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      Stoke in talks to sign Rabbi Matondo in loan transfer from Schalke with 20-year-old ex-Man City ace out of favour

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      STOKE CITY have reportedly opened talks with Schalke over a loan deal for Rabbi Matondo.
      The Mail claims Wales’ talented winger is desperate to make their Euro squad this summer.

      Stoke want to sign Rabbi Matondo on loan from SchalkeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Matondo has featured just three times for Schalke this season.
      The Germans sit bottom of the Bundesliga table after failing to win a single game in 14 attempts.
      And new boss Christian Gross, who replaced David Wagner over Christmas, does not intend on restoring Matondo to the starting XI.
      Stoke are now ready to bring the 20-year-old flyer back to England, two years after he left Manchester City for Schalke in an £11million deal.

      Matondo made eight appearances in his first six months at the club, before featuring 21 times last season.
      And Stoke boss Michael O’Neill believes Matondo can play a big part in help the Championship outfit seal at least a play-off spot this term.
      The midfielder is sure to jump at the chance of an exit as he looks to solidify his Euro place under Wales boss Ryan Giggs.
      But a move to Stoke may not have been what Matondo was expecting after being strongly linked with Manchester United in 2020.

      His impressive performances a year ago saw him reportedly emerge as a target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who saw Matondo as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund’s £108m-rated Jadon Sancho.
      At the time, Matondo said: “I am concentrating on Schalke, I still have to achieve my goals here.
      “I am just concentrating on that and we just see how things go, but for now I am just focused on Schalke.
      “Hopefully I can get into the team and help them climb up the table.”

      Schalke star Rabbi Matondo shocked Pep Guardiola by being faster than Kyle Walker and Leroy Sane More

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      Bournemouth star Junior Stanislas suffers ‘disgusting and completely intolerable’ racist abuse after winner at Stoke

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      BOURNEMOUTH have backed calls for social media companies to step up after Junior Stanislas suffered ‘completely intolerable’ racist abuse following his winner against Stoke.
      The winger, 31, was targeted on Twitter after his goal helped the Cherries to a 1-0 win on Saturday.

      Stanislas is congratulated by Bournemouth team-mates after scoring the winner against StokeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Stanislas celebrates against Stoke after scoring his seventh goal in 17 league games this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      One single user sent ‘multiple tweets of racial abuse alongside vile insults about the midfielder’s family’, a statement from the South Coast club revealed.
      Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake added: “It is both disgusting and completely intolerable that anyone could be subjected to the racial abuse that Junior has received.
      “I am astounded that people believe writing and posting these comments is acceptable.
      “We will be contacting Twitter and the Football Association for their help in identifying the individual concerned, and will pursue the strongest possible action against them.”

      The latest sickening attack comes after Stanislas’ fellow Championship star Bright Osayi-Samuel was targeted earlier this week after he scored for QPR in their 1-1 draw with Norwich.
      He was sent banana and monkey emojis on Instagram alongside a message wishing that he and his family die ‘in an accident or with the corona’.
      It led to calls from Rangers’ director of football Les Ferdinand demanding that social media companies and governing bodies in sport step in to stop people being able to set up anonymous accounts.
      The England hero, 54, stated: “In a society that now rightly places greater importance on mental wellbeing than ever before, how can people be able to set up anonymous social media accounts?

      Les Ferdinand called for action after QPR’s Osayi-Samuel was sent vile messageCredit: PA:Press Association

      “This will continue and continue until we stop it from being possible.
      “I believe governing bodies across sport – not just football – need to come together to create a powerful voice which calls for social media platforms to change their stance.”
      Bournemouth’s Blake echoed his calls in his statement backing former Burnley and West Ham ace Stanislas, who has seven goals in 17 league games already this term.
      He said: “We would wholeheartedly support any movement towards ensuring that all social media accounts are verified through formal identification, and therefore make the users liable for their actions.
      “The club’s stance on any form of discrimination is unequivocal. It is completely unacceptable and must be called out and acted upon whenever and wherever it is found.
      “We stand firmly with Junior and will continue to work tirelessly to educate and rid the game of all forms of discrimination.”

      Ashton Hewitt was targeted after Dragons lost to Scarlets
      Rugby has also fallen foul of racism on social media this week.
      Dragons’ Ashton Hewitt was targeted by a newly-created Twitter account after the New Year’s Day defeat to the Scarlets.
      Police have been alerted and Hewitt himself shared a screenshot of the abuse with the caption: “This is what a rugby fan somewhere (in Wales I think) wants me to see after a game.
      “Pleaaase someone find out and tell me who it is.”

      Troy Deeney on Millwall fans booing players taking a knee More

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      Ched Evans in advanced talks over free Preston transfer after leaving Fleetwood for ‘discipline and behaviour issues’

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      PRESTON boss Alex Neil is leading the race for Ched Evans — as he tries to get away from Fleetwood.
      The ex-Wales striker, 32, will be released by the Cod Army if they can sort out a settlement.

      Preston are leading the transfer chase for Ched EvansCredit: PA:Press Association

      Sunderland and Ipswich are keen but he may want to stay in the north west.
      Boss Joey Barton wants Evans out but Town could now ask for a fee.
      He is unlikely to play any more games as he will qualify for a new deal.
      Evans is leaving the League One side after a reported fall out with Barton.

      His manager said last month: “He’s no longer with us and he’ll leave the building due to his discipline and his behaviour.
      “There’s been multiple infractions and we always try to give a bit of leeway but it’s just run its course.”
      Evans was originally convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman in Rhyl, Denbighshire, in May 2011 following a trial.
      He was playing for Sheffield United at the time, who he scored 48 times for in 124 appearances, and was believed to be earning £18,000-a-week.

      However, a Court of Appeal quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial in 2016.
      A team of private investigators offered a £50,000 reward for any new information to help his case as they gathered new evidence.
      A jury at Cardiff Crown Court then heard from two men who had had sexual relations with the complainant around the same period as the rape allegation.
      Evans was found not guilty of the charge following the eight-day trial in less than three hours by the jury.
      He then reached an out-of-court settlement, believed to be six-figures, with his original defence team over their handling of the case.
      He joined Fleetwood initially on loan in the 2018/19 campaign and later joined permanently, scoring 31 goals in 84 league matches.

      Ched Evans reveals vicious abuse he receives in first major interview since returning to football More

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      QPR ready to offer ex-Tottenham chief Tim Sherwood a return to dugout if struggles continue

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      QPR are ready to ask Tim Sherwood to become their boss if Mark Warburton fails to turn round results.
      Sherwood is a close friend of club supremo Les Ferdinand.

      Tim Sherwood could return to the dugout by taking over from Mark Warburton as QPR managerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Tottenham and Aston Villa manager is working as a TV pundit and has turned down other chances to go back into the dugout.
      Sherwood has been out of football since a season at Swindon, where he was director of football but left when they were relegated.
      But he showed his potential at Spurs, famously giving Harry Kane his big break and also talking old pal Ferdinand into joining his team.
      Sherwood had a bitter-sweet spell at Villa, which ended after he took them to the FA Cup final.

      Since then he has been on the fringes of the game but friends say he would take up a challenge if it was right and he could trust his bosses.
      A major stumbling block could be his £1million-a-year pay demands, though.
      Sherwood is pals with Chris Ramsey and could form part of a new management team if Ferdinand can fund it.
      Rangers have had a flat season under Warburton and are just above the relegation zone in the Championship.

      They are also trying to do a deal for Sheffield Wednesday striker Jordan Rhodes.
      He is a free agent in the summer and could leave this month.
      Ferdinand will free up funds for a goalscorer and Rhodes has a proven record at the level.
      Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri stopped him leaving before by asking for a big fee.
      But with his contract running out, that will be impossible this time.

      Sherwood worked with friend Les Ferdinand during his time in charge of TottenhamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Warburton faces a battle to keep hold of his job as Rangers sit just above the relegation zoneCredit: Alamy Live News

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      Watch Swansea star Jamal Lowe cheekily celebrate in front of Ben Foster’s GoPro after scoring against him

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      JAMAL LOWE cheekily celebrated his equaliser against Watford today by running up to Ben Foster’s GoPro.
      The Hornets goalkeeper has been filming from inside his goal all season for his YouTube channel.

      Jamal Lowe cheekily pointed at the GoProCredit: Rex Features

      His channel, called The Cycling GK, has proven to be immensely popular, gathering well over a million views in quick time.
      So Lowe, having equalised for the Swans on the stroke of half time, couldn’t resist pointing to the camera as he ran past the net.
      Tom Cleverley had given Watford a 20th minute lead, before Lowe hit back.
      And the former Portsmouth and Wigan forward, 26, added to Foster’s woe in the second half by notching another.

      Lowe’s brace was enough to bag Swansea a useful 2-1 victory at the Liberty Stadium.
      And fans absolutely loved his celebration.
      One Swan wrote: “Jamal Lowe pointing at the camera in Ben Foster’s goal.
      “My number nine.”

      Ben Foster puts a GoPro in his net to film each game for his YouTube channelCredit: Rex Features

      The forward’s brace handed the Swans a crucial victoryCredit: Alamy Live News

      Another added: “Excellent s***housery from Jamal Lowe. Can’t fault it”.
      And a third joked: “This is Jamal Lowe’s world and we’re all just living in it.”
      The win saw Swansea leapfrog Brentford into second, while also putting six points between themselves and Foster’s Watford – who fall to sixth.

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      Rotherham vs Cardiff postponed due to snow but visitors take advantage with snowball fight on pitch

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      ROTHERHAM UNITED’S Championship clash with Cardiff City was called off just an hour before kick-off due to heavy snowfall.
      Yorkshire has been layered in plenty of snow in the wake of Storm Bella.

      The visitors shook off the disappointment by launching some snowballsCredit: Rex Features

      Cardiff tried the pitch in vainCredit: Rex Features

      And in a late flurry before today’s scheduled match, Rotherham’s New York Stadium found itself covered in enough to make a snowman.
      But rather than do that, the visiting Cardiff players shook off the disappointment of not having a game to play… by having a snowball fight instead.
      Rotherham’s official statement cited ‘player safety’ as their top priority in deciding to postpone the match.
      But some cheeky Cardiff players could be seen taking theirs into their own hands on the pitch.

      Masked stars were pictured having fun as they launched little snowballs at each other.
      Players were also photographed getting a football out and giving the pitch a little try.
      But already coated in white, it was never going to be safely playable.
      The postponement means that the Millers, who already had two games in hand on their rivals, could go bottom of the Championship this afternoon – if Wycombe Wanderers manage to beat Middlesbrough at Adams Park.

      The New York Stadium became a winter wonderlandCredit: Rex Features

      The match was postponed with an hour to spareCredit: Rex Features

      Rotherham could fall to the bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: Rex Features

      Cardiff, meanwhile, will remain in a slightly disappointing 15th.
      Rotherham played their first game in nearly two weeks on Tuesday, when they took on Yorkshire foes Barnsley at the New York Stadium.
      It was a disappointing return to action for boss Paul Warne and Co, however, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat.
      Their next match will be their FA Cup trip to Everton.

      Pep Guardiola slams Everton’s response to postponement as he urges clubs to put safety first More

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      Swansea probe after booing from OUTSIDE stadium as players took knee in support of Black Lives Matter against Reading

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      SWANSEA will investigate booing and jeering which came from OUTSIDE the Liberty Stadium before the goalless draw against Reading as both teams took the knee.
      Steve Cooper’s promotion hopefuls were left frustrated as Royals goalkeeper Rafael Cabral produced a series of stunning saves, but the big talking point came before a ball was kicked.

      Swansea will investigate booing from outside the stadium as players took the knee

      As both sides took the knee before kick-off in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, a loud series of horns and booing noises were heard from a group gathered outside the ground.
      It is unclear who the group were or indeed their motives, but it was the second successive Swansea home game in which it has occurred.
      Their head coach Cooper, 41, said: “I heard some noises but I couldn’t tell what it was. Let’s find out and the reasons behind it.
      “In terms of taking the knee we are a club which has continued to commit to it.”

      On the field Cooper’s men were playing their first game on the new Liberty Stadium pitch.
      The old one – which is shared with rugby union side The Ospreys – had been ripped up before Christmas after it deteriorated badly.
      Cabral was the man to deny the Welsh side time and time again.
      The Brazilian had conceded 12 goals in five games in November during Reading’s poor run, but he was outstanding here to earn his team a gritty point.

      Reading manager Veljko Paunovic said he was aware of the booing pre-match but did not comment further. Instead he rightly hailed Cabral’s display.
      “He was man of the match for me and I am very happy with his performance,” Paunovic said. “He is the pillar of our defence.
      “We built our identity on defence at the start of the season and we are slowly getting that back.”  

      Millwall fans clap and cheer at The Den as QPR take the knee ahead of Championship game More

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      QPR striker Bright Osayi-Samuel shares ‘disgusting’ racist abuse he received after draw with Norwich

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      BRIGHT OSAYI-SAMUEL has shared the ‘disgusting’ racist abuse he received after QPR’s 1-1 draw with Norwich.
      The forward’s Instagram account was targeted by a poster who compounded a series of offences and disgusting messages by using monkey and banana emojis.

      Bright Osayi-Samuel scored in the 84th minute of the clash against NorwichCredit: Rex Features

      Rangers have urged Instagram to help uncover the full identity of “Youssef” to ensure he is punished.
      Osayi-Samuel received the abuse after netting the late equalising penalty in the 1-1 draw which, in addition to the despicable language saw him accused of costing “Youssef” “a lot of money”.
      The striker showed maturity with his response, writing: “It’s disgusting and painful to be receiving messages like this.”
      QPR director of football Les Ferdinand and Rangers chief executive Lee Hoos proved the club’s determination to ensure significant action follows.

      Ferdinand said: “This type of abuse on social media is too commonplace and has to stop.
      “In a society that now rightly places greater importance on mental wellbeing than ever before, how can people be able to set up anonymous social media accounts?
      “This will continue and continue until we stop it from being possible
      “I believe governing bodies across sport – not just football – need to come together to create a powerful voice which calls for social media platforms to change their stance.”

      Bright Osayi-Samuel shared a screenshot of the vile abuse that he receivedCredit: Instagram @brightsamuel21

      Hoos, who said the club “completely deplored” the “abhorrent” abuse, added: “It astounds me that people feel they can freely post such comments without any fear of reprisal.
      “We are working with Instagram and asking them to assist us in identifying the individual concerned.
      “Social media platforms have a duty of care to its users who are victimised in this way.”

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