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      Maddy Cusack update as Sheffield United reveals death probe findings after ‘spirit was allowed to be broken by football’

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      SHEFFIELD United’s probe into the death of Maddy Cusack has found “no evidence of wrongdoing”.The Blades midfielder and vice-captain died at her home address in Derbyshire on September 20, aged 27.
      Maddy Cusack died at her home address in Derbyshire on September 20, aged 27Credit: PA
      The midfielder and vice-captain was the longest-serving player in their squadCredit: Getty
      Derbyshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
      The club launched a “thorough external investigation” after her family claimed her spirit “was allowed to be broken” by football.
      A statement from Sheffield United said: “Following a thorough review of the valuable input provided by each of the key witnesses put forward by Maddy’s family and the Club, the investigation has found no evidence of wrongdoing.
      “The Club is always looking for ways to evolve and will reflect on the outcomes and recommendations arising from the investigation to consider how processes and policies may be improved.”
      Read more Sports News
      Prior to her death, Cusack had just started her sixth season with the Blades in the Women’s Championship and was the longest-serving player in their squad, with over 100 appearances.
      The former England youth international signed a new contract extension with the Blades in July and also worked as a marketing executive for the club.
      A speech, read by her mum, Deborah, at a memorial service in October said: “My beautiful daughter, Madeleine.
      “The saddest and most utterly heart-breaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak to you today is because of football.
      Most read in Football
      “From February this year, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that we had so fiercely protected, was allowed to be broken, taking her away from me.”
      In an additional statement the family revealed Sheffield United had agreed to appoint a firm to carry out a probe into the events surrounding Maddy’s death.
      The statement said: “Those who knew Maddy well will be aware that she had no long-standing mental health issues or troubles.
      “Not that there would be anything to be ashamed of if there were, but there were not. Those that didn’t know her need to know that.
      “Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, care-free girl with everything to live for and last Christmas could be described as being at her happiest.
      “This all changed gradually from February this year.
      “It is no secret, nor should it be, that Sheffield United have agreed, at the request of Maddy’s family, to carry out a thorough external investigation into the events that her family believe contributed significantly to her passing at the tender age of 27.
      “The Maddy Cusack Foundation — Fierce, Determined and Spirited #MC8.” More

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      in Boxing

      Tragedy as teen boxer, 14, dies after collapsing during fight when referee ‘failed to stop bout in time’

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      A TEENAGE boxer has died after collapsing during a fight when the referee “failed to stop” the match in time.Shocking footage shows young boxing star Timofey Shadrin, 14, lose consciousness during the finals of a competition in Russia.
      Timofey Shadrin, a gifted teenage boxer, died during a match after collapsing in the ringCredit: East2West
      He had been hit by his rival before staggering back towards the edge of the ring
      Timofey (right) was a gifted young boxer who had made it to the finals of a junior competition
      The youngster died soon afterwards as he was rushed to hospital in Pervouralsk, in the Sverdlovsk region.
      He had appeared to hold his own in the fight but when the pair were separated by the referee, he backed slowly towards the ropes, and fell. 
      “When the boy became ill, the referee did not immediately stop the fight,” said an eyewitness. 
      “That’s why he missed some blows.
      READ MORE BOXING
      “Plus, his opponent was shorter, and at that moment, he hit him in the liver.”
      It was only when Timofey retreated into the corner and collapsed in the ring that the fight was stopped, said those watching. 
      The other boy initially celebrated but then realised Timofey was in trouble and went to try and help. 
      Coaches and medics also rushed into the ring as the tragedy unfolded. 
      Most read in Boxing
      Sports journalist Alexander Lyutikov said: “A 14-year-old boxer lost consciousness during the final of the city championship. 
      “He died in the ambulance.
      “I’m watching this video and cannot imagine how the deceased’s rival feels now.”
      A police probe has begun into the teenager’s tragic death. 
      Children from the tournament rushed without coats in the minus 14C cold to demand the opening of a barrier at the hotel where the contest was held,  after an ambulance sent to help the wounded boxer was not allowed in.
      The ambulance could not initially get past a barrier into the hotel where the fight was being held.
      Children watching the tournament rushed, without coats on in -14C temperatures, to demand it be given access.
      “Shame on the hotel,” said a local.
      “Children ran outside without coats  in a panic so the ambulance could reach him.
      “A man forcibly raised the barrier.”
      The boy was described as an accomplished young boxer and had won all his rounds at the contest.
      “He has been boxing for about six full years,” said an acquaintance. 
      “He led an absolutely healthy lifestyle. He didn’t drink any energy drinks. 
      “He was positive, kind and helpful. He never insulted anyone. 
      “And he always came to the rescue when anyone needed help.”
      He was from a loving family and had two sisters, aged 15 and four. 
      “His father works at a local factory, his mother is self-employed,” said police spokesman Valery Gorelykh.
      The boy received a blow to his liver, he said. 
      “A few moments later, he fell in the ring. 
      “Detailed and exact circumstances are now being clarified by police officers and  colleagues from the regional Investigative Committee.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Natalya Krylova, mother of another boxer at the context, said: 
      “My brain refuses to imagine me in the place of Timofey’s parents.”
      Someone forcibly held up a barrier at the hotel where the competition was held to let an ambulance in
      Timofey was described as ‘positive, kind and helpful’ More

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      Roofer in court charged with murder after Sunday league footballer Sam Wilson, 26, killed when van ploughed into crowd

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      A ROOFER has appeared in court charged with murder after a Sunday league footballer was killed by a van that ploughed into a crowd.Sam Wilson, 26, had just left a pub in Ilkeston, Derbyshire with his teammates at around 2am on Saturday when a van collided with them.
      Sam Wilson was killed in a horror crash on SaturdayCredit: BPM
      Roofer Zac Newman today appeared in court
      Police cordoned off a van involved in the incidentCredit: BPM
      Zac Newman, 27, was charged with murder following the horror smash.
      The defendant, who looked visibly shaken, today spoke only to confirm his name, age and address at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court in Derby.
      Newman, whose girlfriend and two friends attended the brief hearing, was not required to enter a plea.
      The burly roofer from Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, was remanded in custody to appear at the city’s Crown Court tomorrow.
      Read More Sport
      In addition to murder, he has also been charged with wounding with intent and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
      Sam’s sister said there are “no words” to describe the family’s loss, on a JustGiving page which has raised more than £7,000.
      She said: “Our hearts will forever be broken, and there are no words to describe the huge hole it has left in all of our hearts.”
      Euro Soccer Long Eaton Sunday League said: “The league would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and teammates of Sam Wilson of AFC Curzon.
      Most read in Football
      “Sam lost his life in an incident in Ilkeston last night.
      “Our thoughts are with him and those that he leaves behind.”
      Curzon AFC coach Wayne Riley said: “It’s taken me all day to process what happened in the early hours of this morning.
      “But it’s with a broken heart that I am writing this.
      “I first met Sam at Long Eaton Utd and I knew when I first saw him play that he was good.
      “Two days after he turned 16 he made his debut for me in Long Eaton Utd Reserves and proved he was good enough to play at that level by scoring.
      “He always played with a smile on his face was never greedy always wanting to set others up instead of having a go himself.
      “I have lost a very good footballer, a great lad and a good mate.
      “Until I can be your football manager again Sam and we meet again on the heavenly pitch R.I.P you will be truly missed.”
      Two other men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and are now recovering at home.
      COP PROBE
      Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is the senior officer leading the investigation, said: “We have a team of officers working to establish the events of that night, which has included viewing CCTV footage from around the Market Place that night.
      “I would like to thank all those who have come forward and spoken to us as part of our enquiries so far.”
      DCI Croome added: “We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or have any information about reports of an altercation at The Market Inn shortly before the incident.
      “Any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Anyone with information can contact police with the reference number 23*771155.
      Sam, 26, was on a night out with team-matesCredit: Facebook More

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      Tributes to Sunday league footballer Sam Wilson, 26, killed after van ploughed into crowd as driver arrested on ‘murder’

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      TEAMMATES have paid tribute to a Sunday league footballer who was killed after a van ploughed into a crowd – with its driver arrested on suspicion of murder.Sam Wilson, 26, had just left a pub in Ilkeston, Derbyshire with his teammates at around 2am on Saturday when a van collided with them.
      Sam Wilson was just 26 when he was killed in the van crash in IlkestonCredit: Facebook
      He was remembered for his ‘infectious smile’Credit: Facebook
      The van’s driver was arrested on suspicion of murder following the horror smash. The 27-year-old remains in custody tonight.
      Euro Soccer Long Eaton Sunday League said: “The league would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and teammates of Sam Wilson of AFC Curzon.
      “Sam lost his life in an incident in Ilkeston last night.
      “Our thoughts are with him and those that he leaves behind.”
      Read More Sport
      Curzon AFC coach Wayne Riley said: “It’s taken me all day to process what happened in the early hours of this morning.
      “But it’s with a broken heart that I am writing this.
      “I first met Sam at Long Eaton Utd and I knew when I first saw him play that he was good.
      “Two days after he turned 16 he made his debut for me in Long Eaton Utd Reserves and proved he was good enough to play at that level by scoring.
      Most read in Football
      “He always played with a smile on his face was never greedy always wanting to set others up instead of having a go himself.
      “I have lost a very good footballer, a great lad and a good mate.
      “Until I can be your football manager again Sam and we meet again on the heavenly pitch R.I.P you will be truly missed.”
      Two other men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and are now recovering at home.
      COP PROBE
      Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is the senior officer leading the investigation, said: “We have a team of officers working to establish the events of that night, which has included viewing CCTV footage from around the Market Place that night.
      “I would like to thank all those who have come forward and spoken to us as part of our enquiries so far.”
      DCI Croome added: “We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or have any information about reports of an altercation at The Market Inn shortly before the incident.
      “Any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”
      Anyone with information can contact police with the reference number 23*771155.
      A man has been arrested on suspicion of murderCredit: Ashley Kirk
      Cops responded to calls just before 2.10am on Saturday morningCredit: Ashley Kirk More

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      Millionaire ex-Billericay Town owner who splashed cash on Premier League stars & made himself manager on run from cops

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      A MILLIONAIRE ex-Billericay Town owner who splashed cash on Premier League stars is on the run from the cops. Glenn Tamplin, 57, owns an £18million mansion and flaunts an expensive collection of cars.
      Glenn Tamplin, 57, is on the run from the cops
      Police today released his mug shotCredit: SWNS
      The millionaire used to own Billericay Town – and brought Jamie O’Hara
      But the former Essex football club owner is currently wanted by Hertfordshire Police.
      Tamplin, who had previously been at the helm of Billericay Town, is being hunted by cops as he failed to show up for court.
      Police today released his mugshot as he was set to appear before a magistrate for a breach of court order.
      But as he was a no-show, cops have asked for the public’s help.
      Read more on football
      Tamplin – who once urged players to call him ‘Daddy Pig’ – had been at the helm of Billericay Town.
      During his time as owner there, he brought former Premier League stars Jamie O’Hara, Jermaine Pennant and Paul Konchesky to the club.
      At Billericay, Tamplin poured £2m into the club, including a new pitch, stadium improvements and a giant mural… of himself receiving a message from God.
      Tamplin made himself manager in 2017, before sacking himself in February 2018, reappointing himself two days later and then resigning for good in April.
      Most read in Football
      In 2019, he quit Billericay citing fan abuse, before announcing his return to football with Romford in September the same year.
      Earlier this year he showed off his 69 acres of stunning land in Abridge, Essex.
      Tamplin’s property boasts his own nine-hole golf course and dune buggy racing track, the steel entrepreneur lives a life of splendid luxury.
      But sitting in the garage of his 18,500 square-foot mega-pad are a fleet of eye-popping super cars the dad-of-six has spent millions on.
      Among the extraordinary collection is a £2 million white Ferrari LaFerrari.
      The businessman once raised eyebrows by releasing a video of the squad singing along to R-Kelly’s hit ‘World’s Greatest’ and appointed himself as manager.
      When Tamplin eventually quit Billericay he spent 16 months in charge of eighth-tier Romford before resigning and reportedly moving abroad.
      Cops today said he was wanted as he’d failed to show up in court twice – adding that his last known addresses were in Watford and Essex.
      Hertfordshire Police said:  “Glenn Tamplin is still wanted.
      Read more on The Sun
      “A warrant was issued by St Albans Magistrates’ Court on July 12 for failing to comply with the requirements of a community order between October 19 2022 and November 4 2022.
      “A warrant was also issued by St Albans Magistrates’ Court on October 3 for possession of a controlled Class A drug (cocaine) on May 9.”
      Tamplin also owns a massive mansion and car collection More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans only just realising Mark Goldbridge’s REAL name with YouTuber once enjoying very different job with police

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are just discovering YouTuber Mark Goldbridge’s real name – and a back story equally as intriguing.The presenter on The United Stand and talkSPORT watched Nottingham Forest as a kid and was a policeman who became a detective.
      Mark Goldbridge doesn’t hold back on fan channel ‘The United Stand’Credit: Instagram @markgoldbridge
      He’s outspoken now but went out of his way to avoid trouble on the beatCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      Mark also has his own show on national radioCredit: TALKSPORT
      But many Red Devils’ supporters have only now realised his true moniker is  Brent Di Cesare.
      The married dad of three, 44, who lives in Solihull, is of Italian descent.
      But that Azzurri association is the only thing supporters might be able to guess from his real name.
      Fans were amazed to discover his alternative details as they reflected on the Red Devils’ early exit from the Champions League.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      One posted: “Wait y’all know who Brent Di Cesare is?”
      And others revealed they had dashed off to Wikipedia to check it out.
      But his marvellous moniker, which he changed at his police bosses’ request when he launched his YouTube career, is just one fascinating fact about the outspoken broadcaster.
      Goldbridge has gone from investigating crimes to laying down the law on United performances. 
      Most read in Football
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      He’s amassed around 3million followers across his four YouTube channels, regularly going viral with his rants
      But his football journey began watching Forest – as he was born in Nottingham and his dad would take him to the City Ground.
      However, his parents split when he was six and his mum’s dad got him into following United.
      After working in insurance in Ireland, he returned to England in his mid-20s – joining the police because he couldn’t find any other employment.
      Goldbridge told JackMaate’s Happy Hour podcast in December 2020: “When I came back from Dublin, I had no qualifications.
      “I had a C in Maths and English and that was it. And although I had quite a good job in Ireland, I couldn’t get a job anywhere. 
      “My wife said ‘why don’t you go in the police?’.
      “I wanted to do the fire service but I’m not very good with heat, I’m really irritable in the heat so I went in the police. 
      Mark Goldbridge was a detective with a far more exotic nameCredit: Instagram @markgoldbridge
      “Uniform about a year-and-a-half then a detective for 10 years.”
      And his reason for switching from the beat might surprise fans who know him best for his hard-hitting outbursts.
      He would “just walk about and try and stay out of trouble” as “I haven’t got the physique for it, have I?” – so he moved into detection.
      Goldbridge also revealed his trauma at seeing dead bodies on the job – with the “horrible smell” of the first occasion still remaining with him.
      His online persona kicked off when he set up Soccer Box TV after England exited the 2014 World Cup at the group stage for the first time since 1958.
      Read more on The Sun
      Now he’s speaking out on another team also departing a major competition without reaching the KO stages – United.
      Tuesday’s’s 1-0 defeat against Bayern Munich condemned the Red Devils to a bottom-place finish in their Champions League group. More

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      Shocking moment Red Star hooligans storm Man City bar and beat supporters with sticks ahead of Champions League clash

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      FOOTBALL hooligans in Serbia have been caught on camera attacking rival fans with sticks ahead of a big night of Champions League action.The shocking video shows around 30 Red Star Belgrade thugs storming into a bar full of Manchester City fans and whacking them to the head and body in a brutal assault.
      Manchester City and Red Star Belgrade fans clashed outside a bar in Serbia as Red Star hooligans stormed at the City fans with wooden sticks for weaponsCredit: X/HooligansTV
      Red Star Belgrade hooligans were seen with masks and hoods up as they stormed the pub full of rival Man City fansCredit: X/Hooligans TV
      Riot police have now been put on standby in Serbia’s capital ahead of tonight’s feisty Champions League clash
      According to people in the area at the time, around 20 Man City fans – who had travelled over to Serbia for the match – were caught up in a big brawl that spilled out onto the streets at 11pm Tuesday evening.
      Serbian cops spent the night searching the area for the masked gang responsible for the attacks and continue to patrol the streets in case of a further brawl before tonight’s game.
      Many of the fans – thought to be young men – can be seen in clips on X, wearing face masks and with their hoods up to hide their identity as they throw punches and use weapons.
      Videos taken from inside the bar show Red Star fans banging on the glass and gesturing those inside to come out and fight.
      read more in hooligans
      Some Man City fans are later shown going toe to toe with the thugs but getting hit by multiple blokes wielding wooden sticks.
      In a different clip going around social media, piles of people can be seen fleeing the pub in opposite directions before the video jumps to show three police cars patrolling down the street.
      Sirens can be heard screeching through the town of Belgrade as three patrol cars made their way past the now empty street and towards the town centre.
      The confrontation was also recorded by the venues security cameras.
      Most read in Football
      Riot police have been stationed around the stadium ahead of the feisty clash in case of further fighting.
      Manchester City fans have been talking about it online since the attack.
      In a statement, the club said: “Manchester City FC is concerned by the news of an attack on our travelling fans last night in Belgrade. We are working closely with the local police to provide additional safety advice and support to all fans attending this evening’s match.”
      Red Star supporters are often referred to as delije which in English means a brave, strong, tough, or even handsome young man.
      The two sides are set to clash tonight on the pitch instead of the streets in the final group stage match of this seasons elite European competition.
      Manchester City have breezed past RB Leipzig, Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade this year after winning every match with relative ease.
      Red Star on the other hand have faced an awful campaign having only won a single point in five games.
      The Serbian SuperLiga front runners are hoping for a win in tonight’s match to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the Europa League.
      The blue side of Manchester have had major fan troubles on the road before in the Champions League including after the final last year.
      City fans were caught smashing up a cop van and clashing with riot police after completing their historic treble.
      Thousands of fans went berserk at the match in Turkey and rocked pubs, bars and fan zones across the UK as City sent Inter Milan packing with an extraordinary 1-0 win in Istanbul.
      And just this week Turkey stopped all footie matches indefinitely after a referee was punched to the ground on the pitch by a club president.
      Greece also banned fans from top-flight football games for two months after violence erupted between rival volleyball supporters in Athens, severely injuring a police officer.
      Meanwhile, France is considering barring away supporters after a fan was stabbed to death ten days ago.
      Read more on The Sun
      In January an Italian motorway was closed when rival supporters piled into each other, and a year ago crowds of Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb fans delivered Nazi salutes in unison on the streets of Milan.
      Across the continent, authorities are struggling to control hooliganism — often aimed at travelling English fans, who receive massive police protection as continental supporters try to test their reputation for street brawling.
      The mass brawl happened the night before their Champions League tieCredit: X/hooliganscz1999
      Hooligans have plagued European football in the last few seasons More

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      The return of hooliganism is turning European football into a lethal battleground & why English fans are targets

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      THEY once called it the English disease, but football violence is now damaging the image of the beautiful game across Europe – and spreading to other sports.This week Turkey has stopped all footie matches indefinitely after a referee was punched to the ground on the pitch by a club president.
      Referee Halil Umut Meler is clobbered by Faruk KocaCredit: Getty
      Ref Meler holds his face as Koca looks onCredit: EPA
      Meler was in hospital after the attackCredit: Getty
      President of the Turkish team MKE Ankaragücü, at the end of Monday’s gameCredit: Getty
      And Greece banned fans from top-flight football games for two months after violence erupted between rival volleyball supporters in Athens, severely injuring a police officer.
      Meanwhile, France is considering barring away supporters after a fan was stabbed to death ten days ago.
      In January an Italian motorway was closed when rival supporters piled into each other, and a year ago crowds of Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb fans delivered Nazi salutes in unison on the streets of Milan.
      Across the continent, authorities are struggling to control hooliganism — often aimed at travelling English fans, who receive massive police protection as continental supporters try to test their reputation for street brawling.
      Read More on Football
      Two months ago in Milan a Newcastle United fan was stabbed in the stomach by a machete-wielding yob in a balaclava.
      This season was Brighton and Hove Albion’s first taste of competitive European football.
      But last month in Athens, tear gas aimed by police at riotous fans of the defeated home team AEK ended up choking Brighton supporters.
      In May, West Ham players tried to intervene when hooded fans of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar piled into the section of the stadium where the English team’s families were sitting.
      Most read in Football
      Football’s ruling bodies fear the return of the hooliganism from decades ago, which in 1985 saw English teams banned from Europe for five years after the deaths of 39 mostly Italian fans in the riot at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels.
      In August Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said of the violence: “This is the cancer of football and those are not football fans.
      “We have to say enough, we have to stop this.”
      Then came Monday’s graphic display of football’s ugly side.
      Faruk Koca, president of Turkish side MKE Ankaragucu, ran on to the pitch and struck referee Halil Umut Meler in the face, landing him in hospital.
      The Turkish Football Federation then indefinitely postponed all games.
      Turkey’s “ultra fans” are notorious for carrying weapons, supposedly to kill opponents.
      Fenerbahce has a fan group called Kill For You, and in 2000 Galatasaray hooligans stabbed two Leeds United fans to death.
      Empty stadiums
      There are also stringent new fan restrictions in neighbouring Greece, where on Monday the government announced that teams would have to play in empty stadiums.
      It followed two deaths in bloody clashes between supporters this year alone.
      In February a 19-year-old student was bludgeoned to death in Thessaloniki just for saying he supported a rival team, then in August a 29-year-old AEK Athens supporter was stabbed to death by a Dinamo Zagreb thug.
      And not having matches to attend might not even stop the violence, as fan rivalry spreads between sports.
      The ban on football fans came after police were attacked with flares, stones and petrol bombs outside an Athens volleyball stadium last week after a match between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, who are also bitter football foes.
      Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said: “For years, criminals in the guise of fans have been committing serious crimes by critically injuring and killing people.”
      Brighton fans experienced those crazed elements at the end of last month in the Greek capital.
      The police tried to subdue rioting AEK Athens yobs with tear gas at the end of the game, but it drifted over to the away fans as well, and some Brighton fans had to be treated by paramedics.
      Dinamo Zagreb thugs give the Nazi salute on a march last year in MilanCredit: Twitter
      Legia Warsaw mob throw flares at police and horses last month at Aston VillaCredit: Reuters
      Life-long Seagulls fan Mike Purser, 54, told The Sun: “They tear-gassed their fans who were waiting for us to come out.
      “It blew back into the stadium. They locked us in and wouldn’t let us go down, but as soon as it happened, they took us down and gave us water.”
      The previous month in Marseille, the risk of things turning ugly meant Brighton fans had to be closely guarded.
      The French side’s ultras have attacked their own training ground and have a reputation for being the country’s most rabid fans.
      Property developer Mike continued: “Marseille was like a military performance to get to the ground. We had to be there three or four hours before kick-off.
      “Coming out was a palaver because they wouldn’t let us go down into the concourse. People were struggling because it was so hot and I saw some people passing out.”
      In September three men were arrested outside a Glasgow hostel after fans of Rangers and Spanish side Real Betis clashed following their Europa League match in the city.
      The fighting saw windows smashed and security locking the hostel with Betis fans inside in a bid to bring the violence to an end.
      Tartan Army fans have a reputation for being boisterous but well-behaved, with recent flashpoints on foreign trips emerging when police target supporters.
      Footage of a Spanish cop beating a Scotland fan emerged ahead of the side’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Seville in October.
      In February French police came in for criticism when Uefa said that Liverpool and Real Madrid fans could have died because the 2022 Champions League final in Paris was handled so badly by heavy-handed cops.
      The authorities already ban away fans from historically troublesome games, but may go further after a Nantes fan died during a fight with Nice supporters earlier this month.
      Clash in Naples as police come under attack from Eintracht Frankfurt yobs in MarchCredit: Rex
      Trouble after a hooded AZ Alkmaar gang charged Hammers fansCredit: Getty
      Trouble often breaks out away from stadiums.
      Newcastle fan Eddie McKay, 58, was slashed three times as he walked to his Milan hotel before his side played AC Milan.
      It is not uncommon for thugs to find out which bars the English fans are drinking in and to arrive spoiling for a fight.
      West Ham supporter Alfie Barker, 33, believes English fans are targeted.
      He said: “Two Belgian fans came up to me and my brother in a Brussels bar and asked, ‘Do you want a fight?’ We said no, but they didn’t go away.
      “It was just because we were speaking English. We weren’t wearing West Ham kits — I never have the team’s colours on in Europe.”
      West Ham supporters have seen a lot of trouble on the European mainland in the past couple of years.
      Eintracht Frankfurt fans were filmed charging towards Hammers supporters in a Seville bar in March 2022, Belgian side Anderlecht apologised for their fans throwing seats at West Ham supporters in October that year and at the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar, Holland in May, the club’s fans were assaulted in their seats.
      West Ham boss David Moyes said after the Alkmaar game: “Was I worried? Yeah, my family were there and I had friends in that section.”
      Eintracht’s yobs are developing an unsavoury reputation.
      This year 50 German police officers were injured by them in Frankfurt and cars were set alight when they clashed with cops in Naples, even though they had been banned from Napoli’s stadium.
      But West Ham supporters also got into trouble for throwing objects on to the pitch in Genk, Belgium, and setting off flares in Prague.
      Hammers fan Alfie Barker said: ‘I didn’t see trouble at matches until we went into Europe’Credit: The West Ham Way Channel/Youtube
      And there are certainly signs that the “English disease” is making a comeback in Britain.
      Last season the police made the highest number of arrests at football matches in England and Wales for nearly a decade. In 2022-23 there were 2,264 football-related arrests, up 66 on the previous figure, and the worst since 2013-14.
      There have been several pitch invasions, including one in January in which Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale was kicked in the back.
      There was also great shame at the Euro 2020 final two years ago when England fans tried to storm into Wembley Stadium.
      But the most violent disturbance at a game in recent years in England was arguably the one at Villa Park in Birmingham at the end of November.
      Fans from Polish side Legia Warsaw threw flares at police and attacked their horses.
      Unless clubs across the Continent can stamp out the rising tide of often organised unrest, families will be afraid to attend matches, while some fans won’t go to Europe for fear of ending up bloodied or bruised.
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      For supporters who are not used to the hooliganism of the 1980s it has been a shock.
      West Ham fan Alfie added: “I didn’t see trouble at matches until we went into Europe.”
      A PSV Eindhoven fan waves a flare at a Dutch league gameCredit: AFP
      Panathinaikos fans with their traditional display of pyrotechnicsCredit: Getty More