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      in Soccer

      Jubilant West Ham fans take to the streets to celebrate after triumphant Europa Conference League win over Fiorentina

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      JUBILANT West Ham fans took to the streets last night to celebrate  after their club won its first major trophy in 43 years.Fans threw their arms into the air as Jarrod Bowen netted a last-gasp winner to crown the Irons champions of the Europa Conference League.
      West Ham fans shed tears of joy after their team won their first European trophy in 58 years last nightCredit: AFP
      Supporters took to the streets to commemorate the massive momentCredit: AFP
      The streets were coloured maroon and blue following the winCredit: AFP
      Supporters collapsed in tears at full-time after the 2-1 victory over Italy’s Fiorentina.
      After captain Declan Rice took his place in West Ham history alongside legendary trophy-winning skippers Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, fans filled the streets of Czechia’s capital – as well as back in London.
      Footage showed supporters cheering at the top of their lungs and leaping on top of each other in excitement.
      Others were seen collapsing in tears at full-time as the Irons were crowned champions.
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      Many tore their shirts off as they screamed in celebration, while others had their phones in their hands – capturing the historic moment.
      Adults and children alike cheered for their beloved team, closing their eyes with their arms around one another.
      In Prague, where West Ham fans had earlier been ambushed by Italia ultra hooligans, the streets overflowed with Hammers.
      Back home was no different, with maroon and blue shirts spilling out of pubs.
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      Inside Prague’s bars, fans leapt onto tables, kissing each other as tears streamed down their faces.
      Many could be heard singing: “West Ham are massive everywhere we go.”
      Others chanted: “2-1 to the cockney boys”.
      The Europa Conference League final took place at the 19,300 capacity Fortuna Arena, with West Ham receiving a ticket allocation of just 5,000.
      Just hours prior to the match, supporters had been attacked in what was dubbed an unprovoked brawl.
      Black-clad hooligans in hoodies and masks could be seen hurling chairs and flares toward a bar full of Irons fans.
      Around 300 West Ham supporters, including families, had been drinking at the pub when they were ambushed by a gang of 100 yobs brandishing chains, belts, and bottles.
      People were said to have been raced to hospital, while local police arrested the yobs on the ground.
      After the match, as celebrations spilled into the streets, West Ham fans clashed with cops in riot gear.
      A flare was let off in the crowd with one eye-witness saying “all hell broke loose”.
      Trouble also broke out during the match in the city’s Fortuna Arena as West Ham fans hurled plastic pint pots at a Fiorentina player.
      Cristiano Biraghi had blood pouring from his head after being struck as he went to take a corner.
      The referee was also handed a disposable vape thrown from the crowd.
      The game was West Ham’s first European final for 47 years — but concerns were raised beforehand about the prospect of trouble.
      The stadium holds just 20,800 — with a mere 4,890 seats allocated to West Ham supporters.
      However, an estimated 20,000 were in Prague, many heading to the fan zone.
      Read more on The Sun
      Many praised the reception from the Czechs and mingled with celebrity supporters such as TV chat show host James Corden, 44.
      It was West Ham’s first European trophy in 58 yearsCredit: Rex
      Celebrations will no doubt go on long into the nightCredit: PA
      These fans couldn’t contain their excitementCredit: Rex
      This young fan was clearly delightedCredit: Rex
      Fans were over the moon at the winCredit: PA
      Pubs in Prague erupted when the game neared its endCredit: PP.
      It was a big day for West Ham fansCredit: AFP
      West Ham fans will remember this day for years to comeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd . More

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      in Soccer

      Fiorentina ultras attack West Ham fans with fireworks, metal bars and chairs in mass brawl ahead of UECL final

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      SHOCK footage shows Fiorentina ultras attacking West Ham fans with fireworks and metal bars at a pub in Prague. Black-clad hooligans in hoodies and masks can be seen hurling chairs and flares toward a pub full of Irons fans.
      Footage shows Italian fans appearing to attack a West Ham pub
      The pub was left devastated as it was hit by flares, hurled chairs and broken glass
      Czech riot police stepped in to catch the Fiorentina hooligans
      Hoolies are seen wielding bars and hurling objects at West Ham fans
      Some 20,000 West Ham fans are in Prague for the Europa Conference League final which kicks off at Slavia Prague’s Eden Arena at 9pm local time.
      Hammers supporters had been enjoying the sunshine as the club seeks to secure its first major trophy for 43 years.
      But the scenes turn nasty when a group of approximately 50 Italian hooligans began attacking the pub – which had a banner outside that read: “Forever Blowing Bubbles”.
      Footage from multiple angles shows the gang descending on the bar, hurling chairs, throwing flares and fireworks, and wielding clubs and metal bars.
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      And a loud explosion can be heard as a bright flash is seen just outside the bar amongst a group of West Ham fans.
      Smoke can be seen rising from the pub, with the street reportedly left covered in broken glass.
      Czech police in riot gear could be seen chasing down groups of hooligans as they attempted to flee.
      One eyewitness told The Sun: “The mob attacked a couple of bars before police clocked on to them.
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      “A load of undercovers got hold of them after they tried to attack another one.
      “They all tried to attack a group of West Ham, but they were quickly floored by the police. 
      “The ultras didn’t want to stay and fight anyone. It was just a load of scumbags in black throwing chairs.”
      He added: “The atmosphere has been peaceful all day and both sets of fans have got on. Fiorentina, like many European clubs, has that hardcore element and this is what we’ve seen.”
      The ultras didn’t want to stay and fight anyone. It was just a load of scumbags in black throwing chairs.Witness
      Cops confirmed they arrested 16 Italian fans after the attack on the pub in Rytířská Street.
      Journalism student Alfie Mulligan tweeted: “Just been stood in a lovely bar in Prague … 50+ Fiorentina fans come round the corner shooting fireworks, armed with batons … but looks like a war hospital.
      “Completely unprovoked. Children in the bar. I got hit by a chair. This isn’t what the final was about.”
      He added: “Shambolic scenes from the Fiorentina support. I’ve never been so scared in my life.
      “Italian ultras. More like cowards. Completely unprovoked.”
      In a statement, Czech cops said: “Italy fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar in Rytířská Street, injuring three.
      Read more on The Sun
      “One policeman was also attacked.
      “We have restricted the personal freedom of 16 people and we are currently investigating the whole incident.”
      Plain clothes police detain another fan in the street after the brawl
      Czech police revealed a picture of the arrested Italian fansCredit: Police Handout More

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      in Soccer

      Inside abandoned stadium of Premier League club which was only ground to have a pub on each corner but now lies in ruins

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      GRIFFIN PARK was until recently one of the most vibrant stadiums in the Football League.Despite its meagre capacity of 12,764, the stadium was iconic for the fact it was the only English stadium to have a pub on every corner of the ground.
      Brentfod fans celebrate outside Griffin Park during the coronavirus pandemic.Credit: Getty
      Demolition begins at Griffin Park.Credit: Rex
      Griffin Park in its abandoned state.Credit: Rex
      But since Brentford made the move to the Gtech Community Stadium in September 2020, their spiritual home has been left in a state of ruin.
      All that remains now are the corners of some stands which are covered in weeds.
      The stadium was home to Brentford since 1904, when it was acquired as an orchard from Fuller’s brewing company.
      A team of volunteers cut down the trees in order to make room for the Bees’ former home, in exchange for being able to keep the wood.
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      True to its reputation of being the only ground with a pub on every corner, the name of Griffin Park was inspired by one of the corner pubs named ‘The Griffin’.
      The others were: The Princess Royal, The New Inn and The Brook.
      The stadium was built with a 20,000 seater capacity in mind, alongside hopes that it could be increased to 30,000.
      However for much of Brentford’s early history, the ‘stadium’ consisted of one grandstand.
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      It wasn’t until Brentford’s debut season in the first division in 1935-36 that the ground finally had four stands.
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      In the 1980s Griffin Park began taking the shape it would until its closure, with seated stands nestled between the four pubs.
      For much of Brentford’s history, their lower league status did not necessitate improvement, which led to Griffin Park having an old-school look.
      Speculation around moving away from their home began around 2002, but it wasn’t until current owner Matthew Benham became involved with the club that plans to move accelerated.
      Benham made his money in finance before moving to sports betting in 2001, which enabled him to make his millions.
      He implemented a gambling model alongside former business partner and now Brighton owner Tony Bloom which allowed their company to predict matches more accurately than the bookies.
      After the club fell into financial trouble under former owner Ron Noades, Benham began investing in the club as a ‘mystery investor’ in 2003.
      Demolition in progress at Griffin Park.Credit: Rex
      One of the club’s famous former entrances.Credit: Rex
      Benham gradually expanded his control over the Bees’ by agreeing to take on their loans before becoming the full owner of the club in 2012.
      The club earned promotion to The Championship in 2014 and final approval for the building of the Gtech Community Stadium was granted in September 2016.
      With the club flirting with promotion to the Premier League both in the 2014-15 season and 2018-19, questions were asked as to whether Griffin Park could safely be used in England’s top tier.
      The club were expected to apply for special dispensation to remain at Griffin Park while construction on the Gtech was completed.
      Much to the frustration of Brentford fans, they were unable to say goodbye to the ground due to the final season at Griffin Park being played during the Covid-impacted 2020-21 season.
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      The club earned planning permission to build 75 family homes on the site of Griffin Park, alongside a centrepiece garden that would pay tribute to their former home.
      But in a recent photo, its clear to see that building has not begun and all that remains are crumbling stands.
      The stadium in its heyday.Credit: Getty
      Griffin Park is now derelict.Credit: Rex
      The current remains of Griffin Park.Credit: Rex More

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      in Soccer

      Man arrested for ‘killing’ football fan Tony Johnson after Burnley and Blackpool supporters brawled outside pub

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      A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of killing a football fan who died after a brawl between Burnley and Blackpool supporters.Tony Johnson, 55, suffered a fatal head injury after the fight erupted outside The Manchester Pub in Blackpool on March 4.
      Tony Johnson, pictured with his partner, died from a fatal head injuryCredit: SWNS
      A 33-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in custody.
      Six other men aged between 18 and 49 have also been detained on suspicion of violent disorder.
      The arrests came following morning raids at eight addresses across Fylde and Burnley yesterday.
      Tony died after his beloved Blackpool drew 0-0 with Burnley at home.
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      Speaking on behalf of Tony’s family, his partner said their lives were “never going to be the same” after the death of the “beloved” grandad.
      She said: “I am devastated to have lost my best friend, life partner and soul mate in a cruel act.
      “Tony was a very much loved dad, son, brother, uncle and Gramps and obviously a beloved friend to many.
      “We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same.
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      “He will be one missed gentleman and the party will live on through us all, just as he would’ve wanted.
      “Rest in peace my darling, tangerine dreams forever.”
      Tony’s partner paid tribute More

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      in Boxing

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

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      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.
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      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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      in Boxing

      Ex-Prem star and boxing champion Curtis Woodhouse punched and kicked his cousin in pub beer garden

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      A FORMER Premier League star and boxing champ punched and kicked his cousin in a savage brawl outside a pub.Curtis Woodhouse, 43, attacked Alexander Woodhouse at the Spread Eagle pub in Driffield in Yorkshire.
      Curtis Woodhouse punched and kicked his cousin in a pub brawlCredit: PA
      The ex-Birmingham City star, nicknamed the “Driffield Destroyer” because of his tough reputation, landed a punch on his cousin after tempers flared.
      Woodhouse has now been fined £8,885 after he admitted assault by beating at Hull Magistrates’ Court, Hull Daily Mail reports.
      The horror unfolded on August 20 last year after the family fell out during a gathering at the pub.
      Alexander had said something unpleasant to Woodhouse and kicked his leg in the toilets.
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      Woodhouse then attempted to clear the air later in the beer garden but his cousin was said to be aggressive towards him.
      The boxer said he could “anticipate” what was going to happen so punched Alexander before the family member could hit him first.
      JPs heard Woodhouse has a string of previous convictions, including assaulting a police officer during another pub incident.
      He was fined £6,500 and ordered to pay £300 compensation, a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs for the latest attack.
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      Former England under 21 star Woodhouse played for a number of clubs after beginning his career with Sheffield United.
      He also had stints at Peterborough United, Hull City, Grimsby Town and Rotherham United.
      The midfielder played for Birmingham City between 2001 and 2003 when the club were in the Premier League.
      He retired in 2006 and launched a boxing career where he was crowned both British and English light-welterweight champion.
      Woodhouse also fought for the WBO inter-continental welterweight title in 2011 but lost to Frankie Gavin.
      He left the sport winning 24 of his 31 fights – 13 of them by a knockout – with just seven defeats.
      After a spell playing non-league football, Woodhouse managed Marske United for just three months before he was sacked.
      Woodhouse had been at a family gathering when the drama unfoldedCredit: Action Images
      The light-welterweight champion pleaded guilty to assault by beatingCredit: Action Images
      He was slapped with a £8,885 court billCredit: MEN Media
      The former footballer has previous convictionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Prem star but lost millions in divorce.. I’ve tried pro golf, dog breeding and owning a pub to claw it back

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE football hardman has told of battling back from bankruptcy through a cocktail of golf, breeding dogs and serving behind the bar.The former Liverpool defender lost his top-flight fortune after splitting from his wife.
      Julian Dicks played 315 times for West Ham but hit tough times after retiringCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Julian Dicks tried his hand at professional golf after hanging up his bootsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But West Ham legend Julian Dicks – known for his tough tackling, frequent red cards and fierce spot-kicks – has insisted he is on the up again after a string of post-retirement setbacks.
      And his modern-day fans include Lionesses all-time top scorer Ellen White, a key part of the England team which won the European Championship last summer.
      Dicks notched four England Under-21 caps in a career which began at Birmingham City, took him to West Ham and then a £3million transfer to Graeme Souness’s Liverpool in 1993 – before a return to the Hammers a year later.
      Yet despite his multi-million-pound earnings in the early years of the lucrative new Premier League, financial strife struck after Dicks’ final match for West Ham against Arsenal in February 1999.
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      The player nicknamed “The Terminator” married wife Kay in 1998, the same year they had twin daughters Jessica and Katie – and the couple ran a dog kennels business after winning planning permission for their £500,000 Essex country home.
      Yet the pair split in 2001, saying at the time 12-year-old Jessica would live with him while Katie stayed with their mother – and Dicks paid a hefty price in the divorce settlement.
      He recalled: “When I quit West Ham I had enough money in the bank to never work again.
      “Then, in 2001, I got divorced and my wife took it all. We’d set up professional kennels and were looking after other people’s dogs.
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      “That was great because I love animals, especially English Bull Terriers. Some people find them threatening but it depends on how you bring them up.
      “I had 13 of them at one time and two young girls and there was never any problem.”
      Keen golfer Dicks was encouraged to take up the game professionally, including by a surgeon treating him for the knee injury that ended his football career.
      Dicks trained with Denis Pugh, a golfing pro at his local club who had previously coached Ryder Cup winner Colin Montgomerie.
      But his new career was short-lived, with Dicks admitting: “There’s only so many times you can pay £500 to play in a competition and not get anything back.”
      He then went into the pub trade, buying the Shepherd and Dog in Langham, near Colchester, with new partner Andrea Milton in 2002.
      In his landlord days, Dicks told: “We have loads of football supporters come in just to say hello to me – not just West Ham fans but Arsenal and Tottenham fans too.
      “They used to boo me from the terraces but now we have a laugh.
      “Mostly they give me stick about the tackles I used to make.
      “When it’s closing time there’s no need for me to give it The Terminator treatment, because people know they’ve got to drink up.
      “I don’t think I’ve ever lost my temper in the pub, although there was one time recently when a couple of kids had too much to drink.
      “That was it. I just chucked them out. Most punters know that closing time’s closing time. They know there’s not going to be a lock-in, because I just want to go home and get to bed.
      “I always give 110 per cent in whatever I do, it doesn’t matter if it’s playing football, playing golf or running my pub.”
      Julian Dicks revealed all about his love of animals, especially dogsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But he put the pub up for sale in 2005 and went back into football, coaching non-league clubs such as Wivenhoe Town and Grays Athletic – both in Essex – before a stint as ex-West Ham team-mate Slaven Bilic’s assistant at Championship side Watford last year.
      He also played a cameo role in 2014 comedy movie The Hooligan Factory, which also featured actors Danny Dyer and Craig Fairbrass and Towie personality Chloe Sims.
      During his football career the Bristol-born defender was tipped for a full England call-up by then-manager Terry Venables in 1995, but his hopes were hampered by a series of disciplinary problems.
      And Dicks had no luck with Venables’ successor Glenn Hoddle either – though assistant manager John Gorman, bumping into him on holiday, told skinhead Dicks he might have a better chance if he grew his hair longer.
      But Dicks insisted in 1997: “I don’t want to play for England. It doesn’t interest me anymore. If they rang me up, I wouldn’t play.”
      He has, however, tipped current Hammers captain Declan Rice to wear the Three Lions armband in future.
      Dicks was sent off nine times in his career, including one for a foul on Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright at Highbury in September 1995.
      And his hot-headed nature was not just confined to the football field.
      He has confessed: “Golf’s meant to be a gentleman’s sport but I tended to lose my rag when I fluffed a shot.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I ended up smashing loads of my clubs.
      “That’s me though – I like to do things properly and I can get frustrated if things aren’t working out.” More

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      I’m the world’s strictest football referee – I’ve dished out the most cards to players and footie legend swore at me

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      VETERAN referee Mike Stoddart reckons he has dished out the most cards — after 4,500 games.Mike, 69, has sent off 689 players and booked 4,387 in his 47-year career.
      Veteran ref Mike Stoddart from Leeds has booked 4,387 in his 47-year career
      Mike Stoddart has refereed a record 4500 football matches in his career spanning almost half a century
      He has officiated at all levels but his scariest moment came when he was chased by a pub team’s fans in Leeds who were denied the title by a controversial late goal.
      He said: “Fifty of them ran on the pitch. I legged it and hid in the cellar of a nearby pub.”
      He told how he was confronted by Alex Ferguson after he disallowed a goal for Manchester United in 1992 when they were chasing Leeds, managed by Howard Wilkinson.
      He said: “Alex came storming into the ref’s room and, knowing I was from Leeds, said, “Howard Wilkinson will be happy with you now’.”
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      He revealed Alan Shearer swore at him while playing for Blackburn, then repeatedly apologised.
      Mike recalled: “I said, ‘Excuse me Mr Shearer, my father is a vicar and he doesn’t allow swearing’. He was mortified and said, ‘I’m so sorry’.
      “He came over at half time to apologise again. What he didn’t know was my father wasn’t a vicar, he was a church organist.”
      He was famously photographed as a linesman in 1997 being confronted nose to nose by Middlesbrough star Fabrizio Ravanelli after repeatedly flagging him offside.
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      The fiery Italian got a red card and Mike said: “He didn’t say a word. He just stared.”
      He once reffed 205 games in one season — but it ended in divorce, with Mike saying: “I can’t blame her. I was never home.”
      He is now happily married to Gill, 66, and still officiates, despite players’ behaviour “getting worse”.
      He said: “I will carry on as long as my knees let me.”
      Mike was famously snapped facing off with Middlesbrough star Fabrizio Ravanelli in 1997 More