Police

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      English manager Will Still among fans locked in stadium after Belgium vs Sweden was abandoned

      by

      ENGLISH manager Will Still was among the terrified spectators locked in the ground after Belgium vs Sweden was abandoned due to Monday night’s terrorist attack in Brussels.Cops shot dead a suspected extremist accused of killing two men near the King Baudouin Stadium.
      Will Still was among those terrified fans locked in the ground at Belgium vs SwedenCredit: Rex
      ISIS fanatic Abdesalem Lassoued, 45, went on the run for hours following Monday night’s horror rampage before police tracked him down to a cafe and gunned him down.
      He had fled after two victims – both wearing Sweden football shirts – were killed moments before their team’s Euro 2024 qualifying match against Belgium.
      The football clash was halted at half-time as 35,000 fans were then barricaded in the stadium as the attacker remained at large.
      Now it has emerged that highly-rated Belgian-born Still, who is manager of French Ligue 1 club Reims, was among them.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Speaking while still inside the ground, the 31 year old told RMC Sport: “The feeling inside the stadium? For now, it’s pretty calm.
      “Everyone has remained silent during the announcements when the match was stopped.
      “There are supporters chanting, but it’s all a bit vague.”
      By 11pm the evacuation began with Belgium fans leaving first before 700 Swedes in attendance were escorted away by the police.
      Most read in Football
      Pictures show tearful Swedish fans phoning relatives and removing their jerseys.
      After it was announced they could leave, Still told BFMTV: “Everyone has been allowed to leave the stadium. I’m patiently waiting to be allowed to leave.
      “It’s pretty calm. There isn’t really any panic or anything like that. It was a bit tense and calm at the start, but it’s OK now.
      “The communication was pretty clear that we should stay in the stands. It was a bit long, but it was OK.”
      Still, who previously spoke of how playing Football Manager has helped his career, was promoted to head coach of Reims, after the team’s spectacular performance in the run-up to the World Cup last year.
      He previously worked with Preston’s Under-14 side before enjoying management stints at Lierse and Beerschot in Belgium.
      Swedish fans inside the King Baudouin StadiumCredit: AFP
      Belgium fans fleeing the stadium after the match was called offCredit: REX More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Will the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier be replayed?

      by

      ON October 16, 2023, players made the decision to abandon the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier following an horrific attack.Here we take a look at if the match will be replayed or cancelled and what the FA has said in response to the situation in Brussels.
      Fans of Sweden pictured at half time as the the EURO 2024 qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden was abandonedCredit: Getty
      Will the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier match be replayed or cancelled?
      It is not yet known if the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier match will be replayed or cancelled.
      UEFA have confirmed that further communication will be made in due course.
      After the game was abandoned, Sweden captain Victor Lindelof said: “Belgium are already qualified and we don’t have the opportunity to get to the European Championship, so I see no reason to [replay the game].”
      What happened to stop the Belgium vs Sweden match?
      The Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned at half-time on October 16, 2023.
      Read More on Brussels shooting
      The decision to abandon the match was made after two men, both wearing Sweden shirts, were shot dead in the street, moments before their teams qualifier game.
      A third victim was also rushed to hospital.
      Sweden players made the decision during the break to not resume the game, with the score 1-1 at half-time.
      This was also agreed to by their Belgian counterparts.
      Most read in Football
      A statement from Belgium said: “Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
      Sweden boss Janne Andersson added: “When I came down for the break, I got this information. Immediately, I felt that it was completely unreal. What kind of world do we live in today?
      “I came into the locker room and when the team started talking we agreed 100 percent that we didn’t want to play on out of respect for the victims and their families.”
      On October 17, 2023, it was reported that police shot dead a suspected extremist accused of killing the two men near the football stadium in Brussels.
      Feared ISIS fanatic Abdesalem L, 45, went on the run for hours following Monday night’s horror rampage before police tracked him down in a café and gunned him down.
      Will the Brussels terror attacks impact more Euro 2024 qualifiers?
      At the time of writing, is yet to be confirmed if anymore Euro 2024 qualifier games will be impacted and/or suspended.
      Since the horrific attack, security services and ministers have gathered at a Crisis Center amid fears of a terror motive.
      The terror threat level for the Brussels Capital Region has been moved to level four – with officials telling locals to “avoid unnecessary movements”.
      The threat level indicates the likelihood of a terrorist attack.
      Regions are placed under level four “when the threat is serious and very imminent”.
      What has the FA said about the situation in Brussels?
      Following the decision to abandon the game, the Swedish FA took to social media to share their condolences amid the horror that unfolded in Brussels.
      A post by the Swedish FA read: “Our thoughts go out to all the relatives of those affected in Brussels.”
      Read More on The Sun
      UEFA also provided a statement following the incident which said: “Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.
      “Further communication will be made in due course.” More

    • 75 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Why was Belgium vs Sweden abandoned?

      by

      THE Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned at half-time.Players decided not to continue following a horrific attack.
      The Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      Why was the Belgium vs Sweden match abandoned?
      The Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned after two men, both wearing Sweden shirts, were gunned down in the street before the game in Brussels.
      Sweden players decided during the break to not resume the game, with the score 1-1 at half-time.
      This decision was agreed to by their Belgian counterparts.
      Fans were kept inside the King Baudouin Stadium until security services confirmed it was safe to depart.
      More on the Brussels shooting
      As an extra safety measure, footy supporters were allowed to enter the press room.
      What happened in Brussels?
      On October 16, 2023, two men were killed in an attack in Brussels.
      Videos shared online shows the alleged gunman in a fluorescent orange jacket arriving on a moped just three miles from the Heizel stadium.
      The alleged shooter then chases several people into a building while firing shots from an automatic rifle.
      Most read in Football
      It is believed he first shot at a van, with one man dying inside.
      Meanwhile, a third victim was rushed to hospital.
      A second video shared on social media shows a man in an orange fluorescent jacket claiming responsibility for the attack.
      Cops in Belgium have now launched a terror probe following the shooting at Boulevard d’Ypres and the city has raised its terror alert to the highest level.
      In a clip filmed moments before the horror, the alleged attacker says he’s part of terrorist group the Islamic State.
      Speaking in Arabic, he allegedly claimed responsibility for the shooting and outlines what appears to be a terrorist manifesto.
      After a manhunt was launched a man was shot and arrested in a local cafe in the early hours of October 17, 2023.
      Will more Euro 2024 qualifier games be suspended because of the Brussels terror attacks?
      It is yet to be confirmed if anymore Euro 2024 qualifier games will be suspended – but security services and ministers have gathered at a Crisis Center, amid fears of a terror motive.
      The threat level for the Brussels Capital Region has been raised to level 4 – with officials telling locals to “avoid unnecessary movements”.
      Regions are placed under level four “when the threat is serious and very imminent”.
      What has the FA said about the Brussels terrorist attack?
      A Swedish FA social media post added: “Our thoughts go out to all the relatives of those affected in Brussels.”
      A Uefa statement on the incident, said: “Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.
      “Further communication will be made in due course.”
      Sweden boss Janne Andersson told a press conference that shocked players decided not to carry on out of respect to the victims and their families.
      “When I came down for the break, I got this information. Immediately, I felt that it was completely unreal. What kind of world do we live in today?” he told reporters.
      “I came into the locker room and when the team started talking we agreed 100 percent that we didn’t want to play on out of respect for the victims and their families.”
      Sweden captain Victor Lindelof told the press conference that the players never felt in any danger.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “Our security team handled it well and put us at ease. They explained that this is the safest place to be in Brussels.”
      Meanwhile, a statement from Belgium said: “Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected.” More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Athletics

      Olympic swimmer and GB athlete denies raping two teen girls and attacking third woman in ‘ten-year abuse campaign’

      by

      A British Olympic swimmer has denied raping two teen girls and attacking a third woman over a ten-year period.Former Team GB star Antony James, 33, allegedly sexually abused the girls, including one aged between 13 and 15.
      Antony James has denied a string of sex offencesCredit: FPS Images
      The former Team GB swimmer is charged with 18 offencesCredit: Getty
      The swimmer, who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and competed at the 2012 Olympics, has been charged with a string of sex offences.
      James appeared at Plymouth Crown Court today where denied a total of 18 charges against three women.
      He is accused of targeting the alleged victims between 2012 and 2022.
      James, who was training as a police officer with Devon and Cornwall Police when he was arrested, denied five allegations of rape against the two teens.
      Read more news
      He is also accused of two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm against the third complainant.
      Other charges include controlling and coercive behaviour, causing or inciting a child in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child, intentional touching and intentionally encouraging or assisting in the commission of rape.
      The swimmer also pleaded not guilty to sexual activity with a child.
      He was released on conditional bail ahead of a hearing at the same court next month.
      Most read in Athletics
      James allegedly assaulted a third womanCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-West Ham footballer jailed after attempting to sell £1.9m antique vase stolen during heist at Switzerland museum

      by

      A FORMER West Ham player who tried to help sell a £1.9million antique vase stolen during a heist at a Switzerland museum has been jailed.Kaine Wright, 26, was caught in an undercover police sting along with accomplices Leslie Nkhwa, 47, and David Lamming, 31.
      Kaine Wright has been jailed for three yearsCredit: Central News
      The ex-footballer was part of a plan to sell an ancient vaseCredit: Central News
      The “rare pomegranate vase from the Yongle Period (1403-1425AD)” was stolen during a raid at the Musee des Arts d’Extreme-Orient in Geneva in June 2019.
      The trio attempted to flog it for £1million but later dropped the price to £450,000 in cash.
      It had been valued by experts for insurance purposes at £1.96million.
      Wright and Lamming were today jailed for three years after they were convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property.
      Read more news
      Nkhwa, who pleaded guilty to the same charge, was handed a two-and-a-half year sentence.
      Southwark Crown Court heard the plot unfolded on July 30, 2020, when a man called Mr Steel emailed the China Guardian auction house in Hong Kong asking for a valuation.
      The seller, later identified as Lamming, included photos of the item, which were compared with the stolen vase.
      Lamming also emailed the Art Loss Register based in Hatton Garden saying he was in touch with someone who had a vase that had been stolen from Switzerland.
      Most read in Football
      This caused police to launch an undercover sting operation using an officer named Paul.
      He received an email from Lamming with photos of the vase but without a newspaper alongside it to show the date.
      This caused Wright to text Nkhwa, saying: “Also to be fair I don’t even believe they have s**t anymore…does it even exist the fact that in a week and a half they can’t take a picture.
      “If it’s this hard just to get someone to take a picture when he actually flies in to buy it will be a joke…this people are not reliable waste of time [sic].
      “Honestly bro if you can’t get it today I just gonna tell the buyer its gone he is willing to pay the money…and I can’t be f***ed to mess around wasting my time when no one is serious about selling it…I guess they keep it forever for no reason.
      “Yh its dumb shout me in the morning…like they already had it a long time and can’t sell it so makes no sense lol. Unless they don’t want money. Going sleep now.”
      The court heard a series of meetings were carried out between Lamming and a second undercover officer named Richard, including one at Delfino’s Restaurant in Mayfair on October 7.
      They “shook hands” on a deal for £450,000 and agreed the exchange would take place at the five star Marriott Hotel six days later.
      Police then arrested Nkhwa and Lamming before detaining Wright, who accepts driving them to the hotel.
      Giving evidence, Wright claimed Nkwha had approached him and asked if he could help flog the vase.
      He added: “I said no. Most of my friends are sportsmen, they play for England. No one knows what to do for a vase.
      “I suggested he should list it online.
      “I think it was on behalf of someone else.”
      But sentencing, Judge Martin Griffith branded the ex-footballer a “Jekyll and Hyde character” who had undoubtedly “lied” on the stand.
      Wright and Nkhwa deny one count of conspiracy to convert criminal property between 31 July 2020 and 15 October 2020, while Lamming has admitted the charge.
      The footballer played for both West Ham and Brentford’s youth team as a midfielder.
      After leaving the Premier League clubs, Wright moved to Major League Soccer in America.
      In 2019, he represented England in the Socca six-a-side World Cup.
      He also played in front of PSG star Neymar Jr in the footballer’s Five World Finals competition in 2017.
      Read More on The Sun
      The vase had been valued at £1.96millionCredit: Central News
      Nkhwa was handed a two-and-a-half year sentenceCredit: Central News
      He was arrested at five star Marriott HotelCredit: Central News
      Lamming was caught by an undercover police stingCredit: Central News
      Wright played for West Ham before moving to MLS footballCredit: Central News More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge ‘issued with ARREST WARRANT after he failed to pay $30k reward for his missing dog’

      by

      AN ARREST warrant has allegedly been issued for ex-Premier League star Daniel Sturridge after he failed to appear in court over £24,400 he was ordered to pay a man for finding his lost dog.The 34-year-old publicly offered a reward for the safe return of his Pomeranian in July 2019 after it had been stolen from his Los Angeles home.
      Daniel Sturridge is yet to pay a man that reunited him with his dogCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      The former Liverpool star is now set to appear in court next monthCredit: PA
      Rapper Killa Fame found and returned Sturridge’s dogCredit: X formerly Twitter / @KILLAFLAME
      A man named Foster Washington, also known as rapper Killa Fame, took credit for reuniting Sturridge with his dog.
      However, he then claimed that he never received the promised reward and subsequently launched a civil lawsuit.
      In December 2021, a Los Angeles court ordered the former Liverpool star to pay $30,000 (£24,400) after he failed to respond to the initial complaint.
      Sturridge was called back to court last month, but the Daily Mail have reported that he did not attend.
      Read More on Football
      He has now been served a bench warrant – a summons issued by a judge to arrest a defendant and bring them before court.
      A new hearing has been set for November 30.
      Sturridge’s representatives did not respond to The Mail for comment.
      The ex-Liverpool striker, who left Anfield in 2019, claimed that he paid a reward after a court hearing in 2021.
      Most read in Football
      He tweeted: “Just to let you know the truth at Christmas. I met a young boy who found my dog and paid him a reward, which he was delighted with, as was I to get my dog back because he was stolen.
      “Other people are trying to benefit for their own personal gain. Thank you to the young boy once again. I’m very grateful Lucci is back with our family.”
      However, Washington told The Mail: “For me, it’s a point of principle. He promised me the money. It’s a substantial amount of money that could change my family’s life.
      “He thinks he is above the law. He thinks because he’s rich he doesn’t have to respond to what’s going on. That’s why I had to have the judge issue a warrant so he has to pay the money.”
      Sturridge has not played professional football since leaving Perth Glory in 2022.
      At the beginning of this season, he was named as a new Sky Sports pundit.
      Sturridge was appointed as a Sky Sports pundit at the beginning of the seasonCredit: Rex More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Antony’s ex Gabriela Cavallin arrives in UK as she’s set to talk to cops over ‘abuse’ claims

      by

      ANTONY’S ex-girlfriend headed to Manchester’s celebrity hotspots after arriving in the UK ahead of her police interview over claims he attacked.Model Gabriela Cavallin has accused the Red Devils star, 23, of assaulting her multiple times during their relationship.
      Gabriela Cavallin pictured at Manchester’s ChinawhiteCredit: instagram
      Gabriela is set to speak to cops over allegations Antony attacked herCredit: instagram
      She claimed that she was first attacked by the £85million winger in June last year, while pregnant and on holiday in Brazil.
      The DJ alleged that Antony then headbutted and punched her, damaging a breast implant, at a hotel in Manchester on January 15 – the day after United’s 2-1 victory over City.
      And Gabriela claimed the Brazilian forward threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
      Gabriela arrived in the UK yesterday ahead of a scheduled chat with cops in Manchester over her claims he attacked her at a hotel in the city.
      More on Antony
      Snaps shared on Instagram show the model posing in a black dress at nightclub Chinawhite.
      Gabriela also posted pictures from inside the plush Japanese restaurant SakkuSamba in Spinningfields.
      Last month, Antony was grilled by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) for five hours over her allegations.
      Antony has strongly denied all allegations made against him and volunteered to meet cops in Manchester for questioning.
      Most read in Football
      He was also voluntarily interviewed by Brazilian cops in June and was free to leave for the UK after cooperating with Sao Paulo police.
      The football star has not been arrested or charged in either the UK or Brazil.
      Gabriela previously exclusively told The Sun on Sunday that she believes Antony should be axed from the Man Utd squad.
      She said: “Antony needs to be taken off the pitch. It’s disappointing he’s still allowed to play while there’s an investigation.
      “I am absolutely destroyed by the whole process. How can life go on as normal for him? They can’t just know what they know now and not do anything. He needs to be removed.”
      Gabriela also demanded to know why United bosses waited three months to respond to the abuse allegations.
      It has been reported in Brazil that Gabriela has told police that £150,000-a-week Antony assaulted her four times.
      Gabriela vowed to keep fighting for her claims to be taken seriously.
      She said: “I will do everything in my power.
      “I will not give up. People need to be held accountable.”
      Antony has repeatedly defended himself and denied accusations, which became public in June.
      He wrote on Instagram: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations that I have been a victim of.
      “From the beginning, I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications to the police.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public.
      “However, I can calmly say that the accusations are false, and that the current evidence and the ones yet to be produced demonstrate my innocence.”
      Gabriela enjoyed dinner at SakkuSambaCredit: instagram
      Antony pictured leaving the police station after being questioned for five hoursCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Maddy Cusack was identified by her devastated dad after Sheffield United star died at Horsley home, inquest hears

      by

      MADDY Cusack was formally identified by her devastated dad after she died at her home, an inquest has heard.The Sheffield United star, 27, died at her home address in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20.
      Maddy died at her home in Derbyshire, an inquest heard todayCredit: Rex
      Maddy in action during an FA Cup match against between Blackburn Rovers in December 2021Credit: Getty
      Floral tributes, shirts and written messages outside Bramall Lane following her deathCredit: Getty
      Tributes poured in from across the world following the announcement of her death, which came as she entered a sixth season with her club – having signed a new deal in July.
      An inquest was opened and and adjourned at Derby Coroner’s Court today as a coroner awaits further details about the cause of her death.
      Assistant Coroner Louise Pinder told the short hearing Ms Cusack’s death was reported to Chesterfield Coroner’s Court by police on September 21.
      She said Ms Cusack, who also worked in Sheffield United’s commercial department as a marketing executive, had been formally identified after her death by her dad David.
      Read more football
      The hearing, which was only attended by members of the press, was also told her cause of death is yet to be ascertained.
      Ms Pinder added: “We are awaiting a police file and the medical cause of death, therefore I am adjourning the inquest for six weeks for further review then the inquest can be listed in due course.”
      Ms Cusack was the Blades’ longest-serving female player and the first to reach 100 appearances.
      In a tribute posted on the club’s official website last month, the club’s chief executive Stephen Bettis said: “This is heart-breaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.
      Most read in Football
      “Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.
      “Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed.
      “While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
      A minute’s silence was held before kick-off and the club’s matchday programme featured on the cover a black and white picture of Cusack in a Sheffield United shirt.
      A number of Lionesses also took to social media to pay their respects.
      Aston Villa and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs wrote: “Sending all our love to Maddy’s family and friends.”
      Tottenham and Lioness forward Beth England posted: “This is devastating news.
      “My thoughts and love go out to her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield United. Rest in peace, Maddy.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Manchester City and England forward Lauren Hemp penned: “Awful awful news, my love and thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield.”
      She previously played for Birmingham City and Aston Villa.
      Sophie Barker and family members paid tribute to Maddy prior to the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty
      Fans held a minute’s silence in her memory ahead of the gameCredit: Getty More