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    Real Madrid star Raul Asencio breaks silence as he faces trial over ‘video of underage girl having sex with team-mates’

    RAUL ASENCIO has fiercely protested his innocence after being accused of distributing a sexual video involving an underage girl.The Real Madrid star is due to stand trial in the Canary Islands and could face five years in prison.Raul Asencio has broken his silence ahead of his trial in the Canary IslandsCredit: GettyThe Madrid centre-back is accused of distributing a sexual video involving an underage girlCredit: GettyAsencio is accused of sharing footage involving three former Madrid reserve players.It is claimed the players involved lied when they told the two girls – allegedly aged 16 and 18 – that the recorded sexual material had been deleted.Ferran Ruiz, 22, Juan Rodriguez, 23, and Andres Garcia, 22, were arrested in September 2023.Asencio’s appeal against his inclusion in the upcoming trial was rejected in February.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPosting on X, Asencio wrote on Thursday: “I have not participated in any behaviour that violates the sexual freedom of any woman, much less minors.”In a lengthy statement, the Los Blancos star said the “presumption of innocence must continue to prevail.”He added: “Should charges ultimately be filed and a trial commence, I will continue to defend myself before the Courts and Tribunals, in which I have full confidence, reaffirming my innocence of any criminal conduct. “All of this is without prejudice to the utmost respect for the conduct of the judicial proceedings as a whole, including those of the other persons under investigation.Most read in Football”I want to reiterate, once again, my absolute respect for the rights to sexual freedom and privacy of all women.”Asensio claims the video was recorded “in a location other than where I was”.Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil coach as former Chelsea boss makes history after leaving Real MadridBut despite the judge making clear he is not being charged for making the footage, he remains indicted on charges of sharing it.He added: “[The ruling] does not accuse me of having had sexual relations with the two women involved, nor of having recorded them, with or without their consent. “Likewise, the court order clarifies that I was not the one who sent any intimate images or videos to third parties, which, I reiterate, were recorded in a location other than where I was.”The court order, as far as I am concerned, limits its content to the eventual momentary viewing of some images by a third party, without attributing to me any participation in their recording or dissemination.”The four Madrid players were arrested after a complaint was filed by the mother of a 16-year-old girl in the Canary Islands.The complainant stated that the sexual activity was consensual, but the alleged recording was not.Read More on The SunAsencio, 22, has risen through the ranks at Madrid to become a regular starter this season.The centre-back has made 34 appearances this season across all competitions. More

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    Barcelona win LaLiga at Espanyol as fierce rivals turn sprinklers on to dampen celebration before Hansi Flick intervenes

    ESPNAYOL soaked Barcelona stars celebrating their LaLiga title by turning on the sprinklers.Goals from Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez saw them beat their bitter Catalan rivals 2-0 and they can no longer be caught by Real Madrid.Lamine Yamal scored to wrap up the league title for BarcaCredit: GettyThere was an altercation between celebrating Barca stars and EspanyolCredit: AFPThe sprinklers were turned on to get Barca players off the pitchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMany continued to celebrate as they got drenchedCredit: AFPHansi Flick pushed his players down the tunnelCredit: @itvfootballTonight’s victory comes two years and one day on from when Barcelona did exactly the same thing to win the title at the RCDE Stadium in 2023.Barca stars celebrated on the pitch that day but were quickly chased off by Espanyol hooligans that tried to attack them.Current boss Hansi Flick did not want the same to happen again and immediately gestured for his players to return to the dressing room as the full-time whistle went.Yet many ignored their manager and several substitutes sprinted onto the field to celebrate.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt infuriated Espanyol players and there was an altercation as Gerard Martin appeared to push Pere Milla to the floor.Then as Ronaldo Araujo and Jules Kounde joined Flick in appealing for calm, the sprinklers were turned on to encourage Barca players off the pitch.Though it did not work as Alejandro Balde, Pau Victor, Andreas Christensen and Dani Olmo were just some seen dancing underneath the unwanted shower.Meanwhile, Flick was spotted angrily pushing his coaches and players down the tunnel.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNo Espanyol fans made it onto the pitch as riot police stood in the way of their ultras behind the goal.But many of them were not in their seats for the game in protest as they wanted the match cancelled.Horrifying moment car ploughs into huge crowd of Espanyol-Barcelona fans near stadium ahead of derby clashHorror scenes outside the ground before kick-off saw a car plough into a huge crowds of fans.Footage shows a white vehicle facing crowds as objects are thrown towards it.The car then picks up speed and drives into people, with some seen hanging onto the windscreen as several supporters sustained injuries.Catalan police have initially said a female driver lost control of her car and it was accidental. Barca stars had to sprint to safety in the tunnel two years agoCredit: GettyFans were able to evade the security and throw chairs at them last time it happenedCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid activate Dean Huijsen’s £50million release clause with Bournemouth star, 20, on brink of transfer

    REAL MADRID have reportedly activated the release clause in Dean Huijsen’s Bournemouth contract.The defender has impressed in his debut season in the Premier League and attracted a number of suitors.Real Madrid have activated Dean Huijsen’s release clauseCredit: GettyHe has formed a great partnership with Illya ZabarnyiCredit: AlamySunSport exclusively revealed that Real Madrid added Huijsen, 20, to their list of targets back in January.Now, the Athletic have claimed that the LaLiga giants have agreed to pay his £50million release clause.It is also suggested that Los Blancos are now working to finalise the signing.This includes talks over Huijsen’s personal terms with his representatives, who are in Madrid.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Spanish international has made 30 appearances in the Premier League for the Cherries this season.He has chipped in with three goals and has also formed a solid partnership with Illia Zabarnyi in the backline.Andoni Iraola’s side have only conceded 43 goals in the league which is the third best record.Only Liverpool and Arsenal have had more stubborn defences while Manchester City and Chelsea have also allowed 43 goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHuijsen joined Bournemouth last summer on a six-year contract from Serie A giants Juventus.He cost the club just £12.6m, which means they are set for a tidy profit.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen forced to deny being stoned after ‘weird’ questionReal Madrid’s move to Huijsen will disappoint Prem sides such as Chelsea and Liverpool.The two clubs were among those interested in raiding the Vitality Stadium for its prized asset.Real Madrid had been in the market for a new centre back with the likes of Aymeric Laporte and William Saliba tipped with moves. More

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    Moment Barcelona stars get chased by rampaging Espanyol fans after winning LaLiga title on fierce rivals’ turf

    THIS was the moment that Barcelona stars were chased off the pitch after winning the LaLiga title on their rivals’ turf.The Catalan giants were facing Espanyol in a match that has been dubbed the Derbi Barceloni.Barcelona players were chased off the pitch after beating Espanyol in 2023Credit: They had to run oThe result saw them win the LaLiga titleCredit: GettyThey had to sprint to safety in the stadium tunnelCredit: GettyFans were able to evade the security and throw chairsCredit: GettyBarcelona won the match at the RCDE Stadium 4-2 to win their first LaLiga crown in four years.Of course, this was back in 2023, when they snatched back the title from Real Madrid.Robert Lewandowski netted a brace while Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde were also on the scoresheet.To celebrate their win, the players gathered in the centre circle and formed a ring around at Xavi Hernandez.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBarca’s players, such as Lewandowski and Raphinha, were then charged at by angry fans from the home crowd.They had managed to avoid security as they sprinted at the festivities of the Barcelona players.Some could be seen throwing chairs and bottles at the newly-crowned champions.Xavi and co legged it to safety in the tunnel in order to avoid the angry mob.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOne member of backroom staff was seen falling to the ground during the rush.It was later confirmed that all Barca players and staff had escaped unhurt.Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs InterBarcelona could win seal the LaLiga title at their local rivalsCredit: AlamyAs a turn of events, Barca have the chance to seal their 28th LaLiga title at Espanyol tomorrow evening.Manager Hansi Flick will likely opt for a different method to celebrate the win in order not to be running for the tunnel.The German has insisted that he is not thinking about the club’s celebrations just yet.Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk or think about celebrations before the match.”We have to focus on the game. I saw what happened two years ago on TV.”Things should be done with respect. We have to fight for the three points, and then we’ll do what’s right.”Barcelona could be named the Champions of Spain before a ball is even kicked if Real Madrid fail to beat Real Mallorca.Hansi Flick is aware of the incident at the RCDE Stadium two years agoCredit: EPA More

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    Real Madrid ‘ask Liverpool to release Trent Alexander-Arnold early for FREE’ to play in Club World Cup

    REAL MADRID have cheekily asked Liverpool to RELEASE Trent Alexander-Arnold before his contract expires so he can play in the Club World Cup, according to reports.The lifelong Reds fan is set to end his love affair with the club in the summer upon the expiration of his contract.Trent Alexander-Arnold officially announced his imminent Liverpool exit last monthCredit: EPAReal Madrid have reportedly asked the Reds if they can release the defender on a free so he can be in their Club World Cup squadCredit: REXA move to Spanish giants Real has been on the cards for several years, although Los Blancos have yet to make a formal offer for the defender.The Euro titans, however, are said to be keen on adding the England international to their squad as soon as possible.And The Telegraph claim they’ve enquired about the possibility of Liverpool releasing the fullback for “FREE”.Real are said to have contacted Kop chiefs in the wake of Alexander-Arnold’s announcement of his Anfield departure.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSReal reportedly also want to have the 26-year-old embedded in the team before they jet out for the stateside Club World Cup, which gets underway on June 14.And Los Blancos chief Florentino Perez is also said to be keen on parading the imminent marquee signing before the 32-team competition commences.Alexander-Arnold could potentially forgo the final month of his salary to facilitate an early exit.Liverpool, however, will ultimately have the final say over the defender leaving on a free as they hold his registration rights until his contract expires on June 30.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTrent Alexander-Arnold was subjected to a chorus of boos when he came on against ArsenalCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold was showered with BOOS from sections of the Anfield faithul when he came on as a second-half substitute in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday.Some fans continued to boo their academy product every time he touched the ball during his 20-minute cameo.Trent Alexander-Arnold BOOED by Liverpool fans after boyhood fan confirmed he’s leaving in weeksKop chief Arne Slot defended disgruntled fans’ treatment of Alexander-Arnold after the match.He told Sky Sports: “In general and in life, the good thing about living in Europe is that everybody can have their opinion and that’s the same here in Liverpool.”There were people that were not so happy with him. There were a lot of people who were happy with him, they clapped for him.”A few of them booed. I think everybody is allowed to have their opinion.”Towards the end, I think more and more people were positive.Arne Slot defended Reds fans’ right to boo Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AP”But for me, it’s simple. I owe it to the team and to the fans, to everyone, to play a team that can win a game of football.”And Trent showed why I brought him in because he had two or three incredible balls.”We were very close to winning it, partly because of him, so for me, it’s not that difficult.Read More on The Sun”For the fans, they have the reaction they want but I will always back my players.”The one that I lead, the ones that wear a red shirt. I will always back them, no matter what.” More

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    Ruthless Barcelona set for major summer transfer overhaul with Gavi among EIGHT stars at risk of sale

    BARCELONA are set for a mass summer overhaul with director of football Deco ready to move on a host of stars.The Catalan giants can wrap up the LaLiga title on Thursday with victory over city rivals Espanyol.Gavi is reportedly among those in danger of leaving Barcelona this summerCredit: GettyThe club will also listen to offers for Ronald AraujoCredit: GettyBarca are hopeful of tying down Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong to new long-term dealsCredit: ReutersBarca lead rivals Real Madrid by seven points and are on the cusp of a 28th crown.But despite a strong domestic performance, club icon Deco is preparing a ruthless summer window.Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for eight of their stars, according to reports.Spanish outlet SPORT claim the club is open to offers on Inaki Pena, Ronald Araujo, Hector Fort, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Pau Victor, and Ansu Fati.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBarca are desperate to tie down Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha to new deals.Raphinha has racked up 59 goal contributions this season and had been courted by a host of clubs in the Saudi Pro League.But the Brazilian looks set to pen an improved deal at the Nou Camp.The beefy new contract would keep him at the club until 2029. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDe Jong, meanwhile, has emerged as a key player in Barca’s midfield since joining from Ajax in 2019.The Dutchman’s contract expires this summer and he is expected to extend his stay in Spain.Furious Vinicius Jr loses it at Barcelona fan waving beach ball at him in brutal message over Ballon d’Or snubBut the report claims a lucrative offer could tempt Barca to sell, with only wonderkid Lamine Yamal deemed “untouchable” in the squad. Goalkeeper Pena appears certain to leave the Catalan giants after being replaced as No1 by Wojciech Szczesny.Fati, 22, once tipped as the successor to Lionel Messi, is not in Hansi Flick’s plans moving forward.The former Brighton loanee has featured just six times in LaLiga this term, failing to find the net.Fati is contracted at the Nou Camp until 2027 – but his high salary may make him difficult to move on. More

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    Liverpool set to play hardball with Real Madrid over Alexander-Arnold transfer – as squad treat star to Dubai leaving do

    LIVERPOOL are ready to play hardball with Real Madrid over Trent Alexander-Arnold.The LaLiga giants are hoping to persuade the Reds to let Alexander-Arnold go for a token £850,000 in time to play in the Club World Cup next month.Liverpool are currently not willing to let Trent Alexander-Arnold leave before the Club World CupCredit: PABut Anfield chiefs are in no mood to make life easy for Real.They are unhappy how information about their pursuit of TAA was leaked at key moments in the season.Shortly after rumours emerged that the Spanish side were trying to sign him in January, the right-back put in a terrible performance in the 2-2 draw with bitter rivals Manchester United.So Liverpool do not regard the fee — again leaked through Real’s mouthpieces in the Spanish press —  as a good enough reason to let Alexander-Arnold go before his contract expires on June 30.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSHe is currently with the squad in Dubai on something of a leaving do.Some feel Liverpool might benefit next season if as many Real players as possible were involved in the month-long Club World Cup in the heat of an American summer.Their first game is on June 18 in Miami.But unless Real improve their offer, the Reds are prepared to make the player and his new club wait.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, the Merseysiders have made a decisive move to replace TAA by triggering the £33.6million release clause of Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong.The Holland wing-back, 24, is also a target for Bayern Munich.But he is thought to be keen on a move to Anfield to play under fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, and talks between his agent and the Reds are well advanced.Jamie Carragher ‘shocked’ by Alexander-Arnold boos as he admits ‘most Liverpool players want to play for Real Madrid’ More

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    Real Madrid ‘do not even respond’ after they are offered England legend on loan transfer

    REAL MADRID “did not respond” when offered an England legend on loan, according to reports.The Spanish giants were in the market for a defender during the January transfer window.Real Madrid did not respond when offered an England legend on loanCredit: ReutersKyle Walker instead went to AC MilanCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWith Dani Carvajal sidelined due to an ACL tear and Lucas Vazquez out in spells across the season through injury and suspension, Real Madrid went into games without a senior right-back.The Athletic claim the club were concerned that winning the Champions League would be “impossible” without them.Manchester City were looking to get rid of Kyle Walker in January and offered the 34-year-old to Los Blancos.But they supposedly ignored contact and did not respond.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans reacted to the reports: “That is low.”Another wrote: “The email went straight to spam.”Yet City had the last laugh as they signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis in January.The young centre-backs were bought for a combined fee of £63million from Lens and Palmeiras respectively.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBoth Khusanov and Reis were said to be targets for Real Madrid.Walker, who has won 95 caps for England, instead joined for AC Milan.The six-time Premier League winner could remain in Italy next season as the club have a £4.2million option to buy.But Milan are having second thoughts over whether to keep him permanently.Walker has lost his place in the starting XI after injury and the Rossoneri are in danger of missing out on European qualification, which will impact their transfer budget. More