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      Arsenal’s Max Dowman, 15, is most exciting young talent in the country – no wonder Arteta is desperate to unleash him

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      MAX DOWMAN is quickly proving to be the most exciting young talent in the country.At 15-years-old, the Hale End midfielder made a mockery of Arsenal’s FA Youth Cup quarter final against Manchester United on Friday night – despite the eventual 3-2 defeat after extra-time.Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman put on a masterful display in the FA Youth CupCredit: GettyDowman, 15, was the star of the show against Man Utd in the semi-finalCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to unleash Dowman into the first teamCredit: GettyUp against opponents two or three years older, Dowman was easily the best player on the pitch, and seemingly on a different planet, already vastly too good for U18s football and the envy of rival academies.As well as the 7,500 fans present at the Emirates, this jaw-dropping performance was streamed live on the FA’s YouTube channel for all to appreciate.If Dowman was not known nationwide already, he certainly is now.By full-time, his name was trending on social media, partly thanks to a mesmerising second half dribble from the halfway line to win a penalty that he then converted to make it 2-1.Read more Arsenal newsIt is no wonder Mikel Arteta is desperate to fast-track another academy star into his senior squad, especially after the frightening impact of Ethan Nwaneri, 17, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, this term.Had it not been for red tape, Dowman – who turned 15 on December 31 – may have already made his senior debut, following in the footsteps of Nwaneri who became the youngest ever Premier League debutant at 15 years and 181 days in September 2022.Having been registered for the U15s at the start of the season, Prem regulations state that no player under the U16s age group can be included in a match day squad.It is the same in the Champions League, needing to be at least 16-years-old to feature.Most read in FootballDespite this, Dowman has spent large parts of this campaign training with the first team, including joining the senior stars on their mid-season warm-weather trip to Dubai last month, and will likely be a part of the pre-season travelling party this summer.Mikel Arteta bizarrely hints Arsenal should be mid-table but still won’t give up on title But just like with Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, Arteta will be patient to find the right moment to unleash him.In January, Arteta said of Dowman – who also plays for England’s U17s: “Very impressive. At his age as well, some of the things he does in training are unbelievable.“He’s a player with huge talent and we have a lot of belief that we can develop him to become one of our own. He’s doing very well so far.“At the moment with all the legislation there are a lot of restrictions for his age, something that in other countries you don’t even mention. It is very difficult to change as well.“We’ll have to wait and see. He’s taking very fast steps because every time you put him in a different challenge, a different level, he overcomes that hurdle really quickly which is great.”Dowman already has an aura about him, hence why he was kicked lumps out of by United’s kids, something he may have to get used to – akin to Jack Wilshere or Jack Grealish.He reacted at the end of the first half when he earned a yellow for a studs up tackle of his own, showing a nastiness to his game.At full-time, after a gruelling 120 minutes, Dowman was clearly angry, but showed his maturity by heading straight to the home fans to applaud them on his own.There was a buzz in the crowd when he glided around the pitch with the ball, untouchable at times.Yet you could tell he was playing with the handbrake on – not wanting to embarrass his opponent too much.Youngster Dowman created a huge buzz at the Emirates in the FA Youth Cup semiCredit: GettyDowman is already training alongside Arsenal’s first team starsCredit: GettyRecords tumble whenever Dowman is involved, becoming the youngest player to feature for Arsenal’s U21s earlier this season.And in September, he was the youngest in history to score in a UEFA Youth League tie in a 4-1 loss to Atalanta at the age of 14 years, eight months and 19 days.Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri were at the Emirates on Friday to watch Dowman and the rest of their former teammates. In another world, they would have been playing.Academy manager Per Mertesacker was also present, smiling as he applauded the team down the tunnel from the director’s box. What a job he has done since taking the role in July 2018.It was not just Dowman who impressed. Centre back Marli Salmon, 15, and keeper Jack Porter made their mark too. The Arsenal’s production line is strong yet again.The U18s were given the first team experience at the Emirates, even playing the anthem ‘North London Forever’ in the dressing room, as well as over the stadium speakers before kick-off.When Dowman was in full flight United’s youngsters couldn’t handle himCredit: GettyDowman will hope to follow Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly into the first teamCredit: GettyMeanwhile, United’s youngsters also stuck to tradition, arriving at the ground in their club-embroidered blazer, shirt and tie.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal coach Adam Birchall said: “[The Emirates] is a spectacular place to come and play your football. It’s where a lot of these lads will go to bed at night dreaming of playing in the end.“When the dust settles, I know that they’ll never forget this night. But we need to make sure that this night, regardless of the score, is a springboard to go and kick on and try to build a career.” More

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      Shocking moment Millwall fan sparks huge brawl after climbing into Crystal Palace end before game even kicks off

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      A MILLWALL fan sparked a huge brawl after climbing into the Crystal Palace end during the FA Cup clash.The two South London rivals went head-to-head at Selhurst Park in the fifth round of the tournament.A Millwall fan climbed into the Crystal Palace endCredit: xHe was confronted by multiple Palace supporters in the seatsCredit: xA mass brawl then started between the two partiesCredit: xThere was no love lost between the two groups of supporters with one taking it too far.A video circulating on social media shows one fan climbing over from the Millwall end into the Palace end.He can then be seen squaring up to Eagles supporters who go over to confront him.A brawl then started with the Millwall fan surrounded by his opposition.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe then fell to the floor as the crowd continued to hit him.Security were then able to intervene and separate the home supporters from the Millwall fan.Oliver Glasner’s side ran out 3-1 winners to progress to the next round of the FA Cup.The visitors went a man down as Liam Roberts was sent off after a VAR intervention.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe goalkeeper was shown a red card after a horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.The French striker was stretchered off the pitch with a bad gash behind the ear after he was kicked in the head by Roberts.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starPalace fans goaded the Millwall end with a bannerCredit: ReutersJean-Philippe Mateta suffered a horror injuryCredit: GettyMateta has released a statement on social mediaCredit: InstagramSteve Parish on Mateta injuryCrystal Palace chairman Steve Parish spoke to the media at half time about the injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta…He told the BBC: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.”Palace chairman Steve Parish condemned the challenge and claimed that Mateta’s life was put at risk.Mateta has since taken to social media and confirmed he is “doing well”.The Millwall fans were then condemned by BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce.The away crowd could be heard chanting “Let him die” as Mateta was taken off the pitch.Pearce hit out at the vile chants, saying: “Millwall fans are not endearing themselves to anyone with their chant about Mateta.”The club could be revisited about that.”The Daily Mail have claimed the FA will be investigating the club over different chants that were aimed at Chelsea loanee Ben Chilwell.But they will not probe the club over the “let him die” song aimed at Mateta as it “does not breach regulations.”Palace took the lead as former Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga headed into his own net.READ MORE SUN STORIESDaniel Munoz doubled the lead before Alex Neil’s side got one back before the break through Wes Harding.Eddie Nketiah sealed the victory in the 81st minute to book his side’s spot in the quarter-finals.Palace took the lead through an own-goalCredit: AFPDaniel Munoz doubled the lead in the first halfCredit: GettyWes Harding netted for Millwall before the breakCredit: PAEddie Nketiah sealed the result for PalaceCredit: Getty More

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      Bournemouth 1 Wolves 1 (5-4 pens): Cherries through after dramatic shootout following Cunha red and technology blunder

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      SAOT, VAR, FA Cup – FFS.The story of this game should have been how Mateus Cunha scored a brilliant equaliser for Wolves before being sent off ahead of the penalty shootout.Matt Doherty sees his penalty saved against BournemouthCredit: RexKepa Arrizabalaga celebrates Bournemouth’s penalty shootout winCredit: RexBournemouth’s James Hill, centre, leads the Cherries’ celebrationsCredit: PABut instead it was overshadowed by the farcical eight minute 11 second VAR delay in the first half after the new Semi-Automated Offside Technology failed.The decision finally came that Milos Kerkez had been offside when he and Dean Huijsen between them forced home a David Brooks corner.But both sets of fans sang “It’s not football anymore”, “This is embarrassing” and “F**k VAR”.At that point, Bournemouth were 1-0 up through Evanilson.Read more football newsCunha cancelled that out with a fabulous 30-yard effort on the hour.Bournemouth were the better side for the rest of the game and in extra time, when Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone made excellent saves from Antoine Semenyo, Luis Sinisterra and Lewis Cook.Then in stoppage time, Cunha was sent off for a triple assault on Kerkez and had to be restrained on the touchline as tempers boiled over.The shootout went to sudden death after Sam Johnstone saved from Dean Huijsen only for Matt Doherty to shoot wide when he had the chance to win it.Most read in FootballThen Boubacar Traore’s kick came off the bar and hit Cherries keeper Kepa before rolling to safety.And that left Sinisterra to send Bournemouth into the last eight of the FA CUp for only the third time in their history.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen couldn’t be happier being nominated for Premier League player of the month What drama.Yet nothing very much happened in the first half an hour.But then Bournemouth had the ball in the net three times, yet led only 1-0 at half time.The Cherries were the better side without forcing Johnstone into a save so it was little surprise that it took a mistake to break the deadlock.Johnstone, Wolves’ cup ‘keeper, was caught out by the direct pass from Bournemouth centre back James Hill to Antoine Semenyo.Johnstone was in no-man’s land about 15 yards from his goalline and although he was able to keep out the Ghana winger’s initial shot, he was powerless to stop Evanilson tucking in the follow-up.Minutes later Johnstone’s blushes were saved by VAR. But not the FA’s, in farcical scenes that shamed the oldest knockout cup competition of them all.Brooks’ corner went all the way to the back post where it was forced over the line by a combination of Huijsen and Kerkez, with the suggestion of one or both using their arms.The fans, particularly those in the Bournemouth sections, quite rightly sang “It’s not football anymore”, “This is embarrassing”, and “F**k VAR” as the delay went on and on.At one point Barrott led captains Nelson Semedo and Lewis Cook to the touchline for a conference with the managers, backroom staff and anyone else with an opinion to offer. The purpose was to explain that the new offside technology had failed and the VAR team were having to draw their own lines.Evanilson put Bournemouth one goal upCredit: GettyThe Brazilian calmly finishes for the CherriesCredit: ReutersFinally Barrott turned on his microphone and announced that Kerkez had been ruled offside.During the resulting seven minutes of stoppage-time, Bournemouth had another “goal” ruled out by VAR. But this time Brooks’ handball, after he hit Kerkez’s cross on to himself, was much more obvious and the decision came much more quickly.The second half began in a tetchy atmosphere on and off the pitch.Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes hit a dipping shot over the crossbar. At the other end, Semenyo had an effort blocked as Bournemouth failed to make the most of a good opening.Then came Cunha’s magic moment.A Wolves attack seemed to have broken down but the Brazilian collected the ball 30 yards out, looked up and hit a vicious shot that seemed to be helped up and over Kepa Arrizabalaga by a slight deflection.The Cherries almost went back ahead immediately but Toti made an excellent clearance from a Marcus Tavernier cross.VAR was called upon again when Huijsen brought down Cunha, but Barrott was not asked to consider upgrading the yellow card to red.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola sent on Dango Ouattara and Justin Kluivert in search of a winner.A brilliant hit by Matheus Cunha drew Wolves levelCredit: AFPCunha celebrates his great equaliser for WolvesCredit: GettyWolves counterpart Vitor Pereira made three changes of his own for the final 20 minutes or so.The home side had a number of corners and after one of them, Johnstone had to push away a Kluivert header from close range.Then the Wolves ‘keeper made a good low stop when Semenyo let fly from 20 yards.In the third of five minutes of stoppage time, Semenyo sent another effort looping just wide.Bournemouth were the better team in the first half of extra time, but the closest they came was a long-range effort by Tyler Adams that went just wide.The Cherries piled on the pressure. Johnstone saved a Huijsen header and Toti blocked substitute Daniel Jebbison’s follow-up just in front of the goalline.Another home sub, Luis Sinisterra, headed Cook’s cross goalwards only for Johnstone to produce the save of the match.Then Cook himself somehow failed to beat the Wolves keeper with a header from six yards.Before the final whistle, Cunha was ruled offfisde but delayed the restart. When Kerlkez confronted him, the Wolves man threw a punch, seemed  to kick out at the Bournemouth man on the ground and then put his head in his face.Barrott sent Cunha off but the Brazilian had to be restrained as he rowed with Wolves back-up ‘keeper Sam Bentley.Cunha sees red in the 120th minuteCredit: RexBournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has his penalty savedCredit: PABournemouth’s stars celebrate their penalty shootout winCredit: GettyAnd so to penalties.The first  seventakers all scored, Ouattara with an instant  cheeky no run-up effort and then Tavernier beating Johnstone despite the keeper seeming to have stopped it.READ MORE SUN STORIESJohnstone seemed to have redeemed himself and Wolves when he saved Huijsen’s tame kick.But then Doherty missed, Cook scored, Traore was denied in bizarre fashion and Sinisterra sealed the win that Bournemouth deserved. More

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      Matheus Cunha has to be restrained by Wolves subs as he is shown red card after complete head loss at Bournemouth

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      MATHEUS CUNHA had to be held back by his coaching staff after seeing red for an “outrageous” attack on Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.The Wolves striker hit, kicked and HEADBUTTED the defender in the final minute of extra time amid a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round tie.Matheus Cunha was caught up in ugly scenesCredit: RexMilos Kerkez went flying backwards after Cunha caught him with his headCredit: PAThe inevitable red card followed but Cunha was still aghast at the decisionCredit: GettyWolves’s coaches and substitutes rushed onto the pitch to try to prevent the dismissed Brazilian inflaming things furtherCredit: GettyIt means the Brazilian faces another lengthy ban.That’s because Saturday’s sending-off was for violent conduct AND as it’s his second dismissal of the season.He picked up a three-match suspension in December, which was reduced to two games, after pulling the glasses off an Ipswich staff member in a touchline bust-up.This time Kerkez began the flare-up by pulling the shirt of Cunha, who lashed back in response with astonishing fury.READ MORE FA CUP NEWSThe Brazilian was seen throwing both his arms at the face of the Hungarian international, who then went to the ground.Cunha then aimed a sly kick at Kerkez while he was down.And, as if to make his outburst impossible for the referee to miss, he then headbutted the Serbia-born star once he had got up.The 25-year-old’s own dugout team were then forced to restrain him as he suffered a total loss of self-control.Most read in FA CupEx-England keeper Rob Green told the BBC: “Outrageous behaviour from Matheus Cunha.”He is trying to remonstrate with the fourth officials. It will be a lengthy suspension, you can’t do that.”Cunha had netted to cancel out Evanilson’s opener on the hour in a 1-1 draw, before Bournemouth triumphed 5-4 on penalties.Referee Chris Kavanagh had no choice but to send Cunha offCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was marched off the pitch by his own coaching team as the added time board went upCredit: GettyAnd one fan reckoned the “consequences” of such a shameful sending-off could be “huge” for him.The 11-cap star has been linked to a big-money move in the summer, with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly keen.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe fan wrote: “I’m not thinking this season. (Arne) Slot had eyes on him, will he still go for such a hothead?”Kerkez and Cunha had been caught up in a skirmish before the former Atletico Madrid ace turned violent.Brighton players in tunnel post match after beating Bournemouth 2-1Wing-back Kerkez lurched backwards to the floor clutching his head after Cunha ended the exchange by thrusting his forehead into his opponent.And a few viewers reckoned the Hungarian’s reaction was over the top – some observers even claiming both players should have been dismissed.One fan blasted Kerkez for “terrible acting” and another posted: “Embarrassing from both of them.”But Cunha was understandably the focus of fury from most fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne commented: “I don’t want this player in my team.” Another added: “One of the most talented players we have ever had, but he is such a petulant, spoilt brat, it really grates on me.” More

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      Striker who Arsenal sold for just £4m last summer bags THIRD hat-trick in seven games while Gunners struggle for goals

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      FORMER Arsenal striker Mika Biereth has netted his THIRD hat-trick in seven games since joining AS Monaco.The striker joined the Ligue 1 club in January having moved on from Sturm Graz.Mika Biereth has scored another hat-trick for MonacoCredit: AFPHe celebrated with the match ball after the game against Stade ReimsCredit: X @AS_Monaco_ENHe was only sold by Arsenal last summer for just £4mCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is currently without a senior striker in North LondonCredit: GettyBiereth, 22, left Arsenal last summer in a deal worth £4million as he moved to the Austrian outfit.He had spent the 2023 season on loan at Sturm Graz and netted five Austrian Bundesliga goals.The club then made his loan permanent, which was then followed by some brilliant form.Biereth netted 11 times in the Austrian league and twice in the Champions League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis prompted Monaco to splash £12.5m on him in January to bring him to France.The transfer has thus far been an astonishing success with the striker bagging TEN goals in his first seven league games.This run of form includes hat-tricks against AJ Auzerre and FC Nantes.He has now landed his third match ball after netting all three goals in the win over Stade Reims.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs a result, the Danish forward has written himself into the history books of French football.He is the first player in 70 years to score three hat-tricks in their first seven games.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League Monaco signed Biereth in the January transfer windowCredit: AFPHe was signed from Sturm Graz for £12.5mCredit: AFPHe is also now the leading scorer in Europe’s top five leagues since the turn of the year.Biereth shared a video after the match as he celebrated with the match ball.He said: “Hey guys, one more hat-trick.”Thanks for all the fans for coming today and come on Monaco.”Monaco hailed the striker on social media as they posted: “Hale End finest.”He has also become the first Monaco player to net three hat-tricks in a single season since Delio Onnis in 1975/76.Biereth’s scintillating start to life in the south of France has seen him better every Arsenal player’s season record.After his three strikes against Nantes, Monaco also took the chance to goad his former side.The club posted: “Absolute Gunner”.Meanwhile, Arsenal are undergoing a striker crisis at the Emirates Stadium.Stars Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been ruled out for the season.As well as Biereth, Eddie Nketiah was sold in the summer, which has left manager Mikel Arteta short upfront.The club were heavily linked with signing a striker in the January window, but opted against the move.The likes of Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak were all names tipped for North London.The decision immediately backfired as Havertz picked up a season-ending hamstring injury during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai.The Spanish coach has tried to mould midfielder Mikel Merino into a makeshift striker.The Euro 2024 winner netted a brace against Leicester City but misfired in the defeat to West Ham and draw with Nottingham Forest.Arsenal’s blunt attack has not be helped by the long-term absence of Bukayo Saka.Even Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted he did not need to rely on his usual five at the back formation against the Gunners and he switched to a traditional four.READ MORE SUN STORIESBiereth never made a first team appearance for Arsenal.He made a Premier League matchday squad just once, for a 0-0 draw with Burnley in January 2022.Biereth never made a first team appearance for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe has already netted ten goals for MonacoCredit: AFPHe won the domestic double in Austria during the 2023/24 seasonCredit: GettyHe had netted 11 goals in 16 league games before moving to FranceCredit: AFP More

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      Inside chaos at doomed Leicester with star bringing dog to training, shock formation change and behind-scenes bust-up

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      FROM dogs at training to bust-ups with coaches – things are just as disastrous behind-the-scenes as they are on the pitch for Leicester.The Foxes are only five points from safety but amid a run of 11 losses in their last 12 Premier League games – look doomed and set for relegation.Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester are set for relegationCredit: GettyThe Foxes have lost 11 of their last 12 league gamesCredit: GettyJannik Vestergaard shocked staff by bringing his dog to trainingCredit: Instagram @jannikvestergaardRuud van Nistelrooy joined the club following the sacking of Steve Cooper in November.But the former Manchester United caretaker boss has been unable to turn things around with a toxic atmosphere now filling the King Power Stadium.Leicester are spiralling back into the Championship and several incidents in recent weeks sum up their horror season.Jannik Vestergaard, who fell out with previous managers Brendan Rodgers and Cooper, allegedly shocked members of staff by bringing his dog to training.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe defender commutes to Leicester from his London home and Van Nistelrooy was keen for those living far away to spend more time closer to the club’s state-of-the-art Seagrave base.There are five-star rooms at the training ground and a deal was struck for Vestergaard to spend a few nights there.The Telegraph claim to the surprise of many, Vestergaard brought his dog with him and was seen walking it around the pitches one morning.He even supposedly asked a player liaison officer to look after the pet while he trained.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe report says it reflects a “do what you want culture” at Leicester – before adding that he had “one-off” permission to bring the dog with him as there was nobody to care for it.After the 4-0 home defeat to Brentford last Friday, the club axed coaches Ben Dawson and Danny Alcock.Leicester stars party in nightclub next to ‘Enzo I miss you’ sign hours after Chelsea loss on night before Cooper sackedBut prior to the woeful performance, fellow coach Brian Barry-Murphy reportedly had a bust-up with players.Leicester stars were accused by him of not following instructions, while they argued that his guidance was unclear.Barry-Murphy is understood to have apologised a day later – with The Telegraph claiming the club insist it was nothing more than a standard dispute.And it was not the only chaotic moment before the Brentford loss after the team’s formation was changed just hours before kick-off.But sources argue it was just a minor tweak of the kind that would be made mid-game.Meanwhile, coach Andy Hughes has supposedly had his role “dramatically” reduced in recent weeks.The recent chaos comes after a party scandal earlier in the season.Just hours after losing a game to former boss Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side, Cooper was sacked.But the players still went on a pre-arranged fancy dress night out in Copenhagen.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile in a nightclub, members of the squad were seen dancing next to a sign being held up that read “Enzo I miss u.”Meanwhile, there is growing fan anger being directed at Leicester chief Jon Rudkin. More

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      Man City vs Plymouth live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup 5th round tie

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      PLYMOUTH travel to English champions Manchester City, looking to pull off another MASSIVE cup upset!The Pilgrims pulled off one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history in the fourth round, knocking out Arne Slot’s Premier League-leading Liverpool.It has been an underwhelming season for Pep Guardiola and Manchester CityCredit: Julian Finney – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesPlymouth will be looking to pull off another massive upset against Manchester CityCredit: Isabelle Field/Plymouth Argyle via Getty ImagesIn a very disappointing season for Pep Guardiola and City, the FA Cup represents the only chance the Cityzens have at winning a trophy in 2024/25.City conceded one of the best FA Cup goals of all time away at Leyton Orient but bounced back to scrape through 2-1 against the League One side, setting up their tie with Plymouth today.How to watch Man City vs Plymouth for FREEMan City vs Plymouth is available to watch for FREE in the UK!The game will be shown live on ITV4 and ITVX.Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live coverage of the game!The fifth round tie will kick off at 5:45pm GMT on Saturday, March 1.What other FA Cup games are on this weekend?There are still three HUGE FA Cup ties to come on Sunday, March 2 and Monday, March 3:Read more FootballNewcastle vs Brighton – Sun, Mar 2 – 1:45pm GMT – ITV1Man United vs Fulham – Sun, Mar 2 – 4:30pm GMT – BBC OneNottingham Forest vs Ipswich – Mon, Mar 3 – 7:30pm GMT – ITV4 More

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      Jean-Philippe Mateta breaks silence after being rushed to hospital with horror injury during Crystal Palace vs Millwall

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA has broken his silence following his horror FA Cup injury.The Crystal Palace hitman was rushed to the hospital after being poleaxed in the first half of The Eagle’s fifth-round win over Millwall, whom they beat 3-1.Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a horror injury in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup clash with MillwallCredit: GETTYMateta received medical treatment on the pitch for ten minutes after being kicked in the headCredit: GETTYHe was promptly taken to the hospital to undergo further assessmentCredit: GETTYThe forward took to Instagram to give an update on his conditionCredit: INSTAGRAM@IAMMATETAMateta was on the receiving end of a kung-fu kick of a challenge from Lions stopper Liam Roberts, who was belatedly given a red card.The Frenchman was left bloodied and received treatment for ten minutes – during which he was cruelly mocked by a minority of travelling Lions fans – before being rushed to the hospital.The injury has required the striker to have stitches and it is unclear if he will remain in the hospital overnight.But he allayed fears over his condition via his Instagram story, writing: “Thanks for all your kind messages. READ MORE ON MATETA”I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon and stronger than ever.”Well done, guys, for the great job today. I love you. JP.”Palace boss Oliver Glasner missed Roberts’ horrific attempt of a challenge but was left sickened after seeing the replay.He said: “I couldn’t see it live. I didn’t want to see it after the game. Most read in FootballJean-Philippe Mateta has thankfully avoided a serious injury following the nasty tackleCredit: Rex”I don’t want to watch the injury. I watched it because I knew I had to talk about it. “It was a very serious foul play. It’s tough to see. I don’t want to watch it again. ‘Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star”Imagine it could have ended his career.”Glasner bears no ill will towards Roberts, adding: “He didn’t want to make such a challenge, but his decision to make the challenge was wrong. “I believe in fair play and all sportsmen don’t want to injure another. “His decision with his foot with this intensity was wrong.”The Daily Mail have claimed that chairman James Berylson and manager Alex Neil have contacted Mateta to check on his condition.The report also suggested that Roberts also got in touch with the French forward.Palace chairman and co-owner Simon Parish, however, wasn’t as sympathetic towards the 30-year-old keeper.After mimicking the awful challenge in the stands, he told the BBC during a half-time interview: “In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.Oliver Glasner was left sickened by the challenge on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: GETTYPalace chairman Steve Parish blasted Liam Roberts over his horror challengeCredit: BBC”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.””It’s very difficult for me to talk about the rest of the game because we’re worried about JP in hospital. “It’s just a terrible, terrible challenge.”That goalkeeper hasn’t shown a duty of care to another professional.”Someone mentioned there was one in the 1982 World Cup like it.”But it’s a dreadful challenge and why the referee needs to go the screen, I’ve no idea.”Forget about him being a football player, he is a human being. That is not a normal challenge.Liam Roberts trudges off the pitch after clattering Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: AFPCrystal Palace booked their place in the fifth round thanks to a 3-1 win at Selhurst ParkCredit: Reuters”If you’re kicking someone in the head with the full force, God knows what damage has been done to him.”Millwall boss Alex Neil defended his player’s actions prior to watching the replay.The Scot said: “He’s misjudged it and caught the lad. He has mistimed it.”I don’t think it is meant. I don’t think there is any intent, why would there be intent?”We don’t want the lad to be injured. We wish him well and hope he is back on the pitch soon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was a mistiming, he was sent off, he is disappointed and will hope Mateta is fine, which we all do.”Palace booked their place in the quarter-finals thanks to an OG from Japhet Tanganga and goals from Daniel Munoz and Eddie Nketiah. More