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      Serial burglar who forced Raheem Sterling to quit World Cup after robbing his mansion is jailed for 13 years

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      A BURGLAR who broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World Cup has been jailed.Emiliano Krosi, 24, carried out 33 burglaries, including the raid on the England star’s home on December 3, 2022.Emiliano Krosi who carried out 33 burglaries has been jailedCredit: Hyde News & PicturesKrosi broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World CupCredit: GettyHe was part of a gang that used a ladder in the rear garden to climb through Arsenal ace Sterling’s bedroom window and steal ten of his Rolex watches.An estimated £300,000 of designer gear was taken from the footballer’s £7million home in Oxshott, Surrey.Albanian Krosi, who travelled illegally to the UK in the back of a lorry, previously admitted to being involved in 15 of the burglaries. But yesterday at Guilford crown court Judge Catherine Hartley ruled he was involved in the remaining 18 break-ins.read more on footballShe sentenced him to a total of 12 years and ten months in prison.She said: “You are a dishonest and greedy man who willingly and enthusiastically took part in what was a familial, criminal gang.“Your greed and your criminality has resulted in a huge toll of human misery.”His offending took place while on bail after being caught with cocaine and cannabis on a train from London Euston to Coventry.Most read in FootballKrosi, from Southend, Essex, was sentenced to 19 months for possession with intent to supply which will run consecutively to the ­sentence for burglary.Surrey Police continue to hunt for his dad Alfred Isufi, 48, uncle Henri Osman, 44, and 22-year-old cousin ­Gerard Kalaja, who are all believed to have fled the UK.Newcastle’s £100m striker Alexander Isak’s mansion hit by gang of robbers in latest raid on Prem aces’ homesThey are suspected of being part of the gang which raided houses across the Home Counties from November 2022 to March 2023.Other victims included ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, whose home was targeted days before his then team-mate Sterling’s.PC Katherine Stevens, from Surrey Police, said: “Krosi was extremely methodical and organised in his targeting of homes, with the sole aim to make as much money as possible off the back of other people.”Ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann was also targetedCredit: Getty More

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      Greece hero Nikos Dabizas reveals banter he had with David Beckham after Man Utd legend’s iconic England free-kick

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      GREECE hero Nikos Dabizas revealed a funny conversation he had with England legend David Beckham after his iconic free-kick in 2001.Beckham led the Three Lions to the 2002 World Cup with a stunning last-gasp strike which sealed a 2-2 draw against the Greeks in the 93rd minute.Nikos Dabizas had a funny chat with David Beckham after his iconic free-kick for EnglandCredit: Allsport – GettyDabizas issued a tongue-in-cheek statement to BeckhamCredit: GettyDabizas tackles Emile Heskey in the 2001 qualifierBeckham led England to the 2002 World Cup with his legendary strikeCredit: Bongarts – GettyGreece were 2-1 up at Old Trafford thanks to goals by Angelos Charisteas and Demis Nikolaidis, either side of a Teddy Sheringham equaliser, which were set to condemn Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side to a tricky play-off with Ukraine.But up stepped Becks for a final set-piece, 25 yards out of Antonis Nikopolidis’ goal.He curled an impossible effort that caught the goalkeeper by surprise and sent England straight to the finals in Japan and South Korea.Dabizas, 51, started that match and never forgot the Manchester United legend’s stunner that denied his team their first ever win over the English.Read More on FootballThe Newcastle hero caught up with Beckham soon after in the Premier League for some belated post-match banter.Dabizas told SunSport: “Yes, after the game – if I remember correctly – possibly later in a match against Manchester United. Relatively very soon. I messed with him, [I told him] ‘You got yourselves out of jail’.”And he smiled. “[He laughed] It wasn’t a specific answer. [He’s] An absolutely normal guy.”But Dabizas always knew how special that “unimaginably good” free-kick was for both England and Beckham’s career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the ex-Leicester ace has fond memories of that match in Manchester as it marked the beginning of Greece’s journey to their historic Euro 2004 triumph under Otto Rehhagel.Dabizas added: “I think he had an excellent performance in the game against us in 2001. It was a landmark match for his career and it was the first strong sign we gave as a team with Mr Rehhagel for what was to follow as we were very competitive in the qualifiers.Premier League icon Nikos Dabizas names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece”We convinced ourselves that we can stand in front of very high-level teams because that England national team had a lot of talent. And the team that went to Portugal in 2004 had a lot of talent despite having some issues then in English football.”Especially when they couldn’t capitalise on the characteristics they had as a team. They didn’t do that. They didn’t have the success they were capable of.”Beckham was certainly a footballer who had tremendous appeal in set-pieces. His hits were unimaginably good. One of the best in the world [in terms of] the way he hit the ball and the trajectory the ball took.”I believe it was a very special motion process. If anyone looks how he hit the ball will be able to understand that specialty that we mentioned.”It was the last stages of the match, there was a lot of pressure, we were ahead, we were playing if I remember correctly with three central defenders. That’s when that whole story started with Mr Rehhagel trusting the system of three central defenders more.”But I believe it was unavoidable with that part the game was on, when you have such an elite level footballer being able to get the ball either over the wall or the goalkeeper’s tight corner then I believe the difficulty level is very big.”And it had that result that it had in the last stages of the match. And England qualified with that draw to the World Cup.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGreece finally got their first ever win over England last month at their tenth time of asking after seven losses.Dabizas watched Ivan Jovanovic’s men win 2-1 as a pundit at Wembley and will hope for a repeat tonight in Athens. More

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      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim instantly handed ‘significant’ injury blow with Lisandro Martinez ‘unable to function’

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ has handed new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorin an immediate injury blow.Amorim started work this week and met some of his players at the club’s Carrington training ground.Lisandro Martinez sustained a hip injury against LeicesterCredit: ReutersThe defender is coming back to Manchester for treatmentCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s first game is against IpswichCredit: AFPMartinez, 26, was not among them as he had travelled to South America to represent Argentina against Paraguay and Peru.However, the defender has now been sent straight back to Manchester after national team medics discovered a “significant hip injury”.It is believed he picked up the issue in the 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday but flew to join the Argentina squad before it was evaluated.Reports in Argentina claim he felt “discomfort” after a coming together with an opponent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALDespite completing 90 minutes, the pain has left him unable to “function normally”.Martinez will now be assessed by United’s doctors.The issue provides a headache for new Red Devils coach Amorim as he prepares for his first against Ipswich on November 24.Amorim is already without injured centre-half Harry Maguire until the end of the month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile Luke Shaw remains out having missed the whole season so far.But he has been boosted by the return of Leny Yoro to training this week as he nears full recovery from a metatarsal injury.Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerThe centre-back has not played since his £52million move from Lille in the summer.And forgotten man Tyrell Malacia also played in first minutes in SEVENTEEN months for the under-21s on Tuesday night.Amorim was seen pictured at Carrington yesterday, greeting the likes of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

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      Arsenal handed another major injury blow as Ben White undergoes knee surgery and ‘could be ruled out until 2025’

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      ARSENAL have suffered another major injury blow after Ben White underwent knee surgery.The right-back has gone under the knife for minor surgery to fix a joint problem in his knee.Ben White could be miss the rest of this year, having undergone surgeryCredit: GettyThe Press Association reports White, 27, will be ruled out for EIGHT weeks, meaning he will not play again until the New Year.But SunSport understands Arsenal remain hopeful he could still play a part in the festive schedule.White has been playing through the pain barrier this season, but has been limited to 12 appearances.He did play the full 90 minutes in the Gunners’ past two matches against Inter Milan and Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now the decision has been made to have an operation during the international break.Mikel Arteta previously said that White has a “little issue” and “we have to protect him”.But the boss now has a defensive crisis to deal with as Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are already out, with Jurrien Timber only just back from a muscle strain.Further up the pitch, both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both withdrawn from the England squad due to injury concerns.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, Arteta revealed he has been “praying” for an end to Arsenal’s fitness problems after a “nightmare eight weeks”.White will miss several huge games if he remains sidelined until next year.Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race The Gunners face Nottingham Forest, Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and West Ham in the week after the international break.Clashes against Fulham and Manchester United then follow ahead of a busy period around Christmas. Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More

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      BBC staff fear MOTD will go woke after ruined Football Focus was geared towards ‘snowflakes and millennials’

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      RANK and file staff at the BBC fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go woke — just like much-mocked Football Focus.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.BBC staff fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go wokeCredit: GettyAlex Kay-Jelski, who became the BBC’s Director of Sport seven months agoInstead, under Alex Kay-Jelski who became Director of Sport seven months ago, they could be replaced by online influencers and celebrities.That has happened on sister show Football Focus, with core viewers complaining it is being geared more towards “millennials and snowflakes”.A BBC insider said: “The hope would be to draw in younger, new audiences — but the danger is they end up alienating their current viewers and driving them away.“Everyone expects there to be some changes but they don’t want to have MOTD left unrecognisable just because of the whims of a handful of executives.READ MORE ON MATCH OF THE DAY“They want experts on the show who have some genuine expertise and experience, not amateurs who are brought on for their star appeal or online pulling power.“But with change at the top, there’s the concern that the BBC will take the chance to make a major overhaul.”The Sun exclusively revealed on Tuesday that ex-England captain Gary, 63, was leaving as the show’s frontman after 25 years.Yesterday it emerged that bosses wanted Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers to take turns as host, but Chappers is against the idea. MOTD this year celebrated its 60th birthday while Football Focus has been screened on Saturday afternoons since 1974.Most read in FootballHowever, it has been derided due to some of the stars featured.These include Love Island’s Jordan Mainoo-Hames interviewing players, and actors Will Mellor and Ralf Little who appeared together in BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsFormer Lioness Alex Scott took over as host of the show in 2021.By last year it had lost a third of its viewers in the space of four years, leaving some fearing the Beeb may end up axing it.Previous presenter Dan Walker said at the time: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling. I loved it growing up and it was an honour to host it and I still miss it.“We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.” More

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      Moment scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024

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      SUSPENDED Premier League ref David Coote snorts white powder in a shocking video taken while he was officiating at this summer’s Euros.In the eight second Whatsapp film the under-fire VAR specialist is wide-eyed as he uses a rolled up US bank note to snort a four inch line of what appears to be cocaine.David Coote was filmed snorting the white powderCoote is expected to quit as a referee before he’s sackedCredit: ReutersThe video was filmed during Euro 2024Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL, governing body for professional referees, this week after a separate video emerged of him, again wide-eyed,  calling former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c**t”.The Sun’s exclusive new video was taken on July 6 – a day after the Euro 2024 quarter final clash between France and Portugal, where he acted  as a support VAR official.On the bedside table alongside the white powder are scattered packets of prescription drugs, a credit card, and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of The Locust.He sent the clip to a pal and it’s believed he filmed himself in his Uefa-funded hotel room he used during the tournament.Read More David CooteThe ref sent another photo from Frankfurt on July 1.  It showed his credit cards on a saucer either side of six chopped-up lines of suspicious white powder. He was staying in hotel rooms appointed by tournament organiser UEFA.The pal, who wishes to remain anonymous, also reveals that the referee made other derogatory remarks about Everton football club and Liverpool player Andy Robertson.Coote’s previous comments about Klopp are now at the centre of both a PGMOL and FA investigation into his conduct.As the scandal grew this week, Uefa also took him off their roster for games during this weekend’s international break.Most read in FootballOther videos were sent over the summer from France, where Coote officiated at three football matches at the Paris Olympics. They included the Israel versus Japan clash on July 30, where he was in charge of VAR.His pal has told how Coote said in video chats that table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League” this season.Shocking David Coote Klopp video in fullFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.“Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.“So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.“Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”Coote also branded Goodison Park – the ground of Liverpool’s rivals Everton – as the worst place to referee due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.He hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it’s “too far away” and moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for their Championship clash against Oxford United on August 16.The pal is speaking out to highlight Coote apparently bragging of taking drugs repeatedly during tournaments and big Prem matches.They told The Sun: “I believe that the FA and the governing body of the referees have to make sure that the sport we all love is protected and being officiated by the right people. My message to David Coote is…there’s help out there.”The pal added: “The video of him bad-mouthing Klopp didn’t surprise me at all.“He said to me Liverpool would definitely not win the Premier League. It just makes me question the kind of people running the Prem. He also described Andy Robertson as a ‘Scottish prick’.“He did say that the worst place to referee was Goodison Park due to the young Scousers screaming, shouting, swearing at him and calling every name under the sun before the games had even started. And he mentioned he hated going to Bournemouth because it was just such a long way away.“He did mention about Coventry City versus Oxford United on a Friday night on Sky Sports. He couldn’t really be a**** with this game…the fact that he had to go and referee in front of an empty Ricoh Arena. He said ‘I’m a bit too big for this’.”A PGMOL spokesperson told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. “David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. “We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”Coote was suspended by PGMOL bosses earlier this week after a leaked video showed the ref abusing Liverpool and their ex manager Jurgen Klopp.The footage was said to have been taken during the Covid-19 pandemic.An investigation is now taking place and the FA are also initiating their own probe, as Coote could be charged with an aggravated breach of FA rules after mentioning Klopp’s nationality in the initial leaked video.Outside of England, UEFA has also taken action against the Prem ref by removing him from their list of officials for the upcoming international fixtures.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Coote decides to quit, or is sacked, he is set to lose over £1m over the next few years.Referee David Coote was caught in an earlier video labelling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’Credit: XCoote unleashed an astonishing rant at ex-Liverpool boss KloppCredit: AP More

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      Alexander Isak breaks silence on Arsenal transfer speculation after ‘breakdown in Newcastle contract talks’

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      ALEXANDER ISAK has broke his silence on rumours he might leave Newcastle.The striker scored 25 goals in 40 games last season, with his form catching the eye of some other of Europe’s top clubs like Arsenal.Alexander Isak has lifted the lid on his Newcastle futureCredit: RexThere were preliminary contract talks in the summer, but they went no further and there are no plans to reopen discussions. This led to reports of a “breakdown” between Isak and Newcastle.But SunSport understands neither the player or the club see a new contract as a top priority as his deal does not expire until 2028.Isak has now had his say, telling The Chronicle: “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It does not affect me.“I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle and I have never had any problem there. “I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. “There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out but much of what I read is not true.”That is about all I can say about the whole thing.”Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelIsak has scored five goals in 11 games this season and is believed to still be wanted by Arsenal.Newcastle could demand more than £100million for the 25-year-old Swede, who they signed for £63m from Real Sociedad in 2022. More

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      Former Chelsea star Courtois in talks to make shock Belgium return after refusing to play until manager was sacked

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      THIBAUT COURTOIS is in talks over a Belgium return after refusing to play for his country again until the manager was sacked.The Real Madrid goalkeeper had a huge falling out with boss Domenico Tedesco in June last year.Thibaut Courtois is in talks over a shock Belgium returnCredit: ReutersThe keeper had a huge falling out with manager Domenico TedescoCredit: RexTheir bust-up came after Courtois was shockingly stripped of the captaincy for games against Austria and Estonia.The 102-timed capped international claimed he was not told why he was snubbed of the armband and that Tedesco did not appreciate him.After a lengthy injury lay-off, Courtois then revealed he would not play for Belgium again while the ex-RB Leipzig gaffer remained in charge.But Belgian FA chief Peter Willems is trying to get the former Chelsea No1 to reconsider.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLQuizzed on the talks, Tedesco said: “Peter informed me some weeks ago about it, so I knew.”He asked me what do you think about it? For me, first of all, he has all the rights to do that as a CEO, of course. “And second, I was always and I am still completely open to it. “I think that on this topic, everything has been discussed.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn his bombshell statement ahead of the Euros earlier this year, Courtois said: “Unfortunately, following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management.”In this matter, I accept my share of responsibility. Football stars’ weird phobias”However, looking forward, my lack of confidence in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.”The federation, with whom I have had several discussions, accepts my position and the reasons that led me to this painful but coherent decision.”I regret possibly disappointing some fans, but I am convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium, as it closes a debate and allows the team to focus on pursuing its goals.”The Red Devils had a disappointing Euros, scoring just two goals en route to crashing out in the last-16 stage to France.Belgium are sticking by Tedesco despite pressure, with Willems saying he is “absolutely the right man in the right place”. More