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      Port Vale striker Tom Pope hit with SIX-game ban and £3500 fine by FA for anti-Semitic Twitter post

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      PORT VALE striker Tom Pope has been hit with a SIX-game ban and a £3,500 fine for an anti-Semitic Twitter post.
      The FA dished out the punishment after Pope, 34, made comments in the early hours of January 5 following his goal in the 4-1 FA Cup defeat at Manchester City.

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      Tom Pope has been banned for SIX games after an anti-Semitic Twitter post
      In a series of posts, he promoted anti-Semitic myths about the Rothschild family “owning the banking system”.
      The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned Pope for subscribing to “the notorious antisemitic conspiracy theory” and urged the FA “to send a clear message that the promotion of antisemitism will not be tolerated at any level of the game”.
      FA disciplinary beaks began a probe within 24 hours, demanding information from the striker.
      And an FA statement today read: “Tom Pope has been suspended for six matches, fined £3,500 and must complete a face-to-face education course for an “Aggravated Breach” of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on 5 January 2020.

      “The Port Vale FC player denied that comments he made were abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to FA Rule E3(1), and constituted an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in Rule E3(2), as they included, whether express or implied, reference to race and/or religion and/or ethnic origin.
      “An independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found the charge to be proven during a personal hearing.
      “Written reasons for both a preliminary application ruling and the decision and sanction are available below.”
      While a ban for social media comments is not automatic in normal situations, Pope is facing the sanction as was his FOURTH offence in less than 12 months.

      In June 2019, he was fined £2,000 and warned for Twitter comments about Mansfield chief executive Carolyn Radford.
      Five months later, he was banned for one game for posts about the allegations of historic sexual abuse at Crewe following a win over the Railwaymen.
      And in January, Pope was handed another one-game ban for a post in which he compared a fan to the character Sloth from the 80s film “The Goonies”.

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard apologies for rant at Klopp at Liverpool match More

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      Yaya Toure jokes about Leyton Orient transfer after training with League Two club to stay fit

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      YAYA TOURE has said “we will see” regarding a transfer to Leyton Orient after shocking fans by training with the League Two side as he aims to get fit for the 2020-21 season.
      The 37-year-old has been without a club since leaving Chinese second-tier side Qingdao Huanghai earlier this year.

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      Yaya Toure reported for training in full Leyton Orient training gearCredit: Twitter@leytonorientfc

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      The Manchester City legend appeared ready for work as he arrived for trainingCredit: Twitter@leytonorientfc
      But the Manchester City legend appeared ready for business as he adorned the red training kit of Orient and got down to work.
      And while today’s session was mainly about fitness, Toure confirmed that he will remain training with the O’s next week for some ball work.
      On being granted the opportunity to train with Ross Embleton’s side, the ex-Barcelona star was very grateful.
      He told the club’s media team: “I think the manager and the staff was fantastic, they allowed me to come and train with the lads.

      “It’s a huge opportunity, coming with team-mates, meeting people – it’s not easy at the moment with the virus.
      “I’m really delighted, I’m really happy.”

      I feel like I’m at home here, I want to train and do my best. Maybe we’ll see.
      Yaya Toure

      When the Leyton Orient interviewer Luke Lambourne suggested that it was unlikely that Toure would be signing for the O’s, the Ivorian cackled with laughter.
      He then continued on his future: “Maybe, can be!

      “I just want to enjoy until the last minute because football for me is everything. I’ve been outside football for four or three months and I was thinking ‘I miss something’.
      “It’s difficult to express that. I think today I have a great, great feeling with the Leyton Orient team – they allowed me to train with the lads – the manager was fantastic.
      “I feel like I’m at home here, I want to train and do my best.
      “Maybe we’ll see.”

      👀 Who have we got here then?It’s only three-time Premier League, Champions League, La Liga and African Cup of Nations winner Yaya Touré.There he is look, in his Leyton Orient top at training this morning.#LOFC #OnlyOneOrient pic.twitter.com/nvX99rro4Y
      — Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) July 24, 2020

      Even the Brisbane Road side’s Twitter admin could hardly believe the sight of the three-time Premier League winner in Orient colours, tweeting “Yaya Touré lads. Bloody hell.”
      Fans could scarcely believe their eyes either, struggling to conceal their shocked reactions.
      One responded: “Haha! What’s going on there? I can’t think of a good reason why he’s in our training gear.”
      While another wrote: “i’m so baffed what is going on”.
      Another joked: “We won’t forget your birthday cake @YayaToure x”.
      The Ivorian left Manchester City in 2018 after winning his third and final Premier League title with the Sky Blues.
      A brief spell with Olympiacos followed, before he made the move to China last year.

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      Toure last played for Qingdao Huanghai in China’s second tierCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Toure departed Qingdao Huanghai after helping them to promotion to the Chinese Super League last season.
      He had been linked with Brazilian side Botafogo prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
      And he remains eager to keep playing deep into his thirties – as he trains with the O’s and steps up his preparations for the 2020-21 season.

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      The Manchester City legend lifted three Premier League titles during his spell at the EtihadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Yaya Toure sent off just 10 seconds into Man City legend’s potential last match More

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      Leeds claim open-top bus celebrations were to help fans stay AWAY from Elland Road after ploy totally backfires

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      LEEDS bizarrely claim their open top bus celebration last night was supposed to keep fans AWAY from Elland Road.
      Instead thousands of supporters flocked to the stadium to celebrate their side’s Championship title as Marcelo Bielsa and his players partied outside the ground.

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      Leeds claim their open top bus celebration was supposed to keep fans AWAY from Elland RoadCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Thousands of fans flocked to the stadium to see their heroes
      Club officials had previously urged fans to stay away because of coronavirus concerns ahead of their 4-0 thrashing of Charlton yesterday.
      Chief executive Angus Kinnear had said: “We must consider the health of people in our community before we celebrate.”
      But before kick-off, pictures emerged online showing the open top bus parked behind the centenary pavillion.
      It was used at the end of the game as the playing squad and management staff climbed aboard with some addressing the masses through the PA system.

      Four people were arrested at Elland Road as missiles were thrown and one police officer got a minor injury.
      Liverpool also lifted the Premier League trophy last night but did not celebrate outside Anfield – instead promising supporters a party at a later date.
      And after widespread condemnation, Leeds have tried to explain away the decision which clearly backfired.
      A club spokesman told Leeds Live: “Following consultation with the Supporter Advisory Group and [Leeds City] Council, Leeds United arranged for a bus to be parked outside the East Stand reception as a contingency to assist dispersal should a crowd congregate at Elland Road despite a month-long campaign from the club and supporter groups to encourage supporters to stay at home.

      “The safety group believed was that a brief appearance from the players with the Championship trophy, would help to signal an end to proceedings, encouraging fans to head home safely.”
      Jubilant fans were on the streets for hours celebrating their Premier League return after 16 years.
      And Leeds Wags celebrated the promotion with a rooftop party.

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      There were jubilant scenes as Leeds returned to the Premier League after 16 yearsCredit: Reuters

      Leeds United fans have gathered outside Elland Road tonight, despite the club urging them to stay at home More

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      Why is Liverpool’s stand called The Kop, what are its origins and what other Kop’s are there?

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      IT’S one of the most iconic stands in sport.
      The Kop at Liverpool’s Anfield home has long been regarded as one of the noisest and most passionate Ends in all of football – but what are it’s origins?

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      The Kop is one of the most famous football stands in the worldCredit: Clive Brunnskill/Getty Images
      Why is Liverpool’s stand called ‘the Kop’?
      The reason actually stretches as far back as 1900. On a battlefield in South Africa, whilst the Boer war was going on.
      The British army were attempting to strategically capture a hilltop called Spoin Kop and 300 men died.
      Many of the men were from Liverpool, back Liverpool Football Club were on their way to winning their first league title.
      Following their second league title win in 1906, the club rewarded fan loyalty by erecting a new stand made of cinder and brick.

      After this, the stand was after the famous hill upon which those soldiers lost their lives.

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      Those who have season tickets in the stand are known as ‘Kopites’Credit: Oli Scarff (AFP)
      What are its origins?
      When the sports editor, Ernest Edwards of the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo  talked to the (at the time) new owners of the club, they decided a new stand was the way to go.
      After seeing the materials – cinder and brick, Edwards came up with the tribute name for the many Scousers who had lost their lives 6 years before.
      What other Kop’s are there?
      The number one most famous Kop is at Anfield. But there are some less famous Kop’s in the footballing world.

      The Spoin Kop – Hillsborough – Sheffield Wednesday
      The Spoin Kop – St Andrews – Birmingham City
      De Kop – Aan de Beatrixstraat  – NAC Breda (Holland)
      The Kop – Elland Road – Leeds Utd
      The Kop – Bramall Lane – Sheffield Utd
      Kop de Boulogne – Parc des Princes – Paris St Germain (France)
      The Kop Stand – Windsor Park – Linfield
      The Kop – Saltergate – Chesterfield
      Le Kop – Stade du Roudourou – En Avant Guingamp More

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      James McClean slammed by ex-West Brom pal MacAuley for moaning about abuse as he says he’s disliked for his actions

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      GARETH McAULEY believes his former West Brom team-mate James McClean ‘doesn’t help himself’ after he stated he receives more abuse than any other footballer.
      The Stoke winger took to social media last week where he rightly supported the Black Lives Matter movement, but insisted authorities haven’t helped him when he’s been targeted online.

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      Stoke winger James McClean has spoken of the years of abuse he has receivedCredit: Rex Features
      McClean, 31, questioned whether one certain type of discrimination holds higher bearing than another, after Wilfried Zaha and David McGoldrick were the victims of vile racist messages.
      But McAuley has stated his actions from his career have led to fans disliking him.
      The ex-Sunderland man has endured years of abuse from fans in England due to his decision not to wear a poppy.
      This is because of his affinity to Derry and the role of the British Army during The Troubles. 

      Commenting on McClean’s comments on Twitter, McAuley wrote in his column for the Belfast Telegraph: “My old pal and West Brom team-mate James McClean had a point when he stated on social media last week that he is probably the most abused footballer in England.
      “I’ve played alongside James and heard the derogatory comments launched in his direction from the stands, never mind read the abuse dished out to him on the internet. It’s disconcerting.
      JAM IT IN
      “While Zaha is being targeted because of the colour of his skin, something he has absolutely no control over, James is not being singled out because he is Irish.
      “Thousands of Irish players over the years have been welcomed into the professional game in England.

      “It’s James’ actions, decisions and outbursts that have turned football fans, even from the clubs he plays for, against him.”
      He added: “It was not helped when he proudly dressed up on Instagram in a balaclava to home school his kids. Joke or not, it was seriously insensitive.
      “Then there was the time on a West Brom tour to the United States when James made sure he had his back turned to the Union Jack and subsequently the Stars and Stripes.
      “It was noted by proud Baggies fans and not forgotten. Yet another sign of disrespect. More

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      Danny Cowley sacked by Huddersfield as owner Phil Hodgkinson wants total control over transfers

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      DANNY COWLEY was sacked just two days after he rescued Huddersfield from relegation after rows over recruitment.
      SunSport understands owner Phil Hodgkinson wants total control over transfers — but his manager was not willing to work that way.

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      Danny Cowley, and his brother and assistant Nicky, were sacked after helping Huddersfield avoid the drop – they took over when the club had one point from nine gamesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Cowley, and his brother and assistant Nicky, were fired after Terriers avoided the drop to League One by beating West Brom.
      Hodgkinson is talking to Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson and Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant Carlos Corberan.
      Insiders claim the Terriers’ owner decided  he was going to dismiss the brothers during the  coronavirus lockdown.
      A club source said: “Danny and Nicky had an inkling and could have just walked out.

      “But they wanted to see it through because so many jobs were at stake if they went down.”
      The Cowleys took over from Jan Siewert in September after the club had  one win in seven months.
      Despite only having one point from the first nine games, they kept the  club up. 
      No Championship team has ever survived from that position.

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      The Terriers are 18th the table following their 2-1 win against West Brom on FridayCredit: PA:Press Association
      After Friday’s  2-1 win, Cowley said  the club needed to sign  working-class British players  fans would identify with.
      Sources say Cowley felt they should follow the model Sean Dyche has used at Burnley.

      We have a different vision for how our ambitions can be achieved
      Phil Hodgkinson

      But Hodgkinson decided he wanted to bring in  European players.
      It is also understood the  owner released several players this summer against Cowley’s wishes.
      The brothers have enjoyed an incredible rise after starting in Essex Senior League football at Concord Rangers.

      They took Lincoln to League One and the FA Cup quarter-finals while still a non-league side before saving Huddersfield.
      Hodgkinson released a statement saying: “I would like to place my thanks on record to Danny and Nicky for their hard work.
      “We have a different vision for  how our ambitions can be achieved.”

      Steven Gerrard ‘emerges as shock target for Bristol City’ as ambitious Championship club look to poach Rangers manager More

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      Sunderland owner Stewart Donald blames ‘abusive’ fans for scaring off would-be buyers and says he’s ‘desperate’ to sell

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      SUNDERLAND owner Stewart Donald blamed “abusive” fans for scaring off would-be buyers – but club legend Michael Gray is hoping to save the day.
      In an explosive meeting with supporters on Thursday, Donald said he has been forced to step back from running the club because of “negative messages on social media and family intimidation”.

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      Stewart Donald has blamed Sunderland’s fans for him being unable to sell the clubCredit: Reuters
      The Black Cats face a third season in League One after the worst season in the crisis-club’s history.
      Donald has set an asking price of £37.6million, the same he paid for the club in 2018.
      And ex-England left-back Gray, who made over 350 appearances for the club, is waiting in the wings as part of a consortium.
      He tweeted: “All I can say is we are trying our best to come up with a solution to get our club back on track…things important as this takes time…it may or may not happen.”

      Twitter is not the place to be making statements…. I took a call 2 days ago but not from Mr Donald… All I can say is we are trying our best to come up with a solution to get our club back on track.. things important as this take time… it may or may not happen #Safc
      — michael gray (@mickygray33) July 16, 2020

      Donald’s comments were revealed after the club invited a number of supporter groups to an “informal meeting”.
      During the conversation, he alleged that “the attitude of the fans is putting off investors”, and that he wants “his family safe at the point of sale.”
      It was also claimed that “people were outside of his house following a tweet from a committee member”.
      But fellow Stadium of Light favourite Stephen Elliot blasted Donald for blaming supporters.

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      Ex-Sunderland striker Stephen Elliot blasted Donald for blaming supportersCredit: AP
      The ex-Black Cats forward tweeted: “If I was a potential purchaser, surely the biggest pull & selling point would be the passion & love from a huge & unbelievable fan base.
      “Can’t believe I’m hearing that fans are being ‘used’ as a reason for failure to sell the club.
      “The more statements SD makes the more obvious it seems he’s inadequate to run a club like Sunderland…the last few seasons have deteriorated into a car crash.”
      Donald, who made his millions in insurance, first announced he wanted to sell Sunderland in December after pressure from fed-up supporters.
      Following nine unhappy years under Texan Ellis Short left them in League One, hope was raised when Donald – who used to own Hampshire non-league side Eastleigh FC – arrived on Wearside.
      And while fans were onside early on – captured in Season Two of Netflix hit Sunderland ‘Til I Die – things soon turned sour and Donald said he “had to take some security measures”.
      It was revealed that Donald and his holding company used the club’s parachute payments after relegation from the Prem to finance the majority of their buyout.
      And while he insists this will be repaid in full before the club is sold, supporters are angry at his near-£40m estimation, which they fear is putting buyers off.
      But in an interview with BBC Radio Newcastle, Donald attempted to justify the asking price.

      He said: “The price is, as all the bidders have been told, what I paid for it.
      “I don’t think I should take a loss on the football club because it is in much better condition.
      “I know they want me out, and I am desperately trying to get out.
      “The fans have asked me to leave and I am getting a little bit of abuse as I am sure you can imagine.
      “My phone number was posted online and I have had to take some security measures.
      “The abuse is increasing, they said I was killing the club but I am doing my best – which I appreciate isn’t good enough.”

      Sunderland owner Stewart Donald ready to sell Black Cats for £50m with America-based financier interested More

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      Wycombe 2 Oxford 1: Jacobson penalty fires Wanderers into the Championship for first time in their history at Wembley

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      JOE JACOBSON fired Wycombe into the Championship for the first time in their history at Wembley last night.
      The defender stepped up to send Oxford keeper Simon Eastwood the wrong way from the penalty spot with 11 minutes left.

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      Wycombe are heading to the Championship after a thrilling win over Oxford at WembleyCredit: PA:Press Association
      It was a fairytale evening for the Buckingshire club who were the pre-season favourites to be relegated.
      And their promotion to English football’s second tier comes just six years after the club went into their final game of the season at Torquay with their League status under threat.
      Boss Gareth Ainsworth led the team to safety and then to promotion to League One two years.
      Wycombe only got into the play-offs after the EFL promoted them from eighth to third in the final League One table on the points-per-game method.

      And they got off to a dream start when Anthony Stewart headed in after nine minutes – but that goal got cancelled out by a fluke mis-hit cross from Mark Sykes in the 57th minute.
      Wycombe’s guitar-playing boss Gareth Ainsworth had to skip band practice to lead his team at Wembley.
      And his Wanderers proved to be the headline act.
      The club’s TV presenter fan Bill Turnbull was in press box and chanted Chairboys in the final 10 minutes – and was virtually in tears when the ref blew his whistle.

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      Joe Jacobson kept his cool from the spot to fire Wycombe past OxfordCredit: Rex Features

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      Jacobson celebrates his Wembley winner with team-mate Adebayo AkinfenwaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      This really was one hell of a story This was a clash between two different styles. Karl Robinson’s Oxford play fluid possession-based passing football while the Chairboys are direct and up and at them.
      And Wycombe took the lead after just nine minutes.
      Oxford gave away a cheap corner and Joe Jacobson sent in one of his trademark swirling crosses.
      Anthony Stewart headed the ball down at the far post and it deflected off the foot of keeper Simon Eastwood and into the net.
      Eastwood’s heart must have been racing when he fumbled Fred Onyedinma 20-yard effort. Fortunately, for him, he was able to gather at the second attempt.
      Oxford almost got back on terms but Sam Long fired just wide.
      Stewart made a brilliant goal-saving block to stop Matt Sykes squaring the ball to Matt Taylor, who would have had the easy task of finishing from six yards.
      Oxford – for all their possession – were struggling to break down Wycombe – and Marcus Browne tried to unlock them with a shot from distance but it flashed high and wide.
      Josh Ruffles then headed over from a corner on the stroke of half time.

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      Anthony Stewart leapt highest to nod Wycombe into an early leadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Onyedinma had a chance to double the lead but blasted over from 12 yards.
      Alex Pattison replaced Bloomfield at the break while Liam Kelly came on for Alex Gorrin.
      Stewart made another superb interception to save Wycombe’s bacon.
      Sykes again motored down the right flank and he had Henry lining up to net but the Chairboys defender managed to cut it out for a corner.
      Oxford, incredibly, pulled level through a massive 57th-minute fluke.
      Sykes was aiming to cross from the right flank – but he scuffed it and the ball looped over keeper Ryan Allsop.
      Henry should have put Oxford in front when he had a great shooting chance but elected to pass the ball to Taylor – but Stewart brilliantly intercepted.
      Wycombe threw on The Beast that is Adebayo Akinfenwa as the they looked muscle their way into the Championship.
      But Oxford were bossing the game at this point and were denied by two great pieces of goalkeeping from Allsop.
      First he saved Rob Dickie’s header from a James Henry free-kick.
      Then Dickie saw another header brilliantly turned behind by a save at full stretch.

      Wycombe were awarded a penalty when an up-and-under saw Oxford keeper Simon Eastwood and Onyedinma racing for the loose ball.
      But Eastwood took over the Chairboys ace and ref Robert Jones pointed to the spot.
      Up stepped Joe Jacobson to send the keeper the wrong way. More