More stories

  • in

    Premier League footballer ‘treated by paramedics’ after laughing gas addiction diagnosis as pals found him in flat

    A PREMIER League star has allegedly been treated by paramedics just months after it was revealed he had a laughing gas addiction.The player, who’s unnamed, was said to have been found by pals surrounded by canisters of illegal nitrous oxide at his city centre flat.A pal is said to have found the Premier League footballer at his flat surrounded by canisters (stock image)Credit: GettyNitrous oxide, known as ‘hippy crack,’ became a Class C drug in November last yearCredit: AlamyIt is believed the player had fallen off the wagon having attended rehab in a bid to kick the habit.The paramedics who attended the scene carried out checks and gave the footballer a stark warning.The player is thought to have made several attempts to kick his addiction that has put both his health and career on the line.Police also attended but are not thought to have started any criminal proceedings.Read More on FootballThe player’s club is aware of the incident.It is believed they have been offering support for some time and were involved in the decision to send him to a specialist rehab centre earlier this season.The emergency services were contacted last month, the MailOnline reports.It’s reported the player’s family had concerns he had suffered a relapse.Most read in FootballThose fears were confirmed when a pal found him inside the flat with several bottles near to him.The player is aware of the seriousness of the problem and has made a number of attempts to quit.Laughing gas left me in a wheelchair for life – don’t make my mistakeHis club are continuing to support him in the hope he can save his career.Nitrous oxide, also known as “hippy crack”, comes in canisters — sometimes super-sized — that are used to fill balloons, which are then inhaled repeatedly.The dangers of nitrous oxide
    Nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, is a colourless, sweet-tasting gas discovered by Joseph Priestly in 1772.
    The Office for National Statistics reported that over a two-decade period (between 2001 and 2020) there were 56 registered deaths involving nitrous oxide in England and Wales, 45 of these since 2010.
    Deaths associated with the use of nitrous oxide occur due to secondary effects, rather than the direct toxic effect of the gas.
    Reported causes of death include acute asphyxiation due to hypoxia, or, less commonly, sudden cardiac arrhythmia, according to the government’s website.
    Deaths caused by hypoxia may occur when nitrous oxide is used in confined spaces, such as in a car or when using a face mask or plastic bag over the head.
    Heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to the inactivation of vitamin B12, thus reducing the activity of the B12-dependent enzyme methionine synthase.
    This can lead to neurological disorders.
    Prolonged use can also lead to depression, memory loss, incontinence, hallucinations and nerve damage.

    STARS ON THE GASA string of Premier League players have been caught using nitrous oxide in the past.In 2013, then-Spurs star Kyle Walker was pictured inhaling it.Raheem Sterling was seen doing the same two years later, getting a rebuke from Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.In 2018, Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Matteo Guendouzi were filmed taking it at a pre-season bash.The following year, Jack Grealish, then at Aston Villa, was snapped inhaling from a balloon.Last year, Everton midfielder Dele Alli was pictured at a do surrounded by gas canisters and alcohol.READ MORE SUN STORIESVilla’s Leon Bailey also filmed himself inhaling in his car after partying all night last March.None of these players are the ace that went to rehab.Jack Grealish was snapped inhaling from a balloon in 2019Leon Bailey also filmed himself inhaling in a car after partying all night last March More

  • in

    Conor McGregor calls for Ryan Garcia to receive a LIFETIME ban after failed drug tests as he blasts boxing sensation

    CONOR MCGREGOR has called for Ryan Garcia to be given a lifetime ban following his failed drug tests.The former interim WBC lightweight champion tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing drug Ostarine before and after his shock win over Devin Haney last month.Ryan Garcia scored a sensational upset win over Devin Haney last monthCredit: GETTYBut his win is currently marred in controversy due to two failed drug testsCredit: GETTYThe boxer has been blasted by UFC icon Conor McGregorCredit: DAZNTraces of the SARM (selective androgen receptive modulator) – which can build lean muscle mass – were discovered in Garcia’s final pre-fight tests.Garcia, 25, has denied intentionally ingesting the substance, the discovery of which will likely see his win overturned to a No Contest.But that hasn’t stopped McGregor from seemingly ending their friendship by calling for him to never be allowed to box again.In a now-deleted X post, the UFC superstar wrote: “Cheated the weight and was juiced, lifetime ban. Sad to see, sad to say. Sad and a bit sick.”READ MORE ON RYAN GARCIAMcGregor offered Garcia words of support after his defeat to Gervonta Davis last April but wants nothing more to do with ‘King’ following his positive tests.He roared: “Don’t come near me if I see you ever Ryan Garcia. I am actually disgusted.”The Notorious then lumped UFC men’s bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley into his rant as he’d also tested positive for Ostarine in 2018.He added: “This Ostarine it reminds me of Sean O’Malley was on that as well.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRyan Garcia $1million crownRYAN GARCIA wore a crown worth $1million for his ring walk before fighting Devin Haney.
    The American boxer’s head gear caught the eye of boxing fans before and after his shock victory.
    The 25-year-old headed to the ring draped in a white robe as he wore a diamond encrusted crown.
    Holding 1kg of gold and over 400 carats of diamonds the crown was made by Texas-based jeweller The Ice Champ.
    Garcia’s gown was also made up of 15,000 diamonds and took 10 days to create.
    He also told TMZ before the bout: “He was like ‘let’s create something where the champ of the boxing world and the champ of the jewellery world connect and make something unique. We created a unique crown.”
    Read more about Ryan Garcia.

    “I don’t like this, I’ll bust yous both up, do yous want a spar? I will set flights right now for you both for a full on spar each.”Hotel, Black Forge Inn the lot. #letssparomalley and #garcia two little Ostarine heads l’ll ride you both like yous are ostriches.”NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: Ryan Garcia reacts after a knock down of Devin Haney during a fight at Barclays Center on April 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***WBC super-lightweight champ Haney believes Garcia “cheated and disrespected” the sport of boxing with his failed tests.And the American’s efforts that fateful night in Brooklyn have garnered the full respect of McGregor.”Wtf is up,” McGregor said of Garcia. “What do you think you are at? “If I was Haney’s dad, you’re dead no matter what for doing that. Crazy.”What the f**k happened to you, you little fool. “Get your head together cos I gonna smash it in with elbows if you don’t.Ryan Garcia has vehemently denied ever taking PEDSCredit: INSTAGRAM/KINGRYAN”Fair play Devin well done. Your performance has just become even more heroic! Bravo.”The New York State Athletic Commission will await the result of Garcia’s B samples before beginning a disciplinary process.He’ll likely face a lengthy ban if the NYSAC deem him to have intentionally ingested the PED, a suggestion he’s vehemently denied.In a clip captioned, “Fake news like if I was Donald Trump,” Garcia insisted he’s ever cheated.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I came on here to address this bull f*****g s**t claim that I cheated,” he said.”Everybody knows that I don’t cheat.” More

  • in

    Football wonderkids who went off the rails – from Prem ace’s month-long burglary spree to star’s £64m cocaine bust

    THEY were once the bright-eyed youngsters tipped for greatness – but even with all the talent and potential in the world, the football industry can be a fickle place. With so much fame and fortune so young comes a dangerous downside, and whether it’s a result of injury or by going off the rails, football careers can easily come to an abrupt end.Former teen sensation Jamie Cassidy was jailed for his involvement in a cocaine drugs operationCredit: PAJamie Cassidy played alongside the likes of Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen as a youngsterCredit: AlamyWhich means sadly not all top league ‘wonderkids’ are going to be able to carve out the illustrious careers they’d once hoped for, and some encounter a spectacular fall from grace. Here are the teen football prodigy whose lives went off the rails to varying degrees after being tipped for big things, and how it impacted their career.Jamie Cassidy Jamie Cassidy, 46, was once a hugely popular youth player who starred in Liverpool’s star-studded youth side in his heyday, alongside the likes of Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen.During his teenage years he became one of the top goal scorers in youth football country, and he won the FA Youth Cup in 1996.READ MORE FEATURESHowever, sadly it all went downhill after his career was hampered by injury, and without his football career, Cassidy spiralled into a life of crime.Last month he was jailed for 13 years for his role in a huge drug conspiracy alongside his brother, which involved using encrypted phones to import cocaine into the UK from South America.Cassidy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert or transfer criminal property.Ciaran Dickson Ciaran Dickson played for Celtic and Rangers and had been tipped for first team footballCredit: GettyThe young footballer pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to death by dangerous drivingCredit: SpindriftFormer Celtic and Rangers starlet Ciaran Dickson, 22, was once tipped for first team football and scored two goals in his first two appearances for Celtic’s B team.Most read in FootballHowever, Dickson consistently flouted the law over the years and this ultimately led to tragedy as he went on to kill a teenage pedestrian in a drunken hit and run while still signed to the top team.Forensic scientists calculated that Dickson was approximately more than three times over the drink drive limit.Thomas Ross KC, defending, said: “Nothing said by Ciaran Dickson can offer comfort to Aidan’s family and friends… He recognises that he is fully deserving of a sentence of imprisonment.”Dickson’s previous convictions also include careless driving from December 2020.He was also convicted of punching his ex following their split in April 2023, and was ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work.Callum Flanagan Callum Flanagan had shown real promiseCredit: EmpicsFlanagan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was handed an eight-month sentence at a young offenders’ institutionCredit: PA:Press AssociationAt Man United in the Nineties, Callum Flanagan was a highly regarded youth player who’d shown real promise.However, shortly after scoring in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Man City in the FA Youth Cup, everything changed in 2004 when the then-19-year-old was driving team-mate Phil Marsh home after a training session. In what he later described as one of the “most harrowing days of [his] life”, he raced fellow United youth player Mads Timm, crashing and flipping his Honda Civic. He was released from the club shortly after, and after pleading guilty to dangerous driving was handed an eight-month sentence at a young offenders’ institution.He has since turned his life around, and reportedly now lives in Australia where he’s carved out a career as a personal trainer and firefighter. Speaking to an Australian paper, Flanagan said: “If I could give any advice it would be to focus fully on football and don’t let outside things get in the way.” Ismail H’MaidatIsmail H’Maidat was jailed for his role in a spree of armed robberiesCredit: AlamyFormer Arsenal trialist and Crystal Palace wonderkid Ismail H’Maidat cost Roma £3.5million back in 2016 and seemed destined for great things.But just two years later in 2018 he was jailed for 46 months for his role in a month-long spree of armed robberies – despite earning at the time a reported £9,000 a month.The Dutch-born star, who trialled with the Gunners in 2012 and joined Crystal Palace the following year, robbed betting shops, a supermarket and a petrol station.Quincy PromesQuincy Promes’ career was blighted by injuryCredit: GettyQuincy Promes lived the high life before being sentenced to six years in prisonCredit: Instagram @qpromesFormer Holland star Quincy Promes, 32, stood out when he played for the likes of Sevilla and Ajax, but his career became blighted by his recent serious run-ins with the law.Last month the winger was sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in the smuggling of 1,363kg of cocaine into Antwerp, estimated to be worth around £65million.That wasn’t the first time the ex-Netherlands international has been in trouble, having received an 18-month sentence just last year for stabbing his cousin in the knee at a family party.Now the Dutchman is serving time in the infamous Al Aweer prison in the UAE – a far cry from the high life famous footballers usually enjoy.Andy van der MeydeAndy van der Meyde’s personal life went off the rails after a turbulent spell at EvertonCredit: Getty Images – GettyAndy Van Der Meyde came out of the famed Ajax academy in the Nineties, and helped Holland reach the Euro 2004 semi-finals.He managed to avoid getting in trouble with the law, but he saw his personal life spiral after he encountered a turbulent spell at Everton that led to problems with gambling, sex, drugs and depression.He struggled in his first season with injuries and quickly fell into an alcohol and prescription drug-fuelled spiral, eventually quitting football at just 32.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can quickly go off the rails because there is no limit and you could do what you wanted,” he previously said. “It was going out and drinking, and not thinking of reality.”Andy van der Meyde pictured during a photo shoot in January 2015 at his house in The NetherlandsCredit: Getty – Contributor More

  • in

    Football icon Diego Maradona’s death is linked to cocaine, a bombshell medical report claims

    FOOTBALL great Diego Maradona’s death is linked to cocaine, a medical report suggests.The World Cup winner’s fatal heart attack in November 2020 came on suddenly and may have been brought on by a “toxic substance”, it says.Diego Maradona’s death is linked to cocaine, a medical report suggests.Credit: ReutersThe troubled genius in action for Argentina in 1994Credit: Getty Images – GettyMaradona, who was recovering from a brain op, had a long-standing cocaine addiction.It casts new light on the criminal case against eight doctors and nurses about to go on trial over how they cared for Maradona in his final hours.They are accused of leaving the 60-year-old in agony for hours as his condition worsened.The eight, who include his psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, face 25 years in jail if convicted.READ MORE ON MARADONAMr Cosachov’s lawyer said: “There could have been two causes: one natural and the other, a product of the ingestion of a toxic substance.”Maradona died aged 60 on November 25, 2020, at a rented property near Buenos Aires following brain surgery two weeks earlier.The death of Argentina’s greatest ever player stunned the country.Within days of the legend’s death his family and legions of fans were demanding answers.Most read in FootballCops raided his doctors’ homes and offices and a panel of 20 medical experts was appointed to investigate his death.More than 200 witnesses will give evidence at the trial in Buenos Aires which is expected to last several months.Fans come out to say good bye to football legend Maradona as he is laid to rest at Bella Vista cemetery More

  • in

    Rebekah Vardy seen for first time after footballer ex and son’s dad is jailed for running cannabis factory

    REBEKAH Vardy has been seen for the first time after her footballer ex was jailed for running a cannabis factory.Luke Foster, 38, got three years last month after admitting charges with two others.Rebekah Vardy has been seen for the first time since her ex was jailedCredit: Click News and MediaLuke Foster ran a cannabis factoryCredit: Nigel Bennett – The SunBecky smiled as she went for a stroll with her daughterCredit: Click News and MediaThey were spotted out and about in Chelsea, west LondonCredit: Click News and MediaHe dated Becky for six years until 2013 and the pair have a son together.The ex-Oxford United and Preston North End defender is serving his jail term at HMP Nottingham.Now Rebekah has broken cover for the first time since Foster’s conviction.She was spotted going for a stroll with one of her daughters in Chelsea, west London.Read More SportRebekah picked up a bouquet of flowers and popped into posh bakery chain Gail’s.Yesterday a source told The Sun: “This is devastating for Becky – she’s only just found out about this.”Of course she’s furious. It’s outrageous. Her sole concern is to protect her son.”She wants to make sure he’s surrounded by people who love him and that this has zero impact on his education or anything else.”Most read in FootballFoster also faces a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in July.Football’s 10 richest wags including music stars and millionaire modelsHe met Becky in 2007 while signed to Oxford and the pair welcomed a son.But they split in 2013, months before she met Premier League winner Jamie while she was working as a nightclub promoter.Becky had been married twice before, first to an electrician named Mark Godden.The marriage lasted just six months before Becky had a brief fling with singer Peter Andre.Her second marriage was with a timeshare businessman called Steve Clarke.The marriage ended 10 months later after Clarke was jailed for two years after killing two people in a head on collision. More

  • in

    Rebekah Vardy ‘furious’ after footballer ex and dad to one of her kids Luke Foster jailed for running cannabis factory

    REBEKAH Vardy is said to be furious after her footballer ex was jailed for running a cannabis factory.Luke Foster, 38, got three years last month after admitting charges with two others.Rebekah Vardy’s footballer ex, Luke Foster, has been jailed for running a cannabis factoryCredit: Nigel Bennett – The SunFoster dated Rebekah between 2007 and 2013Credit: GettyThe ex-Oxford United and Preston North End defender is serving his jail term at HMP Nottingham.He dated Becky for six years until 2013 and the pair have a son together.But their bitter split — with Becky meeting Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy months later and marrying him in 2016 — saw repeated clashes in the media.Yesterday, a source said of Foster’s conviction: “This is devastating for Becky — she’s only just found out about this, and of course she’s furious. It’s outrageous.READ MORE ON REBEKAH VARDY“Her sole concern is to protect her son — making sure he’s surrounded by people who love him and that this has zero impact on his education and anything else that could affect a teenage boy.”Foster also faces a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in July.Foster met Becky in 2007 while signed to Oxford and the pair welcomed a son – but split in 2013, months before she met Premier League winner Jamie while she was working as a nightclub promoter – marrying in 2016 at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire.Speaking in 2017, when his ex was a contestant on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Foster claimed: “Becky liked the finer things in life. Most read in Football“She wanted the biggest house on the street, expensive handbags.“She drove my Merc, I had a Picasso. “She wouldn’t even let me drive my own car.“I’d pay for things I couldn’t really afford. “I’d get another credit card… eventually it all came crumbling down.”But responding in a statement at the time, a spokeswoman for Becky insisted: “It’s upsetting Luke felt the need to sell yet another untrue story on the mother of his son.Football’s 10 richest wags including music stars and millionaire models“He has already made these claims via a friend in another newspaper over 18 months ago and Mrs Vardy made it very clear then she had separated from Mr Foster months before meeting Jamie Vardy, although as a good mother she kept their family together in the same house for another couple of months so that the children had a ‘normal’ Christmas without being uprooted and disrupted.“Mr Foster has a new girlfriend and a new baby, he should put his efforts into focusing on them instead of still trying to hurt Mrs Vardy and in turn hurt his son who will no doubt hear about this story at school.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBecky had been married twice before, to an electrician Mark Godden which lasted just six months before she had a brief fling with singer Peter Andre, and a second time to timeshare businessman Steve Clarke which ended 10 months later after he was jailed for two years after killing two people in a head on collision.Last night a spokesman for Becky declined to comment. More

  • in

    Redditch United boss who took ‘immediate break from football’ facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges

    A NON-league footie boss who took a surprise leave of absence from the touchline is facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges.Redditch United announced in February that Matt Clarke, 50, would be having an “immediate break from football for personal reasons”.Redditch United manager Matt Clarke is facing cocaine and cannabis supply charges after the club announced his ‘break from football’ in FebruaryCredit: Redditch UnitedBut it has emerged he appeared at Hereford magistrates’ court with two co-defendants over the drugs allegations on Valentine’s Day.He also faced a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place when indicted at Worcester crown court last month.Clarke, of Bromsgrove, Worcs, will appear again on May 7 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The Southern Football League Premier Division club’s statement on Clarke’s hiatus came two weeks after the offences are alleged to have taken place on February 13.READ MORE BEAUTIFUL GAMEIt said at the time it “anticipates it to be a short break”.Former right back Clarke played for West Bromwich Albion and Wolves as a youngster.He later joined Kidderminster, Hereford and Telford United.Clarke managed Halesowen and Evesham before joining Redditch in 2020.Most read in FootballRedditch chairman David Faulkner gave “no comment” when asked if Clarke had been sacked or would ever return as manager.Thousands gather for pro-cannabis event in Hyde Park More

  • in

    Cops raid Germany’s biggest slum ‘Zombieland’ in frantic bid to clean up hellhole ahead of England’s Euros visit

    GERMAN cops raided Frankfurt’s ‘Zombieland’ drugs slum in a frantic bid to clean up the hellhole area before England’s Euros visit.Scores of officers descended on the crime-ravaged Bahnhofsviertel district – two days after The Sun revealed how clueless UEFA recommended it as a base for thousands of travelling Three Lions fans.Cops descended on crime-ravaged Bahnhofsviertel district in FrankfurtCredit: BILD FotoserviceThe operation saw cops in bulletproof vests storm the area, arresting dozens of dealersCredit: BILD FotoserviceThe dangerous area in Frankfurt is plagued by ‘zombie’ drug addictsCredit: Dan CharityThe streets are packed with 5,000 shuffling junkies and 300 dealersCredit: Dan CharityFrankfurt’s railway station area is known as the “most dangerous slum in Germany” – with its streets packed with 5,000 junkies and 300 dealers.The no-go zone is so dangerous that kids are escorted to schools and even road sweepers receive police protection.Officials in the city are desperate to clear up the district before Euro 2024 kicks off in two months – with England playing Denmark on June 20.The major operation last Wednesday saw cops in bulletproof vests storm the station district, arresting dozens of dealers.more on Euro 2024 Pictures show suspects pinned to the ground while having their bags searched for drugs and weapons during the hours-long raid.Others were patted down against walls and were ordered to take off their shoes to check for concealed bags of crack cocaine.,Dozens were said to have been handcuffed and arrested – with local brothels also raided by cops.According to German newspaper Bild, more than 10,000 people have had their details checked by cops in the station area since February.Most read in Euro 2024Five Euros clashes will be played in Frankfurt – and most football fans will arrive at Frankfurt Central Station in the heart of the drugs slum.The Sun revealed last week how tournament organiser UEFA had used its official tournament app to suggest fans STAY in the dangerous district for the crucial group tie with Denmark.Adidas unveil Germany Euro 2024 kitHalf of all the crimes in million-strong Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the station district – with four violent attacks taking place every day.The area is SO packed with dangerous drug addicts, US companies have banned their employees from walking along them.Politicians have described the violent area – riddled with traditional drugs like heroin and cocaine but also zombifying crystal meth – as “the open wound of Frankfurt”Cornelia Bensinger from the Pro Altstadt association said: “You almost have to be ashamed to be from Frankfurt  And now the gateway to the city looks like Harlem in the 1970s.”The crackdown by cops comes as authorities race to clean up the district, recommended by UEFA as a place for fans to stay.The footballing governing body was condemned by fans after official advice describing Behnhofsviertel as “an especially appealing choice if you’re considering trips to explore the city or its surroundings.”Addicts make no attempt to disguise their drug use on the streetCredit: Dan CharityHeroin and cocaine had been the traditional drugs of choice for addicts in the areaCredit: Dan CharityThe area has been branded ‘the most dangerous slum in Germany’Credit: Dan CharityHalf of all the crimes in Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the areaCredit: Dan CharityIt is so bad that road sweepers are given police protectionCredit: Dan CharityThe area went downhill during the pandemic when businesses and bars closedCredit: Dan CharityUefa earmarked hotels for tens of thousands of Three Lions supporters attending games at the Deutsche Bank Park stadium, pictured, home of Eintracht Frankfurt More