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

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      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?

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      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

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      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?

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      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

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      Tottenham vs Liverpool live stream: How to watch huge Carabao Cup semi-final first leg

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      TOTTENHAM host Liverpool in a match that could save their season – any maybe Ange Postecoglu’s future.Spurs are in the middle of a rotten run of form, having won just two of their last ELEVEN matches.Liverpool smashed Tottenham 6-3 just before ChristmasCredit: PAOne of those wins was the 4-3 thriller against Manchester United in the quarter-final of this competition.For Liverpool, they may have been lucky to draw against Manchester United on Sunday but they will be full confident heading into this game.It has been just over two weeks since Liverpool came to north London and thrashed Spurs 6-3 – and were up 6-1 at one point.But this is cup football and anything can happen.How to watch Tottenham vs Liverpool Tottenham vs Liverpool will be available for UK viewers on Sky Sports.It will be shown on two channels, Main Event and Football.It can also be live streamed on Sky Go.Sky Go is a free streaming service for Sky customers, however you must have the Sky Sports package to stream the match.The match will not be available on free-to-air TV like Arsenal vs Newcastle on Tuesday, which was shown on ITV1 and ITVX.Non-Sky customers will not be able to watch the match.SunSport will blog all the build-up and the action as it happens.Who is playing in the other Carabao Cup semi-final?Arsenal and Newcastle played their semi-final first leg match on Tuesday evening.The Magpies shocked the Gunners with a brilliant 2-0 win that left Mikel Arteta fuming.The Spaniard complained about a “tricky” Puma ball.He said: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.”You have to adapt to that because it flies different.”When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”The ball didn’t appear to cause too many problems for Eddie Howe’s side, who scored through Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.Carabao Cup full scheduleTuesday, January 7Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle (1st leg)Wednesday, January 8Tottenham vs Liverpool (1st leg)Wednesday, February 5Newcastle vs Arsenal (2nd leg)Thursday, February 6Liverpool vs Tottenham (2nd leg) More

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      When is the FA Cup third round? What’s the prize money and what third round games are on TV?

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      THE FA Cup is the oldest and most renowned annual knockout competition in world football.It gives lower League teams a chance to fight Premier League giants for a hallowed trophy and a large cash prize.The prize money for the FA Cup has been revealed after a major change to the rulesHowever, unlike in years gone by, this year’s FA Cup will see one massive rule change.A surprising new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League, means that Cup replays will be SCRAPPED.That does mean that for the first time third round losers will earn prize money.Last season, the competition was won by Manchester United, as the Red Devils unexpectedly defeated rivals Manchester City 2-1.When is the FA Cup third round?The FA Cup third round takes place this weekend, with a hectic 32 matches across four intense days of football.Starting with the clash between Sheffield United and Cardiff City on Thursday, the first of three matches that night.There will be 19 matches on Saturday with non-stop football from 12pm until 8pm.Sunday has a further seven matches including the biggest clash of the weekend, when Arsenal host Premier League rivals Manchester United.The action concludes on Monday night with the tasty London derby between Millwall and Dagenham & Redbridge.What is the prize money in the FA Cup third round?As mentioned above, for the first time ever, third round winners are entitled to prize money as potentially lucrative replays have been scrapped.Third round losers will get now earn £25,000 while winners see £115,000 added to their coffers.As the competition progresses, the financial stakes climb which encourages the teams to perform at their best ability in every round.For winning the competition, one team will receive a whopping £2MILLION.The runners up get £1m, with no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.For lower league clubs that go on a good run, the prize money can make or break their finances for the season.Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.The full breakdown is below:Extra Preliminary Round winners (221) – £1,125Extra Preliminary Round losers (221) – £375Preliminary Round winners (136) – £1,444Preliminary Round losers (136) – £481First Round Qualifying winners (112) – £2,250First Round Qualifying losers (112) – £750Second Round Qualifying winners (80) – £3,375Second Round Qualifying losers (80) – £1,125Third Round Qualifying winners (40) – £5,625Third Round Qualifying losers (40) – £1,875Fourth Round Qualifying winners (32) – £9,375Fourth Round Qualifying losers (32) – £3,125First Round Proper winners (40) – £45,000First Round Proper losers (40) – £15,000Second Round Proper winners (20) – £75,000Second Round Proper losers (20) – £20,000Third Round Proper winners (32) – £115,000Third Round Proper losers (32) – £25,000Fourth Round Proper winners (16) – £120,000Fifth Round Proper winners (8) – £225,000Quarter Final winners (4) – £450,000Semi Final winners (2) – £1,000,000Semi Final losers (2) – £500,000What 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)Monday, January 13 7.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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      When does the January transfer window 2025 close? Deadline Day dates for Premier League, EFL and Europe

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      THE January transfer window is open for business as teams look to bolster their squads for the rest of the campaign.But when is it closing this year, and is it the same deadline across European leagues?Ben Godfrey has joined Ipswich from Atalanta on loanCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedWhen does the January transfer window open and close?English football clubs opened their January transfer window this year on Wednesday 1st.The league rules say that new signings are eligible for the next Premier League game if the club submit the required documents by midday on the last working day before that match.When is the transfer deadline day and what time does it shut?The deadline for both leagues is on Monday 3 February at 23:00 GMT.After the transfer window closes, clubs are required to submit a squad list.Elsewhere the winter transfer deadlines are: The Bundesliga (5pm GMT), followed by Serie A (7pm), Ligue 1 in France (10pm) and finally La Liga, (11pm.)Is the transfer window different for the Premier League and EFL?The transfer window is the same for the Premier League and EFL.Premier League clubs cannot register more than two players on loan at any one time.Emergency loans are allowed to be made for EFL clubs if all their professional goalkeepers are unavailable due to injury, suspension or international call-ups.Most read in FootballDone deals7th January Julio Soler (Lanus to Bournemouth)6th January Marcelo Pitaluga (Liverpool to Fluminense)Issa Kabore (Man City to Werder Bremen)Will Jarvis (Hull to Notts County)Sonny Bradley (Derby to Wycombe)Jeppe Okkels (Preston to Aberdeen)Ryotaro Tsunoda (Cardiff to KV Kortrijk)5th JanuaryAntonin Kinsky (Slavia Prague to Tottenham)Ben Godfrey (Atalanta to Ipswich)Ole Romeny (FC Utrecht to Oxford)Will Goodwin (Oxford to Wigan)4th JanuaryKacper Pasiek (Preston to Altrincham)Josh Stones (Wigan to York)Carl Johnston (Fleetwood to Peterborough)3rd JanuaryMatai Akinmboni (D.C. United to Bournemouth)Lewis Dobbin (Aston Villa to Norwich)2nd JanuaryMalachi Fagan-Walcott (Cardiff to York)Ashley Barnes (Norwich to Burnley)1st JanuaryDiego Gomez (Inter Miami to Brighton)Yang Min-hyeok (Gangwon to Tottenham)Josh Robinson (Arsenal to Wigan)Wellington Damascena (Sao Paulo to Southampton)READ MORE SUN STORIESRonnie Edwards (Southampton to QPR)Ashley Hay (Brentford to Cheltenham) More

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      Who is Arsenal vs Newcastle referee John Brooks and how will in-stadium VAR announcements work?

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      ARSENAL welcome Premier League rivals Newcastle United to the Emirates for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final TONIGHT.The Gunners will be looking to go into February’s return leg in the North East with a healthy advantage.Arsenal and Newcastle go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: GettyBut the Magpies arrive in the capital on a superb run of form after six straight wins in all competitions.Toon boss Eddie Howe will know the huge opportunity his side has to end Newcastle’s near 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy this season.Mikel Arteta will see the competition as an opportunity to add to his slim trophy cabinet from his Arsenal tenure.The Gunners have been one of the best teams in Europe under the Spaniard, but they have won just the 2020 FA Cup since he arrived in North London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHistory will be made during tonight’s blockbuster Carabao Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Newcastle, with VAR trialling in-stadium announcements this evening.How will in-stadium VAR announcements work?VAR has not been in use for any Carabao Cup matches this season.However, it will feature in this week’s semi-finals – and for the first time in the English domestic game, in-stadium VAR announcements will be trialled.This means the crowd inside the stadium and fans watching at home on the TV will be able to hear referees announce final decisions after they have been advised to go to the pitchside monitor.Most read in FootballThat said, it will not be the case for decisions made not using the monitor.A referee announcing decisions to the crowd isn’t totally new to the world of football, as it was trialled at the Women’s World Cup in 2023.But it has never been in operation during an English football match until this week.A statement from the PGMOL, the referees’ body, said: “Referees will announce the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor or upon the conclusion of factual matters, such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside offences where the attacker touches the ball.”The referee who will take charge of the historic match at the Emirates is John Brooks.Who is referee John Brooks?John Brooks will referee tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Arsenal and Newcastle.Brooks is a football referee from the UK, who has risen up the ranks at a relatively young age.He was born in 1990, and is from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.Brooks began refereeing in 2004, and the majority of matches he has officiated in his career have been in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe officiated his first Premier League game in December 2021, with Brooks in charge of Wolves vs Burnley at Molineux.He has been in charge of 54 top-flight games, with nine coming this season. More