More stories

  • in

    Four arrested after Old Trafford violence after Betis fans ‘threw coins and sausages at disabled Man Utd fans’

    FOUR Real Betis fans were arrested after “throwing coins and sausages” at Man United’s disabled section at Old Trafford.Trouble emerged between the supporters during the Europa League tie last night as missiles were thrown from the away end.
    Four Real Betis fans were arrested after throwing items at Man United fans sat in the disabled sectionCredit: Reuters
    Real Betis fans also clashed with riot policeCredit: @StuSharp_MUFC
    Greater Manchester Police have said 50 away supporters started the troubleCredit: Getty
    The away fans are put near the disabled section in Old TraffordCredit: Alamy
    Betis were followed by 3,900 fans to Manchester for the first leg of the round of 16.
    And it kicked off after Bruno Fernandes netted United’s third goal when a group of 50 of them started to cause trouble in the ground.
    A police officer was struck by a firework, while United supporter Louise Rigby says that her eight-year-old autistic son was hit by a coin, but was luckily not hurt.
    She told MEN: “They were throwing sausages, hot dogs. Before the match even started they were throwing lighters and euros and packets of tissues and plastic drinks cups. We were getting stuff thrown all over us.
    READ MORE ON MAN UNITED
    “Once our third goal went in, that’s when it turned nasty. They were jumping over the barriers and throwing things. One coin hit my son on the back of the head.
    “He’s got special educational needs and we were sitting in the disabled area. We go to every match. There were a lot of people in wheelchairs and they were all getting things thrown at them.
    “It was absolutely appalling. I’m all for rivalry but last night was so uncalled for. They were setting off flares and all sorts. They were throwing pints and other items. Even before everybody got a sense something was going to erupt.”
    Footage has been shared on social media of the scenes breaking out as riot police moved to the away end.
    Most read in Football
    In other areas fans were spotted ripping seats off in order to throw it at the United fans.
    In another case, one fan was filmed repeatedly spitting at the home end as stricken stewards were piled on.
    While a Betis fan masked in a balaclava could be seen attempting to swing his belt across the narrow gap in an attempt to hit home supporters.
    According to MEN, United officials will hold talks with the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association as their seating is below the away section.
    Some Betis fans were filmed spitting at United supportersCredit: @stoney_29
    The disgraceful scenes saw stewards piled on in the standsCredit: @stoney_29
    The report has also suggested that club insiders believe more trouble comes from European games than domestic ones.
    Greater Manchester Police [GMP] have confirmed that they are working with Spanish authorities and the two clubs following the incidents.
    GMP did confirm that the away fans lit flares and pyrotechnics inside Old Trafford and have also insisted that the majority of away fans were “respectful and well behaved”.
    Four Real Betis supporters were arrested for violent disorder, assault, possession of flare inside the stadium and possession of a controlled drug.
    Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, GMP’s match commander on the night, said: “The violent disorder experienced does not reflect the majority of supporters attending this fixture who went just to watch the football on the pitch.
    “Last night’s behaviour by the minority was totally unacceptable and quite shocking for the decent supporters who may have got caught up in this.
    “We are also continuing to offer the welfare needed to support one of our colleagues who was injured as a result when trying to keep the public safe.
    Read More on The Sun
    “GMP are working closely with Manchester United, the UK Football Policing Unit, Real Betis, UEFA and Spanish Police colleagues to identify those involved in a post-match investigation which is ongoing.
    “If any supporters from Manchester United or Real Betis and those attending the game have any information or footage that can assist with enquiries, they are asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 as soon as possible so we can bring those responsible to justice and also to seek, where possible, football banning orders.” More

  • in

    Shocking moment West Ham thug ‘sniffs white powder off man’s head’ during match at London Stadium

    THIS is the shocking moment a West Ham thug “sniffs white powder off another man’s head” during a match at London Stadium.The deplorable video was uploaded to social media and appeared to show the horrible antics of mad Irons fans.
    White contents is sprinkled on a West Ham fan’s headCredit: Facebook
    Another fan is then seen to snort what appears to be powderCredit: Facebook
    Images showed one bald man getting what appears to be white powder sprinkled on his shiny scalp.
    Another hooligan then snorts the contents.
    The images come from a video that was posted on Facebook.
    In the clip, laughter can be heard from other people in the stands as one fan said: “Wheey, go on, video that… Go on get in there.”
    READ MORE ON DRUGS
    While, another man added: “Let’s f**king have it
    “Irons, Irons.”
    The video has more than 736,000 views.
    West Ham Football Club have condemned the shocking behaviour.
    Most read in Football
    A club spokesman said: “The Club is disgusted by the contents of the video and acted swiftly to identify the offenders.
    “In line with our zero-tolerance approach, details of the offenders were immediately passed on to the police and all individuals had their Season Tickets suspended and are therefore unable to enter London Stadium and travel with the Club for away fixtures.
    “Pending our own club investigation, this could lead to the offenders being banned indefinitely. There is no place for this kind of behaviour.”
    Met Police have been contacted for comment.
    In 2021, The Sun revealed football thugs high on cocaine were fuelling a terrifying surge in violence at stadiums.
    As a result, police chiefs called for tougher punishments for cocaine users at grounds — including more use of bans — to prevent a return of the hooliganism seen in the 1980s.
    Britain’s top football cop, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, warned that more fans than ever were ­taking the drug at games, creating a “toxic mix” of violence.
    He said: “As we see more violent incidents, cocaine is one of those factors along with alcohol that will make it worse, and make people more violent.”
    One supporter also said cocaine at football was so rife that fans snort it in their seats.
    That same year, a FA report said cocaine was the catalyst for thousands of ticketless fans storming Wembley for the England-Italy Euro final.
    Fans were openly snorting the drug at the showpiece event, with one yob bragging how he put a lit flare in his bum during a 15-hour drug-fuelled bender.
    Charlie Perry, 25, boasted how he had “banged a load of powder” during the big day and was then filmed firing off the flare in footage that went viral.
    Just before the pandemic, cocaine binges were blamed for a 45 per cent increase in trouble at football grounds over the previous two years — including violence, pitch invasions and assaults on players.
    One survey revealed that more than 30 per cent of fans had witnessed cocaine being taken inside a stadium — with six per cent admitting to personal use.
    However, drug possession or use was reported at only 103 of 2,663 regulated matches in England and Wales over the entire 2019-20 season, with the vast majority — 81 per cent — involving cocaine.
    Despite clubs promising tougher measures on stopping drugs being brought into grounds, one fan claimed cocaine usage was rife before and during games.
    The supporter, who does not want to be named, said: “You see huge queues in the toilets, you see them doing bumps off keys in the stands, or just off their hands.
    “It’s everywhere.
    “I’ve never known it like this before, and it just feels like it’s getting worse and worse.”
    Another Premier League club said they use dogs outside away turnstiles for every game and on occasions outside home turnstiles.
    Bosses at Tottenham Hotspur described the drug issue as a “societal problem” and that it took a zero-tolerance approach to drugs in the stadium.
    The club, where a fan was photographed appearing to snort a line of cocaine on the pitch in 2017, also said it works closely with the Metropolitan Police on drug-related issues, and anyone found with illegal substances are banned.
    Meanwhile, bosses at Brighton and Hove Albion said it was “increasingly concerned” about the use of cocaine at matches.
    The club added: “We will continue to take all necessary and possible steps to prevent any illegal substance coming into our stadium, and we will continue to impose very severe sanctions on anyone found to be carrying or using any illegal substance in or around our stadium.”
    The Premier League said it also condemned the use of drugs at stadiums and its clubs are working alongside police to tackle the problem.
    A spokesman said: “Possession or use of cocaine is a criminal offence and can result in a football banning order.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Ground regulations clearly state that drugs are prohibited and measures such as detection dogs are used frequently to combat it.
    “Our clubs continue to work closely with police on this issue.” More

  • in

    Becky Vardy slams Kyle Walker’s wife for ‘playing victim’ & calls her a ‘doormat’ after Man City star’s flashing shame

    WAG Becky Vardy has launched an explosive rant at Kyle Walker’s missus – accusing her of “playing the victim” and branding her “a doormat”.The apparent feud came as cops launched an investigation into the Man City star, 32, after video emerged of him exposing himself during a night out.
    Becky Vardy hit out at Kyle Walker’s wife in an Instagram post describing her as a ‘doormat’Credit: Getty
    Annie, seen here in 2018, cheers on her then boyfriend during the 2018 World Cup competitionCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Annie has so far remained loyal to husband Kyle WalkerCredit: Instagram
    Cops seized CCTV footage of Walker’s drunken antics
    Fuming Becky, 41, wife of Leicester City ace Jamie, 36, hit out after model Annie Kilner, 30, told pals she was furious over an Instagram post that she believed appeared to make fun of her turmoil.
    But Becky – slammed by a judge over her conduct during the Wagatha Christie libel battle with Coleen Rooney, hit back by posting a brutal reply.
    It was accompanied by Michael Jackson’s hit Smooth Criminal, with the lyrics ‘Annie, are you okay? So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?’
    Becky wrote: “Waking up this morning to my name being associated with this delightful story in yet another opportunity to attack me!
    Read More on Kyle Walker
    “Funny though isn’t it that it’s my name she wants to use rather than the people actually laughing at her for being a doormat.
    “Art of deflection to a T… great at playing the victim is our Annie.
    “I think she needs to focus with what’s going on in her own life instead of trying to attack me by bringing me into her drama (laughing emoji).
    “Believe me had it been about her I would have tagged her! She’s obsessed… I’m literally tired of being nice to people with short memories.
    Most read in Football
    “I’ve stayed silent while she’s bashed me in the media made lies up about me in her little community like a group of playground bullies! Just leave me alone.”
    Police spoke to staff at Revolution in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which Walker, two women plus male friends visited from 5.20pm to 7pm on Sunday.
    Other CCTV clips showed him pawing at one of the women and snogging her.
    Officers could interview the £150,000-a-week star under caution for indecent exposure, which carries a maximum two-year jail term.
    Walker could also be quizzed for outraging public decency, a common law offence that carries an unlimited fine and jail term.
    To prove their case police would need to demonstrate that two or more people were nearby when the “lewd, obscene or disgusting” act was committed.
    They do not necessarily need to have seen it, so long as there was potential for offence.
    Loyal Annie was left in the dark by the England and Manchester City footballer until The Sun broke the story.
    Walker has three sons with model wife Annie.
    She has stood by the player through heartbreaking sex scandals but is now said to be considering her future.
    A source said: “Annie knew what she signed up for when she married him.
    “She’s terrified of a police investigation and if that happened she would surely feel like she had to chuck him out. At the moment that hasn’t happened.
    “She’s worried about what others will be saying and thinking about her, and is mortified for their kids.
    “Kyle has assured Annie that City have it in hand and all will be fine. But it’s yet another humiliation for them all.”
    Read More on The Sun
    The couple secretly wed at Mottram Hall, Cheshire, in November 2021 despite him admitting fathering a child with model and influencer Lauryn Goodman.
    And in 2019, Ex on the Beach star Laura Brown claimed she and Walker romped in his Bentley.
    Becky lashed back on Instagram as she slammed Annie
    Becky fumed in her Instagram posts
    Loyal wife Annie has had to put up with Walker cheating on her with other womenCredit: BackGrid
    Cops have launched an investigation into Man City’s WalkerCredit: Getty
    The boozed-up defender paws at a woman in the video More

  • in

    Police launch flashing inquiry into Kyle Walker & seize CCTV of his drunken antics

    POLICE yesterday began a flashing inquiry into England’s Kyle Walker and seized CCTV footage of his drunken antics.The married ace, 32, was at Man City training — but club bosses cancelled talks over a contract extension.
    Police have launched a flashing inquiry into England’s Kyle WalkerCredit: Getty
    Cops seized CCTV footage of Walker’s drunken antics
    The boozed-up defender paws at a woman in the video
    Two officers spoke to bar staff in Cheshire and could interview the £150,000-a-week star under caution for indecent exposure, which carries a maximum two-year jail term.
    Walker could also be quizzed for outraging public decency, a common law offence that carries an unlimited fine and jail term.
    To prove their case police would need to demonstrate that two or more people were nearby when the “lewd, obscene or disgusting” act was committed.
    They do not necessarily need to have seen it, so long as there was potential for offence.
    Read More on Kyle Walker
    Cheshire Police last night said inquiries were at an early stage and that no arrests had been made.
    Walker, who has three sons with model wife Annie, was due to hold talks today in a bid to extend his City contract beyond June 2024.
    But bosses cancelled the meeting with immediate effect.
    A source said the player appeared more concerned that the investigation would derail a deal than the threat of court.
    Most read in Football
    They added: “His reaction sums him up perfectly.
    “He appears to be not concerned about the embarrassment this has caused his family, the club and their fans. What he appears really worried about is whether this will damage his chances of a contract extension.
    “That’s the problem right there. It demonstrates a complete contempt for what he’s done and the rules the rest of us have to abide by.”
    Police spoke to staff at Revolution in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which Walker, two women plus male friends visited from 5.20pm to 7pm on Sunday.
    Other clips showed him pawing at one of the women and snogging her.
    City refused to address the scandal publicly yesterday, insisting his behaviour was a personal matter.
    They said privately that Walker had not broken any club rules — despite footage clearly showing him exposing himself.
    Women’s Aid, which campaigns against domestic abuse, said: “Indecent exposure is a serious issue, and those who expose themselves purposely in a public place will be seeing what they can get away with.
    “If employers, including football clubs, do not take it seriously, it sends out a clear message about what is acceptable behaviour.”
    Loyal wife Annie has had to put up with Walker cheating on her with other womenCredit: BackGrid
    Cops leave Revolution bar in Wilmslow, CheshireCredit: Zenpix
    Walker at training with Man City yesterdayCredit: Twitter – @footballdaily More

  • in

    I was jailed after CS gassing a taxi driver which led to Michael Schumacher getting his F1 debut and the rest is history

    RACING legend Michael Schumacher was handed his Formula 1 debut after French driver Bertrand Gachot was imprisoned for Actual Bodily Harm.Eddie Jordan’s racing team began the 1991 season with the driver pair of Gachot and Andrea de Cesaris.
    Bertrand Gachot was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 1991Credit: Getty
    Gachot’s imprisonment handed Michael Schumacher his F1 debutCredit: Getty
    But they were soon left a man short when Gachot was sentenced to 18 months behind bars.
    It was the result of a road rage incident in December 1990 where his car crashed into a taxi.
    Following a confrontation, Gachot sprayed the taxi driver with CS gas.
    He was subsequently arrested for Actual Bodily Harm.
    READ MORE ON MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
    Gachot learnt that Schumacher had replaced him while he was in jailCredit: Getty
    This picture was taken outside court before Gachot was found guilty in 1991Credit: National Pictures
    When the trial took place nine months later, he was expecting to be handed a fine or suspended prison term.
    Instead, Gachot was locked up meaning he could not compete in the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.
    This gave Schumacher his breakthrough opportunity – something Gachot was not aware of until someone told him in jail.
    Schumacher ended up qualifying seventh ahead of team-mate De Cesaris in 11th.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    And while he was then forced to retire from the race on the first lap, word soon got back to Gachot about the talented driver that had replaced him.
    Speaking about the events on the Beyond The Grid podcast in 2021, Gachot said: “I didn’t know [about Schumacher].
    “The first time somebody spoke to me about Michael Schumacher – I won’t forget – is one of the guards in jail.
    “He said, ‘The new guy that they hired is so good, they don’t need you anymore. So you can stay here’. I tell you, word for word.”
    He added: “Andrea de Cesaris sent me a letter. And that was very funny. I was really good friends with Andrea, and he was an amazing guy.
    “He wrote me the letter saying, ‘Don’t worry about the German. He just got me in qualifying, but I will get him soon. You watch.'”
    Schumacher ended up joining Benneton-Ford for the remainder of 1991 and managed three top six finishes before the end of the season.
    He would go on to win two F1 world titles with Benneton-Ford, before joining Ferrari and claiming another five drivers’ championships.
    Meanwhile, Gachot was released from prison after just two months following an appeal.
    Read More on The Sun
    He drove for the Larrousse team for the rest of the 1991 season and in 1992.
    He then finished his F1 career with Pacific Racing, driving for them in 1994 and 1995.
    Gachot raced until 1995 following his release from prisonCredit: Getty
    Schumacher holds the record for seven world title wins alongside Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty
    Schumacher led Ferrari to unprecedented successCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Who was Blackpool fan Tony Johnson?

    BLACKPOOL fan Tony Johnson tragically lost his life after an altercation between 15 football fans outside a pub following the Seasiders’ 0-0 draw with Burnley.The 55-year-old was found by police with a serious head injury outside the Manchester Pub on the Promenade in Blackpool.
    The Blackpool Tower was lit up tangerine in Tony’s memoryCredit: Dave Nelson
    Officers administered CPR at the scene before he was taken to hospital for emergency treatment.
    Mr Johnson sadly passed away after sustaining head injuries in the early hours of March 6.
    Who was Tony Johnson?
    Tony was a popular character amongst the fan base and regularly followed the Tangerines to home and away games.
    Blackpool fans have set up a GoFundMe to support his partner and family.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    A massive £14,219 has been raised in Tony’s memory so far, with the total still rising.
    What did Blackpool FC say?
    A statement released by the football club said: “Blackpool FC is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the news that supporter, Tony Johnson, tragically lost his life earlier this morning.
    “The Club will be offering an open book of condolence from 4pm in the Moretti Lounge, giving supporters the opportunity to pay their respects to Tony.
    “All of the thoughts of everyone at the football club go out to Tony’s family and friends.”
    Most read in Football
    Blackpool fans gathered at the Stan Mortensen stand at 4pm on March 6 to lay flowers and remember a lifelong Seasider.
    Club staff, players and fans all gathered to pay their respects to Tony.
    Anybody with information should call police on 101, quoting log 675 of March 6, or report it online.
    You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. More

  • in

    Team that Mason Greenwood REJECTED previously picked sex offender Premier League star after jail for sick assault

    A TEAM rejected by Mason Greenwood previously picked a Premier League star after he was convicted of sexual assault. Striker Marlon King joined the Jamaican national team in 2004 following several spells behind bars and continued to play for the club after becoming a registered sex offender.
    Striker Marlon King played for the Jamaican national team after his jail term for sexual assault in 2009Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Manchester United ace Mason Greenwood turned down a chance to switch to the Caribbean teamCredit: Reuters
    King, who has a history of drink-driving, threatening behaviour and criminal damage, was in 2009 locked up for “decking” a woman who objected to him groping her bottom in a nightclub the year before.
    He punched the 20-year-old in the face, causing a broken nose and split lip, and was jailed for 18 months.
    After his release, King twice played for Jamaica in 2012 before being suspended from the next two World Cup qualifiers for breaking curfew.
    He announced his retirement from football a short time later.
    READ MORE ON GREENWOOD
    King, who also played for teams including Nottingham Forest, Watford, Birmingham City and Sheffield United, scored 162 goals throughout his British career.
    The 42-year-old, who was on the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years, netted a further 24 for Jamaica, nicknamed the Reggae Boyz.
    Greenwood rejected a similar switch to the Caribbean – even though he is unlikely to ever be selected for England by Gareth Southgate again, The Sun understands.
    The Man United ace, 21, has not given up on his Three Lions dream, despite falling out with the England manager.
    Most read in Football
    He is waiting to hear if The Red Devils will re-integrate him after charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped last month.
    Greenwood qualifies for Jamaica via his mother’s side, and rules state he could be eligible to play for them in September.
    Jamaica Football Federation boss Dennis Chung said: “He is only 21 and so has a very bright future ahead of him and I think he will add value to any team he is on.”
    However, Greenwood is keen to resurrect his England career after making his debut at 18 away to Iceland in 2020.
    The next day he and team-mate Phil Foden were sent home after smuggling two women into the team hotel in breach of Covid rules.
    Greenwood, who has scored 22 goals in 83 matches, has not played for his country since.

    A source said: “He is clinging to the hope of playing again at the highest level.
    “But Southgate places a great deal of importance on not only a player’s talent, but how the squad gels.” More

  • in

    Blackpool fan Tony Johnson dies after Burnley brawl as club pays tribute

    A FOOTBALL fan has died after a brawl broke out between Blackpool and Burnley supporters on Saturday night. Tony Johnson, 55, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition following the fight and sadly passed away this morning, Blackpool FC confirmed.
    Football fan Tony Johnson died after a brawl in BlackpoolCredit: GoFundMe
    A fight broke out outside The Manchester pub on Saturday nightCredit: Dave Nelson
    Police said 15 people were involvedCredit: Dave Nelson
    He suffered a head injury during the mass confrontation outside The Manchester pub in Blackpool following the 0-0 draw.
    A spokesperson for the club said: “Blackpool FC is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the news that supporter Tony Johnson tragically lost his life earlier this morning.
    “The Club will be offering an open book of condolence from 4pm in the Moretti Lounge, giving supporters the opportunity to pay their respects to Tony.
    “Supporters are also invited to lay flowers at the Mortensen Statue behind the North Stand at 4pm today along with the Club’s staff and players, giving everyone associated with the football club the chance to come together and remember a lifelong Seasider.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    “All of the thoughts of everyone at the football club go out to Tony’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Tony.”
    The Armfield Club, an independent supporters club close to Bloomfield Road, added: “Tony was Blackpool through and through and one of the best friends ever likely to cross your path in life.
    “Devastated is an understatement.”
    Cops were called to the scene around 7pm – hours after the goalless game had finished.
    Most read in Football
    Paramedics administered CPR before Tony was taken to hospital.
    A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding.
    Police are urging anyone with information or mobile or dashcam footage to come forward.
    DCI Tracey McMurdo said: “We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will do everything in our power to identify anybody who may have been involved.”
    Lancashire Police previously said: “The incident occurred at around 7pm, when an altercation broke out involving around 15 people outside The Manchester pub, at the junction of Lytham Road and the Promenade.
    “Officers were in the area of the pub following the Blackpool v Burnley football match and they attended and found a man had suffered a serious head injury.
    “They administered CPR and the man, aged in his 50s, was subsequently taken to hospital.
    “It is believed the altercation broke out between a number of football fans, with the man being injured as part of this incident.
    Read More on The Sun
    “At this time there is no suggestion he was specifically targeted.
    “An investigation has now been launched and we are working with both Blackpool and Burnley football clubs to establish who else was involved in the incident and what exactly occurred.” More