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      Deeney says social media giants told him ‘black c***’ wasn’t hate speech as he accuses them of profiting from racism

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      TROY DEENEY has accused social media giants of profiting from vile racist abuse against footballers.
      The Watford captain and new SunSport columnist is demanding Instagram, Twitter and Facebook prove that they even want to stamp out the deep-lying problem.

      New SunSport columnist Troy Deeney says abuse aimed at superstars like Raheem Sterling drives traffic, which social media firms can profit fromCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Watford striker, pictured with partner Alisha Hosannah, is sceptical about the motives of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

      After a study outlined that 43 per cent of black footballers experienced targeted and explicitly racist abuse, Deeney claims that emojis aimed at black players featuring monkeys and bananas are not even deemed as ‘hate speech’ by the social-media platforms.
      Deeney said: “Do these companies even want to change things? Do they want to stop the abuse?
      “If a high-profile black player such as Raheem Sterling is experiencing racial abuse then everyone piles in and that drives traffic, which increases their advertising and profits.

      I report the message under ‘hate speech and symbols’. Then I am told an emoji with a monkey and a banana is not considered racist.
      Troy Deeney

      “If I scroll down my Instagram replies, the tenth one down features a racist emoji — which is not unusual.

      “So I follow the protocol, which is to block the user and report the message under the category of ‘hate speech and symbols’.
      “Then I am told that an emoji with a monkey and a banana is not considered racist.
      “I’ve even reported being called a ‘black c***’ and been told that isn’t hate speech either.
      “They need to change their algorithms to reflect what are obviously racist posts — but do they even want to?”

      Deeney also called for mandatory life bans for supporters who racially abuse players online or from the terraces, once turnstiles are back open.
      And he also calls for tougher punishments for players found guilty of racial abuse.

      The striker, 32, said: “There have been lifetime bans handed down by clubs but not in all cases and the FA and the leagues should insist on that being mandatory.
      “And when the Leeds keeper (Kiko Casilla) was found guilty of calling an opponent a ‘n****r’ — the worst term of racial abuse — then how can an eight-match ban and a £60,000 fine be enough?
      “What sort of message does that send?”

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      Gordon Astall dead at 93: Tributes paid to England’s oldest surviving international who played for Three Lions in 1950s

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      TRIBUTES have been paid to Gordon Astall after the former England international died at the age of 93.
      Astall earned two caps for England in 1956, scoring against Finland on his debut before featuring in a win over world champions West Germany.

      Former England international Gordon Astall has died at the age of 93Credit: Rex Features

      The former forward enjoyed spells with Plymouth, Birmingham and Torquay in a 16-year careerCredit: Rex Features

      Affectionately dubbed as ‘Cannonball’ by fans, the Lancashire-born forward passed away on Wednesday while suffering from dementia.
      The Three Lions website wrote: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Astall, who represented the Three Lions in 1956 and was our oldest surviving international, at the age of 93.
      “All of our thoughts are with Gordon’s family, friends and former clubs.”
      A Plymouth Argyle statement read: “Plymouth Argyle is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former winger Gordon Astall, aged 93.”

      The club’s former players’ group, Argyle Legends, wrote on their Facebook page: “Argyle Legends’ thoughts are with his daughter Carole, son David, his 3 grandchildren and other members of his family and friends. RIP GORDON. Another great player for Argyle.”
      Fellow former club Birmingham tweeted: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

      We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Astall, who represented the #ThreeLions in 1956 and was our oldest surviving international, at the age of 93.All of our thoughts are with Gordon’s family, friends and former clubs.
      — England (@England) October 22, 2020

      The Club are saddened to hear of the passing of Gordon Astall, aged 93.Gordon spent eight years at #BCFC from 1953-1961, making 235 appearances, scoring 59 goals and earning 2 @England caps in that period.Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. 💙 pic.twitter.com/K6s8A1evG7
      — Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) October 22, 2020

      The Championship side’s supporters’ association Blues Trust commented: “Blues Trust are saddened to hear of the death yesterday (21st Oct) of former player Gordon Astall, our condolences to his family RIP.”
      A spell with the Royal Marines led to Astall enjoying an amateur level stint with Southampton.

      He moved to Plymouth in 1947, starring for over six years before heading to Birmingham.
      An England call-up came following great success with the Blues, winning the Second Division title and reaching the FA Cup final.

      And the forward, who turned 93 in September, saw out his career with Torquay.
      Speaking to the Mail last year, Astall recalled: “I’ve done things I never even thought of.
      “Playing for your country, I was chuffed as hell, especially when you think of the players at the same time as me.”
      He added: “I have enjoyed it. It’s been a good life.”

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      Business Secretary Alok Sharma makes series of gaffes in blundering LBC interview over football and local team Reading

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      BUMBLING Business Secretary Alok Sharma scored an own goal as he made a series of gaffes while trying to talk to a punter about football.
      Mr Sharma was asked about local team Reading and how their season was doing, replying: “We are currently in Division One – we’ll leave it at that.”

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      Alok Sharma was not sure what league local team Reading are in

      Championship side Reading are currently second after winning four of their last five games, with the cabinet minister admitting: “I don’t know precisely where we are.”
      The bumbling minister and Reading West MP was embarrassed while speaking on LBC radio this morning.
      He discussed the state of football and finances which has taken a blow after the government banned fans from stadiums following the spike in covid cases.
      When it was pointed out the club was in the Championship, Mr Sharma said: “No I apologise, yes indeed the Championship.

      “I apologise for that, that’s what I, Championship.
      “Sorry I apologise for that, that’s what I meant.”
      He added: “I hope we will go up to the Premiership. I hope that Reading and in fact other clubs will make it through.
      “I know there was some disappointment in terms of people not being allowed back into stadiums.

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      Reading are second in the Championship after five games Credit: Rex Features

      “Ultimately this is about ensuring that we keep people safe.”
      Mr Sharma explained that fans were still banned as even though there may be social distancing inside grounds, there would be pinch points in the local area which could help spread the deadly bug.
      He said: “So if you are looking at football for instance, in a normal weekend you will have people, many tens of thousands of people going across the country to stadiums.
      “So it’s not just in the stadium but there are lots of other areas where you will have contact points with individuals.”

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      Leeds United fans top football thug league table with more arrests than any other team

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      LEEDS UNITED fans top the table of thuggery, it’s been revealed.
      Fans of the Yorkshire side were arrested more than those of any other football team over the course of last season.

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      Leeds players celebrated promotion to the Premier League in front of their fans – despite the country being in lockdownCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Leeds supporters flooded the streets to celebrate their return to the top flight after 17 years awayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      There were 52 arrests related to the Lillywhites as they romped to the Championship title last term.
      That was enough to put them atop the league of shame.
      They were three arrests ahead of Birmingham and seven ahead of Bolton according to an investigation by the Daily Star Sunday.
      Leeds supporters were detained 19 times for public disorder, 15 times for alcohol offences, 10 times for violent disorder, three for throwing missiles and two for pitch incursion among other misdemeanours.

      In total, there were 1,089 football-related arrests in the 2019-20 coronavirus hit campaign – down 20 per cent compared with 2018-19.
      Hate crimes were up 50 per cent.
      Leeds United were also slapped with a £20,000 fine by the FA over their promotion celebrations.
      With their rise to the Prem already confirmed, after a win over Derby, players partied on the pitch.

      Several could be seen using pyrotechnics, leading to the charge from the FA after Leeds admitted a breach of rules.

      The club attracted strong criticism for staging an open-top bus celebration after being crowned champions just days later.
      Despite strict coronavirus lockdown restrictions and telling fans to stay at home, Leeds brought out the Championship trophy to parade in front of those unable to watch their win over Charlton.
      Club officials claimed the celebration was deployed as a way of telling fans NOT to stay out.

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      Leeds were also punished for how they partied on the pitch after beating DerbyCredit: Reuters More

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      EFL clubs threaten to withhold taxes in desperate attempt to secure Government bailout after coronavirus hell

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      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week — unless the Government bails them out.
      The revolutionary plan to get emergency financial aid was discussed at a meeting between hard-up teams.

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      EFL clubs are threatening to refuse to pay their taxes this week unless the Government bails them outCredit: PA:Press Association

      A monthly PAYE tax payment is due by each of the EFL’s 72 clubs to HMRC on Thursday but there is a plot for ALL owners to band together and refuse.
      It has been brewing for weeks and was on the table at a ring-round of executives and chairmen last week.
      A hardcore band of Championship chiefs are behind the idea, however many clubs in League One and League Two are happy to join in.
      It will need teams to stick together — but the mood within the ranks is that they are now simply desperate for cash.

      The ultimate punishment for clubs who do not pay tax is a winding-up order.
      One leading mover in the plot said: “It is the nuclear option but we are at this stage if there is no help from the Government or Premier League.
      “If we all do not pay, the Government can dish out winding-up orders on each of us — and shut the industry if they want.“But that would not be a good look.”
      The EFL is enduring the biggest crisis in its history, with supporters banned from grounds due to Covid-19. Yet players and staff have been back on full salaries and the tax is due.

      Many clubs were using the furlough scheme to help — however now the game is up and running that has gone.
      Many are struggling to pay HMRC anyway, but others think this is a chance to make a stand and bring the Government back to the table.
      The Premier League were told to help out, yet offers so far have fallen well below the request for £250million.
      There is anger among the clubs and that was shown when League One and League Two rejected an immediate grant worth around £400,000 each last week.
      The solidarity shown with that decision — due to Championship teams being offered nothing — is now set to carry on to the looming showdown with the tax man.

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      West Ham’s new signing Said Benrahma insists some of his transfer fee be given to Brentford staff as a bonus

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      SAID BENRAHMA has given a generous parting gift to staff at Brentford after finalising a dramatic deadline day transfer to West Ham. 
      The ex-Bees winger is waiving part of a loyalty bonus he reportedly expected to receive, asking for it to be given to 100 club workers instead. 

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      Staff at Brentford are due to receive part of Said Benrahma’s transfer fee as a giftCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Brentford officials have praised the Algeria international for opting to reward staff who aided his two-year stint in the Championship. 
      Phil Giles, the Bees director of football said: “Saïd has been a brilliant player for Brentford over the past two-and a-bit seasons. 
      “Thomas and I told him exactly that when we met him on Wednesday morning. 

      “As part of that conversation, Saïd suggested, and we agreed, that some money should be used as a reward for club staff, many of whom have had a direct influence on Saïd’s development during his time here and who have done a superb job in difficult circumstances in the last few months. 
      “We are happy with the agreement reached and this makes it a nice end to a good transfer window for the Club.”  
      The completion of Benrahma’s £4million loan move to West Ham, who play Tottenham on Sunday, went right up to the deadline day wire amid reports of a failed medical. 
      It is thought a permanent deal was in play until some issues were flagged during a routine check by the Hammers’ medics. 

      However, an agreement with an obligation to buy for an initial £21m rising to £26m is now in place between Brentford and West Ham.

      And Benrahma is expected to sign a five-year deal with David Moyes’s side after his season-long loan.
      The pacy winger enjoyed a successful career at Brentford as one of the Championship side’s most prolific attackers last term. 
      The Algerian, who moved to the Bees from French side Nice in 2018, netted 17 goals in 46 appearances helping them reach the Championship play-off finals.

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      Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott completes move to Blackburn on loan transfer after Wilson and Woodburn also leave

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      LIVERPOOL teenager Harvey Elliott has signed for Blackburn on a season-long loan.
      The 17-year-old has moved to Ewood Park for first-team experience after Harry Wilson and Ben Woodburn also headed for the Anfield exit door.

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      Liverpool teenager Harvey Elliott has moved to Blackburn on a season-long loanCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Jurgen Klopp had initially planned to keep young winger Elliott at the Reds, according to the Athletic.
      But after they crashed out the League Cup to Arsenal and Xherdan Shaqiri decided to stay, the German is said to have had a change of heart.
      And with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, new signing Diogo Jota and Divock Origi in front of him in the pecking order, Elliott would have struggled for game time.

      Former Fulham man Elliott is said to be relishing the chance to prove what he is capable of at Championship level.
      Elliott’s fellow youngster Wilson has also left for the season – joining Championship side Cardiff.
      Swansea, Reading, Bristol City and Derby had all been linked with a move for the 23-year-old who spent last season at Bournemouth.
      But the Bluebirds have won the race for his signature, with Wilson citing the ‘Welsh connection’ as a big reason for his move.

      On completing the deal, Wilson claimed: “The Welsh connection was a massive part for me.

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      Harry Wilson has joined Cardiff on loan tooCredit: Rex Features

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      Ben Woodburn has also departed for BlackpoolCredit: Reuters

      Chelsea were the top spenders in the Premier League this summer

      “When I come here, I feel at home. I think the team and facilities we have, everything is built for a Premier League team.
      “I’m determined to come here and do my best to help the club get there.”
      It is understood that a fee of £1.2million has been agreed between the two clubs.
      And finally Wales international Woodburn, 21, has been loaned to Blackpool where he links up with former Reds academy coach Neil Critchley who is the Tangerines’ manager.

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      Liverpool star Harry Wilson joins Cardiff in loan transfer after beating rivals Swansea to Welsh winger

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      HARRY WILSON has joined Cardiff from Liverpool on a season-long loan.
      Swansea, Reading, Bristol City and Derby had all been linked with a move for the 23-year-old.

      🗣 @harrywilson_: “The Welsh connection was a massive part for me. When I come here, I feel at home. I think the team and facilities we have, everything is built for a Premier League team.“I’m determined to come here and do my best to help the Club get there.”#CityAsOne https://t.co/RmhgLc459Z
      — Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) October 16, 2020

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      Harry Wilson has joined Cardiff on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool

      But The Bluebirds have won the race for his signature – with Wilson citing the ‘Welsh connection’ as a big reason for his move.
      On completing the deal, Wilson claimed: “The Welsh connection was a massive part for me.
      “When I come here, I feel at home.
      “I think the team and facilities we have, everything is built for a Premier League team.

      “I’m determined to come here and do my best to help the club get there.”
      It is understood that a fee of £1.2million has been agreed between the two clubs.
      Neil Harris’ side have up until 5pm to wrap up a deal for the tricky winger.

      Wilson missed out on a Premier League transfer before the deadline on October 5.

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      Harry Wilson spent last season out on loan with Bournemouth Credit: Rex Features

      Burnley came close to completing a deal for him, but pulled the plug at the last minute.
      Liverpool demanded a £20m deal for the Welshman to leave on a permanent basis.
      And the Clarets were not prepared to pay that much for him.
      Wilson had struggled to break into Jurgen Klopp’s squad, but managed to prove his potential last season while on loan with Bournemouth.
      He chipped in with seven goals after making 31 appearances for the Cherries.
      In the 2018-19 season, Wilson was shipped out on loan to Derby.
      During his time under the management of Frank Lampard, he bagged 18 goals in all competitions.

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