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    Former Feyenoord and Sevilla footballer Mark van den Boogart missing as police begin search after family appeal

    POLICE have begun searching for missing Dutch footballer Mark van den Boogart.The former Sevilla B and Feyenoord ace has been uncontactable for nearly two weeks – going missing on January 6.
    An urgent appeal has been launched to help find missing Dutch footballer Mark van den Boogart
    The 37-year-old’s family believe he may be in Spain and have launched an urgent appeal for any information about his whereabouts.
    It read: “Mark has been missing since Friday, January 6.
    “He may be in Spain.
    “We are concerned about his well-being and we miss him very much.
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    “If you have seen Mark or if you have any information that can help us find him, contact the Police.”
    Van den Boogart, a former midfielder, is said to suffer from depression – which has added an extra element of concern for his loved ones.
    And it’s prompted his former Real Murcia team-mate Inaki Bea to issue his own plea to help find him.
    The Numancia manager said: “We have a close relationship with his family.
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    “Mark left home and lost track of him.
    “He suffers from depression and has been missing since Friday the 6th.”
    Van den Boogart began his career with Eredivisie big boys Feyenoord before joining Sevilla’s second string.
    A move to NEC Nijmegen followed in 2007 before he upped sticks to join Murcia in 2009.
    He returned to his homeland in 2010 to join Barendrecht, who he played for two seasons before signing for Rijnsburgse Boys.
    He was most recently at Amsterdamsche FC – whom he joined in 2015. More

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    Spurs fan who kicked Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is unmasked in new footage – do you know him?

    SHOCKING new footage has emerged showing a Spurs fan escape through the crowd after kicking Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale.The player was assaulted at the end of Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday, January 15.
    Tottenham Hotspur fan kicks Aaron Ramsdale and then runs back into the standsCredit: Sky Sports
    His face could be seen after he took off his scarfCredit: Sky Sports
    In a desperate bid to escape security, he frantically started climbing over seats through the crowd.
    The man, who covered his face with a scarf, then appeared to meet up with two men who knew him.
    He removed his face covering as he looked out of breath and fans tried to protect his identity by standing in front of him.
    When he was leaving the stadium he had taken off his jacket and scarf to change his appearance and quickly slipped past people going up the stairs.
    Ramsdale was handed a bottle of water after the incident.
    The Met Police later confirmed a man has been charged with assault.
    Spurs boss Antonio Conte said: “I didn’t see it before. If this situation happened [then] it’s not good, it’s not positive.
    “I think that in every moment we have to show respect. If we want respect, we have to show respect. Honestly, I didn’t see this [incident] but if this situation happens for sure I don’t like it.”
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    Tottenham defender Eric Dier said of the incident: “I didn’t see it, but obviously it’s just unacceptable really. There’s nothing more I can say other than it’s unacceptable and it shouldn’t have happened.”
    Tottenham said in a statement: “We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s match. Violence in any form has no place in football.”
    A Football Association statement read: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today’s Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
    “This is wholly unacceptable behaviour and we will work together with the police, the relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure the appropriate action is taken.”
    A Premier League statement read: “There is no place in football for acts of violence, and under no circumstance should players be attacked or fear for their safety at games.
    “The League will support the clubs and relevant authorities in taking the strongest possible action against the individual responsible.”
    A PFA statement read: “Players have a right to be safe in their place of work. When a player is attacked we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect them to be properly enforced.
    “As the players’ union we treat this as a priority issue. We will be continuing to work with the authorities to demand that players and staff are better protected in their place of work.”
    Former Arsenal and England striker Lianne Sanderson tweeted: “That idiot that kicked or tried to kick @AaronRamsdale98 should be banned for life. Hate seeing things like that. What on earth is wrong with people.”
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    Mikel Arteta’s men are not even halfway through their Premier League campaign but this was a hugely significant triumph – one which may be pinpointed as the most crucial of the lot if they are crowned champions of England for the first time in 19 years. 
    Next Sunday, they face a resurgent Manchester United – the only team to have defeated them in the league this season – and next month they face City.
    He balanced on the side-line rail before jumpingCredit: Sky Sports
    The fan climbed back over the crowd to get away from securityCredit: Sky Sports More

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    Man City release statement on Benjamin Mendy as star is CLEARED of raping women at mansion

    MANCHESTER City have released a statement today on Benjamin Mendy after the star was cleared of raping women at his mansion. Mendy was found not guilty of raping the women during lockdown-busting parties.
    Man City has now released a statement following today’s court findings
    The Man City star was accused of being a “predator” who “turned the pursuit of women for sex into a game”.
    Mendy, 28, also allegedly locked his victims in a “panic room” and hid their phones so they could not escape.
    But the French international was today found not guilty of six rapes and one sexual assault against four women.
    Jurors could not reach verdicts on one count of rape and one of attempted rape against two other alleged victims.
    Read more on UK News
    The football club released a statement after the verdict – but before the announcement that he would face a retrial.
    It read: “Manchester City FC notes the verdict from Chester Crown Court today, where a jury has found Benjamin Mendy not guilty of seven charges.
    “The jury is hung on two charges and the trial is now over.
    “Given there are open matters related to this case, the club is not in a position to comment further at this time.”
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    A retrial for Mendy, who remains in custody, has now been set for June 26, with a pre-trial hearing set to be held on January 27.
    The re-trial is expected to last two or three weeks.
    Earlier, Judge Everett brought jurors back into court and asked if they would reach further verdicts if given more time.
    The foreman of the jury replied: “No. We are at a point now where we can’t agree.”
    Judge Everett told them: “It is not unusual that jurors don’t reach verdicts on some counts. You have to be true to your duty.”
    During a six-month trial, jurors were told the left-back lured young women into “toxic and dangerous” situations at his six-bedroom Cheshire home.
    Co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie acted as Mendy’s “fixer” by getting girls as young as 17 to attend the lockdown-busting parties after nights spent in the VIP sections of clubs drinking £1,500 bottles of Champagne, it was said.
    Some of his victims claimed their phones were taken away from them on arrival leaving them unable to call for help.
    Once inside, the women were allegedly treated as “disposable…used for sex then thrown to one side”.

    But his lawyer Eleanor Laws KC told jurors to end Mendy’s “absolute hell” and acquit him.
    She said claims he used his fame to attack women – with the prosecution comparing him to Jimmy Savile – were “utterly ridiculous”. More

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    Brothers of Marcus Rashford & Trent Alexander-Arnold battered with baseball bat by three men in terrifying raid

    MARCUS Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brothers were hit with a bat and had a gun pointed at them in a “terrifying” robbery.Tariq Dervan, Romario Harmer and Talleko Lemonious attacked Dane Rashford and Tyler Alexander-Arnold at a Manchester café.
    Rashford’s brother Dane had a gun pointed at him in a terrifying raidCredit: instagram/Marcus Rashford
    Tyler Alexander-Arnold – brother of star Trent – was also attacked
    The pair had just sat down to eat breakfast with three pals when they were ambushed by the masked robbers.
    Tyler – brother of Liverpool star Trent – was smacked in the head with a baseball bat so hard the handle broke off.
    While Man Utd ace Marcus’ brother Dane “feared for his life” after a shotgun was pointed at his face.
    The masked raiders then made off with a £70,000 Range Rover and jewellery including a £20,000 Rolex.
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    Dervan, 22, Harmer, 21, and 28-year-old Lemonious have now been found guilty over the robbery.
    The trio have also been convicted of possessing a double barrelled shotgun, as well as having a machete and a baseball bat.
    All three were warned they face “lengthy” jail sentences when they return for sentencing on March 20.
    Minshull Street Crown Court were told Dane and Tyler had met with pals on January 12, 2019 for breakfast at the Little Rock cafe.
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    The group of five had been planning to drive to Brighton to watch Liverpool play when the horror unfolded.
    Dervan, Harmer, and Lemonious burst into the restaurant armed with the baseball bat and sawn-off shotgun.
    They also threatened Dane and Tyler with a machete and demanded they hand over their watches.
    Tyler, who was not wearing a watch, handed over his wallet instead and the keys to his £70,000 Range Rover.
    The thugs then made Dane take off his £20,000 Rolex and a £4,000 watch belonging to one of his pals.
    Recalling the horror, Dane said he could not see what was happening but felt a “prick” on his back before he saw the gun being “pointed towards my face”.
    Tyler meanwhile said he heard a shout of “get your watch off” before the baseball bat connected with the side of his head.
    The violent robbery lasted just a few minutes, with the trio fleeing the cafe in the stolen Range Rover and a BMW.
    Police later managed to track the stolen 4X4 to a property where six men – including the defendants – were inside.
    Dervan, Harmer and Lemonious surrendered but no further action was taken against the other three men.
    During a search of the home, officers discovered the ski masks used in the attack, a machete and the shotgun in a bag in some bushes.
    Carl Miles, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said following the trial: “Talleko Lemonious, Tariq Dervan and Romario Harmer carried out a terrifying armed robbery at a café in broad day light.
    “In their greed, they showed utter disregard for the impact on their targeted victims and other customers and staff in the cafe, who genuinely feared for their lives, and were not afraid to use violence to get what they wanted.
    “We worked closely with the police to build a strong case against them, including DNA and CCTV evidence, which we presented to the jury. After careful consideration of this evidence the jury found all three men guilty of all the offences they faced.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I would like to thank the victims for their help in bringing these violent men to justice in order to protect the public from further harm at his hands.
    “I hope that the conclusion of the trial helps them move forward with their lives.”
    Tyler was hit with a baseball bat in the raidCredit: Tyler Alexander-Arnold /Twitter More

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    Bolton Wanderers ace Kyle Dempsey & his dad ‘punched and kneed bouncer in face’

    A FOOTBALLER and his dad punched and kneed a bouncer in the face, a court heard.Daryl Jarvis was left with chipped teeth and bruised ribs in the attack by Bolton Wanderers ace Kyle Dempsey and dad Mick, it was said.
    A court heard Kyle Dempsey and his dad punched and kneed a bouncer in the faceCredit: Rex
    The pair were arrested following an altercation in Maryport, Cumbria, on July 16 last year.
    Kyle, 27, of Blackpool, Lancs, and former rugby league player Michael, 50, of Maryport, appeared at Workington magistrates’ court yesterday.
    Both spoke only to confirm their details.
    Their solicitor entered not guilty pleas on their behalf to charges of assault causing actual bodily harm.
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    They were bailed to appear at Carlisle crown court next month. More

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    My footballer ex-boyfriend Fisayo Adarabioyo threatened to kill me when I told him I was pregnant – I was terrified

    A MUM has revealed how her footballer ex-boyfriend threatened to kill her when she discovered she was pregnant.Fisayo Adarabioyo, 27, turned up at his ex-partner’s home in Cheshire and banged on the door leaving her terrified.
    Fisayo Adarabioyo threatened to kill his pregnant exCredit: Rex
    The ex-Crystal Palace player, whose brother Tosin plays for Fulham, also chucked gravel at her windows as he demanded to be let in.
    Adarabioyo later bombarded her with texts, telling her: “If you tell anyone I’ll kill you”.
    He also messaged his ex, saying: “Just kill yourself – everyone will be happier”.
    Adarabioyo, who also played for Macclesfield Town FC, was convicted of harassment without violence on Tuesday, MEN reports.
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    His ex has now bravely spoken of her ordeal after the footballer was handed a 12-month community order.
    She said they met through social media and began a “casual” relationship in 2019.
    The mum, who has a child from a previous relationship, said it was never serious as there was an 11-year age gap.
    She ended things in December 2021 but later discovered she was pregnant.
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    The woman said she tried contacting Adarabioyo after deciding to keep the baby but her first attempt was unsuccessful.
    She then decided to send the striker a text letting him know the news.
    The ex said: “I was nearly 24 weeks pregnant at this point. His reaction was shocking and scary.”
    Later that night, Adarabioyo showed up at her home and banged on the front door demanding to be let in.
    After he finally left the property, he then sent dozens of vile text messages urging the woman to kill herself.
    Another said: “I genuinely hope you die.”
    The terrified mum called police after Adarabioyo also made 45 attempts to call her.
    In a powerful victim impact statement, she told how she has since given birth to a baby daughter.
    She added: “When I hear a noise at night, I feel worried he has come back.
    “I just wanted to do the right thing letting him know he was going to be a father.”
    As well as the community order, Adarabioyo was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £200 compensation and £640 court costs.
    Read More on The Sun
    A 12-month restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim or going near her home was also imposed.
    The woman was bombarded with texts (stock image)Credit: Getty
    The footballer told her to kill herselfCredit: Rex More

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    Ex-Celtic striker Anthony Stokes charged after cops seize nearly £4k of suspected cocaine in car after ‘police chase’

    EX-CELTIC striker Anthony Stokes has been charged after cops seized nearly £4,000 of suspected cocaine in a car after a police chase today.The footballer, 34, was arrested after the motor he was alleged to be in is said to have sped off after being approached by cops in the Crumlin area of his hometown Dublin.
    Anothony Stokes has been charged by copsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
    Cops seized nearly £4,000 of suspected cocaine in a carCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow
    Officers raced after the vehicle and seized a pile of white powder from the motor.
    An Irish police spokesman said: “Gardaí arrested two men (aged in their 30s) in the early hours of Friday morning, 6th January 2023 in relation to incidents of dangerous driving in Dublin 12.
    “A quantity of drugs was also recovered from the vehicle.
    “Both men were detained in Crumlin Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 and have been charged in relation to this.

    “They have since been bailed and are due to appear before court at a later date.”
    Former Celtic and Hibs star Stokes spent a night in custody following the drama in the early hours of Friday morning.
    He was also arrested in connection with alleged dangerous driving.
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
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    Premier League star arrested for drugs and dangerous driving after police chase in Dublin

    A FORMER Premier League star has been arrested for drug possesion and dangerous driving after a police chase in Dublin.The Irish footballer was found with €4,500 (£3,979) worth of cocaine in his car.
    Gardai have arrested a former Premier League footballer
    He had been driving in Crumlin when he was approached by police, reports The Irish Mirror.
    A car chase ensued and the man was arrested.
    He was detained in Crumlin Garda Station and was released this morning.
    A Garda spokesperson said: “Officers arrested two men (aged in their 30s) in the early hours of Friday morning in relation to incidents of dangerous driving in Dublin 12.
    “A quantity of drugs was also recovered from the offending vehicle.
    “Both men were detained in Crumlin Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 and have been charged in relation to this.
    “They have since been bailed and are due to appear before court at a later date.”
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