The court heard Mr Berber’s fingerprint was allegedly found on a cash register from the council that was dumped in nearby bushland, Nine News reported.

His lawyer told reporters his client would not be pleading guilty.

NSW Police Detective Chief Inspector Richard Puffett said they were exploring possible motives but investigations were still ongoing.

He said the arrest on Wednesday was the result of a decade-long investigation. The breakthrough was made possible by new enhanced examination techniques.

“The disruption to the local government has been immense, as you can imagine the number of resources, documents, ratepayers’ details, all destroyed in a matter of hours,” Chief Inspector Puffett said.

“The fact that we’ve pursued this for 10 years reflects our commitment to solving it. That’s why we don’t give up. It points clearly to the fact [the arson unit] doesn’t forget and doesn’t give up.”

Detectives have released a COMFIT – computer-aged – image of another man seen in the area at the time of the fire who may be able to assist as investigations continue.

Police are appealing for anyone with information that may assist to come forward and believe up to seven people were involved in the incident.

“We have extremely good information in terms of who they may be. We would ask for those individuals to come forward before we knock on the door,” Chief Inspector Puffett said.

The revelation of El Hadji Diouf’s X-rated dressing room bust-up with Steven Gerrard during their Liverpool days really should come as little surprise.

The Senegal winger was hardly a shrinking violet, courting controversy with remarkable regularity before, during and after his time in England.

Diouf’s feud with Gerrard, including a series of bizarre verbal attacks since his departure from Anfield in 2005, really is just the tip of the iceberg.

Now, Florent Sinama Pongolle has recalled the time the pair almost came to blows at half-time during a pre-season friendly, with Diouf asking then manager Gerard Houllier to tell Gerrard he’d ‘f*** his mum’ before adding: ‘I’d do him in straight away.’

Their tit-for-tat exchanges continued long after Diouf moved to Bolton in 2005.

In his 2007 autobiography, Gerrard wrote: ‘Diouf was just interested in himself. His attitude was all wrong. I felt he wasn’t really a***d about putting his body on the line to get Liverpool back at the top.’

Diouf responded five years later, saying: ‘Gerrard was jealous of me back then as I had the world at my feet. There’s no one more selfish… he doesn’t care about anyone else.

‘Gerrard would rather Liverpool lost and he scored. The old Liverpool guys can’t stand him.’

In 2015, Diouf was reported to have claimed on Senegalese radio that Gerrard ‘has never liked black people’ which the former Reds captain immediately rebuked.

And in 2017, in a BBC interview, Diouf took a swipe at Gerrard’s international achievements. ‘People like him in Liverpool but he never did anything for his country,’ he said.

‘I am Mr El Hadji Diouf, Mr Senegal but he is Mr Liverpool and Senegal is bigger than Liverpool and he has to know that.’

Given Gerrard’s unimpeachable legend status at Anfield, Diouf, who scored just six goals in 79 appearances and two years with the club, was always fighting a losing battle.

And these verbal barbs pale into insignificance when compared with the many other entires on Diouf’s rap sheet, which don’t exactly show his character in the best light.

His penchant for spitting cast a shadow over his time in the Premier League, with repeated offences and allegations.

The year he arrived from Lens, 2002, he was accused of spitting at West Ham supporters in the away end at Anfield while warming up pre-match. Merseyside Police later found no evidence

But in March the following year, Diouf was found guilty of spitting at Celtic fans during a UEFA Cup quarter-final tie at Parkhead. Liverpool fined him two weeks’ wages and UEFA banned him for two matches.

Police also charged him with assault, to which he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty, and was fined £5,000.

While on loan at Bolton in 2004, Diouf was again investigated by police for spitting a mouthful of juice at an 11-year-old Middlesbrough fan. He received a £500 fine for that offence.

And later the same month, he was accused of spitting in the face of Portsmouth player Arjan de Zeeuw during a Premier League game.

Bolton fined him two weeks’ wages and banned him for three games for what was becoming a shockingly common transgression.

Such was the concern over Diouf’s persistent spitting, Bolton manager Sam Allardyce considered sending him to a sports psychologist.

Another act of cheating that dogged Diouf’s reputation was diving to try and win penalties. In January 2005, a blatant dive led to Bolton’s winning goal against Blackburn and Allardyce conceded the player had ‘been doing it all his life.’

Following countless other incidents of simulation, Allardyce’s view was borne out in a 2006 interview in which Diouf argued diving is simply a part of the game.

‘Every player dives, not just me,’ he said. ‘If you see [Wayne] Rooney – how many times does he dive to try and get a penalty? It’s just because it’s me that people talk about it.

‘Sometimes when I dive to get a penalty it’s because, for me, the best footballer is a footballer who is very clever.’

Off the field, Diouf got into trouble again in December 2005 when banned from driving for 12 months and fined £3,000 for drink-driving.

He’d consumed three glasses of champagne at a team meal to celebrate Bolton’s win over Charlton before getting behind the wheel of his Mercedes 4×4.

Shortly after that, Diouf was accused of punching the former wife of Senegal team-mate Khalilou Fadiga in a Dakar nightclub, with prosecutors pushing for a six-month jail term. However, he was released without charge.

In October 2007, adding to his list of offences on the pitch, Diouf confessed to deliberately getting a red card while playing for Bolton so he could play for Senegal during the suspension.

Diouf moved on from Bolton to Sunderland but then abruptly to Blackburn Rovers after just half a season on Wearside.

It emerged in the tabloids that Diouf had threatened to stab team-mate Anton Ferdinand during a dressing room bust-up following a 1-0 defeat at Fulham.

Three years later, Diouf was among six men arrested following a nightclub brawl in Manchester that also saw Ferdinand interviewed under police caution but not arrested.

Suffice to say that Diouf’s behaviour hadn’t improved any at Blackburn. He was questioned by the police again after allegations he made a racial slur to a 13-year-old ball boy during a match at Everton.

Diouf was accused of telling him to ‘f*** off, white boy’ after being unhappy at the way the ball was thrown back to him.

He also accused Everton fans of throwing banana on the pitch, though no evidence was found to support this and in the end Diouf was also cleared.

In January 2011, it was alleged Diouf abused QPR striker Jamie Mackie as he lay on the ground after suffering a broken leg in an FA Cup tie.

QPR manager Neil Warnock described Diouf as a ‘nasty little person’ and ‘the lowest of the low’ after the game.

A loan from Blackburn to Glasgow Rangers soon afterwards threw Diouf into the powderkeg environment of the Old Firm with Celtic.

And, inevitably, Diouf clashed with Celtic captain Scott Brown during a Scottish Cup tie. Not one to back down from an argument, Brown celebrated in Diouf’s face after scoring an equalising goal.

In the replay, Diouf was one of three players sent off after an altercation with Celtic boss Neil Lennon.

Remarkably, Diouf returned to English football after that, playing for Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United.

He wasn’t done yet, either. There was a red card for making an offensive gesture – grabbing his groin – at Brighton fans after scoring a penalty for Leeds in 2013. His time at Elland Road soon unravelled.

With such an extensive rap sheet, it’s very easy to forget that Diouf starred for Senegal in their extraordinary World Cup in 2002 and was twice named African Footballer of the Year.

It was his performances on the world stage that earned him almost a decade in the Premier League but unfortunately his bad behaviour clouded all on-field achievements.

 

It was only going to be a matter of time. As soon as Pep Guardiola walked onto the field at half time to confront the referee you knew it wasn’t going to end well. The spark which set the fire was the disallowed goal late in the first half.

With no VAR, and seemingly both the referee and extra official just outside the box oblivious, I will say it was a clear goal. Debate has raged on social media as to whether it was a goal or not. Ex referees have come out to say it should have stood. From my point of view (and for full disclosure I am a City fan) it was a goal.

So just to be clear yes, the goalkeeper was ahead of Sane, who was level with the last defender. These facts on their own, ruled offside, would have been fine. The debate comes from who played the ball to Sane. In this case, it was clearly the ex City player, James Milner. Just like a throw in or corner kick, being played in by an opposition player, negates all the above.

The linesman can only judge from what he sees, which is to raise the flag. The two officials who could, and should, have overruled that flag, were the referee, and the official behind the goal. A failure to see that Milner touched the ball was the frustrating part for Guardiola, and the reason for his reaction.

Sent to the stands for the entire second half, City fell apart. No one on the City bench seemed to take charge and instruct players with any great passion. Substitutions were slow and laboured, but the punishment could continue.

Announced today Is that Pep Guardiola and Liverpool now face action from UEFA. I don’t really care too much about Liverpool. They already have charges pending from the first game but I am not holding my breath for any significant reaction from Europe’s governing body.

As for Pep, his pre match comments could come back to hurt him. Stating after the game that he was calm and polite towards the Spanish official doesn’t gel with the finger-pointing and angry, contorted face which was clearly visible.

Last season the same referee failed to give City a clear penalty and send off the Monaco keeper with the score at 1-1. Instead he booked Aguero for diving. When we could have gone 2-1 up at a critical point we instead soon went 2–1 down. Similar was the case last night. Instead of 2-0 at the half, we went in with a slim lead, and no manager on the sidelines.

So what sanctions could Pep face? Certainly a two match ban, and a fine are not out of the question. I don’t think either of which would bother the Catalan coach a whole lot. UEFA will meet again in May in order to review all these incidents so we shall see what happens to both the English clubs.

For now, it has to be a case of licking the wounds for a day, then get back to work. Spurs are up next and it will take full focus from the Blues in order to not be on the end of a fourth defeat in a row.

Liverpool FC defender Jon Flanagan is due in court shortly after being charged with assaulting a woman.

The 25-year-old was arrested in the early hours of December 22 in Duke Street, Liverpool city centre .

According to court documents Flanagan is accused of assaulting alleged victim Rachael Wall by beating, an offence which carries a maximum of six months in jail.

He will appear in the dock at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

Academy graduate Flanagan broke through to Liverpool’s first team in the 2010/11 season.

The defender, who earned an England call-up in 2014, played a part in the Reds’ 2013/14 title challenge but has been plagued by injuries in recent years.

He made 10 appearances for Burnley during his loan spell at Turf Moor last season and this summer spoke of his determination to feature in Jurgen Klopp ’s plans this year.

A Liverpool FC spokesman said: “The club has been made aware of an alleged incident involving a member of the first team playing squad. We will be making no further comment on the matter while the process is ongoing with the relevant authorities.”

Key Events

“Assault on several occasions”

Judge Lloyd’s decision means Flanagan will not be sentenced today.

The date suggested in January 17.

Judge Lloyd asks Flanagan to stand.

She says she accepts he is a man of previous good character, but suggests the case requires the intervention of the Probation Service.

“I have been given a detailed breakdown of that CCTV footage which shows that you assaulted this young lady not just once but on several occasions during that few minutes in the early hours, once involving your foot…

“Though this lady has several injuries, she claims that you have not seen them.”

Flanagan is allowed to leave court and will be sentenced before Judge Lloyd on January 17.

That concludes the hearing, thanks for following.

“This young lady has been shown significant violence”

LG: “The defendant is a professional footballer and trains hard every day, and therefore doesn’t go out.

“You don’t hear of him in court for all the wrong reasons, this was an isolated incident over the Christmas period.”

Judge Lloyd says: “This a prolonged attack according to the report of the CCTV, and it involves a kick. To me it is a category 2 offence and I think I am going to need a report.

“It is not that simple in domestic violence, they are in a relationship and presumable in love, yet this young lady has been shown a significant degree of violence.”

Judge Lloyd says she wishes the Probation Service to speak to Flanagan.

Mr Greig attempts to change Judge Lloyd’s mind, but she has decided on a report.

She says she is not considering custody, but is looking at a community penalty.

No application for restraining order

Mr Greig addresses the judge on sentencing guidelines.

We have not had a detailed outline of the facts, but we have heard the violence involved a “kick” and took place when both parties were intoxicated.

Mr Greig says the case can be considered as lesser harm and lower culpability according to sentencing guidelines.

He says there is no application for a restraining order from Ms Wall, who is a mum of two young children.

“Prolonged assault”

Judge Lloyd asks if the case needs a pre-sentence report.

Mr Greig asks if the case can be dealt with today.

JL: “It is a prolonged assault though isn’t it? It’s more than once incident of violence.”

Mr Greig agrees there were two episodes of violence.

“It was caught on CCTV in Duke Street in the early hours, both parties were intoxicated…

“This is a case in which the complainant has not provided a statement.”

“This is a young man with no previous convictions , he is 25 years of age, he lives at home with his parents, he has been in a relationship with the complainant for a period of 18 months.”

Mr Greig says the parties are still in a relationship and that there had been no other incidences of domestic violence.

Case called on – FLANAGAN PLEADS GUILTY

We are ready to deal with the case of Jon Flanagan.

Mr Greig has entered court and the usher has called the defendant in.

Flanagan, wearing a dark blue suit with a white shirt and blue tie, has been called into court.

He enters the dock and is asked to stand and identify himself.

The court clerk reads the charge to him, which is that he assaulted Rachael Wall by beating on December 22.

JON FLANAGAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULT

Another case being dealt with first

We’re still waiting to hear when the case will be called on. The courtroom has a busy list today and there is no set order as to which case is heard first.

Judge Lloyd will begin with another case, which is being dealt with now.

Specialist domestic violence court

Flanagan has arrived at court and is in a consultation room with his legal team.

He will be represented in court by Lionel Greig, of Quinn Melville solicitors.

Prosecuting for the CPS is Lynn Clark, while district judge Wendy Lloyd will preside over the hearing.

The courtroom we are sitting in is a specialist domestic violence court.

Video shows Jon Flanagan arriving at court

Flanagan arrives at court

Afternoon

Jonathan Humphries here, court reporter at the Echo.

I will be bringing you live updates from Liverpool Magistrates’ Court where Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan is due to appear charged with assault by beating.

The charge, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail, is known as a Section 39 assault in law and must be dealt with in the magistrates’ court.

If Flanagan pleads not guilty, the bench of magistrates or district judge will set a date for trial and deal with some administrative matters.

If he accepts the charge, and it is important to say there is no indication of what will happen yet, then he may be sentenced today or after the Probation Service have prepared a report.