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      Police arrest seven AZ Alkmaar fans as 26 men turn themselves in after attacks on West Ham players and staff

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      SEVEN AZ ALKMAAR fans have been detained by cops following a police appeal after last week’s disgusting attack on West Ham supporters.The Dutch supporters reacted angrily to the Hammers’ 1-0 win in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.
      Seven AZ Alkmaar fans have been detained by police after the attack on West Ham supportersCredit: Getty
      The result meant David Moyes’ side progressed to the final 3-1 on aggregate and will now meet Fiorentina.
      Pablo Fornals’ 94th minute strike sealed the victory, sparking AZ Alkmaar hooligans to attack a group of travelling friends and family of the Hammers’ players and coaching staff sat behind the dugout.
      We reported how several West Ham players, including sporting director Mark Noble, rushed to help protect them from the thugs – who were dressed in black and wearing balaclavas.
      Moyes also revealed how his elderly father was caught up in the mayhem.
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      Then, footage shot by a witness in the stadium showed how one brave fan stepped in to defend those behind him in the terrifying scenes.
      Dutch authorities used TV show Opsporing Verzocht to air CCTV images of the suspects involved in the incident in an appeal to find the culprits.
      That led to a total of 26 men handing themselves in to cops, with seven of them being detained, but police say a further ten suspects are still being sought.
      A spokesperson said: “There were people who we were not initially looking for, but who were afraid that they were in one of the photos.
      Most read in Football
      “It is therefore not the case that they are automatically all suspected of open violence.”
      Alkmaar are set to face a hefty Uefa punishment which could include a fine and partial or even full stadium closure after being sanctioned twice in the past 15 months for poor fan behaviour.
      Uefa are still deciding whether or not to launch a separate investigation into the incident, although no charges are likely to be announced until after the final in Prague next month.
      But Alkmaar fans were banned from Sunday’s 3-0 win at NEC Nijmegen.
      Meanwhile, hero West Ham fan Chis Knoll says he “nearly cried” when the club offered him a ticket for the final after fighting off Alkmaar thugs.
      The 58-year-old stood up to the yobs and fought dozens of them at the same time as he defended the team’s loved ones.
      His defiance was caught on camera and he quickly reached celebrity status among the West Ham faithful, who now dub him the “Angel of Alkmaar”.
      Knollsy received a standing ovation from the home crowd on Sunday before West Ham’s final game of the season at London Stadium against Leeds.
      And he also said it took him over an hour to leave the stadium as fellow fans expressed their gratitude for his bravery in the Netherlands.
      A total of 26 men have handed themselves in to cops after a police appeal
      A West Ham fan bravely fought off hordes of Dutch fansCredit: Twitter
      Chris ‘Knollsy’ Knoll has insisted he is no hero despite his actionsCredit: Enterprise More

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      EFL chairman found guilty of fraud and facing prison and losing club ownership after five-year investigation

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      FLEETWOOD TOWN Chairman Andy Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraud following an eight-month trial.BES Utilities – the firm owned by Pilley – stood accused of multi-million pound fraud involving the mis-selling of energy supply contracts to small businesses. 
      Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraudCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      And on Friday, the 52-year-old was found guilty on all the charges, which include two counts of running a business with the intention of defrauding creditors, one count of false representations, and one count of being concerned with the retention of criminal property.
      Pilley’s sister, Michelle Davidson, 49, as well as Lee Qualter, 52, and Joel Chapman, 38, were also found guilty of a number of fraud offences.
      The Fleetwood Chairman was remanded in custody after the jury delivered their unanimous verdict.
      The presiding judge, Judge Knowles KC, has indicated that he will likely face a prison term when he is sentenced on May 23. 
      Read More on Football
      After the verdict was announced on Friday, Fleetwood Town released an official statement which read: “Fleetwood Town Football Club acknowledges the verdict in the court case involving club Chairman, Andy Pilley.
      “The Chairman would like to reassure supporters the club will continue to operate as normal.
      “Today’s verdicts will not affect the running or future of Fleetwood Town Football Club. 
      “The club is already in talks with the EFL regarding the next steps and will be making no further comment at this time.”
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      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      An additional statement read: “Fleetwood Town would like to reassure supporters the Club will continue to operate as normal and there will be no risk to the future of the club.
      “The Club’s Senior Management Team and directors have been planning for a number of months for the event of a verdict of this nature.
      “A meeting of the Club’s management has taken place this evening and plans are already in operation to ensure its business as usual.
      “We’d like to reassure supporters charges are solely brought against Andy Pilley and not Fleetwood Town Football Club or any of the businesses attached to the group.
      “Talks have already taken place with the EFL and an announcement regarding the next step will be made in due course.”
      Pilley was charged with the allegations in September 2021 following a five-year investigation into BES Utilities, which has been Fleetwood Town’s main sponsor for 18 years.
      The Fishermen finished the 2022-23 campaign 13th in the League One table. More

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      Inside AZ Alkmaar ‘Ben Side Ultras’ firm and their bloody history of stabbings & pipe bombs after West Ham fans attack

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      THE AZ Alkmaar “Ben Side” Ultras have a violent history of stabbings and pipe bombs, gaining a horrifying reputation over the years.It comes after thugs tried to force their way into West Ham’s hospitality area following the side’s Europa Conference League semi-final clash in the Dutch city.
      West Ham fans fend off AZ ‘Ben Side’ Ultras from gaining access to the hospitality areaCredit: Getty
      Groups of AZ and Feyenoord hooligans clashed in a pre-arranged showdown on waste ground in 2017Credit: Facebook
      AZ Alkmaar thugs tore down a 12ft gate to storm the away stands
      One West Ham supporter fought off the thugs as they tried to get up stairs towards the away endCredit: GETTY
      AZ Alkmaar fans let off flares before the Europa Conference League game against West HamCredit: Getty
      Two Hammers fans stood their ground as the yobs, dressed in all black, attempted to force their way beyond the stairwells leading up to the stands.
      Fortunately, the West Ham fans were able to deter the mob from gaining access to where loved ones of the East London side’s players were gathered.
      It’s not the first time hooligans, supposedly supporters of the team, have brawled with opposition fans – tainting the image of the club.
      While the majority of Alkmaar’s fans are peaceful a group of vocal ultras has created major problems.
      Read More on AZ Ultras
      PRE-ARRANGED SHOWDOWN
      In 2017, groups of AZ and Feyenoord hooligans clashed in a pre-arranged showdown.
      Around 20 fans from each side met up on a remote wasteland for a scrap as they threw punches at one another.
      The location was on the outskirts of Alkmaar, some 50 miles from Feyenoord’s ground.
      The opposing fans lined up to face one another, with one side in white and the other in black.
      Most read in Football
      They then charged at each other before the brawling started.
      It was reportedly dubbed a “20-20” scrap with each side agreeing on the rules beforehand.
      Both sides agreed on no weapons and anyone who had fallen on the ground wasn’t allowed to be hit.
      Dutch police launched an investigation, saying they would not tolerate fighting between hooligans.
      In another incident tainting AZ’s image, fans forced their way into a closed-off stadium.
      The game between AZ and NEC Nijmegen in November 2021 was meant to be held behind closed doors due to the risk of spreading Covid-19 in the country.
      However, after just 15 minutes AZ fans broke into the stadium and let off fireworks in the ground, bringing the game to a halt.
      Fireworks and flairs had been let off by fans outside the stadium before the group entered the AFAS Stadion.
      Thug dressed in black and with masks and hoods covering their faces, were seen leaping over the hoarding with some even able to get onto the pitch.
      Others ignited flairs in the far corner of the ground, with red smoke lighting up the stand.
      Referee Jeroen Manschot was forced to stop the game but play was resumed once security had removed the thugs.
      CLASH WITH DUNDEE FANS
      A clash also broke out with Dundee fans and police earlier this season ahead of the European Conference League qualifier in August.
      Fans reportedly threw glass bottles at each other as cops were called to restore order.
      Some fans took shelter in nearby pubs as glassware rained down on them and the violence escalated.
      Cops used batons to strike fans in an attempt to disburse them and force them away from the pub doors.
      AZ fans are also said to have attacked a group of Scottish fans as they made their way to the Alkmaar stadium.
      Footage appears to show Alkmaar yobs ambush the Dundee fans as they carried orange flags and banners around the Dutch city.
      The violent group, once again wearing black and with their faces covered, were seen charging at the Scots before fighting broke out on the street.
      ORIGINS OF ‘BEN SIDE’ SUPPORTERS
      AZ’s hooliganism is said to stem from the club’s early days with a group known as the “Ben Side” supporters.
      The name refers to where the group sits in the Jan van der Ben stand, which was named after a predecessor club’s chairman.
      The group claims they “made their mark for the first time” during an away match at Feyenoord in 1977, according to an AZ supporter website.
      There they clashed with opposition fans, throwing beer bottles and cans at players.
      In another notorious meeting, the group clashed with Haarlem in June 1977.
      Riots ensued over the game, with many supporters brining knives, and cops later made several arrests.
      TEENAGER STABBED
      A 16-year-old was stabbed and around 28 people arrested during a particularly horrific altercation in March 1986 between AZ and PSV fans.
      The teenager, a PSV fan who was not identified, was rushed to hospital.
      At the same game, confrontations between supporters also saw a home-made pipe bomb lobbed into the PSV stand, although luckily no one was injured, The New York Times reported.
      The “Ben Side” group has continued to show its support online in recent years.
      Its members appear dressed in black, raising flairs, letting off fireworks and causing havoc at both home and away games.
      The group though claims it is only interested in “improving the atmosphere in the stadium”.
      Dutch police say they are continuing to analyse the footage from yesterday’s attack.
      The force said: “Together with AZ, the municipality of Alkmaar and the public prosecution service we will evaluate last night’s incidents, which we regret having happened. This kind of behaviour has no place in football.”
      Read More on The Sun
      UEFA is also expected to carry out its own probe into events.
      Dutch police said they had made no arrests but added they were trying to identify violent fans from footage.
      Dutch police say they are trying to identify the culpritsCredit: Alamy
      Trouble flared during the second-leg Europa semi-final tieCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League star Odsonne Edouard caught driving with no licence in Audi RS Q8 after 5 speeding offences in 2 weeks

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      PREMIER League star Odsonne Edouard has been caught driving without a licence after raking up five speeding offences in two weeks.The Crystal Palace striker, 25, was snapped illegally behind the wheel of his Audi RS Q8, prompting police to seize the car.
      Crystal Palace’s Odsonne Edouard has appeared in court after being snapped driving without a licence or insuranceCredit: Getty
      Edouard first caught the cops’ attention while driving through London with a French number plate and “heavy” tinted windows.
      The force ran a check on the car and found it had a list of speeding offences.
      When the footballer was pulled over he couldn’t show a licence or insurance.
      Edouard recently appeared in the Bromley magistrates court and was slapped with a fine of more than £1,000 – with points being added to his licence.
      Read more on football
      The Evening Standard reported Sergeant James Stead told the court: “My automatic number plate recognition system alerted me that the vehicle was known for speeding offences.”
      Speaking about when the footballer was pulled over in August, the officer said: “He only had a picture of the front of a French driving licence, but had no sort of insurance.
      “Mr Eduoard showed us a digital image of one side of a French driving licence, but did not have it on him physically, and could provide no other proof of having a driving licence.”
      The Sergeant added that he had trouble explaining what was happening to Edouard as he “spoke limited English”.
      Most read in Football
      A police database showed the car had also built up five speeding offences in just two weeks.
      Edouard, who has landed 10 goals since a 2021 switch to the Premier League, did not enter a plea or engage with the court but was found guilty of driving without a valid licence and insurance.
      He was given eight points, a £660 fine, and ordered to pay £100 in costs and a £264 victim surcharge.
      A lawyer for the player told the Standard that Edouard was unaware of the court proceedings and said that a legal challenge is now being planned.
      He was prosecuted through the single justice procedure, and sentenced in a behind-closed-doors hearing at the end of March.
      Crystal Palace declined to comment on the striker’s court case. More

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      Brit footballer ‘carried out sex attack on sleeping woman then went to training’, court hears

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      A SCOTS footballer went to training after an alleged sex attack on a sleeping woman.Salim Kouider-Aïssa, 27, is claimed to have inappropriately touched the 23-year-old at a flat in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, on October 31 2021.
      Salim Kouider-Aissa in action for AirdrieCredit: SNS
      The star in action for Partick ThistleCredit: The Sun
      The woman said she went to a spare bedroom alone and was “shocked” to wake up to the Airdrie forward with hands on her.
      Kouider-Aïssa told a jury that he initially went in the same bed to have a “good sleep.”
      He added that he believed the woman was awake and consenting before carrying out a sex act on her.
      Kouider-Aïssa, also of Kirkintilloch, denies the single charge of sexual assault at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

      The court heard Kouider-Aïssa played for Airdrie at Alloa that day – picking up an injury.
      He initially went home to Kirkintilloch before picking up friends in Glasgow’s west end.
      The footballer drove the men to friend Scott Spinelli’s flat where they drank and listened to music.
      The alleged victim and another woman later joined the men at the flat.
      Most read in Football
      Jurors were told that the woman went to Mr Spinelli’s spare bed.
      The court heard Kouider-Aïssa was told by Mr Spinelli to stay in the living room.
      The woman said: “I woke up and I could feel someone behind me, that’s when I realised what he was doing.”
      She described that Kouider-Aïssa intimately touched her.
      She added: “I woke up really shocked, I went into bed myself and was shocked to have someone behind me.
      “I was shouting ‘what are you doing’ and he said ‘I thought you were awake, what have I done’.
      “I didn’t really know what to do, he went to get my friends for me.
      “They came rushing in…he told them that he thought I was awake.
      “It wouldn’t matter if I was as there was no consent.”
      Kouider-Aïssa stated in his evidence that he had difficulty sleeping on the couch.
      He said his reason for entering the bed beside the woman was to “get a good sleep.”
      Kouider-Aïssa claimed that the woman brushed his legs and put her leg over his, before he stroked her leg.
      He said: “I was questioning myself if she was awake.”
      Kouider-Aïssa stated the woman turned his back to him before spooning her then kissed her on the neck.
      He added that he went on to carry out a sex act on her stating: “I had belief she was consenting by the way she was moving about the bed, moving her body to me.”
      Kouider-Aïssa stated after the woman woke up and confronted him, he told Mr Spinelli: “I’ve f***ed it, I thought she was awake.”
      Kouider-Aïssa claimed he waited in his car before contacting teammate Max Currie.
      He said: “It was about 8am and Max came and picked me up and we went to get changed (at his flat) for physio.
      “I went to training, it was a Sunday, the football was on so I went to my uncle’s house to watch football.”
      Kouider-Aïssa handed himself into the police that night.
      Mr Allan said “You entered the bedroom of a stranger while she was sleeping?”
      He replied: “Yes.”
      Mr Allan asked what steps Kouider-Aïssa took to check that getting into bed was okay with the woman.
      He replied: “None.”
      Mr Allan said: “There is one easy way to make sure she was awake isn’t there?”
      Kouider-Aïssa: “I suppose so.”
      Mr Allan: “You didn’t ask her if she was awake during any of this?”
      Kouider-Aïssa: “No.”
      Kouider-Aïssa stated that he believes the woman was asleep after hearing the woman’s position at court.
      He later said: “There obviously has to be doubts, to this day, it’s been a while since… I still have a reasonable belief that she was awake for the last part and giving consent as well as that’s obviously why we are here.”

      The trial continues tomorrow before Sheriff Matthew Jackson KC.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Man arrested for ‘killing’ football fan Tony Johnson after Burnley and Blackpool supporters brawled outside pub

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      A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of killing a football fan who died after a brawl between Burnley and Blackpool supporters.Tony Johnson, 55, suffered a fatal head injury after the fight erupted outside The Manchester Pub in Blackpool on March 4.
      Tony Johnson, pictured with his partner, died from a fatal head injuryCredit: SWNS
      A 33-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in custody.
      Six other men aged between 18 and 49 have also been detained on suspicion of violent disorder.
      The arrests came following morning raids at eight addresses across Fylde and Burnley yesterday.
      Tony died after his beloved Blackpool drew 0-0 with Burnley at home.
      Read more news
      Speaking on behalf of Tony’s family, his partner said their lives were “never going to be the same” after the death of the “beloved” grandad.
      She said: “I am devastated to have lost my best friend, life partner and soul mate in a cruel act.
      “Tony was a very much loved dad, son, brother, uncle and Gramps and obviously a beloved friend to many.
      “We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same.
      Most read in Football
      “He will be one missed gentleman and the party will live on through us all, just as he would’ve wanted.
      “Rest in peace my darling, tangerine dreams forever.”
      Tony’s partner paid tribute More

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      in Boxing

      Troubled boxing champion Scott Fitzgerald is jailed after KOing man outside pub in drink and drug-fuelled rampage

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      FORMER boxing champion Scott Fitzgerald has been jailed after floored a man outside a pub with a single punch.The Commonwealth gold medallist attacked Leevi Francis in a drink and drug-fuelled rage.
      Scott Fitzgerald has been jailed for punching a man to the ground outside a pubCredit: Reuters
      Leevi suffered a broken jaw and a cut below his eyebrow after being knocked unconscious outside the Grand Junction in Preston, Lancashire.
      Fitzgerald has now been jailed for 46 weeks after he pleaded guilty to GBH on the first day of his trial.
      Preston Crown Court heard how the boxer had been drinking all afternoon and smoked cannabis on November 27 last year.
      CCTV footage showed him “bouncing around the pub” before he went into the pool room.
      Read more news
      Landlady Kirsty Allen kicked him out after he stamped on the floor hard close to the pool table.
      After being shoved outside by a group of drinkers, Fitzgerald first confronted another man.
      Seeing this, Leevi stepped in to help and was punched to the ground by the British light-middleweight champion.
      He lay unconscious for around a minute before being taken to hospital.
      Most read in Boxing
      In a victim impact statement, Leevi said a plate inserted into his jaw causes him pain at night as he told how he lost two stone after being left unable to eat.
      He also revealed he has suffered socially since the attack and feels anxious about his son’s boxing hobby.
      Ayaz Qazi, defending, told the court how Fitzgerald’s successful career, which saw him win a gold medal for his country in 2014, was blighted by his drink and drug use.
      The lawyer said he is now banned from professional boxing but has remained sober while being kept on remand in custody.
      Mr Qazi added: “He is utterly aghast and ashamed of the way he was behaving, this loutish and disorderly behaviour in public.”
      Sentencing, Judge Richard Archer said Fitzgerald using his fists was the equivalent of using a weapon in a fight.
      He said: “You know, as somebody who is supposed to be trained to control aggression and channel it for the purposes of professional sport, that when to behave that way – even by your own admission under the influence of drink and drugs – is entirely unacceptable.
      “You risk very serious consequences for your victim.
      “A professional boxer who under the influence is unable to charge the power in those fists could all so easily have rendered a man not just unconscious, but dead.
      “It is fortunate you are not facing a much more serious charge. There are many people who face those charges based on a single blow.”
      The sentence is the latest drama in the boxer’s troubled personal life.

      In 2021, worrying pictures emerged of super-welterweight champ lying on the street outside a pub.
      Fitzgerald took to social media to reassure fans after promotor Eddie Hearn voiced his concerns over the pictures.
      The boxer had been kicked out of a pub after drinking and taking drugsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The British light-middleweight champion pleaded guilty to GBHCredit: Getty
      He has struggled with drinking and drugs, his lawyer saidCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal have Met Police officer at training ground to prevent players being targeted by thieves

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      ARSENAL have a Met Police officer stationed at their training ground to prevent players being targeted by thieves.Last month, the cop approached two men taking photos of players at the London Colney site in Herts.
      Defender Sead Kolasinac protects Mesut Özil when knife-wielding thugs attempted to rob them
      Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were targeted by moped thievesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He said: “There are concerns people are photographing players’ cars and following them home.”
      In 2021, Sead Kolasinac was filmed fighting off a pair of knife-wielding street thugs trying to rob teammate Mesut Özil.
      The players have since left the club.
      There are fears criminals could hide among fans looking for autographs, then make off with players’ fancy watches or supercars.
      Read More on Arsenal
      One supporter said the officer, wearing an Arsenal lanyard, told him and his pal: “I’m based here.”
      He then asked to see identification.
      Soon after, stars drove up including centre back Rob Holding, 27, England ace Bukayo Saka, 21, Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes, 25, and Belgian international Leandro Trossard, 28.
      A Met spokesman said: “Each London club has a Dedicated Football Officer who acts as a liaison between police, fans and the club.
      Most read in Football
      “These officers are responsible for dealing with any policing issues and crime relating to the club.
      “They will have regular visits to the club, including meetings at stadiums and training grounds, in order to discuss policing priorities in these areas.
      “However, they are predominantly based in a police building in central London.”
      Arsenal said they would not comment on the security of their players. More