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      Neil Warnock slammed by Ref Support UK as ’embarrassment to football’ after Middlesbrough bosses latest rant

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      NEIL WARNOCK was labelled an “embarrassment to football” by a referee charity after the Middlesbrough boss’ latest rant. A furious Warnock marched onto the pitch following Boro’s 3-2 defeat to QPR and tore into ref Steve Martin, blasting him for missing an apparent headbutt from Rangers’ Charlie Austin on defender Grant Hall.
      Middlesbrough boss Warnock was furious because he felt Martin had missed a headbutt from QPR’s Charlie Austin on defender Grant HallCredit: Getty
      Warnock was blasted by a ref charity for “encouraging abuse”Credit: Getty
      But Ref Support UK hammered the 72-year-old, who is no stranger to dishing it out to officials, for encouraging others to do the same. 
      They said: “On the day that ITV run a two-day special report on ref abuse, this happens. 
      “This man is an embarrassment to football. Every season his pantomime show encourages ref abuse. 
      “Clubs that employ him, like Middlesbrough, need to take a hard, long look at themselves. Disgraceful.”
      Uche Ikpeazu gave Middlesbrought the lead at the Riverside from the penalty spot before Jonny Howson’s own goal made it 1-1. 
      Rangers then had Moses Odubajo sent off for a second yellow card before Lyndon Dykes put the visitors ahead. 
      Matt Crooks equalised for the Teessiders but Chris Willock, in front of his younger brother Joe who has just signed for Newcastle from Arsenal for £25million, won it. 
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      After Wednesday’s defeat, Warnock fumed: ”It’s just amazing really.
      “I thought he (Austin) headbutted Hall. It’s a straightforward headbutt. The ref saw it and thought it was a clash of heads but when you see the video it’s a bit different. I find it amazing they only see certain things. 
      “We have not been helped (by the officials). 
      “The linesman has given two offsides which are never offside in a million years and you expect better from that officials and I just told them that. I’ll have to write about it and I’ll get a report saying “yeah, you were right…”
      Neil Warnock in X-rated rant at referee at Middlesbrough youth game vs Leeds just 24 hours after Brentford loss
      Warnock, 72, has been the scourge of officials for over 40 yearsCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Gary Cahill wanted on free transfer by Bournemouth with Norwich City and Rangers also keen on defender

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      BOURNEMOUTH boss Scott Parker is making a bold bid to sign Gary Cahill on a free transfer.Cahill, 35, needs a new home after leaving Crystal Palace.
      Gary Cahill is on the hunt for a new club following his release from Crystal PalaceCredit: AP
      He could get the deal he wants from the Cherries although Norwich could offer Premier League football.
      The centre-half was also wanted by Rangers.
      But their failure to make the Champions League means they have less cash to offer him.
      If he signs, it may see Steve Cook, 30, leave the Vitality.
      Cahill spent two seasons at Selhurst Park but was part of the major clearout over the summer as 22 players were released – with defenders Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi among those signed by new boss Patrick Vieira.
      He made 47 appearances for the Eagles, chipping in with one goal.

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      Upon his exit, the 61-cap England international described playing for Palace as a ‘privilege’.
      Cahill tweeted: “After much thought and deliberation, I can confirm that I have left Crystal Palace after an enjoyable two years.
      “I have really enjoyed my time at the club and I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved at the club, especially the fans and staff who welcomed me into their South London family.

      “It’s been a privilege to play at Selhurst Park, especially in that first season where I got to experience the atmosphere that the Eagles fans create on a match day.
      “Playing in front of the Holmesdale Road stand is a memory that I will cherish in particular.
      “I would like to wish the club all the best for the future and wish them every success for the coming season.”

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      Derby aware of ‘racist and homophobic’ comments from their OWN fans to striker Kamil Jozwiak and a Peterborough rival

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      DERBY COUNTY are aware of alleged racist and homophobic comments made during today’s clash with Peterborough United.The Championship crisis club travelled to London Road to take on Posh in front of a packed travelling contingent.
      Derby took on Peterborough in the ChampionshipCredit: Rex
      Since full-time, accusations of racist and homophobic comments towards Derby star Kamil Jozwiak and an unnamed Peterborough player have been made by Rams supporters’ group Punjabi Rams.
      They wrote on Twitter: “A disappointing result but what was even more disappointing was the fact a minority of our fans made a homophobic slur towards a Peterborough player and racist comments towards Jozwiak.
      “We’ve reported the incidents and encourage others to do the same if heard or seen.”
      Acknowledging the accusations, Derby responded in a brief statement: “We thank Punjabi Rams for rightly reporting these incidents and do not, in any way, condone these actions.
      “We will work with the relevant authorities to determine who these individuals were.
      “Enough is enough.”
      An EFL spokesperson told SunSport: “The EFL is sickened and saddened to hear allegations of homophobic and racist abuse at Peterborough United v Derby County today.

      “The message is clear, discrimination, prejudice and abuse, whether in the stadium or online has absolutely no place in our game.
      “The EFL and its Clubs stand together against discrimination and those who do not agree are not welcome.”
      Derby’s off-season was marred by a number of off-field issues – with manager Wayne Rooney having to cobble together a team at the last minute.
      The Rams drew their Championship opener 1-1 with Covid-hit Huddersfield Town last weekend.
      They then bowed out of the League Cup to Salford City on penalties in mid-week.
      Rams supporters were hoping for a better outcome against the Posh, when Jack Stretton gave them a 77th minute lead.
      But that advantage evaporated in stoppage time – with Harrison Burrows equalising in the 91st minute before Siriki Dembele fired home a dramatic winner in the 100th minute.
      Wayne Rooney watched on as his side fell to a 2-1 defeatCredit: PA
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      Birmingham City trolled for selling ‘worst cheesy chips ever’ after fan posts hilarious pic – but many amazed at price

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      BIRMINGHAM CITY have been trolled for selling the ‘worst cheesy chips ever’ after a fan’s photo went viral.The tasty snack is a staple at football grounds up and down the country.
      This portion of cheesy chips was said to have been served at St AndrewsCredit: TWITTERDREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

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      On matchdays, you can see many a fan tucking into them as a last-minute treat before kick-off or as something to accompany a half-time pint.
      But one recent visitor to St Andrews received arguably the worst ever portion of the carb-heavy snack.
      BBC reporter Mark Webber tweeted a picture of the cheesy chips he was given during his visit to the home of the Blues.
      And to the shock of his followers, the image showed a portion of chips with a sorry slice of American cheese on top.
      Webber was left gobsmacked and made his gripe known when replying to a tweet about the ongoing building works at St Andrews.
      He tweeted: “Never mind that! What about the real scandal at St Andrew’s.

      “This is what passes for cheesy chips in their away end. Price to you – £4 (with a pint).”
      The tweet quickly started doing the rounds on social media and caused quite the stir.
      One footie fan said: “The worst cheesy chips ever.”
      Another said: “WTF lol. I feel your pain there m8.”
      Another said: “Surely (slice of) cheese ON chips would be a more accurate description.”
      The worst cheesy chips ever.A footie fan on Twitter
      One remarked: “Cheese is there for banter. Slap it on your mates face when he’s not expecting it and it’s paid for itself.”
      Most footie fans that came across the tweet, however, were almost as stunned Webber was able to buy a portion of chips with cheese and a pint for only £4.
      One said: “Try getting thar pint alone for less than £6 in London.”
      Another said: “£4 for chips and a pint??? Jesus, I can barely even buy a bottle of water at West Ham for £4.”
      And another said: “At West Ham it’s £6 for a beer alone.”
      Every Premier League club’s most-affordable season ticket, ranked from most to least expensive
      One asked: “£4 for chips, cheese and a pint? Why are you complaining?”
      Birmingham kicked off their Championship campaign last weekend with a 1-0 victory away at Sheffield United.
      The Blues will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming third-placed Stoke City to St Andrews.

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      Arsenal ‘in advanced talks to seal Aaron Ramsdale transfer in £30m deal’ after Sheff Utd axe him from EFL Cup squad

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      ARSENAL are in advanced talks to sign highly rated goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, according to reports.The Gunners have been tracking Ramsdale all summer long, and could finally get their hands on their man.
      Ramsdale started his career at The Blades before joining Bournemouth for a reported fee of £1mCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      According to Football.london, Arsenal are in talks to sign Ramsdale who will deputise Bernd Leno.
      The Blades value Ramsdale at £30million and Arsenal are expected to pay £24m up front.
      And based on the England international’s performance, United could receive bonuses taking the deal up to their £30m price tag.
      The Gunners have already seen two bids rejected for Ramsdale, and the keeper was left out of the match day squad for Tuesday’s EFL Cup win over Carlisle leading to speculation of an imminent transfer.
      But boss Slavisa Jokanovic squashed the speculation saying there was “nothing” in his absence.
      The Blades boss said after the 1-0 win: “There is nothing in his absence, no, nothing.
      “I just needed to give some players a chance and others a rest.”
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      The boss also stated that Ramsdale is his No1 choice heading into the Championship season.
      He added: “Aaron is my first choice, that I can definitely say.
      “But I need to see what other people can do in case something happens. What other options we have and what other choices are here.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates

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      Punter scoops £185,000 from £20 bet after correctly predicting results of NINE Championship footie matches

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      A PUNTER was celebrating after the opening weekend of the Championship as he scooped £185,000 — for a £20 bet.The football fan correctly predicted the results for all nine of Saturday’s matches.
      Blackpool players celebrate a goal with a fan during the match with Bristol CityCredit: Getty
      Blackpool’s 93rd-minute equaliser at Bristol City sealed the winning accumulator for the punter, from East London.
      John Hill, of Coral, which took the bet, said: “It will be a Saturday afternoon that our punter will never forget.
      “After correctly predicting the match results in all nine Championship matches on the opening Saturday of the season, he is now £185,000 better off.
      “Our customer will be raising a glass to Blackpool as the Tangerines equalised deep into stoppage time to help him land his astonishing bet.
      “Maybe a trip to the seaside in Blackpool will be in order as part of his celebrations.”

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      Watch bizarre moment referee Keith Stroud blows KISS to match ball at Fulham against Middlesbrough leaving fans confused

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      REFEREE Keith Stroud is clearly as delighted as anyone to see the new season – and bizarrely blew a KISS to the match ball ahead of his game on Sunday.The whistler took charge of Fulham’s 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough.
      Keith Stroud blew a kiss to the match ball ahead of Fulham vs MiddlesbroughCredit: Sky Sports
      The referee certainly kicked off the new Championship season in styleCredit: Sky Sports
      He completed the move with a swift throw and catch of the ball at Craven CottageCredit: Sky Sports

      And as he led the teams out of the tunnel, he performed the hilarious gesture before picking the Championship ball off the plinth at Craven Cottage.
      To top it off, Stroud did the classic collection – throwing it up and catching it with both hands.
      Even his assistants looked a bit confused by the antics – and unsurprisingly, fans on Twitter were also baffled.
      One wrote: “You just know he was practising it last night in the bathroom mirror.”
      Another said: “The strut, the kiss, the ball collection. Football referees are back.”
      A third simply added: “The Keith Stroud Show.”
      And a final user commented: “Keith Stroud is back, baby.”
      It is not the first time the 51-year-old from Hampshire has been spotted demonstrating his love of the beautiful game.
      In August 2019, Stroud kissed the ball as he walked out for Salford City’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds.
      ‘MINI MIKE DEAN’
      And last September he was at it again ahead of Watford vs Middlesbrough.
      At least this time he was more Covid-safe by blowing the kiss rather than giving the ball a big smack with his lips.
      Many compared the move to the original celebrity ref, Mike Dean, who has forged a reputation for his eccentric style on the pitch.
      The Football Ramble said: “You thought Mike Dean was a showman, but bet he’s never blown a kiss to the match ball like Keith Stroud did today has he.”
      Paul typed: “Dean-esque showboating for the cameras. Makes me cringe.”
      Karl added: “Mini Mike Dean.”
      And James joked: “Oooooft he’s set the bar high on day 1 of the season. Can’t wait for Dean’s response.”
      With the Premier League not underway until Friday, Dean had the weekend off – and made the most of it by heading to Prenton Park to watch his beloved Tranmere take on Walsall.
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      But on the hour mark, when one of the assistants went down injured, Dean raced to the rescue by stepping in as fourth official.
      Dean could have a rival in the top flight this season, though, with fellow referee Kevin Friend showing early signs of form in pre-season.
      The Leicestershire-based official hilariously booked the crowd during Bristol City’s friendly against Aston Villa after the travelling fans chanted ‘You’re just a s*** Mike Dean’ at him.
      It is not the first time he has demonstrated his affection when leading the teams outCredit: Rex
      As well as a 2019 Carabao Cup clash, Stroud did it again at Vicarage Road last seasonCredit: Sky Sports
      Ref Kevin Friend gives crowd yellow card after they chant ‘you’re just a s*** Mike Dean’ More