Exclusives

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Benjamin Mendy’s prison ruled by ‘tangled web of gangs’ with 29 attacks a MONTH after he expected ‘VIP wing’

      by

      THE PRISON where Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy is being held is plagued with a “tangled web of gangs” with 29 inmate attacks a MONTH.Mendy, 27, has been on remand in Liverpool’s HMP Altcourse since October as he faces a total of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
      Benjamin Mendy has been held at Liverpool’s HMP Altcourse since October as he faces six counts of rape and one of sexual assaultCredit: AP
      The prison in Liverpool is riddled with a ‘tangled web of gangs’ and faced 338 assaults in the last yearCredit: Alamy
      It’s now been revealed that there were nearly 340 inmate assaults in the last year – despite prisoners being locked up for the majority of the day during the pandemic.
      The prison, where the footballer is being held, is riddled with warring “gangs” who have spent much of their limited out-of-cell time in the last year assaulting each other.
      Mendy’s fellow inmates also attack one another with makeshift weapons – including razor blades concealed inside toothbrushes.
      The £52million international footballer was arrested at his home in August following allegations of sexual abuse.
      But the Man City defender was remanded in custody and wasn’t allowed to return to his £5million mansion in Cheshire as the multiple rape charges came to light.
      He was transported from court to the Category B prison on October 1 – and will stay there until his trial next year after three of his bail pleas were rejected.

      The footballer was put on the VP wing for vulnerable prisoners – but it was reported that he first misunderstood and thought he was going to a “VIP wing.”
      One prison officer is forced to spend “considerable time” unpicking the tangled web of gangs within the prison walls at Altcourse, The Sun can reveal.
      From July 2020 to June 2021, there were 338 assaults within the prison – and in 35 incidents, a weapon was used by inmates.
      And 53 attacks resulted in police referrals for prosecution, with one prisoner receiving an additional 10 months on their sentence for melting a razor blade into a toothbrush.
      This averages out to 29 assaults per month – which is nearly one attack a day.
      The annual report by the Independent Monitoring Board revealed: “The prison’s local and urban catchment area has led to more conflict which takes place in the community moving inside the walls.
      “To this end one officer spends considerable time trying to unpick the tangled web of Liverpool gangs.
      “During the reporting period the average prison population was 1113 with the number of assaults averaging 29 per month which represents slightly over 2 per cent.
      “Of these, 21 were prisoner on prisoner and 8 on staff.”
      INMATE ATTACKS
      The report added: “Of the total number of 338 assaults throughout this year, there were 35 incidents of weapon use and 53 police referrals for prosecution.”
      And the prison also reported having a substance misuse problem – with the volume of illicit drugs being smuggled into Altcourse staying constant, despite no social visits and limited access to exercise yards.
      But HMP Altcourse also hasn’t been drug testing inmates during the pandemic – admitting that the amount of time prisoners spent in their cells may have “hidden” the problem.
      And with an increase in foreign national “high risk” prisoners, the prison’s English language education course is now “heavily oversubscribed.”
      Despite the attacks between inmates “remaining steady” this year, the report admitted the numbers perhaps weren’t higher because “prisoners are locked up for most of the day.”
      The France international player has been accused of attacking four women – all over 16 – between October 2020 and August 2021.
      And today he was charged with two more rapes – on top of the four he was already facing.
      He is yet to enter pleas to the charges.
      The footballer will appear at Stockport Magistrates’ Court on November 17 – and is scheduled to go on trial on January 24, 2022.
      Mendy was arrested after a 17-year-old girl alleged she had been sexually abused at his £5million Cheshire mansion this August.
      MOB RULE
      He was also accused of raping a woman last October, as well as a sexual assault in January.
      Mendy was initially charged with four counts of rape and one sexual assault.
      In October, Mendy was denied bail by a judge at a 50-minute hearing at Chester Crown Court. It was the third bail application Mendy had made.
      Man City suspended the Premier League left-back in August, pending an investigation.
      In a statement, the club said: “Manchester City can confirm that following his being charged by police today, Benjamin Mendy has been suspended pending an investigation.
      “The matter is subject to a legal process and the club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete.”
      He is now missing from the club’s official online shop, with fans unable to buy shirts with his name and number on the back.
      It is not even possible to search for “Mendy” in the search bar, nor can users browse Mendy products under the “shop by player” option.
      He does, however, remain on the squad list with a full bio detailing his career.
      Mendy has been refused bail three times and is now being held in the Liverpool prisonCredit: Alamy
      Man City star Benjamin Mendy leaves court as it’s revealed he’ll stand trial accused of four counts of rape and one sexual assault
      We pay for your stories!Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      My mate Tyson Fury is a real champ for taking up mental health fight, says Frank Bruno

      by

      FRANK Bruno today crowns Tyson Fury as the most inspirational sports star on the planet.He tells how the Gypsy King is now following in his own legendary footsteps — both in and out of the ring.
      My mate Tyson Fury is a real champ for taking up mental health fight, says Frank BrunoCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
      In an exclusive interview to mark turning 60, Frank says Tyson has taken on the mantle of being Britain’s best heavyweight boxer, but deserves even more credit for his work championing mental health awareness in troubled youngsters.
      And Frank says his friendship with Tyson is even helping him to win his own battle with mental health problems after years of trying to overcome his demons.
      Frank — who celebrates his landmark birthday today — told The Sun: “I’ve seen a lot over my 60 years but witnessing the way Tyson has turned his life around may well top the lot.
      “Nobody has done more in the past few years to raise awareness of mental health problems than Tyson. He’s the most inspirational sports star on the planet in my book.
      “We’ve both had difficult days but it has made us great friends and I am now seeing first-hand how Tyson is truly on a mission, inside and outside of the ring, to help others.
      “Tyson has told me he even wants to try and find a cure for mental health problems one day so others don’t go through what we have. And I’d back him to do it. I’d trust Tyson more than most of the politicians around these days.”

      With a steely look, Frank added: “I am determined to carry on fighting to smash down stigma until the day I die. But it’s reassuring to know Tyson will be there carrying the baton for many years after that.”
      It is typical heart-on-his-sleeve, no-nonsense stuff from Frank, who is still adored by the nation, 25 years after he retired from boxing.
      In 1995, the year before he quit the ring, he defeated Oliver McCall at Wembley to win the WBC Heavyweight Championship, which is still ranked among British sport’s greatest moments.
      As well as a glittering career which saw him win 40 out of 45 fights, he has also become a national treasure for his career on stage and screen.
      A poll in 1996, the year he retired, ranked him the second most popular Briton, behind Princess Diana. But five years after retiring, Frank was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and his life unravelled.
      The illness has since seen him sectioned — detained as a psychiatric hospital inpatient — four times, most recently last summer.
      LIFE UNRAVELLED
      Now he is planning to open a string of mental health centres to help those who have gone through similar struggles.
      Frank says: “The last 12 months have been probably the hardest in my life. Last summer I couldn’t have put my hand on my heart and said I’d have been out of hospital to celebrate my birthday.
      “I thought I had things under control but Covid and lockdown just pulled the rug from under my feet. I struggled to cope with being locked down and losing friends from Covid.
      “I had to reset and get better. And I did. But if getting my freedom back and turning 60 has shown me anything it is that there is still so much to be fighting for.
      “I’ve got a lot I still want to do. But it is not about belts or titles now. It is about supporting others.”
      It is that determination which has led Tyson, who also suffers from bipolar, to bond with Frank in a unique way. The pair regularly talk privately about their illness and discuss coping strategies.
      Nobody has done more in the past few years to raise awareness of mental health problems than TysonFrank Bruno
      They also both run their own charity foundations. Before Tyson flew out to face Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas last month, Frank spent a day with the 33-year-old at a new centre that Tyson is opening in Morecambe, Lancs.
      And when he got back, Tyson was one of the first people on the phone to wish his buddy well at turning 60. Frank said: “I got a video message from him.
      “I think Tyson’s been relaxing and enjoying himself since he got back from the Wilder fight. But good luck to him, he deserves a break. But Tyson won’t be sitting still for long. He’s not cut that way.”
      Frank feels the same about Britain’s former Olympic and world champ Anthony Joshua, who has barely been seen since his brutal defeat by Ukrainian powerhouse Oleksandr Usyk in September.
      AJ’s defeat means the planned superfight with Tyson that fans were looking forward to now hangs in the balance.
      But Frank, who won his own world title at the fourth attempt, is backing 32-year-old AJ to recover and thinks he will eventually fight pal Tyson.
      KANGAROO BALLS
      He said: “This isn’t the end of the AJ story. Sometimes in life you have to lose to win. I know that better than most.
      “Anthony now needs to keep a level head, work hard and come back. I think he’s still got the fire in his belly and he’ll want to prove a few people wrong by coming back stronger. If I can help in any way I’d love to. He just needs to call me.
      “AJ will also want to fight Tyson and prove he’s the best fighter in the world — but that part won’t be easy!” Despite his age, Frank, who still trains daily, is regularly offered the chance to return to the ring. 
      In the past year alone, he has been offered potentially lucrative deals to take part in exhibition bouts against Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe.
      But Frank, who suffered an eye injury in his final fight against Mike Tyson in 1996, is not tempted.
      He said: “One more punch to the eye could blind me, so I won’t be going there. I want to see my grandchildren grow up. I’m still fit and I will always miss the buzz of boxing, but I’ve had my time.”
      I wouldn’t change a single day of the last 60 years. Even the difficult ones happened for a reason.Frank Bruno
      However, the prospect of doing battle on the dance floor is a different matter. Frank said: “I think I’d be OK on Strictly. I’ve loved music from the day I was born and when I’m not in the gym I’ll be on the decks and love a bit of DJing.
      “Apparently I’m not a bad mover so I think I’d enjoy the show — plus, they wouldn’t have to spend much on a spray tan.”
      He added: “I’d opt for that over I’m A Celeb. I hate snakes and don’t fancy eating kangaroo balls. I’d rather have a nice steak and some garlic.”
      Frank’s friendship with legendary boxing commentator Harry Carpenter remains one of the joys of his life. It led to his infamous “Know what I mean, ’Arry?” catchphrase, which people still shout at him every day, Frank says.
      It is 11 years since Harry died, but earlier this year Frank was moved close to tears when he discovered a previously unseen interview that he had given to the BBC icon.
      It forms part of Frank’s new life story, 60 Years A Fighter. He says: “I still think about Harry a lot. He was a gentleman, a diamond who helped me inside and outside the ring more than he could ever know. He played a massive part in my life.”
      Last Friday Frank marked his milestone birthday with a celebratory ball, raising money for his charity, The Frank Bruno Foundation.
      ‘DUST YOURSELF DOWN AND GO AGAIN’
      Among those to send tributes were Piers Morgan, Wayne Rooney and Stephen Fry. And his old fighting foe Mike Tyson even sent a happy birthday message via video.
      Despite being rivals in the ring, Frank says the pair are now more like brothers. He added: “Mike’s misunderstood. We met up last year and it was great to just talk about old times.
      “He’s mellowed a hell of a lot — that might be because he runs a cannabis farm in America! He may have been the baddest man on the planet for a long time but he’s just a grandad like me now.”
      And for Frank, who is reportedly dating Scottish hairdresser Nina Coletta, mental health campaigning, family and staying fit and healthy are the priorities now.
      He said: “I wouldn’t change a single day of the last 60 years. Even the difficult ones happened for a reason. They make you stronger. You have to dust yourself down and go again.
      “I’ve been very lucky. I’ve met kings and queens but I’m just a normal geezer and no better than anyone else — know what I mean?”

      SMASHING STIGMA AROUND MENTAL HEALTH
      AFTER a glittering ring career Frank is now focused on a new fight — smashing the stigma around mental health.
      His charity The Frank Bruno Foundation has just opened its first centre in Northampton which has already helped more than 1,000 people.
      Pal Tyson Fury has agreed to be an ambassador for the charity and Frank, who wants to open several more centres next year, is even eyeing a meeting at No10.
      He says: “I’d love to sit down with Boris Johnson and tell him where we need to improve things.
      “Lockdown has created a new crisis in mental health and the help isn’t there for many who need it. I want to change all that — and so does Tyson.”

      Frank Bruno has crowned Tyson Fury as the most inspirational sports star on the planetCredit: Rex
      Frank as the WBC champion pictured in 1995Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Frank meets boxing great Muhammed Ali in 1984Credit: (c) 1984 Rex Features. No use without permission.
      Tyson Fury pictured in his third bout with Deontay WilderCredit: AP
      Bruno cuts a special Frank Bruno Foundation cake to celebrate his 60th birthdayCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Tyson Fury jogs along drizzly Morecambe beach with Joseph Parker, dad John and bro Tommy ahead of his Jake Paul showdown
      We pay for your stories!Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Emily Atack seen as it’s revealed she was introduced to Jack Grealish by another England star

      by

      FOOTBALL ace Jack Grealish and actress Emily Atack were introduced by another England star.The pair grew close after a mutual Three Lions pal put them in touch in September, although Emily is believed to have been unaware he had a girlfriend.
      Emily Atack seen out in North London after it was revealed she met Jack Grealish through another England aceCredit: Rex
      Emily has been posting selfies from Paris, above, before being spotted in London
      A source said: “Emily shares a pal with Jack in the England squad. That’s how she got to know him but she thought he was single.”
      We revealed Man City star Jack’s close friendship with Emily, 31, yesterday.
      His girlfriend, Sasha Attwood, 25, had watched him come on as a sub for England against Albania on Friday night.
      A source said: “She’s aware he gets a lot of attention and puts up with quite a bit. But she will be hurt by his friendship with Emily and will have it out with him.” 
      Jack, 26, left, has met twice with Emily, who played Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners. She has been posting selfies from Paris but was out in North London yesterday.
      A source said: ‘Emily shares a pal with Jack in the England squad. That’s how she got to know him but she thought he was single’Credit: Rex
      Man City’s Jack is in an on/off relationship with Sasha Attwood, aboveCredit: Splash
      Emily pictured out for a dog walk in LondonCredit: Rex
      We revealed Man City star Jack’s close friendship with Emily, 31, yesterdayCredit: Getty

      Emily Atack looks stunning despite having a hangover as she enjoys ‘hair of the dog’ glass of rose after boozy GQ Awards More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Football referees using online tracker to make sure they get home safely after being abused at matches

      by

      FOOTBALL refs are using an online tracker to make sure they get home safely after being abused at matches.They are downloading an app first developed for lone women, in a bid to avoid clashes with players and fans after the game.
      Former Premier League referee Graham Barber designed the app to help younger officialsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      It was designed by ex-Premier League referee Graham Barber, 63, who already has dozens of young refs on board and is in talks with county football associations to roll it out for officials nationally.
      Last week it was revealed officials as young as 14 are being verbally abused by pushy parents who think their child is “the next Cristiano Ronaldo”.
      Paul Field, of the Referees’ Association, said the problem also stems from new coaches “who think they are a mini-José Mourinho and can say whatever they like”.
      Mr Barber reckons he has found the solution thanks to the Help Me Angela tracker app.
      Graham, who officiated the 2003 FA Cup Final when Arsenal beat Southampton, said: “This allows them to have a guardian angel on call and to have their journeys followed to and from the match.
      “This is for everyone, but we’re extending it to referees now.”
      Angry Klopp rows with reporter over referee decisions in Liverpool’s defeat to West Ham More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Rod Stewart blasts ‘disrespectful’ Cristiano Ronaldo for playing ‘manager’ at Old Trafford

      by

      IF footie fan Rod puts Celtic and Scotland first, he’s always taken a keen interest in Man United.This goes back to the incredible Busby Babes, the young team nurtured by legendary Scots manager Matt Busby in the Fifties. 
      Rod Stewart says he was ‘a little disturbed’ that Cristiano Ronaldo ‘was on the touchline the other night, taking over from Ole (manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer)’Credit: Getty
      Rod says Ronaldo was being ‘very disrespectful’Credit: Getty
      Eight players were killed in the devastating 1958 Munich air disaster.
      So, what’s Rod’s take on the return of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford?
      “Oh, it’s wonderful, it’s everywhere you go,” he says.
      “But I’m a little disturbed that he was on the touchline the other night, taking over from Ole (manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer).
      “He’s got to stop that, it’s very disrespectful.
      “One manager, one player!”
      And it looks like Ronald is set to be snubbed for a ‘dream’ Manchester United coaching role – both now and in the future.
      As revealed by SunSport earlier this season, the star wants to end his playing career at Old Trafford and then step into a backroom staff role.
      Senior figures within the club insist he was brought back exclusively as a player – and recognise he could still have plenty more seasons in the tank which would see him play into his 40s.

      Evra reveals Scholes and not Cristiano Ronaldo is best ever team-mate More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester United’s pampered stars have team of technicians to tune their TVs and fix computers

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S pampered stars have a team of technicians to tune in their TVs and fix their computers when they crash, The Sun can reveal.The multilingual handymen also put up shelves and hang pictures for the millionaire footballers.
      Man United’s pampered stars have a team of technicians to tune in their TVs and fix their computers when they crash, The Sun can revealCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      An ad for a new “player care property technician” placed by the club also asks for candidates to have a knowledge of “foreign languages, spoken and written”.
      They are required “to assist the Player Care Property Technicians with day-to-day maintenance issues, emergency breakdown attendance of equipment, house moves and general building management of players and senior management residential properties.”
      The ad does not reveal salary details but similar jobs attract £30,000-a-year pay.
      United’s stars are under pressure, and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in fear of the boot, after hapless recent displays against rivals Man City and Liverpool.
      Fan Dave Carter said: “I wish the club was more focused on sharpening up the players on the pitch rather than worrying about tweaking their TV aerials off it.
      “It’s not a good look advertising for staff to pamper these overpaid footballers when results are so dire.

      “Perhaps they will be advertising for a new manager soon.”
      Manchester United was approached for comment.
      United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in fear of the boot after hapless recent displays against rivals Man City and LiverpoolCredit: AFP
      Simon Jordan says that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a large part of Man Utd’s problems More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Four Premier League clubs including Man Utd and Chelsea approved for ‘safe standing’ trial in January

      by

      FOUR Premier League clubs have been given the go-ahead to trial “safe standing” this season.Chelsea, Spurs, Man City and Man United will be the top-flight sides taking part in the pilot in January.
      Manchester United are one of the clubs which will trial safe standingCredit: Getty
      The first match will be Chelsea v Liverpool on January 2.
      Championship team Cardiff have also been given permission.
      Standing has been illegal in the top divisions since all-seater stadiums were introduced in 1994 following the death of 97 Liverpool fans in the Hillsborough disaster.
      If the trial is a success, other clubs will be able to apply for next season.
      New Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, a Liverpool fan brought up near Anfield, had approved the move.
      She said: “Football fans have long wanted the introduction of safe standing and I’m pleased we are fulfilling our manifesto commitment by piloting its return.”

      Spurs built safe standing provision options into their new £1billion home and chairman Daniel Levy said: “The Club has led on lobbying the Government for safe standing at stadia and is delighted that this will now be possible.
      “It delivers choice for fans attending the game – whether home or away supporters – and the vast majority of our fans are in favour of this scheme.
      “We are extremely proud of our ‘safe seating’ design, which ensures both comfort and safety, whether standing or seated, while maintaining the same aesthetics as in all other areas of the stadium.”
      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston added: “The time is now right to properly trial safe standing in the Premier League and EFL Championship ahead of a decision on a widespread roll-out.
      “Safety is absolutely paramount and the SGSA is working hand-in-glove with the clubs on this.
      “Fans deserve different options on how they can enjoy a live match and I will be watching the progress of these trials with interest.”
      Pipe with ‘raw sewage’ BURSTS all over fans at FedEx Field during Washington Football Team game More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      English footie clubs racked up tax debts worth over £140 million since pandemic

      by

      FOOTBALL clubs in England have racked up tax debts of £140million-plus in the pandemic.Sixty clubs in the Premier League and English Football League have the debt, figures obtained by The Sun show.
      Footie clubs in England have racked up tax debts worth over £140 million since the start of the pandemicCredit: Alamy
      Premier League clubs owe £49.5million in unpaid taxes including VAT.
      EFL clubs owe £91.8million in accrued taxes, with £64million in the Championship, £24.9million in League One and £2.9million in League Two.
      The taxman would not identify any of the clubs involved but it is understood that Wayne Rooney’s Derby County owes £28million.
      HMRC confirmed that repayment agreements have been struck so clubs are not in arrears.

      It is understood that Wayne Rooney’s Championship outfit Derby County owe £28million to HMRCCredit: Getty
      Ninety-three footballers, nine clubs and 23 agents to be investigated over £56 million of unpaid tax More