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      FA Cup prize money dramatically increased as EFL and non-league clubs compensated for scrapping of replays

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      THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has significantly increased the FA Cup prize money after replays were controversially axed.EFL and non-league clubs were outraged back in April after a joint decision from the Premier League and the FA to scrap rematches in the legendary competition.The Football Association has significantly raised the FA Cup prize moneyCredit: GettyThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to threeCredit: PAOfficials announced they would seek compensation for their clubs and branded the initiative as “frustrating and disappointing”.They also claimed they had been sidelined and expressed fears that the new format would deny already cash-strapped sides lucrative fixtures with some of the country’s biggest clubs.The EFL believed the decision occurred as a result of the expansion of Uefa’s calendar with the controversial introduction of the repackaged Club World Cup, which led to furious reaction from players.According to The Mail, however, a compensation has now been agreed following a series of high-level talks.Read More on FootballThe FA agreed to put an extra £2.34million into the prize pot for rounds one to three.That means the total kitty could increase by 38 per cent compared to last season.Therefore, defeated clubs from Round One will make £15,000 compared to nothing from last year.Those who are defeated in the second round will receive a total of £65,000, which is up from £41,000.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd finally those who make it to Round Three before being knocked out will pocket £145,000.Replays had been a key part of the FA Cup tradition, which is why the new plans received such a furious reaction.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin LiptonTHE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.Read more on the FA Cup. More

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      Fans fume Carabao Cup draw is ‘RIGGED’ as Tottenham handed brutal tie and ‘they don’t want Ange winning anything’

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      FANS have fumed that the Carabao Cup draw is “RIGGED” after Tottenham were handed a brutal tie.The third round came to an end with Spurs joining the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the next round.Tottenham face a tricky clash against Man City in the next roundCredit: SKy sportsFans have claimed that Ange Postecoglou will never win a trophy at SpursCredit: PAHowever, the North London side could not have been handed a trickier tie to navigate in the fourth-round.Spurs were drawn against Manchester City with the one boost that it will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.And fans reacted on social media to complain about the tough fixture.One posted: “I’m shocked, draw is rigged as hell lol.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA second wrote: “That Carabao draw is so rigged, every time we get a hard draw.”A third commented: “Man City at home, I hate this rigged competition.”A fourth fumed: “It’s rigged, they don’t want Ange Postecoglou to win anything. Watch us get Man City in the FA Cup too.”Another added: “Last year we got them in the FA Cup last season 4th round now this year we got them in the league cup 4th round please don’t tell me that’s a coincidence, rigged.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDespite the claims of the fans, there is no actual evidence that the draw was rigged.Spurs have reached the stage in the tournament after beating Coventry City 2-1 last week.Raging Richarlison slams ‘f—ing s—’ card as Tottenham star’s EA FC 25 rating is revealedCarabao Cup draw in fullHere is the full draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup…Brentford vs Sheffield WednesdaySouthampton vs Stoke CityTottenham Hotspur vs Manchester CityAFC Wimbledon/ Newcastle vs ChelseaManchester United vs LeicesterBrighton & Hove Albion vs LiverpoolPreston North End vs ArsenalAston Villa vs Crystal PalaceMan City, however, played on Tuesday evening and dispatched Watford 2-1 at the Etihad.Postecoglou earlier this season proclaimed that he always wins silverware in his second season at clubs.However, if he is to continue that run he will have to guide his side past Pep Guardiola’s outfit.Elsewhere, Arsenal hammered Bolton 5-1 and Liverpool matched the scoreline against West Ham at Anfield to progress.Arsenal face Preston in the next roundCredit: GettyLiverpool knocked out West HamCredit: Alamy More

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      I’m a Bolton icon who scored against Arsenal in famous upset – here’s why we will beat Mikel Arteta’s men in Carabao Cup

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      BOLTON legend John McGinlay believes his old club can dump Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup — 30 years after his Highbury heroics.‘Super John’ scored the opening goal when second-tier Wanderers shocked the Gunners in an FA Cup fourth-round replay back in 1994.John McGinlay celebrates his goal against Arsenal at Highbury thirty years ago with Bolton captain Phil BrownCredit: GettyBruce Rioch led Bolton to victory that night- and a year later was Arsenal bossCredit: PA:Press AssociationArsenal had completed an FA Cup and League Cup double the previous season but lost 3-1 after extra-time to Bruce Rioch’s free-flowing side.The Trotters are now in League One but McGinlay, 60,  believes Ian Evatt’s current crop of players are capable of humiliating Mikel Arteta’s men in Wednesday’s third-round tie at the Emirates — despite their poor start to the season.He said: “There were many occasions when Bruce Rioch was in charge of Bolton that we went into games when people gave us no chance.“But we enjoyed proving them wrong — and that is what we have to do against Arsenal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We have some good young players, who just need to go out and express themselves. It’s a free hit and it comes on the back of a big 5-2 win over Reading that was much needed.“It is the sort of night that can really click us into gear for the season. If the players play to their potential there is no reason why they can’t produce a shock.“Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for Bolton.“They can cause Arsenal problems and it’s an occasion they must enjoy.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRioch’s Bolton also saw off Everton and Aston Villa on that famous Cup run before losing to Oldham in the last eight.And Scottish striker McGinlay, who made more than 250 appearances in five years at the Trotters,  revealed they EXPECTED to turn Arsenal over.What happened to Highbury?He said: “We were the lower-league team nobody wanted to draw in the Cup.“We had drawn 2-2 with Arsenal at Burnden Park so we knew we could be a match for them.“It was a great feeling to score with a header, then Alan Smith equalised.“Jason McAteer leathered one to put us back in front in extra-time and Andy Walker finished it off.“They had pretty much the England back four, with Tony Adams, Steve Bould, Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn in front of David Seaman, and an excellent manager in George Graham.Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for BoltonJOHN McGINLAY“We respected every team we played but we knew if we played to our maximum, we could get a result. We had David Lee on the right wing — he would rip teams apart with his pace and skill.“One of biggest things was looking back at the footage. Arsenal were on their knees. We were extremely fit but they were out on their feet.“Bruce Rioch was hands down the best manager I played for, there is no question about that.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal have a tricky start to the season“He was a great leader. He was a hard taskmaster but he was fair with you.“He was fantastic and, looking back, that win probably sealed the Arsenal job for him.” More

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      Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

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      A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

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      I played alongside Ronaldo and Scholes at Man Utd but now run a shop aged 35 – I regret leaving Reds too early

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      FORMER Manchestrer United starlet Richard Eckersley has now embarked on a very different career path. The Red Devils academy graduate, who was given his big break under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009, has transitioned from football to running a zero-waste shop in Devon.Richard Eckersley began his senior career at Man Utd under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty – ContributorThe forgotten Man Utd man now owns Britain’s first zero-waste supermarket with his wifeCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceThe forgotten United man made his first-team debut in an FA Cup match against Tottenham on January 24 2009 as a substitute.Having joined United as a nine-year-old, he achieved his lifelong dream of making his first-team debut by stepping off the bench at Old Trafford.The former defender played alongside United legends Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.Eckersley told Manchester Evening News: “It was an awe-inspiring kind of moment.READ MORE MAN UTD”I was playing with people I had watched growing up and I was giving them the ball. It was a really surreal moment.”Three days later, he made his league debut in a 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.Then on March 1, 2009, he was on the bench for the League Cup Final against Spurs, which United won, earning him his first career medal.But his time with the senior squad did not last long as he left Old Trafford at the end of the season and signed a four-year contract with Burnley.Most read in FootballAnd the 35-year-old reflecting on his football said he regrets leaving Old Trafford so early on.Eckersley continued: “I think the decision to leave United was probably too early for me.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”I think I probably should have stayed on and developed at Carrington under the coaches that I was already working with, because I was making steady progress.”I think the jump from the cusp of one of the world’s greatest teams, you could say at that time, to Burnley, who had just got promoted but were going to be a struggling team in the Premier League was a massive jump.”After moving to Burnley Eckersley’s career took a different turn. He had loan spells with Plymouth, Bradford, and Bury before crossing the Atlantic to join MLS side Toronto in 2011, making the move permanent the following season.The move to the MLS was a much-needed change for the Salford-born star, who had lost his love for the game in the UK.Eckerlsey said: “I was desperate just to play and desperate to enjoy football, because at the time I wasn’t enjoying football.”I was playing in League Two, I was going on loan to Bradford, Bury and places like that.”Even though it was competitive football, I just wasn’t enjoying the football side of things because I enjoyed playing football and how we used to play at United.”But at 26, after leaving Toronto and having stints with New York Red Bulls and Oldham, Eckersley decided to retire from football. Seeking a new direction that would bring him closer to his family, he chose an uncommon path for ex-footballers by opening a zero-waste shop.Passionate about vegan and organic food, Eckersley and his wife founded Earth.Food.Love, the UK’s first zero-waste shop, located in Totnes, Devon.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “It gives us a purpose, I think that is the biggest thing. I love letting my children see that. “I think that is the biggest thing: seeing their mum and their dad enjoying what they do. We’re all intermingling and they are never more than five minutes away from me all the time. That is important for me.” More

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      Non-league side lose 14-0 after fielding team of fans, a coach and even their press officer in protest at Hampshire FA

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      A NON-LEAGUE side lost 14-0 after they fielded a team of fans in a protest towards the Hampshire FA.Farnborough were hammered by Tadley at Cherrywood Road in the in the Servio Men’s Senior Cup second round.Farnborough boss Spencer Day missed the 14-0 defeatCredit: Farnborough FC TVThe Vanarama National League South club lost to Tadley despite the outfit being three steps above them.However, Farnborough’s team selection may be an explanation to the result.The team included fans, the club’s media manager Dom Lloyd, two first-team players and goalkeeping coach Dave Hill.The reason behind the selection was due to the club’s protest towards the Hampshire FA.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFarnborough were disqualified from the competition in 2022 after beating AFC Porchester 8-0.They were kicked out of the competition after failing player eligibility rules.After the decision, Farnborough boss Spencer Day argued that the rules were in a “grey area” and insisted that the club had always taken it seriously.Farnborough has come under scrutiny for the result as many have claimed the club has been “disrespectful”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “Outrageous, should be made to play the rest of the season with that team.”A second commented: “Why take part if you had no intention of trying to win. An embarrassment and a disgrace.”Forgotten Premier League star scores Puskas contender in training as baffled fans say ‘didn’t know he was still playing’A third wrote: “That is truly shambolic and disrespect to a cup competition.”Just withdraw, don’t disrespect cup competitions by getting humbled to this blatant extent.”A fourth said: “Well done tadley, wish it was more, the disrespect from Farnborough.”Another joked: “Could have gone either way lads.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      A sparkie, night shiftworker and sweet shop owner shooting it out for FA Cup golden ticket at Wembley

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      A SWEET shop owner, electrician and a telecoms engineer are all shooting it out to be at the FA Cup Final – one way or another.The trio would all love to fire their respective non-league sides to a miraculous Wembley triumph.Jonathan Lacey was last season’s top goalscorer in the FA CupCredit: X @EmiratesFACupAshford United’s Gary Lockyer is leading the way in this season’s competitionCredit: X @AshfordUnitedFCHe has eight goals so far and is gunning for more this weekendCredit: X @EmiratesFACupHowever, it’s fair to say that they all stand a much better chance of being a VIP under the arch instead of actually playing on Saturday 17 May. And that is because all three are currently battling to be crowned this season’s FA Cup top scorer and land themselves the Mitre Golden Ball award.The Football Association created it three years ago, and the winner gets the honour of not only collecting the trophy from an FA Cup legend but also walking the cup final match ball out onto the Wembley pitch before the final.The competition has already provided Tilbury hotshot Sam Bantick, who has five goals so far, with his greatest football memory.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 32-year-old, who owns Sam’s Sweets and Shakes near Brentwood station, tasted the magic of the cup firsthand back in 2017.That was when he helped fire Heybridge Swifts into the first round proper and scored in their 3-1 defeat against their Football League opponents at St James Park.He moved to Isthmian League North Division outfit Tilbury this summer and capped his home debut with a hat-trick against Buckhurst Hill.But his exploits were caught on camera, and he soon went viral when his third, an audacious effort from inside his own half, was shared online.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’ve tried it a few times but it hasn’t always come off. If I could do it all the time then I wouldn’t be playing the level that I’m playing at,” he told Sun Sport.“I hit that perfectly and as soon as I did I knew it was going in. I’ll always remember it.” I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundBantick has never been to an FA Cup Final, but after discovering the prize that awaits the top goalscorer, he says it would top the “best day of my life” at Exeter if he went to Wembley to collect the trophy.He said: “I’ll have to try a bit harder on Saturday now.“We don’t often get exposure or the chance to play big sides, of course you want to help your team out, but to get the chance to get honoured on a personal level like that is unreal.”And ahead of welcoming National League South outfit Chelmsford City to Chadfields, he added: “It’s going to be really tough, but it’s XI vs XI.“We know we’re massive underdogs but they’ll have to come to our ground, the changing-rooms will absolutely stink and we’ll try and make it as hard as we can for them.”Sparkie Sonnie Coleman, 27, is another looking to continue his hot-streak of six goals in three matches.And the Northern League Crook Town striker, who scored to help Hardwick Social retain the FA Sunday Cup in 2018 at Bramall Lane, has even played at Wembley before.He was part of the Stockton Town side that suffered FA Vase Final heartbreak at the hands of Thatcham Town six years ago.Tilbury hero Sam Bantick went viral earlier in the competitionCredit: Focus PhotosHe runs a family sweet shop near Brentwood stationCredit: Focus PhotosHe said: “Winning the Sunday Cup two years running was great but the Vase was the biggest game I’ve played in. That was the first and only time that I’ve ever been to Wembley. “So it would be amazing to get there and I have been keeping my eye on it.“I’ve seen the leader has eight, but I feel a bit ripped off as we haven’t had one replay and just gone straight through. He’s had a couple of replays but he’s obviously doing very well.”Coleman is gunning for Witton Albion, who are a step above them in the pyramid, on home turf on Saturday and added: “It’s already the furthest the club have been in the cup this century.“We’ve beaten Ashington already, who were from a step above, so let’s see if we can go even further.”The man they are all chasing is Ashford United’s Gary Lockyer.He already has EIGHT – including a four-goal haul in the last round – but was only told about JJ Lacey’s haul of ten being enough to secure the Golden Ball last season a fortnight ago.Sonnie Coleman of Crook Town already has some fabulous Wembley memoriesCredit: Si CrumbsLockyer, who works night shifts as a telecoms engineer for Network Planning Solutions, said: “After the four goals took me to eight, my manager said ‘you should be really up there’ but I hadn’t really thought or known about it.“I then looked it up and saw that the gentleman won it with ten goals last time and instantly thought ‘I’m quite close here’ and it would really be something to remember.“So I’m definitely hoping for a few more.”Man Utd fan Lockyer, 31, has experienced the first round proper when he was 17 at Hyde Town but didn’t play and he has also attended finals under the arch as a spectator.But the father-of-four is determined to stave off his competition and beat the likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the scoring stakes to land himself and his wife a VIP day out under the arch.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after being informed that his rivals were desperate for him to draw and blank and for Ashford united to be eliminated, Lockyer added: “I’m exactly the same!“I’m one for healthy competition and I’m eager to get it now that I know I’m in the lead. Hopefully I can get a few more this weekend.” More

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      What did Rodrigo Bentancur say to Son Heung-Min?

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      RODRIGO Bentancur drew widespread criticism after he made a comment at the expense of his Tottenham teammate Son Hueng-min.The footballer now faces charges from the FA, after making the comment on a Uruguayan TV show.Rodrigo has been charged by the FACredit: Reuters- Action ImagesSon Heung-min has addressed Bentancur’s commentsCredit: AFPOn the show, Rodrigo was asked about a teammate’s shirt.He responded: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too. They all look the same.”The video quickly spread across social media, leading Bentancur to post an apology on his Instagram story. In the video, he said: “Brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke!”Read more in sportsHowever, there is still the possibility that Bentancur could face a serious ban.What have the FA said about Bentancur’s comments towards Son?The FA charged Rodrigo with breaching FA Rule E3, which covers references to someone’s nationality, race, or ethnic origin. The football body went one step further by releasing a public statement about the incident. The statement read: “Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview.Most read in Football”It’s alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.”It’s further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach” which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”Rodrigo has until September 19, 2024, to respond to the charges.How will Bentancur be punished for his comments towards Son?It is not known how the FA will respond, once Rodrigo has addressed the charges, but they have a long history of punishing racist comments made by players.In 2011, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was fined £40,000 and given an 8-match ban, after he was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.Tottenham complete £20m Rodrigo Bentancur signing on permanent transfer from Juventus Also, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, was fined £50,000 and given a one-match ban, after he made a comment about Benjamin Mendy.Tottenham Hotspur FC released a statement regarding the incident, which included comments from Son.Son said: “I’ve spoken with Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised.“Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all.“We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe football club has also said that further education promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion will be given to their players.They also said they hope that this will have a positive outcome. More