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    Watch Jobe Bellingham score 25-yard screamer for Sunderland that Real Madrid star brother Jude would be proud of

    JOBE BELLINGHAM bagged a stunning 25-yard strike for Sunderland in their 2-0 win over Derby.The midfielder, 19, is known by many as the younger brother of Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham.Jobe Bellingham let fly from 25 yards out to score a stunning goalCredit: Sky SportsThe screamer set Sunderland on their way to a comfortable win over DerbyCredit: Sky SportsBellingham has made an impressive start to the season in the ChampionshipCredit: PABut he began making a name for himself at Birmingham and is now enjoying a superb start to his second season with Sunderland.He has not missed a single minute of The Black Cats’ league campaign so far.And on Tuesday night Bellingham produced his moment of the season so far with a breathtaking goal.The England U20 star picked up a loose ball 25 yards out and fizzed a sumptuous effort beyond the despairing dive of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting to Bellingham’s first goal of the season, one fan said: “It is a beauty.”While another added: “🔥 What a stunning goal from Jobe Bellingham! Excited to see more from him this season! 🌟”A third replied: “England might as well put him in the side now because he’s going to be in it anyway soon enough.”And a fourth simply responded: “Unreal.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJobe’s brilliant goal comes as brother Jude prepares to face Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday night.He missed one month of action due to a calf injury but has played their last three LaLiga games – including Sunday’s derby draw away at Atletico Madrid.Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchThe match was halted in the second half due to objects being thrown at Real keeper Thibaut Courtois by Atletico fans. More

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    West Brom vs Middlesbrough suspended as assistant referee is stretchered off and rushed to hospital in worrying scenes

    WEST BROM’S clash with Middlesbrough was suspended for eight minutes as referee Rob Smith was taken away on a stretcher and rushed to hospital.The official received medical attention seven minutes into the game after sitting down on the pitch.Referee Rob Smith was taken away on a stretcherCredit: RexStaff from both clubs tended to him, before he left via the nearest tunnel which leads not to the dressing rooms but outside the ground where the ambulances are usually on standby.Smith was put into an ambulance and taken to hospital.The fourth official, believed to be Premier League referee Eddie Smart, took over as his replacement.A man from the stands came down to assume the role of fourth official.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the match resumed, a statement from West Brom read: “The game is back underway.”Our best wishes are with assistant referee Rob Smith, who cannot continue after receiving medical treatment.”Smith was kept in hospital overnight and it is believed he reported feeling dizzy during the game.A spokesperson for the PGMOL said: “Rob’s in hospital having tests, we’ll know more in the morning.”Most read in EFLMiddlesbrough also released a statement sending their best wishes to Smith – who went off when the game was goalless.It came before West Brom paid tribute to supporter Mark Townsend who lost his life after a medical emergency at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.There was a minute’s applause in memory of the 57-year-old Albion season ticket holder.West Brom lost the game 1-0 after Boro’s Hayden Hackney scored a 73rd-minute winner.West Brom placed fan Mark Townsend’s shirt over his seat after he tragically lost his lifeCredit: GettyTownsend passed away after a medical emergency at Sheffield Wednesday on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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    West Brom supporter dies after medical emergency in Sheffield Wednesday clash

    WEST BROM have confirmed a fan has passed away after suffering a medical emergency at their game against Sheffield Wednesday.The tragedy occurred at Hillsborough as Wednesday claimed a 3-2 win over Albion in the Championship.The fan passed away after suffering a medical emergency at HillsboroughCredit: GettyA statement from the club read: “West Bromwich Albion Football Club is devastated to learn the tragic passing of a supporter following a medical emergency.”The club has made contact with the supporter’s family to pass on its condolences and asks that they are allowed to grieve privately.”The thoughts of all of us will remain with the supporter’s loved ones at this desperately sad time.”West Brom manager Carlos Corberán later added: “Unfortunately we received the worst news.”Our supporter passed away after today’s game. All my thoughts are with his family in this very sad moment. RIP.” The match continued when stewards and medics rushed to the fan’s aid.It comes after a medical emergency also occurred at Fratton Park during Portsmouth’s goalless draw with Sheffield United.The match was briefly halted and it is understood the fan was carried out on a stretcher.Most read in EFLWest Brom watched their side fall 2-0 behind inside 23 minutes against Wednesday after Darnell Furlong’s own goal was added to by a Josh Windass strike.Josh Maja pulled one back for the visitors midway through the second half, before Alex Mowatt equalised in the 84th minute.But Wednesday snatched victory moments later when Anthony Musaba netted the winner.The win sees Wednesday climb up to 18th in the table.West Brom remain top despite defeat as second-place Sunderland lost 2-1 at Watford. More

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    ‘It’s nothing short of a disgrace’ rages Sky Sports pundit as ‘carnage’ League One club at risk of going bust

    FORMER Reading star Ady Williams has labelled goings on at his old club a “disgrace” after Rob Couhig’s proposed takeover fell through this week.Former Wycombe owner Couhig, 75, had satisfied EFL chiefs and had invested at least £5million into the Royals.Former Reading favourite Ady Wiliams blasted the situation at his former clubCredit: Sky SportsBut the American has now been paid back, after Reading owner Dai Yongge failed to complete a deal.Fans have frequently protested against Dai, whose several late payments in recent years have led to multiple points deductions and relegation from the Championship.Reading are currently operating on money received via a sell-on clause in Michael Olise’s £8million sale to Crystal Palace in 2021, after the French winger joined Bayern Munich in the summer.Following the collapse of Couhig’s takeover, Royals fans planned a further protest for during today’s home match against Huddersfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReporting from the game for Sky Sports, former Reading favourite Ady Williams pulled no punches on the club’s situation.Reading born Williams, who played more than 300 times for his hometown club, said: “What’s happened at this football club at boardroom level and off the pitch is nothing short of a disgrace. “It’s carnage at the moment. Rob Couhig came in, as Jobi (McAnuff) said it looked like this was going to be the deal and I was thinking Reading fans can finally put this to bed, all these embargoes and protests and pitch invasions and whatever it may be.”But Mr Couhig pulled out for whatever reason and we’re back to square one. It’s a tragedy, it really is.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”For these Reading fans and the backroom staff and the players and manager – everybody connected with the club – it is carnage off the pitch.”In the 18th minute of today’s match, Reading fans held up red cards with the message: “Dai family sell Reading FC.”‘Leeds fans better than Sunderland’ plus bust ups and bug pranks | Jack Grimmer – What the EFL?!The Royals then went behind in the 21st minute, via Matty Pearson’s opener.But Ruben Selles’ side were level on the half hour via Harvey Knibbs’ effort, before claiming a 57th minute lead via Ben Elliott.Earlier this week, Selles admitted his frustration at the situation.The former Southampton boss, 41, told the BBC: “I have had enough of this situation now.”All the bad situations that can happen in football have happened to me in the last 16 months.”I have a fantastic group of players that have been fighting against those situations but it gets to a point where you cannot anymore, you are repeating the things in the cycle.”I’m not a person that likes to quit but I do need to reflect on where could be the ending point because I’m not happy with everything that’s happened.”Ruben Selles is growing frustrated with Reading’s situationCredit: Getty More

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    EFL manager cancelled training session after two stars came to blows and couldn’t be in same room together

    AN EFL manager once had to cancel training after two players had a huge bust-up and could not be left alone together.The shocking incident occurred at Shrewsbury, with then boss Paul Hurst taking no chances as he sent two of his star players to the dressing room.Paul Hurst axed training after his players had a huge bust-upCredit: GettyWycombe’s Jack Grimmer told SunSport about some incredible EFL talesCredit: AlamyWycombe star Jack Grimmer shared some hilarious tales with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From an owner’s crazy antics to wild nights out, the Chairboys captain lifted the lid on his maddest footballing experiences.BEST EFL PLAYER?[Bakary] Sako when he was at Wolves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL FANS?Leeds at Elland Road. DODGIEST FACILITIES? Yeovil away. In the changing rooms, the windows were open right next to our fans and we lost the game. We were getting all this abuse in the windows. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEFL FANBASE WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEAD?Sunderland. ‘Fan told me he was ‘****ing my mum’ | Gillngham’s Jack Nolan plays What the EFL?!FUNNIEST FAN ABUSE YOU’VE EVER HEARD?Away at Lincoln. They just kept shouting every time the goalie kicked the ball – it was that old-fashioned, you fat b******. MOMENT THAT HAUNTS YOU?When I was at Coventry and we lost at home to Yeovil 6-2. ICONIC TRAINING GROUND TALE?Our old captain, Joe Jacobson… Marcus Bean put crickets in his car.He couldn’t find the crickets for like weeks. So he would get in his car and then still find the noise of crickets going on. WILDEST OWNER ANTICS?At Wycombe again, our owner Rob Cooig, his nephew Pete Couhig, who was our CFO, Pete was obviously ecstatic that we had one promotion during COVID at Wembley against Oxford.The celebrations were a bit heavy, shall we say. I had a back operation not long before. He proceeded to fall backwards off the team bus onto the street. ICONIC TRAINING GROUND TALE?At Shrewsbury ten years ago, our captain Adam El-Abd and Irish hardcore centre-mid Gary Deegan.Two people you just would not mess with on a football pitch or in life in general, they just kept going at each other all morning and eventually came to blows. The manager at the time, Paul Hurst, basically called an end to training because he did not want those two players going into the changing room on their own. Adam El-Abd had a furious row with a team-mateCredit: Action Images – ReutersThe defender and Gary Deegan could not be left alone in the dressing roomCredit: SportsfileWILDEST NIGHT OUT?After Coventry got promoted, the League Two play-off final against Exeter.READ MORE SUN STORIESBank holiday Monday, all the Sky Blue Army went and there was about 35,000, 40,000 people there. They all went back to Coventry to support us and party. Probably my best night out ever. I remember feeling like almost invincible.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Tom Lockyer feels invincible after surviving cardiac arrest as he backs campaign for fans to learn CPR

    TOM LOCKYER feels invincible and is joking among pals that he will ‘live for ever’.The Wales international TWICE almost died after collapsing with heart problems playing for Luton Town.Tom Lockyer is backing the Every Minute Matters campaign with the British Heart FoundationThe Luton captain returned to training after two heart issues in eight monthsBut now he is mulling over a return to the game he loves despite initially being ‘at peace’ with retirement should doctors tell him to walk away from the game at 29.Lockyer, who now has a fitted defibrillator which shocks an irregular heartbeat back to a normal rhythm, said: “I feel safe. It’s like I’ve got a superpower now.“My biggest joke with my friends is, ‘I’ll live forever’ — because when I’m 85 in bed, possibly dying of old age, the defibrillator will shock me back into life.“I’m invincible!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball held its collective breath while both Hatters and Bournemouth fans at the Vitality watched in horror as midfielder Lockyer collapsed during a Premier League game in December.It later emerged he had suffered a cardiac arrest just months after paramedics and medical staff saved his life at Wembley during the Championship play-off final against Coventry that May.Lockyer had fallen to the ground unconscious with atrial fibrillation – or irregular heartbeat – and despite being clinically dead for 2 minutes 40 seconds, medics at the Dorset club rescued him and today he feels fit, healthy and back to his jovial self.Incredibly, he is also back involved in training sessions.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo far, it is only warm-up drills with the squad before doing rehab work with his personal coach. It is a first tentative step in a long journey to a possible return to action.Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen was able to continue playing after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Euros for Denmark in 2021 thanks to a fitted unit.Tom Lockyer hugs team-mates as he returns to Luton’s training ground five weeks after shock cardiac arrest on the pitchBut to have lived to tell the tale after one serious heart issue is alarming enough — but to survive a second and still want to play is extraordinarily brave.Yet Lockyer said: “You could say that but I don’t see it that way. I’ve got my box fitted now and feel as safe as any other normal person or player.“After it happened there was a case that maybe I couldn’t exercise again which for someone who has always been active would’ve been hard.“I started off doing a bit of rehab to see where I could get to and what I’d be allowed to do safely. When we kept ticking off boxes, I thought, ‘Why stop now?’“Let’s see where I get to. If I can get on the pitch again, great. If not, I’ll listen to the doctors. Just because I’m back in Luton, it doesn’t mean I’m going to play again. “It’s not something I can rush — but it’s great to be back among the lads because I missed that changing-room camaraderie.”EFL supports World Heart Day EFL stars will bag the British Heart Foundation £1,000 for EVERY GOAL scored across the Championship, League One and League Two this weekend.It is World Heart Day on Sunday, September 29.So Sky Bet vowed to make the generous donations to support the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign, which has now helped 90,000 people learn life-saving CPR skills.The campaign has now raised £520,000 since its launch in May and hopes to fund 80 more community defibrillators across the UK. There are 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year – that is five every 90 minutes. It is crucially important for people to learn how to do CPR – with just one in ten surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests due to a lack of skills or confidence to do CPR. Eventually, the ‘Every Minute Matters’ goal is to train up 270,000 people in CPR by May 2025 – enough to fill three Wembley Stadiums. But one thing Lockyer does want to see happen quickly is for more people to learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) — and become life-saving heroes like the paramedics that rescued him.The EFL’s sponsors SkyBet are generously donating £1,000 to the British Heart Foundation for EVERY GOAL scored in the Championship, League One and League Two this weekend — including Friday night’s second-tier clash between Lockyer’s Luton and Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth as well as Tranmere v Salford in the fourth rung.To mark World Heart Day, SkyBet and the charity want fans of all 72 EFL clubs to kick their fears and apprehensions about performing CPR into Row Z by learning in only 15 minutes how to be a future life-saving hero.So far — in a campaign called Every Minute Matters — they have managed to get 90,000 members of the public to learn how to do it. Their target is to be able to have enough fans who have learned CPR to fill THREE Wembley stadiums.Lockyer said: “Your chances of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is less than one in ten. “The reality is if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer one, unless there are paramedics or people nearby confident enough to perform CPR, it’s not looking good for you.“Less than half of EFL fans surveyed by SkyBet said they were confident of doing CPR.“Imagine if someone you loved, a family member, collapsed in front of you and you didn’t know what to do — despite having all this awareness about CPR brought to your attention and not having spared just 15 minutes to learn it? It would haunt you forever if they passed away.“I’ve done it online. It’s not rocket science and takes 15 minutes. The more people who know how to do it, the better the survival rates will be.”Cardiac arrests don’t discriminate. You can be as fit and healthy as a Premier League footballer like myself or a 90-year-old. A man told me about his 18-month-old daughter. That hit home. That was shocking.Tom LockyerAn impressive £520,000 has already been raised by the campaign and the first £400,000 of these funds are being spent on 80 more community defibrillators distributed across the UK as well as training more people CPR and defibrillation skills.Lockyer would like one day for every household to have a defibrillator — which would save many more lives — but accepts a lot of work needs to be done before they can become more affordable.He said: “Cardiac arrests don’t discriminate. You can be as fit and healthy as a Premier League footballer like myself or a 90-year-old.“After what happened I had a man reach out to me about what happened to his 18-month-old daughter. That hit home. That was shocking. Thankfully he knew what he was doing and she is still here today.”Speaking about his own experiences, when Lockyer suffered his first cardiac at Wembley, during the time he lay unconscious, he revealed he dreamed that Luton won the play-off final: “Thankfully that was a reality.”But the second time, he blacked out completely in a situation that was really touch and go. He said: “When I woke up, I knew what had happened — and as glad I was to have survived the first thought after that was ‘Oh, that my career over then.'”However, that might not be the case after all and even if it is, Lockyer will continue to campaign passionately in a bid to save others — including this weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he added: “Let’s hope for lots of goals this weekend — some 10-10 draws would be nice! And please everyone learn how to become a hero like those that saved me.”Lockyer called on fans to learn how to do CPRLockyer collapsed during the 2023 Championship play-off final at WembleyCredit: GettyLuton stars lifted Lockyer’s shirt after securing promotionCredit: GettyAfter his cardiac arrest at Bournemouth, he thought his career was overCredit: ReutersThe midfielder says he feels ‘invincible’ with his defibrillatorCredit: GettyHe thanked the Bournemouth paramedics for saving his lifeCredit: Reuters More

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    Incredible before and after video shows AFC Wimbledon’s progress fixing huge sinkhole after Carabao Cup clash postponed

    AFC WIMBLEDON have issued an update on the pitch restoration at Plough Lane.The Dons were forced to postpone their Carabao Cup third round clash with Newcastle on Tuesday due to flooding.AFC Wimbledon have shared an update on their pitchCredit: AFC WimbledonThe Dons raised over £100,000 for repairsCredit: AFC WimbledonWork is underway to resurface the damaged part of the pitchCredit: AFC WimbledonAdverse weather conditions in the area caused “significant damage” to both the stadium itself and the pitch.A SINKHOLE formed by the corner flag, prompting the fan-owned club to start a fundraiser to pay for the damage.Work began on the pitch yesterday morning, with significant progress made in just a matter of hours.AFC Wimbledon shared a before and after clip of the work on social media last night.Read More in FootballIt showed the first steps of the pitch being evened out to repair the huge sinkhole.Wimbledon managed to raise over £100,000 for repairs by Wednesday afternoon.Newcastle donated £15,000 following the match postponement.The fixture has been pushed back to October 1 and moved to St James’ Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWimbledon will receive 45 per cent of the gate revenue from it.The winner of the clash will go on to face Chelsea in the fourth round.Watch AFC Wimbledon begin work fixing sinkhole on pitch after pumping more than 100,000 LITRES of water out of stadiumThe Dons hope to return to Plough Lane for their clash with Carlisle on October 12. More

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    EFL cult hero Gareth Ainsworth ‘plotting shock return to management’ after almost a whole year unemployed

    EFL icon Gareth Ainsworth is reportedly targeting a return to management.The 51-year-old has been out of work since leaving QPR last October.Gareth Ainsworth allegedly wants the Hearts jobCredit: GettyHe was sacked by the Hoops following six consecutive Championship defeats.But now he is seeking a return to management.According to the Daily Record, Ainsworth wants to become the next Hearts boss.The Scottish Premiership side sacked Steven Naismith last week following a 2-1 defeat to St Mirren.Read More in FootballClub officials are now looking for his successor, with Ainsworth among the potential candidates.The former QPR boss has applied for the vacant job and is now under consideration.His statistics will be reviewed by Hearts before the interview process begins.Ainsworth turned down several job opportunities after leaving QPR a year ago.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was understood to be waiting for the perfect role to come around.And he believes Hearts will tick every box.’We had a can of beans between 20′ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!Prior to his stint at QPR, Ainsworth managed Wycombe Wanderers for almost 11 years.He won promotion from League Two in 2018 and from League One in 2020.Ainsworth managed 550 games at Wycombe, with a win ratio of almost 40 per cent and he gained a reputation for playing attacking football. More