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      Prem ace banned from driving after committing offence for second time

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      PREMIER League ace Miguel Almiron was slapped with a road ban for failing to identify the driver of his car — for a second time.Police requested the information after someone was spotted using a phone while at the wheel of the Newcastle United winger’s Range Rover, JPs heard.
      Miguel Almiron was slapped with a road ban for failing to identify the driver of his car — for a second timeCredit: Alamy
      Almiron did not respond and has now been banned from driving for six months after magistrates said they were “satisfied beyond reasonable doubt” that he was the driver.
      The Paraguayan, 29, was given the punishment under the totting up process after he failed to also provide driver details on an earlier occasion.
      He was seen allegedly using his mobile while driving near Newcastle’s training camp in December last year by a member of the public who tipped off police.
      Their inquiries led them to car company Lex Auto Leases, which confirmed Almiron was the registered driver — but correspondence to the star’s address was ignored.
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      Almiron, who was in Paraguay on Tuesday to play in their 1-0 victory over Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier, did not attend Gateshead magistrates’ court for Thursday’s hearing.
      The Toon fans’ favourite was fined £660 and ordered to pay court costs.
      The mobile phone use allegation was thrown out.
      The court case caps a tough week for Newcastle with Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, 23, facing a lengthy ban for alleged betting offences.
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      The £55million summer buy from AC Milan missed Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifier with England at Wembley on Tuesday after he was sent home from the squad having been quizzed by cops.
      Tonali, said by his agent to be a gambling addict, faces a ban of up to five years after confessing to betting on Milan while at the club.
      Newcastle, who host Crystal Palace today, said: “Sandro will continue to co-operate with all relevant authorities. He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support.”
      The club declined to comment on Almiron’s ban. More

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      England star Trent Alexander-Arnold cheats death in horror car crash caused by killer Storm Babet

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      FOOTIE’S Trent Alexander-Arnold avoided death by inches yesterday after a 40ft electricity pylon was uprooted in treacherous 70mph winds.The high-voltage power line, weighing around half a ton, smashed on to a car right in front of the England ace’s £90,000 Range Rover.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold avoided death by inches after a 40ft electricity pylon was uprooted in treacherous 70mph windsCredit: Getty
      The high-voltage power line, weighing around half a ton, smashed on to a car right in front of the England ace’s £90,000 Range Rover
      Alexander-Arnold slammed on the brakes and swerved before hitting the BMW X5
      Alexander-Arnold, 25, slammed on the brakes and swerved before hitting the BMW X5.
      The shaken Liverpool star was then seen getting out and speaking to the other driver.
      Both miraculously escaped unharmed in the crash on a wet country lane near Knutsford, Cheshire.
      It came as Storm Babet caused chaos around the country, leaving three people dead.
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      A source said: “The wind was so powerful it suddenly ripped up the pylon. It was really terrifying. It’s a miracle nobody was hurt. Someone could have easily been killed.
      “What are the chances of that happening? Alexander-Arnold must feel like he’s cheated death.
      “A few seconds later and it could have gone through his windscreen. It’s absolutely treacherous out there.”
      Police were called to the crash scene yesterday morning and the electricity was turned off.
      Most read in Football
      Photos show Alexander-Arnold standing by his car close to the pylon which is splayed across the road with its wires hanging out.
      The front of his black Range Rover was damaged while the white BMW had veered into a hedge and lost a headlight.
      It is believed Alexander-Arnold, who lives nearby, later attended training ahead of today’s lunchtime clash against Everton at Anfield.
      The accident came days after he partied at a London nightclub with England teammates including Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish, following the Three Lions’ qualification for next summer’s Euros.
      Cheshire Police said yesterday: “At 10.34am this morning we were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a black Range Rover and a BMW.
      “An electricity pole had fallen into the road, causing the accident.
      “Nobody was injured and everything was cleared by 1.05pm.
      “We called the energy company and had the electricity turned off.”
      Alexander-Arnold’s agent has been contacted for comment.
      The shaken Liverpool star was then seen getting out and speaking to the other driver
      The England star miraculously escaped unharmed in the crash on a wet country lane in CheshireCredit: 2023 CameraSport More

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      Barcelona president Joan Laporta charged with allegedly bribing referees as judge slams ‘corruption’

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      BARCELONA PRESIDENT Joan Laporta has been charged with allegedly bribing referees.The shock news emerged this morning through EFE that the judge in the case, which is known as “Caso Negreire” in Spain, has decided to indict the 61-year-old.
      Barcelona chief Joan Laporta has charged with allegedly bribing referees between 2008 and 2010Credit: Getty
      He is accused of bribery, sports corruption, unfair administration and forgery in a commercial document.
      Laporta has had two reigns as the LaLiga side’s president, the first of which between 2003 and 2010 saw Barcelona set a new record for trophies won in a 12-month period with six.
      He returned to the top job in October 2020.
      The Caso Negreira case involves the payment of around £6.3million to ex vice-president of the technical committee of referees Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira and his son.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The payments, which were over an 18-year period, are being investigated.
      It comes after Barcelona were charged with “continued corruption in the sports field” in April when Uefa began their investigation.
      They allowed the Catalans, who are managed by the legendary Xavi, to compete in this season’s edition of the Champions League despite the alleged scandal.
      However, they reserved the right to administer further punishment should further evidence be discovered.
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      The judge overseeing the case, Judge Joaquin Aguirre, recommended last month that the charge of continued corruption in the sports field should be switched to bribery.
      That was due to Negreira being a public figure at the time, according to a court order that was published by Spanish publication El Correo.
      Sandro Rossell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, both former presidents of Barcelona, and two ex-club officials have been accused of bribery, sports corruption, unfair administration and forgery in a commercial document.
      El Periodico also claims they have accessed the court order and it details how Aguirre has agreed to indict Laporta for the same crimes.
      That was after he decided that payments made from the Barca chief to Negreira from 2008 to 2010 constitute “continued bribery”.
      Aguirre has allegedly decided that Laporta and the rest of the board from that period played “an effective responsibility in making the decision to make the allegedly illicit payments”.
      In his order, Aguirre says the payments to Enriquez “produced the arbitration effects desired by FC Barcelona, ​​in such a way that there must have been inequality in the treatment with other teams and the consequent systemic corruption in the Spanish arbitration as a whole, which does not mean that each and every one of the referees were corrupt, but a group of them were.”
      It has also been deemed that the 10-year statute of limitations has not expired as they insist it should be counted from July 17, 2018 onwards – the date when the alleged last crime was committed.
      Laporta has denied any wrongdoing from Barcelona in the past and claimed that the payments were made for consultation work.
      Read More on The Sun
      Neither he nor the club have yet to respond to these latest charges reported earlier.
      The news could not have come at a worse time for the club as they prepare to face bitter rivals Real Madrid this weekend in El Clasico. More

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      Police increase presence at Wembley for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier tonight after two fans killed in Brussels horror

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      COPS are ramping up security at Wembley for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier tonight after two fans were killed in Brussels yesterday.Terror suspect Abdesalem Lassoued, 45, shot dead two Swedish football fans moments before their team’s Euro 2024 qualifier match against Belgium.
      Cops are beefing up security measures at England’s match at Wembley tonightCredit: Reuters
      Belgian armed cops at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels last night after two fans were shot deadCredit: EPA
      The match was abandoned at half time and fans were kept in the King Baudouin Stadium before being escorted out under protection of armed officers as the hunt continued for the killer.
      Self-styled ISIS-follower Lassoued was later shot dead by police in a cafe.
      Now, the Met have said a “highly visible policing presence” will be at Wembley this evening “given the events yesterday in Brussels”.
      England are aiming to book a spot at Euro 2024 in tonight’s clash with reigning champions Italy.
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      Superintendent Gerry Parker, match commander for tonight’s game, said in a statement: “We have been working with our partners, including the FA, in the weeks leading up to this match to ensure those attending the Wembley area enjoy this match.
      “Our officers are experienced in dealing with large-scale public order events, and a flexible plan is in place to reduce the likelihood of crime and disorder, and provide a timely response to any emerging incidents.
      “Please ensure you arrive in good time for the match and remain vigilant throughout; if you see anything suspicious then flag it an officer or one of the match stewards immediately so the necessary action can be taken.”
      In the wake of the Brussels shootings, Belgian authorities have raised the terror alert to its highest level in the capital.
      Most read in Football
      The Three Lions have been close to faultless throughout their qualifying campaign so far and only need a draw to secure a spot in Germany.
      Italy come into the game just three points behind England following a routine 4-0 victory over Malta on Saturday.
      Victory over England would put them level on points with the group leaders but the Italians would still be significantly behind on goal difference.
      Both teams will be vying to win the group given the favourable seeding it would give them going into Euro 2024 in Germany.
      England kicked qualification for the Euros off with a win over Italy earlier this year in Naples before beating Ukraine and group minnows Malta and North Macedonia.
      Their perfect start came to a halt last month when they drew in Ukraine but a draw at Wembley, where they lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy, is all they need to confirm their qualification for next summer’s tournament.
      Gareth Southgate played a second string side against Australia last Friday but is expected to ring the changes as he looks to cap qualification off with a strong performance.
      Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are expected to return to the side with only Jordan Henderson expected to retain his place from Friday night’s win over the Aussies. More

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      English manager Will Still among fans locked in stadium after Belgium vs Sweden was abandoned

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      ENGLISH manager Will Still was among the terrified spectators locked in the ground after Belgium vs Sweden was abandoned due to Monday night’s terrorist attack in Brussels.Cops shot dead a suspected extremist accused of killing two men near the King Baudouin Stadium.
      Will Still was among those terrified fans locked in the ground at Belgium vs SwedenCredit: Rex
      ISIS fanatic Abdesalem Lassoued, 45, went on the run for hours following Monday night’s horror rampage before police tracked him down to a cafe and gunned him down.
      He had fled after two victims – both wearing Sweden football shirts – were killed moments before their team’s Euro 2024 qualifying match against Belgium.
      The football clash was halted at half-time as 35,000 fans were then barricaded in the stadium as the attacker remained at large.
      Now it has emerged that highly-rated Belgian-born Still, who is manager of French Ligue 1 club Reims, was among them.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Speaking while still inside the ground, the 31 year old told RMC Sport: “The feeling inside the stadium? For now, it’s pretty calm.
      “Everyone has remained silent during the announcements when the match was stopped.
      “There are supporters chanting, but it’s all a bit vague.”
      By 11pm the evacuation began with Belgium fans leaving first before 700 Swedes in attendance were escorted away by the police.
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      Pictures show tearful Swedish fans phoning relatives and removing their jerseys.
      After it was announced they could leave, Still told BFMTV: “Everyone has been allowed to leave the stadium. I’m patiently waiting to be allowed to leave.
      “It’s pretty calm. There isn’t really any panic or anything like that. It was a bit tense and calm at the start, but it’s OK now.
      “The communication was pretty clear that we should stay in the stands. It was a bit long, but it was OK.”
      Still, who previously spoke of how playing Football Manager has helped his career, was promoted to head coach of Reims, after the team’s spectacular performance in the run-up to the World Cup last year.
      He previously worked with Preston’s Under-14 side before enjoying management stints at Lierse and Beerschot in Belgium.
      Swedish fans inside the King Baudouin StadiumCredit: AFP
      Belgium fans fleeing the stadium after the match was called offCredit: REX More

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      Will the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier be replayed?

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      ON October 16, 2023, players made the decision to abandon the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier following an horrific attack.Here we take a look at if the match will be replayed or cancelled and what the FA has said in response to the situation in Brussels.
      Fans of Sweden pictured at half time as the the EURO 2024 qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden was abandonedCredit: Getty
      Will the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier match be replayed or cancelled?
      It is not yet known if the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier match will be replayed or cancelled.
      UEFA have confirmed that further communication will be made in due course.
      After the game was abandoned, Sweden captain Victor Lindelof said: “Belgium are already qualified and we don’t have the opportunity to get to the European Championship, so I see no reason to [replay the game].”
      What happened to stop the Belgium vs Sweden match?
      The Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned at half-time on October 16, 2023.
      Read More on Brussels shooting
      The decision to abandon the match was made after two men, both wearing Sweden shirts, were shot dead in the street, moments before their teams qualifier game.
      A third victim was also rushed to hospital.
      Sweden players made the decision during the break to not resume the game, with the score 1-1 at half-time.
      This was also agreed to by their Belgian counterparts.
      Most read in Football
      A statement from Belgium said: “Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
      Sweden boss Janne Andersson added: “When I came down for the break, I got this information. Immediately, I felt that it was completely unreal. What kind of world do we live in today?
      “I came into the locker room and when the team started talking we agreed 100 percent that we didn’t want to play on out of respect for the victims and their families.”
      On October 17, 2023, it was reported that police shot dead a suspected extremist accused of killing the two men near the football stadium in Brussels.
      Feared ISIS fanatic Abdesalem L, 45, went on the run for hours following Monday night’s horror rampage before police tracked him down in a café and gunned him down.
      Will the Brussels terror attacks impact more Euro 2024 qualifiers?
      At the time of writing, is yet to be confirmed if anymore Euro 2024 qualifier games will be impacted and/or suspended.
      Since the horrific attack, security services and ministers have gathered at a Crisis Center amid fears of a terror motive.
      The terror threat level for the Brussels Capital Region has been moved to level four – with officials telling locals to “avoid unnecessary movements”.
      The threat level indicates the likelihood of a terrorist attack.
      Regions are placed under level four “when the threat is serious and very imminent”.
      What has the FA said about the situation in Brussels?
      Following the decision to abandon the game, the Swedish FA took to social media to share their condolences amid the horror that unfolded in Brussels.
      A post by the Swedish FA read: “Our thoughts go out to all the relatives of those affected in Brussels.”
      Read More on The Sun
      UEFA also provided a statement following the incident which said: “Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.
      “Further communication will be made in due course.” More

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      Why was Belgium vs Sweden abandoned?

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      THE Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned at half-time.Players decided not to continue following a horrific attack.
      The Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      Why was the Belgium vs Sweden match abandoned?
      The Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned after two men, both wearing Sweden shirts, were gunned down in the street before the game in Brussels.
      Sweden players decided during the break to not resume the game, with the score 1-1 at half-time.
      This decision was agreed to by their Belgian counterparts.
      Fans were kept inside the King Baudouin Stadium until security services confirmed it was safe to depart.
      More on the Brussels shooting
      As an extra safety measure, footy supporters were allowed to enter the press room.
      What happened in Brussels?
      On October 16, 2023, two men were killed in an attack in Brussels.
      Videos shared online shows the alleged gunman in a fluorescent orange jacket arriving on a moped just three miles from the Heizel stadium.
      The alleged shooter then chases several people into a building while firing shots from an automatic rifle.
      Most read in Football
      It is believed he first shot at a van, with one man dying inside.
      Meanwhile, a third victim was rushed to hospital.
      A second video shared on social media shows a man in an orange fluorescent jacket claiming responsibility for the attack.
      Cops in Belgium have now launched a terror probe following the shooting at Boulevard d’Ypres and the city has raised its terror alert to the highest level.
      In a clip filmed moments before the horror, the alleged attacker says he’s part of terrorist group the Islamic State.
      Speaking in Arabic, he allegedly claimed responsibility for the shooting and outlines what appears to be a terrorist manifesto.
      After a manhunt was launched a man was shot and arrested in a local cafe in the early hours of October 17, 2023.
      Will more Euro 2024 qualifier games be suspended because of the Brussels terror attacks?
      It is yet to be confirmed if anymore Euro 2024 qualifier games will be suspended – but security services and ministers have gathered at a Crisis Center, amid fears of a terror motive.
      The threat level for the Brussels Capital Region has been raised to level 4 – with officials telling locals to “avoid unnecessary movements”.
      Regions are placed under level four “when the threat is serious and very imminent”.
      What has the FA said about the Brussels terrorist attack?
      A Swedish FA social media post added: “Our thoughts go out to all the relatives of those affected in Brussels.”
      A Uefa statement on the incident, said: “Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.
      “Further communication will be made in due course.”
      Sweden boss Janne Andersson told a press conference that shocked players decided not to carry on out of respect to the victims and their families.
      “When I came down for the break, I got this information. Immediately, I felt that it was completely unreal. What kind of world do we live in today?” he told reporters.
      “I came into the locker room and when the team started talking we agreed 100 percent that we didn’t want to play on out of respect for the victims and their families.”
      Sweden captain Victor Lindelof told the press conference that the players never felt in any danger.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “Our security team handled it well and put us at ease. They explained that this is the safest place to be in Brussels.”
      Meanwhile, a statement from Belgium said: “Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected.” More

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      Olympic swimmer and GB athlete denies raping two teen girls and attacking third woman in ‘ten-year abuse campaign’

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      A British Olympic swimmer has denied raping two teen girls and attacking a third woman over a ten-year period.Former Team GB star Antony James, 33, allegedly sexually abused the girls, including one aged between 13 and 15.
      Antony James has denied a string of sex offencesCredit: FPS Images
      The former Team GB swimmer is charged with 18 offencesCredit: Getty
      The swimmer, who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and competed at the 2012 Olympics, has been charged with a string of sex offences.
      James appeared at Plymouth Crown Court today where denied a total of 18 charges against three women.
      He is accused of targeting the alleged victims between 2012 and 2022.
      James, who was training as a police officer with Devon and Cornwall Police when he was arrested, denied five allegations of rape against the two teens.
      Read more news
      He is also accused of two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm against the third complainant.
      Other charges include controlling and coercive behaviour, causing or inciting a child in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child, intentional touching and intentionally encouraging or assisting in the commission of rape.
      The swimmer also pleaded not guilty to sexual activity with a child.
      He was released on conditional bail ahead of a hearing at the same court next month.
      Most read in Athletics
      James allegedly assaulted a third womanCredit: Getty More