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    Six Premier League clubs facing huge bills hike as police chief calls on teams to help cover costs

    LONDON’S six Prem clubs could face extra bills next season – from the Metropolitan Police.Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley says it is time clubs stumped up to help cover the £18.5m annual cost.
    Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley says London clubs must help with police costs around the stadiumCredit: PA
    Some category C games (with increased risk) in London will have around 150 police on dutyCredit: Getty
    This means Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham, Chelsea, Brentford and West Ham could all be asked to cough up millions to help fund policing duties for fixtures.
    Sir Mark, talking to LBC, said: “Last year, 2023, policing football in London cost us £18.5 million, that the Premier League don’t pay for.
    “If you wanted to help the police out with people paying for the policing they draw out of communities, that’d be a more powerful example.
    “Arsenal, Chelsea and the others do not pay for our officers on the street.
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    “There’s a very narrow legal framework, which says that they only pay for the officers who go into the ground.
    “All of those officers managing stuff around the ground come out of our budget.
    “There are very few officers in the grounds.
    “But all the ones outside on horses, all dealing with disorder before and afterwards, around train stations, etc, that adds up to £18.5million last year, not paid for.”
    Most read in Football
    A heavy police presence was needed at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea hosted Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last yearCredit: Reuters
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    In October, SunSport reported that Premier League chiefs were planning to pay £10m to the police in a bid to televise high-profile matches in prime-time slots.
    Sources said that many options are under review “to support police in keeping match-goers and communities safe”.
    There is growing reluctance from the authorities to police games between rivals in the late afternoon and evenings.
    The chances of trouble between fans is likely to be higher for a later kick-off.
    In November, Liverpool’s visit to Manchester City was moved to a 12.30pm kick off amid concerns from a safety advisory group.
    Likewise, the North London derby was scheduled for a 2pm Sunday kick off back in September. More

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    Prem star ‘called apartment block concierge the N-word twice during drunken rant’ sparking police probe

    A PREMIER League star is being investigated by police over claims he racially abused a staff member at a luxury apartment block.His alleged victim said the footballer hurled the N-word at him twice after turning up “agitated” and smelling of alcohol in the early hours.
    A Premier League star is being investigated by police over claims he racially abused a staff member at a luxury apartment block (stock picture)Credit: Getty
    His alleged victim, the concierge, said the footballer hurled the N-word at him twice
    The 50-year-old man claimed it happened when he was working as a concierge on December 10, after the player angrily demanded a key.
    He has reported his allegations to the Metropolitan Police and the player’s club, which have both confirmed a complaint has been made.
    The man was standing in as a temporary worker on reception, and said of the player: “He smelt like alcohol and was very agitated.
    “I wanted to help him.
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    “I wanted to get him in.
    “But as soon as he saw me he demanded, ‘My key?’
    “I asked him, ‘Please, Sir, can you write down your name, email, address and phone number, so I can try to help.’
    “I explained I was a temp worker and I would do my best to help.
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    “But my colleague, who was the supervisor, was on security patrol.
    “It was late. I could not get on the computer system.
    “The password I was given didn’t work.
    “Then he started losing his temper, telling me to give him the ‘f***ing key’.
    “Then he called me a ‘c***’.
    “I told him, ‘Wait a few minutes and my colleague will be back. He has access to the keys.’
    “Then he was swearing more at me and said, ‘Give me the key, you f***ing n*****.’
    “I draw the line at that.
    “I was appalled and disgusted.
    “I said to him, ‘I will not tolerate that.
    “Do not use that word towards me.’
    “He was shouting at me, ‘Do you know who I f***ing am? You will never work here again.’
    “He said the N-word again.”
    The concierge, who was born in England to Senegalese-Gambian parents, said he did not know who the player was at the time.
    He added: “I don’t follow football.
    “The development is a place with lots of very rich people. 
    “It is my job to make sure the place is safe. 
    “After he had gone, my colleague told me he is a famous footballer.
    “I was shocked.
    “I felt sick to the pit of my stomach.”
    The Met said: “On December 13, a 50-year-old man contacted police to report he had been racially abused by another man as he worked as a concierge.
    “There have been no arrests.
    “Enquiries continue.”
    The player’s club said: “It would be inappropriate to comment until the matter has been investigated fully by police.
    Read more on The Sun
    The player is said to deny the allegations.
    The Premier League and the clubs that play in it say they are committed to tackling all forms of discrimination, on and off the pitch. More

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    Arsenal have Met Police officer at training ground to prevent players being targeted by thieves

    ARSENAL have a Met Police officer stationed at their training ground to prevent players being targeted by thieves.Last month, the cop approached two men taking photos of players at the London Colney site in Herts.
    Defender Sead Kolasinac protects Mesut Özil when knife-wielding thugs attempted to rob them
    Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were targeted by moped thievesCredit: AP:Associated Press
    He said: “There are concerns people are photographing players’ cars and following them home.”
    In 2021, Sead Kolasinac was filmed fighting off a pair of knife-wielding street thugs trying to rob teammate Mesut Özil.
    The players have since left the club.
    There are fears criminals could hide among fans looking for autographs, then make off with players’ fancy watches or supercars.
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    One supporter said the officer, wearing an Arsenal lanyard, told him and his pal: “I’m based here.”
    He then asked to see identification.
    Soon after, stars drove up including centre back Rob Holding, 27, England ace Bukayo Saka, 21, Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes, 25, and Belgian international Leandro Trossard, 28.
    A Met spokesman said: “Each London club has a Dedicated Football Officer who acts as a liaison between police, fans and the club.
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    “These officers are responsible for dealing with any policing issues and crime relating to the club.
    “They will have regular visits to the club, including meetings at stadiums and training grounds, in order to discuss policing priorities in these areas.
    “However, they are predominantly based in a police building in central London.”
    Arsenal said they would not comment on the security of their players. More

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    What made Julius Francis KO rowdy man at BoxPark revealed as ex-heavyweight who fought Mike Tyson ‘appreciates’ support

    JULIUS Francis KO’d a rowdy reveller at BoxPark in London – after spending 15 minutes trying to stop him and his pals “spitting at” customers, it’s alleged.The former heavyweight champ, who once fought Mike Tyson, floored the punter outside the venue in Wembley, London while working as a security guard.
    Julius Francis knocked out a rowdy punter after spending 15 minutes trying to safely clear him and his friends from London’s BoxPark, the attraction’s boss claimsCredit: Twitter
    The former British heavyweight champion can be seen stepping back from a man who appears to be acting aggressively before landing a single blowCredit: Twitter
    Julius now works as a security guard after stepping back from fightingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Footage of Saturday’s altercation, which showed a man become aggressive before being knocked to the ground, went viral this week.
    CEO Roger Wade has since offered his support to Francis – and explained why the ace lost his temper.
    In a post on Linkedin, he wrote: “My understanding is that Julius and our security team spent 15 minutes stopping this man and his friends from abusing, spitting at and hitting our customers and staff.
    “They carefully escorted him from the premises under constant provocation and violence.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more on Julius Francis.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BOXED OUT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I stand by Julius Francis, says Boxpark boss after ex boxing champ KO’d man
    “Finally the person approached Julius in a confrontational manner and he defended himself. 
    “Acts of violence or abuse to any staff members should never be tolerated.”
    He said Julius has thanked fans for their “support” after the story went “viral”.
    “Julius Francis, ex UK heavyweight boxing champion, is one of the nicest people I have ever met and helps train young underprivileged kids boxing in his spare time,” he added.
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    “How would you react if someone approached you violently? What would you do next if you were in my shoes? #istandwithjulius.”
    In the clip, a group of men appear to be arguing with security staff outside the popular north London food and drink venue.
    One boozer in particular grows irate and starts yelling “f*** you”.
    But as he begins to walk towards Francis, who is seen taking steps back, the ex-fighter, who battled Tyson in 2000, lands a right hook and drops him.
    Cops and Francis’ employer yesterday said they were investigating, but both probes have now been dropped.
    A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Officers have spoken to all parties involved and have reviewed relevant CCTV.
    KNOCK OUT
    “No further action will be taken in relation to the incident involving the security guard and male customer.”
    Professional Security, which provides bouncers at Boxpark, added: “Julius is a long standing and respected member of our team.
    “We believe he acted in self defence and we’ll be offering him our full support.”
    And Wade himself said in a later LinkedIn post: “I’ve been amazed by the supportive comments I have received about the Julius Francis security incident.
    “It was an instinctive decision to support Julius and give him the benefit of the doubt that he felt under immediate threat and needed to defend himself. 
    “Frankly, I was surprised how many people thought it was a brave decision to support Julius and not distance myself from the situation.
    “In my experience, being a good CEO is not just achieving financial success, it’s about doing the right thing and creating a culture where your staff and customers respect your decisions.
    Julius is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met… Acts of violence or abuse to any staff members should never be tolerated
    “Once again thank you for your kind support. I’m truly humbled and more importantly Julius appreciated it.”
    Francis, now 57, won 23 of his 48 bouts and famously lost to boxing legend Tyson in Manchester in January 2000.
    The Brit managed to last until the second round against Iron Mike.
    Francis also fought Vitali Klitschko, but was stopped in just two rounds during their 1998 contest.
    He won heavyweight belts during his career, including the Commonwealth and British title.
    The Londoner last boxed in 2006 and, after retiring, started a fitness company while working as a security guard.  
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LOSE IT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Millions urged to claim Universal Credit NOW or miss £650 cost of living payment
    In 2009, Francis was sentenced after a road-rage attack saw him punch a car window, spraying the driver with glass.
    It caused the motorist minor injuries to his face, and Francis – who later apologised – was ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £200 compensation to his victim.
    BoxPark CEO Roger Wade described Francis as ‘one of the nicest men ever’Credit: .linkedin.com/in/rogerwade1
    Footage of the row went viral after the incident at the weekendCredit: Twitter
    A punter captured the moment the ace knocked his opponent outCredit: Twitter
    Julius, pictured in the ring with Tyson, will not face an investigation by either police or his employersCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Just ONE England fan convicted of causing trouble at Euros

    JUST one England fan has been convicted of causing trouble at the Euros.And police do not know if they were even among those wreaking havoc at the final.
    Only one England fan has been convicted of causing trouble at the EurosCredit: Reuters
    The Three Lions are expected to be ordered to play at least one match at Wembley behind closed doors as punishment for the fans’ rampage at the July 11 final.
    But without convictions in court, no banning orders can be issued.
    So all who shamed the country are free to continue following the national side home and away.
    The lack of action heaps more pressure on Met chief Dame Cressida Dick.
    Force figures show there were more than 150 arrests for disorder during games in England.
    Of those, 19 were charged and 26 issued with cautions or penalty notices for disorder.
    A further 104 have been released under investigation or bailed.
    But just one person has been convicted so far.
    We can also reveal just one Met officer was at a Wembley safety meeting before the security shambles at the final.
    The force said: “We refute any claim that our representation at these meetings underestimates our commitment to keeping people safe and mitigating disorder.”
    The lack of action heaps more pressure on Met chief Dame Cressida DickCredit: PA

    ITV reveal fans without tickets did manage to break into Wembley before England’s huge Euro 2020 final game against Italy More

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    Polish hooligans joined with Hungarian yobs in far-right alliance to viciously attack cops at England match

    POLISH hooligans joined forces with Hungarian yobs in a far-right alliance to viciously attack cops at England’s World Cup clash.Brazen fans were seen wearing traditional red and white Polish shirts and flying the country’s flag in the visitors’ section at Wembley.
    Polish hooligans joined forces with Hungarian yobs in a far-right alliance to viciously attack cops at England’s World Cup clashCredit: Getty
    Fifa, the FA and Scotland Yard have all launched an urgent investigation into the worrying scenes which marred the opening ten minutes of England’s 1-1 qualifier draw with Hungary.
    The ugly confrontation, in which police were beaten back with kicks and punches, prompted fears about the Three Lions’ next home game against Albania.
    It is believed racist thugs from the two Eastern European countries allied in protest at England players taking the knee.
    One former Polish hooligan, who would not be named, said: “The Poles bought tickets en masse and if you look at the footage, you can see slogans relating to Polish hooliganism on their backs.
    “One was wearing a jacket representing Zaglebie Sosnowiec, another had a LKS Lodz jacket on and another was wearing a balaclava with a Polish flag on the front of his hoodie.
    “I saw a Fighting Anchor, a Polish resistance logo, too. This is what they do, the two countries travel around Europe together to these games with notoriety and cause trouble.”
    Polish fans later boasted on social media how they had, “joined forces with their Hungarian brothers to chase the dogs from their Wembley home”.
    Another fan added: “There is a long-standing right-wing alliance between Hungarian and Polish fans.

    “They are united by religion and they are totally opposed to any form of diversity.
    “The same thing will happen again next month when Albania visit Wembley. I guarantee it. It will be a high-risk match.”
    Questions were yesterday being asked as to why the Met Police seemed to be so quickly overwhelmed and why they were not in full riot gear.
    One former riot squad officer told The Sun: “Given the reputation of the Hungarians, I was surprised to see how lightly equipped and dressed officers at the ground were.”
    Cops were attacked after arresting a Hungarian fan accused of racially abusing a steward.
    Tory Party co-chairman Oliver Dowden described the clashes as “deeply disturbing”, adding: There’s clearly still an underlying problem with racism in football.”
    The Met came under fire in July after shambolic scenes at the Euro 2020 final when ticketless England fans stormed gates at Wembley.
    A fan wearing a Polish scarf makes gestures with his fingersCredit: Sportimage
    Yobs with Polish emblems fight with police on the terraces at Wembley More

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    Eight men arrested after Tottenham star Son Heung-min racially abused online following Man Utd clash

    METROPOLITAN POLICE have confirmed eight arrests over allegations of the racist abuse of Tottenham star Son Heung-min.The Korean forward was targeted with disgusting attacks following April’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.
    Son Heung-min is one of several footballers targeted with disgusting racist abuseCredit: Getty
    Both clubs and the Premier League strongly condemned the incident amid countless cases of footballers being abused online.
    The Met have confirmed eight arrests as a result of an investigation into the racist attacks of a ‘high-profile Tottenham player’.
    The unnamed men were aged between 20 and 32 and lived across the UK, including Dorset, Llanelli, Hartlepool and Cheshire.
    All eight have been released under investigation.
    A further four, including a 63-year-old man, have been interviewed under caution, all of whom have been released as enquiries continue.
    A police statement read: “A Met investigation into a torrent of online racist abuse directed at a high profile London footballer, has resulted in twelve men being arrested or interviewed under caution.
    This sends a powerful message that online abuse is unacceptable and those found guilty will face real-life consequences. Tony BurnettKick It Out
    “The recent police action, which occurred over the past two weeks, culminated yesterday evening (Thursday 20 May) with a man being visited by the Met at his Greater Manchester home address.
    “The twelve men have each been arrested, or interviewed under caution, under suspicion of using words or behaviour, or displaying written material with intent to stir up racial hatred.”
    The Met were alerted to the abuse through Manchester United’s online reporting tool, See Red, and investigated to track down the anonymous account holders.
    The men were then spoken to under ‘suspicion of using words or behaviour, or displaying written material with intent to stir up racial hatred’.
    Tony Burnett, CEO of anti-racism in sport campaign Kick It Out, said: “We are pleased to see these arrests being made, it sends a powerful message that online abuse is unacceptable and those found guilty will face real-life consequences.
    “Social media has become a vehicle for inappropriate behaviour on a societal level and certain people think it’s okay to send abusive messages.

    “We have to make sure we create an environment where online abuse is punished and that the perpetrators are identified as much as possible.
    “These arrests demonstrate the police’s commitment to tackling online abuse and we hope this sends a message to others so they think twice before posting discriminatory abuse.
    “It’s also important that we remain focused on the welfare of those who play, watch and work in football, and receive abuse, and we will continue to offer our support to those who need it.”
    In April, United handed out suspensions to six club members, including three season ticket holders, accused of abusing Son online.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Ryan Mason says all of the players have pain after Son Heung-min is left in tears on the field following Carabao Cup final loss More