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    Ryan Garcia, 25, in talks to fight Manny Pacquiao, 45, in exhibition in Japan… despite boxer’s boxing drugs ban

    RYAN GARCIA is in talks to fight Manny Pacquiao in an exhibition in Japan – despite serving a drugs ban.Garcia initially beat American rival Devin Haney in April by scoring three knockdowns in New York.Ryan Garcia is in talks to fight Manny Pacquiao in an exhibitionCredit: GettyPacquiao made his boxing return in JapanCredit: AFPBut the result has since been overturned to a no-contest after the controversial star tested positive for banned substance Ostarine.Garcia was hit with a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission – backdated from April.But still he is talking up a return to the ring before his ban expires.Boxing icon Pacquiao faced kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo over three rounds in Tokyo – with Garcia there to watch it. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt went the distance with no winner declared and Garcia stormed into the ring post-fight to gatecrash the interview and call out Pacquiao and Anpo. And SunSport understands MMA promotion Rizin – who welcomed PacMan back to the ring – held talks with Garcia. And an exhibition with Pacquiao was discussed – with the pair both keen and on board. That is despite Garcia being eight months away from his NYSAC suspension being lifted. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara is not concerned about NYSAC standing in the way of Garcia returning in a non-sanctioned exhibition. Sakakibara told SunSport: “I don’t think they will. Because if it were to happen it would be an unofficial fight. “If this unofficial fight were to happen in Rizin, in Japan, I believe there will be no reason for the New York State Athletic Commission to try to stop Ryan.” Rizin have twice hosted exhibition bouts for Floyd Mayweather, 47, and most recently Pacquiao, 45. Garcia, 25, protested his innocence after testing positive for banned substance Ostarine. He had returned clean tests during the build up to the bout with Haney, 25, but Ostarine was found in samples taken from fight week. Garcia accepted his suspension but blamed the positive tests on a tainted supplement. Ostarine is known to increase muscle gain and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Garcia has also ran into further trouble out the ring after being arrested in Los Angeles for felony vandalism at the Waldorf Astoria hotel.He was also expelled from the WBC following a series of vile racists social media posts against black people and disparaged Muslims.After Garcia was held following his hotel arrest his lawyer Darin T Chavez put it down to the troubled boxer dealing his his mother’s cancer diagnosis. She said in a statement: “Ryan has been open about his struggles with mental health over the years, and at this time he is dealing with an immense emotional burden. “The support and understanding from fans and the public are crucial as he navigates these personal challenges. We are working diligently to provide Ryan with the resources he needs. “Our team is committed to ensuring that he receives the appropriate help and care to address both his immediate and long-term well-being. “We ask for continued support and compassion as Ryan focuses on his family and his health at this time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPacquiao meanwhile retired in 2021 but has teased a comeback to challenge for the WBC welterweight title. But after struggling over the three rounds against Anpo, 28, fans were left calling for him to hang up the gloves for good. Pacquiao poses with GarciaCredit: AFP More

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    Former Anthony Joshua rival Jarrell Miller shows off insane body transformation ahead of Andy Ruiz Jr fight

    JARRELL MILLER looks to be in the shape of his life ahead of fighting Andy Ruiz Jr. The disgraced drugs cheat faces former heavyweight world champion Ruiz on August 3 in Los Angeles. Lucas Browne after defeat to Jarrell MillerMiller is nicknamed Big BabyThe disgraced drugs cheat has transformed his bodyWelterweight world champ Jaron Ennis with MillerCredit: @moremediahitsMiller – who infamously blew his chance to fight Anthony Joshua after his 2019 doping scandal – has earned the nickname Big Baby over the years. For his last bout against Daniel Dubois in December he weighed 23 STONE. But in recent pictures circulating online, Miller appears to have dramatically transformed his body. The controversial American, 36, flexed a trimmer chest and midsection just two weeks out from his bout with Ruiz. READ MORE IN BOXINGMiller actually gave Ruiz the chance to beat AJ for the world titles after his drugs bust. He blamed the failed tests on a tainted supplement and stem cell shots in his elbow.He then received a contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable but again tested positive for a banned substance.This time the ex-kickboxer put it down to a SEX PILL and was handed a two-year suspension.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMiller returned in 2022 and won three on the spin including a stoppage over ex-champ Lucas Browne, 43, last year. But he was beaten by Brit Dubois, 26, last time out while Ruiz, 34, is back after two years out. Jake Paul is going to Paris Olympics after bursting onto boxing scene with just one defeat on pro recordThe Mexican-American stunned Joshua, 34, in June 2019 but lost the rematch on points six years later. He beat Chris Arreola, 43, and Luis Ortiz, 45, but has faced a spell on the sidelines as promoter Eddie Hearn predicted a tough bout with Miller. Hearn told Matchroom Boxing: “I actually think this is a really tough fight for Andy Ruiz. It’s going to be all action.“Jarrell Miller is always going to be on the front foot, always comes to fight, and Andy is a very sharp counter-puncher as well, but he’s been out of the ring for a long time. “There’s going to be huge support for him in Los Angeles, but he better have hunger in his belly for this fight because otherwise, he’ll get overrun by Jarrell Miller.”Andy Ruiz Jr with Miller ahead of their fightCredit: Getty More

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    Anthony Joshua opponent Robert Helenius banned for TWO YEARS after positive drugs test following defeat to Brit

    ANTHONY JOSHUA’S former rival Robert Helenius has been banned from boxing for two years due to a positive drugs test.The test came after AJ knocked out Helenius with a brutal right cross in the seventh round of their heavyweight fight in August 2023.Robert Helenius has been banned from boxing for two yearsCredit: GettyAfter he was knocked down by AJ at the O2 Arena last AugustCredit: GettyThe 40-year-old has now recorded a positive UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) test for clomifene.Helenius protested his innocence but has now been banned for two years after being unable to prove it.UKAD’s statement read: “Finnish Professional Boxer Robert Helenius has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport for two years.”Following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.read more boxing news”Mr Helenius was tested by UK Anti-Doping after his bout against Anthony Joshua at the London O2 Arena on 12 August 2023.”Analysis of his sample revealed the Presence of clomifene. Clomifene is a Specified Substance that is prohibited at all-times.””UKAD notified and charged Mr Helenius with ADRVs for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance and provisionally suspended him.”On being notified, Mr Helenius stated that the clomifene detected in his urine sample must have originated from his consumption of eggs and chicken meat.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”However, following a request by UKAD, Mr Helenius was unable to provide any evidence that the eggs and chicken meat he had consumed in advance of the bout originated from hens that had been administered clomifene.”He is entitled to credit for the time he spent provisionally suspended.I dropped Anthony Joshua in sparring – here’s my prediction for his fight against Francis NgannouTherefore his ban is deemed to have started on September 18 2023 and will end at midnight on September 17 2025.The Nordic Nightmare also tested positive for a banned “non-steroid substance” just days before his brutal knockout loss to AJ last year.Helenius, 39, was drafted in as a short-notice replacement following DillIan Whyte’s multiple failed drug tests. More

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    Anthony Joshua’s team BLAST Daniel Dubois over failure to sign up for additional drug testing ahead of September clash

    ANTHONY JOSHUA’s team have BLASTED Daniel Dubois for allegedly not signing up for voluntary drug testing ahead of their domestic dust-up.AJ will challenge his former sparring partner for the IBF heavyweight title in a September showdown at Wembley.Anthony Joshua will throw down with Daniel Dubois on Septmber 21Credit: GETTYDubois will be defending the IBF heavyweight title against AJCredit: REUTERSJoshua’s team have claimed Dubois has yet to sign up for VADA drug testingCredit: X@258MANAGEMENTDubois’ team were quick to respondBut the former two-time unified heavyweight champion’s team sensationally claimed ‘Triple D’ has yet to sign up for additional drug testing from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.258 Management tweeted on Tuesday night: “Evening @Queensberry … any update on why @DynamiteDubois isn’t signed up for @Vada_Testing yet??”Queensberry Promotions responded to the claim on Wednesday, writing: “Daniel is enrolled as VADA will confirm.Dubois was subjected to VADA testing ahead of his ill-fated showdown with former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk last August.READ MORE ON AJ VS DUBOISA large portion of fighters competing in big bouts sign up for random testing from VADA to add an additional layer of scrutiny, which they pay for out of their own pocket.That’s in part down to some athletic commissions and sanctioning bodies being unable to afford multiple random tests during the fighters’ respective camps.Both Joshua and Dubois, 34 and 26 respectively, will be subject to random drug testing from the UKAD (UK-Anti-Doping).Neither fighter has ever fallen afoul of anti-doping rules and regulations during their careers.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua has voluntarily entered VADA testing multiple times throughout his career and was most recently enrolled in their program ahead of his March melee with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.And he called for radical drug testing reform after long-time rival Dillian Whyte tested positive for a banned substance ahead of their proposed trilogy fight last August.Eddie Hearn reveals bad boy version of Anthony Joshua is back ahead of Daniel Dubois fight and comments on Carl Froch feudHe said: “I don’t understand how 60% to 70% of people can get away with doping if you get random drug tests? I get drug-tested all year round.”Every quarter, I have to submit my whereabouts, where I’m going to be every day, at what hour of the day, so [drug-testers] can turn up randomly if they want.“It’s been like that since 2011. I’ve submitted it every day of my life. So why am I under that pressure but 60% to 70% of other boxers aren’t?“Once you sign up to a top-tier promoter they should all have that [approach to random testing] as part of the deal.”SunSport reached out to Queensberry Promotions for comment.Daniel Dubois was subjected to additional VADA testing ahead of his clash with Oleksandr Usyk last AugustCredit: Getty More

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    Boxer slapped with four-year drugs ban… three months after his death at the age of 34

    UK ANTI-DOPING chiefs banned a boxer for four years despite him dying three months earlier.Mexican Moises Calleros sadly passed away, aged 34, of a suspected cardiac arrest in February.Boxer Moises Calleros sadly passed away aged 34Credit: GettyMoises Calleros was beaten by Galal Yafai in April 2023Credit: GettyCalleros had been beaten by Brit Galal Yafai in four rounds in April of 2023.The flyweight had one bout after losing to Yafai when he beat Gerardo Verde on December 16, 2023 in Mexico. And he was believed to have been preparing for another fight when he was sadly found dead in his home.Ten months after the loss to Yafai, it emerged Calleros had failed a United Kingdom Anti-Doping test from that fight.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd, with UKAD seemingly unaware of his death, Calleros tested positive for cocaine and was slapped with a four-year suspension.In a statement, they wrote on X: “Anti-Doping Rule Violation!”Mexican Professional Boxer Moises Calleros has been banned for four years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and Use of Prohibited substance, cocaine and its metabolite.”Fans were quick to point out Calleros’ sad passing, with UKAD quickly deleting their post.Most read in BoxingAnd in a new statement the organisation said: “UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today received information regarding the death of Mexican professional boxer Moises Calleros.”UKAD received this information shortly after publishing details of the outcome from a case concerning Mr Calleros in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”Unfortunately, UKAD had no information regarding Mr Calleros’ sad passing at the time of publication and has now removed all details of this case from its channels.” I have 9-5 job by day but earn £15k a night in brutal bare-knuckle battlesCalleros boxed the majority of his career in Mexico baring two fights in Japan and the loss to Yafai in London.On March 2, the boxer’s Facebook account posted a tribute to his life as tributes poured in. He had a record of 37 wins, 11 losses and one draw, once challenging for the WBO interim minimum-weight title. More

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    I ran 100-mile hell marathon in step-daughter’s memory – boxing comeback after ban will be easy

    LIAM CAMERON ran 100 miles of hell to help him get back from the darkest depths of losing his career and his step-daughter.In 2018 the Sheffield fighter was handed an incredibly harsh four-year British boxing ban when a metabolite of cocaine was found in his system.Liam Cameron and friend Hassan took on the 100-mile round trip to ManchesterAnd he suffered another devastating blow in 2020 when his step-daughter was killed in a traffic incident just two days before her 21st birthday.Struggling to cope, the former Commonwealth middleweight champ battled addiction and survived an attempt on his own life.But last year, as the sport welcomed him back and he started a four-fight win streak, he took on a Sheffield-Manchester round-trip marathon to raise money for a tribute to Tiegan and prove his fitness to return to the ring.Ahead of his Friday night fight with Lyndon Arthur, live on Channel 5, Cameron told SunSport: “It was a crazy idea really, me and my pal Hassan just wanted to see if we could do it. Read More Sport”We wanted to hit that ‘Welcome to Manchester’ sign and get back.“Then we decided to make it more than a challenge and used it to raise £1,300 for a bench for Tiegan.“It took the best part of 24hrs, with just a rucksack full of flapjacks and the last 10 miles were hell.“I’ve been through some dark times, tough tests, but those last few miles were something else.Most read in BoxingLiam Cameron run from Sheffield to Manchester and backCredit: Supplied“Me and Hassan were both crying, confused, in agony. It ended up like a therapy session.“But we did it, somehow, and being able to do that, physically and mentally, showed me a boxing comeback would be alright.”Cameron has always protested his innocence but wisely has no desire to rock the boat with the British Boxing Board of Control after regaining his licence.And the sport has welcomed him back to the light-heavyweight division with Eddie Hearn hosting him on a Matchroom show at Sheffield arena in March and now he headlines on terrestrial TV.He explained: “At the time I did feel very alone and I felt like some people could have helped me a bit more but I understand the sport and that it’s a business.“Since my comeback, I do feel like all the people that know about my story are willing me to win.“I am the underdog, the outsider, the away fighter, but – especially in boxing – people love that guy and they want him to win.“I first ever loved boxing because of the Rocky films and I think people always love a comeback fairytale story more than an undefeated success.“I feel a bit sorry for Lyndon Arthur, he’s the Manchester lad on a home show in Bolton but I feel like I’ve got all of the backing.” More

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    Pro-Putin Serbian ultras have more reason than ever to launch attacks on England Euros fans, expert warns

    SERBIAN hooligans could use the political carnage plaguing Europe to launch an attack on England Euros fans, an expert has warned.Professor Martha Newson fears the pro-Putin Serbs could strike, using the Ukraine war and their far-right views as an excuse to unleash violence in Germany.Police in riot gear face ultras at a Euro 2012 qualifying match between Italy and SerbiaCredit: GettyA masked Serbian fan burns the flag of Albania during a match between the two countriesSerbian gendarmerie officers are often deployed at matches to ensure safetyCredit: AFPSerbian ultras are seen as some of the hardest football fans in Europe due to their passion and commitment to their nation and club sideCredit: REUTERSFans have been seen getting arrested after topless pitch-side brawls that left them with bloodied faces and marked bodiesCredit: ReutersA Serbian fan holding up a flare at an Austria versus Serbia friendly on June 4, 2024Credit: GettyFrom pitch invasions to mass brawls, the Serbian ultras are known for creating carnage when they descend on the footballing world.A growing number of die-hard Balkan hooligans have been causing havoc in their country and abroad.With Germany next up on the footballing calendar, many fear Europe’s hardest fans could quickly cause the tournament to erupt in violence.Dr Martha Newson, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, has growing concerns over how the situation in a war-torn Eastern Europe could impact the tournament.read more in Serbia ultrasShe told The Sun: “There’s a potential for violence, especially with the Russian-Ukrainian war and people having expectations about Serbian fans tying into those conceptions of East versus West.”Serbian hardcore fans tend to be more likely to be on the far right so there is potential for the Russian conflict and allegiance to come out and play out among fans on the global stage.”Serbia has close relations with Russia that date back centuries through a common Slavic origin and the Orthodox Christian religion. Russia was also supportive of Serbia’s attempted coup in Kosovo after the nation claimed independence in 2008.Most read in Euro 2024The West strongly backed Kosovo in their fight for independence angering Serbs in a similar manner to how Putin’s assaults have been strongly condemned by Nato.Their fans go by several names – such as The Gravediggers, Head Hunters, Zulu Warriors, and the Red Devils.Meet Serbia’s most fearsome hooligan ‘Ivan the Terrible’ who even hijacks team buses as England fans warned ahead of Euro clashAnd are known for using a range of weapons such as baseball bats, belts, pyrotechnics, knives and guns.With England’s first match against Serbia on June 16 already being labelled one of the most “high-risk” games of the tournament.However, Germany’s experience with hosting major widescale sporting events means they are well prepared – which could put off some hooligans from causing trouble.Up to 1,300 police officers will be deployed on matchday around the grounds with extra surveillance at fan zones and city centres as part of the massive security operation.It is understood British police “spotters” and plain-clothed officers will also be on hand to watch England fans at every match.Tracing their lineage back to the Balkan War of the 1990s, Serbian football hooligans are renowned for their love of the game.The chief executive of the county’s top side Red Star Belgrade once famously said Red Star is “not just a football team, it is an ideology, a philosophy and a national symbol”.In Eastern Europe I think organised violence has a bigger presence and that’s probably something German officials are considering when they’re labelling (Serbia games) as high riskMartha NewsonAssociate Professor of Psychology at the University of GreenwichThis belief has led to a barrage of controversial moves at matches against anyone who goes against the “national identity”.Stadiums in Serbia have developed into breeding grounds for militia recruitment, say experts, due to this sense of pride.During the Yugoslavian wars in the 1990s, it has been said that football hooligans were some of the first men to be sent to the frontlines.Dr Newson says this has created a formidable legacy.She said: “Often in football, people are playing out their national identities almost like a theatre performance.”They’re bringing everything into a ritual arena, so it is often an opportunity, or perceived as an opportunity to sort of flex the muscles.”So the reports coming in around the Serbian fans, I think, is a mixture of their legacy and their reputation.”England’s ‘high risk’ Serbian clashENGLAND kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday, 16 in a match where Southgate’s men start as a clear favourite on the pitch.
    Due to Three Lions fans and Serbian ultras flocking to Germany this weekend warnings have been placed all over the game.
    German police have claimed “up to 400 or 500 ­violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans will travel to ­Germany” ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
    Peter Both, the chief of police in Gelsenkirchen, said: “I guess the biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans, that will be our biggest challenge.”
    Roughly 500,000 Serbs live in Germany with many planning to head to Gelsenkirchen for the England game.
    One East European media platform has already vowed daily updates from the Euros “where we will cover the matches and, above all, events outside the stadium”.
    Up to 1,300 police officers will be deployed on matchday around the grounds with extra surveillance at fan zones and city centres as part of the massive security operation at the Euros.
    It is understood British police “spotters” and plain-clothed officers will also be on hand to watch England fans at every match.
    But a special focus will be on fan zones where 40,000 supporters are expected to gather.
    Dr Martha Newson says: “Fans go with the mentality of going into battle but that battle is only there if they perceive a threat.
    “So the England fans going out there if they perceive the Serbians as a potential threat or risk that’s when they’re gonna have a battle mindset and same for the Serbians.”
    However, Germany’s experience with hosting major widescale sporting events means they are well prepared – which could put off some hooligans from causing trouble.
    A UK law enforcement source told the i: “If you were going to hold this tournament at this time anywhere apart from the UK, then you would choose Germany.
    “But it’s a complex picture and unfortunately England fans are still regarded as fair game, or even desirable targets, by opposing hooligan groupings.
    “There is particular concern about the Serbia game.”

    8,000 flare-wielding Serb fans attempted to storm their own team’s training session in Germany on Wednesday.Cops were attacked with the roaring flares and forced to tackle a pitch invader at the Serbian team’s base.Ivana Jeremic, an investigative journalist who has extensively covered the link between football and the culture in Serbia, also told The Sun: “Serbian ultras have been influenced and controlled by state actors and criminals.“In the 90s, they bolstered paramilitary ranks. In peacetime, they have shaped public opinion and participated in significant political events.”This “war” mind-frame has continued in the past three decades with ex-ultra members stating they were made to “bleed” to become a fully-fledged fan.This siege mentality would see fans forced to attack others in a harrowing initiation ceremony.It resulted in riot police being deployed at almost every match in the country with batons and semi-automatic handguns.One of the ways the Serbian ultra-groups differ from other fan groups across Europe is their planning of violent acts.In recent years, they’ve formed a working relationship with the ruling party, allowing them to conduct business relatively unmolestedIvana JeremicInvestigative journalist Dr Newson said: “In the UK spontaneous violence is really all that we see nowadays, just a fight, sort of erupting without this sort of planning and scheduling.”In Eastern Europe, I think organised violence has a bigger presence and that’s probably something German officials are considering when they’re labelling [Serbia games] as high risk.”In 2022, a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime declared Serbia as the most concerning country for hooliganism.The report mentions how youngsters are often drafted into these ultra groups to act as “foot soldiers” for the ring leaders.In Belgrade, to become a member of the notorious United Force Ultra any newcomer must “stab someone with a knife”.Elsewhere Principi Ultra rookies are tasked with making rival fans bleed to build up trust within the group.In a Euro 2016 qualifier, Albanian players were seen frantically running off the pitch as Serbian fans ran on and caused carnageCredit: EPAA crazed Serbian fan threw a punch at one of the Albania playersCredit: ReutersIn 2017, Wales fans were seen fighting with Serbs through the gated barriersCredit: Huw Evans AgencyA Serbian fan punched a Brazil fan after a brawl in the stands at the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe ringleader of the Serbian ultra group dubbed “Ivan the Terrible” BagdanovCredit: GettyFans holding lit flares at an Austria and Serbia match in JuneCredit: APThe fearless firms are also heavily linked to far-right politics, Neo-Nazi sympathies, and organised crime – making them a haven for the criminal underworld.Prompting a culture of racism, drug use, drug selling and gang violence all away from the sport that has been ongoing for decades.Sasa Djordjevic, a researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, says hooligans are good for three things outside of football.Promoting nationalism, drug dealing and private security.He said: “The first part of their job is to promote a nationalistic narrative in public and spur the rise of nationalism, chauvinism and so on. The second part is drug dealing and the third is private security. “The first part is important because of politics, and it seems that it is some kind of favour [to politicians], and in return, hooligans get to do their illegal business.”BARBARIC ATTACKSOne of the worst Serbian ultra attacks came when a rival fan was ruthlessly beaten to death.In 2009, a Toulouse supporter – Brice Taton – was attacked with iron bars and bike chains by Partizan Belgrade hooligans before a match.A staggering fourteen men were charged, with the ringleaders being sentenced to up to 35 years for the heinous beating.Rangers fans were also ambushed with glass bottles in Belgrade when hooligans attacked them ahead of a Europa League match a few years ago.The travelling supporters had already been warned not to travel around Belgrade in small groups or late at night for fear of trouble.In 2021, cops raided several fan groups linked to clubs Partizan and Red Star Belgrade.They arrested 17 people on several “monstrous” charges including drug and murder crimes.Serbian ultras have been influenced and controlled by state actors and criminalsIvana JeremicInvestigative journalist In 2013, die-hard fans of a Serbian third-tier side dug a grave on their own pitch in a thinly-veiled threat to players.The hooligans – who snuck in after a match – pinned a crucifix to the ground which read “second division or this”.On the international stage, Serbian brutes are just as malicious.Ivan Bagdanov – a firebrand hooligan leader with links to Serbian far-right paramilitaries – was responsible for forcing a Euros qualifying match between Serbia and Italy to be abandoned In 2012.He tried to attack rival fans before turning on police and sparking the grisly carnage that led to an all-out war on the pitch.Nicknamed “Ivan the Terrible” Bagdanov rallied his fellow mob to set off live flares onto the pitch as players warmed up.Serbian Red Star Belgrade supporters let off red flares during their derby match against Partizan BelgradeCredit: AFPFans have even been known to set light to opposition team’s kits in the standsCredit: EPAEven on the pitch Serbian players are seen as some of the toughest opponents to face physicallyCredit: EPAThe Serbian Cup Final is seen as one of the most intimidating matches in Europe due to the fansCredit: ReutersThe ultra group are famous for their use of flares which cause a thick cloud of smoke to fill the stadiumCredit: ReutersThey also tried to break down the barriers separating the two sets of fans.Several other fights broke out at games across the past decade including a mass brawl with Brazilian supporters at the 2018 Russian World Cup.Four years earlier at a Euro 2016 qualifier between Serbia and Albania, another battle kicked off in the stands.Kosovo fought Serbia in a bitter war for independence in 1999 that resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and soldiers on both sides.These horror incidents have resulted in several fines and bans.The latest being when UEFA ordered them to play a 2024 European Championship qualifier in front of an empty stadium last year due to racist chants at a game against Montenegro.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans of both sides were said to have traded ethnic-based slurs resulting in Serbia being slapped with a £50,000 fine.Ivana Jeremic added: “UEFA’s disciplinary decisions frequently highlight issues, with the Serbian National Team being fined for racism and hate speech at international events.”Serbia’s history with hooligans and the governmentIN the 1990s, Yugoslavian governments were said to have started to fear football-going thugs.
    Former president Slobodan Milosevic had allowed for thousands of kids to grow up idolising such fans, in turn creating a culture of violence on match days.
    As the dangers increased and the ultra groups power soared, Milosevic ordered that the groups elected a leader he could talk to.
    A hooligan nicknamed Arkan – or Zeljko Raznatovic – was the first to be elected.
    He had a chilling past of robbing banks and escaping prison as well as heading up the notorious Delije ultranationalist fans of Red Star Belgrade for years.
    He would order his men to threaten and assault fans who were seen as anti government or anti-Communist.
    Milosevic was later called up to fight in the Balkan conflicts as he formed a paramilitary brigade of a 1000 men all from his football clan dubbed Arkan’s Tigers.
    He was later indicted by the International Tribunal of War Crimes at the Hague for genocide and known as one of the decades worst war criminals.
    Soon after the fighting, football stadiums in the country were filled with chants of “kill yourself Slobodan” aimed at the president.
    Until tempers reached boiling point in 2000 when hooligans led the way in violent protests that led to the storming of the Serbian Parliament.
    Milosevic resigned straight afterwards as tempers continued to flare.
    Rising ultra-nationalism flooded sporting environments in the years after the rioting.
    Ivana says this is still a major issue in Serbia today with politicians allowing ultra groups to get away with many heinous crimes in return for political support.
    She added: “In recent years, they’ve formed a working relationship with the ruling party, allowing them to conduct business relatively unmolested.
    “This makes those ultras significantly different from most other European countries in a sense that their actions are usually tolerated by the authorities.“
    The ruling Serbian Progressive Party is said to allow many hooligan groups to continue with their dirty work in order for everyone to stay happy within society.
    Current president, Aleksandar Vučić, has even labelled himself a former Red Star ultra in the past.
    Researcher James Montague claims the Serbian leader has sought to court and co-opt football hooligans.
    He said: “Vučić understood that this is a powerful and dangerous constituency that can make or break a president.
    “The ultras can quickly be mobilised for political goals if needed. At the same time, the authorities listen carefully to what is being shouted at the stands.”

    A bloodied hooligan being arrested after causing a riotCredit: AFP or licensorsPolice often clash with fans at the stadiumsCredit: EPABlood stained fans are seen by the pitch after a fierce derby match in SerbiaCredit: AFP or licensorsA former Yugoslavian army T-55 tank was once seen parked outside the Rajko Mitic stadium in BelgradeCredit: AFP or licensorsMany matches in Serbia are played under thick smoke clouds coming from the standsCredit: AFPArmed riot police battle with Serbian fans causing issues in the standsCredit: Reuters More

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    German cops who slapped beer ban on England fans say they should smoke cannabis instead

    GERMAN cops who slapped a strong beer ban on Three Lions fans say they should smoke cannabis instead.Fears of booze-fuelled trouble at Sunday’s game against Serbia saw stadium chiefs told to serve only weak beer or shandy.German cops who slapped a beer ban on Three Lions fans say they should smoke cannabis insteadCredit: GettyBut cannabis was legalised in Germany on April 1, and a Gelsenkirchen Police spokesman told The Sun yesterday that fans getting “Harry Kaned” on pot will be allowed to puff in peace.Stephan Knipp said: “It’s no problem for fans to smoke cannabis on the street.“If we see a group of people drinking alcohol and looking a bit aggressive, and another group smoking cannabis, of course we’ll look at the group drinking alcohol.“Drinking alcohol can make someone more aggressive, and smoking cannabis puts people in a chill mood.READ MORE WORLD NEWS“We want to prevent violence and keep people safe.“Our focus will be on fans who are drinking and potentially getting violent — that’s why we in place safety precautions on alcohol.”While fans will be able to smoke dope in many public areas, it will not be allowed inside the 62,000-seat Veltins Arena, nor in fan zones, bars or city squares.And bars in “sensitive areas” of the city will stop serving booze immediately before and after the game.Most read in FootballFears of violence rose over intelligence reports suggesting 500 Putin-supporting Serbian ultras would turn up. What do cannabis plants look and smell like? More