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      in Soccer

      Why is Antonio Conte not on the touchline for Tottenham against Man City?

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      TOTTENHAM will be desperate to get revenge on Manchester City for the humiliation in January – but they’ll have to do it WITHOUT their boss Antonio Conte.Spurs surrendered a two-goal lead to Pep’s side courtesy of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland.
      Antonio Conte is not in the dugout for Tottenham’s match against Man CityCredit: Reuters
      And things went from bad to worse for the North London outfit as Riyad Mahrez’s second-half masterclass helped City to secure all three points.
      But Tottenham fans will be hoping their January additions can make a difference this time around.
      However, Antonio Conte is unavailable in the dugout leaving Cristian Stellini in charge for the huge Premier League encounter.
      Why is Antonio Conte not on the touchline?
      Antonio Conte was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday to undergo surgery after suffering from severe abdominal pain.
      Read more on Tottenham
      Tottenham confirmed that their manager has been diagnosed with cholecystitis which is inflammation of the gallbladder.
      A Spurs statement read: “Antonio Conte recently became unwell with severe abdominal pain.
      “Following a diagnosis of cholecystitis, he will be undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder today and will return following a period of recuperation.
      “Everyone at the Club wishes him well.”
      Most read in Football
      Who will be replacing him?
      Antonio Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini is set to be on the touchline for Spurs’ match against Manchester City.
      The pair have worked together for many of years including a stint in 2012 at Juventus. More

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      in Soccer

      Can Casemiro play for Man Utd in the Carabao Cup final and what games will he miss after red card vs Crystal Palace?

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      CASEMIRO saw red for just the third time in his career against Crystal Palace.The Brazilian was given his marching orders for grabbing Will Hughes round the neck when the Red Devils were leading 2-0.
      Casemiro was sent off against Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters
      Fortunately for the Brazilian, United held on to secure a 13th home victory on the bounce despite Jeffrey Schlupp’s late strike.
      But Casemiro is facing a three-match suspension and he will be absent from some crucial matches in the Premier League.
      The ex-Real Madrid star has been instrumental since his summer arrival with United losing just one of the 12 Prem games he’s started this season.
      Although his next league action now won’t come until the trip to Anfield next month.
      read more on football
      Can Casemiro play in the Carabao Cup final?
      Despite the Carabao Cup final taking place in just three weeks, Casemiro will be available for Manchester United.
      That’s because due to their rearranged clash with Leeds on Wednesday, they still have three league fixtures before the Wembley showpiece.
      The midfielder will therefore have served his ban before United take on Newcastle.
      He will also be rested when United take on Barcelona later this month in the Europa League.
      Most read in Football
      Which games will Casemiro miss?
      Casemiro begins his suspension on Wednesday when United host Leeds in a crunch midweek clash at Old Trafford.
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      He’ll then also be forced to sit out the trip to Elland Road next Sunday before missing United’s final Premier League game of February against Leicester.
      But the 30-year-old will be able to play in both play-off legs against Barcelona later this month in the Europa League.
      When is the Carabao Cup final?
      The Carabao Cup final 2023 takes place on Sunday, February 26.
      The match kicks off at 4.30pm UK time at Wembley.
      The Manchester United midfielder is now suspended for three matchesCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Why does Lionel Messi point to the sky when he scores?

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      LIONEL Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time.As a prolific goal scorer Messi is often seen celebrating by pointing both hands toward the sky – and here’s why.
      Lionel Messi’s trademark celebration see’s him point towards the skyCredit: Getty
      Why does Lionel Messi point to the sky when he scores?
      When a footballer hits the back of the net, each player celebrates in their own way.
      For example, Man City star Erling Haaland celebrates many of his goals by sitting down and posing.
      Others are seen pointing towards the skies to thank God or recognise someone who has passed away.
      In Messi’s case, he does just that – after each goal, he can be seen using both hands to point toward the sky.
      Read More on Lionel Messi
      His goal celebration is dedicated to his late grandmother.
      The PSG and Argentina star explained years ago that the poignant gesture was dedicated to his grandmother, Celia Olivera Cuccittini, who passed away when he was just 11-years-old.
      He explained: “I am doing this because I dedicate my goals to my grandmother.
      “She took to me to football, but now she can’t see how far I have come. Nevertheless, she continues to help me and my family.”
      Most read in Football
      Who was Celia Olivera Cuccittini?
      Celia Olivera Cuccittini was the grandmother of Lionel Messi and the woman behind his trademark celebration.
      Ms Cuccittini sadly passed away in 1998, but she had already paved the way for him to become the star that he is today.
      During an interview with Diario Ole in 2021, the PSG player told of how his late grandmother played a pivotal role during his childhood.
      Speaking on his earlier years and his neighbourhood club, Messi explained: ”One of my brothers or cousins were playing and we used to go there every day because we are of different ages and categories.
      ”The ‘86 team was playing, who are a year older than me, and they needed a player, so my grandmother told the coach ‘put him in the team’.”
      The coach then replied: ”No, how am I going to but him in the team, look how small he is, you’re crazy, he’s going to get hurt.”
      But a persistent Ms Cuccittini continued to insist her grandson take to the pitch, saying: ”Put him, put him.”
      Messi continued and said: ”Apparently, when I went in, I did a couple of things and from then on, my grandmother came back and told him ‘buy him soccer boots, I’ll take him to training next week’ and that’s when I started.” More

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      in Boxing

      When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk? Date, TV channel, everything we know so far about massive undisputed title fight

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk finally look set to fight for the undisputed heavyweight titles – and a date has now been pencilled in. Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua for the second time last year to retain his WBA, WBO and IBF titles, picking up the Ring Magazine belt in the process.
      Usyk beat Joshua via split decision in their Jeddah clash on August 20
      Fury stopped Chisora in the 10th round of their clash in DecemberCredit: Reuters
      Fury is the WBC champ and is coming off four huge consecutive stoppage wins himself.
      The Gypsy King beat Deontay Wilder via TKO in 2020 to claim the title, before knocking him out in their trilogy clash last year.
      Fury then overcame Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium, stopping him in the sixth round, and he beat Derek Chisora in December.
      With no mandatory challengers due, and all the belts in the hands of just two fighters, the undisputed clash looks finally set to happen.

      When is Fury vs Usyk going to take place?
      A date has yet to be confirmed for Fury’s potential undisputed clash with Usyk.
      But according to Frank Warren, all parties are working towards an April 29 clash.
      And the venue could be Saudi Arabia once again, with Riyadh being targeted, but Wembley Stadium is also still in play.
      “The fight will take place 100 per cent the last Saturday in April,” Warren said.
      “Where it takes place I genuinely think will be determined within the next six or seven days maximum.
      “If we can’t do what we’re being asked to do with Tyson and Usyk [in Saudi Arabia], then the fight will take place in the UK.”
      What TV channel will it be on?
      Fury vs Usyk has yet to be confirmed, but a TV channel will be announced once the fight is signed.
      It’s extremely likely we’ll see the fight on BT Sport Box Office, where Fury’s last seven fights have been shown.
      Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank are set to promote the mega-event.

      Most read in Boxing
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      What has been said?
      The pair met in the ring for a stare down following Fury’s win over Chisora, and words have been exchanged since.
      Usyk has released numerous videos in which he’s taunted Fury by calling him ‘belly’.
      In each video, the Ukrainian can be seen pointing towards his stomach and shouting: “Hey, belly, I’m coming for you.”
      Usyk has also said: “Fury, you talk about greatness in boxing.
      “But, at the same time, you say, ‘Give me a lot of money’.
      “Greatness in boxing is not determined by money. Greatness comes from a victorious path.
      Fury and Usyk have been trading verbal jabs over the last couple of monthsCredit: Getty
      “You say that I avoid you, but I never have. In fact, I have even come to you.
      “I am ready to box you even without any prize money.”
      Fury has said: “Tyson Fury here, WBC heavyweight number one. Usyk, calling out ‘The Gypsy King’ with your pathetic little call outs, dosser.
      “Rabbit, I’m coming for you, rabbit, you’re getting it, rabbit.
      Read More on The Sun
      “And I’ll tell you what else, I’m gonna bust you up real bad you little middleweight.
      “I’m going to slap you into a big pile of tattoos, sucker. Come on!” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Rashford’s goal celebration is spreading across the world of sport – but what does ‘the point’ mean?

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      IT is a sight we are seeing the plenty of this season.The moment in-form Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford scores for his club, he runs towards the crowd and points with his index finger to his temple.
      Marcus Rashford performs his now trademark goal celebration after scoringCredit: Getty
      The England star, 25, is going through a real renaissance – and has scored 18 goals across all competitions.
      His most recent – a stunning solo effort against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg – helped the Red Devils reach the final of the competition.
      Again, he pulled out that famous celebration that has seemingly caught on in the sporting world and inspired others to follow Rashford’s lead.
      But, what does it mean?
      read more Man Utd news
      Mental health
      No one knows entirely for sure.
      However, popular opinion believes by pointing to his mind – Rashford is highlighting mental health.
      The free school dinners hero has been open about his battles mentally – admitting it hindered him during the 2021-22 season.
      He told Sky Sports after scoring against West Ham in October: “”I was struggling at times with more mental things.
      Most read in Football
      “It wasn’t really my own performance but other things off the pitch. That’s the biggest difference from last season.
      “Too often last season, I wasn’t in the right headspace for games. I wasn’t surprised by some of the stuff that was happening.”
      That goal against the Hammers was his 100th for United – and how he has continued in this rich vein of form shows he is over mental woes.
      Another theory is Rashford has regularly suffered with the noise and pressure leading the line at Old Trafford.
      Closing his eyes while pointing to his head could also be about shutting out external distractions and unwanted criticism.
      This allows him to do what he does best; score goals.
      Rashford has been open about his mental health issues in the pastCredit: Getty
      England star Bukayo Saka copies Rashford’s celebration against Man UtdCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      It’s catching
      Rashford’s temple point is trending in football, with many stars of the beautiful game themselves have adopted it.
      Three Lions team-mate Bukayo Saka copied the celebration against United after scoring for Arsenal – in the same game Rashford also found the net and pointed to his skull.
      Bayern Munich superstar Joshua Kimmich followed suit, following a dramatic late strike against Cologne.
      Chesterfield’s Armando Dobra also copied Rashford’s move in a FA Cup third round tie against West Brom.
      Incredibly, the celebration has transcended football now too.
      A late strike against Cologne saw Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich show off the Rashford celebrationCredit: AFP
      After winning the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic also copied the celebrationCredit: Getty
      England fast bowler and Man Utd fan Jofra Archer points to his temple to celebrate a wicket in South AfricaCredit: Rex
      Upon winning his 10th Australian Open, and 22nd Grand Slam title, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic pointed towards the side of his head.
      And when England and Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer, a massive Man Utd fan, got a wicket in South Africa’s SA20 competition – he did the same.
      Is it pioneering?
      Although it appears to have been a current trend – there’s argument online that it wasn’t even Rashford who invented the celebration.
      While you can’t argue he has inspired others in recent times, these stars will lay claim to have been more pioneering.
      Nicklas Bendtner of Arsenal was seen drowning out the haters in a goal celebration similar that goes back as far as 2011.
      Read More on The Sun

      Ex-Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner might have pioneered the celebration – pictured here in 2011 performing it
      Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves also can lay claim to being a pioneer with this in the Championship in a 2018 game
      While Ruben Neves of Wolves can lay claim to performing it in 2018, when his club were gunning for promotion from the Championship.
      Either way, now it’s crossed over to other sports – expect to see more sports stars embrace the point to the temple celebration. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Fulham: Blues look to put January mega-money signings to use against noisy neighbours – stream, TV, odds

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      CHELSEA have not been shy in splashing the cash since Todd Boehly replaced Roman Abramovich as owner.But now, Graham Potter has his work cut out inspiring a charge up the Premier League table – starting on Friday night against noisy neighbours Fulham.
      British record signing Enzo Fernandez could feature in Chelsea’s West London derby clash against Fulham on Friday nightCredit: Getty
      Graham Potter has a job on his hands leading Chelsea to Europe with the struggling giants tenth in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Blues are currently languishing in TENTH in the standings, 21 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal and ten points off the top four.
      Chelsea spent a staggering £259.1million in the summer before shelling out a further £329.9m in January – including the British record £106m move for Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
      Potter was unable to offload Hakim Ziyech, with plenty more deadwood likely to be shifted come the summer.
      Now Potter will have to work some magic to work out his best XI and how to keep all of his big-name stars happy despite a logjam in the burgeoning squad.
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      For Chelsea, the second half of the season starts now and it absolutely must be an improvement on the shocking first few months.
      Unfortunately for them, they come up against West London rivals Fulham – who beat them 2-1 just three weeks ago.
      For so long, the Cottagers have been hidden in their shadow, but now they sit ABOVE Chelsea in the standings after their promotion last summer.. and deservedly so.
      Fulham sit in seventh, but are only two points above their neighbours.. and the Blues have a game in hand.
      Most read in Football
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      So for Chelsea, there is lots more than local bragging rights to play for.
      But can Potter get his hands on a crucial three points?
      What is their form like?
      Chelsea: With just one win from six games in 2023, it’s fair to say their form has been abysmal.
      They edged past Crystal Palace 1-0, drew to Liverpool and Nottingham Forest and lost to Man City twice – including the 4-0 FA Cup mauling – and Fulham.
      Fulham: A strong start to the new year saw them beat Leicester, Hull and Chelsea.
      But since then, they’re winless – losing to Newcastle and Tottenham in the league, while drawing with Sunderland most-recently in the cup.
      Chelsea’s top scorer is Havertz with just five goals
      Fulham are enjoying a fantastic season
      What is the team news?
      Potter is dealing with an injury crisis and is set to continue without N’Golo Kante, Denis Zakaria, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy and Armando Broja.
      Trevoh Chalobah is a doubt and Joao Felix is still serving a three-match ban.
      Raheem Sterling and Wesley Fofana returned to first team training but they have both been predicted miss out on the Fulham fixture.
      However, English duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell are reportedly ready to be included in the matchday squad.
      British record transfer Enzo Fernandez could be thrown in at the deep end if his registration paperwork is completed in time.
      And Mykhailo Mudryk could be given his full debut after an impressive 20-minute cameo off the bench against Liverpool having avoided an FA ban after a video of himself using a racial slur came to light.
      Elsewhere, Marco Silva has no added injury concerns but the Fulham boss will be hoping Neeskens Kebano can recover from his Achilles tendon injury.
      New signings Sasa Lukic and Cedric Soares could be involved.
      Star men
      Chelsea: Despite missing so much time with injury, the return of Reece James could prove huge for the Blues.
      Adept at right-wing-back or on the right of a central three, the England man – who missed the World Cup – is so important to everything the club do in defence and attack.
      So while all eyes might be on the new mega-money signings, don’t forget about James.

      Fulham: Willian famously turned out for Chelsea between 2013 and 2020.
      Since then, he’s played for Arsenal and now Fulham in London alone – with a short stint at Corinthians in between.
      The 70-cap Brazil international has been superb for the Cottagers this term and could be their key figure back at Stamford Bridge.
      What have the managers said?
      Graham Potter: “It’s an exciting test for me of course and for the staff and everybody but it’s an exciting one. We’ve got a lot of really good players.
      ‘We’ve got Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek back in the squad. They’re not ready for 90 minutes but certainly in the squad.
      ‘Wesley Fofana’s been training partly with the team and he’ll be stepping that up next week.
      “And then we’re still without Denis Zakaria, Christian Pulisic, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Armando Broja.”
      Marco Silva: “I know everyone is talking about Chelsea because it was a big amount of money in January but it is not the first time.
      “If it is too much money or not, it is not for me to talk about it… lucky them they have all this power to sign new players.
      “There were two positions we wanted to strengthen in our squad, the right-back position and we wanted to create more competition in our midfield as well, to give us different solutions.
      “It was a busy last day for us as a football club, I know you like it, but we don’t like it so much as a football club.
      “Cedric knows the football club and has played in the Premier League already and has a lot of knowledge that will help us for sure.
      “Lukic is another mature player as well in a good age, another quality player who will give something different for us and create competition. I think both of them will raise the level of our team.”
      What are the odds?
      Chelsea – 11/20
      Draw – 3/1
      Fulham – 9/2
      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication
      When is Chelsea vs Fulham?
      Chelsea’s London derby with Fulham will take place TONIGHT, February 3.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm UK time.
      Stamford Bridge is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host approximately 41,837 fans.
      Fulham ran out 2-1 winners when the sides last met in January.
      What TV channel is Chelsea vs Fulham on and can it be live streamed?
      Chelsea vs Fulham will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm on both channels – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Subscription members of NOW TV and head to the website to stream the entire action.
      Read More on The Sun
      Alternatively, read SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the match.
      SunSport prediction
      Chelsea 1 Fulham 1 More

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      Man Utd vs Crystal Palace: Red Devils turn attention to top four chase after booking Carabao Cup final spot – stream

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will need to readjust their focus on chasing a Premier League top four spot when they entertain Crystal Palace THIS SATURDAY.The Red Devils comfortably booked their spot in the Carabao Cup final after thumping Nottingham Forest 5-0 on aggregate.
      Anthony Martial scored on his return to the sideCredit: Getty
      Michael Olise’s free-kick left David de Gea with no chance in the reverse fixtureCredit: AFP
      And it now means that Erik Ten Hag could potentially guide United to their first trophy since 2017 in less than a season in charge.
      However, the Dutchman will be determined for his side to get back on track in the league after they suffered a damming 3-2 defeat to high-flying Arsenal last time out.
      But Michael Olise’s stunning stoppage time free-kick proved that Palace are willing to fight until the bitter end.
      When is Man Utd vs Crystal Palace?

      Manchester United’s intriguing encounter against Crystal Palace will take place on Saturday, February 4.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 3pm GMT.
      Old Trafford is the allocated arena for this Premier League fixture and it can host approximately 74,310 fans.
      Olise’s last-gasp equaliser denied United of all three points when the side’s met in January.

      Read more on Man Utd
      Is Man Utd vs Crystal Palace on TV?

      Unfortunately, Manchester United vs Crystal Palace will NOT be broadcast live in the UK.
      This is due to the TV football blackout law which stops games from being shown live between 2:45 and 5:15pm on a Saturday.
      Viewers in the US have the option to stream the action on Peacock.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      Most read in Football
      What is the team news?
      Erik Ten Hag would have been gutted to hear that Christian Eriksen is set to be out until April due to an ankle injury.
      Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay have also been ruled out of the Palace clash.
      However, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial both made returns to the squad against Nottingham Forest after lengthy spells out.
      And January signing Marcel Sabitzer is in line to make his debut for the Red Devils.
      Elsewhere, Patrick Vieira received a huge blow as talisman Wilfried Zaha could be facing up to six weeks out with a hamstring injury.
      James McArthur (groin) and Nathan Ferguson (foot) are set to miss out too, but Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi-Lokonga could make his first start in a Eagles shirt.
      What are the odds?

      Man Utd 4/11
      Draw 15/4
      Crystal Palace 8/1

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      in Soccer

      What were the charges against Mason Greenwood and why have they been dropped?

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      THE Crown Prosecution has today confirmed all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.The 21-year-old Manchester United striker was first arrested amid allegations after images and videos emerged online.
      The CPS has confirmed all charges against Mason Greenwood have been droppedCredit: Reuters
      What were the charges against Mason Greenwood?
      Mason Greenwood was accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
      The footballer was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years.
      This included making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
      Read More on Mason Greenwood
      He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
      When was Mason Greenwood arrested?
      Greenwood was first arrested in January 2022, after police swooped in on his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford.
      He was originally remanded in custody after and spent three nights there, before being charged by police on October 15.
      However, a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
      Most read in Sport
      The 21-year-old was then due to stand trial in November.
      He was also suspended from Man Utd, but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
      Why were the charges dropped against Mason Greenwood?
      The CPS said that their decision to drop the charges was made with the case under “continuous review”.
      They also said the decision was made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
      Speaking on the case, a CPS spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
      “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
      “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties.
      “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
      Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, added: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
      “Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
      “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
      Read More on The Sun
      “An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
      “If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.” More