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      Cocaine use at football matches leaves League One side’s stadium toilets like a ‘launderette’ full of powder, MPs told

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      COCAINE use at football is leaving stadium toilets like a “launderette” full of powder, MPs were told today.The DCMS committee watched what chairman and Tory MP Julian Knight said were “absolutely shocking” scenes of violence at games at all levels over the past six months.
      Shocking ‘scenes of violence’ in football grounds have been describedCredit: Getty
      And police and stewarding chiefs reinforced the message that the cocktail of drink and drugs was evoking memories of the dark days of the past.
      Peter Houghton, head of operations for the Football Safety Officers Association said: “It’s coming home from all aspects of sport that there has been an increase in cocaine use.
      “A friend of mine who works at Cambridge United said that when he checked the toilets after a match it looked like a launderette – there was so much powder there.
      “Violence at football has always been synonymous with alcohol but it is becoming abundantly clear it’s not just a football issue and affecting different sports.
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      “Now you are not just pointing the finger at alcohol users but are also able to point the finger at drug users.
      “It is clear that one or two of those people in the video have been using drugs and are not drunk.”
      That message was echoed by England and Wales’ top football cop, Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts, who added: “It is not just the UK – we are seeing considerable increase in disorder across Europe after the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
      “We are not anywhere near where we were in the 80s and we need to keep context on things. This is worrying but we are not back as bad as it was.
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      “Cocaine is certainly a contributing factor to violence in the night-time economy and football. Football is a reflection of wider society.
      “There is clearly an element of organised gangs who set out and wish to engage in violence. It is an unwelcome re-emergence.
      “The concern is that we have younger people involved in this. The concern is that if younger people become involved in it then it is a problem for the next 30 years until we take some remedial action.”
      Ch Con Roberts also pointed out that police forces were able to recoup only £7m of the £47m cost of officers attending matches last season.
      He added: “It’s unfair we only get £7m back when £7m couldn’t buy you a second division full back.”
      Drink and drugs have fuelled the an increase in violence at gamesCredit: Rex More

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      Watch moment Sunderland Under-21 GOALKEEPER scores 94th minute goal at rivals Newcastle – and admits to handling it in

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      SUNDERLAND U21s keeper Alex Bass incredibly scored a stoppage time equaliser to earn his side a point against bitter rivals Newcastle.Joe White’s first half strike looked set to hand the Magpies all three points in the Premier League 2 Division 2 match at St James’ Park.
      Bass headed against the post from the last-gasp cornerCredit: Getty

      The keeper then bundled in the rebound, later admitting he used his handCredit: Getty
      Newcastle were furious but Bass’ stoppage time goal was givenCredit: Getty
      The Sunderland players celebrated wildly as they earned themselves a pointCredit: Getty
      But with 11 minutes remaining the hosts saw Jay Turner-Cook sent off to hand Sunderland a lifeline.
      Then in the 94th minute, Bass came up for a corner as the visitors attempted to find a last-gasp goal.
      And it came from the most unlikely of sources as social media footage shows their shot-stopper heading against the post before bundling in the rebound.
      Jubilant scenes ensued among the Black Cats’ U21s team, although Bass revealed after the match that he handled the ball into the net and was expecting the goal to be disallowed.
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      Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, he said: “I didn’t really know what to do to be honest.
      “I have to admit I did handball it so didn’t think it was going to be given. I’ve headed it onto the post and kind of fallen over and scooped it in.
      “I was kind of running off in a little bit of shame and then all the boys came over and the ref has given it.”
      Moments after Bass scored the late equaliser, he then made a save at the other end to preserve the point for Sunderland.
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      But he admits after the goal went in that the final moments of the match were all a bit of a blur.
      He added: “I don’t really remember doing a lot else other than running back to my goal.
      “My main job is a goalkeeper and to keep the ball out of the back of the net was really important for me to keep the point.”
      Bass then made a save after scoring the equaliser to ensure Sunderland held onCredit: Getty More

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      Gary Neville QUITS as chief executive of Salford City with Man Utd legend to be replaced by ex-Red Devils pal Nicky Butt

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      GARY NEVILLE has stepped down from his role as chief executive of Salford City.The former Manchester United star remains a co-owner of the Ammies but has handed over the running of the club to former team-mate Nicky Butt.
      Gary Neville has quit as chief executive of Salford CityCredit: PA
      Ex-Manchester United team-mate Nicky Butt will replace his former team-mateCredit: AFP
      Neville, 47, has acted as Salford CEO since buying the club eight years ago alongside Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Peter Lim and brother Phil.
      The pundit oversaw the club’s rise from step eight of the English pyramid to the fourth tier, winning promotion to League Two in 2019.
      Salford also won the Football League Trophy in 2020 – their first honour as an EFL club.
      But with Neville splitting his time between Salford, Sky Sports and his property work, he feels he is unable to give the club the attention it needs.
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      He said in a statement: “As the club has developed with such pace it needs someone who can concentrate on the club and be there every day, and Nicky is the ideal candidate to do this.
      “I have enjoyed my eight years and can’t believe how much we have achieved in that time, and how proud I am of the hard work everyone at the club has put in to make a dream we had whilst on a train, turn into a reality.
      “I will now be able to sit back and enjoy the game on match days safe in the knowledge that it is in good hands.
      “I’d like to thank Peter Lim and the other lads for everything they’ve done, all the staff, on and off the pitch, that I have worked with for your commitment and dedication and the fans who have been with us from the beginning.”
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      David Beckham is also a co-owner of Salford after purchasing a 10 per cent stake in 2019, but it is Butt who Neville has entrusted to take over.
      The former England and United midfielder is pleased to take on the responsibility and sent a message to the fans of the League Two club.
      It read: “I am delighted and welcome this opportunity, this pressure, this responsibility.
      “The club, staff, team and fans are everything and what makes this club special, and why we fell in love with the club all those years ago.
      “I accept the responsibility that brings, the responsibility of the long-term vision whilst concentrating on the short-term goals and what is needed now and will work hard to take the club to where we believe it can be.” More

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      Watch Hartlepool boss Keith Curle’s incredible X-rated post-match interview leaving fans in hysterics

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      KEITH CURLE left his interviewer speechless with a wild post-match interview that fans found hilarious.The Hartlepool boss oversaw just his second win in charge in nine games after coming from behind to beat Grimsby 2-1 on Saturday, and he was in a buoyant mood.

      Keith Curle had fans in giggles with his post-match interviewCredit: Alamy
      Curle was asked for his thoughts on the match and he gave an answer that nobody was expecting.
      Curle said to the Hartlepool media team: “How do I feel? I woke up this morning and had three requests. For us to win, Manchester City to win and for my missus to be in a sexy mood.
      “I’ve got two out of three so far so now I’ve got a two hour drive home that I will be grafting to make sure I get a hat-trick.
      “You don’t know what to say now do you?”
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      The interviewer was lost for words and could not help but break out in laughter, with several fans on social media also finding Curle hilarious.
      One wrote: “Probably in the doghouse now 🤣.”
      Another added: “Got to love Keith Curle 🤣.”
      And a third said: “Haaaaahaaaaa brilliant.”
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      Other supporters asked for an update but they may have to wait until the next time Curle speaks to the media – if they are lucky.
      Hartlepool fans will hope Curle is kept happy in anyway possible as they have struggled this season and find themselves in the relegation zone after picking up two wins in 17 games. More

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      Fans all say the same thing as Joey Barton’s mad tactics board inspires Bristol Rovers to hard fought draw at Sheff Weds

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      BRISTOL ROVERS fans have expressed their delight after Joey Barton’s brilliant tactics board inspired a draw at Sheffield Wednesday.The highly-anticipated League One clash saw the Owls lead at half-time.
      Joey Barton’s tactics board has delighted Bristol Rovers fansCredit: Rex
      The amazing notes inspired a comeback draw at Sheffield WednesdayCredit: Twitter @@Joey7Barton
      Wednesday dominated possession and had over twice as many shots as Rovers.
      But the visitors battled hard in the second half and ended up grabbing an equaliser in the 60th minute through Joshua Coburn.
      Bristol Rovers dug deep to pick up a crucial point away from home.
      And after the match, boss Barton posted several snaps on Twitter hailing his team and their fans for the magnificent effort.
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      However, supporters were particularly drawn to one of Barton’s pictures showing his tactics board.
      The intricate piece of paper was scrawled with various plans, positive phrases and ideas on how to get the better of Wednesday.
      Barton’s main instructions on how to get the win involved a “big start” to “turn them early” and “play in their half.”
      Rovers players also needed to “squeeze space” and “lock them in their half”.
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      Barton also added notes saying “show the world tonight”, “decide to be victorious” and “psychedelic effects.”
      And with Bristol Rovers moving up to 14th in the table with their point, fans of the club went online to hail Barton’s mad tactics board.
      One supporter beamed: “Great to see the tactics board and good to see ‘attack is the best form of defence’, always agreed with that.”
      Another wrote: “That was pretty impressive, more than matched the Owls and kept their fans quiet.”
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      One declared: “I love a prop-inspired tactic board.”
      Another added: “Unbelievable performance from the lads, thank you.” More

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      Sky Sports hit by poor Championship viewing figures and could axe games in new broadcast deal

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      SKY TV are anxiously eyeing their viewing figures before sorting out a new contract with the EFL.And that could mean the broadcaster offers LESS money and wants FEWER live games when the next deal starts in 2024.
      Sky will hope Swansea vs Cardiff today can pull in big viewing figuresCredit: Getty
      Insiders reveal that numbers have been low this season, with the highest coming in the opening match between Huddersfield and Burnley.
      The exact audience sizes are kept quiet but sources claim the largest was only around 600,000.
      There will be rival bids for television rights when the next package starts, with that contract due to be sorted out next season.
      And the Sky appetite for spending big money on a lot of games may depend on the viewing figures over the coming months.
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      Sky have had a bad season to cover the flagship Championship as there are no huge clubs at that level with big fan bases.
      The days of Leeds, Villa, Fulham and Nottingham Forest swelling viewing figures have gone with their promotion to the top flight.
      And a general lowering of the standard and lack of ‘star’ quality players makes it a hard sell for the TV company.
      Sky also made a mistake by introducing 8pm midweek kick-offs and even Saturday nights for some games, tinkering that has not made any positive difference.
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      They will hope the South Wales derby between Swansea and Cardiff at 12pm today can draw in their biggest viewing figures of the season.
      There is also a derby between Watford and Luton taking place today. More

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      Tyson Fury wants to BUY Morecambe and will ‘throw millions’ at League One side to get them into the Premier League

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      TYSON FURY hopes to turn League One minnows Morecambe into Premier League heavyweights after revealing he has been offered the chance to buy his hometown club.The WBC champion, who has just announced his trilogy fight with Derek Chisora for December 3, struck a partnership with the League One side in the summer.
      Tyson Fury, who already sponsors Morecambe, has been offered the chance to buy the League One clubCredit: Morecambe FC
      The Gypsy King will return to the ring on December 3 against Derek ChisoraCredit: Getty
      Fury’s ‘Gypsy King’ brand is embroidered on The Shrimps’ home and away shorts for the current campaign.
      He has earned tens of millions for his trilogy bouts with Deontay Wilder and his Wembley win over Dillian Whyte.

      And he has used that to develop close links with his local team – who sit six points from safety – by investing in their training facilities as well as the sponsorship deal.
      Now the unbeaten boxing star, who is a proud Manchester United fan, has announced that he wants to support them even further by BUYING the bottom of the table outfit.
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      He made the shock revelation on talkSPORT while speaking to hosts Jim White and Simon Jordan, the former owner of Premier League side Crystal Palace.
      The unbeaten boxer said: “Quick question, I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.
      “So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them.”
      Jordan interrupted: “By invest you mean throw it at them, invest is the wrong term.”
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      Fury replied: “Yeah, basically throw it at them and keep them going up.
      “I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club.
      “I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”
      Jordan then asked: “You know how to make a small fortune in football?”
      But the ever-sharp Fury already knew the answer and replied: “Start off with a bigger one! It’s the same as being a boxing promoter.”
      The Manchester United supporting potential Morecambe owner will find himself at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in December.
      That is the venue for his latest fight against Derek Chisora.
      It’s also been announced that Daniel Dubois will fight on the undercard.
      The Gypsy King announced the show on social media on Thursday morning with a picture of the fight card.
      And he added: “LET’S HAVE IT THEN DEL BOY!!!! SEE YOU DECEMBER 3RD LONDON! @SpursOfficial @DerekWarChisora.”
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      Fury has already beaten Chisora twice before.
      He claimed a comfortable unanimous decision victory in 2011, before forcing Del Boy to retire on his stool in the 10th round of their rematch three years later.

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      Barrow clash with Carlisle suspended in EFL Trophy after yob fan throws EXPLODING firework near visiting goalkeeper

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      CARLISLE UNITED star Michael Kelly narrowly escaped injury as tonight’s clash at Barrow was interrupted by a firework-throwing yob.The shocking moment occurred during the third minute of the EFL Papa John’s Trophy Cumbrian derby showdown.
      Carlisle’s goalkeeper narrowly avoided injury after a firework exploded in front of himCredit: EFL
      The referee instantly halted the game and led both sets of players off the pitchCredit: Rex

      Carlisle keeper Kelly was lining-up to take a goalkick when an object was thrown from behind the goal.
      It was launched from the Holker Street End, which houses home supporters, as the 26-year-old was making his way across the six-yard line to restart play.
      The device just missed him but landed just yards away inside the area as smoke began to fill the air.
      Kelly, 26, then appeared to take a step towards it before the firework exploded right in front of him.
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      Fortunately for the Irishman he was unscathed from the disgusting incident.
      But referee Seb Stockbridge instantly ordered both sets of players of the pitch at the SO Legal Stadium.
      Cops and stewards then moved in to usher supporters to the nearby Popular side terrace which runs down the side of the pitch.
      The PA announcer then said: “Any further incidents will result in tonight’s match being abandoned.”
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      The game did then resume at 7:20pm – 18 minutes after the shock incident.
      Despite the explosive start, spectators had to wait until the 70th-minute for the action to start as Josh Kay fired Barrow ahead.
      Sam Foley then doubled the advantage with ten to go to seal a 2-0 win. More