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      EFL star Sam Finley slapped with 13-GAME ban and fined for ‘discriminatory abuse regarding sexual orientation’

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      TRANMERE ROVERS star Sam Finley has been hit with a 13-MATCH suspension for an “aggravated breach” of FA rules. The midfielder, 32, admitted using “abusive and or insulting” language, with a homophobic comment to Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two clash on January 11. Tranmere’s Sam Finley has been given a lengthy suspensionCredit: GETTYJamille Matt headed Walsall in front in the game where Finley made his offensive comment, with the Tranmere player then red-cardedCredit: RexFinley ended up getting sent off in that 5-1 away defeat after just 38 minutes.He saw red after two quick bookings, the second for handball.Jamaican ace Matt had tormented Rovers with the first of his two goals, with the then table-toppers 2-0 up when Finley was dismissed.The Liverpudlian accepted he had breached by making his comment, which has resulted in the FA handing him a mammoth suspension and £2,000 fine.It’s his SECOND offence of this kind following a four-game suspension and fine in February 2016.That was for a homophobic remark to a referee while playing for AFC Fylde.Finley was also fined and banned for eight matches – reduced from 11 – for an offensive comment to a Rochdale player in April 2020 when he was with Accrington Stanley.Tranmere reacted to Friday’s verdict by saying they “condemn all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally”.Most read in FootballThe FA released a statement explaining their decision.It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a 13-match suspension, £2,000 fine and mandatory education programme on Sam Finley for a breach of FA Rule E3 during the EFL fixture between Tranmere Rovers and Walsall on Saturday 11 January 2025.Roy Keane tried putting me in a high chair when he approached me to sign for Sunderland, says EFL cult hero.mov” It was alleged that the midfielder’s language towards a Walsall player around the 23rd minute was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1. “It was 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 sexual orientation.”Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him.”Tranmere responded with a statement of their own. Rovers said Finley had admitted the “charge of misconduct”.Finley’s ban starts immediately – ruling him out of Rovers’ run-in as they fight to to stay in the EFL.Tranmere are just four points above the drop zone ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Crewe. Finley had a spell at Everton as a youngster before cutting his teeth in non-league and TNS in Wales.Read More on The SunAfter a loan spell at Wrexham, he went on to play for Fylde, Accrington, Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers, who he helped to promotion in 2022, before signing for Tranmere last summer.Finley has appeared 37 times this term for the Prenton Park outfit, scoring twice but picking up ten bookings and a red card More

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      Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City prediction: Free betting tips, odds and FA Cup semi final preview

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST and Manchester City face-off at Wembley on Sunday for a place in the FA Cup final.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the semi showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesNottingham Forest vs Manchester City previewTwo teams battling it out for a chance at an FA Cup final and two sides with memorable campaigns.For Nottingham Forest, a chance at a Wembley final and qualification to the Champions League would be beyond their wildest dreams. For City, it’s memorable for all the wrong reasons.Incredibly, just one place and one single point separate these two sides in the Premier League, with both embroiled in a chase for the Champions League with a couple of other sides.That’s the main aim for both sides but they must also be all-in on this chance to win silverware – the only opportunity for either side to clinch a trophy this season.Back-to-back defeats to Aston Villa and Everton looked to be damaging for Forest’s Euro hunt but a convincing win at Spurs on Monday night very much keeps them alive.For City – above Forest by a point having played a game more – they’ve recaptured their form, ironically since Erling Haaland’s injury.Five wins and a draw in their last six games – including a huge league win in midweek over fellow UCL chasers Villa – show City are in fine fettle heading into the closing stages of the season. As per usual…Only this time there is no late run for title glory, instead a top-four push and this solitary trophy.Forest won the last meeting between the sides in March, thanks to a late Callum Hudson-Odoi goal.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 0-2 at 15/2 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Kevin de Bruyne 15/2 with talkSPORT BET – HERENottm Forest vs Man City latest oddsNottingham Forest at 18/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City predictionsYellow warning Neco Williams playing as a full back against these Manchester City wingers will almost certainly know he’s in a game.He’s only picked up five yellow cards in the Premier League but was also booked in the previous round of this competition.It’s also actually two yellows in his last five games and he can play on the edge at times.Neco Williams to be carded at 13/8 with Betfred – CLAIM HEREStalemateForest’s 39 goals conceded is only bettered by Liverpool and Arsenal, and they have the lowest goals scored in any of the top seven sides.Matz Sels has the most clean sheets in the Premier League and he and his Forest defence will want to keep things tight here.No goals in first half at 23/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and ENTIRE current squad

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      JAMIE VARDY made some huge snubs when naming the best XI he has played with at Leicester City.The Foxes legend has announced he will be leaving the club after 13 years at the end of the season.Jamie Vardy has picked his all-time Leicester City XI from his team-matesCredit: GettyKasper Schmeichel was an obvious choice in goalCredit: GettyRiyad Mahrez was picked by Vardy for the left wingCredit: Getty – ContributorVardy, 38, enjoyed huge success at the club, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup titles.However, he has suffered two relegations from England’s top flight, which has been reflected in his XI.The veteran striker did not have space for a single member of the current Leicester City squad in his team.This includes the likes of big-name players such as Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira.READ MORE ON JAMIE VARDYVardy also left out England internationals such as Harry Maguire and James Maddison.The duo left the King Power Stadium for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for big money.Another England star who was left out was the captain, Harry Kane.The Bayern Munich forward played nine minutes with Vardy at Leicester during a loan spell from Spurs in 2013.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOther notable players that have not made Vardy cut include Inter Milan legend Esteban Cambiasso, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Ademola Lookman.Vardy’s team did have a theme – and that was the title victory in 2016.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsHe left out Manchester United star Harry MaguireCredit: Getty Images – GettyThere was also no place for James Maddison in the XICredit: ReutersVardy also snubbed Harry Kane, with whom he played in 2013Credit: Getty Images – GettyIn goal, the striker opted for Kasper Schmeichel, behind a back four of Danny Simpson, Wes Morgan, Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs.He went for a midfield three of Youri Tielemans, N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater.In the attack, Vardy, of course, picked himself and was flanked by Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton.Fans were quick to pick up on the fact he has left out all of his current team-mates as a damning indictment of the state of the team.One posted: “None of his current team-mates lol.” A second wrote: “So no current squad? Yeahhh…. Even Jamie knows.”A third commented: “No one from the current crop of rubbish.”A fourth joked: “Surprised Wout Faes hasn’t been included in that tbf.”Vardy confirmed his exit from Leicester in an emotional video.His decision comes after the club was relegated from the Premier League by Liverpool.Read More on The SunVardy would want to be bowing out in better circumstances, and has described this relegation season as a “s**t show”.He is expected to continue his playing career with SunSport, exclusively reporting that clubs in the US are keen on him.He ended the video in a typically cheeky fashionCredit: X @LCFC More

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      Arsenal cult icon Yaya Sanogo finds new club after nearly a YEAR unemployed with Amazon team formed just six years ago

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      FORMER Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has been tasked with an Amazon delivery… after joining a club in the Brazilian rainforest.The Frenchman had been without a club since leaving Chinese side Qingdao Red Lions last autumn.Arsenal flop Yaya Sanogo has signed for his ninth club amid a globe-trotting careerSanogo joined Brazilian second-tier club Amazonas FCBut Sanogo, who won the 2014 FA Cup with Arsenal, has now signed a nine-month deal with Brazilian second-tier club Amazonas FC.Founded under six years ago, they are based at Manaus in rural northwestern Brazil.The capital city of Amazonas state, with a two million population, it lies by the Amazon river in the heart of the world famous rainforest.The club has made a dismal start to its new season, losing three and drawing one of its opening four games.Read More on ArsenalBut president Weslley Couto announced to Brazilian media that he has pulled off a coup by securing Sanogo’s signature.The Paris-born striker made 20 Arsenal appearances, scoring one goal.He also had spells with Crystal Palace, Charlton and Huddersfield as well as playing for Ajax, Auxerre and Toulouse.Sanogo bizarrely joined Armenian side Urartu for the 2023-24 season before moving to China.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe scored seven goals in 19 games for Qingdao, but was not offered a new deal.The globe-trotting frontman will now ply his trade in a sixth different country.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksSanogo said last November: “I’m now out of contract, and I am open to anything.  “I’ve enjoyed being in China, but let’s see what project I will go for.”I have had a number of phone calls, and the omens are good – especially from clubs in Europe.”I hope to get fixed up soon.  I’ve not set myself a definite target – I just want to enjoy myself and have fun.”With all the struggles I have had in my career, that is truly my aim now.” More

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      Football star who notched up over 300 appearances for his club dies aged 89 as tributes pour in

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      FOOTBALL star Mick McGrath has passed away aged 89.The defender was one of the last remaining survivors of Blackburn Rovers’ 1960 FA Cup final side.Football star Mick McGrath has passed away aged 89Credit: FacebookThe stalwart made more than 300 appearances for Blackburn RoversCredit: GettyMcGrath later made the East Lancs town his homeCredit: GettyThe Irishman also featured in the 1957/58 Division Two promotion-winning team.McGrath arrived from the Home Farm club in Dublin.The stalwart made more than 300 appearances for the club and secured 22 caps for the Republic of Ireland.He told the Telegraph: “Coming from Ireland as a young lad playing for someone like Blackburn Rovers was a great thing in itself and to get in the first team, well it was a feeling hard to describe.”He played 50 times for Bradford after leaving Rovers at the end of the 1965-66 season.The footballer finished his career as player-manager at Bangor City.McGrath later made the East Lancs town his home.He worked for Thwaites Brewery for over 20 years before retiring.Most read in FootballA Rovers spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Mick McGrath, at the age of 89.”Everyone at Blackburn Rovers offers our thoughts and sincere condolences to Mick’s family and friends at this sad time.” More

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      Chelsea legend and FA Cup winner swaps football for completely different sport as he’s named tournament director

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      CHELSEA legend Ruud Gullit has swapped football for fairways – by taking charge of a top golf tournament.The Euro 1988 winner had three seasons as Chelsea player-boss, lifting the 1997 FA Cup.Ruud Gullit has taken up a shock new job in golfCredit: GettyGullit won the FA Cup as Chelsea player-manager in 1997Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe went on to manage Newcastle for a year, and has also played for AC Milan, Sampdoria, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.Gullit, 62, has recently taken part in a number of golf events.And he has now been appointed tournament director of the KLM Open, which will take place at The International near Amsterdam from June 5-8.The versatile ex-footballer hails from the Dutch capital city. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe KLM Open is part of the DP World Tour, with over £2million in prize money.Gullit declared: “Golf is a sport that brings me connections and pleasure. “The KLM Open is a great event, which brings together top-level sport and experiences.”For me to be able to take on this role in the year my home city turns 750, and at my home course, makes it extra special.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I am crazy about the game and find it a huge honour to have been given the job.”Leading players including Guido Migliozzi, the 2024 winner, plus Jimmy Walker and Pablo Larrazabal, will compete at The International.Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final Fellow tournament director Daan Slooter added: “The KLM Open has a very good name, and is a leading event for both players and fans on the DP World Tour calendar.”When Gullit tees-off in his spare time, he plays off a seven handicap. More

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      History-making Premier League legend retires immediately after featuring in Man City vs Crystal Palace match

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      PREMIER LEAGUE mainstay Darren Cann has officially retired from assistant refereeing.Cann, 58, has been running the line in the English top-flight for over 25 years and is one of the most recognised officials in the country.Assistant referee Darren Cann has retired from officiatingCredit: AFPCann began his officiating journey all the way back in 1991Credit: PACann has officiated the most matches in Premier League history and called time on his career after Manchester City’s win over Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPCann cut an emotional figure after the final whistle of his careerCredit: TNT SPORTSBut after helping officiate 579 Premier League fixtures – the most of any official in the competition’s history – the veteran linesman has decided to hang up his flag.Cann’s final Prem appearance came in Manchester City’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.Ahead of the game, Cann, who reffed over 1000 games in his career, said: “It’s been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years.“Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But, above all, I’m proud of the fact I’ve given 100 per cent in every single match throughout my career.“I would like to thank every single person who has helped and supported me to work in this wonderful sport, PGMOL and The FA as well as all of the clubs, managers, players and fans that have made the Premier League the greatest league in the world.“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love.”Cann, who played in Crystal Palace’s youth team as a striker alongside Ian Wright, began his refereeing journey in 1991.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCity skipper Kevin De Bruyne had some words for the retiring Darren Cann after the final whistleCredit: TNT SPORTSIt would take him ten years to be promoted to the Football League, where he’d officiate for four years.Cann would go on to represent England on the global stage, taking part in 140 international fixtures – including games at the Euro 2008 and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups in South Africa and Brazil.Ruben Amorim’s Garnacho dilemma explained ahead of Manchester derbyHe was part of the refereeing team that officiated the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finals, which were contested by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan and Spain and the Netherlands, respectively.PMGOL chief Howard Webb, who knows Cann all too well having worked alongside him in the Champions League and World Cup finals, was quick to pay tribute to the retiring official.He said: “As I know first-hand from working with Darren on many matches.”He is an official of extraordinary talent and he has performed at the very highest level with distinction.”His professionalism and dedication have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating.”We wish him all the very best as he steps away from the field.”Though we’re sure his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.”Darren Cann was part of the officiating team for the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finalsCredit: GETTY More

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      FA Cup to keep hated rule next season despite pleas by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer to change it after Man Utd clash

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      FA CUP fixtures next season will include extra time – despite calls for them to follow the Carabao Cup’s lead.The EFL scrapped extra time in the Carabao Cup in 2018, with all fixtures – barring the final – being decided by a penalty shootout in the event of a stalemate.FA Cup chiefs have decided against scrapping extra-time for next seasonCredit: GETTYThey have been facing calls to get rid of it to give lower league teams chances of victoryCredit: REXBut FA chiefs, according to The Times, aren’t planning to follow suit.That’s despite their recent scrapping of replays, which used to be huge money-spinners for lower league clubs.The decision to axe replays was widely condemned, with many believing it was made to cater to Premier League clubs’ fixture schedules.Lower league sides are at a clear disadvantage in terms of squad depth and fitness levels when games go to extra time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat fact couldn’t be more apparent when non-League Tamworth Town took Tottenham Hotspur the full 90 minutes in their third-round tie in January.The Lambs did extraordinarily well to hold Spurs to a 0-0 draw but conceded three goals in extra-time against the much fitter Premier League side.Extra time that day cruelly denied Tamworth a huge payday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The money generated from a replay would’ve been invaluable to The Lambs.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSExtra time cruelly denied Tamworth Town a replay against TottenhamCredit: GETTYGetting rid of extra time and going straight to penalties would somewhat level the playing field between lower league clubs and teams in the top-flight.Additionally, it would go some way to helping tackle the issue of player fatigue, with Prem clubs having far bigger and fitter squads.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left inSeveral high-profile figures are keen on scrapping extra time in FA Cup matches, including Gary Lineker.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: “We’ve argued many times, just get rid of extra time. Just go to penalties. It makes so much sense.”Particularly with the amount of football teams are playing now, the amount of injuries we’re getting. Just play 90 minutes, then settle it on penalties.”Because once it goes to extra time, the vast majority of us are thinking, particularly when it’s as bad as it was last night [Man Utd vs Fulham], you’re just thinking, ‘Come on, penalty shootout, a bit of excitement.'”Co-host Alan Shearer was in full agreement, saying: “Straight to penalties, I’m all for that.” More