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    Scotland & Man Utd ace Scott McTominay’s fiancee’s investment firm being probed by ‘fraud cops’ as star faces £1m loss

    COPS are investigating an alleged “investment fraud” that left Scott McTominay facing a £1million loss.The Scotland idol invested in a failed firm run by fiancée Cameron Reading and her dad Ashley.Cops are investigating an alleged investment fraud that left Scott McTominay facing significant lossesCredit: Kenny RamsayThe failed firm was run by Cameron Reading and her dad AshleyCredit: InstagramBoyzone star Shane Lynch was reportedly an investor in the firmCredit: PA:Press AssociationTOWIE’s Mario Falcone allegedly gave money to Fortress Capital PartnersCredit: GettyFortress Capital Partners went bust in September last year.The firm owed £18million and left 230 people out of pocket.It reportedly borrowed money from investors including Boyzone star Shane Lynch and Mario Falcone from TOWIE, then lent it out at higher interest rates.It has now emerged the firm is the subject of a probe by officers at the Metropolitan Police.The force said: “We can confirm that officers from the Met’s Economic Crime Team are investigating allegations of fraud made to police on 10 November 2023 following a referral from Action Fraud.”There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing.”The Readings splashed out millions on luxury investment properties in the UK, Dubai and Spain. McTominay, 27, lent Fortress £1million to buy one in Portugal.Most read in FootballThe footie star now stands to get back just £100,000 after administrators confirmed investors are expected to get just 10p of every £1 they put in.One investor told of their anger over Reading’s social media posts flaunting her “luxury lifestyle”.Man United’s Scott McTominay faces losing nearly £1million after investing in a failed firm run by his fianceThey told the Sun on Sunday: “There is a photo of Cam blowing a kiss with a glass of Champagne at a Claridge’s hotel room with Scott. It really rubs salt in the wound for those of us who’ve lost our life savings or face losing their homes.”There’s another pic from Instagram of Ashley, his wife, Cam and her sister. They always seemed to be going on holiday. At one point, they were in Dubai for months and months.”Cameron has been forced to sell properties in Dubai and Spain to help settle her debts.She was approached for comment by The Scottish Sun. More

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    Police fire warning to footie fans ahead of crucial Euro 2024 play-off final with crowd trouble fears

    WALES and Poland fans have been given a fresh warning over the dangers of flares ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 play-off final in Cardiff.Seven Polish supporters were arrested following a fiery Nations League clash at the 33,000-capacity Cardiff City Stadium back in September 2022, including four for the possession of a pyrotechnic device.Poland won 1-0 in the last clash between the sides back in September 2022 at the Cardiff City StadiumCredit: RexPolice clashed with Polish fans before Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League tie with Legia WarsawCredit: RexFlares were lit by the Poles during the national anthems before kick-off and then throughout the match.While a firework was also set off from the away section seconds after Karol Swiderski’s 57th minute winner.Now the Football Association of Wales and South Wales Police have joined forces in a bid to clamp down on crowd trouble.The sell-out Euro tie is a huge clash with a spot at the finals in Germany this summer up for grabs.Read More FootballThe FAW said: “There is no safe use of pyrotechnics in spectator areas at football events with their use having many health risks and dangers such as loss of sight, limb or digit removal due to their explosive power.“Any person committing such an offence faces an FA Wales ban, probable arrest and a minimum 3-year Football Banning Order.“Additionally, should persons be identified using pyrotechnics in places of public assembly away from and en route to the stadium, they can be issued with section 34 notices and be instructed to leave the area with details passed to the FAW, Cardiff City Stadium and the authorities. “This may result in entry to the stadium being denied.”  Most read in FootballSouth Wales Police added their voice to the security issue with supporters repeatedly warned that the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums are banned and will incur sanctions.Superintendent Steve Rees added: “South Wales Police has vast experience in the policing of major international sporting events which have been held successfully in South Wales over many years and a policing plan is in place for this important fixture for Wales.Wales 4-1 Finland: Rob Page press conference“Being in possession of a pyrotechnic device at a football match, or attempting to bring one into a football stadium, is a criminal offence, and anyone found guilty of committing such an offence faces arrest and a Football Banning Order.“We work closely with Cardiff City Stadium whose staff are responsible for ensuring that supporters abide by stadium regulations.“As always we would encourage those attending the match to follow the supporter advice published by the Football Association of Wales.”Victory will book a spot against the Netherlands, France and Austria in Group D of Euro 2024 this summer.Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League showdown with Legia Warsaw in November was marred by crowd trouble, with 46 Polish fans charged after violent clashes with police.The FAW were fined more than £14,500 by FIFA after home fans let off flares during 2022 World Cup play-off victories over Austria and Ukraine in Cardiff.  READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 1993, John Hill died after being hit by a flare at the old National Stadium in Cardiff at Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Romania.At the final whistle, two men on the opposite side of the stadium let off a marine distress flare that travelled over the pitch and struck the 67-year-old. More

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    Over 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during Euros in new crackdown

    MORE than 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during the Euros this summer.A fresh law imposed from today will force the yobs to surrender their passports to the police.Over 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during the Euros this summerCredit: Fame FlynetAny failing to comply and trying to travel to host nation Germany faces six months in jail or an unlimited fine.Policing minister Chris Philp said: “Violence, abuse, and disorder have no place in the game we love.“The vast majority of fans are law-abiding, but we will have zero tolerance for those who disrupt this incredible event.“These measures will ensure true football fans can travel to the tournament safely and prevent hooligans from committing these crimes abroad.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe crackdown applies to 1,624 in England and Wales with football banning orders. Courts issued 682 of these five-year bans last season — the most for 12 years after possession of Class A drugs such as cocaine was added.During the month-long Euros, the sanctioned hooligans can only go abroad with the permission of the Football Banning Orders Authority. Cops will also get new powers to intercept other known louts.Most read in FootballAround 1,300 yobs were stopped from travelling to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, under banning laws covering international games, but they have now been extended to the Euros.Pub-drinking England fans are most at risk at Euros from martial arts trained football ultras More

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    Marco Muller dead at 71: Ex-footballer turned bank robber dubbed ‘Swiss Robin Hood’ dies after 36 years on the run

    A FORMER top-flight star turned jailed bank robber has been found dead after 36 YEARS on the run from police.Marco Muller, 71, played for current Swiss Super League champions Young Boys during the Seventies.Marco Muller, 71, died after 36 years on the run from the policeCredit: PoliceThe defender also won Swiss youth international caps, and played for lower-league club SR Delemont.But Muller turned to a life of crime after hanging up his boots aged just 20, and was dubbed the Swiss Robin Hood.He robbed a series of banks and cash-in-transit vans during the 1980s, netting a haul estimated at over £2.5million.Muller escaped from Jura prison while serving time for a string of armed heists.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLater re-arrested, he went on the run while on remand in Berne jail in 1988 and was never recaptured.He had been due to answer charges of holding up cash vans in Geneva and Delemont.Muller’s story ended tragically when his body was found by a railway line near his home town Bassecourt last month.His identity was only confirmed by DNA tests last week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe fugitive footballer had been thought to be hiding out in France in the intervening years.Muller’s former accomplice Andre Jaggi said: “I don’t think Marco returned to his home town while he was on the run.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”He wasn’t stupid. Even in disguise he would have been recognised here from his way of walking.”The police came to tell me he was dead. It gave me a funny feeling.”He used to keep the lion’s share of the money after robberies. Then he would borrow more from me, and say he’d repay me after the next heist.”Yves Girard, 71, worked in a bank in Bassecourt raided by Muller in 1979.He recalled: “The guy came in wearing a red wig and a long coat, like in a Sergio Leone film.”He pulled out sticks of dynamite, and told me to get all the money out of the safe or else I’d be blown sky high.” More

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    Vile football coach Barry Bennell who abused young boys at top clubs died in jail in ‘significant pain’ from cancer

    PAEDO football coach Barry Bennell died in “significant pain” in prison after being diagnosed with tonsil cancer, an inquest heard today.The predator died at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire where he was serving a 34-year sentence for abusing young boys.Barry Bennell died in prison in SeptemberCredit: PAAn inquest heard how Bennell, 69, was receiving palliative care after he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last year.The paedo had previously suffered from throat cancer in 2004, which had resurfaced in 2016.At the time of his death on September 16, Bennell was being fed with a tube and could only communicate through writing.Cambridgeshire’s area coroner Elizabeth Gray said he was in a “significant amount of pain which was managed by the healthcare team at the prison”.Read more on BennellHe had discharged himself back to prison from Hinchingbrooke Hospital against medical advice two days before his death.A post mortem found he died from bilateral bronchopneumonia , with his tonsil cancer given as a contributing factor.The hearing was told Bennell had previously tried to kill himself and was found with opiates in his possession.A report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman concluded the care Bennell received was of a “good standard and equivalent to that he would have received in the wider community”.Most read in FootballPolice found no signs of third party involvement, the inquest was told.The coroner said: “I’m satisfied the conclusion for Mr Jones is he died as a result of natural causes.”Paedophile Barry Bennell’s victims react after he is found guilty of 43 counts of child sex abuseBennell was jailed in 2018 after after being convicted of 52 child sex offences against 12 victims.The former Crewe Alexandra coach and Manchester City scout was found to have been responsible for “industrial sexual abuse of boys”.It is feared more than 100 boys were attacked by the child sex beast.Bennell abused his position by targeting youngsters who dreamt of becoming professional footballers.The coach would lure the boys to his home with exotic pets including a puma and a monkey, and took them on trips away.He was first jailed in Florida in 1994 for raping a British boy on a football tour in America.The coach’s horrific abuse in the UK was brought to light in a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation.This led to further prison sentences in the UK in 1998, 2015, 2018 and 2020.Bennell’s sickening crimes
    1994
    The coach was jailed for four years for abusing a a 13-year-old boy while on tour with a Staffordshire youth team in Florida.
    1998
    Bennell pleaded guilty to 23 counts of sexual abuse of 15 boys aged between nine and 14. He was jailed for nine years for the crimes, which took place between 1978 and 1992.
    2015
    Bennell admitted sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1980 and is jailed for two years.
    2016
    Brave footballer Andy Woodward revealed he had been groomed and abused by Bennell for four years, starting when he was just 11.
    2018
    The paedo was jailed for 30 years in 2018 after being convicted of 52 child sexual offences against 12 boys between 1979 and 1991.
    It is revealed Bennell may have more than 100 victims after a further 86 complainants come forward.
    2020
    The coach is sentenced to serve an additional four years after pleading guilty to three counts of buggery and six counts of indecent assault against two boys between 1979 and 1988.

    Brave footballer Andy Woodward waived his anonymity to reveal he was a victim – causing more complainants to come forward.After his 2018 conviction, more than 80 other alleged victims came forward to claim they had been abused by Bennell.Sentencing, Judge Clement Goldstone QC branded Bennell the “devil incarnate”.He added: “Your behaviour towards these boys in grooming and seducing them before subjecting them to, in some cases, the most serious, degrading and humiliating abuse was sheer evil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBennell was locked up for a further four years in 2020 after admitting nine sexual offences, including six counts of indecent assault against two boys.During his time in prison, it emerged he was being treated for cancer and had two operations to remove tumours from his tongue.Bennell was first jailed in 1994 in FloridaHe abused his position to target young boysCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bail

    CONVICTED rapist Dani Alves has left prison today after spending just weeks behind bars.The ex-Barcelona ace paved the way for his release after stumping up the £850,000 bail he needed and should be back in the comfort of his Spanish home in the coming hours. Dani Alves alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola leaving prison todayCredit: RexThe Brazilian defender should be back to his Spanish home later this evening where he can stay until his appeal has been ruled onCredit: ReutersAlves was convicted of rape in February but has only served a month behind barsCredit: APAlves walked free after he struggled to stump up the cash needed to make bail last weekCredit: ReutersAlves was silent as he walked out alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola at around 4:25pm local time.The disgraced ex footballer hopped straight into a car wearing jeans, and a black jacket over a white roll-neck jumper.Despite only spending a few weeks in jail he was seen sporting a moustache as he left.The footballer is also understood to have complied with the other orders of the three judges who said he could leave jail despite his recent rape conviction by handing in his Spanish and Brazilian passports.read more in Dani AlvesHe was told he could leave Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona last Wednesday after winning his bid to appeal his four-and-a-half year jail sentence from the comfort of his own home rather than a cell.But the 40-year-old spent the weekend still locked up as he failed to find the cash to get free from the Spanish jail.Brazilian teammate Neymar’s dad had been expected to help Alves pay the money to secure his freedom, but he issued a statement denying he would hand over any cash after coming under political pressure in his homeland.The Brazilian had made several attempts before his conviction to get bail, but they were turned down partly on the basis he was a flight risk.Most read in FootballAlves is now set to live in the comfort of his £4million home in Esplugues de LLobregat – a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona – as his lawyers go through the appeal process, reports say.The dad-of-two managed to pay his bail earlier today.A court spokesman said: “We inform you that Daniel Alves’ bail bond has been deposited in the account of the 21st section of the Barcelona Court of Appeal.”Prosecutors have appealed the decision to release him on bail, but the appeal did not affect today’s release.The 23-year-old victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, described Alves’ release as “scandalous”, branding it as “justice for the rich”.International footballer Alves was accused of raping the woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.Alves claimed the sexual encounter was consensual, insisting “he would never hurt anyone”.I’m very surprised and totally outraged because it’s like this is justice for the richEster Garciavictim’s lawyerHe was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars in February.But on March 20, 2024 a court ruled he could appeal his conviction and get out of his hellhole jail while his team, headed by Ines Guardiola, carried out the appeal.His bail was set at his €1million (£850,000) – a figure originally thought to be getting paid for by pal Neymar Jr’s father, say LaVanguardia.Neymar da Silva Santos Sr had been expected to help Alves pay the money to secure his freedom, but he issued a statement denying he would hand over any cash after coming under political pressure in his homeland.He said: “For us, for my family, this matter is over. Full stop.” Neymar’s father didn’t specify how much they gave Alves but added that it’s a “different situation” now because the three judge panel at the Barcelona Provincial Court ruled against him.”With the Spanish court ruling for his conviction, there’s speculation and an attempt to associate my name and my son’s to a matter that is not within our reach any longer,” Neymar’s father said in the family’s statement.He added that he hopes Alves “can find all the answers he looks for in his own family.”Dani Alves guilty of raping woman in nightclub bathroom with ex-Barcelona star jailed for more than 4 yearsAlves’ team requested that the disgraced full back was released as he had already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention following his arrest in January 2023.Garcia blasted the decision to let him walk out as she fumed on RAC1 radio: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”Before adding: “It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”The bail conditions set by the court say Alves must stay at least 1,000m away from the home of the victim or any other place she frequently goes.He is also banned from ever contacting her and must handover his Brazilian and Spanish passports.The court feared Alves could leave Spain and travel to his native Brazil to try and avoid serving anymore jail time.He will now return to his multimillion-pound home a short drive from Barcelona.It was built in 2010 when he was still married to his ex-wife Dinorah Santana before he met and married Tenerife-born model Joana Sanz.Sanz revealed last year she had demanded a divorce after Alves admitted for the first time to having sex with the woman he was found guilty of raping, but claimed as he still does that the relations were consensual.Media waiting outside the prison for Alves’ release last weekCredit: EPAAlves left the Brians 2 prison where he was being heldCredit: ReutersDani Alves relationship to Joana Sanz broke down after the shocking rape accusations came outCredit: GettyDani Alves walked away from his Brians 2 prison after meeting the bail conditionsCredit: ReutersWORLDWIDE REACTIONSBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned Alves’ release.He said on Wednesday: “The money that Daniel Alves has, the money that someone can lend him, cannot buy the offence that a man does to a woman by committing rape.”It comes as residents of Barcelona – where Alves was once seen as an icon – blasted the court’s ruling to free him on bail.I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matterBarcelona residentOne woman said: “I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matter.”If you have money and you are a man, you can do whatever you want and you won’t have to pay.”As a second angered local told AS TV: “Sentences must be served and executed equally. “If you have a sentence then you have to fulfil it not just pay their way out of it because they have a lot of money.”As a man also gave his view saying “evil” things can’t be forgotten about simply because of money.Alves’ mum posted a collection of pictures on Instagram on Wednesday of her son hours after he was allowed to make bail and leave prison.They were captioned: “Victory has come for the honor and glory of the Lord, thank you my God.”What God has joined together no one can separate.”In a separate post she also said: “For all those who only believe in the justice of men @danialves is free. “Free from European justice as I was told. But I believe in divine justice. And I always believed in his innocence.”And Alves’ former wife Joana Sanz deactivated her Instagram account just hours after he was granted release on bail.Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves in court claiming she was with him the night of the accusations.It is currently uncertain what the pair’s status is after Joana accidentally shared a bizarre letter from her rapist ex where he declares his love for her from jail.WHAT HAPPENED IN COURT?In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, he denied the allegations saying the sexual encounter had been completely consensual. The three-day trial saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.His accuser told the prosecution she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but was then forced to stay after wanting to leave.She told the court Alves allegedly slapped and insulted her before forcing her into having sex.Alves did confirm he had sex with the woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.Alves was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars.The court also ordered Alves to pay £130,000 (€150k) in compensation to the victim.The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence to consider the rape provenCourt statementHe also faced a nine-and-a-half-year restraining order from the accuser.The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”Following the sentence, Alves was sent to Brians 2 prison in Barcelona.Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves when she took to the stand.During her testimony on February 6, 2024, Joana claimed they were not legally divorced and that she had been with Alves on the night of the accusation.Joana told the court Alves “smelled of alcohol” and “he bumped into several pieces of furniture and collapsed on the bed” after arriving home from the night out.But she said she didn’t want to talk to him because of “the state he was in”.A disgraced Alves publicly apologised to Joana during an interview from his prison cell in 2023.He told Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.”I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”It comes as former Man City star Robinho, 40, was arrested at his home on Thursday by Federal Police in Sao Paulo.He is now set to finally serve his nine-year jail sentence for a gang-rape committed in Italy, Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled.READ MORE SUN STORIESItaly issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star managed to dodge jail for seven years while living in Brazil.The former Santos star says he is innocent.The ex-Barcelona ace is one of the most decorated footballers ever but has spent the last few months embroiled in the shock accusations against himCredit: AFPAlves on the dock during his trial at the start of 2024Credit: EPAThe lawyer of Alves’ victim Ester Garcia labelled the decision to release him ‘scandalous’Credit: The Mega AgencyJoana took to the stand at Alves’ trial and claimed she was with him the night of the accusationsCredit: instagram/joanasanzNeymar da Silva Santos Sr released an 11-word statement after refusing to pay Dani Alves’ bailCredit: AFPAlves’ lawyers Ines Guardiola said her client has already served a quarter of his sentence in pre-trial detention after being arrested last JanuaryCredit: ReutersFormer Manchester City forward Robinho is finally set to serve his nine-year prison sentence for a gang-rape in ItalyCredit: AFP More

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    Meet the machete-wielding football hooligan gangs who chop off each others’ HANDS in blood-soaked ‘Holy War’ derby

    PREMIER League fans are well-aware of the dangers of going to a game given the number of thugs hell-bent on violence.  But our hooligan problem pales in comparison to the one in Poland, where wearing the wrong colours outside a stadium could lead to you being MURDERED.Football fans in PolandCredit: AlamyUltras in clouds of smoke during a Polish Cup Final in 2016Credit: AlamyA Cracovia supporter during the derby match between Wisla Krakow and Cracovia KrakowCredit: GettyAs 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.Krakow has been dubbed the ‘City of Knives’ because of its 30-year long history of violence, with supporters having been killed, stabbed and mutilated outside games.The two main hooligan firms there are said to be manned by 100-strong teams of highly trained UFC fighters that refuse to drink alcohol in case it impacts their combat skills.And both gangs, supporting rival teams Wisła Krakow and MKS Cracovia, routinely carry weapons having become deeply entrenched in organised crime, according to experts. READ MORE SPORTS FEATURESThe rivalry reaches boiling point every year during the annual derby match, which has been dubbed the ‘Holy War’ as the clashes are so extreme. Professor Radoslaw Kossakowski has conducted a number of studies on football hooliganism in Poland. He told The Sun: “Krakow is definitely the most dangerous city in Poland for football fans. “If you are a normal supporter you shouldn’t – and this is really important for your safety – show your club colours, your scarf or T-shirt. Most read in Football”That could be really dangerous if you go to the wrong place in the city.“Krakow has become an island of barbarians and gangster-style hooligans. People are killed and murdered.”Fans killed and hands chopped offPub-drinking England fans are most at risk at Euros from martial arts trained football ultrasViolence took place during a match between Wisla Krakow vs CracoviaCredit: AlamyDominik Luty reportedly chopped off a rival supporter’s handCredit: SuppliedWe can reveal that Polish hooligans are now considered to be among the most violent in the world – up there with Russian ultras and those supporting clubs in Latin America, where life is notoriously cheap.  Wisla fans are nicknamed “dogs” by their rivals as the club was previously run by the hated communist police for 40 years.Cracovia, meanwhile, are known as Pasy (Stripes) or Jews because of their supposed Jewish roots, which leads to antisemitic chants being sung by far-right rivals during games.The depth of hatred between the two is bottomless. So there was little surprise when both refused to sign the 2004 ‘Poznan Pact’ which banned the use of weapons.  Krakow has become an island of barbarians and gangster-style hooligans. People are killed and murderedProfessor Radoslaw Kossakowski Shocking incidents include eight fans being killed in the build-up to the 100-year anniversary match between Wisla and MKS Cracovia in 2006.Water cannons, riot vans, choppers, dogs, and nearly 1,000 cops were on hand during the game.In 2011, members of Wisła’s ultras ‘The Sharks’ were found guilty of brutally murdering a member of a Cracovia hooligan group called ‘The Jude Gang.’Four years later, Wisla fan Dominik Luty, 22, was reported to have chopped off a rival Cracovia fan’s hand with a machete when they were both out drinking in the city.Horrified passer-by Jakub Nowak, 34, said: “I came round the corner and saw this man covered in blood. “He was unconscious and had wounds to his legs and his hand was lying a few centimetres away.”Drugs and money launderingPawel Michalsk – who once threw a knife at a football player – led a Wisla firmCredit: PoliceDino Baggio was thrown a knife at by a rival supporterCredit: AlamyDino Baggio was almost hit by the blade mid-gameCredit: YouTubeViolence erupted between fans during a Wisla Krakow versus Cracovia matchCredit: AlamyIt is the strong links with organised crime that make Polish footie thugs so much more sinister than those in the UK.Incredibly, a Wisla firm called ‘The Sharks’ once became so powerful they effectively took over the club.Operating as the SKWK fan group, they were led by 39-year-old hooligan Pawel Michalsk, who was nicknamed ‘Teddy Bear’ and was once convicted of throwing a knife at Italian star Dino Baggio’s head during a UEFA Cup tie in 1998.From 2016, the firm took up key positions on Wisla’s board as they began using the club as a base for criminal activities, laundering drug money and siphoning off legitimate funds through fake supply contracts.Players and staff were abused and intimidated and even the biggest stars went months without being paid. Attacks were organised on rival fans, with flares handed out by club bosses in the stadium toilets.Wisla’s gym was used to train hooligans in street fighting, according to reports.By the time the gang’s leaders were arrested and a new, legitimate board installed in 2019, a debt of £7.95m – or 40m zloty – had been run up, putting the club’s future at risk.Machete attackA supporter holds a flare during the Polish PKO Ekstraklasa League match between Legia Warszawa and Warta PoznanCredit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettA huge police crackdown followed and fighting is much less common at Polish stadiums today. Yet hooligans continue to stage organised clashes in the countryside and in abandoned warehouses.In June 2020, a Cracovia supporter was hospitalised following a machete attack by Wisła fans.The following year, a group of young Wisla hooligans was caught on video attacking a more established firm on a housing estate after accusing them of co-operating with the police.Professor Kossakowski added: “Paradoxically, stadiums in Poland are really safe. I came round the corner and saw this man covered in blood. He was unconscious and had wounds to his legs and his hand was lying a few centimetres awayJakub Nowak”We have very restrictive laws dedicated to football so if you use pyrotechnics or do something illegal you are automatically banned – so there are no fights at the stadiums now.“But they do fight in the woods and abandoned places, sometimes on the street.”Szymon Jadczak, an investigative journalist that made a TVN documentary on Krakow’s gangster hooligans, warned: “People are still afraid. The bandits have not disappeared.“You can still see their influence in the club and the city. You can still buy anti-Semitic Sharks paraphernalia at the club store!”Poland’s hooligan problem started with the fall of communism in 1989. The previous regime ruled with an iron grip that kept football’s more thuggish elements under lock and key. Deadly weapons snuck inA sound cannon – a weapon used by Polish police in their battle against brawling football hooligansCredit: London Media PressSome hardcore football fans attended the Independence Day march in Warsaw, where some participants calshed with riot policeCredit: GettyBut the switch to a capitalist system led to a breakdown of law and order that the hooligan firms took full advantage of. By the 1990s, the terraces had become a dangerous place for ordinary fans.It was common for deadly weapons to be snuck into stadiums and when fights and rioting broke out, the police would respond with brutal force.Professor Przemysław Piotrowski is from Krakow but insisted “it is better not to publish” which team he supports.He said: “I’ve been inside the crowd when policemen shot at us with rubber bullets.I’ve been inside the crowd when policemen shot at us with rubber bulletsProfessor Przemysław Piotrowski“In the 1990s, it was easy for the fans to bring wooden sticks and other potential weapons in the stadium. When they started to clash, the police would try to stop them.“There are games when the tension is very high and in Krakow with the rivalry between the two teams it can be dangerous.“Outside the stadiums there are organised clashes that can be very violent. It’s hard to say how often they happen.“Krakow is known as the place where deadly weapons are used and there have been a few deaths.“Because of their association with the old communist party, there is a tradition of not speaking to the police in Poland. “So even when a person has lost their arm and is in hospital, he will say he fell down the stairs.”The Sun reached out to Wisła Krakow and MKS Cracovia for comment. A spokesperson for Wisła Krakow said: “The dynamics within the club have undergone substantial changes since 2019, subsequent to the pivotal “rescue operation” orchestrated by Jakub Błaszczykowski – a distinguished figure in the club and national team, in his capacity as the owner, alongside Jarosław Królewski, who assumes the roles of the majority shareholder and president of Wisła Kraków.”The sustained operation of Wisła Kraków would be unfeasible without the significant dedication exhibited by its supporters, who have been instrumental in ensuring the club’s survival. “Currently, they continue to offer their support, notably through initiatives like the Socios association.”The management of the club is in the hands of esteemed individuals who are committed to preserving Wisła as an emblematic football brand. “Our operations are founded on principles of transparency and wholesome support and we play a significant role in the community by presenting positive exemplars, including to our supporters.”Our stadium has become a welcoming venue for families, individuals with disabilities, and the youth, many of whom aspire to be future Wisła Kraków players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wisła Kraków stands as a paragon of fair play and healthy support, categorically distancing itself from any conduct that diverges from its ethical guidelines. “Legal actions are currently in progress against individuals whose past action placed the club in a dire predicament.” More

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    Robinho being kept in isolation in TINY cell at prison where inmates make toilet cleaner as he begins 9-year sentence

    FORMER Man City footballer Robinho is set to live inside a tiny isolation cell as he begins his nine year sentence for a gang-rape.The disgraced 40-year-old has been transferred to a chilling Brazilian prison in Tremembé alongside murderers and fellow rapists who are made to make toilet cleaner.Robinho being arrestedCredit: Fábio Pires/TV TribunaFootball star Robinho is now serving a nine year sentence for a gang-rape in Italy in 2013Credit: APRobinho has been sent to a chilling Brazilian prison in Tremembé alongside murderers and fellow rapistsCredit: Laurene Santos/TV VanguardaRobinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club in 2013.Italy issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star managed to dodge jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo.He says he is innocent and his defence team is reportedly filing an appeal against the decision.Robinho is due to spend the first 10 days at least in a temporary holding cell completely by himself.read more in disgraced athleteHere he will be under observation by guards and made to do tests by doctors, psychologists and social workers. The cold, lonely enclosure is made up of little to be admired.As the tiny 8m squared concrete block Robinho will now call home only has a single bed, small sink and a toilet built into the floor.A barred up window will also provide just a glimpse of the outside world.Most read in FootballHe could stay here for up to 30 days depending on how his evaluation goes. While in the cell all activities are isolated, report g1 and he will be given four meals each day.Decapitated inmates & jailhouse warlords – inside Brazil’s hellish prisons where ex-Man City star Robinho faces 9 yearsThe first at 6am and the last at 5:30pm.Robinho will then be moved to the common housing pavilion within the Penitentiary Two (P2) jail.Here he will meet up with the other 430 prisoners for the first time. Tremembé is notorious for housing high level criminals including child killers, murderers and other rapists.All inmates inside the hellhole jail are made to wear matching outfits of a white t-shirt and khaki pants – a far cry from Robinho’s typical football kit.Although the prison grounds do have a football pitch for inmates to use.Robinho will be expected to work during his time behind bars potentially making school desks and chairs or even toilet disinfectant tablets – something the P2 jail is known for.Robinho was pictured in a police car being transported to his new home in jailCredit: EPAThe former Manchester City player has escaped prison for seven years by hiding out in BrazilCredit: GettyRobinho with his wife Vivian Guglielmetti JunitsCredit: ReutersInmates also have access to drama based lessons and other workshops in reading, literacy and origami.Brazil’s prisons have been dubbed “hell on earth” before and for good reason as inmates have been found decapitated after savage attacks as drug warlords call all the shots.The country’s prisons have notoriously horrid living conditions with overcrowding, violence, harsh punishments and gang wars being only some of the many problems the underfunded facilities face.Harrowing photos show dozens of inmates crammed in one cell, lying head-to-toe across the floor.Timeline of Robinho’s rape caseThe rape case involving Brazilian footballer Robinho spans several years. Here’s a brief timeline:

    January 22, 2013: Robinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club during his stint for AC Milan.
    2014: Brazilian media reported on the allegations against Robinho, but no formal charges were filed at that time.
    2017: Robinho was found guilty of sexual assault by an Italian court and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, he denied the charges and appealed the verdict.
    2020: After the appeal process, Robinho’s sentence was upheld by the Italian court. But due to the statute of limitations in Italy, he was not extradited to serve his sentence.
    2022: Robinho’s prison sentence is ratified.
    March 2023: Robinho surrendered his passport to authorities
    November 2023: Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.
    March 20, 2024: Brazil’s Superior Court formed a simple majority and voted for Robinho to serve the sentence in his home country.

    CLAIMS OF INNOCENCERobinho, who has claimed he is innocent, accused the Italian justice system of “racism” and said the encounter in 2013 was “consensual”.He told a Brazilian network TV Record on Sunday: “I hope that here in Brazil I can have the voice that I didn’t have there.””I never denied it (the encounter). I could have denied it because my DNA was not there, but I’m not a liar.”I played for four years in Italy and I got tired of seeing stories about racism. The same people who do nothing about racism, which I repudiate, are the ones who condemned me.”A Brazilian news outlet previously published audio recordings obtained by Italian authorities which included Robinho discussing the case with friends.In one clip he says: “We will punch her in her face. You will punch her in the face and say; ‘What did I do to you?'”And in another: “That is why I am laughing, I don’t care at all.”The girl was extremely drunk, she doesn’t even know who I am.”A further leaked conversation shows him saying: “If this comes out in the press, it will screw me.”Robinho played for clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan, and signed a contract in 2020 to return to his first club in Brazil, Santos.However, the deal almost immediately fell apart after sponsors reportedly threatened to cut ties with the club for signing a player convicted of rape.Speaking after the Santos announcement, the striker took to Instagram to admit: “Guys, this is Robinho.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Of course, with a lot of sadness in my heart, I’m here to tell you that I made the decision with the club president to suspend my contract at this troubled time in my life.“My goal has always been to help Santos Football Club and if in any way I’m getting in the way, it’s best I leave and focus on my personal things.”Brazilian prisons are severely overcrowded with dozens of inmates living in one cellThe left winger hasn’t played football since 2020Credit: Getty – Contributor More