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      Former Rangers star warned he could face up to 15 years in prison for alleged sex attack on ex-wife

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      FORMER Rangers star Claudio Caniggia has been warned he could face up to 15 years in prison after being ordered to stand trial for an alleged sex attack on his ex-wife.The former Dundee and Argentina striker had tried to halt proceedings against him after Mariana Nannis accused him of forcing himself on her at a Buenos Aires hotel where they were both living at the time.
      Claudio Caniggia could be facing up to 15 years in prisonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But the 56-year-old, who played in three World Cups for his country alongside the likes of Diego Maradona, suffered a major setback after the Criminal Division of Argentina’s Nations Appeals Court rejected his lawyers’ arguments charges should not stand.
      He is set to be put on trial for “aggravated sexual abuse” over the alleged attack claimed to have occurred in 2018 at the Faena Hotel in the upmarket Buenos Aires neighbourhood of Puerto Madero.
      Mariana, mother of Caniggia’s three children, sparked the investigation that led to the retired footballer’s prosecution by claiming he had raped her on May 6, 2018 at the five-star hotel.
      The striker’s accuser, whose split from her husband was confirmed in July 2019 a year and a half after they began leading separate lives, has alleged he forced himself on her after she rejected his advances, hit her and threatened to kill her if she went to police.

      He has been told he could get 15 years in prison if convicted.
      Local reports point to hotel staff testimony and photographs showing Mariana’s injuries forming part of the evidence against him.
      Caniggia, who has been banned from leaving Argentina since June, has always denied any wrongdoing
      The former footballer went on to date model and influencer Sofia Bonelli, who at 29 is nearly 30 years younger than him.
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      Caniggia played for both River Plate and Boca Juniors in his homeland.
      He became a cult legend at many of the clubs he has played at.
      His goal against Dunfermline in 2003 helped Rangers win the title.
      The striker also scored against arch rivals Celtic in the League Cup final that year – having previously been at Dundee for a season from 2000 to 2001.
      Caniggia scored 16 goals in his 50 appearances for Argentina.
      He played at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups and scored four goals in eight matches before returning for the 2002 tournament after being frozen out of the national team for several years because he refused to cut his long hair under the strict regime of Daniel Passarella.
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      Frank Lampard open to stunning return to management with European giants as Chelsea legend shortlisted for vacant role

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      FRANK LAMPARD is reportedly open to returning to management with Rangers.The former Chelsea player and boss has been out of work since his caretaker role with the Blues ended last season.
      Frank Lampard is open to becoming the next Rangers managerCredit: Getty
      The Glasgow giants are on the hunt for Michael Beale’s replacementCredit: PA
      But ‘Super Frank’ is ready to make a swift return to the beautiful game after Rangers added him to their managerial shortlist.
      The Glasgow giants are looking for their next manager after sacking Michael Beale at the weekend.
      They have lost three of their opening seven games, leaving them seven points behind fierce rivals Celtic.
      Beale had put together a four-match winning run last month.
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      But Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat to Aberdeen was the final straw for Ibrox chiefs.
      And the Telegraph claims they could now turn to Lampard after putting him on their shortlist.
      The England icon is joined by AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jensen, ex-Monaco manager Philippe Clement and Yokohama Marinos’ Kevin Muscat – a former Ger with 29 appearances to his name.
      Lampard is said to be interested in following the footsteps of former Three Lions midfield partner Steven Gerrard, who led Rangers to their only league title in the last 12 years.
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      Should he get the role, it would mark Lampard’s first managerial foray outside England.
      He kick-started his career in the dugout with Derby County in 2018, leading them to the Championship play-off final a year later.
      Lampard then got a dream nod from Chelsea to take charge of their promising youngsters during a transfer ban.
      He was given the chance after netting 211 goals in 648 games as a player at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League in the process.

      But Lampard’s time as boss was less successful, winning just 44 of his 84 games in charge.
      He was eventually let go in January 2021, paving the way for Thomas Tuchel to clinch Chelsea’s second Champions League title.
      Lampard returned to management a year later with Everton, helping them avoid relegation.
      He was sacked by the Toffees at the start of the year after just 12 wins.
      And Chelsea came calling again in April, with Lampard taking over from Graham Potter on an interim basis.
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      He managed just one win in 11 games as the Blues recorded their lowest-ever Premier League finish.
      But Lampard remains a popular figure at Chelsea, with away fans singing his name throughout Monday’s 2-1 derby win at Fulham. More

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      Michael Beale SACKED by Rangers as boss pays price for dismal start to season

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      RANGERS have axed boss Michael Beale after almost a year in charge.The Englishman took over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst in December last year after the Gers fell nine points off top spot in the cinch Premiership.
      Michael Beale replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst and couldn’t lift Rangers’ overall league performanceCredit: Willie Vass
      The hierarchy at Ibrox have acted after the Gers lost ground on Celtic throughout SeptemberCredit: SNS
      But with a seven-point deficit at the beginning of October, the Ibrox board has acted and launched another new manager search.
      A statement read: “Rangers Football Club can confirm it has parted company with men’s first-team manager, Michael Beale.
      “The Rangers board would like to put on record their thanks to Michael and his staff for their efforts since joining the club last November.
      “Results this season have fallen short of what everyone connected to Rangers would expect.

      “Therefore, the decision was reached today to terminate the contract of the manager, as well as the contracts of coaches Neil Banfield, Damian Matthew, Harry Watling and Jack Ade.”
      Beale saw his final few games soundtracked by boos.
      The team was jeered off from an Old Firm defeat to Celtic by all four stands at Ibrox after the Hoops rejected an away allocation.
      But though his side responded to win three in a row with clean sheets in each of the games that followed the performances left much to be desired.
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      Real Betis was his only statement win in his tenure and even a 1-0 win over Motherwell was jeered such was the quality of football on show.
      But a home defeat to Aberdeen on the back of a 4-0 Viaplay Cup Final win over Livingston sealed his fate.
      In total Beale presided over 42 games, winning 31 and drawing four.
      Crucially only one ‘big win’ that mattered – against Real Betis.
      Beale did defeat Celtic – convincingly – at the end of last term in a match regarded as a dead rubber in terms of the league title’s destination.
      Early moves in the transfer market saw Nico Raskin and Todd Cantwell recruited and the pair became quick-fire fan favourites.
      In the summer he spent a significant outlay on Cyriel Dessers, Danilo, Jose Cifuentes and Sam Lammers but none blossomed in the early stages of the season and their failure to settle certainly contributed to his dismissal.
      With him, Beale brought in coaches Neil Banfield and Harry Watling plus secured a return for club doctor Mark Waller.
      But upstairs at Ibrox much has changed during his tenure.
      The club is still without a Director of Football following Ross Wilson’s move to Nottingham Forest last April and James Bisgrove took over from Stewart Robertson as CEO in the summer.
      Douglas Park also stood down as chairman earlier this year, replaced by John Bennett.
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      The club is also moving to a data-driven set-up in the scouting department, moving John Brown’s duties and adding an ambassador’s role, while letting opposition scout Billy McLaren leave and Billy Kirkwood depart as loan manager.
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      Aberdeen and St Mirren legend Frank McDougall dies aged 65 as tributes pour in for prolific former striker

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      ABERDEEN and St Mirren hero Frank McDougall has sadly died aged 65.A prolific goalscorer, McDougall passed away in hospital due to heart complications.
      Aberdeen legend Frank McDougall has passed awayCredit: SNS
      Born in Glasgow, McDougall got his big break with Clydebank in 1978 and after scoring 28 goals on one season, earned a move to St Mirren the following year.
      The £150,000 fee that took him to Love Street was a record transfer between two Scottish clubs.
      He made more than 100 league appearances for the Saints, further enhancing his reputation as a prolific striker.
      McDougall was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for Aberdeen in 1984 for £100,000 and he made a spectacular impact.

      He was the Scottish Premier Division’s top scorer in his debut campaign with 22 league goals, 24 in all competitions.
      That inspired the Dons to title glory with the Pittodrie side retaining the championship and finishing seven points clear of Celtic.
      McDougall struck a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle, a result that confirmed Aberdeen as champions.
      He scored a further 20 times in all competitions in his second season, including four in one game against the Hoops.
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      Although the Dons couldn’t retain the league title, they did win both domestic cup competitions.
      However, a persistent back injury troubled McDougall during his time at Pittodrie.
      It would be diagnosed as traumatic spondylitis and ultimately forced him to retire aged just 29 in 1987, six months after he played in what would be his final match.
      McDougall was inducted into the Aberdeen Hall of Fame last year but he was unable to attend the ceremony.
      It was revealed at the time he was battling lung cancer.
      He did however manage to make an emotional return to Pittodrie in February this year, appearing as a guest of honour at the 1-0 win over Livingston.
      The sad news of McDougall’s passing was announced on behalf of his family by reporter Ally Begg.
      He said on Twitter: “Hi, I’ve been asked to post this on behalf of Frank McDougall’s family.
      “Frank sadly passed away this morning in hospital due to heart complications. Thoughts and prayers very much with Frank and his beloved family. RIP legend.”
      Aberdeen said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of the news of McDougall’s passing.
      They said: “Aberdeen Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Frank McDougall this morning.
      “Frank was an AFC legend, as during his two seasons for the Dons, between 1984 and 1986, he scored an incredible 44 goals and won all three domestic medals.”
      The club’s chief executive Alan Burrows added: “Desperately sorry to read about Frank’s passing. I was never lucky enough to meet him, or watch him play (just before my time), but I know he is held in such high regards by everyone associated with AFC, who remember a talented, lethal striker. My thoughts and condolences are with Frank’s family and close friends at this very sad time. RIP.”
      St Mirren paid tribute to McDougall, hailing him as one of Scottish football’s best forwards of the 1980s.
      The club said: “St Mirren Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Frank McDougall. 
      “Renowned as one of the best forwards in Scottish football during the 1980s, Frank joined St Mirren from Clydebank in June 1979 in a move that broke the Scottish transfer record at the time. During his five year stay at Saints, Frank scored 64 goals in 169 appearances. 
      “Frank would then move on to Aberdeen in 1984 where he became a huge fans favourite – scoring 44 goals in just 69 appearances – before having to retire with an injury in 1987.
      “The thoughts of everyone at St Mirren are with Frank’s loved ones at this sad time.”
      Former Love Street team-mate Frank McAvennie said: “It’s such sad news this morning.
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      “Frank was my first strike partner and friend from day one in early 80s. RIP pal – gone way to soon. I’m gutted.”
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      Celtic and Motherwell fans spill onto pitch and throw missiles at each other as ugly scenes mar dramatic finale

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      CELTIC fans spilled out from the stands and onto the pitch after watching their team secure three points against Motherwell in the most dramatic of fashions.Matt O’Riley, just a few hours after sealing a new contract at the club, popped up at the back post with a crucial late winner at Fir Park.
      Matt O’Riley celebrates his winner as fans try to invade the pitch in the backgroundCredit: PA
      Celtic fans had to be held back by stewardsCredit: PA
      Motherwell fans ran onto the pitch after Blair Spittal’s equaliserCredit: PA
      The Hoops thought they had won the game through Luis Palma just a few minutes prior, only for Blair Spittal to equalise for Motherwell.
      Some home fans ran onto the pitch after that goal but were quickly ushered back to their seats.
      Up stepped O’Riley as he ghosted in unmarked to volley home from Greg Taylor’s cross.
      Cue scenes of utter ecstasy in the stands – which ended up spilling onto the pitch.

      Several Hoops supporters jumped the barriers in the away end to celebrate, with stewards rushing to keep them from entering the field of play.
      The same sort of thing threatened to happen after the full-time whistle was blown just a few seconds later.
      Brendan Rodgers raced on to the pitch with his arms aloft but concurrently there was a surge of away fans who’d made their way back on to the trackside – and started taunting the home support, with missiles thrown.
      Pictures and eye witness accounts show missiles from the Well fans were also thrown back at the visiting supporters.
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      In terms of the football, the Hoops toiled for much of the match, enjoying more possession than the home side but struggling to break them down.
      On the flip side, Stuart Kettlewell’s side looked composed when in possession themselves and would’ve felt hard done by when Palma’s cross-come-shot evaded the touches of everyone in the box to nestle in the far corner.
      That was in the 87th minute and as the game moved into stoppage time, the hosts pressed for an equaliser.
      Blair Spittal provided that in the 95th minute and the home supporters were elated as they had thought they’d grabbed a point.
      The Hoops had other ideas though and as the Well switched off at the back, O’Riley was there in the 97th minute to pounce and he ran towards to travelling support and slid on his knees.
      This morning after his contract extension was announced, O’Riley said: “It’s probably hard to put it into a short sentence but I think everybody knows how much I enjoy playing here, especially at Celtic Park because I don’t think you get that anywhere else.
      “I think it’s important going into training every day really enjoying the company of your team-mates, being able to have a laugh and being able to push each other as well.
      “If you’ve got a good relationship off the pitch, it naturally makes it easier to demand high standards from each other, and right now I think we’ve got a real good balance of youth and experience.
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      “I’m still pretty young but I’m probably in the middle of that because we’ve got a young team, but that dynamic and balance is really helpful.”
      It was a busy day for police officersCredit: Alamy
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      Rangers legend Jim Forrest dies aged 79 as Ibrox club leads tributes to star with better goal ratio than Ally McCoist

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      JIM FORREST, the most prolific goalscorer in Rangers’ post-war history, has died.The Ibrox side wrote on social media: “The Rangers family is today saddened by the loss of former striker, Jim Forrest, at the age of 79.
      Rangers hero Jim ForrestCredit: SNS
      RANGERS 1960-61 (l to r) Davie Wilson, Bobby Shearer, Billy Ritchie, Davie Provan, Jim Forrest, Ian McMillan, John Greig, Ron McKinnon, Jim Baxter, Ralph Brand and Willie Henderson.Credit: SNS
      “The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with Jim’s family and friends.”
      Aberdeen, for whom he played 186 times, scoring 62 goals, wrote: “Aberdeen Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Forrest.
      “Jim played 186 times for the club, scoring 62 goals and was part of the side that won the Scottish Cup in 1970.
      “The thoughts of everyone at Pittodrie are with Jim’s family and friends at this sad time.”

      Born in Springburn, the striker joined his boyhood heroes in 1962.
      A year later, in August 1963, he made his Old Firm debut – scoring twice in a 3-0 win for Gers at Parkhead.
      He was just 18-years-old.
      After bagging his first goals for the Ibrox club, Forrest went on to score an astonishing 145 times in 163 appearances.
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      He had a better goals ratio than the likes of Ally McCoist, Ralph Brand and Jimmy Millar.
      Yet, along with George McLean, he was inexplicably made the scapegoat in the aftermath of Rangers’ shock Scottish Cup defeat to Berwick Rangers in 1967.
      Manager Scot Symon described it as “the worst result in the history of the club”, and Forrest never played for Rangers again.
      Forrest – who died at the age of 78 – was only 22 and his stats in the three previous seasons were truly remarkable.
      He scored 39 goals in his first full season. During the treble winning campaign of 1963-64 he bagged an incredible 57 – a British post war record that still stands to this day.
      The following season he hit 35 and had already netted 14 times before Symon’s show of spite.
      It was a decision which arguably cost Rangers the Cup Winners’ Cup as they were forced to turn to centre-half Roger Hynd for the final against Bayern Munich in Nuremberg.
      To his credit, Forrest never spoke out against Symon or the call that ended his Ibrox career.
      Speaking in “Rangers, The 100 Greatest”, Forrest reflected: “I didn’t say anything against the club then and even now I prefer not to go into that.
      “Yes, what happened hurt, but I am a Rangers man and you don’t start hitting out at them. 
      “It’s not my style.
      Following his exit from Rangers, Forrest played for Preston and had five years at Aberdeen, where he won the Scottish Cup in 1970.
      He also had spells in South Africa and Hong Kong.
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      Forrest should be given his rightful place in the Ibrox Hall of Fame.
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      Duncan Ferguson back in Scottish football as former Rangers star returns after exile of almost 30 years

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      DUNCAN Ferguson is back in Scottish football – some 30 years on from his controversial departure.It’s a sensational return to the Scottish game for the former Dundee Utd, Rangers, Newcastle and Everton man – who has been appointed manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
      Duncan Ferguson is back in Scottish football after a break of almost 30 yearsCredit: Getty
      Inverness Caledonian ThistleCredit: SNS
      The striker left the Ibrox men for Everton in October 1994 after a headbutt on Raith Rovers’ John McStay which led to a three-month prison sentence and a 12-game SFA ban.
      He went onto become a folk hero for both the Goodison Park side and Newcastle United.
      But he made only seven caps for his country and has never returned to Scottish club football – until now.
      He did his coaching badges with the SFA, although was always thought to be unhappy with how they dealt with his disciplinary issues.

      That’s because Inverness have chosen him as the man to take over from Billy Dodds and attempt to move them off the foot of the Championship table – and have handed him a 3-year deal.
      They wrote in a statement: “The club is delighted to announce the appointment of Duncan Ferguson as the new Manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club.
      “The Everton legend joins us on a 3-year deal following an extensive recruitment process which involved some truly excellent candidates.
      “Duncan has worked alongside some of the most respected and outstanding football coaches in the world in recent seasons and we are proud to have him join ICTFC as our new Manager.
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      “His professionalism, commitment and dynamic leadership skills shone through in our discussions, making him the stand out candidate.
      “Everyone at the club is looking forward to supporting Duncan as the hard work starts now and we hope every Caley Jag will now get right behind him and the team in what we are sure will be a thrilling journey.”

      Ferguson earned his coaching reputation as a long-term assistant at Everton – serving as caretaker boss on a couple of occasions for the club.
      Assistant manager role under first Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, Ferguson found his maiden stint as a manager in his own right at Forest Green Rovers challenging.
      He won just one of his 18 matches in charge, being unable to prevent them from relegation from League One.
      He has been out of work since leaving the club on July 4.
      But he’s back in the game today, having been appointed to the top job at Caley Thistle with other names in the frame having been Morton boss Dougie Imrie and Celtic hero Scott Brown.
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      Inverness to name Newcastle & Everton legend Duncan Ferguson as boss, replacing one ex-Rangers striker with another

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      DUNCAN FERGUSON is set be unveiled as the new boss of Inverness Caley Thistle on Tuesday morning.The former Scotland striker, 51, has won the race to succeed Billy Dodds in the Highlands.
      Duncan Ferguson is set to take over Inverness, according to a reportCredit: Getty
      The club are close to appointing Billy Dodds successorCredit: SNS
      Everton legend Ferguson won just one of 18 games in charge of Forest Green Rovers last season – his first full-time managerial role.
      But Caley Jags chiefs have been impressed by the ex-Dundee United and Rangers striker’s coaching record at Goodison.
      And they believe he’s the ideal man to lead them away from the Championship relegation zone.
      Dodds was axed after a miserable run which saw them pick up a single point this season.

      Inverness contested the Scottish Cup final against Celtic at Hampden in June and had ambitions of promotion to the top flight.
      But Ferguson will take charge for the first time at Arbroath on Saturday with survival the main aim.
      John Robertson and Charlie Christie were in temporary charge for Saturday’s last-gasp loss at home to Dundee United.
      Ferguson will now look to appoint his own No2 with ex-United team-mate Gary Bollan among the frontunners.
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      Ferguson won seven Scotland caps in a playing career which brought a league title with Rangers and FA Cup with Everton.
      He also lost cup finals with Dundee United, Rangers and Newcastle and had two spells as interim manager of the Toffees.
      He worked alongside some big names in the Goodison dugout too – including Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
      Ferguson took in a Scottish league match at the weekend but was spotted at the OPPOSITE end of the country.
      The legendary striker was at Stair Park in STRANRAER for their League Two clash with Forfar Athletic – led by his former United team-mate Ray McKinnon.
      Ferguson ends the week of uncertainty at the Caledonian Stadium where ex-St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson was an early bookies’ favourite before Darren O’Dea was targeted.
      However the Celtic B coach pulled out of the running on Sunday night to focus on his role at the Hoops.
      Scott Brown was also linked, with weekend reports spotting him in the city, but Tuesday morning’s press conference with the Everton legend will call a halt to the Highland rumour mill.
      Billy Dodds was axed along with assistant Barry Wilson after a poor start to the new campaignCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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