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      Supercomputer reveals exact percentage chance Man City have of equalling Man Utd’s 1999 Treble

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S exact percentage chance of completing a historic treble has been revealed by a supercomputer.Pep Guardiola’s side are on the brink of history as they fight to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
      Manchester City are on the brink of a sensational trebleCredit: Alamy
      The feat hasn’t been achieved by an English side since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United did it in 1999.
      But City now find themselves as favourites in all three competitions.
      They lead Arsenal by four points with a game in hand and could win the Prem this weekend.
      While they will face Man United in next month’s FA Cup final and Inter Milan in the Champions League final a week later.
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      Boffins and brainiacs over at bettingexpert.com have crunched the numbers using BETSiE – their clever supercomputer.
      Using its special algorithms, BETSiE has determined that City have a 53.61 per cent chance of winning the treble.
      They have a whopping 98.4 per cent probability of landing the Prem title.
      While they are rated to have a 75.78 per cent chance of beating Inter in the Champions League final.
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      Man United could be the best bet to stop City emulating their 1999 feat.
      But even then City are given a 71.89 per cent likelihood of beating the Red Devils in the FA Cup final.
      Boss Guardiola has admitted that his players can “visualise” winning the treble now.
      Following his side’s 4-0 annihilation of Real Madrid, the 52-year-old said: “Of course we are there. The players can think about it and visualise it. It’s normal.
      “We are three games away, one in each competition. We can do it. But for me it is more important after many years that we are there.”
      Pep Guardiola believes that City players can ‘visualise’ the treble nowCredit: Reuters More

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      FA chiefs hiring exec to look after England WAGs and make sure pampered partners have a ‘good time’ at tournaments

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      THE FA is looking for an executive whose role will include booking travel arrangements for WAGS.The successful candidate will have to look after players’ wives and girlfriends during EURO 2024 in Germany.
      Victoria Beckham leads the line on a night out during the 2006 World Cup in GermanyCredit: Associated Newspapers
      The WAGS enjoyed a night out at ‘Garybaldis bar’ in Baden Baden during the 2006 World CupCredit: Xposure
      The WAGS were photographed on their back to the hotel after a night out in Baden Baden in 2006Credit: Xposure
      Coleen McLoughlin and Alex Curran share a ride on a big night out in Baden BadenCredit: Matrix
      The England Player Relations Lead will have to make sure WAGS and friends are booked into suitable hotels where they can enjoy themselves and get behind the England team.
      The job ad reads: “To provide a safe and practical travel programme for the players’ friends & family that offers the best available accommodation options and ensures the group have an enjoyable experience whilst supporting the team on their journey through each major tournament finals.”
      The last time England played in a German based tournament was the 2006 World Cup.
      Super WAGS Victoria Beckham, Alex Curran and Coleen Rooney flew out to Baden Baden and enjoyed some big nights out together.
      Read more WAG news
      The executive will also represent players during sensitive commercial and marketing deals and liaise with players’ representatives known as agents.
      The advert reads: “Represent players in commercial and marketing planning to align activity and ensure player support
      “Manage scheduling and approvals with players and their representatives.”
      And they will help former players described as ‘legends’ to make money from sponsors.
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      The ad continues: “Manage the relationships to deliver against commercial, marketing and wider FA requirements for Legends. Seek new Legends to support commercial, marketing and Club Wembley.”
      The Sun understands the salary will be discussed at interview.
      The candidate will have to ensure WAGS such as Sasha Atwood are booked into suitable hotelsCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The candidate will have to plan travel arrangements for WAGS during major tournamentsCredit: Dan Charity / Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd
      Rebecca Cooke at last year’s Wold Cup in QatarCredit: Dan Charity More

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      Women’s FA Cup final – Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Kerr seals Blues win in front of packed Wembley Stadium

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      CHELSEA have beaten Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium!Sam Kerr scored the only goal of the game as the Blues retained their trophy in front of a sold-out Wembley.

      Kick-off time: 2.30pm UK
      TV channel: BBC One
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      Chelsea team: Berger, Leupolz, James, Reiten, Perisset, Eriksson, Fleming, Mjelde, Kerr, Charles, Cuthbert.
      Man Utd team: Earps, O Batlle, Toone, Zelem, Galton, Ladd, Le Tissier, Turner, Parris, Russo.

      Stay up to date with our live blog from Wembley…
      Marc Skinner reacts
      When speaking to BBC Sport, the Man Utd boss said: “We switch off in one moment, there’s space for Sam [Kerr] to run in to which we haven’t given her all game.
      “I’m proud of the girls today, they are hungry. Their position is what we want to take. We are a young, hungry team.
      “I need to find the pieces to make sure we challenge all the time.
      “Chelsea have done hardly anything in the game, but they are winners for a reason, they find that tiny little gap.
      “I want to thank all the fans, they have been magnificent. We won’t dwell on this, it fuels us. We watch this [Chelsea celebrate] – this will be us in future.”
      Credit: Getty
      Emma Hayes reacts
      When speaking to BBC Sport, the Chelsea manager said: “We’ve played here more times that Stamford Bridge! Yes it’s home.
      “You can’t underestimate the game accumulation, we looked so tired in the first half. We had to kick each other at half time.
      “We know how to stay in a game and even if we weren’t at our best we have to work out how to change it. We had to possess the ball better and then find the quality in the final third.
      “It’s a coaches nightmare. We don’t do the kick off properly and then the first, second and third phases were all off.
      “I’ve got to get them home tonight. They know the bus is leaving at 9pm and it will leave with them all on. The players deserve credit.
      “Sam Kerr is priceless but let’s credit Pernille. We know we needed more stretching runs. I almost made the change at half time but I held off to see who might be tired.”
      Credit: AFP
      Pernille Harder reacts
      When speaking to BBC Sport, the Chelsea midfielder said: “It’s amazing to win titles. A full Wembley is amazing.
      “Of course, it’s sad when you are out for so long [with an injury] but you come back with motivation and hunger. It’s amazing to come back for this game and be involved in a win.
      “Chelsea means a lot to me. I’ve had so many great memories here.”
      Credit: Getty
      Sam Kerr reacts
      When speaking to BBC Sport, the Chelsea striker said: “I think it’s the sign of a great team, we didn’t have our best game but we pushed through. Everyone stuck at it and we got the win.
      “P [Pernille Harder] did amazing, the team did amazing. I’d be wrong to say it was all me.
      “I’m just lucky to be the number nine in this great team.
      “A lot of people have been asking for it [the back flip celebration] – I text my friend and said back flip incoming today.”
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      The Blues have now claimed their third successive FA Cup title.
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      Chelsea are FA Cup champions once again!
      Credit: Getty
      90+6. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      United come agonisingly close to equalising in the dying seconds of the match before Garcia’s cross is cleared away by Buchanan!
      90+2. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      Man Utd make another change.
      Ladd is replaced by Thomas.
      90+1. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      Six minutes have been added on…
      90. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      The attendance here today is 77,390 – a record for a Women’s FA Cup final.
      It is also a new world record attendance for a women’s domestic game.
      Credit: Getty
      88. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      Another change for Chelsea.
      James is replaced by Buchanan.
      84. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      A huge chance for Man Utd to level the score as Batlle makes a run into the box from the right before squaring it to Russo.
      The striker can’t get her shot on target, but the ball runs wide to Williams, who is unable to get enough contact on it.
      Chelsea somehow manage to make the clearance.
      80. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      The Blues have the chance to double their advantage as Kerr makes a fantastic run into the box from the left.
      She squares the ball to Ingle 12 yards out from goal, but the midfielder fires her shot way over the crossbar.
      79. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      Man Utd make two more changes.
      Garcia replaces Blundell.
      Mannion replaces Toone.
      76. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      United have a free kick around 35 yards out from goal.
      Zelem sends the ball into the box, but Berger catches it with ease and can clear the danger.
      72. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      Chelsea make another change.
      Carter is on to replace Charles.
      69. Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd
      Harder makes an excellent run down the right before sending an inch-perfect pass to Kerr at the back post.
      The striker is given plenty of time and space to tap the ball into the back of the net with ease!
      Credit: Getty
      68. GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL CHELSEA!!!
      Kerr fires the Blues into the lead!
      65. Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
      Huge chance for Chelsea as James sends Harder through on goal.
      The midfielder squares it towards the penalty spot, but Batlle clears.
      Cuthbert then latches onto the ball on the edge of the box, but her strike is off target.
      61. Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
      Man Utd make their first substitution.
      Parris is replaced by Williams.
      59. Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
      Harder immediately gets involved as the ball is sent over to Kerr on the left.
      The striker squares it to Harder on the penalty spot, but the midfielder struggles to get it out of her feet and the final shot is comfortably saved by Earps.
      57. Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
      Chelsea make a double change.
      Fleming is replaced by Harder.
      Leupolz is replaced by Ingle.
      56. Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
      Another chance for the Red Devils as Toone and Parris combine on the right before the ball is crossed into Russo in the box, but Perisset heads it behind for a corner.
      53. Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
      Toone makes an excellent run down the right before cutting into the box.
      She looks to shoot, but instead sets it back to Russo.
      However, the striker can’t get there in time to attempt the shot.
      50. Chelsea 0-0 Man Utd
      Chance for Man Utd now as Galton catches Mjelde out in defence before attempting a long-range strike, but her effort is comfortably saved by Berger.
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      Man Utd loanee Amad Diallo has ‘special FA Cup final suit reserved’ as fans ask ‘who will he bench?’

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      AMAD DIALLO will be invited to attend the FA CUP final ahead of a possible role in the Manchester United squad next season.According to the Manchester Evening News, Diallo has had a suit reserved in his measurements for the showdown against rivals Manchester City next month.
      Diallo is preparing for a possible role in the United squad next seasonCredit: Getty
      The Ivory Coast international has scored 13 league goals for Sunderland this seasonCredit: PA
      Although he can’t play in the final, United are understood to want Diallo to feel involved as he prepares to return to the club ahead of their pre-season tour of the United States.
      The 20-year-old joined the Red Devils from Serie A side Atalanta in 2019 for a fee that could rise to £37million.
      The Ivory Coast international has only made nine appearances for the Old Trafford outfit and joined Rangers on loan midway through last season.
      However, Diallo has enjoyed a very successful loan spell at Sunderland this season scoring 13 goals in 37 appearances as the Black Cats secured a Championship play-off spot.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      If Sunderland overcome Luton in the play-off semi final then Diallo will be returning to Wembley a week after the FA Cup final for Tony Mowbray’s side.
      After their 3-0 win against Preston on Monday in which he scored a screamer, Diallo hinted he could stay at Sunderland beyond this season.
      He said: “Playing against Luton is very hard but I hope we’ll be in the Premier League next season and maybe I’ll come back, I don’t know.”
      United fans took to social media reacting to the news with a lot of clamour for Diallo to return.
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      One user said: ” Give him the right wing position next season, have to make Antony feel some threat.”
      A second commented: “Nice touch, definitely feels there is a better organized pathway for Amad and other young players under this management team.”
      A third replied: “Question is who is he going to bench? Rashford on the left, antony on the right.. and we might be shopping for a centre forward.?”
      United manager Erik ten Hag opted against recalling Diallo from Sunderland in January as he did not want to halt his development.
      He said: “We consider everything but I have a little bit of reservation about [recalling Amad] because I don’t want to stop the process.
      “He has made really good progress there so I’m happy with that.
      “But young players need experiences and when we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting XI or minimum to come on for a lot of games and make an impact.
      “I didn’t see him in the starting XI or a player who had already had an impact [in pre-season]. But I see and value his potential and capabilities.
      “What I saw is that he needs experience in men’s football, senior football. I think there are many aspects of football to get strong physically and mentally, and also skills-wise, to improve and develop that so he can have value for us.” More

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      ‘It’s what childhood dreams are made of’, says Katie Zelem ahead of Man United’s first Women’s FA Cup final test

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      FOR KATIE ZELEM leading Manchester United in their first ever FA Cup final appearance will be a ‘childhood dream’ fulfilled. On Sunday the Oldham-born midfield ace will become the first player to captain a Red Devils Women’s side at the Wembley showpiece.
      Katie Zelem is set to make history as the first player to captain Man United in a Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
      The match between the Red Devils and Chelsea is expected to attract a record Wembley crowdCredit: Getty
      Zelem wants United to bring the mentality they have shown in their wins against Arsenal to their clash with the BluesCredit: Getty
      The match, which kicks off at 2:30pm, will see United take on four-time winners and holders Chelsea. 
      This year’s decider is set to be the first one played in front of a record Wembley crowd with tickets for all areas of the stadium sold out.
      For Zelem, who began her career in the Red Devils Centre of Excellence aged eight, this is a chance for United to break new ground.
      The United skipper, 27, who signed for United from Juventus in 2018, said: “In previous years we’ve not had too much success in the FA Cup, especially compared to the Conti Cup. 
      Read More Football Stories
      “It’s something we’ve always strived for.
      “Getting to the semi-finals was making history for the club and now we’re one step further in the final. 
      “For myself to captain the girls at Wembley hopefully is so exciting. We just want to represent the club and be there.
      “Captaining Manchester United and making my debut – then this moment – will certainly be up there in my highlights. 
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      “It’s a club I’ve been at for a really long time now and supported my whole life. I think it’s what childhood dreams are made of.”
      Sunday’s match will be the first time  Zelem and the Red Devils have featured in the final for a major domestic trophy.  
      It comes in a season in which the player and her side have mounted their strongest push for a WSL title and qualification for the Champions League. 
      Aside from reaching an FA Cup final this term’s campaign has seen Marc Skinner’s side achieve other milestones. 
      This includes beating Arsenal twice this term.
      Late goals from Millie Turner and Alessia Russo saw them become the first team to defeat the Gunners in the league at the Emirates. 
      The midfielder, who has made 73 WSL appearances for United added: “I think the Arsenal game at the Emirates was a turning point. 
      “Those things don’t happen by accident, it’s not really something you can overly practise in training.
      “But when it happens once, then starts happening again, it becomes less of a coincidence. You make your own luck.
      “Whether people will say we’re lucky, we work hard for that moment,
      “We work hard to keep the pressure on a team and we work hard to create those chances.
      “We’ve done really well in that our goals have come from all over this year. 
      “People have come off the bench and made such a huge difference.
      “For us, belief is such a huge thing that you are going to score and not panicking.
      “We know that a chance will come, it’s just about taking it
      Chelsea are currently the only top four opponent Man United have not beaten. 
      While the Blues have won six of their seven top-flight meetings, Zelem believe United’s performances have improved since a 6-1 loss to their cup final rivals back in 2021. 
      United’s last match against Chelsea saw them fall to a narrow 1-0 lossCredit: PA
      She said: “Every time we’ve played Chelsea [since then] we’ve improved. 
      “We know what they’re about – they’re a team that doesn’t mind not having the ball and are defensively really organised. 
      “They’ve obviously got the threat in behind with Sam Kerr and threats on the counter attack. 
      “We know what their threats are now and, I’ve said it a lot of times throughout the season, but it’s about confidence and belief. 
      “That’s why we’re doing well this year, because we genuinely believe we can win every game.
      “When we play against Arsenal, I think we’ve got that psychological edge over them now.
      “It’s about taking that sort of mentality into the Chelsea game.”
      For Zelem reaching the FA Cup final is just the start for United in terms of their ambitions for the future. 
      She adds: “This is just a baseline of where we want to be.
      United will be aiming to stop Emma Hayes’ side winning a third successive FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
      “We’ve always said we want to be in the Champions League and have always been close but not close enough.
      “I think this is the turning season that everyone will back [at].
      Read More on The Sun
      “It used to be the top three and Manchester United and now it’s solidly a top four. We know we can compete and win things.”
      The Women’s FA Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC One from 2:30pm on Sunday 14 May More

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      Women’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Man Utd will be watched by a sold-out Wembley for the first time

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      THE Women’s FA Cup final is set to be watched by a record crowd at Wembley Stadium.Manchester United take on Chelsea in the final on Sunday and has sold out tickets at the home of football.
      Man United will face Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
      The clash will be watched by a record crowd at WembleyCredit: Getty
      There will be 90,000 supporters at Wembley StadiumCredit: Getty
      Marc Skinner criticised the original allocation for tickets to the clubsCredit: Reuters
      The 90,000-seater venue saw all the available tickets purchased and will host a crowd almost doubling the previous record.
      Last year’s cup final hosted just over 49,000 fans, and the year before had 40,000 fans at Wembley.
      This will be the ninth time the Women’s FA Cup final has been hosted at Wembley since the move in 2015.
      The FA were recently criticised by Man United manager Marc Skinner for only allocating 7,500 tickets to each club.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      He said: “I don’t know how many it is in the men’s game, but to give clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United 8,000 tickets to sell, it’s just crazy in my opinion.
      “I don’t know how it works, in all honesty, I haven’t really looked into it but to give two massive clubs 8,000 tickets is, as I say, crazy – that is as simple as I can put it.”
      At the time of the blast, 65,000 tickets had been sold and it worked as more tickets were distributed to the clubs.
      The FA responded: “Chelsea and Manchester United have each been issued with an additional 7,500 tickets for their fans.
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      “This is to help meet the likely demand for each club and is almost double the amount of tickets that the finalists received last year.”
      The Red Devils reached the final after beating Brighton 3-2 in the semi-final, while Chelsea beat Aston Villa 1-0.
      The final at Wembley will kick off at 2.30 pm and will be shown on BBC One. More

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      Women’s FA Cup final – Chelsea vs Man Utd: Date, start time, TV channel and FREE live stream for huge clash at Wembley

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      FA CUP holders Chelsea will defend their title against Marc Skinner’s Manchester United.Emma Hayes’ side beat Manchester City 3-2 to lift the trophy in last year’s final.
      Chelsea won the 2022 FA CupCredit: GETTY
      Chelsea will be hoping to make it their third Women’s FA Cup triumph in a row.
      This year’s final will be played in front of a sold-out Wembley stadium for the first time.
      Last year’s attendance was 49,094, which means over 40,000 more spectators will be at Wembley for this year’s showpiece.
      When is the Women’s FA Cup final – Chelsea vs Man United?

      The Women’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Man United will take place on Sunday, May 14.
      Kick off will be at 2:30pm GMT.
      Wembley will play host.

      READ MORE IN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
      What channel is the Women’s FA Cup final – Chelsea vs Man United on?

      The Women’s FA Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC 1.
      Coverage begins at 1:50pm GMT.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Can the Women’s FA Cup final – Chelsea vs Man United be live streamed for FREE?

      Yes! The Womens FA Cup final can be live streamed for FREE via the BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV license.
      You can download the BBC iPlayer app for free onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can watch BBC iPlayer on your laptop or computer via the website.

      Team news
      Chelsea’s Sam Kerr is a doubt after she was withdrawn early on against Everton last weekend.
      The Aussie went down with an ankle injury just seven minutes after making it 2-0 to the Blues.
      Most read in Football
      Fran Kirby has been unavailable since February, and the club have recently confirmed she will be missing for a ‘significant period’.
      Marc Skinner will be without Maria Thorisdottir who will continue to recover from her long-term foot injury. More

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      Militant rail union bosses try to wreck FA Cup final and Derby by unleashing strike misery on sports fans

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      BITTER rail union bosses are unleashing strike misery on one of the biggest sporting days of the year.Aslef’s Mick Whelan — a self-styled pal of the workers — will try to wreck two of their favourite events.
      Rail union bosses are unleashing strike misery on footie fans heading to the FA Cup final, which Liverpool won last yearCredit: Getty
      The FA Cup final will be held at Wembley Stadium on June 3Credit: Alamy
      Racegoers and punters must make new travel plans for the Epsom Derby the same dayCredit: PA
      Disruption on June 3 will hit fans going to the FA Cup Final and racegoers heading to Epsom for The Derby.
      The walkout, one of three by Aslef, will inflict transport hell on 80,000 Manchester City and Manchester United followers.
      Aslef members will also strike on May 12 and May 31.
      In another major blow, rail workers with the RMT union will strike on May 13 — the day of the Eurovision final in Liverpool.
      READ MORE ON STRIKE CHAOS
      Aslef general secretary Mick ­Whelan, who enjoys a £151,371-a- year package, has a desk full of Chelsea memorabilia.
      His side were thrashed 4-0 by City in the Cup’s third round.
      Aslef president David Calfe is an Arsenal fan, whose team lost 4-1 to City in Wednesday’s title clash.
      Tory MP Brendan Clarke-Smith said: “This looks like nothing more than sour grapes on the part of the union after their teams have lost.
      Most read in Football
      “The actions of Aslef will ruin the plans for football fans, families and those wanting to experience Eurovision. I’m giving them nul points.”
      Kevin Parker, of the Manchester City Official Supporters Club, said: “This is the last thing we need.”
      The Manchester United Supporters Trust added: “We need all modes of transport available to cope with the level of demand and the railways are a key part of that.
      “We call on the Government and union to find a way to avert this.”
      The May 12 eve-of-Eurovision action will hit 3,000 Ukrainians invited to the song contest which their war-torn nation cannot host.
      In another major blow, rail workers with the RMT union will strike on May 13, the day of the Eurovision final in Liverpool
      Aslef members will also strike on May 12 and May 31Credit: LNP
      Footie fans will be travelling to six Premier League fixtures on May 13.
      Families planning half-term trips later in May, and cricket fans heading to the England vs Ireland Test match at Lord’s also face chaos.
      Downing Street called the walkouts “incredibly disappointing”.
      A No10 spokesman said: “We believe the offer that’s on the table is fair and reasonable.”
      Tory MP Greg Smith, who sits on the Transport Select Committee, said: “Unbelievable that Aslef want to inflict more misery on the great British public at such an important time in the sporting calendar.
      “They need to understand the damage they are doing and reflect on the high salaries they enjoy.”
      Tory MP Caroline Dinenage said of the song contest final: “This is Ukraine’s Eurovision and British people have put their heart and soul into doing it justice for them.
      “It feels heartless to deprive Ukrainian people the rare opportunity for escapism after everything they have endured.”
      The strikes will heap further pain on pubs and restaurants trying to recover from the pandemic. The sector has lost more than £3billion in sales as a result of the strikes and the high-demand summer ­period will now be impacted.
      Kate Nicholls, of UK Hospitality, said: “It’s incredibly frustrating that almost a year on from the start of this dispute, there appears to be no resolution in sight.”
      Aslef announced its strikes after a meeting of the executive. Mr Whelan described the new pay offer of eight per cent over two years as “risible”.
      He said: “The proposal was clearly not designed to be accepted as inflation is still running north of ten per cent and our members at these companies have not had an increase for four years.”
      The union said all non-contractual overtime from May 15 for six days and also on ­Saturday 13 and Thursday June 1 will be withdrawn, which will likely affect services.
      The RMT turned down an offer which included a first-year payment of five per cent but only if no ­further walkouts would take place
      Aslef general secretary Mick ­Whelan, who enjoys a £151,371-a- year package, has a desk full of Chelsea memorabiliaCredit: Getty
      Aslef president David Calfe is an Arsenal fan, whose team lost 4-1 to City in Wednesday’s title clash
      Boss Mick Lynch said: “We have no alternative but to press ahead with more strike action.”
      Transport Secretary Mark Harper called on Aslef to let its members vote on the deal put forward by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG).
      He said: “It is deeply disappointing that Aslef has decided to call strikes and ban overtime, targeting thousands of people attending the UK’s first Eurovision event in 25 years, including Ukrainians displaced by Putin’s war, and the first all-Manchester FA Cup final.
      “The offer from the RDG included urgent reform to ensure our railways are financially sustainable for the benefit of passengers, workers and the taxpayer as well as delivering a pay rise for members whose salary already averages £60,000.
      “Aslef need to call off strikes and give their members a say on this.”
      Aslef said it had met employers eight times over a year to find a resolution. They claimed they had to hold eight strike days before the Government would even negotiate.
      A union source added: “The teams Mick and Dave support have no bearing on the days action will be taken.”
      They added they have to give 14 days notice to call strikes to try to ensure rosters are filled.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Rail Delivery Group said: “Senselessly targeting Eurovision and the FA Cup final is disappointing for all those planning to attend.
      “We urge Aslef leadership to rejoin us at the negotiating table.” More