Donny Strathie, from Grangemouth, had travelled to the United States to support Scotland in the World Cup but he died suddenly in Boston on Sunday, June 14, aged 76
A devoted member of the Tartan Army has died in Boston while following Scotland at the World Cup – passing away before he got to see his beloved team kick a ball at the tournament.
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Donny Strathie, from Grangemouth, Falkirk, passed away suddenly in Boston on Sunday, June 14, aged 76, reports the Daily Record.
The lifelong Scotland supporter had made the journey to the United States to cheer on Steve Clarke’s men on the grandest stage in football, and had even secured his ticket for Friday night’s fixture against Morocco. Heartbreakingly, he never lived to see the match he had longed to attend.
Now, his family, friends and fellow supporters are calling on the Tartan Army to unite and pay their respects during the game. A poster circulating on social media is urging Scotland fans to join in a minute’s applause during the 76th minute of the World Cup clash, in tribute to Donny’s age.
It reads: “One minute applause tribute to Donny Strathie. Tartan Army footsoldier who died in Boston on Sunday, June 14. Share and spread the word: One minute applause tribute in the 76th minute of Scotland v Morocco.
“Donny sadly passed away suddenly in Boston on Sunday aged 76. He had his ticket to the match and it was his dream to see Scotland in the World Cup but he never got the chance. Lets make him proud.”
Donny was a well-respected figure in his local community and served as captain of the Bowhouse Pool team. His daughters, Denise Strathie and Cheryl Strathie, have both shared cherished photographs of their father in his honour as an outpouring of love and support continues to pour in for the beloved man.
Cheryl Strathie shared the appeal, saying: “Please share on any platform. Let’s see if we can all make this happen Dad.”
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Lynne Easton responded to a tribute photo posted by Denise Strathie, saying: “So so sorry about your Dad. We are all gutted and sending our love. A great guy who lived life the right way from his parish walks to his football and his family. Love to you all and here to help in any way.”
Karen Keegan McPheat said: “So very sad. He was so lovely and cheery. He was saying last week to watch out for him on tv. He will be missed.”
Posting in the Falkirk Chit Chat Pool League group, David Jerrett wrote: “Just heard sad news Donny Strathie, a stalwart of the pool league for years, captain of the Bowhouse has passed away. He was in Boston watching his beloved Scotland. Rest easy pal from the pool world.”
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Lee Stevenson said: “Oh that’s so sad. I’m glad the last thing he did was doing something he loved. I hope he saw Scotland win their first match.”
Graham Rae added: “Such a shock. He was in ours just before he went away? Great guy as well. RIP.”
Here is a round up of the rioters who are due to be sentenced for their role in the disorder in the Cardiff surburb in 2023.
The violence, destruction and disorder that gripped Ely after the deaths of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans on May 22, 2023, was the worst rioting Cardiff has seen for a generation.
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Cars were tipped over and torched. Bottles, bricks, burning objects and fireworks were launched at police. Mattresses were set alight and petrol bombs thrown.
There remain unanswered questions about the actions of a police van that had been driving behind the teenagers earlier in the day – and the account given by South Wales Police at the time. The police watchdog, the IoPC, is still investigating.
And there remain questions about how the police handled the initial, difficult, distressed scenes on Snowdon Road where the mothers of the boys were unable to see their children and officers faced angry friends of the boys.
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Yet there are no questions about what developed later that evening. Residents were terrified as people from outside the area joined a mob intent on violence and destruction with police officers their target and no concern for the impact on people’s lives and belongings.
Today, thirty of those people – some from Ely others from many other parts of south Wales – will find out in Cardiff Crown Court the price they will pay.
Ashdon O’Dare
Ashdon O’Dare, 28, of Penygarn Road, Ely, was said to be instrumental in encouraging and whipping up the crowd. He was described as an instigator who “escalated the level of violence and disorder”.
O’Dare was said to have family connections with Harvey Evans and Kyrees Sullivan, and was concerned for his younger brother who had been with the deceased that day
O’Dare saw the bodies of Kyrees and Harvey in the street, which he found upsetting and distressing. The court heard his actions were impulsive but confined to verbal actions and language. The defendant established the football team “K and H forever young” in memory of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans.
He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.
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Jamie Jones
Jamie Jones, 24, of Llanrumney, was a stone and missile thrower shortly after the escalation of the riot. He was part of the crowd which initially confronted the police and threw missiles during the early stages.
He initially stood towards the back of the crowd but walked to a garden to collect stones to use as missiles at the police. He also threw a bin towards the police line, narrowly missing defendant Lee Robinson.
Jones was said to have known Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans and “reacted badly” after rumours spread about how the boys died. The defendant had previously been employed in fire proofing and was diagnosed with diabetes as a child, which eventually led to him being unable to work after suffering an infection in his feet.
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He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Matthew Evans
The images of a burning car defined the Ely riots and Evans, 22, of Kenwood Road, Ely, was responsible. He used an aerosol can as a flamethrower to set fire to a red Citroen, which went up in flames.
Cardiff Crown Court heard he was first sighted at 6.35pm some 30 minutes after the boys had died. At the time, he was wearing a blue t-shirt.
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He left the scene shortly after 9pm but he returned 20 minutes later wearing a different top and attempting to cover his face.
The court was told: “He was active from that point, throwing stones and large missiles, including a burning bed frame, at officers. He was seen to set fire to the mattress in the middle of the road, which became the source of a bonfire. Later in the evening he was seen to set fire to a red car by smashing the window and usin, causing a fire to start within.
His defence said that Evans knew Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans, and was “deeply concerned” about what had happened to them. He has a three-month-old daughter and the defendant was said to be a “loving and caring father”, in “stark contrast” to the person shown in the footage.
He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.
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Cameron Carter
Cameron Carter, 20, of Ely, was a prolific stone and missile thrower, including large missiles. He threw a baby chair, a TV monitor, and a metal drain cover.
Carter was seen to arrive at the scene together with Matthew Evans and they left shortly after 9pm. They returned having changed their clothes and attempted to conceal their faces.
He was seen to approach the police line with an unknown weapon in hand and threw lit items at the police. He was also at the forefront of a group tipping a car.
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The prosecution said Carter played a “central and leading role in proceedings”.
In mitigation, it was said the defendant became “frightened” by the extent of the riot towards the latter stages. He had a difficult background but has prospects in work having set up his own business as a mechanic.
Since the riot, he has become a father twice and is due to become a father for the third time.
He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.
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Ryan Knight
Ryan Knight, 21, of Splott, made an outburst in court during the prosecution opening, saying “What about Harvey and Kyrees? I haven’t heard their names once.” As a result he was sent to the cells.
His involvement was described as “persistent and prolific”. He was a stone and missile thrower and threw items he set alight at officers. He was one of the first at the scene, just after 7pm, and was involved in the escalation of missile throwing that evening.
The defendant was referred to as “prominent, aggressive and prolific” rioters before the courts.
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He was seen early on to remove his shirt to cover his face, threw a bottle and went to a garden to pick up stones. He was part of a group collecting debris from a trolley and stood alone continuing to throw debris. On the footage, Knight was seen to throw missiles at police at close range and placed himself in a prominent position.
Minutes later he was subjected to a shield strike because of his closeness to the police. He was seen to remove his clothing and stood his ground posturing. He continued to throw missiles and was described as “incessant”. At 9.30pm he used an aerosol can as a flamethrower to light something on the ground before kicking it at officers. At 11.06pm, he was carrying a bucket, its contents on fire, and threw the lit bucket towards the police before throwing more missiles. He was last seen at 11.40pm.
Knight failed to turn up to court on September 19, 2024, and was arrested on March 16, 2025, while hiding under a friend’s bed at a house in Ely.
In mitigation, it was said Knight has recognised mental disorders and had a difficult background due to his father being violent towards his mother while battling alcoholism and substance abuse. He also grew up with an involvement from child mental health services, and he experienced a decline in health during the Covid pandemic.
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The defendant was said to be distressed by the passing of his two friends and he lashed out. He was particularly close to Harvey Evans
He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.
Liam Williams
Liam Williams, 21, of Newport Road, Rumney, attended the scene in a van with aerosol cans and cans of fuel. He handed out aerosol cans to rioters which were used as improvised flamethrowers and to accelerate lit fires.
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He didn’t attend the scene until 11.35pm and was in his works van which contained cans and fuel. An unknown male threw an aerosol can on fire at the police line. More canisters are coming and another male is seen to approach with more canisters on fire, thrown behind the police line.
Live stream footage shows the defendant saying ‘I have just given five cans of f****** aerosol’’. At 11.36pm, Williams exits his van and hands out aerosol cans from the back of the van. A male can be hard saying ‘Put them on fire’
Canisters were being used by rioters as flamethrowers to accelerate a fire in a red Citroen vehicle. Williams then left the scene but cans continued to feature.”
The defendant had been out working near Ely with his father on the day of the riot, and upon hearing the news he made a decision to go there. He later claimed he had attended the riots inadvertently and the cans were “taken by masked men”.
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He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Jordan Webster
Jordan Webster, 30, of Ely, was a stone and missile thrower during the initial escalation and assisted others as the riot escalated. He was part of the crowd which initially confronted the police and was one of the first to conceal his face, pulling his hood tightly over his face.
He threw missiles and stones during the early stages and could be heard saying “Run them over” in relation to a black Audi in the road. He pushed others forward, ran to a garden to grab stones and pushed a trolley full of debris to throw at officers.
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Webster has been diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child. He cares for his young daughter and his grandmother, with whom he lives on a part time basis.
He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Kyle Telemaque
Kyle Telemaque, 20, of Deere Place, Ely, was a prolific stone or missile thrower. He was present throughout the riot and continuously involved. He was said to be a permanent figure in the riots and was encouraging the crowd.
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Telemaque was first seen at 6.29pm and was involved in the escalation of missile throwing and continued to throw missiles throughout the evening. He also set items alight and threw lit items towards the police. Messages were later found on his phone in which he accepted injuring an officer and blowing up a car.
He was said to be a “personal friend” of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. The court heard Telemaque spoke to Kyrees just 14 minutes before the collision He was informed by others that the two boys had been killed, and did not believe it but travelled to the scene and saw them in the street.
The defendant was said to have had flashbacks about his own father’s death at the scene of a motorbike collision.
He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.
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Lianna Tucker
Lianna Tucker, 20, of Ely, threw multiple missiles at 9.20pm and remained at the scene until the early hours. She was present at the junction of Wilson Road and Snowden Road and was seen in the vicinity when police started to move the cordon back.
“She was remonstrating with officers and was one of the last to move away from the cordon as the crowd moved back. When the crowd began to throw missiles, she moved away and wasn’t seen to throw anything in the initial stages. Around 9pm, she starts to throw broken up plasterboard. She is later seen in the crowd in the early hours of the morning.
She was confrontational and was heard saying “Get your f****** hands off me”. She was one of the last to move back, picked up items off the ground and handed them to defendant Kyle Telemaque. She was also seen picking up items from the floor and throwing them.
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The defendant told one officer: “You daft c*** keep away from me.” She was arrested and interviewed, and said: “I heard feds, I went up by Wilson where the boys had died… I was told by everyone it was the feds who killed them, and did something I shouldn’t have and joined in… I thought it was you guys who had killed them.”
Tucker was said have seen Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans on the floor having medical assistance which had a profound effect on her. She has been diagnosed with complex PTSD from trauma in her childhood, and exacerbated by the events she saw on the night of the riot.
She is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Jumana Fouad
Jumana Fouad, 19, of Ely, was a missile thrower and celebrated when an officer got injured. She was present until after midnight.
She was first seen at 6.30pm and was present throughout. She joined in with missile throwers when a number of rioters had gathered debris from a pile in the road. She was later seen with a group that set fire to a burning mattress and continued throwing missiles into the night.
She was seen throwing a large missile at 10.05pm which connected with a police shield.
Fouad was said to be a carer for her mother who suffers with fibromyalgia, and at the time of her offending the defendant had been subjected to racial bullying which impacted her mental health.
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She is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Jamie Bateman
Jamie Bateman, 28, of Vervain Close, Caerau, broke up a paving slab to be used as ammunition to throw at the police. He also became involved and threw a missile at police.
He was seen at 6.40pm in the crowd and remained part of the crowd when tensions began to develop at 8.30pm. He made indignant comments to officers and shortly before 8.40pm he was seen to point at a garden and interact with other rioters. He was seen to retrieve a large paving slab from the garden, raised it above his head and threw it on the floor, breaking it into pieces to be used to throw at the police.
The defendant later picked up a piece of plasterboard and threw it as the police cordon. He remained in the area interacting with other rioters and went into a garden looking for items to be used as missiles. At 9.20pm, he was standing next to a mattress which had been set on fire. He remained at the scene until shortly after midnight.”
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Williams was said to have had had a difficult and traumatic childhood after being placed into care. The defendant’s father took his own life when Bateman was 15-years-old and he also suffered the loss of his grandmother. He has had periods of employment but due to his mental health these have been sporadic.
He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Lee-Martin McQuade
Lee-Martin McQuade, 30, of Ely, was aggressively shouting at police throughout and encouraged rioters to hit Ely police station. He threw missiles and burned an area near a lit mattress and helped others preparing a petrol bomb.
This was thrown at a car and he joined in attacks on police vehicles.
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The defendant was vocal in shouting abuse at officers in the early stages, calling them “wrong uns” and said they “got thrills chasing youths on bikes”. He wore a face covering during a period of missile throwing which was “sustained and heavy”.
McQuade threw missiles himself before throwing a lit object at a lit mattress. He was with a group preparing a petrol bomb and could be heard shouting “Hit Ely police station” as Liam Williams was giving out aerosol cans. The defendant attacked a motorbike, encouraged others to light it up and joined in attacking vehicles himself.
The defendant said: “Load up on bricks, yo yo, all my f****** young Gs, get bricks, we need those, everything f****** now” and “Kick the officer’s shields.” The defendant also said: “Don’t kill people’s kids, we don’t want to do this but we have to, you’re horrible c****.
“We’re normal people living a normal life, well you c**** hurt kids, you caused this killing people’s kids. Imagine it was your kids who got knocked off their bikes and were lying dead on the side of the road you horrible c****.
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“I am not even that person, you pushed us to this you horrible c****. Put a drone up, it’s easy but you get a f****** thrill. I hope you’re f****** proud of yourselves, I hope you enjoy your £20 an hour.” The defendant also told rioters to carry out “leg shots” as the police shields did not cover officers’ legs and encouraged the crowd to “bombard” Ely police station with bricks.
In mitigation, McQuade was said to have stopped working due to the “stress and mental health issues” concerning the sentencing hearing and the sentence he may face. He has a partner and two children, and resides part time with his father who he cares for.
He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.
Malaki McQuade
Malaki McQuade, 19, of Ely, was involved in the tipping of a car onto its side. He was present throughout but not involved in the initial throwing. He seemed to help others in covering their faces using their clothing.
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He threw a missile just before 9.30pm and was later part of a group that tipped a car on its side. the defendant also provided assistance to co-defendants Ryan Knight and Kyle Telemaque during the course of the riot.
McQuade was said to have had experienced “traumatic events” in his childhood, including the death of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans, which led him to using cannabis.
He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.
Gemma Virgin
Gemma Virgin,45, of Ely, was a missile thrower. She was first seen late on at 10.26pm when she was immediately confrontational and abusive towards officers. She threw a missile at an officer and taunted the police while brandishing a piece of wood at them as she did so.
She was verbally abusive while throwing missiles at the police, turned to the crowd and raised her arms in the air before brandishing a piece of wood.
Virgin accepted “jumping on a bandwagon” and said she was “shameful and remorseful” for her actions as she was a grandmother.
In mitigation, it was said the defendantr’s state of mind at the time of the riot was at a low point, and she has been diagnosed with OCD and anxiety.
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Virgin he defendant turned to alcohol following the death of her father, and she has five children, the youngest being 16-years-old, and two grandchildren.
She is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.
Liam Black
Liam Black, 21, of Addison Crescent, Ely, was a prolific stone and missile thrower at the head of the riot and threw fireworks directly at the police.
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He was at the scene from an early stage and present when missile throwing escalated but did not directly get involved at that stage. Youths were seen to gather around his car and threw stones. He drove his car from the scene, left it nearby and returned having changed his clothes in an attempt to disguise his appearance.
He was a prolific thrower of stones and fireworks and was very much at the forefront of the crowd.
Black threw a lit firework at police, which landed just before the police line and caused officers to retreat. He also threw a lit plank of wood at the police. The defendant was part of a group which tipped over a car.
The defendant resides with his grandmother in order to support her, and is dependent on her grandson due to her physical disabilities.
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He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.
Michaela Gonzales
Michaela Gonzales, 37, of Plymouth Wood Close, Ely, was one of those in the initial flurry of missile throwing. The court heard she threw a bottle and hid behind a car. The prosecution said Gonzales’s role was not a prominent one at the time and that she was not the first person to throw a missile.
In mitigaiton, it was said Gonzales was involved in looking after the families of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans
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Gonzales was said to suffer from a range of mental health conditions including schizophrenia. and has been impacted by a “significantly difficult and deprived upbringing”. She was the victim of repeated domestic violence as a child and the court hearsdthis had continued into adulthood.
She is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.
Lee Robinson
Lee Robinson, 39, of Heol Deva, Caerau, made himself visible as the crowd became increasingly hostile as the police cordon moved towards Stanway Road.
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He placed himself front and centre, sometimes standing alone, making it difficult for police to move forward. He was an aggressive focal point and successfully drew attention to himself, gathering others around him who similarly began acting in an aggressive manner.
His aggressive demeanour continued throughout those early stages to encourage others to follow his example. He fixated on PC Ellary to engage in a fight, saying ‘I want you, come on bruv, stop hiding behind a dog, I’ll f****** kill you here’.
In footage filmed by himself, Robinson could be heard saying “Murderers, killing people. Shooting dogs and killing kids. Biggest organised crime gang… The Ely riots of 2023.” He filmed fires in the middle of the road and police helicopters in the sky, and of himself cheering loudly as a petrol bomb was thrown at the police.
Robinson was said to have had a difficult start in life and was adopted by foster parents. He has been diagnosed with ADHD, has few qualifications, suffered a road traffic accident which caused a head injury, and has been treated for depression.
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He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.
Callum O’Sullivan
Callum O’Sullivan, 25, of Ely, was present throughout the riot from an early stage. He joined in the missile throwing and continued to throw missiles for some time.
At 9.20pm, he threw his first missile at police and for some time after that he repeatedly threw missiles for the remainder of the riot. At 9.56pm he placed a bag of unknown contents next to a divan bed. Other rioters helped themselves to the contents of the bag to set it alight.
Later that evening, O’Sullivan was seen removing his t-shirt and placed it around his head to disguise his identity.
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O’Sullivan was said suffered “childhood trauma” and is suffering from PTSD. He was subjected to emotional and physical abuse and neglect, placed into care at the age of 13 and left school with no qualifications.
He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Harvey James
Harvey James, 20, of Ely, was part of the congregating crowd resisting police efforts to move the line up Wilson Road and later threw a missile at police.. The prosecution said the defendant was not regarded as an “instigator”.
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James was said to have known Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey James and arrived at the shortly after his shift at The Range and was still wearing his uniform. He was contacted by his cousin about the boy’s deaths and went to assist his cousin.
The defendant was later picked up by his mother, and now realises the consequences of his actions that night. As a result of his involvement, James lost his job at The Range.
He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.
Tyler Stapleton
Tyler Stapleton, 26, of Llewellyn Avenue, Ely, was one of the missile throwers in the initial throwing. He left shortly after throwing those missiles.
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He was present from around 7.30pm and joined a group confronting police at 8.30pm. He was one of the first to throw missiles after making an attempt to conceal his face. The defendant was arrested and provided a prepared statement saying he had done something “incredibly stupid” and had “copied the actions of someone else”.
Stapleton knew both Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. He currently resides with his father but he has a 12-month old child and he and his partner are keen to find their own home. Since he found out he was to become a father, Stapleton abstained from using cannabis and is regularly drug tested in his workplace.
He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17..
McKenzie Pring
McKenzie Pring, 21, of Caerau, was a stone and missile thrower during the initial escalation.
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“He arrived at the scene shortly after the collision, watched from a short distance until the disorder began to escalate. He became involved in the first flurry of stone throwing, gathered stones from a nearby garden, and threw them at police.
Pring was described as a “good friend” of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. He spoke to one of their mothers and was trying to “support people” but when information seeped through and others began challenging the police, the defendant threw three missiles.
He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17..
Jayden Westcott
Jayden Westcott, 21, of Ely, was a stone and missile thrower. He was first sighted at 8.23pm, wearing an orange top, and joined the group directly in front of the police line.
He later threw missiles at the police after the initial escalation, wore a dark hoody with the hood pulled up, before throwing numerous missiles at the police.
Westcott was also seen dragging a trolley of debris for others to throw and encouraging others during the riot. Messages were later found on the phone, in which he agreed “feds’ going to die tonight”. He also said he had “slit one’s face”.
It was said he went to the scene having been informed by his mother matters were escalating and his 12-year-old brother was there, but he got caught up in “emotional scenes”. The defendant was said to have known Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans well.
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He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Jasmine Smith
Jasmine Smith, 21, of Heath, threw two missiles later on in the evening. She was seen shortly before 8pm approaching the front of the cordon. She witnessed the aggression of others and told an officer ‘You want to kill another kid tonight, I’m here’.
She approached the front of the cordon and asked to be let through, claiming she had a panic attack. She was let through but returned to the active side of the cordon and reentered the crowd. She remained at the scene and just before 10pm she watched the crowd trying to set fire to a bed frame. Something was illuminated in her hand before it was extinguished. At 10.34pm she was seen throwing two missiles towards the police. She stayed at the scene until midnight.
Smith is related to Harvey Evans who was her cousin. She saw Harvey and Kyrees’ mothers were crying at the scene, but didn’t know what happened to them After it was announced they had died, she became swept up in the mob instead of dealing with her grief.
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The defendant has an eight-month-old son and is pregnant with her second child. She grew up as a child in care, which led to drug misuse and mental health issues. She was heavily using drugs at the time of her arrest, but is now clean and has been for some time.
She is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Keiron Beccano
Keiron Beccano, 37, of Clos y Cwarra, Ely, was a stone and missile thrower shortly after the initial escalation. He was part of the crowd that initially confronted the police and was seen to throw missiles and stones at police before breaking up debris on the floor and encouraging others to get involved.
Beccano was smiling as others were throwing missiles and rubble at police.
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The defendant has caring responsibilities for a number of his children and has a diagnosis for PTSD.
He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.
Jaydan Baston
Jaydan Baston, 21, of Heol Poyston, Caerau, was a missile thrower during the initial escalation of the riot.
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The defendant asked police a “mocking question”, in which he said “Are you going to use that baton?” He stood with missile throwers during the initial escalation laughing. At 9.10pm he collected rubble from a pile in the road and threw them at police.
Baston helped to set up a football team in memory of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans. At the time of the collison, he was playing football and when he went to the scene he became aware later on the two deceased were friends of his. He has references from the boys’ mothers, he knew them well and went to their houses.
He has an eight-week-old baby. His father died in 2021 and his grandfather is terminally ill. Baston lost his job as a result of his involvement in the riot, but has found new employment as a labourer.
He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.
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Connor O’Sullivan
Connor O’Sullivan, 27, of Caerau Court Road, Caerau, was present throughout the riot, initially watching but becoming involved in the later stages by throwing a missile.
He arrived just before 6.30pm and mingled with the crowd without incident before the riot took hold. At 9.10pm he was standing in the vicinity of the rioters, watching on as missile throwing intensified. Those he was with were throwing plasterboard and at 9.30pm he threw a missile for the first time.
“At 9.50pm, he removed his top and used it as a face covering, and was throwing missiles on a number of occasions for the remainder of the evening. At 11.05pm he was handing bricks to another and threw a brick towards the police line. He encouraged others with calls to the crowd of ‘Come on, come on boys, any more?’ and ‘Ely gang’.
The court also heard O’Sullivan assisted others in attempting to throw a door at the police.
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O’Sullivan was said to have a number of learning difficulties, including ADHD. the defendant had difficult background, was taken into care at the age of nine-years-old and received special education needs in school.
He is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 19.
Luke Williams
Luke Williams, 32, of Deere Place, Caerau, live streamed what was happening on Facebook..
The prosecution said he repeatedly blamed police officers for the death of the boys and was hostile about and towards police officers. He was accused of cheering when he saw officers being injured and suggested officers should be euthanised.
“At 9.38pm he told the livestream ‘This is in Ely, Stanway Road, for anyone watching who wants to come and join in. I’m not advising you to, I’m advising you to stay away’. He celebrated acts of violence including someone throwing a petrol bomb and only stopped livestreaming when his phone ran out of battery. He was seen on body worn footage at the scene after midnight.
It was said Williams’ education was disrupted due to multiple hospital admissions, due to complex mental and physical needs. The defendant has suffered from serious mental health issues including suicidal ideation and two detainments under the Mental Health Act.
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The defendant has a long standing relationship and has two daughters, and if imprisoned this would have an impact on his family. Williams has suffered a recent loss of sight which has exacerbated his anxiety and he has a heart condition which resulted in a pacemaker being fitted.
He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.
Jordan Bratcher
Jordan Bratcher, 27, of Glyndwr Road, Ely, was a stone and missile thrower during the initial escalation of the riot. He arrived at the scene at 8.15pm with Jamie Jones. There was a confrontational crowd forming before the police line.
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Bratcher was present but was not a part of that crowd. As police entered Stanway Road he became directly involved and was one of 12 plus involved in missile throwing in the initial flurry. He was one of several seen entering a garden, collecting stones and gravel that were thrown at police. He left the scene at 8.40pm and is not seen again.
The defendant is said to be a carer for his grandmother on a daily basis, and has struggles with his mental health.
He is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, June 17.
James Chappell
James Chappell, 31, of Barry, was a thrower of missiles for a short period after 9pm. He appeared at the scene just before 8.15pm on Wilson Road as the riot starts to take hold.
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A man can be heard commenting ‘They’re all battering them up there’ and Chappell responds ‘Yeah, good. I hope cops get hurt’. He is prevented from moving towards the cordon and gets in his car and drives around to Stanway Road. He exits and walks towards the cordon and mingles with the crowd.
At 9.10pm he joined in the violence by throwing several missiles in quick succession for three minutes before leaving the area.
Chappell had driven from his home in Barry to Ely with his partner and three daughters in order to visit his father in Stanway Road. Having dropped his partner and children and his father’s home, he went to the scene of the riot and was first seen at 8.14pm. The defendant decided to leave the scene and return to Barry with his family and “things were getting out of hand”.
The defendant was also said to be in ill health with a degenerative condition, which has left him unable to work.
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He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, June 18.
Zayne Farrugia
Zayne Farrugia, 26, of Heol Ebwy, Caerau, was a stone and missile thrower shortly after the initial escalation.
He was part of the group that remained close to the police once batons had been drawn and one of the first to enter a garden in Stanway Road to get stones to throw at police. He put stones in his pocket to throw at police. As officers surged up Stanway Road, he turned and threw stones as he retreated up the road.
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Farrugia was said to have made “huge changes” in his life following the riots, including stopping his use of cannabis and getting into a position where he can find employment following the court proceedings. The defendant was said to have suffered from mental health struggles.
“Access to the arts should not be a privilege; it is a right.”
A Belfast theatre group have confirmed a substantial scaling back of its provision for young disabled audiences due to a severe funding gap, sparking serious worries about access to inclusive cultural experiences for some of society’s most marginalised individuals.
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For more than ten years, Replay Theatre Company has stood at the forefront of developing groundbreaking, multi-sensory productions tailored exclusively for youngsters with disabilities. The organisation’s output has delivered not merely cultural participation, but vital chances for social interaction, expression, and individual growth.
Nevertheless, recent budget reductions and a lack of long-term financial backing have forced the company to curtail its activities. This encompasses fewer productions, restricted community engagement programmes, and the suspension of multiple expansion initiatives designed to broaden accessibility.
“This is an incredibly difficult moment for us,” said Brian Mullan, Chief Executive at Replay Theatre Company.
“Our work is built around inclusion and ensuring that young disabled people can experience theatre in a way that is meaningful to them. To reduce these services is heartbreaking, not just for us, but for the families and communities who rely on them.”
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Parents and teaching professionals have consistently lauded Replay’s contributions for their life-changing influence. Numerous young participants supported by the organisation encounter considerable obstacles in accessing conventional cultural offerings, rendering Replay’s specialised provision all the more vital.
This personalised approach remains uniquely valuable.
The reduction in services risks creating a void that cannot easily be plugged. Without urgent investment, the long-term viability of accessible theatre provision hangs in the balance.
The funding crisis has also led to the redundancy of Replay Theatre Company’s Director of Inclusive Theatre, a position that has been pivotal to the development and delivery of the company’s specialist work with disabled children and young people.
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This represents a considerable blow, both for Replay and for the broader field of inclusive theatre. The role was held by Andrew Stanford, a highly regarded practitioner who has devoted the past ten years to crafting pioneering theatre experiences for disabled children and young people.
Throughout his tenure at Replay, Andrew firmly established himself as an internationally acclaimed authority in inclusive theatre practice, most recently spearheading Replay’s international partnership with two Swedish production companies to bring ROTVISKA to life.
Brian Mullan added: “We are deeply saddened to lose both this role and the expertise it represents.
“Andrew has made an extraordinary contribution to Replay, to disabled young audiences, and to the development of inclusive theatre nationally and internationally. His work has demonstrated what is possible when specialist skills, creativity and sustained investment come together. While Replay remains committed to inclusive practice, the loss of this dedicated role reflects the growing challenges of maintaining a full-time programme of specialist theatre provision for disabled children and young people within the current funding landscape.”
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Replay Theatre Company conveyed its heartfelt thanks to Andrew for his outstanding dedication over the past decade, expressing hopes to work alongside him once more in the future.
The company is now urging public bodies, private funders, and community partners to acknowledge the significance of inclusive arts and take meaningful steps to safeguard its future.
“We are committed to continuing our work in whatever capacity we can,” Brian added.
“But we can not do this alone. Access to the arts should not be a privilege, it is a right.”
Portugal will keep Diogo Jota in their hearts as they play at the World Cup nearly a year after the Liverpool forward’s tragic death alongside his brother in a car crash
Bruno Fernandes says the memory of Diego Jota will help inspire Portugal’s bid to win the World Cup.
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The football world was left stunned last summer when Liverpool superstar Jota and his brother Andre Silva were both tragically killed in a car accident in their homeland.
The world of sport went into mourning. And twelve months later, Fernandes insists his former team-mate and close friend is never out of the thoughts of the Portugal squad.
Roberto Martinez’s side kick off their campaign against DR Congo in Houston tomorrow. And Manchester United captain Fernandes said: “It’s very important for us. He was in the group for so long and I played with him through the under-21s.
“We came to the first team at the same time, and I obviously played against him in the Premier League. Everyone has spoken about him. It will always be good words about him. He was a great team-mate, very down to earth and a great person for the country.
“He’s still part of our group – and always will be. So will his brother be, too. He will also be in our memories.”
Portugal have never won a World Cup – and Fernandes insists there is nothing wrong with dreaming this will change in the coming weeks.
He added: “The best one (team) is the one that wins (the tournament), and I hope at the end we can claim to be that.
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“I do believe we have a very talented squad with great individual quality and beyond that, we are a very cohesive team and united. That what’s makes this team special.
“Our dream is to be there. I think dreaming is not forbidden. But our main focus is to start well and focus on the first game in hand.
“If we really want to reach the top, we have to not look too far ahead. There is a responsibility, because this team has so many talents, we just have to be decisive to reach the top.”
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Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
The ad for Pure Cremation, seen in January, featured a woman standing in her home surrounded by drinks and plates of food, saying: “That was a great celebration. Dad would have loved it. He hated how expensive traditional funerals are, ao he got a Pure Cremation funeral plan. He wanted his money to go to us, not funeral expenses.”
Hundreds more people could soon benefit from greater access to grassroots sport to improve their health and wellbeing after a planned expansion of a popular boxing club was supported by councillors.
Westway Boxing Club in the Eastfield neighbourhood of Scarborough is facing “time-critical” cost pressures and requires £350,000 in funding for a proposed scheme to expand the community venue.
A private developer has already covered the first £350,000 for the design, planning work and initial capital contribution to extend the facility.
NYC’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include stronger communities, said: “It’s a good news story. It’s been one of the ambitions to expand the club for a long time and it was one of the bedrock items for the Eastfield Town Council vision programme.
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“This project will not detriment any other schemes, there is still scope to deliver the ambitious projects put forward as part of the community consultation.
“Boxing might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it instils discipline and respect in people and it is a massively important project for an area that has been left behind.”
The proposed expansion would almost double the club’s footfall from around 300 to 500 people, enabling a safe, positive place to build confidence, discipline and life skills through sport.
Eastfield boxing club. NYC (Image: NYC)
The club has secured a quote of £700,000 for the planned construction work, but it is only guaranteed until the end of June. All other quotes received are more than £1 million, meaning delays could significantly increase costs. In addition, planning permission requires work to begin before January 30, 2027.
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At a meeting of North Yorkshire Council’s executive committee on Tuesday, June 16, council bosses unanimously approved the allocation of £350,000 to fund the project.
Westway Boxing Club has always been described as a valuable and long-standing community asset with a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes.
In December last year, North Yorkshire Council gave Eastfield community groups 15 months to agree on a single plan for how £3.2 million in regeneration funding should be used.
This funding request is an exception to the council’s previous decision that money from the £3.2 million reserve would only be allocated after a community-led investment plan is developed through the Town Investment Plan (TIP) process.
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The boxing club’s expansion plans include a main training hall with a full-sized boxing ring, extra gym space, changing rooms and toilets, a café area as well as new classrooms and spaces for storage.
Consultation during the planning process led to 44 supportive comments from the community.
North Yorkshire Council’s elected member for the Eastfield division, Cllr Tom Seston, said: “I have lived near this club my whole life, and I’ve seen how well attended it is.
“Expanding the club will take it to the next level and allow it to operate as two classes at once by doubling the capacity.
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“This will be a high-class facility and with an investment of £350,000 we are getting so much social benefit for the community.
”It is also due to create rooms for alternative education and specialist programmes, including support for people with Parkinson’s disease.”
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways, said at the meeting: “I’ve seen first hand the diversionary work that this boxing club does for young people in the community; it does brilliant work, and I’m very happy to support it.”
He was diagnosed when he was 49 and had already tried several advanced treatments as his symptoms were progressing quickly
Meet Martin Hannigan, a Belfast cyclist who is back on his bike after major brain surgery.
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Martin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017 when he was 49. By 2022, his symptoms were progressing quickly. He had already tried several advanced treatments but nothing worked.
Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million.
For Martin, DBS surgery was a final throw of the dice. DBS, also known as Deep Brain Stimulation, involves fitting wires into the brain of the Parkinson’s patient. These wires are then connected to a pulse generator (a device like a heart pacemaker) placed under the skin around the chest or stomach area. The device helps with Parkinson’s motor symptoms, including tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement.
Martin explained: “Before my surgery, I tried hard to keep pushing through, especially with my cycling. I knew I had to look after myself. Exercise is the only proven way to slow down the progression of the condition.
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“But my Parkinson’s progressed to a point where I couldn’t cycle. I started using a walking stick, then I couldn’t make it to the end of the street, and eventually, I couldn’t even pick things up. DBS changed everything. Now I’m back on my bike and living life to the fullest.”
Now Martin is preparing for Pedal Causeway Coast on Sunday, June 28. He is tackling the 100-mile route across the Causeway Coast – a feat he can only attempt thanks to his life-changing brain surgery.
He has conquered many charity rides before, but this is his first time fundraising for Parkinson’s UK in Northern Ireland.
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“I’ve never thought of myself as someone who needs help, but I see others in our Parkinson’s community who are further down the road. They need support. This ride is for them. I can still pedal these roads, but many can’t. Maybe someday I’ll need to reach out too, which is why I’m backing Parkinson’s UK,” Martin added.
With three routes available, Martin didn’t hesitate to choose the longest: “I’m taking on the full 100 miles because there’s no point doing it by halves! It might take me longer than the others to reach the finish line, but I will get myself round. This is about fundraising, supporting a great charity, and spreading the word.”
For Martin, cycling is the perfect analogy for life: “Nobody likes cycling up a hill. But you have to climb up to get the reward of the descent. You have to get your head down and keep moving forward, otherwise you’ll miss the good stuff on the other side. That’s life. You just have to keep going.”
Police rushed to reports of a fight in a Cambridgeshire town
A man who fled a fight scene has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill in a Cambridgeshire town. Officers were called at around 4pm on Friday, June 12 to reports of two men fighting next to St Peters and St Paul’s Church in Wisbech.
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Officers attended the scene but arrived to find that one of the men involved had fled and tried to hide behind a car. A member of the public offered one of the force’s officers a lift.
The officer was able to “surprise” the 33-year-old man who made off and arrested him on suspicion of assault amounting to grievous bodily harm (GBH) and threats to kill. He has since been bailed until September 7.
Manchester United are looking to sell Manuel Ugarte this summer and a reunion could be on the cards for the Uruguayan
AC Milan are contemplating a move to rescue Manuel Ugarte from his Manchester United ordeal. United are eager to sell Ugarte to the highest bidder this summer and Italian heavyweights Milan are mulling over a deal to bring the Uruguayan midfielder back together with Ruben Amorim.
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United acquired Ugarte from Paris Saint Germain in 2024 in a transfer worth £42m. However, the midfielder has struggled to establish himself with the English club. He has started only 30 league matches across two seasons – and dropped down the hierarchy when Kobbie Mainoo reclaimed his position in the side during the latter half of the previous campaign.
And Michael Carrick has informed Ugarte he doesn’t feature in his future plans. United have brought in Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalantaand are poised to submit an offer for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.
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Ugarte recognises he has no prospects at Old Trafford and has asked his representative, Jorge Mendes, to secure him a new club. Mendes has now initiated discussions with Milan regarding a potential transfer.
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Amorim, who has been appointed Milan’s new head coach, previously managed Ugarte during his triumphant spell at Sporting, and subsequently during his disappointing period in the Old Trafford hot seat. High expectations surrounded Ugarte – especially after Amorim’s appointment – but he never lived up to his price tag.
Speaking two months prior to his dismissal as United manager, Amorim acknowledged he was collaborating intensively with Ugarte in an attempt to help him recapture his finest form. He said: “You can sense a lot of very good players come here, and sometimes they struggle. He is struggling at the moment but it is our job to try to help and help him to feel like I felt when he was a Sporting player.
“But it is a different world. He needs to adapt, and he needs to improve, especially in training.”
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
United are hoping to recover a substantial portion of the fee they spent on Ugarte – and are demanding approximately £30m.
Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani is unwilling to match the valuation, but additional discussions are scheduled in an attempt to find middle ground.
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A strong World Cup campaign could aid United’s position, with Ugarte having started Uruguay’s opening fixture as they were held by Saudi Arabia.
They meet Cape Verde on Sunday, before completing the group stage against Spain on June 27.
The disruption follows a multi-vehicle collision during this morning’s rush hour (June 16).
Greater Manchester Police said the crash appeared to involve five vehicles, although National Highways initially reported that it involved a car and two heavy goods vehicles.
No serious injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made.
Drivers have been diverted via the M61, with routes available through junction 4 and the Kearsley Spur.
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Earlier updates confirmed that all vehicles involved in the collision had been removed from the carriageway.
One commuter caught up in the disruption told The Bolton News: “I’m sitting in standstill traffic and have been for the past hour.
“Two ambulances have driven past, and all lanes are stationary.
“I hope everyone is okay.”
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Motorists are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes while the closure remains in place.
National Highways said the motorway will reopen only after resurfacing work has been completed and inspections have confirmed it is safe for traffic.
Chelsea confirmed the exit of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid on Monday, and will now look to sign a replacement. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, a former Blues player, is said to be of interest. Man United – also admirers of Hall – are set to confirm Ederson as their first summer signing, and have been credited with interest in Bouaddi and a double swoop on West Ham for £50m-rated Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes, who could cost close to a club-record fee, which is currently more than what United want to pay.
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