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      Morecambe star Yann Songo’o facing 12-MATCH ban over alleged homophobic slur after calling Tranmere rival ‘f*****’

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      MORECAMBE midfielder Yann Songo’o faces a potential 12-game ban after being charged with homophobic abuse.
      Songo’o was dismissed by referee Paul Howard just before half-time after seemingly branding a Tranmere player a “f*****” following a clash during the 1-0 home defeat to Morecambe on January 30.

      Ex-Cameroon U20 midfielder Yann Songo’o (left) was given a straight red for abusive language in Morecambe’s 1-0 loss at home to TranmereCredit: Alamy Live News

      The flare-up led to Morecambe’s Yann Songo’o being sent offCredit: Alamy Live News

      Pitchside microphones captured the slur and the furious reaction of the Tranmere players towards the 29-year-old, whose dad Jacques Songo’o was one of Africa’s greatest ever goalkeepers.
      The FA confirmed: “Morecambe FC’s Yann Songo’o has been charged with an ‘aggravated breach’ of FA Rule E3 following their EFL League Two fixture against Tranmere Rovers FC on Saturday 30 January 2021.
      “It is alleged that the midfielder used abusive and/or insulting language towards an opponent during the 45th minute of the fixture, which is contrary to FA Rule E3.1, and that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, as defined in FA Rule E3.2, because the language included a reference to sexual orientation.
      “Yann Songo’o has until Wednesday 24 February 2021 to provide a response.”

      Under tougher new anti-discrimination rules brought in for this season, Songo’o would be banned for between six and 12 matches if the charge is upheld by a disciplinary commission.
      Toulon-born Songo’o joined Morecambe from Scunthorpe last September for a third spell under boss Derek Adams.
      He first came to English football when joining Blackburn from Sporting Kansas City in 2013, then was with Plymouth from 2016-19.

      Before that, he played in Spain for Real Zaragoza B, Sabadell and Pobla de Mafumet.

      He won three Cameroon Under-23 caps, while dad Jacques played 98 times for the senior national team, for whom he is now the goalkeeping coach.
      Songo’o junior also had loan spells with Orlando City and Ross County.

      Georgina Rodriguez braves snow in skin-tight ski-suit on family day out while Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Juventus More

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      Joey Barton reveals he left Fleetwood after bust-up with chairman… and pair didn’t speak for TEN days before axe

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      JOEY BARTON has confirmed he left Fleetwood Town following a bust-up with the club’s chairman over transfers.
      The former Newcastle midfielder was sacked by the Cod Army last month that followed an earlier dispute over the future of Ched Evans.

      Joey Barton has lifted the lid on his Fleetwood Town exitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      SunSport revealed that Barton let the striker join Preston after alleged disciplinary breaches despite chairman Andy Pilley remaining a fan.
      The 38-year-old has now discussed the ‘disconnect’ with the League One side’s owner that led to him leaving Fleetwood as well.
      Speaking on Robbie Fowler’s podcast, Barton felt Pilley wanted to dictate transfers and admitted the pair didn’t speak for ten days before his sacking.
      He said: “When you leave and it doesn’t go so well you think you’ve been removed for the wrong reasons.

      “He was brilliant (the chairman). He gave me an enormous opportunity probably when no-one else in world football would.
      “The chairman was good as gold (at first) in that he didn’t force his opinion on me as a senior chairman and he let me make a few of my own decisions in terms of transfers – some good, some bad, some indifferent. We finished in the play-offs in the second season.

      Ched Evans, I’d had enough of him. He just wasn’t performing on the pitch and I felt we needed to improve in that position.
      Joey Barton

      “We came back this time and were trying to rebuild the side and I think what happened was he went into a transfer embargo.
      “A few players were at the end of their cycle – Ched Evans, I’d had enough of him. He just wasn’t performing on the pitch and I felt we needed to improve in that position.

      “When I went to speak to him, he let me know about the embargo which was a lot longer after it had happened than I felt I should have known about it. He said ‘We’re not going to go in the market or come out of the embargo’.
      “Where we were, eight points out of the play-offs if we get a couple of bodies in we’ll be there or thereabouts.
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      Barton and the owner disagreed over Ched EvansCredit: PA:Press Association

      “We don’t need Sergio Aguero but he disagreed and felt we should have gone with the younger players.
      “I was trying to say ‘They’re young players, we’re growing them but they’re not ready yet’.
      “It got to the point where we both couldn’t be right.”

      Joey Barton sacked as Fleetwood manager after Ched Evans bust-up More

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      Mark Wright subbed 45 minutes into horror debut as boss blasts ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down by half time

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      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright suffered a disastrous full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at HALF TIME.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
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      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney COMPLETE Wrexham takeover… and rename themselves ‘Wryan’ and ‘Wrob’

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      HOLLYWOOD stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have completed their takeover of Wrexham.
      The duo took full control from the Wrexham Supporters Trust — and renamed their Twitter accounts ‘Wryan’ and ‘Wrob’.

      It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator Rob McElhenney has bought WrexhamCredit: Twitter @RMcElhenney

      It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star McElhenny wrote on Twitter: The @Wrexham_AFC handover is complete!
      “We’re toasting with a limited-edition bottle of @AviationGin and I am rebranding as Wrob.”
      They are making a £2million investment, having opened talks with the National League club in September.
      Deadpool actor Reynolds and and pal McElhenney, both 43, said in a statement: “It is a special day for the two of us to become the latest stewards in the long and storied history of Wrexham AFC.”

      “Together with the players, the staff, the fans, and the local community, we can now pursue our goal to grow the team and return it to the EFL in front of increased attendances, and in an improved stadium, while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham.
      “Wrexham AFC is only in a position to thrive because of the incredible efforts of the Wrexham Supporters Trust.
      “Their members are a fitting reflection of the integrity and spirit of the town and they will always have an important role at the club.”

      Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds is now co-owner of the National League sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      They added that funds “will be immediately channelled into new initiatives at the Racecourse Community Foundation, including £50,000 to enhance the women’s football programme and increase participation at all levels.

      “Alongside this, first-team player identification will be a priority, so the club is in the best possible position for the summer transfer window”.
      Contracts were exchanged in January but McElhenney and Reynolds already donated money to strengthen Wrexham’s squad.
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      That was before the transfer deadline and all while waiting for the takeover to be approved by the FCA.
      Former Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore has taken on an informal role advising the actors and said that they are ‘in it for the long term’.
      Wrexham beat Altrincham on Tuesday night to go seventh in the fifth tier of the English football, the final play-off spot.

      Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to take over Wrexham with almost 99 per cent of fans backing move More

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      EFL chiefs forced to AXE salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing legal battle with PFA

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      EFL chiefs have been forced to drop their salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing a legal case against the PFA.
      Clubs voted to approve the wages limits in August.

      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the salary caps were in ‘breach of obligations’ as the players’ union won their case against themCredit: PA:Press Association

      EFL chiefs will now hold meetings later this week with its member clubs to discuss what to do next after withdrawing League One and Two wage limits

      The measures capped League One club wages at £2.5milion per season, with sides in League Two limited to £1.5m.
      But PFA chiefs launched their action after accusing EFL bosses of failing to consult properly with the union.
      Now an independent arbitration panel has found in favour of the PFA, forcing the Football League to drop the caps with immediate effect.
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      The PFA said it “welcomed” the decision, adding: “We hope to to open constructive dialogue to agree reasonable and proportionate cost control measures for the future.
      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: “We were disappointed that the EFL decided to introduce salary cap proposals, which were voted through without the proper consideration or consultation.
      “We argued the new rules were in breach of obligations and are pleased the panel uheld the PFA’s claim.”
      Union bosses insist they are aligned with the EFL in a wish to see sustainable clubs at all levels. 

      A PFA spokesman added: “We also recognise the huge economic pressure that clubs have come under due to the Covid-19 crisis.
      “The PFA believes it is now in the best interest of the leagues, the clubs, and the players to work together and agree on rules that promote financial stability.”
      The EFL said they “will now discuss the matter of financial controls and implications linked to this outcome at a series of meetings with its member clubs later this week”.
      Back when the plans had been approved in August, EFL chief executive David Baldwin admitted: “The term ‘salary cap’ is an emotive one, creating the impression of a restrictive measure.

      “But we are clear in our view that this is neither the objective nor the likely effect of these changes to EFL regulations.”
      He stressed the aim was to “help ensure clubs cannot extend themselves to the point that could cause financial instability”.
      As a result of the panel’s verdict, the EFL have brought back last season’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations that link “player-related expenditure to turnover”.

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      Mark Wright shows off diet of chicken, green vegetables and espresso as Crawley star vows to improve after horror debut

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      MARK WRIGHT has shown off his healthy diet as he bids to improve on his disappointing EFL debut.
      The former Towie star has swapped reality TV for Broadfield Stadium as he aims to take his second chance at being a professional footballer.

      Wright showed off his meal on social mediaCredit: Instagram @wrighty_

      The 34-year-old had a disappointing EFL debut on SaturdayCredit: Rex Features

      Wright, 34, represented West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham while a teenager trying to make his way in the game.
      He then made a number of stops in non-league, including a spell at Crawley in the 2006-07 season.
      And while his TV and radio career took over, he has shown that he is serious about making a go of being a footballer, despite his nightmare at the weekend.
      The left-back took to social media to show off his athlete’s diet on Monday night.

      He posted to his Instagram story images of his chicken, broccoli and cauliflower, with an inspirational caption.
      He wrote to his 1.8million followers: “Work means meal prep!! #NoExcuses”.
      Wright made his second Crawley debut last month, when he was introduced as a late substitute by manager John Yems as his side shocked Premier League Leeds United 3-0.
      His second outing was subsequently delayed, however, when he and wife Michelle Keegan had to self-isolate following a Covid scare at the club.

      The left-back tried his best as Crawley fell to a 3-1 defeatCredit: Rex Features

      Wright recently had to isolate with wife Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      Fit and healthy, he made his first EFL start for the club in Saturday’s home clash with Harrogate.
      But it would prove to be a disappointing one, as he found his side 3-0 down to the Sulphurites at half-time.
      He was then hooked by Yems at the interval, although following the 3-1 defeat, the manager sought to exonerate Wright of any individual blame.
      The 61-year-old said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.
      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More

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      Mark Wright seen for first time smiling in snow since being hauled off at half-time in horror Crawley debut

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      MARK WRIGHT refused to let his horror full debut ruin his week – as he posted a photo all smiles in the snow.
      The reality TV star, 34, has signed for League Two outfit Crawley and came on in the FA Cup win over Leeds.

      Mark Wright put the disappointment of his full EFL debut behind him by enjoying an espresso in the snowCredit: Instagram

      And after self-isolating with wife Michelle Keegan following a Covid outbreak at the club, he was handed his first EFL start on Saturday afternoon for the clash against Harrogate at home.
      But it went horribly wrong for the left-back as Crawley fell 3-0 behind by half-time – enough for manager John Yems to haul the ex-TOWIE man off.
      Wright, though, took to Instagram on Monday night to show how he had put the stinker behind him.
      He enjoyed the winter weather by heading out and grabbing an espresso.

      Wright wrote to his 1.8million followers: “Blitz out here…. Small coffee or big fella??”
      Harry Redknapp was among those to comment on the post, adding a couple of praising-hands emojis.
      Wright will be desperate to put in a better performance next weekend when the Red Devils travel north to Carlisle.
      However, he may have to settle for a place on the bench after his replacement against Harrogate, Tom Dallison, scored eight minutes after coming on to reduce the deficit.

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      Boss Yems refued to pin the blame on the ex-Tottenahm youngster, though, and said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.
      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”

      Wright endured a difficult time against Harrogate, conceding three before half-time and being hauled off at the breakCredit: Rex Features

      He made his Crawley debut off the bench as the Red Devils stunned Leeds in the FA Cup third roundCredit: Alamy Live News

      Mark Wright comes on for Crawley vs Leeds FA Cup tie after reality TV star reveals he cried over Spurs axe as kid More

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      Mark Wright hauled off at half-time in horror debut as boss slams ‘farcical’ display with Crawley 3-0 down after 45 mins

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      REALITY TV STAR Mark Wright endured a disaster full debut for Crawley Town as he was substituted at half-time.
      The 34-year-old’s team were 3-0 down to newly-promoted Harrogate Town at the break.

      Mark Wright was hauled off with Crawley getting hammered by half-timeCredit: Rex Features

      Mark Wright had a nightmare EFL debut against HarrogateCredit: Rex Features

      The 34-year-old was taken off at half-time by Crawley boss John YemsCredit: Rex Features

      Wright started alongside his brother Josh, 31, who previously played for Championship side MillwallCredit: Rex Features

      Wright was making his first start for Crawley since signing for the League Two side in December.
      It was also the left-back’s long-awaited EFL debut.
      The game started terribly for Crawley as goals from Aaron Martin, Josh March and Simon Power gave Harrogate a 3-0 lead.
      Crawley manager John Yems decided to take Wright off at the break in a triple substitution.

      To make matters worse for the reality TV star, his replacement Tom Dallison scored as it finished 3-1 to Harrogate.
      The Crawley boss was keen to defend Wright despite hauling him off.
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      The former TOWIE star would have been buzzing during the warm-up, but his full debut didn’t go to planCredit: Rex Features

      Wright’s impressive performances at Soccer Aid have encouraged him to try and become a professionalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He is married to former Corrie star Michelle KeeganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Yems said: “It wasn’t Mark’s fault, but today it was farcical first half, absolutely farcical.

      “It’s easy for me to say that players have got to stand up and be counted, but they have now, if not there’ll be changes and there will be changes.”
      Crawley fans watching remotely were sympathetic to Wright’s plight, acknowledging the entire team were to blame.
      One fan tweeted: “You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.”
      Another said: “Can’t just blame Wright, whole team completely lifeless.”
      Not all were convinced, though, as one tweeted: “He was lost out there and should be no where near our club.”

      Decided to watch your lot today. You’ve been absolutely awful. Don’t think Mark Wright has played particularly badly, but the other 10 players have been dreadful.
      — Scott Eaglen (@ScottEaglen) February 6, 2021

      Brutal half from Crawley. Very easy to lump all the blame on Mark Wright but he was far from the biggest problem. Performance from some of those players was nothing short of disgraceful.
      — Alex Burke (@AlexBurke1) February 6, 2021

      Wright will need to improve significantly if he is to make it as a professional.
      He had been semi-pro at Crawley in 2006/07 before shooting to fame on The Only Way Is Essex.
      Wright left the game after becoming a household name as Crawley went on to achieve promotion to the EFL.
      But his desire to play football never diminished and he has starred at Soccer Aid, with Chelsea legend John Terry encouraging him to go professional.

      Wright joined the League Two side on a non-contract basis in December.
      He made his professional debut as a late substitute in Crawley’s shock 3-0 win against Leeds in the FA Cup last month.
      But the former TOWIE star had to wait until yesterday for his EFL debut after a coronavirus outbreak at the club forced him to self-isolate with his wife Michelle Keegan.
      Wright’s brother Josh is also a professional footballer and joined him at Crawley in January.

      Mark Wright shows off his six pack as he works out in gym at home he shares with Michelle Keegan More