More stories

  • in

    Premier League star accused of rape is released under investigation and has bail lifted – as cops continue probe

    A PREMIER League footballer arrested on suspicion of rape has been released under investigation.The footballer was accused of raping three women in separate attacks between April 2021 and July 2022.
    The footballer has been released under investigation
    He has now been released under investigation after his bail was lifted by police.
    The star was due to answer bail this month after the date was pushed back for a third time.
    If a suspect is released under investigation, there is no set date for returning to the police station.
    The footballer, who was taken to the 2022 World Cup, was held last July after police swooped on a home in North London.
    Read more news
    His first alleged victim, in her 20s, claimed she was raped during a break in the Med in June last year.
    She fled the five-star resort she was staying in and flew home to her friends and family, it is said.
    The woman is understood to have spoken to police on her return to the UK and showed photos she claimed highlighted bruising on her body after the alleged attack.
    After his initial arrest he was later re-arrested on suspicion of two more counts from April and June 2021.
    Most read in Football
    The June 2021 allegation was later dropped by police.
    A third woman then came forward with further allegations in February this year, which she said unfolded a year prior.
    The player has not been suspended by his club while the investigation is ongoing.
    The Met Police said: “On 4 July 2022, an allegation of rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to police.
    “It was reported the alleged rape happened in June 2022.
    “While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in April and June of 2021 against a different woman in her 20s.
    “In February 2023, the man was interviewed under caution for a sexual offence alleged to have taken place in February 2022. This relates to a third victim and was reported to police in July 2022.
    “No further action will be taken in relation to the alleged offence in June 2021 because the relevant legislation had not yet come into effect at the time it is said to have occurred.
    Read More on The Sun
    “This has been explained to the complainant who continues to be supported by officers.
    “The man was bailed until August 2023. He was subsequently released under investigation whilst further enquiries are carried out.” More

  • in

    Tributes to Michael Jones, 26, who died in accident working with ‘heavy machinery’ at Everton’s new stadium

    TRIBUTES have been paid to a “beloved” construction worker who died at Everton’s new stadium.Michael Jones is believed to have suffered head injuries on the construction site of Bramley Moore Dock in Liverpool, Merseyside.
    Michael Jones died in the horror yesterdayCredit: Merseyside Police
    He was rushed to hospital following the horror yesterday but sadly couldn’t be saved.
    In a statement released by Merseyside Police today, his loved ones said: “The family would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support.
    “It is with our greatest sadness that our beloved son, brother uncle and friend Michael has sadly passed away.
    “He was a lifelong blue who was so happy to working on the new stadium.
    Read more news
    “We want to thank the NHS staff and work colleagues who did their best for Michael. He will be missed beyond words.”
    Police were scrambled to the scene at Bramley Moore dock at around 1pm yesterday.
    It has been reported “heavy machinery” was involved in the horror.
    The Health and Safety Executive said they are looking into the incident at Everton’s future ground in Vauxhall.
    Most read in Football
    Everton also released a statement yesterday following the tragedy.
    It read: “Everyone at Everton Football Club is heartbroken by the news a male worker has died following an incident at the Everton Stadium site at Bramley-Moore Dock.
    “The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with Everton are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this unimaginably sad time.
    “Stadium Contractor Laing O’Rourke has immediately launched an investigation and will work with the Police and the Health and Safety Executive to establish the full details of the incident.”
    Michael was working at the new stadium when the horror unfoldedCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Major Mason Greenwood update as Man Utd rule out making decision on striker’s return until ‘set date’

    MANCHESTER United have ruled out making a decision on Mason Greenwood’s return to football until a “set date”.The striker, 21, has not played for the club since he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
    Greenwood in action for Man UnitedCredit: Getty
    Greenwood has not played for the club since January last yearCredit: Getty
    He was charged with the offences in October, before the criminal investigation was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.
    Greenwood has been the subject of an internal probe since the charges were dropped.
    Man United had intended to provide an update on his future prior to the start of the season.
    But the Old Trafford club is now not expected to announce a decision until the September international break.
    Read more football
    It is understood the club wishes to explain the findings of its internal investigation to stakeholders, resulting in the delay.
    This is said to include United’s women’s team and its fan advisory board, The Athletic reports.
    It comes after it was reported that United players Mary Earps and midfielders Ella Toone and Katie Zelem, all of whom are currently playing for the Lionesses, will be consulted before a decision is made.
    Club bosses are said to have been involved in conversations with their female first team, Greenwood and his family, the BBC reports.
    Most read in Football
    But the final decision rests with chief executive Richard Arnold, the club insists, and will be made on the facts established by the club’s own probe, rather than opinions.
    The fan advisory board, a group of supporters consulted on major issues involving the club, will similarly be approached for feedback.
    However, communication with the women’s team may prove difficult given the Lionesses so far successful World Cup bid.
    England reached the semi-final stage on Saturday and will play a further two games before returning home.
    The final is scheduled for August 20, should England reach it, while the third-place playoff is a day earlier.
    During the men’s international break, England are scheduled to play Ukraine in Poland on September 9 before travelling to play Scotland at Hampden Park three days later.
    United last week released provisional squad numbers for the new season – with Greenwood omitted.
    Last season he wore No11 on his back – but that number as well as the player himself did not appear on the list.
    And last week The Sun revealed snaps 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.
    Read More on The Sun
    United fans will tonight protest against his return to action as they host Wolves in their Premier League opener.
    One group, called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return, issued a full statement on the matter earlier this week
    Greenwood dribbles with the ball during a game against West Ham in January last yearCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd fans to protest against Mason Greenwood’s potential return during first match of season today

    MANCHESTER United fans will tonight protest against Mason Greenwood’s potential return before the team’s first home game.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.
    A group of Manchester United fans are planning a protest against a potential Mason Greenwood return
    His fate at the club remains uncertain
    He has not played for United since he was arrested over the allegations in January last year.
    But fuming fans are set to protest at tonight’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Wolverhampton.
    One group, called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return, issued a full statement on the matter earlier this week.
    The recently-founded group wrote: “We are calling on the club to do the right thing. For their fans, for their employees, for the millions of young boys and girls across the world who look up to our players as heroes and role models, and the millions of women whose lives have been blighted by violence and abuse.
    “To the decision-makers at the club, remember; this goes beyond football. This decision is a reflection of you, your morals; of who you are as individuals, and as humans. 
    “Will you stand with abusers, or with the abused? History will judge your choices. Make sure you choose well.”
    They concluded by saying: “We female fans of Man United are demanding that the club abide by their duty of care towards their female fans and employees and demonstrate a zero tolerance approach towards acts of violence against women by refusing to bring Mason Greenwood back into the squad.”
    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.
    Most read in Football
    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.
    He was seen training in a park last week More

  • in

    France international Wissam Ben Yedder charged with rape after two women ‘sexually assaulted after night out’

    A FRANCE international has been charged with rape after two women were allegedly sexually assaulted on a night out. AS Monaco forward Wissam Ben Yedder and his brother are both facing a probe by prosecutors in the French city of Nice.
    Wissam Ben Yedder has made 19 caps for France – with his last being in 2022Credit: Getty
    Both men are charged with “rape, attempted rape and sexual assault” over alleged acts committed on the Cote d’Azur last month, officials said on Friday.
    Ben Yedder has been placed under judicial supervision and had to pay bail of 900,000 euros (£776,000).
    In July, public prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme confirmed “the existence of two allegations of rape, from two victims, targeting two people”.
    According to radio station France Info, two women, aged 19 and 20, accused Ben Yedder and his younger brother, of having “forced them into sexual acts” after a night out.

    Ben Yedder’s brother has also been indicted on the same charges.
    The 32-year-old Wissam Ben Yedder has won 19 caps for France but last played international football in June 2022.
    He was named for on the standby list for France’s world cup winning squad in 2018.
    Ben Yedder, who previously played for Toulouse and Sevilla, has scored 98 goals for Monaco since joining the principality club in 2019.
    Most read in Football
    He was sold to the club from Sevilla for nearly £35million.
    And he was the joint Ligue 1 top scorer on his first season back alongside PSG’s Kylian Mbappe as he found the net 18 times.
    The player was present at training with Monaco on Friday ahead of their Ligue 1 season opener against Clermont on Sunday.
    AS Monaco star Ben Yedder has been charged with rapeCredit: AFP
    He was the Ligue 1 joint top scorer in 2019Credit: Reuters More

  • in

    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.
    Read more on football More

  • in

    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.
    Read more on football
    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.
    Most read in 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.
    “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

  • in

    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.
    Read more on sport
    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.
    Most read in Football
    “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.
    Read More on The Sun
    “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