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    Chelsea’s former top groundsman accused of grabbing junior worker’s crotch during ‘bullying campaign’

    CHELSEA’S former top groundsman was accused of grabbing a junior worker’s crotch during a bullying campaign, an employment panel heard.Jason Griffin was also said to have told Conor McKnight at a Christmas party: “You will be leaving here in a body bag.”Chelsea’s former head groundsman Jason Griffin was accused of grabbing a junior worker’s crotch during a bullying campaignMr Griffin denied any wrongdoing while Mr McKnight was sacked for gross misconduct having sent 1,500 emails detailing his claims to other clubs and the media.The tribunal heard Mr McKnight was sacked with immediate effect as a result of these emails in May 2022.He contested this decision, but his appeal was rejected at a hearing which he was not invited to.Further emails were sent anonymously on a further seven occasions before more were sent to Mr Griffin individually.READ MORE ON CHELSEAA tribunal upheld Mr McKnight’s subsequent claim of unfair dismissal owing to serious failings in the way the Premier League club handled the disciplinary process — as he was not invited to his appeal hearing.But it ruled he should not get compensation as he “engaged in serious culpable conduct”.It made no ruling on his allegations. Mr Griffin has also left the club.Most read in FootballThe Sun attempted to contact both Mr Griffin and Mr McKnight.Chelsea FC has been approached for comment.Simon Jordan slams ‘pathetic’ Chelsea fans for criticising Todd Boehly More

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    David Beckham’s first Man Utd contract set to fetch huge sum at auction

    DAVID Beckham’s first contract with Manchester United could fetch up to £10,000 at auction, despite the legend earning pittance when he joined as a teenager.Becks joined the Red Devils at the tender age of 15 in July 1991. David Beckham’s first Man Utd contract is set to be sold at auctionDavid, pictured with wife Victoria, won six Premier League titles with UnitedCredit: InstagramHis basic wage was £29.50 per week.His signed contract is now up for grabs along with other paperwork for greats including Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Andy Cole and Paul Scholes.A collection of six Beckham contracts starting with his first contract from Manchester United as a 15 year old Junior in 1991 with improved contracts in 1993-1997, 1995-1999, 1996-2001, 1998-2003 and 2002-2005 could sell for £10,000.Signed by Beckham and all relevant parties, they come with FA and Premier League endorsements of registration.READ MORE ON DAVID BECKHAMAuctioneers James and Sons describe them as “An unbelievable bit of modern Manchester United history.” Eric Cantona’s contract shows the Frenchman signed for £300K per year 1992 to 1996 – one of the highest paid players in the Premier League.And other deals show big money deals for Scholes, who earned £3M per year.Interestingly Roy Keane took a pay cut from £3.5M in 2003 to 2005 season to £3M in 2005 to 2006 season.Most read in FootballThe auction takes place on Tuesday 9 April.The moments that made Victoria Beckham an icon More

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    England fans at Euros told by Uefa to book hotels on street with zombie drug addicts in ‘Germany’s biggest slum’

    CLUELESS football bosses are advising England fans at the Euros in Germany to stay in an area plagued by violent drug addicts dubbed “zombies”.Uefa have earmarked hotels in Frankfurt’s railway station area, or Bahnhofsviertel, as the base for tens of thousands of Three Lions supporters.England fans have been urged to stay in areas of Frankfurt plagued by ‘zombie’ addictsCredit: Dan CharityAddicts make no attempt to disguise their drug use on the streetCredit: Dan CharityThe area has been branded ‘the most dangerous slum in Germany’Credit: Dan CharityThe area is so bad that road sweepers are given police protectionCredit: Dan CharityBut it has been branded “the most dangerous slum in Germany” — with its streets packed with 5,000 shuffling junkies and 300 dealers.Heroin and cocaine had been the traditional drugs of choice, but crystal meth and a new crack cocaine mixture has hit the streets.A drug aid worker said: “It’s mixed together differently. It makes them angrier.”Günter Tauber, former head of the command and situation service of the city police, said: “Aggression is increasing sharply. This new mixture causes users to lose control and they become more aggressive than ever.”READ MORE ON EUROSThe area is so bad that road sweepers are given police protection, two schools have begged for a dedicated security force and US firms have told employees to take taxis even for short trips.Peter Postleb, adviser to the mayor when Frankfurt was a World Cup city in 2006, said pimps and dealers were indiscriminate and would attack even in broad daylight next to packed cafes.The security consultant told The Sun: “I don’t think it’s OK of Uefa to make a recommendation for fans to stay in this area.“Passers-by walking through the Bahnhofsviertel have been robbed and threatened.Most read in Euro 2024“Crack users who take it for a long time, they all have some kind of damage in their psyche and are very aggressive.He added: “Situations can quickly escalate. As a passer-by, you ­unfortunately quickly come into conflict with the scene, which has become very aggressive. You are harassed and pushed.”UEFA Euro 2024: The glamorous life of WAGsMr Postleb said the area went downhill during the pandemic when businesses and bars closed, allowing more space for junkies and dealers to move in.He added: “Police are very aware of the problem. They have been carrying out raids recently, big raids, and the whole of Bahnhofsviertel has been cordoned off.“I have no doubt they will step it up before the tournament.”But they face a race against time — with Harry Kane and his teammates facing Denmark in a crucial group tie on June 20.Uefa advice tells fans: “You’ll discover a variety of accommodation in close proximity to the Central Station or throughout the entire Bahnhofsviertel area.The streets are packed with 5,000 shuffling junkies and 300 dealersCredit: Dan CharityThe area went downhill during the pandemic when businesses and bars closedCredit: Dan Charity“From here, you can easily and conveniently access other key transportation hubs within the city.“This makes Bahnhofsviertel an especially appealing choice if you’re considering trips to explore the city or its surroundings.”DAYTIME GUN FIGHTYet half of all the crimes in Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the area, with four violent attacks every day.One video shows a man being shot during a daytime gun fight. In another, a pedestrian is knocked out with a single punch, then robbed of his wallet and possessions while he is sprawled on the ground.James Monks, organiser of the England Supporters Club’s West Midlands branch, has followed the official advice and booked a room in the area.The Wolves fan, 31, fumed: “It seems an odd decision from Uefa to recommend fans stay in such a dangerous area. I do wonder if Uefa executives will base themselves in Bahnhofsviertel!“Hopefully the authorities will clean up the area in time but it doesn’t sound good.“I just hope the thousands of England fans travelling to Germany remain safe.”It seems an odd decision from Uefa to recommend fans stay in such a dangerous area.Newcastle United fan David Airey, 39, a member of the England Supporters Travel Club, said: “Uefa must rectify their guidance immediately. As someone travelling to the Euros with my young son, it is worrying that Uefa are offering guidance without fully doing their research first.“Their naivety in this situation could put unsuspecting fans and families in danger. The first they realise there may be problems could be when they arrive.“By this time, it will almost certainly be too late to book somewhere else that is either available or not extortionately priced.”Politicians have described the area as “the open wound of Frankfurt”.Half of all the crimes in Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the areaCredit: Dan CharityHeroin and cocaine had been the traditional drugs of choiceCredit: Dan CharityCornelia Bensinger, from the Pro Altstadt association, said: “The gateway to the city looks like ­Harlem in the 1970s.”A spokesman for the city said they would need until the end of the week to respond.But Frankfurt Chief Supt Björn Thies insisted: “The Frankfurt police are on duty around the clock in the Frankfurt railway station area with numerous police officers from various departments, both in uniform and in civilian clothes.“In addition to the daily presence, large-scale checks are carried out at regular intervals.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUefa said: “Accommodation options indicated on the event guide are aligned with the host ­cities and reflect the offers provided on all major accommodation booking platforms.“For any updates and further information, we also refer fans who plan to travel to Germany to the respective tourism pages of the respective cities or regions.”Uefa earmarked hotels in Frankfurt’s railway station area as the base for tens of thousands of Three Lions supportersCredit: GettyHarry Kane and his teammates face Denmark in a crucial group tie on June 20Credit: Getty More

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    Leeds wonderkid eyed by European giants for shock summer transfer but Premier League clubs chasing him dealt blow

    LEEDS starlet Archie Gray faces a massive decision this summer as he is being chased by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.The Germans want the versatile midfielder, 18, to grow with them in the same way as Jude Bellingham, 20.Archie Gray is wanted by German giants Borussia DortmundCredit: RexThey want to mould the teen in the same way they did with Jude Bellingham, who now plays for Real MadridCredit: PADortmund  will pay big money for the Whites academy product.He has been namechecked by England manager Gareth Southgate as a future international.Dortmund head the hunt and have a chance if Championship Whites fail to go up.That would leave Gray and his legendary Leeds family with a huge call to make.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSources close to the camp suggest he will not move to another English side if he leaves.And that gives the Bundesliga a chance.Ideally, Gray wants to play in the Premier League with Leeds.But there could be a short cut to the Champions League on offer in the next window.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRecent reports suggest European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are both tracking him.SunSport also revealed interest from Premier League outfits Crystal Palace and Everton last Septmber.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024 More

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    Newcastle’s £100m striker Alexander Isak’s mansion hit by gang of robbers in latest raid on Prem aces’ homes

    NEWCASTLE United star Alexander Isak is the latest ace to be targeted by professional robbers.A gang struck at the £100million striker’s luxury home just 48 hours before he played in the Toon’s 1-0 win at Fulham yesterday.Alexander Isak is the latest ace to be targeted by professional robbersCredit: GettyThe Newcastle United star’s luxury home was hit by a gangA gang struck just 48 hours before he played in the Toon’s 1-0 win at Fulham yesterdayCredit: ReutersThree months ago his teammate Joelinton’s home a mile away was raided. No-one has been arrested for that burglary and detectives will be investigating whether the same team is responsible.England stars Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have also been the victims of so-called “away day gangs” who strike when they think players will be at matches.Cops were told about the raid on Swede Isak’s home on the Darras Hall estate in Northumberland at 10pm on Thursday.Read More on SportThe gang are thought to have gained entry to the four-bedroom property through rear patio doors earlier in the evening.It is not known whether Isak, 24, or any family were at home at the time or what, if anything, was taken. Cops confirmed a car was stolen and later found abandoned three miles away in Dissington.A neighbour told The Sun on Sunday: “Police are still piecing it together, but he was broken into.Most read in Football“There has been a security van at the house with dogs.”It’s not known which car was taken.Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley recorded making X-rated blast after Isak goal vs SunderlandIsak, who has scored 19 goals this season, arrived for training on Friday behind the wheel of a green Mercedes G-Class wagon.Newcastle United declined to comment. Northumbria Police said: “Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact us.”In January Newcastle’s Brazilian player Joelinton, 27, suffered a raid while he was at a match.Three burglars squeezed through his front hedge before breaking in and rifling through his fiancée’s designer handbags.Thays Gondim and their three children were out at the time.The couple were alerted by security apps on their phones and horrified Thays is said to have watched as the crooks hunted for watches and jewellery.Armed cops raced to the scene but discovered they had fled.In December Man City star Jack Grealish’s £5.6million Cheshire pad was raided by thieves while he was playing. They made off with £1million in watches and gems.England and Chelsea midfielder Raheem Sterling raced back from the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 after raiders stole £300,000 worth of designer watches from his home in Surrey.READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester United ace Victor Lindelof’s wife and two kids had to lock themselves in a panic room when burglars ransacked their Manchester home in February 2022.And that year ex-Liverpool and Arsenal ace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and his fiancee, singer Perrie Edwards, were robbed in Wilmslow, Cheshire.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Perrie Edwards were robbed in Wilmslow, Cheshire in 2022Credit: GettyRaheem Sterling raced back from the World Cup in Qatar after raiders stole £300,000 worth of designer watches from his home in SurreyCredit: AlamyJack Grealish’s £5.6million Cheshire pad was raided by thieves while he was playing last DecemberCredit: Alamy More

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    QPR’s mascot Jude the Cat sacked – after ‘flirting with female fans on matchdays’

    QPR mascot Jude the Cat has been neutered — for flirting with female fans on match days, it is claimedThe Romeo in the costume was axed after being given a string of ­warnings telling him to stop chatting up match-goers and get on with his job.QPR mascot Jude the Cat has been neutered — for flirting with female fans on match days, it is claimedCredit: GettyThe mascot was axed after being given a string of ­warnings telling him to stop chatting up match-goers and get on with his jobCredit: TwitterA source at QPR said: ‘Everyone at the club loved Jude’Credit: GettyYet many Hoops supporters were fuming to learn their beloved talisman, who was known for his silky pitchside dance moves, had been axed after several years of service.Some have demanded that the club “bring back the cat” because he was the only thing worth watching at the West London ground.A source at QPR said: “Everyone at the club loved Jude.“He had the smoothest moves in the league but, unfortunately, he was a bit of a smooth talker, too. Read More on Sport”Several people complained that he was trying it on with the ladies more than cheering on the lads on the pitch.“He would always be dancing with them and then trying to get them to give him their number. “Jude was warned but he couldn’t help himself and the club had no choice.”Pictures shared by fans show Jude posing with mums pitchside during games at Loftus Road.Most read in FootballA QPR spokesman declined to comment but a Twitter/X account dedicated to the cat and run by the club has not posted for a month.The club’s website suggests someone new will be in the suit as Jude is due to appear at QPR’s game with Sheffield Wednesday today.QPR and Man City star Stan Bowles dies after Alzheimer’s battle as club pays tribute The mascot is a nod to a black cat named Jude which lived at Loftus Road and was considered a good luck charm by supporters.He was nearly thrown out in 2007 by then-owner Flavio Briatore because black cats were considered symbols of evil in his native Italy.The source added: ‘He had the smoothest moves in the league but, unfortunately, he was a bit of a smooth talker, too’Credit: Getty More

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    Ex England ace Chris Smalling sues advisors for £750k after ‘not telling him about huge fees and charges’

    FORMER England ace Chris Smalling is suing his wealth managers for £750,000 claiming they did not tell him about fees and charges which could have cost £97.7million.The ex-Manchester United defender, now playing for Italian club Roma, said he was advised in 2015 to invest £80,000 a month in bonds.Ex-Man U defender Chris Smalling is suing his wealth managers for £750,000Credit: GettyAccording to his legal documents, in 2015, when still playing for the Red Devils, he met a representative from KWM at his home in Manchester to talk about how he could build up investments which would fund his luxury lifestyle after retiring from football.Smalling claims that he wanted to know how much the charges would be, to have a contract that would be easily ended if he was unhappy.The representative recommended investment bonds and said he would ask the firm to waive any initial charges, according to documents submitted to the High Court.Smalling claims he was then sent details of the plan which included investing a third of his income, keeping a third, and putting the rest towards his mortgage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe claims he wanted to withdraw the investment in 2021 but was then told for the first time, if he did it would be taxed at 45 per cent.Smalling, 34, — married to former Page 3 girl Sam Cooke — also says he was not advised fees and charges could add up to twice the amount he would invest over the 50-year life of the bond.The dad of one wants the return of £750,000 in charges he said he paid up to October 2023.KWM Wealth’s lawyers told The Sun they will defend his High Court claim on the basis it is “without foundation.”Most read in FootballSmalling was signed to Roma from Man Utd on a £18 million deal in 2020 – and now takes home an annual salary of £3.1 million.Man City boss Pep Guardiola says top-class Phil Foden can do whatever he wants in football More

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    Footie ace Phil Foden’s huge off-pitch earnings revealed as star’s fortune soars

    ENGLAND’S Phil Foden has seen his off-pitch earnings soar to £4.4mil-lion, figures show.The Man City midfielder’s fortune rose £1.4million in a year — or £117,000 a month.Footballer Phil Foden’s fortune rose £1.4million in a year, pictured with girlfriend Rebecca CookeFoden’s off-pitch earnings come on top of his £200,000-a-week wages at Man CityCredit: GettyHis growing pile is revealed in accounts filed yesterday for Rondog Sports Ltd, which channels his image rights.Foden, 23, has deals with Nike, Hugo Boss and jewellery firm Cernucci.Top players also earn from the sale of merchandise including shirts that bear their name, plus signatures, voice and even squad number.Shrewd Foden also set up PF Property Holdings in 2022.READ MORE ON FODENIt has yet to file accounts but records show it paid £180,000 for a house in Stockport last year.His off-pitch earnings come on top of £200,000-a-week wages at Manchester City.A footie source said: “Phil is as canny off the pitch as he is on it Fame and fortune came to him early, but he has a wise head on young shoulders and is making sure his future — and that of his family — is gold-plated.”The star has 10.6 million Instagram followers and his son Ronnie, five — by partner Rebecca Cooke — has 3.6 million fans on the site after his parents set up his page.Most read in FootballThe source added: “Firms are really keen on working with Phil and his family, and that is only likely to increase after Euro 2024.“He is a key part of Gareth Southgate’s team, so if England do well, that will bring him a whole new audience.”Phil Foden ‘would walk into Arsenal’s starting XI’ after Pep Guardiola labelled Man City’s derby hero ‘Prem’s best player’ – but are two players better?The accounts for Rondog show it has £5million in assets, and owes £600,000 of bills including corporation tax. It does not report pay to Foden but no staff are listed as being employed. More