Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea boss ‘disappointed’ by postponement of Blues’ Women Super League duel with Manchester United

      by

      SONIA BOMPASTOR says Chelsea were “disappointed” to have their top-flight clash with Manchester United postponed.The Blues boss also reckons the move to put their Women’s Super League duel on hold, was not good.Sonia Bompastor hopes authorities in charge of the WSL will help English clubs competing in the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyChelsea will face Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in their opening group stage game in this term’s tournamentCredit: AlamyBompastor, whose team hosts Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow, was reflecting on the decision that resulted in Chelsea missing out on WSL action at the weekend.Their duel with the Red Devils was scheduled to take place on Sunday – just two days before their group stage opener against Madrid at Stamford Bridge.  The Chelsea chief, 44, said: “Of course, we were disappointed, players and staff. “I think everyone has to understand we were supposed to play.Read More Football Stories “We were in a very, very good team dynamic, and not having the opportunity to play this weekend changed everything in preparation for the game against Real Madrid.”When you have the opportunity to play one game a week, and with this decision being made and postponing the game, now we have been out of competition for 10 days, which is completely different.”If you look at the situation, the decision is not good. “It’s not good for all the English clubs who are in the Champions League competition.”Most read in FootballChelsea’s title win last term saw them automatically reach the tournament’s group stages this season. And last month Arsenal and Manchester City joined them after battling through competition’s qualifiers.On September 29 the Women’s Professional League Limited, who this term took over the running of the WSL, announced the postponement of the Blues’ clash with United.They cited player welfare as the reason given the tight turnaround between domestic and European games for the WSL title-holders.The organisation has come in for criticism concerning its decision, with Uefa having published its Champions League match calendar more than a year ago.And Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described the handling of the situation as “amateurish”.On if better communication is needed between Uefa and federations and authorities like the WPLL, Bompastor added: “The league is a professional league. “They need to know about the rules. I just said to the league my thoughts on the situation, I think that’s good enough for me. “I don’t want to share more here in a press conference.”For them, it’s good to have our feedback and as I always said to the league, we should be proud to have three English clubs in the Champions League this year.”All the decisions in this league through the season have to be made in order to help the English clubs to compete in the Champions League.”Tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge Chelsea will begin their quest to win a Women’s Champions League for the first time in their history.Their game against Madrid, who are second in Spain’s top-flight and currently level on points with leaders Barcelona, will be Bompastor’s first in Europe as the Blues’ gaffer.The last time Bompastor oversaw side competing in contest at the stadium was when her old club Lyon faced Chelsea in a second-leg semi-final game In March last year they were beaten by the Blues, then managed Emma Hayes, via a dramatic penalty shootout. Bompastor, who has won the tournament as a player and coach, also played for a Lyon team that reached the contest final at Stamford Bridge in 2013. Back then they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to German giants Wolfsburg.The last time Bompastor managed a team in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge was when Lyon played Chelsea in the 2023 semisCredit: GettyThe Blues manager adds: “I played in a Champions League final at Stamford Bridge in 2013 and I’ve been here as a manager of Lyon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now I’m really excited because now I’m in the dugout for Chelsea and I’m the Chelsea manager.”I can’t wait to be in that position, enjoy the game and enjoy to be out there with the players and the fans.” More

    • 300 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney poses with glam wife Coleen & Man Utd star son Kai, 14, as he wins award at ‘best night of social calendar’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has added yet another award to his illustrious legacy.Wayne, 38, is United’s all-time record goalscorer and also held the same status for England when he broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s record in 2015 before Harry Kane overtook him last year.Wayne Rooney attended an awards ceremony with his wife Coleen and son KaiCredit: GettyManchester United legend Rooney joins fellow winner Fara WilliamsCredit: GettyKai poses with his dad after he collected the prizeColeen looked like she was having a great night with her hubbyAnd now the legendary striker has been honoured by Legends of Football, an annual awards ceremony in conjunction with the Nordoff and Robbins music therapy charity that sees the worlds of football and music come together to honour the greatest names in the game.The event has been described as the “best night in the football social calendar” by Sir Alex Ferguson and this year’s ceremony honours the ex-Everton star and England’s most capped women’s player Fara Williams.The Plymouth manager attended the gala at Grosvenor House in London alongside his wife Coleen and their son Kai, who is following in his dad’s footsteps at United’s academy.Wayne said before he was presented with the gong: “I am delighted to receive the 2024 Legends of Football award.Read More on Man Utd”The award has been previously awarded to some of the biggest names in the game, to be recognised alongside all of them including some of my team-mates, opponents and footballing icons means a lot.”Throughout my life and career, music has always been a massive influence and inspiration for me, and to see how Nordoff and Robbins use music to help people connect and communicate is truly special.”I’m really looking forward to celebrating with Fara for a great night of football, music and fundraising.”Other stars at the event, whch was hosted by Kelly Cates and Geoff Shreeves, included former England boss Roy Hodgson, Everton manager Sean Dyche and Lionesses star turned I’m A Celeb winner Jill Scott.Most read in FootballRooney amassed a total of 253 goals and 139 assists in 559 appearances during his 13-year stint at United before his departure in 2017.Kelly Cates and Geoff Shreeves are joined by Williams and RooneyCredit: GettyEverton legend Rooney is joined by current boss Sean DycheCredit: GettyRoy Hodgson and wife Sheila were among the guestsCredit: GettyEngland icon Jill Scott glammed it up on the red carpetCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe legendary forward also registered 53 goals in 120 England caps.And now Kai, 14, is winning over his dad’s fans after a series of impressive performances with the Red Devils’ youth sides.Watch Wayne Rooney’s son Kai score wondergoal as he nets eight in six games to win cup for Man Utd youth teamThe young forward is the eldest of Wayne’s four sons, with Klay, Kit and Cass his younger brothers. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd blow as Kobbie Mainoo PULLS OUT of England squad with injury as THREE stars return to clubs with knocks

      by

      KOBBIE MAINOO, Ezri Konsa and Morgan Gibbs-White have all withdrawn from England’s squad for the upcoming Uefa Nations League games.The Three Lions host Greece at Wembley on Thursday before heading to Finland on Sunday, in Lee Carsley’s second round of fixtures.Kobbie Mainoo has pulled out of England’s squad for the October international breakMorgan Gibbs-White came off injured at Chelsea on SundayCredit: GettyKonsa has also been forced to withdrawCredit: RexThe trio drop out after sustaining injuries for their respective clubs over the weekend in what is a triple injury blow for Carsley’s new-look side.Konsa, 26, suffered a hamstring injury and left the pitch just 12 minutes into Villa’s goalless draw with Manchester United.And Gibbs-White, 24, was removed after 76 minutes of Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.But Mainoo played 85 minutes at Old Trafford on Sunday before he was replaced by Casemiro.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt comes as a further blow for under-fire boss Erik ten Hag who also lost the services of Harry Maguire, who left Villa Park in a plastic boot.Maguire was dropped from Carsley’s squad after featuring in September and Mainoo has been carrying a knock for some time.The 19-year-old midfielder was subbed off shortly before half-time during Man Utd’s 3-0 demolition at the hands of Spurs a fortnight ago.Mainoo travelled to Portugal with the Red Devils on Thursday as they drew 3-3 with Porto, but missed the game with a minor issue.Most read in FootballMainoo is out injured after playing 85 minutes of Man Utd’s 0-0 draw with VillaCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile Carsley handed Konsa a starting role when the Three Lions beat Finland 2-0 at Wembley on 10 September.Gibbs-White made his senior debut for England from the bench during their 2-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland on 7 September.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo suggested the prognosis on Gibbs-White is unclear until they further investigate this week.Mainoo started against Ireland but did not feature against Finland.All other 22 players are at St George’s Park with no further additions planned at this time.Harry Kane was a serious doubt but he has since been cleared to play after arriving to the Burton-on-Trent base earlier today.He could line up alongside new dad Jack Grealish, who announced he his baby news from St George’s Park.England currently sit second in their League B Group 2, only behind leaders Greece on goal difference.Harry Kane turned up for England duty despite carrying a knockNew dad Jack Grealish also reported to St George’s Park More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Serie A star slapped with TEN-MATCH BAN for racially abusing Wolves ace Hwang Hee-chan with vile ‘Jackie Chan’ comment

      by

      SERIE A star Marco Curto has been hit with a TEN-MATCH BAN for racially abusing Wolves ace Hwang Hee-chan.Fifa have found Curto guilty after he allegedly made a vile “Jackie Chan” comment towards the Premier League winger in a pre-season friendly.Italian footballer Marco Curto has been handed a ten-match ban from FifaCredit: GettyIt comes after Curto allegedly made a vile racist remark to Prem star Hwang Hee-chanCredit: GettyThe controversy erupted during a closed-doors friendly in Marbella which Wolves won 1-0.The clash was marred by an incident after 68 minutes when Hwang alleged he had been racially abused by an opponent.His furious team-mate Daniel Podence was so incensed he lashed out at a Como defender and was sent-off by the referee.Como said one of their players made a reference surrounding Hwang’s name and that the complaint was “out of proportion”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut now Fifa have upheld the formal complaint made by South Korea’s national football association.A spokesperson for the world governing body said: “Marco Curto was found responsible for discriminatory behaviour and sanctioned with a 10-match suspension.”Serving of half of those matches is suspended for a probation period of two years.”The player is ordered to render community services and undergo training and education with an organisation approved by Fifa.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe South Korea player’s national football association contacted Fifa in July to express “serious concerns” about the incident.SunSport asked Como for comment after the game on July 16.Mateus Mane shows of his goal scoring skills playing for Wolves Academy Wolves are understood to welcome the decision and held talks with the FA over how best to move forward with taking it to the relevant bodies.Uefa insisted it cannot look into the incident because it did not take place during a competitive Uefa match.The Molineux club are expected to issue a formal statement later.Curto is currently on loan with Italian second tier side Cesena.A Como spokesperson said Curto had told club chief’s he had told a fellow defender “ignore (Hwang), he thinks he’s Jackie Chan”.Mirwan Suwarso previously said: “Having spoken to our player at length, we are confident this was in reference to the player’s name.”And to the constant references of ‘Channy’ made by his own team-mates on the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As far as our club is concerned our player did not say anything in a derogatory manner.”We are disappointed that the reaction of certain Wolves players has seen the incident blown out of proportion.” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend Claude Makelele breaks silence on why he walked out of management job after just THREE games in charge

      by

      CHELSEA legend Claude Makelele walked out as manager of Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis after just three games in charge.Makelele, 51, claims his decision came after initial promises were not upheld and club chiefs began to interfere in team selection.Claude Makelele resigned as Asteras Tripolis manager after just three games in chargeCredit: AFPMakelele claims promises weren’t kept and Asteras club chiefs interfered in team selectionCredit: GettyThe French tactician crossed over to management after ending his 20-year career in 2011 and worked as a coach at the Blues, Swansea and Paris Saint-Germain as well as manager at Bastia and Eupen.The legendary midfielder had been a free agent since September 2023 when he left the West Londoners’ coaching staff but returned to the dugout for Asteras in the Greek Superleague.However, the Real Madrid great’s stint in Greece lasted barely two weeks and he left after just three games, in which he was undefeated.The former France international claimed club chiefs didn’t keep their word.Read More on FootballMakele told London World: “They promised me full control of the team. “It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.”If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”The final straw took place on Sunday when Asteras visited Kallithea at Leoforos.Most read in FootballMakelele picked up his first victory in charge of the Greek minnows, winning 3-1 thanks to a man-of-the-match performance by Darnell Bile, who registered two assists.The Chelsea icon claims club chiefs ordered him to bench a “key player” before the match because of his contract situation, but he disobeyed.Chelsea’s player ratings against GentMakelele added: “In the last game [at Kallithea], they insisted a key player should be benched. The player has a small amateur salary, but he’s the best player in the team. “I brought him on for just 20 minutes – he got two assists, and we won the game. But they didn’t want him [to play]. “They thought they could control whether he plays because he hadn’t signed a [new] contract [with the club]. I used him because of his quality.”Makelele has left Asteras undefeated having won one and drawing his other two games in charge.However, the ex-Premier League star insists the conditions didn’t allow him to focus on his duties.Makelele added: “They were used to long balls, second balls, but I made them understand that whether you win, lose, or draw, you need to learn to play football.”I’m a manager who looks forward. When I take responsibility for the players, I know what I can and cannot do. “I love the job, but I can’t accept when people interfere and tell me what I can or cannot do.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They know the name, but they don’t know the human being. You cannot lie with your principles. I built my career on honesty with players and the club. Always honest.“Football is about human beings, about connection, understanding movement, tactical awareness, technical skill – individually and collectively. We use data, sure, but football is more than that.” More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL side slapped with fresh TRANSFER BAN as years-long nightmare goes from bad to worse

      by

      READING have been plunged into further crisis after being hit with a new transfer embargo by the EFL.The Royals are more than familiar with nightmare transfer bans after being slapped with their THIRD different market restriction since 2021.Reading have been plunged into further turmoil after being slapped with yet another transfer embargoCredit: GettyOwner Dai Yongge has suffered a tumultuous seven-year financially stricken reignCredit: Rex FeaturesIn fact, Reading were already under an embargo until 2025 as a punishment for last year’s financial misdemeanours. But the latest ruling relates to the late filing of accounts to Companies House for the 2022-23 financial year.The stricken club were hit with a second embargo just last year for failing to pay taxes on time.That came after Reading were punished with a two-year transfer ban in the summer of 2021 for an outstanding tax debt.read more football newsThe League One outfit had only been able to sign players from other clubs on loan or if they were free agents.A Reading FC statement read: ” The Club can also confirm that – alongside the requirement to operate under the terms of its business plan – it has today been placed under a formal registration embargo by the EFL.“We are working closely with our auditing partner to finalise these accounts at the earliest opportunity – at which point the embargo will be lifted immediately.”Reading have not purchased a player for a transfer fee since signing Ovie Ejaira from Liverpool for around £3million in August 2020, but the winger is now a free agent after agreeing to leave in December.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe crisis club are currently in the midst of a long ongoing takeover saga after hated current owner Dai Yongge put it up for sale earlier this year.American business Couhig were expected to complete a deal, however talks broke down late in the process and the club moved on.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew Reading were relegated from the Championship in May 2023 after ten years in the second tier. The club would have escaped relegation if it hadn’t been hit with a six-point deduction for various off-field breaches.The Royals finished the season on 50 points, which would have left them 19th and one point above the drop.The club were again docked six points from the League One table last season after failing to pay a HMRC bill within a specified 80-day window.Yongge has seen Reading get deducted a total of 18 points since his 2017 takeover.Reading currently sit 16th in League One, with 13 points from nine games under manager Ruben Selles.Reading timeline since Dai Yongge takeoverHere is how events have unfolded under Dai Yongge:May 2017 – Yongge takes control of 75 per cent of the club after they lost Championship play-off final on penalties to Huddersfield2021 – Reading’s accounts show pre-tax losses of £146million, with 234 per cent of its revenue spent on player wages2023 – Reading breach Financial Fair Play rules and amass deductions totalling six pointsMay 2023 – Reading relegated down to the third tier for the first time in 31 yearsAugust 2023 – Docked one point and issued a suspended three-point punishment for breaching EFL regulationsSeptember 2023 – Suspended three-point deduction triggeredFebruary 2024 – Docked two more points for yet more breachesMarch 2024 – Yongge attempts to sell training ground to fellow League One side WycombeMarch 2024 – Selling of the training ground put on hold due to planning limitationsOctober 2024 – Reading hit with third transfer embargo since 2021 More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Next Man Utd manager: Southgate and Potter would be WORSE than Ten Hag as clear top candidate once eyed by rival emerges

      by

      THE best candidate for the Manchester United manager’s job has been identified.But top options Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter would both be WORSE than current boss Erik ten Hag.Erik ten Hag is only the seventh-best fit to be Manchester United managerCredit: ReutersHe pips Gareth Southgate on the list but both are well off the leaderCredit: GettyDutchman Ten Hag is clinging on to his position as Old Trafford chief after going five matches without a win.And now data gurus Carteret Analytics have crunched the numbers and worked out who would be the ideal fit to take the reins at United.And it is Ruben Amorim who comes out at the top of the pile.Ironically, the Sporting Lisbon boss was a target for arch rivals Liverpool when they replaced Jurgen Klopp before settling on Arne Slot.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut now, if United’s chiefs look at the numbers, he could be approached for the potential vacancy at Old Trafford.Amorim was handed a top score when the numbers were crunched.The data analysts show Amorim scoring extremely highly for ‘Strategic Intelligence’, a measure that looks at a manager’s ability to set their team up for victory. He also scored incredibly high for his ability to transform matches during games.Those attributes put him clear of Zinedine Zidane in second with the ex-Real Madrid boss pipping Simone Inzaghi on the podium.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThomas Tuchel has already been linked with replacing Ten Hag and the German comes up as the fourth best candidate for Manchester United in the data.Kieran McKenna – the Ipswich boss who was previously a coach at United – is fifth, just narrowly edging out Ten Hag’s current No2 Ruud van Nistelrooy.Erik ten Hag really did not help himself with what he said after Man Utd’s draw with Aston Villa, slams BBC pundit Interestingly, Ten Hag is said to be the seventh-best fit for the Red Devils.That places him directly above free agent Southgate, who is admired by the Ineos bosses and is available after quitting from his role as England gaffer following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.Southgate scored particularly poorly in the ‘Tactical Command’ measure. This looks at a manager’s ability to transform a match during the game – something many England fans who felt he was too often tactically outwitted will concur with.Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Potter, still out of work and now starting life as a pundit, is next in ninth.Middlesbrough’s Michael Carrick, Roberto De Zerbi of Marseille and finally Brentford boss Thomas Frank complete the list of the 12 managers who were looked at.Carteret Analytics, quantitative analysis experts who have built a series of algorithms that utilise a huge amount of raw data, looked at a number of areas.Objective achievement, strategic intelligence, tactical command, attacking coefficient, shot creation and conversion, possession and formations over the past six seasons were all taken into consideration.When Ten Hag was first employed by Manchester United, their analysis correctly warned fans of the Red Devils not to expect all out attacking play, and that rather than have a specific style, he adapted his tactics match-by-match.Their latest number crunching now indicates where Manchester United should turn next.Amorim came out strongly across the board, particularly in strategic intelligence, tactical command, attacking coefficient and shot conversion. That relates to his ability to set up his teams to win matches and make transformations within games to impact results. His high attacking coefficient would tap into the United “attack, attack, attack” mantra.Incredibly, Ten Hag does not outperform Amorim in any one of the metrics that were analysed.Zidane presents the best option of the gaffers currently without a job while McKenna and Van Nistelrooy both have Old Trafford connections. And although Inzaghi is third on the list and largely beats Ten Hag in most areas, he does play a far more defensive style of football that may not be popular with the United hierarchy and fans. READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorin’s preferred 3-4-3 formation would be a shake-up from the 4-2-3-1 under Ten Hag.With the Manchester United hierarchy meeting this week to discuss their options, the data suggests they could improve on Ten Hag, but they must be careful because things could get even worse.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.Ruben Amorim is the top pick according to the statsCredit: ReutersZinedine Zidane could also be well suited to the Old Trafford jobCredit: ReutersGraham Potter was way down on the listCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL boss reveals what sparked him squaring up to Shrewsbury player as he faces FA probe over moment of madness

      by

      BOLTON boss Ian Evatt has accused Shrewsbury captain Morgan Feeney of “grabbing” him during their post-match altercation but admits he “went too far”.The former Blackpool defender, 42, went over to the referee to protest the lack of stoppage time after the final whistle blew in his side’s 2-2 draw with the Shrews on Saturday.Ian Evatt is facing a ban for his altercation after Bolton’s draw with ShrewsburyCredit: GettyEvatt went on the pitch to talk to the referee but ended up in a row with Shrewsbury defender Morgan FeeneyA disciplinary hearing has begun regarding the incidentEvatt has given his side of the story and insists he will talk to the FAThe Wanderers gaffer began discussions with the official on the pitch but then became embroiled in a spat with centre-back Feeney, 25.He was subsequently sent off and a disciplinary hearing is now underway.Ahead of the decision, Evatt has given his side of the story, insisting he was provoked into a reaction.Speaking to The Bolton News, he said: “Obviously I am not going to say too much because I am part of a process with the FA but what I will say is that I am disappointed. I am not happy with the way things turned out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There wasn’t an issue with the referee at all, we were discussing the timing situation, and there was context to my actions.”Their player grabbed me, said some not very nice things, and I reacted in a way I shouldn’t have done.”Whether it was emotion, frustration, passion, whatever you want to call it, it probably went too far.”But as I say, there is context behind the way I reacted and I will be discussing that with the FA.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is understood Bolton fear gaffer Evatt could face a more lengthy punishment than the regulation one-game ban.He is expected to miss their next game at home to Burton, but could also be absent for their following matches against Birmingham and Peterborough.Arsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerEvatt has been in charge of Bolton since July 2020, earning promotion to League One in his first season.He also led them to an EFL Trophy triumph in 2023.He has won 120 of 139 games as Bolton boss, but missed out on promotion to the Championship last season as his side were beaten 2-0 in the play-off final by Oxford.Bolton sit 13th in League One with 14 points from their opening nine matches. More