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    Newcastle and Bristol City among Women’s Championship sides to trial allowing fans to drink alcohol in stands

    NEWCASTLE and Bristol City are set to allow fans to drink alcohol in their stands as part of a test involving four Women’s Championship clubs. The WSL promotion chasers are taking part in the trial to begin later this month along with Birmingham City and Southampton. Bristol City’s home fans will be allowed to drink alcohol in the stands at Ashton Gate at a select number of Women’s Championship gamesCredit: AlamyBirmingham CityWomen are among the teams taking part in trial scheme giving supporters permission to consume alcohol in view of the pitchCredit: GettyThe scheme backed by authorities overseeing the top two tiers of women’s football will run until the end of this season. Newcastle will do a test at their Kingston Stadium home while Bristol City will also allow alcohol consumption in the stands at Ashton Gate. And the Saints and Birmingham will be allowing supporters to do the same at their games at St Mary’s and St Andrew’s. At present supporters who flock to football matches in the top divisions of men’s football in England are banned from drinking alcohol in view of the pitch. Read More Football StoriesThis is due to the Sporting Events Act of 1985 introduced by the then Conservative government in a bid to thwart football hooliganismHowever the legislation does not apply to the women’s gameThe trial involving Birmingham, Bristol City, Newcastle and Southampton is being led by the Women’s Professional League Limited.Speaking at a sports business summit last October, WPLL chief Nikki Doucet said: “We are testing that actually in a couple of teams in the Championship this season. Most read in Football”We’ll see what we learn from that.”I think our fan base and the behaviour is different (to the men’s game). “I think ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”Newcastle will be taking part in the pilot project running until the end of this seasonCredit: GettyClubs involved in the trial will allow fans to drink alcohol in four or five of their Women’s Championship home games this season. Newcastle and Birmingham will start their test run in home clashes with Portsmouth and Bristol City on January 26 And the Robins and the Saints begin their trial in games against London City Lionesses and Sunderland one week before.  More

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    Ange Postecoglou cites little-known rule as he claims Tottenham hero Bergvall SHOULDN’T have got second yellow card

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU referred to a little-know rule as he claimed Lucas Bergvall was correctly not sent-off against Liverpool.The 18-year-old midfielder was the hero for Tottenham, scoring the winner in their 1-0 victory in the Carabao Cup semi-final last night.Lucas Bergvall had already been yellow carded when he fouled Kostas TsimikasCredit: RexThe ref’s decision comes down to whether the challenge was reckless or notCredit: RexAnge Postecoglou cited a little-known rule in his defence of the refereeCredit: GettyLiverpool were incensed that Bergvall should have got his marching orders for wiping out Kostas Tsimikas when already on a yellow card.But a second booking and subsequent red stayed in Stuart Attwell’s pocked.Asked about the decision, Postecoglou cited a little-known rule as he claimed the ref was correct on Bergvall’s challenge because he played an advantage straight after it.The Spurs boss said: “The rule is and we have been told for quite a while now that if advantage gets played, as long as it is not for a cynical tackle then the yellow card doesn’t get given.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPostecoglou is partly correct – but there are more key details to understand about the rule.In this incident, if Attwell thought it was an honest attempt to go for the ball from Bergvall, he was correct not to give a yellow as Liverpool’s attack continued.But the remains questionable as many felt the Spurs man’s tackle was reckless, which means the ref should have red carded him instantly and not played advantage.The rules state that advantage should not be used if the challenge was a “second cautionable offence”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis means the decision on Bergvall comes down to the official’s opinion on whether it was a reckless tackle or not.The playing of advantage does not impact this situation.Ange Postecoglou falls to his knees in despair after Pedro Porro fails to convert golden chance against LiverpoolRules on advantages state: “If the referee plays the advantage for an offence for which a caution/sending-off would have been issued had play been stopped, this caution/sending-off must be issued when the ball is next out of play. “However, if the offence was denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, the player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour; if the offence was interfering with or stopping a promising attack, the player is not cautioned.”Advantage should not be applied in situations involving serious foul play, violent conduct or a second cautionable offence unless there is a clear opportunity to score a goal. “The referee must send off the player when the ball is next out of play but if the player plays the ball or challenges/interferes with an opponent, the referee will stop play, send off the player and restart with an indirect free kick, unless the player committed a more serious offence.”Reckless is “when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned”. More

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    Premier League star facing rape allegations set to continue being picked for club despite prosecutors mulling charges

    THE Premier League player facing rape allegations is expected to continue being selected by his club despite prosecutors now mulling bringing formal charges.Metropolitan Police investigators have now passed a formal file into the claims to the Crown Prosecution Service to decide on next steps.The Premier League footballer facing rape allegations continues to be selected by his clubCredit: GettyA total of five women have accused the unnamed top-flight player of rape, sexual assault or controlling behaviour.Despite the allegations first emerging in July 2022 when the player was initially arrested, he has remained available for selection and featured for his club on a regular basis.It is understood that the club is standing by its position that the player involved remains innocent until proven otherwise and therefore should not be punished by his employer.That situation could change, however, if a formal charge is laid by the CPS – but the evolving situation lays bare the quandary clubs face when serious allegations are made against their players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLManchester United suspended striker Mason Greenwood without pay in January 2022 after he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and assault.Greenwood was formally charged nine months later before the case collapsed in February 2023 – at which point United began an in-house investigation.Despite determining, after a lengthy probe, that Greenwood had not committed the offences alleged, the United board, led by then-chief executive Richard Arnold, decided the England striker would never play for the club again.Greenwood was initially sent to Getafe on loan for last season before joining French giants Marseille in a deal worth up to £26million in July.Most read in FootballUnited’s approach to such a delicate issue was put in context by the outcome of the stance taken by Manchester City after left-back Benjamin Mendy was arrested and remanded in custody charged with four counts of rape and one of sexual assault, in August 2021.The first allegations had emerged in 2020, during lockdown, but Mendy remained available for selection and played in the opening game of the following season, 11 days before his arrest.City then suspended the defender, with his pay docked the following month.But after Mendy was cleared following a lengthy trial in January 2023, he sued the club at an employment tribunal – claiming he had been wrongly denied wages when he was available for selection after his release from custody.Despite being subject to strict police reporting conditions, which meant he would have to attend a local station during training sessions and was unavailable to play any night or overseas games, Mendy was eventually awarded £8.5m in withheld wages.The current player’s club is likely to be mindful of both these examples when determining its next steps.At the same time, the decision to keep playing him has brought criticism of the club, Premier League and FA from the alleged victims and their supporters. More

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    West Ham want shock Marcus Rashford transfer as Graham Potter looks to lay down gauntlet with raid for Man Utd outcast

    WEST HAM have reportedly entered the race to sign Marcus Rashford – just hours after appointing new boss Graham Potter.The wantaway Manchester United striker has barely featured under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. West Ham are keeping tabs on Man Utd striker Marcus RashfordCredit: RexGraham Potter has been announced as the Hammers’ new managerCredit: GettyEngland forward Rashford, 27, has been frozen out by Ruben AmorimCredit: ReutersRashford’s future has been up in the air since admitting last month he is “ready for a new challenge.”The 27-year-old forward hasn’t featured in the Premier League since December 7.West Ham announced Potter on Thursday as their new manager after sacking Julen Lopetegui.According to talkSPORT, the Hammers have now “asked to be kept informed” of Rashford’s situation. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPotter talked about building on “strong foundations” as he was unveiled by the club.The ex-Brighton boss said: “I am delighted to be here. “It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining. “That is the feeling I have with West Ham United.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success.”We are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short-term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long term.”Rashford is also reportedly a shock target for Tottenham, who are eying up a surprise loan move.Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?Marcus Rashford has struggled at United this seasonAny move away will likely hinge on how much of Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages United are prepared to pay.Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, Dortmund and ambitious Italian club Como have all been linked with a move for the Red Devils striker. Last month Rashford stunned the Old Trafford faithful by revealing his intention to leave.Graham Potter’s Premier League return Graham Potter is back in the Premier League nearly two years on from his Chelsea sack.Potter has replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following the Spaniard’s horror start to the season.It ends Potter’s 20-month wait for a job, having also been linked with the Manchester United and England jobs.The former defender started his coaching career in 2011 in Sweden with Östersunds FK – winning league and cup competitions.He then took over at Swansea in 2018 for one season in the Championship – finishing in 10th.Potter left Wales after just a year to replace Chris Hughton at Brighton where he would make his name.His best finish with the Seagulls was ninth place in 2022 but he joined Chelsea just months later in the September.Potter had replaced Thomas Tuchel, just a season after the German won the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.But Potter was axed seven months into the job with Chelsea left sitting in 11th.The striker dropped the bombshell in an unauthorised interview after being exiled by new gaffer Amorim.He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”When I leave it’s going to be, ‘No hard feelings.'”You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.”If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”Graham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: Chelsea More

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    Coleen Rooney opens up on husband Wayne’s bizarre bedroom habit and the time Man Utd legend started a FIRE

    COLEEN ROONEY has lifted the lid on husband Wayne’s unusual habit in the bedroom.The couple have been together since they were in secondary school and have been married for 16 years.Coleen has opened up about and Wayne’s bizarre sleeping habitCredit: Getty ImagesColeen revealed all on their relationship on SkyBet’s Stick to Football podcast, including Wayne’s bizarre routine to fall asleep.She explained he needs white noise to doze off, saying: “It’s a fan when I’m in the bed, but if not, it is a hairdryer. “If I get up, if he is still in bed I hear him get a hairdryer. “Has he told you that it has caught on fire before? The hairdryer is on cool, but one time he was cold, so it turned it to hot – and it blew up.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWayne previously revealed: “When I sleep I like to have the hairdryer on like blowing in my face.”Sometimes that blanks the alarm and I sleep through.”I had one that burnt out in the night when I was in DC, I woke up and it was melting into my leg.”Coleen also opened on life inside the Rooney household with their four kids Kai, Klay, Kit and Cass.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe said “It’s madness, it’s just mayhem all the time. “We have a rota of who gets to sit at the front of the car going to school. Even though there is a rota, it’s just mayhem every morning. ‘I was f***ing fuming with the wives,’ Gary Neville tells Coleen Rooney as he opens up on anger at 2006 World Cup fiasco”They just torment each other and it’s like a domino effect. “It’s a lively house but it’s funny because everyone loves coming to our house, because it’s just entertaining. “I grew up with two brothers, so I’m used to being around boys.”Wayne would have liked a girl, and I think would I have clashed with a girl.”Coleen Rooney’s surprising bad habit COLEEN Rooney has revealed the embarrassing habit hubby Wayne reckons will annoy her I’m A celebrity campmates.She’s usually preened and perfect – but the WAG has confessed she snores.Coleen said: “I didn’t think I snored, but Wayne says I snore.“Not continuously though – just every now and again.“I have been in the public eye for over 20 years now and people take what they want from it.“I do think people will get a better idea of what kind of person I am.” More

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    Former Man Utd coach who was axed with Erik ten Hag lined up for return to football with Championship club

    RENE HAKE is being linked with a surprise return to English football with West Brom. The former Man Utd coach has been out of work since leaving the Red Devils in November. Rene Hake has emerged as a contender for the vacant West Brom manager jobCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was most recently assistant to Erik ten Hag (left) at Man UtdCredit: ReutersHake was a part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff at Old Trafford and joined the club last July. The 53-year-old left his job as Go Ahead Eagles boss to help out his fellow Dutchman. But he was left unemployed after Ten Hag got the boot following a dismal run of form, with Ruben Amorim taking over. Hake has never managed a team outside of the Netherlands.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has previously taken charge of Emmen, Utrecht, and FC Twente. Accordint to BBC Sport, Hake is now in the running to replace Carlos Corberan at the Hawthorns. Corberan left the Baggies before the festive period to take over at boyhood club Valencia.The 41-year-old Spaniard helped lead West Brom to a 9th placed finish last season and had them in playoff contention again. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlbion currently have Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill in temporary charge.The trio are expected to be in the dugout for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Bournemouth. Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralWest Brom’s next Championship game is at home against Stoke on January 18. Baggies bosses are keen for the new manager to be in post by then as the club attempt to keep up their top-six push. Blackburn head coach John Eustace and Swiss manager Raphael Wicky have also been linked. Under Brunt, Abella, and Myhill, the Baggies have won just one of their last four games.Carlos Corberan left West Brom before Christmas to join ValenciaCredit: GettyBrunt said: “Whatever the football club decide to do, I’ll keep preparing as much as I can with Abella and the coaching staff, Boaz [Myhill], sports science, medical.”It’s been a real team effort and the lads deserve a couple of days off, especially at this time of year. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’ll have those, recharge themselves, and we’ve got a really tough cup tie coming up so if we’re still here, we’ll prepare as best we can. “But first and foremost, I think the boys need a few days off to go and recharge, then we’ll regroup and see what happens.” More

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    Decision made on Everton’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough after safety threat amid extreme weather

    THE FA Cup third round clash between Everton and Peterborough WILL take place as planned amid weather and travel concerns.Officials met with relevant authorities at 1pm this afternoon to evaluate the conditions.Everton’s FA Cup match against Peterborough could be in doubtCredit: RexIt was eventually decided the match will go ahead as scheduled, with fans urged to take extra care and time when travelling to Goodison Park.A statement from Everton read: “Our third-round @EmiratesFACup tie with @theposh will go ahead as planned this evening (kick-off 7:45pm).”A safety meeting was held this afternoon to assess the weather and travel conditions for fans attending the tie, which confirmed the game can go ahead.”Everton Staff and a crew from @lpoolcouncil’s Streetscene Services team have been treating the roads and footpaths around the stadium since the morning to ensure they are as safe as possible for supporters accessing the stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Anyone attending Goodison Park is advised to prepare for the cold conditions, take care and to allow extra time that may be needed in travelling to the game, including being aware of any advice and weather warnings that may be in place in areas fans are travelling from.”No further snow is currently forecast for the Merseyside area, but temperatures will barely be above freezing around the scheduled kick-off time of 7:45pm at Goodison Park.Merseyside has been hit with a yellow weather warning for the sixth successive day amid freezing temperatures.The game between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday came close to being axed.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSnow and ice have caused traffic chaos, school closures and rail cancellations in the area.Manchester Airport’s runways were temporarily blocked off this morning and flights cancelled as five fresh warnings were issued across the UK.Gary Neville’s brutal Secret Santa present for Jamie Carragher ‘rejected’ by EvertonThree motorways, the M56, M60 and M62, were also hit with hefty delays causing mayhem for commuters on Thursday.A statement from Peterborough read: “Any supporters using the official coaches are advised to arrive as planned for a 1pm departure, all supporter coaches will departure as soon as we receive confirmation that the game will go ahead.”The FA Cup match between Everton and Peterborough could see Ashley Young face his teenage son, Tyler, on the pitch.Asked during an interview with talkSPORT which team the family will be supporting, Young Sr said: “Let’s put it this way… they’ve not got Everton shirts, so they’ve all gone and leaned towards Tyler’s side.”I even think my own parents are actually leaning towards Tyler’s side as well. So I’m just out here cheering on myself.”I’m just a lone wolf, that’s just me. But I get it.”I understand it, but after the game they’ll be back on my side once we’ve won. So it’s all right.” More

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    I sell ZIPS for a living after being released from EFL club… now I want to help Tamworth knock Tottenham out of FA Cup

    CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT realised a footballer’s life is full of unexpected twists when he was released by Walsall as a 22-year-old.That’s when he decided to turn part-time with Tamworth and move into a business that has even more ups and downs… selling ZIPS for a living!Callum Cockerill-Mollett sells zips for a living alongside his playing careerCredit: GettyCockerill-Mollett decided against going full-time after leaving Walsall in 2021Credit: GettyNow, the football-playing businessman can’t wait to get his teeth into Tottenham Hotspur, when he faces Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs in the FA Cup on Sunday.The former Republic of Ireland Youth international told SunSport how he became the Lambs’ very own Lord of the Flies!The left-back revealed: “In my final season at Walsall there was a massive turnover of players and everyone who was out of contract was allowed to leave.”I had some interest from other full-time clubs but most of them would have involved relocating to the other side of the country.Read More in Football”When nothing concrete actually materialised I decided to turn part-time.”So that summer I went in with my dad, Neil and started working full-time in his zip business.”I’d spent time around the factory while I was playing so I had a rough idea of what the business was about.”Footballers retire early and I knew I wouldn’t go down the coaching route, so I always had the zip business in the back of my mind.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Now I help my dad run the company.”We have around 30 staff and we are a wholesale manufacturer of zips.FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw He runs the zip business alongside his dadCredit: Facebook”You can’t come in and buy one or two zips from us, we deal in hundreds or thousands at a time.”We buy the raw materials from abroad and we create all kinds of zips.”Jacket zips, pocket zips, shoe zips, zips for jeans – you name it, we can produce it.”But our biggest sellers are probably sofa zips which are used in sofa cushions.”We supply some of the biggest sofa brands in the UK.”Cockerill-Mollett admits it’s hard to convince people he’s not joking when he tells them what he does for a living.”When I was full-time with Walsall and people asked me what line of work I was in, you can’t really say anything other than: ‘I play football.'”People kind of look at you strangely when you say that.”But now when I say: ‘I sell zips,’ people still look at me even more strangely!”Their first reaction is: ‘What do you mean you sell zips?'”If they’re wearing a jacket I’ll point to the zip and say: ‘You know this thing here – someone’s got to make them!'”It’s only when friends and family see our big factory in Leicester that they realise it’s quite a serious business.”The company is called Zipex UK and we are one of the only manufacturers who still make zips in the UK.”Most people import them from China.”But we are one of the few firms you can call and say I need 116cm in this type of zip and we can make thousands of them.Tamworth face Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekendCredit: ReutersLeicester fan Cockerill-Mollett hopes to get James Maddison’s shirtCredit: Alamy”I suppose we’re flying the flag for Britain.”However, on Sunday Cockerill-Mollett will be flying the flag for Tamworth as they look to pull off an FA Cup giant-killing act against Premier League giants Tottenham.Tiny Tamworth are currently priced at 2,500/1 rank outsiders to win this year’s FA Cup.Yet Leicester-born Callum kicked off his pro career with Walsall in 2016 – the year Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City stunned the world by beating Spurs to famously romp to the title.That 5,000/1 shot was dubbed the Greatest Sporting Miracle of all time.Now Foxes fan Callum hopes to create another sensational shock on Sunday, with The Lambs priced at 15/1 to beat Spurs.”When you’re non-league you’re hoping to draw one of the Premier League big boys,” he said.”When Spurs name came out after ours I was a bit shocked and then my phone never stopped ringing.”It’s a bit surreal but it is what it is. When you’ve made it through three rounds, as we have we deserve a bit of glamour.”We’ve earned our Spurs, so to speak, beating Macclesfield, Huddersfield and Burton Albion.”As a Foxes fan I will never forget that famous title win. I celebrated with all the Leicester supporters at Victoria Park, when the team came on stage and Kasabian played.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I know miracles can happen and I wouldn’t mind getting James Maddison’s shirt on Sunday if he plays – but I think quite a few of the lads are thinking the same way.”  Whatever happens on Sunday, it will be business as usual for the only Cockerill in the Tamworth camp, when he makes a speedy return to the zip trade on Monday!Tottenham beat Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on WednesdayCredit: EPA More