More stories

  • in

    Top footballer punched woman, 60, and left her unable to speak in bloody queue row at nightclub

    A FORMER Premier League footballer is facing jail after he punched a 60-year-old woman and left her covered in blood following a nightclub row.Marcus Maddison insulted the victim’s daughter before launching the brutal assault which left the older woman unable to speak due to her facial injuries.
    Maddison started out at Newcastle but played most matches for PeterboroughCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Maddison attacked his victim after spending time at The Gate nightclub in DarlingtonCredit: The Gate/Facebook
    The attack happened after the ex-pro – who rose through the youth ranks at Newcastle United – left The Gate nightclub in Darlington in the early hours of September 25 last year.
    Teesside Crown Court has now heard how he got into a row with two women for apparently jumping the queue in a kebab shop close to the nightclub in County Durham.
    Prosecutor Robin Turton told how Maddison threatened: “You come near me and I’m going to pelt these cheesy chips at you.”
    Mr Turton added: “As the defendant threw the chips he fell backwards and he punched the victim with his right clenched fist.
    Read More On Newcastle United
    “There was a steady stream of blood coming from what appeared to be a broken nose. She was unable to speak due to her injuries.
    “The victim was taken to hospital and a CT scan revealed complex midfacial bone fractures.
    “She reported that she continues to suffer numbness to the teeth, diminished sense of taste and smell and is now reluctant to go out on her own.”
    Maddison was arrested and later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
    Most read in Football
    He now faces sentencing on August 8.
    The judge, Mr Recorder Paul Reid, extended his unconditional bail while an updated victim impact statement is prepared and a medical carried out on the victim.
    The 29-year-old midfielder scored 52 goals in more than 200 appearances during a six-year stint at League One side Peterborough United.
    He also played for former Premier League sides Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
    He also won two caps in 2014 for England C, the team representing the country for non-league level footballers.
    Maddison signed for National League North club Darlington in June last year but had his contract ripped up days after the assault.
    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.
    “It would be inappropriate for Darlington FC to comment further at this time.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Maddison took time off from football in March 2001 for mental health reasons, having played ten matches for Bolton on their way to promotion from League Two.
    Speaking a year later, he said: “Things didn’t go well at Bolton and, headspace, I just wasn’t in the right way to play football anymore.” More

  • in

    Adin Ross asks for ‘threesome’ sparring session with Andrew Tate and Jake Paul in Brit influencer’s Romania compound

    STREAMING star Adin Ross has revealed he wants a “threesome” sparring session alongside Andrew Tate and Jake Paul.The three influencers are avid boxers, and it seems Tate’s ongoing criminal charges are not getting in the way of his boxing “career”.
    The odd suggestion was made on a three way stream between the menCredit: Twitter
    Paul and Tate have faced off in the ring beforeCredit: https://twitter.com/jakepaul
    The influencers have collaborated together before, with Paul facing off against Tate in the ring before his arrest last November.
    Ross, who was hit with another Twitch ban earlier this year, suggested in a recent stream between the three men that Jake and Tate should have a sparring match.
    He then said: “You know what? I’ll spar, too, with you guys.
    “F*** it. Jake, let’s just go to Romania. We’ll go fifty-fifty on a jet, we’ll go to Romania, Jake, and we’ll spar.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “We could do a threesome spar. I’m with it.”
    Tate didn’t seem too keen with the phrasing of the “threesome” spar, however, and said: “Why do you make everything sound weird?”
    One Twitter user said: “Why does Jake Paul think anyone wants to pay to watch him spar?”
    Another said: “Giving the people what they want for free!”
    Most read in Boxing
    Ross has faced controversy over his continued support of Tate, as the Romania-based former kick boxer faces house arrest.
    But if Ross’s proposed match goes ahead, it would have to take place in Tate’s Romanian compound, where he remains under house arrest.
    Tate is being held on house arrest in Romania over charges of rape, human trafficking, and organised crime.
    He bragged that he ran a webcam sex girl business which brought in “$600,000 a month” through fleecing lonely men.
    Andrew Tate had his house arrest extended for a further 30 days on Tuesday.
    The disgraced influencer took to Twitter to rant after the decision.
    He wrote: “After 93 days being locked in a Romanian dungeon, I am now entering my 5th month locked in my house.
    “A judge decided this morning that my detention must continue. The war rages on.”
    Under Romanian law, trafficking of adults carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
    Ross himself is aiming to begin a career in boxing, but was trolled online for his fighting style.
    Read More on The Sun
    The video shows Ross punching with poor form and his trainer doing the majority of the work.
    Paul’s boxing career has taken offCredit: Instagram @jakepaul
    Tate remains on house arrest in his Romanian compoundCredit: Alamy
    Adin has received criticism for his continued support of alleged rapist TateCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Benjamin Mendy poses with new shirt as he arrives at Lorient’s training ground after shock transfer to Ligue 1 club

    BENJAMIN MENDY has arrived at FC Lorient’s training ground after his shock transfer to the Ligue 1 club.The former Manchester City defender was pictured posing with the club’s dark orange jersey after taking a medical today.
    Benjamin Mendy has arrived at FC Lorient after his shock transferCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Mendy was pictured posing with the club’s dark orange jerseyCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Mendy has signed a two-year deal with the French club just days after he was cleared of rape and attempted rape.
    “Lorient are happy to announce today the signing on a two-year deal of the French international left-back Benjamin Mendy,” FC Lorient said in a statement.
    The 29-year-old could also return to the UK on August 5 to face AFC Bournemouth in a friendly at the Vitality Stadium.
    Lorient moved to sign the former Monaco and Marseille defender a month ago, according to Le Parisien.
    Read more Sport News
    Mendy was cleared of sex offences last week, ending a three-year court process.
    The player had previously being cleared in January of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault following a six-month trial.
    But jurors in that trial had been unable to reach a verdict on two other counts, triggering the retrial that ended last week.
    Mendy, whose contract with English and European champions Man City expired at the end of June, had denied all the charges against him.
    Most read in Football
    Lorient finished 10th, behind champions Paris Saint-Germain, in Ligue 1 last season.
    His arrival at the club comes almost two years after his last match for City.
    Mendy has signed a two-year deal with the French clubCredit: INSTAGRAM
    His arrival at the club comes almost two years after his last match for CityCredit: INSTAGRAM
    He was cleared of sex offences last week, ending a three-year court processCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Benjamin Mendy in line to immediately return to England and play Premier League club

    BENJAMIN Mendy is set for an immediate return to English football just days after being cleared of rape.The World Cup winner has made a quickfire comeback to the game following his acquittal at Chester Crown Court last Friday.
    French club Lorient announced Benjamin Mendy’s signing this morningCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Mendy was acquitted of rape last week at Chester Crown CourtCredit: AFP
    The French former Manchester City defender has signed for a new club who are about to take on English opponents.
    Mendy, 29, today joined Lorient, who play in France’s top-flight Ligue 1.
    And that move puts him in line to feature in their pre-season friendly next month against a Premier League club.
    Lorient are due to take on Bournemouth at the Dorset side’s Vitality Stadium on August 5.
    Read More On Premier League
    Mendy left Man City by mutual consent last month at the expiration of his contract, having not played for the Premier League and Champions League winners since 2021.
    The footballer was cleared of rape and attempted rape last week.
    He smiled for the camera just hours after a jury cleared him of attempting to rape a woman aged 29 as she showered at his home in October 2018.
    He was also found not guilty of raping a 24-year-old woman in his bedroom at his £4.8million mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire, two years later.
    Most read in Football
    On Friday evening he celebrated his freedom with pals by going out.
    And he turned up at the Pitts complex in Ardwick, Manchester, on Sunday for a kickabout with strangers.
    Mendy had last played for City against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2021 before being suspended by the club later that month when he was arrested.
    Lorient finished 10th in France last season, while Bournemouth came 15th in the Premier League under manager Gary O’Neil – but he was replaced last month by Spain’s Andoni Iraola.
    Mendy’s new team-mates at Lorient include ex-Arsenal and Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone and midfielder Roman Faivre, who is on loan from Bournemouth.
    Mendy, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, will be back in action with LorientCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Mendy last played for former side Manchester City in August 2021Credit: PA
    Mendy’s new side Lorient are scheduled to play at Bournemouth’s Vitality StadiumCredit: PA More

  • in

    Mason Greenwood should QUIT Man Utd to get his career back on track, Wayne Rooney says

    MASON Greenwood should quit Man Utd to get his career back on track, Wayne Rooney says. The striker, 21, has not played since January last year when he was arrested after allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
    Wayne Rooney says Mason Greenwood should walk away from Man Utd to get his football career back on trackCredit: Alamy
    It comes after reports said Greenwood’s football future was in ‘tatters’Credit: AFP
    Greenwood is still suspended by United, despite charges including attempted rape being dropped against him.
    The 21-year-old was recently pictured at a private training session with teammate Anthony Elanga but it was last night revealed there were fears his career was “in tatters”.
    Rooney has now said he thinks Greenwood should walk away from the club to try to salvage his future in football.
    The Manchester United legend, who is in charge of DC United, told The Athletic: “It leaves Mason Greenwood in a position where he is stuck.
    Read more on football
    “So for Mason, it’s a bad position to be in because I’m sure he just wants to play football.
    “But for the club, its image and ensuring they make the right decisions, it’s almost a catch 22.
    “I think the best thing for Mason now is to get out of the club and go and develop somewhere else.”
    Rooney added that he thought the 21-year-old needed to get back on the field as it had been a long time since he played.
    Most read in Football
    He continued: “With everything that has happened and how long the internal investigation has taken, it’s probably got to a place now where Mason just needs to go and play and to try and get his career back on track.
    “It’s a difficult position for Mason but for the club as well. You have to make sure you get to the right decision before moving forward and it looks like they’re really struggling to get to that place.”
    It was last night revealed by The Athletic that Greenwood is not in the squad for the club’s pre-season tour.
    It came after Greenwood was reportedly being used as a pawn by Man United to net a striker rumoured to be worth £50m.
    Serie A club Atalanta are interested in signing the forward on loan, according to Manchester Evening News.
    Manchester United football director John Murtough has reportedly held talks with the Italian side as part of a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund.
    The Danish striker scored nine goals in 32 games last season and is one of United’s targets this summer.
    The Red Devils believe they can net 20-year-old Hojlund for around £50 million, the Telegraph reported.
    But sources close to Atalanta played down the prospect of a move for Greenwood – with Manchester United not proactively exploring other loan options, The Athletic reports.
    Greenwood has not played since January last year when he was arrested after a woman made allegations against him on social media.
    Read More on The Sun
    He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    The charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service. More

  • in

    Kalvin Phillips reveals why having a dad in and out of prison drove him on to Premier League glory with Man City

    FOOTBALLER KALVIN Phillips has just had the most important year of his career, with a £46million move to Manchester City, playing for England in the World Cup and a treble-winning season.But he knows the odds were stacked against him becoming a superstar due to a poverty-stricken childhood with his dad in prison.
    Kalvin Phillips tells how his upbringing has driven him to strive for successCredit: Getty
    Kalvin’s dad Mark has been in and out of prison throughout his life and is currently serving a 12-year sentenceCredit: Prime Video / NEO Studios
    A new Amazon Prime documentary will see Kalvin talk about growing up on a deprived council estateCredit: Instagram
    Mark Phillips, who has been in and out of jail throughout Kalvin’s life for offences involving violence and drugs, is currently serving a 12-year sentence.
    He has missed his son’s meteoric rise from teen academy player to Premier League and England glory.
    Now the former Leeds midfielder has revealed in new Amazon Prime documentary Kalvin Phillips: The Road To City how life on a deprived estate as the eldest of four kids made him determined to succeed.
    Kalvin, 27, says: “My drive is probably from not having a father figure there.
    READ MORE ON MAN CITY
    “I’ve always wanted to make my mum proud.
    “Dad was in and out of prison.
    “It affected our relationship because we didn’t see him all the time.
    ‘I want to have a better relationship with him’
    “When he went away we knew he wasn’t coming back for a while, which was the worst thing.”
    Most read in Football
    Kalvin was born a triplet, although one of the two girls died.
    A 40ft mural of Kalvin appeared in Leeds city centre in 2020Credit: PA
    After his transfer to Man City, Kalvin moved into a plush penthouse apartment with childhood sweetheart Ashleigh BehanCredit: Instagram
    Kalvin speaks about how his dad missed his meteoric rise to Premier League and England gloryCredit: Getty
    Mum Lindsay Crosby, who went on to have another daughter and a younger son, held down two jobs to make ends meet.
    She worked in a cash-and-carry from 9am to 3pm, going home to cook dinner for the four children, then putting in a shift at a pizza takeaway from 7pm to midnight.
    Lindsay also did her best to protect the children from the truth about their dad.
    In the documentary, she explains: “I tried to hide a lot of things from the kids because I didn’t want them to think that this was OK.
    “I used to say he’d gone to work because I didn’t want them to think it was normal to behave like that.”
    The footballer visits the house in Armley, Leeds, where he lived until he was 21, and the pitch where he played for his first team, Wortley, from the age of eight until he was signed to Leeds Academy at 14.
    Best pal Liam Duggan recalls Kalvin’s dad supporting his team between stretches inside.
    He says: “He’d be on the touchline, smoking weed and shouting different things.
    “Kalvin respected his dad a lot.
    “He was the alpha figure and when he wasn’t there, Kalvin took that kind of role.”
    Kalvin rose through the academy ranks and was signed to Leeds United at 19, making his professional debut in 2015 and going on to become one of the club’s most accomplished players.
    In 2020, a 40ft mural of the player, painted by street artist Akse P19, appeared in Leeds city centre.
    “It’s emotional seeing that big mural of his face as you drive through town,” says sister Jade Charlton.
    “It’s crazy. It fills me with pride.”
    While in jail, Mark followed his son’s career with pride and the pair spoke over the phone every couple of weeks.
    Kalvin recalled in an interview with The Times in 2020: “He rang me a couple of weeks after we’d been promoted and said, ‘Listen to this’.
    “All the people who were waiting for a phone call in prison were there, all singing (Leeds anthem) Marching On Together, banging on the walls. It was mad.”
    But as Kalvin honed his footballing skills, he did not reveal to his team-mates that his dad was locked up in Wealstun Prison, just yards from the Leeds training ground.
    Revealing he hasn’t seen his father for seven years, he said: “It was strange, because every time I drove past it I would think about him.
    “When I was young I didn’t want to talk about it but now it’s like, ‘Yeah, my dad’s in prison’. It’s not that big a deal.”
    After his transfer to Manchester City, Kalvin moved in to a plush penthouse apartment overlooking the club’s Etihad Stadium with childhood sweetheart Ashleigh Behan.
    He says in the documentary: “I never thought I’d be so lucky as to live in a house like this, especially if you compare them to where I lived when I was younger.”
    But the programme shows how he dislocates his shoulder 30 minutes into his first game for City — and during his seven-week recovery, thoughts turn to his dad.
    He says: “He’s been in for so long.
    “I don’t want him to think he’s got nowt when he comes out, when obviously we’ve done so well and I’ve done so well.
    “When my dad comes out I just want to try and have a better relationship with him so he doesn’t feel like he’s missed out.”
    Kalvin reveals his guilt at not visiting Mark in prison for seven years.
    He says: “I could have done more to see my dad but I’m very busy and, to be fair, he has said he doesn’t like us to visit him because he doesn’t like us to see him in prison and he doesn’t want us to be in the environment.
    ‘My nan is the only reason why I’m here’
    “Obviously he’s made some wrong decisions but I don’t judge him for them because I’ve heard about the upbringing he had, and it was tough.
    “When he was younger my dad was racially abused all the time — he’s told me that himself.”
    Kalvin also talks about his beloved ‘Granny Val’ who helped raise him and his three siblingsCredit: Instagram
    The £8million-a-year Manchester City star also visits the grave of his beloved “Granny Val”, who helped raise him and his three siblings.
    She died two years ago from Covid and the family were not allowed to visit her in hospital in person because of lockdown, though they made video calls.
    Kalvin says: “I miss my nan every day.
    “I owe Granny Val probably everything that I’ve got right now.
    “I remember her being in hospital and struggling to breathe and we were saying, ‘we love you’.
    “Everyone was very emotional on that call.
    “We knew that was the last time we’d see our gran’s face.
    “If I could give away all my money to spend another hour with her, I would do that.
    “She’s the only reason why I’m here.”
    Throughout the hour-long special, filmed over a year, Kalvin comes across as down-to-earth as he chats to fans and poses with them for selfies outside the Etihad Stadium.
    He says: “I was a very shy kid but if I asked anyone for an autograph, even if they said no, I was starstruck.
    “So if anyone asks me I will go out of my way to sign an autograph or pose for a photo because I remember what it was like to be that kid.”
    In a telling moment, Kalvin returns to his home turf of Elland Road in Leeds, shortly after being labelled “overweight” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and left out of December’s Carabao Cup game against Liverpool.
    He is taunted by fans chanting: “You’re too fat to play for Leeds.”
    But while many Premier League players might have reacted badly to the slur, cheeky Kalvin smiles and applauds the crowd for their jibes.
    Childhood friend Liam insists fame and fortune have not turned his head.
    He says: “Kalvin’s got amazing talent and he’s come from nothing.
    “He’s worked for what he’s got and he’s never changed.
    “That’s a great example for kids that are wanting to follow in his footsteps.”
    After a rocky start at City, rumours are rife that he could be moving on again before next season, possibly to replace Declan Rice following his move from West Ham to Arsenal.
    Yet wherever he is playing in two years’ time, he’ll be looking out for a very special spectator in the crowd.
    The documentary culminates with Kalvin visiting his dad in prison for the first time in seven years — and he is keen to make up for lost time when Mark is released.
    Kalvin says: “He’s only got two more years in the prison and he’s told me exactly what he wants to do when he gets out, which is to come and watch football, and that’s one thing I can help him do.
    Read More on The Sun
    “It will be nice because I’ve not had him there for such a long time.”

    Kalvin Phillips: The Road To City is available on Amazon Prime from tomorrow More

  • in

    Prosecutors reveal why Ryan Giggs’ domestic abuse charges have been dropped – and ex-footballer WON’T face second trial

    PROSECUTORS have revealed why Ryan Giggs’ domestic abuse charges have today been dropped. It was this morning revealed that the ex-footballer, 49, won’t face a second trial for allegedly attacking his former partner Kate Greville.
    A prosecutor has revealed why charges against Ryan Giggs have today been droppedCredit: Reuters
    The former Man Utd ace was accused of assaulting the 36-year-old at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
    He was also charged with attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
    The Crown Prosecution Service today revealed it had abandoned the charges ahead of a retrial set to kick off in coming weeks.
    Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court they were formally offering no evidence.
    Read more on Football
    The barrister said Kate had “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence in a re-trial as giving evidence in the first trial had “taken its toll” on her and her sister Emma.
    Mr Wright told the court: “This is not a decision taken lightly.”
    He explained there was no realistic prospect of a conviction on the count of coercive control, telling the court it was no longer in the public interest to proceed to prosecute on the other charges of assault.
    The prosecutor added: “That being the case, we formally offer no evidence on counts one, two and three.”
    Most read in Football
    Judge Hilary Manley then told the court: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of those counts.”
    Speaking after the decision, Giggs’ lawyer said he was “deeply relieved” after “fighting throughout” for three years to clear his name.
    Chris Daw KC said: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name.
    “He will now seek to rebuild his life as an innocent man.”
    Last August jurors failed to reach a verdict following a three-week trial, with a re-trial scheduled to begin on July 31.
    In the wake of the allegations last year Giggs stepped down as manager of the Wales international team.
    The ex-footballer, who won 64 caps for his country, had been on leave from his post since November 2020.
    Giggs had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
    He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
    Kate met Giggs when she was working on PR for his Hotel Football business venture, opposite Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
    In April 2018 she was appointed head of PR and communications for GG Hospitality, the hospitality management firm co-owned by Giggs and former United team-mate Gary Neville.
    She was involved in the launch of their Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre before she took up a new PR consultancy post last July with a former employer.
    Read More on The Sun
    Giggs denied causing her actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.
    He also pleaded not guilty to the common assault by beating of Emma Greville. More

  • in

    Benjamin Mendy turns up at local kick-about after being cleared of rape – in Man City’s sky blue colours

    BENJAMIN Mendy has turned up to a local kick-about after being cleared of rape – in Manchester City’s sky blue colours. The French World Cup winner has wasted no time getting back on the pitch after he was cleared of rape and attempted rape by a jury at Chester crown court on Friday. 
    Benjamin Mendy has been spotted joining a kickaboutCredit: Twitter
    He was wearing Manchester City sky blueCredit: Twitter
    Mendy last played for City in 2021Credit: PA:Press Association
    Mendy, 28, celebrated with pals on Friday evening by going out. 
    And on Sunday he turned up at the Pitts complex in Ardwick, Manchester, for a kickabout with strangers. 
    An onlooker said: “Mendy turned up and asked some lads if he could join in.
    “They couldn’t believe it – getting to play against a Premier League star and a World Cup winner. 
    Read More Football
    “He had a laugh and just enjoyed himself and was happy to shake everyone’s hand at the end and sign autographs.”
    City signed Mendy for £52 million from Monaco in 2017 on a £100,000-a-week six-year deal. 
    But they released him at the end of June, leaving him without a club. 
    The defender is hoping to restart his career in Europe but could move to Saudi Arabia to rebuild his finances. 
    Most read in Football
    He was forced to close down his company BM Sport Consulting after being chased by the taxman for unpaid debts and is fighting off bankruptcy. 
    On Friday he celebrated his freedom after a jury cleared him of being an alleged sexual predator by partying with pals in a nightclub. 
    He smiled for the camera just hours after a jury cleared him of attempting to rape a woman aged 29 as she showered at his home in October 2018. 
    He was also found not guilty of raping a 24-year-old woman in his bedroom at his £4.8m mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire, two years later. 
    A pal of Mendy’s posted video of the French World Cup winner wearing a traditional thobe at his home before posting another video which showed the defender in a black T-shirt smiling as dance music played in the background. 
    Mendy – who kept fit at a gym in Wilmslow, Cheshire, during his trial – broke down in tears in the dock at Chester crown court as he was cleared and later said he was “delighted” with the not guilty verdicts. 
    He last played for City in August 2021.
    The footballer took a huge financial hit after being charged in 2021, with City stopping his salary the following month.
    Read More on The Sun
    He had already pocketed £5million but his fast-spending lifestyle quickly caught up with him.
    He also lost heavily in sales of six-bed mansion The Spinney in Prestbury, Cheshire, motors including a Lamborghini and expensive watches.
    Mendy has been cleared of rape More