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    Ex-Arsenal ace & Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson banned from driving after being caught speeding three times in one month

    EX-ENGLAND and Arsenal ace Paul Merson has been banned from driving after being convicted of speeding THREE times within a month.The Sky Sports pundit did 47mph in a 40mph limit on the A316 Great Chertsey Road in Feltham, south west London, on September 9.Paul Merson has been banned from drivingCredit: Ian WhittakerMerson, 56, was caught again doing the same speed on the same road just two days later in his silver Volkswagen Touareg.The retired midfielder was later caught speeding at 57mph in a 50mph stretch of the A316 Country Way in Sunbury on October 1.The trio of offences within a month came after he was caught driving 60mph in a 50mph limit on the M3 at Thorpe, Surrey, on February 27 last year.Merse, who also played for Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court today for a disqualification hearing.Read more newsHe pleaded guilty to all four charges and was banned from driving for six months after receiving 12 penalty points.The footy playmaker was also fined £2,640, must pay a victim surcharge of £1,056 and prosecution costs of £110 within 28 days.Chief Magistrate Joan Lindsay admitted his previous driving record was “not great” and warned: “You mustn’t drive on any UK road once you leave court.”The court heard he already had nine points on his driving licence for speeding twice in 2021 and once in 2022.Most read in FootballNicholas Maggs, defending, claimed the four new convictions were for “relatively modest” speeds in variable limits.He claimed disqualification will have a “substantial effect” on his wife, who doesn’t drive, and his family – as Merse does the school run.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowThe oldest of their three kids, aged three, six and nine, has to travel 45 minutes around four times a week for training and matches at Chelsea’s academy.He said: “On his behalf, I wish to put forward his remorse for these offences. He accepts it’s not acceptable.“Through me he apologises to the court for finding himself before the court and finding himself disqualified for driving. It’s going to make things substantially more difficult.“I’m sure the court will appreciate Mr Merson experienced a number of difficulties in his younger life and has now chosen to use these positively through unpaid speaking events to help younger people from suffering mental health problems.”The FA Cup winner, of Teddington, south west London, was driven to court in the passenger seat of his four-year-old VW.Asked if he wanted to comment after the conclusion of the case, Merson, wearing a maroon long-sleeved polo shirt and grey suit trousers, told The Sun: “Absolutely not.”It comes after the dad-of-eight received a 14-month ban for falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing his Mercedes into a lorry while drink driving on the M40 near Warwick in October 2011.READ MORE SUN STORIESMerson, praised for going public over his battle with alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions, earned 21 Three Lions caps and went to Euro ‘92 and World Cup ‘98.He won the old First Division title with the Gooners in 1989 and 1991, before securing an FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993.Merson appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court todayCredit: Ian WhittakerEx-Arsenal star Merson was fined £2,640Credit: RexThe Sky Sports pundit admitted the driving offencesCredit: Getty More

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    Premier League club boss’ identity to remain hidden in historical child sex abuse case

    THE identity of a Premier League club boss will remain hidden after he was accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.A civil case has been launched against him by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of raping two girlsThe judge in the case granted the football figure anonymity – meaning his name will stay out of legal documents.Master Stevens, who sits as a judge in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, said this was necessary for the “administration of justice”.She said she had considered human rights to private and family life, as well as freedom of expression, when making the decision.Although privacy rules in the UK apply to identifying suspects in the early stages of a police probe, the media is usually allowed to report cases in court – including civil cases.The ruling came after the football boss’ lawyers argued he should remain anonymous because of the potential harm naming him would have.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.This was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Most read in FootballLegislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.Court papers seen by The Athletic state he “committed trespass to the claimant’s person (assault and battery) and intentionally inflicted injury”.This is said to have caused the woman psychological harm, the documents say.The case is separate to another historical rape allegation made by a different woman.Police previously confirmed the well-known football figure was  quizzed under caution last June regarding that claim.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post despite being under criminal investigation.The Met Police said previously: “On Thursday, September 23, 2021, the Met received a crime report regarding an historic rape allegation.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On Monday, June 12, a man was interviewed under caution at a police station.’’Further enquiries are being carried out in that case before a decision is made whether to charge him or take no further action. More

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    Nicky Butt breaks cover on red carpet after being told he faces possible jail time for smashing bikers leg in car smash

    MAN Utd legend Nicky Butt was tonight spotted for the first time since being told he could face possible jail time for smashing a motorcyclist’s leg.The ex-England ace, 49, rammed into Andrew Fielden while driving carelessly in his Range Rover through Burnley, Lancashire.Nicky Butt attending the “99” World Premiere at Printworks todayCredit: RexThe footballer was seen with his children Ruben Butt (L) and Jersey Butt (R)Credit: EPAOur pictures show the Man Utd legend looking concerned moments after the crash involving his £100,000 Land Rover DefenderCredit: The SunAndrew spent two weeks in hospital and needed an operation to insert a metal rod into his mangled left legCredit: The SunButt pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to the riderThe biker suffered a broken left leg, which needed metal rods inserted following an operation, and severe bruising.Today the ex-midfielder was seen walking down the red carpet of an exclusive event – just days after admitting he caused injury by careless driving in front of the Blackburn Magistrates’ Court.Donning a classic suit paired with a satin-blue tie, the former England star beamed as he appeared at the premiere of Amazon Prime’s docu-series about the famous 1999 Treble winners. The three-part series features members of the Red Devils team that lifted a historic trio of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.more on the ex-midfielder The trailer teases interviews with both players and staff, including Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant Steve McClaren.David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Peter Schmeichel, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Butt, Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all feature.One episode will be dedicated to the stories behind each trophy.After the horror crash, Andrew needed an operation to insert a metal rod into the mangled limb and spent ten months on crutches.Most read in FootballHe developed a blood clot and requires medication for the rest of his life. The devastating injury also meant he had to give up his job as a Screwfix store manager.Wild scenes as Olympiacos celebrate reaching the Conference League final -Butt was handed an interim driving ban following the October 2022 crash.He could face up to two years in jail or an unlimited fine when he is sentenced on a date to be set.Butt, who was picking up his son at the time, suffered a “momentary lapse of concentration”, the court heardProsecutor Graeme Tindall said: “What appears to have happened is a number of vehicles pass what appears to look like a HGV.“Mr Butt having let the HGV come past, pulls out and this is when Mr Fielden is coming past on the motorcycle.”The court was told Andrew was left with no memory of the crash other than waking up in hospital “in immense pain”.Butt remained at the scene and has since written a letter of apology. Butt’s solicitor told Blackburn magistrates his client had “clearly shown remorse” in the letter.Inside the career of the former midfielderBUTT was an instrumental part of Alex Ferguson’s youth team – rising through the ranks with David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and the Nevilles.
    The midfielder began his professional career stepping in for Roy Keane as a sub before he landed a full-time spot when Paul Ince left in 1995.
    Along with the rest of the Class of ’92, Butt helped Utd win countless trophies as the club became a dominant force.
    This included the Champions League Final in 1999, where the Red Devils made history by winning the treble.
    By the time he left in 2004, the footballer had helped Utd win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League trophy.
    Butt later had spells at Newcastle and Birmingham City before moving into management in 2016 for Utd’s U23 team.
    In 2014, he bought Salford City along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary and Phil Neville.

    However, it is not clear whether this was an apology to the court or the victim.Despite claims in court that Butt had shown remorse, the Honda rider said that he never apologised to him for the incident.He told The Sun: “I have not heard anything from Nicky Butt.”He has never spoken to me or written me a letter.”Or if he has, I haven’t seen it. If I had put somebody through all this, I’d be doing everything possible to help. He has done some serious damage to me, and I have not fully recovered from my injuries.“His solicitors may have advised him not to make direct contact.”“If I had knocked someone from their bike, I would be making sure that person was looked after from the moment they got home.“I’d be doing their shopping and making sure they are OK but I have not heard a word from him.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJust days ago, Butt was seen for the first time after his court appearance.He looked glum as he sat on a park bench wearing jeans, a white t-shirt and white trainers.Nicky Butt seen for the first time since being banned from driving for careless drivingButt was part of the Class of 92 squadHe played 270 games for Utd during his 12 years on the senior team More

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    Norwich defender Shane Duffy arrested and charged with drink-driving after two-vehicle smash

    NORWICH star Shane Duffy has been charged with drink driving.The former Premier League star is due to appear before magistrates in Norwich in July.Shane Duffy is due to appear in court charged with drink drivingCredit: AlamyDuffy, 32, was arrested in Hethersett, near Norwich, late on Monday after a collision involving two vehicles.A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “Police were called to Queen’s Road, Hethersett, 21:05, on Monday May 6, following reports of a two-vehicle collision.”Emergency services attended the scene and a man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.”No one was injured.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuffy has responded through a spokesperson who said: “[Duffy has been] charged with driving whilst unfit through drink, having provided an evidential breath sample of 102mcg.”A Norwich City spokesman said: “Norwich City Football Club is aware of an incident involving one of its first-team players.”The club is in the process of considering the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure.”Duffy is due to play for Norwich against Leeds United in the Championship play-offs, with the first leg on Sunday.Most read in EFLThe Republic of Ireland star has featured in 36 league games for the Canaries this season.He signed for the club last season after a short-lived spell at Fulham where he made just seven appearances. More

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    Man City star Jack Grealish handed five penalty points on his driving licence after admitting speeding

    FOOTIE ace Jack Grealish has been handed five points on his licence after he admitted speeding.The Man City winger, 28, was clocked at 44mph in a 30 zone in Wythall, near Birmingham, last July in his Range Rover.Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been given points on his licence for speedingCredit: AFPA charge of failing to give information to police on the driver’s identity was withdrawn.Grealish did not appear before JPs in Worcester.He was fined £666 and told to pay £376 in costs.His lawyer said: “He can afford to pay that figure.”READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHThe Prem ace has a chequered driving history.He was caught on camera staggering away from his Range Rover in March 2020 in Dickens Heath, Birmingham, wearing odd slippers and a blue hoodie.The former Aston Villa midfielder had earlier attended a lockdown party before he mounted a kerb and collided with a Mercedes and a Citroen.He was hit with a nine-month ban and fined £82,000.Most read in FootballMagistrates in Birmingham were also shown dashcam footage of a second incident in October that year when an unmarked police car followed Grealish’s Range Rover on the M43 as it travelled at speeds of up to 98mph.The court was told Grealish was late for training and was worried he was setting a bad example to his teammates.Jack Grealish’s dog did ‘the biggest s***’ on Man City’s training pitch as England star reveals unusual habitsHe later pleaded guilty to two charges of careless driving and was only allowed back on the road in September 2022.At the time of those offences, Grealish already had six points on his licence from a previous motorway offence in 2018 when he was caught speeding on the M42. More

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    Moment riot cop hits fan with baton as police and supporters clash in Madrid ahead of Real’s clash with Bayern Munich

    RIOT police clashed with supporters on the streets of Madrid ahead of Real’s Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich.Real Madrid produced an incredible late comeback to beat Bayern at the Bernabeu and set up a date with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.This was the moment a riot cop hit a fan with baton on a Madrid streetCredit: X @racingbloggerThe trouble erupted ahead of Real’s clash with Bayern MunichCredit: Twitter @racingbloggerThe tie remained on a knife-edge going into the second leg after the two European giants battled out a 2-2 draw at the Allianz last week.Thousands of German supporters headed to the Spanish capital for today’s decider.And the mood was largely good-natured throughout as they indulged in some of the local drinking establishments.However, it seemed that at some point things turned sour close to the stadium as the Champions League action approached.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLStephen R Power, who goes by the handle of @racingblogger on X, shared a two-and-a-half minute video clip from near the heart of the mayhem.And it showed a riot cop take a swing at one supporter as they tried to restore order after some trouble had kicked off.“People getting silly out here,” says the man on the camera as the establishment he is in pulls down a metal shutter to protect the door and windows.The camera then pans to fans walking away quickly through turned over chairs and tables before an army of riot police march on the scene.Most read in Champions LeagueThe man, who claims he is “right outside the stadium” and that “everyone was having a good time”, continues to film as more tooled-up cops arrive.One is then spotted taking a swing with his baton at a male’s arm who was walking away with several other men.Rio Ferdinand shows Real Madrid ultimate respect with classy act as Man Utd legend soaks up ‘best stadium in the world’You then see one carrying what is described as a “huge super-soaker” gun.The footage continues before you hear a loud bang from outside as our narrator says: “F***ing hell, they are wrecking the gaff!”You can hear shouts from what appears to be a large group of people further up the street as around eight riot police are racing towards the trouble.“Was not expecting that at all, madness that,” says the narrator after finally being allowed to leave the shop, whose workers are spotted trying to tidy up the mess left.Real victoriousReal Madrid snatched an incredible victory at the death to seal their place at Wembley.Bayern looked to be going through after a rocket from Alphonso Davies put them ahead with just 22 minutes to go.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut sub Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser after latching on to a mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Then more drama occurred seconds later as the ex-Stoke City and Newcastle flop finished from six yards to win it 2-1.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Premier League footballer ‘treated by paramedics’ after laughing gas addiction diagnosis as pals found him in flat

    A PREMIER League star has allegedly been treated by paramedics just months after it was revealed he had a laughing gas addiction.The player, who’s unnamed, was said to have been found by pals surrounded by canisters of illegal nitrous oxide at his city centre flat.A pal is said to have found the Premier League footballer at his flat surrounded by canisters (stock image)Credit: GettyNitrous oxide, known as ‘hippy crack,’ became a Class C drug in November last yearCredit: AlamyIt is believed the player had fallen off the wagon having attended rehab in a bid to kick the habit.The paramedics who attended the scene carried out checks and gave the footballer a stark warning.The player is thought to have made several attempts to kick his addiction that has put both his health and career on the line.Police also attended but are not thought to have started any criminal proceedings.Read More on FootballThe player’s club is aware of the incident.It is believed they have been offering support for some time and were involved in the decision to send him to a specialist rehab centre earlier this season.The emergency services were contacted last month, the MailOnline reports.It’s reported the player’s family had concerns he had suffered a relapse.Most read in FootballThose fears were confirmed when a pal found him inside the flat with several bottles near to him.The player is aware of the seriousness of the problem and has made a number of attempts to quit.Laughing gas left me in a wheelchair for life – don’t make my mistakeHis club are continuing to support him in the hope he can save his career.Nitrous oxide, also known as “hippy crack”, comes in canisters — sometimes super-sized — that are used to fill balloons, which are then inhaled repeatedly.The dangers of nitrous oxide
    Nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, is a colourless, sweet-tasting gas discovered by Joseph Priestly in 1772.
    The Office for National Statistics reported that over a two-decade period (between 2001 and 2020) there were 56 registered deaths involving nitrous oxide in England and Wales, 45 of these since 2010.
    Deaths associated with the use of nitrous oxide occur due to secondary effects, rather than the direct toxic effect of the gas.
    Reported causes of death include acute asphyxiation due to hypoxia, or, less commonly, sudden cardiac arrhythmia, according to the government’s website.
    Deaths caused by hypoxia may occur when nitrous oxide is used in confined spaces, such as in a car or when using a face mask or plastic bag over the head.
    Heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to the inactivation of vitamin B12, thus reducing the activity of the B12-dependent enzyme methionine synthase.
    This can lead to neurological disorders.
    Prolonged use can also lead to depression, memory loss, incontinence, hallucinations and nerve damage.

    STARS ON THE GASA string of Premier League players have been caught using nitrous oxide in the past.In 2013, then-Spurs star Kyle Walker was pictured inhaling it.Raheem Sterling was seen doing the same two years later, getting a rebuke from Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.In 2018, Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Matteo Guendouzi were filmed taking it at a pre-season bash.The following year, Jack Grealish, then at Aston Villa, was snapped inhaling from a balloon.Last year, Everton midfielder Dele Alli was pictured at a do surrounded by gas canisters and alcohol.READ MORE SUN STORIESVilla’s Leon Bailey also filmed himself inhaling in his car after partying all night last March.None of these players are the ace that went to rehab.Jack Grealish was snapped inhaling from a balloon in 2019Leon Bailey also filmed himself inhaling in a car after partying all night last March More

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    Watch shock moment pro boxer Antonio Barrul pummels cinema-goer ‘who had hit his wife’ during Garfield movie screening

    THIS is the shocking moment a pro boxer pummels a cinema-goer who reportedly hit his wife during a movie screening.Antonio Barrul, 25, and his three children were watching “The Garfield Movie” when he spotted a man allegedly beating his wife and a girl.Antonio Barrul was seen fighting a man who was allegedly being abusive to his partner in the cinemaCredit: Jam Press VidThe featherweight boxes was throwing punches during a screening of The Garfield MovieCredit: Jam Press VidBarrul, 25, could now be suspended or stripped of his fighting licenceCredit: Jam PressDramatic video shows the featherweight boxer walking down the steps to confront the man, seen wearing a black and white hoodie on the stage area.He goes to walk away, but is repeatedly insulted by the man and decides to confront him.The pair square off on the stage and Barrul appears to beat the man to the floor.A woman behind the camera can be heard repeatedly saying “well done” as Barrul pummelled the man in León, Spain, last Thursday.Read more boxing storiesFollowing the altercation, the allegedly abusive man was arrested by the police at the cinema and Barrul was asked to leave a statement.The alleged suspect has so far declined to file a complaint against the boxer for hitting him.But Barrul still faces an investigation by the Spanish Boxing Federation and could be suspended or stripped of his fighting licence.The boxer told local media: “He hasn’t filed a complaint, he’s probably not from León as I know everyone here and we all respect each other.”Most read in BoxingHe claimed: “He hit his wife and a girl. He threatened me and although I do not justify violence, I feel that he forced me into it.Tyson Fury’s sparring partner and ‘Britain’s Mike Tyson’ to train with Anthony Joshua after linking up with new coachBarrul can be seen walking down the stairs to confront the alleged abuserCredit: Jam Press VidThe dad of three then comes to talk to fellow cinema-goers following the brawlCredit: Jam Press VidBarrul, pictured right, is a Spanish amateur champion in the featherweight divisionCredit: Getty“He was an abuser and had to be stopped. I know violence is never the answer. I’m sorry it happened, I have children and it really hurts me.”The 25-year-old dad added he is not proud of what he did but said he’d do it again if he “saw a man mistreating a woman like that.”Barrul is considered one of the most promising boxers in Spain at the moment.He is a Spanish amateur champion in the featherweight division, and was considered the best professional debutant of 2023.The boxer has fought five professional bouts with a sixth currently in the works, as reported by NeedToKnow.How you can get helpWomen’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

    Always keep your phone nearby.
    Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
    If you are in danger, call 999.
    Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
    Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
    If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
    Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

    If you are a ­victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support ­service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
    Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
    You can also call the freephone 24-hour ­National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. More