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    Real Madrid in dispute with neighbours amid claims their stadium is operating without a licence to show FOOTBALL

    REAL MADRID have allegedly been holding FOOTBALL matches at the Bernabeu with an expired licence, according to furious residents.Los Blancos have been locked in ongoing rows with a local group called the ‘Residents’ Association of People Affected by the Bernabeu’ for many years.Real Madrid’s ongoing dispute with its Bernabeu neighbours has taken a fresh turnAfter the residents group have claimed that the stadium does not have a licence to hold frequent concertsThe residents group’s latest claim is that both football matches and music concerts have been held at the Bernabeu Stadium without a valid licence.The association claims that they have found evidence that the current licence expired in 2001, according to Spanish outlet El Confidencial.It claims that members of the group came across the small print when they requested a copy of the licence during their legal battle with the LaLiga giants.But Real Madrid adamantly deny all allegations.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA section of angry residents have also claimed that the Bernabeu should only be holding sporting fixtures and the odd “extraordinary event”, according to the the Madrid City Council.Group spokesperson Jose Manuel Paredes told The Times that “extraordinary events” do not include showing frequent concerts.The Association’s complaint has reportedly been presented to a judge, according to El Pais.The group also argue that in order for Madrid to have a valid licence, both the stadium and the exterior development work must be finished – which it is not.Most read in FootballConstruction work continues at the BernabeuCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Bernabeu has entered the final stages of its £843million, five-year reconstruction.But the iconic European venue hosted a string of high-profile concerts over the spring and summer.Real Madrid’s iconic stadium looks unrecognisable with underground greenhouse below pitchRecent headliners have included Taylor Swift, Luis Miguel and Colombian star Karol G.This comes after Madrid were forced to postpone all concerts at the Bernabeu to comply with the capital city’s noise regulations.The group reportedly requested a copy of the licence on four occasions before receiving a response.Residents have also lodged complaints about the noise from the ongoing construction which started in 2019.Angry residents of apartment buildings near the stadium have put up banners on their balconies that read: “NO concerts.”The stadium has gone from hosting some 35 events per year before the refurbishment to planning more than 300.A club statement read: “Real Madrid has, and has always had, the corresponding municipal licence for activity and operation, which fully covers the holding of sporting events at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”Furthermore, it is absolutely untrue that Real Madrid carries out or has carried out its sporting activity under an expired licence.”Nor is it true that this licence has been used by third parties misleadingly before any public administration.”The concerts that have been held at the Bernabeu do not require the granting of a municipal licence.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has reached out to Real Madrid for comment.Football matches returned to the Bernabeu in September, after Real Madrid were forced to play at the nearby Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano ground for 18 months.Plans unveiled a swanky new bar for fansCredit: room 1804 Design More

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    Micah Richards makes major change to £2m mansion after neighbours moaned about BBC pundit & ex-Man City star’s home

    MICAH Richards is making a massive change to his £2million mansion – months after his neighbours moaned about the property.The ex-Man City star and current TV pundit, 36, was previously met with neighbour moans after he submitted plans to extend his luxury five-bed pad.Micah Richards has submitted a planning application to extend his North Yorkshire padCredit: GettyThe design drawings show the desired extension at the back of the homeCredit: SuppliedRichards at his home with pal Jamie Carragher as they appear on Channel 4 hit GoggleboxCredit: Channel 4Despite uproar, officials made a decision in his favour and allowed renovations to go ahead.And now he wants to demolish an existing “poorly erected” conservatory to make way for a contemporary-style flat roof extension with steel cladding.Richards submitted plans for works on the lavish property, in North Yorkshire, which already boasts a cinema room, to provide “additional space that meets the needs of the occupants”.In an application submitted to the local council, Richards’ planning agent said: “The extension enhances the visual appearance of the existing building. read more football”It also enhances the visual impact of the surrounding environment.”The extension also improves the functionality of the existing building, providing additional space that meets the needs of the occupants.”This includes adding new living areas and outdoor areas that enhance the usability and convenience of the home. “The proposals will also provide a high quality family home for modern living.”Most read in FootballAnd officials have now granted the ex-baller’s plans.The council said: “In most cases, flat roof extensions will not be supported where they detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding area.Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interview”There have been many alterations and ‘domestification’ of the host dwelling… [but while it’s] of differing architectural style, it is of subservient portions and would not dominate the south elevation.”Overall, the development will not detract from the appearance of the host dwelling nor character of the area.”Richards bought his rural retreat for £1.3million in 2021 after hanging up his boots.But it is now believed to be worth £2million.Richards previously built an outdoor annexCredit: SuppliedSketches show the current building and the extension Richards wantsCredit: SuppliedTwo years ago, he won his battle with neighbours to convert a home office outbuilding into an annex, and carry out internal alterations.He also built extra accommodation on the first floor with two new dormer windows and five rooflights, despite objections about overlooking.Richards’ agent added: “The proposed extension is intended to present as a subtle addition to the existing house, that also amends a poor previously erected extension, tying the house together.”The design opens the ground floor internally to the rear with better access from the existing living spaces to the improved garden.”This will provide a much higher standard of accommodation in line with the need of a growing family along with improved amenity through better access to the garden and increased natural light internally.”Officials at the local council are expected to make a decision next month.So far, there have been no objections from neighbours.BIG SPENDERRichards has previously opened up about his big-spending while playing in the Premier League – and issued a warning to today’s superstars.The pundit burst onto the scene at Manchester City in 2005 – signing a big-money contract in the same year – aged just 17.Richards revealed he came into so much money overnight he impulsively spent it.The fan-favourite pundit bought supercars, a luxury mansion in the footballers’ paradise of Hale and even splashed out over £100,000 on a single night out.Speaking to The Athletic, Richards explained: “Imagine going from £500 a week to £5,000 a week… and then going from £5,000 a week to £50,000 a week.”Then you’d get bonuses, appearance money, a signing-on fee that was spread over the length of the contract.”I remember one pay packet was like “£250,000 for a month. I was at the training ground, just looking at my payslip, thinking, ‘Wow. How?'”What can you do? I know what I did. I went straight out and bought myself a Ferrari.”I already had a Range Rover and an Aston Martin, but I thought, ‘It’s time’. I bought myself a Ferrari, an F430. Then a 458 Speciale.”But the spending didn’t stop with cars. Richards continued:  “I started to look at houses in Hale.”I bought this £3m, seven-bedroom house and I was living with two brothers, two cousins, my best mate.”Where I was living was already more than enough, but this is what happens when you’re a footballer.”It’s always, ‘Who has the best house? Who has the best car?’.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can never just be content. You’ve always got to want more.”Richards’ reps have been contacted for comment.Premier League star in neighbour row over basketball court & firepit builtBY Morgan JohnsonA PREMIER League star in an intense row with his neighbour over a basketball court and firepit has won a battle to keep them.Ben Chilwell, 27, became embroiled in the disagreement when he raised the back garden of his £5m Surrey mansion and erected a retaining wall for a new walkway.But the Chelsea defender failed to get the go-ahead for the Ground Force-style makeover at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.He needed consent from the local council for the “engineering operation” and faced a possible red card over the unauthorised development.His next-door neighbour objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking, but the council have now granted retrospective permission for the landscape alterations.In his ruling, a planning officer said: “Despite the change in levels in this part of the garden, it is considered that the works do not significantly alter the overall land levels of the application site.”Moreover, the works are located in the rear garden and would not be visible from the street scene and are therefore acceptable.”The proposed development is considered in terms of scale, form, bulk, height, massing, spacing and design, and there would be no adverse impact on the character of the area or the visual amenities of the street scene as a result of the proposals.”Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges to provide screening with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.He also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving at his home near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.Documents submitted as part of the planning application reveal that building work on the sunken fire pit and basketball court started in April but has not yet been completed.In a letter objecting, the neighbour wrote: “This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.”This is a loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.”We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now been proposed.” More

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    Premier League star in neighbour row over basketball court & firepit built without permission WINS battle to keep them

    A PREMIER League star in an intense row with his neighbour over a basketball court and firepit has won a battle to keep them.Ben Chilwell, 27, became embroiled in the disagreement when he raised the back garden of his £5m Surrey mansion and erected a retaining wall for a new walkway.The £5m mansion is undergoing works which neighbours have complained aboutCredit: Kevin DunnettBen Chilwell has won a battle to keep his basketball court and firepit at his mansionCredit: AlamyBut the Chelsea defender failed to get the go-ahead for the Ground Force-style makeover at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.He needed consent from the local council for the “engineering operation” and faced a possible red card over the unauthorised development.His next-door neighbour objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking, but the council have now granted retrospective permission for the landscape alterations.In his ruling, a planning officer said: “Despite the change in levels in this part of the garden, it is considered that the works do not significantly alter the overall land levels of the application site.read more on football”Moreover, the works are located in the rear garden and would not be visible from the street scene and are therefore acceptable.”The proposed development is considered in terms of scale, form, bulk, height, massing, spacing and design, and there would be no adverse impact on the character of the area or the visual amenities of the street scene as a result of the proposals.”Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges to provide screening with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.He also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving at his home near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.Most read in FootballDocuments submitted as part of the planning application reveal that building work on the sunken fire pit and basketball court started in April but has not yet been completed.Ben Chilwell’s Unauthorized Home Renovations Spark DisputeIn a letter objecting, the neighbour wrote: “This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.”This is a loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.”We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now been proposed.”Ben Chilwell ‘thrown career lifeline’BY Tony RobertsonBEN Chilwell has been thrown a career lifeline after being offered a Chelsea escape route, reports suggest.The 27-year-old has effectively been frozen out of Chelsea’s squad by new boss Enzo Maresca after being told he does not feature in the manager’s plans.Chilwell, who signed for the club for £45million from Leicester in 2020 and was named vice-captain last season, is down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.Marc Cucurella and new signing Renato Veiga are both ahead of him for the left-back slot.Chilwell had been joined in the Blues “bomb squad” by Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah, who both managed to secure loan deals away from the club on deadline day.However, the 21-cap England international was unable to secure a transfer despite reported interest from Brentford and Manchester United, though the latter are understood to have never initiated talks.Instead, Chilwell, who is earning £200,000-a-week with three years to run on his deal, will have to secure a transfer overseas if he is to earn playing minutes this season.According to GiveMeSport, Chilwell is thought to be content at Stamford Bridge and will not move unless the right move presents itself.The Dutch and Portuguese transfer windows both shut tonight, as well as the transfer window for Saudi Arabia, although it’s understood Chilwell is not keen on a move to the Middle East.One window that will remain open for a while longer is the Turkish Super Lig window, which does not close until September 13. More

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    Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold avoids having to tear down £50,000 padel tennis court

    ENGLAND star Trent Alexander-Arnold has dodged a balls-up after having a £50,000 padel tennis court built in his garden without planning permission.The Liverpool defender, 25, faced having to tear it down amid fears the noisy games could lead to a volley of complaints from neighbours at his £5million Cheshire pile.Trent Alexander-Arnold has dodged a balls-up after having a £50,000 padel tennis court built in his garden without planning permissionCredit: GettyThe local parish council objected and raised concerns about players disturbing locals in the quiet village of Goostrey, where neighbours include ex-Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.The Campaign to Protect Rural England agreed, saying: “A padel court for private use in no way justifies an intrusion into the open countryside surrounding a village.”There were also concerns the unauthorised construction — 25 per cent smaller than a normal tennis court — would have a negative impact on the countryside.But the footballer, ­dating Jude Law’s actress and model daughter Iris, has now been granted permission retrospectively.read more on footballCheshire East council approved it as long as he removes four floodlights to prevent light pollution.He has also hired ­landscapers to plant trees and hedges for screening.Padel tennis is said to be the world’s fastest growing sport and garden courts are becoming the ultimate outdoor status symbol for the homes of the rich and famous.It’s been championed by celebs including Shakira, supermodel Elle Macpherson and rapper Stormzy.Most read in FootballThe sport was given the royal seal of approval after it emerged Prince William and his wife Kate are hooked on the sport.Who is Iris Law and is she dating footballer Trent Alexander Arnold More

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    Chelsea star Ben Chilwell in furious neighbour row over privacy fence, firepit & basketball court at his £5m mansion

    BEN Chilwell has sparked a row with a neighbour after building a firepit and basketball court at his £5million Surrey mansion – without planning permission.The Chelsea defender, 27, has been caught ” offside” over the unauthorised development at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.Ben Chilwell has sparked a neighbour row after building a firepit and basketball court without planning permissionCredit: GettyThe Chelsea defender failed to get the go-ahead from the local councilCredit: GettyHe put up a retaining wall for a new firepit walkway in a Ground Force-style makeover of his Surrey back garden near the Blues’ Cobham training ground. But, he failed to get the go-ahead from the local council for the “engineering operation”.And, his next-door neighbour has objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking. In a letter to the council, they wrote: “The new retaining wall to the east and parallel to the border with [my house] has raised the ground levels of the garden and walkway to the firepit by 1.5m compared with the original garden.”This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.”This loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.”We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now bee proposed.”Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges and re-level his garden with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.Most read in SportHe also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving. Papers field at Elmbridge Council state that building work was started in April but has not yet been completed, and officials are expected to make a decision in September. Chelsea and Wrexham stars Levi Colwill and James McClean fight just two minutes into pre-season friendly In pre-application advice, they said: “The scheme is unlikely to have a significant impact on the host dwelling/character of the area/neighbour amenity.”However, this subject to formal consultation with neighbours and relevant consultees.”Chilwell’s planning agent and the council were approached for comment.It comes as Chelsea striker Armando Broja has kicked off plans to build a dream new home complete with a lush cinema, swimming pool and spa.Inside Chelsea star’s incredible £2m five-bed dream mansionBy Jane MatthewsCHELSEA striker Armando Broja has kicked off plans to build a dream new home complete with a lush cinema, swimming pool and spa.The forward, 22, splashed out on an old four-bedroom house in a private Surrey estate – not far from the Blues’ Cobham training ground.But now the player has revealed plans to demolish the £1.8million to make way for a mansion – which will be complete with a boots and kit store.Broja hopes to build a bigger luxury five-bed pad with a gaming and entertainment area, cinema, gym, swimming pool and spa.The proposed new home will also boast a grand double-height entrance hallway, retreat, study and covered outdoor terrace.The Chelsea striker has applied to his local council for planning permission for a detached two-storey house with rooms in the roof, dormer windows and a garage.In a design statement, his planning agents said: “The proposal provides for a form of development that is in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area in terms of its size, scale, height and design.”The proposal will be of a high standard of architecture, finish and landscaping, therefore will enhance the existing street scene significantly and add positive value to the existing area.”The proposed dwelling aims to enhance the plot and internal space utilisation, creating a highly sustainable residence.”Residential properties in this area mainly comprise large detached dwellings on substantial plots, often gated.”The existing house has a games room, snug, wine store and living room with a stone fireplace and open fire.But in a boost to Broja’s green credentials, the proposed new build will feature air source heat pumps, solar power, a heat recovery system and underfloor heating.In a sales listing for the current home, estate agents said: “The house has significant potential, either to build your dream home from scratch or extend and modernise the existing property on this stunning level plot.”Land Registry records show that Broja paid £1.8m for the pad in December, just a month before he was farmed out on loan to Fulham.The forward, 22, splashed out on an old four-bedroom house in a private Surrey estate – not far from the Blues’ Cobham training ground.But now the player has revealed plans to demolish the £1.8million to make way for a mansion – which will be complete with a boots and kit store.Broja has applied to his local council for planning permission for a detached two-storey house with rooms in the roof, dormer windows and a garage.Meanwhile, Man Utd wonder kid Leny Yoro has snapped up a stunning new pad – a £2million mansion which Mason Greenwood once called home.United’s £52million new signing, Leny Yoro, is set to move into the rented six bed, six bath property and will pay a cool £14,000-a-month.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe home in Bowdon, Cheshire boasts an open plan kitchen, three reception rooms, a cinema room and bar.What are your rights?Planning permission guidance according to gov.ukYou will need to request planning permission if you wish to build something new, make a major change to your building or change the use of your building – for example starting a business.To find out if you need planning permission you should contact your Local Planning Authority through your council.If planning permission is refused you can appeal.You are able to appeal if you were refused planning permission for reasons that you think go against the LPA’s development plan or planning policy (you can usually find these on their website).You can also appeal if you were granted planning permission with conditions you object to – you’ll need to explain why you think they’re unnecessary, unenforceable, vague, unreasonable or irrelevant.Another ground for appeal is if the LPA has not given you a decision on your application and 8 weeks have passed since the date they told you they’d received it (or a different deadline you agreed with them has passed).Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges and re-level his garden with further soft plantingHis luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games roomsA letter was submitted to the council by a disgruntled neighbourCredit: Elysian More

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    Fed up neighbours of England hero Phil Foden call cops over star’s late night KIDS’ party at £3m mansion

    POLICE were called to a late-night children’s party at England footie star Phil Foden’s £3million mansion.Neighbours said the event ran until midnight and was the culmination of antics that are making their lives a misery in the posh area.Police were called to a late-night children’s party at Phil Foden’s £3million mansion, the star pictured with his sonCredit: Instagram @philfodenResidents say their lives have been hell since Foden moved inCredit: RexOne said: “Nobody minds a party or music being played but this is a regular thing at the Fodens.”Residents say their lives have been hell since the Man City forward, 24, and partner Rebecca Cooke, who share three children, moved in.His parents also live in a huge pad nearby.The allegations include loud gangster rap music being played late in the evening, and his Doberman guard dog barking all day.Read More on SportIn an open letter, residents in his road in Prestbury, Cheshire, branded him “selfish” and called for City to get involved.Cheshire Police said they had a complaint about the party but told neighbours to contact the council. City were contacted for comment.Topless England fans sing and dance outside Berlin’s Olympiastadion ahead of final vs Spain More

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    Our next-door neighbour has covered his ENTIRE house in England flags for the Euros – it makes parking a nightmare

    NEIGHBOURS of an England superfan who has covered his ENTIRE house in flags say they love his passion – although it can make parking tricky.Paul Bibby’s incredible display of St George’s flags at his home in Chelmsford, Essex, is so popular that drivers stop on the street to take pictures.Pual Bibby says he doesn’t care if people think his home is an ‘eyesore’Credit: John McLellanThe only downside to the incredible display is drivers stopping to take photos and blocking the streetCredit: John McLellanNeighbour Andy McCallum said no one in their ‘right mind’ would have a problem with the flagsCredit: JOHN McLELLANNeighbour Madelyn Cox said she can’t see why anyone would complainCredit: JOHN McLELLANAnd he has now added even more Three Lions decorations, with fresh bunting adorning his bright red front garden picket fence.The 58-year-old dad – who puts up similar displays every international tournament – has been subjected to cruel comments on social media calling his efforts an “eyesore”.But The Sun has spoken to his neighbours on Kings Road who have all given him the thumbs up.“Generally, I’ve had a great response,” Paul said. “In this world you do get one or two people with probably nothing else better to do.Read more on Euro 2024“It’s my house, my flags, I do what I want – I support the team. Come on England!”Referring to the haters, he added: “I had one comment saying it’s an eyesore… to all those people, just get a life and do something else. If you don’t like it, don’t view it.“Online you always get people who’ve got nothing better to do.“Most people love it. It brightens the place up.”Most read in Euro 2024During our visit to the street, multiple cars beeped their horn and drivers pumped their fists at Paul’s flags.A video the dad posted on TikTok of the display has garnered more than 690,000 views.I covered my house in England flags & painted giant red cross on my driveway… the neighbours hate it but I have plans for moreFor the last four Christmases he has also put up festive lights and raised an estimated £5,000 for Essex Air Ambulance.As such, he is a popular member of his community.Next door neighbour mum Sarah Perry, 38, said: “It’s alright, innit? It’s a bit of fun.“It can be a bit of a nightmare parking outside when people are trying to stop and take pictures, but apart from that it’s all good.Football crazy Paul says: ‘Come on England’Credit: John McLellanNeighbour Terry Wilson said: ‘He did just as much, if not more, at Christmas’Credit: JOHN McLELLAN“You get people honking as they go past in their cars. I’ve heard no complaints.“Everyone knows when something big’s coming up that he’s going to be decorating the house.“My other half has offered to help him put them up before but he gets on with it himself, bless him.“He’s always adding to it. I did say ‘you can decorate my house if you wanted to’,” she joked.Fellow neighbour Terry Wilson, 50, said: “He did just as much, if not more, at Christmas with the lights. There’s no problem at all.It’s my house, my flags, I do what I want – I support the team. Come on England!Paul Bibby“We’ve only lived here since December. Everyone as they go past is always bibbing at the house. I always speak to Paul, everyone does all the way up the road.”Teacher and mum-of-two Vicky Hayward, 33, said: “Certainly no complaints from me. Paul is really well known in the area and raises a lot for charity.“It’s cruel for anyone to criticise him. The display is perfectly fine.”She added that he is also great with children who come by to admire the display, as well as his Christmas lights.Madelyn Cox, 72, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, said: “I can’t believe anyone would complain. I don’t have an issue with them. He does this sort of thing every tournament. I’ve lived here a long time.”She joked: “His Christmas lights could be described as a bit garish.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAndy McCallum said: “No one in their right mind would have a problem. I speak to Paul most days. He’s lovely and he’s always doing things for good causes.”Paul said it took him two days to put up the display, which consists of 20 big flags and 400 pieces of bunting.My prized England flag shown on TV was STOLEN by Serbian ‘hooligans’ at Euro 2024 gameBy Henry Martin
    AN ENGLAND fan has revealed his disappointment after Serbian football fans stole a flag which he had for 20 years.
    Matt Barnes, 42, and his 13-year-old son Harry travelled from their Eastbourne home to Germany to watch England play in the Euros 2024, bringing with them the 14ft St George’s Cross banner.
    The £500 flag, which he has had since the Euro 2004 competition, has been with Matt all over the world, and in just about every football stadium in Britain.
    As England battled Serbia on June 16, Matt’s banner, featuring a Millwall lion, a Three Lions logo, and the words “Millwall: No one likes us”, was pride of place pitchside.
    But when Matt, who works for Mercedez Benz and was born in Lewisham, walked down the steps to collect the banner at the final whistle, he was horrified to find it had gone missing.
    To make matters worse, he saw the very same flag in a boastful social media post, being held upside-down in triumph by people believed to be Serbia fans who pocketed it.
    Matt told The Sun: “For some people it’s a flag, but for me it’s a sentimental thing for doing 20 years of football with my dad.”
    He said that his elderly dad Brian is no longer able to travel with him, so the sentimental value of the flag had considerable, because it reminded him of the times they spent together as father and son.
    Matt had been purposefuly attending as many games as he could over four years to build up enough points to go to the Euros – the first tournament he and his own son went to together.
    He said: “It was supposed to be a really good experience and just to have that bit done at the end…”
    Matt claimed he had “next to no help from German police”.

    Paul puts up a display for every international tournamentCredit: JOHN McLELLANPaul has large flags on the home and smaller bunting flagsCredit: EssexLive/BPM More

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    Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe locked in neighbour row over BEEHIVES and tennis court at his £6million mansion

    MANCHESTER United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has won an 18 month planning battle after a neighbour row over beehives and a tennis court.The 71-year-old billionaire had faced accusations he was turning his seven acre waterside property in Hampshire’s New Forest into an “industrial site”.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was involved in an 18-month planning battleCredit: AFPHe applied for retrospective planning permission for his property in Hampshire’s New ForestCredit: SolentSir Jim recently became co-owner at Prem giants Manchester UnitedSir Jim, 71, who owns chemical giant Ineos and recently bought 25 per cent of shares in Manchester United, built two huge barns, a tennis court and a pergola without consent.The British businessman, who recently ran the London Marathon, applied for retrospective permission from the planning authority in 2022.And the Red Devils supremo has now been granted planning permission for developments at his £6million holiday home which included a honey-making factory.Ranked as Britain’s second wealthiest man with an estimated worth of £29 billion, the petrochemicals magnate has now successfully argued his case after a protracted process.Read More in FootballIt means he won’t be forced to abandon his beekeeping facility at the estate near Beaulieu.Sir Jim’s passion for apiary is spelt out in planning documents submitted by his agent.”The applicant places very great value on home produced garden produce and as part of this he has commenced beekeeping at the site and has established a number of beehives in order to supply himself and his family with honey,” it says.”Whilst beehives are distributed within the surrounding grounds the beekeeping activities also necessitate the provision of an indoor storage area for processing of honey and the storage of beekeeping equipment.Most read in Football”The applicant respectfully suggests that the outbuildings will not result in any adverse harm to the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and that the development should therefore be accepted as sustainable development.”According to the document, one of the two unauthorised sheds houses the “bee factory”, tractor, soil roller compactor, forklift, wood chipper, Turf Gator, lawn mower, hedge-cutters and leaf blowers.The other is used for storing a cherry picker, trailer, tractor flail, fertiliser spreader, three chainsaws and a leaf sucker.”It is acknowledged that the additional proposed storage buildings are larger and provide more storage accommodation than a standard domestic shed within a standard domestic property,” the agent said.”Effectively, this is a 7- acre garden and the sheer size of the garden means that there is an inevitable requirement for significant amounts of garden equipment and a consequent and significant need for substantial amounts of storage accommodation to house this equipment and the materials used by garden staff.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordThe report said the application ‘seeks consent to regularise’ works that had already taken place at the site, including: a tennis court, pergola, works to walled garden, associated landscaping and external lighting.Objecting to the plans in November 2022, Mr J Harrow of nearby Lymington made a dig at Brexiteer Sir Jim’s 2020 relocation to Monaco, a move that was said to have saved him an estimated £4 billion in tax.Mr Harrow said: “Yet more development from an industrialist who seems intent on turning this stretch of the Hampshire coast into an industrial site.”And, as we have come to expect from billionaire elites, the belief that he can do what he wants with impunity as he can afford to pay more lawyers and fight local authorities.”Despite the objection, the plan were approved last week by the NFNPA subject to a number of conditions.Of the external work, a planning officer for New Forest National Park Authority stated: “Whilst these works perhaps appear somewhat incongruous in a New Forest setting, they are confined to a small part of the overall site, in a location where they are not visible in the wider landscape and are not uncommon features in some of the other larger properties in the vicinity.”The paths along the shore frontage are grassed over and although there is a helicopter landing area, this is de-marked by a spiral of small rocks set into the ground, ensuring that the extent of hard surfacing that would be visible from the Solent, which is the most public viewpoint available of the site, would be minimal.”Despite the two outbuilding sheds being “substantial” in size, they were also granted permission because they “occupy a relatively minor area” of the site.”The outbuildings therefore have little impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area,” the officer continued.”In terms of impact on neighbours, as set out above, the majority of the works are well contained within the site and have little impact on the surrounding area.”Whilst ‘concerns’ about ecology were raised, the proposed levels of lighting had been amended to alleviate them.The report continued: “There are a number of other measures that have been installed, including bat tubes and boxes, sparrow and swift boxes integrated into the buildings, bee bricks and hives and insect blocks.”These enhancement features and the amendments that have been made ensure that the impact of the works are appropriately mitigated and biodiversity enhanced in accordance with the local plan.”In conclusion, despite the works resulting in ‘considerable alteration to the character of the site, it added: “The works are, however, contained within the site and do not adversely affect the character and appearance of the wider surrounding area, neighbour amenity or ecology.”This latest application is the most recent of a catalogue of bids to make changes to his luxury pad, after he won a six year battle to build a luxury summer building on stilts in 2020.’BRITAIN’S RICHEST MAN’Sir Jim, who grew up in a Manchester council house, bought BP’s chemicals division in 1992, renaming it Inspec and later Ineos.The entrepreneur increased his wealth by more than £15billion in 2017, catapulting him to the top of the Sunday times Rich List. He was knighted in 2018.Ineos sells 60m tons of petrochemicals a year, used in industries from food packaging to car manufacture, with 17,000 employees in 16 countries.In 2019, he rode to the rescue of British cycling, buying Team Sky and promising £40m a year investment in the team which then won the Tour de France with Colombian rider Egan Bernal.READ MORE SUN STORIESSir Jim, a keen triathlete and sailor, bought Swiss football team Lausanne in 2017 and invested £110million in a British challenge for the America’s Cup with Sir Ben Ainslie in 2018.Last December it was announced he had bought 25 per cent of shares of Prem giants Man United, from the Glazer family, which was completed in February.Sir Jim Ratcliffe finishes the 2024 London MarathonCredit: Getty More