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      Arsenal U18 vs West Ham U18 – FA Youth Cup final: Gunners eye silverware as Hammers look to end torrid trophyless run

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      ARSENAL football club as a whole is blossoming and the U18s side are set to feature in the FA Cup Youth Final – but the West Ham youth side stand in their way.Michael Rosiak’s incredible free-kick and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s 121st-minute strike saw the Gunners edge past Manchester City in the semi.
      Myles Lewis Skelly fired Arsenal U18 to the FA Youth Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Divin Mbuma bagged a hattrick to help West Ham book their spot in the finalCredit: Rex
      While Divin Mbuma’s hattrick against Southampton stole all the headlines as the Hammers humiliated the Saints 6-1.
      Jack Wilshere will be desperate to lead his side to silverware in just his first season at the helm of the U18s side.
      However, West Ham’s U18s haven’t secured FA Cup glory in over two decades, so they’ll want to put that torrid run to an end.
      But this could cause implications for the Men’s upcoming match against their bitter London rivals Chelsea.
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      When is Arsenal U18s vs West Ham U18s FA Youth Cup final?

      Arsenal and West Ham’s FA Youth Cup final has been pencilled in for Saturday, April 29.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 7pm UK time.
      Emirates Stadium – the home of Arsenal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
      The Young Hammers thrashed Arsenal 4-1 when the sides last met in November 2022.

      What will happen with Arsenal vs Chelsea?
      The Men’s senior Arsenal team is scheduled to play Chelsea on the same day as the Youth FA Cup final.
      However, reports suggest that the final will be rescheduled to a midweek date instead to avoid the clash.
      SunSport will be on top of updates as soon as the details are provided.
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      Is the FA Youth Cup final on TV and can it be live streamed?
      Details of how to watch the FA Youth Cup between Arsenal and West Ham are yet to be revealed.
      However, the huge encounter is expected to be broadcast on The FA Player – similar to the semi-finals.
      Subscription members of Arsenal.com are also likely to have access to watch the entire action live.
      Team news
      Both managers are expected to go with the same line-up which got them over the line in their semi-finals unless injuries occur. More

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      I won the FA Cup with Arsenal and taught Fabregas how to speak English but I almost became a Man Utd player

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      PHILIPPE SENDEROS has revealed that he almost joined Man United before signing for Arsenal.The retired Swiss footballer joined the Gunners in 2003 and won the FA Cup with the club in 2005.
      Philippe Senderos could have joined Man United before signing for ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He also had to help Cesc Fabregas with the English language when he joined the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      However things could have been different for the defender, 38, as he admitted that he went to Man United as well as being scouted by Liverpool while he was at Swiss side Servette.
      He told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I visited Manchester United, and Liverpool came to Geneva a couple of times, but when the opportunity to go to Arsenal came along, and I visited the training ground, experienced the atmosphere around the place and heard from Arsene Wenger, there was no looking back for me.
      “Everything about Arsenal just felt right for me, so it was an easy decision, despite all the noise and rumours.
      I was only 18 when I joined up with the first team, and 19 when I made my debut.
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      “So when people look back on the majority of my time with Arsenal, before my loan moves, they forget I was only 23 or younger.
      “I was learning my trade at the highest level you could ever imagine, and I felt at home straight away.”
      Senderos was a rotaional player in the Gunners squad under manager Arsene Wenger.
      The defender made 64 appearances for the North London side before leaving in 2010 to Fulham.
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      But when he first arrived he was joined by Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas in his home.
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      Senderos has praised the midfielder but did reveal that he had to help him with the language when Fabregas arrived as did not speak English.
      He added: “I was living in digs with Cesc Fabregas when I first moved over, as he arrived shortly after I did, so straight away we struck up a great friendship.
      “We both helped each other settle into life in a new city, in a new country, and I’d do a lot of translating for him as he couldn’t speak English.
      “He moved to the first team very quickly and you could see straight away that he was on a level of his own.
      “It took me a little while to adapt because I faced a lot of injuries in the first full season with the club, but I loved my time there; it’s where I learned to be a professional.” More

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      Aleksandar Mitrovic speaks for first time following shameful scenes that saw him sent off for barging into referee

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      ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC and Marco Silva have apologised to referee Chris Kavanagh and said they “regret” their FA Cup meltdown at Old Trafford.Fulham ace Mitrovic is facing a TEN-GAME ban for shoving and firing a verbal volley at Kavanagh as his side received three red cards in an astonishing 40 seconds.
      Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic was caught shoving the referee in the FA Cup
      Mitrovic was sent off after shoving referee Chris KavanaghCredit: Getty
      Willian and Cottagers boss Silva were the other two sent off.
      Silva could get a lengthy touchline ban for allegedly throwing a water bottle at an  assistant then making “improper” comments about Kavanagh after the match.
      Mitrovic, 28, said: “I regret my actions.  I allowed my frustration to get the better of me and how I reacted was wrong. I’ve accepted the three-match ban for my red card.
      “I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise and I have volunteered to accept a club fine.”
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      Willian’s VAR red card for a goal-line handball and Silva’s angry reaction seemed to trigger Mitrovic in the 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Manchester United.
      The FA have charged Mitrovic with violent and improper conduct.
      He added: “I was trying to get the referee’s attention but I should not have put my hands on him.
      “I already said sorry to my team-mates but would also like to apologise to the Fulham fans.”
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      Silva raged afterwards as he could not understand why Kavanagh oversaw the match following incidents in previous Fulham games. 
      He said yesterday: “I should have controlled my own emotions better.
      “I regret what happened and I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise.
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      Mitrovic is facing a 10-game ban after his red card against Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
      “He knows I respect him and the job he does.
      “Unfortunately, we did not see eye-to-eye on the day but I recognise that he is one of the top referees in this country.
      “I know that, when our paths cross again, there will be mutual respect.” More

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      FA breach TV blackout rules on police advice over fan safety fears for Man City’s FA Cup clash against Sheffield United

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      THE FA will lift their Saturday TV blackout for Manchester City’s semi-final against Sheffield United because of police advice.City’s match at Wembley on April 22 will kick-off at 4:45pm – which clashes with the 2.45pm-5.15pm blackout period – and will be shown on ITV1.
      The FA will lift their Saturday TV blackout for Manchester City’s semi-final against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
      According to the Daily Mail, the FA wanted the usual 5.30pm start for Saturday semi-finals.
      But police told them the game could not kick-off any later than 4.45pm on safety grounds.
      It means the FA have been forced to breach their own blackout rules, which have been in place since the 1960s.
      A spokesperson for the FA said: “The kick-off times for our fixtures are scheduled in collaboration with the clubs, local authorities, police, and broadcasters.
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      “We were informed by the police and local safety advisory group that 16.45 was the latest time possible for this tie.”
      The ruling was introduced, at the instigation of then-Burnley chairman Bob Lord more than 50 years ago, in the belief that it would prevent TV football damaging attendances at other matches.
      During coronavirus lockdown, when games where played behind closed doors, matches were aired during the blackout period.
      And the EFL are also willing to end it from the 2024-25 season as part of their new TV rights deal.
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      DAZN are among the bidders for the next three-season package of EFL rights, with competitors including Sky, Viaplay and TNT Sports, the new name for what was BT Sport until the takeover by Discovery.
      EFL bosses are looking to increase the current package, worth £119m per season, to £200m plus, a huge potential financial lifeline for struggling clubs.
      But the DAZN option would see a huge increase in the number of games available including the traditional Saturday afternoon slot, currently protected from broadcasting by Article 48 of Uefa Statutes.
      DAZN argues that under the current system, with matches on Sky, lower division fans are being starved of the chance to watch their teams unless they go to the matches.
      Only 20 games League One are shown each season, 10 in League Two and last season 26 of the 72 EFL clubs did not feature at all.
      The EFL are also willing to end the TV blackout from the 2024-25 seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Fulham boss Marco Silva faces even bigger ban after Man Utd outburst as he’s slapped with fresh FA charges

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      FULHAM boss Marco Silva has been hit by ANOTHER FA charge – and could see his looming red card ban extended.Silva was already in hot water after being sent off by ref Chris Kavanagh for his reaction to Willian’s VAR dismissal in the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United.
      Marco Silva could get a longer ban after his post-FA Cup comments about ref Chris KavanaghCredit: Getty
      The red card and then the Cottagers’ boss angry reaction was the apparent catalyst for Aleksandar Mitrovic shoving Kavanagh to also be sent off as Fulham lost their heads.
      But now the Portuguese manager’s post-match comments, in which he suggested Kavanagh might have an agenda against his team, have led to the latest Wembley charge.
      Silva pointed to Kavanagh’s displays in games against West Ham and Leeds as he said: “Unfortunately for us we have been very unlucky with Chris Kavanagh this season, many moments.
      “Chris was in a game we played away at West Ham where we lost with two clear handballs. We received the apology because of the mistakes.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “The last game at Leeds in the FA Cup it was him again. And for a game that is the quarter-finals, it’s him again.’
      Silva then suggested Fulham had been wrongly denied two first-half spot-kicks, adding: “It cannot be in a quarter-final and both teams have to have the same conditions.
      “There is pressure to play United away at Old Trafford. The referee sometimes feels the pressure because they are here.
      “It is really difficult to accept the things that are happening this season week by week.”
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      Confirming the misconduct charge, an FA spokesperson said: “It’s alleged that his comments constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of the match official, and/or bring the game into disrepute.
      “The manager has until Wednesday 29 March to provide his response.”
      Silva faces a minimum of a significant fine in addition to a likely three-game ban for his touchline behaviour, although FA beaks could add an extra game to the suspension.
      An independent commission is due to be held next month to decide Mitrovic’s lengthy punishment, likely to be a ban of up to ten games, while Fulham will also be fined for failing to control their players.
      Alexandr Mitrovic and Willian were both sent off for FulhamCredit: AFP
      Mitrovic could be banned for up to ten gamesCredit: Reuters More

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      Usain Bolt reveals conversation with Erik ten Hag after meeting Man Utd manager at FA Cup win over Fulham

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      USAIN BOLT has revealed his conversation with Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag at their home game against Fulham.The sprinter is famously a Man United fan, and was in attendance at Old Trafford for a gripping FA Cup quarter-final, where his side triumphed 3-1 over visitors Fulham.
      Bolt is a keen fan of Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
      The Red Devils came away victorious after a drama-filled game that saw three red cards in quick succession to the visiting side.
      The eight-time Olympic gold medallist posted a picture of him and Ten Hag together to Twitter afterwards, adding that he was ‘passing on some vital information’ from United fans in Jamaica.
      He then revealed that he had personally thanked the Man Utd manager for his role in rejuvenating the team.
      Ten Hag has taken a team that had struggled to sixth place in last seasons Premier League to a side that has already lifted the Carabao Cup this season.
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      Speaking to club media, the sprinting legend said “The first thing I said to him was thank you”.
      “And he was like, ‘Thank you for what?’
      “I was like, ‘Bringing the glory days back”.”
      “For the past couple of years it’s been a tough ask for the players and a tough ask for the team and there’s been ups and downs, you know.
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      “So the fact that now we can see us stabling out and going forward and going up, it’s brilliant.”
      “All I was trying to say was just thank you, I appreciate [it] and just to continue what [you’re] doing.”
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      The sprinter also met Sir Alex Ferguson during his visit to Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      Bolt declared his support for the Dutchman, saying “I think it’s just so great Ten Hag has come in and [what he has] done for the club.”
      The Jamaican star also met legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson during his visit.
      Bolt had also spookily predicted the score before the match, reposting a clip to Twitter from Manchester United’s Instagram account.
      In the video he posted, he says after being asked what the score will be: “I think it’s going to finish 3-1.”
      The reigning 100m and 200m world record holder added caption “Told you” with a winking emoji.
      The win for Man Utd means they will meet Brighton at Wembley next month for the FA Cup semi-final. More

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      Christian Eriksen hands Man Utd huge fitness boost as he returns to training and ditches protective boot

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN could be back for Man United soon after having his protective boot removed.He has been on the sidelines since the club’s win over Reading in the FA Cup in January.
      Christian Eriksen is making progress on his comeback from injuryCredit: Getty
      He posted a picture of himself getting rid of his protective bootCredit: instagram.com/stories/chriseriksen8/3064111786839147795/?hl=en
      And changing it for his football bootsCredit: instagram.com/stories/chriseriksen8/3064111786839147795/?hl=en
      The midfielder has confirmed he is back training for the Red Devils on social media.
      The Dane posted three pictures to his Instagram story confirming the removal of his protective boot.
      The collection of snaps shows Eriksen’s progression from wearing the protective boot to trainers to his football boots.
      Eriksen was not expected back until April, but looks on course to feature again for the club before the end of the season.
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      The 31-year-old last spoke about his injury after the Carabao Cup final victory against Newcastle.
      He told MUTV: “I am feeling well.
      “It is always boring to be in a boot and to be on crutches, but I have left the crutches and am now only in a boot, and next week that should be gone then finally start learning to walk. But it feels good.
      “It’s been nice. Obviously, you want to play.
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      “Watching from the stands is more nerve-racking than actually playing, but I kept my calm, and it is nice to see how happy they are.
      “I am just happy that we won the game.”
      His potential return is a timely boost for Man United as they battle for a spot in the top four as well as in the FA Cup and Europa League. More

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      English clubs fined staggering £1.3m for ref abuse… with one Premier League side miles ahead of the rest

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      PREMIER LEAGUE and EFL clubs have shelled out a staggering £1.3million in fines this season for abusive and aggressive behaviour.SunSport today reveals the astonishing sums collected by the Football Association when punishing foul-mouthed players and managers.
      Aleksandar Mitrovic could receive a massive fine for manhandling Chris Kavanagh
      Manchester City and Arsenal have received the biggest single fines of the season
      Arsenal have been fined four times for failing to control their playersCredit: Getty
      Jurgen Klopp was fined £30k for screaming in an official’s faceCredit: PA
      In the wake of Fulham’s FA Cup quarter-final meltdown with three red cards in a mad 40 seconds on Sunday – with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Marco Silva still to discover their punishment – another 54 teams from the 92 have been fined.
      Arsenal have paid out the biggest amount in the Prem this season with fines totalling £185,000 while Manchester United and Everton have also parted with six-figure sums.
      There are just five Prem clubs which have yet to be charged for poor on-field behaviour.
      The FA have issued more than 100 fines to Prem and EFL clubs, totalling a remarkable £1,279,375.
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      Mitrovic will be a head on the FA’s disciplinary spike, and rightly so, for his appalling conduct towards Chris Kavanagh in Fulham’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat.
      But five years after Wembley re-launched its “Respect” campaign, the disrespect has plunged to an all-time nadir.
      Of the 20 Prem clubs, no fewer than 15 have fallen foul of the FA, with aggregate fines of a stunning £932,500.
      Mitrovic’s looming fine, alongside those for Fulham and boss Silva, will comfortably take that tally over the £1m mark – a badge of shame for the Prem.
      Most read in Football
      Arsenal top the league for the most fines this season
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      Top of the “table”, as they are of the one that captures most attention, is Arsenal, with fines totalling £185,000 after four separate charges of “failing to control” their players.
      Mikel Arteta, criticised by many for some of his touchline behaviour, has rightly been feted for the football his Gunners have shown.
      But just as the red cards picked up by Arsene Wenger’s side became something of a running joke two decades ago, so the current Arsenal seem not to be worried about their disciplinary lapses.
      The biggest single fine so far this season was the £75,000 collected by Manchester City for their behaviour in the crunch clash at the Emirates last month.
      And along with Arsenal, United and Everton have both been fined more than £100,000 for multiple breaches of the regulations.
      Arsenal’s rap sheet
      November 2 – £20,000 (failing to control players)
      January 13 – £40,000 (failing to control players)
      January 19 – £40,000 (went up to £60,000 on Feb 17 – failing to control players)
      February 15 – £65,000 (failing to control players, surrounding official)

      Such is the FA’s concerns about what is happening week-in, week-out that senior Wembley officials recently wrote to all clubs “reminding them of their responsibilities” over the behaviour of players and coaching staffs.
      In response to SunSport’s investigation, an FA spokesperson said: “Referees and match officials play vital roles in our national sport.
      “Any inappropriate behaviour towards them is completely unacceptable.
      “Players, coaches, support staff and club officials have a responsibility to treat them with respect, and action will be taken against anyone involved in English football where there is evidence that they have failed to meet that standard.”
      The trouble, of course, is that the misbehaviour is not isolated to the top flight.
      In addition to the Prem numbers, 15 of the 24 Championship clubs, 13 in League One and 12 in League Two have fallen foul of the disciplinary department.
      The FA operates a sliding scale of financial punishments, ensuring the wealthier clubs in the top flight are hit more heavily in the pocket.
      Yet many of Arteta’s squad, perhaps the majority of the first team, earn more per WEEK than the £185,000 fines they have been ordered to pay.
      It is the same for the rest of the Prem. If it doesn’t hurt, and might give you a competitive advantage in the match, it will continue to happen.
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      Let there be no doubt: something is rotten in the state of football.
      Something needs to change – and quickly. More