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      in Soccer

      I was one of the UK’s most feared football hooligans… but now I’m a movie producer and worked with an Oscar winner

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      A FORMER football hooligan has revealed his radical life change from prison time to movie production and working with an Oscar winner.Cass Pennant, 65, ran one of the most feared firms in the country before a spell in prison prompted him to turn his life around.
      Cass Pennant co-founded and led the Inter City Firm, which terrorised West Ham matches across two decadesCredit: Getty
      He has turned his life around, after a couple of spells in jail, to become a film producer who has worked with an Oscar winnerCredit: Getty
      Cass, born Carol Pennant in Doncaster, Yorkshire, endured a tough childhood after being abandoned by his parents and fostered by a couple in London.
      He has said that he was “bullied from day one” as he was the only black kid in his area, forcing him to grow up tough.
      The 6ft 4in man mountain, whose nickname was inspired by Muhammad Ali’s real name Cassius Clay, co-founded the Inter City Firm (ICF), the hooligan group associated with West Ham United throughout the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.
      His love for the club was sparked as a youngster when a neighbour with a season ticket invited him to a game.
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      The gang terrorised Upton Park across two decades, being involved in countless battles with other major firms.
      As dramatised in the 2007 film Rise of the Footsoldier, the ICF were known to leave calling cards on their victims’ battered bodies reading: “Congratulations, you have just met the ICF”.
      Cass went through two stints in jail, both for hooliganism-related offences, and was even shot three times amid a feud with a rival gang.
      It was during his time inside that he decided to get his life back on the rails, and he retired from terrace violence in 2002 and penned an autobiography.
      Most read in Football
      At the very start of the book he wrote: “I’ve been involved in more violence than most people will experience in a hundred lifetimes.
      “My favourite weapons were my fists, the axe and Uncle Stan – my trusty Stanley knife.”
      This prompted a series of books documenting life as a hardcore hooligan, as well as an appearance on Danny Dyer’s Bravo doc Real Football Factories.
      The 2008 film ‘Cass’ told the story of his life, and even saw future Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya play a teenage Cass, while the man himself made a cameo as a bouncer.
      Cass has since gone on to work in the film industry as a producer and actor, as well as visiting schools and prisons to help prevent young people getting involved in violent crime.
      In 2015, he told The Evening Standard: “Everyone has more than one path in their life.
      “I am proof that you can turn your life around.
      “I never preach or tell people not to do certain things – it doesn’t work. I just tell them my story and how I tried to make sense of my life through writing books in prison and how that then led to where I am now. I want to open doors for them and open their eyes.”
      Cass has previously cited lifelong Hammers fan and British film star Ray Winstone as a major influence on him.
      He told Hammers News: “One of the most famous actors I can think of that’s a true Hammer is Ray Winstone. Like most of us, I’m a big fan of all his work and always thought he would have been a great fit for the Cass film.”
      The pair even met several times to discuss a role for Winstone, but his other acting commitments meant he wasn’t able to join the cast.
      Cass added: “He was only interested in helping a fellow Hammer who was now making headlines for all the right reasons.
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      “His advice was extremely helpful as I made the transition from the book to the film industry – thanks Raymondo!”
      The former hooligan is also longtime friends with boxer Frank Bruno after both being involved in a brawl against a pair of skinheads by chance.
      The ICF were known for their clashes with rival fans at Upton ParkCredit: Handout More

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      in Motorsport

      Four arrested over Charles Leclerc’s stolen £265,000 Richard Mille watch as police release footage from robbery

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      ITALIAN police have made four arrests over Charles Leclerc’s stolen £265,000 watch.The Ferrari driver’s Richard Mille timepiece was swiped from his wrist in Tuscany last April.
      Police have arrested four people over Charles Leclerc’s watchCredit: Alamy
      Police released a video showing two of the alleged thieves on a motorcycle
      And they are believed to be meeting with another accomplice
      Leclerc and the watch that was apparently stolen
      The police said in a statement that they discovered two “valuable watches, the provenance of which will be investigated further” upon a search of one of the suspect’s homes.
      However, it has not yet been confirmed whether either of the watches belongs to the F1 star.
      Three men and one woman have been arrested.
      The police also released a video showing the alleged thieves on a scooter meeting up with another accomplice.
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      The theft happened as fans noticed Leclerc in the Tuscan city of Viareggio and began gathering to take photos with.
      But the F1 driver, from Monaco, eventually became mobbed while signing autographs for fans and a thief managed to grab his watch.
      Leclerc did not realise his watch had been stolen until later when he reported the incident to the police.
      Richard Mille sponsor the Ferrari driver and is also a popular brand with the other racers.
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      Leclerc will now be hoping his form on the track improves following a poor start to the F1 season.
      The driver was forced to retire in Sunday’s Australian GP after a first lap collision.
      He is currently 10th in the championship and 63 points behind leader Max Verstappen.
      The driver was also recently left fuming after F1 introduced a ban on riding a bike around a track before races.
      He insisted that he would just watch videos of the track instead of walking around it. More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Newcastle United star Jetro Willems ‘shocked’ as cops seize GUNS during raid of house he rents out

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      A FORMER Newcastle United defender has said he is “shocked” after cops seized two guns during a raid at a home he owns.Police arrested two men after the weapons were found in a property rented out by Dutch left wing-back Jetro Willems in the town of Barendrecht in Holland.
      Two people have been arrested at a home owned by former Newcastle defender Jetro WillemsCredit: PA
      But the footballer – who plays for Groningen FC and previously did a stint at Newcastle United – has insisted he knows nothing about the raid as he has not lived in the house for two years.
      Willems, 28, said he previously stayed there with a girlfriend but he left when their relationship ended.
      He said he then rented the home out through a real estate agent and moved to Groningen, reports AD.
      Willems told the outlet he was “naturally shocked”.
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      He added: “But I don’t know anything about it. I haven’t been there for a long time.”
      Cops said a 28-year-old man from Rotterdam and a 22-year-old man from Dordrecht and two firearms were seized.
      A spokesman told AD officers raided the house on Monday morning as part of an ongoing investigation.
      Willems joined Groningen this year after a previous spell as a defender at Newcastle United between 2019 and 2020.
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      He netted his first Premier League goal for the Magpies against Liverpool during their Premier League clash in September 2019.
      The ex-Sparta player then scored again for the side against their 2-2 draw against Manchester City in November of the same year.
      Speaking about the raid, Willems told RTV Noord he found out about it when a journalist contacted him about it.
      He added: “I was just taking a shower here at home in Groningen. 
      “They asked if I knew anything and said that two boys had been arrested, but I couldn’t explain anything. 
      “I asked my parents to take a look and I immediately went to Rotterdam by car myself.” More

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      in Boxing

      I’m scared to go out after being held up at gunpoint for my £72k watch – the attack felt like a lifetime, Amir Khan says

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      AMIR Khan has revealed he’s now scared to go out after being held up at gunpoint for his £72,000 watch. The former world champ, 36, said it “felt like a lifetime” between the moment the gun was first pointed at his head to when he handed over the diamond-encrusted timepiece.
      Amir Khan, pictured with wife Faryal, told of his gun robbery terrorCredit: Doug Seeburg
      The attack, which the boxer said felt like ‘a lifetime’, was snapped on CCTV
      The 36-year-old opened up with Good Morning Britain this morningCredit: GMB
      Amir – an Olympic silver medallist in 2004 – has opened up about the horror, which unfolded almost a year ago to the day.
      Two men admitted involvement in the robbery, on April 18 last year.
      In recent weeks two others were found not guilty of acting as spotters.
      The 36-year-old exclusively spoke to The Sun after the hearing, and this morning sat down for an interview with Good Morning Britain.
      Read more on Amir Khan
      Amir bravely recalled the terrifying night when he handed over his £72,000 watch at gunpoint in London.
      He told Good Morning Britain: “Life just goes past you, you think about your family, your children.
      “It felt like a lifetime but it probably lasted only 10-15 seconds.”
      CCTV snapped the moment the boxer left a restaurant with wife Faryal when a gang pulled up in a Merc, pointed the weapon in his face and demanded his watch.
      Most read in Boxing
      Amir recalled: “I remember looking straight in the barrel when he put it right in front of me. Down the barrel.
      “I thought if he is going to shoot, I need to look away.”
      He revealed he still feels scared today, and has moved his family abroad as elsewhere feels safer than the UK.
      Amir said: “I’m very picky now where I go. I pick and choose what time I go to places and make sure that sometimes I take security with me if I go to a very busy place.
      “But it’s made it a little bit difficult to just travel on my own or with my family to places where I would not normally go.
      “I am a little bit scared now when I go to different places.”
      He said he now always has his wife, and three young children, at the forefront of his mind.
      The boxer continued: “When you have a family, you have children, you start to think differently – you’re doing it for them.
      “I just want to make sure I’m going to be safe. I want to see them grow up.”
      It felt like a lifetime but it probably lasted only 10-15 seconds.Amir Khan
      Speaking of shifting to Dubai, Amir said: “It’s a lot safer for me. Living abroad, being abroad.
      “I just feel a little bit safer bringing my kids up and taking them out there. I don’t have no fear.
      “It did shock me a little bit and put me in a lot of fear. I feel a lot more comfortable when I’m over there. ”
      The 36-year-old still praises his wife, who ran to scream for help during the ordeal.
      He said: “I remember him having the gun on the side of my head, I could feel it and obviously I looked back at my wife.
      “She ran back onto the road, she’s probably the best thing that ever happened. I’m lucky she was there.”
      It comes as Amir was today banned from boxing for two years after testing positive for an illegal substance after his Kell Brook fight.
      Read More on The Sun
      He pocketed a staggering £5million for defeating his rival but it has now emerged he tested positive for ostarine in the aftermath of the defeat.
      Khan has claimed ingestion of the banned substance was not intentional.
      Amir, pictured with his children, said he couldn’t stop thinking of his young children during the horror ordealCredit: Doug Seeburg
      The former world champ handed over his £72,000 watch at gunpoint in LondonCredit: Central News More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool bus damaged on way home from Etihad as Man City slam inappropriate chants from home fans during fiery clash

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      LIVERPOOL’S team bus was allegedly attacked and damaged following their defeat at Manchester City. Liverpool were hammered 4-1 by the Cityzens at The Etihad on Saturday lunchtime.
      Man City have slammed an attack on Liverpool’s team coachCredit: Getty
      An object was thrown and damaged the Reds’ team bus after today’s clash at the EtihadCredit: Reuters
      However, as Jurgen Klopp’s side were travelling home afterwards, their bus was vandalised with the star-studded squad on-board.
      And police are now investigating the shocking incident, which saw a brick thrown and a window cracked, according to The Athletic.
      A statement from City said: “Manchester City FC has been made aware that Liverpool FC’s coach sustained damage on its return journey following today’s game.
      “We understand an object was thrown towards the coach in a residential area.
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      “Incidents of this kind are totally unacceptable, and we strongly condemn the actions of the individual(s) responsible.
      “We will fully support Greater Manchester Police’s investigation into this incident in any way we can.”
      Liverpool have yet to publicly comment on the incident.
      City have also slammed slammed supporters that sang “inappropriate chants” directed at Liverpool fans in the away end.
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      They added: “Additionally, the Club is disappointed to have heard inappropriate chants from home fans during the game today.
      “We regret any offence these chants may have caused and will continue to work with supporter groups and officials from both clubs to eradicate hateful chanting from this fixture.”
      Liverpool have yet to publicly comment on the incident. More

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      in Soccer

      I was the tallest player in the Football League and a star with Birmingham… now I fight crime & gangsters in Canada

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      THE ONCE former tallest player in the Football League now has a very different career fighting gangsters in Canada.The towering 6ft 7in striker became a firm favourite with the likes of Birmingham City and Stockport County back in his heyday.
      This 6ft 7in former Birmingham striker was the tallest player in the Football LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He is now fighting mobsters for the Calgary Police Force
      He is now loving life as part of the Calgary Police Force.
      The man we are talking about is, of course, the legendary Kevin Francis.
      The 55-year-old was plucked from non-league Mile Oak Rovers by Derby County in 1989 but after just 17 appearances he was off to begin his journey into football folklore when joining Stockport County two years later.
      Francis was spotted playing for the Rams’ reserve side by then County manager Danny Bergara, who claimed he instantly wanted to sign him.
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      The big man scored five to help them seal automatic promotion as runners-up in the old Division Four and then hit 26 the following season to help the club reach Wembley twice, although they lost both times.
      But his hot-streak continued the following year with 33 goals as another Wembley appearance came along – but once again it was disappointment in store in the final of the Autoglass Shield.
      Undeterred, he found the net another 30 times the next season, and there was another Wembley defeat, as the big clubs began circling.
      He still managed another 13 goals for Stockport in the 1994/95 season before his hometown team Birmingham City swooped to sign him in January for £800,000.
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      And he could not have gotten off to a better start for the Blues as this time he enjoyed Wembley glory in the Football League Trophy against Carlisle.
      And then he followed that up by helping them finish as champions of Division Two with eight goals.
      He stayed at Birmingham for two more seasons in what is now the Championship but began to struggle with injuries, although he did play a key role in their run to the League Cup semi-finals in 1996.
      Francis left Birmingham in 1998 to join Oxford United, scoring eight in 40 appearances, prior to a brief return to Stockport in 2000.
      But he suffered a broken leg on just his fourth appearance and was released at the end of the season.
      However, despite that sad end to his time with the club, he was still named “County Player of the Century” in 2002.
      Short spells with Exeter City and Hull City followed before he bowed out of the Football League to sign for Hednesford Town which was followed by stints with Redditch United and Studley prior to retirement in 2005.
      Francis also enjoyed a taste of the international scene, winning two caps for Saint Kitts & Nevis after qualifying through his parents.
      The giant Kevin Francis achieved legendary status at Stockport CountyCredit: Getty
      But any thoughts of coaching soon evaporated once he had retired as he embarked on a whole new journey in Canada.
      After briefly coaching Birmingham City Ladies on a part-time basis, he landed a truck-driving job across the pond for a company in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary.
      Francis, wife Sharon and one of his daughters Keisha went with him while his other girl, Stacey, stayed in the UK to focus on her netball career – a decision that paid off for the now 35-year-old England international star who helped Team GB secure bronze at 2010 Commonwealth Games.
      Eventually, with trips sometimes lasting up to ten days on Canada’s hazardous roads, in 2009 he joined the Calgary Police Force after looking for a another new venture.
      He currently serves on the Gang Suppression Team, which is devoted to monitoring and investigating local criminal groups, and it is as terrifying as it sounds – although he is still producing award-winning displays.
      Speaking to The Athletic, Francis said: “There was one incident at a club. 
      “We were about to do a walk-through and, in certain places, we all go in together. Strength in numbers.
      “It was a cold night but we had the windows down and were waiting for one of the other cars to turn up when we heard the gunshots and the range. It’s a very different sound in the night air.
      “We looked at each other and sprang into action. You don’t think about it. Guns out, we ran across the street just as our other unit was coming around the corner.
      “The shooter was outside and his gun must have jammed. One of the doormen grabbed him and wrestled him to the ground.
      “I got a hold of the guy and got the gun from him but there was pandemonium because people were saying another shooter was inside. And the hardest thing for me was staying there on my own and not being able to go in with the rest of the boys to clear the bar.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Because we train as a team, we go in together. Obviously, the guy needed to be subdued and that was my job but it was still tough.
      “We apprehended an accomplice too, who was waiting in a car and ready to drive off. One guy — a completely innocent bystander — got hit inside the bar but survived and we ended up getting a police award for our efforts that night, which was pretty cool.”
      He initially moved to Canada to become a truck driver but joined the police in 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      His daughter Stacey is an England international Netball star who has represented Team GBCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Rangers v Celtic Women’s clash ‘headbutt’ being investigated by police

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      POLICE have opened an investigation into the trouble which flared at the end of last night’s Rangers Women vs Celtic Women clash. Footage appeared to show Hoops head coach Fran Alonso being headbutted by a Rangers assistant coach Craig McPherson at the end of the match, which ended 1-1.
      The footage showed the incident at the end of the match
      A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We have received a report regarding an incident at Broadwood Stadium on the evening of Monday, 27 March, 2023.
      “Enquiries to establish any criminality are at an early stage.”
      Throwing the behaviour of the travelling Celtic fans who showered ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard with missiles as he scored for Liverpool Legends against Celtic Legends in a charity match into the mix, former Rangers boss said it “hasn’t been the greatest couple of days for Rangers and Celtic”.
      McCoist, of course, is no stranger to being at the sharp end of these Old Firm controversies, with his bust-up with Neil Lennon at the end of an Old Firm clash leading to a government summit.

      Asked by co-host TalkSPORT co-host Laura Woods if McPherson’s behaviour was acceptable, he said: “I have only just seen it. It’s really, really poor.
      “With the greatest of respect, it’s not been a great two or three days for Rangers and Celtic, with what happened at the weekend and what happened last night.”
      It looked like Rangers were taking the three points from the fixture after Brogan Hay fired her side ahead in the first half.
      But Celtic star Caitlyn Hayes scored a dramatic equaliser in the NINTH minute of stoppage time to level the scoring and to secure a point for the Hoops.
      Most read in Football
      But what went on between the respective coaches was the post-match talking point.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      in Soccer

      Dani Alves ‘caught signing Brazil shirt behind bars in exchange for cigarettes’ after arrest for ‘nightclub rape’

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      DANI Alves has been caught signing Brazilian football shirts behind bars in exchange for cigarettes, it was alleged.The Brazilian ace has been been in prison since January 20 after he was accused of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub last year.
      Dani Alves is reported to be involved in a cigarette sale scheme in prison
      He is being held in Brians 2 Prison in Catalonia, Spain, after being accused of rapeCredit: Solarpix
      The 39-year-old has now spent more than two months in custody at Brians 2 prison, Spain, where he has struggled in the confines.
      According to Spanish publication El Caso, Alves was involved in a cigarette sale scheme at the penal institution.
      The news agency alleged football shirts were smuggled into the prison by families of the detainees, which were then autographed by the “famous” inmates.
      The signed jerseys are subsequently returned to the original owners in exchange for various products, including cigarettes.
      READ MORE ON DANI ALVES
      A prison official claimed large amounts of Barcelona shirts had arrived into the penitentiary, it was reported.
      Alves has kept a low profile since being behind bars and has even played friendly football matches with inmates.
      However, if the claims of the cigarette scandal were found to be true it could further complicate the footie star’s future.
      According to Brazilian news agency Metropoles, if Alves was proven to benefit from the scheme he could face new accusations from the Spanish court.
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      The new allegations come as the Brazilian defender was locked up in January by a judge investigating claims of an assault at Barcelona’s swanky Sutton venue in the early hours of December 31.
      He initially denied any contact with his accuser, but is said to have changed his story and claimed they had consensual sex.
      He denies wrongdoing.
      The star’s new lawyer reportedly told a Spanish TV journalist his initial version of events was to “protect his wife” and cover up his “infidelity”.
      Top attorney Cristobal Martell – who also represented Lionel Messi in his tax fraud case – filed an appeal against the decision to remand him in custody.
      Alves promised not to leave Spain and to stay 500 metres away from his accuser’s home and work, legal papers show.
      He also offered to report to police daily and wear a tracking device 24 hours a day if he is let out of jail.
      Previously the judge had deemed ex-Barcelona FC star Alves a flight risk.
      And new details of the ruling were revealed by the newspaper El Periodico.
      Magistrate Anna Marín decided there was case to answer after questioning the accuser and suspect at Barcelona’s court number 15 on January 20, it reported.
      According to the paper, she said “there are much more than enough indications” to consider that there was a rape “and that the suspect was the perpetrator of it”.
      The magistrate also stressed the investigation is ongoing and nothing is proved, the paper reported.
      Mr Martell, Alves’ lawyer, slammed the magistrate in his 24-page submission.
      He claimed the investigation by the Mossos d’Esquadra police was “biased” and criticised Judge Marín for accepting it in an “uncritical and careless way”.
      The lawyer also claims CCTV from the club’s VIP room contradicts the alleged victim’s account.
      He said it shows the woman and her friends were in “festive” mood and not “intimidated” and she claimed.
      Read More on The Sun
      The footage allegedly shows Alves leading the woman to the toilets where they spent 16 minutes out of view – not 47 seconds as previously reported on Spanish TV.
      If it goes to trial, Alves could wait more than a year for the case to be heard.
      Alves has reportedly made his prison football debut at Brians 2 PrisonCredit: Solarpix
      Alves is accused of raping a woman at Barcelona’s Sutton nightclub More