour of granting Alves’ release – a decision which can be appealed – the sports star’s supermodel ex-wife Joana Sanz shut down her Instagram profile.A search for Joana’s account returns the message: “Sorry, this page isn’t available.”Read more on Dani AlvesAlves’ lawyer requested that the disgraced footballer be released on the grounds that he already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention, after he was arrested in January last year.It was decided he could be released, on conditions which include him relinquishing both his Brazilian and Spanish passports and appearing before the court on a weekly basis.He is also not allowed to contact or be within a kilometre of his accuser.Joana’s social media shut-down comes after she accidentally shared a bizarre letter from her rapist ex to her now-deactivated Instagram.Most read in FootballThe letter, which Alves wrote in his cell as he awaited trial, contained pleas for forgiveness and expressions of thanks to Joana for supporting him through “such a difficult time”, Vogue reported.Alves declared his love for Joana, writing that he loves her very much, that he will always be with her, and that they are stronger together.Dani Alves’ model ex Joana Sanz arrives at court to reveal what ‘drunk’ ex-Barcelona star told her moments after ‘rape’Joana, who married Alves in July 2017, shared a picture of the love note to her then-active Instagram account in September with the caption: “Everyone knows, everyone knows, knows s***.”Yesterday’s decision to release Alves on bail was blasted by the lawyer of the 23-year-old woman who Alves raped at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.Lawyer Ester Garcia fumed on RAC1 radio: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”She added: “It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”Sources close to Alves claimed he called on Neymar’s dad for help in paying the court-ordered €150,000 (£128,000) compensation to his victim, as well as for the money for his bail.Alves’ own assets were frozen under a Brazilian court order related to his ex-wife Dinorah Santana.The ex-Barcelona star was last month found guilty of raping a woman in the toilets of the nightclub Sutton on December 30, 2022.Within hours of being handed a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence on February 22, it was revealed Alves would appeal the decision.His lawyer Inés Guardiola said at the time: “Four and a half years is much better than nine and 12 that the accusation requested, but we are going to appeal because I still believe in Mr Alves’ innocence.”We continue to believe in the innocence of Mr Alves. He already knows the sentence and is whole.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will defend his innocence to the end.”State prosecutors were seeking a nine-year prison sentence; the lawyers representing Alves’s accuser were seeking 12.Joana Sanz and Dani Alves grin in a social media postCredit: Instagram @joanasanzSpanish model Joana Sanz pictured during Madrid Fashion Week in 2016Credit: AFP – GettyEx-Barcelona Brazilian defender Dani Alves holds the ball during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca in May 2022Credit: AFPDani Alves and Joana Sanz smile before The Best FIFA Football Awards in 2018Credit: GettyWHAT HAPPENED?BRAZILIAN international footballer Dani Alves was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.
      In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, 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.
      He was convicted on February 22 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.
      The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
      He had previously been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest on January 20, 2023.
      Alves’ lawyers immediately appealed his sentence.
      On March 20, 2024 – a Barcelona court released Alves on a bail of €1million (£850k) pending an appeal on his conviction.
      His defense 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. More

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      Ex-Man City star Robinho WILL be jailed over gang rape of Albanian woman in Italy, Brazil’s Supreme Court rules

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      FORMER Man City star Robinho will finally serve his nine-year jail sentence for a gang-rape committed in Italy, Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled.Italy issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star has dodged jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo.Robinho was convicted of a 2013 gang-rape in 2017 and has been free ever sinceCredit: AFPThe former Premier League footballer is set to serve his sentence in BrazilCredit: GettyThe ex-Brazil ace played for AC Milan at the time of the rapeCredit: AP:Associated PressConvicted in 2017, he will now serve his sentence in Brazil at the request of Italian authorities in an unprecedented move.The former Santos star says he is innocent.But today Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) has taken a fresh look at Italy’s request.Nine of the 15 ministers voted in favour of the player serving his sentence in his home country – forming a simple majority and sealing the footballer’s fate.Read more on footballThey did not judge whether the player is guilty or innocent, but whether he should serve the sentence in Brazil or not. Robinho is now set to be incarcerated immediately, Globo reports.Convicted in ItalyRobinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club on January 22, 2013 during his stint for AC Milan.He was found guilty in November 2017 in an Italian court and has made several failed attempts over the years to appeal.Most read in FootballUnder Italian law, his sentence will not begin until the appeal processes have been completed.The Brazilian constitution doesn’t typically allow for the extradition of its citizens who’ve been sentenced abroad.Meaning that until today, the 40-year-old would have only faced actual arrest if he travelled abroad.In November last year Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.Former Man City star Robinho rejoins boyhood club Santos on just £200 a month Robinho’s Rape Case: a TimelineThe rape case involving Brazilian footballer Robinho spans several years. Here’s a brief timeline:

      2014: Brazilian media reported on the allegations against Robinho, but no formal charges were filed at that time.

      2017: Robinho was found guilty of sexual assault by an Italian court and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, he denied the charges and appealed the verdict.

      2020: After the appeal process, Robinho’s sentence was upheld by the Italian court. But due to the statute of limitations in Italy, he was not extradited to serve his sentence.

      2022: Robinho’s prison sentence is ratified.

      March 2023: Robinho surrendered his passport to authorities

      November 2023: Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.

      March 20, 2024: Brazil’s Superior Court formed a simple majority and voted for Robinho to serve the sentence in his home country.

      Brazil previously argued that he should serve his time in Italy, arguing that it would represent joint efforts to combat crime and judicial cooperation.Robinho, full name Robson de Souza, currently lives in Sao Paulo and surrendered his passport to authorities in March 2023 after his prison sentence was ratified in 2022.Jailed back homeCarlos Nicodemos, lawyer for the Brazilian Union of Women (UBM), was the first to take the floor at the STJ this afternoon.Speaking on behalf of UBM, he advocated that Robinho serve his sentence in Brazil.Nicodemos mentioned the high number of rape cases in Brazil to position himself in favour of serving the sentence in the country and cited the Spanish court’s decision to allow Daniel Alves, who was convicted of rape in Spain, to be released after paying a bail of €1m (£853,000).“We are not talking about something new, we are talking about something that applies in Brazilian jurisdiction,” he said.”From the place I occupy, as a lawyer for the friend of the court, it is necessary to understand that the procedure for ratifying a foreign decision is the recognition of premises of the civilising state.”I conclude by considering the need to understand that all individual guarantees have been given and that these are women’s human rights, in a context that normalises and trivialises rape and violence against them.”There is a need for the State to provide answers, and I know we will find that answer here”.José Eduardo Rangel De Alckmin, Robinho’s lawyer, opened his argument by citing the Constitution and arguing that Robinho should be tried in Brazil.“It is in Brazil that the process must take place”, stated Alckmin.“I insist that this does not represent, in any way, impunity. He will have the right to be sued in Brazil and respond here for the acts attributed to him. It is a right of every Brazilian citizen.”Alckmin recalled the ban on extradition of Brazilian citizens as an argument that prevents the execution of a foreign sentence in the country.”It is expressed in the treaty, it excludes the possibility of executing sentences”, he said. “It’s an irrefutable argument.”The athlete’s defence also said that the exact understanding of the process in Italy “was a little truncated”.“The idea that the accused group induced the victim to drink to take advantage of her. But in sentencing another fact is mentioned, embarrassment, when the person is unable to react. “The fact changes. I’m not going to say that there was a loss due to the entire process not being present, but there is this information recorded in the sentence,” he said.These are women’s human rights, in a context that normalises and trivialises rape and violence against them.Carlos NicodemosThe Federal Public Ministry (MPF), represented by Hindemburgo Chateaubriand Pereira Diniz Filho, was the last party to speak.The MPF, which had already presented an opinion defending the approval of the sentence, reinforced its position by saying that all legal requirements were met for Robinho’s criminal execution to be transferred to Brazil and rejected the arguments of Robinho’s defence.“There is no evidence whatsoever that the sentence handed down by the Italian court disrespected the rights of the convicted person or that due legal process was not respected”, he said.“I remember that, in this context, the rules of the foreign country do not have to be the same as those of the country in which the decision is carried out. It is an elementary rule of international cooperation.”Claims of innocenceRobinho, who has claimed he is innocent, accused the Italian justice system of “racism” and said the encounter in 2013 was “consensual”. He told a Brazilian network TV Record on Sunday: “I hope that here in Brazil I can have the voice that I didn’t have there.””I never denied it (the encounter). I could have denied it because my DNA was not there, but I’m not a liar.”I played for four years in Italy and I got tired of seeing stories about racism. The same people who do nothing about racism, which I repudiate, are the ones who condemned me.”A Brazilian news outlet previously published audio recordings obtained by Italian authorities which included Robinho discussing the case with friends.In one clip he says: “We will punch her in her face. You will punch her in the face and say; ‘What did I do to you?'”And in another: “That is why I am laughing, I don’t care at all.”The girl was extremely drunk, she doesn’t even know who I am.”A further leaked conversation shows him saying: “If this comes out in the press, it will screw me.”I hope that here in Brazil I can have the voice that I didn’t have there [in Italy]RobinhoRobinho played for clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan, and signed a contract in 2020 to return to his first club in Brazil, Santos.However, the deal almost immediately fell apart after sponsors reportedly threatened to cut ties with the club for signing a player convicted of rape.Speaking after the Santos announcement, the striker took to Instagram to admit: “Guys, this is Robinho.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Of course, with a lot of sadness in my heart, I’m here to tell you that I made the decision with the club president to suspend my contract at this troubled time in my life.“My goal has always been to help Santos Football Club and if in any way I’m getting in the way, it’s best I leave and focus on my personal things.”The Brazilian is set to be jailed immediatelyCredit: AFP or licensorsRobinho pictured in 2012 during his time at AC MilanCredit: Reuters More

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      Dani Alves ‘got cash from Neymar’s dad’ for €1m bail to free him after WEEKS…as victim’s lawyer slams ‘justice for rich’

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      EX-BRAZIL star Dani Alves is set to walk out of prison today after allegedly getting Neymar’s dad to pay his €1million (£850,000) bail.Alves, 40, won his fight to appeal his four-and-a-half year jail sentence from the comfort of his own home – which the lawyer of his victim branded “justice for the rich”.The disgraced footballer pictured as he was sentenced on February 22 for rapeCredit: AFPHe had only served one month in jail since his four-and-a-half sentenceCredit: PAAlves with his model wife Joana Sanz who filed for divorce last yearAlves has allegedly turned to pal Neymar’s father to make the million euro bailCredit: ReutersThe Barcelona court’s ruling came a day after his lawyer requested the disgraced footballer’s release on grounds he had already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention following his arrest in January 2023.The decision, which was not unanimous due to one dissenting judge on the panel of three, can be appealed.But the court’s ruling drew a furious response from the lawyer of the young woman, 23, who was raped by Alves at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.Her lawyer Ester Garcia blasted the decision as “scandalous”.She fumed on RAC1 radio: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”Garcia added: “It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”Sources close to Alves were saying today they were confident the bail cash the footballer has to hand over could be raised today. But Alves has allegedly turned to his pal Neymar’s dad to front the money, LaVanguardia reports.Most read in FootballAccording to sources close to the player, this is allegedly the same route he used to pay for the €150,000 (£128,000) compensation given to his victim.Neymar Santos Sr reportedly made himself available to Alves after his assets were frozen under a Brazilian court order related to his ex-wife, Dinorah Santana.The conditions for Alves’ release include relinquishing both his Brazilian and Spanish passports so he cannot flee Spain as well as an obligation to appear before the court on a weekly basis.The court also imposed a restraining order, barring the shamed star from coming within 1km of his victim.Public prosecutors had opposed his request, arguing he posed a high flight risk.Alves, one of the world’s most decorated footballers who played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, was sentenced on February 22 after being convicted of raping a woman at a Barcelona nightclub in the early hours of December 31, 2022.His lawyers swiftly appealed the conviction.Dani Alves guilty of raping woman in nightclub bathroom with ex-Barcelona star jailed for more than 4 yearsAlves said via video link in a behind-closed-doors court hearing yesterday morning: “I am not going to flee, I believe in justice.”The star protested his innocence on February 7 after taking the stand on the last day of his three-day trial, saying the sex he had with his 23-year-old female accuser was consensual and insisting he would never hurt anyone.The victim, who testified behind a screen to protect her identity, said Alves had violently forced her to have sex in a private bathroom of the nightclub despite begging him to let her go, causing her “anguish and terror”, prosecutors said.Alves’ lawyers had argued the victim had been “glued” to the player while dancing at the nightclub, saying there was “sexual tension” between them.But the court said in its 61-page decision that this did not mean “that she consented to anything that might have subsequently happened”.What happened?BRAZILIAN international footballer Dani Alves was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.
      In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, 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.
      He was convicted on February 22 and sentenced to four-and-a-half years.
      The court also ordered Alves to pay £130K (150,000 euros) in compensation to the victim.
      The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
      He had previously been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest on January 20, 2023.
      Alves’ lawyers immediately appealed his sentence.
      On March 20, 2024 – a Barcelona court released Alves on a bail of one million euros (££850,000) pending an appeal on his conviction.
      His defense 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.

      It was not immediately clear where Alves could spend his first night of freedom since January 20, 2023, when he was arrested.His properties include a mansion in Esplugues de LLobregat, a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona’s city centre.The home was built in 2010 when he was still married to his ex-wife Dinorah Santana, before he met and married Tenerife-born model Joana Sanz.Sanz revealed last year she had demanded a divorce after Alves admitted for the first time he had sex with the woman he was found guilty of raping.The 31-year-old brunette later said the divorce had been put on hold and she gave evidence on Alves’ behalf at his trial which lasted from February 5 to 7.The footballer made several attempts to get bail before his conviction, but they were turned down partly on the basis he was a flight risk.Prosecutors feared that he may attempt to flee Spain and make it to Brazil as the country does not extradite its citizens sentenced abroad.The jail sentence he received, considered lenient by some critics, was far less than the nine years public prosecutors demanded and the 12 years Alves’ female accuser wanted.Part of his lawyer’s arguments at today’s hearing at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court involved downplaying the idea he was now a flight risk.His lawyer also argued that he had already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention which should be taken into account.The public prosecutor and his victim’s lawyer are also appealing the sentence and want him to receive a stiffer punishment.Alves only served less than a month in prison after he was sentencedCredit: APJoana Sanz ditched Alves after he was arrested – but their divorce is now on holdIn a bombshell move, Joana gave evidence on his behalf at his February trialTHE TRIALAlves, who became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup in December 2022 in Qatar, was ordered to stand trial last November.Initially it was reported he had been accused of putting his hands down a woman’s underwear before it emerged his victim was saying she had been raped.He was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest in Barcelona at the start of last year after he flew back to the Catalan capital to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral.Judges turned down his previous bail requests and stated that his victim’s version of events was coherent.They argued that Alves had changed his story several times as the evidence authorities had built up against him emerged.The disgraced footballer claimed before his arrest he had never met his female accuser but ended up backtracking after being held.In an interview from prison last June with Spanish TV, he claimed: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife.”Joana Sanz gave evidence on his behalf and said he arrived home “very drunk”. His alcohol consumption that night was not taken into account as a mitigating factor.Alves said in a letter, published by Joana but quickly removed: “I pray every day that the day comes when I can see you wake up.”As well as two spells at Barcelona, Alves has played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo.He is widely considered as one of the greatest full-backs of all time.At the start of the year ahead of his conviction, his mum Lucia Alves caused controversy and left herself open to future prosecution by naming and picturing her son’s victim in a social media post she later removed.She attended his trial along with Alves’ brothers.Spain’s second deputy PM Yolanda Diaz said after he was convicted: “I hope this prison sentence serves as an exemplary measure for all the sexist behaviour women suffer in all areas.”Earlier this month, Dani Alves’ brother Ney blasted an internet prankster whose fake claims the footballer had killed himself in prison went viral.Today, Catalonia’s High Court of Justice said in a statement: “The 21st section of the Barcelona Audiencia Provincial Court has agreed by a majority and with one dissenting vote to agree to the conditional release of Daniel Alves da Silva, with the payment of a bail bond of one million euros.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the event that payment is made and his provisional release is agreed, his Spanish and Brazilian passports will be withdrawn, he will be banned from leaving Spain and he will have to sign on at the court on a weekly basis and appear in court whenever he is ordered to do so.“Daniel Alves da Silva is also banned from going within 1,000 metres of the complainant’s home, place of work or any other place frequented by her…. until a final judgement is handed down after the appeals against his sentence have been concluded.”Joana is pictured leaving court after testifying at Alves’ trial last monthAlves is widely considered as one of the greatest full-backs of all timeCredit: AFPAlves’ wedding to Sanz in 2017 More

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      Fears football hooligan ‘ultras’ who arrange brawls on dark web will spark chaos at Euros & target England fans in pubs

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      FOOTBALL fans heading to Germany for Euro 24 this summer face a resurgence in far right neo-Nazi hooligans who have been overwhelming the police across Europe.And the worst offenders come from the city with the country’s highest number of billionaires – one typically more associated with bankers than brawlers.An Eintracht Frankfurt pitch invader following a recent West Ham matchCredit: ReutersWest Ham fans were attacked in a bar in FrankfurtCredit: Twitter / @Patrick_SGE_Eintracht Frankfurt’s fans have developed such a reputation for violence that they were banned from Napoli’s stadium last year for a Champions League match.But that didn’t stop them causing mayhem in the Italian city, with their supporters throwing objects, smoke bombs and flares at riot squads, and setting fire to a police car.As part of a new series, League of Shame, The Sun examines how football hooliganism is seeing an unwelcome resurgence across the continent – and poses a worrying threat to fans ahead of this summer’s European Championships.Eintracht Frankfurt’s notorious ultras have already caused violence in London when the team played West Ham. They also brawled in Marseille in France and threw flares at Rangers fans in Seville, Spain.Read More in The SunTheir toughest troublemakers – Brigade Nassau – are said to be made up of martial artists, boxers and bouncers.Alarmingly for England fans heading over to support Gareth Southgate’s men in June, their second match is in Frankfurt.And it’s not in the stadiums where supporters are most at risk. Frankfurt yobs like to target bars where opposition supporters are drinking, get into fights at service stations and organise brawls via the dark net.If there are any disturbances the German police will not take a softly, softly approach. They use pepper spray, tear gas and batons on crowds, and have been known to charge at them on horseback.Most read in FootballFlares in the crowd during a clash between Hertha BSC Berlin and SG Dynamo DresdenCredit: Rex FeaturesEintracht Frankfurt’s toughest troublemakers – Brigade Nassau – are said to be made up of martial artists, boxers and bouncersCredit: Youtube/ KING OF THE STREETSEintracht Frankfurt fan Carsten Germann, who writes about the beautiful game in Germany, tells The Sun: “I think very many English fans will travel to Germany for the summer and it might be that there are some troubles prepared.”History of violenceCarsten, 51, knows all too well how quickly cheers can turn to terror in a large crowd.Moment Eintracht thug takes chair to the face as dashcam footage shows ultras ambush Rangers fans in SevilleHe has been an Eintracht Frankfurt fan for over four decades and was twice caught up in violence.Once, in 2002, the hooligans connected to the team tried to beat up supporters of their local rivals Mainz as they travelled to the ground.On another occasion in 1993, while watching Cologne versus Schalke 04 with his father, Carsten feared being trampled to death by police horses.He says: “We were lucky not to get injured or killed within that crowd.”Carsten believes police have done a good job of weeding out troublemakers by infiltrating hooligan gangs and getting intel about potential flare-ups.But there is evidence that the bad old days of the 1980s and 1990s, when hooliganism swept across Europe, are returning.Return of the yobsA police car was set on fire by rioting Eintracht Frankfurt fans in NaplesAn Eintracht Frankfurt yob kicks a bus in NaplesIn November there were around 200 injuries following clashes between the police and Eintracht Frankfurt fans outside the team’s Waldstadion.Stewards and police faced a hail of flares, bottles and metal barriers, with the police alleging that Brigade Nassau were involved.A couple of months earlier pepper spray was used on visiting Cologne fans in the away end at Waldstadion.In 2022, when West Ham played Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, the Hammers supporters were attacked two nights in a row, with hooligans in face masks ambushing a pub packed with fans from London.Most of the troubles don’t take part in the stadiums, they take part in pubs, in highway stations, in parks, in open places in the city centre, you can hardly prevent that. They have appointments made via the dark net for fightsCarsten GermannIt was reported that the ultras searched the centre of the wealthy city for Englishmen in colours to attack.They also staged a mass pitch invasion after defeating West Ham and caused more trouble in Seville ahead of winning the Europa League that year.Carsten says: “There was some trouble in the second leg with West Ham in pubs, there were beatings up, smaller skirmishes in Frankfurt pubs.“Most of the troubles don’t take part in the stadiums, they take part in pubs, in highway stations, in parks, in open places in the city centre, you can hardly prevent that.“They have appointments made via the dark net for fights.”’Nazi links’One member of Brigade Nassau is a bare knuckle streetfighter called Goscha 1996, who can be seen laying into an opponent after flooring him in a warehouseCredit: Youtube/ KING OF THE STREETSWhen Eintracht Frankfurt played in Marseille, a fan performed a Nazi salute and UEFA charged the club with racist behaviour.But Brigade Nassau, who wear black T-shirts, deny being a far right organisation.There are over 500 Frankfurt Ultras, an organisation formed in 1997, taking in a notorious grouping called Inferno Bad Schwalbach. One member of Brigade Nassau is a bare knuckle streetfighter called Goscha 1996, who can be seen laying into an opponent after flooring him in a warehouse.Goscha has recently taken to professional MMA bouts in places as far away as Newcastle in England.EINTRACHT FRANKFURT’S HALL OF SHAMEThe German side’s qualification for the Europa League in 2021-22 gave their hooligans the opportunity to menace several countries.
      In the group stages 100 fans were arrested in Antwerp in Belgium for pelting the police and attacking locals in a bar.
      They went even further against West Ham, first attacking the supporters of the London side in Seville, even though they weren’t playing each other.
      The Frankfurt supporters were reported to have descended on an Irish bar in March 2022, having spotted the Hammers fans.
      Images posted on social media showed them throwing poles and glass bottles at the supporters from England. Frankfurt’s yobs had already clashed with police in nearby Betis.
      Two months later when West Ham played in Frankfurt in the second leg of the semi-final, one of their supporters ended up in hospital following an attack by 15-20 men in face masks in a bar.
      Supporters from Glasgow side Rangers were on the receiving end of similar treatment ahead of the final in Seville in May 2022. 
      Clips show them hurling chairs at Scottish fans drinking in a bar and fighting running battles in the streets.

      Most ultras don’t wish to be labelled hooligans. Instead they claim to just want to use flares, fly flags, march together and show their support for the team.One, named Sascha, claimed the Ultras draw young fans away from violence.He commented: “In the past, there were only two options as a young fan in the stadium. You could either go to the G-Block or join the hooligans. “Young people today can also join the Ultras, which is what they do. Every minute you spend working on choreography ideas is also a minute in which you don’t think about violence.”He claimed that there were less hooligans these days, but heavy handed policing led to trouble.Carsten says: “Eintracht Frankfurt is a very emotional club and it is difficult for the clubs to prevent the violence.”Lower league loutsDynamo Dresden fans clashed with police and Turkgucu Munich fans in 2021Credit: AlamyPolice break up fight between Dynamo Dresden and St Pauli fansCredit: AlamyDynamo fans set off pyrotechnics behind Dresden goalkeeper Kevin BrollCredit: AlamyThey are certainly not the only side in Germany currently wrestling with dangerous elements.In November riot police stormed into an altercation at a St Pauli game against Hannover 96, and earlier in the season police accidentally fired a live round into an empty supporter’s coach in Augsburg.Schalke 04, a big club currently in the second tier of the Bundesliga, can’t shake off their hooligans.When they played Hansa Rostock in December, the match was held up for half an hour due to Schalke yobs smashing the barrier separating opposing fans.There were also injuries following violence involving Schalke fans in 2018, 2019 and 2022.Street battlesOften it is the teams in the lower leagues that experience the worst trouble.Over in the east of the country, Dynamo Dresden and BFC Dynamo Berlin have a large ultra section that create a heady atmosphere at matches.Generally they are peaceful, but there have been street battles in the past decade.GERMAN HOOLIGANS AWAYLIKE Britain, Germany has been infected by football hooliganism since the 1980s – but it was perhaps worse in the 1990s.
      One of the most shocking incidents was during the 1998 World Cup in France, when a policeman was left with permanent brain damage following an attack by German louts.
      Two years later at the Euro 2000 tournament in Belgium, an English fan was stabbed as compatriots battled in the streets with German ones.
      It seemed to have been stamped out by intelligence led policing, but in the past few years it’s flared up again.
      In 2017 the kick-off at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London had to be delayed due to trouble caused by visiting fans from the German side Cologne.

      In 2016, Dynamo Dresden fans clashed with local rivals RB Leipzig, going so far as to hurl a severed bull’s head at the opposition.At a 2021 clash between Dynamo Berlin and FC Lokomotive Leipzig, 20 people were injured – and three years earlier there was a huge brawl when they took on FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin.Both teams had links with the Communist secret police, known as the Stasi, when they were part of East Germany.These days they are more likely to have Nazi associations, partly due to the rise of far right parties such as Alternative for Germany. One club in the east of the country that has been shamed by its Nazi sympathies is fourth tier side Chemnitzer FC.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2019 the CEO resigned after fans were allowed to hold a tribute to a far right hooligan called Thomas Haller, and the club ditched their captain Daniel Frahn after he held up a T-shirt bearing the message “support your local hools”.With players displaying that attitude the German game clearly has some work to do.A mass pitch invasion by Eintracht Frankfurt fans following Europa League winCredit: AFPMasked Dynamo Dresden fans let off flaresCredit: EPA More