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    Man City star Benjamin Mendy seen for first time since being acquitted of rape charges – as he faces retrial in months

    BENJAMIN Mendy was today spotted for the first time since a jury cleared him of raping women at his isolated mansion.The smiling Man City star was snapped walking with two pals in Cheshire this afternoon – two weeks after being acquitted.
    Benjamin Mendy out in Cheshire on January 29Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    The Man City star was cleared by a jury of raping four womenCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    The 28-year-old was accused by prosecutors of being a “predator” who “turned the pursuit of women for sex into a game”.
    Mendy also allegedly locked his victims in a “panic room” and hid their phones so they couldn’t escape.
    But on January 13, the French international was 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 after 67 hours and 17 minutes of deliberations.
    READ MORE ON MENDY
    He will return to court to be retried on June 26.
    On the day, Mendy’s lawyer said he was “delighted” to have been cleared of sex attacks and “looks forward” to clearing his name at re-trial.
    During the six-month trial, jurors were told by prosecutors that 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 alleged.
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    Saha, 41, was found not guilty of three counts of rape relating to two teenagers. 
    Jurors failed to reach verdicts on three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault against him by five other women.
    Some of the alleged 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”.
    Mendy’s lawyer Eleanor Laws KC described claims he used his fame to attract the opposite sex were “utterly ridiculous”.
    She told the court: “He’s not the kind of character to deliberately harm anyone under any circumstances.”
    But during Mendy’s own evidence, he said it was “honestly so easy” for him to meet up with women and have sex “because of the status” – though admitted he’s no Brad Pitt.
    He also told jurors he would often sleep with different women on the same night, and reportedly boasted to one alleged victim that he had bedded 10,000 women, telling her it was a “privilege” to be one of them.
    Manchester City said it is “not in a position to comment further at this time”. More

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    Two Scots footballers who battered man on a night out in Dublin handed suspended jail terms

    Two Scots footballers who carried out a “shameful attack” during a night out in Dublin have walked free from court after being handed suspended prison sentences.Montrose stars Liam Callaghan and Craig Johnston chased a ‘blameless’ 52-year-old man through the city streets, swung a traffic cone at him, punched him and clobbered him with a box.
    Liam Callaghan chased a ‘blameless’ 52-year-old man through the city streetsCredit: Callan Media – The Sun Glasgow
    Craig Johnston also chased the man alongside CallaghanCredit: Callan Media – The Sun Glasgow
    Police clocked the two 27-year-olds from Fife carrying out the assault and grabbed them as they tried to leg it.
    The semi-pros with the League One side had earlier pled guilty to assault causing harm and obstruction in Dublin City Centre on December 8, 2019.
    Imposing sentence today at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Orla Crowe said the injured man had been “attacked by two men who had no reason to come down a road after him”.
    The court was previously told there had been an altercation between the victim and a colleague of the two accused men at a Xico bar on Baggot Street.

    Judge Crowe noted there had been no prior interaction between the then 52-year-old victim and the two accused, and what had happened at the late bar had “nothing to do” with Callaghan and Johnston.
    Judge Crowe said this was a “shameful attack carried out by two people visiting this country” and the men had “involved themselves in a matter that was at an end”.
    She said the assault had serious consequences for the victim, which was an aggravating factor in this case.
    Defence counsel told the beak that the pair had brought €6,000 to court as a token of remorse, which the victim was willing to accept.
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    Judge Crowe said she took into consideration as mitigation the fact that both men have no previous convictions for violence, are working and are talented footballers.
    She noted that both men are very remorseful and have travelled from Scotland to attend all court dates.
    She said Callaghan was the “more dominant” of the two men during the attack, having thrown the first punch, but Johnston joined in.
    She imposed a two-year prison sentence on both men. 
    Judge Crowe said in the circumstances, she would suspend the sentence in full on condition that both men keep the peace for two years.
    She also directed that the gesture of remorse from both men was to be handed over to the victim.
    Callaghan took the stand and apologised directly to the victim on his and Johnston’s behalf for what happened. 
    Character references from the defendants’ employers and Montrose FC were handed to the court.
    Both defendants have recently signed contract extensions with the Scottish club. 
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    They had also lost a close friend in tragic circumstances in the months before this incident, although no details of that were revealed.
    We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5200 More

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    Premier League international arrested for ‘rape’ has bail extended for a third time – leaving him free to play

    A PREMIER League star arrested on suspicion of rape has had his bail extended until the summer.The footballer is accused of raping two women in separate attacks, one in June last year and one in April 2021.
    The footballer’s bail has been extended for a third timeCredit: Getty
    He had been due to answer police bail this month but this has now been extended for a third time until early July.
    The footballer, who was taken to the 2022 World Cup, was held last July after police swooped on a home in North London.
    His first alleged victim, in her 20s, claimed she was raped during a break in the Med in June.
    She fled the five-star resort she was staying in and flew home to her friends and family, it is said.
    Read more on the Premier League
    The woman is understood to have spoken to police on her return to the UK and showed photos she claimed highlighted bruising on her body after the alleged attack.
    After his initial arrest he was later re-arrested on suspicion of two more counts from April and June 2021.
    The June allegation was later dropped by police.
    The player has not been suspended by his club while the investigation is ongoing.
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    Scotland Yard said previously: “On 4 July, an allegation of rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to police.
    “It was reported the alleged rape happened in June 2022.
    “While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in April and June of 2021 against a different woman in her 20s.
    “No further action will be taken in relation to the alleged offence in June 2021 because the relevant legislation had not yet come into effect at the time it is said to have occurred.
    “This has been explained to the complainant who continues to be supported by officers.” More

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    Newcastle star Joelinton ADMITS drink-driving after downing 2 glasses of wine – and gets fined a huge sum

    NEWCASTLE star Joelinton has been slapped with a fine after he admitted drink-driving after sinking two glasses of wine.The midfielder, 26, was arrested on January 12 after being pulled over while in his £170,000 Mercedes Benz AMG G63.
    Joelinton today admitted drink-drivingCredit: PA
    Joelinton admitted to officers at the scene in Newcastle that he had drunk two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.
    A breathalyser test showed there was 43mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.
    The Brazilian admitted drink-driving at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today.
    It comes less than 48 hours after he scored the winner in the Magpies’ Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton.
    Read more on the Magpies
    The star was banned from driving for 12 months – although this can be reduced to nine months if he completes a drink-driving course.
    Joelinton was also fined £29,000 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge – totalling £31,085.
    The court was told the footballer earns £43,000-a-week – meaning it will take less than a week to pay the fine.
    He issued a statement after the sentence apologising for his actions.
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    Joelinton said: “Hi everyone, I wanted to acknowledge that I made a mistake and to publicly apologise to all the fans of Newcastle and all the people of this city. My actions unintentionally put other people in danger. For that, I am truly sorry.
    “I will learn the lessons from his incident and will do everything I can to be a role model for my family, for football and for society.”
    District Judge Paul Currer told Joelinton that he “sincerely hopes” he has learned from his mistake.
    He added: “This offending could, potentially, have had disastrous consequences for the lives of others, as well as yourself.”
    The court was told police had been sitting in an unmarked police car when their “attention was drawn” to a black Mercedes.
    Jonathan Stirland, prosecuting, said: “The sergeant formed the view that the car was speeding or going too fast for the road. It caused him [the sergeant] to turn his vehicle around and followed the Mercedes on to the Central Motorway.
    “He requested the vehicle to stop. The driver complied. While in a safe space, the officer spoke to the driver, who is the defendant before you today.”
    He admitted drinking the wine and was arrested after failing the breathalyser test.
    Geoffrey Forrester, defending, said the footballer was “utterly calm and compliant” and apologised for his antics.
    The lawyer added: “If he could turn back the clock, he would.”
    Joelinton was bought by Newcastle for £40million in 2019 from German side Hoffenheim.
    He has since become instrumental for the Premier League team.
    Manager Eddie Howe moved Joelinton from his position as centre-forward to a left-sided midfield role last season.
    Since then, the footballer has gone from strength-to-strength.
    Speaking about the player’s arrest, Howe said earlier this month: “It came as a shock. A difficult situation. Joe is very remorseful and was very upset. He knows the seriousness.
    “I can’t go into too much detail but he understands his responsibilities. We are supporting him but understand the situation.
    “‘Looking at Joe as a person, he is a very good professional and is hugely passionate about his career and the club. I was very much surprised by what happened.
    Read More on The Sun
    “We will back him and support him, while also educating him and helping him, that is important. He is very young, everyone makes mistakes. I think it is also important that we don’t overreact.”
    The footballer was pulled over by cops while in a MercedesCredit: PA
    Joelinton leaves court after pleading guilty to drink-drivingCredit: NNP
    Joelinton’s goal on Tuesday helped Newcastle win the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: Reuters
    The Brazilian defender was bought by Newcastle for £40million in 2019Credit: Getty More

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    Escaped prisoner hunted by cops looks like top footballer – can you guess who?

    A GARY Neville lookalike on the run from prison is being hunted by cops.Social media users reckon Paul Clohessy is a spit for the ex-Red Devils ace turned pundit.
    Drugs offender Paul Clohessy is serving six years at HMP North Sea Camp but absconded on MondayCredit: SWNS
    When Lincolnshire Police issued a wanted photo yesterday, Facebook users pounced on his resemblance to ex-Man United star Gary NevilleCredit: Getty
    Drugs offender Clohessy, 36, is serving six years at HMP North Sea Camp but absconded on Monday.
    Facebook users pounced on the resemblance when Lincolnshire Police issued a wanted photo yesterday.
    One wag quipped: “When Gary Neville and Harry Maguire have a kid.”
    Others compared the fugitive to out-of-form Newcastle United striker Chris Wood.
    read more on gary neville
    They said: “Is that Chris Wood?
    “If so keep him locked up till the end of the season as he is rubbish.”
    The 400-capacity open prison was branded a holiday camp by some.
    One said: “Another walks out of North Sea Butlin’s never to return.”
    Most read in Football
    Clohessy was convicted at Liverpool crown court in 2021 of possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply.
    Police believe he may be hiding in his home patch Birkenhead.
    He has a tattoo on each arm and a scar under the one on his right. More

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    Arsenal launches anti-Semitism probe over ‘offensive’ chant at Spurs clash

    ARSENAL has launched an anti-Semitism probe over “offensive” chants during Sunday’s Spurs clash. The club published a statement this evening saying it had been made aware of “two disturbing incidents” at the weekend.
    Arsenal has launched an investigation into two ‘grossly offensive anti-Semitic statements’ made over the weekendCredit: PA
    One unfolded during the Spurs match itself, and another at the pub afterwards.
    Arsenal said understood the impact such “grossly offensive anti-semitic statements” could have on their Jewish supporters.
    It reiterated there was “no place” for such behaviour in football, or society.
    Investigations into the incidents are now underway, it said.
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    In a statement, the club said: “We have been made aware of two disturbing incidents over the weekend involving anti-Semitism which are now under investigation.
    “There was an incident at the North London derby on Sunday involving Arsenal supporters in which one of our fans overheard grossly offensive anti-semitic statements made by another Arsenal fan.
    “On the same afternoon, we were appalled to hear of an incident at The Cally pub in Islington, involving other anti-semitic chants.
    “We recognise the impact this behaviour has on our many Jewish supporters and others and condemn the use of language of this nature, which has no place in our game or society.”
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    The statement continued: “Arsenal must be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, and we want to be clear that any kind of discriminatory abuse is not welcome at our club. 
    “We will not stand for this kind of behaviour and will take strong action against any supporters who we establish are responsible for such acts.
    “Anyone identified will receive a lengthy club ban and their details will be passed to the police to commence legal proceedings.
    “If any of our supporters witness any form of discriminatory behaviour, we urge them to report the incident to the police.
    “If inside our stadium, report to a matchday steward or use our ‘See Something, Say Something’ service by texting “FOUL” to 67777 together with a description of the incident and the location within the stadium.
    “This enables supporters to report an incident safely and for us to act as quickly as possible.” More

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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.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    “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.
    Most read in Football
    “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.”
    Most read in Football
    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.”
    Read More on The Sun
    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