More stories

  • in

    Turkey postpones ALL matches indefinitely after Ankaragucu president is arrested for punching referee to ground

    TURKISH football has been SUSPENDED indefinitely after tonight’s shocking attack on a referee by a club president.The disgraceful incident took place following Ankaragucu’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig – the country’s top-flight. 
    Referee Halil Umut Meler was shockingly punched after a Turkish Super Lig matchCredit: Getty
    Faruk Koca, president of Ankaragucu, raced on the pitch at full-time and caught him with a right handCredit: Getty
    The official was then kicked while he was on the floor in the disgraceful meleeCredit: Rex
    Meler’s face instantly began to swell as he was taken to hospital for head traumaCredit: Getty
    The visitors snatched a point at the death as Adolfo Gaich grabbed an equaliser in a bad-tempered game that had also included two red cards as both Ankaragucu’s Ali Sowe and Rizespor’s Emirhan Topcu received their marching orders.
    But more trouble erupted after full-time when ref Halil Umut Meler was confronted and PUNCHED by an irate Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragucu.
    Explosive footage shows him swinging and connecting with a punch at the unsuspecting official, sending him crashing to the ground.
    Meler was then kicked by another unidentified person while trying to protect his face.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Players, coaching staff and security raced to the scene to stop the attack from going even further as the visibly shaken Meler eventually was helped to his feet.
    The official was then spotted sporting a huge black eye as he was escorted from the field before heading to hospital for treatment on his injuries.
    The chief physician of the hospital where he was treated, Doctor Mehmet Yorubulut, said: “There is no life threat for the moment. He only has bleeding around his left eye and a small fracture.
    “We will follow our referee until the morning due to head trauma. We will discharge him from hospital after the necessary examinations in the morning.”
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    The Turkish Football Federation instantly held an extraordinary meeting after the vile scene and they have now announced that all football within the country had been suspended indefinitely.
    Turkish FA [TFF] chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi said: “The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”
    Ankara Police Department were tasked with identifying suspects for the attack and Turkish outlet Hurriyet have reported that Koca, 59, will be arrested.
    Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, said Koca had also required hospital treatment but “detention procedures will be carried out after the treatment”.
    He has been the president of Ankaragucu since 2021 and was awarded the Fair Play manager of the month award in October 2022. 
    As the shock footage went viral online, Fenerbahce’s Turkish international star Umut Nayir slammed the disgusting scenes and took aim at a wider issue.
    Writing on social media, he said: “A mentality that considers itself to be right no matter what is said or done to the referee has surrounded us.
    “You destroyed the most vulnerable factor in football with your pressure, day by day, together. You put the burden of your failures on them. Shame on you. 
    Read more on The Sun
    “I’m ashamed of the situation you’ve put us in.”
    The 37-year-old Meler is one of Turkey’s top referees and is on Fifa’s international list as well as Uefa’s elite referee list.
    Turkish Football Federation president Mehmet Buyukeksi has suspended all football in the countryCredit: Getty
    Koca (C) also attended hospital but will be detained after treatmentCredit: Getty
    Meler is one of Europe’s top referees and officiates internationally for FifaCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    I was Luton physio when we relegated Man City – I sprang into action to save fan hit by car but he spat and swore at me

    MANCHESTER CITY fans were so livid when Raddy Antic’s late winner relegated them in 1983 that they took their anger out on the Luton bus trying to escape Maine Road.One supporter ran towards the coach to vent his fury but was hit by a car going the other way.
    Physio John Sheridan could ‘never have forgiven myself’ if he had not got off the Luton team bus to attend one of the furious Man City supportersCredit: Dave Pinegar
    Then-Hatters boss David Pleat raced onto the pitch to celebrate staying up in iconic scenes, but defeat sent Man City down to the second tierCredit: Rex
    Hatters physio John Sheridan sprang into action, defying police orders to get off the bus and help the injured man — who kept spouting expletives as he was treated.
    Reflecting on that eventful day 40 years ago as if it were yesterday, Sheridan told SunSport: “The police said, ‘What are you doing?’
    “I said, ‘I’ve got to, I can’t leave someone lying injured in the road’.
    “I could never forgive myself if I had kept on the coach, it was the right thing to do.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    “The coach was under attack a bit. The police told us to keep down below the windows.
    “The supporter was quite badly injured, he had a suspected fractured leg. I was bandaging him up.
    “And he was raving at me, spitting at me, saying, ‘You put us down’.
    “He had a few obscenities which weren’t to be repeated.
    Most read in Football
    “It was quite hairy. The police told me to get on the coach because we were putting the players in danger.
    “I sorted him out, got on the coach and was a bit shellshocked.”
    Both sides went into the game facing relegation from the top flight and Antic’s heroics kept Luton up, with Hatters chief David Pleat famously dancing on the pitch in celebration.
    Sheridan was there with him and recalls the atmosphere was so hostile that they were “scared for our lives”.
    It sparked an unlikely rivalry between the clubs and Sheridan reckons some fans will be well aware of it when City come to The Kenny today.
    He added: “The older supporters will remember that game.
    “It was one of the games that goes down in history with so much at stake.”
    Luton’s Steve Davis challenges Andy Morrison and Gareth Taylor in the nailbiter More

  • in

    Shocking moment referee stabs footballer in huge brawl before player is rushed to hospital with punctured lung

    A REFEREE has stabbed a player after a massive brawl broke out between players at a grassroots match in Argentina.Phone footage shot by an astonished spectator showed how players from both teams rampaged around the ref on the pitch.
    The player recovered in hospital after being stabbedCredit: CEN
    The referee Remigio Armoa brandished the knife after a scuffleCredit: CEN
    Police released images of the referee after he was arrestedCredit: CEN
    And showed the weapon in questionCredit: CEN
    The incident took place in the town of Scholler in the province of Misiones, in Argentina last week.
    The video shows players shoving the ref before he brandished the blade and stabbed a player in the chest.
    Shocked spectators gasped after the player staggered and fell before other team members carried him off the pitch.
    Meanwhile, the ref, wearing a black strip and a white cap, jogged away as the footage ended.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Local media later named the stabbed 21-year-old player only as Kevin A. who was rushed to hospital with a punctured lung.
    Pictures then emerged of the player recuperating in a hospital bed.
    The rogue ref was named as 62-year-old Remigio Armoa.
    The player’s uncle, who has not been named, told local media: “Kevin is miraculously alive.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    “For the family, it is a very delicate moment because he is the Messi of the family.
    “He is a boy well gifted for football, thank God he had the opportunity to be in a club like Chacarita.”
    The police later arrested Armoa and seized the knife used to attack the player.
    The investigation is currently still ongoing. More

  • in

    Football star killed in horror car crash moments after ‘video showed driver pal doing 80mph and dancing at wheel’

    A BRAZILIAN footballer has died after a crashing into a pole moments after the driver was apparently filmed doing more than 80mph.Adriano Bololo, 25, a star in X1 Brazil, a style of football similar to futsal, died in the crash.
    Adriano Bolalo was killed in a car accidentCredit: CEN
    His friend had appeared to have been doing a dance in the car prior to the crashCredit: CEN
    They were driving at 129kmh, or 80mph, according to this videoCredit: CEN
    The car was completely destroyedCredit: CEN
    His friends were left with injuries that saw them rushed to hospital.
    Bololo had just won his fourth consecutive game against Laboba at X1 Brazil on 28th November before joining his four friends, Raul Xavier, Caio, Joao Paulo, and Da Lua.
    The friends were going to watch a match in the city of Mossoro, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in Brazil.
    He died in the city of Fortim while returning to Fortaleza after the match on 30th November.

    In the footage, Paulo can apparently be seen dancing around while driving at a speed of 129 kph (80.15 mph), well above the maximum speed of 60 kph (37.28 mph), according to reports.
    They later reportedly collided with a signpost on the motorway after Paulo lost control of the car.
    Images show the white car completely destroyed after the accident.
    Bololo died at the scene, while the remaining four players were rushed to hospital.
    Most read in Football
    Paulo and Da Lua have reportedly been discharged, while the health status of Raul and Caio is still unknown at the time of writing.
    The Secretariat of Public Security and Social Defence said: “A team from the Forensic Expertise of the State of Ceara attended the scene of the incident, where evidence was collected that will support police work.”
    Bololo featured for the Brazilian national team, the National League, League of the Americas disputes, and several teams in Ceara, reportedly leaving behind a daughter.
    Many of the teams Bololo had played for shared their condolences. More

  • in

    Who is Jamie Arnold and what crimes did he commit?

    JAMIE Arnold was found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence aimed at Rio Ferdinand while he was working as a pundit in May 2021.Here we take a look at the crimes Arnold committed and what Ferdinand has said about them.
    Rio Ferdinand was working as a pundit for BT Sport when Jamie Arnold racially abused himCredit: Rex
    What crimes did Jamie Arnold commit?
    In August 2021 Jamie Arnold, 33, of Norton Bridge, near Stone, Staffordshire, was charged with causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
    The crime was committed during a match between Wolverhamption Wanderers and Manchester United on May 23, 2021.
    Arnold was also charged with making homophobic comments towards the referee.
    Rio was working as a pundit for BT Sport when Arnold racially abused the former Man Utd defender at Wolves’ home ground Molineux.
    READ MORE ON RIO FERDINAND
    Arnold’s attack happened at the first game where a reduced number of supporters were allowed in the ground following the easing of Covid restrictions.
    At a hearing in July 2021, Arnold pleaded not guilty.
    Rio was escorted by PC Stuart Ward — the UK’s first dedicated hate crime officer within the football unit — as he arrived at Wolverhampton Crown Court on August 26, 2021.
    Arnold was granted conditional bail after a 25-minute hearing.
    Most read in Football
    On November 1, 2023 Arnold was found unanimously guilty by a jury of racially abusing Ferdinand.
    Senior Crown Prosecutor Alistair Redford said: “Arnold made despicable racist gestures towards a victim who was just trying to do his job.
    “I would like to thank the stewards whose quick-thinking actions ensured they could identify and remove Arnold from the stadium that day, and for Mr Ferdinand and witnesses who came forward to help us build as strong a case as possible.”
    A spokesperson for anti-racism organisation Kick It Out said: “Kick It Out welcomes the guilty verdict handed to Arnold today.
    “It is imperative that perpetrators of discriminatory abuse are held to account for their actions and we hope this result sends a strong statement that racism has no place in our, or in society.
    “We commend the CPS and West Midlands Police for their work securing justice in this case and would urge authorities across the country to take similar incidents of discriminatory abuse just as seriously.
    “We continue to work with partners across football to tackle discriminatory abuse as it happens and to ensure that victims receive the support they need.
    “We would encourage anyone who witnesses discrimination of any sort in future to report it directly to us at Kick It Out.”
    Arnold will be sentenced on December 8, 2023.
    Has Rio Ferdinand spoken out about the crimes?
    At the time of the attack, Rio said: “The last couple weeks, it’s been unreal to see fans back.
    “However, to the Wolves fan who has just been thrown out… you need to be dismissed from football and educated.
    “Come meet me and I will help you understand what it feels like to be racially abused.”
    In response to Arnold being found guilty, Ferdinand said: “I’ve been involved in a Court case in Wolverhampton since May 2021.
    “Today [November 1, 2023] the guy who racially abused me has been found guilty and will now have to face consequences for his actions.
    “Racism will only be eradicated when we all work together as a society.
    Read more on The Sun
    “The prosecution wouldn’t have been possible without all the help/support from the witnesses, Wolverhampton fans and staff that came forward to testify in court.
    “Special thank you to Police Constable Stuart Ward [football hate crime officer], my Family and my team at New Era.” More

  • in

    Inside horror ‘pro hit’ on Kurt Zouma’s home by ‘organised gang’ who blindsided security to steal £100k in jewels & cash

    NEIGHBOURS of Kurt Zouma have told of their horror after his home was broken into by an “organised gang” who escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.The “highly professional” masked gang ransacked the held the West Ham captain’s home after striking just before midnight on Saturday while he was at home with his young family.
    Kurt Zouma was dramatically robbed
    Zouma had been home with wife Sandra and their kidsCredit: Instagram
    The break-in led to Zouma missing his team’s 1-1 Prem draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday – and saw cops warning neighbours about the organised gang.
    And yesterday, West Ham revealed the club was offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang’s capture.
    Zouma, 29 – who is married to wife Sandra, Mum to his four young children – and his family had items of “significant value” and “sentimental importance” stolen from their £3million Essex home, the club said.
    And yesterday, neighbours on Zouma’s plush road told The Sun cops warned them the raiders were “no amateurs”.
    MORE ON ZOUMA
    One neighbour – who was visited by officers on Sunday – said: “We don’t know much about what happened, apart from the fact there was a break-in on Saturday night.
    “We heard it was a burglary and the family were home at the time.
    “There was one police car outside afterwards but they stayed there with the family for a few hours.
    “I think the burglars were quite experienced.
    Most read in Football
    “Officers came round on Sunday and told us that the burglars were professionals. They said we want to tell you that they were not amateurs.
    “They said the break-in had been on the ground floor and to watch out for that. We think that they came in through the back garden.
    “We have security on this road – a guard that patrols here day and night and he was only parked a few driveways away when the break-in happened.
    “He can only see the front so if he didn’t see anything they must have got in through the back.”
    In a statement, Zouma’s Club said: “West Ham United has offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into defender Kurt Zouma’s home on the eve of the Club’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend.
    “Kurt’s home was broken into on Saturday while all his family were in the house, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. While thankfully no one was harmed, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family.
    “The burglars took items of significant value and of huge personal and sentimental importance to the family.
    “The West Ham United family continue to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”
    Police raced to the detached £3million home– on an exclusive street where well-heeled neighbours hire private security – and stayed with the family for hours after Saturday night’s raid.
    Last February, The Sun revealed how Zouma has been caught on video slapping and kicking his cat last February – leading to a prosecution.
    Ex-Chelsea star issued a grovelling apology for actions after he was handed community service and fined.
    In the run-up to the club’s London derby against Palace on Sunday, West Ham said Zouma was unavailable for “personal reasons”.
    They did not elaborate on why he was missing from the match – as he stayed away to comfort his family.
    One resident on his street said they were not home at the time – but were aware of the break-in and had been warned to “stay vigilant”.
    The robbers are understood to have escaped with jewellery including high-end watches.
    Zouma – who has 11 caps for France – is married to wife Sandra, who he first met when they were teenagers in Lyon.
    They revealed in July they had welcomed their fourth child together.
    The £30 million star is the latest in a long line of footballers – including Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Joao Cancelo – to be targeted by professional robbery gangs.
    A source said: “This was an extremely worrying attack and left Kurt and his family traumatised.
    “They were an aggressive and organised gang – and the house was completely ransacked.
    “Kurt and the family were put through a horrific ordeal, and are still struggling to speak about what happened.
    “Everyone at the club immediately knew it was incredibly serious – as he would not have missed a game otherwise.
    “But the raid is why he was not available on Sunday.
    How Zouma joins other football stars targeted by robbers
    December, 2021: Man City defender Joao Cancelo shares a picture of his battered and bruised face after he confronted four raiders who targeted his home in Hale while he was there with his family
    March 2022: Then-Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s home in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester is raided as he plays for the Red Devils in their home Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
    January 2022: Swedish defender Victor Lindelof’s home in Hale is targeted as he is in action for Man Utd away at Brentford. His terrified wife Maja locked herself and two young sons in a bathroom as intruders raided their house.
    January 2022: Ex -Man Utd star Jesse Lingard falls prey to ‘away day’ robbers who steal more than £100,000 of clothes and jewellery from his home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester as he plays for the club at Aston Villa.
    September 2022 – Then- Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was at his Cheshire home with Little Mix fiancée Perrie Edwards and their young son when burglars broke in
    December 2022 – Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling jets home from the Qatar World Cup after raiders struck at his Surrey home.

    “It is a terrible thing to have happened – and everyone at the club is offering him their full support.
    “The player’s family are too scared to stay at the house – and have already talked of needing to move.
    “Kurt is a family man and in shock. He is worried about protecting his family.”
    West Ham’s Joint Chairman David Sullivan previously put up a £250,000 reward when a burglar broke into his £7.5 million Essex mansion while he was on holiday in In June 2017.
    The raider – believed to be the ‘Essex Spiderman’ who had targeted around 50 other properties – is believed to have been scared off by a high-tech alarm system and fled empty-handed.
    Last night, Mr Sullivan, 74, urged anyone with information about the burglars who targeted Zouma’s family to come forward.
    He said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone connected to West Ham United are with Kurt and his family. To have someone break into your home is a terrifying experience and I hope this reward will help bring the individuals to justice and prevent others from going through a similar ordeal.”
    Essex Police told The Sun: “We were called shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 December to reports of a burglary in west Essex.
    “It was reported suspects had gained entry to an address, before taking items including jewellery and watches.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Our investigation into this incident is continuing.”
    •Anyone who has any relevant information should email confidential@westhamunited.co.uk with as much detail as possible, which will then be shared with the police.
    The horror comes just weeks after wife Sandra gave birth to their fourth childCredit: Instagram
    She recently shared a picture of their newest child at West HamCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Kurt Zouma terrified as raiders ‘steal £100k in cash and jewellery’ from West Ham star’s home while family were inside

    FOOTIE ace Kurt Zouma was left terrified after armed raiders broke into his family home and escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.The gang ransacked the West Ham captain’s house after striking on Saturday night while he was at home with his young family.
    Kurt Zouma was dramatically robbedCredit: Getty
    The horror comes just weeks after wife Sandra gave birth to their fourth childCredit: Instagram
    The break-in led to Zouma, 29, missing his team’s 1-1 Prem draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday – and saw cops warning neighbours about the gang.
    West Ham today revealed the club was offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang’s capture.
    Police raced to the detached £3million home – on an exclusive street where well-heeled neighbours hire private security – and stayed with the family for hours after Saturday night’s raid.
    The robbers are understood to have escaped with jewellery including high-end watches. 
    Read more news
    A source said: “This was an extremely worrying attack and left Kurt and his family traumatised.
    “They were an aggressive and organised gang – and the house was completely ransacked.
    “Kurt and the family were put through an horrific ordeal, and are still struggling to speak about what happened.
    “Everyone at the club immediately knew it was incredibly serious – as he would not have missed a game otherwise.
    Most read in Football
    “But the raid is why he was not available on Sunday.
    “It is a terrible thing to have happened – and everyone at the club is offering him their full support.
    “The player’s family are too scared to stay at the house – and have already talked of needing to move.
    “Kurt is a family man and in shock. He is worried about protecting his family.”
    In the run-up to the club’s London derby against Palace on Sunday, West Ham said Zouma was unavailable for “personal reasons”.
    They did not elaborate on why he was missing from the match – as he stayed away to comfort his family.
    In a statement, the club said: “West Ham United has offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into defender Kurt Zouma’s home on the eve of the Club’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend.
    “Kurt’s home was broken into on Saturday while all his family were in the house, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. While thankfully no one was harmed, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family. 
    “The burglars took items of significant value and of huge personal and sentimental importance to the family.
    “The West Ham United family continue to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”
    The French international is married to Sandra Zouma, who he first met when they were teenagers in Lyon.
    They revealed in July that they had welcomed their fourth child together.
    Last February, The Sun revealed how Zouma has been caught on video slapping and kicking his cat last February – leading to a prosecution.
    The ex-Chelsea star later issued a grovelling apology for his actions.
    How Zouma joins other football stars targeted by robbers
    December, 2021: Man City defender Joao Cancelo shares a picture of his battered and bruised face after he confronted four raiders who targeted his home in Hale while he was there with his family
    March 2022: Then-Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s home in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester is raided as he plays for the Red Devils in their home Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
    January 2022: Swedish defender Victor Lindelof’s home in Hale is targeted as he is in action for Man Utd away at Brentford. His terrified wife Maja locked herself and two young sons in a bathroom as intruders raided their house.
    January 2022: Ex -Man Utd star Jesse Lingard falls prey to ‘away day’ robbers who steal more than £100,000 of clothes and jewellery from his home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester as he plays for the club at Aston Villa.
    September 2022 – Then- Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was at his Cheshire home with Little Mix fiancée Perrie Edwards and their young son when burglars broke in
    December 2022 – Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling jets home from the Qatar World Cup after raiders struck at his Surrey home.

    The £30million star is the latest in a long line of footballers – including Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Joao Cancelo – to be targeted by professional robbery gangs.
    West Ham’s Joint Chairman David Sullivan encouraged anyone with information relating to the identity of the burglars to come forward.
    He said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone connected to West Ham United are with Kurt and his family.
    “To have someone break into your home is a terrifying experience and I hope this reward will help bring the individuals to justice and prevent others from going through a similar ordeal.”
    Essex Police told The Sun: “We were called shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 December to reports of a burglary in west Essex.
    “It was reported suspects had gained entry to an address, before taking items including jewellery and watches.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Our investigation into this incident is continuing.”
    Anyone who has any relevant information should email confidential@westhamunited.co.uk with as much detail as possible, which will then be shared with the police.
    Zouma was forced to miss West Ham’s clash with Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
    The footballer has been with Sandra since they were teenagers in FranceCredit: Instagram
    She recently shared a picture of their newest child at West HamCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    45 Polish football fans appear at special court over ‘worst riot in UK for 20 years’ at Aston Villa

    FORTY-FIVE Polish football fans including a woman appeared in a special court yesterday over the Aston Villa riot.Thursday’s clashes outside the Birmingham stadium were the worst in the UK for 20 years.
    The clashes outside Aston Villa’s stadium were the worst in the UK for 20 yearsCredit: Reuters
    A total of 46 people aged between 21 and 63 were charged — but one did not attend.
    The others appeared in groups of up to five at separate hearings throughout the day.
    Police said 43 were charged with public order offences, two with assaulting police and another with possessing a knife.
    A district judge and several magistrates granted conditional bail to almost 30 of the accused at Birmingham crown court.
    READ MORE ON LEGIA RIOT
    They including a 22-year-old woman from Poland who pleaded not guilty to violent disorder.
    At one hearing the court was told “egregious, sustained and horrific” violence included bricks, bottles and a portable toilet being thrown at police.
    It is alleged that a police van was the target of an attempted fire attack.
    And a flare and a flaming flag were allegedly used to injure two officers.
    Most read in Football
    Police said five officers, two police dogs and two horses were injured after violence erupted when visiting supporters were not given tickets, as arranged, to enter Villa Park for the Europa Conference League clash which Legia Warsaw lost 2-1.
    Darius Buras, 57, of Birmingham, was one of the two accused of attacking police.
    He denied it and was bailed. Remanded defendants were ordered to ­reappear on January 5.
    Det Supt Jim Munro said: “To charge this number of people so soon after such a major disorder has taken a huge effort.” More