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      Fraudster blew £175,000 on Man City ace Riyad Mahrez’s bank card – and star took 5 WEEKS to notice

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      A CROOKED forklift driver blew more than £175,000 on a bank card belonging to Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez.
      Sharif Mohamed, 32, spent £20,000 of the winger’s money partying and on designer clothes in Ibiza.

      Manchester City ace Riyad Mahrez, 29, took five weeks to realise a fraudster had spent £175,000 on his bank cardCredit: PA:Press Association

      Crook forklift truck driver Sharif Mohamed, 32, enjoyed a taste of the high life during his five-week spree

      Mohamed blew £20,000 of the winger’s money partying and on designer clothes in Ibiza and in the UK, his spree included a casino splurge

      Mahrez failed to realise for more than a month that a fraudster had blown the money.
      The £200,000-a-week star took nearly five weeks to block the card Mohamed had got hold of to enjoy a taste of the high life.
      In that time, Mohamed burned through £20,000 partying in Ibiza.
      He guzzled champagne at trendy beach bars and blew thousands buying designer clothes from boutiques on the holiday island.

      In the UK, his spree also included a splurge in a casino — as well as more modest outings to Nando’s, KFC and Greggs.
      But the spending — equivalent to less than one week’s pay for the Algeria international — went unnoticed for more than a month.
      Commenting on the case, former Met Det Chief Insp Mick Neville said: “The most amazing thing is that someone can blow £175,000 on a bank card without the loser even realising.”
      The fraud, totalling £175,830, took place in 2017 while Mahrez, 29, was playing for Leicester City.

      A caller posing as the Etihad Stadium favourite phoned Barclays bank to order a new card in his name. Mohamed said that he was working on behalf of crooked bank staff who allowed him to use the card — but he produced no evidence to back up his claim.
      He travelled from his home in East London to Leicester to withdraw cash from ATMs to avoid raising suspicion.

      The fraud, totalling £175,830, took place in 2017 while Mahrez was playing for Leicester CityCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mohamed posed as the Etihad Stadium favourite to phone Barclays bank and order a new card in his name

      Former Met Det Chief Insp Mick Neville said ‘The most amazing thing is that someone can blow £175,000 on a bank card without the loser even realising’Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Prosecutor Alex Matthews said he admitted going on a trip to Ibiza where, apart from blowing thousands on champagne in bars, he visited designer boutiques.
      In one, he paid £1,400 for a pair of Armani jeans. Ms Matthews added: “He spent £900 in one and £600 in the other — and that’s just one night in Ibiza.”
      His spending on the trip included the flights, accommodation in the smart Shangri—La hotel and meals at the upmarket Edward John Lucas restaurant.
      Mohamed denied suggestions he had made a second trip to Ibiza or that he had used the card during another break in the Spanish region of Murcia.
      It was nearly five weeks before the card was stopped. Spending in the UK included a trip to Aspers Casino in the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre in London.
      His barrister, Daniel Higgins, appealed for Mohamed, from East Ham, to be given a suspended sentence, saying he had made little from the fraud.
      He said: “In terms of personal benefit he can’t exactly qualify. At least he had a very nice holiday and other benefits.
      “One of the difficulties is that this was during a period of his life when he was drinking and taking drugs and his ability to recall in detail is rather limited.”

      Prosecutor Alex Matthews said Mohamed blew thousands from footie ace Riyad Mahrez’s money on champagne and in designer boutiques

      Ms Matthews said: ‘He spent £900 in one and £600 in the other — and that’s just one night in Ibiza’

      Mohamed, of East Ham, East London, now faces jail

      He also enjoyed flights and a nice accommodation in the smart Shangri—La hotelCredit: Alamy

      But after listening agog to the spending, Judge Laurie West-Knights, QC, was unconvinced.
      He said: “I need to resolve whether he has come clean. If he is deceiving me at this stage, there is only one place he can go.”
      Mohamed admitted one charge of fraud at Snaresbrook crown court. He was bailed ahead of sentencing on February 25. He previously received a suspended sentence for a hotel booking scam and was jailed for 45 months in 2009 for robbery.
      But he now claims to be married and living “a modest life”.
      Mr Neville was left puzzled by the case, saying: “Why on earth would an elite footballer be spending at fast food joints and Britain’s favourite steak bake supplier?
      “Banks are normally very quick off the mark to spot unusual spending but if the sums were low then it probably wouldn’t flag up.”

      Dawn Ward’s daughter Taylor goes Instagram official with Man City footballer Riyad Mahrez
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      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp frustrated with transfer policy after £100m Kalidou Koulibaly move was snubbed

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      THINGS are not going well on the pitch at Liverpool.
      And behind the scenes, they have become a bit tense.

      Jurgen Klopp is growing increasingly annoyed by Liverpool’s transfer policyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Jurgen Klopp has grown increasingly frustrated with the club’s transfer policy, although owners Fenway Sports Group believe they have gone above and beyond, considering the disastrous financial climate.
      Klopp is annoyed they failed to move for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly last month due to his side’s big defensive injury problems.
      Koulibaly, 29, never appeared a serious prospect as the Italian club’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, demanded a fee of £100MILLION.
      But, privately, Klopp made it clear he wanted the Senegal international.

      He still believed that a club the size of Liverpool should have done everything to sign Koulibaly.
      Instead, they moved for Ben Davies, 25, from Preston, and 20-year-old Ozan Kabak on loan from Schalke.
      Kop sporting director Michael Edwards – considered a genius by the club’s fans for his brilliant transfer record – appears to find himself in an awkward situation between manager and owners.
      There also seem to be frustrations from FSG that Klopp has not really got to grips with the dire financial situation at the club.

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      Klopp had hoped to sign Kalidou Koulibaly in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The champions have a squad wage bill of £230m-plus and are haemorrhaging millions each week.
      Their next set of financial results are expected to be extremely worrying.
      FSG, looking to cut costs as the pandemic struck last year, were shocked by the uproar among fans at the decision to place some of their non-playing staff on furlough.
      They thought they had done nothing wrong and had behaved like other businesses, only to reverse the decision 48 hours later.
      And they then bowed to Klopp’s relentless pressure in September and signed Diogo Jota for £45m and Thiago Alcantara for £27m.
      The signing of the latter appears an odd one with the Spanish midfielder, 29, not really fitting into the team’s pressing style.
      Klopp has always enjoyed a good relationship with previous employers and Liverpool fans will be praying this continues and any differences can be resolved.
      And that the team stops losing at home.

      Liverpool vs Man City as it happened More

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      Dele Alli in line for shock Tottenham recall in FA Cup clash with Everton after clear-the-air talks with Jose Mourinho

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      JOSE MOURINHO is eyeing a double D as he aims to get his paws on another cup.
      The Tottenham boss is set to recall Dele and Dier for tonight’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Everton.

      Dele Alli is set to start in Tottenham’s FA Cup clash with EvertonCredit: PA

      The England international has held clear-the-air talks with manager Jose MourinhoCredit: AFP

      Midfielder Dele could feature for the first time since last month’s 5-0 third-round win at Marine, after recovering from a calf injury and having clear-the-air talks with Mourinho.
      Defender Eric Dier is likely to return after being benched for Sunday’s 2-0 Prem victory over West Brom, Mourinho said: “I believe players have moments.
      “They can be very good, they can be strong personalities, they can be experienced, they can cope with a mistake.
      “But in the end, players feel these little moments of confidence, of crisis.

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      “Recently, our team has made little, important mistakes that are punished in terms of our results.
      “And Eric was there, he was one of them. They feel it.
      “Confidence drops a little bit. But he is a great personality, a team guy — a guy that I trust and he will soon be back to normality.”

      Dele spoke with his boss when a move to Paris Saint-Germain and a reunion with ex-Spurs chief Mauricio Pochettino did not materialise — and may feature tonight.
      Mourinho added: “What’s changed? He is available and not injured. He is happy to be training and we’re happy to have him back.”

      Dele Alli works hard in some solo training More

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      Man City star Phil Foden warned not to get too big for his boots by Pep Guardiola after Liverpool heroics

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has warned Phil Foden not to think he has cracked it after his Anfield masterclass.
      The England ace, 20, starred in Manchester City’s 4-1 win at Liverpool.

      Pep Guardiola has warned Phil Foden not to get too big for his bootsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      But Etihad boss Guardiola has told the midfielder not to expect to start every week on the back of it.
      Guardiola has handled Foden with care over the last four years.
      So he will leave him sweating over playing in the FA Cup against Swansea tonight or Tottenham on Saturday.
      The Spaniard said: “I know Phil is ready to play because his physical condition is extraordinary.

      “But I’ll handle it the same way I’ve always handled it.
      “When I believe he can help us he will play and if I feel someone else deserves to play then he’s not going to play.”
      While Foden now has more than 100 appearances, Sunday was his most eye-catching yet.
      Asked if he now faces a different challenge with Foden, Guardiola said: “Not for me, no. It will be for him.

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      Foden put in a sublime display in Man City’s 4-1 win at LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “He has to be calm and understand the tough periods are going to come. It depends if he’s humble with this.
      “The expectations at that age, we’ll see if he can handle it. This is the most difficult thing.
      “What is important now is to do 100 more and then 100 more at this level, playing every day and winning every day.
      “This is the next target of Phil, playing as high as possible for as long as possible.
      “It depends absolutely on him, hopefully he can do it.”
      Guardiola’s men will look to extend their 14-match winning streak against a Swansea team that ran them close in the FA Cup two years ago.
      But he believes Liverpool should serve as a warning over how quickly things can change.
      He said: “It was two or three seasons without one defeat. Then immediately, you don’t know why, three defeats in a row.
      “Do you think it cannot happen with us? Of course it can.”

      Guardiola has confirmed Ederson is an option to take penaltiesCredit: Reuters
      Guardiola also admitted goalkeeper Ederson is an option to take penalties.
      His team have missed eight spot-kicks since the beginning of last season, Ilkay Gundogan the latest at Anfield on Sunday.
      Regular takers Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne are sidelined.
      Guardiola added: “It depends on the other players. It’s an option, of course. He’s a good taker.”

      Liverpool vs Man City as it happened More

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      Under-fire Lee Mason dropped as referee for ten days after VAR shambles leading to Tomas Soucek’s West Ham red card

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      UNDER-SCRUTINY ref Lee Mason has been taken out of the firing line by being relegated to fourth official duty for the next ten days.
      Mason was criticised by Southampton for not awarding them a clear penalty in the defeat by Aston Villa.

      Lee Mason has been criticised for recent performances and controversies, including refusing Southampton a penalty against Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lee Mason was the VAR when Mike Dean wrongly sent off West Ham defender Tomas Soucek after being asked to look at video replaysCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Bolton official was then on VAR duty when recommending Mike Dean issue a red card to West Ham’s Tomas Soucek for his alleged elbow on Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      Dean will not be working this weekend or midweek after requesting time off following a number of online death threats to him and his family.
      And while Mason will be involved in Saturday’s game between Leicester and Liverpool and next Wednesday’s rearranged clash between Everton and Manchester City, he will only be operating as the fourth official.
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      It should ensure no more controversy surrounding Mason, who has already been fiercely criticised by Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo this season.
      Former refs’ chief Keith Hackett has been among those calling for Mason and Dean to quit after their “hapless double act”.
      Hackett, who headed the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), was especially baffled at their Craven Cottage cock-up.
      He wrote in the Telegraph: “I think the time is long overdue for Mike Dean and Lee Mason to step down as referees following their hapless double act when adjudicating on West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek

      “I would love to know the conversation that took place between the two before Soucek was shown a red card.
      “It was clear that the contact between Soucek’s elbow and Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic was accidental.

      ‘Soucek had not used excessive force and/or endangered the safety of an opponent to meet the requirement for a sending off.
      ‘The way Mitrovic dropped to the ground as though he had been shot probably deceived Mason at Stockley Park and led him to ask Dean to watch a replay on the pitchside monitor.”
      Hackett was “shocked when two experienced referees could make such a bad decision”.

      Mike Dean’s sending off of Tomas Soucek after watching the West Ham star’s clash with Aleksandar Mitrovic was overturned on appealCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Halsey says VAR needs to improve after ref Mike Dean receives death threats after West Ham game More

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      Mark Halsey fears horrific social media abuse will drive officials out of football after Mike Dean sent death threats

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      EX-FIFA referee Mark Halsey fears horrific social media abuse will drive Mike Dean and other officials out of football.
      Dean has notified Merseyside Police after he and his family were subjected to death threats.

      Refs like Mike Dean could be forced out of football by trolls, says Mark HalseyCredit: Rex Features

      The 52-year-old has since asked not to be involved in a Premier League game this weekend.
      SunSport’s ref expert Halsey revealed vile abuse contributed to his retirement in 2013 and he fears Dean and more top-flight refs could now follow.
      Halsey said: “Many officials past and present, including myself, have suffered from horrific social media abuse. It’s disgusting.
      “In fact, the abuse I received was one of the factors in my decision to quit.

      “It affects not just officials, it also hurts their families as well – and the likes of Mike and others may think, ‘Is this worth it?’
      “Social media platforms should be protecting people.
      “Twitter, Instagram and Facebook must do more to police what is allowed to be aired publicly. I don’t think they are doing enough.”
      Merseyside Police have said they are ‘investigating allegations of malicious communications’ towards Dean.

      Halsey revealed fan abuse contributed to him quitting in 2013Credit: Rex Features

      He was targeted after controversially sending off West Ham’s Tomas Soucek and Jan Bednarek of Southampton in the space of four days, despite the use of VAR.
      Both red cards have been overturned but Dean’s boss at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, Mike Riley, branded the abuse ‘totally unacceptable’.
      Dean is still set to take charge of tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth-round tie between Leicester and Brighton.

      MARK HALSEY ON ABUSE OF REFS

      THE death threats and social media abuse towards referee Mike Dean is despicable.
      I know exactly how Mike and his family will be feeling.
      I received death threats and online abuse after I officiated Liverpool and Manchester United in September 2012.
      I had sent off Jonjo Shelvey and also awarded a penalty to United in the game.
      My son called me as I was driving home after the match and said: “Dad, have you seen the online abuse?”
      I didn’t use Twitter or Facebook back then so I wasn’t aware.
      As a referee you have to be mentally tough and accept criticism of your decision-making but this abuse – from a minority – was sickening.
      As well as the death threats, I was alerted to messages including “I hope your cancer comes back”, “I hope your wife dies of her illness” and “I hope your daughter gets cancer”.
      I couldn’t believe it. Football is important to many – but it’s only a game.
      Mike has made mistakes but he’s human. He and his family will be hurt and worried.
      I can remember that feeling after you make an error, you feel sick and even struggle to eat for days because you’re constantly thinking back to the decision.
      But this level of abuse crosses a line.
      I am delighted Mike has received strong support from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and refs’ chief Mike Riley.
      When it happened to me, I remember ringing the then refs’ press officer and he told me to ignore it!
      But I spoke to my line manager Keren Barratt and called the police.
      Keren asked me if I wanted to take a break but I said no – I didn’t want the abusers to win.
      So I took charge of Southampton’s League Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday.
      Keren attended the game and the PGMOL put measures in place to protect me.
      My mindset was to carry on but I must admit the abuse was one of the factors in my decision to quit at the end of that season.
      I thought, “Do I or my family need this?”
      I wonder if Mike will also think enough is enough now.
      For the first half of my career, Twitter and Facebook didn’t exist. Now they give keyboard warriors a platform.
      The trolls need to be found and prosecuted.
      In my case, the police caught some of the abusers and made them realise what they did was wrong.
      In fact, I later received a nice letter from one, who apologised for his actions.

      Man Utd ‘choked’ and are now out of the Premier League title race after ‘criminal’ defending vs Everton says Ferdinand More

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      Fulham forward Mitrovic acted as star witness in getting West Ham ace Tomas Soucek’s red card for harsh elbow overturned

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      ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC acted as star witness for Tomas Soucek to help the West Ham midfielder overturn a three-game ban.
      Fulham striker Mitro provided a written submission to the appeal panel, which confirmed their clash on Saturday was accidental.

      Tomas Soucek was sent off for accidentally elbowing Aleksandar Mitrovic on SaturdayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Soucek has had his red card overturned, with the midfielder now available to face Manchester United in the FA CupCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Soucek received a straight red card for violent conduct from referee Mike Dean after consultation with VAR Lee Mason.
      Czech ace Soucek put his elbow into Mitrovic’s face but insists it was unintentional — and he has been backed up by boss David Moyes.
      The controversial decision was widely condemned — and Mitrovic criticised for his initial reaction to the incident, having gone to ground clutching his face.
      But the Serbian forward made a remarkable gesture to support Soucek’s case and it has proved successful.

      The sending-off has been rescinded and West Ham will have one of their best players available for Tuesday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Manchester United.
      Mitrovic was said to be ‘hurt’ by the elbow — but was determined to stand up for a fellow pro.
      It has still put the spotlight on refereeing decisions and VAR yet again as the technology fails to win over managers, players and fans.
      Moyes said: “At the moment, we are appalled by the levels that are creeping into the game —  it’s not all about the officials.

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      Fulham striker Mitrovic acted as a star witness in Soucek having his ban rescindedCredit: EPA
      “The players have to take responsibility. But at the moment the only way we are going to stop it is by the officials saying, ‘Sorry, we’re not going to give that and we’re not going to allow you to con us.’
      “We are getting the softest things and they are making the referees and the officials make decisions.
      “Once players start to see that they are not going to be rewarded they will start to say to themselves, ‘I’d better stay on my feet here, I’d better stop screaming.’
      “Only then, when we get all those parts together, will we start seeing progress.
      “When you’re 6ft 3in and 14st, it doesn’t take much to get you down these days.”
      Moyes believes refs’ chiefs at the PGMOL are stubborn about letting ex-pros sit in on VAR decisions from their base at Stockley Park.
      He said: “I don’t think they are very open at all. There have been a few suggestions saying, ‘Could we get a football person in at Stockley Park to look at decisions?’

      “I am on the LMA committee and there is regular dialogue. It is the rules that we are not enjoying, it is not the referees.
      “Mike Dean has been a very good referee in his career and Lee Mason has been a very good referee.”
      West Ham have still yet to be awarded a penalty this season.
      Moyes said: “That’s because I tell my players to stay on their feet.”

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      England football legend Paul Gascoigne reveals he has quit social media after becoming addicted to it

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      ENGLAND football legend Paul Gascoigne has revealed he has quit social media — after becoming addicted to it.
      The ex-footie ace, 53, said he is off Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

      Paul Gascoigne ‘has quit social media after becoming addicted to it’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He told James English’s Anything Goes podcast: “I got addicted and kept on looking at it. 
      “I’m just trying to enjoy life as much as possible and make the most of what I’ve got.”
      Gazza, who has had a long battle with alcoholism, added: “I know I’m happier when I’m not drinking. I can sometimes be a sad drunk.
      “Last year, not just me but the whole country was struggling with regards to work, but I’ve got work coming back.

      “I’m just staying on the right track.”

      Paul Gascoigne jokes Diego Maradona ‘Hand of God made Peter Shilton’ on Good Morning Britain as England duo remember him
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