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    Ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves ‘groped TWO other women on night of rape’ court hears…with model wife poised to testify

    FORMER Barcelona star Dani Alves has been accused of groping two other women on the night he allegedly raped someone else in a nightclub toilet.His estranged model wife Joana Sanz is set to testify in her husband’s rape trial today and tell the court that Alves rang her “drunk” from the club where he allegedly forced himself on a 23-year-old woman.
    Footballer Dani Alves in court on the the first day of his trial in Barcelona yesterdayCredit: Reuters
    The rape case – on its second day today – is set to last until WednesdayCredit: EPA
    Joana Sanz arrives at court on Tuesday to testifyCredit: EPA
    Model Joana Sanz walks into court on February 6Credit: Splash
    Alves with wife Joana Sanz in 2018 – the model filed for divorce last yearCredit: PA:Press Association
    The Brazilian defender, 40, has been accused of raping a woman in an upmarket Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
    During the first day of the footballer’s trial yesterday, a friend and cousin of his accuser claimed he also groped them in the VIP area, local media reports.
    The two women claim he then invited their friend, the alleged rape victim, to follow him through a separate door after flirting with her.
    Alves has admitted to having sex with the alleged victim in the toilet of the club since the allegations surfaced, but insists it was consensual.
    READ MORE ON DANI ALVES
    Spanish prosecutors have said they want the defender – who has been in pre-trial detention for over a year – jailed for nine years if he is convicted.
    And the lawyer representing the dad-of-two’s accuser has called for him to face the maximum 12-year prison sentence if he is found guilty.
    Both prosecutors are also seeking a compensation payment of £128,000.
    Under Spanish law excess alcohol consumption can serve to reduce a prison sentence in the case of a guilty verdict – as Sanz is expected to testify that he was drunk.
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    His model wife, who was married to Alves for almost seven years, filed for divorce last year after the explosive accusations surfaced.
    The Tenerife-born beauty claimed Alves complicated things by contesting her attempts to end their marriage.
    And a Spanish TV programme went on to claim the brunette had been asked to leave his home in Barcelona after refusing to sign a confidentiality agreement.
    But confirmation of their separation came at the end of April last year after the footballer changed his version of events and it is believed the pair are in the midst of divorce proceedings.
    If as expected his wife testifies on his behalf today, it will mark an extraordinary turnaround in the relationship between the high-profile pair.
    Timeline of Dani Alves’s case
    December 30, 2022: A woman alleges she was sexually assaulted in the toilets of Sutton nightclub
    January 1, 2023: Cops in Barcelona are investigating an alleged sexual assault in a nightclub involving Dani Alves.
    January 5, 2023: Dani Alves’s alleged victim makes a formal complaint claiming she was sexually assaulted
    CCTV footage shows Alves had been alone for 47 seconds in a toilet at the nightclub with his accuser
    January 20, 2023: Alves had been remanded in custody by a judge in Barcelona
    He initially denies ever meeting his accuser but later confirms they had sex in the nightclub’s toilets – but insists was consensual
    January 31, 2023: His wife Joana Sanz, 29, demands divorce
    February 8, 2023: It emerges that Alves is said to be receiving ‘VIP treatment’ in prison
    March 17, 2023: Alves is going on hunger strike following split from wife
    November 14, 2023: The footballer is ordered to stand trial for the alleged assault
    November 24, 2023: Prosecutors demand nine years jail time and to pay the alleged victim  £130,000, if found guilty
    February 5, 2024: Alves appears in court in Spain facing twelve years in jail

    Alves initially claimed he had never met his female accuser before telling a judge in a court hearing he had lied to cover up his “marital infidelity.”
    He appeared at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court on Monday morning for the first day of his trial, which is set to last until Wednesday.
    The three judges, who are sitting without a jury as is normal in Spain for sex crime cases, have around a fortnight to announce a verdict once the trial ends.
    Alves’ rape accuser has been given permission to testify behind closed doors during the case – but according to G1 gave testimony in the same room as Alves yesterday.
    The footballer will have the option to take the stand on the last day.
    This week’s trial is the first time the former defender has appeared publicly since his arrest in January last year.
    He was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest in Barcelona at the start of last year after he flew back to the Catalan capital to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral.
    His wife shared a post on Instagram in March 2023 that read: “I think it’s going to take me years to erase from my memory his way of looking at me.”
    Alves responded with a grovelling letter which was later leaked to a Spanish TV station.
    The note, addressed to “My Dear Joana” and written in Spanish, said: “In these difficult moments, I regret your decision and I hope that life gives us another chance to love you again.
    “I understand the pain the unjust situation we are experiencing is causing and I understand that you have not been able to withstand all that pressure.
    “The facts of which I am accused are foreign to me and to the values that have guided my life: love, respect and effort.
    “I will continue fighting as I have always done, believing in myself with the support and confidence of those who know who I really am.”
    He also delivered a desperate pre-trial apology to the model for “cheating on her”, and said in an interview from his cell: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.”
    Sanz is one of 22 witnesses who will give evidence during the trial today.
    A male friend who was out with him on the night of the alleged rape is also set to take the stand alongside a number of cops.
    As well as two spells at Barcelona, Alves has played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo.
    He is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time and became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup in December 2022 in Qatar.
    The former football star has made repeated bail requests – which have all been rejected.
    Judges have said his alleged victim’s version of events is coherent and whereas Alves had changed his story several times as the evidence authorities have against him has emerged.
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    At the start of the year his mum Lucia Alves caused controversy and left herself open to future prosecution by naming and picturing her son’s rape accuser in a social media post she has now removed.
    She was seen at court yesterday with Alves’ two brothers but made no comment.
    Dani Alves’ mother, Lucia Alves leaves the courthouse with family members on MondayCredit: The Mega Agency
    Alves’ family speaking to a court official in BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    Dani Alves playing for Barcelona in January 2022Credit: Getty
    Joana Sanz supporting Alves at a matchCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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    Dani Alves appears in court for ‘nightclub toilet rape’ trial as ex-Barcelona star, 40, faces 12 years in prison

    FORMER Barcelona star Dani Alves is set to appear in court this morning as he is facing a 12-year prison sentence for rape.The 40-year-old Brazilian defender was driven to court in a police van from Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona where he has been held on remand for more than a year.
    Dani Alves is facing 12 years behind bars after he was accused of rapeCredit: AFP
    The footballer appeared in court in Barcelona this morningCredit: Reuters
    Prosecutors are also seeking a compensation payment of £128,000Credit: EPA
    The footballer’s mum Lucia Alves arrived in court in Barcelona for his trialCredit: AFP
    A van of Barcelona’s Mossos d’Esquadra arrives at the High Court of Justice of CataloniaCredit: AFP
    Alves’s family speaking to a court official in BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    Media outside the court ahead of Alves’s trialCredit: Rex
    State prosecutors have said they wanted him jailed for nine years if convicted of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
    The dad-of-two has previously confirmed he had sex with a woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.
    A lawyer acting for Alves’ female accuser, has called for him to face the maximum 12-year prison sentence if he is found guilty.
    Both prosecutors are also seeking a compensation payment of £128,000.
    READ MORE ON DANI ALVES
    Failing an eleventh-hour plea bargain deal, the trial will start at 10am local time at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court and is scheduled to last for three days.
    The three judges, who are sitting without a jury as is normal in Spain for sex crime cases, have around a fortnight to return their verdict once the trial ends and will announce their decision in a written ruling.
    Alves, who can opt to take the stand on the last day, has insisted he had consensual sex with the woman who has accused him of forcing himself on her.
    At first he had claimed to have never met the woman in question, before backtracking at a later date and saying the pair had consensual sex.
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    It was also initially reported he had put his hands down a woman’s underwear in the club’s VIP area’s toilets, but it later emerged the 23-year-old was alleging she had been the victim of rape.
    She has been given permission to testify behind-closed-doors.
    Dani Alves’ estranged wife shares kiss with female pal on Instagram after ‘demanding divorce’ over star’s rape charges
    Her cousin and a female friend who were with her the night of the alleged sex attack are among the witnesses called to give evidence along with waiters in the VIP area of Sutton’s where Alves met the woman whose accusations ended with his arrest and incarceration ahead of today’s trial.
    Alves’ wife Joana Sanz will testify on behalf of the footballer following his pre-trial public apology to the model for “cheating on her” with the woman who claims he raped her.
    The footballer was ordered to stand trial last November.
    Initially, it was reported Alves had been accused of putting his hands down a woman’s underwear inside a toilet in the VIP area of Sutton nightclub before it emerged his alleged victim was saying she had been raped.
    He was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest in Barcelona at the start of last year after he flew back to the Catalan capital to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral.
    He has made repeated bail requests but they have all been turned down, with judges saying his alleged victim’s version of events was coherent and pointing out Alves had changed his story several times as the evidence authorities have against him has emerged.
    Alves claimed before his arrest he had never met his female accuser but ended up backtracking after being held.
    In an exclusive interview from his cell in Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona last June with Spanish TV and newspaper reporter Mayka Navarro, he claimed: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.”
    As well as two spells at Barcelona, Alves has played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo.
    He is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    He became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup in December 2022 in Qatar.
    At the start of the year his mum Lucia Alves caused controversy and left herself open to future prosecution by naming and picturing her son’s rape accuser in a social media post she has now removed.
    The dad-of-two is facing 12 years behind bars
    He was accused of raping a woman in the toilets of Sutton nightclub in Barcelona
    The Brazilian defender admitted having sex with a woman in the nightclub but insisted it was consensualCredit: PA:Press Association
    He has publicly apologised to his wife Joana Sanz
    Timeline of Dani Alves’s case
    December 30, 2022: A woman alleges she was sexually assaulted in the toilets of Sutton nightclub
    January 1, 2023: Cops in Barcelona are investigating an alleged sexual assault in a nightclub involving Dani Alves.
    January 5, 2023: Dani Alves’s alleged victim makes a formal complaint claiming she was sexually assaulted
    CCTV footage shows Alves had been alone for 47 seconds in a toilet at the nightclub with his accuser
    January 20, 2023: Alves had been remanded in custody by a judge in Barcelona
    He initially denies ever meeting his accuser but later confirms they had sex in the nightclub’s toilets – but insists was consensual
    January 31, 2023: His wife Joana Sanz, 29, demands divorce
    February 8, 2023: It emerges that Alves is said to be receiving ‘VIP treatment’ in prison
    March 17, 2023: Alves is going on hunger strike following split from wife
    November 14, 2023: The footballer is ordered to stand trial for the alleged assault
    November 24, 2023: Prosecutors demand nine years jail time and to pay the alleged victim  £130,000, if found guilty
    February 5, 2024: Alves appears in court in Spain facing twelve years in jail More

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    Blow to Jack Grealish as cops probing £1m raid on his mansion suspect overseas gang was involved and have ‘zero leads’

    POLICE investigating a £1million raid on Jack Grealish’s mansion suspect an overseas gang was involved.Cops have “zero leads” on the break-in at the footie star’s home despite exhaustive inquiries.
    Police suspect the £1 million raid on Jack Grealish’s mansion was the work of an overseas gangCredit: Getty
    Jack’s fiancée Sasha Attwood was in at the time of the raid and raised the alarmCredit: Instagram
    And they are now increasingly convinced the burglary on December 27 — as he played for Man City but while relatives and his fiancée Sasha Attwood were at the property — was the work of a gang with foreign links.
    Reports have previously suggested it could have been an inside job.
    But a security source said: “The fact police have made so many inquiries locally, and come up with nothing, has made them think it is linked to a foreign gang.
    “That, of course, makes it much harder for them to be traced, especially if they have flown into the UK and then fled abroad.
    READ MORE JACK GREALISH
    “The talk among players and their security teams is it could be linked to a South American gang, who have been known to target homes of the wealthy here before.
    “It makes it seem increasingly unlikely it will be solved.
    “Jack will then become the latest in a long line of footballers who have had their properties raided with no one caught.”
    The raiders struck at the £5.6million Cheshire pad as Grealish, 28, played in City’s 3-1 win at Everton.
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    Terrified Sasha, 27, heard movement upstairs and raised the alarm but the gang fled within minutes with watches and gems worth £1million.
    Footie stars have been plagued by raiders, amid fears that “away-day” gangs are jetting to the UK specifically to carry out burglaries.
    Last August two Chilean women who flew to Britain as “burglary tourists” and raided a businessman’s home were jailed.
    Cheshire Police confirmed they had made no arrests and inquiries continued. More

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    We must never give an inch to footy thugs after West Brom vs Wolves clash, I remember the dark days all too well

    REARING its ugly face at The Hawthorns, crowd violence was the worst news in our football since the last time.We must not give it an inch because do so and repeats of the problem that invaded us in the 70s and 80s might well damn us again.
    Chaos ensued between West Brom and Wolves fans in the FA Cup Black Country derbyCredit: PA
    Fighting broke out in the home end at The HawthornsCredit: PA
    A fan was escorted out of the ground by emergency services covered in blood
    Acting together, clubs, the authorities and the police have used techniques to control if not to eradicate hooliganism inside grounds and  the streets around them.
    In the end only the certainty of being caught, guaranteed punishment and respect for other supporters have led to much-diminished violence.
    There are counter forces as well.
    Drugs, alcohol, over-excitement, ignorance, rivalry and sheer criminality play their part.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    At West Brom’s home FA Cup-tie with neighbours Wolves several of these factors were at work, in particular hatred and the away team’s second and likely decisive goal.
    In the moments afterwards a stray Wolves fan overdid the exultation in an Albion section, and trouble followed, sadly inevitably.
    From where I sat, in a comfy chair elsewhere, it was clear that the TNT cameras were trying to pinpoint the site of the outbreak.
    They weren’t very successful.
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    Kyle Bartley was forced to lead his children away from the crowd trouble
    But when Albion’s brawny centre-back Kyle Bartley scrambled through the pack holding his two young children tightly, it was clear we had a ­serious problem.
    Great credit to the police, stewards and pre-planners in case of a red-hot rumpus, in the end we had half an hour’s shutdown of play, a chap with a blood-streaked face and six arrests.
    Not a small incident and one freighted with enormous repercussions.
    When I joined Birmingham in 1993, the club were still tarnished with the reputation of the Zulu gang and the St Andrew’s riot at the end of the match with Leeds on May 11, 1985.
    Madness was on hand that day.
    A crazed idiot punched a police horse to the ground.
    Then a dozen or so jumped a wall, pulled down a long advertising hoarding and charged down the pitch behind it, knocking over police and horses.
    A 15-year-old lad tragically died, 145 police were injured, 125 fans arrested and at least 50 went to hospital. 
    On the same day 56 people died in a fire at Bradford’s Valley Parade ground.
    A joint inquiry on both led to new standards of safety in UK stadiums.
    Later, the Hillsborough disaster added to the urgency for new standards of policing major events.
    Our clubs, together with various authorities, also introduced high-standard stewarding and crowd control both inside stadiums and in the vicinity.
    Behaviour is monitored in car parks and in stations and even trains.
    My club has had plenty of experiences of bad behaviour as they cause me both fear and fury.
    Away to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar last season we started celebrating reaching the Europa Conference League final when our players’ family and friends were attacked at the final whistle.
    An AZ mob broke through a fence and attacked our contingent in the stadium.
    There was a brawl in which our players, including then-captain Declan Rice attempted to quieten them.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    We have to ensure The Hawthorns skirmish doesn’t become the start of something horrible — a raging battle in which bloodied heads are but a precursor of mayhem.
    I pray this is not so.
    AZ Supporters attacked relatives of West Ham United players during their Conference League matchCredit: Getty More

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    Major TV change for Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea as kick-off time announced amid police fears

    A MAJOR scheduling change has been forced on the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool amid police fears. The Wembley showpiece was due to kick off at 4.30pm on Sunday.
    A major TV change has been forced on the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and LiverpoolCredit: PA
    But the Metropolitan Police requested that it be brought forward after the rivalling Premier League sides made it to the final.
    Cops deemed the fixture as “high risk” and requested that it gets under way no later than 3pm.
    And now their wish has been granted, with kick-off moved back 90 minutes.
    An EFL spokesperson said: “Following representations from the @metpoliceuk, the local safety advisory group has determined the 2024 @Carabao_Cup Final will now kick-off at 3pm.
    read more in football
    “Having previously scheduled the usual 4.30pm kick off time with @wembleystadium and @SkySports, it is disappointing to note the change at this late stage.”
    The FA has issued a 3pm TV blackout on Saturdays since the 1960s and is set to stay for another five years.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    But it does not apply for Sundays, meaning the Carabao Cup clash can proceed with the amended time
    The game will be broadcast by Sky Sports.
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    Chelsea booked their place in the final by overcoming a 1-0 first leg loss to Middlesbrough by winning the return tie 6-1.
    Liverpool meanwhile overcame Fulham to set up a repeat of the 2022 final, which the Reds won on penalties.
    Liverpool won the Carabao Cup in 2022Credit: Marc Aspland – The Times More

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    Football hooligans must face criminal charges and match bans, Rishi Sunak says after weekend of violence

    FOOTBALL hooligans must face the full force of the law, Rishi Sunak has warned after a weekend of chaos. The PM blasted yobs who ran riot at FA cup games – demanding match bans and even criminal charges for those involved.
    Violence broke out at the West Brom vs Wolves derby yesterday
    One fan was led away with blood pouring from his head
    A “day of disgrace” saw violence erupt between fans at the West Brom vs Wolves clash on Sunday. 
    The derby even had to be halted while police tried to break up fighting in the stands and stop thugs storming the pitch.
    Mr Sunak’s spokesman said this morning: “Those scenes are extremely concerning. There’s no place for that kind of behaviour in football. 
    “The PM believes everyone should be able to watch their team without any threats of violence or antisocial behaviour.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    “And he firmly expects anyone involved to face criminal charges and to be banned from future games.”
    Downing Street praised the “bravery” of cops and confirmed talks about clubs contributing to the cost of policing games.
    West Midlands Police have said six people were arrested following the outbreak of violence.
    The force said in a statement: “We have extra officers at this local derby and they responded immediately as disorder in the stands caused fans to spill onto the pitch.
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    “Five people have now been arrested for public order offences relating to the disorder in the ground.
    “Another man was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon prior to the match outside of the ground.
    “We worked with officials to get the game restarted as soon as possible. A man has been taken to hospital with head injuries.”
    The FA also condemned the violence at The Hawthorns and are investigating.
    Away fans infiltrating the Home end has become a growing problem in football.
    Police had to intervene as chaos broke out in one corner of The Hawthorns, moments after Matheus Cunha had put Wolves 2-0 up against West Brom in the 78th minute. More

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    I’m 5ft and was left dizzy when falling Maidstone fan crushed me – but Ipswich FC didn’t even offer me a cup of tea

    A 5ft FOOTBALL fan was left dizzy when a falling Maidstone supporter crushed her – but says her beloved Ipswich Town FC didn’t even offer her a cup of tea.Sixth-tier Maidstone pulled off a huge FA Cup upset after beating second-placed Championship side Ipswich 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
    A Maidstone fan tumbled down the roof after his side scored against IpswichCredit: TikTok / @brxndonio
    The man landed on Ipswich fan Jo Peters (pictured on Saturday before the game)Credit: Supplied
    The club is probing the bizarre scenes
    Lamar Reynold’s strike just before half time sent the 4,500 travelling Maidstone fans into bedlam – with one man tumbling down the roof onto a group of Ipswich fans in the tier below.
    Jo Peters, 51, said she bore the brunt of the 6ft-tall Maidstone fan’s fall before he bounced onto an elderly man in front of her.
    Mum-of-three Jo told The Sun: “He kicked me hard in the back of the head and on my back.
    “I’m just 5ft1 and have scoliosis – God knows how I’ll feel tomorrow.
    Read More Sun Exclusives
    “My first reaction was anger, then shock. I said, “You just fell on me – what the f***.
    “He was totally intoxicated and couldn’t get up until the stewards flew up and chucked him out.”
    First aiders checked Jo at the edge of the pitch after the blow to her head left her feeling dizzy.
    She felt nauseated and breathless throughout the second half, saying she was “oblivious” when Ipswich briefly went level.
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    ‘FOBBED OFF’
    The elderly man who was also knocked by the tumbling Maidstone fan was reportedly in good spirits, cheering when Jeremy Sarmiento scored in the 56th minute.
    But when Maidstone went back just ahead ten minutes later, Jo gripped the ledge behind her for fear of getting hurt again.
    Jo said: “We asked to speak to the stadium management and were taken to the directors’ box.
    “They didn’t even offer me a cup of tea – and told me that accidents happen and it was no one’s fault.
    “I feel let down by my club. I’ve been going to Ipswich for ten years and love it – but they just fobbed me off.
    “I’ve never seen a group of away fans as hostile as Maidstone today – there were nowhere near enough stewards or police.”
    She added: “The officer who I spoke to told me they haven’t got enough resources.
    “But after the guy fell suddenly there were cops boxing off the away section – why weren’t they there in the first place?
    “I’ve seen the footage of two or three more away fans getting held up after they fell over the barrier.
    “If they had fallen too, they could have landed on a little kid or someone in a wheelchair.
    “I’d have been even worse off if I was standing – I’m never going back to that stand under the away fans.”
    ‘LIKE A WARZONE’
    Jo’s partner Aaron is a lifelong Ipswich fan whose family have been going to Portman Road for over a century.
    The 43-year-old has even worked at the stadium and knows it inside out.
    Aaron told The Sun: “They gave the whole of the top tier to Maidstone but didn’t box them in away from the home fans.
    “It would never have happened back in the day when there were far more cops and stewards.
    “I’m a true blue, I’ve been countless times and have never seen it that bad. It was like a warzone today.
    “The club is responsible for everyone being safe – the people we spoke to were out of their depth.
    “I’ve been going for 43 years. It’s not good enough and no way to treat anyone – let alone a lifelong fan.
    “A man fell out of the air and landed on Jo’s lap but the club just blamed the police and the police blamed the club.
    “I’ll never stop loving my club and will never stop going to games – but we want an apology in writing from the very top.
    “The owners are putting profit before safety.”
    Ipswich Town said it was investigating the incident, and will ensure those affected are contacted and updated with an outcome.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Earlier today, a spokesperson said: “The Club is aware of an incident involving a Maidstone United supporter in the Cobbold Stand at Portman Road during today’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round fixture.
    “The Club is investigating the issue thoroughly.” More

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    Moment Phil Foden’s mum is put in handcuffs after she’s kicked out of club for drunkenly flipping cap off man’s head

    THIS is the moment Phil Foden’s mum was put in handcuffs after she was kicked out of a seaside nightclub following a booze-fuelled argument with a male clubber.Claire Rowlands, 44, was cuffed by officers called to the scene after she was thrown out of Bentley’s nightclub on September 9 last year in Towyn, north Wales.
    Footage showed Rowlands with a glass in her handCredit: cps
    Rowlands held out her arms as police tried to talk to herCredit: cps
    Cops tried to question Rowlands but she refusedCredit: CPS
    Phil Foden with his mum after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match between England and SenegalCredit: Getty
    Rowlands, who admitted being drunk and disorderly when she appeared before magistrates in Llandudno, had downed tequila and vodka during a girl’s night out.
    She kicked off after bouncers ejected her for a row sparked by her “party trick” of flicking off a man’s cap, a court heard.
    After she grabbed a baseball cap from Paul Shortman, 42, and it dropped on the floor, she then swung an arm towards him and was asked to leave the venue.
    Her night then took a further turn for the worse when she drunkenly clashed with cops.

    The 52-second clip which was shown in court shows Claire aggressively confronting police officers who were called to the scene.
    Claire says: “Go on then, what’ve I done? Don’t come into my face unless you’ve got evidence. No I will not.
    “You’re coming over to me. No, he’s coming over to me.”
    I do not drink often but when I do, I make up for time. I am like an animal.”Claire RowlandsPolice interview
    A friend adds: “She’s coming home with me”.
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    But the PC tells the woman to “stop”, adding “she’s staying with us for a minute.”
    Rowlands continues: “We can walk off because we’ve done nowt wrong” while the PC adds “we need to talk to you for a minute, wait there”.
    The 44-year-old then tells him: “We’ve done no criminal offence, we going, thankyou, thankyou”, as someone else can be heard saying “f*** off”.
    Another PC again tells Rowlands they “need a word” before she once again refuses and takes a swig of her drink.
    Another woman then screams “don’t do that, you dare start chasing my mate” as Rowlands spreads her arms out wide and asks “what’ve I done” and is surrounded by officers.
    “Get off her,” adds another group member.
    On Tuesday Rowlands, of Prestbury, Cheshire, was cleared of assaulting Mr Shortman but she was fined £100, with £85 prosecution costs and a £40 surcharge having previously admitted being drunk and disorderley in a public place.
    During the hearing at Llandudno magistraes court, PC Stephen Gunning said she had been “stumbling with her speech slurred and her eyes glazed”.
    She had been abusive to officers and body worn footage showed her shouting at them to “f*** off ” before she was placed in handcuffs and arrested.
    During police interview, Rowlands admitted: “I kicked off with the police officers. I was a bit of a b***h.”
    She also told cops she was “like an animal” when she had been drinking.
    She said: “I do not drink often but when I do, I make up for time. I am like an animal.”
    It comes as Rowlands told Llandudno magistrates’ court she had been invited to a pal’s caravan for a “respite break”.
    Rowlands, wed to Phil Foden Snr, 45, told JPs caring for her disabled son was “hard work most of the time”.
    As a result, two pals had treated her to a weekend in a caravan owned by the aunt of a friend.
    The incident happened outside Sunny’s in Towyn, North Wales, which also houses nightclub Bentley’sCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
    She hid under her coat as she left Llandudno magistrates’ courtCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
    Phil Foden previously shared a post thanking his parents Claire Rowlands and Phil Snr for their love and supportCredit: Instagram
    Rowlands told the court the plan had been to “have a laugh” and “let our hair down”.
    The 44-year-old said she was necking vodka and tequila shots and the group moved to Sunny’s bar in Towyn.
    When this closed at 10pm they headed to the club Bentley’s upstairs.
    Rowlands said: “My friends were speaking to a couple of lads.
    “There was no animosity, I was drunk and enjoying myself.”
    The court heard that she was asked to leave by ­doormen who accused her of assaulting someone.
    ‘It was just a bit of fun really’
    A 30-second CCTV clip played for magistrates showed Rowlands knocking a baseball cap off Paul Shortman’s head before picking it up off the floor and swinging her arm in a bid to put it back on him.
    Her solicitor Simon Martin asked her: “What was going through your mind?”
    She replied: “I was just drunk. I was having a bit of fun. I had done it to a lad earlier. It was just a bit of fun, really.”
    Mr Martin asked: “Did you have any intent to harm him?”
    She replied: “No.” Mr Martin said the CCTV showed her walk across the dancefloor and pick up the cap.
    “I kicked off with the police officers. I was a bit of a b***h.”Claire RowlandsPolice interview
    She said: “I was just wanting to put his cap back on.”
    Mr Martin said Mr Shortman ducked and the cap went on the floor again without physical contact.
    Rowlands said: “I was drunk. It was just a bit of fun, a bit of ­banter. I just could not believe it, that I could get into trouble for knocking someone’s cap off. It’s my party trick, knocking someone’s cap off and putting it back on.”
    Rowlands disagreed that her actions had been reckless.
    She added: “I did not mean him any harm or to hurt him and you can see that on the video. It was just a bit of banter which has been taken the wrong way.”
    DRUNK AND DISORDERLY
    In his closing speech Mr Martin said: “The video speaks for itself. Yes, she knocks his cap off and it goes to the floor. It is not a criminal offence. This is not a case of someone being punched or kicked. You can see it for what it is, a storm in a tea cup.”
    The court heard Mr Shortman had not attended to give evidence.
    Chairman of the magistrates, Duncan Campbell, said the prosecution had not proved assault.
    He added: “It is clear at the time that you were drunk, fooling around having fun. It is for the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and that you intended to use force.
    “It is telling that Mr Shortman has not attended and that your actions were not consensual. Therefore we find you not guilty.”
    She was cleared of assault by beating but fined £100 for being drunk and disorderly, with £85 costs and a £40 surcharge.
    Rowlands was given 90 days to pay.
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    She left court with her coat over her head, along with Phil Snr.
    The couple are directors of PWF Management Ltd, named after their son’s initials, Philip Walter Foden.
    SUPS ‘N DOWNS
    PHIL Foden’s proud mum Claire has ­supported his career since his footballing talent was spotted aged four.
    A Manchester City scout was alerted to Foden while he was at Bridge Hall primary in working-class Edgeley, Stockport.
    But life has not all been plain sailing. In May 2021 Claire was caught in a boozy brawl which left a woman with black eyes.
    Katie Skitt needed a tetanus jab after finding bite marks in Stockport.
    In February 2022 Claire clashed with boxing fans after Phil was verbally abused following Kell Brook’s win over Amir Khan.
    Phone footage showed her appearing to push a yob before he swung at her. Another man punched out in her defence.
    Cops investigated and City said the club was appalled by the assault on Claire.
    A month later she and hubby Phil Snr provoked complaints to police over loud music at their £2.85million home.

    The footballer shared a sweet Instagram post thanking his mum and dad, Claire and Phil Snr, for making his career possibleCredit: instagram
    Phil Foden during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James’ Park on January 13 2024Credit: Rex More