The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Watford FC physio Phil Edwards ‘carried out horrifying sex attacks on 29 teen boys at club’, report claims

      by

      A WATFORD FC physio sexually abused 29 teenage boys while working at the club, a report has found.The Championship side investigated allegations against Phil Edwards, who is thought to have killed himself in 2019 while facing claims he had assaulted a boy.
      Watford’s investigation found 29 potential victims of football physio Phil EdwardsCredit: Getty
      Paedophile physio Edwards is believed to have killed himself in June 2019Credit: UPPA/Photoshot
      It has now been revealed that as many as 29 potential victims were contacted by Watford, as well as six members of staff.
      The inquiry heard how Edwards was known to some at the Hertfordshire club as “Paedo Phil” and “Feel me up Phil”.
      Some 18 of the survivors provided signed accounts of their alleged abuse by Edwards when they were aged between 13 and 15.
      Edwards was arrested in June 2019 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child at his Woodside physiotherapy clinic in Watford.
      Read More On Football Abuse Scandal
      A fortnight later the 60-year-old was found dead at the home where he lived alone, with police suggesting he killed himself.
      Another 18 police complaints were filed against him for alleged child sexual offences between 1998 and 2019.
      Edwards is believed to have abused players at Watford’s Vicarage Road ground as well as his private clinic and his home in the 1980s and 1990s.
      The details have been revealed in a newly-published addition to Clive Sheldon KC’s independent report into child sexual abuse in football.
      Most read in Football
      Some of the assaults are alleged to have happened at Watford’s Vicarage Road groundCredit: Getty
      The inquiry found English football did not do enough to protect children from predatory coaches from 1970 to 2005, cataloguing failings by eight clubs – including Chelsea and Manchester City – to act on concerns.
      Watford has now apologised to all victims they contacted, today’s addendum to the report says.
      Survivors told of Edwards carrying out unnecessary groin examinations, ordering them to strip naked and squat before he lay alongside them, given boys alcohol and showed them pornography, as well as encouraging them to “perform sexual acts”.
      Some also described how “Edwards appeared to enjoy inflicting pain on them and laughed or shouted at them if they cried”.
      Watford said they could find no payroll record nor personnel file to “show that Edwards was ever employed” by them, though acknowledged he provided physiotherapy services there and held “a position of influence and access within the club”.
      They also said the former members of staff they contacted “all denied any knowledge of the alleged abuse by Edwards”.
      One survivor alleged that club legend and former England manager Graham Taylor was told of the accusations against Edwards while he was Watford boss but “nothing was done”.
      Two members of staff who allegedly witnessed the conversation have denied doing so and Mr Sheldon accepted Watford’s insistence there was “no corroborating evidence to support that any staff member knew that the alleged abuse by Edwards was taking place”.
      He also highlighted the importance of Taylor, who died aged 72 in January 2017, being unable to contribute to the investigation.
      Lawyers representing the club reached out-of-court settlements in January with five former youth team players who said Edwards sexually abused them.
      In a statement, Watford said: “As a club, Watford FC wishes to apologise to all young people who experienced the behaviour perpetrated by the late Phil Edwards, while holding a position of influence and access within the club.
      “We thank the survivors for their courage and dignity in all of their dealings with Watford FC, their patience also which allowed us to both conduct a thorough internal investigation and work with Clive Sheldon KC and his team with regards to their own independent findings.
      “We are doing, and will continue to do, everything we can to ensure that the boys, girls, men and women who play for this club – and indeed anyone who works for or with the club – will not have to endure the experiences these young people did.
      “Watford FC will continue to champion best practice in relation to the safeguarding and welfare of the people in its charge.
      “Further, the input and observations of survivors, based on their experiences, will always be welcome in the future.
      “Support remains available for anyone who believes it would be beneficial to them.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with allegations about former youth coach Barry Bennell, who is now serving a 34-year prison sentence for sex offences against young boys.
      Among the ex-players who came forward to reveal they had been abused by Bennell when youngsters were former Bury and Sheffield United footballer Andy Woodward, the first to speak out, and then ex-England, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool star Paul Stewart.
      Former Chelsea youth player Bennell worked for Crewe Alexandra in the 1980s and 1990s and also had links with Manchester City and Stoke City.
      The FA said in today’s statement: “We continue to offer support to anyone who has been impacted by non-recent child sexual abuse in football.
      Read More On The Sun
      “If anyone is ready to come forward at this time, they can do so without waiving their anonymity and there is support in place if they want to access it.
      “Abuse can be reported via the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 023 2642 or the police.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with accusations against serial offender Barry Bennell, now serving a 34-year jail term for abusing young boysCredit: PA More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City star’s son racks up 1 million Instagram followers in 24 hours after cute Champions League final celebrations

      by

      PHIL Foden’s four-year-old son Ronnie has become a social media sensation thanks to his Champions League final celebrations – amassing an incredible 1m Instagram followers in just 24 hours.Ronnie Foden delighted City fans by dancing on the pitch with his dad and other City teammates including Erling Halaand and Jack Grealish after the Blues completed the treble in Istanbul earlier this month.
      Phil Foden’s four-year-old son Ronnie has become a social media sensation thanks to his Champions League final celebrations
      Ronnie Foden celebrated with his dad and mum, Rebecca, as City won the Champions League Final in IstanbulCredit: Rex
      Now Ronnie – nicknamed “El Wey” which means “The Dude” in Spanish – has been given his own social media page.
      And his adorable posts have already led to a huge following.
      One sees Ronnie dancing on a table in a £200 designer Off White hoodie while in another he build sandcastles with his England ace dad while on holiday in Mykonos.
      A source said: “Ronnie is a real extrovert and loves all the razzmatazz that comes with being the son of one of the most famous footballers in the world.“
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      He is a very happy kid and loves watching his dad play footy.”
      In comparison Wayne Rooney’s son Kai has built up 120,000 Instagram followers since starting his account in April 2022 while Romeo Beckham has 3.6m.
      His older brother Brooklyn has more than 15m. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s dad reveals surprising reason he turned down son’s offer of a Rolls-Royce

      by

      TYSON Fury’s dad has told how he turned down his son’s offer of a Rolls- Royce — because he preferred his old VW Golf.John Fury, 58, said the world boxing champ, 35, tricked him into going to a dealership, saying it was for his wife Paris.
      Tyson Fury’s dad John turned down his son’s offer of a Rolls- Royce — because he preferred his old VW Golf
      John admitted he was choked up by his son’s generosityCredit: Getty
      He recalled: “I see the price. It’s a £500,000 car.
      “I said, ‘She doesn’t need that to do the school run.’
      “We had a little bit of an argument and he said, ‘No dad, it’s yours.
      ‘”You are driving a 30-year-old car around.’”
      read more on Tyson Fury
      John was “gobsmacked” but told Tyson: “It’s not me.
      “I’m not a poser and I don’t want to try to be in anybody’s face.
      “I don’t want to make people jealous.
      “I love my VW. It’s got memories from when I was a young man.”
      Most read in Boxing
      He said the car dealer near Manchester told him nobody had ever turned down a Rolls-Royce Phantom II before.
      John admitted to freebets.com he was choked up by his son’s generosity.
      He added: “But give me a cheese sandwich, a cup of tea and put me a western on and I’m away.” More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      England football legend’s lookalike spotted in stained glass window – can you tell who it is?

      by

      PAUL Gascoigne’s ex- teammate Ally McCoist got a kick out of seeing his old pal’s lookalike in a stained glass window.McCoist chuckled as Gazza’s double was pointed out to him at a courthouse in a lighter moment during an insurance case.
      A bishop depicted in a historic church window is the spit of Paul GascoigneCredit: Alamy
      Gazza’s holy double was pointed out to him at a courthouse in a lighter moment during an insurance caseCredit: Getty
      A bishop depicted in the historic window seems to have the madcap Geordie’s face.
      And a source at Edinburgh’s Court of Session said: “It was a very serious week but Ally and his team couldn’t help but laugh when they were told about the Gazza double in the window.
      “Over the years, people in court have joked about the resemblance so it was always going to be pointed out to Ally.”
      Ex-England hero Gazza, 56, and Scot McCoist, 60, became pals playing for Glasgow giants Rangers in the 1990s.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The likeness is in the 1868 Great Window at the court’s parliament Hall.
      TV pundit McCoist is fighting a £244,000 insurance claim relating to a car crash injury caused by son Argyll, 24. More

    • 113 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Mason Mount dating American model Claire Grossman

      by

      ENGLAND footballer Mason Mount is dating American model Claire Grossman.The Chelsea midfielder, 24, has enjoyed a secret getaway to the Greek island of Hydra where he is believed to have been joined by New York-based Claire.
      Mason Mount is dating American model Claire GrossmanCredit: Getty
      A source said: ‘Mason and Claire have grown close in the last few months and have lots of friends in common’
      It comes as he is at the centre of a multi-million pound transfer bid by Manchester United as his contract with Chelsea is set to expire next summer.
      A source said: “Mason and Claire have grown close in the last few months and have lots of friends in common.
      “They both have a love of fashion and enjoy sharing their looks on social media from their trips abroad.”
      Mason – who was named Britain’s most eligible man by society mag Tatler last year – shared a glimpse inside his Greek holiday on TikTok last week where he posted footage from his boat tour around the islands.
      Read More on Mason Mount
      Claire jetted to London last year and shared a clip of Mason playing at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge in a 1-0 win against Newcastle United in March.
      She also shared a snap of her visit to the Warner Bros.
      Studio Tour along with a trip to Westminster Abbey on Instagram.
      Meanwhile fans have also speculated on TikTok that Claire has set the lock screen on her phone to a snap of Mason.
      Most read in Football
      It comes after The Sun reported that Mason had signed up to the celebrity dating app Raya following his split from long-term girlfriend model Chloe Wealleans-Watts in 2021.
      Manchester United’s third bid – reported to be worth £55 million – for Mason was rejected by Chelsea yesterday.
      Chelsea are said to be holding out for £58 million plus another £7 million in add-ons.
      The England ace, who has an estimated net worth of £20 million, has scored 33 goals in 195 appearances for Chelsea.
      We approached Mason’s agent for comment.
      The source added: ‘They both have a love of fashion and enjoy sharing their looks on social media from their trips abroad’
      Claire jetted to London last year and shared a clip of Mason playing in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Newcastle United More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ace Phil Foden delights starstruck tourists as he shows off ball skills on beach during holiday in Mykonos

      by

      MANCHESTER City star Phil Foden keeps his eye on the ball – even when he’s on holiday.The treble-winning winger, 23, splashed about at a beachside resort in Mykonos whilst girlfriend Rebecca Cooke watched on.
      Phil Foden took a break from stardom to enjoy a day at Mykonos’ stunning Nammos beach with his partner Rebecca CookeCredit: BackGrid
      Rebecca, 22, took a dip in the sea wearing a strapless black swimsuitCredit: BackGrid
      Three Lions favourite Foden, paid £200,000 a week, delighted starstruck tourists at the luxury Nammos resort with his skills – even staging an impromptu kickabout with a volleyball.
      Mum-of-one Rebecca, 22, braved the sea in a strapless black swimsuit whilst her man turned his hand from footie to fishing.
      The pair looked happier than on their last posh beach break, where we revealed they had a blazing row when Rebecca looked at her man’s phone.
      The WAG yelled: “Do you think I’m a d*** head?” before they left a Corfu resort whilst stunned holidaymakers watched on.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      She added: “We can’t take you anywhere, this always happens”.
      Whilst on England duty last week, Phil stunned teammate Bukayo Saka in a game of darts.
      While relaxing between training sessions, the pair decided to give darts a go.
      Ahead of their game against North Macedonia, the Three Lions were using Manchester United’s facilities.
      Most read in Football
      As Foden, 23, grabbed a Man United-branded dart, Saka asked: “Can you get a bullseye mate?”
      Foden then nonchalantly did just that, before turning round and grinning.
      As his beach day continued, Phil turned his hand from footie to fishingCredit: BackGrid
      Foden recently lifted Man City’s first UCL trophy after dispatching Inter Milan 1-0 to secure an historic trebleCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Footballer Mason Greenwood drops biggest hint yet that he could leave Man Utd and move abroad

      by

      FOOTBALLER Mason Greenwood’s mansion is up for let — suggesting the suspended Manchester United striker will soon be on the move.The six-bed, six-bath luxury home is being circulated privately among high-end lettings agents for more than £15,000 a month.
      Mason Greenwood’s mansion is up for let — suggesting the suspended Manchester United striker will soon be on the moveCredit: PA
      The property, in Bowdon, Cheshire, has a games room, a home office, a gym and staff accommodation and is billed as the “perfect family home”.
      The listing will fuel speculation the forward is preparing to leave the Premier League to join a foreign club on loan.
      Yesterday, The Sun revealed Greenwood, 21, had had a private training session at a public sports centre in Manchester.
      He has not played since January last year — when he was arrested after a woman made allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      He was due to stand trial this year but all the charges were dropped in February.
      Greenwood is still on the books at United, despite being suspended.
      The club is yet to make a decision on his future and is still to complete an internal investigation.
      It is unlikely it will try to sell him during the current transfer window.
      Most read in Football
      But the home listing will fuel rumours that the £50million striker will go out on loan.
      United are said to have had contact with Italian teams Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan about a move.
      Reds boss Erik ten Hag and most first team players are said to be willing to give Greenwood, who is expecting a baby with his partner this summer, another chance.
      But executives would be afraid of the commercial implications. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood looks worlds away from Premier League as he returns to training with private coach after charges dropped

      by

      FOOTBALLER Mason Greenwood is seen on a pitch for the first time since his arrest last year.The suspended Man United ace, 21, was put through his paces by a private coach at a public sports centre.
      Mason Greenwood has been snapped on a football pitch for the first time since his arrest
      Greenwood was put through his paces by a private coach
      The suspended Man Utd player was due to stand trial this year — but all the charges were dropped in February
      Our exclusive pictures show him working on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
      He has grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal.
      Greenwood, who is expecting a child with his partner this summer, was arrested in January 2022 after a woman made allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
      He was due to stand trial this year — but all the charges were dropped in February.
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      United’s owners are yet to make a decision on the £50million player’s future.
      The Sun reported this month that boss Erik ten Hag and most first-team players are willing to give him a second chance.
      A source said: “Like him or not, Mason wants to get back to playing football. It’s the thing he’s best at and the only way for him to successfully rebuild his life.
      “He is fed up with waiting around and he and his team now expect an answer one way or another from United.”
      Most read in Football
      Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 after a woman made allegations of physical and sexual abuse
      United’s owners are yet to make a decision on the £50million player’s future
      The Sun reported this month that boss Erik ten Hag and most first-team players are willing to give Greenwood a second chanceCredit: AFP More