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      Controversial Wrexham star James McClean has special permission to break EFL rules for his own safety

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      JAMES McCLEAN has been given special permission to break EFL rules to avoid being abused by rival fans. The Wrexham star, 35, is regularly targeted by opposition supporters when he goes off the pitch.The EFL are giving James McClean special dispensation to break football lawsCredit: RexThe Wrexham winger is regularly targetted by abuse and missiles by rival fansCredit: ReutersFootball laws since 2019-20 state a player being substituted must leave the field by the nearest sideline – rather than trudging over to the dugouts – to speed up play and reduce time wasting.However, that has sparked a series of incidents with McClean clashing with supporters when taken off.That included seeing a cup of Bovril thrown at him against Birmingham and he appeared to blow kisses at Mansfield fans earlier this month. Now the EFL have stepped in to allow McClean and any other players at similar risk an exemption help them avoid further flashpoints.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving liaised with Wrexham and the PGMOL – the body of referees – the EFL have circulated a letter advising clubs of the measure put in place for stars – including but not exclusively the former Sunderland, Wigan, West Brom and Stoke winger.As reported by the Daily Mail, the new directive came in an email to club safety officers as the EFL wrote: “You will be aware that James McClean is often on the receiving end of abuse from some sections of support.”This has, in the past, resulted in FA sanctions against the Club due to the chanting becoming racially, or religiously motivated and therefore, classed as a hate crime. “Missiles have also been thrown.Most read in EFL”It has now been agreed that on occasions in the future when Mr McClean has to leave the field of play, for whatever reason, he will leave by the shortest route towards the tunnel. “This process will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr McClean’s departure from the pitch without incident.”Chelsea and Wrexham stars Levi Colwill and James McClean fight just two minutes into pre-season friendly McClean has never shied away from controversy during his career and hit the headlines once again in recent weeks over his poppy stance.The 103-cap Ireland international decides not to wear a poppy on his shirt in the fixtures leading up to Remembrance Day each year.That is because his hometown of Derry was the site of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre which saw 14 unarmed civilians killed by British soldiers.And he feels wearing a poppy shows disrespect to those who died during the Troubles.However, he has stated he would be willing to join the majority of footballers by having the red flower on his jersey if it was solely to show respect to those who died during the World Wars. McClean stood apart from his Wrexham team-mates for the minute of silence before the 1-0 win over Mansfield. The veteran helped Wrexham win promotion last season and was seen revelling in the Welsh club’s fans’ anti-monarchy song about him – just weeks after future king Prince William visited the Racecourse Ground. McClean is, of course, not the only footballer who has been on the receiving end of abuse from opposition fans.Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri taunted the passionate Leeds faithful in the closing stages of the Clarets’ win at Elland Road in September, leading to a furious reaction. However, the ex-Manchester United man certainly played his part in the animosity on that occasion.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the EFL cited the “racially or religiously-motivated hate crimes” surrounding McClean prompting the unprecedented dispensation.But SunSport understands should other players be at a similar safety risk like McClean, they too would be subject to the relaxed rules for their protection. A cup of Bovril was launched at McClean at St Andrew’s in SeptemberCredit: ReutersHe stood apart from his team-mates during the minute of silence for Remembrance DayCredit: PA More

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      Kim Kardashian and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson tipped for shock EFL club takeovers after Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham revolution

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      KIM KARDASHIAN and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson have been tipped to complete an EFL club takeover.American investment in English football has exploded in recent years, with 14 Premier League clubs majority owned by US firms.The Rock has been tipped to make an investment in an EFL clubCredit: The Mega AgencyKim Kardashian could also be keen to get involvedCredit: GettyRob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have paved the way for celebrity investorsCredit: PAA$AP Rocky has been linked with a purchase of Tranmere RoversCredit: GettyIt is a similar case in the EFL with a third of owners American, while there has also been an increase in celebrity involvement.Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney sparked the drive with their takeover of Wrexham and the subsequent release of Disney+ documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.More recently NFL legend Tom Brady has become involved as an investor in Birmingham City, with another American Football star JJ Watt purchasing a stake in Burnley.Superstar rapper A$AP Rocky was even linked to a takeover of Tranmere, and football investment expert Adam Sommerfeld believes it is only a matter of time before some bigger names get involved.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told the BBC’s Monday Night Club: “A lot of these guys (celebs) will see them (clubs) as media assets because of the drama they produce.”To try and replicate that in another area, lets say film content, is very difficult.”The shoulder programming that comes with these things, the documentaries, opens them up to sponsors, to investors, to brand collaborators.”There’s an argument it will become saturated quite quickly, perhaps it already has been. [Tom] Brady, JJ Watt at Burnley.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Now it becomes about almost how can you take it up a level. Who’s going to get The Rock, god forbid who’s going to get a KIm Kardashian.”Sommerfeld also predicted all English clubs will be owned or part-owned by American investors in the next five to ten years, with “every team” in the EFL already in talks with US investors.Ryan Reynolds tells Liverpool star Mo Salah to ‘think about’ stunning Wrexham transfer in brilliant video More

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      Ian Holloway fears Swindon’s scary form is down to ‘haunted’ training ground as he asks ‘witch’ wife to ‘cleanse’ it

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      SPOOKED former Premier League boss Ian Holloway claims Swindon Town’s training ground is “haunted”.The 61-year-old jumped at the chance to take over the League Two side last month.Ian Holloway has blamed the club’s latest injury on ghostsCredit: RexSwindon’s supposedly spooky training groundHolloway’s positive spirit has seen Swindon rise from the brink of EFL death, with their ghastly form improving since the arrival of the former QPR, Blackpool and Crystal Palace manager.He has overseen two wins, a draw and a loss amid the Robins rocking in relegation terror as they sit 22nd in the table.A frightened Holloway has blamed their poor start to the season on Swindon’s cursed training ground as “some strange things have been happening”.The veteran boss is now ready to go to drastic lengths to scare off the ghosts after doomed captain Ollie Clarke ruptured an ankle tendon during a session last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing their 2-2 draw against Accrington Stanley on Saturday, Holloway told the BBC: “I’m going to try and cleanse the training ground area because people are telling me it’s haunted.”There’s a graveyard somewhere near. Honestly, I’m not joking.”I think our training ground is very close to an ancient burial site.”I’m going to get my wife to come up and say sorry to all these people and hopefully we’ll have a bit more luck.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Swindon’s first goal had an element of fortune about it as something possessed Accrington’s ‘ghoulie’ to charge off his line and leave an empty net for Harry Smith to head in to.Holloway’s “witch” wife Kim is now set to come to the training ground, or perhaps haunted house, this week with “sage” to end the jinx.’I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting eggedHe has previously claimed his dad contacted him from the dead by changing the car dials on his car.Holloway says a ghost turned up while a Mariah Carey song played on the radio and a light came into his vehicle to leave him “shaking”.He explained: “The song was on and ‘shining down on me from Heaven’ got louder and louder and louder until it was completely top notch.“I saw it go from 10 up to about 35 and it was deafening. The minute the song finished that went right back down to normal.”I thought, ‘Has that really happened or what? Or is that me wishing that?’ Do you get what I mean? And I swear he came and showed me that, ‘Don’t worry son, you’ll be fine.’ Right?“Now, I would never have believed that, I wouldn’t have thought for one minute that he would have ever have done that because he said it was all a load of garbage.“So the truth is, I don’t know. And did I feel it? Did I want to feel it? Was it really there? I cannot honestly tell you. But I swear to you, I saw the dial move on its own.”Back in his playing days, he scored in his first game after his dad’s death and he felt him “in his boots” that day.READ MORE SUN STORIESHolloway is not the only manager to tackle a team’s spirit.Ex-Birmingham boss Barry Fry urinated in all four corners of the St Andrews pitch – running from corner to corner mid-flow – to ward off a curse he had heard about.Ian Holloway is trying to save Swindon from relegationCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham set to spend big on experienced Championship star in January transfer window

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      AMBITIOUS Wrexham plan to spend big in January and carry on rising up the EFL.The Welsh League One club have brought in a new backer and will announce a massive sponsorship deal next summer, so they are cash rich.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have overseen incredible success at WrexhamCredit: GettyTheir main target is a goalscorer with Championship experience.A big fee and wages are on offer.Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover, Wrexham have climbed from the fifth tier into the third.They are third in the table, having missed an opportunity to go within a point of top spot earlier today.READ MORE WREXHAM NEWSPhil Parkinson’s men fell 1-0 to Stockport, who were also promoted from League Two last season, at Edgeley Park.In front of a watching Cole Palmer in the stands, Louie Barry bagged the winner in the 24th minute.Parkinson handed recent signing Jon Dadi Bodvarsson his first league start since his acquisition last month.Bodvarsson, 32, started as Iceland beat England in Nice at Euro 2016.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has since played in England for Wolves, Millwall, Reading and Bolton.Upon signing for his new team, the experienced forward said: “It’s great to be at a Club like Wrexham.Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clash”Everyone knows the history by now and it’s just a very exciting club to be a part of. I’m delighted to be here, and hopefully I can help the club achieve further success.”It’s good to be back in the dressing room. I really missed it – I think my wife was going crazy!”I’ve been training and trying to keep myself fit, but it’s good to be back in the environment and to work on getting my sharpness back.”The manager and the coaches have been really good with me, getting straight back into it.”It’s about finding myself again over the next few months. I want to get my confidence back for myself, work hard for the club, and see where it gets me.”Cole Palmer was in the stands as Stockport took on WrexhamCredit: RexJon Dadi Bodvarsson started for WrexhamCredit: PA More

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      England Euros conqueror makes Wrexham debut following under-the-radar transfer to League One club

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      A FORMER England Euros conqueror made his Wrexham debut this afternoon.The forward, 32, haunted the Three Lions during one of their darkest days.Wrexham’s new forward battles with Stockport’s Ethan PyeCredit: PAHe featured at Euro 2016, as Iceland humiliated Roy Hodgson’s side 2-1 in Nice.The devastating loss turned out to be Hodgson’s final game in charge.Wayne Rooney had given England a fourth-minute lead from the penalty spot.But a quickfire double by Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson left the Three Lions stunned.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSJon Dadi Bodvarsson started up front for Iceland that day.Off the back of the tournament he moved to English football, signing for then-Championship side Wolves from Kaiserslautern.He has since gone on to represent Reading, Millwall and Bolton.At the end of last season he left the Trotters on a free transfer.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBodvarsson consoles Jamie Vardy after helping Iceland knock England outCredit: AP:Associated PressHe remained a free agent throughout the summer before signing for Wrexham towards the end of last month.Upon joining, Bodvarsson said: “It’s great to be at a club like Wrexham. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”Everyone knows the history by now and it’s just a very exciting Club to be a part of. I’m delighted to be here, and hopefully I can help the club achieve further success.”It’s good to be back in the dressing room. I really missed it – I think my wife was going crazy!”I’ve been training and trying to keep myself fit, but it’s good to be back in the environment and to work on getting my sharpness back.”The manager and the coaches have been really good with me, getting straight back into it.”It’s about finding myself again over the next few months. I want to get my confidence back for myself, work hard for the club, and see where it gets me.”BACK IN ACTIONBodvarsson made his Wrexham debut as a substitute in the FA Cup defeat to Harrogate, before making a 15-minute cameo in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Mansfield.After making his first start in the mid-week EFL trophy clash with Port Vale, Bodvarsson kept his place for today’s League One match-up with Stockport.Unfortunately for boss Phil Parkinson, Bodvarsson was unable to stop his side from falling to a 1-0 defeat, Louie Barry’s 24th minute effort proving to be winner.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match was watched by Chelsea star Cole Palmer.Born in nearby Wythenshawe, Palmer used his free time, having withdrawn from the England squad, to take in some League One action.Cole Palmer watched the match from the standsCredit: Rex More

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      Disguised Cole Palmer rocks up at League One clash after pulling out of England duty with knee injury

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      COLE PALMER watched Stockport County vs Wrexham as he enjoyed a Saturday off.The Chelsea star, 22, was originally named in Lee Carsley’s England squad for Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.Cole Palmer was in the crowd as Stockport took on WrexhamCredit: RexPalmer, 22, grew up in nearby WythenshaweCredit: RexLouie Barry bagged the winner for StockportCredit: AlamyAfter reporting to St George’s Park on Monday, however, Palmer withdrew from the squad.Palmer had been an injury doubt prior to the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend.He went on to start the game, but did not have his usual influence.Having withdrawn from England duty, Palmer found himself with a spare Saturday off.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe former Manchester City starlet headed north to watch some League One football.Hailing from nearby Wythenshawe, Palmer rocked up at Edgeley Park as Stockport hosted fellow third-tier new-boys Wrexham.With winter fast approaching, and feeling the cold even more than usual, Palmer wrapped up warm in a big coat and hat.Wrexham stars won’t have been worried about playing in front of a famous spectator, with their Hollywood A-List co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney having attended plenty of their games.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPalmer did report for England duty before withdrawingCredit: GettyThe attacker had been an injury doubt for the matchCredit: GettyBut it was Stockport who rose to the occasion, winning 1-0 under the watchful eyes of Palmer.Louie Barry bagged what turned out to be the winner on 24 minutes, his 11th goal of the season.Lee Carsley proud of England’s control in crucial Nations League win over Greece Earlier this week, England captain Harry Kane hit out at Three Lions stars skipping international duty, amid nine withdrawals from the original squad.The 102-cap striker, 31, told ITV Sport: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.“Gareth (Southgate) was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. “It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.“The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England.”Harry Kane hit out at England stars withdrawing from international dutyCredit: Getty More

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      Walsall kit man and pitch-side announcer charged by FA for ‘acting in an improper manner’

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      WALSALL kitman Dave Joyce and pitch-side announcer Simon Hill have both been charged with misconduct by the FA.The pair allegedly acted in an “improper manner” in stoppage time during Walsall’s 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra in League Two on Saturday.A kitman and pitch-side announcer at Walsall have been charged by the FACredit: RexThe charges relate to an incident during the Saddlers’ League Two match against Crewe on SaturdayCredit: RexWith both sides pushing for a winner, a stoppage-time scuffle broke out when staff refused to give the ball back after it went out of play.Walsall kitman Joyce was sent off by referee Stephen Parkinson for the touchline melee.The ref then turned to book Crewe boss Lee Bell and Saddlers defender Liam Gordon.An FA statement read: “It’s alleged that David Joyce and Simon Hill acted in an improper manner around the 98th minute, and both of them have until November 18 to respond.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOmar Bogle opened the scoring for Crewe in the 66th minute when he crept in behind the Walsall defence to slot past Tommy Simkin.The home side equalised through Nathan Lowe with five minutes of normal time remaining before tempers flared in the closing stages.Tensions arose as both sides are pushing for promotion to League One, with Walsall sitting second and Crewe inside the play-off places.Mat Sadler’s side are three points adrift of league leaders Port Vale, but do have a game in hand.Most read in EFLA scuffle broke out at the end of Walsall’s 1-1 draw with CreweCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalsall will not be in action this weekend, though, after their home clash with Gillingham was postponed due to international call-ups.Meanwhile, Crewe are back in action on Saturday as they host a huge clash against Notts County, who currently sit third.Both teams are vying for promotion to League OneCredit: RexOmar Bogle opened the scoring for the visitors inside 66 minutesCredit: RexNathan Lowe equalised for Walsall before carnage broke outCredit: Rex More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to ‘follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham’ by former Man Utd team-mate

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO could “follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham”, according to his former team-mate.The Al-Nassr and Portugal forward, 39, is nearing the end of his playing career as he prepares to turn 40 in February.Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to go into club ownershipCredit: GettyHollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have owned Wrexham since 2020Credit: GettyThe Real Madrid and Manchester United legend revealed back in September that he would find it “difficult” to be a coach because he “doesn’t have the passion for this generation”.It has left the door open for people to speculate about what he could do when he finally hangs up his boots.Ex-Red Devils striker Louis Saha, who spent four years playing with Ronaldo at Man Utd, believes club ownership could be in the Portuguese icon’s future.And he has cited the success of actors Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in their takeover of Wrexham as something Ronaldo could replicate with his approximate net worth of £600million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to BoyleSports, Saha said: “Cristiano Ronaldo can follow in the footsteps of Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham and he would be a huge success.”There is no better promoter in the world than Cristiano and that would work wonders at a football club no matter the level.”Social media is a massive machine and nobody can compete with Cristiano, he is the biggest star in the world and whatever he does in retirement, people are going to follow.”He brought 20 million more followers to Al-Nassr in a year and if he decided to buy a club it could be even bigger.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLouis Saha, right, played alongside Ronaldo for four years at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – Contributor”Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made a huge impact at Wrexham straight away and were able to spend a lot of money on players and we’ve seen the success they’ve had since.”I’d be very happy to be a sporting director if Cristiano Ronaldo does decide to buy a club!”I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredMcElhenney and Reynolds have led Wrexham to back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One.And they are challenging for a third successive promotion this season as they sit third in the table, two points off the automatic spots. More