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      Premier League star Alexander Isak was targeted by ‘family of burglars who carried out string of high-value raids’

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      PREMIER League star Alexander Isak was targeted by a family of burglars who carried out a series of high-value raids, jurors were told.The Newcastle United and Sweden forward was the third victim of the gang, who had already stolen £1million of jewellery and clothes from a Tyneside businesswoman.Three members of the same family, living in Italy, have admitted conspiracy to commit burglary, Newcastle crown court heard.But a fourth, Valentino Nikolov, 32, denies the charge and is on trial.Dan Cordey, prosecuting, said the gang arrived in the UK via a ferry from Calais to Dover in a Citroen C3 and a Ford motorhome last March.They headed to London then drove to the North East a few days later, Mr Cordey said.Read more on Alexander IsakHe alleged the car was used to drive to targeted properties and they slept in the motorhome.The first burglary was at the home of Helen and Michael McCardle in Jesmond, Newcastle, on March 30 last year when the couple were on holiday, Mr Cordey said.The gang stole her CBE medal, the prosecution said, as well as clothes, jewellery, gold coins and handbags worth more than £1 million.The trial continues.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak was targeted by a family of burglars who carried out a series of high-value raids, jurors were told More

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      Harrowing story of undefeated boxer who ‘lost his mind’ after drugs binge before ‘murdering wife’ and committing suicide

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      IT appeared Edwin Valero had the world at his feet as an undefeated champion with a beautiful wife and two children. But outside the ring he was battling a fight against drug addiction which would ultimately cost him his life.Edwin Valero had 27 wins all by KOCredit: AFPEdwin Valero pictured with wife JenniferBut he led a dark life in privateCredit: ReutersValero committed suicide in 2010Credit: AFPWBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “He had unbelievably heavy hands. “Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy, but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. “Valero grew up in Merida, Venezuela and began boxing at 12 in a bid to combat the anger that raged inside of him. He had an 86-6 amateur record with 57 knockouts, winning national titles three years in a row before turning professional in 2002. READ MORE IN BOXINGValero broke the record by winning his first 18 fights all by KO in a display of power never-before-seen. He was also becoming somewhat of a myth behind-the-scenes in boxing gyms, regularly KOing sparring partners in chilling fashion. By 20 bouts, Valero was WBA super-featherweight champion and later won the WBC belt in 2009. WBC boss Sulaiman – his father Jose in charge at the time – befriended Valero on the boxer’s rise to stardom. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSulaiman told SunSport: “He was very nice, very quiet. He had a great charisma, macho type, but he was a family man.” Valero shared son Edwin Antonio and Jennifer Roselyne with wife Jennifer.Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him Heading into the late 2000s and Valero was making huge waves in the sport, linked with massive fights against the likes of Manny Pacquiao.But he also led a secret life of drink and drugs, which caused a strain on his relationship. In 2010, Valero was accused of assault after his wife was hospitalised with bruises and a damaged lung. The feared fighter denied wrongdoing – while wife Jennifer told cops she hurt herself falling down stairs. Valero’s troubles outside the ring also included being denied a 2009 fight on Pacquaio’s undercard after his visa was rejected due to a DUI in Texas. The boxer continued to KO opponents around the world, from America, Asia and Mexico. But he would celebrate with drug binges back home in Venezuela – something that would have fatal consequences. Valero was one of boxing’s hardest hittersCredit: AFPHe knocked out every one of his opponentsCredit: GettyHe was world champion in two weightsCredit: AFPSulaiman said: “The sky was the limit for Valero because he was young and talented and powerful. “Very unfortunately, he experienced the evil of cocaine. In just a short period of time, he lost his mind.” Valero’s final fight was against Antonio DeMarco in February 2010 in Mexico – he won via ninth-round KO and retained his WBC lightweight title.But just two months later and he was dead alongside his wife.Sulaiman said: “After his fight in Mexico – he fought in Monterrey, Mexico – he flew back to Venezuela and some people introduced him to cocaine and he had a horrible week.”We were contacted by his family and friends and my father was a couple of days away from getting a humanitarian visa so that he could travel to a rehab facility in the United States.”And there was also one in Cuba that was ready to receive him. And unfortunately, history turned that way and it didn’t happen.” Valero’s 24-year-old wife was found stabbed to death on April 18, 2010. Valero walks after being arrested in a police station in 2010Credit: ReutersHe would commit suicide one day laterCredit: ReutersValero was arrested after Jennifer’s body was discovered in a hotel in the city of Valencia, Carabobo.The 27-0 champion – who won every fight by KO – was considered the prime suspect – but he never faced his day in court. Valero was discovered hanging in his jail cell just a day after his arrest – committing suicide only 24 hours after allegedly killing his wife. Reports in Venezuela claimed Valero admitted to hotel security and police that he had murdered his wife.Jennifer’s family accused Valero of being a violent, drug-addicted bully who stopped eating or sleeping before taking it out on his wife.Sulaiman and his dad saw Valero and his family dining out after his last fight – unaware of the horrors that would follow. He said: “I never could have believed what happened.Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman”I was completely shocked. Heartbroken in disbelief because he was a real good friend.” “He was a very dear, fighter, dear friend. And it’s just a tragedy.” Both Valero and his wife had public burials in Venezuela.Their kids were taken in by Jennifer Carolina’s sister and their daughter later took up amateur boxing in her father’s honour. A 2016 film titled El Inca – Valero’s boxing nickname – was selected as Venezuelia’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.Valero’s brother-in-law – Jennifer’s brother Yoel Finol – also became a boxer and represented Venezuelan at the 2016 Olympics. In the run up to the Rio Games, Finol revealed he had forgiven Valero for his alleged horrors and only began boxing as a kid due to his influence. Finol is now a 3-0 pro bantamweight but he has not fought since 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESValero remains the WBC’s only champion with a 100 per cent KO ratio with his career in the ring still celebrated to this day. But the questions he left unanswered also still remain.Yoel Finol, left, is Valero’s brother-in-law and an Olympic boxerCredit: Reuters More

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      Premier League club boss admits arranging ‘cash for sex deal’ with teen girl he ‘raped at his home’

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      A PREMIER League club boss has admitted arranging a “cash for sex” deal with a teen girl he is accused of raping.The leading football figure, who cannot be named, is being sued by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.She claims she was raped by the man at his home when she was aged 15 after he invited her over to discuss a potential career opportunity.In High Court papers, the man admitted he had initiated a “cash for sex” arrangement while she was 16 or 17, The Athletic reports.He also claimed she had contacted him multiple times over the following years to offer sexual favours in return for money.His signed statement continued: “On the vast majority of occasions (he) has declined offers of sex, although he has engaged in sexual activity with the claimant on up to about 15 occasions in total over the years, for which he rewarded her with cash payments in line with her expectations.Read more news”On one occasion, the defendant engaged in sexual activity with both the claimant and her sister, both of whom were looking to earn some cash.”The football boss – anonymised in court as JZX – also branded her allegations as “dishonest and malicious”.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.Most read in FootballThis was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Legislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.She is suing the Premier League figure for aggravated damages for sexual assault and intentional infliction of injury.The woman claims that while he was showing her around the house, JZX subjected her to a “disgusting and traumatising” ordeal.She said in her own papers that he made her sit on his knee, told her she was a “good girl” and asked if she was a virgin.JZX then allegedly handed her £150 in three £50 notes after raping her.She says the alleged attack left her with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.The woman admits having sex on a number of occasions over the years but said she believed he would provide her with career opportunities “if she complied with his sexual demands”.READ MORE SUN STORIESJZX strongly denies the allegations and has stated the “implied contention that (he) might harm her or her family is wholly unfounded”.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post while awaiting the High Court trial.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of rape More

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      Bundesliga star shellshocked as stepfather shot dead in street after ‘shooting 10-year-old son and going on rampage’

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      GERMAN league star Kenneth Schmidt has been left in shock… after armed police shot his stepfather dead in the street.The 22-year-old defender belongs to his hometown club, Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg.Kenneth Schmidt plays for hometown club SC FreiburgCredit: GettySchmidt, 22, has been on loan at Hannover 96Credit: AlamyCapped 18 times at youth level, he joined second-tier Hannover 96 on loan last month.But Schmidt’s world was turned upside down on Sunday when his stepdad reportedly attacked his mum Samira and half-brother.Reports say the man, named as Christoph S., threatened the pair at their home in the quiet village Eichstetten near Freiburg.The 48-year-old is said to have fired a shotgun through his son’s bedroom door, wounding the ten-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInvestigators told German media that the man then rampaged though nearby streets, armed with the shotgun and a pistol, before being gunned down by armed cops.He was rushed to hospital, but could not be saved.A police spokesman said: “The man’s motives seem completely unclear.”Samira, 47, and her younger son have received treatment for their injuries as well as psychological help.Most read in BundesligaSchmidt bravely turned up to Hannover training on Tuesday despite learning of the tragic drama the day before.However club chiefs have urged the centre-back to take time off to process events.North Korea’s Bizarre Ban on Tottenham HotspurA Hannover spokesman said: “We ask for people’s understanding that we are unable to comment more precisely about this matter at this time.”Hannover’s coach is Andre Breitenreiter, who had a three-month spell as Huddersfield boss last year.He was sacked after the Terriers’ relegation from the Championship, having won just two of his 13 games in charge.Christoph S. reportedly had previous convictions for drug offences and illegal gun possession.Schmidt is contracted to hometown team SC FreiburgCredit: Alamy More

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      Football League referee, 46, is charged with child sex offence & suspended from officiating

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      AN ASSISTANT referee who officiated EFL and FA Cup matches is due to appear in court charged with a child sex offence.Gareth Viccars, 46, has been charged with “engaging in sexual activity” with a 15-year-old girl.The assistant referee appeared in court earlier this month (stock image)The assistant referee appeared in court earlier this month accused of “intentionally touching” a girl aged 15 “not reasonably believing she was 16 or over”.He has worked as an official for League One clashes in the EFL alongside his day job as an estate agent. Viccars appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on February 7 charged with engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The assistant referee, from Milton Keynes, is alleged to have committed the offence in Romford, east London, on November 15, 2021. Read More on FootballOn March 7, he will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London where a plea will be entered.He has not refereed in the EFL since last year, and last appeared on February 3 2024 when he was the fourth official League One Charlton Athletic v Derby County.The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which is responsible for the refereeing of games in professional English football, suspended Viccars while the police investigation was ongoing.A PGMOL spokesperson said: “As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr Viccars was immediately suspended.Most read in Football”As the matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further.”Gareth Viccars will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court next month (stock image)Credit: Getty More

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      My boxing career feels like a prison sentence even when I win – Anthony Joshua got it spot on

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      HAMZAH SHEERAZ is treating his boxing career as a jail sentence — with Anthony Joshua in the cell next door.The Ilford-born middleweight, 25, faces Dominican Carlos Adames in Riyadh on Saturday, with the WBC crown and a step closer to freedom at stake.Hamzah Sheeraz faces Carlos Adames in RiyadhCredit: GettyIt has been a rocky road for the Londoner, whose dad was in and out of jail, which meant his mum raised Sheeraz and his two younger siblings almost single-handedly.When the 21-0 ace was reminded that AJ once compared boxing to a stretch behind bars, Sheeraz laughs that even the good days are like being banged up.He said: “AJ isn’t wrong. Even after you have won a fight, it is only like being in a cat-D prison.“It’s like I am still on tag and have to be at home at certain times. The way AJ put it into perspective is spot-on.READ MORE IN BOXING“I never really looked at it like that before.”Despite his dedication to his mum — who sold her jewellery at times when former Gloucestershire cricketer Kamran was locked up — Sheeraz has flown the nest to help realise his dream.Training camps are held in California, where he and American coach Ricky Funez have formed a brilliant bond. And his downtime is split between Dubai and Saudi Arabia, where he hopes to be crowned this weekend.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith a huge family and a proud British-Pakistani community pulling him in all directions, home visits are becoming shorter and the comforts are being craved. Despite squeezing his 6ft 3in frame into 11st 7lb, Sheeraz said: “I miss fish and chips.’Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury “I don’t want to miss Arsenal winning loads of titles and trophies in the next few years.“I thought I had time to catch up with the family after the last fight but it was probably only two days and then I was off again. I don’t mean to sound harsh but that was enough!“All my family understand the vision and for the next five to seven years I really need to capitalise on my opportunities and give 100 per cent to my craft.”Barring a surprise 2023 sparring session with pop star Justin Bieber and a few verbals with Chris Eubank Jr, Sheeraz swerves the limelight.He knows he could command bigger purses and get more attention by playing up for the cameras.But he added: “I know a lot of fighters say ‘I let my fists do the talking’ — but I am the perfect example of doing that.“When my fists do the talking, they also put bums on seats. I don’t have to talk s**t and then win a boring fight.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My sole objective when I get in the ring is to knock them out. Not just win.“That is why I am getting the right attention and the right fights.”Sheeraz has middleweight world titles in his sightsCredit: Getty More

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      Brit FIFA official arrested for ‘arranging to meet boy, 14, for sex while on work trip’ in US

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      A BRITISH FIFA official has been arrested in America after allegedly arranging to meet a 14-year-old boy for sex while on a work trip.Jack Edward Coles, 39, was detained by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations at a hotel near FIFA’s offices in Coral Gables, Miami.Jack Edward Coles, 39, was arrested after allegedly arranging to meet a 14-year-old boy for sexCredit: InstagramColes is now facing federal charges of enticement of a minor and traveling to the United States with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minorCredit: BSOColes, a project leader with FIFA Sound — the organization’s music division — allegedly met the boy on the dating app Grindr last October and engaged in sexual activity with him at a hotel, reports the Miami Herald.He reportedly returned to Miami last week and attempted to meet the teen again, unaware that he was under federal investigation.FIFA confirmed it was aware of the case but stressed that the allegations were a “personal matter” unrelated to Coles’ work with the organisation.“FIFA is aware of ongoing legal proceedings in Miami. The alleged offenses are serious and of a personal matter with no link to his work at FIFA,” the world soccer body said in a statement Wednesday.Read more on football“The individual has been suspended with immediate effect and until further notice from all duties. FIFA has no further comment at this stage,” it said.The Miami Herald reports that Coles first contacted the teen via Instagram on October 10, asking him to visit him at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables. The boy told Coles he was 16, according to the complaint.The Brit initially responded that they would not have sex because of his age, writing: “I don’t want to break any laws.”Most read in FootballHowever, according to the arrest complaint, Coles allegedly later ordered an Uber to bring the boy to his hotel, bought him a White Claw alcoholic beverage, and engaged in sexual activity with him. Honduras slapped with final punishment decision after Mexico coach hit by beer can and left with blood pouring down face Afterwards, he allegedly messaged the teen, saying: “Can’t wait to see you again” and “You’re gonna be my Miami boyfriend by the way.”Coles returned to Zurich on October 21 but resumed contact with the boy in February, arranging to meet him again, reports the Miami Herald.What the Brit didn’t know was that the teenager had been in contact with federal investigators after their first encounter. On February 2, Coles messaged the boy again, saying: “I’m back Wednesday to Saturday So I see u.” This time, a Homeland Security agent took control of the boy’s Instagram account.The agent continued messaging Coles, who allegedly asked if he could record their next encounter and inquired about the boy’s grooming habits.On Friday, Coles arranged for an Uber to pick up what he believed was the boy at Dolphin Mall. Instead, a federal agent got into the car, which drove to Coles’ hotel, the Courtyard Miami Coral Gables.When Coles opened the door expecting the teenager, agents and police officers arrested him on Friday.According to the complaint, he was “naked, except for a shirt” at thetime.Coles was charged with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activities and travelling to the US with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was initially booked into the Broward Sheriff’s Office jail but has since been released. It was not immediately clear whether he has legal representation. More

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      Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio investigated in child pornography case and could face up to five years in prison

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      REAL MADRID star Raul Asencio is set to face trial in a child pornography case.The defender is accused of disseminating images and a video of a minor and will stand trial in the Canary Islands.Raul Asencio is set to stand trial in a child pornography caseCredit: RexThree former Real Madrid reserve players are involved and claimed to have taken and recorded the content.Asencio, 21, is not deemed responsible for taking the images but he had access to them and is alleged to passed them onto others.It is claimed the players involved lied when they told the girls involved that the material had been deleted.Asencio reportedly requested to be left out of the trial but that has been denied by the court and if found guilty of disseminating child pornography he could be sentenced up to five years in prison.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThree former Real players – Ferran Ruiz, 21, Juan Rodriguez, 22, and Andres Garcia, 21 – were arrested in September 2023, with Asencio called to give testimony as a witness.After speaking to police Asencio became part of the investigation.A statement from Real Madrid at the time read: “Real Madrid wishes to announce that it has learned that a Castilla player and three Real Madrid C players have made statements to the Civil Guard in relation to a complaint about the alleged broadcasting of a private video via WhatsApp.”When the club has detailed knowledge of the facts, we will take the appropriate measures.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA statement from the High Court of Justice of Gran Canaria in November read: “The judge is investigating four footballers linked to Real Madrid as alleged perpetrators of crimes of disclosure of secrets and dissemination of pornography.”Ascencio is in line to start against Liverpool at Anfield with Real facing a defensive injury crisis.Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash They are without experienced stars Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and David Alaba. More