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    Troubled boxing champion Scott Fitzgerald is jailed after KOing man outside pub in drink and drug-fuelled rampage

    FORMER boxing champion Scott Fitzgerald has been jailed after floored a man outside a pub with a single punch.The Commonwealth gold medallist attacked Leevi Francis in a drink and drug-fuelled rage.
    Scott Fitzgerald has been jailed for punching a man to the ground outside a pubCredit: Reuters
    Leevi suffered a broken jaw and a cut below his eyebrow after being knocked unconscious outside the Grand Junction in Preston, Lancashire.
    Fitzgerald has now been jailed for 46 weeks after he pleaded guilty to GBH on the first day of his trial.
    Preston Crown Court heard how the boxer had been drinking all afternoon and smoked cannabis on November 27 last year.
    CCTV footage showed him “bouncing around the pub” before he went into the pool room.
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    Landlady Kirsty Allen kicked him out after he stamped on the floor hard close to the pool table.
    After being shoved outside by a group of drinkers, Fitzgerald first confronted another man.
    Seeing this, Leevi stepped in to help and was punched to the ground by the British light-middleweight champion.
    He lay unconscious for around a minute before being taken to hospital.
    Most read in Boxing
    In a victim impact statement, Leevi said a plate inserted into his jaw causes him pain at night as he told how he lost two stone after being left unable to eat.
    He also revealed he has suffered socially since the attack and feels anxious about his son’s boxing hobby.
    Ayaz Qazi, defending, told the court how Fitzgerald’s successful career, which saw him win a gold medal for his country in 2014, was blighted by his drink and drug use.
    The lawyer said he is now banned from professional boxing but has remained sober while being kept on remand in custody.
    Mr Qazi added: “He is utterly aghast and ashamed of the way he was behaving, this loutish and disorderly behaviour in public.”
    Sentencing, Judge Richard Archer said Fitzgerald using his fists was the equivalent of using a weapon in a fight.
    He said: “You know, as somebody who is supposed to be trained to control aggression and channel it for the purposes of professional sport, that when to behave that way – even by your own admission under the influence of drink and drugs – is entirely unacceptable.
    “You risk very serious consequences for your victim.
    “A professional boxer who under the influence is unable to charge the power in those fists could all so easily have rendered a man not just unconscious, but dead.
    “It is fortunate you are not facing a much more serious charge. There are many people who face those charges based on a single blow.”
    The sentence is the latest drama in the boxer’s troubled personal life.

    In 2021, worrying pictures emerged of super-welterweight champ lying on the street outside a pub.
    Fitzgerald took to social media to reassure fans after promotor Eddie Hearn voiced his concerns over the pictures.
    The boxer had been kicked out of a pub after drinking and taking drugsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The British light-middleweight champion pleaded guilty to GBHCredit: Getty
    He has struggled with drinking and drugs, his lawyer saidCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal have Met Police officer at training ground to prevent players being targeted by thieves

    ARSENAL have a Met Police officer stationed at their training ground to prevent players being targeted by thieves.Last month, the cop approached two men taking photos of players at the London Colney site in Herts.
    Defender Sead Kolasinac protects Mesut Özil when knife-wielding thugs attempted to rob them
    Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were targeted by moped thievesCredit: AP:Associated Press
    He said: “There are concerns people are photographing players’ cars and following them home.”
    In 2021, Sead Kolasinac was filmed fighting off a pair of knife-wielding street thugs trying to rob teammate Mesut Özil.
    The players have since left the club.
    There are fears criminals could hide among fans looking for autographs, then make off with players’ fancy watches or supercars.
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    One supporter said the officer, wearing an Arsenal lanyard, told him and his pal: “I’m based here.”
    He then asked to see identification.
    Soon after, stars drove up including centre back Rob Holding, 27, England ace Bukayo Saka, 21, Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes, 25, and Belgian international Leandro Trossard, 28.
    A Met spokesman said: “Each London club has a Dedicated Football Officer who acts as a liaison between police, fans and the club.
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    “These officers are responsible for dealing with any policing issues and crime relating to the club.
    “They will have regular visits to the club, including meetings at stadiums and training grounds, in order to discuss policing priorities in these areas.
    “However, they are predominantly based in a police building in central London.”
    Arsenal said they would not comment on the security of their players. More

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    Terrifying details emerge of raid at Rio Ferdinand and pregnant Kate’s house in front of shaken family

    BRAVE Rio Ferdinand nabbed an intruder in his back garden and held him until cops arrived.The ex-England ace, 44, saw the man at his South East London home while pregnant wife Kate, 31, and their kids were inside.
    Rio Ferdinand, pictured with pregnant wife Kate, nabbed an intruder at his homeCredit: Getty
    Rio has three children with late first wife Rebecca, one boy with ex-Towie star Kate, and a little girl on the wayCredit: Instagram
    Rio’s heavily-pregnant wife Kate was inside the house with the childrenCredit: Social media – Refer to source
    A source said: “This was a frightening incident.”
    Ferdinand bravely tackled the prowler to protect his pregnant wife, kids and property.
    CCTV footage from cameras at his £4million home revealed the suspect tried to open the rear patio doors to get inside the  previous evening.
    The man then spent the night in the garden and was confronted by Rio the next morning.
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    The ex-England and Manchester United star detained the prowler until the arrival of security guards on the private estate in Bromley, South East London.
    Police were then called.
    Rio was horrified to find the man outside his home on Friday.
    A source said last night: “This was a frightening incident which has left Rio and Kate pretty shaken up.
    Most read in Football
    “It’s worrying that someone got into the grounds but Rio dealt with it  — and they both know it could have been a lot worse. But it caused a lot of concern.”
    Another source said: “Rio was alarmed to see an intruder   and  was naturally concerned for the safety of his family.
    “He acted promptly and decisively and went outside to deal with any potential threat.
    “Rio alerted the estate’s security team and then went outside to confront the intruder and demand what he was doing there.
    “He kept him there until a security guard arrived soon afterwards and the  man was led outside and detained until the police got there.”
    Rio’s heavily-pregnant wife, former Towie star Kate was inside the house with her son Cree, two, and stepchildren Lorenz, 16, Tate, 14, and Tia, 12, from Rio’s first marriage.
    Police took the intruder to ­hospital after he complained of feeling unwell.
    Despite the apparent attempt to get inside the Ferdinands’ home, the man was not arrested.
    Ex-Met Police detective chief inspector Mick Neville said: “It’s good to see a TV celebrity and famous footballer taking action to defend his home and family.
    Rio spotted the prowler in his garden in Kent while pregnant wife Kate and their kids were indoorsCredit: Instagram
    A source said: ‘This was a frightening incident’
    “There have been some horrendous stories  about the homes of footballers being broken into.
    “Rio couldn’t be sure what he was dealing with when he went outside to deal with the suspect.
    “He should be commended for dealing with it courageously.”
    The intruder turned out to be a  homeless man who is suspected to have got on to the estate — patrolled by guards — via a public bridleway.
    The matter was later dealt with by a community resolution with Rio and Kate’s consent.
    The Met said: “Police were called to a 70-year-old man detained by a private security guard having been found in the garden of a residential property.
    “He was dealt with by a community resolution for ‘Being on Enclosed Premises for an Unlawful Purpose’, an offence under the Vagrancy Act.”
    Kate made no mention of the drama when she posted stylish photos of herself and growing baby bump on Instagram later on Friday.
    She wrote: “A very busy but exciting week. Now get me home on the sofa in my pjs to my babies & hubby.”
    That night Kate made a surprise appearance on Mo Gilligan’s The Lateish Show, where Rio was a guest.
    On the Channel 4 programme, Rio — whose first wife Rebecca Ellison died of breast cancer aged 34 — spoke of the night he first met Kate in Dubai.
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    He relayed a story of how he awkwardly tripped over as he escorted her to the loo.
    It led to her nicknaming him The Peckham Crawler.
    LATEST ACE TO BE HITBy Thomas Godfrey
    RIO Ferdinand is the latest in a spate of Premier League stars to be targeted by a robbery gang.
    Raheem Sterling returned from the World Cup in Qatar last year when masked thugs stole £300,000 of jewellery from his home.
    The dad of three, 28, missed England’s quarter-final to comfort fiancée Paige Milian and his kids.
    Ex-Man United midfielder Paul Pogba’s mansion was raided while his kids slept last year as he played in a Europa League game.
    The French ace, 29, called the ordeal his “worst nightmare”.
    The homes of his ex-teammates Victor Lindelof, 28, Jesse Lingard, 30, and Hannibal Mejbri, 20, were also targeted during 2022.
    Former England left-back Ashley Cole, 42, and partner Sharon Canu were tied up in their kitchen during an armed raid in January 2020.
    Supt Carl Williams, ex-head of a UK intelligence unit focused on serious organised crime, said raiders scoured players’ social media for clues to their movements.

    KATE WORRYBy Sophie King, of Tommy’s charity
    FOR many, pregnancy can be an emotional and anxious time.
    As midwives, we do our best to make sure women have the support they need to reduce stress so they can have the most positive experience possible and ultimately take home a healthy baby.
    We at Tommy’s pregnancy charity are so sad to hear about this incident and can only imagine the worry and anxiety this created.
    Everyone at Tommy’s sends the family our best wishes at this ­difficult time. More

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    Sunderland star Jack Diamond appears in court charged with rape and sex assault

    SUNDERLAND star Jack Diamond has appeared in court charged with rape and sexual assault.The footballer, 23, was arrested following an alleged attack in May last year.
    Sunderland footie star Jack Diamond appeared in court todayCredit: NCJMedia
    The winger has had his contract with Lincoln City terminated and his currently suspended from SunderlandCredit: Getty
    Cops said the incident is believed to have taken place at an address in Washington, Tyne and Wear.
    Following an investigation, Northumbria Police arrested Diamond on one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
    Arriving at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court today, he wore a black suit and silver tie.
    Standing in front of a judge, the winger spoke only to confirm his date of birth and address.
    READ MORE ON COURTS
    The suspected offences are against a female aged 16 and over, the court heard.
    Frida Hussain, QC, defending, said Diamond intends to plead not guilty to both charges.
    The young footie star was on loan at League One club Lincoln City who have since terminated his contract.
    And home club Sunderland FC suspended him with “immediate effect” while court proceedings are carried out.
    Most read in Football
    A spokesman for Diamond previously said: “Jack Diamond strenuously denies the allegations which have been made against him.
    “Jack is looking forward to clearing his name in court.”
    A Sunderland spokesperson said: “Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    “The player has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the judicial process, and his loan agreement at Lincoln City Football Club has also been terminated.
    “As this matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time.”
    Diamond will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on June 2.
    He was released on unconditional bail.
    He has been charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assaultCredit: NCJMedia More

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    Former LaLiga star accepts six-year prison sentence after confessing to leading drug trafficking ring

    A former LaLiga footballer has accepted a six-year prison sentence after confessing to leading a drug trafficking ring.Sergio Contreras, better known as Koke, agreed to a plea bargain deal at a court in Malaga after being warned state prosecutors were seeking to have him imprisoned for 16 years ahead of his trial.
    Sergio Contreras played for the likes of Marseille, Malaga and Sporting LisbonCredit: AFP
    He has accepted a six-year prison sentenceCredit: AFP
    The ex-striker, whose clubs included Malaga, Marseille and Sporting Lisbon, was one of 17 defendants accused of buying large amounts of drugs that were smuggled in lorries into different European countries.
    Koke had been described in a pre-trial indictment as the gang leader.
    The drugs were mainly marijuana and cannabis resin, but also included cocaine.
    The gang Koke has now admitted he led was raided in November 2019 following a police operation codenamed Operation Vinculada that involved wiretaps and undercover follows.
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    One of the drug runs linked to the ex-footballer’s gang, consisting of vacuum-packed marijuana and cocaine hidden inside a cargo of garlic, was valued at £350,000.
    All 16 of the defendants who showed up for a trial at Malaga’s Provincial Court on March 27, which ended up being suspended following a no-show by a 17th female defendant police are still hunting, admitted their guilt at a brief hearing on Tuesday.
    As part of the plea bargain deals they struck following a subsequent period of negotiation between state prosecutors and their defence lawyers, they have agreed to accept prison sentences of between two and six years reflecting their different responsibilities in the gang.
    Jail sentences for first-time offenders in Spain normally end up being suspended.
    Most read in Football
    Koke, 40, started his footballing career at hometown club Malaga.
    He went on to join Marseille before being loaned to Sporting Lisbon.
    He produced the best football of his career in years at Greek side Aris, where the first of his two spells there included a brief cameo in a 2011 3-0 Europa League defeat to Manchester City.
    The forward retired from football in 2016. More

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    Exeter City star Jevani Brown named player of the season by teammates weeks after admitting beating up a woman

    A FOOTBALLER has been named player of the season by his teammates — weeks after admitting beating up a woman.Exeter City striker Jevani Brown, 28, pleaded guilty last month to an assault on a night out.
    Exeter City player Jevani Brown has been named player of the season by his teammates — weeks after admitting beating up a womanCredit: Rex
    He also faces trial in July for allegedly attacking a second woman, which he denies.
    Brown, top scorer with 14 goals, has been suspended by the club since being charged, but posed with the award at the League One side’s end of season bash.
    In a statement released last month, the club said: “Jevani Brown appeared at Exeter Magistrates Court this morning in relation to an incident in February.
    “He pleaded guilty to one charge of assault and not guilty to a second charge of assault.
    read more on Exeter City
    “A trial date has now been set to hear the case at Exeter Crown Court on July 7.
    “As the legal proceedings remain active there will be no further comment from Exeter City Football Club.”
    One angry fan complained: “Is this a good message to send?”
    “He’s admitted assaulting a woman and is about to stand trial on another similar charge.
    Most read in Football
    “This goes way beyond club loyalty and I say that as a season ticket holder. Disgusting.”
    Teresa Parker, of campaigners Women’s Aid, said: “His fellow players voting him their player of the season undermines the club’s actions.” More

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    Horrific moment referee is savagely attacked by player and left with broken jaw and missing teeth with arrest made

    A REFEREE has been left with a broken jaw and missing teeth after a brawl broke out during a football match in Australia.Khoder Yaghi was officiating the Friday evening First Grade tie between Padstow Hornets and the Greenacre Eagles at Padstow Park in Sydney, Australia.
    A referee was savagely attacked by a suspended player
    It happened in Sydney, Australia
    Khoder Yaghi was left with a broken jaw and missing teeth
    He is thought to be facing reconstructive surgery
    Yaghi was then filmed as a suspended player allegedly rushed him and attacked him.
    In the video, the referee can be seen taking punches to the head as well as being dragged on to the field.
    After the brawl was stopped Yaghi’s bloodied mouth is viewable and he is thought to have suffered a broken jaw and lost some teeth.
    As Yaghi staggers up he can be heard saying, “he broke my jaw.”
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    The NSW Police have since confirmed that a 25-year-old man has been arrested and taken into custody.
    He has been identified as a member of the Greenacre team and amateur boxer Adam Abdullah.
    Yaghi has been recovering from the incident at Liverpool Hospital and is thought to be preparing to have reconstructive jaw surgery on Monday.
    Greenacre Eagles released a statement following the incident in which it revealed it would be withdrawing the team from the rest of the season.
    Most read in Football
    IT read: “As a result of the incident that occurred following the conclusion of the match, our club has made the decision to withdraw the team from the competition for the remainder of the 2023 season.
    “This serves as a reminder to all that violence will not be tolerated at our club.”
    While Football NSW insisted that it was aware of what happened and that there is “zero tolerance for any antisocial behaviour from any of its participants at any time.”
    Yaghi himself has also spoken about what happened as he told The Age, “I asked about a ground official to calm him down, but this guy carried on … and he jumped over the fence and ran straight towards us.
    “[He] was swearing and abusing us badly for no reason. As he’s approaching us, he put his hands up to start [a] fight … I tried to push him away with my [45cm] linesman’s stick. 
    “But this guy starts running around and tries to get behind me, as he [knows] he can’t get me face to face.
    “As I was having arguments with another player, this guy came from behind me and attacked me. Straight on my face. With his hands and legs all on my head and face.” More

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    West Ham footballer drowned in lake in front of horrified pals weeks after suffering brain injuries in brutal attack

    A WEST Ham youth footballer drowned in a lake just weeks after he suffered brain injuries in a brutal attack, an inquest heard.Nicolae Topa, 17, was with his pals at Fairlop Waters Country Park in East London when the horror unfolded.
    Nicolae Topa drowned in a lake in East London in front his horrified palsCredit: Metropolitan Police
    The teen tragically drowned after a night of “hijinks that went wrong”, an inquest heard.
    Nicolae, who played for West Ham’s youth team, had been attacked by five youths just weeks before the fatal incident on July 4 last year.
    The footballer suffered a brain haemorrhage after being battered with a hammer and crowbar and later complained of feeling dizzy.
    But Walthamstow Coroner’s Court was told a link between the attack on June 12 and Nicolae’s death could not be proven.
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    His death came just days after the teen got into difficulty while swimming with mates in Brighton.
    Nicolae, who had been swimming since the age of nine, had to get out of the sea after becoming dizzy and told his girlfriend people on the beach appeared “far away in the distance”.
    On July 4, he had gone for dinner with his mum and other family who were visiting from his native Moldova.
    Nicolae and his friends then drove to Fairlop Waters, where Nicolae had swum in the lake before, at around midnight.
    Most read in Football
    He told his pals he would dive in and retrieve a moored boat for his friends to cling on to and appeared to just be splashing in the dark water.
    But the alarm was raised minutes later when Nicolae failed to respond to their cries.
    Emergency crews were scrambled to the scene and a rescue mission was launched.
    Nicolae’s body was tragically found the following evening, around 65 metres from the jetty he had originally jumped from.
    The Met Police immediately cordoned off the scene in case his death could be linked to the previous attack.
    But Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine ruled it was an accidental death by drowning after top pathologists found no evidence his injuries were to blame.
    The coroner added: “It is apparent to me that Nicolae was trying to have some fun.
    “It was a hot night, he had decided to get into the water and demonstrate his talent swimming and get a boat on the lake.
    “It seems to have been a joke. The consequence of hijinks that went wrong.”
    Nicolae played for Moldovan team Zimbru before moving to the UK with his mum and sister.
    He joined West Ham at the age of 14 and also played at Leytonstone FC and Petrocub FC, a Moldovan team in London.

    Nicolae’s family previously said their hearts had been “broken in pieces” following his death.
    Four men who pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent over the attack in Chingford will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court in June.
    Nicolae had been attacked just weeks beforeCredit: GOFUNDME More