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    Former Liverpool ace survives terrifying GRENADE attack on his family home

    FORMER Premiership star Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in Israel.The ex-Liverpool midfielder was in the house with his family when a motorcyclist pulled up outside and threw the device at the door.Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in IsraelCredit: GettyIt exploded, triggering a fire as the attacker fled the scene.Police and fire crews raced to the house in Ramat Hasharon, just north of Tel Aviv, at 11pm on Sunday. The blaze was extinguished shortly after.Cops are investigating it as a suspected criminal attack rather than a terrorist incident.Read More on FootballShocked Benayoun, Israel’s record goal scorer, said it was a case of mistaken identity.He said: “This is definitely a mistake – I have no doubt that the grenade was not aimed at my house.“At first I thought it was a gas cylinder explosion and we called the fire department. It was only when the police arrived at the house and found the remains of a grenade that we realised what really happened.”The attack caused damage to the property but no-one was injured.Most read in FootballA police spokesman said: “The police hotline received a report of hearing an explosion outside a house.“Police from the Glilot station arrived at the scene and began an investigation. As a result of the explosion, damage was caused. There were no casualties.”Hamas releases sick vid of hostage begging for release saying ‘time is running out’ as terror group calls for ceasefireBenayoun, 44, played nearly 200 times in the Prem for Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea and Arsenal.He retired from playing in 2019 after a 22-year career, scoring a total of 173 goals in 728 appearances.Meanwhile, a Palestinian journalist was killed and nine others injured when Israeli missiles struck a media tent outside a hospital in Khan Younis.Videos showed a reporter engulfed in flames as others tried to rescue him.The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had targeted photographer Hassan Aslih because he was a member of Hamas who operated “under the guise of a journalist”.Aslih was injured in the attack which killed a second Palestinian man.The IDF said the reporter had taken part in the October 7 raids into southern Israel and had “documented and uploaded footage of looting, arson, and murder to social media”.Hamas said the claims were false.In total, Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza yesterday, according to Hamas.The terror group marked 18 months since the war started by launching the biggest rocket attack for months.Read More on The SunAround ten were launched from the Strip, half of which were intercepted by the IDF.Three people suffered minor injuries as the IDF intercepted ten rockets. More

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    Jack Grealish ‘slapped in face by Man Utd fan’ in new crowd shock after vile Phil Foden mum chants

    JACK Grealish was allegedly slapped in the face by a Manchester United fan at Old Trafford.The Man City star, 29, was apparently assaulted near the tunnel as he made his way off the pitch following the Manchester derby on Sunday.Jack Grealish prior to the game on SaturdayCredit: GettyPhil Foden was subjected to vile chants during the same gameCredit: AlamyFootage has emerged of the moment Phil Foden was targeted by Manchester United supportersCredit: TikTok/mohsin.d10Grealish was the victim of a violent encounter in 2019, when a Birmingham City fan stormed the pitch and clobbered him from behind – sending the then-Villa player sprawling onto the turf.A 20-year-old man has been charged with assault following Sunday’s alleged attack.He will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court in July.Both Man City and Man United are yet to make public comment on the incident, though police are understood to have immediately launched a probe following reports of the assault yesterday.Read more footballA spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Alfie Holt, 20, of Haven Drive, Droylsden, has been charged with assault. “He will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court.”This charge relates to an incident which took place at Old Trafford Football Club yesterday.”Grealish started on the bench for City, but came on for Ilkay Gundogan in the 74th minute of the clash.Most read in FootballThe alleged slap comes after sections of the United crowd chanted “Phil Foden, your mum is a s**g” during the drab draw.City manager Pep Guardiola blasted fans for the vile song.​Pitch invader punches Jack Grealish in the middle of Birmingham City vs Aston Villa​Speaking after the game, he said: “It was a lack of class.“We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and football players especially.”He added: “I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.“It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Foden has also issued a three-word message on social media.”We keep going,” the Man City star wrote alongside five photos of himself from the match.Fans flocked to the comments to offer the midfielder some support, with one person writing: “Don’t mind the haters Phil every great person has haters we keep going.”While another said: “We are with you.”It comes after cops promised an increased police presence in the city over the weekend.Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, head of Special Operations at GMP and Gold Commander for the Manchester derby, earlier said: “We are lucky in Manchester to have clubs with passionate fan bases represented across all football leagues – a Manchester derby especially always brings excitement as the city unites in its passions for football.“There is a policing plan in place for Sunday – fans will notice an increased police presence in busier locations and specialist officers will be deployed to ensure fans remain safe and can enjoy the match.“We want everyone to enjoy the match – anyone with concerns can report them to a police officer or a member of security staff on the day.”Birmingham City fan Phil Mitchell, then 27, was jailed for 14 weeks in 2019 after admitting thumping Grealish during the clash with Aston Villa.Mitchell said he launched the attack as a “joke” because he thought Grealish was “a k***”.Read More on The SunIn a tragic twist, the footy fan was then found dead in 2023 aged 32.His body was discovered at an address in Birmingham, and he was later described by family as having “the kindest heart”.Grealish came on as a sub for his side in the second halfCredit: Getty More

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    Footballer rushed to hospital after being shot as he got into firefight with bungling robbers who killed man at bar

    A FORMER Colombian top-fight footballer has been rushed to hospital after being shot by bungling robbers who killed another man in an attack on a bar.Elkin Blanco was identified in CCTV footage of the horror incident as the man who resisted the armed robbery by picking up a gun and getting into a firefight with one of the assailants as his accomplice wrestled with the victim who lost his life.Elkin Blanco has been rushed to hospital after being shot in a firefightCredit: GettyElkin had two spells at Colombian First Division side MillionariosCredit: GettyCCTV footage showed an armed gunman firing shots at the sceneCredit: https://x.com/BLUAntioquiaFootage showed the two people chasing after the assailantsCredit: https://x.com/BLUAntioquiaThe footage showed the 35-year-old, who had two spells at Colombian First Division side Millionarios, risking his life by chasing the robber away after the gunmen announced the hold-up while they were still wearing their motorbike helmets to disguise their identity.Federico Gutierrez, mayor of Medellin where the incident occurred last night, thanked fans for their support in an Instagram message and confirmed Elkin, who is currently without a club, was out of danger.The midfielder, a youth player with Brazilian side Gremio before he returned to his homeland, is said to have been shot four times during the attack although none of his injuries have been described as life-threatening.The man who died after reaching hospital has been named as Duván Alejandro Mosquera Vargas, 25.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA spokesman for local police said: “The man who died lunged at one of the assailants who shot him with a firearm.“The injured 35-year-old, Elkin Blanco, reached with a weapon, generating an exchange of gunfire with the other criminal.”Mayor Mr Gutierrez, promising arrests would be made and justice done, said on X: “Yesterday evening, an unfortunate incident occurred. “Two criminals entered a commercial establishment in the Rosales area of Medellin, with the intention of robbing it.Most read in Football“They murdered a person identified as Duvan Alejandro Mosquera and injured the former footballer Elkin Blanco who is out of danger.“The instruction to our police officers is clear, catch these criminals.“We already have the images with their faces and we have also identified the motorbike on which they were travelling. “We also know in which sector of the city these cowards were hiding.  The police have been operating in the area since last night. These bandits will fall.”I regret the death of Duvan. Solidarity with his family and friends We will get justice.”Elkin has been identified locally as the owner of the unnamed nightspot that was targeted.Customers could be seen seeking refuge under terrace tables as the gunfight occurred.Fans took to social media today to wish the ex-Millionarios star, who also played for Colombian sides Atletico Nacional and America de Cali, to wish him a speedy recovery.One said: “God bless you. Thanks God you weren’t seriously injured.”Elkin said in his first comments about the incident late this afternoon, on his Instagram profile where he has 100,000 followers and describes himself as a ‘partner of God’: “Thanks to all of you for your messages.“I am okay health-wise and thanks to God I am now back at home and recovering.”Read More on The SunDescribing the man shot dead as a “great friend” he referenced by his nickname Alejo which is a short form of Alejandro, he added: “I’m very sad about the departure of a great friend. “I will always remember you Alejo.” More

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    Forgotten Premier League star ‘ROBBED in broad daylight as thugs steal luxury watch and dash off on motorbike’

    EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Arthur Melo was the victim of daylight robbery, according to reports in Spain.Arthur, who joined Liverpool on loan in the 2022/23 season, is said to have been walking around in Barcelona on Thursday when the incident occurred.Arthur Melo was reportedly the victim of a daylight robbery in Barcelona on ThursdayCredit: RexStar played just once while on loan at LiverpoolCredit: GettyMarca report the 28-year-old, who now plays for Girona on loan from Juventus, was enjoying some time off shopping when, at around 4pm, he went to pay for his parking on Passeig de Gracia.It was then that an individual hopped off a motorbike and stole a luxury watch from him before bolting off at speed with the help of a second suspect.The midfielder was unhurt in the robbery which he later reported to the police.He returned to Girona training as normal on Friday and was named on the substitutes bench for the club’s 1-0 defeat to Alaves today.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLArthur played just once for Liverpool during his time in England, with injuries limiting him to just 13 minutes of action.This is the third season in a row he has been sent on loan by parent club Juventus, whom he joined from Barcelona in 2020.He was on loan at Fiorentina last season before returning to the Turin club in the summer, only to be sent on loan to Girona during the winter transfer window.The Brazilian was previously the victim of an alleged robbery in 2019 when two burglars threatened his brother with a weapon at his home.Most read in FootballIt happened during Barcelona’s 3-0 Champions League semi-final win over Liverpool, a lead which would dramatically be overturned in a stunning comeback by the Reds in the second leg.Arthur has played six times for Girona since moving on loan.Criminal who infamously tried to rob Ozil and Kolasinac of £200,000 during Arsenal days now partially blind after attack More

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    Carlo Ancelotti pictured in the dock in court as Real Madrid manager faces five years in prison for alleged tax evasion

    REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted ahead of his tax fraud trial he is “innocent” and has “no worries.”The 65-year-old Italian looked relaxed as he arrived at court in the Spanish capital this morning for the start of his much-anticipated trial the night after his team reached the Copa del Rey final after a thrilling comeback.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he is ‘innocent’ ahead of his tax fraud trialCredit: APThe Italian arrived in court to start his trialCredit: ReutersHe faces almost five years in jail if found guiltyCredit: GettyDespite the threat of a five-year prison sentence hanging over his head if convicted he replied ‘No’ when asked by waiting reporters outside the Audiencia Provincial court in Madrid if he was concerned.He also dismissed suggestions he would try to strike a last-minute plea bargain deal by confirming he would take the stand and plead not guilty to allegations he defrauded the Spanish Treasury out of just over €1m (£835,000) in tax.Ancelotti was accompanied when he arrived at court by his ex-footballer son Davide, who works under his father at Real Madrid, and his wife Mariann Barrena.Public prosecutors announced in March last year they were seeking a four-year, nine-month jail term for the former Everton manager for two counts of tax fraud.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey accused him at the time of failing to declare image rights earnings to the Spanish Treasury in 2014 and 2015 during his first spell in charge of Real Madrid through the use of shell companies outside Spain.Public prosecutors alleged in a pre-trial indictment he only declared his earnings as Real Madrid manager despite registering as a tax resident in Spain for the two years under the spotlight with an address in Madrid.Although his first spell at the Spanish giants came to a premature end in May 2015, public prosecutors say he rented his Madrid home until October that year which meant Spain was “his principal centre of personal relations and economic interests” in 2015 as well as the previous year.The accusation made public in March last year alleged Ancelotti channelled his image right earnings “with the aim of evading tax” on them through trusts and intermediary companies.Most read in FootballPublic prosecutors say the football boss earned more than €4m (more than £3.5m) in image rights in 2014 and 2015.The amount of tax they allege he defrauded amounts to just over €1m. Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealedSpanish Treasury officials have recovered the money but are demanding Ancelotti pays triple the amount they accuse him of defrauding in fines.Lionel Messi received a 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud in July 2016. It was later changed to a €252,000 (£223,000) fine.Cristiano Ronaldo avoided prison in Spain by admitting tax fraud in January 2019.He was fined almost £16.6m and given a suspended jail sentence.Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, seen as a future Real Madrid manager, was acquitted of tax fraud in November 2019 after turning 38.He had been warned he could be jailed for two and a half years if convicted after Spanish public prosecutors lowered their initial prison demand at the end of his trial in Madrid.Ancelotti left Everton in June 2021 to take up the position of head coach at Real Madrid.Last Friday at a press conference he said: “I’m not worried but I am obviously annoyed if they say that I’ve committed fraud, but, once again, I have total confidence in justice. “I’m really looking forward to testifying next Wednesday.”Read More on The SunReal Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final last night with an incredible comeback against Real Sociedad.Substitute Antonio Rudiger scored a dramatic goal just five minutes from the end of extra-time to put the Spanish giants through as 5-4 aggregate winners. More

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    Major update in probe into death of ex-Newcastle boss Steve Bruce’s grandson as cops rule tragedy an ‘accident’

    THE death of footie boss Steve Bruce’s grandson was a tragic accident, cops have ruled.Madison Smith was just four months old when found dead at home in October.Steve, above with his wife Janet, spoke for the first time about the heartbreaking lossCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionThe tot was the son of ex-Man United star Steve’s daughter Amy and her husband Matt Smith, who played for Fulham and Millwall.After Madison’s death, a woman in her 40s, who was working as a nanny, was arrested on suspicion of child neglect. But detectives have ruled it an accident and ended the investigation.Greater Manchester Police said: “While the circumstances are tragic, we don’t believe any criminality was linked to this death.”READ MORE ON STEVE BRUCEThis week, Blackpool FC manager Bruce spoke for the first time about the heartbreaking loss, saying “there’s still not a day where it doesn’t affect you”.He added: “It’s been the tragedy of all tragedies. “Anyone going through the same sort of grief, I feel for them.“It’s horrendous that a fine, young, healthy baby boy doesn’t wake up one morning. Most read in Football”We’ll never come to terms with that. It’s agony.”’I don’t do tactics’ – Former Newcastle star claims he had conversation with Steve Bruce that left him ‘in shock’The death of footie boss Steve Bruce’s grandson was a tragic accidentCredit: Getty More

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    Disgraced Joey Barton GUILTY of pushing wife to ground then kicking her in head as their kids slept upstairs

    DISGRACED Joey Barton has been found guilty of shoving his wife to the ground and kicking her in the head as their kids slept upstairs.The former footballer attacked Georgia Barton at their home in Kew, South West London, after a drunken night with two other couples.Joey Barton has been found guilty of attacking wife GeorgiaCredit: PAThe ex-footballer, pictured today, shoved his wife to the groundCredit: PABarton, 42, has now been found guilty of assault following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.The court heard Barton and Georgia, who are still married, had both drunk “four or five bottles of wine” before the sickening attack.The ex-Man City star threatened to fight his wife’s brother and father in a “verbal disagreement about a family matter”.Barton then “grabbed [Georgia] and pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the head”.Read more newsAs a friend tried to intervene, Barton “threw” him off and said “don’t disrespect me”.Georgia, who was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose, called police shortly after 11pm to “report she had been hit by her husband”.During a tearful 999 call played to the court, she said: “Me husband’s just hit me in the house.”He’s in the house, I’m outside.”Most read in FootballAsked if anything similar had happened before, she said: “No, it’s the first time,” adding that she had been hit “in the face”.When police arrived at around 11:30pm, Georgia told them: “I’ve been pushed down and kicked about and stuff.”He said he was going to fight with my brother and my dad.”Barton was arrested at about midnight in his bedroom, where he had been asleep, and was still drunk.Giving evidence, Barton admitted he had drunk “six to eight” drinks when the alleged attack unfolded.He told the court there had been a “disagreement” and he “stupidly took me mate’s side”.Barton continued: “We just got into petty name calling.”We ended up getting a bit more agitated and were close to each other.”The former footballer admitted he was someone that “on occasion” might lose his temper.But he denied the claims against him, saying: “If I kicked someone in the head there would be a lot more damage than what’s alleged in this case.”In her own evidence, Georgia told the court she and her husband had been “nose to nose” at one point but had not come to blows.She claimed she felt a “collision” to her head that “stunned me and made me fall backwards”.Georgia, who said she had drunk a lot of wine that day, added: “It couldn’t have been Joe, he was too far away.”Barton was due to face trial in 2022 after pleading not guilty to assault by beating but this was halted when Georgia retracted her claims.The High Court ruled last year that the trial could go ahead and that the previous decision to drop the case was “wrong in principle”.Barton married his childhood sweetheart in a lavish ceremony in 2019 at a country house in Oxfordshire.The couple have two children together – a son born in 2011 and a daughter born in 2014.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.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton denied a single charge of assault and will be sentenced later.He attacked his wife, seen with Barton in 2011, after drinking up to five bottles of wineCredit: Getty – ContributorBarton married childhood sweetheart Georgia in 2019Credit: Instagram / Georgia McneilHe had denied a single count of assaultCredit: Alamy More

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    Marcus Rashford fined almost £800 for another motoring offence while banned from roads

    MARCUS Rashford has been fined almost £800 over more driving offences – while he was banned from getting behind the wheel.The Aston Villa ace, on loan from Man United, failed to give Cheshire Police information about who was driving his £100,000 electric BMW I7 motor on October 30 last year.Marcus Rashford has been fined almost £800 over more driving offences – while he was banned from getting behind the wheelCredit: GettyRashford, 27, was banned from driving at the time after being clocked at 104mph on a motorway in December 2023.The grey BMW was clocked in sleepy Winsford, Cheshire, on October 30 last year.Later that day, he started in Man United’s 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup.Cops sent the star a letter asking him to identify who was driving as they were “alleged to have been guilty of an offence”.Read More on SportHe pleaded guilty to failing to respond at Warrington magistrates’ court through the single justice procedure on March 13.It means it is still unclear who was driving the car.The £350,000-a-week ace was fined £500, and must cough up £200 in surcharges and £90 in costs, which he must pay by April 10.He was also given six penalty points on his license.Most read in FootballThe incident is the latest in a string of driving woes for Rashford, whose speeding driving ban only ended on January 18, after an undercover car clocked him going more than 30mph above the speed limit on the M60.And we told on Sunday how his Rolls-Royce had to be towed off a motorway following a tyre blow-out on Friday.’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesThe winger was on England duty when the car broke down on the M60, leaving it stranded for an hour. It is not known who was driving. More