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    Former world champion reveals he was pulled over by police and drug tested after eating HULA HOOPS at the wheel

    BRITISH boxing legend Nigel Benn has revealed he was drug tested by police after eating HULA HOOPS as he drove his car.Benn, the father of welterweight contender Conor, decided to eat the beloved crisps as he drove his motor last weekend.British boxing legend Nigel Benn was recently stopped by police as he drove his carCredit: REXBenn – the dad of Brit star Conor – was stopped as he began swerving in the road as he ate Hula HoopsCredit: PAThe former WBC super-middleweight champion ended up being drug tested by coppersCredit: INSTAGRAM@NIGELBENNOFFICIALBut his wheelside scoffing caused him to start swerving in the road, so much so that the police decided to pull him over.And the coppers quickly gave the former WBC super-middleweight champion a roadside drug test.Nigel, 60, wasn’t under the influence of drink or drugs and passed the tests with flying colours.’The Dark Destroyer’ saw the funny side of the situation, so much so that he posted a photo of him being drug tested to his Instagram.READ MORE BOXING NEWSHis accompanying caption, which included several laughing emojis, read: “Got a drugs test on the weekend because I was swerving while eating Hula Hoops”[The] moral of the story ‘DON’T EAT HULA HOOPS WHILE DRIVING.'”Hundreds of Nigel’s fans flooded the post’s comment section, with one writing: “No way!?”Another said: “Hula Hoops are made for Walkers.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS10 Sep 1993: Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank trade blows during a bout. Mandatory Credit: Holly Stein /AllsportCredit: GettyAnd another said: “Tested positive for being cool as AF.”One remarked: “What flavour?”Four Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991Another chimed in: “Flavour?”Nigel has been an ever-present in son Conor’s boxing career, which was derailed two years ago after he failed two drug tests ahead of his family grudge match bout with Chris Eubank Jr.And Conor, who this month had his suspension lifted by the UK National Anti-Doping Panel, has claimed negotiations for his domestic dust-up with Eubank Jr – the son of his dad’s former rival Chris Eubank Sr – are underway.He told Sky Sports: “I believe negotiations have started.”It’s been very turbulent in terms of me going through what I was going through, in terms of the legal case.Conor Benn is in negotiations to fight rival Chris Eubank Jr – the son of dad Nigel’s bitter rival Chris Eubank SrCredit: GETTY”But now that that’s cleared, negotiations are on the way.”In my opinion, it’s one of the biggest British domestic fights in history.”I don’t think two fathers and two sons have ever fought [like this]. It’s about history. It’s about legacy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s the fight the public want. “It’s been two years and I don’t think I’ve slipped from people’s minds for good or bad over the past two years.” More

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    Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner caught up in horror stabbing incident as video emerges

    NICKLAS BENDTNER narrowly escaped serious injury after being caught up in a horrific stabbing incident.The ex-Arsenal star was visiting New York with friends last week when one was attacked with a knife.Former Arsenal hitman Nicklas Bendtner was caught up in a knife incident in New York while a stroll with his palsCredit: NEW YORK POSTCCTV shows the attacker running towards the group with a knifeCredit: NEW YORK POSTHe then flees the scene after allegedly stabbing a member of Bendtner’s groupCredit: NEW YORK POSTCCTV footage shows Denmark international Bendtner walking with pals on Manhattan’s posh Upper West Side last Wednesday.A bearded man is suddenly seen running towards the group before fleeing the scene.A former Danish footie player, 55, suffered face and ear injuries in the incident and was treated at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital.Local man Joshua Zinberg, 25, was arrested the next day and has been charged with attempted murder and assault.Bendtner, 36, told Ekstra Bladet after being asked if it was him in the footage: “Yes, I can confirm that it is me in the video.”Could it have been me who was attacked?  I have no comment about that.”But I can confirm that it’s me on the video – it’s hard to run away from.””The victim, a former professional soccer player, was walking with friends.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal player ratings vs Nottingham ForestBy Jordan Davies, Senior Sports Journalist and Football ReporterARSENAL romped to a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest – with some standout performers shining.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates each player…David Raya – 7Very little to do. Collected a few crosses well under pressure and was alert and speedy with his distribution to get Arsenal moving.Jurrien Timber – 7Had the ball in the net and unlucky not to keep it that way as VAR intervened – eventually – to give offside on Mikel Merino in the build-up. A solid display.William Saliba – 8Had a real battle on his hand against another giant of a man in Taiwo Awoniyi, not that it bothered him too much. As always, he was up to the task without ever losing his cool.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7With Forest’s target man focused on Saliba, this was a fairly comfortable afternoon for Gabriel, who didn’t even have any decent set-pieces to attack.Riccardo Calafiori – 7Was a bit vulnerable on the counter in the early stages, perhaps showing his fitness levels are not there just yet after a lengthy spell out with injury.However, he regained his composure and was a rock defending crosses and set-pieces.Jorginho – 6A rare start and did his best to solidify things in midfield, but his needless yellow ultimately saw him subbed at half-time with Arteta not willing to take the risk.Martin Odegaard – 9My word, have Arsenal missed this man. Back in the team and back in the groove, dictating the tempo and providing that creative spark with fluidity and finesse.By the end, Forest’s players looked like they had been beaten to submission.Mikel Merino – 7With Jorginho sitting deeper, the Spaniard had the freedom to play the ‘Rice role’, roaming forward at will, and provided a real attacking intent, driving into the box.Bukayo Saka – 9Showed off his samba hips with some silky dancing between tackles in the box before thumping a stunning effort into the top corner.Forest left-back Alex Moreno had a torrid afternoon, especially after he let Saka cut inside again after the break to tee up Partey’s strike from distance.Gabriel Jesus – 6Still looking for just a third goal this calendar year. Gave his all and had a curling effort go narrowly wide in the first half, but it just isn’t happening for the Brazilian at the moment.A real chance missed to stake a claim in this starting XI.Leandro Trossard – 7Should have put Arsenal ahead inside the first two minutes but scuffed his close-range effort and saw another well saved by Matz Sels before the break.Despite hobbling off for Belgium in mid-week, he looked as sharp as ever.SUBSTHOMAS PARTEY (JORGINHO, 45) – 8Was only on the pitch seven minutes before curling a beauty into the far corner – an inspired substitution.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (CALAFIORI, 67) – 6Did what was needed. Positioned himself for inverted passing lanes to get Arsenal out the back with Forest piling pressure on with time ticking away.ETHAN NWANERI (ODEGAARD, 82) – 8More minutes for this impressive academy talent and already has a trademark finish of curling into the far corner with his left foot. He almost pulled this off less than two minutes into coming on.Then, soon after, he slots in from Sterling’s cut-back for his first Prem goal. Memorable.RAHEEM STERLING (SAKA, 82) – 7Really needed to make a difference off the bench to get his campaign up and running, and he did, providing the assist for Nwaneri’s historic goal.JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 87) – N/A”But I can confirm that it’s me on the video – it’s hard to run away from.”New York police said Zinberg’s mother reported him after recognising him on TV news.Ex-Arsenal striker Bendtner shows off new look in shock appearance in Denmark World Cup 2022 squad announcement video He reportedly has a long criminal record as well as mental health issues.Mayor of New York Eric Adams said of the incident: “We walk past people every day that we know they do not have the ability to make the right decision to take care of themselves.”This is a problem that was created when we closed the psychiatric facilities many years ago. “We closed them without giving people the support that they deserve.”Bendtner spent nine seasons with Arsenal, scoring 45 goals in 171 games.He also played for Birmingham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland as well as Juventus and Wolfsburg.He announced his retirement in June 2021 following a brief stint with Danish fourth-division side Tarnby FF. 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    Driver ‘deliberately’ ploughs into fans outside Villa Park just minutes after match with urgent hunt underway

    COPS are hunting for a hit-and-run driver after a car “deliberately” ploughed into fans outside Villa Park yesterday. Emergency services rushed to Witton Road, Aston, at around 5.15pm yesterday after a crash involving a car and multiple pedestrians.The shocking incident happened after Aston Villa’s 2-2 draw with Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyWest Midlands Police are investigatingCredit: GettyThe horror incident took place just minutes after the team’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.West Midlands Police says it is investigating and carrying out CCTV inquiries to identify the vehicle involved.One Aston Villa supporter, 33, told how it was fortunate no one was killed after suffering serious leg injuries after a large car accelerated at her and other supporters.She had managed to move her 85-year-old grandmother out of the way just before impact, reports Birmingham Live.Read More in FootballBut the 33-year-old told how she was then flung over the vehicle’s bonnet and suffered injuries to her leg.Photos showing she had sustained extensive bruising after the dangerous collision.The fan said she was left “shocked and shaken” having just left the stadium alongside other Villa fans.She suffered ligament damage and will also have to wear a leg brace for a number of weeks. Most read in FootballThe woman had been attending the game with her grandmother and niece before chaos unfolded, and said the car had struck her on the side of her knee.She told Birmingham Live: “What was meant to be a good game of football ended up with me getting hit by a car, which struck me on the side of the knee. “He literally went into me, drove up the pavement into other people apparently. People around me were screaming. He hit multiple people, some people tried chasing after him. “Many witnesses helped me up, but it could have been a lot worse. It has shaken me up and scared everyone. “How no-one got killed I don’t know. It was absolutely reckless driving from him.”Cops have since said they are seeking to identify the vehicle involved in the Saturday crash, with people who may have seen the incident asked to come forward.A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “We were called to a collision involving a car and pedestrians in Witton Road, Aston, yesterday (Saturday).”Thankfully no-one was seriously injured. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We are investigating and carrying out CCTV inquiries to identify the vehicle.”Anyone who may have seen the incident or believes they can assist with the investigation has been asked to contact the service via its website Live Chat function or call the police non-emergency 101 number, quoting log 3654 of 23 November. More

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    Ex-Man City women’s star probed for ‘conning fuming parents out of £45k in coaching sessions that NEVER happened’

    AN international women’s footballer is being investigated for allegedly conning parents out of thousands of pounds for coaching sessions that never took place.Welsh star Natasha Harding, who played for Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa, is accused of taking hundreds of pounds for one-to-one training with youngsters – but never carrying out the classes.Natasha Harding in action for Manchester City in 2015Credit: GettyHarding was capped 103 times by WalesCredit: GettyAngry parents claim Harding, capped 103 times by Wales in a star-studded career, owes them £45,000 in refunds.Harding has apologised for the cancelled sessions but said it was “unavoidable” and “beyond my control”.She said she is “devastated” over the situation and has agreed to pay refunds.There are 27 “victims” including whole teams of young girls, who are said to have handed over as much as £1,200 each without getting anything in return.Read More SportIndividual sessions for kids aged between eight and 15 cost £30 an hour, but many parents were buying multiple classes and some included whole squads of hopefuls.Now the South Wales football community, where Harding began her career, fear the ex-striker has deliberately taken their money and has no intention of giving it back or holding any of the coaching sessions.A WhatsApp group was created by outraged parents, after they realised more and more alleged victims were owed hundreds of pounds by Harding.A source, whose 12-year-old daughter was due to train with the ex-pro, told The Sun: “She promises a lot to the kids, my friend’s daughter is autistic and she kept asking when she was going to see Natasha.Most read in Football“She spent £900, she would add on dietician and gym plans but never actually got anything.“She has repaid small amounts now that she knows we are putting up a fight to get our money back.“But the parents who are owed more than £1,000 have got nothing back.”After retiring from professional football last year Harding, 35, started offering out days where children could participate in private sessions.According to sources, the sessions grew in popularity and Harding started block booking for up to £360.OUT OF POCKETA lot of the children who booked onto the sessions play for academies in Gwent, South East Wales, or The South Girls’ Development Centre.Their parents are fearful that speaking out could affect their children’s future football careers.The anonymous source added: “She is putting fear into us because she is perceived to control the football world, she’s got contacts everywhere.“My daughter ended up having zero sessions, I couldn’t get her to commit to a date and it took me weeks to chase her for a refund.“People are realising she has purposefully taken money with no intention of giving it back.”The promised sessions were supposed to start in June 2023 and when they began to be cancelled many gave Harding “the benefit of the doubt”.But now parents are exchanging up to 90 messages a day on a specially set-up WhatsApp group as the missed thirty-pound sessions have begun piling up.Reported excuses include Harding telling parents she had two car crashes in three weeks, alongside two car breakdowns and one car “blow out”.Harding, Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2016, has been reported to Action Fraud, and the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre.It is understood parents have also reported her to Gwent Police and Gloucestershire Police.STAR’S APOLOGYHarding, 35, who lives in Stroud, Glos, has apologised and blames circumstances beyond her control for the missed coaching sessions.She told The Sun: “I offer my apologies to those affected whose sessions I could not complete. “This was unavoidable, and it was never the intention not to fulfil the sessions.”Because of circumstances beyond my control, which was always made clear to parents, I had to cancel some sessions after initiating and completing others.”Harding, now a TV commentator on the women’s game, added: “I’ve been trying to expand my small academy and was unfortunately let down by additional coaches, my car being written off and the second car breaking down.“When without a car I caught a two-hour train to sessions to avoid cancellations, lugging my equipment with me and needing taxis.”However, this was not sustainable.”The academy’s purpose is to provide detailed technical coaching to young boys and girls and provide them with opportunities I never had, with the cost below alternative coaches to give equal opportunity without barriers, prejudices, or preferences.”I’m devastated that I haven’t been able to finish the session blocks, and I’ve always been upfront about the problems I’ve faced that are beyond my control.”We agreed on refunds for those sessions and I have paid them.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The majority of parents have been incredibly understanding and I have received a huge amount of positive references and I continue to work hard, delivering local sessions.”A spokeswoman for Action Fraud confirmed a complaint had been made about Harding. 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    Ex-Premier League prodigy jailed for stabbing teen with Rambo knife after turning to crime when footie career flopped

    A FORMER Premier League prodigy has been jailed for stabbing a teen with a Rambo knife after turning to crime when his career flopped.Causso Darame left 19-year-old Ronnie Evans partially paralysed with “life-changing injuries” after attacking him in a “vicious” robbery.Causso Darame stabbed a teen in a violent robberyCredit: SolentDarame slipped into a life of crime when his contract was terminatedCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old, who was signed by Swansea City FC when they were in the Premier League, stole the teen’s neck chain and bracelet.Darame has now been jailed for four years and four months after he admitted robbery and possession of a knife.Portsmouth Crown Court heard the horror unfolded in the early hours of May 12 last year near Ken’s Fried Chicken restaurant.Ronnie was with a pal when he clocked Darame, who had a large, Rambo-style hunting knife.Read more newsThe court was told the pair “became aware” of the failed winger behind them.As they began to run, Darame yelled after them: “I’m going to catch you, and when I catch you, I’m going to kill you.”The thug then knifed Ronnie in the leg and snatched his jewellery before fleeing.Ronnie suffered a huge amount of blood loss after two of his major nerves were severed.Most read in FootballProsecutor Paul Fairley said: “Luckily, as far as everyone in the case was concerned, the knife missed by a few millimetres the major blood vessels in his leg.”In a victim impact statement, Ronnie said he has been left with paralysis from the knee down – meaning he cannot walk without a splint on his foot.As a result, he has been unable to continue his work as an apprentice electrician and can no longer play tennis to a high level like he used to.The court was told Darame was given a youth contract with Swansea City FC from the age of 15.The footballer, who once compared himself to Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, was then handed two-year professional contract when he turned 18.His lawyer Daniel Reilly said he felt like a failure when his contract was terminated and began mixing with drug dealers after “struggling to cope”.Sentencing, Judge Daniel Neill said Darame’s actions had changed the life of a man “in the prime of his youth”.He added: “You had hoped to become a professional footballer, it didn’t work out.”Many dreams don’t work out, many ambitions.”By the time that your professional football contract sponsorship came to an end, you had a partner and a newborn child you felt you were failing.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn August last year, Darame was sentenced to 28 months in prison after police found him with £1,000 worth of heroin and cocaine.At the time, the court heard he turned to drug-dealing to make money because he refused to accept unemployment benefits. More

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    Coote’s language is warm air in thunderstorm of disgraceful behaviour… what about the poor ref PUNCHED by club chief?

    QUESTION of the week — who would be a referee?One faces the sack after using a naughty word about Jurgen Klopp.David Coote’s outburst was as nothing compared to other incidentsCredit: APCoote was captured sniffing white powder at Euro 2024His future in officiating is clearly in doubtCredit: XAnother in Turkey at least got some justice after being whacked in the face by a club president.We can dispense quickly with ref David Coote’s angry little outburst against the former Liverpool manager.His addition of “German” to a part of a woman’s anatomy is not going down well with the FA,  which ordered an investigation.Coote failed to prevent the release of a private video which recorded his comment and this particular coot was out of the bag and flying at Klopp.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt wasn’t much of an insult really, one heard all the time on the field and in the stands — without the “German” bit.No doubt even the full curse has been heard by Klopp himself.Even so, with the subsequent other videos which have surfaced in this newspaper to add to the first, you can expect Coote’s sacking to be confirmed.If you require something rather more painful, try MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca’s right-hander that broke the eye socket of Halil Umut Meler.Most read in FootballEx-Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp was the subject of Coote’s little rantCredit: APFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKoca was furious after Ankaragucu conceded an equaliser to ten-man Caykur in the 97th minute of a game in December 2023. Who blew the final whistle — if it was ever blown — has been lost in translation.Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about itShocking David Coote Klopp video in fullFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.“Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.“So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.“Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”As Meler collapsed to the floor,  other men started kicking him.He was taken to hospital for emergency surgery as politicians and football gentry queued to say how appalling the incident was.That incident led to all Turkish Super Lig football being suspended for a week.Yet last week, that self-anointed sage of world football Jose Mourinho suggested officiating in the country’s top flight “smells bad”.Mourinho — Fenerbahce boss since June — questioned why fans from other countries would watch the game there.The former Chelsea manager has complained about refs wherever he has coached.But his views have forceful support, even if many people in football see his criticism as an application for a job elsewhere.However, Meler has a good reputation as a top Fifa and Uefa ref and officiated West Ham in the Conference League last season.Meler recalled: “Faruk Koca punched me under my left eye.Faruk Koca is appealing against a jail term for punching a refereeCredit: GettyJose Mourinho blasted refereeing in the Turkish top flightCredit: Getty“I fell. While I was on the ground, other people kicked me in the face and other parts of my body many times.”Koca was this week sentenced to 3½ years in jail. But he is yet to start that term pending an appeal, with Ankaragucu chairman Ismail Mert Firat arguing “no disgraceful crime” was committed.There isn’t a football-playing country in the world without conflict between fans and referees — and Turkey isn’t alone in featuring furious club officers.In Brazil, a fourth-division president punched a referee last year and was banned for 30 days.In DR Congo, a referee was chased from the field by women players and supporters for failing to award a penalty. Women! I thought better of us.Verbal attacks and match violence all over the world.In Spain, they count offences in the hundreds. In the UK, too.Ivan Savvidis, the gun-carrying owner of Greek side Thessaloniki and his bodyguards marched on to the pitch after the ref disallowed a last-minute goal during a game with AEK Athens in 2018.And in the United States, a player was jailed for a minimum eight years in 2015 after punching a ref — who died two days after.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe world  seems to be suffering from a social disease and at the centre of it is the poor old ref.By comparison, Coote’s language is warm air in a thunderstorm of disgraceful behaviour.No referees have EVER been tested for drugs as David Coote faces end of Premier League careerEXCLUSIVE by Martin LiptonNO referees or match officials have ever been tested for drugs – as David Coote’s apparent “cocaine shame” is set to end his career.While all players and other athletes in British sport are subject to drug testing rules, including post-match and out of competition action, the regulations do not apply to match officials.That is the case globally across not just football and throughout the world rather than only in the UK.All sports follow the World Anti-Doping Authority code, aimed at preventing athletes gaining an advantage by using performance-enhancing substances.The Wada banned list also includes recreational drugs.But the Wada provisions, also followed by UK Anti Doping, which conducts tests across British sport, makes no reference to match officials.UKAD explains: “Any UK athlete subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport and non-UK athlete staying, training, residing, entering a competition,”Or named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level within the UK is eligible for testing as part of UKAD’s national anti-doping programme.“Any athlete eligible for testing can be tested anytime, anywhere.”But the regulations do not apply to match officials – because of the “performance enhancing” provision of the world code.The PGMOL have revealed they are aware of the video of him sniffing a white powder.They told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.” More

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    England fans tear gassed & shoved against fences by ‘heavy handed’ riot cops before Greece clash as FA launch probe

    ENGLAND fans were tear gassed and shoved against fences by riot cops before last night’s clash with Greece.The FA is now launching a probe into the Nations League match in Athens with officers accused of being heavy handed with Three Lions supporters.The Football Supporters Association accused Greek police of creating a ‘dangerous’ situationCredit: PARiot cops met England fans outside Athens Olympic Stadium on Thursday nightCredit: PAEngland fans eventually made it inside to watch the team win 3-0Credit: GettyAround 3,000 supporters had tickets for the game, but some were not inside Olympic Stadium by kickoff. The travelling crowd were held up by the officers wearing helmets, gas masks, and holding shields.England fan Jack Loftus said: “They [police] went to adjust the queue at the front to make it narrower and longer, and just did it with force.”They were pushing the crowd amongst the fence.”Read more on footballThe FA said: “We are aware that some of our fans had a difficult experience outside the ground and are obtaining more information on exactly what happened.”The Football Supporters’ Association accused Greek officers of of creating an “unjustifiably dangerous” situation.They said: “Unfortunately, once again, we are having to ask England supporters to send in their witness accounts to ourselves regarding the situation outside of the Athens Olympic Stadium.”To see the treatment of our fans by local police using shields and tear gas to do something as simple as rearrange a queue, is so incredibly frustrating.Most read in Football”On a night where we had a great result on the pitch, there is still clearly so much needed to do off it to ensure our supporters aren’t put in unjustifiably dangerous situations.”England trounced Greece 3-0 moving the Three Lions to the top of group B2 and avenging the shock 2-1 loss to the side back in October.ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live footage of national anthem singing leaves fans in hystericsBut the players faced a hostile atmosphere on the pitch with lasers shone in their face during the clash.Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford were hit in the face by the green lights, which plagued England throughout the first half.Despite Greek fans’ crooked efforts, England were able to keep their focus and earn an important win in Athens.An own goal from keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, followed by Curtis Jones’ stunning backheel flick, in the second half saw the Three Lions win 3-0.England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.One fan said a queue was forcibly shoved to the sideCredit: PAEngland players like Jude Bellingham were hit with lasers during the matchCredit: RexMore to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun OnlineThesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. 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    Paris braced for night of anti-Semitic carnage at France v Israel as 2,500 elite cops to patrol ‘double ring of steel’

    FRANCE and Israel are set to clash in a crunch Nations League tie in just hours amid growing fears of a night of anti-Semitic carnage.Over 6,500 special forces and armed cops have been readied for the game with a number of extensive security measures already in place as Paris gears up for the international fixture.The Israel national side training in Paris amid growing fears of a night of anti-Semitic carnageCredit: AFPThousands of anti-Israel protesters took to the streets of Paris on Wednesday nightCredit: ReutersParis’ police chief has already labelled it as a “high-risk event” with officials announcing there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capital tonight.Chief Laurent Nuñez said today that 4,000 officers will be on patrol around the game with 2,500 inside the Stade de France and the rest around the capital.This protective double ring of steel will also be flagged by Israeli security forces, including agents from the Mossad intelligence agency.Another few hundred cops will be deployed across transport networks leading to Paris’ northern suburbs.read more in France vs IsraelFears of violence have drastically ramped up in recent days after thousands marched through the streets of Paris in protest.Footage shows Palestine flags being waved as anti-Israeli marchers voiced their anger towards a controversial far-right gala taking place in the capital.It even promoted anti-demonstrations which led to chaos for the cops. Just a week ago, disturbing footage also showed Israeli football fans being chased through the streets of Amsterdam by an anti-Semitic mob.Most read in FootballMaccabi Tel Aviv supporters were ambushed by masked rioters in the Dutch city as they left the Johan Cruyff stadium last Thursday.This has prompted international concerns over the safety of Jewish fans particularly those watching Israeli-based teams.Israeli football fans attacked by mob of rioters who chased them through streets of Amsterdam in disturbing clashOrganisers have told The Sun that they are even struggling to sell tickets due to issues around Israel with the Middle Eastern conflict – with less than 15,000 seats reserved so far.The Israeli government even told travelling supporters to “categorically avoid attending” the France match.Just 100 tickets have been sold for the away side with many fearing a night of chaos could ensue.And events in the Netherlands have only ramped up the need for special measures further in wake of rising anti-Semitic hate in Europe.One of these precautions saw the Israel team being confined to their undisclosed hotel in the Val d’Oise region to the north of the capital.Constant armed guards were at the base and accompanied the players and staff to their training site on Tuesday.Authorities demanded the location be kept under wraps and all media activities were cancelled.Manager Ran Ben Shimon has revealed to the press that he and the team feel safe despite the major precautions in place.Officials have announced there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capitalCredit: GettyRioters run through the streets amid disturbing clashes in Amsterdam between Israelis and an anti-Semitic mobCredit: RexA match between Mali and Israel at the Parc des Princes in July 24 saw brawls up in the standsCredit: The Mega AgencyThe team and staff are expected to be under constant police supervision as they make their way to the stadium later on today.Bars and restaurants in the area have also been told to close from the early afternoon to avoid any disruption. Many called on the French government to move the match away from Paris – even before the issues in Amsterdam kicked off.Experts said the panic and potential issues of rival fans and the public clashing wasn’t worth the international game.Swaths of opposition sides have decided to move their games against Israel to neutral venues since the Middle Eastern conflict reached boiling point. After playing France away in Paris, the team will travel to play against Belgium on Sunday.This match has already faced intense scrutiny with it being moved to a neutral venue in Hungary due to safety fears.France’s elite RAID tactical unit are believed to be the first line of defence at the game and have been deployed across the nation following the violence in the Netherlands. Police chief Nuñez said security at the game was of extreme concern for the authorities.He said: “There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for us.”There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadium.”RAID – which stands for Search, Assistance, Intervenion, Deterrence – will be in the stadium, he confirmed.The RAID was one of the first special forces units rushed to the scene when ISIS suicide bombers attacked Paris in November 2015.There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadiumLaurent NuñezParis police chiefTerrorist thugs killed 130 people on a single night with chilling eruptions even being heard from the Stade de France on the harrowing night.French President Emmanuel Macron and his prime minister, Michel Barnier, will also attend the match.Macron and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu have been at logger heads in recent months over the Middle East.Macron accused the PM of “spreading barbarism” across Gaza and Lebanon with his continued assaults on Hamas and Hezbollah.France has already answered calls for tightened security around Israeli athletes after the 2024 Paris Olympics earlier this year.They deployed a widely successful “ring of steel” around the Games to ensure safety after several declarations of violence from terror group ISIS and anti-Israel parties.It became the most guarded Games ever with over 60,000 cops and soldiers, drones, helicopters and a huge increase in AI surveillance all deployed.The rise of antisemitism in EuropeSince the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitic violence has surged globally.It has been fuelled by heightened geopolitical tensions and polarising public discourse around the war.This escalation is marked by an alarming rise in physical attacks, threats, and hate speech targeting Jewish communities.In Europe, reports of antisemitism have spiked, with attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and individuals intensifying.Countries like Germany and France have seen notable incidents of physical violence and vandalism.In Germany, synagogues were firebombed, and Jewish youth sports teams have reported attacks, reflecting a growing climate of fear.Public spaces associated with Jewish identity, including schools and cemeteries, have also required heightened police protection.Across this week a number of pro-Palestinian marches and counter demonstrations have taken place in Paris. Over 10,000 took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against a controversial pro-Israel gala.The “Israel is Forever” gala was originally set to be attended by Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich but he has since pulled out and agreed to speak over video call.Several controversial far-Right figures also showed – making life difficult for patrolling cops.An open letter by seven civil rights groups to the French media said allowing the gala to go ahead was an “insult to international law”.Earlier this month, a Jewish football team was placed under police protection after it was “attacked” by a knife-wielding pro-Palestinian mob in Berlin.Teens from Makkabi Berlin’s youth team claim they were “hunted down” by a group of Arab youngsters after a game against local rivals.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne player’s dad claimed that his son was “deeply shaken” when he came back home from the game.The boy was allegedly spat at and later harassed by a mob of kids and adults who followed the squad off the pitch with sticks and knives.People flocked to Paris to protest against the ‘Israel is Forever’ galaCredit: APIsrael fans have been targeted at sporting events such as in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyRAID officers will join 6,000 cops to help protect Paris after the police chief labelled the game as a ‘high-risk event’ More