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      Football hooligans must face criminal charges and match bans, Rishi Sunak says after weekend of violence

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      FOOTBALL hooligans must face the full force of the law, Rishi Sunak has warned after a weekend of chaos. The PM blasted yobs who ran riot at FA cup games – demanding match bans and even criminal charges for those involved.
      Violence broke out at the West Brom vs Wolves derby yesterday
      One fan was led away with blood pouring from his head
      A “day of disgrace” saw violence erupt between fans at the West Brom vs Wolves clash on Sunday. 
      The derby even had to be halted while police tried to break up fighting in the stands and stop thugs storming the pitch.
      Mr Sunak’s spokesman said this morning: “Those scenes are extremely concerning. There’s no place for that kind of behaviour in football. 
      “The PM believes everyone should be able to watch their team without any threats of violence or antisocial behaviour.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “And he firmly expects anyone involved to face criminal charges and to be banned from future games.”
      Downing Street praised the “bravery” of cops and confirmed talks about clubs contributing to the cost of policing games.
      West Midlands Police have said six people were arrested following the outbreak of violence.
      The force said in a statement: “We have extra officers at this local derby and they responded immediately as disorder in the stands caused fans to spill onto the pitch.
      Most read in Football
      “Five people have now been arrested for public order offences relating to the disorder in the ground.
      “Another man was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon prior to the match outside of the ground.
      “We worked with officials to get the game restarted as soon as possible. A man has been taken to hospital with head injuries.”
      The FA also condemned the violence at The Hawthorns and are investigating.
      Away fans infiltrating the Home end has become a growing problem in football.
      Police had to intervene as chaos broke out in one corner of The Hawthorns, moments after Matheus Cunha had put Wolves 2-0 up against West Brom in the 78th minute. More

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      European Super League plotters try to woo minsters – and snubbed as their plan poses an ‘existential threat’

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      PLOTTERS behind a new European Super League in football launched a shameless bid to convince UK ministers to back the scheme – and were rebuffed.Culture and Sport Secretary Lucy Frazer told those behind the plan it would pose an “existential threat” to the game.
      Footie fans protestingCredit: Getty
      Proposals for an international breakaway league for Europe’s star clubs were rejected two years ago after an outcry from fans.
      But a Madrid-based group has resurrected the idea after euro judges issued a bombshell ruling giving them the green light
      In a shameless attempt to make No10 carry out a Super League U-turn, the company wrote to Ms Frazer offering to walk her through the plans.
      Ms Frazer snubbed the request by A22 CEO Bernd Reichart and warned him the UK government is dead set against his unpopular scheme.
      In a letter seen by The Sun on Sunday, she wrote: “The UK Government’s position has not changed: we do not support a breakaway competition that does not have the support of the fans and that threatens the heritage and financial position of English football.
      “The European Super League proposal poses an existential threat to our national game.
      “English football has, for centuries, thrived on its inherent drama, the underdog triumphs, the passionate rivalries, and the shared community it fosters.
      “These qualities are not incidental; they are fundamental to its success. The sport is nothing without its fans, and the UK Government takes their views extremely seriously.
      Most read in Sport
      “I trust that this explains the UK Government’s position.”
      Backers of the European Super League claim 20 clubs across the continent have agreed to sign up to the project.
      They are thought to include Barcelona and Real Madrid.
      But UK footie fans loathe the idea, as they fear it would suck money, attention and footballers away from British top flight football.
      While it would shatter the dream that any club – no matter how small – could rise up the leagues and play against the best. More

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      Premier League teams will be BANNED from European Super League thanks to legislation introduced by Rishi Sunak

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      ENGLISH teams are set to be BANNED from the European Super League.The controversial proposal could come back into the limelight after a court determined Fifa and Uefa acted against law when they blocked its formation in 2021.
      English sides could be banned from any ESL comebackCredit: Getty
      Twelve clubs tried to form a breakaway division but after much backlash the sides pulled out one by one.
      But following the court’s new ruling, the European Super League is back in the fold with Barcelona already revealing they are “satisfied” with the decision.
      However, the British government could prevent Premier League teams from being involved in its possible comeback.
      After the debacle two years ago, an independent football regulator has been put in place by the government from 2024.
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      They promise to stop clubs from joining “breakaway or unlicensed leagues.”
      After this morning’s court decision a government spokesperson said: “We note the decision by the European Court of Justice’s judgement with regard to the European Super League.
      “The attempt to create a breakaway competition was a defining moment in English football and was universally condemned by fans, clubs and the Government.
      “We took decisive action at the time by triggering the fan-led review of football governance, which called for the creation of a new independent regulator for English football. 
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      “We will shortly be bringing forward legislation that makes this a reality, and will stop clubs from joining any similar breakaway competitions in the future.”
      Tory MP Tracy Crouch previously said: “I am pleased that the Rishi Sunak, a passionate football fan himself, recognises that fans throughout the pyramid want to see the long-term financial sustainability of their clubs and have a greater say in how they are run.
      “On the pitch, English football is admired the world over, but it is important that measures are put in place to ensure our national game is fit for the future.
      “This is exactly what an Independent Regulator will do.”
      The latest idea put forward by European Super League chiefs is that up to 64 clubs should leave Uefa to form a new competition.
      That would be without any Prem clubs and Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 is using the success of English football as a justification for a rival tournament. More

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      BBC bosses ‘are talking to Gary Lineker’ after Match of the Day host slammed Rwanda plan in ANOTHER Twitter storm

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      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day host was slammed for blasting the Government’s Rwanda plan.The TV host, 63, found himself at the centre of yet another Twitter storm after urging ministers to scrap their Rwanda scheme and come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker about his recent tweetsCredit: PA
      The TV pundit called out the government and Grant Shapps for the Rwanda schemeCredit: PA
      In a letter which is campaigning for change, Together With Refugees branded Britain’s refugee system “ever-more uncaring, chaotic and costly”, and said asylum policies are not working.
      And Lineker landed himself in hot water after co-signing a letter with other celebs, calling for the scheme to be thrown out.
      Now, BBC bosses are “talking to Lineker” about his posts, the Times reports.
      The former England star turned pundit said about the letter: “We need a new system that reflects the will of the British people who have opened their homes, donated and volunteered in their local communities.
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      “That’s why I’m backing this new campaign, because fair really can begin here.”
      The Beeb are now said to be discussing whether their updated social media guidelines, which came into play in September, are tight enough after Lineker is accused of ridiculing cabinet minister Grant Shapps and Conservative backbenchers.
      Talks between bosses and Lineker about his tweets are reportedly set to take place.
      A BBC spokesman said: “We aren’t going to comment on individuals or indeed individual tweets.
      Most read in Football
      “While the guidance does allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone’s character.
      “We discuss issues that arise with presenters as necessary.”
      Lineker previously sparked an impartiality row in March after saying the Government rhetoric on immigration was similar to that of 1930s’ Germany.
      But after a review, BBC bosses decided to allow its top stars to share their own views on social media and only ruled they should stop short of political campaigning.
      Grant Shapps said on Monday morning that Lineker should stick to presenting football.
      When asked if the Match of the Day host should continue expressing political views, Defence Secretary Mr Shapps told Times Radio: “He’s been through all of this before.
      “The BBC have told him he shouldn’t do this type of thing but still it continues.
      “The point I would make to Mr Lineker is: what is right or moral about having people trafficked dangerously across the English Channel, losing their lives at sea, illegally entering the country?
      “That is not a civilised, morally correct thing to do.”
      He added: “I just fundamentally disagree with him. What happens to him next is up to the BBC.
      “As far as I see it, they have issued previous warnings to him, so it’ll be interesting to see what they do and say at this point.
      “I know millions of people watch him for his football commentary and TV presenting, I would have thought it’s better to stick with that.”
      Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson told the Daily Mail: “For once in his life, Gary’s absolutely right – we do need a system that reflects the will of the British people. What the people want is to stop the boats and to tell overpaid crisp salesmen to put a sock in it.
      “Alongside cracking down on illegal migration, we need another robust system which keeps Lineker as far away from the public as possible, to give us all a rest from his Left-wing, out-of-touch nonsense.”
      The Beeb row comes as the Prime Minister is trying to convince his own backbenchers to support his Rwanda Bill, with both the right of the party and the One Nation faction set to announce whether they support it later on today.
      Read more on The Sun
      The Bill seeks to declare Rwanda a safe country and also empowers ministers to ignore parts of the Human Rights Act.
      Mr Shapps told Sky News Home Office modelling suggests that of the current cases which are challenged successfully, “99.5% of them would not be challenged once this is in place”. More

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      The Sun’s Footie For All campaign praised by Culture Secretary as £30m of NEW cash for grassroots football announced

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      THE Culture Secretary praised The Sun’s Footie For All campaign as she joined England’s Lionesses on the pitch to announce a multi-million cash boost for grassroots football. Lucy Frazer unveiled a £30 million venture to construct around 30 state-of-the-art 3G pitches across the country. 
      Political Correspondent Martina Bet talks to Culture Secretary Lucy FrazerCredit: Roland Leon
      We joined the Cabinet Minister at St George’s Park where she made the revelation to the Lionesses and told us how important it is to build more facilities, especially for women and girls. 
      Speaking to our political correspondent, Ms Frazer said she realised she had to do something to support the Lionesses’ legacy after seeing them “in action” at the World Cup.
      “I came back from Australia, thinking we have got to build on this, we can’t stop, we have got to go further, we have got to continue to support them”, she said.
      At every one of these new sites, there will be reserved peak-time slots, women and girls only evenings and priority booking for women and girls’ team.
      READ MORE ON POLITICS
      There will also be dedicated female changing rooms, shower facilities and accessible toilets.
      Ms Frazer said: “One of the main issues is that girls are put off by the fact that there’s nowhere to change and there’s nowhere to shower.”
      The Cabinet Minister also described the Sun’s Footie For All campaign and Fund as “complementary” to the Government’s cash injection.
      Our campaign is aimed at supporting grassroots youth football clubs impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and the fund, in collaboration with Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme, provides £150,000 in grants to assist clubs facing financial challenges.
      Ms Frazer said: “In life, generally, you can’t do things alone, the Government can’t do this alone. And we are combining with the sporting bodies to achieve our aims, with the Department of Education, the Department for health… and so The Sun’s campaign is is a complementary to that.
      “And it’s really important that we have football access for everyone and I’m a proud supporter of the Sun’s campaign.”
      In terms of where the new pitches will be located, Ms Frazer said it will be up to the Football Foundation to decide, adding: “They are already looking at potential sites and looking at a whole range of things and accessibility is absolutely one of them.
      Most read in The Sun
      “They have already started that work, because we want to make sure that these are delivered by 2024-25. And so that work has started already.”
      The Government is providing £25 million funding, with The Football Association contributing £5 million.
      The announcement comes ahead of the team’s crucial UEFA Women’s Nations League match against the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium on Friday.
      England’s FIFA World Cup 2023 Captain Millie Bright said: “We are really pleased to see the commitment towards this funding and the promise that this will be prioritised for the growth of women’s and girls’ football so whatever the motivation to play, there is a safe and accessible area for females to go to.”
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer on the pitch with the Lionesses and a local girls’ football clubCredit: Roland Leon
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer talks to the manager of the England women’s national team Sarina WiegmanCredit: Roland Leon
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer attended the training session of the Lionesses and announced a £30 million venture to construct around 30 state-of-the-art 3G pitches across the countryCredit: Roland Leon More

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      Biggest shake up to football ownership in years announced in King’s Speech as new regulator’s powers confirmed

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      FOOTBALL fans were cheering today as a sweeping crackdown on dodgy owners was formally announced in the King’s Speech.Rishi Sunak confirmed plans for an independent regulator to protect bad proprietors driving clubs into the ground or wrecking their heritage.
      A new football regulator will hand more powers to fans
      It will also ban teams joining breakaway competitions like the doomed European Super League, and consult supporters on all major changes.
      King Charles said: “Legislation will be brought forward to safeguard the future of football clubs for the benefit of communities and fans.”
      The proposed footie charter was leaked to The Sun in full last February but fears were growing it was being kicked into the long grass.
      But today’s inclusion in the King’s Speech outlines the PM’s hopes to have it in place by the next election.
      READ MORE ON POLITICS
      The regulator will force all clubs to have a licence to play football, which is conditional on them passing stringent criteria.
      An Owners’ and Directors’ Test will conduct checks on wannabe buyers to ensure figures with murky sources of wealth like Roman Abramovich are blocked.
      A minimum standard of fan engagement will also give supporters a say over the team kit and colours.
      The regulator will also be able to raid Premier League coffers and distribute it down to struggling lower leagues if the clubs themselves cannot come to an arrangement.

      Chairman of the Northern Research Group of Tory MPs John Stevenson said: “We at the Northern Research Group are absolutely delighted by the inclusion of the Fan Led Review in today’s Kings Speech.
      “Football is the lifeblood of so many Northern communities and it is fantastic the Government have listened to our repeated lobbying to made sure that they will bring this legislation forward.
      Most read in The Sun
      “This is a win for the fan of every football club around the country that doesn’t want to see their club go the same way as others and have dubious owners or directors running their clubs to the ground.”
      Last year, Chelsea faced collapse when Abramovich was sanctioned for his links to the Kremlin after Russian leader Vladimir Putin sent his troops to invade Ukraine.
      The club was banned from making a profit and only allowed to run a severely limited amount of activities so that it could carry on playing.
      Smaller sides like Bury FC have suffered too. They were booted out of their league altogether after owner Steve Dale failed to show proof of funds and a takeover bid imploded.
      More than 60 sides have gone bust since the Premier League was founded in 1992.
      EFL clubs earn a fraction of the cash clawed by the top-flight competition
      In 2019 Huddersfield, who finished bottom in the Premier League and were relegated, received £97million in funds — dwarfing the £8.5million awarded to promoted Championship winners Norwich. More

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      I’m quietly confident UK and Ireland will host Euro 2028, Rishi Sunak says

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      RISHI SUNAK is “quietly confident” UK and Ireland will host the 2028 Euros – saying its time to recreate the joy of 1996.The PM shrugged off concerns over the 2021 Euros final that saw scenes of fan carnage at Wembley, insisting: “We do this stuff better than anybody.”
      Rishi Sunak is ‘confident’ the UK will host Euro 2028Credit: Dan Charity
      Rishi said England fans ‘do it better than anybody’Credit: The Sun
      Sunak told The Sun he has made a ‘personal effort’ to bring the Euros to WembleyCredit: Alamy
      The joint bid is set to be formally given the green light in the coming weeks after Turkey and Italy dropped out of the running in July.
      Sunak said: “I’ve put in a lot of my personal effort and making calls and talking to all the right people.

      “You know, I’m quietly confident but you never know until it’s announced.”
      He added: “I’d love us to host this thing. And that’s why I put a lot of my personal time into trying to get over the line.
      Read More Sport
      “One of the my favourite childhood experiences was Euro96. Like that is like a defining experience.”
      Sixteen at the time when the England last hosted the full tournament, he added: “Somewhere I’ve still got a t shirt probably from that.”
      “These moments can become very special in our history, and I speak as a massive football fan.
      “So if we can pull this thing off, it will be brilliant for the country. I put a lot of effort into it. But let’s see how we get on. We’ll find out soon.”
      Most read in Football
      It comes as the Prime Minister tells The Sun tonight: “I’m slamming the brakes on the war on motorists – it’s as simple as that.” More

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      Give Lionesses gongs for their heroics in Women’s World Cup, MPs demand as King Charles urges them to ‘roar to victory’

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      SUPER Sarina Wiegman and her roar-some Lionesses should get damehoods for their Women’s World Cup heroics, MPs demanded yesterday.The call came as Bobby Moore’s widow urged the England team to summon the spirit of 1966 and win the ­trophy just like the men did.
      England players celebrate the team’s victory against NigeriaCredit: Getty
      King Charles and Queen Camilla sent the England team a good luck messageCredit: Getty
      Prince William and Princess Charlotte also sent a personal message to the LionessesCredit: Instagram
      As King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes, Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity in this morning’s final against Spain in Sydney.
      And England captain Millie Bright, 29, preparing for the biggest game of her life, said yesterday playing in the final was a dream come true for the players.
      Chelsea star Millie added: “Everyone knows how big this is.
      “As a group we’d like to say thank you, not only to the fans back home but the fans that are here as well. Stick with us one more game.”
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      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      An audience of up to 15million back home is expected to watch on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.
      Supporters will also cram into public fan zones across England.
      Ministers had urged councils to relax licensing laws so pubs can open for the 11am kick-off.
      England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham sent good luck messages.
      Most read in Football
      And PM Rishi Sunak — set to watch in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North Yorks — wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their “lasting legacy”.
      It came amid a growing clamour for the team and manager to be honoured. Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham said: “They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
      Fellow Tory MP Kevin Foster added: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole nation and done us all proud. Well-earned gongs should be swiftly awarded.”
      And Labour MP Chris Evans said: “Bobby Moore died without a gong because it took them so long to honour the 1966 side. Let’s not make the same mistake.
      “Win or lose, let’s recognise the incredible achievement of the Lionesses getting this far.”
      After manager Wiegman, 53, led England to their Euros triumph at Wembley last year, only selected players got gongs.
      Captain Leah Williamson, 26, who has missed the World Cup through injury, was made an OBE.
      Team-mates Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and Ellen White were made MBEs.
      Yesterday, Cabinet Office sources said the whole team and manager were likely to be honoured — if they win.
      But another Tory MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament, said: “Win or Lose we should designate the late August bank holiday ‘Lioness Day’.”
      Stephanie, 72, who set up the Bobby Moore fund after his death from bowel cancer, said: “What a wonderful journey the Lionesses have been on, with success at the Euros on home turf and now this once in a lifetime chance to lift the World Cup.”
      She added: “I think they have been a credit to themselves, to football and to the country.”
      The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message. It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.
      In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
      He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.
      Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, were set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.
      FA president William, 41, has faced flak for not attending the final — but is said to have opted not to travel to keep down his carbon footprint.
      Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has been scrambled to represent the Government there amid criticism over the absence of the PM and senior ministers.
      William sent a good luck message to the squad last night, with Princess Charlotte melting hearts as she joined her dad.
      Sitting on a bench together, he placed his arm around his daughter, eight, as he spoke.
      ‘Keep believing’
      The Prince of Wales said: “Lionesses, we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow. We are sorry we can’t be there in person but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you have inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      Charlotte, with a football on her lap, added on the social media video: “Good luck Lionesses.”
      One follower on X/Twitter said: “Lovely message of support, and wonderful to see Princess Charlotte.”
      Another added: “What an adorable video. Princess Charlotte is such a beautiful little girl.”
      Southgate’s message said: “You’re doing a brilliant job. I wish you the very best for the final and we hope you can bring that trophy back.”
      And ex-Tottenham striker Kane said: “Hi Lionesses — best of luck for the World Cup final. Amazing journey so far, you should be really proud of yourselves.
      “We’re all behind you, so go and get that World Cup win and bring that trophy home.”
      Ex-England and Man Utd superstar Beckham shared pictures online of the Lionesses as children.
      And he said: “These young footballers never stopped believing and grew up to become our incredible Lionesses. Good luck — whatever happens the whole country is so proud of everything you’ve achieved to get to this historic moment.
      “Keep believing, play with the amazing passion and team spirit you show every time you take to the pitch.”
      An army of 6,000 England fans will roar on the Lionesses in Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
      Some have flown out just for the match. Law boss Harriet Leach, 38, of London said: “I got off the plane on Friday. I came in especially.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s a 24-hour flight and it’s expensive — but what the girls are doing on the pitch is absolutely incredible.”
      Additional reporting: Ryan Sabey
      Rishi Sunak is set to watch the match in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North YorksCredit: Getty
      The PM wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their ‘lasting legacy’
      England captain Millie Bright said playing in the final was a ‘dream come true’ for the playersCredit: Getty
      Mel B sent the Lionesses this message: ‘Best of luck to you fabulous women !! I’m behind you all the way! GOAL POWER!’Credit: Getty
      Simon Cowell wrote: ‘Best of luck to the Lionesses in the World Cup Final. You have already made your country proud, now we are all dreaming you bring that Cup home’Credit: Getty
      Amanda Holden said: ‘You’re smashing it Girls! The whole country loves you and is so proud. Good luck and bring it home’Credit: AFP
      King Charles and Queen Camila sent the Lionesses this roarring messageCredit: Instagram’Keep believing’

      David Beckham said: “These young footballers never stopped believing and grew up to become our incredible Lionesses… and now they will play in a game that dreams are made of.
      “Good luck to the @lionesses ahead of the World Cup final – whatever happens the whole country is so proud of everything you’ve achieved to get to this historic moment.
      “Keep believing, play with the amazing passion and team spirit you show every time you take to the pitch. More