EFL star and grandson of Man Utd legend charged with breaching betting rules after ‘placing 354 wagers'
Notts County star Lewis Macari is alleged to have placed 354 different bets.
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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Cole Palmer's Chelsea finally believe they are Premier League contenders
When Chelsea won the Conference League in May, a victory secured by the standard ice‑cold Cole Palmer performance in a final, the reaction was restrained and there was no internal talk of an impending title challenge. Now the vibe is different. It is hard not to dream when Chelsea perform as they did against Paris Saint‑Germain in the final of the Club World Cup. Nobody is getting carried away. Chelsea know what the rest of us know, which is that they are not the best team in the world. They are not the finished article. They are young and still have much to learn. Yet there is a gold badge on the shirt for the next four years and if Chelsea woke up feeling $100m on Monday morning it will not only have been because of the prize money made during their month in the US. Where does this end? Chelsea have built priceless momentum and will head into the new season with serious aspirations of winning the Premier League and going far in the Champions League. They are youthful, aggressive, motivated and extremely talented. They are champions of the world, an achievement that should not be played down. They were the second-youngest side at the Club World Cup and have benefited from treating it seriously. They have grown as a team, honing their tactical vision and hardening their mentality, and it has done wonders for Enzo Maresca's standing as head coach after a challenging first year. Maresca has seemed on dodgy ground at times. He wobbled during a difficult spell after Christmas and has not found it easy to convince match-going fans to embrace his patient, positional football. The players, though, are different. Maresca clearly has total buy-in from the squad. 'He is building something special,' Palmer said after leading the destruction of PSG with two goals and an assist for João Pedro before half-time. 'He's a top coach,' Malo Gusto said before the final. 'He's always watching his next opponent and doing analysis. That helps us.' Maresca's plan was perfect against PSG. Chelsea were coherent and disciplined. 'The first 10 minutes, the team was there to showed that we were there to win,' Maresca said. Chelsea were physical from the start. They went direct, beating Luis Enrique's ferocious pressing system, and targeted PSG's left flank. 'That's where we tried to win the game,' Maresca said. 'But you can give the players a plan – in the end it's them who have to execute it.' Chelsea delivered, the collective combining to create conditions for Palmer's quality to shine. It should do wonders for their confidence. They are back in the Champions League after a two-year absence and will believe they can compete with the best after doing to PSG what the French club have been doing to everyone else in Europe during the past eight months. This is a project moving in the right direction. Palmer is the jewel in the crown – incredibly he was unwell last week but still left PSG feeling under the weather – but it is a team effort. The work conducted by the recruitment team of Paul Winstanley, Joe Shields, Laurence Stewart and Sam Jewell cannot be overlooked. They have faced external criticism but will earn more respect after this triumph. The question is whether Chelsea can push on. They were reluctant to say that they were challengers last season, even when two points off the top just before Christmas. But something shifted when they got over the line during the run-in and finished fourth. Champions League qualification gave them belief; thumping PSG enhances it. 'I said at the start of this tournament that our plan is to win it and people looked at me as if I was crazy,' Levi Colwill said. 'I'm going to say the exact same thing now going into the Premier League and Champions League. I think we're ready.' Chelsea look stronger. João Pedro has transformed the attack in the space of two weeks, impressing with his pressing, mobility and link play. Maresca has options. He was able to bring on Liam Delap against PSG and use the striker's pace on the break. Chelsea have different modes of attack. They can counter with Pedro Neto's pace on the flanks. Jamie Gittens and Estêvão Willian are joining and will provide more depth on the flanks. Another positive from the tournament? Estêvão proving he can take on English defences by scoring against Chelsea in his final game for Palmeiras. The unknown is whether Chelsea are going to be more adept at breaking down low blocks. There was space against PSG but other sides will not be as accommodating. Chelsea are going to come up against a lot of deep defences. It is partly why João Pedro has been signed; Maresca regards the Brazilian's versatility as a way to unlock tight games. Enzo Fernández's development as a box-crashing midfielder is another plus. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion There will be challenges, not least when it comes to dealing with the physical impact of the Club World Cup. Chelsea have three weeks off before returning for pre-season and host Crystal Palace in their opening Premier League game. It is hard to know how this plays out. They could use the positive vibes to hit the ground running but there may come a point when they crash. Or they may start slowly and find themselves in another battle for the top four. The additional demands of an expanded Champions League further complicates matters. Chelsea were able to rest their A‑listers in the Conference League but that is not an option this time. It is acknowledged that Maresca needs cover for Marc Cucurella at left-back. But the squad does not need a lot of work. It is said that Robert Sánchez is not a title-winning goalkeeper but he was outstanding against PSG. There has been a lot of talk about a new centre-back but Chelsea gave away little against Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. There is depth in a lot of other positions. Not that it will be quiet before the window shuts. Chelsea's bank balance has been boosted and they are nothing if not afraid to trade. Noni Madueke is going to Arsenal and another attacker could be targeted if Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku leaves. Tyrique George has a lot of wingers in front of him. Chelsea have been fined by Uefa for breaching financial fair play rules and must generate positive income if they are to register new players in their Champions League squad. The goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is joining Bournemouth for £25m. Chelsea have outcasts to sell; plenty of ways to bring in money. Buyers must be found for Raheem Sterling, João Félix, Axel Disasi and many more. That element of the approach led by Clearlake Capital, the club's majority owner, leaves some observers cold. It is important that Chelsea embrace stability and keep the core group together. 'We've got the best players in our team, young players, and that's our plan: to win the biggest trophies for Chelsea,' Colwill said. 'No matter what, we've got to stick together.' He was on top of the world. Chelsea have no intention of crashing back to earth. They think this is just the beginning.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EastEnders and The Bill actor at war with neighbours over fight for compensation after his wife's finger was bitten by their dog at luxury holiday lodge
With tough guy roles in films such as Quadrophenia and Scum, John Blundell seems like he could handle anything. But the actor has revealed he and his wife Mercina are struggling to enjoy breaks at their luxury lodge in an upmarket resort over a bitter four-year legal dispute with neighbours. Relations with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after their tiny Chinese crested dog, Ziggy, bit Mrs Blundell, leaving her with a scar on her wrist. The dispute that spiralled out of the incident has resulted in the Blundells contacting police to claim they had been verbally abused, filmed, barked at and even had 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' sung at them. But the Girdiefski's firmly deny the claims, point out all criminal investigations have been dropped and say the Blundells remained friends with them – even inviting them to dinner – until an insurance claim over the dog bite incident faltered. The drama has played out at Fritton Lake, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, which is owned by Lord Somerleyton who tried – unsuccessfully – to mediate between the warring couples. The resort, set in 5,000 acres of countryside, has 115 lodges that sell for up to £350,000, while owners pay an £8,000 ground rent that includes access to a clubhouse with a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, tennis and volleyball courts, a shop – and a floating sauna. Mr Blundell, 66, who has also appeared in EastEnders, The Bill, Just Good Friends and Juliet Bravo, complained: 'We now go back to our home in Camden in London for a rest. 'This was supposed to be an idyllic holiday retreat and it has turned into a living nightmare.' Mrs Girdiefski, a 61-year-old project manager – who has so far spent £19,000 on solicitor's fees and expects a damages bill of up to £11,000 after admitting liability, countered: 'We were still all happy when they were going through the pet insurance stage and there was no animosity at all at this point. 'But when they learned that the pet insurance wouldn't pay out to them because the incident took place inside the holiday lodge, things changed.' She and her husband suspect their neighbours are 'doing this for the money' – an allegation flatly denied by the Blundells. Ziggy nipped at Mrs Blundell on June 21, 2021, two months after she and her husband bought their lodge. They had walked around 600ft through woodland to visit the Girdiefskis for the first time and were inside their property admiring their skylights. The bite broke the skin on Mrs Blundell's wrist and left her with a half-inch scar after she went to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston for treatment. The couple subsequently made a claim on the Girdiefskis' pet insurance but were turned down as it didn't happen in a public place. Mrs Blundell claims bad blood developed between the couples, saying: 'They would sneakily film us, hurl abuse at us. 'Alison would drive past really slowly… call us all the names under the sun, trying to irk a reaction. 'When they would go past, they would bark at us and growl, pretending to be dogs. 'They have shown no guilt or remorse and would even sing 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' as they passed. The couple contacted Norfolk Police in April 2023 to report the dog bite and harassment, as they said the Girdiefskis were filming them at the clubhouse to contradict Mrs Blundell's claim she had been left fearful of dogs since the attack. Officers gave words of advice to Mrs Girdiefski and put Ziggy on the force's register of dangerous dogs but took no further action due to the lack of evidence available after so much time had passed. They also decided no offence had been committed in relation to filming. A few weeks later Mrs Girdiefski was spoken to under caution by officers and issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract after the Blundells made a further complaint about harassment and threats to cause criminal damage. Police concluded no crime had been committed after receiving a further complaint earlier this year – following which the Blundells to launched the civil case as they were frustrated at the lack of progress. Mrs Blundell, who says a plastic surgeon quoted £1,500 to fix the scar on her wrist, said: 'All we wanted was an apology. Alison has abused us so many times and even threatened to burn our lodge down. 'At some points, I have literally broken down. We do not want animosity with anyone and this is not the retirement we want.' The Girdiefski's deny every claim made against them and said relations with their neighbours remained amicable for more than a year after the dog bite. Mr Girdiefski, who works in forensic litigation, said: 'We saw them multiple times after the incident. They were very friendly still. We even went for dinner at their lodge… 'Suddenly, out of the blue, they were asking for our pet insurance details and told us they would be making a claim.' Referring to the claim being turned down, his wife added: 'From this point on things changed. We thought they were doing this for money. Why else would they be doing it? 'We, from day one, have accepted responsibility. Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this. 'We wanted it settled [out of court] and have made multiple attempts to settle the matter with them.' Mr Blundell, who played 'Daddy' Pongo Banks in the brutal 1970s prison drama Scum and Leader of the Rockers in Quadrophenia – appearing opposite Ray Winstone in both films - added: 'This is absolutely nothing to do with financial gain at all. It is simply about accountability.' Lord Somerleyton, whose resort is frequented by celebrities including EastEnders stars Charlie Brooks and James Farrar and was used to film E4 reality show The Real Dirty Dancing with Anthea Turner and singer Lee Ryan - confirmed he had tried to orchestrate peace between the couples. 'We offered to sit down and try and talk things through and settle the feud in our own family business style kind of way,' he said. 'But the disagreement escalated well beyond our control and, once it ended up in court, there was not much more we could have done.' There have been several civil hearings, resulting in a judgement against the Girdiefskis. At the latest hearing, in Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court late last month, the Girdiefskis were told a settlement figure would be decided during a hearing at Norwich County County Court later this year. Mrs Girdiefski, whose principle property is in Norwich, said: 'These sums of money are just ridiculous – the sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut.' Norfolk Police confirmed they had been contacted about a number of alleged incidents including a dog allegedly being dangerously out of control and a hate crime but had not taken action. A spokeswoman said of alleged harassment and threats to cause criminal damage between May 9, 2023, and July 7, 2023: 'A woman was questioned under caution (voluntary police interview). 'She was issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract in connection with anti-social behaviour which outlined she should not contact the victim/s.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
The greatest showmance! As Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean retire, how their intense bond sparked years of romance rumours - despite both marrying other people
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have performed for the last time together after retiring from ice skating, four decades on from their gold win at the 1984 Winter Olympics. They've long impressed audiences with their sizzling chemistry and tactile performances before winning a new legion of fans as the faces of ITV 's Dancing On Ice. But throughout their impressive career, there has been long-standing speculation as to the nature of their relationship. Both the British skaters are in committed relationships; Jayne, 67, has been wed to Phil Christiansen since 1990, and Christopher, 66, was married twice before beginning a relationship with Dancing On Ice co-star Karen Barber in 2011. Yet fans have often believed their is more to the bond - particularly after the pair shared a smooch during their trip to Sarajevo in 2024, to commemorate 40 years since winning gold at the 1984 games held in Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital. The duo appeared to get caught up in the Valentine's Day spirit as they kissed while performing the sultry Bolero routine which snagged them the medals four decades ago. They've also both admitted in the past that they shared a one-time kiss as teenagers - and considered being together when they were younger - but ultimately decided to put their careers first. On Saturday, the pair performed for the final time together in their hometown of Nottingham after embarking on the UK leg of their farewell tour, Torvill And Dean: Our Last Dance, in April. With choreography filled with barely-there pecks and longing looks, it's perhaps unsurprising that fans have long speculated that more than just friendship resides in their partnership. Plus the skaters are evidently used to being in each other's arms, often squaring up close to one another and cuddling up for photos. Yet Christopher and Jayne have only 'crossed the line' in their relationship once, when they were younger, according to the pair themselves, and never slept together. Christopher told the High Performance podcast in 2024: 'When we were younger, we were sort of, for a minute [crossed a line], but it didn't last very long. ' I think we just eventually got into that place where we knew that we were the best of friends. I think that mutual friendship has got us to this point now, 50 years later.' Jayne added: 'Quite often we get asked, "What's the secret of your friendship, relationship?"... we never got married,' before Christopher insisted: 'Don't sleep with each other.' However, Christopher has previously explained that their 'unique' relationship is 'not like brother and sister' nor like 'husband and wife'. 'We still have a great spark and chemistry,' Jayne added in the interview with the Mirror. 'And we enjoy each other's company but we have other partners as well.' Fans have often believed their is more to the pair's bond - particularly after the pair shared a smooch during their trip to Sarajevo in 2024 (pictured), to commemorate 40 years since winning gold at the 1984 games held in Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital The pair have often teased a kiss as part of their routine choreography on the ice. Pictured performing when they were younger The pair became international stars after receiving 12 perfect sixes while skating to Maurice Ravel's Boléro at the Zetra Olympic Hall in Bosnia and Herzegovina, prompting a standing ovation. It was watched on television by 24 million people in the UK and one month later they received an even better score at the World Championships. But suspicions about their relationship were roused as soon as they snagged the gold medal - and despite both being in respective relationships, their affectionate performances on the ice have continued to spark romance rumours. One of Christopher's exes even previously hit out that their marriage had a third person in it. His first wife, Isabelle Duchesnay, was famously jealous of Jayne and referred to her as the 'other woman' in their marriage. 'I think that's where Princess Diana got her remark about three people in her marriage from!' Christopher previously joked. 'The trouble was Isabelle didn't want me to go on skating.' Jayne continued. 'That was a bit selfish of her.' Speaking to the Mirror, Christopher also revealed that while the sporting pair seriously considered trying to have a relationship together when they were younger, they ultimately decided to put their careers first. 'We got close but at some point realised that we weren't going to make a relationship off the ice in terms of a romantic one,' he said. 'We had seen a lot of partnerships fail. The skating was everything and having a relationship just didn't occur to us.' The pair have over the years also insisted that beyond everything, they are great friends. In 2014, Christopher told The Sun newspaper: 'I don't think we've ever, ever had a falling out. Not a real one.' But in an interview with Radio Times, Jayne revealed that one reporter asked Christopher after their historic win when he was planning on getting married. 'And he said, "Not yet!",' she explained. 'And that was it – there were reports that we were going to get married. I thought, "Oh no! Why did you say that?".' She also told the outlet that the couple did share a kiss - once, when they were teenagers and before the start of their partnership. 'We were in the back of the bus going to a league match, and it just happened. It was a one-off. We never talked about it afterwards. We laugh about it now,' she explained. 'Chris comes out with things without filtering them, and on Piers Morgan's Life Stories he said, "We dabbled." So that's what it is now – Dabblegate. It was a kiss!' After the 12 perfect sixes that won gold in Sarajevo they went professional, then a decade later decided to go amateur again and compete in the Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. But they only won bronze and there was a national outcry against the judges' decision. 'It was a case of: can we still do it?' Christopher told the Daily Mail. 'We were older and physically we were fitter because of performing professionally,' Jayne added. 'There was a problem with other skaters coming up and reaching their peak, and it was like: 'Why are they coming back?' The others looked at us oddly.' 'The judges had their own champions,' Christopher continued. 'The USSR had just split into all these smaller countries. 'On the panel of nine, five would be from those countries and guess who they wanted to vote for? The atmosphere with the judges wasn't great. The writing was on the wall before we went out there.' The duo both started skating when they were children - Jayne was eight and Christopher was ten. Jayne has said that she recalls seeing her future partner whizzing across the ice in 1971 - when she was 14 - and nicknaming him the 'Blond Prince'. However they officially met at a Nottingham ice-rink when Christopher was still a 16-year-old police cadet and Jayne was an insurance clerk. Both were skating solo for some time, but by 1975, coach Janet Sawbridge decided to try and see what their chemistry could be like together. To this day, their lasting closeness with one another has proven to be a hit with the public. Their infamous non-romance has even been recreated for the screen in a passionate 2018 biopic. 'The whole world wants to know if we were in love,' Jayne told the Daily Mail in 2008. However, the duo are both in committed long-term relationships. Jayne has been wed to Phil Christiansen since 1990, and Christopher was married to American skater Jill Trenary from 1994 to 2010. He has been in a relationship with ice dancer Karen Barber since 2011. Following the end of their competitive career, Torvill and Dean started coaching and choreographing and regularly toured, before becoming the faces of ITV's reality show Dancing on Ice in 2006. The show went on hiatus in 2014 and when it was revived in 2018 they returned as head judges before announcing their retirement from skating together in 2024, and their farewell tour. Following the end of their competitive career, Torvill and Dean started coaching and choreographing and regularly toured, before becoming the faces of ITV's reality show Dancing on Ice in 2006. Pictured on Dancing on Ice in 2014 They performed their tour, Torvill and Dean: Our Last Dance, from April 12 to May 11, 2025 with dates in London, Belfast, Newcastle and Glasgow. 'I think there comes a time when you know,' said Christopher before the tour. 'We're not spring chickens anymore but we're still able to do it to a certain degree that we feel good about it but that will go. 'So, I think this is the right time for us to be able to do that and go and skate and do some of the old routines, be very nostalgic, but then do some new fun, upbeat (dances) with friends of ours from the skating world and from Dancing On Ice.' Following their final performance together, Christopher said: 'The performance went well and the audience were amazing and so, for us, to be able to bow out on a high like that was wonderful.' Asked if it had been emotional, he said: 'These last four performances here in Nottingham, the early ones were quite emotional and I think I sort of got that out of me, and tonight, it was a high. 'We enjoyed it so much. The skating was good from our point of view, but the audience were phenomenal. They were the best audience ever.' Jayne, meanwhile, said: 'I think we'll miss it. When you've done all these shows like this, and you're suddenly home, not doing anything, you miss that adrenaline rush and you miss the excitement of being on the ice, whether it's a practice session or a performance.' The sportswoman promised they would be working on other projects but said they will not be skating on the ice together.
