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      Joey Barton charged with sharing ‘malicious’ posts about Jeremy Vine & Lucy Ward – as he slams ‘woke nonsense’

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      JOEY Barton has been charged with sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentator Lucy Ward.The former footballer was already accused of targeting pundit Eni Aluko but is now facing further charges against her colleague Lucy.Joey Barton has been charged with malicious communicationsCredit: AlamyHe allegedly lashed out at Lucy WardCredit: GettyHe is also accused of lashing out at BBC star Vine, Liverpool Crown Court was told today.Barton, 41, is now due to appear before magistrates at a later date over the new alleged offences.Cheshire Police confirmed he has been charged with two counts of malicious communications.The force added: “The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between Wednesday 3 January and Wednesday 20 March, involving two victims.”Read more newsBarton responded to the development on X today – branding it “more woke nonsense”.The ex-manager added “Still no sign of any charges for those from Manchester Airport? Three charges for me for a some jokes on tweets.”Barton has pleaded not guilty over the Eni Aluko tweets and is due to stand trial next year.He landed himself in hot water after launching into alleged attacks against a string of female pundits in December.Most read in FootballThis included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.”Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”The former Man City star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton branded him a “big bike nonce”.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton is accused of sharing posts about Jeremy VineCredit: GettyHe is already due to stand trial over alleged abuse aimed at Eni AlukoCredit: Alamy More

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      Shock moment Celtic & Rangers ultras clash as terrified Christmas shoppers left petrified by pyro in doorway

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      THIS is the shocking moment that saw Celtic and Rangers ultras clashing in Glasgow city centre ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final.The footage – seemingly shot from within the HMV store on Argyle Street – shows Christmas shoppers forced to take shelter as a large number of fans run past, with a heavy police presence and PYRO being lit right in front of them.A group of Rangers ultras could be seen running through Argyle StreetCredit: XThere was a heavy police presenceCredit: XPolice attempted to control the situation as Celtic ultras came into viewCredit: XA flare was set off in front of petrified shoppers in GlasgowCredit: XCeltic and Rangers are meeting at Hampden Park with the first silverware of the season on the line with 50,000 fans in attendance at the national stadium.Both the Celtic ultras group the Green Brigade and Rangers ultras group the Union Bears have been spotted in the city centre in the lead-up to the game.Hoops ultras were spotted in the Merchant City area while the Rangers ultras were spotted walking past Glasgow Central Station with a heavy police presence.At some point, both groups appeared to come into contact with each other as several pieces of video footage showed.In the first video, shot from just inside the doors of the HMV store on Argyle Street, a large group of Rangers ultras – wearing Santa hats – can be seen running down the street, heading from the direction of where Merchant City is and running towards the Central Station end of Argyle Street.Plenty of shouting can be heard and a couple of people end up on the ground.A woman can be heard shouting as another woman attempts to make it out of the HMV store, only to be forced back inside amid the commotion.Just moments after the Rangers ultras run past the shop, they are swiftly followed in the footage by a group of Celtic ultras.Most read in FootballAs they come into shot, a flare is lit right outside the HMV store, with punters attempting to make it out of the shop once again forced back inside.There’s a heavy police presence, with officers seen shouting and ordering Celtic ultras back the way.Moment Rangers fans clash with police in Glasgow city centre before Celtic Old Firm showdownOne officer can be seen using a baton in an attempt to force the Celtic ultras back, but the majority of them make it through where the officers are.Police Scotland subsequently confirmed they had dealt with ‘a number of incidents of disorder and violence’ in Glasgow city centre.They said missiles had been thrown at police on Argyle Street.As a result, Superintendent Stevie Dolan authorised police officers to use section 60 stop and search powers across various parts of the city.In a statement, Superintendent Dolan said: “We have dealt with a number of incidents in Glasgow city centre today involving individuals engaging in disorder and violence across the city.”Officers have had to act swiftly and robustly to ensure public safety and reduce disorder.”The use of weapons or violence will not be tolerated and officers will take action where necessary to ensure safety. It impacts other members of the public and the vast majority of football supporters who want to enjoy the cup final event safely.”Officers will remain in the city as our operation continues and anyone with any concerns can approach them.”Other footage seen by the Scottish Sun, shot from a higher angle shows the same incident unfolding.As mentioned, earlier footage showed the Celtic ultras walking down Glassford Street.Around a similar time, the Rangers ultras had gathered on Gordon Street outside Central Station amid a heavy police presence.An industrial building in Glasgow was also vandalised with graffiti by Rangers ultras, too.READ MORE SUN STORIESA ScotRail train earlier this week was also spray painted by Celtic ultras.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Football ultras ARRANGING Fight Club-style brawls in forests away from cops’ prying eyes…with brutal rules of engagement

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      VIOLENT football ultras have been organising sick Fight-Club style brawls in forests across Europe to avoid detection by police.Now there are signs the bloody rise in well-organised footie violence sweeping the continent could be creeping back into this country.England fans run from tear gas thrown by cops after they were ambushed by Russian supporters at the 2016 EurosCredit: Getty Images – GettyA member of the Cracovia Ultras, a football hooligan firm from Kraków, PolandCredit: GettyA picture posted to social media ahead of the brawl between Manchester United fans and Twente fans in September, allegedly showing Manchester United fansCredit: FacebookTen Manchester United fans were arrested in a string of dawn raids on Wednesday following a massive organised bust-up with Dutch team Twente in September.September’s mass brawl, involving around 80 men, happened in an area of wasteland in Salford, around four miles from Old Trafford.Photos went round social media apparently showing masked mobs posing for pics before the fight.One had the caption: “Manchester United vs FC Twente, 40×40 fair fight, win Manchester United, Twente run”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fight spilled over into a pub after Dutch supporters were allegedly followed, prompting terrified staff to ring the police.In the aftermath, fans congratulated themselves on a “fair fight” – although one Dutch man complained the England “side” was bigger than agreed.The following night, United played out a 1-1 draw with FC Twente at Old Trafford in the Europa League.A major police investigation followed, with specialist officers scouring CCTV from around the stadium and Most read in FootballGreater Manchester Police arrested the “high risk” supporters, aged 20-64, on suspicion of violent disorder for their alleged involvement in the clash.The investigation into the brawl and more arrests could follow.Shock moment Scottish football ultras clash on busy Glasgow street as fans chased by rival hooligans into pub doorwayA police spokesman said Wednesday’s arrests were part of a crackdown ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, of GMP, said: “Our proactive and positive action today has been targeted to highlight that organised violence of any kind has no place in Greater Manchester.A bloodied supporter being escorted away by police during the FA Cup clash between West Brom and Wolves, January 2024Credit: GettySupporters of TS Wisla, a football team from Kraków, PolandCredit: AlamyPolish football hooligans, who are notoriously dangerous and organisedCredit: HooliganstvFootball hooliganism, glorified in books, on film and around pub tables, has been steadily declining in the UK since its bloody height in the ‘80s.The law was tightened in 1989 to allow harsher punishments for brawling fans, more CCTV meant and cops had eyes everywhere, and attitudes slowly shifted against the violence.Recently, Europe has seen a rise in ultras who arrange scraps on the web, before meeting up in real life to tear chunks out of each other.Violence has occasionally marred England’s international fixtures on the continent, such as the carnage that unfolded when Russian ultras launched a barbaric assault on Brit fans during the 2016 Euros.The culture spread deep through countries like Poland, the Netherlands, France and Germany – whilst the UK looked on, shaking its head.But do Wednesday’s arrests represent a return to old ways – is England once again becoming infected by the English disease?Geoff Pearson, a professor of law at the University of Manchester and an expert on the subject, told the Mail that pre-arranged fights between rival footie fans are common in eastern and southern Europe – but rare in this country.Another significant example he noted was an arranged fight between Brentford and Millwall in August 2018, when one side went shirtless so they could be told apart.The grisly pre-match brawl, filmed on mobiles and uploaded to YouTube, led to six Brentford fans being charged and sentenced to a mixture of community service and suspended jail terms.The most severe punishment was for a 28-year-old who acted as “referee” for the fight – stopping things when someone was knocked down so the sides could “reset”.The man from Pinner received 12-month suspended prison sentence and 200 hours unpaid work.A group of restless Manchester United fans outside Old TraffordCredit: AFPPolice line up as fans celebrate winning the Scottish Premiership title in Glasgow in 2021 in GlasgowCredit: GettyThis level of organisation is increasingly seen in fan bust-ups, according to Dr Pearson.He said the scuffles are usually planned on WhatsApp, away from the eyes of the police, and footage uploaded to social media afterwards boasting of the violence.Hooliganism has surged in the Netherlands since February 2022 when Covid restrictions were lifted.Dutch criminologist Tom van Ham, who researched organised hooligan fights for his PhD, has learned how the fights over there are planned.He said that the fighters involved might not learn the details until the last minute, while the leaders of the “firms” refer to the plans in code – such as “going to a birthday party”.The location is often rural to minimise the chance of detection.In an article for the European Journal of Criminology in 2020, Dr van Ham wrote that “clear terms are set in advance about the number of people that will participate” and a decision over whether weapons are allowed is made.He added: “Our data suggests that the use of weapons is generally not accepted and that other ‘rules of engagement’ are used (for example, when someone is lying on the ground they are to be left alone).”In December last year, Turkey temporarily pulled the plug on all footie fixtures after a referee was punched to the ground by a raging club president.Also last year, Greece banned fans from top-flight football games for two months after violence erupted between rival volleyball supporters in Athens, severely injuring a police officer.The opening game for both sides has already been labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis year, England fans were warned that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans” were planning to swarm their Euros clash om Germany.The opening game for both sides was labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.An English supporter injured after a street brawl ahead of England’s 2016 Euros clash with RussiaCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Celtic fan who chewed off pensioner’s EAR after Rangers Old Firm clash jailed

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      A THUG who chewed a chunk off a pensioner’s ear after an Old Firm game was jailed today for two years.Alistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centre on September 3 2023.Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates the single-goal winCredit: AlamyAlistair Mackay, 53, pounced on Steven Brown, 67, in Glasgow city centreCredit: SpindriftRangers and Celtic had earlier played a match at Ibrox which the visitors won 0-1.Celtic fan Mackay – who had earlier watched the game in a pub – got involved in an altercation with a man in a Rangers top.This was separated by Mr Brown who was then attacked by Mackay who bit his ear during the melee.Mackay pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Brown to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.Sheriff Tom Hughes said that the matter was linked to a “lethal combination” of alcohol being taken, a man being left with his ear bitten off and “mayhem caused in the city centre.”The sheriff added: “It must be abundantly clear to sensible minded people that this was totally and utterly unacceptable and should not be tolerated in this city.“I am aware that this weekend there will be another match with people being badly injured which will cause problems for people like you turning up before a judge for a serious sentence – for what? “A football match.Most read in Football“A clear message has to go out from the courts that this conduct will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously.“The only possible way to deal with this due to the serious nature of the offence is custody.”Paul Heaton reveals co-singer is a Celtic fan Mackay was also banned from attending football matches for five years.The court earlier heard that Mackay, with two friends, had watched the game and drank in The Barras and Merchant City areas of the city.The trio were walking to Glasgow Central train station when they came across Mr Brown and his friend who were strangers.The pair heard a disturbance and saw Mackay and his friends in a physical altercation with a young man wearing a Rangers top.Mr Brown went to separate the fight and tried to pull Mackay away.Prosecutor Jenny Reid said: “Mr Brown was then involved in a struggle with Mackay and both fell to the ground.”Mr Brown did not feel any pain or pressure to his ear at this time.”However, there was no one close enough to him which would have caused the damage to his left ear.”A witness pulled Mackay off Mr Brown who was bleeding profusely from his ear.Miss Reid added: “A section of his ear appeared to be missing.”Kyogo celebrates after scoring Celtic’s goal during the matchCredit: GettyThe victim later attended hospital where he was found to have “full thickness tissue loss of his left ear from the helix to the lobe.”The wound was closed and he was released from hospital the next day.Meantime, Mackay and his friends walked to Glasgow Central station.Miss Reid said: “As he passed the Grant Arms pub, he was in possession of a piece of Mr Brown’s ear in his right hand.”Mackay, of East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, turned himself in a month later following a media appeal.READ MORE SUN STORIESRoss Yuill, defending, told the sentencing that his client is unlikely to be in court again.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      World Cup winner’s £20,000 ‘gorilla’ guard dog saves Wag from burglars while she was ‘screaming for her life’

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      A ‘GORILLA’ guard dog came to the rescue after robbers targeted the home of a World Cup winner and left his fiancee “screaming for her life”.Lucas Hernandez’s luxury pad was targeted by thieves while he was away on duty with Paris Saint-Germain.Lucas Hernandez’ home was targeted by robbers while he was away on Champions League duty with Paris Saint-GermainCredit: AFPHernandez’s fiancee – Victoria Triay – was in the house during the horrid ordealCredit: INSTAGRAM@VICTORIATRIAYThe couple’s eight-stone guard dog foiled the would-be robbers’ plansCredit: INSTAGRAM@VICTORIATRIAYBut thankfully for the France international, who lifted the 2018 World Cup, his £20,000 dog thwarted their grand plans for a lucrative heist.Crooks targeted the World Cup winner’s plush Yvelines home during PSG’s midweek Champions League trip to Salzburg.The robbers, somehow, managed to evade local security and break into the house.Hernandez’s fiancee, Victoria Triay, was in the house at the time and panicked after realising their home had been breached.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the couple’s terrifying guard dog managed to scare off the reported five intruders before they could ransack the place.A terrified Triay hid in a secluded area of the house while the harrowing ordeal took place and was said to have been “screaming for her life.”And she revealed on Instagram how the couple’s eight-stone black Presa Canario dog, which is worth £20,000, scared off the would-be robbers.Triay shouted out her pooch for its bravery on her Instagram story a few hours after the ordeal, posting a photo of it with a series of gorilla emojis.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVictoria Triay took to Instagram to thank French police for their help with the incidentCredit: INSTAGRAM@VICTORIATRIAYSecurity eventually arrived at the scene after being alerted of the robbery but the crooks managed to escape.French police are conducting a thorough investigation into the attempted robbery.Arsenal player ratings vs PSGAnd Brazilian model Triary has been amazed by their response to the incident.She wrote on Instagram: “Extremely impressed with the French police system.”How fast and professional this issue has been handled. Thank you so much. You guys are heroes.”Hernandez has yet to comment on the attempted break-in at his plush home.The defender and his PSG team-mates will be back in action on Sunday night, welcoming Lyon to the Parc des Prince in a massive Ligue 1 clash. More

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      Shamed ace Richard Rufus told to pay back just £372,740 of £9m he scammed from family and friends

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      SHAMED footballer Richard Rufus has been told to pay back just £372,740 of the £9million he scammed from family and friends in a pyramid scheme.The ex-Charlton Athletic star, now 49, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in 2023 after conning friends and family into investing in the fraudulent get-rich-quick plan.Rufus played for Charlton AthleticCredit: GettySouthwark Crown Court heard yesterday how Rufus had fleeced a grand total of £9,388,112.99 from his nearest and dearest.But the court ordered him to pay back just £372,740.20, with the sum representing all that he has left.Posing as a foreign exchange trader, he had urged friends to invest with him – lying that footie contacts such as Rio Ferdinand had done the same.Instead he splurged the money on a flash Bentley, Rolex and a mansion.read more on football But the once-millionaire star is now left with just £372,740.20 – which he will have to pay back to his victims.Rufus had tried to reduce the cost – insisting that he needed the money to keep up his flash lifestyle.But Judge Dafna Spiro said he was lying about how much he needed to live off.She said: “I have not found him to be a credible witness.Most read in Football“I do not agree they are reasonable expenses – perhaps the lifestyle could be considered reasonable when you’re a Premier League footballer.“I consider that he is not telling the court the truth at all.”My aunt befriended a man on a bus who forged her will & paid drug addicts to ‘witness’ it to scam my family out of £350kHe was ordered to cough up the money by March next year or face another three years behind bars.Judge Dafna went on: “I make a confiscation order –which will be paid to victims as notified to the court by the Crown.“We will be able to provide the court with a schedule of victims and how much each should be paid.“This is an application for a confiscation order in respect to Mr Rufus following his conviction for his offences in 2022.“I am satisfied that he will not be able to make that sum today so it must be paid before the 12 March 2025.”If he fails to pay off the money he will serve another three years and nine months in prison – which will run consecutively with his current sentence.During the height of his money-spinning scheme the ex-footballer also splurged £200,000 on flash cars.Thousands more were splashed on shopping and meals at top-end restaurants.Meanwhile the only legitimate income he was receiving was £850-a-month rent from his Surrey property.Rufus duped investors by claiming he could return their original capital within 14 days of them asking.He took more than £15million in total – paying some of it back to investors to prop up his con.And he carried on the scam even after his accounts were frozen by the Financial Services Agency in 2011.Charlton legend Rufus earned six England caps during his career.He played his entire career at Charlton – making 288 appearances after his debut in 1994, aged 19.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis first goal came in the side’s historic win over Sunderland in the 1998 play-off final at Wembley.Richard Rufus was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in 2023Credit: Central News More

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      Port Vale kit man, 54, ‘blackmailed club’s millionaire owner for £15k’

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      A FOOTIE club’s kit man is accused of trying to blackmail the millionaire owner.Former police hostage negotiator Duncan Whitehead, 54, allegedly threatened to release damaging information about Port Vale’s Carol Shanahan if she did not hand over £15,000.A man has been accused of trying to blackmail Port Vale owner Carol ShanahanCredit: GettyShanahan, 67, has owned the League Two club with husband Kevin since 2019. The pair turned Whitehead over to cops last October.It is unclear what he was allegedly threatening to reveal about Ms Shanahan, who made £10million founding financial technology giant Synectics Solutions in the 1990s.Whitehead appeared at North Staffordshire magistrates court last month.read more on footballHe has yet to enter a plea and will appear at Stoke-on-Trent crown court on January 5.Whitehead, of Blackpool, served as a Lancashire Constabulary cop from 1992 to 2014 but resigned to start a mental health charity.He has worked as a kit man for a string of lower league clubs and joined Port Vale two years ago. The part-time writer also works as a private ­security guard.Most read in FootballTake That’s Robbie Williams, 50, Vale’s most famous fan, was made president earlier this year — but has no role in the club’s operation.Robbie Williams to buy Port Vale Carol has ownd the club with husband Kevin since 2019Credit: Getty More

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      Who is Michael Schumacher’s former bodyguard Markus Fritsche?

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      MARKUS Fritsche is a former security officer who worked for Formula One legend Michael Schumacher. But in a sickening turn of events, Fritsche is facing legal proceedings over an alleged blackmail plot.Markus Fritsche is the former security guard for the Schumachers who allegedly plotted to blackmail the familyCredit: facebookBouncer Yilmaz Tozturkan was also accused of being involved in the schemeIn December 2013, Michale Schumacher suffered a serious head injury while skiing in the exclusive French resort of MeribelCredit: AFPWho is Markus Fritsche?Markus Fritsch was employed by the Schumacher family for eight years, including the period after Schumacher’s tragic skiing accident in December 2013.During his time working for the Schumacher family, the 53 year old had access to private and confidential information, including medical records, photographs and videos.The relationship drastically declined as Corinna was forced to let Markus go due to changes to her husband’s care plan.This allegedly turned him bitter as he started to hatch a plan to extort the Schumacher family, MailOnline reports.more on Michael SchumacherIn a shocking turn of events, Fritsche is now facing serious legal troubles.He is accused of stealing approximately 1,500 photographs and 200 videos from the Schumacher family’s home in Switzerland.Prosecutors allege that Fritsche took four USB sticks and two hard drives containing this sensitive information.Blackmail plotFritsche supposedly didn’t act alone in this alleged crime.Most read in MotorsportHe is accused of conspiring with two others: Yilmaz Tozturkan, a 53-year-old nightclub bouncer whom Fritsche has known for over 20 years, and Tozturkan’s 30-year-old son Daniel Lins.The trio allegedly hatched a plan to blackmail the Schumacher family for £12million.Their scheme involved threatening to release the stolen information on the dark web if their demands were not met.Watch as Schumacher ‘blackmailer’s’ son is DRAGGED off cam by lawyerThe blackmail attempt began on June 3, 2024, when Tozturkan allegedly made a phone call to the Schumacher family using a withheld number.When asked for proof, the conspirators sent an email a week later containing four images and their ransom demands.Arrest and legal proceedingsInstead of complying with the blackmailers’ demands, the Schumacher family contacted Swiss police.Authorities were able to trace the call, leading to the arrest of Fritsche, Tozturkan and Lins on June 19, 2024.I take responsibility for this mistake. I did this. Please tell the family I’m sorryMarkus FritscheCourt statementThe trial of the three men started on December 10, 2024 in Wuppertal, Germany.While addressing the lawyer for Schumacher’s wife Corinna during the trial, Fritsche reportedly said: “I take responsibility for this mistake. I did this. Please tell the family I’m sorry.”Speaking for the first time at Wuppertal District Court, Tozturkan said he had done nothing wrong and that it was all to help out a poor nurse.His son Daniel has accepted his role in the affair but is claiming he had no knowledge of the content being sent as part of the plot.Michael’s wife Corinna has protected protected the F1 great’s privacy sing the horrific accidentCredit: AFPFritsche and Tozturkan are charged with extortion, while Lins is accused of aiding and abetting extortion.Prosecutors are seeking at least four years in jail for the accused, though the large sum involved could result in longer sentences if they are found guilty.Privacy concernsThis case highlights the ongoing struggle the Schumacher family faces in maintaining their privacy.Since Michael’s skiing accident in 2013, the family has kept details about his condition extremely private.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis blackmail attempt is not the first time they have faced such threats — in 2017, another individual was given a suspended sentence for threatening harm to Michael’s son Mick.The stolen files allegedly include photographs, videos and medication lists, as well as Michael’s complete medical history. More