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    Hartlepool United midfielder Oliver Finney, 25, charged with rape of woman in Cheshire

    A FOOTBALLER has been charged with raping a woman in Cheshire.Oliver Finney, 25, allegedly attacked the woman in 2022 while playing for League Two side Crewe Alexandria.
    Oliver Finney has been charged with rapeCredit: Alamy
    The midfielder, who now plays for Hartlepool United, is due to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on November 13. 
    Finney has been suspended by the club while the case is ongoing.
    They said: “Hartlepool United have been made aware of a police investigation surrounding a first-team player which has been reported in the press today.
    “The allegation dates back to before the player joined Hartlepool United.
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    “Upon being informed of the allegation and investigation for the first time the Club immediately placed the player on suspension pending the investigation outcome.
    “The matter is subject to an official process and therefore no further comment will made at this time.”
    Finney began his career at Crewe in the team’s academy before joining Nantwich Town on loan in 2016.
    He returned to Crewe in 2017 and scored 14 goals in 99 appearances.
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    Finney signed for Hartlepool in January 2023 in a permanent deal. More

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    Shocking moment Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle fans fight in street before Champions League game – with nine arrested

    THIS is the shocking moment Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United fans fought in the street before their Champions League game – with nine people now arrested.Football supporters were seen brawling outside the Magpies’ St James’ Park ground ahead of last night’s 1-0 home defeat.
    Football fans were seen brawling in footage shared onlineCredit: Twitter
    There was a heavy police presence on the streets approaching the ground and cops have now revealed eight men and a woman have been detained.
    Dortmund supporters were heard chanting in both German and English as fights reportedly broke out between rival fans, with cops attempting to keep them apart.
    Clips have emerged on social media showing clashes ahead of the UEFA Champions League loss for manager Eddie Howe’s home side.
    Footage showed fans trading blows over a metal fence, while in another police protected by helmets ushered Dortmund supporters draped in scarves towards the ground.
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    A Newcastle follower was shown appearing to hold aloft a black flare, the Star reported.
    Bottles were also seen being thrown in footage filmed in Newcastle city centre ahead of the match.
    There were also clashes in Newcastle earlier this month ahead of the club’s home game against French side Paris Saint-Germain.
    A PSG fan was seen punching a member of the public.
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    Newcastle won that match 4-1.
    The Magpies, competing in the Champions League for the first time in two decades, began their campaign with a 0-0 draw away to Italy’s AC Milan in the San Siro.
    The Sun Online has contacted Newcastle and Dortmund for comment.
    Northumbria Police said: “Eight men and one woman were arrested for a range of offences, including criminal damage, possession of a flare and a report of selling fake tickets.
    “The event passed largely without incident, with the overwhelming majority of both home and away fans behaving respectfully and appropriately.
    “Any pockets of disorder which were identified were swiftly dealt with by officers on scene.
    “We will continue to review any further reports from the event to establish if further criminal offences have taken place, and take robust action where required.”
    Clashes appeared to take place ahead of last night’s Champions League matchCredit: Twitter
    There was a heavy police presence across Newcastle city centreCredit: Twitter
    Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Dortmund’s Marco Reus played last nightCredit: PA More

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    Craig Bellamy reveals more details to story of his fight with John Arne Riise

    CRAIG BELLAMY has added a new twist to the story of his fight against John Arne Riise in 2007.Days before Liverpool’s clash with Barcelona in the Champions League last-16, Bellamy had astonishingly attacked Riise with a golf club after the Norwegian refused to sing at a karaoke drinking session.
    Craig Bellamy admits attacking John Arne Riise with a golf clubCredit: Rex
    Bellamy celebrated a goal against Barcelona by swinging a pretend golf clubCredit: Getty
    Bellamy had wandered into Riise’s room and attempted to hit him with one of his golf clubs, however, Riise managed to dodge the blow.
    The headlines at the time were made by the pair, but Bellamy has now lifted the lid on more details from that night.
    Speaking on the Overlap with Sky Bet, Bellamy said: “As I was about to enter my hotel room, the players were coming back.
    “They all steamed into our room and trashed it – it was one of these double-floor rooms, with a downstairs kitchen.
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    “Steve [Finnan] comes into my room in the morning and says Pako [Ayestarán] and Rafa [Benítez] are downstairs, and they want to see you.
    “I go downstairs, and there’s plates everywhere. He’s looking round, and he asks me to tell him what happened.
    “I told him the truth – I couldn’t get out of this one..”
    Liverpool were miraculously not impacted by their shenanigans, coming away with a 2-1 win at the Nou Camp with both Bellamy and Riise scoring.
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    Bellamy even mocked his story by swinging a pretend golf club in celebration of his goal.
    The Reds then lost the home leg 1-0 and but went through on away goals.
    Riise netted the winner against BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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    Notts County keeper hit in head by ‘vape’ and left bleeding at Gillingham clash as police launch investigation

    POLICE are investigating after Notts County goalkeeper Sam Slocombe was left with a cut head after being struck by an object thrown by a yob in the crowd.The Magpies impressed to claim the points — but the gripping contest was marred by the late drama which left their shot-stopper needing medical attention from the club’s physio.
    Notts County goalkeeper Sam Slocombe was struck by an object thrown from the crowd at PriestfieldCredit: AHPIX.com
    Slocombe, 35, carried on after a brief delay and Gillingham issued an appeal to find the moron.
    Gills’ director of operations Joe Comper admitted: “Once again, we find ourselves investigating an incident which reflects poorly on the football club and will likely land us in trouble with the authorities.
    “Quite clearly, any right-minded person can understand that this is not acceptable and it won’t be accepted at Priestfield.
    “We are working closely with Kent Police to identify the culprit or culprits, in order for us to impose any necessary bans, as well as pursuing criminal prosecutions.
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    “You are passionate, loyal and devoted to the team and those that represent your shirt.
    “It is a shame that the actions of a very small minority risk damaging your club in the form of heavy fines and potentially points deductions.”
    The incident spoilt an otherwise enjoyable League Two contest in which forward Macaulay Langstaff’s 38th-minute strike fired the visitors ahead.
    Scott Malone levelled on 57 minutes after Langstaff had been denied a second, before substitute Lewis Macari’s stunner — on his debut — won it for the visitors 12 minutes from time.
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    But Slocombe’s injury left Magpies boss Luke Williams wanting answers.
    Williams said: “It’s a shame because in general the atmosphere was brilliant. This is just one person making a really terrible decision.
    “Unfortunately something was thrown, I think it was a vape, and hit him on the back of the head and he has a cut.
    “It’s upsetting, anyone who has met him wouldn’t want to throw anything at him, he’s a great guy and I don’t think he’s done anything to wind anyone up or anything like that.”
    Langstaff notched his ninth goal of the campaign as he turned home Tobi Adebayo’s pin-point 38th-minute cross.
    Malone then found the bottom corner with a well-taken strike for caretaker boss Keith Millen, before Jake Turner produced a good save to keep out Jodi Jones’ drive.
    But there was nothing the keeper could do to stop Macari’s rocket.
    Gills defender Max Clark was “gutted” and admitted: “It’s a tough one to take because they weren’t causing us many problems.
    “We were a different team in the second half but they stood strong.”
    Lewis Macari scored a stunning winner on his EFL debutCredit: Rex More

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    Prem ace banned from driving after committing offence for second time

    PREMIER League ace Miguel Almiron was slapped with a road ban for failing to identify the driver of his car — for a second time.Police requested the information after someone was spotted using a phone while at the wheel of the Newcastle United winger’s Range Rover, JPs heard.
    Miguel Almiron was slapped with a road ban for failing to identify the driver of his car — for a second timeCredit: Alamy
    Almiron did not respond and has now been banned from driving for six months after magistrates said they were “satisfied beyond reasonable doubt” that he was the driver.
    The Paraguayan, 29, was given the punishment under the totting up process after he failed to also provide driver details on an earlier occasion.
    He was seen allegedly using his mobile while driving near Newcastle’s training camp in December last year by a member of the public who tipped off police.
    Their inquiries led them to car company Lex Auto Leases, which confirmed Almiron was the registered driver — but correspondence to the star’s address was ignored.
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    Almiron, who was in Paraguay on Tuesday to play in their 1-0 victory over Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier, did not attend Gateshead magistrates’ court for Thursday’s hearing.
    The Toon fans’ favourite was fined £660 and ordered to pay court costs.
    The mobile phone use allegation was thrown out.
    The court case caps a tough week for Newcastle with Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, 23, facing a lengthy ban for alleged betting offences.
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    The £55million summer buy from AC Milan missed Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifier with England at Wembley on Tuesday after he was sent home from the squad having been quizzed by cops.
    Tonali, said by his agent to be a gambling addict, faces a ban of up to five years after confessing to betting on Milan while at the club.
    Newcastle, who host Crystal Palace today, said: “Sandro will continue to co-operate with all relevant authorities. He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support.”
    The club declined to comment on Almiron’s ban. More

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    England star Trent Alexander-Arnold cheats death in horror car crash caused by killer Storm Babet

    FOOTIE’S Trent Alexander-Arnold avoided death by inches yesterday after a 40ft electricity pylon was uprooted in treacherous 70mph winds.The high-voltage power line, weighing around half a ton, smashed on to a car right in front of the England ace’s £90,000 Range Rover.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold avoided death by inches after a 40ft electricity pylon was uprooted in treacherous 70mph windsCredit: Getty
    The high-voltage power line, weighing around half a ton, smashed on to a car right in front of the England ace’s £90,000 Range Rover
    Alexander-Arnold slammed on the brakes and swerved before hitting the BMW X5
    Alexander-Arnold, 25, slammed on the brakes and swerved before hitting the BMW X5.
    The shaken Liverpool star was then seen getting out and speaking to the other driver.
    Both miraculously escaped unharmed in the crash on a wet country lane near Knutsford, Cheshire.
    It came as Storm Babet caused chaos around the country, leaving three people dead.
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    A source said: “The wind was so powerful it suddenly ripped up the pylon. It was really terrifying. It’s a miracle nobody was hurt. Someone could have easily been killed.
    “What are the chances of that happening? Alexander-Arnold must feel like he’s cheated death.
    “A few seconds later and it could have gone through his windscreen. It’s absolutely treacherous out there.”
    Police were called to the crash scene yesterday morning and the electricity was turned off.
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    Photos show Alexander-Arnold standing by his car close to the pylon which is splayed across the road with its wires hanging out.
    The front of his black Range Rover was damaged while the white BMW had veered into a hedge and lost a headlight.
    It is believed Alexander-Arnold, who lives nearby, later attended training ahead of today’s lunchtime clash against Everton at Anfield.
    The accident came days after he partied at a London nightclub with England teammates including Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish, following the Three Lions’ qualification for next summer’s Euros.
    Cheshire Police said yesterday: “At 10.34am this morning we were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a black Range Rover and a BMW.
    “An electricity pole had fallen into the road, causing the accident.
    “Nobody was injured and everything was cleared by 1.05pm.
    “We called the energy company and had the electricity turned off.”
    Alexander-Arnold’s agent has been contacted for comment.
    The shaken Liverpool star was then seen getting out and speaking to the other driver
    The England star miraculously escaped unharmed in the crash on a wet country lane in CheshireCredit: 2023 CameraSport More

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    Barcelona president Joan Laporta charged with allegedly bribing referees as judge slams ‘corruption’

    BARCELONA PRESIDENT Joan Laporta has been charged with allegedly bribing referees.The shock news emerged this morning through EFE that the judge in the case, which is known as “Caso Negreire” in Spain, has decided to indict the 61-year-old.
    Barcelona chief Joan Laporta has charged with allegedly bribing referees between 2008 and 2010Credit: Getty
    He is accused of bribery, sports corruption, unfair administration and forgery in a commercial document.
    Laporta has had two reigns as the LaLiga side’s president, the first of which between 2003 and 2010 saw Barcelona set a new record for trophies won in a 12-month period with six.
    He returned to the top job in October 2020.
    The Caso Negreira case involves the payment of around £6.3million to ex vice-president of the technical committee of referees Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira and his son.
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    The payments, which were over an 18-year period, are being investigated.
    It comes after Barcelona were charged with “continued corruption in the sports field” in April when Uefa began their investigation.
    They allowed the Catalans, who are managed by the legendary Xavi, to compete in this season’s edition of the Champions League despite the alleged scandal.
    However, they reserved the right to administer further punishment should further evidence be discovered.
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    The judge overseeing the case, Judge Joaquin Aguirre, recommended last month that the charge of continued corruption in the sports field should be switched to bribery.
    That was due to Negreira being a public figure at the time, according to a court order that was published by Spanish publication El Correo.
    Sandro Rossell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, both former presidents of Barcelona, and two ex-club officials have been accused of bribery, sports corruption, unfair administration and forgery in a commercial document.
    El Periodico also claims they have accessed the court order and it details how Aguirre has agreed to indict Laporta for the same crimes.
    That was after he decided that payments made from the Barca chief to Negreira from 2008 to 2010 constitute “continued bribery”.
    Aguirre has allegedly decided that Laporta and the rest of the board from that period played “an effective responsibility in making the decision to make the allegedly illicit payments”.
    In his order, Aguirre says the payments to Enriquez “produced the arbitration effects desired by FC Barcelona, ​​in such a way that there must have been inequality in the treatment with other teams and the consequent systemic corruption in the Spanish arbitration as a whole, which does not mean that each and every one of the referees were corrupt, but a group of them were.”
    It has also been deemed that the 10-year statute of limitations has not expired as they insist it should be counted from July 17, 2018 onwards – the date when the alleged last crime was committed.
    Laporta has denied any wrongdoing from Barcelona in the past and claimed that the payments were made for consultation work.
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    Neither he nor the club have yet to respond to these latest charges reported earlier.
    The news could not have come at a worse time for the club as they prepare to face bitter rivals Real Madrid this weekend in El Clasico. More

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    Police increase presence at Wembley for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier tonight after two fans killed in Brussels horror

    COPS are ramping up security at Wembley for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier tonight after two fans were killed in Brussels yesterday.Terror suspect Abdesalem Lassoued, 45, shot dead two Swedish football fans moments before their team’s Euro 2024 qualifier match against Belgium.
    Cops are beefing up security measures at England’s match at Wembley tonightCredit: Reuters
    Belgian armed cops at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels last night after two fans were shot deadCredit: EPA
    The match was abandoned at half time and fans were kept in the King Baudouin Stadium before being escorted out under protection of armed officers as the hunt continued for the killer.
    Self-styled ISIS-follower Lassoued was later shot dead by police in a cafe.
    Now, the Met have said a “highly visible policing presence” will be at Wembley this evening “given the events yesterday in Brussels”.
    England are aiming to book a spot at Euro 2024 in tonight’s clash with reigning champions Italy.
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    Superintendent Gerry Parker, match commander for tonight’s game, said in a statement: “We have been working with our partners, including the FA, in the weeks leading up to this match to ensure those attending the Wembley area enjoy this match.
    “Our officers are experienced in dealing with large-scale public order events, and a flexible plan is in place to reduce the likelihood of crime and disorder, and provide a timely response to any emerging incidents.
    “Please ensure you arrive in good time for the match and remain vigilant throughout; if you see anything suspicious then flag it an officer or one of the match stewards immediately so the necessary action can be taken.”
    In the wake of the Brussels shootings, Belgian authorities have raised the terror alert to its highest level in the capital.
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    The Three Lions have been close to faultless throughout their qualifying campaign so far and only need a draw to secure a spot in Germany.
    Italy come into the game just three points behind England following a routine 4-0 victory over Malta on Saturday.
    Victory over England would put them level on points with the group leaders but the Italians would still be significantly behind on goal difference.
    Both teams will be vying to win the group given the favourable seeding it would give them going into Euro 2024 in Germany.
    England kicked qualification for the Euros off with a win over Italy earlier this year in Naples before beating Ukraine and group minnows Malta and North Macedonia.
    Their perfect start came to a halt last month when they drew in Ukraine but a draw at Wembley, where they lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy, is all they need to confirm their qualification for next summer’s tournament.
    Gareth Southgate played a second string side against Australia last Friday but is expected to ring the changes as he looks to cap qualification off with a strong performance.
    Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are expected to return to the side with only Jordan Henderson expected to retain his place from Friday night’s win over the Aussies. More