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      ‘Maddy Cusack’s spirit was broken by football’, mum of Sheffield United star says – as club launch probe into her death

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      MADDY Cusack’s spirit was “broken by football” the mum of the Sheffield United star has said, as the club begins an investigation into her death.Cusack,  27, died at her home address in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20.
      Maddy Cusack on the pitch in a game against Blackburn in August 2022Credit: Getty
      Her family say Sheffield United have launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding her deathCredit: Getty
      Derbyshire Police said at the time there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
      She was vice-captain of the Blades and the side’s longest serving player as well as their first to reach 100 appearances for the women’s team.
      A speech, read by her mum, Deborah, at a memorial service in October has now been published by her family, which has also been shared on the Maddy Cusack Foundation JustGiving page.
      The tribute 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.
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      “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 have 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.
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      “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.”
      Cusack joined the club from Leicester in 2019 and also worked in the Blades’ commercial department as a marketing executive.
      An inquest was opened in October at Derby Coroner’s Court and adjourned, as a coroner awaits further details about the cause of her death.
      The hearing heard how it was Cusack’s devastated dad who identified her body.
      Assistant Coroner Louise Pinder told the short hearing Ms Cusack’s death was reported to Chesterfield Coroner’s Court by police on September 21.
      The hearing, which was only attended by members of the press, was also told her cause of death is yet to be ascertained.
      Ms Pinder added: “We are awaiting a police file and the medical cause of death, therefore I am adjourning the inquest for six weeks for further review then the inquest can be listed in due course.”
      Tributes poured in from across the world following the announcement of her death, which came as she entered a sixth season with her club – having signed a new deal in July.
      The club’s chief executive Stephen Bettis said in a tribute: “This is heart-breaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.
      “Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.
      “Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed.
      “While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
      Deborah, Maddy’s mum has released a heartfelt tribute to her daughterCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Floral tributes were left outside the club at the time of Maddy’s deathCredit: Reuters More

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      Two teens arrested at football match for ‘aiming disgusting misogynistic chants at female ref’

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      TWO teenagers were arrested at a football match yesterday for allegedly aiming misogynistic chants at a woman ref.Police said they heard the 17-year-olds insulting Rebecca Welch, 39.
      Rebecca Welsh had misogynistic chants aimed at her by two teenagers during a football matchCredit: Alamy
      She was reffing Birmingham City’s home clash against Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.
      West Midlands cops said they arrested the pair on suspicion of a public order offence.
      A spokesperson said: “We’ve arrested two boys for misogynistic chanting at the female referee.
      “Our officers heard the chants being directed at the official.”
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      Ms Welch, of Washington, Tyne and Wear, was the first woman to referee a Championship game.
      Welch took up football refereeing while she was still working in the health service. 
      The former NHS admin officer started her life as a ref in university football clashes and Sunday League games. 
      And while the college football encounters involving teams of female students were a “doddle”, her experience of refereeing men’s Sunday division fixtures was less straightforward.
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      Welch told the FA’s web site: “The first couple (of matches) I did were women’s university games and the players weren’t really that bothered about so it was a doddle.  More

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      Barcelona legend Dani Alves faces nine years in jail after being accused of rape

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      PROSECUTORS will accuse footballer Dani Alves of rape and demand he spends nine years in jail, paying his victim £130,000, court papers have revealed.The married 40-year-old former Brazil and Barcelona defender has been held in custody without bail since his arrest in January.
      Dani Alves faces nine years in jail after being accused of rapeCredit: Getty
      Claims against him had been referred to as a “sexual assault” until the seven-page pre-trial indictment was released in Spain yesterday.
      The dad-of-two has previously confirmed he had sex with a woman in a private toilet at a ­Barcelona nightclub last December, but insisted it was consensual.
      She said he refused to let her leave the cubicle and slapped her face.
      He has publicly apologised to his wife, model Joana Sanz, for cheating on her.
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      A trial date is still to be set.
      In an exclusive interview from his prison cell he claimed: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.
      “I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly.
      “Because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”
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      Last December in Qatar he became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup. More

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      Lionel Messi breaks silence on Brazil vs Argentina chaos as World Cup winner says ‘a tragedy could have happened’

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      LIONEL MESSI has spoken out about the chaos at the Brazil vs Argentina World Cup qualifier as a “tragedy could have happened”.Before the match started mayhem broke out at the Maracana between fans and the police.
      Lionel Messi has spoken out after the chaos at the Brazil vs Argentina clashCredit: AP
      A violent clash between police and fans in the stands sparked a mass brawl before Argentina’s rivals Brazil were defeated 1-0.
      After the incident, police resorted to using batons to hold back the fans leaving some injured and a few covered in blood.
      Instead of celebrating the win Messi has shared his thoughts about the violence that took place in Rio de Janeiro.
      He said: “We saw how police were hitting the people, it already happened in the Libertadores final.
      READ MORE ARGENTINA NEWS
      “They were more focused on that than on the game.”
      Earlier this year a similar incident occurred when Brazilian side Fluminense won against Boca Juniors at the Maracana.
      Messi added: “We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, a tragedy could have happened.
      “We are a family. We decided to play to make the situation more calm.”
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      The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then took to Instagram and said: “This team continues to make history.
      “Great victory in the Maracana although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians once again in Brazil.
      “This can’t be tolerated it’s insane and it needs to end now!!’
      Meanwhile, some of the Argentina squad took matters into their own hands at the game to bite back at the police.
      Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez launched himself towards the stand as he attempted to grab a baton out of a police officer’s hand before being brought down by his teammates.
      Messi guided his team back into the dressing room to wait for the situation to calm down.
      And Argentina vowed they would only return to the pitch when things quietened with their arch-rivals Brazil.
      After 22 minutes the 2022 World Cup winners returned and the game finally began.
      Messi’s Argentina are soaring through their South American World Cup qualifying group as they sit top of the table with 15 points while Brazil are sixth with seven points.
      Argentina’s player took to the crowd in an attempt to calm down the mayhemCredit: Getty More

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      Former pro-footballer Wayne Heseltine fined after his XL Bully Bruno mauled dog and its owner 

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      An EX-Manchester United footballer has been fined after his XL bully bit a labrador and its owner in a vicious attack.Wayne Heseltine’s dog Bruno had to be pulled off the labrador, called Daisy, by her horrified owner who thought he was ‘going to watch her die’.
      Ex professional footballer Wayne Heseltine appeared at Bradford Magistrates CourtCredit: SWNS
      Bradford Magistrates Court heard two-year-old Bruno sprinted towards Daisy while she was on a walk with her owner in the Cullingworth area of the city on June 24.
      Bruno appeared to lock his jaw around Daisy’s neck, leaving her helpless on the floor, the court was told.
      Heseltine’s son then came out of the house and helped pull the two dogs apart.
      Heseltine, who was out of the house at the time, admitted to being the owner of a dog which was dangerously out of control causing injury and was fined £960.
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      The former full back, who came through the Red Devils’ youth academy but never made a first team appearance, also has to pay £1,000 in compensation.
      Daisy was taken to the vets for cuts on her neck, while her owner sustained injuries to his hand.
      In a statement read out in court, the victim said: “I felt extremely distressed. I felt like I was going to watch Daisy die.”
      Heseltine, who was not at the house at the time, said the dog escaped through a hole in the fence behind the bin store. He also wanted to pay for the vet bills.
      Most read in Football
      The court heard he had no previous convictions and a “shield of good character”.
      He owns three other dogs and spent £2,800 on a four-week course to get Bruno home-trained.
      Heseltine, who played more than 50 games for Bradford City between 1992 and 1994, now earns around £50,000 a year as a contract manager, the court heard.
      The court heard magistrates recognised Heseltine had taken all the reasonable steps that a good owner would have taken.
      But they said the matter was “serious” and referenced the breed of dog as in the public interest given the imminent legislation.
      An order was issued meaning the dog must have a muzzle and lead on when in public.
      American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year, PM Rishi Sunak announced in September after a spate of terrifying attacks involving the breed.
      The PM said the breed will be outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
      From December 31, XL bully dogs must be microchipped, and owners must keep them on a lead and muzzled in public. They must also be securely housed at home. More

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      Vile football fan swerves jail for mocking supporters with Bradley Lowery pic for ‘banter’

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      A VILE football fan has swerved jail after he used a picture of tragic Bradley Lowery to mock Sunderland supporters for “banter”.Dale Houghton was seen smiling as he held up the image of the youngster, who died from cancer aged six, during a Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland game.
      Dale Houghton held up the photo to mock Sunderland fans
      He pleaded guilty after his sick act drew criticism from all football fansCredit: Facebook
      Bradley tragically died from cancer aged just sixCredit: PA:Press Association
      The 31-year-old admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress after his vile act drew criticism from all football supporters.
      Houghton appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today where he avoided jail.
      He was instead handed a 12 week sentence suspended for 18 months.
      Houghton also received a five-year football banning order and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
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      District Judge Marcus Waite said his actions were “utterly appalling” and “disgraceful”.
      He added: “You showed callous disrespect to a brave young man who was rightly held in the highest esteem by football fans everywhere.”
      The sentence comes after Bradley’s mum Gemma previously slammed the “unforgivable” act, which took place on September 29.
      In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
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      “It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
      “This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
      “I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
      The court heard how Houghton’s antics had caused a “huge public revulsion”.
      Prosecutor Jade Short said the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
      The court was also told Houghton has lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act and is facing a ban from attending matches.
      Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realised he was “out of line” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
      South Yorkshire Police have applied for a football banning order.
      A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail while investigations continue.
      Brave Bradley’s battle with against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.
      He was diagnosed with the aggressive disease when he was just 18 months old, and tumours spread through his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow.
      After major surgery and gruelling chemotherapy, he pulled through and went into remission for 18 months.
      But the cancer returned in 2016, with his family dealt the crushing blow his disease was terminal.
      The footie-mad youngster had struck up a close bond with Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe, who led him out on to the pitch before several matches.
      Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in his devastated parents’ arms, with Defoe paying an emotional tribute to his “best pal”.
      Speaking after Houghton pleaded guilty last month, the ex-England star said he was “appalled and saddened”.
      Defoe said: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
      “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
      “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
      “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
      Houghton arrives at court todayCredit: PA
      Bradley’s mum Gemma said the act was ‘unforgivable’Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Jermain Defoe, who developed a close bond with Bradley, also condemned Houghton’s actionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Ex-Premier League striker JAILED for failing to pay his beauty queen ex-wife £70,000

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      A FORMER Premier League striker has been jailed for a year after failing to pay £70,000 to his beauty queen ex-wife.Ex-Aston Villa striker Bosko Balaban, 45, failed to pay financial support to model Iva Radic, who was named Miss Croatia in 1995.
      Ex-Aston Villa striker Bosko Balaban was jailed for a year for failing to pay his ex-wifeCredit: Getty
      Balaban won’t be able to escape prison even if he pays the £70,000 owedCredit: Instagram @_boskobalaban_
      The footballer’s ex-wife is model Iva Radic, who was named Miss Croatia in 1995Credit: Instagram
      Balaban was married to Radic for more than a decade before getting divorced in 2017 and the pair have three children together – two daughters and a son.
      But the former Croatia international was given a conditional sentence of one year and four years of probation in 2021 as a result of overdue maintenance money.
      After failing to stick to the adhered time frame, the 45-year-old was imprisoned for one year in January with four years suspended, Belgian outlet HLN reports.
      The report says a court in Zagreb handed down the sentence and that there is ‘no escape’ from prison time, saying that he would still be jailed even if he paid the overdue money.
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      The former center-forward is best known for his four-year stint at Club Brugge, where he scored 58 goals in 118 appearances.
      He did, however, have a brief time at Aston Villa, appearing only eight times in the 2001/02 season without scoring.
      The following season, he was loaned to Dinamo Zagreb, the club from which Villa had purchased him only a year before.
      Balaban was ridiculed as one of the biggest flop signings of the Premier League era after Villa forked out £5.8million for his services – quite a lofty fee for 2001.
      Most read in Football
      He has since worked as an agent after hanging up his boots, representing players such as ex-Leicester star Andrej Kramaric.
      Iva Radic has 113,000 Instagram followers and is frequently seen posting glamorous snaps.
      The model has also showcased her work with fashion giants Paco Rabanne, H&M and Chanel.
      In October, a former West Ham player who tried to help sell a £1.9million antique vase stolen during a heist at a Switzerland museum was jailed.
      Kaine Wright, 26, was caught in an undercover police sting along with accomplices Leslie Nkhwa, 47, and David Lamming, 31.
      The “rare pomegranate vase from the Yongle Period (1403-1425AD)” was stolen during a raid at the Musee des Arts d’Extreme-Orient in Geneva in June 2019.
      The trio attempted to flog it for £1million but later dropped the price to £450,000 in cash.
      It had been valued by experts for insurance purposes at £1.96million.
      Wright and Lamming were today jailed for three years after they were convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property.
      Nkhwa, who pleaded guilty to the same charge, was handed a two-and-a-half year sentence.
      Southwark Crown Court heard the plot unfolded on July 30, 2020, when a man called Mr Steel emailed the China Guardian auction house in Hong Kong asking for a valuation.
      Read More on The Sun
      The seller, later identified as Lamming, included photos of the item, which were compared with the stolen vase.
      Lamming also emailed the Art Loss Register based in Hatton Garden saying he was in touch with someone who had a vase that had been stolen from Switzerland.
      The former Croatia international was given a conditional sentence of one year and four years of probation in 2021Credit: Getty
      Iva Radic has 113,000 Instagram followers and is frequently seen posting glamorous snaps onlineCredit: Instagram More

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      Ex-Man City star Robinho comes step closer to having to serve nine-year jail sentence for rape in Brazil

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      FORMER PREMIER LEAGUE star Robinho has come a step closer to having to serve his nine-year jail sentence for rape in Brazil.Last November Italian authorities asked Brazilian officials to make the former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester City forward do his prison time in his homeland after his extradition was ruled out for legal reasons.
      Robinho’s nine-year jail sentence has moved a step closerCredit: PA:Press Association
      The former Brazil striker was sentenced for rapeCredit: Getty
      Yesterday public prosecutors in Brazil said they thought the footballer, 39, could and should be jailed there.
      They told the country’s High Court of Justice it was in line with national legislation and would serve the twin purposes of demonstrating the country’s efforts in combating crime and judicial cooperation.
      The possibility that Robinho will do prison time in Italy following his 2017 conviction for sexual assault in a Milan nightclub and the failure of his appeals against his nine year sentence, has been ruled out because Brazil doesn’t extradite its citizens sentenced abroad.
      Local reports said Brazil’s Public Prosecutor’s Office had indicated in its communication with the High Court of Justice that a failure to heed the Italian request risked allowing Robinho to flout the law with impunity.
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      He was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a Milan club on January 22, 2013 while he was playing for AC Milan.
      The news was made public in November 2017.
      Robinho, whose real name is Robson de Souza, re-signed with boyhood club Santos for a fourth stint in October 2020 but less than a week later his contract was ended by mutual consent.
      The decision was taken after leading sponsor Orthopride cut its ties with the club in reaction to the deal because of his Italian rape conviction.
      Most read in Football
      Speaking after the Santos announcement, the striker took to Instagram to admit: “Guys, this is Robinho.
      “Of course, with a lot of sadness in my heart, I’m here to tell you that I made the decision with the club president to suspend my contract at this troubled time in my life.
      “My goal has always been to help Santos Football Club and if in any way I’m getting in the way, it’s best I leave and focus on my personal things.”
      Since then he has updated his social media on just a handful of occasions, wishing his two million fans Happy New Year with posts on January 1, 2022 and again in January this year.
      Robinho’s lawyers have said their client had consensual sexual relations at a bar with a young woman, along with five of his friends.
      They have not yet commented on the positioning of Brazil’s Public Prosecutor’s Office about the former footballer going to prison in his home country. More