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      Every English football club to take part in social media boycott today in protest at online hate

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      EVERY English football club will join a social media boycott today in protest at online hate.The FA, Premier League, EFL and the women’s game will turn off Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for four days. 
      Thierry Henry has led the charge for big tech reforms over online abuseCredit: PA
      They are calling on social media firms to stem the “relentless” flow of abuse.
      In an act of unity, The Sun will stop posting on our Twitter accounts from 3pm today until 11.59pm on Monday.
      France’s Thierry Henry, who has led the charge for big tech reform, was “thrilled” by the show of strength.
      He said: “It is a powerful statement.”
      Writing in today’s Sun, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warns social media giants to act or face the consequences.
      Under his Online Safety Bill, companies could be shut down if they fail to remove abuse. 
      He writes: “Under the legislation, if social media companies fail to keep their promises to users – if they don’t quickly remove racist abuse, for example – they will face severe sanctions.
      “For the very worst failures, they could have their sites blocked.
      “They could also face huge fines of up to ten percent of annual global turnover.
      “For a company like Facebook or YouTube, that could be billions.”
      The Arsenal legend said of the online boycott: ‘It is a powerful statement’Credit: AFP

      He continues: “English football coming off social media is a powerful statement.
      “Everything that tries to destroy the beauty and the happiness of our game — we should fight it.
      “This is my happiest moment. Football stands for something. Not only money.”
      Thierry Henry explains his decision to quit social media More

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      Barnsley fan handed three-year ban for throwing SAUSAGE ROLL at steward during brawl at Southend

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      A BARNSLEY fan has been banned from football games for three years for throwing a SAUSAGE ROLL at a steward.Curtis Horbury was supporting his team in a game away at Southend United in 2019.
      A fan has been banned three years after throwing a sausage roll at a stewardCredit: Rex
      But the 22-year-old got involved in a scuffle with security staff after incorrectly hearing that stewards had hit a disabled fan.
      Stadium personnel were sent into the away end to try and stop supporters standing on the seats.
      After an appeal, three men were identified for their part in the trouble, and have appeared at Basildon Crown Court.
      Horbury admitted to throwing the sausage roll and, along with Kyle Swann, 20, Darren Kennett, 54, and his son Harvey Kennett, admitted affray.
      They were all handed three-year bans and curfew orders.
      Cameron Rose, 23, and Jonathan Senior, 28, were given four and one month curfews respectively after admitting to a section four public order offence.
      Stewards were punched to the floor during the shocking altercation, as reported by the Echo.
      Judge Samantha Leigh told Horbury: “You wrongly made yourself involved in the situation, you made full admissions that you shouldn’t have got involved.
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      “You also accepted that you threw the sausage roll at the stewards.”
      Prosecuting, Ed Renvoize said: “There was distress not only for the stewards but also for the football supporters who were not engaging with them.”
      All the Barnsley fans expressed their remorse for the trouble that started just before half-time of the football clash.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      When are EFL playoffs 2021? Dates, kick-off times and TV channels with all matches taking place WITH fans

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      THE EFL season has reached its business end with the promotion battles taking shape and the Championship playoff sides known.As is the tradition, the campaign will conclude at Wembley, with the play-off semi-finals and finals to be played in front of fans if the government roadmap stays on track.
      Fulham were 2020 Championship play-off final winnersCredit: PA
      Fulham, Wycombe and Northampton Town were the promoted sides last year, but who will be participating in the play-offs this year and when will the games take place?
      When are the EFL play-offs?
      The EFL play-off dates are as follows:
      Championship
      Semi-finals

      Monday, May 17 – Championship A 1st leg (6pm)
      Monday, May 17 – Championship B 1st leg (8.15pm)
      Saturday, May 22 – Championship A 2nd leg (12.30pm)
      Saturday, May 22 – Championship B 2nd leg (5.30pm)

      Final

      Saturday, May 29 (3pm)

      League One
      Semi-finals

      Tuesday, May 18 – League One A 1st leg (6pm)
      Wednesday, May 19 – League One B 1st leg (6pm)
      Friday, May 21 – League One A 2nd leg (7.45pm)
      Saturday, May 22 – League One B 2nd leg (7.45pm)

      Final

      Sunday, May 30 (3pm)

      League Two
      Semi-finals

      Thursday, May 20 – League Two A 1st leg (6pm)
      Thursday, May 20 – League Two B 1st leg (8.15pm)
      Sunday, May 23 – League Two A 2nd leg (12.30pm)
      Sunday, May 23 – League Two B 2nd leg (6.30pm)

      What TV channel are EFL play-off matches on and can I live stream them?

      Sky Sports hold exclusive rights to EFL coverage, including the play-off games.
      Matches will be shown live on channels such as Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      Some matches may be shown on the Sky Sports Red Button if they overlap with others.
      To stream EFL play-off matches live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

      Adebayo Akinfenwa and Wycombe Wanderers were promoted from League One at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Northampton Town were victorious in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Getty
      How many fans will be allowed to attend the EFL play-offs?
      The EFL has announced that the play-offs will be held from Monday, May 17 – the date on which the government will allow fans to return to stadiums according to the current roadmap.
      That means that ALL play-off matches will have fans attending as things stand.
      The roadmap states: “The government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number).
      “In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).”
      This can be taken to mean that the play-off finals at Wembley will be played in front of 10,000 fans unless otherwise specified.
      However, it has yet to be confirmed whether participating EFL teams’ stadiums qualify as larger or smaller outdoor venues. More

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      Joey Barton refuses to accept Bristol Rovers relegation on CV after dropping into League Two despite poor spell as boss

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      JOEY BARTON believes Bristol Rovers’ relegation shouldn’t be pinned on him after the club’s drop into League Two was confirmed over the weekend.The Pirates’ fate was sealed on Saturday following the 1-0 defeat against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
      Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers side have been relegated to League Two after losing to PortsmouthCredit: Rex
      Rovers – rooted to the bottom of the League One table after 44 games – are now ten points from safety with just two fixtures left to play.
      And former Fleetwood gaffer Barton has refused to accept that relegation will be on his CV after only taking charge at the Memorial Stadium in February.
      The 38-year-old – who took over when Bristol were two points outside of the bottom four – has lost 11 out of his 16 matches, winning on just three occasions.
      Speaking to the Bristol Post, the ex-Manchester City midfielder said: “For me as a coach, it’s a strange one because deep down I don’t think I will ever accept this is a relegation on my CV, albeit it will live there forever.
      “But I’m absolutely convinced that had we had our processes and things in place, this should never happen. It should never happen.
      “It can happen to you in the top divisions if you don’t have quality in the building, but in the lower leagues you just have to be fit and organised, that’s half the battle.
      “We’ve gone down having a scrap. Portsmouth have had one shot on goal and managed to win the game.
      “We could be out here all day, we ain’t going to score a goal with what we’ve got going on at this moment.
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      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      Before adding: “The sooner this season’s done and dusted, if I could finish it tomorrow and get rid of them all and a report date for pre-season, I would do.
      “But we’ve got fixtures to fulfil and we’ve got to give our all.
      “I’m really, really sad that it’s one of my teams involved in that and hopefully this is the last time this ever happens to me as a coach.” More

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      EFL team of the season: Emi Buendia and goal machine Ivan Toney make it as we reveal our Football League season awards

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      THE EFL will stage their annual season awards ceremony on Thursday night – and this year it will be a virtual event.But today I am going to pick out my winners for what has been yet another thrilling campaign across all three divisions – and below is my EFL team of the season
      Justin Allen’s EFL team of the season
      Bolton defender Ricardo Santos (left) is SunSport’s League Two player of the year and in the team of the seasonCredit: Getty
      LEAGUE TWO
      Player of the season – Ricardo Santos (Bolton)
      THEY call him The Wall up in this part of Lancashire, the centre-half has proved to be an inspired signing from boss Ian Evatt.
      Snapped up from Barnet in the summer, he has not missed a minute of league action this season with Wanderers only needing one more win to guarantee League One football next season.
      Manager of the season – Michael Duff (Cheltenham)
      WHAT an incredible job the Burnley legend has done with the Robins. Has the eighth lowest budget in the division yet only needs a maximum of one point from the last three games to take the club into League One. 
      A fantastic FA Cup run that saw Cheltenham go within nine minutes of beating Man City was one of the highlights of a superb season.
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      Jonson Clarke-Harris scored his 29th league goal of the season for Peterborough at Charlton on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      LEAGUE ONE
      Player of the season – Jonson Clarke-Harris (Peterborough)
      HAS had an incredible first season with Posh after stepping into the enormous shoes left by Ivan Toney.
      Since his £1.2million switch from Bristol Rovers, the striker has plundered 29 league goals to shoot Darren Ferguson’s men into the Championship.
      Manager of the season – Grant McCann (Hull)
      THE Northern Irishman stayed dignified in the face of stinging criticism from fans last season following the Tigers relegation. But he has secured their return to the Championship at the first time of asking.
      CHAMPIONSHIP
      Player of the season – Ivan Toney (Brentford)
      HAS been the stand-out star in English football’s second tier.
      When the Bees sold 25-goal striker Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa in the summer, no-one would have imagined that Toney would do even better.
      Ivan Toney, here scoring against Preston, has been the EFL’s standout player this seasonCredit: Getty
      His 29 league goals – with three games left to play – since his £5million move from Peterborough is the main reason Thomas Frank’s side are in with a shout again of promotion to the Premier League.
      It will be hard for the Bees to keep hold of this player if they fail to win promotion with several top-flight clubs sniffing around.
      His all-round game has improved and he gives Brentford a big physical presence up top.
      Will be the key man in the play-offs next month.
      Manager of the season – Valerien Ismael (Barnsley)
      THE Frenchman has worked absolute wonders in South Yorkshire.
      Barnsley were most people’s favourites to be relegated yet they go into next month’s play-offs with a serious fighting chance of a fairytale promotion to the Premier League.
      His teams are hard-working, press high, are intense and well-drilled. Even Chelsea could count themselves fortunate to sneak past them in the FA Cup.
      The signing of striker Daryl Dike on loan from Orlando in the winter transfer window proved inspiring and gave his team momentum  in the second half of the season.
      Daryl Dike has been a brilliant signing by Barnsley and has scored some superb goals – including this overhead kick against HuddersfieldCredit: Getty

      EFL YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON
      Daryl Dike (Barnsley)
      ALTHOUGH he has only been on these shores since the start of February, so superb has been the American’s impact that he is the standout rookie in the league.
      Aged just 20, this powerful athlete has been a game-changer for Barnsley in their surprise promotion bid.
      Dike already has netted nine goals in just 12 starts and a whole host of Premier League clubs are interested in signing him this summer.
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      However, if the Tykes win promotion, keeping Dike will be a priority for the club’s board who say they have a water-tight agreement with Orlando to sign him permanently if they wish this summer.
      A mention must also go to 20-year-old Spurs midfielder Oliver Skipp, who is on loan with Norwich.
      His mature performances in the centre of midfield defies his 20 years of age.
      Some are even saying he can be a future England captain. A real gem.
      Jamal Lowe rolls his foot over the ball before scoring his stunner against CardiffCredit: Getty
      EFL GOAL OF THE SEASON
      JAMAL LOWE (SWANSEA v Cardiff)
      NOT a bad match to endear yourself to the fans by scoring a worldy.
      Picking up the ball from Andre Ayew around halfway, the Swans striker rode past two tackles before planting a lovely shot past keeper Alex Smithies.
      His two goals earned a 2-0 win over Swansea’s bitter foes.
      DIRECTORS OF THE SEASON
      BEST – DELIA SMITH & MICHAEL WYNN-JONES (Norwich City)
      THE Canaries’ majority shareholders deserve a lot of credit for keeping faith with Daniel Farke after relegation from the Premier League when so many clubs would have fired him. 
      With good recruitment, helped by Stuart Webber, the German has rewarded them with an instant return to the top-flight.
      If the club can be as clever in the transfer market this summer again, they will have a fighting chance of staying in the Premier League.
      Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones have overseen another Norwich promotionCredit: Rex
      Gary Neville has sacked two managers this season as a director of Salford CityCredit: Alamy
      WORST – GARY NEVILLE (Salford)
      SORRY but Neville might be a good pundit but his judgement as a part-owner of the League Two club this season has been shocking.
      First he sacked experienced Graham Alexander, who got them promoted into the EFL as well as finishing a credible 11th in their first season. 
      Fans were scratching their heads as Neville wielded the axe with the club unbeaten and fifth in League Two after just five games.

      The Manchester United legend then sent Richie Wellens packing 10 days after winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley.
      Incredibly, the club – despite all the constant managerial upheaval – still have a play-off chance which only masks Neville’s shortcomings. If thy get promoted it will be in spite of Neville, not because of him.
      So good luck to new boss Gary Bowyer.
      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher slam Man Utd and Liverpool owners over European Super League fallout More

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      When are EFL playoffs 2021? Dates, kick-off times and TV channels with all fixtures to take place WITH fans

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      THE EFL season has reached its business end with the promotion races taking shape.And the campaign will conclude with the traditional play-off finals at Wembley, which will be played in front of fans if the government roadmap stays on track.
      Fulham were 2020 Championship play-off final winnersCredit: PA
      Fulham, Wycombe and Northampton Town were the promoted sides last year, but who will be participating in the play-offs this year and when will the games take place?
      When are the EFL play-offs?
      The EFL play-off dates are as follows:
      Championship

      Semi-final first legs – Monday, May 17
      Semi-final second legs – Saturday, May 22
      Final – Saturday, May 29

      League One

      Semi-final first legs – Tuesday, May 18 and Wednesday, May 19
      Semi-final second legs – Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22
      Final – Sunday, May 30

      League Two

      Semi-final first legs – Thursday, May 20
      Semi-final second legs – Sunday, May 23
      Final – Monday, May 31

      What TV channel are EFL play-off matches on and can I live stream them?

      Sky Sports hold exclusive rights to EFL coverage, including the play-off games.
      Matches will be shown live on channels such as Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
      Some matches may be shown on the Sky Sports Red Button if they overlap with others.
      To stream EFL play-off matches live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

      Adebayo Akinfenwa and Wycombe Wanderers were promoted from League One at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Northampton Town were victorious in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Getty
      How many fans will be allowed to attend the EFL play-offs?
      The EFL has announced that the play-offs will be held from Monday, May 17 – the date on which the government will allow fans to return to stadiums according to the current roadmap.
      That means that ALL play-off matches will have fans attending as things stand.
      The roadmap states: “The government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number).
      “In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).”
      This can be taken to mean that the play-off finals at Wembley will be played in front of 10,000 fans unless otherwise specified.
      However, it has yet to be confirmed whether participating EFL teams’ stadiums qualify as larger or smaller outdoor venues. More

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      Watford boss Xisco Munoz hails Rafa Benitez and Claudio Ranieri with Hornets on brink of Premier League return

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      XISCO MUNOZ credits Rafa Benitez and Claudio Ranieri for teaching him how to become a winner.And he has used those skills to good use by turning Watford into a winning machine since taking over in December.
      Xisco Munoz (left) celebrates Watford’s win at Norwich which put them on the brink of promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Munoz has transformed Watford
      The Hornets will be promoted on Saturday if they beat Millwall at Vicarage Road.
      And Spaniard Munoz – who has tasted victory in 16 of his 23 Championship games in charge – picked up his winning mentality at Valencia under the legendary managers.
      As a winger, he won a Uefa Cup and LaLiga double in 2004 under Benitez before going on to win the Uefa Super Cup under Ranieri the same year.
      Munoz, 40, said: “Rafa built a very good squad, the best I ever played in, and I’ve nothing but huge admiration for him and Claudio.
      “Playing for Rafa was a life-changing moment for me in football. He showed me a different way to play football and how to be a winner all the time.
      “What he did made me realise the process is the most important thing if you want to reach your goals.
      “You must work hard every day, to try and give the best. That is what he taught me.
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      Rafa Benitez was Munoz’s manager at ValenciaCredit: AFP
      Munoz says that Valencia side was the best he ever played inCredit: AFP
      “Both those managers have been consistent and successful in their careers as well as never once losing their ambitions.
      “They have big powerful work ethics, good communication skills and lots of other things.”
      Munoz keeps in touch with Benitez – who took Newcastle straight back into the Premier League in 2017.
      The Watford boss added: “We’ve spoken about three or four different things.
      Playing for Rafa was a life-changing moment for meXisco Munoz
      “Rafa has had good results here in England so he’s a perfect reference for me.”
      Munoz is a huge contrast from his predecessor at Vicarage Road – misery guts Vladimir Ivic.
      The Serbian coach received his marching orders with Watford sitting fifth and three points behind the top two.
      But Ivic’s highly-disciplined regime and downbeat demeanour, even after victories, did not rub off well on a hugely-talented squad.
      Munoz has a far more happy demeanour – always smiling, courteous and good humoured but at the same time demanding nothing but the highest of standards from his players.
      Claudio Ranieri is another huge influence on MunozCredit: Getty
      So how did he manage to build the momentum which has now seen Watford win 12 of their last 15 games – and win him the SkyBet Championship manager-of-the-month award for March?
      He said: “Simple. Allow the players to enjoy their football.
      “You are always going to have good or difficult moments in this game but the most important thing is to enjoy being with your team-mates as well as playing and working with each other.
      “I try to give the maximum ambition for our quality and prepare the players as best I can for all the games.
      “Of course, it’s good to show a sense of fun to the players. It’s important to have a good relationship with the group, all the staff and the fans.
      “Together we have more power. It’s amazing when everyone has the same goal and the same motivation, what can be achieved.”
      It is no secret that there are big personalities in the Vicarage Road changing room.
      Munoz was the SkyBet Championship manager of the month for MarchCredit: Alan Cozzi 07968336683
      And Munoz has praised SunSport columnist and club captain Troy Deeney for his help and contribution since he took charge.
      He said: “Troy has been great. He helps me and the players on and off the pitch.
      “Even when he doesn’t play, he’s amazing – coming to away games to give the team support.

      “We have a dressing room where no-one is selfish – and big professionals and we need this attitude to the end.”
      But how does Munoz command authority in the Watford dressing when he is the 14th manager in 10 years?
      He said: “My personality. When I was a player I was the same. You have to be honest. You know the situation. You don’t need anything special. This has been my style throughout my life
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      “I always try to give honest decisions and understand mistakes. I am young, sometimes I make mistakes and it doesn’t matter. This is my philosophy in life.”
      And being a winner of course?
      He laughed: “Always. Even when I play a game with my son or daughter, I try to win.
      “You must always give your best with a good spirit and high intensity. Only then are results possible.” More

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      Trevor Sinclair’s 18-year-old son Sky signs first pro deal at Blackpool as ex-West Ham star reveals delight

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      TREVOR SINCLAIR has proudly congratulated his son son Sky for earning his first professional deal at Blackpool.The former QPR, West Ham and Manchester City star earned 12 caps for England, and clearly footballing talent runs in the family.

      Sky Sinclair plays as a right-back for Blackpool’s Under-18sCredit: Blackpool FC
      Upon receiving the news that his son would be getting a professional deal Sinclair, 48, couldn’t hide his joy.
      He tweeted: “Bursting with pride that our son @skysinclair1 has earned a pro contract @BlackpoolFC.
      “Huge thanks to all his coaches throughout his journey, the club and his amazing mum 🙌🏾 Go again son 💙.”
      The younger Sinclair, 18, is a second year scholar with the Tangerines.
      A right-back by trade, Blackpool’s official website is brimming with praise when describing his game.
      They write: “He is very athletic and gets up and down the pitch very well, helping the team both in attack and defence.”
      Sinclair is yet to make his first-team debut for Neil Critchley’s men.
      But he will be hoping that his side can win promotion from League One this season.
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      Trevor Sinclair played for England at the 2002 World CupCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      They currently sit fifth in the table, with five games remaining.
      His dad Trevor will have a well of experience to draw upon, having made 360 Premier League appearances during a successful career.
      He also went to the 2002 World Cup with the Three Lions, starting four games along the way.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Trevor Sinclair says Jesse Lingard should stay at West Ham More