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      Dale Houghton faces jail for mocking football fans with Bradley Lowery pic for ‘banter’ as mum slams ‘unforgivable’ act

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      A “DEPLORABLE” football fan is facing jail for using a picture of tragic Bradley Lowery to mock Sunderland supporters for “banter”.Dale Houghton was one of two men seen smiling as they held up the image of Bradley, who died from cancer aged six, during the Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland match on Friday.
      Dale Houghton has been charged after the picture was used to mock fans
      Houghton is now facing jailCredit: Facebook
      Sunderland superfan Bradley died in 2017 aged sixCredit: PA:Press Association
      The 31-year-old appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today where he admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress.
      The disgraced fan now faces a maximum of six months in prison for the Public Order offence when he sentenced on November 17.
      Houghton was slammed by Bradley’s mum Gemma today for the “unforgivable” act, which drew criticism from all football supporters.
      In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
      “It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
      “This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
      “I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
      Prosecutor Jade Short said Houghton’s antics caused a “huge public revulsion”.
      Most read in Football
      She told the court the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
      The court was also told Houghton has lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act and is facing a ban from attending matches.
      Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realised he was “out of line” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
      Judge James Gould warned Houghton he faces jail as he bailed him on the condition he does not attend any games.
      He will be made to attend a drug intervention programme after testing positive for cocaine, the court heard.
      Houghton is also banned from going within a mile of Hillsborough on match days.
      South Yorkshire Police have applied for a football banning order.
      A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail while investigations continue.
      Football fans were left horrified after the pictures from the game were circulated on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday.
      Brave Bradley’s battle with against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.
      He was diagnosed with the aggressive disease when he was just 18 months old, and tumours spread through his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow.
      After major surgery and gruelling chemotherapy, he pulled through and went into remission for 18 months.
      But the cancer returned in 2016, with his family dealt the crushing blow his disease was terminal.
      The footie-mad youngster had struck up a close bond with Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe, who led him out on to the pitch before several matches.
      Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in his devastated parents’ arms, with Defoe paying an emotional tribute to his “best pal”.
      Speaking after Houghton pleaded guilty today, the ex-England star said he was “appalled and saddened”.
      Defoe said: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
      “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
      “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
      “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Houghton hid his face as he left court todayCredit: Ben Lack
      Jermain Defoe struck up a close friendship with BradleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A charity set up by mum Gemma slammed the fan on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Man, 31, charged with public order offence after tragic picture of Bradley Lowery was used to ‘taunt’ Sunderland fans

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      A MAN has been charged with a public order offence after a picture of Bradley Lowery was used to “taunt” Sunderland fans.Two men displayed an image of the six-year-old Black Cats fan, who tragically died from cancer in 2017, on Friday evening.
      Dale Houghton, 31, has been charged with a public order offence after a picture of Bradley Lowery was used to ‘taunt’ Sunderland fans
      Jermain Defoe pictured with mascot Bradley in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The reports came after the Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland match held at Hillsborough.
      Dale Houghton, 31, from Rotherham, was arrested yesterday and has now been charged with a Section 4a Public Order offence.
      Houghton has been remanded in custody and will appear before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
      South Yorkshire Police have also applied for a football banning order.
      Read more Sports News
      A 27-year-old man, also arrested yesterday, has been released on police bail while further enquiries are conducted.
      Bradley was a mascot for his beloved Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside his hero – former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
      Pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing two men laughing with one of them holding up a picture of Bradley to the camera.
      In a post on Facebook, the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up by the boy’s mother Gemma, said: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
      Most read in Football
      Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
      In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
      Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
      In the wake of Bradley’s death social media was flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
      His mum shared her heartbreak on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Sunderland fan tragically lost his life to cancer in 2017Credit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday More

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      Cops arrest two after football yobs ‘taunted’ Sunderland fans with tragic Bradley Lowery pic – as mum slams ‘low lives’

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      TWO men have been arrested after vile Sheffield Wednesday fans appeared to taunt Sunderland with a tragic Bradley Lowery photo. Pics surfaced yesterday of two men laughing as one holds up a photo of the youngster, who tragically died of cancer in 2017.
      Photos surfaced yesterday of Sheffield Wednesday fans holding up a photo of the late Bradley Lowery during a matchCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
      Sunderland lover Bradley tragically died in 2017 after battling cancer his whole lifeCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday
      The youngster struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The club and police then said they were probing the incident, and apologised to Sunderland fans and Bradley’s loved ones.
      The youngster’s mum yesterday slammed the pair, dubbing them “low lives”.
      Cops have now revealed arrests have been made in relation to their probe, and two men were held in custody overnight.
      The six-year-old Sunderland lover struck up a close bond with Jermain Defoe while the England international played for the club. 
      Read more on football
      The youngster captured the hearts of Brits on and off the field, as he had battled cancer most of his short life before losing the fight six years ago.
      There was widespread outrage yesterday when photos of two men started circulating, with dozens calling for the pair to be banned.
      South Yorkshire Police has now said: “Officers have arrested two men in connection to an ongoing investigation into public order offenses following a football match.
      “On September 29 two men were reported to have carried out an act of outraging public decency following the Sheffield Wednesday V Sunderland fixture held at Hillsborough.
      Most read in Football
      “Officers arrested two men aged 31 and 27 on suspicion of outraging public decency. They both remain in police custody.
      “We are in the early stages of our investigation and continue to urge anyone who believes they have information that can assist to get in touch online, via live chat or by calling 101.”
      Last night Bradley’s mum Gemma revealed her heartbreak over the photo.
      In a post on Facebook, she said: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
      Bradley’s family added: “Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media.
      “I have received a visit from the Durham Police to check that I am ok, and they have notified myself and Carl that Yorkshire police are now dealing with the situation and taking it very serious.
      This is so sad for me to see. Gemma Bradley’s mum
      “Understandably people are angry, if I wasn’t so upset I’d be angry to.
      “Bradley was and still is well loved in the football community, which I’m eternally grateful for, but I must ask that everyone lets the police do their job, and deal with the low lives.”
      Prior to the arrests, Sheffield Wednesday said on social media: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.”
      Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
      In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
      Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
      The Bradley Lowery Foundation was also set up to support other families going though a similar ordeal.
      Bradley’s mum Gemma slammed the men pictured as ‘low lives’Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of Brits prior to his tragic death in 2017Credit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday More

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      Yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with pic of Bradley Lowery are brothers – as mum slams ‘low lifes’ and cops open probe

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      THE vile football yobs who taunted Sunderland fans with a picture of Bradley Lowery are brothers, it has been revealed.Little Bradley captured the nation’s heart during his battle with cancer, but tragically died aged just six in 2017.
      Vile fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery last nightCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
      His mum has now shared her heartbreak on FacebookCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Dale’s (pictured) former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actionsCredit: Facebook
      The two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton (pictured)Credit: Facebook
      He was a mascot for his beloved Sunderland and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside his hero – former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe.
      Pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter, showing two men laughing at the Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland match at Hillsborough on Friday, with one of them holding up a picture of Bradley to the camera.
      It has now emerged the two yobs were brothers Dale and Drew Houghton.
      Dale’s former employer JRI Orthopaedics condemned his actions and claimed he “has not been employed” there for “some time”.
      Read more Sport News
      A full statement read: “JRI want to make clear that we do not condone the posts and images that has caused so much upset to so many people.
      “We wish to confirm that Dale Houghton is an ex-employee of JRI Orthopaedics and has not been employed by the business for some time.”
      In a post on Facebook, the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity set up by the boy’s mother Gemma, said: “This is so sad for me to see – whatever happened to ‘cancer has no colours’, let alone respect for a family that lost their baby to cancer?”
      A statement from the family read: “Today has not been the Saturday I was expecting, after receiving multiple calls and messages regarding a photo circulating on social media.
      Most read in Football
      “I have received a visit from the Durham Police to check that I am ok, and they have notified myself and Carl that Yorkshire police are now dealing with the situation and taking it very serious.
      “Understandably people are angry, if I wasn’t so upset I’d be angry to.
      “Bradley was and still is well loved in the football community, which I’m enternaly [sic] grateful for, but i must ask that everyone lets the police do their job, and deal with the low lives.
      “I want to thank Sheffield Wednesday, for their quick condemnation, and the support their fans have shown.
      “Like we always say, CANCER HAS NO COLOURS, and as we all know it can affect anyone at any time.
      “Thank you all for your kind words, it has really helped and let’s do what we do best at the Bradley Lowery Foundation and turn this negative into a positive. Let’s share this beautiful iconic photo.”
      A spokesperson for Sheffield Wednesday described their actions as “outrageous and deplorable” on X, while South Yorkshire Police said it was working with the club to identify the men.
      A spokesman for the force said: “We are working to investigate public order offences following the Sheffield Wednesday V Sunderland fixture yesterday.
      “We will be working with the club to identity those responsible.
      “Anyone with information is asked to get in touch online or by calling 101.”
      Sheffield Wednesday said in a statement: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
      “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.
      “We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
      Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
      In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
      In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
      Bradley struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      JRI claimed he ‘has not been employed’ there for ‘some time’Credit: Facebook/JRI Orthopaedics
      Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
      The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of BritsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday More

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      Antony’s ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin breaks silence on domestic abuse claims – as Man Utd star returns to training

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      ANTONY’S ex-girlfriend has broken her silence on domestic abuse claims after the Manchester United star returned to training.The Red Devils confirmed the £85million star would return to the fold yesterday after he was put on a leave of absence from the club.
      Gabriela Cavallin claimed she was attacked by the playerCredit: instagram
      Antony denies all allegations against himCredit: Reuters
      Antony denies all allegations and yesterday met with officers for a voluntary interview – where he is understood to have offered to hand over his phone.
      And now his accuser and ex-girlfriend Cavallin has broken her silence since his return.
      “Gabrela Cavallin’s attorneys inform that the crimes committed by the player are still being investigated by the Manchester Police and also the Brazilian Plice, which is why we believe that he will soon be sent to Court, where he will have to face a trial,” a press release read, according to MailOnline.
      “It seems obvious to us that fallacies would be created with the intention that the team bringing him back to training.”
      Read more Sports News
      He was today seen with his girlfriend Rosilene Silva returning to the stadium ahead of the club’s match against Crystal Palace.
      Wearing a sports jacket, Antony was pictured cradling the couple’s son – named Lorenzo.
      Roseilene, 24, was holding a black Man Utd branded umbrella as she lovingly covered her partner and their little boy.
      She appears to be standing by him despite the allegations of abuse from his ex and two other women.
      Most read in Football
      And earlier today, Antony was also pictured in the back of a black Mercedes fan as he arrived at The Carrington Training Complex.
      Man United boss Erik ten Hag yesterday insisted the embattled player’s return to the squad will not be a “distraction”.
      The club has faced numerous controversies in recent months – such as its handling of Mason Greenwood and ten Hag’s ongoing feud with Jadon Sancho.
      Dutch boss ten Hag said he has spoken to Antony.
      The Brazilian, who also faces accusations from one other woman after a third dropped their case, will not be available for selection for today’s fixture.
      The 23-year-old has not played for the club since their 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on September 3.
      He was given time off as he vowed to fight the allegations back in his native Brazil.
      And this week he returned to the UK ahead of his interview with Greater Manchester Police.
      Ten Hag will assess him to see if he is ready to face Galatasaray at home in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
      The Red Devils manager said: “I’ve spoken to him but that doesn’t give the impression how he is — how his mental status is. I can’t tell at this moment, first he has to be back.”
      Asked how he could be welcomed back while Jadon Sancho is exiled after his public bust-up with the boss, Dutchman Ten Hag replied: “Those issues are nothing to do with each other. One is internal, the other one is external.”
      United released the statement confirming the player’s return just over two hours before Ten Hag faced the media to preview the match against Crystal Palace.
      “We make the statement, so I refer to the statement,” Ten Hag said. “I think everything has been made clear in the statement.
      “No, I don’t think it’s a distraction. We focus on the games and he will do as well.”
      Asked for details on his return, the Dutchman said: “On Saturday, he will be back in the training, so tomorrow.
      “I have to see (how fit he is), but I think, yeah (he’s fit).”
      Ten Hag insisted he did not want to stray into “hypothetical” discussions about Antony or stray too far away from the club statement on Friday.
      It has been reported in Brazil that Gabriela has told police that £150,000-a-week Antony assaulted her four times.
      She previously alleged she was first attacked in June 2022 while pregnant and on holiday in Brazil.
      And she claimed in January Antony headbutted and punched her in a Manchester hotel, damaging a breast implant.
      She also alleged he threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
      Cavallin led calls for Antony to be dropped from the squad in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
      Gabriela 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 cant just know what they know now and not do anything. He needs to be removed.”
      Antony gave a tearful interview earlier this month in which he denied the allegations made against him, and stated he does not fear for his United future.
      He said: “It’s something that doesn’t cross my mind. I never touched her.
      “I know that many are massacring me but the truth always comes out. I am 100 per cent sure that I have never touched a woman.
      “I dream of returning to the national team and I want to show that Antony is innocent of all this.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      United parted ways with Mason Greenwood after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against him were dropped.
      Old Trafford chiefs conducted their own investigation and decided it was “appropriate” for club and player to part company.
      Antony and his girlfriend Rosilene Silva arrive at Old TraffordCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Gabriela had urged United to drop him amid the investigationCredit: The Sun
      The star was quizzed by police over allegations of abuseCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      Man Utd’s Antony WON’T be picked for Crystal Palace match despite return to training after police quiz on ‘abuse’ claims

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      MANCHESTER United winger Antony will not play in Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace after being quizzed by cops on domestic abuse allegations.Earlier today the Red Devils said its £85million Brazilian ace would return to training following an agreed leave of absence.
      Antony will not be involved in training or play in today’s match against Crystal Palace, Man United announcedCredit: PA
      The announcement comes after Antony was seen leaving a police station in Manchester where he was quizzed by cops over domestic abuse allegationsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The ace, 23, was spotted leaving the cop shop yesterday following a five-hour grillingCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Man United boss Erik Ten Hag said: “I don’t think it’s a distraction. We will focus on the games. He will do as well.
      “On Saturday, he will be back in training, so tomorrow.”
      The star faced a voluntary police interview yesterday following allegations of assault by his ex Gabriela Cavallin.
      He is currently being investigated by police in both Manchester and Sao Paulo – and was axed from the Brazil national team for their World Cup qualifiers this month.
      Read more about Antony
      It has been reported in Brazil that Gabriela has told police that £150,000-a-week Antony assaulted her four times.
      She previously alleged she was first attacked in June 2022 while pregnant and on holiday in Brazil.
      And she claimed in January Antony headbutted and punched her in a Manchester hotel, damaging a breast implant.
      And she claimed he threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
      Most read in Football
      In a statement today, the Premier League club confirmed the £85million winger’s return to training at Carrington.
      But the star won’t be involved in training today or in Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace.
      Man Utd said: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has cooperated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
      “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed.
      “This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
      “As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse.
      “We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
      Antony, who has made 31 appearances for United since the alleged assaults, has denied all wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.
      The announcement comes after the player was pictured leaving a Manchester police station following a five-hour grilling by cops.
      The winger landed at Manchester Airport on Monday night after flying in from Sao Paulo, Brazil to face the music.
      Antony allegedly contacted Greater Manchester Police and volunteered to meet them for questioning.
      The Man United ace is said to be planning to hand his phone over to officers to aid their investigations, The Times reports.
      And exactly 20 days ago, Cavallin led calls for Antony to be dropped from the squad in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
      Gabriela 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.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Earlier this month, Antony was granted an indefinite leave of absence from the Red Devils.
      Club sources had insisted he had not been suspended and would remain on full pay during his time away from Old Trafford.
      Antony’s ex Gabriela Cavallin accused him of domestic violenceCredit: Instagram More

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      Woman ‘sexually assaulted by pal of Benjamin Mendy after going to party at ex-Man City star’s home’

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      A WOMAN was sexually assaulted by a friend of football star Benjamin Mendy after going to a party at the ex-Manchester City player’s home, a court heard yesterday.The woman — 22 at the time — was in a car at the gates of Mendy’s house with his pal Louis Saha Matturie when she was allegedly attacked in 2021, the jury was told.
      Louis Saha Matturie denies charges of rape and sexual assault against him
      The prosecution claims it happened three months after Matturie raped two teenagers — aged 19 and 17 — in separate incidents at lockdown parties at his flat in Salford in 2021.
      Matturie, 42, of Eccles, Gtr Manchester, denies sexual assault in the car.
      He also denies two charges of rape and a further sexual assault.
      The trial continues at Chester crown court.
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      Ex-world boxing champion Glenn McCrory cleared of sex assault after ‘calling waitress “pet” & touching her elbow’

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      FORMER world champion boxer Glenn McCrory has been cleared of sexual assault after allegedly calling a waitress “pet” and touching her elbow.A jury at the Old Bailey found the star not guilty of three counts of sexual assault after deliberating for just 90 minutes.
      Glenn McCrory outside the Old Bailey today after he was cleared of sexual assaultCredit: Central News
      McCrory with his world champion belt in 1990Credit: Getty
      McCrory fighting Lennox Lewis at the Royal Albert HallCredit: PA
      McCrory, 59, had been a guest speaker at the pre-fight dinner before the Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Uysk world heavyweight title bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 26 September 2021.
      He said that he only touched three waitresses’ arms in a bid to get their attention.
      Prosecutors claimed he deliberately used the term ‘pet’ in an overly flirtatious way – but the boxer told the jury the word is commonly used by Geordies.
      The former world champion boxer said when he arrived at the venue the member of staff who greeted him did not know who he was – could not find his name on the guest list.
      Read More Sport
      McCrory said he had to lean down to speak to her as she was petite and it was noisy, but he had no recollection of touching her.
      He said: “I just leaned down. I may well have touched her elbow but I am a big guy so I would never be forceful.”
      The court was shown CCTV footage of McCrory at the entrance to the dining hall showing him talking with one of the alleged victims.
      It clearly shows him touching her elbow with his hand as he leaned down to speak to her.
      Most read in Boxing
      He told jurors that he was asking her where his table was, and that he touched her elbow due to their height difference.
      Scott Brady, defending, asked: “Do you think you were intending to be flirtatious?”
      The ex-fighter replied: ‘No.’ He also denied winking to her.
      After he had given his speech, which lasted 20-30 minutes, McCrory returned to his table.
      He said he hadn’t been given a starter, after being told one would be kept for him.
      McCrory said when he tried to raise this one of the servers had a “troubled reaction” to his use of the word “pet” while speaking to her.
      He said: “Everyone on the table noticed the reaction.”
      All I wanted to do was get my dinner and watch the fightGlenn McCrory
      McCrory added that in the north-east of England the word ‘pet’ is a term of endearment, and is often used to address young women in the same way you might address a man as ‘mate’.
      He said that when she came back to his table he tried to get her attention to ask her about his starter.
      The boxing star said: “She turned her back on me as I was trying to talk to her, blatantly ignoring me, so I touched her elbow.
      “I was trying to get her attention. She turned around and said it was in the bin.
      “All I wanted to do was get my dinner and watch the fight.”
      CCTV footage played in court showed McCrory interacting with other guests at the event.
      A number of people were taking selfies with the former champion as he hugged and put his arms around them.
      “You are being very tactile with these people,” Mr Brady said.
      McCrory agreed, adding: “If they are being friendly and I am in the right environment.”
      He added that this was the way he normally interacted with others at events like this.
      Mr Brady asked him: “If you touched those waitresses…was there anything sexual about it?”
      McCrory replied: “Absolutely not.” He also said he has poor eyesight, and has scar tissue in his eyes due to congenital problems and damage sustained during his boxing career.
      This can cause him to rub his eyes and blink a lot.
      The women had claimed McCrory touched them in a sexual manner without their consent, repeatedly winked at them and slurred his words.
      It’s how we talk. That’s part of the Geordie.Glenn McCrory
      McCrory – a cruiserweight once known as the ‘Northern Warrior’ – had insisted he was misunderstood and people are friendlier in the north east than in London.
      In his police interview he said he said he had no recollection of touching a waitress, but that if he had done so it would only have been to get their attention.
      He described the service as ‘very poor’ and said one server ‘scarpered’ when he approached her to ask where the toilet was.
      McCrory said that using words like ‘pet’ was normal in the north-east of England, and that he had not intended to cause any offence.
      He explained: “It’s how we talk. That’s part of the Geordie.
      “I very well could have called her a darling, called her a pet, but 100 per cent how we speak.’
      He said that he was unaware anything untoward had happened that night, and that he had been ‘astounded’ when he later received a letter from the police notifying him of the complaints.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Asked if he had intended to cause any of the waitresses stress or alarm he replied: “Absolutely not.”
      McCrory, of Burnopfield, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, denied and was cleared of three charges of sexual assault.
      The former world champion in action against Patrick Lumumba in 1989Credit: Getty More