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      Burnley vs Leeds LIVE RESULT: Top of the table sides share point after tough Turf Moor battle – latest updates

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      BURNLEY and Leeds played out a tense draw and earned a point each on Monday night.Top of the table Leeds United travel to third-placed Burnley with only three points separating them.After Sheffield United suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat to Hull City on Friday night, a Leeds win would extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.A Burnley win would see them leapfrog the Blades into second, although Leeds hold a seven-goal advantage in goal difference.Kick -off: 8pmTV: Sky Sports Main EventBurnley XI: Trafford, Esteve, Egan-Riley, Brownhill, Anthony, Humphreys, Roberts, Foster, Flemming, Cullen, Laurent.Leeds XI: Meslier, Bogle, Byram, Rodon, Ampadu, Gruev, Tanaka, James, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Leeds boss Daniel Farke interviewHe told Sky Sports: “It’s a good result. We’ve here a difficult away game against of the best sides in this league. They are unbeaten since ages and then to come away with a point on the road is always a good result in this league.”It’s another clean sheet which is pretty good. Yes it’s difficult to score goals against them. I think we could have been a bit committed and convincing in some situations. Our decision making in their box – when you face an opponent who play that well in defending – you have to anticipate a little bit more.”Our commitment in defence could have been better and then we could have won the game but overall it’s a good result and a good point for us.”Copy linkCopied”We’ll take it”Player of the match Burnley’s Maxime Esteve to Sky Sports: “I prefer the three points but that was a good performance defensively.”We know that Leeds are a strong team so that’s a good point. We’ll take it.”It was crucial not to lose but if you honestly look at the game – we didn’t have any shots on target. So honestly we’ll take this.”Copy linkCopied”We’re going to back ourselves”Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley told Sky Sports: “We’re working hard every day on the defence stuff and at the moment its working for us.”For me it’s the full team, the full XI – it’s not just the back four, it starts at the top of the pitch with the strikers and the pressing. The important thing If we keep this going we should be ok.”We know how the table looks, there are a few teams up there on similar points, we’re going to back ourselves. this game has gone, we will look back on it, reflect, we didn’t lose, we’ll go again next week.”Copy linkCopiedWhat it meansIf anyone is still awake after that then you should be reminded that none of the top-four have won so Leeds stay top, while Burnley epic defensive run continues.Scott Parker’s Clarets extend unbeaten run to 16 games with a seventh successive clean sheet and Burnley close to within a point of second-placed Sheffield United.Daniel Farke’s Leeds are now unbeaten in 11 matches.Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen’s view WHAT a boring night served up by these two Championship super powersIt wasn’t until the 89th minute when Leeds winger Dan James volleyed straight at James Trafford that either keeper was called into action.You would think that two clubs trying to go into the Premier League would be able to produce something better and more positive than this.Burnley still have not conceded a goal since December 21 at Watford and nine goals all season.And they frustrated leaders Leeds, who themselves were way too safe and not prepared to take risks. It was a “must-not-lose” approach by both managers.This was a bad avert for the Championship and frankly a worry for either team if they are promoted to the Premier League. They will be coming straight back down with this sort of approach.Copy linkCopiedFulltime 0-0 Well that’s 90 minutes of our lives we’ll never get back again…Copy linkCopiedFirst shot on target…88 minutes in!James Trafford leapt like a cat to protect his goal from a rasping shot from James. Trafford tipped it over the bar and the corner is dealt with.Alamy Live News. 2S9WB1G James Trafford (Burnley) during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley and Leeds United at Turf Moor, Burnley on Monday 27th January 2025. (Photo: Pat Scaasi | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.Copy linkCopied83 – Will Dan James rescue this misery?If anyone is going to conjure up a goal it’s going to be James. He weaves his way through the middle before being bought down by Brownhill. Livid away fans are calling for a yellow card, which never came. The defence is on top for now. Copy linkCopied80 – Crunch challengeAmpadu commits a crunchy tackle on Brownhill who looked to have got the ball but free kick given. The damage was mopped up and you guessed it… it stays 0-0. Copy linkCopied78 – Tempers flare Josh Brownhill wins a free-kick after a challenge from Ilia Gruev, which leaves Leeds players livid. Brownhill has to hobble off for 30 seconds after a spot of treatment but Jaidon Anthony’s cross goes behind. Ilan Meslier was thanking his lucky stars having sauntered off his line and nowhere near it.Copy linkCopied73 – Substitution Lyle Foster has put his body on the line for Scott Parker tonight, despite not coming close to a goal he has done the dirty work tracking back to snaffle up bogle as best he can.He’s applauded off the pitch while Brighton loanee Jeremy Sarmiento enters the fray. Copy linkCopied71 – Daniel Farke makes his move first Largie Ramazani and Mateo Joseph are on while Joel Piroe and Manor Solomon are hooked off. Copy linkCopied67 minutes – it’s getting spicy Jayden Bogle is the latest Leeds man in the book after complaining for a free-kick against Lyle Foster.Three yellows for the yellow team with Manor Solomon and Dan James already in the book.Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen’s verdict Both sides are too safe. The centre of the pitch is like being stuck in a traffic jam on the M25 – rammed with no space to move.But Leeds do at least show a bit more attacking ambition down the flanks.Dan James and Manor Solomon are constantly looking to turn and attack – while Lyle Taylor and Jaidon Anthony did not look to take on the full-backs with them often passing backwards.That frustrates fans.I’m so impressed with CJ Egan-Riley again. The centre-half superbly cut out that quick Joe Rodon pass. The former Manchester City kid has been one of the standout Championship players so far this season.Copy linkCopied60 – Yellow card Dan James mows down CJ Egan-Riley cynically in midfield and referee Josh Smith doesn’t hesitate whipping out his yellow card. Copy linkCopied58 – Leeds nearly score but the flag is up! Bogle cracks a volley jut wide from inside the box but flag is up straight away. It came after Manor Solomon curled in a cross, which sees Joel Piroe flagged for offside, before the ball dropped to Bogle. The tempo has cranked up at Turf Moor with both sets of fans giving it large.Copy linkCopied50 – Leeds chipping away A peach of a pass from Liam Cullen found Zian Flemming, who put the ball beyond Lyle Foster to chase. The Burnley man nudged Joe Rodon as he came back to cover, with the Welsh defender clattering to the floor, to bag a free-kick from referee Josh Smith.Copy linkCopiedSeven minutes of pure scrappiness With the greatest respect to the two best sides in the league, this start to the first-half has not been pretty. You can tell these this game is full to the brim with desperation from both sides not to lose. Copy linkCopiedIt’s all feeling a bit flat right nowThink we’re all looking like Zian Flemming watching this game right now. Head in hands at the lack of clear cut chances, with not a single shot on target so far. Copy linkCopiedTeams are back outNeither boss has made any changes to their line-up as we head into the second-half. Let’s hope for an early goal to liven things up . Copy linkCopiedEx-Burnley centre-back Ben Mee has his say “Seems like this game will need a moment of magic or a slip up to make the difference.”Copy linkCopiedBoredrawThis game certainly hasn’t got pulses racing with one Leeds fan joking on Twitter: “Thank you Burnley vs Leeds for saving my brother who has been in a coma for 10 years. “The game was so boring that he got out of be to turn it to another channel.”Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen reckons there is a goal brewing for Leeds Burnley content to sit in and close space when Leeds are in possession.You feel if a goal is to come for the Yorkshire side the source will be from down the right flank because Jayden Bogle has been excellent.The ex-Sheffield United ace has plenty of pace and tricks to open up even a tight defensive unit like Burnley.This game is crying out for a goal. A Leeds one would make it much more interesting.They have lots of options on the bench with the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani.Copy linkCopiedAll square at half-timeIt’s 0-0 at half-time with the one-minute of injury time saying it all. Copy linkCopied42 – Zian Flemming blazes it over The Dutchman tried his luck from long-range, but lashed his dipping volley into the gods Copy linkCopied More

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      Football host Jeff Stelling opens up about daughter’s battle with anorexia

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      FOOTBALL host Jeff Stelling has opened up about his daughter’s battle with anorexia.He said Olivia, 21, got “skeletal” from the mental health condition and spent months in hospital.Jeff said he faced the “heartbreaking” sight of girls in wheelchairs with no energy to walk.In 2023 Jeff, 69, told how “a friend” was struggling, and his comments went viral. He said Olivia was now happy for him to say it was her, and is doing well as a student.Dad-of-three Jeff has spoken to Parliament on the issue and said: “The reaction was astonishing.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said the numbers who relapse is “horrific”, adding: “If they relapse two, three or four times . . . they say they’re going to provide a pathway, in other words we’re not going to try and save you we’re going to try and help you die.”Last year Stelling promised go one step further than Gary Lineker if his beloved Hartlepool get to the Championship.The departed host memorably presented Match of the Day in his PANTS after Leicester won the Prem in 2015-2016.But that is nothing compared to the lengths talkSPORT host Stelling is prepared to go.Most read in FootballAsked whether he would emulate Lineker: “I would host talkSPORT breakfast without my pants in order for Hartlepool to get into the Championship.“League Two would be fine, never mind the Championship.”Fans have ‘tears in eyes’ as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary returnFootball pundit Jeff Stelling has opened up about his daughter’s battle with anorexia More

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      Sunderland cursing bitter rivals Newcastle as they play huge role in Black Cats blowing chance to close gap on top two

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      SUNDERLAND were left cursing bitter rivals Newcastle after blowing the chance to close the gap on the top two.And Miron Muslic kept his promise he would not leave the North East a beaten man as Nathanael Ogbeta secured a 2-2 draw at the death for the basement boys.Sunderland missed the chance to cut the gap to the Championship leadersCredit: GettyPlymouth earned a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of LightCredit: GettyThe Pilgrims were able to use Newcastle’s training facilitiesCredit: GettyThe Pilgrims boss revealed he called in a favour as they travelled up 24 hours early on Thursday to avoid Storm Eowyn.Muslic, who made five changes from Wednesday’s 5-0 defeat to Burnley, revealed: “We arrived here having the opportunity to use the training facilities of Newcastle United.“I used my contact with Paul Mitchell, the sporting director, so they gave us all the facilities we needed. We actually used this storm to work on the pitch and I think it was good.“We stayed together for two days so we could use it for some tactical sessions and some video analysis and just to get a little bit closer and to know each other. So in the end the possible disadvantage was actually an advantage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“With the hospitality of Newcastle United, that was the only thing with it. They told me I cannot lose the game over here. So I kept my word.”Sunderland, meanwhile, were poor all afternoon as Regis Le Bris’ side face the prospect of potentially being four points off automatic promotion by Monday.They were nearly punished when Anthony Patterson’s clearance fell straight to Adam Randall, but the keeper managed to scramble back to save his long-distance strike.After a poor opening half hour, the impatient crowd had something to cheer as Sunderland registered their first shot on target when Dan Neil’s vicious volley was tipped wide by the full-stretched Conor Hazard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey had to wait until the 42nd-minute for their next one as the goalie pushed away Dennis Cirkin’s diving header and then his header hit team-mate Luke O’Nien’s and went wide in a moment that summed up their first half.It should have been Plymouth ahead at the start of the second.Fans convinced Jude Bellingham sang X-rated chant about Alan Shearer while watching brother Jobe for SunderlandRyan Hardie’s last goal came back in September when the Pilgrims beat Sunderland at Home Park.And he could not have asked for a better opportunity to break his 133-day duck as Mustapha Bunda’s teasing cross found him completely unmarked six yards out – only for him to head off target.Fortunately for him he made amends as the basement boys stunned the Stadium of Light.Chris Mepham failed to deal with a cross into the box, it deflected out to Hardie, and he managed to rifle a low cross-cum-shot off Patterson’s leg into the net for an own goal.Though any hopes of securing a first league away win of the season quickly evaporated inside two minutes as Hume’s cross from the right was hooked in first-time by Wilson Isidor.Sunderland were nearly caught again by a sucker punch when Patterson managed to tip Callum Wright’s inswinging shot onto the post.And it proved to be a pivotal moment as the Black Cats turned it round just 14 minutes after falling when Trai Hume controlled Enzo Le Fee’s free-kick and rifled home.That looked to be it – but slack Sunderland had been playing with fire all afternoon and they eventually got burned in the 90th minute.Ogbeta pounced at the back post as the home defence failed to clear Darko Gyabi’s ball to leave Le Bris pulling his hair out.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sunderland manager, whose side face a short trip down the A19 to sixth-placed Middlesbrough for the Tees-Wear derby next, said: “We did talk in the week about taking the opportunities when they arise and that opportunity was there with Sheffield United losing on Friday night. So it’s a big opportunity missed.“Yeah, I don’t think like that really, because we’ll make the summary at the end of the season and it’s not just a question of round, it’s a question of total at the end.” More

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      Football should trial return of pints in the stands… but can minority of fans be trusted to show we’re past dark days?

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      AS ladies say ‘cheers’ to drinking alcohol in the stands at Women’s Championship matches, the chance of a return to a beer or two on all the men’s terraces are about as high as Accrington Stanley winning League Two.Actually, Accrington’s average attendance of 2,509 would be a very good ground at which to start serving alcohol as policing any noisy drunks would be a simple process.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matchesCredit: GettyKarren Brady is happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them she worries about . . .Credit: PABut it isn’t going to happen at Wham Stadium which, incidentally, is not named after (the late and great) George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s pop pairing.Nor anywhere else, at least not in the near future.Drinking alcohol within view of the playing field was stopped in 1985 after a sequence of events involving noisy, sometimes violent, spectators.There are no moves to change the law although there are many ways of buying alcohol beyond a pitch view, and a recent study showed Chelsea fans top the beer table, drinking on average six pints a game.Read More on FootballAt that rate, they might need a half-time substitution for their liver more than their team.The police and stewards are on the look-out for drunks or people bringing alcohol into grounds although some still try. A Leeds supporter succeeded in 2012 and, should anyone need convincing that the ban should end, the facts were he assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after running on to the pitch.It transpired that the offender drank countless cans of lager and a bottle of vodka on the journey to the ground. In Sheffield he then drank at least seven pints of cider.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesI feel woozy even writing that. He was jailed for 16 weeks and banned from football grounds for six years.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matches and it made sense supporters should be able to drink wisely during this trial.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalIt’s a different crowd, reflected in the fact government data revealed there had been no arrests recorded at women’s football matches.The end of restrictions is positive for several reasons — extra revenue, another attraction for people to attend, and even a tot to cheer fans of the losing side.Supporters of a return to drinks during play can point to rugby and cricket for freedom from limitations.At the Ireland v Scotland match a record 137,000 pints of beer were sold at Stade de France.There was a mass brawl, but that was on the pitch between the players. Drinkers at cricket are often asleep anyway.Women tend to follow the rules rather than consider them a nuisance. We despise violence and bad behaviour, both of which are much more prevalent among men and it is unlikely many will see pie-eyed woman causing trouble at matches.Maybe solution lies in compromiseI would love to make a bonfire of all restrictions but I don’t think it would be possible or responsible.Ultimately, the question isn’t just about alcohol — it’s about trust. Have fans moved on from the dark days of the 80s? Can clubs strike the right balance between modernisation and maintaining order?In football, intensity and passion run high. Add alcohol to this and it can be a problem.The last thing clubs or fans want is a descent into chaos because of a few irresponsible drinkers.The landscape of football has been transformed in those 40 years. Stadiums are safer, crowds are more diverse, and family-friendly atmospheres have replaced toxic environments of the past.Perhaps the solution lies in compromise. Limited trials at selected matches could provide data on whether ending the ban works.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuidelines would have to be stringent and include steps such as alcohol-free zones, stricter ID checks, and time-limited drinking.I am happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them I worry about . . . More

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      Wrexham’s European dreams shattered by FA as Ryan Reynolds’ club BLOCKED from entering new competition

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      WREXHAM’s hopes of competing in Europe have been dashed.It comes after the Football Association blocked attempts to allow clubs playing in the English leagues to participate in the Welsh League Cup.Wrexham’s European dream has been blocked by the FA after they were denied access to playing in the Welsh League CupCredit: GettyThe new-look Welsh League Cup has been granted a Conference League qualification spot by UEFA.And the Football Association of Wales (FAW) had wanted the EFL’s Welsh clubs – Wrexham, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport – to participate.However, the English FA board has rejected the proposal on the grounds it does not provide equal opportunity to other clubs in the English football pyramid.A statement from the FA said: “The FA board has considered a request made by four Welsh clubs to take part in a restructured version of the FAW League Cup which would provide an opportunity to qualify for UEFA competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As part of the request, the Welsh clubs would forfeit their existing right to qualify for UEFA club competitions through the English system whilst they remained members of the EFL.”The Welsh clubs would then seek to qualify for UEFA competition via the English system should they be promoted to the Premier League.”As a result of the request, the FA undertook a thorough consultation with stakeholders and invited submissions from the Welsh clubs.”Following careful consideration, taking into account various factors including equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis; concerns raised by stakeholders regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare, and the impact on the standing of existing competitions, the FA board has rejected the request.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It was noted that it is open to the Welsh clubs to choose whether or not to participate in the English or Welsh system based on their own assessment of the relative merits of participation in each system, but if they choose to participate in the English system they must do so on the same basis as the English clubs which participate in that system.”If accepted the move would have handed the likes of Wrexham an additional revenue stream not accessible by their English EFL rivals.Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds The Red Dragons were the last Welsh EFL side to play in Europe via a Welsh competition, coming in 1995/96 through the Welsh Cup.Since then, only Swansea have competed on the continent after winning the English League Cup in 2013. More

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      Astonishing amount Watford have spent on sackings revealed with owners’ 21st manager Tom Cleverley at risk of axe

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      WATFORD have coughed up nearly £20million on managerial sackings over the past five seasons.The Championship club is known for its lack of patience and current boss Tom Cleverley is edging closer to their ruthless revolving door.Tom Cleverley could be at risk of being sackedCredit: RexWatford owner Gino Pozzo has fired 20 managers since 2012Credit: RexWatford have had 19 different managers since Gino Pozzo took over in 2012 – including three last season.Cleverley is now at risk of becoming the 21st redundancy of that time, as Quique Sanchez Flores spent 15 months at the club across two different spells.But constantly hiring and firing managers comes at a price.The club’s accounts have often been hit by termination payments for sacked managers.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPozzo was forced to fork out £1.1m to Valerien Ismael and his staff when he dismissed him after 10 months in charge.That figure is significantly down from the £7.8m paid in 2021-22 when Xisco Munoz, Claudio Ranieri and Roy Hodgson were all axed.That exceeded the £6.76m in matchday revenue the club brought in for games at Vicarage Road during that entire campaign.In all, it means Watford have squandered around £20m in settlement payments over the last five seasons.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Cleverley is at risk of becoming their next causality, despite the fact that Watford sit eighth, just one point off the play-off places. On Thursday, talkSPORT claimed the Hornets were set to add the Englishman to their long list of managerial redundancies.Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!Spanish media outlets reported that Pacheta, who formerly managed Villarreal, is a contender to replace the former Man Utd midfielder.But Watford then issued a bizarre statement regarding Cleverley’s future.Rather than announcing Cleverley had been axed, the club confirmed he would be in charge of the next game against Coventry.While Cleverley’s side are well-placed for a promotion push, they have won just two of their last eight Championship fixtures.The concerning run, which stretches back to December 15, prompted rumours that he may not be at the helm for much longer. But 97 per cent of fans want Cleverley to survive his stay of execution, according to a poll run by a Watford Observer reporter.Meanwhile, Watford’s £58m revenue last season is some £90m lower than the heydays of life in the Premier League during 2018/19 term. More

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      Fans say Sheffield Wednesday ‘should be shut down’ after serving £5 Philly cheesesteak as MLS side ask ‘what is this?’

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      FANS demanded Sheffield Wednesday “be shut down” for their attempt at serving a £5 Philly cheesesteak.And the experts in America could not believe what they had witnessed from Hillsborough.The Philly cheesesteak on offer at Sheffield Wednesday was blasted onlineCredit: Jam PressPopular X account Footy Scran posted the shocking photo online on Wednesday night before the 2-2 draw with Bristol City.The caption simply read: “Philly cheesesteak at Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) – £5.”But it was the accompanying picture that did the damage – and left users aghast.The so-called Philly cheesesteak included two almost-grey dry slabs of questionable meat, some crusty unmelted cheese, a couple of stray peppers and an unappetising bread roll. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFooty Scran put out a poll asking if the food counted as “scran” or “no scran”.Unsurprisingly from more than 23,000 votes, a whopping 88 per cent voted “no scran”.And it led to a wave of hilarious responses – including some who did not even know what or who Sheffield Wednesday are. One said: “Proof that whatever Sheffield Wednesday is, it should be shut down. Or at least get a visit from Gordon Ramsay!”Most read in ChampionshipBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother wrote: “That’s a hate crime.”A third added: “Bro I’ve had prison food that looks better than this.”Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession A fourth typed: “Can you not share photos like this when I’m eating. Ruining my dinner.”A fifth joked: “Looks like a lung transplant.”A sixth replied: “I would not let my dog eat that.”A seventh quipped: “Is that tree bark?”An eighth commented: “Looks like it came out of a time capsule…”And even MLS club Philadelphia Union got involved – clearly defensive about their local cuisine.They simply asked: “What is this lol.”Sheffield Wednesday are not the only English football team to come under fire for their far-from-Michelin-star stadium catering. Alfreton Town’s chips, mushy peas and gravy left plenty to be desired.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Northampton Town’s pathetic excuse of a hot dog left some fans suggesting the tin foil it came in looked more appealing.Doncaster Rovers, however, got it spot on with their sumptuous Chippy Tea Butty complete with a fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce. Northampton’s hot dogs did not go down wellCredit: X @FootyScranDoncaster impressed with their stunning fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce buttyCredit: @drfc_official More

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      EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE star Morgan Whittaker REFUSED to turn up for last night’s Championship clash with Burnley, claims boss Miron Muslic.Whittaker, 24, has been Argyle’s star man since signing permanently from Swansea in a £1million transfer in the summer of 2023.Morgan Whittaker has been heavily linked with an Argyle exitCredit: GettyBoss Miron Muslic pulled on punches on Whittaker’s absence last nightCredit: RexThe winger was denied a potential move to Lazio last January, and was linked with Burnley last summer.Argyle have turned down bids from the Clarets and Middlesbrough this month and are demanding at least double the £5million offered.Swansea possess a hefty sell-on clause, which has contributed to Argyle digging in on their asking price.Whittaker is under contract at Home Park until 2027.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe highly-rated attacker, who was named in last season’s Championship Team of the Year, had been due to face one of his potential suitors, Burnley, last night.But he was a notable absentee from Muslic’s matchday squad.And when the new Argyle boss was asked about Whittaker’s absence after his side’s grim 5-0 defeat, he pulled no punches.The 42-year-old said: “We need players who really want to play for Argyle so we can always come to them when we need players, who are ready to give everything.Most read in ChampionshipSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYWhittaker met new boss Muslic last weekCredit: Getty”I know he’s a target and linked with transfers. He was available today, he was in the selection and he wasn’t there.”So, it’s what I said again, we need to change this mentality, we need to change the locker room, we need to get characters inside with the desire to face this challenge and to give it all, that’s our only way and our only chance.” ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-LocatMuslic then continued: “He was in the selection, and that’s everything I have to say.”Morgan is an Argyle player under contract here as long as nobody has paid the money we as an organisation demand, to pay his value.”He’s an Argyle player and he has responsibilities and obligations to Argyle and like I said, that’s one of the reasons why Argyle is struggling for the last months.”Morgan didn’t show up, he was in the selection. We had a game today, he was in the selection, he wasn’t there, and that’s everything I have to say on Morgan.”SunSport understands that Boro are favourites to secure Whittaker’s signature this month.The move would see him reunite with former Argyle team-mate Finn Azaz, who has shone on Teesside since cutting short his Home Park loan last January to quit parent club Aston Villa for Boro.Whittaker scored 19 Championship goals last season as Argyle stayed up on the final day.But he has endured a significantly less prolific campaign this time around, with the Pilgrims having struggled under Muslic’s predecessor Wayne Rooney.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe offered a stark reminder of his quality in the FA Cup earlier this month, scoring a brilliant winner as Argyle dumped Brentford out of the FA Cup under caretaker boss Kevin Nancekivell.The Championship’s bottom side return to action this Saturday, when they make the long trip to high-flying Sunderland.Whittaker scored a brilliant FA Cup winner at BrentfordCredit: Rex More