Championship

ARSENAL fans were left purring after Auston Trusty scored a brilliant flick for Birmingham City last night.The American defender joined the Gunners from Colorado Rapids in January, later going on to sign for Blues on a season-long loan in the summer.

Auston Trusty’s flick finds the back of the netCredit: PA
Trusty, 24, celebrates with Dion SandersonCredit: Reuters
Trusty, 24, has become an instant hit for John Eustace’s men, and played a big role in their 2-0 victory over QPR in the Championship last night.
Birmingham sent their defenders forward when they earned a corner just three and a half minutes into the game.
When the initial delivery was headed clear, former Gunner Krystian Bielik helped the ball back into the box.
Trusty then acrobatically launched a flick goalbound, flummoxing QPR stopper Seny Dieng in the process.
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The ball looped over the helpless Senegal international, with Trusty wheeling away in celebration.
Trusty’s goal was his third of the season, having also bagged a double against Bristol City earlier this month.
Arsenal fans paying attention to Trusty’s progress appear to be delighted with what they’re seeing.
One wrote: “Get him back at Arsenal to partner Saliba.”
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A second commented: “Better than Lisandro already.”
While a third cheekily wrote: “@FIFAcom Puskas Award.”
Another Arsenal fan added: “one for the future.”
West Ham loanee Emmanuel Longelo doubled Birmingham’s lead on 29 minutes – shimmying before sending a right-footed effort into the bottom corner.
QPR were awarded a penalty in the second half, although John Ruddy denied Lyndon Dykes from 12 yards.
A win would have put Mick Beale’s side top of the table, although it was Blues that instead climbed to 11th.
After the match, Birmingham boss Eustace told the BBC: “I was very proud of the whole performance. We showed great character after the break to dig in and get a result.
“QPR are a fantastic team, We just wanted to be committed and competitive in everything we did and it’s great to hear the fans getting such a good connection. It was brilliant having so many in.”
John Eustace has brought a feel goof factor back to St Andrew’sCredit: PA More

CARDIFF striker Callum Robinson has issued an apology after being sent off in the SEVENTH minute against local rivals Swansea.Robinson, 27, threw the ball in Ben Cabango’s face from close range after being shoved from behind.

Robinson was sent off in the seventh minute for throwing the ball into a Swansea player’s faceCredit: Rex
Robinson shared this post on Instagram saying he took ‘full responsibility’ for his actions
And the Bluebirds went on to lose the game 2-0 with the summer signing’s red card being the turning point.
The Republic of Ireland international said sorry on Monday, via his Instagram account.
Robinson admitted it was his fault and took “full responsibility”.
He said: “I know how important this fixture is for our fans and everyone associated with the club and my actions weren’t good enough.
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“I was gutted to leave my teammates out there playing with a man less. I will now do all I can to help the club achieve the results the fans deserve going forward.”
Robinson’s boss, interim manager Hudson, told WalesOnline after the game that the striker’s hot head cost his team but he’s been “brilliant” since joining the side.
He said: “It’s about having controlled aggression in moments during a game.
“He’s been brilliant since he’s come into the football club, he’s brilliant with the players, and he’s been brilliant in the build-up towards it.
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“It’s something to learn from and I can only focus on the players who were on from seven onwards.
“They stuck in, fought for the club, fought for the badge, and fought for each other which is all you can ask.”
The ref was a talking point after the game with many fans stunned that he didn’t see a clear handball by Cardiff ace Cedric Kipre.
That came on 35 minutes into the South Wales derby.
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The hosts crossed the ball and Kipre, 25, cleared it out of the box but he seemed to punch it away rather than head it.
The Swans players surrounded referee Darren Bond who didn’t spot the handball. More

CHAMPIONSHIP fans could not believe that the referee did not see a clear handball by Cardiff ace Cedric Kipre.In the South Wales derby played between Cardiff and Swansea there was controversy 35 minutes in.

Cedric Kipre got away with one in the South Wales derbyCredit: Getty
Cedric Kipre hit the ball away with his handCredit: Sky Sports
The referee missed the handball and his view was perhaps blockedCredit: Sky Sports
Swansea crossed the ball and Kipre, 25, cleared it out the box but he seemed to punch it away rather than head it.
The Swansea players surrounded referee Darren Moore who didn’t spot the handball.
The match ended 2-0 to the Swans and after the game the incident was the big talking point.
Fans were left in shock especially after seeing replays, one said: “Contender for most blatant handball ever missed by a referee.”
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Many compared it to the infamous ‘hand of God’ goal scored by Diego Maradona versus England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.
Supporters took to Twitter: “Kipre bringing out his prime Maradona.”
Another similarly said: “How has Kipre got away with that Maradona-esque handball.”
More reacted calling it a “goalkeeper impression.”
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The standard of refereeing has been scrutinised by many this season due a large number of VAR controversies – the Championship does not have VAR.
It left some fans demanding change, one stated: “Standard of refereeing in English football is the worst in Europe, need a revamp and get referees in that can actually officiate to a decent standard.”
Kipre is on loan at Cardiff from West Brom – both sides are in the bottom five of the table. More

BURNLEY fast-tracked goalkeeper Charlie Casper into their first-team squad training group — at the age of just 17.Highly-rated Casper is the grandson of former Turf Moor boss Frank and steeped in Clarets tradition, with his rise catching the eye.
Charlie Kasper has been involved in the Burnley first-team this seasonCredit: @charliekasper
Casper may go out on loan this season to keep up his rapid improvement.
The youngster is yet to feature in a matchday squad but Vincent Kompany did bring him along on the short trip to Preston last month.
Casper was delighted to be involved, writing on Instagram: “Great experience with the first team last night ⚽️”
The goalkeeper signed a scholarship deal with the Clarets in February and Frank revealed his pride at his grandson’s achievement.
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He said: “I’m very proud of him. He’s worked hard to get this.
“I used to watch him as a junior when he was a midfielder and I thought he was a good player then.
“He strikes a good ball, which helps for goalkeepers in today’s game.
“He’s a level-headed lad who will work hard and he knows what it takes to be a footballer from myself and his dad.
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“It’s always difficult as a goalkeeper because it’s one position, but I just hope he can make it all the way.” More