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      EFL side slapped with fresh TRANSFER BAN as years-long nightmare goes from bad to worse

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      READING have been plunged into further crisis after being hit with a new transfer embargo by the EFL.The Royals are more than familiar with nightmare transfer bans after being slapped with their THIRD different market restriction since 2021.Reading have been plunged into further turmoil after being slapped with yet another transfer embargoCredit: GettyOwner Dai Yongge has suffered a tumultuous seven-year financially stricken reignCredit: Rex FeaturesIn fact, Reading were already under an embargo until 2025 as a punishment for last year’s financial misdemeanours. But the latest ruling relates to the late filing of accounts to Companies House for the 2022-23 financial year.The stricken club were hit with a second embargo just last year for failing to pay taxes on time.That came after Reading were punished with a two-year transfer ban in the summer of 2021 for an outstanding tax debt.read more football newsThe League One outfit had only been able to sign players from other clubs on loan or if they were free agents.A Reading FC statement read: ” The Club can also confirm that – alongside the requirement to operate under the terms of its business plan – it has today been placed under a formal registration embargo by the EFL.“We are working closely with our auditing partner to finalise these accounts at the earliest opportunity – at which point the embargo will be lifted immediately.”Reading have not purchased a player for a transfer fee since signing Ovie Ejaira from Liverpool for around £3million in August 2020, but the winger is now a free agent after agreeing to leave in December.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe crisis club are currently in the midst of a long ongoing takeover saga after hated current owner Dai Yongge put it up for sale earlier this year.American business Couhig were expected to complete a deal, however talks broke down late in the process and the club moved on.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew Reading were relegated from the Championship in May 2023 after ten years in the second tier. The club would have escaped relegation if it hadn’t been hit with a six-point deduction for various off-field breaches.The Royals finished the season on 50 points, which would have left them 19th and one point above the drop.The club were again docked six points from the League One table last season after failing to pay a HMRC bill within a specified 80-day window.Yongge has seen Reading get deducted a total of 18 points since his 2017 takeover.Reading currently sit 16th in League One, with 13 points from nine games under manager Ruben Selles.Reading timeline since Dai Yongge takeoverHere is how events have unfolded under Dai Yongge:May 2017 – Yongge takes control of 75 per cent of the club after they lost Championship play-off final on penalties to Huddersfield2021 – Reading’s accounts show pre-tax losses of £146million, with 234 per cent of its revenue spent on player wages2023 – Reading breach Financial Fair Play rules and amass deductions totalling six pointsMay 2023 – Reading relegated down to the third tier for the first time in 31 yearsAugust 2023 – Docked one point and issued a suspended three-point punishment for breaching EFL regulationsSeptember 2023 – Suspended three-point deduction triggeredFebruary 2024 – Docked two more points for yet more breachesMarch 2024 – Yongge attempts to sell training ground to fellow League One side WycombeMarch 2024 – Selling of the training ground put on hold due to planning limitationsOctober 2024 – Reading hit with third transfer embargo since 2021 More

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      EFL boss reveals what sparked him squaring up to Shrewsbury player as he faces FA probe over moment of madness

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      BOLTON boss Ian Evatt has accused Shrewsbury captain Morgan Feeney of “grabbing” him during their post-match altercation but admits he “went too far”.The former Blackpool defender, 42, went over to the referee to protest the lack of stoppage time after the final whistle blew in his side’s 2-2 draw with the Shrews on Saturday.Ian Evatt is facing a ban for his altercation after Bolton’s draw with ShrewsburyCredit: GettyEvatt went on the pitch to talk to the referee but ended up in a row with Shrewsbury defender Morgan FeeneyA disciplinary hearing has begun regarding the incidentEvatt has given his side of the story and insists he will talk to the FAThe Wanderers gaffer began discussions with the official on the pitch but then became embroiled in a spat with centre-back Feeney, 25.He was subsequently sent off and a disciplinary hearing is now underway.Ahead of the decision, Evatt has given his side of the story, insisting he was provoked into a reaction.Speaking to The Bolton News, he said: “Obviously I am not going to say too much because I am part of a process with the FA but what I will say is that I am disappointed. I am not happy with the way things turned out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There wasn’t an issue with the referee at all, we were discussing the timing situation, and there was context to my actions.”Their player grabbed me, said some not very nice things, and I reacted in a way I shouldn’t have done.”Whether it was emotion, frustration, passion, whatever you want to call it, it probably went too far.”But as I say, there is context behind the way I reacted and I will be discussing that with the FA.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is understood Bolton fear gaffer Evatt could face a more lengthy punishment than the regulation one-game ban.He is expected to miss their next game at home to Burton, but could also be absent for their following matches against Birmingham and Peterborough.Arsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerEvatt has been in charge of Bolton since July 2020, earning promotion to League One in his first season.He also led them to an EFL Trophy triumph in 2023.He has won 120 of 139 games as Bolton boss, but missed out on promotion to the Championship last season as his side were beaten 2-0 in the play-off final by Oxford.Bolton sit 13th in League One with 14 points from their opening nine matches. More

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      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney brutally told ‘stay in England’ after shock plan to have Wrexham playing in Europe

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      WREXHAM’S hopes of playing in Europe have met with an icy response.Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have funded two straight promotions, helped by Disney+ show Welcome to Wrexham.Wrexham co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds would surely love a shot at Europe after transforming the club on and off the fieldCredit: PAJack Marriott celebrates scoring vs Northampton, leaving Wrexham second in League One and eyeing a third straight promotionCredit: Instagram / wrexham_afcAnd a U-turn could be looming on Welsh clubs who compete in the English Football League from qualifying for European competitions.Talks are ongoing over allowing Championship clubs Cardiff City and Swansea City, plus Wrexham and Newport County, to enter the Welsh League Cup, with a place in Europe the likely prize for the winners.The last Welsh EFL club to qualify was Swansea back in 2013, thanks to winning the EFL Cup.At the moment, Wales’ “big four” clubs can only make Europe via success in the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the Cymru Premier’s all-time record scorer has led criticisms of plans to give them a possible “in”.Marc Lloyd Williams, 51, who hit 319 goals in 467 Welsh League games, told BBC Radio Wales: “The four clubs made the decision to play in England, so stay in England. “Don’t try and take those European spots off the Cymru Premier teams. It is their bread and butter, week in, week out.”Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham and Newport are in the Football League and the FA Cup and EFL Cup. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”They have got a chance to play Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal with a home tie and get big crowds in. “Just because TNS have qualified for Europe, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Cardiff or Swansea or Wrexham or Newport would.  Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash”For me, you can’t be having your cake and eating it. They have made their decision and I would be against them coming in.”Unsurprisingly Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has the opposite view.Jack Marriott Wrexham vs Northampton TownCredit: Instagram / wrexham_afcHe said: “To have that opportunity to get into Europe again for the club would be amazing. Hopefully that comes to fruition.”The Dragons qualifying for Europe would further boost a following growing worldwide, especially in the USA, courtesy of their co-owners – “Deadpool” star Reynolds and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” actor McElhenney.Saturday’s 4-1 home win over Northampton left Wrexham second behind Birmingham in League One – dreaming of a third promotion in a row.And it appears L1 rivals might have mixed views on the Dragons receiving a much bigger opportunity of getting into Europe.Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony told his The Hard Truth podcast: “Wow. I guess it’s a two-sided answer. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One would be no, because they’re in the EFL, but two would be… if I were them, I would want to. “Financial rewards are massive. When I looked at buying Irish clubs recently, one Irish club made millions from being in Europe, from getting through and qualifying to the group stage. The prize money is colossal.” More

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      EFL manager facing FA probe after marching over to referee and squaring up to opposition player in moment of madness

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      BOLTON manager Ian Evatt was sent off after a dramatic draw with Shrewsbury as he angrily confronted the referee AND an opposing player.The Trotters dragged themselves back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with struggling Shrewsbury on Saturday in an intense League One clash at the Reebok.Bolton boss Ian Evatt angrily confronted the referee and an opposing playerCredit: RexEvatt was furious after ref Declan Bourne blew his whistle while the final minute of stoppage time was still tickingEvatt then angrily confronted Shrewsbury ace Josh FeeneyFeeney appeared to urge the referee to show Bolton boss Evatt a red cardBolton manager Evatt was then sent off by the refereeThe Shrews scored twice within the space of eight minutes with Josh Feeney opening the scoring in the 20th-minute mark before Jordan Shipley doubled their lead.But Bolton fought back in the second half with Kyle Dempsey’s effort in the 47th minute.And the hosts levelled things up on 61 minutes with Szabolcs Schon’s finish.The Whites pushed hard for a late winner in front of a disappointed home crowd, who were especially frustrated during a dire first-half performance.Read More on FootballThe fourth official indicated eight minutes of added time at the end of the match.However, referee Declan Bourne blew his whistle the final sixty seconds still ticking down – with Evatt immediately marching over to the man in black to remonstrate.An angry exchange soon followed as Shrewsbury ace Feeney appeared to urge the ref to show the Bolton boss a red card.The 42-year-old tactician then squared up to the defender directly in front of the official.Most read in EFLArsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerAnd that was when Bourne showed Evatt a red card amid some angry scenes.The EFL manager is now facing an FA probe following the incident at full-time.Bolton are 13th in the League One table while Shrewsbury are third from bottom.Bolton manager Evatt is now facing an FA probe after the match with ShrewsburyCredit: Rex More

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      EFL icon recalls his wildest stories, including spiked team-mate turning into Spider-Man and hothead boss’ topless rant

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      EFL legend Darren Pratley has revealed his team-mate once turned into Spider-Man after being spiked on a night out.Pratley helped Swansea up the divisions earlier in his career and played one season in the Premier League for Bolton.Darren Pratley shared a deep dive on his career in ‘What the EFL?’Credit: PA:Empics SportEx-team-mate Rory Fallon acted like Spider-Man after being spikedCredit: GettyBut it is Swansea where he has some of his fondest memories – including his funniest training ground story.He shared some tall tales from his career with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From topless manager rants to a moment that still haunts him, Pratley shared all on his 21-year career.WILDEST TRAINING GROUND TALERory Fallon, and we always used to go on a jog. He’d been out the night before, came to training late, he’d been spiked, so he was Spider-Man the night before, apparently jumping around and doing crazy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL PLAYERAdel Taarabt played against him. I played in that game that they keep showing on the EFL where he nutmegs Joe Allen and cuts inside and scores.BEST EFL FANSI’d have to go Swansea, wouldn’t I? Swansea, Swansea, Jacks. Yeah, apart from Leyton Orient, I’d have to go Swansea.DODGIEST EFL FACILITIESAgain, probably be Swansea. We used to train at the David Lloyd gym, so we would be showering after training with the public.If you didn’t have a good result, they would be asking you why when you’re naked in the showers.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL FANS WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEADI’d say Millwall. I’ve scored a few goals against them. Six-, seven-, eight-year-olds who give you a bit of stick when you warm up. It’s an intimidating place to go, so probably I’d say Millwall.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew MOMENT THAT STILL HAUNTS YOUWe played Blackpool in the last game of the season. I think we just had to get a win. So they turned up, Phillips, Ince and all them, and it was 3-0 down after, I think, 15 minutes, and then we ended up missing out on goal difference, I think, on the play-offs.MADDEST DRESSING ROOM TALEIn my first loan at Brentford, at half-time, Martin Allen sits in the centre of the room on a chair with his top off, screaming, shouting at everyone. Didn’t know what was going on.MADDEST TRANSFER STORYAt Charlton, David Cotterill, he was texting me the night before saying that Charlton had offered him a contract, a couple of years and all that, and good money and that, and I was quite shocked, to be fair. And then he turned up the next day at the gates, thinking that he was coming in to sign a contract. Lee Bowyer had come to the gates and was like, show me the emails you’ve been getting, I have a messenger. It wasn’t the manager who he’d been speaking to, someone had pretended to be the manager on an email. He had to go home.WILDEST OWNER ANTICSAt Bolton, Lee Anderson, so he used to come in, we’d be in the changing room, the boys would have discussions whether they were going on a strike, whether they were going to train today.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wasn’t paying wages for the players. We were in a good time at that time, when he wasn’t paying the players, so I just have to say, Lee Anderson.WILDEST NIGHT OUT”I’ve had a few. Got to say Marbella. We got promoted here, at Leyton Orient. We went to Marbella as a team and staff and had a good time.” More

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

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

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

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

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      West Brom supporter dies after medical emergency in Sheffield Wednesday clash

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