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      University of Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard arrested after ‘assaulting family member’

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      THE University of Texas men’s basketball coach, Chris Beard, has been arrested and charged with assault on a family or household member, according to jail records viewed by The U.S. Sun.Beard, 49, was arrested and charged with assault early Monday morning by the Austin Police department.
      University of Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested and charged with assault on Monday morningCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Per the police report, Beard was charged with “assault on a family/household member”Credit: Getty
      This photo provided by the Austin Police Department shows Chris Beard, who was arrested on a felony family violence charge.Credit: AP
      The Travis County Sheriff’s office lists that the Texas Longhorns coach was arrested on domestic violence charges and booked on a third-degree felony.
      As per the police report, Beard was charged with “assault on a family/household member” and “impeding breath circulation.”
      Investigative reporter for the Statesmen and KVUE, Tony Plohetski, first took to Twitter on Monday today to share the news.
      He first tweeted: “University of Texas head men’s basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested and charged with assault on a family member early Monday, Austin police confirm. We are attempting to learn more.”

      In a follow-up tweet, minutes later, he wrote: “UPDATE: Austin police spokesman Brandon Jones says it is alleged that Beard strangled a person at a home in Tarrytown.
      “Officers responded to a 911 ‘disturbance-urgent’ call at 2:07am Monday.”
      An Austin Police spokesperson told CBS Sports that Beard was arrested and booked at 4:18am local time after responding to a “disturbance hot shot.”
      And a Travis County Jail spokeswoman told Horns247 that a bond hearing will be set sometime on Monday.
      Most read in Athletics
      His bail is expected to be set on the charge at the bond hearing.
      Beard, who is from Marietta, Georgia, is currently in his second season as the Longhorns’ head coach.
      And his team is scheduled to play at the Moody Center arena on Monday night.
      The University of Texas released the following statement after the arrest: “The University is aware of the situation regarding Chris Beard.
      “We are continuing to gather information and monitoring the legal process.”
      The longtime basketball coach has orchestrated several plays with a number of teams and led Texas Tech University’s Red Raiders to the top of the NCAA tournament.
      Beard previously worked as a head coach at McMurry University, Angelo State, Arkansas Little Rock, and Texas Tech.
      From 1991 to 1995, he served as the head coach of the University of Texas Longhorns.
      On April 1, 2021, Chris became the head coach of the Longhorns 26 years after the conclusion of his first stint with the team.
      Read More on The Sun
      At a press conference, he stated: “I’m thrilled and excited to be coming back to Austin and back to the Longhorn family.
      “I can’t express how excited I am for this opportunity and the journey that lies ahead.” More

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      Grant Wahl dead: Reporter’s devastated brother claims he was killed in Qatar over rainbow T-shirt row in emotional video

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      GRANT Wahl’s devastated brother believes he was murdered in Qatar after being detained over wearing a rainbow T-shirt.The sports journalist, 48, died after suffering a suspected heart attack during the Netherlands versus Argentina quarter final match in Doha on Friday.
      Grant Wahl was detained in Doha for wearing a rainbow T-shirtCredit: Reuters
      Grant’s brother, Eric Wahl, believes he was killed in QatarCredit: Instagram
      Sports journalist Grant Wahl (left) and his brother EricCredit: Twitter
      US media sat near him said Grant fell back in his seat during extra time before journalists next to him called for help.
      Emergency services rushed to the scene but he tragically died.
      The journalist was covering his eighth World Cup, and made headlines earlier in the tournament when he claimed he was refused entry to a game for wearing a rainbow T-shirt.
      In an emotional video, his heartbroken brother Eric Wahl questioned the circumstances surrounding his death.

      “My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay,” he said.
      “I’m the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy.
      “He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for any help.”
      In a post on Twitter, he said: “I spoke with Grant just the other day for his birthday. He thought he’d caught bronchitis. I no longer believe that’s what it was.”
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      Eric added: “We all want answers.”
      A Qatar organising committee spokesperson said Grant “received immediate emergency medical treatment on site, which continued as he was transferred by ambulance to Hamad General Hospital”.
      “We offer our deepest condolences to Grant’s family, friends and his many close colleagues in the media,” they added.
      Grant’s wife Celine Gounder said she was in “complete shock” after her husband’s death.
      She said: “I am so thankful for the support of my husband Grant Wahl’s soccer family & of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock.”
      US State Department spokesman Ned Price said authorities were in “close communication” with Grant’s family.
      He said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Grant Wahl and send our condolences to his family, with whom we have been in close communication.
      “We are engaged with senior Qatari officials to see to it that his family’s wishes are fulfilled as expeditiously as possible.”
      Grant had celebrated his 48th birthday in Qatar on Thursday – a day before he collapsed.
      He hit the headlines earlier in the tournament when he was briefly detained and refused entry to the Wales-USA Group B game for wearing a rainbow shirt.
      Security guards eventually let him wear it to the match.
      On Monday, Grant said he had been diagnosed with bronchitis.
      He wrote on his website: “My body finally broke down on me.
      “What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.
      “I didn’t have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic and the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis.”
      FIFA President Gianni Infantino led tributes to the American sports journalist.
      He said: “His love for football was immense and his reporting will be missed by all who follow the global game.
      “We express our sincerest condolences to his wife Céline, his family, and his friends at this most difficult time.”
      Piers Morgan said: “He was a brilliant journalist. RIP.”
      The US Soccer Federation said: “The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken.
      “Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game.”
      Grant, who worked for Sports Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, was known for his coverage of football and college basketball.
      He wrote a profile of Lebron James when the NBA superstar was in high school that is credited with making him a breakout star.
      Superstar James would be drafted with the first pick of the NBA Draft about a year after appearing in the piece. 
      James paid tribute to the late sportswriter, describing his death as a “tragic loss”.
      He said: “Even when I moved up in the ranks and became a professional and he kind of went to a different sport and things of that nature of the years, any time his name would come up I would always think back to me as a teenager and having Grant in our building down at St. V. So it’s a tragic loss.
      “It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Nate Scott, senior director of USA Today sports media group, tweeted: “Grant was an established pro who went out of his way to help me multiple times in my career when he had no reason to.
      “He took delight in seeing this sport grow in this country and wanted to lift those of us around him up. A horrible, horrible day for American soccer.”
      Grant’s wife Celine Gounder said she was in ‘complete shock’ after her husband’s deathCredit: FIFA
      Grant celebrated his 48th birthday in Qatar on Thursday – a day before he collapsedCredit: Getty More

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      Raheem Sterling still deciding if he will return to World Cup as cops probe if same gang robbed three of his teammates

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      RAHEEM Sterling was yesterday still deciding if he will return to Qatar – as cops were probing if the same gang behind his break in also robbed three of his teammates.The Three Lions ace was left distraught when his fiance Paige, 27, returned home with their three children on Saturday night and found his mansion in Oxshott, Surrey, had been broken into and £300K of watches and jewellery stolen.
      Raheem, seen here with his fiancée Paige, is still deciding whether to return to Qatar for the World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The horrific raid took place on Saturday night – less than 24 hours before England’s clash against Senegal – pictured Sterling with Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The 27-year-old winger wants to return to the tournament to help manager Gareth Southgate but he and his family are still shaken up following the burglary, The Sun understands.
      Now Surrey Police are examining whether the same gang are responsible for other raids in the last two years on Chelsea stars who all live within a five mile radius of each other.
      Defender Reece James – who would have been in Qatar but for injury – was raided by a gang who targeted his home in Cobham, Surrey, in September 2021.
      They stole his safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup and Euro 2020 medals.
      READ MORE ON RAHEEM STERLING
      Two other teammates have also suffered similar crimes in recent months, with cops looking into any potential links.
      A source said: “Whenever high value raids take place, police officers will also look to see if there are any similarities.
      “Did they break in the same way? Did they use the same car to getaway? Did they steal similar items in each robbery? These are all questions they will ask.”
      Yesterday security was being beefed up outside the homes of all England stars playing in the World Cup, at the request of manager Gareth Southgate.
      Most read in Football
      A source said: “Gareth has asked the FA to do whatever it takes to make the players feel safe. He wants them to be confident their families are looked after so they can fully focus on the quarter final against France.”
      Leicester ace James Maddison is among those who have improved security.
      Speaking from Qatar, the England midfielder said: “Raheem’s a brilliant guy and a brilliant character in the group. We’ve all sent him a message to make sure he’s okay at this time.
      A security patrol is seen at Raheem Sterling’s home in SurreyCredit: LNP
      “It’s obviously difficult. It’s not nice and something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. As a young man with a family of my own, it’s horrible to see stuff like that happen, but it does happen. You do have to take those measures. It’s just the world we live in, unfortunately.”
      England play France in the quarter-finals on Saturday. More

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      Raheem Sterling raiders up the stakes because cops are not there to stop them

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      ANOTHER day, another high-profile “home invasion” in a Britain that feels increasingly unsafe.Normally, I tend to avoid Americanisms, but “burglary” conjures up an image of a lone thief creeping in and out with a swag bag and we’re waaaaaay past that.
      Raheem Sterling pictured with his fiancée Paige Milian
      A security patrol is seen at Raheem Sterling’s home in SurreyCredit: LNP
      The latest victim to make headlines is footballer Raheem Sterling, who flew home from the World Cup after learning his family home in Oxshott, Surrey, had been targeted by a gang and £300,000 worth of watches and jewellery stolen.
      His fiancée Paige, mother to two of his children, returned home on Saturday night to find the place ransacked and she and Raheem reportedly feel thankful for the small mercy that she wasn’t home when it happened.
      Others weren’t so lucky. In January, Man Utd star Tahith Chong, now on loan to Birmingham City, was asleep in bed with his girlfriend Rianna Taylor when three men in balaclavas burst in and threatened to “chop them up”.
      They yanked the Dutch footballer out of bed by his ankles, brandishing knives and demanding to know where valuables were kept.
      READ MORE ON RAHEEM STERLING
      Rianna, 24, said: “The blokes were terrifying . . . I have not had a proper night’s sleep since and can’t sleep with the lights off.
      “I have been diagnosed with PTSD.”
      Unsurprising after such a frightening violation.
      Our homes are our sanctuaries, our supposedly safe space. And when someone invades it, they take our peace of mind too.
      Most read in Football
      Chong’s ex-teammate Paul Pogba’s house was also raided while his two children were being looked after by their nanny.
      “My wife and I rushed home not knowing if our children were safe and unharmed,” he says.
      “The burglars were in our home for less than five minutes but in that time they took from us something more valuable than anything we had in our home . . . our sense of safety and security.”
      Exactly. A sentiment that will be all too familiar to Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish, who was held at knifepoint last December in front of his “extremely distressed” young children who “feared for their lives” and are “struggling with the after-affects”.
      When a gang doesn’t give a damn about destroying the mental wellbeing of young children, you know you’re dealing with a whole new level of criminal.
      A police officer told me that many gangs now wilfully carry out raids when a family is home because, firstly, there’s a high chance the alarm won’t be on if the parents are still up watching TV and, secondly, they know you won’t resist if your kids are in the house.
      Raheem’s fiancée Paige, mother to two of his children, returned home on Saturday night to find their mansion ransackedCredit: Getty
      These high-profile examples are perhaps a symptom of a wider malaise that affects all of us — the lack of visible policing as a deterrent.
      A quick glance at the neighbourhood app Next Door will tell you that, all over the country, people feel abandoned by the “law and order” supposed to protect them.
      The crimes might be a lot smaller — street muggings, stolen cars, parcels nicked off your doorstep — but the feeling that criminals no longer fear the police or “justice” and “you’re on your own” is huge.
      This week it was revealed that more than 100 reports of violent crime per day are being “screened out” by police officers across 17 forces. More than half a million reports were dropped overall last year following an initial assessment.
      This isn’t a pop at frontline police. They do a tough job and took a record 500,000 days off because of mental ill health in 2021.
      Other statistics show they spend just 20 per cent of their time tackling crime and the rest dealing with non-crime related incidents such as vulnerable people abandoned by cash-strapped social care services.
      Little wonder that record numbers of police officers are leaving. They feel as abandoned as we do by those with the power to give police officers the time, the manpower and the authority to deal with the criminals blighting people’s lives.
      And until they do, it’s anarchy out there.
      QUEEN OF TACT IS GONE
      FRANK SKINNER had an awkward encounter backstage with the Countess of Wessex following his rendition of Three Lions at last week’s Royal Variety Performance.
      “She comes up and says, ‘Don’t give up your day job’,” says Frank, who adds that she followed it up with: “I could tell it’s not what you do. You’re not used to a live crowd.”
      He pointed out that he was very much used to live crowds. “She looked at me like, ‘You’re not supposed to be arguing, you’re supposed to just nod’,” he continued.
      It’s not quite up there with the persistent rudeness of royal courtier Lady Susan Hussey, but one wonders whether our late Queen’s diplomacy skills died with her.
      If Her Majesty had asked Ngozi Fulani, “Have you come far?” and got the reply “Hackney,” that would have been the end of the matter.
      And even if Frank Skinner had sounded like widely mocked American singer Florence Foster Jenkins, the Queen would have avoided offence with the observation “intriguing” before swiftly moving on.

      Bonas to keeping mum
      PRINCE HARRY’S former girlfriend Cressida Bonas has given birth to her first child, name and sex undisclosed.
      We only know she’s become a mum as she was photographed pushing a pram with husband Harry Wentworth-Stanley.
      Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas, pictured with husband Harry Wentworth-Stanley, has given birth to her first childCredit: MJ-Pictures.com
      The birth comes nine months after Chelsy Davy another of Harry’s exes, had her first child with husband Sam Cutmore-Scott – a pregnancy they kept secret by moving from high-profile Chelsea to a quieter part of London.
      Both women reportedly parted company with the Prince because they didn’t want to live their lives in the goldfish bowl of fame.
      But Harry went on to meet and marry Meghan Markle, a woman who clearly shares his view that, rather than keep your head down and lead a relatively normal life, you can constantly demand greater privacy while at the same time invading it yourself whenever the price is right.
      They are the perfect match.
      WE CAN STAY AS FRIENS
      REGULAR readers of the column will be familiar with “The Bloke” – in fact I wrote about him only last week.
      We’ve been together for 23 years but, full disclosure, a year ago we quietly agreed to separate.
      We are still living in the same house and will share this Christmas together with the family, but in the New Year we plan to sell up and find our own places.
      Not quite John Alderton and Hannah Gordon in the Seventies sitcom My Wife Next Door, but hopefully near enough that we can keep our strong friendship going.
      And I’ll still be writing about him in the column every so often – he can’t escape that easily.

      Mone’s career lift-up
      “BARONESS Bra” Michelle Mone was always a rather curious appointment to the House of Lords.
      It seemed as if then PM David Cameron was in full panic mode about the lack of women and added her as an afterthought, a bit like that Castlemaine XXXX ad when a pick-up truck is loaded with beers and they add two bottles of sherry as “something for the ladies”.
      Baroness Michelle Mone will take a leave of absence from the House of LordsCredit: John Kirkby – The Sun Glasgow
      For those unfamiliar with the punchline, the truck collapses and an Aussie rancher observes wryly: “Looks like we’ve overdone it on the sherry.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Well, looks like they may also have overdone it by handing a peership to a woman described as “extraordinarily aggressive” by Matt Hancock when lobbying him to support a PPE contract for a company she was helping.
      Her possible financial connection to the firm is now under investigation, but aside from that, one can only marvel at the original decision to appoint a “business tsar” whose achievements appear to have been as cosmetically uplifted as the Ultimo bra she once fronted and has now gone, er, bust.
      WEE’RE A TEAM
      THE first ever saliva-based pregnancy test is about to hit the shops.The makers say it will enable couples to do the test together “for the first time” and one woman described it as a “joy” to be able to do the test with her partner present.
      If you know them well enough to potentially get pregnant, why the coyness over them being there when you wee? More

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      Italian footballer jailed for gang raping woman, 21, along with his uncle and two pals at sordid party

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      AN ITALIAN footballer has been sentenced to six years in jail for the sick gang rape of a 21-year-old woman.Manolo Portanova, a midfielder for Genoa Football Club, raped the woman on May 30 2021 in her apartment, in the historical centre of Siena.
      Portanova is expected to serve six years in Italian prisonCredit: Getty
      Manolo Portanova has played for Genoa since 2019Credit: Getty
      His uncle, Alessio Langella, 23, received the same sentence after partaking in the sick rape, alongside his friend Alessandro Cappiello.
      A 17-year-old boy also has been charged, and his case is being dealt with by the Juvenile Prosecutor in Florence.
      Both Manolo and his uncle opted for a fast-track trial, which reduces prison sentences by a third compared to trials with a jury, according to La Gazetta dello Sport.
      Manolo is the son of former Bolonga, Napoli and Genoa defender Daniele Portanova.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      The midfielder from Naples has continued to deny kidnapping the woman alongside his uncle and friend.
      Reports from the court case revealed the act was “consensual”.
      Court reconstructions revealed the young woman was alone with Portanova, but the other three defendants joined in and participated in “violence”.
      The student “went to A&E afterwards, where medics found bruises and wounds”, according to Football Italia.
      Most read in Football
      “I learned from my father and from sport to have healthy respect for everyone, especially women. I am pained for the psychological damage the girl has suffered,” Portanova said in a statement.
      Genoa is Italy’s oldest football team, founded in 1893, but the club came under fire after Coach Alexander Blessin continued to use Manolo after he was charged with the crime.
      Manolo has maintained his innocence throughout the court proceedingsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      He played for Genoa on December 4Credit: Getty More

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      How Harry Kane is reacting to Raheem Sterling break-in and taking action inside England camp ahead of crunch game

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      HARRY Kane is providing invaluable support to the England squad following the break-in at Raheem Sterling’s home as they prepare to take on France in their crunch World Cup game.The England skipper, 29, is helping calm other members in the camp who may be concerned about the raid.
      Harry Kane is providing invaluable support to the England squad following the raid on Raheem Sterling’s homeCredit: Getty
      Raheem, seen here with his fiancée Paige, has said he will only return to Qatar once his family is safeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The England ace rushed home from Qatar following the raidCredit: Rex
      A Three Lions source said: “Harry knows the players’ families are really shaken up by what has happened and that is a worry for the players themselves.
      “He sees it as his job as skipper to keep the morale of the team up and to focus everyone on the France match.”
      Sterling, 27, dashed home from Qatar after his mansion was targeted by a gang who stole £300,000 worth of watches and designer jewellery — he is said to be the fourth Chelsea FC player hit by them in recent months.
      Police understand his fiancee Paige, 27, discovered the raid on Saturday night, less than 24 hours before England’s clash with Senegal on Sunday.
      Read More on Harry Kane

      He is hoping to return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter final against France — but only if he thinks his home is secured and his family are not at risk.
      A source said: “Raheem has told everyone, ‘There is no way I’m going anywhere unless I’m 100 per cent sure that my family can be kept safe’. He is security conscious and part of the reason they moved into the property was that it is on a very exclusive estate, with regular security patrols.
      “Despite this, he has still managed to be targeted, which is very upsetting for Raheem and Paige. They have just moved back to London and want to feel safe.”
      The family moved into the property in Oxshott, Surrey, after Chelsea paid Man City £47.5 million for the winger this summer.
      Most read in Football
      It is understood Paige returned to the UK from Qatar with his three young children after cheering on Raheem in the group stages.
      She had a work commitment related to her property firm.
      Raheem has now met with detectives from Surrey Police who are investigating the crime.
      It’s not the first time Chelsea players have had their homes raided and it’s feared a highly organised criminal gang has the club’s wealthy players in its sights.
      One of the other Chelsea victims defender Reece James, 22, was raided by a gang who targeted his home in Cobham, Surrey, in September 2021. They stole his safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup and Euro 2020 medals.
      Two other teammates have also suffered similar crimes in recent months, with cops now looking into potential links.
      England ace Harry Maguire has blasted the thugs who targeted Raheem.
      Man United star Harry, 29, said: “It’s extremely disappointing to hear that when we are out here playing for our country and giving everything there are people back home targeting us.
      “The game could have gone different and we might have needed Raheem.”
      And other Wags have offered Paige their support.
      Meanwhile, Raheem plans to beef up security at his home once the police have finished their investigations.
      A source said: “He has got a firm on standby to go straight in to install 24/7 security with enhanced infra red night vision. He’s looking to get dozens of cameras installed.
      Read More on The Sun
      “And he’s going to employ a security firm to patrol his house night and day, and will keep them in place until the World Cup is over. All the jewellery of value has since been removed from the house to a safe deposit place.”
      Police said no arrests had yet been made.
      The raiders stole £300,000 worth of watches and designer jewellery
      Harry sees part of his job as England skipper to keep the side’s morale up, a source saysCredit: Getty More

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      England stars ‘were told of break-in at Raheem Sterling’s house hours before World Cup kick-off’

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      ENGLAND footballers were told of the break-in at Raheem Sterling’s house hours before yesterday’s World Cup kick-off, it has been reported. The Chelsea forward’s teammates were informed together in a meeting ahead of their 3-0 victory over Senegal.
      Raheem Sterling raced home yesterday after a raid on his houseCredit: Getty
      His England teammates were told hours before yesterday’s kick offCredit: AP
      And several of his fellow stars are thinking about ramping up their own home and personal security. The team also offered their support to Sterling, 27.
      He rushed home from Qatar last night after hearing his mansion in Cobham, Surrey, had been raided.
      Police were at Sterling’s luxury estate in Cobham, Surrey, over the weekend and security patrolled it late into the night.
      Terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27 — who was looking after their two kids — raised the alarm after the gang took watches worth £300,000.
      read more on football
      It is the latest in a string of burglaries targeting footballers.
      Sterling has three children in total, two of whom are with Paige.
      He rushed home ahead of England’s 3-0 win over Senegal yesterday to comfort his family, who are understood to have been left shaken by the incident on Saturday.
      The gang may have thought property developer Paige and the couple’s sons, aged five and three, were still in Qatar.
      Most read in Football
      Sterling told FA chiefs he had to go home. News that he’d left the squad broke shortly before the last-16 clash with Senegal.
      He may return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter-final against France.
      Boss Gareth Southgate said after yesterday’s win: “The priority for him is to be with his family.
      “We’re going to support that and leave him to have as much time as he needs. 
      “He’s going home. I don’t want to put him under pressure. Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing, family should come first.”
      Captain Harry Kane added: “Our thoughts are with him and his family.
      “It’s a private matter but it’s never easy to see one of your teammates and friends deal with something like that. 
      “We’ll have to take it day by day. I’m sure Raheem will speak to the manager and take the best decision for him an his family. That’s the most important thing. We send him our best wishes and hope to see him as soon as possible.”
      And Jordan Henderson, who wore Sterling’s No10 shorts when the players met their families after full-time, said: “It’s a blow but I hope everything is OK with Raheem’s family at home.
      “I hope he goes back and can sort everything out.
      “I’m not sure if he can come back, I suppose he will have to assess when he’s there but all our thoughts and support are with him.”
      Before England’s first game Paige posted pictures of the two boys on a cruise ship in Doha, and she was tagged in social media images with cocktails.
      A family source said: “This was terrifying for her and obviously traumatic for all the family.
      “Raheem will have been beside himself with worry when he heard.
      “To be away when your partner and children are at home when an armed gang breaks in is beyond words.
      “It looks like about £300,000 of watches have been taken. The police were there several hours.”
      Sterling bought a £15,000 Rotweiler guard dog called Okan as well as a 24/7 security team after an attempted burglary on his house in Cheshire in 2018, when he played for Man City.
      The former boss of a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised crime has previously warned of a rise in raids on stars due to gangs scouring social media feeds.
      Supt Carl Williams, who used to be the lead of Operation Opal, said earlier this year: “In today’s world where many wealthy individuals are active on social media their significant public profile can help make them targets.
      “Their high-value possessions are often on display as well as information about their plans.”
      The FA said last night: “Raheem is not available for selection for the Three Lions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
      Surrey Police have confirmed they are investigating a burglary where jewellery and watches were stolen following reports of a break-in at England winger Raheem Sterling’s home.
      The force said: “We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead. On Saturday, December 3 the occupants returned to the address after arriving home from an international trip.
      “They contacted police just before 9pm to report a number of items of jewellery, including watches, had been stolen. Officers attended the address later that night and returned to speak to the occupants this morning.
      “At this time it remains unclear on which date the property was stolen and establishing this forms a key part of our investigation.
      “Enquiries into the full circumstances remain ongoing and officers will look at all available evidence including any CCTV opportunities. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “We are aware of media reports stating there were armed suspects involved, however, at this time, we would reassure our communities that no witnesses have come forward to this effect and there are no reports of any threats of violence linked to this incident. Anyone with information should contact police directly if they have not already been spoken to.
      “No arrests have been made at this time.” More

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      Former Bundesliga star Dusan Petkovic arrested after being caught with 115kg of cocaine

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      FORMER Bundesliga star Dusan Petkovic has been arrested after being caught with 115kg of cocaine.Petkovic, now sporting director of Serbian side OFK Belgrade, was nicked in Amsterdam and now faces jail.
      Serbia star Dusan Petkovic has been arrested over the drugsCredit: Reuters
      Serbian newspaper Blic claim that eight people were arrested, including the ex-Wolfsburg ace.
      Bild report that the 48-year-old and his colleagues are said to have helped organize a coke import to Europe from South America.
      The former Serbian international defender was cuffed as part of a Europol bust.
      In cooperation with the Serbian police, they were able to capture the gang as the narcotics were on the way to the Belgian city of Arlon from Rotterdam.
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      According to the public prosecutor’s office, the drugs was eventually due to to find it’s way to London.
      Petkovic and his colleagues were supposedly part of a group who bought concrete slabs prepped them with cocaine packages in a disused hangar.
      His current club, OFK Belgrade, have not yet issued a statement.
      Serbia were also downed in the group stage at the World Cup as Switzerland came through 3-2 victors to qualify for the knockouts.
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      Xherdan Shaqiri fired in the opener from the left-hand side, cutting in to hit a deflected shot past the goalkeeper.
      However, they were not ahead for long as Aleksandr Mitrovic netted a sublime equaliser, heading his side level.
      And they completed the turnaround as Dusan Vlahovic finished smartly into the bottom corner.
      Despite this, Switzerland would not accept defeat and they equalised through Breel Embolo, tapping in after a fine move.
      The best goal of the game came as Remo Freuler finished after an impressive passing move led to the goal, a crucial strike that saw his side go through to the knockout round. More