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      EFL club pitch ruined for final game of season after two fans scatter HUMAN ASHES on turf celebrating promotion

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      PORTSMOUTH’S turf was ruined after two fans spread HUMAN ASHES on the field during a pitch invasion at Fratton Park. The South Coast side beat Barnsley 3-2 on April 16 to clinch promotion back to the Championship for the first time in 12 years, while they also won the League One title in the process.Portsmouth celebrated promotion back to the Championship earlier this monthCredit: RexHuman ashes were scattered on the turf which ruined some of the pitch ahead of their final home gameCredit: RexPompey supporters flooded onto the pitch immediately after the final whistle as scenes of jubilation ensued.But the BBC have now revealed two fans took the opportunity to spread ashes onto the field of play.Human ashes contain contain calcium and calcium phosphate which can kill grass.This is said to have “proved a challenge” for the ground staff ahead of Portsmouth’s final home game of the season against Wigan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe penalty area and centre circle were understood to be the most affected areas.However, the match still went ahead as the third-tier champions were beaten 2-1 at home on Saturday.It was their first home defeat in nine matches, a run that stretched back to mid-January.But it will have come as little surprise to many as just four days earlier some of the Pompey players were thrown out of a pub after their promotion celebrations got out of hand.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Click here to read all about it.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

      That came after Portsmouth fans were condemned for appearing to attack a Barnsley player during their pitch invasion.Regarding the incident, Hampshire Police told SunSport: “We are aware of this incident, but at this time we have no official complaint in relation to it.”‘Literally no place for this’ – Shocking moment Portsmouth fans appear to attack Barnsley star during pitch invasionIt was Pompey’s first pitch invasion since May 2017 when they earned promotion from League Two.Maintenance will take place on the pitch during the summer, with part of it set to be covered by a crane as work begins on a new gantry at the top of the South Stand. More

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      EFL club could be relegated out of Football League in bizarre never-before-seen final-day scenario

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      A UNIQUE situation could lead to a side being relegated to non-league by a little-known rule this weekend.The League One and League Two campaigns are both set for a dramatic conclusion on Saturday with a host of promotion and relegation battles to be decided.Sutton and Colchester are battling to survive in the Football LeagueCredit: AlamyWith regards to the fourth tier, Stockport, Mansfield and Wrexham have already clinched the automatic promotion spots.And there are six clubs still fighting it out to try and join MK Dons in the play-offs.However, down at the other end of the table, it is still all to play for regarding survival.Forest Green have already been relegated to the National League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSutton and Colchester are the two sides fighting to try and avoid joining them in dropping out of the Football League.Sutton have it all to do as they go into their final day trip to MK Dons.They sit 23rd in the table and three points behind Colchester, who host top seven hopefuls Crewe AlexandraSutton must win and hope their rivals lose to have any chance of survival.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, one set of results could lead to them being relegated in unusual fashion.There is a prospect that both teams may finish on the exact same number of points, goal difference and goals scored.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonA 1-0 defeat for Colchester and a 3-0 triumph for Sutton would see that happen, as would 2-0 loss and a 3-1 victory.Head-to-head results between the sides would ordinarily be the next deciding factor.But both clashes between Sutton and Colchester have ended 1-1 this term, meaning that won’t work either.This would lead to the teams being separated by the little-known FIFTH statistic – total games won.That would result in Sutton being relegated with just 10 wins – one fewer than Colchester.And if that does occur, then it would definitely go down as one of the strangest and one of a kind relegation that we will have ever seen. More

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      Fans convinced Sky Sports are BREAKING 3pm blackout rule to show crunch EFL clash but there’s a reason it’s allowed

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      FANS have been left confused over the 3pm blackout rule, after it was announced that a League Two game will be shown by Sky Sports in that timeslot this weekend.Traditionally matches cannot be televised between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on a Saturday afternoon in the UK.Action from Colchester will be televised this SaturdayCredit: RexBroadcasters are usually restricted by the 3pm blackoutCredit: RexThis rule has been in effect since the 1960s, having been implemented in order to protect lower league attendances.Yesterday it was announced that Colchester’s League Two final day clash with Crewe Alexandra will be shown live on Sky Sports at 3pm this Saturday.The announcement left some supporters on social media confused, with one writing: “Didn’t think Saturday 3pm kick offs could be televised?”While a second asked: “I might be being thick here but what about the 3pm blackout rule?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs it turns out, the last of the 3pm blackout windows for the 2023-24 season expired last weekend.There are six windows in total, with the blackout lifted during international breaks and the Christmas period.As per Uefa, the final window of the season ran between March 30 and April 20.This means that Sky Sports are free to show action from League Two this Saturday.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey have chosen to broadcast Colchester vs Crewe, with both teams still having something on the line.Colchester are 22nd in the table, and could still be sucked into the bottom two.EFL club reaches agreement to build stunning new stadium after 23 years at three-sided groundFor the U’s to be relegated they would have to lose with Sutton United winning at MK Dons – and a goal difference swing of four.Crewe, meanwhile, are going into the match in sixth – and could still finish anywhere between fifth and eighth.A draw would see both sides achieve their goals, while a win either way could prove costly to the losers, depending on results from elsewhere.2023-24 3pm blackout windowsUK broadcasters were not allowed to show games between 2:45pm and 5:15pm between these dates
      August 5, 2023 – September 2, 2023
      September 16, 2023 – October 7, 2023
      October 21, 2023 – November 11, 2023
      November 25, 2023 – December 23, 2023
      January 12, 2024 – March 16, 2024
      March 30, 2024 – April 20, 2024 More

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      EFL play-offs 2024: Dates, kick off times, schedule and fixtures for Championship, League One and League Two ties

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      THE EFL play-offs are almost upon us as four sides from each tier eye promotion to the division above.15 exhilarating ties will take place across the Championship, League One and League Two.Luton Town sealed promotion to the Premier League in last season’s Championship play-offsCredit: PAAll semi-final fixtures will be played over two legs, with 3rd playing 6th and 4th taking on 5th – the higher-ranking team will host the semi-final second leg.The two teams that are victorious in their respective last-4 ties will meet at Wembley Stadium in a one-off final for promotion to the division above.But what are the dates for this season’s EFL play-offs?EFL play-offs 2024 scheduleChampionshipREAD MORE IN FOOTBALLSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (12pm) – Sunday May 125th vs 4th (2.15pm) – Sunday May 12Semi-final second legsMost read in EFL3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Thursday May 164th vs 5th (8pm) – Friday May 17FinalSunday May 26 (4.30pm)League OneSemi-final first legs6th vs 3rd (8pm) – Friday May 35th vs 4th – (7.45pm) – Saturday May 4Semi-final second legs3rd vs 6th (8pm) – Tuesday May 74th vs 5th (8pm) – Wednesday May 8FinalSaturday May 18 (5.30pm)League TwoSemi-final first legs7th vs MK Dons (3pm) – Monday May 66th vs 5th (5.30pm) – Monday May 6Semi-final second legsMK Dons vs 7th (8pm) – Thursday May 95th vs 6th (8pm) – Friday May 10FinalSunday May 19 (1pm)READ MORE SUN STORIESHow to watch the EFL play-offsSky Sports will broadcast each semi-final leg from every division in the EFL.The broadcasting giant will also air the play-off final from each tier. More

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      Former EFL stadium which hosted Premier League side now an abandoned field with car boot sale the only attraction

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      NENE PARK was once the home of an EFL side – but is now an empty field hosting car boot sales.In it’s heyday, 6,431 fans would fill the stadium every other week.Nene Park now sits abandonedCredit: GettyOver 6,000 fans would fill the terraces in the 2000sCredit: GettyBut it is now an abandoned fieldCredit: GettySigns remain showing the site’s former lifeCredit: GettyPremier League sides once played hereThe car park is now used for weekly car boot salesIt was the home of the now defunct Rushden & Diamonds.The ground saw several promotions as the club rose from the fifth tier Conference to as high as League One in 2003.Now Premier League side Sheffield United travelled to Nene Park in 1999 for a FA Cup replay, which the Blades won on penalties.Arsenal and West Ham both played there in pre-season friendlies two years later.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe stadium was also used for England Under-21 and England C matches, as well as becoming a training base for athletes during the London 2012 Olympics.By 2006, Rushden & Diamonds tumbled out the EFL and ran into huge financial problems.The club were kicked out the Conference after being unable to guarantee they could complete the 2011-12 season due to cash flow issues.With debts spiralling out of control and at a reported £750,000, they entered administration and the team dissolved.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDemolition of Nene Park commenced six years later as developers hoped to turn the site into a retail and entertainment hub.But the venue in Northamptonshire remains empty today, with only car boot sales every Sunday giving the abandoned field any sign of life.Eerie Ukrainian drone footage shows abandoned Euro 2012 stadium which hosted England clash in war-torn DonetskMemories of the past are scattered across the site, however.A sign directing fans to the stands and ticket office can still be seen.Tiles in the shape of the club’s badge at the once VIP entrance are smashed but still on the floor.Gates to the stadium are covered in graffiti and the pitch is now an overgrown wasteland but gives some resemblance to the site’s pomp.Phoenix club AFC Rushden & Diamonds were founded soon after the club shut down and they compete in the eighth tier of English football.Nene Park in it’s a heyday in 1999Credit: GettyThe ground was the home of Rushden & DiamondsCredit: GettyDemolition begun in 2017Credit: GettyRushden & Diamonds dissolved in 2011Credit: GettyThey were booted out of the Conference and fell into administration due to financial troublesCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds all but confirms football star to make cameo in Deadpool as striker ‘spotted in bar scene’

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      RYAN REYNOLDS has heavily hinted that Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer makes a cameo in the new Deadpool film.The Hollywood A-lister shared a two-and-a-half-minute trailer for the upcoming movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” in which Reynolds co-stars with Hugh Jackman.Ryan Reynolds, right, stars as Deadpool alongside Hugh Jackman in the new filmWrexham forward Ollie Palmer can be seen in the background of a bar scenePalmer, far left, has all but been confirmed as an extra in the clipPalmer has impressed since joining Wrexham from Wimbledon in 2022Credit: PABut many football fans will be surprised to hear that Wrexham forward Palmer, 32, seems to have been confirmed as an extra.While Deadpool and Wolverine are talking at a bar, a man can be seen loitering in the background of the scene.And when the trailer was shared on Instagram, Palmer, who has scored 39 goals in 115 games for Wrexham, responded: “If you squint.. 😂.”Reynolds then chimed in with his own response to the rumour which was posted on X.READ MORE ON WREXHAMReplying to a tweet stating that Palmer is in the film, Reynolds added: “Keen eyesight.”And Wrexham fans were quick to praise the move as they prepare to see the ex-Leyton Orient and Wimbledon man on the big screen.One supporter said: “I thought I was seeing things when I watched it 😂 xx.”Another added: “There’s a recruiting tool that no one else in the EFL has. Genius.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.
      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice.

      A third replied: “Ollie! Ollie! Ollie! ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿.”And a fourth responded: “Paul Mullin better be in it as well.”Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantThe film is set for release on July 25 this year in the UK, before it comes out the following day in the US.It has not yet been confirmed whether or not any more Wrexham players will appear in the film.Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney celebrated Wrexham’s promotion to League One earlier this month.The Welsh outfit clinched a second successive promotion with a 6-0 win over Forest Green.Reynolds was reduced to tears as his club secured their place in the third tier.Reynolds celebrated Wrexham’s second successive promotion earlier this monthCredit: Getty More

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      Former Premier League star forced to answer awkward question live on Sky Sports ahead of huge EFL clash

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      LUKE AYLING was forced to answer an awkward question as his Middlesbrough side took on parent club Leeds.The defender spent eight years at Leeds before joining Boro on loan in January.Luke Ayling revealed he wanted football to win between Middlesbrough and LeedsThat meant he was not eligible to play as Leeds visited the Riverside Stadium on Monday in search of three points to help their promotion push.Ahead of kick-off Ayling spoke to Sky Sports and was asked for his score prediction and who he thought would win – leading to a nervy answer.He said: “I want football to win. I love football and if I’m totally honest I really cant call it.”Like I said I haven’t seen Leeds a lot lately but I’ve seen these boys on the training pitch and how we’ve played the last 9-10 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m really confident the boys can put in a good shift today. Who knows but I’m just hoping for a good game of football.”Ayling certainly got what he asked for as Boro raced into an early lead with Isaiah Jones scoring in the seventh minute.But the visitors hit back with two goals in four minutes – only for Emmanuel Latte Lath to equalise.However Wilfried Gnonto fired Leeds back in front to give Daniel Farke’s side a 3-2 lead at half-time.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLeeds are on the promotion hunt but need Ipswich to drop points in their three remaining games to achieve automatic promotion.They ran out 4-3 winners at the Riverside after a late goal from Latte Lath set up a nervy finish.Leeds ‘make contact with Kalvin Phillips over emotional transfer return’ to end two-year nightmare More

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      ‘Now is the right time’ – EFL club sack manager and appoint interim boss just days before play-offs

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      BARNSLEY have sacked head coach Neill Collins just days before the League One Play-Offs.First team coach Martin Devaney has been appointed as interim manager until the end of the season.Neill Collins has been sacked by BarnsleyCredit: GettyDirector of Football Mladen Sormaz said: “Neill has been extremely professional throughout the period with which I have worked with him, he has done everything he can do to push the team in the direction we all want Barnsley to go.”He has conducted himself with professionalism and commitment throughout the period I have worked with him.”However, with a crucial season conclusion ahead of us, we feel that now is the right time to make a change.”We thank the fans for their continued support and urge you all to back the team this Saturday against Northampton. We will update supporters in the coming days.”Read More on FootballBarnsley face Northampton Town in their final League One match before the Play-Offs this Saturday.The Tykes need a win to secure a spot in the Play-off semi-finals.They are currently in contention alongside Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United and Lincoln City.However, Oxford United and Blackpool are also pushing for a spot.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPortsmouth have already earned promotion to the Championship, with Derby County expected to take the second automatic place.Collins was appointed as Barnsley boss last summer following a spell with USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysBarnsley had won just two of their last 12 games prior to his dismissal. More