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      Cocaine epidemic fuelling football yobs after biggest increase in matchday violence in EIGHT YEARS

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      A COCAINE epidemic has fuelled the worst increase in football violence for EIGHT years.The latest Home Office figures reported 2,198 arrests at games last season, the most since the 2013-14 season.
      Drink and drugs have fuelled the worst increase in football violence for eight yearsCredit: PA:Press Association
      That included 441 arrests for pitch invasions, with 561 people charged for throwing missiles, 729 for possession of pyrotechnics and 384 incidents of hate crime.
      The end of last season brought a series of violent pitch invasions with players and coaches attacked and fleeing for their safety.
      Police recorded 1,609 matches in which at least one arrest was made, meaning action was required at more than half of games played – 602 games more than in 2018-19, the last season of full crowds before the pandemic.
      And Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the country’s top football cop, pinpointed drink and drugs as the root cause.
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      Chief Con Roberts said: “Alcohol has always been a factor but the more we look the more we find cocaine use at the heart of things.
      “We have done a number of operations where we have swabbed toilets in grounds and after the game 100 per cent of them had cocaine traces.
      “That is definitely contributing to the bad behaviour, with a lot more young people involved.
      “If this persists, we are talking about a problem that will last another 20 years.”
      Nasty numbers (all compared to 2018-19 season):

      Matches with at least one incident: 1,609 (up 60%)

      Arrests: 2,198 (up 59%)

      Hate crime incidents: 384 (up 99%)

      New banning orders: 516

      Possession of pyrotechnics: 729 (up 118%)

      Pitch incursions: 441 (up 127%)

      Missile throwing: 561 (up 86%)

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      He added: “This is a Europe-wide problem.
      “Some of it can be related to post-Covid but not all of it and it’s something that has to be dealt with quickly.”
      Courts in England and Wales issued 516 new banning orders taking the total of three-year orders up to 1,308.
      And while Prem chiefs have now confirmed minimum 12-month club bans for pitch invaders and those throwing pyrotechnics and missiles, police and prosecutors want the teams to provide more information.
      Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Doug Mackay said: “Clubs can ban people for 12 months but there is no real sanction if they breach those orders to get into games.
      “That’s where we’d like to know who they are.
      “Football banning orders last for three years, they are monitored by the police and mean you have to hand in your passport, have your movements restricted and can go to prison.”
      The hate crimes, almost doubled since 2018-19, were a mixture of verbal and physical incidents with victims reporting the impact on their mental health, including suicidal thoughts.
      Ch Con Roberts added: “These figures show the rise in disorder we saw at the mid-season point of 2021/22 has continued.
      “It cannot just be put down to fans returning to stadiums after lockdown.
      “Disorder is a problem that has not gone away, from the Premier League right down to the National League.
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      “Anyone who commits a criminal offence either outside or inside a football ground can expect to face the consequences of their actions. 
      “We collectively need to make football a safe environment for the overwhelming majority of supporters who just want to enjoy the game.” More

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      Ex-PSG Women’s star Diallo ‘Googled how to break a kneecap’ and ‘dangerous drug cocktail’ before attack on team-mate

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      FRENCH footballer Aminata Diallo allegedly searched online for “how to break a kneecap” before an attack on her ex-Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kheira Hamraoui.Extracts of a police surveillance report published by Le Parisien newspaper also paint a picture of Diallo developing a “pathological” hatred towards her fellow midfielder.
      France star Kheira Hamraoui says the attack has left her with painful memoriesCredit: AFP
      Aminata Diallo has been without a club since her deal with PSG ended earlier this yearCredit: Getty
      Police are said are said to have bugged Diallo’s phone in the wake of the attack on November 4.
      The 27-year-old, who has seven caps and one goal for France, is also alleged to have looked up “dangerous drug cocktail” in the lead-up to the incident.
      Diallo was charged with aggravated assault on Friday in connection with the attack on Hamraoui, 32, by two masked strangers.
      Hamraoui was a passenger in a car driven by Diallo when she was dragged from the vehicle and beaten on the legs with an iron bar.
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      Quoting the police report, Le Parisien claims Diallo “considered her an obstacle to her own sports career”.
      The source material is said to reference a “slow psychological drift that has become, so to speak, pathological”.
      Diallo, who is a free agent after her PSG contract expired, was released without charges after being taken into custody in November.
      She has consistently maintained her innocence from the start of the investigation.
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      Ex-Barcelona star Hamraoui, who has 39 caps and three goals for France, told French daily newspaper L’Equipe about her ordeal last year.
      She said: “That night, I really thought I was going to stay there… I was screaming in pain.
      “I tried to protect myself as much as possible. I have a very painful memory.”
      Four men were arrested in connection with the attack and one reportedly admitted they were paid to do it. More

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      Paul Pogba ‘under police protection’ in Italy after ‘£11million blackmail plot by gang that included his own brother’

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      FOOTBALL star Paul Pogba is reportedly under police protection in Italy after being the alleged victim of an £11 million blackmail plot.The Juventus midfielder claims he was the victim of violent extortion attempts by a criminal gang which allegedly included his own brother, Mathias.
      Pogba’s own brother Mathias has reportedly been charged over the blackmailCredit: AFP
      The French international is under police protection in Italy, according to French mediaCredit: Instagram / @paulpogba
      Le Parisien is reporting that Pogba has been placed under police protection in Turin.
      The report adds that a member of his entourage confirmed the story.
      Mathias Pogba turned himself in to authorities investigating the blackmail attempts.
      The journeyman footballer, who lived with Riyad Mahrez before playing for Wrexham, is then said to have been placed in custody.
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      The Daily Mail is reporting that he has been charged over the incident.
      World Cup winner Paul made the shocking revelations relating to a trip back to his home suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne near Disneyland Paris in March.
      He says he was held at gunpoint by an extortion gang — and one of the plotters was brother Mathias.
      Pogba told police he was confronted by the group that included friends from his childhood and teenage years as well as two masked men armed with assault rifles.
      The midfielder — married to Bolivian model Maria Zulay Salaues — then claimed he was forced to accompany them to a flat in nearby Roissy-en-Brie, where they demanded more than £11m for “protecting him”.
      With the gang demanding £2.6m immediately, Paul tried to withdraw the money but his bank declined to authorise such a large amount.
      Radio station France Info reported that the blackmailers had to settle for £85,000 in cash instead.
      The elder Pogba has accused the former Man Utd midfielder of paying for a witch doctor to curse French teammate Kylian Mbappe.
      Paul has denied the claims but Mathias — who played for a string of British clubs — labelled his sibling “a so-called Muslim deep in witchcraft”.
      Most read in The Sun
      On the pitch, Pogba is currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery.
      However, reports suggest he could still be included in the French World Cup squad even if he has only just returned to fitness because of his “special status” in Didier Deschamps’ team.
      Mathias Pogba claimed his brother paid a witch doctor to curse French ace Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
      The Juventus star is currently sidelined with a knee injuryCredit: Getty More

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      Watch Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt fans launch FIREWORKS at each other before riot police are forced to intervene

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      RIOT police were forced to intervene as Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt fans clashed before their Champions League match in France.Shocking footage revealed fireworks being set off inside the Stade Velodrome, aimed at Frankfurt’s away section.
      Fireworks were set off inside the Stade VelodromeCredit: Getty
      Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt fans clashed before their Champions League match in FranceCredit: Getty
      Riot police were called to prevent any troubleCredit: Getty
      Eintracht Frankfurt fans are escorted by French riot policeCredit: AP

      Before the game, a large-scale police operation successfully contained the risk of fan violence in the city of Marseille.
      It followed after a stadium brawl in Nice last week left dozens injured, causing authorities to be on high alert ahead of Frankfurt’s trip.
      Tensions escalated when police marched a group of around 500 Frankfurt ultras up a long road – with ticketed fans taken to the game in coaches under police escort.
      But those without tickets stayed on site at a fan zone with police nearby.
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      Earlier in the day, Frankfurt fans had congregated in one of the city’s main squares with police blocking every entry point.
      Hundreds of riot police then escorted the crowd away at around 4:30 p.m, only for a brief skirmish with locals to break out.
      Following last Thursday’s mass brawl between fans from Nice and Cologne, before a Europa Conference League game, security measures have been ramped up.
      Police said five arrests were made Monday night when large groups from Frankfurt and Marseille were narrowly prevented from confronting each other.
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      Dozens of police vans were stationed around the city’s Old Port area with some armed police present.
      Midfielder Jesper Lindstrom gave Frankfurt the lead just before half time for the visitors.
      And the first-half goal proved enough for the German side to travel back with three points.
      Police were on alert ahead of Marseille’s match with Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Reuters
      Frankfurt fans throw a flares before the Champions League match in MarseilleCredit: Getty
      Jesper Lindstrom gave Eintracht Frankfurt the leadCredit: Rex More

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      Man City star Benjamin Mendy still facing nine charges against six ‘victims’ after being cleared of one count of rape

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      BENJAMIN Mendy is still facing nine charges against six alleged victims after being cleared of one count of rape today.The 28-year-old World Cup winner was cleared at Chester Crown Court of the rape of a 19-year-old woman at his home in Cheshire on July 24 last year.
      Benjamin Mendy has been cleared of one count of rape but still faces multiple chargesCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Co-accused Louis Saha Matturie, 41, was also cleared of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault against the same woman.
      It came after the prosecution offered no further evidence against the defendants on those four counts.
      Football star Mendy still faces seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault against six young women.
      The Manchester City defender denies all charges against him.
      Matturie of Eccles, Salford, wiped tears from his eyes as he stood in the dock and the formal not guilty verdicts, as directed by the judge, were given by the foreman of the jury at Chester Crown Court.
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      Judge Stephen Everett warned jurors not to speculate as to why the prosecution had decided not to pursue guilty verdicts and to continue to “faithfully” try the defendants on the multiple charges they still face.
      Earlier, jurors were told of a private video of the woman having “enthusiastic sex” with Matturie, when she claimed she had been raped.
      The 20-minute mobile phone video was taken by Matturie on August 1 last year, the court heard.
      This was a week after both men had allegedly raped the same woman on the same night the previous weekend at the footballer’s mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.
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      The woman had told the jury Matturie sexually assaulted her for a second time at a flat in Salford on August 1, last year, after clubbing at China White nightclub in Manchester.
      Lisa Wilding KC, defending Matturie, suggested what happened between them was, “consensual, willing and enthusiastic” sex, not rape, Chester Crown Court heard.
      The woman denied this, claiming the incident left her feeling “shamed and disgusted”.
      Ms Wilding continued: “When you and he had sex … you and he filmed that sex. You know that you and he had a discussion beforehand, words to the effect, ‘Let’s make our own little movie’.”
      The witness replied: “No. I wouldn’t do that.”
      Ms Wilding added: “He had his phone right in front of you all the time you and he was having sex.”
      The woman replied: “I was not aware of that.”
      Ms Wilding said: “You looked directly at the camera more than once, enjoying what you were doing?”
      The woman, who became tearful, replied: “No.”
      Ms Wilding continued: “The sex took nearly 20 minutes. You had sex initially on your knees. You then gave him oral sex, looking at the camera.
      “Did you then sit on top of him, gyrating and smiling at the camera?”
      “No,” the woman replied.
      Miss Wilding said: “Well, then I’m going to have to ask you to look at some images.”
      ON TRIAL
      The hearing was then adjourned and when court resumed after lunch time, Timothy Cray QC, prosecuting, told the court the prosecution was not now seeking guilty verdicts on alleged sexual offences involving the 19-year-old complainant.
      Jurors were then directed to enter not guilty verdicts against the defendants.
      The rape charge dropped against Mr Mendy related to an incident with Mr Matturie when the woman had claimed she awoke to find the footballer raping her.
      The same night, July 24 last year, Matturie is also alleged to have raped her according to DNA evidence, but she has “no memory” of that, the court heard. That count was also dropped.
      Prosecutors have alleged Mendy is a “predator” who “turned the pursuit of women for sex into a game”.
      Mendy still faces seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault against six young women.
      Matturie, the footballer’s friend and fixer, is alleged to have had the job of finding young women for sex.
      Matturie still denies six counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault relating to seven young women.
      Read More on The Sun
      Both men say if any sex did take place with women or girls it was consensual.
      The trial was adjourned until Wednesday morning. More

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      Premier League clubs and police to meet to hold talks over whether to to postpone more fixtures ahead of Queen’s funeral

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      FOOTBALL chiefs and police are continuing talks today over a number of potential match postponements for this coming weekend.The Queen died peacefully aged 96 on Thursday – marking an end to her historic reign and making her son, Charles, King.
      Brentford vs Arsenal is one of the matches that could be moved this weekendCredit: Reuters
      Police from around the country are being drafted to London for The Queen’s funeralCredit: Rex
      The Premier League and EFL postponed all matches last weekend as Scotland followed suit along with a host of other sporting events to pay tribute to Her Majesty.
      The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has been confirmed for Monday 19 September in London.
      A host of police officers from across the country are set to be drafted into London to work on it and the other events surrounding the send-off with millions of mourners due to descend on the capital.
      As we reported last week, that means that Sunday’s Premier League games between Brentford and Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and Manchester United vs Leeds are among those being discussed about being postponed or moved.
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      Up in Scotland, Rangers’ Champions League fixture at home to Napoli has been delayed for 24 hours and away supporters have been banned.
      SunSport understands that England’s representatives in Uefa’s competitions this midweek will not be affected, with Arsenal’s Europa League clash in North London against PSV on Thursday still scheduled to go ahead.
      But talks are still ongoing regarding the domestic top-flight clashes for next weekend.
      Switching games to the opposition’s venue has already been discussed, but they have also hit major roadblocks.
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      For example, Liverpool’s neighbours Everton are also playing at home on Sunday, meaning Chelsea switching their game to Anfield is highly unlikely.
      Meanwhile, a huge police presence is expected at Old Trafford for the game between heated rivals United and Leeds, which would also stretch resources.
      And EFL fixtures are also at risk in and around London with Millwall, QPR and Watford due to be hosting matches.
      But officials are still “hopeful” that a positive conclusion could be reached.
      A National Police Chiefs Council spokesperson said: “We will work with football clubs to try and ensure that, where possible, football fixtures can take place safely when balanced against the requirement to support national events and deliver day-to-day policing.
      “This is a unique situation and we are working closely with everyone involved.”
      Meanwhile, the Premier League’s return is causing huge issues for Sky Sports due to a lack of TV trucks caused by the 24/7 coverage of The Queen’s funeral, says the Daily Mail. 
      They state that “the Premier League’s main rights holder Sky Sports are running out of the outside broadcast trucks required to deliver live coverage as many are being used by their sister channel” instead. More

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      Arsenal hopeful they WILL face PSV next Thursday with police set to give Europa League clash go ahead

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      ARSENAL are hopeful that next week’s Europa League game against PSV Eindhoven will get the go-ahead.The Metropolitan Police have indicated that they are comfortable with the game taking place at the Emirates next Thursday evening.
      Arsenal observed a minutes silence in Zurich before the start of the second halfCredit: Getty
      Arsenal are hopeful next Thursday’s game against PSV will go aheadCredit: Getty
      All football has been called off this weekend following the death of The Queen.
      But Uefa will allow British clubs to decide whether to fulfil their European fixtures next week.
      With thousands of mourners heading to the capital to pay their respects, there were concerns that the Police might not be able to cope with large crowds at London games.
      But the Met are confident that they can handle Thursday’s match and Arsenal hope to receive confirmation over the weekend.
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      Mikel Arteta’s team were already playing in Switzerland when official confirmation of Her Majesty’s passing was announced and held a minute’s silence during half-time of Thursday’s 2-1 win against Zurich.
      While at the London Stadium, both the Hammers and FCSB held an impeccably-observed minute’s silence for The Queen before fans sang God Save the Queen.
      West Ham put a photo of Her Majesty on the big screen, before also showing the moment The Queen handed West Ham legend Bobby Moore the World Cup trophy in 1966.
      At Old Trafford for Manchester United’s Europa League game against Real Sociedad, flags flew at half-mast as the teams wore black armbands.
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      All advertising hoardings around the ground were blacked out.
      And the minute’s silence was perfectly respected before both teams got their respective Europa campaigns underway.
      But the night ended in defeat as a result of a dubious penalty decision. More

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      Five arrested and police officer ‘breaks hand’ as Tottenham win marred by bottles and fireworks launched by fans

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      FIVE Marseille fans were arrested following crowd trouble at the end of their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday – which left one police officer with a suspected broken hand.There were ugly scenes in the away section at full-time after Spurs had won the Champions League group-stage opener 2-0.
      Marseille fans threw a firework into the Tottenham endCredit: Getty
      Marseille fans also tore down Tottenham’s Pride bannerCredit: Getty
      Stewards had to hold Marseille fans back before riot police stepped inCredit: Getty
      Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton, formerly of Marseille, was in the away sectionCredit: Getty
      Missiles were thrown by both sets of supporters and a firework was lobbed at Spurs fans.
      Riot police had to step in to support stewards to hold the Marseille fans back, some of which at one point tried to storm the barricade separating them from their hosts.
      The arrests were for a variety of offences including possession of an offensive weapon, affray, being drunk and disorderly and drugs.
      The travelling fans also ripped down the Pride banner in their section, which shows Tottenham’s support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.
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      A statement from the Metropolitan police read: “Five people have been arrested at the Champions League match Tottenham Hotspurs FC  versus Marseille FC on Wednesday, September 7.
      “The arrests were for a variety of offences including offensive weapon, affray, drunk and disorderly and drugs; all those arrested are believed to be away supporters.
      “During the match missiles were thrown on several occasions
      “One officer was injured during an arrest and suffered a suspected broken hand.
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      “There was serious disorder at the end of the fixture and additional officers were deployed to restore and maintain order.”
      Both clubs are likely to be hit with a Uefa charge for failing to control their supporters in the coming days.
      Uefa’s disciplinary body will assess the report from the game and decide whether to take action – whether it be a warning or a fine. The clubs’ respective previous records will be taken into account.
      Spurs won the game thanks to two late goals from Richarlison.
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      It was an even contest until Marseille had ex-Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba sent off two minutes into the second half for hacking down Son Heung-min.
      Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton was also spotted among the away fans, having played for Marseille on loan for a season in 2012.  More