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      Britain’s top football cop warns return of standing and alcohol could WRECK the English game after Euro 2020 shame

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      BRITAIN’S top football cop says the return of standing and booze is a toxic mix that could wreck English football.Chief Constable Mark Roberts was already concerned by the upsurge of hooliganism that saw the Euro 2020 final at Wembley turned into a war zone.
      Football’s top cop fears ‘safe standing’ and booze allowed in seats is a recipe for disasterCredit: AP
      Chief Constable Mark Roberts is concerned at the rise of hooliganism within the game – even before the reintroduction of ‘safe standing’ and alcohol in the standsCredit: Alamy
      The Government approved trials of ‘safe standing’ from the start of 2022.
      It is also expected former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch will recommend the ban on fans drinking booze at their seats is lifted for lower-division clubs.
      Roberts, head of football policing for England and Wales, said: “We know it’s easier for people to mask themselves and chant racial abuse, throw pyrotechnics or behave in other anti-social ways if they are standing.
      “It will change the atmosphere in a ground as well, as we know it will likely be males between 16 and 55 who want to stand more than women, families or older fans.
      “That change will not be for the better.
      “It’s going to make things a lot more challenging – to put the top hat on it and allow people to drink in the stands would be ludicrous.”

      Tanked-up fans, many also fuelled by cocaine, were blamed for the shameful scenes at Wembley in July.
      Roberts added: “Excessive drinking will lead to bad and violent behaviour.
      “I go to games as a fan and safety has to be taken seriously. 
      “If things get worse, it will also have an effect commercially.
      “If violence becomes routine again, then it will be damaging for the sport.”
      Fans storm Wembley security barriers and break into stadium More

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      Quick-thinking nurse and doctors saved Newcastle fan’s life after cardiac arrest

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      THESE are the heroes who saved the life of a Newcastle United fan who suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premiership match.The man, in his 70s, suddenly collapsed in his seat, but a quick-thinking nurse and four doctors rushed to help.
      These are the heroes who saved the life of a Newcastle United fan who suffered a cardiac arrest during a Premiership matchCredit: Action Images
      They gave him CPR and then cut off his clothes to attach defibrillator pads to shock him back to life.
      Nurse Ruth McDonald, 62, was one of the first on scene at the clash with Tottenham at St James’ Park.
      Referee Andre Marriner stopped play in the first half for 20 minutes after Spurs ace Sergio Reguilon alerted him to the drama.
      Ruth of Hebburn, South Tyneside, said: “I could see something was happening and people were frantically trying to get help.
      “Some of the fans around him had already laid the man flat. I took over the CPR and we delivered the first shock.”
      Dr Tom Prichard, 34, a United season ticket holder, also ran over with his pal Dr Matt Anderson.

      Dr Prichard, who works in A&E at the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It alI happened so quickly.
      “There was an elderly gentleman lying on the seats in cardiac arrest.
      “An intensive care doctor arrived and a cardiologist, and we were able to bring him back again.
      “When I was walking back to my seat and 10,000 fans were chanting ‘Hero’ at me — that is one of the best moments of my life.”
      Nurse Ruth added: “It was a real team effort.”
      Tottenham went on to win 2-3.
      The stricken fan — named only as George by club bosses — was yesterday recovering in hospital.
      His son Paul Smith said: “He seems OK. I wish to thank every single person who helped him. It could have been a totally different outcome without them.”
      Tom Pritchard, pictured middle in the grey jumper, was given a standing ovation after his heroic intervention
      Nurse Ruth McDonald, top right, was one of the first on scene at the clash with Tottenham at St James’ Park
      Nurse Ruth said ‘It was a real team effort’
      Tottenham’s Reguilon makes ref Andre Marriner aware of the incidentCredit: Getty
      Heartwarming moment hero doctor is given standing ovation for saving Newcastle fan’s life after Spurs game halted More

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      Gay Premier League footballer is in therapy as he fears abuse from fans if he chooses to come out

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      A GAY Premier League footballer has had therapy because he is so frightened of coming out, telling pals: “I will be crucified.”The ace revealed he has sought professional psychological help amid fears of how rival fans will react.
      A gay Premier League star has had therapy because he is so frightened of coming out, telling pals: ‘I will be crucified’
      He said: “It’s 2021 and I should be able to be free to tell everyone who I am.
      “But there are some fans on the terraces for whom it is still very much the 1980s.
      “I want to be open with people because it’s who I am and I am proud. But the truth is I will be crucified.”
      The star admitted he is riddled with doubt, saying: “When I play, I feel like the fans may guess and they are judging me.
      “Am I coming across as camp? Can they tell from the clothes I wear off the pitch? It has had a terrible effect on me mentally. It’s terrifying.”
      The top-flight British star has spoken to campaigner Amal Fashanu — niece of ex-Norwich star Justin, who came out in 1990 and took his own life in 1998.

      Amal, who fronted an award-winning documentary about her uncle, has set up a charity dedicated to helping tackle homophobia and racism within the sport.
      She is also a keen advocate for improved mental health services for professional footballers.
      Last year, it emerged two Prem stars had come out to close family and friends.
      But in an open letter to the FA, one said he was “too scared” to do so publicly.
      Amal has now introduced the pair to each other, and they are in regular contact over WhatsApp and online.
      She told The Sun: “In 2021, when we have never been so woke as a society, it feels like it should be the perfect time for a top-level player to come out.
      “But the reality is that homophobia, especially online, is more prevalent than ever. We need to protect these players.
      “I am in constant dialogue with the FA about what can be done but, unfortunately, it’s an unprecedented situation so it’s hard to put in place measures for a situation that hasn’t yet occurred.”
      In March, Amal is hosting a star- studded gala in London to raise awareness around the subject.
      Both gay players have been invited — and have said they will attend. For more information on Amal’s charity, please visit

      Amal told The Sun: ‘The reality is that homophobia, especially online, is more prevalent than ever. We need to protect these players’
      Ex-Norwich star Justin Fashanu came out in 1990 and took his own life in 1998Credit: Getty
      Premier League star says ‘I’m gay but I’m afraid to come out’ in anguished letter More

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      Gay Premier League star is in therapy as he fears abuse from fans if he comes out

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      A GAY Premier League star has had therapy because he is so frightened of coming out, telling pals: “I will be crucified.”The ace revealed he has sought professional psychological help amid fears of how rival fans will react.
      A gay Premier League star has had therapy because he is so frightened of coming out, telling pals: ‘I will be crucified’
      He said: “It’s 2021 and I should be able to be free to tell everyone who I am.
      “But there are some fans on the terraces for whom it is still very much the 1980s.
      “I want to be open with people because it’s who I am and I am proud. But the truth is I will be crucified.”
      The star admitted he is riddled with doubt, saying: “When I play, I feel like the fans may guess and they are judging me.
      “Am I coming across as camp? Can they tell from the clothes I wear off the pitch? It has had a terrible effect on me mentally. It’s terrifying.”
      The top-flight British star has spoken to campaigner Amal Fashanu — niece of ex-Norwich star Justin, who came out in 1990 and took his own life in 1998.

      Amal, who fronted an award-winning documentary about her uncle, has set up a charity dedicated to helping tackle homophobia and racism within the sport.
      She is also a keen advocate for improved mental health services for professional footballers.
      Last year, it emerged two Prem stars had come out to close family and friends.
      But in an open letter to the FA, one said he was “too scared” to do so publicly.
      Amal has now introduced the pair to each other, and they are in regular contact over WhatsApp and online.
      She told The Sun: “In 2021, when we have never been so woke as a society, it feels like it should be the perfect time for a top-level player to come out.
      “But the reality is that homophobia, especially online, is more prevalent than ever. We need to protect these players.
      “I am in constant dialogue with the FA about what can be done but, unfortunately, it’s an unprecedented situation so it’s hard to put in place measures for a situation that hasn’t yet occurred.”
      In March, Amal is hosting a star- studded gala in London to raise awareness around the subject.
      Both gay players have been invited — and have said they will attend. For more information on Amal’s charity, please visit

      Amal told The Sun: ‘The reality is that homophobia, especially online, is more prevalent than ever. We need to protect these players’
      Ex-Norwich star Justin Fashanu came out in 1990 and took his own life in 1998Credit: Getty
      Premier League star says ‘I’m gay but I’m afraid to come out’ in anguished letter More

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      Just ONE England fan convicted of causing trouble at Euros

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      JUST one England fan has been convicted of causing trouble at the Euros.And police do not know if they were even among those wreaking havoc at the final.
      Only one England fan has been convicted of causing trouble at the EurosCredit: Reuters
      The Three Lions are expected to be ordered to play at least one match at Wembley behind closed doors as punishment for the fans’ rampage at the July 11 final.
      But without convictions in court, no banning orders can be issued.
      So all who shamed the country are free to continue following the national side home and away.
      The lack of action heaps more pressure on Met chief Dame Cressida Dick.
      Force figures show there were more than 150 arrests for disorder during games in England.
      Of those, 19 were charged and 26 issued with cautions or penalty notices for disorder.
      A further 104 have been released under investigation or bailed.
      But just one person has been convicted so far.
      We can also reveal just one Met officer was at a Wembley safety meeting before the security shambles at the final.
      The force said: “We refute any claim that our representation at these meetings underestimates our commitment to keeping people safe and mitigating disorder.”
      The lack of action heaps more pressure on Met chief Dame Cressida DickCredit: PA

      ITV reveal fans without tickets did manage to break into Wembley before England’s huge Euro 2020 final game against Italy More

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      Harry Redknapp: Mike Ashley offered me a private jet from Bournemouth and back EVERY DAY to take the Newcastle job

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      THE Newcastle United job was one of the most attractive out there long before the Saudi millions arrived.In fact, if it hadn’t been for a late change of heart a few years ago, I’d have ended up managing them myself.
      Harry Redknapp was offered daily flights to the north east to take the Newcastle job
      Billionaire Mike Ashley bought Newcastle back in 2007Credit: The Sun
      At the time I was Portsmouth boss when Paul Kemsley, a close mate of Mike Ashley’s, got in touch.
      Newcastle were looking for a new manager – it was after Sam Allardyce – and Mike wanted to know if I was interested… and obviously I wanted to hear what they had to say.
      What they told me was very, very tempting, too. Not least because, regardless of the flat they’d have got me, they were prepared to lay on a private plane from Bournemouth airport at 7am every morning.
      Then, about five o’clock, they would fly me back home if I didn’t want to stay up, so I could still live down here if I wanted to.
      I must admit, I gave it really serious consideration and at one stage it was very much, ‘Why not?’
      It’s such a massive club, with a massive fan base, and has always had massive potential.

      But the more I thought of it, the more I didn’t think it could work. As soon as we lost a few, the Geordies would be going off their heads at me flying up and down the country each day.
      I really didn’t fancy the prospect of that, so in the end I said no… but there’s no doubt I was really swayed for a time, because it really is a fantastic club.
      The city is buzzing, the people love their football and it’s going to be a really exciting time for whoever takes it, as I think we all know the new owners are going to appoint their own manager.
      They’ve already said they want to be signing the biggest names around and, in the long term, they’ll get them, too.
      People have said Newcastle could be challenging at the top within five years.
      But if they do it right, I think they could be doing that in a couple of years? Why not? Yet the most important appointment they make, the most crucial signing of all, won’t be the manager or the players, it will be the head of recruitment.
      If you don’t get that right, nothing else follows.
      It’s not about having a super coach, it’s about being able to spot the right players for what you need.
      In the end, it all comes down to money. If you’ve got an owner who’s prepared to spend enough, the whole thing takes off – Manchester City proved that.
      If you’re ready to buy the best, you’ve got to be pretty stupid if you are then not competing at the top.
      But, and I know that this isn’t a popular view, I actually think Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley have done a pretty decent job.
      Mike obviously came in for plenty of stick, but he kept the club going. He was right when he said he couldn’t compete with people who owned countries, not businesses.
      In that respect, the expectations have been unrealistic. With that group of players, finishing 12th or 13th is really the best you are going to get.
      I don’t know all the ins and outs, but Mike always said that the club was for sale because he hadn’t got the same money as the Saudis, or the Americans at Liverpool and Manchester United.
      Look, if you’re someone who has worked hard to make his fortune, are you going to throw it down the drain spending cash beyond your means?
      The English guys just can’t compete – and if you’ve not got it, you can’t spend it. I think he deserves a bit of credit, really, but he won’t get it.
      Nor will Brucey, but he’s done alright with what he’s had.
      He’s not been able to pay fortunes on players and he should walk away with nothing to feel bad about.
      But when it does take off – and it will – it is going to be a fantastic time for all those Geordies.
      They’ve waited for a long time to have a team to really be proud of, the last one was under Kevin Keegan.
      That side, with the likes of David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, Andy Cole and then Alan Shearer, was fantastic and played some great attacking football.
      Let’s be honest, they should have won the title in 1996, they had such a big lead. But I don’t think they’ll have long to wait before those days come again.
      And with the Saudis in charge, this time I think they really WILL go all the way.
      Redknapp faced Newcastle as Tottenham manager and was tempted to take the Toon jobCredit: Getty
      Steve Bruce’s future as Magpies boss looks set to come to an endCredit: PA
      Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer were the pride of NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association
      Danny Mills urges Newcastle to poach Jose Mourinho from Roma More

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      Tyson Fury fears end of boxing career as training keeps mental health demons at bay

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      BOXING champ Tyson Fury fears his boxing career coming to an end because training keeps his mental health demons at bay.The heavyweight also praised wife Paris as the only person who could “snap him out of it” when his problems hit.
      Tyson Fury fears his boxing career coming to an end because training keeps his mental health demons at bayCredit: Getty
      Dad-of-six Tyson, 33, said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen if I somehow get injured where I can’t train or whatever.
      “I fear those days.
      “I really am scared of what might be around the corner because I know, no matter what I’ve got,  it can all be taken away from me by mental health problems.
      “I believe you can never get over mental health, never.
      “But you can learn to maintain it.
      “If I don’t train for two or three days I dip.”
      Bipolar Tyson has suffered with depression and alcohol and drug problems but credits Paris, 31, with keeping him together.
      Speaking at a Wow Hydrate function before his world title fight victory over Deontay Wilder, he said: “She almost knows when I’m not well and she will say, ‘Come back to us in the living’. And it sort of snaps me out of it.”

      Champ Tyson praised wife Paris as the only person who could ‘snap him out of it’ when his problems hit
      Tyson said: ‘I really am scared of what might be around the corner because I know, no matter what I’ve got,  it can all be taken away from me by mental health problems’Credit: Getty
      Tyson Fury admits to Frank Bruno that he keeps depression at bay with training but wishes he’d seen a doctor 10 years earlier More

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      Premier League stars splash out £40,000 on crystal-encrusted toy cars for children

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      PREMIER League stars are splashing out £40,000 on crystal-encrusted toy cars for their children.The bespoke motors are covered in 100,000 Swarovski Xirius-cut crystals that take two months to apply.
      Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard bought toy cars for his daughter Hope
      Stars to have treated their children to one include Manchester United and England winger Jesse Lingard, 28, and Southampton and Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long, 34.
      Jesse bought three-year-old daughter Hope an electric, scale model of Jaguar’s E-Type.
      It has a personalised number plate, a top speed of 15mph and a plush carpet interior, as well as hand-stitched leather seats.
      Her toy is the same price as the sporty full-size BMW 5 Series parked on the drive of Jesse’s luxury home.
      The thrilled footballer even posed in the grounds of his home and handed over a personalised United shirt to the manufacturer as a thank you.
      The motor was the icing on the cake following days of celebrations for Hope’s birthday.

      Jesse threw two parties for her and shared snaps online with his fans.
      One included a Disney Princesses bash for Hope and her pals, attended by entertainers dressed as her favourite movie characters.
      Shane, meanwhile, treated his five-year-old lad, Jax, to a model of a Jaguar XK120.
      Other stars to splash out on the replica racers include Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, 28, who also opted for a crystal-encrusted E-Type for his four-year-old son, Saint.
      Hampshire-based maker Half Scale Cars works in partnership with suppliers including luxury watch-maker Tag Heuer and Draper Tools. They sell their studded vehicles exclusively through Harrods.
      Prices for the E-Type Jag, only available on request, start at £40,000 but orders will be taken for any vehicle.
      Shane Long splashed out on a tiny XK120
      Wilfried Zaha bought a small jewel-encrusted E-type
      Jesse Lingard’s daughter Hope with her custom made car
      The blinged-up toy cars can cost tens of thousands
      Luxury custom car firm Garson showcased their Swarovski-crystal studded Mercedes-Benz SL 600 at the Tokyo car show More