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      EFL fans in meltdown over horrendous error from ‘playing the Pep Guardiola way’ that ‘gets better every time’

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      EFL fans are in meltdown after Peterborough produced a horrendous error to concede against Oxford.The League One play-off pair met at the Kassam Stadium with Posh still harbouring automatic promotion ambitions.Peterborough goalkeeper Jed Steer was put under pressure with a backpassSteer’s attempted clearance found the head of Josh Murphy who scoredBut their hopes were dashed by a rampant Oxford side, who maintained their own play-off place with a 5-0 win.Peterborough gave them a helping hand however, gifting them a goal out of nowhere with the scoreline already 1-0.Manager Darren Ferguson favours a possession-based style, and Posh’s ability to play out from the back has helped them to fourth place in the table.But against Oxford disaster struck as Peterborough invited pressure on their backline with some questionable passes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEphron Mason-Clark played a pass back to team-mate Hector Kyprianou who tapped to goalkeeper Jed Steer as Oxford’s Josh Murphy closed him down.Steer appeared to panic and miskicked his clearance straight onto Murphy’s forehead, and he guided the ball into the back of the net.Fans slammed the defending and claimed it is a system of teams trying to emulate Pep Guardiola’s style of football.One reacted saying: “How many more goals are teams going to give away trying to play the Pep way, embarrassing.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother added: “That is laughable.”And a third said: “Schoolboy football.”Another commented: “Gets better every time.”Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clash More

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      Ex-Premier League team’s stars left crying in dressing room after ‘scandalous’ decision leaves them facing relegation

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      HUDDERSFIELD players were left “crying in the dressing room” after a controversial late penalty decision went against them in their 1-1 draw with Bristol City.Terriers boss Andre Breitenreiter thought his side had earned a huge three points in their battle against the drop when Josh Koroma broke the deadlock in the 81st minute at Ashton Gate. Huddersfield’s Oliver Turton was punished for this ‘handball’ in stoppage timeCredit: Twitter / @AnalysisBCFCHuddersfield manager Andre Breitenreiter could not believe the award of the penaltyCredit: GettyBut they were denied deep into stoppage time when Cameron Pring’s cross was adjudged to have struck the arm of Oliver Turton.Referee Rebecca Welch pointed to the spot in the 99th minute of the game, despite it being unclear whether it had even hit Turton’s arm and his close proximity to the ball.Nakhi Wells converted the spot kick in the 101st minute to salvage a draw for Bristol City.The result leaves Championship side Huddersfield one point adrift of safety with just three games remaining.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd German coach Breitenreiter, 50, revealed after the game that his team were shedding tears in the dressing room.He said: “I disagree with the penalty decision but the boys played really well.”Now they’re crying in the dressing room because they don’t understand how they haven’t won and its frustrating.”It’s hard, but the performance was great.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTurton, who gave away the penalty, had only come off the bench in the 95th minute as Huddersfield looked to see the game out.And Breitenreiter divulged his conversation with official Welch as he searched for clarity regarding the decision.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotHe said: “We spoke to the referee a few minutes ago and she hasn’t seen the replay after the game yet.”I told her that she has to be 100 per cent right to give a penalty in the last minute.”But, let us speak about our performance, we cannot change the decisions in the game.”Calling on VAR to be introduced in the the second tier, he then added: “You need VAR here in the Championship, for sure.”We always have discussions in the Premier League about how long it takes but we want to have fair decisions, and it was unfair today, it was unfair for the boys and they cannot understand.“I don’t want to criticise the referee in public and we’ve told her our views, we just hope that we have a little bit more luck.”Fans also voiced their disdain for the decision, with one saying: “Absolutely abysmal.”Another added: “Never a penalty.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third replied: “Appalling decision.”And a fourth simply responded: “Scandalous.” More

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      Story of Wrexham’s unstoppable rise from Hollywood backing to amazing Arsenal loanee – is Premier League now in sight?

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      WREXHAM have secured promotion to League One in the latest step of their rebirth under their Hollywood owners.Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the club with the help of manager Phil Parkinson.Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney, left, and Ryan Reynolds have overseen back-to-back promotionsCredit: AFPFans invaded the pitch after promotion was sealed with a 6-0 win over Forest GreenCredit: RexWrexham return to League One after a 19-year absenceCredit: PAStriker Ollie Palmer celebrates with fansCredit: RexManager Phil Parkinson, right, has been key to Wrexham’s successCredit: RexThey sealed back-to-back promotions for the first time in their 159-year history in style, thrashing bottom-of-the-table Forest Green Rovers 6-0.Wrexham will return to the third tier for the first time since 2005, with owner Reynolds thrilled at the achievement.He wrote on social media: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney. Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”It has been some journey for the Hollywood A-listers, who were greeted with trepidation when they first bought the club, with some members of the fan trust that previously owned Wrexham voting against their takeover.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the pair quickly put fans at ease by assuring Wrexham would remain a club at the heart of its community, and they won over some by recognising the mining disaster at Gresford where 266 people lost their lives on the back of the team’s shirts.It has not been plain sailing either as Wrexham missed out on promotion from the National League in the first season under the owners, while they had to produce a record points tally last year to beat Notts County to first place last season.Their rise has been documented by Disney series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, which caused scepticism amongst some who thought the show was a “money grab”.The third season of the show will begin to air from next month and will document Wrexham’s continued rise, which could just be getting started.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHollywood ownersFriends Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham in 2020 and quickly bought into the culture of the club and North Wales.They spoke Welsh to media and met fans in pubs next to the Racecourse Ground and got to grips with the years of hurt supporters felt from being in non-league.Inside Wrexham’s wild dressing room celebrations as stars scoff Madri on pitch and Ryan Reynolds reduced to tearsThe pair signed shirts and posed for photos to integrate themselves into the community, investing in local schemes and hiring voluntary staff like Wrexham’s disability liaison officer.Fast forward a few months and Reynolds was left sobbing in the stands after Wrexham’s dramatic FA Trophy victory over Stockport at the Racecourse.They used their acting skills to their advantage to promote the club’s previous shirt sponsor, Ifor Williams Trailers, before using their connections to take on board bigger brands, such as TikTok and Expedia.Reynolds and McElhenney helped promote the club further with appearances on The One Show and The Late Late Show in America, while bringing in big names to the club on and off the pitch – including former EFL chief Shaun Harvey.The A-list actors have invested more than just money into the clubCredit: GettyPremier League signingsThe new owners have invested heavily into the club and lured players down from higher divisions to help them win promotion to League Two last season, including top scorer Paul Mullin.That continued last summer with the additions of former Premier League stars James McClean and Steven Fletcher.They have provided a wealth of experience and set an example through their professionalism, as did goalkeeper Ben Foster when he arrived at the club last year.Foster retired in September after struggling to adjust to League Two, leaving Wrexham when they were 15th in the division after just one win from their opening four games.His replacement was the loan signing of Arhtur Okonkwo from Arsenal, who has proved a steady presence in between the sticks for the Red Dragons.Fans of rival clubs have criticised Wrexham’s spending habits and although the club has made losses, it is their huge revenue which has paid for the promotion-winning stars.James McClean has added Premier League experienceCredit: RexOn loan Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been a big presence between the sticksCredit: PAMajor investmentSeveral brands have been keen to join the Wrexham journey, boosting revenue to close to £20million for this season alone – a figure which rivals Championship clubs.Seven-figure sponsorship deals and the club’s pre-season tour of the US last summer has helped significantly, with the club’s presence across the pond seeing an increase in merchandise sales.United Airlines now sponsor the shirts while VistaPrint sponsor the sleeves, and Stok Cold Brew Coffee bought the rights to the stadium.’Welcome to Wrexham’ has added to the coffers, increasing revenue significantly from the £5.97m brought in during the Hollywood’s owners first full season in charge.And a second US tour this summer that will see Wrexham play Chelsea is set to boost the club further.How 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.

      Stadium upgradeRestoring the Racecourse Ground to its former glory is a high priority for the owners, but they have faced a few issues replacing the old Kop.The previous stand had not been used for years so was knocked down with the aim of building a 5,500 capacity all-seater by the end of the season.Those plans hit some obstacles so a temporary structure was erected in December, allowing for 2,289 more fans to roar on the team and ensure the stadium had fans on four sides.Construction on a permanent Kop End is set to begin from the end of the season and could take 11 months to complete.The old Kop End was demolished to make way for an all-seater standCredit: EPAWhat next?Reynolds, 47, will not want the “ride of his life” to end anytime soon and Wrexham’s ambitious owners will likely already be laying the groundwork for yet another promotion.They are prepared to wait for success too as Reynolds described their ownership as a “multidecade project”.Their ultimate ambition is to reach the Premier League, something Reynolds has not been afraid to dream of since buying the club.He said in January 2023: “We want to walk the walk, even as a fifth-tier club. We say this all the time, but we want to be in the Premier League, as crazy as that sounds to some people.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If it is theoretically possible to go from the fifth tier in professional football all the way to the Premier League, why wouldn’t we do that?”Why wouldn’t we use our last drop of blood to get there? We’re in it for the ride. This is a multidecade project.”Reynolds dreams of taking Wrexham to the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters More

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      Gillingham vs Barrow DELAYED for 8 minutes after sickening tackle sees star subbed off ONE MINUTE after coming off bench

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      GILLINGHAM star Josh Walker has been stretchered off after taking a sickening blow to the head..He was on the end of a horror tackle just a minute after coming on as a 21st minute substitute against Barrow.George Ray went in high on Josh WalkerCredit: iFollowWalker was left crumpled in a heapCredit: iFollowWalker, 26, had replaced George Lapslie only moments earlier before being hacked down by a late, high challenge by George Ray.Barrow defender Ray, 30, was immediately shown a straight red card by referee Dean Whitestone.Walker was eventually taken off on a stretcher following eight minutes of treatment and replaced by Oliver Hawkins.Gills fans were left disgusted by Ray’s tackle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote on social media: “A definite red card!! That’s a horrendous tackle. We hope Josh Walker, who is currently receiving treatment, makes a speedy recovery.”While a second fumed: “Absolutely a red card all day. Glad the ref didn’t bottle it as so many have this season.”A third tweeted: “This is a stone wall red card with no subjectivity involved. Speed, distance, studs to the upper body.”And a fourth added: “Awful still on the ground players looked really concerned for him.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe incident occurred with the score level at 0-0.Both teams remain in League Two play-off contention, with Gills going into the game looking to narrow the gap on Barrow to four points.Gillingham took the lead on the stroke of half-time via Josh Andrews.I was released by Ryan Reynolds and am fighting to stay in the EFL while my brother battles to win the Premier LeagueThree minutes into stoppage time, the forward brilliantly rounded Barrow keeper Paul Farman before providing a cool finish.The ten-man visitors came close to levelling a few minutes later, but no one could quite get on the end of Elliot Newby’s teasing cross.Former Fulham youngster Walker is on loan at Gills from Burton.Prior to today’s brief cameo he had appeared 13 times for his loan club, scoring once.Walker is on loan at Gillingham for BurtonCredit: Rex More

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      Wrexham on brink of breaking 159-year record if Ryan Reynolds-owned League Two side win this weekend

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      WREXHAM are on the brink of promotion and could make club history this weekend.The Welsh side currently sit second in League Two, with three automatic promotion places up for grabs.Wrexham are aiming for back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s historyCredit: GettyWrexham face bottom of the table Forest Green on Saturday afternoon, knowing their place in the third tier will be sealed with a win and if other results go their way.Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are hoping fourth-placed MK Dons drop points to Mansfield in third.And they need sixth-placed Barrow to not beat Gillingham.Even if things do not go Phil Parkinson’s way this weekend, they still have matches against fellow promotion chasers Crewe and Stockport to secure what has already been a dream return to the Football League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWrexham won the National League title last season and moving up another division this term will see them earn back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s 159-year history.Only ten sides have even made the jump from the fifth to third tier in two seasons.The last do achieve the feat was Tranmere in 2019.Wrexham haven’t been in League One since 2005 and are relishing the challenge.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERManager Parkinson said: “Our aim is to focus on the game and what we’ve got to do ourselves.”We can’t control anything outside and our destiny is ultimately in our own hands.Wrexham star Elliott Lee reveals moment ‘deeper than football’ that changed his life “We’re just preparing to play as well as we can at the weekend and see if that’s good enough to get the points against a Forest Green team who are obviously fighting for their lives.”We’re going to go out and win the game and see what happens at the end. Whatever happens elsewhere we’ve got to go out and get the three points.”The lads are in a good place. We’re building up to what will be a terrific atmosphere at the Racecourse.”Wrexham players were whisked off to Las Vegas by their mega-rich celebrity owners last season and will be hoping for a similar party this summer. More

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      EFL clash turns into commentator’s worst nightmare with fans in stitches at team sheet

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      COMMENTATORS faced the worst kind of DOUBLE hat-trick in Charlton’s League One home clash with Wigan.The Latics included three Smiths and three Charlies in their startling midfield – making it a potential Valley of doom for any nervous broadcasters.Here’s how the Latics revealed their midweek line-upThe poor Addicks saw one of Wigan’s Charlies bag a quickfire doubleCredit: RexIn terms of Smiths, one was fun – as Scott, 23 has been with his hometown club all his career.But Wigan added double trouble with a pair of summer signings.In came 23-year-old Matt Smith from Arsenal and namesake winger Jonny, 26, from Burton.As for Charlies – Hughes, Kelman and Goode all made Tuesday’s line-up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan responded to the team announcement by posting on X: “Up the Smith Smith Smith Charlie Charlie Charlie tics.”Ironically, Charlton’s in-house match commentator facing a night of tongue-teasers is also a Smith, going by the name of Terry.The trio with Britain’s most popular surname couldn’t save Wigan from trailing at half-time.But unfortunately it was own-goal from one of the Charlies that separated the teams – via centre-back Hughes.Most read in EFLThe Smith-laden Latics reduced the alliteration hell for commentators in the second period as Charlie Goode and then Jonny Smith were taken off.And it was certainly the right Charlie they kept on.I’m a Champions League winner – I cut out five major foods for my ‘Caveman’ diet… it’s a way of livingThat’s because Charlie Kelman hit what seemed two match-turning goals in the space of just three minutes.But Charlton fought to back to earn a 2-2 draw through Chuks Aneke – who, ironically, has unique first AND last names in English senior football!Matt Smith, seen here against Peterborough, played the whole of Wigan’s clash with CharltonCredit: Alamy More

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      EFL clash postponed AGAIN as Storm Kathleen batters Britain with strong winds and rain

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      BARROW have announced their clash with Bradford has been called off AGAIN due to a waterlogged pitch.The League Two game was originally scheduled to take place on February 24 but was axed just one hour before kick-off due to the state of the pitch.Barrow have confirmed the fixture has been postponed for a second timeCredit: GettyStorm Kathleen has caused dangerously strong winds and flooding in BritainCredit: The SunIt was rescheduled for 7.45pm on Tuesday evening, but has succumbed to the weather again as Storm Kathleen wreaks havoc. The postponement was confirmed following an 11am pitch inspection.A statement from Barrow read: “Unfortunately following a pitch inspection at the SO Legal Stadium, tonight’s match against Bradford City has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.”We will update fans as soon as possible about the rearrangement of this fixture.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBradford also revealed referee Ross Joyce had deemed the pitch “unplayable”.Reacting to the latest postponement, one social media user said: “If only the previous fixture hadn’t been abandoned unexpectedly and completely unnecessarily.”Still can’t believe that official is allowed a decision!”While another added: “If only it was played the first time when the pitch was playable…”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarrow, who sit fifth in League Two, are seven points adrift of third-place MK Dons but with two games in hand as they chase an automatic promotion place.Stockport sit top of the table, four points clear of Wrexham having played one game fewer.I’m a storms reporter for the BBC – fans are terrified for my life but there are secret rules that keep me safeMeanwhile, Bradford are languishing down in 14th and look set to finish mid-table. More

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      Shocking moment huge brawl breaks out in the stands at Wembley between fans supporting same team

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      POLICE have launched an investigation after a huge brawl broke out in the stands during Sunday’s EFL Trophy final at Wembley.A number of fans situated in level five of the Peterborough end were involved in a melee.A fight broke out in the Peterborough end at WembleyChaos ensued while the match was in progressIn a video circulating online, a number of individuals could be seen throwing punches and clinching while action unfolded on the pitch.At one point a man was even wrestled to the ground, falling two rows in the process.Four stewards could be seen trying to take control of the scene.Bizarrely, Peterborough scored during the ruckus, with some surrounding fans seemingly torn between celebrating the goal and watching the drama unfolding in the stands.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the incident and have appealed for witnessed to come forward.A statement read: “Police were notified of a fight at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 7 April, during the EFL Trophy Final between Peterborough and Wycombe.”Officers are also aware of social media footage.”There were no injuries reported.Most read in EFL”Enquiries are ongoing and any witnesses are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1307/7APR.”There have been no arrests.”Sir Alex Ferguson misses Man Utd vs Liverpool for lower league clash as he’s spotted live on Sky SportsPeterborough’s first goal was scored by captain Harrison Burrows in the 85th minute.Wycombe equalised just four minutes later before Burrows, who spoke exclusively to SunSport ahead of the game, bagged his side’s winner in stoppage time.Sir Alex Ferguson was in attendance, with his son Darren once again in the Peterborough hotseat.Fergie Jr has been Posh boss four times, and most recently returned in January last year.Peterborough are chasing promotion to the Championship and have six games remaining in League One.They currently sit in fourth place, eight points off the automatic promotion spots with two games in hand.Harrison Burrows clutches the trophy alongside manager Darren FergusonCredit: RexProud Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with his sonCredit: Rex More