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    Sunderland star Jack Diamond pleads not guilty to rape and sex assault

    SUNDERLAND star Jack Diamond has today denied rape and will now stand trial. The footballer, 23, is accused of attacking a woman on two separate occasions at a home in Tyne and Wear.
    Jack Diamond has today denied rapeCredit: Getty
    He had previously denied sexual assault at a different hearing, and has now pleaded not guilty to rape.
    Diamond will now stand trial in the Newcastle Crown Court on January 2 next year.
    The player, of Fatfield, Washington, had his conditional bail extended.
    Lincoln City, where he had been on loan, terminated his loan stay.
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    Important reason behind Man Utd’s decision to delay Mason Greenwood announcement is revealed

    MANCHESTER Utd has revealed the important reason it is delaying an announcement about Mason Greenwood’s future. The England striker hasn’t played for Utd since he was arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
    The announcement around Mason Greenwood’s future at Man Utd has been delayedCredit: PA
    He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    Greenwood had been suspended by while Utd undergoes its own investigation.
    Fans had been expecting the club to have made a decision by now, but it has now been revealed why there’s a delay.
    Utd is said to still be consulting with sponsors and football staff before it makes the announcement.
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    The club is said to be in talks with the entire department – including the women’s team.
    It comes after boss Erik ten Hag today gave an update – but didn’t mention Greenwood once.
    He spoke about the team’s first game of the season against Wolves on Monday night, as well as saying Harry Kane’s impending move to Bayern Munich was a “miss for the Premier League”.
    He added: “We are very confident but also I want to mention pre-season doesn’t say anything, it’s friendly football.
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    “Though I never take a game as a friendly, it’s friendly in the sense of going.
    “In the league, going for the points it’s a different approach for both teams.
    “We are ready to go for the fight, the team is really energetic and we worked really good for pre-season and we go for it.”
    It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
    In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
    He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal. More

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    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag avoids commenting on Mason Greenwood as star striker’s future hangs in the balance

    MAN Utd boss Erik ten Hag has today avoided commenting on Mason Greenwood as the star’s future hangs in the balance. The England striker hasn’t played for Utd since he was arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
    Erik ten Hag is today giving an update on Man UtdCredit: Getty
    It comes as Utd fans wait to hear what Mason Greenwood’s football future holdsCredit: Getty
    He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    The Man Utd boss this afternoon gave an update on the club, with eager fans waiting to hear what the future holds for Greenwood.
    However, ten Hag did not comment on the suspended striker – nor was he asked about him.
    The club is expected to soon make a decision on his future and it was today revealed why the announcement was being delayed.
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    Utd manager ten Hag spoke about the team’s first game of the season against Wolves on Monday night, as well as saying Harry Kane’s impending move to Bayern Munich was a “miss for the Premier League”.
    He added: “We are very confident but also I want to mention pre-season doesn’t say anything, it’s friendly football.
    “Though I never take a game as a friendly, it’s friendly in the sense of going.
    “In the league, going for the points it’s a different approach for both teams.
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    “We are ready to go for the fight, the team is really energetic and we worked really good for pre-season and we go for it.”
    The United boss also said the club was happy with their new striker Rasmus Højlund.
    He said: “First of all, we have chosen a striker and we are really happy with our choice.
    “He’s [Kane] a great striker, clear, a goal maker and apart from that he has all the conditions and abilities what you want to see in a striker. It’s a miss for the Premier League, absolutely.”
    It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
    In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
    He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal.
    Greenwood joined Utd aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
    In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
    Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
    It comes as manager ten Hag and the majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the footballer back.
    But United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
    A source said previously: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
    “He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
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    “They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it and protect him.
    “Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.” More

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    Mason Greenwood protest planned by Manchester United fans before first Premier League home game of season

    MANCHESTER United fans are planning to stage a protest against Mason Greenwood’s potential return before the team’s first home game.The supporters are set to make their feelings known during the side’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Wolverhampton on Monday.
    A group of Manchester United fans are planning a protest against a potential Mason Greenwood return at the side’s first home game on Monday
    Greenwood has been suspended by the team since his arrest relating to an alleged attempted rapeCredit: PA
    One of the group’s organisers told The Athletic: “It’s time for the club to stand up and make the right decision.
    “It’s time to say, ‘We have high standards at United about how we expect players to conduct themselves and, if you do not meet those standards, you need to be moved out’.
    “This is a tipping point for the club.”
    They added that the case is a test of whether team bosses will side with “commercialism and trophies and money” or with their fans.
    READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
    Protestors have created a large banner, decked out in United colours, bearing the messages “Female fans demand no Greenwood return” and “End violence against women”.
    The 21-year-old striker is rumoured to be returning to the team after charges of attempted rape and coercive behaviour, as well as assault, against him were dropped earlier this year.
    He has not played for United since he was arrested over the allegations in January last year.
    While the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case against him in February due to “key witnesses” withdrawing and “new material coming to light”, he has remained suspended while the club concludes its own internal investigation.
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    Last week, Greenwood was snapped training in a park as his dad Andrew watched on, holding the footballer’s newborn baby girl in his arms.
    The Sun exclusively revealed that top-level discussions about a possible return to Old Trafford are nearly concluded, while Greenwood has the backing of his teammates and manager Erik ten Hag.
    However, he suffered a major blow to his hopes as he was excluded from the team’s provisional squad list last night.
    However, protesting fans feel that a comeback would be an unacceptable slap in the face.
    One woman involved in the group said: “As female fans, we have always been slightly marginalised.
    “Sometimes your voice is ignored and you don’t get taken as seriously as others.
    “On an issue like this, it feels like an attack on all of us.
    “If Greenwood did come back, it would be serious enough to make many fans re-evaluate their relationship with the club.”
    All charges against him were dropped in FebruaryCredit: Getty
    Discussions over a potential comeback are due to conclude soonCredit: Reuters More

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    Blow for Mason Greenwood as Man Utd release provisional squad numbers list… and he’s NOT on it

    MASON Greenwood has suffered a blow as Man United release their provisional squad numbers list – and he’s NOT on it. The striker, 21, has been suspended by the Premier League club since January 2022 and not kicked a ball for them since his arrest.
    Mason Greenwood has suffered a blow as Man United release their provisional squad numbers list – and he’s NOT on itCredit: AFP
    Greenwood was later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, before the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
    And Utd are expected to make their decision on his future in the coming days.
    Greenwood could have his contract terminated, be put back into the first team, loaned out or sold.
    It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    READ MORE ON GREENWOOD
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
    And today the club released provisional squad numbers for the new season.
    Football fans are convinced the baller has already made a decision on his football future.
    Speculation online is growing with fans suspecting the player will move to the Jamaican national team after he was spotted in the kit.
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    It comes as a row over Greenwood’s future at the club was sparked.
    Manager Erik ten Hag and the majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the Greenwood back.
    But United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
    A source said previously: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
    “He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
    “They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it, and protect him.
    “Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.
    “They know he’s made mistakes but the lads who’ve spoken to him say he’s grown up a lot in the past 18 months and will come back a lot wiser.”
    It is not the first time Greenwood has been spotted training outside of Carrington.
    In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
    He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal.
    Greenwood joined Utd aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
    Read More on The Sun
    In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
    Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
    Man United provisional squad numbers
    2. Victor Lindelof
    5. Harry Maguire
    6. Lisandro Martinez
    7. Mason Mount
    8. Bruno Fernandes
    9. Anthony Martial
    10. Marcus Rashford
    12. Tyrell Malacia
    14. Cristian Eriksen
    16. Amad Diallo
    17. Fred
    18. Casemiro
    19. Raphael Varane
    20. Diogo Dalot
    21. Antony
    22. Tom Heaton (Goalkeeper)
    23. Luke Shaw
    24. Andre Onana (Goalkeeper)
    25. Jadon Sancho
    26. Dean Henderson (Goalkeeper)
    28. Facundo Pellistri
    29. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
    33. Brandon Williams
    34. Donny van de Beek
    37. Kobbie Mainoo
    39. Scott McTominay
    49. Alejandro Garnacho More

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    Ex-West Ham footballer ‘involved in heist of £2M antique vase stolen from museum in Switzerland’

    A FORMER West Ham player tried to help sell a £1.9million antique vase stolen during a heist at a museum in Switzerland, a court heard.Kaine Wright, 26, was caught in an undercover police sting along with accomplices Leslie Nkhwa, 47, and David Lamming, 31, it is said.
    Kaine Wright was one of three people allegedly trying to flog the vaseCredit: Central News
    The “rare pomegranate vase from the Yongle Period (1403-1425AD)” was stolen during a raid at the Musee des Arts d’Extreme-Orient in Geneva in June 2019.
    Southwark Crown Court heard the trio attempted to flog it for £1million but later dropped the price to £450,000 in cash.
    The vase was valued for insurance purposes for £1.96m, it was said.
    On July 30, 2020, a man called Mr Steel emailed the China Guardian auction house in Hong Kong asking for a valuation.
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    Jurors heard the seller, later identified as Lamming, included photos of the item, which were compared with the stolen vase.
    Lamming also allegedly emailed the Art Loss Register based in Hatton Garden saying he was in touch with someone who had a vase that had been stolen from Switzerland.
    Police then launched an undercover sting operation using an officer named Paul.
    He received an email from Lamming with photos of the vase but without a newspaper alongside it to show the date, it was said.
    Most read in Football
    This caused Wright to text Nkhwa, saying: “Also to be fair I don’t even believe they have s**t anymore…does it even exist the fact that in a week and a half they can’t take a picture.
    “If it’s this hard just to get someone to take a picture when he actually flies in to buy it will be a joke…this people are not reliable waste of time [sic].
    “Honestly bro if you can’t get it today I just gonna tell the buyer its gone he is willing to pay the money…and I can’t be f***ed to mess around wasting my time when no one is serious about selling it…I guess they keep it forever for no reason.
    “Yh its dumb shout me in the morning…like they already had it a long time and can’t sell it so makes no sense lol. Unless they don’t want money. Going sleep now.”
    The court heard a series of meetings were carried out between Lamming and a second undercover officer named Richard, including one at Delfino’s Restaurant in Mayfair on October 7.
    They “shook hands” on a deal for £450,000 and agreed the exchange would take place at the five star Marriott Hotel six days later, it was said.
    Police then arrested Nkhwa and Lamming before detaining Wright, who accepts driving them to the hotel.
    Giving evidence, Wright claimed Nkwha had approached him and asked if he could help flog the vase.
    He added: “I said no. Most of my friends are sportsmen, they play for England. No one knows what to do for a vase.
    “I suggested he should list it online.
    “I think it was on behalf of someone else.”
    Wright and Nkhwa deny one count of conspiracy to convert criminal property between 31 July 2020 and 15 October 2020, while Lamming has admitted the charge.
    The footballer played for both West Ham and Brentford’s youth team as a midfielder.
    After leaving the Premier League clubs, Wright moved to Major League Soccer in America.
    In 2019, he represented England in the Socca six-a-side World Cup.
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    He also played in front of PSG star Neymar Jr in the footballer’s Five World Finals competition in 2017.
    The trial continues.
    The vase was stolen from a museum in GenevaCredit: Central News
    Wright played for West Ham before moving to MLS footballCredit: Central News More

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    Brazil football hero Falcao quits job after ‘rubbing his crotch against hotel worker’

    BRAZILIAN football hero Falcao has quit his job amid claims he sexually assaulted a woman.Falcao, 69 — a star of the midfield at the 1982 World Cup — is claimed to have rubbed his crotch against a hotel worker.
    World Cup star Falcao allegedly rubbed his crotch against a hotel workerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    She is said to have told police there was at least one witness and the incident was on CCTV.
    A specialist sex crimes police unit are investigating the allegations.
    The star — full name Paulo Roberto Falcao — denies wrongdoing but quit as sporting director at Brazilian side Santos.
    As a leading defensive midfielder, Falcao made his name at Internacional before moving to Italian side Roma in 1980.
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    He won 34 caps for Brazil.
    At the peak of his career, Falcao was one of the Brazil national team’s greatest stars playing against English contemporaries like Kevin Kegan and Glenn Hoddle.
    He played at a club level for Internacional, Roma, and Sao Paulo and was once the world’s highest-paid player.
    He was later manager of the Brazil national side and had three separate stints in charge of Internacional before taking the Santos sporting coordinator job in November.
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    Ex-Newcastle footballer Marcus Maddison, 29, jailed for punching woman, 60, on night out

    AN ex-footballer who hurled cheesy chips at a stranger before punching her in the face during a kebab shop queue row has been put behind bars.Marcus Maddison’s assault left the 60-year-old woman with complex facial fractures after he delivered a heavy blow while wearing a large ring on his finger.
    Marcus Maddison was jailed for attacking a womanCredit: NNP
    The ex-pro footballer formerly played for NewcastleCredit: Rex
    Maddison, who began his career as a youth team player with Newcastle, had called the woman’s daughter a “fat sl**” before the attack.
    Violence erupted after the former midfielder left The Gate nightclub in Darlington, County Durham, at 3am in the early hours of Sunday, September 25, 2022.
    The victim told Teesside Crown Court that she still suffers medical problems as a result of the brutal punch.
    She said: “My jaw was broken in multiple places. I can’t eat on the left-hand side of my mouth. I have problems with my teeth.
    “I can no longer smell properly and have been on various different medications by my general practitioner to treat various ongoing issues.
    “I’ve been a regular visitor to my GP since the assault. I have nerve damage to my face on the left-hand side and my taste buds are damaged.”
    The ex-Darlington player became embroiled in a row about queue jumping in a kebab shop before the altercation descended into violence.
    The court heard Maddison, 29, said: “You come near me and I’m going to pelt these cheesy chips at you” after calling his victim’s daughter a “fat sl**”.
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    He then fell backwards before regaining his footing, throwing the cheesy chips and delivering a heavy blow to the face of the woman.
    She was later found covered in blood sitting on the floor outside a shop in Darlington town centre.
    Maddison, of High Causeway, Peterborough, admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm following the incident.
    Tabitha Buck, mitigating, said he had stopped drinking as a result of his behaviour on that night and had fully accepted that his reaction of over the top.
    Recorder Paul Reid jailed the ex-footballer for 20 months for the vicious assault.
    “You struck the woman; you hit her with extreme force with your right fist and on your right hand you were wearing a large metal ring and that ring amounts to a weapon,” he said.
    “This is an incident of egregious violence in a public place.”
    Speaking after an earlier hearing, a spokesperson for Darlington FC said: “The club were made aware of an alleged incident and conducted an immediate disciplinary investigation.
    “After discussions with the player concerned the club agreed to mutually terminate his contract with immediate effect at that time.
    “Darlington FC is a fan-owned club and has a zero tolerance towards discrimination, violence of abusive behaviour.”
    Maddison, who the court heard was previously of good character, started out in Newcastle United’s youth ranks and played for Gateshead before making more than 240 appearances and netting 62 goals during a six-season spell at Peterborough between 2014 and 2020.
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    He joined Bolton Wanderers on loan from Charlton Athletic in February 2021 but made just 10 appearances for the whites.
    In June 2021 he opted to step away from the professional game due to mental health reasons. More