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      Inside Quincy Promes’ horror UAE jail where rape is ‘everyday occurrence’ and 20 men sleep on floor of six-man cells

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      DISGRACED football star Quincy Promes is enduring brutal living conditions in a prison in the United Arab Emirates.Promes, 32, stood out for the likes of Sevilla and Ajax but his career has taken a nosedive after his recent legal troubles.Quincy Promes is serving a six-year prison sentence in the United Arab EmiratesCredit: GettyPromes is still contracted to Spartak Moscow in RussiaCredit: Instagram @qpromesPromes is held in Al Aweer prison where rape is an everyday occurrenceCredit: AFPPromes and his fellow inmates have to shave their heads baldCredit: AFPThe winger has been sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in the smuggling of 1,363kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of £65million.That came after the ex-Netherlands international received an 18-month sentence last year for stabbing his cousin in the knee at a family party.Promes was away in Russia playing for Spartak Moscow during the legal proceedings but was arrested in Dubai by border control at the request of Dutch authorities last month and wasn’t allowed to fly back.And now the Dutchman is living in the infamous Al Aweer prison in the UAE, which is a far cry from all the glitz and glamour famous footballers usually enjoy.Read More on FootballAccording to De Telegraaf, the ex-Twente star stays in a six-person cell and sleeps in a double bunk bed with up to 20 prisoners also lying on the floor.The cells are freezing cold as well as noisy and more harrowingly rape is an everyday occurrence as the prison has a small number of guards available.Prisoners are also forced to shave their heads bald or else they are deprived TV or phone privileges.The jailhouse also doesn’t serve fruit or vegetables and inmates can only exercise up to three times a week.Most read in FootballThis poses as an issue in Promes’ bid to retain fitness as he is still contracted to Spartak until 2025.The ex-Netherlands youth star can only watch TV outside his cell during the day with other fellow inmates.Dutch football star Quincy Promes charged with attempted murder after ‘stabbing his cousin at family party’ The forward is desperate to be extradited but wants to go back to Russia so that he doesn’t have to serve his sentence in his homeland.Promes shares the cell with other Dutchmen who are also expecting extradition.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey are joined by other inmates – mostly of Pakistani, Egyptian and Indian descent – who are addicts and not aware of Promes’ status.The player’s lawyers had previously said: “We point out that an independent judge in Dubai will now decide on the Dutch request for extradition. “In general, extradition proceedings can take quite some time and involve many formal steps and requirements.”This is also completely common in the Netherlands. The outcome and duration of the extradition procedure cannot be predicted at this time.” More

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      How ‘Fascist’ football hooligans turn Rome into ‘Stab City’ with gangland executions & knife wounds ‘as common as pizza’

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      AS JUVENTUS fans travel to their away game against Lazio today, they will do so knowing they are taking their lives into their own hands.So many supporters have been injured, maimed or killed by hooligans backing Rome’s two main Serie A clubs, the Italian capital has become known as ‘Stab City’.Rome has become known as ‘Stab City’ due to knife-wielding Lazios hooligansCredit: AlamyLazio’s Paolo Di Canio salutes supporters to celebrate a winCredit: ReutersLazio has many fascist supporters who chant anti-semitic slogans at rivalsCredit: RexKnife wounds are as commonplace as pizza and rip-off ice cream in the Eternal city, with a “puncicate” – a jab in the buttocks, designed to cause pain but not to kill –the favoured method of attack.  Assaults with weapons occur so regularly that local newspapers no longer bother reporting on them – it is only when other European teams visit that the blade menace becomes clear.As part of our new series, League of Shame, The Sun examines how football hooliganism is seeing an unwelcome resurgence across the continent – and poses a worrying threat to fans ahead of this summer’s European Championships.And Lazio ultras, who until recently operated under the Irriducibili banner – meaning The Indomitable in Italian – are amongst the most notorious in the game.READ MORE FOOTBALL FEATURESInfested with fascists and with links to organised crime, they funded their feverish displays in the Curva Nord section of the Olympic Stadium by dealing drugs and carrying out bank robberies.Author James Montague wrote a book on extreme football fans called 1312: Among the Ultras.As part of his research, he befriended Lazio capos, or leaders, as well as those with arch-rivals Roma.  In a recent interview, he said: “English football culture – especially the hooligan scene of the 1980s and 90s – was incredibly influential on Italian ultra culture.Most read in Football“Roma, Lazio, Atalanta… all credited the English style of chanting, flags and violence as influencing how they approached things. Hooligans were the ultimate symbol of being against the authorities. Like punk. Even today that culture is influential.”He added: “The ultras who are there week in week out love their club, love football, and love their players when they put in the effort on the pitch comparable to the effort the ultras put in off the pitch.Lazio and Roma fans launch flares and fireworks at each other in shocking scenes before Rome derby “It’s a myth that they don’t love football. However, I’d met several capos who had very little interest in football. To them, ultras were a gang. It might as well have been a biker gang or a graffiti crew.”Admiration for English hooligans has not discouraged Lazio ultras from targeting British footie fans – if anything, it has made their attacks worse.Stitches in back of headIn 2019, Conor Weir was one of three Celtic fans set upon while celebrating the Glasgow club’s 2-1 Europa League victory over Lazio in Rome.He returned home with three stitches in the back of his head after masked men jumped out of a car and ran up behind him at around 2.30am.Celtic fan Connor Weir was left with stitches in the back of his headCredit: SuppliedLazio ultra fans in Glasgow with banner reading “Honour to Benito Mussolini’Trouble had been brewing ever since Lazio ultras marched through Glasgow two weeks earlier, making fascist salutes in tribute to deceased Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.Green Brigade fans responded with an anti-fascist protest, erecting a banner that depicted the tyrant hanging upside down and telling ultras to “follow your leader”.Conor, 20, from Bo’ness, West Lothian, said of his Rome visit: “I wasn’t wearing a Celtic strip, just a green t-shirt, but they must have been driving round looking for people to target and I was unlucky enough to get it.“It was cowardly. They weren’t looking for a fight, just to hurt somebody and escape without getting any comeback.“It was over so fast I hardly knew what was happening until I felt a sensation in my back and I felt blood on my top.“The other three people I was with scattered in panic and I tried to run myself but they grabbed me and stabbed me before I could break free. I’m ok and I’m lucky to escape with what I did.”Spurs fan knifed in groinSpurs fan Ashley Mills was knifed in the groin and left with head injuriesIn 2012, Tottenham Hotspur supporters were also fortunate to escape alive when they were surrounded by Lazio ultras before another European game.A group of Spurs fans were drinking at the Drunken Ship pub in Rome when 50 men – their faces covered and wielding knives, baseball bats and iron bars – stormed inside and launched a frenzied assault.Ten people were injured and two Italian supporters were later charged with attempted murder.Ashley Mills, 25, was knifed in a groin artery and suffered head injuries during what was described as a racist attack.I didn’t see the guy who stabbed me – there were too many of themAshley MillsSpurs fanHis life was saved by Alberto di Giovanni, 19, a law student, who had recently done a first aid course.Speaking from his hospital, Essex builder Ashley said: “They came out of nowhere. I didn’t see the guy who stabbed me. There were too many of them.”There was no physical violence inside the stadium, but antisemitic slogans were aimed at Spurs supporters due to the club’s historic Jewish links.Fanatical far right ultras chanted “Juden Tottenham”, using the German word for Jew, and a “Free Palestine” banner was unveiled.Three black players were subjected to monkey chants during the 0-0 draw and one fan said: “We felt in fear all the time.”It was not the first time Jewish supporters had been targeted by Lazio ultras.  In October 2017, thugs covered the Olympic stadium with stickers featuring Anne Frank wearing the shirt of their rivals, AS Roma, alongside an antisemitic message.Facist leader shot deadFabrizio Piscitelli, the leader of Lazio’s Ultra fans was shot in the head and killedPolice investigate the death of the ringleader, known as DiabolikCredit: RexThe Irriducibili’s long-time leader Fabrizio Piscitelli was a self-confessed fascist with links to the Albanian mafiaHe had a criminal record for drugs trafficking – in 2016 police seized £1.7m worth of his assets – and he ran the group like a paramilitary outfit, with members dressed identically in blue jeans and the black jackets once favoured by Mussolini.The group was the first in Italy to erect huge speakers in the terraces so that one ultra could dictate all the chanting and songs. They once ran a merchandising operation that sold their “Original Fans” label at 14 outlets.Italy star Paolo Di Canio, who later played in the Premier League with West Ham, was a well-known Irriducibili ultra. However, he had to keep his involvement secret at the start of his career.Too much blood, too many banning orders, too many arrestsIrriducibili ultrasHe once said: “I kept the club in the dark about my travels. If they had known that I spent my Sundays with the Irriducibili, visiting far-flung corners of Italy, they would probably have kicked me out of the youth academy.”The ultras’ power meant that during the 1990s they were often caught on video lecturing the players like schoolchildren at Lazio’s training ground.  Piscitelli’s reign came to an end when, aged 53, he was taken out in a gangland style hit in Acqueduct park in the Cinecittà area of Rome in 2019.His ultras then disbanded, releasing a statement saying: “Too much blood, too many banning orders, too many arrests. After 33 years, we have decided to disband the group.”But the shameful scenes witnessed before Lazio’s last 16 Champions League match with Bayern Munich earlier this month showed the far-right elements are still blighting the club.  On March 4, hundreds of Lazio fans gathered in the infamous Hofbräuhaus brewery where Adolf Hitler founded the Nazi party in 1920.Viral videos later emerged that showed them chanting and performing fascist salutes.Stabbings on a weekly basisStabbings linked to football in Rome occur on a weekly basis – and often in buttocksCredit: Corbis – GettyPartizan’s supporters celebrate during the Uefa Cup soccer match between Lazio and Partizan at Rome’s Olympic stadiumCredit: AP:Associated PressJohn Foot, professor of modern Italian history at University College London and author of Calcio: A History of Italian Football, says Roma and Lazio ultras are the only groups in Italy that still use weapons.And the situation has got so bad that stabbings linked to football games occur “on a weekly basis” in the Italian capital.  He said: “People are stabbed in Rome fairly often, but it is so common that it does not make the press.“It is worse in Rome, which has a particular problem with violence and stabbing.”Alarmingly, away fans have found they are most often stabbed in the buttocks.Between 2001 and 2009, around a dozen English football supporters were attacked in this manner whilst visiting Rome.READ MORE SUN STORIESFoot added of the Lazio ultras: “Puncicate is their speciality and is mainly about hurting rival fans but not killing them.”They target the buttocks because the victim is not likely to die. These people don’t want to kill and be known as murderers, they want to show they can hurt their rivals and get away with it.”Roma fans riot with police ahead the Italian Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Roma last yearCredit: AP More

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      I played for Arsenal and Man City, now I’m making my way in management alongside my old pal Thierry Henry

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      ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry has found a top assistant after taking over as manager of France’s Under-21 squad.Henry, 46, rolled credits on his spectacular 20-year career in 2014 and has been cutting his teeth in management since 2016.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has taken over as France’s Under-21 managerCredit: AFPThat was when the Gunners’ record goalscorer joined Roberto Martinez as Belgium’s assistant manager, where he worked for a total of three years across two stints.The France icon also underwent two hapless stints as Monaco and Montreal Impact manager in between.But now Henry is gunning for success ahead of the 2025 Under-21 European Championship.The ex-Barcelona star is taking no risks, and that is why he has enlisted the help of one of his most notable former team-mates from his glory years.Read More on ArsenalAnd that is none other than ex-Arsenal and Manchester City star Gael Clichy.Clichy, 38, spent four years playing with Henry in North London and together they helped the legendary Invincibles win the Premier League back in 2004.The former full-back also went on to lift the FA Cup a year later before making it to the Champions League final in 2006.The Frenchman eventually left Arsenal in 2011 and joined City where he remained for six years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat is where the former defender won two more Prem titles as well as two League Cups.Clichy also earned 20 caps for France between 2008 as well as 2013.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceHe left the Citizens in 2017 and went on to spend three seasons with Istanbul Basaksehir before linking up with Servette in 2020.And that’s where he remained until Henry – who is making a huge name for himself as a pundit too on CBS – came calling last year when he eventually hung up his boots.Henry has enlisted the services of Arsenal hero Gael ClichyCredit: GettyClichy has been appointed as Henry’s assistant managerCredit: AFPHenry and Clichy spent four years together at Arsenal and won the Invincibles titleCredit: Getty More

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      Football and sport have the power to enrich our lives.. but nothing is more important than life itself

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      “SOME people believe football is a matter of life and death. I can assure you it is much more important than that.”Those words from the great Bill Shankly have resonated over the years but without wishing to dilute his remarkable legacy, our own health and happiness does mean everything.Dortmund’s ex-West Ham ace Sebastien Haller announced he is cancer freeCredit: GettyWales star David Brooks is back to near his best after Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: GettyIt is, in truth, more important.Former West Ham star Sebastien Haller has just announced he is free from cancer after a long battle and, hopefully, he can continue to excel at the highest level for Borussia Dortmund and Ivory Coast.Just last month, 29-year-old  Haller scored the winner as his country beat Nigeria 2-1 in the  Africa Cup of Nations final.His illness just shows this can happen to kings, princesses, paupers as well as players.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLIn the last few weeks, our own King and the Princess of Wales have bravely announced they are fighting cancer.Both can be assured the nation is backing them in their battle.They have shown class and composure in dealing with  the worst life  can throw at them and they are not alone. As well as Haller,  Bournemouth and Wales winger David Brooks is proof of what can be done.Now on loan at Southampton, the 26-year-old star has been cancer-free for nearly two years.Most read in FootballBrooks admitted football paled into insignificance when he fought back from stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.When he made his first-team comeback for the Cherries he was cheered to the rafters by both sets of supporters at Aston Villa.Sebastian Haller breaks down and fights back tears as he opens up on battle with testicular tumour at award ceremony Like Haller, Brooks is bouncing back and came on as a second-half sub this week as the Welsh went within a whisker of qualifying for this   summer’s Euros.Proving that cancer can strike  anyone, it even afflicted one of the modern-day greats, Arjen Robben.The flying Dutchman won accolades galore in the game but for the first time in his life football came second when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, having found a lump.That was 20 years ago.Mercifully, Robben, now 40, survived and went on to enjoy a stellar career at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, winning the league in all  three countries.At the time of his diagnosis, Robben said: “Football is no longer important.“The most important thing is to be healthy and for your family to  be healthy.”And so say all of us. In the women’s game, former Arsenal star Jen Beattie, 32, overcame breast cancer to enjoy a glittering career, while New Zealand’s 30-year-old Rebekah Stott successfully battled stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma.But perhaps the most eye-catching has been Colombia’s 19-year-old  sensation Linda Caicedo, who lit up last summer’s World Cup just four years after overcoming ovarian cancer.Arjen Robben is another leading name to recover from cancerRebekah Stott successfully fought stage 3 Hodgkin lymphomaCredit: GettySadly, for every happy ending there is a tragic one and the cruel, early death of West Ham’s own Dylan Tombides is one of the saddest times I will ever experience at the club.Dylan fought to the very end but at the age of just 20, testicular cancer took his life.West Ham have only ever retired two shirts — and Dylan’s is one of them. The No 38 will never be worn.It is a fitting tribute to a wonderful young man, who died almost exactly ten years ago.The other shirt, of course, is No 6 and belongs to the great Bobby Moore.Testicular cancer first struck him two years before he led England to World Cup glory in 1966.Bobby heroically overcame that illness but cancer returned and, in 1993 and aged  just 51, we lost our national treasure.Football and sport have the power to enrich our lives.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut more important than life itself? I don’t think so.As they say, health isn’t everything but without health, everything is nothing. More

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      Sports stars who got jacked after retiring including hulking Torres and Seedorf after Ozil body transformation

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      SPORTS stars always find it hard when they retire after years of success in their craft.And that frustrating transition usually shows on their physique as they are no longer required to maintain elite fitness levels.Mesut Ozil looks unrecognisable following his recent body transformationCredit: Instagram @m10_officialOzil stood out during his time at Arsenal and Real MadridCredit: GettyBut there are also those who refuse to give up on the routine that turned them into world-class sportspeople. In fact, there are some who find all the new down time as an opportunity to take their fitness to the next level.And by doing so, they prove that age is indeed nothing but a number after hanging up their gear.SunSport look at SEVEN star athletes who got absolutely ripped after retirement:Read More on SportMesut Ozil Mesut Ozil stunned football fans around the globe with his stunning body transformation.Ozil shocked the world when he retired at the age of 34 last year following a brief stint with Istanbul Basaksehir.However, the German has since hit the gym and has built some unbelievable mass that led to praise from former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.The legendary playmaker appears to be in better shape than his days at Real Madrid and Arsenal.Most read in FootballZe Roberto Ze Roberto experienced tremendous success with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.The former midfielder also won two Copa America honours with Brazil.Fernando Torres looks bigger than ever with new bodybuilder frameHowever, the 49-year-old never looked as good as he does now as he nears his 50th birthday.Ze Roberto has taken up a career as a personal trainer and looks like he could return to action on a moment’s notice after adopting a healthy lifestyle without smoking, drinking and eating junk.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERZe Roberto is a personal trainer and looks good enough to play againCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fcbayern/Ze Roberto experienced success with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern MunichCredit: EPAFernando Torres Fernando Torres set the world alight during his time at Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.However, Torres’ performances significantly deteriorated after he joined Chelsea on a then record £50million deal.The legendary striker hung up his boots in 2019 and quickly swapped his lean figure with a bulked up physique.The Spaniard now looks more like a former UFC fighter rather than a football great at the age of 40.Fernando Torres looks more like a former UFC athlete rather than an ex-footballerTorres played for Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdClarence Seedorf When thinking of one of the best midfielders of all time, Clarence Seedorf is always among the first names that come to mind.Seedorf made a name for himself during his time at Ajax, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and more notably AC Milan.The Dutchman rolled credits on his glittering 22-year career in 2014 but never stopped grinding.Now Seedorf looks good enough to make it to Netherlands’ team ahead of Euro 2024 despite his advanced age of 47.Clarence Seedorf looks good enough to play in Euro 2024 for the NetherlandsCredit: INSTAGRAM @clarenceseedorfSeedorf is considered by many as one of the best midfielders of all timeCredit: EPAChris Tremlett Chris Tremlett reached fame in cricket during his 15-year career in the sport.Tremlett put together a series of glittering performances until his retirement in 2015.And the 42-year-old looks better than ever after he started lifting weights.One should wonder how far he could bat with his new bulky figure…Chris Tremlett looks unrecognisable after retiring from cricketCredit: Instagram @christremlett33Tremlett retired in 2015 following a 15-year career in cricketCredit: PA:Press AssociationDwayne Johnson Dwayne Johnson is arguably the biggest star in Hollywood following a series of blockbuster action movies.And Johnson has a lot to thank his physique for, which makes it hard to believe he’s 51 years old.The American actor, though, always looked fit as he enjoyed a legendary career in professional wrestling as The Rock.The 10-time world champion put the sport on the map during the Attitude Era in the late 1990s and early 2000s.But the ex-WWE Champion’s figure during his glory years in the ring doesn’t compare with the jacked physique he boasts these years.No wonder he will wrestle at the main event of WrestleMania 40 next month…Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson will main event WrestleMania 40Credit: InstagramThe Rock looks far better and jacked than he did in his glory yearsCredit: AP:Associated PressAntonio ValenciaAntonio Valencia was one of the best full-backs in the Premier League during his time with Manchester United.Valencia went on to win two Premier League titles, the 2016 FA Cup, and the 2017 Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ecuador legend retired in 2021 but it seems like Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence is still present.The 38-year-old continues to look after himself and it shows with a new muscly physique.Antonio Valencia shone bright during his time at Manchester UnitedCredit: Action Images – ReutersValencia has swapped his lean figure for a bulky physiqueCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuWuZ1xMrsB/ More

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      Football-loving Evan Gershkovich is ‘thrilled’ by Arsenal tribute as family plead with Putin to free him from hellhole

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      BY rights, Arsenal fan Evan Gershkovich should be savouring the Gunners’ end-of-season title race from a comfy seat at the Emirates Stadium.Instead, he still languishes in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo Prison where Soviet tyrant Joseph Stalin once caged his enemies.Journalist Evan Gershkovich is languishing in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo PrisonCredit: APA banner is displayed in support of Evan prior to the Premier League match of his favourite team ArsenalCredit: GettyElla Milman, Danielle and Mikhail Gershkovich, mother, sister and father have put out an emotional plea, a year one from his captureCredit: AFPIt’s now a year since the brilliant young American reporter was held on trumped-up spying charges by Vladimir Putin’s regime — yet the Arsenal faithful have not forgotten one of their own.Twice this season fans have raised banners in the North Bank stand bearing his image and demanding #freeevan.His friend and fellow London-based Wall Street Journal reporter Eliot Brown told The Sun that the gesture by Gunners fans had left Evan “thrilled”.Although he is locked up with a cell mate for 23 hours a day, news of the placards filtered through via letters he is permitted to receive.READ MORE ON RUSSIAFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen — who helped to organise the demonstrations — said: “The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hell.“As fellow Arsenal fans we thought we’d do our bit to keep his story in the spotlight.”Now the North Bank is planning more #freeevan protests after the innocent reporter was told by a Russian court on Tuesday that his pre-trial detention was being extended by a further three months.’Strong & resilient’Afterwards in the News UK offices in London — which the Journal’s UK bureau shares with The Sun — hundreds of sombre staff held up #istandwithEVAN posters.Most read in FootballThe 32-year-old reporter is the first US journalist to be charged with spying by Russia since the Cold War, and faces a possible 20-year prison sentence if convicted.America’s ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, said he remained “strong and resilient” and added that it was “a tragedy that he is awaiting trial for a crime he did not commit”.Falsely jailed reporter Evan Gershkovich must be freed NOW after one year in Russian prisonThe bitter irony is that Evan loves Russia.He was born in Princeton, New Jersey, after his Jewish parents Mikhail and Ella had fled rising anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union.He and his elder sister Danielle grew up speaking Russian at home.At five Evan began playing football, which soon became “all-encompassing”, and Danielle said: “I remember him coming home from school and practising against the back of the garage.Bilingual skills “He would be out there and you would hear it — kick, kick, kick. I remember him being obsessed with Pele, his first big soccer idol.“Later he was into Thierry Henry, which led him to Arsenal.”Thatcher Foster, a teammate of Evan’s at youth team Princeton Spartak, said: “Football was such a big part of Evan’s identity.“Each year he would get around five different Arsenal kits.”After leaving school he became a journalist, using his bilingual skills to secure a reporter’s job on the online Moscow Times in Russia.There he bonded with colleague Pjotr Sauer over their love of Arsenal.The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hellFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen Pjotr, who writes to Evan in prison to update him on their team’s fortunes, said: “Evan knew everything about Arsenal. I wasn’t expecting to meet a fellow Gunner who was an American guy.”After six years of working in Russia Evan moved to the globally-renowned Wall Street Journal in January 2022, a month before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The journalist divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war ragedCredit: APAccredited by the Kremlin as a reporter, he divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war raged.Eliot, his colleague at the Journal’s London office, said: “We’d go out for beers and just talk about journalism and current events.“He has a million thoughts on everything. He is a fantastically talented young journalist.”But working in Moscow was becoming increasingly perilous.In July 2022, Evan tweeted: “Reporting on Russia is now a regular practice of watching people you know get locked away for years.”He assumed his phone was being tapped and he had been followed and filmed when on assignment.On March 29, 2023, Evan travelled to Yekaterinburg, nearly 900 miles east of Moscow, on a reporting trip.Constant brightnessHe was arrested at a steakhouse and led away with his head hooded.Conditions in Lefortovo prison are wretched.Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a day.He usually spends it walking in one of the small courtyards on the prison roof, watched by armed guards.Cells are brightly lit, even at night.President Biden has pledged to do “whatever it takes” to bring him home, while Nato and the EU have also demanded his release.During several court appearances Evan has smiled for the cameras and looked remarkably relaxed.My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalistDanielle Gershkovich His mum Ella described one hearing in June: “We went and stood next to him, and immediately, Evan was talking and joking.“We were laughing. Russians don’t expect laughter in a court. Crying — that’s what they expect.”Evan spends his time keeping fit, reading Russian novels and answering letters from family and friends.The Arsenal results normally filter through to him two weeks late and he can watch limited match highlights on Russian TV.Pal Pjotr said: “He is very happy about how they are playing but obviously upset he can’t see for himself.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd sister Danielle has a heartfelt message for Putin: “My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalist.“Please, I just want him home.”Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a dayCredit: AP More

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      I’m a former Belgium star whose Premier League career was tragically cut short after 3 games – I nearly lost my leg

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      LUC NILIS was one of the first Belgian superstars to grace the Premier League – before his career was tragically cut short.The now 56-year-old was one of the most prolific forwards in Europe back in the 1980s and 90s and enjoyed great success.Former Belgium star Nilis’ career was tragically cut short after his move to EnglandCredit: EPAThis forward played in two World Cups for his countryCredit: ReutersHe suffered a horrific injury after colliding with Ipswich goalie Richard Wright in 2000Credit: Action ImagesHaving made the breakthrough at Winterslag in his homeland, Anderlecht swooped to sign him in 1986 and he spent eight years banging them in for the Belgian giants.Four title successes followed as well as three Belgian Cups as he scored 124 times in 223 league matches for the club.He left Anderlecht in the summer of 1994 to join Dutch big boys PSV Eindhoven, and he topped the Dutch scoring charts in his first season there.Nilis tasted a lot more joy in Holland, winning the Eredivisie twice and the KNVB Cup as part of a deadly strike duo with the original Ronaldo.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHis unselfishness even led to the Brazilian legend naming him as his favourite strike partner years later.Nilis would later partner future Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy there but opted for his own big move to the Premier League in 2000 as a free agent.However, that switch to Aston Villa turned into nothing short of a nightmare as a horrific injury almost led to him having his leg amputated.Nilis scored on his debut in the Intertoto Cup and followed that up with a strike on his top-flight bow against Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut weeks later he was involved in a nasty clash with Ipswich Town goalkeeper Richard Wright.The star suffered a double compound fracture of his right shin, but even worse was to follow.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotThe injury became infected and he was even told that he might have to have part of his leg removed.Speaking about the ordeal, he said: “It was the worst moment of my life to be told I might have to lose part of my leg – that will live with me forever.“It was such a bad break that it led to complications and it was nearly a disaster.”Fortunately for him that was not required, but the severity of the damage forced him into an early retirement.Nilis is still fondly remembered by Belgian football fans and scored ten goals in 56 matches for his country while also representing them at two World Cups.And even though he was unable to kick a ball again professionally, he is still involved in the beautiful game.He has worked at numerous clubs in various coaching roles in Belgium, Holland, Turkey and was even assistant of Jordan.He then tried his hand at management in 2021 for Belisia Bilzen in Belgium, but that was only for a season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a brief spell coaching in Genk’s academy, he is now the striker coach at Belgian outfit Patro Eisden in the second tier.And there is no doubt that he will be tuning in to watch his former Villa team-mate Gareth Southgate’s England take on Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday.Luc Nilis almost lost his leg after the horrific injury became infectedCredit: AP:Associated PressBrazilian Ronaldo loved being his strike partner at PSVCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Meet UK’s hottest F1 star! Rebecca Donaldson dated Kardashian ex before Carlos Sainz… and he’s already talked marriage

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      CARLOS Sainz pulled off an epic comeback at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend – and no one looked prouder than his glamorous girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson.The stunning Scot, 28, cheered on the Spaniard, 29, as he cruised his Ferrari to victory in Melbourne – just two weeks after undergoing emergency surgery to remove his appendix.Rebecca Donaldson was trackside to cheer on boyfriend Carlos Sainz at the Australian Grand Prix this weekendCredit: AlamyStunning Rebecca hails from ScotlandCredit: instagram/iamrebeccadRebecca and Carlos went public with their romance last yearCredit: AlamyThe loved-up couple shared a kiss following Carlos’ win yesterday, and were spotted by fans leaving a hotel hand-in-hand this morning.Model Rebecca is becoming a regular trackside since she and Carlos began dating last summer, having been spotted at races in Japan, Austin, Singapore, Las Vegas and Bahrain.Born in Scone, Perthshire, she burst onto the modelling scene as a teenager.She won her first beauty pageant aged 17 in 2011, which saw her entered into the Top Model UK competition.READ MORE F1 FEATURESAnd she has her mum to thank; she said at the time: “My mum entered me and I was really surprised when I found out.“We had to go to rehearsals to practise catwalk type dances before going in front of four judges at the Gardyne Theatre in Dundee.”The prize saw her win, among other things, a designer outfit from Debenhams – but Rebecca has since gone on to model for major agencies and grace the covers of Vogue and Marie Claire.She also starred in a glitzy Ferrari TV advert in May last year, which could be where she met Carlos, as the couple were first spotted together in Milan in June.Most read in MotorsportIt’s thought they then enjoyed luxurious holidays together in Sardinia in August and the Bahamas in November, with both sharing separate Instagram posts.The couple were spotted hugging and kissing ahead of the Mexican GP in October.Rebecca Donaldson stars in glitzy Ferrari adAnd Carlos appeared to confirm their relationship during an interview ahead of the Las Vegas GP three weeks later – with talk even turning to marriage!When grilled by teammate Charles Leclerc over who he’d marry in Vegas, Carlos replied: “That’s a trick question. My current girlfriend.”Famous exRebecca previously dated Kardashians star Scott DisickCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe model was spotted planting a kiss on Carlos at the Mexican GP in OctoberCredit: GettyCarlos and Rebecca at the Las Vegas GPCredit: GettyCarlos was previously in a long-term relationship with Spanish journalist Isa Hernáez from 2017 until they broke up last summer.While little is known about Rebecca’s dating history, she did have a brief two-month fling with Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick, after meeting him on a night out.She was spotted with the American reality TV star, who featured in every season of hit series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, at the premiere of Hulu’s The Kardashians in Los Angeles in April 2022.They held hands as they posed together on the red carpet, with Rebecca looking stunning in a green tight-fitting one-shoulder gown.Scott was reportedly “smitten”, but by June they’d split, with a source telling E! News the couple parted ways “amicably”.”Although they had a short-lived romance, it was definitely serious,” the source said. “He enjoyed his time with her but realised he is not in a place to seriously date right now.”Launched business ‘from her bed’Rebecca Donaldson as a young modelCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun GlasgowRebecca regularly shares sizzling snaps to InstagramCredit: instagram/iamrebeccadAs well as her modelling career, Rebecca is an entrepreneur, having set up her own fashion brand during the Covid-19 lockdown.She launched MUSE Activewear, which sells gym wear for women, in October 2020 and has seen her firm grow in the years since.Explaining how she came to launch the brand, she explained: “I was spending many days and hours during lockdown feeling a little purposeless. So, I decided to pursue my dream of starting a clothing brand. “I knew I wanted to create something that not only I would wear and be proud of putting my name against, but also something that was missing from the market – affordable, good quality products that are also very wearable day-to-day, as I found I struggled to find items that covered all these aspects.”I started working with my laptop in bed, but before long, I found myself feeling very lethargic as I relate my bed to sleep. “So to keep focused and productivity levels high whilst working remotely, I recommend finding a place in your home and making it a dedicated work zone.”Rebecca, who has 209K followers on Instagram, has previously admitted she’d never had a 9-5 job.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt seems she’s won over Carlos’ family, as his sisters Ana and Blanca and mum Reyes were reportedly in the crowd when Rebecca walked the runway during Madrid Fashion Week in February.And she’s certainly proving a lucky charm for Carlos, who’ll be looking to replicate his winning form in Japan in two weeks’ time.Rebecca walks the runway at the Lola Casademunt by Maite fashion show during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week MadridCredit: GettyCarlos spent time with Rebecca while resting after undergoing his recent appendix operationCredit: BackGridGlamorous Rebecca has modelled for the likes of Vogue and Marie ClaireCredit: RexRebecca appears to be a lucky charm for CarlosCredit: instagram/iamrebeccad🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More