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      ‘Silence is deafening’ – Man Utd fans ready to protest at Arsenal clash and vow to ‘rise again to defend our club’

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      A SIGNIFICANT Manchester United supporters’ group has unveiled plans for a protest on March 9.The 1958, who boast more than 125,000 followers on X, have announced that they intend to stage a protest around the Red Devils’ home match with Arsenal next month.Man Utd fans have previously staged mass protestsCredit: GettyThe Red Devils supporters protested against the Glazers’ ownershipCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe has made several unpopular decisions during his first year at Man UtdCredit: PAMan Utd have endured a torrid season on and off the pitch, with Ruben Amorim’s side sitting 13th in the Premier League amid a backdrop of ticket price hikes and mass staff redundancies.Announcing their intention to protest, the 1958’s statement began: “We have been preparing for this for a few weeks in anticipation.”We are angry, the fans are angry and it’s been building for some time.”We have all been more than patient.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We all know the root cause, we have always known the elephant in the room.”Yet, this isn’t being addressed.”It’s those who can least afford it, have the most emotional connection with our club who are being asked to pay the price in more ways than one.”Trampling over generational support and memories of friends and family who handed the club over to us like something they have stepped in.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 1958’s statement then outlines the seven key factors that have led them to this action.They begin with the way the club has treated fans, the “eradication of fan culture” and “the assault on concessions and generational fans”.Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionThe statement then accuses the club of “putting profit before fan safety” and “everything”.It then includes gripes with the club’s “lack of communication and transparency” and “the uncertainty” around the club’s “future”.On their unhappiness with the club’s communication, the 1958 add: “They can hold meetings with the FAB (Fan Advisory Board) which is all under NDA.”It is supposed to be for the fans YET they can’t tell the fans anything. It’s a disgrace!’AT YOUR PERIL'”These meetings are effectively gagged and it is NOT open and transparent dialogue with fans. Not even close.”The silence from the club is deafening. We rise again to defend our club and be warned this will not just be on the street campaigns at the ground.”Keep treating the fans with contempt at your peril.”The statement concludes by claiming that further information will emerge in the coming days.While their social media post also includes a video featuring footage from previous protests.Earlier this season, United’s Ineos chiefs hiked ticket prices up to a minimum £66 per game, with no concessions.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier this week it emerged that between 100-200 further club staff members are set to be made redundant, following the 250 job cuts made last July.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial first year at Old Trafford has also included getting rid of Sir Alex Ferguson from his £2.16m per year ambassador role and cancelling the staff Christmas party.The protests are scheduled for Man Utd’s clash with ArsenalCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Inside 30,000 capacity European stadium visited by Chelsea where you can enjoy game in a hot tub eating fondue

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      WHEN football fans think of the best grounds in the world, the likes of Wembley, Nou Camp, Anfield and Allianz Arena quickly spring to mind.There are also the connoisseurs who will talk to you about the brilliant atmosphere across South American and Balkan stadiums.Fans can watch the footie in a hot tub at Stade de GeneveCredit: Instagram / @servettefootballclubFans can also enjoy some fondue whilst lounging in the hot tubCredit: Instagram / @servettefootballclubStade de Geneve boasts a 30,000 plus capacityCredit: AFPStade de Geneve hosts home matches for ServetteCredit: GettyBut there is one hidden gem you probably never heard of that promises an experience of a lifetime.And that is none other than Stade de Geneve in Switzerland.The 30,000 plus capacity ground hosts Swiss club Servette’s home games.The stadium also held three group-stage matches during Euro 2008.Read More on FootballBut what makes it stand out is that the luckiest fans can watch all the live action from a HOT TUB.And those most fortunate lounging in a jacuzzi can also enjoy some delicious FONDUE.The most recent fans to take a dip were the lucky winners of a competition on the club’s app.Incredibly, fans could see something similar in the Premier League next season with Fulham’s new Riverside Stand to include a rooftop pool when fully operational. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, unlike Servette’s hot tub, it’s understood it won’t have a view of the Craven Cottage pitch.Chelsea visited the unique ground very recently during the Conference League qualifiers.’Silence is deafening’ – Man Utd fans ready to protest at Arsenal clash and vow to ‘rise again to defend our club’The Blues faced Servette in the play-offs at Stade de Geneve in the second leg after winning 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in August.The West Londoners didn’t have the best experience in Switzerland as they lost 2-1.Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring from the penalty spot but Jeremy Guillemenot equalised before Enzo Crivelli turned the game on its head.However, Chelsea sealed their ticket to the league phase thanks to a 3-2 win on aggregate.Chelsea visited the ground only last summerCredit: AFPThe ground has also hosted Euro 2008 fixturesCredit: GettyStade de Geneve is one of the prettiest grounds in SwitzerlandCredit: GettyChelsea lost to Servette at Stade de GeneveCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson let me on Man Utd bus with Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney – now I’m leading Wrexham’s promotion charge

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      WREXHAM striker Sam Smith was inspired to become a footballer after Sir Alex Ferguson invited him on to the Manchester United team coach to meet all the players.Smith, 26, was a starry-eyed kid when the legendary ex-Red Devils boss let him meet the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.Sam Smith was a Man Utd academy playerCredit: RexHere he is holding up a United shirt with Marcus Rashford behind himHe also played in the same youth teams as Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Angel Gomes and Axel Tuanzebe during his ten years with United.Smith told SunSport: “I met Sir Alex a few times. He used to watch the academy games. “He knew everyone and would speak to the family. That was the sort of guy he was.“He used to invite the under-sevens and under-eights on to the first-team coach before they set off for games to meet all the players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Being a kid and a huge Manchester United fan, meeting all the stars was something I’ll never forget. It gave me the motivation to try to be there one day.“Ronaldo and Rooney were the two players that I looked up to, so it was a huge moment for me.”Smith was at United from the age of six to 16 and savours the memories.He said: “The values and lessons I learned were more off the field than on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It was more about being a good person and professional. Working hard will take you further than being a good footballer. That got instilled into a lot of the academy. It was what the club stood for.“There have been so many academy players who, if they don’t go on to play at the top level, have good EFL careers.Elliot Lee is named Wrexham’s Players’ Player of the Season for 2023/24 “I was in the same age group as Rashford and Tuanzebe, who is at Ipswich.“Angel Gomes used to play up an age group while Scott McTominay played down. Back then, Rashford wasn’t a striker. “He was a No 10 or a holder. He was really small. I went to school with them all on a day-to-day basis.“You could see Rashford had a talent that no one else did. It was no shock he went on to play for England and United.“McTominay was another one who didn’t grow until a lot later. He was about 18 when he grew.“He was always a small, technical No 10 but he’s done unbelievable to go on and have the career he has had.“Everyone who knows Scotty knows how professional and hard he works. He is maximising what he has got.“Training with these on a day-to-day basis you just learn things that you wouldn’t from other players.“It was drummed into us early about being a good person and professional.”The striker moved to Reading and progressed through their youth system before breaking into their first team.And ironically it was another former United star Jaap Stam — who was Royals boss — who gave him his biggest breaks.Smith said: “I made my debut in every competition under Stam. I signed my first-team contract under him, too.“When he got the sack I ended up being loaned out to Oxford, Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Tranmere and Cheltenham before the club released me.”But after two years at Cambridge in League One, the Royals, following their relegation from the Championship, re-signed him at the start of last season.And despite all the well-documented off-field problems at the club, he enjoyed the best days of his senior career so far — scoring 27 goals from 58 starts in all competitions.This week he won the SkyBet League One Goal of the Month award for his stunner at Cambridge for the Royals — before moving to North Wales two weeks ago.The promotion-chasing Red Dragons go to Northampton today.And Smith said: “Everyone knows how much Reading means to me.“I progressed from the academy into the first team and went back and had a successful time. I always gave my all for them.“But there were off-field issues and they got a bid from Wrexham. I was told they needed to sell me to pay some bills and I was impressed by the project here.“Me and my dad have watched the Welcome To Wrexham documentaries and I’ve heard good things about the owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. I’ve not met them yet.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The manager Phil Parkinson knows this level well and the level above.“It’s an exciting place to be and I’m also back near home after ten years living mostly down in the south. I’m hoping to help push the team on.” More

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      ‘We need to sell players’ – Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis

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      RUBEN AMORIM has admitted he will STILL have to sell to buy in a damning indictment of how much of a financial mess Manchester United are in.The Old Trafford boss knows he needs a top new striker and a clutch of signings to strengthen the squad he declared “the worst” in the club’s history.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has admitted he will still have to sell to buyCredit: AlamyAmorim will almost certainly be forced to lose some of his best Man Utd playersCredit: RexBut to do so he will almost certainly be forced to watch some of his best players leave in the summer to raise funds.Boss Amorim declared: “I have to understand these problems [the club has] but that is not new.“You know the rules of financial fair play, we have a problem and right now my focus is on other things – like playing Tottenham on Sunday.“But here it is simple. To do something we need to sell players. Right now the window is closed. My focus is on the next game.”Read More on Man UtdYet Amorim’s focus is bound to be blurred by the cash crisis that has forced part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to consider making 200 more staff redundant having already dumped 250.Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-per-year salary for acting as an ambassador has also gone amid a host of other swingeing cuts.United, who have lost £300m over the last three years, were deeply fearful that that would be hit by a points deduction last month after sailing perilously close to the wind on Prem profit and sustainability rules.The club would also have allowed home grown stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to go for the right price – both valued by United at around £65m each.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAmorim wants to start planning for a summer rebuild but faces destruction rather than construction of a squad that has precious little quality.United loaned Marcus Rashford and Antony out – to Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively – to save around £300,000 a week in wages combined.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson Tyrell Malacia also went to PSV Eindhoven in another money-saving loan.Ineos billionaire and his No2 Sir Dave Brailsford set Amorim a “Mission 21’’ target of winning the title by 2028 to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.But with £1.1BILLION part-owner Ratcliffe robbing Peter to pay Paul that task even now, looks like a mission impossible.Amorim is trying to sound positive saying of “Mission 21” : “Yes, we talk about that with our focus from day on to win the Premier League.“We can change everything in a few years. I don’t know how long it’s going to take.“The way we play, the games we don’t win, but we need to work every day and focus on the little steps and then in the summer we will see.” More

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      Premier League block Aston Villa request to move Liverpool clash – leaving Emery’s side with 5 brutal games in 14 days

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      ASTON VILLA are facing a punishing fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 days.That is after the Premier League rejected Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with Liverpool.The Premier League rejected Aston Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with LiverpoolCredit: RexUnai Emery’s side face a brutal fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 daysCredit: RexThe frustrated Villans are scheduled to host the Prem leaders on Wednesday at Villa Park.That game was originally pencilled down for March 15 but it now clashes with the Carabao Cup final weekend with the Reds facing Newcastle on the 16th at Wembley.With the Champions League Last 16 starting in the first week of March, Unai Emery’s side wanted to push the Liverpool game back to later next month or later in the season.Villa’s argument was based on them having only one Premier League game next month at Brentford on March 8.Read More on FootballHowever, Prem chiefs blocked that request to leave Emery and co facing a brutal fixture pile-up over the next two weeks.Villa are now set to play Ipswich on Saturday, Liverpool on Wednesday, Chelsea on February 22 and Crystal Palace on the 25th.Emery’s men will then host Cardiff in the fifth round of the FA Cup on February 28.Villa are competing on three fronts this season after an impressive campaign last term.Most read in FootballThe Midland giants are favourites to qualify to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.They also finished in the Champions League’s top eight and made it straight to the Last 16.Emi Martinez reveals Unai Emery’s genius pre-match preparation that inspired Aston Villa to win over Bayern MunichAnd Villa are targeting another top-four finish in the Premier League as they are currently eighth with six points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea. More

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      Man Utd players ‘already noticing major difference between Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag’ just months into the job

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ruben Amorim has adopted a significantly different approach to his predecessors at Old Trafford by maintaining a professional distance from many players.Amorim, 40, took over United in November when he replaced Erik ten Hag following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief stint as interim manager.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is maintaining a distance from most playersCredit: PAErik ten Hag was especially close with ex-Ajax stars and Man Utd academy graduatesCredit: GettyMan Utd players praised Ruud van Nistelrooy’s man-management styleCredit: PAAccording to the Manchester Evening News, the Portuguese tactician has adopted a much more different attitude towards his players as he is not close with most of them.Ten Hag was known for his gruff nature during his two-year spell with the Red Devils but had close bonds with a number of players.That includes those the Dutchman signed from former club Ajax, such as Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.The 55-year-old was also popular among academy graduates, like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, as he was the one that promoted them to the senior squad.Read More on Man UtdVan Nistelrooy was also widely praised for his man-management style, despite only spending two weeks at the helm on a caretaker capacity.A senior United ace described the now Leicester boss’ squad management as “excellent”.Casemiro was especially a big fan of the Dutch tactician as they communicated in fluent Spanish following their separate stints playing for Real Madrid.However, Amorim is not getting attached to the majority of squad members.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis comes amid intense speculation that a major squad upheaval is planned this coming summer transfer window as the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss is looking to establish his own methods at United.This comes after the notable exits of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia during the January transfer window.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson It has been noticed that Amorim is naturally closest to fellow Portuguese aces Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, both of whom are expected to remain at Man Utd for next season. More

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      ‘She’s not with me’ – Jack Grealish pictured leaving swanky restaurant at the same time as mystery blonde

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      JACK GREALISH shouted “she’s not with me” after being pictured leaving a swanky restaurant at the same time as a mystery blonde.The Manchester City star was all smiles as he departed Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone on Wednesday night.Jack Grealish was spotted leaving a swanky restaurant at the same time as a mystery blondeCredit: SplashGrealish declared ‘she’s not with me’ as he left Chiltern FirehouseCredit: SplashKieran Gibbs’ twin brother Jaydon was situated between themCredit: SplashThe mystery woman and Grealish reportedly ‘looked cosy’ at the barCredit: SplashGrealish went back inside the venue before exiting alone and ‘sneaking’ into a carCredit: SplashGrealish looked to be in good spirits just a day after coming off injured in City’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.And the ex-Aston Villa star was spotted leaving the popular celeb hangout as a mystery woman walked behind him.Another man, believed to be former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs’ twin brother Jaydon, was situated between them.The Mail claims she “accompanied” Grealish on his way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a source said the pair “looked cosy” at the bar before trying to make a “low key exit.”But outside, Grealish was heard shouting: “She’s not with me.”He then reportedly went back inside Chiltern Firehouse before coming out again completely alone.Grealish completed his exit by “sneaking” into a chauffeur-driven car.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd it remains unclear whether he will be involved in Man City’s Premier League clash against Newcastle tomorrow.Other celebrities at the venue that night are said to have included Mark Ruffalo, Ellie Bamber, Morena Baccarin and Jamie Carragher.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid Grealish has been with long-term partner Sasha Attwood for over 12 yearsCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaThe pair met while at schoolCredit: InstagramThey welcomed their first daughter together in SeptemberCredit: InstagramGrealish was forced off injured in Man City’s 3-2 defeat to Real MadridCredit: AFPGrealish’s night out in London came after he recently admitted 2024 had been “the most difficult year of my life.”The ace welcomed daughter Mila Rose with partner of 12 years Sasha Attwood in September – their first child together.But his football season was blighted by injury and long spells on the bench, leading to his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad.Grealish said: “Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years.“Probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch.“I found it really difficult. It’s a new year now and hopefully I can kick on.” More

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      Former Nottingham Forest flop gets suspended jail sentence for illegally filming ex-girlfriend during sex

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST flop Hwang Ui-jo has landed a prison sentence – after a court found him guilty of illegally filming his ex-girlfriend during sex.The South Korea striker spent two years on Forest’s books after a 2022 move from Bordeaux.Nottingham Forest flop Hwang Ui-jo has been found guilty of illegally filming his ex during sexCredit: AFPHe has been handed a suspended prison sentence of one yearCredit: GettyBut he never played for the Premier League side, instead going out on a series of loans.Hwang, 32, appeared 18 times for Norwich last season – scoring three goals for the Championship club.But he was charged with filming two women during sex without their consent on four occasions in 2022.And Seoul’s Central District Court handed him a one-year suspended jail term on Friday after convicting him of charges relating to one of the women.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe court said: “Considering that he filmed them with a cellphone during sexual intercourse against their will, the number of times the crime was committed, and the specific details of the filmed material, the nature of the crime is not good.”Given the seriousness of the socially harmful effects of illegal filming, it is necessary to punish strictly.”The court said Hwang’s punishment had been reduced as he had previously expressed his remorse, and the videos had been shared on social media by a third party.The striker has been with Turkish club Alanyaspor since joining them on an initial loan from Forest last year.Most read in FootballHe previously spent three seasons with Bordeaux, scoring 29 goals in 98 games for the French Ligue 1 club.Hwang has so far played 11 times for Alanyaspor this season, scoring five goals.Last season he featured eight times for the Turks, scoring just once.His contract with the Super Lig side expires this summer. More