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    Cage-fighting bosses face manslaughter trial after 23-year-old was killed in ‘absurd’ bout worth pennies

    CAGE-FIGHTING bosses are facing a manslaughter trial after organising a UFC-style bout where a 23-year-old fighter died.Prosecutors say that three men “neglected essential safety measures” that could have saved victim Joao Victor Penha, who tragically passed away after he was knocked out in the 2023 bout.A Brazilian amateur boxer died after a brutal punch to the chinCredit: X, formerly known as TwitterJoao Victor Penha, 23, has passed away from the fight that was worth £16 to the winnerCredit: X, formerly known as TwitterThe Brazilian state of Ceara say the trio failed to provide headguards and gumshields and made no pre-fight medical checks.Penha was allegedly put in the ring with a far more powerful and experienced opponent.Last year, before the funeral the victim’s sister Lilia Maria da Penha, told local media: “These fights are an absolute absurdity. “The winner of the fight would get BRL 100 (GBP £16), and the loser would receive BRL 50 (GBP £8). READ MORE IN SPORT“My brother’s life was lost over this amount, unfortunately.”Prosecutor Laua Uchoa said: “Three men will answer for the crime of manslaughter. There was negligence in the organisation of the event.”One of the accused has been named as Marcio Marcelo Santos, who at the time was the Secretary of Sport in Jijoca de Jericoacoara, where the unlicensed fight took place.Prosecutors say he allowed the fight to go ahead despite the lack of basic safety requirements.Most read in BoxingFight organisers Pedro Henrique Rodrigues do Nascimento and Natanael William de Queiroz Sousa, were also charged with manslaughter.Prosecutors say they failed to follow any of the safety advice given by fight regulators “creating a fatal risk for sportsmen.”After Penha was knocked cold by a punch to the chin in the bout and was rushed to a hospital intensive care unit.The following day after the blow, on October 8, he was transferred in critical condition to a hospital in nearby Sobral.The young man was pronounced dead on Tuesday 10 October.A hospital statement read: “After conducting examinations, the patient was declared brain dead, which also led to a cardiac arrest.”A range of reports state that he appeared to be on the front foot for most of the bout, which was filmed by an onlooker and had a boxing referee plus safety mats on the ground.Away from his aspiring boxing ambitions, Joao Victor was employed as an HR manager at a hotel on the coast and lived in Jijoca de Jericoacoara with his family.His sister added: “I don’t even know what to say, especially after the tragedy with my brother.Read More on The Sun“We didn’t want him to participate. We were all very concerned; my mother asked him not to participate, sensing that something more serious could happen.“We talked to him, but he asked for our support, and then we had no choice.” More

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    Jesse Lingard ‘refused to give police statement’ during investigation into sexual abuse by his grandad

    FORMER England star Jesse Lingard refused to give police a witness statement during their investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by his grandad, a court heard yesterday.The footballer, 32, now based in South Korea, was contacted over claims that Kenneth Lingard, 86, had targeted his alleged victim over 15 years, starting when she was just five.Investigating officer DC Scott Chambers told jurors ex-Man United star Lingard and his mum had both declined to give a statement.Kenneth, of Warrington, Cheshire, denies 17 counts of indecent assault between 1970 and 1985.His alleged victim came forward after watching a Channel 4 documentary about Jesse’s rise to stardom.The woman, who is now 60, said that she reported the OAP to cops because the documentary portrayed him as “some kind of hero” and that Lingard had told “loads of lies”.READ MORE ON Jesse Lingard The court heard from the complainant’s second husband yesterday, who said that he had gone to see Kenneth over the allegations in the mid 1990’s.He told the jury: “I confronted him about it – the abuse.“I remember him looking me straight in the eye and saying that he didn’t do it.”The man, who divorced the complainant after eleven years of marriage, said that she had taken an overdose during their relationship and had been treated in hospital.Most read in FootballThe jury was told that Kenneth voluntarily gave a police interview in January 2023 – two months after the documentary aired – and dismissed the allegations.He said: “None of it happened.Jesse Lingard reels off FIVE different celebrations after ex-Man Utd star scores bizarre goal in South Korea” My grandson cannot believe what she is saying.”The trial continues.Jesse Lingard refused to give police a statement during an investigation into his grandadCredit: Reuters More

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    Woman ‘sexually abused by Jesse Lingard’s grandad’ messaged star saying ‘shame on you’ after he praised him in TV show

    A WOMAN who claims she was sexually abused by Jesse Lingard’s grandad messaged the footballer saying “shame on you”, a court heard.Kenneth Lingard, 86, is accused of sexually assaulting the woman from the age of five until she was 19.Kenneth Lingard allegedly abused the woman from the age of fiveCredit: CHRIS NEILLShe messaged Jesse Lingard after he spoke in a documentary about his grandadCredit: GettyShe reported the alleged abuse to the police after watching a Channel 4 documentary that featured ex-Man Utd star Jesse.The footballer, who now plays for FC Seoul in South Korea, had praised his grandfather’s influence on his career.Liverpool Crown Court heard the woman messaged him three times on November 18, 2022. In one, the woman said: “Shame on you Jesse Lingard. Loads of lies. Your grandad Kenneth Lingard molested and sexually abused me and you know he did. Read more news”You did the documentary for money and to make yourself some kind of mental health ambassador. Well, as you say, I’m speaking out. No more silence.”In another, she referred Jesse hiding a “dark” secret that his grandfather was a “paedophile” and “child molester”.She also branded the former England star’s late grandmother Pamela an “enabler”.When she received no reply, the woman messaged a friend of the footballer who he was on holiday with at the time, the court heard.Most read in FootballShe claimed he had “no right doing that documentary” when his grandfather had “molested” her for years.The alleged victim added: “F****** cheeky twat. Shame on you Jesse Lingard.”Jurors also heard calls she made to police on the day Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story was aired.She asked officers how she could get someone “arrested for child abuse but historic child abuse?”The woman also told police she “thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received” after watching the show.She added: “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.”Lingard, of Warrington, has denied 17 counts of indecent assault.The trial continues.Midfielder Jesse joined Man Utd’s youth academy aged seven and progressed to the first team in the 2011-12 season.He made 149 appearances – scoring 20 times including in FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield finals. Read More on The SunJesse moved to Nottingham Forest in 2022 but left a year later after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.He then joined South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week.Lingard had opened up about the influence his grandad had on him, jurors heardCredit: Getty More

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    Ex-England star Jesse Lingard’s grandad accused of child sex abuse after ‘victim’ watched documentary on footballer

    EX-England star Jesse Lingard’s grandad was accused of child sex abuse after his alleged victim watched a documentary on the footballer, a court heard yesterday. Kenneth Lingard, 86, is said to have targeted her from the age of five until she was 19. Kenneth Lingard, 86, is said to have targeted the victim from the age of five until she was 19Credit: CHRIS NEILLThe alleged victim came forward after watching Channel 4 documentary Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story in 2022Credit: GettyShe came forward after Channel 4 screened Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story in 2022 where the former Man United star praised his grandfather. Prosecutor Benjamin Aina KC said the woman told police: “They made the documentary and I just thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received. “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.” Lingard, of Warrington, appeared in the dock in a wheelchair at Liverpool crown court to deny 17 indecent assaults. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe trial continues. Former Man Utd midfielder Jesse was released by Nottingham Forest in 2023, after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.He was stuck in a football free agent’s abyss, until he surprisingly moved to South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week. At Forest, he was earning a whopping £ 180,000 per week.Most read in FootballAlthough it was a tough start professionally, with coach Kim Gi-dong publicly criticising him for his fitness and a subsequent knee injury ruling him of action early on in his career, he soon won over the fans. More

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    Former West Ham star Dimitri Payet’s lover claims he made her perform humiliating sex act as police launch probe

    FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet is at the centre of a police probe in Brazil – with a girlfriend accusing him of psychological and sexual abuse.The France international has played for Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama since leaving Marseille in 2023.Dimitri Payet is at the centre of a police probe in BrazilCredit: RexLarissa Ferrari is in a relationship with PayetCredit: NewsflashLarissa with Payet, who she accused of abusing herCredit: NewsflashThey got together last yearCredit: NewsflashLarissa is a Brazilian lawyer and social media starCredit: NewsflashHe spent 18 months with West Ham, becoming their 2015-16 player of the season, before Marseille paid them a then club record £25million for him in January 2017.Payet, 38, has four children with wife Ludivine in France.But Sun Sport told last month how Brazilian lawyer and social media star Larissa Ferrari claims to have had a seven-month relationship with Payet after he “got lonely” following a move to Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama.Rio police have now revealed they are investigating after Larissa, 28, filed a complaint against him.READ MORE IN football She claimed he has forced her into humiliating punishments – and filming her as she carried them out.Larissa said: “I was attacked by Dimitri Payet, and this has left marks on my body.”I have suffered physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence.”We had our first dispute in December, and he began saying he would punish me.Most read in Football”He asked me to prove my love for him in humiliating ways – by drinking my own urine, licking the floor and drinking water from a toilet.”He filmed me doing these things. He pushed me about, walked over me and made veiled threats.How Ruben Amorim can fix Man United’s Garnacho problem”I want justice to be done.  He abused my mental vulnerability to take sexual advantage of me.”I am a lawyer, and I would never make such serious accusations lightly.”Playmaker Payet has yet to respond to media questions.The 38-cap France international played 60 times for West Ham, scoring 15 goals.But he left the club under a cloud after pushing for a transfer, claiming he was homesick.Payet and his wife LudivineCredit: AFPLudivine was a star at Euro 2016Larissa reported the alleged incident to the policeCredit: NewsflashPayet was a star for West HamCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence by training ground

    COPS pulled over Britain’s most expensive footballer Moises Caicedo and found he was driving his £160k supercar without a valid licence.The £115million Chelsea midfielder, 23, was nabbed in his Audi RSQ8 last Friday near the club’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey.Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo had his £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without a valid licenceCredit: GettyCaicedo has regularly been seen driving in Britain since signing for Brighton in 2021 for £4.5million, pictured behind the wheel last yearMoises faces a court summons for driving illegally in the UK, pictured outside Cobham in his motorCredit: © Jim BennettThey are now carrying out further checks to clarify if Caicedo, 23, had valid insurance.And he faces a court summons for driving illegally in the UK.People with international driving licences can use them in Britain for 12 months but must then apply for a UK provisional licence and pass the practical driving test.Caicedo has regularly been seen driving in Britain since signing for Brighton in 2021 for £4.5million.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe joined the Blues in 2023 for a British record fee of £115million.On March 31, he was seen at the wheel of the Audi — which can do 155mph and reach 60mph in 3.8 seconds — leaving Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey.Cops pulled him over last Friday as he headed to the nearby home he shares with partner Paola Salazar.Caicedo flew to Poland yesterday with his teammates for today’s clash with Legia Warsaw in the Uefa Conference League.Most read in FootballHis brush with the law raises questions over whether other foreign footballers may also be driving without the correct documents.Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges Law firm JMW said: “If you have been charged with driving without a licence, you could face serious punishment. Potential penalties for this type of offence include a fine, penalty points and a driving ban.“Driving without a licence is a serious motoring offence in the eyes of the law. This means it can carry significant penalties that may affect your ability to drive in the future.”Caicedo, who has 53 international caps, is the youngest of ten siblings and often visits his home town of Santo Domingo in Ecuador, where he plays football with the locals.He comes from a poor family but has helped to fund new footballing facilities in the area.Caicedo has played 66 games for Chelsea and scored two goals.Surrey Police told The Sun: “A man in his 20s from Cobham was stopped by officers on Fairmile Lane in Cobham on Friday 4 April and found to be driving without a licence. The vehicle was seized, and our enquiries are ongoing.”Chelsea FC said the issue was a personal matter.Read More on The SunCaicedo’s agent Manuel Sierra Camacho said yesterday: “There is no comment from us about this matter. I’m sorry.”The DVLA explained that police are responsible for potential offences surrounding licensing and insurance while their role is to maintain a database of drivers and vehicles in the UK.The midfielder was nabbed in his Audi RSQ8 last Friday near the club’s training ground in Cobham, SurreyCredit: Alamy More

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    Joey Barton LOSES part of libel case against Eni Aluko after accusing ex-England footballer of ‘playing race card’

    ENI Aluko has won the first part of her libel case against Joey Barton after he accused her of playing the “race card”.Ex-Man City star Barton was taken to court by the pundit following a string of posts he made on X in January.Joey Barton has lost part of a libel case against Eni AlukoCredit: APEni claimed two of the posts were defamatoryCredit: AlamyShe claimed the two posts were defamatory – including one where he targeted her family and background.Barton, 42, branded her a “race card player” and accused her of playing the “victim card”, adding: “Cry me a f***ing river”.He also claimed “everyone is laughing at you” and said she knew “next to nothing about men’s football”.Eni has now won part of her case at the High Court after a judge found Barton made defamatory remarks.Read more newsMr Justice Lavender had been asked to consider the “natural and ordinary meaning” of the posts.Eni, 38, welcomed the ruling, saying: “The posts were an unwarranted attack on my personal and professional identity, my integrity and my family life – in particular my late father.”Barton could still appeal the decision and defend his statements if the case proceeds to trial.His lawyer William McCormick KC previously described the claims as “strained, forced and unreasonable”.Most read in FootballIn a separate case, Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine, Eni and her colleague Lucy Ward.The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits to Fred and Rose West and branded Radio 2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.He is due to stand trial later this year at Liverpool Crown Court charged with 12 offences.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Eni bought the case against BartonCredit: PAHe denied the posts were inflammatoryCredit: Getty More

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    Former Liverpool ace survives terrifying GRENADE attack on his family home

    FORMER Premiership star Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in Israel.The ex-Liverpool midfielder was in the house with his family when a motorcyclist pulled up outside and threw the device at the door.Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in IsraelCredit: GettyIt exploded, triggering a fire as the attacker fled the scene.Police and fire crews raced to the house in Ramat Hasharon, just north of Tel Aviv, at 11pm on Sunday. The blaze was extinguished shortly after.Cops are investigating it as a suspected criminal attack rather than a terrorist incident.Read More on FootballShocked Benayoun, Israel’s record goal scorer, said it was a case of mistaken identity.He said: “This is definitely a mistake – I have no doubt that the grenade was not aimed at my house.“At first I thought it was a gas cylinder explosion and we called the fire department. It was only when the police arrived at the house and found the remains of a grenade that we realised what really happened.”The attack caused damage to the property but no-one was injured.Most read in FootballA police spokesman said: “The police hotline received a report of hearing an explosion outside a house.“Police from the Glilot station arrived at the scene and began an investigation. As a result of the explosion, damage was caused. There were no casualties.”Hamas releases sick vid of hostage begging for release saying ‘time is running out’ as terror group calls for ceasefireBenayoun, 44, played nearly 200 times in the Prem for Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea and Arsenal.He retired from playing in 2019 after a 22-year career, scoring a total of 173 goals in 728 appearances.Meanwhile, a Palestinian journalist was killed and nine others injured when Israeli missiles struck a media tent outside a hospital in Khan Younis.Videos showed a reporter engulfed in flames as others tried to rescue him.The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had targeted photographer Hassan Aslih because he was a member of Hamas who operated “under the guise of a journalist”.Aslih was injured in the attack which killed a second Palestinian man.The IDF said the reporter had taken part in the October 7 raids into southern Israel and had “documented and uploaded footage of looting, arson, and murder to social media”.Hamas said the claims were false.In total, Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza yesterday, according to Hamas.The terror group marked 18 months since the war started by launching the biggest rocket attack for months.Read More on The SunAround ten were launched from the Strip, half of which were intercepted by the IDF.Three people suffered minor injuries as the IDF intercepted ten rockets. More