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      Sheffield Wednesday ban fan over ‘repulsive racist message’ aimed at Darren Moore after Peterborough playoffs thumping

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have slammed a disgusting racist message directed at manager Darren Moore – and swiftly banned the fan.The club revealed the 49-year-old was subjected to abuse in the wake of the Owls’ 4-0 play-off semi-final first-leg defeat to Peterborough last week.
      Sheffield Wednesday have slammed the racist abuse sent to boss Darren MooreCredit: PA
      A statement read: “Sheffield Wednesday are appalled by a repulsive racist message directed at Darren Moore posted on a social media platform following our game against Peterborough United on Friday evening.
      “We distance ourselves absolutely from this kind of abhorrent behaviour and have taken the appropriate steps by issuing an immediate ban on the individual in question from all SWFC fixtures and events.
      “Sheffield Wednesday stand shoulder to shoulder with Darren, the football family and wider society in condemning all forms of discrimination.
      “The club will offer our full support to Darren and we are working together with the authorities in ensuring this individual faces the full force of the law as a result of such a cowardly and despicable act.”
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      Moore is one of only three managers in England’s top four leagues and has previously spoken about the need for greater awareness of black heritage and culture in football.
      In an interview with SunSport, he said: “Black History Month is a time to recognise people of colour, the history of black heritage, men and women in local communities and even on a global scale.
      “It’s about how we have helped create the society we live in today, what people did long before me.
      “I can only be grateful for my peers and ancestors to open the door and give me opportunities.
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      “We all have a part to play. There is so much to learn from each other’s cultures — it’s about being open and embracing it.
      “Let’s promote equality between us and a genuine interest, irrespective of nationality.”
      He added: “It is set aside for one month in the year. But every day is Black History Month.
      “It doesn’t have to be, ‘Oh it’s Black History Month, we should consider it just for one month’.
      “Christmas is celebrated at one time. This is just not that. This is on a day-to-day basis.” More

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      Luton vs Sunderland: Black Cats eye place at Wembley as Hatters look to get back in the tie – stream, TV, team news

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      SUNDERLAND beat Luton 2-1 in the first leg of their Championship Play-Off semi-final.The Black Cats fell behind early on after Elijah Adebayo netted to give the Hatters the lead.
      Amad Diallo scored Sunderland’s equaliser against LutonCredit: GETTY
      Trai Hume scored the winner in the first-legCredit: Reuters
      Rob Edwards’ side lead was short-lived, as Amad Diallo struck just before half-time to equalise.
      21-year-old Trai Hume scored the winner at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland eye consecutive promotions.
      The Black Cats were promoted from League One last season courtesy of a Play-Off final victory over Wycombe.
      When is Luton vs Sunderland?

      Luton vs Sunderland will take place on Tuesday, May 16th.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      Kenilworth Road will play host.

      What channel is Luton vs Sunderland on and can it be live streamed?

      Luton vs Sunderland will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW app which is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all of the action from Kenilworth Road.

      Team news
      Rob Edwards will be hoping midfielder Alife Doughty will recover in time to feature on Tuesday night after being forced off with cramp late on at the Stadium of Light.
      Sunderland have several injury concerns as they head into the Play-Off semi-final second leg.
      Dennis Cirkin missed Saturday’s first leg with an ankle injury and will remain sidelined for tomorrow’s game.
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      Tony Mowbray will be hoping that injuries to both key men Alex Pritchard and Patrick Roberts aren’t serious.
      The integral duo were forced off late on in the first leg and are both doubts for Tuesday night.
      Elliot Embleton, Ross Stewart, Corry Evans, Danny Batth and Aji Alese will all remain unavailable.
      Odds
      Match result

      Luton – 21/20
      Draw – 9/4
      Sunderland – 27/10

      To qualify

      Luton – 6/4
      Sunderland – 1/2

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Former Tottenham starlet who Pochettino handed Premier League debut left unemployed at 26 after being released by club

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      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Luke Amos has been released by QPR following the expiration of his contract.The 26-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Championship outfit in 2020.
      Luke Amos has been released by Championship side QPRCredit: Rex
      The midfielder has suffered two anterior cruciate ligament injuriesCredit: Getty
      He has gone on to rack up 95 appearances for the club – including 21 this season.
      But he has not penned a new deal and has now been confirmed as one of six players released by the second-tier side.
      Leon Balogun, Olamide Shodipo, Conor Masterson, Charlie Owens and Ody Alfa have also departed Loftus Road.
      Amos came through Spurs’ academy and was first included in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in a 2-1 League Cup defeat to Liverpool in October 2016.
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      He then had to wait two years for his Tottenham debut.
      It eventually came when Pochettino sent him on in the 88th minute of a 2-1 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park in August 2018.
      The following month he signed a new deal to keep him in North London until 2021.
      But four weeks later he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a reserve team match.
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      Once he had gone through a lengthy recovery process, he was loaned out to QPR in the summer of 2019.
      He made 34 league appearances for the club during his season-long loan spell.
      And that convinced the club to sign him on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.
      But just two months after agreeing a deal with QPR, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament for a second time.
      He returned in 2021 and racked up more than 50 games over the course of the next two campaigns.
      But now he is searching for a new club less than three months after his 26th birthday. More

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      Jude Bellingham’s brother Jobe spotted at Sunderland’s play-off win over Luton as 17-year-old prodigy nears transfer

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM’S brother Jobe was spotted at Sunderland’s play-off first-leg win over Luton ahead of a summer move. The Birmingham City prodigy, 17, travelled to the Stadium of Light and could be playing in the Premier League next season after the Black Cats’ 2-1 win put them in pole position to reach Wembley.  
      Fans believe they spotted Jobe Bellingham outside Sunderland’s groundCredit: Twitter
      Jobe Bellingham could leave Birmingham this summerCredit: Alamy
      Jobe, the younger brother of Borussia Dortmund and England superstar Jude, made 23 appearances in his breakthrough campaign at St Andrew’s.
      But he now looks set to join his sibling in leaving their boyhood club aged 17 after just one full season. 
      Jobe has been linked with a move away and his relationship with Sunderland executive Kristjaan Speakman and coach Mike Dodds could seal the deal.
      They both played integral roles in his development at Birmingham, potentially proving the clincher. 
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      The hot prospect is also a central midfielder like his brother and made his senior debut aged 16 years and 107 days. 
      Jobe was 69 days older than Jude was when he first burst onto the scene for the Midlands-based side.
      Bellingham Jnr’s team-mate Troy Deeney is convinced he can be as good as Jude after hitting the gym this season.
      He told Kammy & Ben’s Proper Football Podcast: “He’s put on 10 kilos this year, he’s going to be an absolute monster just like his brother is.
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      “He is going to be unbelievably talented, you can’t deny that, but it is just going to take him a year or two longer than his brother. He’s in that shadow isn’t he? Wonderful kid, wonderful family.”
      Birmingham pocketed £25million after selling Jude back in 2020 and it is unclear how much they would be getting for the next member of the Bellingham family.
      Meanwhile, Jude could be in line for a huge summer transfer himself with Real Madrid reportedly leading the way.
      The LaLiga giants have supposedly offered the player a £12million-a-year deal.
      However, Dortmund and Real Madrid are yet to agree a fee and they want £124million.
      Manchester United and Manchester City are also in the race to sign him.
      Jude Bellingham could see his brother follow in his footstepsCredit: Getty More

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      Fans beg Amad Diallo to ‘save Man Utd from the shackles of Antony’ after free-kick screamer in playoffs for Sunderland

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans went into meltdown following Amad Diallo’s latest Sunderland screamer.The on-loan Red Devil has been the main man at the Stadium of Light this season – bagging 13 goals in 40 Championship appearances.

      Amad Diallo bagged a stunning equaliser in the first leg of Sunderland’s Championship play-off semi-final tie with LutonCredit: REX
      Diallo’s stunning free kick left Manchester United fans purringCredit: REX
      But he bagged the best of the bunch in the first leg of the Black Cats’ play-off semi-final tie with Luton on Saturday evening.
      The 20-year-old fired a stunning left-footed free kick past Ethan Horvath from 30 yards to draw the home side level and blow the roof of the Stadium Light.
      It didn’t take long for United fans to get wind of the wondergoal, which they raved about on Twitter.
      One tweeted: “What a talent Ten Hag has on his hands with Amad Diallo.”
      Another said: “Amad Diallo cooking in the playoffs.”
      One United fan even claimed the Ivorian would “save” them from Antony’s woeful displays.
      They tweeted: “Amad Diallo will save Man United from the shackles of Antony Santos.”
      Another said: “Amad Diallo and Lacey coming through?
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      “Antony’s career at United might be done.”
      United boss Erik ten Hag has been keeping tabs on Diallo’s progress at the Stadium of Light and has been thoroughly impressed by what he’s seen.
      And he’s not ruled out the prospect of bringing him into the fold next season.
      The Dutchman said: “We loan such players to make development and progress to bring them back.
      “That is the aim of the loan.
      Amad Diallo has been Sunderland’s star man this seasonCredit: REX
      “They are really strong, we mentor them, we follow them, we have communication over the season.
      “Especially Darren Fletcher, who invests a lot in such a process.
      “The aim is to bring them back as a better player with experience.”
      A second-half strike from Trai Hume saw Sunderland run out 2-1 winners in teh first leg of their semi-final tie.
      The second leg of the tie takes place Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.
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      United, meanwhile, will travel to the Vitality Stadium next Saturday to take on Bournemouth. More

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      Man Utd legend John O’Shea ‘in running for first managerial job with EFL club’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend John O’Shea is allegedly in the running to take over at relegated Reading.The Royals, who suffered a six-point deduction, axed Paul Ince last month and named Noel Hunt as interim boss until the end of the campaign.
      John O’Shea is allegedly ‘in the running’ for the vacant Reading jobCredit: Getty
      However, the former Reading striker was unable to stop them from slipping into League One and they are now searching for a new man to try and lead an instant return.
      Meanwhile, the 42-year-old O’Shea this week left his role as coach at Stoke City after just one year.
      He said that was in order to focus on his job as assistant manager to Stephen Kenny with the Republic of Ireland national team.
      But now journalist Darren Witcoop claims that the former defender, who finished his career after a one-season stint at Reading in 2019, could make a surprise return to his old club.
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      He tweeted: “John O’Shea, believed to be among the contenders for the managerial vacancy at Reading, has left his coaching role at Stoke.
      “O’Shea plans to focus on his Republic of Ireland coaching commitments.”
      Although he did also state that another man is ahead of him in the race for the job.
      He added: “Chris Wilder remains favourite to land the Royals job.”
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      Wilder has just left Watford after a short stint ended in him failing to secure a play-off spot in the Championship.
      O’Shea was promoted to the Ireland senior set-up by Kenny in February 2022.
      That was after previously serving as assistant to Jim Crawford with the Ireland U21 squad.
      He told Stoke’s official website this week: “I would like to thank everyone at Stoke City for their help and guidance last season and wish the club good luck for the future.” More

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      Birmingham slapped with points deduction just days after finishing Championship season and dodging relegation

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have been hit with a points deduction just days after avoiding relegation from the Championship.The Blues will be deducted two points, suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season, after admitting to a breach of EFL regulations.
      Birmingham have been slapped with a suspended points deductionCredit: Rex
      It comes after an EFL investigation into a breach of the Owners and Directors’ TestCredit: Getty
      The club were charged in February with a breach of the Owners and Directors’ Test after allowing a number of individuals to be defined as a Relevant Person and acquire control of the club without the prior approval of the EFL.
      Following sanctions against those individuals – Paul Richardson, Maxi Lopez and Matt Southall – issued last month, the club have entered an agreement with the EFL for a reprimand.
      A statement from Birmingham City said: “Birmingham City Football Club has entered into an Agreed Decision with the English Football League (EFL) in relation to charges issued on Monday 20 February 2023 concerning the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT).
      “This follows an investigation by the EFL into the proposed acquisition of control of the Club by Maxco Capital Co Ltd.
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      “The Club has cooperated fully with the EFL throughout the investigation and has accepted a two-point deduction, suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season.
      “The suspended deduction will only come into effect upon any future breach of the OADT before the end of next season.
      “In addition, the Club will make a contribution to the EFL’s costs of the investigation.”
      Birmingham finished 17th in the Championship this season.
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      An EFL statement also confirmed that Birmingham’s owner, Vong Pech, has been issued with a warning and a reprimand after permitting the individuals to acquire control of the club.
      The club added: “Whilst the Club has accepted the charges, the EFL has acknowledged a number of relevant circumstances in this particular matter and has recognised that the Club took extensive steps during the potential takeover to avoid any potential breach of the OADT.
      “The Club is satisfied that a prompt resolution has been reached during the season.” More

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      Joey Barton claims QPR were the ‘least favourite’ of his ex-clubs and he left Newcastle because he was a ‘mercenary’

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      JOEY BARTON has admitted QPR were the ‘least favourite’ of his old clubs and claims he only joined them as he was a ‘mercenary’ and took the highest wage on offer.The 40-year-old is currently managing Bristol Rovers after leaving Fleetwood Town in 2021.
      Joey Barton has revealed QPR are the ‘least favourite’ of his old clubsCredit: Getty
      The one-capped England international appeared on Robbie Fowler’s podcast to discuss his rollercoaster career, including his infamous training ground bust-up with former City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.
      And in an open and frank interview with the Liverpool legend, the controversial ex-midfielder held nothing back as he discussed his time at QPR.
      And he openly admits the 2011 switch from Newcastle to the capital was purely “a financial decision” rather than a playing one.
      Barton said: “QPR is probably my least favourite (of my ex-clubs). I didn’t really enjoy it, I shouldn’t have gone in hindsight.
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      “I left Newcastle and I fell out with Mike Ashley and I was looking for a new home and I was about to start a new family and it became, ‘Who is the highest bidder’.
      “I knew I was a mercenary at that point in terms of I wasn’t moving to push on and push up the table, I knew I was moving as a financial decision.
      He added: “So QPR was tough, the fans didn’t particularly like me and I’ve still got 80 per cent of the fanbase who don’t like me because I earned a lot of money even though I turned it around in the end and captained them to promotion.
      “Probably for me Newcastle is the closest connection to the fans I had.”
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      Barton left QPR to join Marseille on loan in 2012 but returned to the club and helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2014.
      He made 99 appearances for them in total before leaving permanently to join Burnley in 2015.
      Barton had a brief spell at Rangers in 2016 before heading back to Turf Moor to finish his playing career under Sean Dyche. More