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      Major update in hunt for gang who kidnapped Liverpool star Luis Diaz’ parents as cops ‘closing the net’ on suspects

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      COLOMBIAN police say they are closing the net on the gang who kidnapped Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s parents after identifying some of the suspects.Alejandro Zapata, deputy director of the country’s Policia Nacional, said he was not in a position to name names.
      Colombian authorities have provided a major update in the search for the dad of Liverpool forward Luis DiazCredit: Rex
      Luis Manuel Diaz has been missing since Saturday after being kidnapped by armed gunmen in ColombiaCredit: AFP
      Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was also taken but was later rescued after being found in the city of Barrancas the same nightCredit: Supplied
      But he said investigators were “clear about people who could be linked” to Saturday’s abduction of Luis Manuel Diaz and Cilenis Marulanda in their home town of Barrancas.
      Mr Zapata confirmed investigators were treating the kidnap as a “premeditated crime” which had been meticulously planned.
      He added: “When something like this happens, it is generally not spontaneous and there has been previous planning, people that draw people to a certain place, that is, who place them somewhere so that others arrive and that’s what we are investigating.”
      He also spoke about the possibility that Luis Manuel was smuggled into Venezuela following the rescue of the Liverpool striker’s mum just hours after the abduction.
      Read more Sports News
      Mr Zapata said: “What we know is that the kidnap occurred in La Guajira and it’s close to the border of course.
      “We don’t have any evidence at the moment indicating he has been taken across the border, we can’t say that’s what’s happened, but we can’t rule it out either.
      “It’s very possible his captors look to the possibility of fleeing to Venezuela.”
      Appearing to support the idea the gang who have Luis Manuel are in hiding and have not managed to cross into Venezuela, Mr Zapata’s boss William Rene Salamanca Ramirez told Colombian media: “I can’t give any information on that and I want to be very prudent.
      Most read in Football
      “I myself flew over an area you’d cross in and they would have to cross the Perija Mountains and I don’t think a human being could survive that.
      “We were trying to put some commando units into that area and we couldn’t because of the dense jungle vegetation.
      “An army blockade has been in place in the lower part of the mountains which would be the normal route into Venezuela.”
      Colombia’s Attorney General Francisco Barbosa had confirmed earlier it was possible the winger’s dad could already be across the border.
      He said Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro would be asked to help free Luis Diaz’s dad if it emerged that was the case.
      A reward of up to £40,000 has been offered by the authorities for information.
      A man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative of Cilenis.
      Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday. They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.
      “There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.
      “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them.
      “They headed for a rural area. The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”Luis’ mum has yet to speak publicly about her ordeal.
      Read More on The Sun
      She was abandoned by her captors by the roadside as the hunt to catch them intensified.
      The men holding the footballer’s father are said to have fled with him on motorbikes.
      Portuguese forward Diogo Jota held up Diaz’s shirt after scoring the opening goal in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on SundayCredit: EPA More

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      Major update in hunt for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad as potential location revealed after ‘bloody gunfight’

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      A MAJOR update in the search for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped dad has emerged as Colombian authorities reveal his potential location.Colombia’s attorney general, Francisco Barbosa, confirmed it is possible the winger’s father Luis Manuel Diaz could be taken to Venezuela.
      Colombian authorities have provided a major update in the search for the dad of Liverpool forward Luis DiazCredit: Rex
      Luis Manuel Diaz has been missing since Saturday after being kidnapped by armed gunmen in ColombiaCredit: AFP
      Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was also taken but was later rescued after being found in the city of Barrancas the same nightCredit: Supplied
      Diaz’s parents were kidnapped on Saturday night by armed gunmen at a gas station in their home town of Barrancas, La Guajira, in the country’s northern region.
      The player’s mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was later rescued after being found in Barrancas on Saturday, but her husband is yet to be found.
      In a shocking update, Barbosa has now confirmed the potential whereabouts of Diaz’s father.
      He told reporters: “We have information that he could, at some point, be in Venezuela.
      Read more in Football
      “If he ends up crossing the border and he’s in Venezuela, we have to ask [Colombia] President Gustavo Petro … to help us with freeing Luis Diaz’s father.”
      The Attorney General added that he had contacted Diaz twice to provide the 26-year-old with updates on the investigation.
      Colombia President Gustavo Petro said “all the public forces have been deployed” to find Diaz’s father.
      The police and military were immediately mobilised as a full scale operation to recover the pair was put in place on Saturday.
      Most read in Football
      It comes after earlier reports suggested Diaz’s father was rescued during a police shoot-out that left two of the four kidnappers dead.
      A man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative when they were taken hostage at a petrol station.
      Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday.
      “They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.
      “There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.
      “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area.
      “The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”
      In a statement, the army said it had set up roadblocks and deployed two motorised platoons, unmanned aircraft, helicopters and a plane with radar in the search for his father.
      On Sunday, director of the National Police, General William Rene Salamanca, announced a reward of “up to 200m pesos” (about £40,000) for any information that leads to the rescue of Diaz’s father.
      The Colombia football federation also issued a statement to the captors.
      It read: “We ask the captors of Luis Manuel Diaz, father of Luis F. Diaz, to release him immediately, without conditions. Football is peace. Luis, we are with you. Colombia is with you.”
      Diaz was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.
      Diogo Jota, who replaced the Colombian in the starting lineup, held up Diaz’s number seven shirt after scoring Liverpool’s first goal.
      Following the game, he said: “Luis was with us in the hotel then he went home. It’s a very hard situation and I don’t know how anyone would react if it happened to you.
      “He was going to play. I played instead of him and I showed him his shirt to show we’re with him and we hope everything works out.
      “It’s unimaginable to think a situation like this could happen. We can just support him and show him we’re with him.”
      Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dedicated the win to Diaz, saying they had won “for our brother”.
      Speaking on the sudden turn of events, Klopp said: “It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night.
      “I have never had that before. It’s a new experience I never needed.”
      “We heard late last night about it. We spoke to Luis, he wanted to go home.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Then we got the news with his mum, which is fantastic, and since then nothing really.”
      The club said before Sunday’s game that they were “aware of an ongoing situation” involving the family of Diaz, adding the player’s welfare “will continue to be our immediate priority”.
      Portuguese forward Diogo Jota held up Diaz’s shirt after scoring the opening goal in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on SundayCredit: EPA More

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      Cops still searching for Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s dad after terrifying kidnap in Colombia as mum rescued and freed

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      COPS are continuing their search for Luis Diaz’s dad after he and the Liverpool star’s mum were kidnapped in Colombia before she was freed.It comes after earlier reports suggested Luis Manuel Diaz was rescued during a police shootout that left two of his captors dead.
      Luis Diaz’s dad has reportedly been rescued after his parents were kidnapped in Colombia
      Luis Diaz in action for Liverpool in August 2022Credit: Getty
      The Liverpool FC striker’s parents were taken hostage on Saturday near their home in Barrancas, Colombia.
      It comes after his mum, Cilenis Marulanda, was freed from her captors and was pictured overnight enjoying a tearful reunion with relatives, with Diaz’s dad still reportedly missing.
      Liverpool FC released a statement today confirming it was aware of the ongoing situation involving Diaz’s parents.
      “It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity,” they said.
      READ MORE ON LUIZ DIAZ
      “In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said it was a “worrying situation for all of us”.
      Colombian police have announced that they are prepared to reward anyone who will provide crucial information into the kidnapping of Diaz’s dad with £40,000.
      William Rene Salamanca Ramirez, the director general of Colombia’s National Police force, was today filmed speaking with the 26-year-old winger on his mobile phone from an undisclosed location in La Guajira where he travelled to after the kidnap took place.
      Most read in Football
      He told the footballer, referring to him by his nickname of Lucho: “Dear Lucho, you’re talking to William Salamanca the director of Colombia’s National Police.
      “I am here in La Guajira on the orders of Colombia’s President to lead and supervise the operation to rescue your father.
      “Last night we managed to rescue your mother and she is safe and well.
      “We are here and using all the air and land resources available with the support of the Colombian Army”.
      The police chief spoke to the Liverpool player after Colombia’s Ambassador to the UK Roy Barreras described the kidnap of Luis’ parents as “miserable” and said their liberation was being seen as a “national priority.”
      He said in a direct message to the captors after it was confirmed Cilenis had been rescued but Luis Manuel Diaz was still missing amid fears he was already in Venezuela: “Mr kidnappers: In addition to a heinous crime, you have committed a terrible mistake!
      “You have offended the flag of Colombia, the shirt that I am sure you have also worn to shout the goals of the Colombian National Team that unites us all.
      “You still have time. Avoid a greater tragedy. It will turn out badly for you! Correct the error Free Lucho Díaz’s father now.”
      The Colombian army said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: “Army troops support the search operation for the parents of soccer player Luis Díaz, who apparently are victims of kidnapping.”
      Diaz has not been included in Liverpool’s squad to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
      Local media in the La Guajira region earlier reported the footballer’s dad had been freed following a shootout with police which resulted in the deaths of two of the four kidnappers.
      The incident is said to have happened near an area called Los Barrancones as the captors headed towards Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
      They reportedly had the intention of smuggling him into the neighbouring country.
      But there has not yet been any official confirmation, however, that Luis Diaz’s dad has been rescued.
      The reports emerged as a man described as the best friend of Luis Manuel Diaz told a Colombian radio station the footballer’s dad and his wife had been heading to the home of a relative when they were taken hostage at a petrol station.
      Victor Medina said: “It was 5.30pm local time on Saturday.
      “They had filled up with petrol and then went to a neighbourhood nearby to collect something from a relative of Celinis.
      “There the captors arrived, four men on motorbikes.
      “They threatened them with weapons, made them get into the same vehicle and sped off with the other two on a motorbike tailing them. They headed for a rural area.
      “The authorities were informed and there was a chase.”
      Responding to claims there was an exchange of gunfire before Cilenis was rescued, Medina said: “I haven’t had the chance to speak to her yet.
      “It’s a difficult situation. She’s back at home with doctors because we know she arrived quite distressed after what has been a trauma for her.
      “We’re just waiting for everything to calm down a bit before we speak with her.”
      He added: “Luis Manuel Diaz is a person who is much loved in Barrancas and there’s never been any talk of threats.
      “He and his family are highly appreciated in this municipality and that is why he always felt calm and safe here.
      “But there is always going to be someone who wants to harm a family, a family which is bringing a lot of glory and a lot of recognition to Barrancas.
      “The general public rejects acts like this targeting a much-loved and respected family in our municipality.”
      Diaz is Colombia’s biggest star and has scored nine goals in 43 appearances for the national side.
      His father previously revealed the Liverpool ace suffered from an illness which caused him to lose a dangerous amount of weight.
      The tricky winger went from “chubby” to extremely skinny which could’ve cost him his life.
      Diaz was born and raised in the heartland of Colombia’s largest indigenous community.
      His football skills impressed scouts, including Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama.
      After scoring seven goals at the 2015 Copa Sudamericana de Pueblos Indigenas, Diaz’s career began to take off.
      Read More on The Sun
      Atletico Junior sent him on loan to Barranquilla, where he was put on a special diet to gain 10kg.
      Diaz crossed the Atlantic to join Porto in 2019, before moving to Liverpool in January 2022.
      The Liverpool ace’s parents were taken near their home while on their way to a relatives houseCredit: Getty More

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      Vile Gillingham fan arrested and banned for LIFE after sick racial taunt at Newport star Omar Bogle

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      A GILLINGHAM fan has been arrested and handed a lifetime ban after directing a racial taunt at Newport star Omar Bogle.The disgusting incident happened after Bogle had put Newport 2-0 ahead at Priestfield in their League Two clash on Saturday.
      The fan appeared to make a monkey gesture towards Bogle as he celebrated a goal
      Newport striker Omar Bogle was the victim of disgusting racial abuse by a Gillingham fanCredit: 2023 Athena Pictures
      As Bogle celebrated the goal in front of the home end, the fan appeared to make a racist gesture imitating a monkey towards the Newport striker.
      Video footage showed Newport players who had gone over to celebrate with Bogle cutting their celebrations short to point at the fan following the gesture.
      Gills chief Joe Comper took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say the fan had been arrested and issued with a lifetime ban from the stadium.
      Comper said: “Disgusting from one individual in the Rainham End. Arrested, and a lifetime ban from Priestfield issued.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Can’t thank the large number of fans from around the stadium who are clearly as enraged as us. We really appreciate your support.”
      A statement from Kent Police said: “A man has been arrested following a report of racist abuse at a Gillingham FC match.
      “Kent Police was notified of an incident during the League Two game against Newport County on the afternoon of Saturday 28 October 2023.
      “A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and taken into police custody.
      Most read in Football
      “Officers are carrying out enquiries into any further offences which may have taken place at the match.”
      Referee Tom Reeves was seen discussing the incident with Bogle and Newport captain Ryan Delaney.
      He then headed to the touchline to speak to managers Keith Millen and Graham Coughlan, the fourth official and matchday steward.
      A statement from anti-racism organisation Kick It Out said: “We are aware of the disgusting abuse from a fan directed towards Newport forward Omar Bogle during Saturday’s League Two match at Gillingham.
      “There is absolutely no room for so-called supporters like this in football and offences such as this should be met with the strongest possible punishments.
      “We send our support to Omar and remind fans that discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated. If you see it or hear it, report it.”
      Today’s vile incident comes after Gillingham were slapped with a £12,500 fine from the FA in September following an investigation into racist and sexist chanting by supporters.
      The League Two side were charged with three counts of misconduct between December 2022 and February 2023. More

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      Brighton fans clash with Ajax supporters as cops brandish batons in violent scenes after Europa League match

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      THIS is the moment Brighton fans clashed with Ajax supporters inside a train station.Cops were forced to brandish batons in a bid to stop the violent scenes after the teams played a Europa League match.
      Brighton fans last night clashed with Ajax supportersCredit: Twitter/@footbalIfights
      Video show cops fighting to keep them apartCredit: Twitter/@footbalIfights
      Officers were forced to brandish batonsCredit: Twitter/@footbalIfights
      Shocking video shows supporters throwing a mat over a barrier as police shout at them to ‘get back’.
      As the crowd gets larger officers are forced to whip out their batons and one ends up on the ground after being pushed.
      Before the clash, Brighton claimed a historic first ever win after welcoming Ajax to the Amex.
      Roberto De Zerbi’s side played European greats Ajax off the park as Joao Pedro and fellow summer signing Ansu Fati put an end to their run of five without a win
      It comes after video earlier this month showed a Brighton fan on the floor in agony after he was allegedly pushed to the ground by a French cop.
      Tensions flared following the Seagulls’ 2-2 draw with Marseille on October 6 as supporters were shut in the stadium for hours after the European clash.
      Fans heading to the south of France had been warned they would be held up for at least 45 minutes for safety reasons.
      But furious football lovers complained they were kept back for at least two hours with no water offered.
      Most read in Football
      Supporters stuck in crowds claimed on social media some people fainted due to dehydration.
      A British Transport police spokesperson said: “We are aware of videos circulating on social media showing fighting at Brighton Station. 
      “Officers were in attendance are working alongside Sussex Police to investigate the incident.” More

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      Hartlepool United midfielder Oliver Finney, 25, charged with rape of woman in Cheshire

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      A FOOTBALLER has been charged with raping a woman in Cheshire.Oliver Finney, 25, allegedly attacked the woman in 2022 while playing for League Two side Crewe Alexandria.
      Oliver Finney has been charged with rapeCredit: Alamy
      The midfielder, who now plays for Hartlepool United, is due to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on November 13. 
      Finney has been suspended by the club while the case is ongoing.
      They said: “Hartlepool United have been made aware of a police investigation surrounding a first-team player which has been reported in the press today.
      “The allegation dates back to before the player joined Hartlepool United.
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      “Upon being informed of the allegation and investigation for the first time the Club immediately placed the player on suspension pending the investigation outcome.
      “The matter is subject to an official process and therefore no further comment will made at this time.”
      Finney began his career at Crewe in the team’s academy before joining Nantwich Town on loan in 2016.
      He returned to Crewe in 2017 and scored 14 goals in 99 appearances.
      Most read in Football
      Finney signed for Hartlepool in January 2023 in a permanent deal. More

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      Shocking moment Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle fans fight in street before Champions League game – with nine arrested

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      THIS is the shocking moment Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United fans fought in the street before their Champions League game – with nine people now arrested.Football supporters were seen brawling outside the Magpies’ St James’ Park ground ahead of last night’s 1-0 home defeat.
      Football fans were seen brawling in footage shared onlineCredit: Twitter
      There was a heavy police presence on the streets approaching the ground and cops have now revealed eight men and a woman have been detained.
      Dortmund supporters were heard chanting in both German and English as fights reportedly broke out between rival fans, with cops attempting to keep them apart.
      Clips have emerged on social media showing clashes ahead of the UEFA Champions League loss for manager Eddie Howe’s home side.
      Footage showed fans trading blows over a metal fence, while in another police protected by helmets ushered Dortmund supporters draped in scarves towards the ground.
      Read More On Newcastle United
      A Newcastle follower was shown appearing to hold aloft a black flare, the Star reported.
      Bottles were also seen being thrown in footage filmed in Newcastle city centre ahead of the match.
      There were also clashes in Newcastle earlier this month ahead of the club’s home game against French side Paris Saint-Germain.
      A PSG fan was seen punching a member of the public.
      Most read in Football
      Newcastle won that match 4-1.
      The Magpies, competing in the Champions League for the first time in two decades, began their campaign with a 0-0 draw away to Italy’s AC Milan in the San Siro.
      The Sun Online has contacted Newcastle and Dortmund for comment.
      Northumbria Police said: “Eight men and one woman were arrested for a range of offences, including criminal damage, possession of a flare and a report of selling fake tickets.
      “The event passed largely without incident, with the overwhelming majority of both home and away fans behaving respectfully and appropriately.
      “Any pockets of disorder which were identified were swiftly dealt with by officers on scene.
      “We will continue to review any further reports from the event to establish if further criminal offences have taken place, and take robust action where required.”
      Clashes appeared to take place ahead of last night’s Champions League matchCredit: Twitter
      There was a heavy police presence across Newcastle city centreCredit: Twitter
      Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Dortmund’s Marco Reus played last nightCredit: PA More

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      in Boxing

      Why did Tyson Fury’s father John go to prison?

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      JOHN Fury is famous for being the patriarch of the boxing family dynasty, the Furys.These days he is known for being a loveable rogue, but he actually has a darker past, which includes a long spell in prison.
      John Fury spent some time in jailCredit: Getty
      Who is John Fury?
      Nicknamed “Gypsy John” because of his Irish Traveller heritage, John Fury was born in Tuam, Galway and is a former professional boxer and bareknuckle fighter.
      Speaking about his travelling roots, he told viewers in Netflix show, At Home With The Furys.“I’m a travelling man. I was born in a caravan,”
      “Gimme me caravan, gimme me dog, gimme me family and let me get in the middle of that field where I belong.”
      Fury later relocated to Manchester due to a lack of jobs in his homeland.
      Read more on John Fury
      By the age of just five-years-old, he got his taste for fighting, when he had a brawl with a “much older” boy that left “wet through with blood”.
      In 2021, he told the Disruptors With Rob Moore podcast: “I remember it because I was entangled in barbed wire…
      “I got wrapped up in barbed wire and was ripped to pieces… I remember I thought, ‘Me mam’s going to kill me’ because I tore me jumper. 
      “I was more scared of me mam because I ripped me clothes on barbed wire and I was wet through with blood.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Fury’s professional boxing career spanned eight years and in total, he was involved in 13 bouts before his last fight in 1995.
      Over the years Gypsy John has welcomed six children.
      This includes two-time heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson Fury, who he named after Mike Tyson, and professional boxer and reality star Tommy Fury.
      Fury’s other children are Roman, Hughie and Shane – his only daughter, Ramona, tragically passed away months after birth.
      Why did John Fury go to prison?
      In 2011, Fury was found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
      It was after he tried to gouge out a man’s eye in a brawl in 2010.
      Victim Oathie Sykes’ was left half-blind after a 12-year dispute erupted in violence at a car auction.
      Fury was handed an 11-year sentence.
      The self-confessed ‘hardest man in Britain’, broke down in court as he pleaded for a lenient sentence.
      He told the court: “I’m worried about my son. His boxing career is on the line.
      “If I could give my own eye to him to get back to my children I would do – I’m begging you for my life.”
      But Skyes offered a different testimony, saying: “It was like he was trying to pull his finger into my brains through my socket.”
      Fury was released from prison in February 2015 after serving four years of his term.
      What has John Fury said about his time in prison?
      Fury has been very open about his time in jail, and the remorse he feels.
      Speaking to Betfred in 2021, he said: “For me being a traveling man and one in the great outdoors, well it was a horror story a nightmare, the worst kind of a nightmare is to be locked up.
      “Especially when you’re used to being free and doing as you want to do and going where you want to.
      “But clever people and strong people mind and body can adjust and I adjusted early on saying right, ‘I’m not going to get out of this but I thought it’s better than being dead.”
      Asked if he got into trouble whilst he was serving time, Fury said: “No no, I didn’t.
      “I kept myself to myself and I thought about it I thought, you know what I’ve got to keep my hands in my pockets here if I want to get out.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’ve got to let a lot of stuff go over my head.”
      He also said in the interview that he had “learnt” his lesson, adding that “sometimes lessons are harsh”. More