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      Joey Barton SENT OFF by Bobby Madden as ex-Celtic star Scott Brown reunion ends with ex-SPFL ace’s 99th minute equaliser

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      JOEY BARTON was SENT OFF in the dying minutes as he renewed acquaintances with former Old Firm rival Scott Brown.The Bristol Rovers boss was given his marching orders by Scottish referee Bobby Madden in the 89th minute of their hotly-contested League One tussle with Brown’s Fleetwood Town.
      Joey Barton returns to the field to clap off the fans
      Shaun Rooney celebratesCredit: Rex
      But it only gave the one-time Rangers star a view from the stands as former St Johnstone star Shaun Rooney grabbed an equaliser for Brown’s Fleetwood in the 99TH MINUTE as these two sides fought out a 2-2 draw.
      The ex Celtic man and one-time Rangers midfielder famously locked horns in a 5-1 Celtic win at Parkhead.
      Barton – an ex-Fleetwood manager himself – and Brown had both shrugged off their shared backstory pre-match as they insisted that episode was firmly in the past.
      But there was no shortage of drama as these two mid-table sides fought out a four-goal thriller.
      Ex St Johnstone man Rooney – a double cup winner during his time in Perth – fired the visitors into the lead in the 23rd minute before Josh Coburn levelled things for a Rovers side who featured another ex-Hoops man in Scott Sinclair.
      Aaron Collins then gave the home side the lead 10 minutes before the end of regulation.
      But there was plenty more drama in store as Barton was sent to the stands in the 89th minute by Madden.
      He overdid it when complaining about a challenge by Fleetwood midfielder Josh Vela on Rovers sub Luca Hoole – and the Scot gave him his marching orders.
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      The home fans didn’t like it, with some aiming chants of ‘cheat’ at the Scottish whistler.
      But it was Brown and assistant boss Steven Whittaker who got the last laugh when Rooney bagged his second of the game and Fleetwood’s equaliser in the NINTH minute of stoppage time.
      He nodded in a cross from Danny Andrew at the death to nick a share of the spoils for Broony’s men.
      Barton didn’t do press afterwards, with assistant Andy Mangan saying: “That second half performance was our best display of the season. 
      “The lads are gutted not to win, and the draw feels like a defeat, but there were so many positives to take from today.”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Arsenal verdict: Carabao Cup exit a blessing in disguise with one less distraction for Arteta in bid to end Prem drought

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      THERE were groans around the Emirates when Karl Hein made his fatal error in the 27th minute.The debutant’s slip and trip on Brighton’s Danny Welbeck began Arsenal’s descent into Carabao Cup despair.
      Arsenal’s Carabao Cup exit can only be a blessing in disguise for Mikel ArtetaCredit: Reuters
      And the night ended in a 3-1 defeat with Mikel Arteta’s men being dumped out of the competition earlier than expected.
      But is the result really the end of the world for Arsenal?
      Playing (mostly) top-class football, thumping rivals like Chelsea and Spurs, and competing for a first Premier League title since the Invincibles of 2004?
      The answer is simply no.
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      In fact, tonight’s exit can only be a blessing in disguise for Arteta, who almost certainly won’t be shedding any tears tonight.
      That’s because he now has one less distraction to deal with.
      And Arsenal no longer have to worry about a competition many see as meaningless.
      Yes, it’s always nice for potential league champs to kick-start things by landing the first trophy of the season.
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      But at the end of the day, Arteta will not be remembered nor championed for winning the Carabao Cup.
      He already has an FA Cup in the bank.
      And every diehard Gooner only has eyes for the Premier League this term.
      Arteta can now forget having to prep for eight or nine changes ahead of a random midweek fixture.
      He can also rule out further long trips away from London, making his already-knackered players even more tired.
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      Now Arsenal can fix their sights almost completely on the title, with the Europa League and FA Cup a nice sideshow.
      And nobody can be surprised if Arteta cracks a wry smile on his drive home tonight. More

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      Arsenal 1 Brighton 3: Hosts crash out of Carabao Cup after goalkeeper howler as Danny Welbeck returns to haunt Gunners

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      KARL HEIN will never forget his Arsenal debut – for all the wrong reasons.The Estonian keeper’s first half blunder allowed Brighton to equalise and then go on to take the wind out of Mikel Arteta’s high-flying side with a stunning comeback victory.
      Arsenal are out of the Carabao Cup after a 3-1 defeat at home to BrightonCredit: Rex
      Danny Welbeck returned to haunt his old side as the Seagulls mounted a valiant fightbackCredit: PA
      Hein, 20, was a shock inclusion in the starting line-up for the Premier League leaders as they looked to build on a three game winning streak in the Carabao Cup.
      And the Emirates Stadium was bouncing when Eddie Nketiah fired Arsenal ahead in the 20th minute with a classy right foot finish from just inside the box.
      A powerful run by Reiss Nelson split the Albion defence before a perfectly-weighted lay off fell for the striker to bend a shot past Jason Steele.
      But the lead was short-lived and Hein was lucky to stay on the pitch after his unlucky slip as he raced off his line to meet Danny Welbeck’s run towards his goal.
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      Arsenal got off to a flyer when Eddie Nketiah hit a great finish after 20 minutesCredit: Reuters
      The Gunners looked well on their way to storming to victoryCredit: PA
      Hein stumbled and in his recovery tugged the Brighton striker to the floor.
      Welbeck turned in the penalty to equalise and from then on it was all revitalised Brighton as they rocked Arsenal with two second half goals to secure a thrilling win.
      Hein was squarely beaten as Albion sub and Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma bent a shot beyond him on 58 minutes to claim his second goal in as many matches.
      And full back Tariq Lamptey sealed a memorable night for The Seagulls with number three 19 minutes from time – his first goal for more than two years.
      Things changed minutes later when Karl Hein fouled Danny Welbeck for a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      Ex-Gunner Welbeck put Brighton back on level terms from the spotCredit: Getty
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      Kaoru Mitoma fired Brighton ahead in the 58th minuteCredit: AFP
      The ace celebrated by leaping into the crowdCredit: AFP
      The deflating defeat is Arsenal’s first at home since April which was ironically a Premier League reverse against Brighton. 
      Arteta’s rejuvenated Arsenal had won 12 games on their own turf in a row prior to last night’s surprise setback.
      Eager to maintain impressive runs of form, both bosses named relatively strong sides but with a hint of experimental flavour.
      Arteta had keeper Turner on his bench even though the USA’s number one was named in his country’s squad for the World Cup prior to kick off, was not starting.
      Tariq Lamptey made sure of the result with a 71st minute strikeCredit: Reuters
      Brighton held out to see off Arsenal for the winCredit: Getty
      Turner has been injured recently suggesting he is not quite there yet in terms of fitness with the Group B game against England just 15 days’ away now.
      Arsenal hit the post in the second half through Nketiah but Arteta had hoped to give some of his bigger stars a night off ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Wolves – their last game before the World Cup.
      But with the tie slipping away from him he was forced to bring on striker Gabriel Jesus in a bid to break down Brighton and stay in a competition that is much-criticised from the outside but which is hugely popular with fans.
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      Arsenal will now be able to fully focus on their title challenge and European hopesCredit: Rex
      Mikel Arteta cut a quiet figure on the sidelineCredit: AP
      With the 60,000 capacity Emirates Stadium rapidly emptying, Nelson managed a shot with three minutes left only for it to drift harmlessly wide.
      Brighton manager Robert De Zerbi is now toasting a hat-trick of wins which now includes the current best team in the country and Champions League contenders Chelsea. More

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      Arsenal star Karl Hein in howler to give away penalty on debut after Nketiah & Nelson combine for sensational goal

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      ARSENAL youngster Karl Hein had a debut to forget as he slipped to give away a penalty in Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton.That’s minutes after the Gunners stormed into the lead thanks to Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson’s fine combination.
      Karl Hein slipped on his Arsenal debut to give Brighton a penalty minutes after Eddie Nketiah’s openerCredit: Reuters
      Hein is consoled by Rob Holding after his blunder
      Despite Arsenal eventually falling to defeat, the duo linked up in attack with some scintillating play at the Emirates.
      And it took Nketiah just 20 minutes to fire Arsenal ahead with a sublime curled effort, having been played in by Nelson following a terrific dribble by the winger.
      Gunners fans rejoiced as their heavily-changed team look to press home their advantage against Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
      But things quickly took a turn for Mikel Arteta’s title chasers as Hein committed a cardinal sin on the field.
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      As Brighton sliced Arsenal’s backline apart with a long ball from deep, Hein was caught out in a bad way.
      Attempting to quickly move forward, he instead slipped and fell to the ground.
      The Estonian, on loan at Reading last season, then scrambled up to reach a hand out as Danny Welbeck charged towards goal.
      But in doing so, Hein instead wrapped his arm around the ex-Gooner’s legs, dragging him to the ground and giving away a spot-kick.
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      Arsenal fans groaned as Hein was left to rue his mistake.
      And Welbeck made sure he took full advantage by netting Brighton’s equaliser from the spot for 1-1.
      Supporters quickly took to Twitter bemoaning Hein’s error, with some suggesting he may not get the chance to impress ever again.
      One said: “Sadly Karl Heinz’s Arsenal debut will be his only appearance. His career at Arsenal is over, Arteta won’t play him again.”
      Another joked: “Maybe he is Steven Gerrard’s cousin.”
      One declared: “Yikes, poor guy.”
      Another added: “Rubbish keeper sell him.”
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      Arsenal’s night went from bad to worse when Kaoru Mitoma fired Brighton ahead in the second half.
      And the results was confirmed later on when Tariq Lamptey made it 3-1 to the visitors. More

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      Fans all say same thing as Harry Kane bizarrely starts Carabao Cup clash vs Nottingham Forest just days before World Cup

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      FANS fear for Harry Kane’s World Cup wellbeing after the Tottenham star was named in tonight’s Carabao Cup XI against Nottingham Forest.Kane will lead England out at Qatar 2022 this month against Iran, USA and Wales.
      Spurs and England fans fear for Harry Kane after he started the Carabao Cup game against Nottingham ForestCredit: Reuters
      The striker’s goals will surely prove key to the Three Lions’ success, having fired Gareth Southgate to a World Cup semi and Euros final in the past.
      However, Antonio Conte decided to infuriate the English public on Wednesday by including Kane in his Spurs side at Forest.
      The Carabao Cup third round clash is the second-to-last game in the calendar before teams break for the World Cup.
      And many England and Tottenham fans had been convinced that Kane would play no role against the Prem’s bottom side.
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      They were indeed left shocked when Conte put forward a strong XI, including Kane up top.
      And it led to almost all supporters saying the same thing on Twitter, with everyone hoping and praying Kane will avoid injury at the Forest Ground.
      One fan declared: “Appreciate the gesture Harry Kane but it’s genuinely fine if you want to take this one at walking pace.”
      Another yelled: “So are we taking this seriously? This line-up seems like we are. Kane hasn’t had a break in how long?!”
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      One gasped: “I know we have injuries but we are running Kane into the ground, every minute of every game.”
      Another boomed: “Risking Kane! World Cup we need him!”
      One added: “Not happy. Kane on the verge of tearing a hamstring. Played every game since October.” More

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      How Man Utd could line up against Aston Villa in Carabao Cup with Erik ten Hag out for revenge after 3-1 thrashing

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to name a strong starting XI when they take on Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.The Red Devils suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat to Unai Emery’s side in the Premier League on Sunday.
      Man Utd could look like this against Aston Villa tomorrow
      And Erik ten Hag has vowed to not go easy on Villa as he seeks instant revenge tomorrow.
      David De Gea is likely to start between the sticks after becoming one of the Dutchman’s favourites.
      He could be protected by a back-four of Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Diogo Dalot – who is suspended for the weekend trip to Fulham.
      In midfield, Fred and Scott McTominay are both pushing for important roles.
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      And Bruno Fernandes is set to return as United’s No10 after missing the 3-1 defeat to Villa through suspension.
      Provided they both came through today’s final session with no problems, Antony and Jadon Sancho could return on the flanks.
      And Anthony Martial is likely to lead the line ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo after making his return from injury off the bench on Sunday.
      But Ten Hag could yet throw a few curveballs to keep Emery and Villa guessing.
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      Another way United could look against Villa
      On-loan Newcastle goalie Martin Dubravka could finally make his United bow.
      And Lisandro Martinez could be retained in defence after an impressive start to life at the club.
      Christian Eriksen is another who could be kept in order to pull the strings from deep.
      And should there be problems for Antony on the right wing, Alejandro Garnacho could get a go.
      Finally, Marcus Rashford could be an option for the left if the game also comes too soon for Sancho. More

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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