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    Why are Arsenal wearing a white shirt at home against Man Utd in the FA Cup? 

    ARSENAL will ditch their traditional red shirts for an all-WHITE kit against Manchester United.The change comes despite the Gunners playing at home in the FA Cup third-round clash on Sunday.Arsenal will wear an all-white kit against Manchester United in the FA CupCredit: Arsenal FCIt is not the first time they’ve ditched red for white in the FA CupCredit: Arsenal FCArsenal vs Man Utd LIVEArsenal will be looking to bounce back from their midweek Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle.Mikel Arteta’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat against the Magpies, with the coach later complaining about the ball that was used. United should come into the game full of confidence after an unexpected 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend.read more arsenal newsRuben Amorim’s side had lost four in a row but were unlucky not to pick up all three points at Anfield.Why are Arsenal wearing a white kit against Man Utd?Arsenal will wear the changed unique kit as part of the club’s stand against knife crime and youth violence.The club first started the campaign in January 2022 when they wore an all-white kit away at Nottingham Forest.Lewis Grabban scored the only goal of the game as the hosts claimed a famous 1-0 victory.Most read in FA CupThey’ve worn it every year since in the FA Cup third round, including a 3-0 win over Oxford United and in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool a year ago.The campaign is called No More Red and provides opportunities for connection and safe spaces for young people.Once again, they have teamed up with Adidas to build on work being done by the Arsenal in the Community initiative.Mikel Arteta bizarrely appears to blame Carabao Cup BALL for Arsenal’s missed chances as trophy drought set to continueArsenal star Declan Rice has insisted that the shirt adds to the “special connection” to the fansHe said: “There’s an immense pride you feel when you pull on the No More Red shirt.”Having such a special connection with our supporters in our community gives us a real understanding of the people we’re representing and the role we can have as players in raising awareness around issues such as youth crime and violence.”Their stories give us inspiration which fuels our performances.”Our community drives us forward, and we win together.”The head of Arsenal in the Community, Freddie Hudson also spoke about the campaign.He added: “Knife crime and serious youth violence is incredibly complex.”We don’t have the solution to fix the problem, but we know our work with adidas is helping keep young people safe and create opportunities for more positive futures. “It’s important we continue to invest in safe spaces where we engage young people facing multiple challenges as they navigate their way through their lives.”This is where trust is built, and positive relationships develop with our staff.”Being part of something positive like No More Red creates an important sense of belonging.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The safe spaces and trusted relationships lead to connections and opportunities like volunteering, education and employment.”Over time, we see young leaders emerge from our projects to inspire and influence other young people to make good life choices.” More

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    Why is Ryan Giggs on the touchline for Salford City in their FA Cup clash at Man City?

    SALFORD CITY are taking on Premier League giants Manchester City in a thrilling FA Cup third-round derby.And you may notice a very familiar face on the touchline for the League Two Ammies.Ryan Giggs on the touchline alongside Salford head coach Karl RobinsonCredit: GettyWhy is Ryan Giggs on the touchline for Salford?Ryan Giggs is joint-owner of Salford alongside fellow Class of 92 Manchester United legends Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and David Beckham.And in his role as Director of Football of the club, former Wales manager Giggs is also a regular presence on the touchline alongside Ammies’ head coach Karl Robinson.The ex-winger hasn’t held a regular managerial position since leaving the Welsh national team in 2022.MAN CITY VS SALFORD LIVE – LATEST UPDATESThe 51-year-old became Wales boss in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.He has always denied any wrongdoing, and stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Giggs has slowly returned to the touchline in recent months at Salford, as he eyes a return to football management.Speaking ahead of Salford’s crunch FA Cup tie with Man City, Giggs revealed he is determined to return to management “one day”.Most read in FA CupThe United legend – regarded as the most hands-on member of the Class of 92’s ownership group – told the BBC: “I had the stint as Wales manager and loved it.”At the moment I’m enjoying being at Salford as director of football and enjoy watching the team, happy where I am. More

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    Is VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round? Video Assistant Referee ruling for the cup

    THE FA Cup third round is here as the Premier League’s giants join in from this stage.But how does the video assistant referee system work with the lower league clubs, and when is it being used from?VAR in use in the FA Cup last seasonCredit: The TimesLast season, Manchester United won the FA Cup by defeating local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley.However, manager Erik ten Hag was sacked later in the year in October after earning a reprieve by winning the cup.On the way to reaching the final, United received an almighty VAR call in their favour in their semi-final victory over Coventry City.This time round, United are opening up with a blockbuster all-Premier League clash at Arsenal.But will the video assistant referee (VAR) be used in the match?Coventry had VAR heartbreak against Man Utd last seasonCredit: GettyIs VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round?No. VAR will not be used in the FA Cup until the fifth round stage.Previously VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums due to “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”The FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards. Most read in FA Cup”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds. “VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation. “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 137.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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    When is FA Cup 4th round draw? Date, start time, TV channel and FREE stream as 32 sides learn opponents for next stage

    THE FA Cup third round is underway with fans treated to some blockbuster ties!44 Premier League and Championship clubs enter the competition at this stage, joining 20 lower-league and non-league outfits.Some huge clubs will bow out at the third round stage of this season’s FA CupCredit: GettySome of the standout matches of the FA Cup third round include League Two Accrington Stanley’s clash with top-flight leaders Liverpool at Anfield.Tamworth, who are the lowest-ranked side left in the prestigious competition, host Premier League royalty as they welcome Ange Postecoglu’s Tottenham.Elsewhere, FA Cup holders Manchester United take on fellow English giants Arsenal in Sunday’s featured tie.The 64 teams competing in the third round will be reduced to 32, which means some huge names won’t be in the hat for the next stage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport brings you all the details you need ahead of the FA Cup fourth round draw.When is the FA Cup fourth round draw?The FA Cup fourth round draw will take place on Sunday, January 12.The draw will take place following the conclusion of Arsenal’s blockbuster clash with Man Utd.The glamour tie kicks off at 3pm GMT, meaning the draw could begin at around 5pm GMT, depending on whether or not extra-time and possibly penalties are needed.FA Cup fourth round matches will be played across the weekend of Saturday, February 8.What TV channel will the FA Cup fourth round draw be on and can it be live streamed FREE?The FA Cup fourth round draw will be broadcast live on BBC One.You can live stream the draw for FREE via the BBC iPlayer app/website or The Emirates FA Cup’s official YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you all the ties as they are confirmed.FA Cup third round fixtures and resultsThursday, January 9Most read in FA CupSheffield United 0-1 Cardiff City Everton 2-0 Peterborough UnitedFulham 4-1 WatfordFriday, January 10Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 PortsmouthAston Villa 2-1 West Ham UnitedSaturday, January 11 – 12pm GMTBristol City v Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City v Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough v Blackburn RoversSaturday, January 11 – 12.15pm GMTLiverpool v Accrington Stanley Saturday, January 11 – 3pm GMTExeter City v Oxford UnitedPreston North End P-P Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich AlbionReading v BurnleySunderland v Stoke CityNottingham Forest v Luton TownBrentford v Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City v Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea v Morecambe Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers Saturday, January 11 – 5.45pm GMTMan City v Salford City Leeds United v Harrogate Town Saturday, January 11 – 6pm GMTLeyton Orient v Derby CountyCoventry City v Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town P-P Wigan AthleticSunday, January 12 – 12pm GMTHull City v Doncaster RoversSunday, January 12 – 12.30 GMTTamworth v Tottenham Hotspur Sunday, January 12 – 3pm GMTArsenal v Man UtdNewcastle United v Bromley Ipswich Town v Bristol RoversCrystal Palace v Stockport CountySunday, January 12 – 4.30pm GMTSouthampton v Swansea CityREAD MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 13 – 7.30pm GMTMillwall v Dagenham & Redbridge More

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    Why are Aston Villa wearing black shirts at home for FA Cup clash against West Ham?

    DO not adjust your TV sets – Aston Villa are playing in an all-black strip at home to West Ham in the FA Cup.The big third round clash at Villa Park is commemorating an incredible milestone for the West Midlands club. Ezri Konsa wearing the special all-black Aston Villa kitCredit: avfc.co.ukVilla boss Unai Emery has had an up and down season in the Premier League this season, but the Villans have impressed in the Champions League and the Spaniard will be looking for another cup run to galvanise his side.While for the visitors, new boss Graham Potter is in the dugout for his Hammers debut.Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked after just six months in the job.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhy are Aston Villa wearing all-black shirts?Aston Villa are paying homage to their first kit colourway on their milestone 150th anniversary.To mark the occasion – almost to the day as the club’s first-ever recorded fixture – Villa are wearing a one-off all-black strip against West Ham in the FA Cup tonight.Black is the colour Villa wore first before transitioning into the famous claret and blue.Villa were the first team in the UK to put a crest on their shirts in 1878, and the badge on the anniversary shirt is in tribute to the original Scottish lion which has been redrawn from one of the earliest sources seen.The badge has been redrawn from an early sourced versionThe special kit worn tonight against the Hammers also does not have any sponsors on the front of the shirt.Most read in FA CupBranding will be on the back of the shirt, with Villa saying: “Principal partners Betano and Trade Nation have both kindly donated their branding space back to the club for the fixture, allowing us to create this historic look.”The commemorative strip also has an additional symbol on the front of the shirt inspired by Villa Park’s stained glass windows.The shirt can be bought online at Aston Villa’s official club shop. More

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    Who was Callum Simpson’s late sister Lily-Rae?

    CALLUM SIMPSON’S sister Lily-Rae tragically died in a horror quad bike accident in Greece last year.The boxer, 28, defends his British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles against Steed Woodall on Saturday, January 10, where he will honour his beloved sibling’s memory.Callum Simpson with his sister Lily-RaeCredit: InstagramWho was Lily-Rae Simpson?Lily-Rae Simpson was the 19-year-old sister of boxer Callum Simpson.On August 3, 2024, the fighter from Barnsley took home the Lonsdale belt with victory over Zak Chelli.In social media posts that were shared by Sky Sports, Lily-Rae was captured on video enjoying her big bro’s triumph and singing his name.Just two weeks later, on the first night of a holiday in Greece, she was in a tragic road accident, which eventually took her life following a 10-day coma.read more on callum simpsonBeauty studiesLily-Rae had recently completed a course in beauty studies at Barnsley College — she was on holiday celebrating the achievement when the horrific accident occurred.On September 3, 2024, a heartbroken Callum shared the news of her passing on social media.Posting a picture of his little sister, the boxer wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken to say that my beautiful little sister, Lily-Rae, was in a road accident while on holiday in Zante.”She was flown to Athens and spent 10 days in ICU, but despite the best efforts of the medical teams, Lily sadly passed away.”Most read in BoxingHe added: “Even though she used to ring me to complain about being referred to as ‘Callum Simpson’s sister’, I know she loved the hype.” I will continue to make her proud. Love you always.”Ahead of his title defence on Saturday, January 11, 2025, Callum opened up about his little sister and the tribute he plans to pay her in the ring.He said: “People only die when you stop talking about them and forget about them.“I will never stop talking about her.I love to speak about her and I have a tribute to her on my kit for this next fightCallum Simpson“I will always say her name.“Although it makes me upset, whenever anyone says her name or speaks about her, I smile and I laugh.“Because I am just proud that she was my sister.“I love to speak about her and I have a tribute to her on my kit for this next fight.“Barnsley football club did a minute’s applause for her just after she passed away.Callum Simpson has a tribute to his sister Lily-Rae on his kit for the Steed Woodall fightCredit: Instagram“I am glad everyone gets to see her beautiful face and see how beautiful she was.”Sadly, the the six months since Lily-Rae’s passing have left the fighter mourning the many milestones they will no longer get to enjoy together.He explained: “It was the first night of her girl’s holiday in Zante, she was on the back of a quad bike and it went around a corner too fast and she went over a verge and came off.“She was airlifted form Zante to Athens and was then in a coma there for 10 days.“And there were difficulties with an operation they were trying to do at the end of that and she sadly passed away.“Other than her not being here, it’s seeing what it’s done to the family, my dad and step-mum and brothers and sisters.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Knowing that she won’t be a bridesmaid at my wedding.“Or be an aunty to my kids and they won’t get to meet her.” More

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    Are there FA Cup replays in the third round? Extra-time and penalties rules explained

    THE FA Cup third round is finally underway as the Premier League big boys join the party.However, football’s oldest competition is taking a slightly different look this season.All eyes are on the iconic FA Cup as the third round beginsLast season, Manchester United stunned neighbours Manchester City to win the trophy with a 2-1 victory at Wembley in May.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored the goals as the red half of Manchester went wild in the capital.The win kept Erik ten Hag in a job for a few more months before he was sacked in October.Though in this season’s FA Cup, there is a major change which was already kicked off from the first round proper.Manchester United are the current holdersCredit: RexAre there replays in the FA Cup third round?From this season, there will not be replays in the FA Cup third round.Instead, the games that are level after 90 minutes will straight head into extra-time and then potentially penalties.This has been the case from the first round proper this season.FA chiefs agreed extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays.Most read in FA CupAll 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each receiving £115,000.What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 137.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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    Who is Ashley Young’s son Tyler, how old is he and what position does he play?

    EVERTON’S Ashley Young might go head-to-head with his own son, Tyler, in the FA Cup.This potential father-son clash could be one for the history books as Peterborough travel to Everton in the third round. Here’s what we know about Tyler.Tyler Young of Peterborough United may be playing against his well-known fatherCredit: Getty ImagesWho is Ashley Young’s son, Tyler?Tyler Young is the son of Ashley Young, who plays for Everton.Born June 4, 2006, the 18-year-old may face his defender father at Goodison Park on January 9, 2025.Young Sr’s Everton have been drawn at home against Peterborough, the League One side where his son, Tyler, has been playing since joining from QPR in Summer 2024.The teenage midfielder has made just one first-team appearance for Peterborough so far, featuring in the EFL Trophy against Stevenage back in October 2024.Read more on Ashley YoungBefore QPR, he was at MK Dons, and in 2014, he joined the Arsenal Academy.Who is Ashley Young’s partner supporting in the match?In a fun joint interview packed with trash talk and playful mind games, Young Sr was asked the big question: who’s his partner and the rest of the family going to be cheering for?He told talkSPORT: “Let’s put it this way… they’ve not got Everton shirts, so they’ve all gone and leaned towards Tyler’s side.”I even think my own parents are actually leaning towards Tyler’s side as well. So I’m just out here cheering on myself.”Most read in FootballYoung Sr, 39, has been busy this season, making 18 appearances for the Toffees since signing a contract extension in the summer.Former Man Utd star Ashley Young, 39, ‘ripped his neck’ against Chelsea, claims Everton boss Sean Dyche In that time, he’s found the back of the net once and set up three goals for his teammates.The former England international already has an FA Cup win under his belt, having lifted the trophy with Manchester United back in 2016.But when it comes to potentially facing his son on the pitch, Young admits that moment would top any trophy he’s ever won.Looking back at last month’s draw, he shared his thoughts: “I saw that we’d been drawn against Peterborough and like I said for years, if there was any way that we could play against each other or play with each other, it would be the pinnacle of my career.“It would eclipse everything I’ve done.”So when it finally was drawn I was sat next to my wife and I was like I’ve been drawn against Tyler and she was like, ‘Nah no way,’ and I said, ‘Seriously look,’ and so we was there watching it.If I was to nutmeg my dad he probably wouldn’t even say I was allowed back in the house.Tyler Young”So she rang him, tried to FaceTime him. Tyler being Tyler, any 18-year-old, ‘Did you see the draw?’ ‘No I just come out the shower. What draw?’”Obviously he didn’t even know the FA Cup draw was on. You know as soon as I saw it, I’m not one that usually is lost for words and for me I just had no words.”I was saying to my wife, saying to my daughters that I just couldn’t believe it, like I just couldn’t believe it.”Tyler was getting ready for a game the next day, he couldn’t believe it after he’d obviously seen that I’d said that we’d been drawn against each other.”Ashley Young holding a young TylerCredit: InstagramTyler is absolutely buzzing at the idea of going up against his dad, saying that knocking him out of the FA Cup to secure a spot in the fourth round would make the victory even sweeter.Talking about the chance to face his dad, the former Watford star, Tyler said: “It means a lot, even to be playing against my dad, but even to play in the FA Cup, which has got so much history.”Just playing in the competition I’ve been watching since I was younger would mean a lot, it’ll be even better that I’ll be playing against my dad.”Ashley is looking forward to going head-to-head with his sonCredit: Getty ImagesHis father added: “There’ll be plenty of shoulder barging if it happened, don’t worry about that!“I’d pinch him or slap him over the head.”The duo even made an appearance on The One Show to chat about the upcoming match.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring the preview, Tyler reaffirmed that his mum is backing him all the way — but he’s definitely risking some heat from his dad.He joked: “If I was to nutmeg my dad he probably wouldn’t even say I was allowed back in the house.” More