More stories

  • in

    Chelsea star arrives at court accused of racially abusing police officer in row over taxi fare

    CHELSEA star Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of racially abusing a police officer in a row over a taxi fare.The 31-year-old allegedly lashed out at the cop in Twickenham, South West London, in January 2023.Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of a racially aggravated offenceCredit: Twitter/@hansinclair9The Chelsea star allegedly abused a police officerCredit: AlamyKerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, was seen arriving at Kingston Crown Court today for a hearing.The Australia international has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment and is due to stand trial next month.Scotland Yard previously said: “Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.“The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.Most read in FootballShe has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie Mewis with the couple getting engaged last year.They announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The Australia captain is currently sidelined due to injuryCredit: GettyKerr is engaged to fellow footballer Kristie MewisThe couple announced they are expecting a baby More

  • in

    I was Man City prospect who fell into booze and drugs, was stabbed twice and jailed… now I’m earning coaching badges

    FORMER Manchester City prospect Daniel Warrender has opened up about being jailed and stabbed twice after falling into booze and drugs.Manchester-born Warrender has since turned his life around and is working hard to earn a Uefa B coaching badge.Former Man City prospect Daniel Warrender has bravely opened up how he turned his life aroundWarrender came through the ranks at Man City before turning professional in 2005The later stages of Warrender’s non-league career was derailed by prisonWarrender bravely opened up about overcoming past struggles on the ‘I Had Trials Once Podcast’.The former Man City youth star was first stabbed outside a city centre nightclub following a Manchester derby match in 2010.Warrender’s wound was reportedly minor, but doctors informed him that the shock of the incident had brought on a heart problem.And the ex-defender unfortunately went on to land himself in a world of trouble with the law a year later in 2011.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWarrender was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2013 after punching a man in a nightclub bust-up.According to court reports at the time, he left the victim scarred after he fell over on to a broken pint glass.The shards tore a 3.5cm wound down the man’s right cheek, and made several other cuts on his face, nose and arm, a court heard.The judge noted that Warrender was usually a “decent, hard working man” but had drunk “a skin-full” of alcohol before the attack in Stockport. Most read in FootballJustice Bernard Lever told him that his single blow had “absolutely tragic consequences” for both men, according to the Manchester Evening News.And that it did, as Warrender, who was playing football for non-league side Ramsbottom United at the time, found himself behind bars.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferWarrender said: “I’ve been at Manchester City, decent little prospect whatever.”And then within two years I was in prison for various violent offences and drugs and drink, whatever, you name it, I’ve done it. “I was stabbed on two different occasions and hospitalised a total of nine times.”But that was normal life to me. But now I’m on the Uefa B course. I’ve got two beautiful kids. One of them is a superstar at City.”Warrender’s son George is currently playing for Man City’s Under-11 youth side.Fans have dubbed the youngster a “mini Phil Foden” for his skill – but also because of his uncanny resemblance to the England superstar. Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Senior Cup in 2005Warrender’s son is coming through the ranks at his dad’s former sideAnd tearful Warrender added: “I’ve got my own coaching pitch, which I own outright…sorry I’m going again. I told you I cry all the time.”But now, honestly, when kids give me a thank you and that, I’m in the house with my missus crying. But I love it.”The now 38-year-old was brutally attacked for the second time on New Year’s Eve in 2017. His brother David Warrender, a convicted drug dealer, was said to be in control of the bar.But it was substantially worse on this occasion as Warrender was stabbed several times and suffered a punctured lung and kidney.Warrender was part of the squad who beat Manchester United’s youth in the Manchester Senior Cup in 2005.He was shipped out on loan to Blackpool a few months later, before he joined the League One side permanently in 2006.But his time at The Tangerines was cut short when he moved down into the non-league game with Rossendale United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then spent time in the USA with San Francisco Seals before returning to the UK with FC United of Manchester. Warrender was shipped back and forth between Ramsbottom and FC United before and after his time in prison.Who are these famous footballers? More

  • in

    Sick world of ‘football trafficking’ where desperate kids are shipped to UK like Man United star… then sold into sex

    SMILING for the cameras, Amad Diallo looked delighted this week as he signed a stunning new deal with Manchester United.The dazzling prodigy – originally from the Ivory Coast – has fulfilled the dream of so many African youngsters of a lucrative career at one of the world’s richest clubs.Amad Diallo is now Manchester United’s biggest rising star after being trafficked to Europe aged just 12Credit: GettyThe football ace at Boca Barco in ItalyCredit: Boca BarcoThousands of African youngsters share the same dream, only to find they have been sold a lie by sick traffickersCredit: GettyIt’s a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the gifted youngster whose footballing journey began with him being trafficked to Europe as a 12-year-old.His dramatic equalising goal against arch-rivals Liverpool last Sunday follows his brilliantly executed volley to seal victory in the Manchester derby.His story will now be one of riches and, if he can help revive slumbering giant United, glory too.Yet, for thousands of other African youngsters, the promises of trials at clubs like United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain made by shysters claiming to be agents are a sick con.READ MORE FEATURESThese ‘agents’ demand thousands in upfront payments which often amount to the life-savings of a player’s family.The trials never materialise. The ‘agents’ disappear with the cash and the teenagers are abandoned, leaving them at risk of being sexually exploited or left destitute.A few years ago a young lad turned up at the reception at Tottenham’s old White Hart Lane ground saying he’d come from overseas for his trial with the club.The youngster had been conned, there was no trial. Spurs’ safeguarding procedures kicked in and the police and local authorities were contacted.Most read in FootballCharity Foot Solidaire has estimated that as many as 15,000 teenage footballers are shipped out of West African countries every year under false pretences.Former Watford midfielder Al Bangura has told how attempts were made to force him into the sex trade after he was trafficked into the UK.Amad runs the show again but Rashford is lucky to stay on the pitch and Onana has night to forgetFleeing his native Sierra Leone after elders tried to make him follow in the footsteps of his late father and become the leader of a voodoo cult, he made for neighbouring Guinea aged just 14.There a Frenchman promised to help him secure his dream of bringing him to the UK to become a Premier League footballer.Bangura revealed: “I didn’t know he had another different intention – to get me into the sex trade.”On arriving in the UK, he says he was taken to premises where he met men who hadn’t come to discuss his football career. “All of a sudden I saw two or three guys come around me, trying to rape me and make me do stuff,” he remembered.”Because I was young and I was small, I just started screaming. They probably thought I knew what I was there for – obviously I know what I came over here for, I was here to play football.”I was just crying and proper screaming and I tried to make my way out – I was cold, I was crying, I was shaking, I didn’t know what to do, I was all over the place.”I made my way outside. I didn’t know where to start, I thought it was the end of my life.”Al Bangura opened up about how he was almost led into the sex tradeCredit: GettyWatford fans protest over a Home Office ruling that Bangura should return to Sierra Leone in 2007. The ruling was eventually overturnedCredit: Getty Images – GettyBangura managed to escape and seek asylum. He was spotted by a talent scout and joined Watford when he was 16 and later awarded a work permit based on his footballing abilities.The youngster played for the Hornets in the Premier League and also played for Brighton, Blackpool, Forest Green Rovers and Coventry City.Bangura, now 36, has worked with the Premier League and charities to raise awareness on trafficking.”I think there’s loads of vulnerable kids in Africa who want to achieve what I’ve achieved in my life,” he said.”There’s loads of kids who might not even tell their parents, or their parents might use their last money to make sure they come over here to play football and they end up doing something else.”It’s important for me, having been through what I’ve been through in my life, for me to say I’ve been through that, I’ve survived, but what about the young kids coming up, will they survive?“Are they going to be able to cope with that? So we really need to find a way to stop all of that.”It’s quite emotional to talk about it now, I’m happy I’ve got over it, but it’s sad for me.”Crooked agents Dr Serhat Yilmaz – a Lecturer in Sports Law at Loughborough University – describes football trafficking of children as “a dark form of modern slavery”.Ramshackle football academies have sprung up on dustbowl pitches across West Africa with youngsters chasing the dream of a lucrative contract with a top European team.Crooked agents wheedle cash out of families after promising child players a trial at a footballing giant.Instead many are abandoned or enslaved on reaching Britain and other leading footballing nations.An investigator with the Spanish National Police says the number of trafficking cases is “sharply increasing” there.One youngster, 17-year-old Tidiane, originally from Conakry, Guinea, believed his dream of playing professional football in Spain had come true.Scouted while playing in his homeland, his family raised cash to pay a smuggler who promised a place in a Barcelona academy.“I was brought to Spain in March 2023 with documents saying that I had come on a school exchange trip, along with several other Guineans my age,” he revealed.The youngsters were told that they would be supported by an academy while continuing to go to school.Football trafficking is ‘a dark form of modern slavery’, says an expertCredit: GettyTidiane added: “After 15 days, we still hadn’t started school or football training.“They didn’t tell us anything, and after a month and a half, we were asked to pay again, even though it hadn’t been planned.“We were lost, so we fled late one night while everyone was sleeping.”With no money and his ID card confiscated by his smuggler, Tidiane was reduced to scavenging for food and sleeping in parks for five months.In October 2023, he was rescued by the Caritas charity who are helping him restart his schooling.The teenager said: “My story is far too common in Spain, many of us end up in the clutches of ill-intentioned people who take advantage of youth and their dreams.”International governing body FIFA’s Article 19 – written in 2003 – forbids clubs from signing international players below the age of 18.Since then, amid football’s scramble for new young talent, agents, players and clubs have been trying to break it.Article 19 has a clause allowing a club to sign a player under the age of 18 if it can be proved the child’s family was moving to that country for “reasons other than football”.It means job opportunities for the child’s parents can suddenly emerge in the city of the club that is interested in signing the youngster.Diallo’s journeyManchester United star Amad Diallo managed to leave his Ivory Coast homeland and, aged 12, and join an Italian club.His footballing journey – well before arriving at Old Trafford – left him a pawn in the sometimes murky world of signing young African talent.Born in Abidjan, the Ivory Coast’s capital in 2002, his precocious talent suggested he had the ability to follow countrymen Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Gervinho to stardom in Europe.In 2014, the youngster – then known as Amad Diallo Traore – joined minnows ASD Boca Barco not far from Parma. His brother Hamed Junior Traore, also a gifted footballer, would join him.The pair were able to make a new life in Italy under the family reunification system as their parents were Italian residents.My story is far too common in Spain, many of us end up in the clutches of ill-intentioned people who take advantage of youth and their dreams.TidaneYouth coach Denis Cerlini would later tell the BBC: “We didn’t discover Amad, but rather he just came to us. It was a great stroke of luck.”The brilliant youngster and his brother were noticed by Giovanni Galli, the ex AC Milan goalkeeper who played for Italy at the 1986 World Cup, who was working for an Italian third division club.Galli invited the brothers for a trial, remembering: “I quickly saw they were simply too good for us. Amad played with bigger boys and drove them insane with his dribbling.”Instead, Galli tipped off Serie A club Atalanta who signed Diallo in 2015. His brother signed for Empoli.Then in 2017 agent and talent scout Giovanni Damiano Drago was arrested as part of Operation Baby Elephant, an investigation into the trafficking of footballers.In a plea bargain, Drago gave information to police about the immigration status of Diallo and other young players. It left the scout with a suspended sentence of one year and 10 months.Former AC Milan icon Giovanni Galli noticed Amad and his brotherCredit: GettyA young Amad poses with former Manchester United star Paul PogbaFive people were arrested, accused of smuggling Diallo, his brother and three other young footballers into Italy.DNA tests by investigators proved Diallo and his ‘brother’ – now on Bournemouth’s books – were not related to the purported parents. It was all an elaborate sham.Incredibly, the scam led to Diallo – who was a child when he was trafficked – being fined £42,000 by the Italia FA. Hamed Junior Traore received a fine for the same amount.Diallo dropped his fake surname Traore on his 18th birthday.Dreams & nightmaresIn January 2021 Diallo joined Manchester United for £18.7million from Atalanta. He has been described as the “jewel in the crown” of new manager Ruben Amorim’s team.In West Africa, thousands of young footballers will be admiring the now 22-year-old’s progress, dreaming of their own lucrative career.Some, desperate for the riches European football can offer, take matters into their own hands.On the migration routes along the Mediterranean coast and in the camps of Calais and Dunkirk I’ve met many aspiring young footballers trying to make it to the UK by flimsy boat.Dr Ini-Obong Nkang, 32,  author of the book Football Trafficking: A Legal Analysis of the Trade of African Minors – says the key to preventing trafficking is to boost African leagues.Dr Nkang told The Sun: “Dig deep, and you’ll find South African players aren’t being trafficked because South Africa has the most developed league on the continent.“They can see for themselves that, ‘OK, if I stay here and join an academy, I can still make a future for myself’.“In West Africa – where the bulk of trafficked players come from, the leagues are not up to scratch. That has to change.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDiallo’s goals against Liverpool and Manchester City made him the toast of Old Trafford.For other African youngsters dreaming of football’s wealth and glory, their journey to Europe at the hands of traffickers brings only misery.Amad has been described as the “jewel in the crown” of new manager Ruben Amorim’s teamCredit: GettyHe joined Manchester United for £18.7m from Atalanta in 2018Credit: EPA More

  • in

    Woman who made sex tape allegations against arrested Premier League star says ‘he treated me like dirt’

    A WOMAN who made sex tape allegations against an arrested Premier League footballer said: “He treated me like dirt.”In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, she claimed he gave her booze at his home, had consensual sex with her — but kept texting during intercourse.Woman reveals how Prem ace kept texting during intercourseSex tape allegations have been made against an arrested Premier League footballerCredit: GettyThe Premier League ace was questioned by detectives while two of his mobile phones were examined by officersCredit: GettyThe football ace was arrested on suspicion of voyeurism in front of his team-mates at his club’s training ground last week.He was questioned by detectives while two of his mobile phones were examined by officers.But he was released without further action.The young woman said the millionaire ace invited her to his mansion after hooking up with her on social media and paid for an Uber taxi to pick her up from her home.READ MORE ON PREM STARSThe woman, who asked not to be named, said: “He didn’t drink himself, but kept ­pouring me large glasses of vodka and lemonade.“And after a while he said, ‘Let me give you a tour of my house’.“When we got to his bedroom, he just stripped off.“We had sex together but he was texting on his phone and then he started speaking to someone on it.Most read in Football“I was upset and angry at his disrespect and rudeness.“I felt he treated me like dirt. I felt violated and humiliated by his actions.“He needs to have respect for women. No one should treat women like that.”The player unfollowed her on social media afterwards.The Sun reported yesterday of his arrest on the training pitch.Shocked team-mates looked on as the international star was led away at 11am for six hours of questioning.Sources said the players thought it was a prank.A police spokesman said: “A man in his 20s was arrested at an address on suspicion of voyeurism.“It was determined no further action would be taken due to insufficient evidence.” More

  • in

    Prem ace arrested on pitch in front of shocked teammates on suspicion of making sex tape without consent

    A PREMIER League footballer was arrested on his training pitch on suspicion of making a sex tape without consent.Shocked teammates looked on as the international star was led away at 11am for six hours of questioning.A Prem ace was dramatically nicked at his training groundCredit: GettyThe star was escorted from the pitch as they trained for this weekend’s FA Cup third round clashCredit: GettyCops later released the player with no further action due to insufficient evidenceCredit: GettyTwo phones were seized by cops, who examined them for footage and video recordings.Premier League stars thought it was a prank when their teammate was arrested on the pitch.A source said: “A lot of stars initially thought it was a prank when two uniformed officers strode on to the pitches during training. Everyone was in disbelief.“Players were open-mouthed. No one was sure what was going on.”Read more Sports NewsThe ace was later released with no further action.He returned to training yesterday and could play in his club’s FA Cup third round fixture this weekend.The Sun understands that cops acted after a woman accused the footballer of secretly filming their sex session despite her allegedly asking him not to.She told friends she felt violated and humiliated when he sent her packing moments after they’d romped in his bed.Most read in FootballShe said she had refused to record a sex tape, or take part in a threesome.Police said: “A man in his 20s was arrested at an address, on suspicion of voyeurism.“It was determined no further action would be taken due to insufficient evidence.”The club refused to comment.AGONY OF VICTIMSREALITY TV star Stephen Bear’s voyeurism court case highlighted the harm the offence can cause victims.The 34-year-old made at least £40,000 on OnlyFans by sharing a CCTV video of him having sex with Georgia Harrison. Bear was jailed for 21 months in 2023 after being found guilty of voyeurism and disclosing a private sexual film. The judge praised Georgia’s bravery and said she had suffered extensive humiliation and embarrassment.Last summer, former Spandau Ballet singer Ross Davidson, 36, of Aberdeen, was convicted of rape, with a court hearing he got a kick out of filming women. More

  • in

    Shocking moment football coach, 43, punches teen linesman to the ground during 8-0 defeat – as thug avoids prison

    THIS is the shocking moment a football coach punched a teen linesman to the ground during an 8-0 defeat.Robert Williams-Jones was managing Amlwch Town FC when he grew frustrated at the humiliating scoresheet.The linesman was sent crashing to the groundCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/Robert Williams-Jones was handed a suspended sentenceJust 15 minutes into the match, the 43-year-old was filmed landing a blow on the linesman – leaving him sprawled on the ground.Footage then showed spectators and staff rushing over to the dugout to help the official, whose age hasn’t been released.Williams-Jones pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm but avoided a prison term.The thug was instead handed a 24 week sentence suspended for 12 months at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court.Read more newsHe was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in compensation.The shocking attack took place in Amlwch, Wales, last April as the North Wales Coast West team took on Penrhyndeudraeth FC.Williams-Jones was stood on the touchline as the linesman did his job when he appeared to assault him out of nowhere.As the teen was sent flying, the game was paused while the raging gaffer returned to his team’s bench.Most read in FootballThe Penrhyn player, who had been acting as voluntary linesman, was then seen standing up looking dazed before being led off the pitch.Footage of the punch was shared widely online – causing police to launch an investigation.Amlwch Town FC later confirmed it had cut ties with Williams-Jones.Penrhyn said at the time: “A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.”Unfortunately, the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game when a Penrhyn player, acting as a voluntary linesman, was assaulted.”Their manager Riccardo Pellegrino later praised his side, saying: “Your behavior on the pitch after what happened was impeccable, I’m proud to coach this fantastic group of lads.”I’m proud all of you COYC.”The voluntary linesman was attacked on the touchlineCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/His fellow players came rushing overCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/ More

  • in

    Premier League star facing rape allegations set to continue being picked for club despite prosecutors mulling charges

    THE Premier League player facing rape allegations is expected to continue being selected by his club despite prosecutors now mulling bringing formal charges.Metropolitan Police investigators have now passed a formal file into the claims to the Crown Prosecution Service to decide on next steps.The Premier League footballer facing rape allegations continues to be selected by his clubCredit: GettyA total of five women have accused the unnamed top-flight player of rape, sexual assault or controlling behaviour.Despite the allegations first emerging in July 2022 when the player was initially arrested, he has remained available for selection and featured for his club on a regular basis.It is understood that the club is standing by its position that the player involved remains innocent until proven otherwise and therefore should not be punished by his employer.That situation could change, however, if a formal charge is laid by the CPS – but the evolving situation lays bare the quandary clubs face when serious allegations are made against their players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLManchester United suspended striker Mason Greenwood without pay in January 2022 after he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and assault.Greenwood was formally charged nine months later before the case collapsed in February 2023 – at which point United began an in-house investigation.Despite determining, after a lengthy probe, that Greenwood had not committed the offences alleged, the United board, led by then-chief executive Richard Arnold, decided the England striker would never play for the club again.Greenwood was initially sent to Getafe on loan for last season before joining French giants Marseille in a deal worth up to £26million in July.Most read in FootballUnited’s approach to such a delicate issue was put in context by the outcome of the stance taken by Manchester City after left-back Benjamin Mendy was arrested and remanded in custody charged with four counts of rape and one of sexual assault, in August 2021.The first allegations had emerged in 2020, during lockdown, but Mendy remained available for selection and played in the opening game of the following season, 11 days before his arrest.City then suspended the defender, with his pay docked the following month.But after Mendy was cleared following a lengthy trial in January 2023, he sued the club at an employment tribunal – claiming he had been wrongly denied wages when he was available for selection after his release from custody.Despite being subject to strict police reporting conditions, which meant he would have to attend a local station during training sessions and was unavailable to play any night or overseas games, Mendy was eventually awarded £8.5m in withheld wages.The current player’s club is likely to be mindful of both these examples when determining its next steps.At the same time, the decision to keep playing him has brought criticism of the club, Premier League and FA from the alleged victims and their supporters. More

  • in

    Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds ransacked by thieves with TRACTOR stolen

    THIEVES have ransacked Wrexham’s multi-million pound academy training ground.The complex is funded by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Ryan Reynolds provides the funds for Wrexham’s multi-million pound training groundCredit: AlamyThe state-of-the-art centre is being built as part of the club’s plans to move its youngsters into improved facilities.The site is situated next to the Darland High School in the village of Rossett near Wrexham.It was targeted over the Christmas period by thieves.Police have confirmed that several items were stolen after a padlocked gate was damaged.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is thought that the break-in happened between December 20 and January 3.A valuable John Deere tractor and a Bateson trailer were two of the stolen items.The Welsh club have filed a police report and are looking to recover the costs with its insurance.A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101, or via our website, using reference number 25000008049.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt is not the first time there has been controversy at the new facility.Construction started before planning permission had been given by local authorities.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAAlso two of the buildings are being developed on a green land area which includes changing rooms, offices and a gym.It comes at what has already been a disappointing week for the club after their fixture away at Port Vale was called off.Wrexham were set to play on Tuesday night in the Vertu Trophy, but the game was cancelled just hours before kick-off due to snow.Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham in a £2million deal back in February 2021 when it had been slumped in the National League.The club has since risen up the English football leagues having won back-to-back promotions to League One.They sit third in the table, two points behind leaders Birmingham. More