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    Leicester stars Youri Tielemans and Kasper Schmeichel dedicate FA Cup win to late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

    LEICESTER heroes Kasper Schmeichel and Youri Tielemans paid tribute to late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after they lifted the FA Cup for the first time.It was an emotional affair for Leicester as Youri Tielemans’ wonder strike saw off Chelsea in a tight 1-0 win.

    Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha guided Leicester to Premier League glory and his son has continued the success
    Matchwinner Tielemans embraced Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha after the trophy lift
    The FA Cup is the second major honour won under the ownership of the Srivaddhanaprabha family.
    Khun Vichai was tragically killed in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium after a game against West Ham in October 2018.
    And Vichai’s son, current Foxes chairman Aiyawatt, was embraced by the players on the pitch before he raised walked on to hold up the trophy himself.
    Tielemans spoke about Aiyawatt post-match while paying tribute to his father.
    He told BT Sport: “I can’t think of a better goal than this!
    “I saw our president, his father would have been proud. This is for his legacy.”

    Leicester skipper Schmeichel also paid tribute on full-time.
    He said: “We have a picture on the inside of our shirts so he’s always with us.
    “This is what we’ve dreamt of and talked about for so long.”
    The Danish keeper made two brilliant saves to maintain the Foxes’ lead, and expressed his delight at at a first-ever FA Cup.
    He added: “[I’m] so happy I can’t begin to describe it.
    “What a day. Indescribable, it’s what dreams are made of, I’ve dreamt about this since I was child, we have talked about wanting to win trophies.
    “The performance today, the grit and determination, I’m so proud of everybody, everybody contributed to get to the final everyone has played and been sensational.
    “Everyone behind the scenes, all the team behind the team, medical staff and everyone. That’s why when you work together and do things properly and you have an internal belief that’s what we can achieve.”
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    Kasper Schmeichel had the honour of being the first Leicester player to lift the FA Cup with Wes Morgan

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    “Youri Tielemans, wow what a finish. I didn’t dare to celebrate because of VAR but wow.
    “Today is an amazing day, a great day we will enjoy it thoroughly, but we are training tomorrow we play them on Tuesday again in another massive game.
    “Today we enjoy it but we can’t for too long because they are a top-class side and they will want revenge.”
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    Ian Wright slams Chelsea players for wearing tracksuits at Wembley before FA Cup final clash vs Leicester More

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    Chelsea verdict: Blues didn’t deserve to take Leicester to extra-time after folding in FA Cup final

    CHELSEA could have played until midnight tonight and they still wouldn’t have scored against Leicester City in the FA Cup final. The Blues folded – and they didn’t deserve to even take this match into extra time.
    Reece James is devastated to lose another FA Cup final.Credit: Reuters
    Mason Mount can’t believe the Blues have managed to lose againCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
    This isn’t saying that Leicester were good because they were ok – certainly not good.
    Chelsea were just terribly awful – and for a number of reasons. 
    They were playing in a cup final, but you would not have guessed it.
    The Blues were lacklustre – playing at about 60 per cent intensity – and had no ideas to create or break Leicester down.
    They were very poor – and even Thomas Tuchel needs take some blame on this one. 
    Yes, Chelsea did score late on with the goal being ruled out for VAR, but even then, you just knew it would be ruled out because it was one of those days for Chelsea. 
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    And also, it was too little too late for them – they only switched on in the last 10 minutes and tried to win the game, almost as if they finally realised, they were playing in a cup final.  
    Tuchel’s subs were too late, even if eventually they were the right subs.
    For some reason the Leicester fans were very vocal, but Chelsea fans were silent the entire game – and even that made a negative difference for Chelsea. 
    Everything on the night was negative and Chelsea have to pick themselves up from two very poor defeats in matches that they should have won, against teams who weren’t even playing that much better. 
    The Blues have been their own worst enemy in the last two games and everyone is to blame.
    Tuchel, the players, the fans, the staff – everyone.

    The mentality is too weak – as it has been in this group of players for some time now.
    Frank Lampard found that out and is Tuchel finding that out now? 
    They have had some fantastic performances under Tuchel and some great results, but this makes it even more frustrating.
    When things go right, Chelsea are high flyers.
    When things go wrong, they are far too weak minded and it seems that this is an impossible thing for any manager to fix. 
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Brendan Rodgers reacts to Leicester’s amazing FA Cup final win More

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    Chelsea player ratings: Ziyech and Werner never get going at Wembley as Mount is only bright spark in Leicester loss

    CHELSEA suffered a shock defeat in the FA Cup final as Leicester recorded a famous win at Wembley.Youri Tielemans’ 63rd-minute goal was enough to clinch a first-ever Cup crown for the Foxes after Ben Chilwell’s deflected equaliser was disallowed for offside by VAR.
    Chelsea have now lost back-to-back FA Cup finalsCredit: EPA
    But did any Chelsea players cover themselves in glory? And did any of them have a shocker?
    Here, Simon Phillips delivers his Chelsea player ratings…
    Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
    Wasn’t tested a large amount with both teams not looking to give much away.
    Couldn’t have stopped Tielemans’ rocket, but Mendy would have had more of a chance due to his height.
    Reece James – 8
    Moved to centre back to deal with the pace of Vardy and did well to deal with him, showing good strength and pace.
    One of Chelsea’s better players on the night.
    Thiago Silva – 7
    As always, super calm, cool and collected on the ball and commanding Chelsea’s back line.
    He might have moved quicker to block the Leicester shot they scored from, but other than that he was good.
    Antonio Rudiger – 6
    He was a little shaky early on but soon settled into the game and used his experience and pace well.
    He was missing a bit in the second half and wasn’t his usual influential self that we have seen under Tuchel.
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    Mason Mount can’t believe Chelsea have lost another FA Cup finalCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
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    Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
    Playing at right wing back was a surprise, but he did a decent job.
    Removed for Hudson-Odoi in the second half, a change that should have come earlier.
    N’Golo Kante – 8
    He was a welcome return to the Chelsea line up and his presence was immediately noticed in the middle of the park.
    Was the only real Chelsea player other than Mount who looked like making something happen.
    Jorginho – 5
    Better performance than against Arsenal in the week, but he was a little erratic at times and too slow in moving the ball.
    Marcos Alonso – 6
    Decent contribution on the left from Alonso – and he looked to try and be a threat in attack as well – but overall couldn’t affect anything.

    Hakim Ziyech – 4
    Some decent moves and creative sparks from Ziyech, but he often looked a bit too slow on the ball and not strong enough.
    Mason Mount – 8
    Chelsea’s brightest spark. He was full of drive, flicks and direct play on the ball.
    The only real Chelsea attacker that looked like doing any real damage in the first half.
    Timo Werner – 4
    Didn’t look confident at all and needed to get his head up a lot more and show some composure on the ball.
    His pace was a nuisance for Leicester but not a lot more unfortunately.
    Ben Chilwell thought he had equalised but his deflected goal was disallowed for offsideCredit: EPA

    SUBS
    Christian Pulisic for Ziyech (67 mins) – 7
    Couldn’t do anything to affect the game despite trying hard. Came on too late.
    Ben Chilwell for Alonso (67 mins) – 8
    Almost scored and was, at least, up for winning the game.
    Kai Havertz for Jorginho (75 mins) – 6
    Bought on far too late to make an impact.
    Callum Hudson-Odoi for Azpilcueta (75 mins) – 6
    Same as Havertz, too little too late.
    Timo Werner for Giroud (81 mins) – N/A
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    Brendan Rodgers reacts to Leicester’s amazing FA Cup final win More

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    Ian Wright jokes he’ll walk off during BBC’s FA Cup final coverage after Gary Lineker plays clip of 1993 music video

    MORTIFIED Ian Wright threatened to walk off from BBC’s FA Cup final coverage after Gary Lineker and Co. aired his 1993 music video. Wright joked about leaving the Beeb’s Wembley studio after his timeless attempt at pop stardom was shown during the half-time break.
    Ian Wright joked he’d walk off set as the BBC played his 1993 music video
    Wrighty was mortified during the half-time break of the FA Cup final
    [embedded content]
    Wright screamed: “No! Why are you showing this? I’m going, I’m not staying, get it off!”
    Lineker was getting his own back, after footage of the presenter’s awkward dancing and singing in an England Euro 88 song during his playing days was also shown.
    Wrighty, 57, wrote and released the single called Do The Right Thing in 1993, reaching No 43 in the UK singles chart.
    But the Arsenal legend was clearly more interested in watching Saturday’s dramatic clash than his music video, as Youri Tielemans’ rocket earned Leicester a first-ever FA Cup success.
    Chelsea thought they had forced extra time with a late equaliser but Ben Chilwell was deemed offside through VAR by the tightest of margins during the attack.
    Asked before the game about Chelsea’s decision to wear tracksuits in the build-up, Wright said: “I don’t like to see people turning up to the FA Cup in tracksuits.
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    BBC showed the clip from Ian Wright’s 1993 hit Do The Right Thing
    Gary Lineker didn’t go unscathed as his awkward dancing from England’s Euro 88 song was also shown

    “It’s not what this game is about, we saw all the lead-up, the suits is what it is about.
    “Leicester I’m so pleased, that’s why I’m supporting Leicester, they’re respecting it.
    “You’ve got to wear suits to the final, this is the day!”
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    Ian Wright slams Chelsea players for wearing tracksuits at Wembley before FA Cup final clash vs Leicester More

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    Watch Chelsea disbelief as VAR disallows late equaliser to hand Leicester the FA Cup in dramatic Wembley scenes

    CHELSEA were denied an equaliser in the final moments of Saturday’s FA Cup final after VAR spotted an incredibly tight offside call.The Foxes led 1-0 after a Youri Tielemans screamer at Wembley, which itself had to be checked for a potential infringement.

    VAR judged Ben Chilwell to be millimetres offsideCredit: BT Sport
    But Chelsea appeared to have denied them a first-ever FA Cup crown with the help of some penalty-area pinball.
    Ben Chilwell was picked out on the left flank and bombed into the area, picking out cross at the far-post.
    Leicester’s Caglar Soyuncu cleared the ball – only for it to ping into the net as Wes Morgan rushed back alongside the tumbling Chilwell.
    The Blues defender celebrated a mad 89th-minute equaliser which was then ruled out in equally stunning scenes.
    VAR checked Chilwell against Soyuncu for a potential offside and judged the Chelsea man to be millimetres offside.
    Referee Michael Oliver then called back the play, sparking huge celebrations from the Leicester fans at Wembley.
    Chelsea thought they had snatched an equaliser in the final minuteCredit: AFP
    Chilwell celebrated his FA Cup final heroics at firstCredit: EPA
    VAR ruled out the goal on the tightest of marginsCredit: Getty
    Chelsea were left devastated by the decisionCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
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    The despair was clear on Chelsea faces and Thomas Tuchel’s team failed to muster a fresh response as the game drifted away.
    And the final whistle sent Foxes fans into raptures with a crowd of 21,000 allowed into Wembley.
    Leicester supporters had witnessed four FA Cup final defeats before the club’s first triumph on Saturday.
    I don’t know what is handball now or not. So I can’t comment and give my opinion and I don’t know why it’s okay.Thomas Tuchel
    Speaking after the 1-0 defeat, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel rued the disallowed strike alongside a Mason Mount effort that had been well saved by Kasper Schmeichel moments earlier.
    He said: “We conceded a goal from nothing. It’s a fantastic goal and a lucky goal.
    “We have a chance from Mason, an offside goal that was very close. We were unlucky today.”
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    On Leicester’s goal, the German claimed that Ayoze Perez may have committed a foul in the build-up and criticised the handball law.
    He said: “I didn’t see it. My assistant saw it on the screen on the bench and the players said it straight away that is was a handball.
    “It’s the second time; there was a handball against Arsenal and VAR didn’t intervene.
    “Today Leicester scored a goal but I’m not an expert in handball. I don’t know what is handball or not now. So I can’t comment and give my opinion and I don’t know why it’s okay.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Wembley welcomes 21,000 fans for Chelsea vs Leicester FA Cup final in biggest UK crowd since coronavirus lockdown More

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    Chelsea 0 Leicester 1: Watch Youri Tielemans net absolute ROCKET to fire fantastic Foxes to first ever FA Cup crown

    WHEN the moment arrived, 63 minutes in, it felt like an assault on the senses. The beauty of a rising, bending 30-yarder, the bulging of the net, the roar of the crowd and the frenzy of wild limbs. 
    Jubilant Wes Morgan and keeper Kasper Schmeichel hold aloft the FA Cup as Leicester finally win a final at the fifth attemptCredit: Reuters
    Leicester stars toasted boss Brendan Rodgers after their first-ever FA Cup triumphCredit: AP

    A nightmare for Foxes’ sub Wes Morgan, centre, soon became heaven for their whole team as his late own-goal equaliser was ruled out by VARCredit: AFP
    Ben Chilwell is ruled offside by the smallest of margins as he crossed the ball as VAR denied Chelsea a late leveller in the FA Cup final
    Man of the moment Youri Tielemans rightly gets his hands on the FA CupCredit: Getty
    Chelsesa boss Thomas Tuchel can’t believe the late VAR agony for his sideCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
    It felt as if football had woken from a 14-month coma. 
    The doors are open, the fans are back, a group of European Super League snakes have been slayed, Gary Lineker is sobbing with joy, and happy days are here again. 
    Youri Tielemans won the FA Cup – Leicester’s first success in five finals, the last way back in 1969 – with an absolute screamer met with absolute screams. 
    Then a moment of extraordinary drama in the 89th minute as Chelsea were denied an equaliser by a tight VAR call and the Foxes fans went potty again, seconds after believing their dreams had been dashed.
    Brendan Rodgers has his first major trophy in English football – a reward for two seasons of thrilling over-achievement.   
    Jamie Vardy has completed his unique journey from the preliminary rounds to Wembley glory. 
    And even if this was not a great match, the passion of the crowd and the quality of the winner made this a day to savour. 
    Many of us feared Leicester could end a wonderful campaign without a trophy or Champions League qualification. 
    Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount reacts after their late equaliser is ruled out after video replays showed Ben Chilwell was narrowly offsideCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
    Leicestr players hail midfield marvel Youri Tielemans after his wonder goalCredit: Getty
    Youri Tielemans surged forward to take advantage of the space Chelsea gave him with a brilliant breakthrough goal on 63 minutes in the FA Cup finalCredit: AFP
    Tielemans netted a worldie to win the FA CupCredit: AFP
    Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga paws the air in vain as Youri Tielemans thunders his historic goal for the Foxes at WembleyCredit: Getty
    Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and manager Brendan Rodgers point to a bright new future after at last winning an FA Cup final
    But Chelsea, so relentless under Thomas Tuchel until their midweek defeat by Arsenal, are the team suddenly threatening to blow it.  
    They face Leicester against at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in a six-pointer for a top-four finish and then they meet Manchester City in the Champions League Final in Porto. 
    But this defeat – their second in successive FA Cup Finals, both of which they started as favourites – will have bruised them. They are no longer a team with momentum. 
    Leicester were far from their best – but Wesley Fofana was magnificent in defence, after the early withdrawal of Jonny Evans; teenager Luke Thomas was outstanding at wing-back, Tielemans was masterful and Kasper Schmiechel made one outstanding late save.  
    Finally, here was a proper crowd – 22,000, the largest attendance at a British match since March of last year. 
    And a proper Cup Final – a choir and a brass band for Abide With Me, a (handshake-free) pre-match line-up for Prince William and public urination on Wembley Way.  
    For Leicester supporters, in particular, this was a day of days – a first FA Cup Final in 52 years and a first chance to watch their heroes in 14 months.   
    Some of them appeared to have been attempting 14 months worth of drinking in one day but who could blame them? 
    Chelsea sub Ben Chilwell celebrates what he thinks is an equaliser from his cross, only for VAR to intervene and rescue LeicesterCredit: Reuters
    Leicester share their goal joy with their supporters at Wembley
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    Leicester fans enjoy their return in large numbers and especially the feeling of finally winning an FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
    Another view of the historic hammer of a winner for Youri TielemansCredit: Reuters
    Jonny Evans was passed fit but lasted just 32 minutes before he was replaced by Marc Albrighton. 
    James Maddison was left on the bench with former Leicester man Ben Chilwell and the in-form Kai Havertz the most notable omissions from Thomas Tuchel. 
    Chelsea’s German boss stationed Reece James in a back three to combat the pace of Jamie Vardy – and James soon blocked a Vardy shot. 
    But as the rain hosed it down, Chelsea were getting a grip on proceedings – Mason Mount swivelling past Caglar Soyuncu and having a shot deflected wide. 
    Then Kante won possession and fed Timo Werner who skied an effort into the jeering Leicester fans, before Cesar Azplicueta failed to connect from close range after Werner headed on a Thiago Silva cross. 
    Werner had two shots blocked by Wesley Fofana and was promptly booked for a frustrated lunge at Luke Thomas.
    After Evans withdrew, Timothy Castagne moved into Leicester’s back three and a dozy pass from wing-back Albrighton sent Werner scurrying through for a shot which was deflected wide. 
    Leicester showed very little going forward – Soyuncu and Vardy both heading tamely wide but Chelsea looked stronger across the pitch. 
    It was the perfect day for Foxes’ supporters as they hail Youri Tielemans’ winnerCredit: Getty
    Supporters were back in force at Wembley for one of the greatest days in Leicester’s history
    This is the moment Chelsea surely knew the FA Cup final would not be their dayCredit: BT Sport
    Leicester began the second half with more intent – Fofana bullish in defence, Tielemans visionary in midfield and Chelsea were being pinned back. 
    Then when James had a pass out of defence intercepted Luke Thomas squared for Tielemans to send a bending, rising 25-yarder past Kepa Arrizabalaga and into the net. 
    It was Leicester’s first effort on target – indeed the first meaningful such effort for either side – but it was worth the wait, an instant Cup Final classic. 
    Rogers responded by sending on Maddison for Kelechi Iheancho, who had been well-shackled by Toni Rudiger, while Tuchel introduced Christian Pulisic and Chilwell. 
    And Chilwell was soon heading against the post as Chelsea prepared a late onslaught.  
    Mount then drilled in a volley and Schmeichel plunged low to his left to save brilliantly. 
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    Then the moment of mayhem as Schmeichel failed to gather a Chilwell cross, Soyuncu lunged at the loose ball, which crossed the line off veteran club captain and sub Wes Morgan. 
    Chelsea celebrated wildly but they had not accounted for VAR, which judged that Chilwell was fractionally offside with his initial run. 
    A minute later, Leicester’s supporters had soared from the depths of despair to another bout of unadulterated joy as VAR Chris Kavanagh had his decisive say. 
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    Leicester celebrate with the trophy after they win the FA Cup More

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    Chelsea players slammed for ditching FA Cup suits for tracksuits at Wembley before FA Cup final clash by Ian Wright

    IAN WRIGHT was appalled with the Chelsea squad for turning up in tracksuits to the FA Cup final.It is tradition for players to dress in suits for the prestigious fixture, and indeed that is what Leicester City’s players did.
    Ian Wright was unimpressed with Chelsea’s attire for the FA Cup final
    Ian Wright slams Chelsea players for wearing tracksuits at Wembley before FA Cup final clash vs Leicester
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    Wright, 57, declared his support for Leicester for that reason alone, suggesting the Blues had been disrespectful.
    The pundit was part of BBC’s Match of the Day Live coverage, and Gary Lineker asked Wright what he thought of Chelsea wearing tracksuits.
    Wright replied: “I don’t like to see people turning up to the FA Cup in tracksuits.
    “It’s not what this game is about, we saw all the lead-up, the suits is what it is about.
    “Leicester I’m so pleased, that’s why I’m supporting Leicester, they’re respecting it.
    “You’ve got to wear suits to the final, this is the day!”
    Ashley Cole then chipped in to mention he still has his eight FA Cup final suits, having appeared in the fixture for both Chelsea and Arsenal.

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    The squad turned up in tracksuits and trainers for the most prestigious match in England
    Some weren’t impressed with Chelsea’s lack of Cup final suits

    Wright found that quip funny, but he was otherwise unamused by Chelsea’s showing ahead of kick-off.
    The former Gunners striker knows a thing or two about FA Cup finals himself, having won the competition on two occasions.
    He also has four final goals, with his double against Manchester United in the 1990 FA Cup almost giving Crystal Palace a famous win.
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    FA Cup final substitutions: How many changes can Chelsea and Leicester make today?

    CHELSEA are facing Leicester in the FA Cup final this afternoon.And alongside the match being played in front of a limited number of fans, there is also a change into how many subs the teams can make in the big final.

    How many substitutes can the teams make in the final?
    Since the restart of football following the first phase of the pandemic last year, teams have been able to make five substitutes per match in the FA Cup.
    This is to counter fatigue with such a high amount of games in a short time.
    Though for the FA Cup final today, teams will be able to make one additional sub if the match goes to extra-time as had been the case before.
    So teams can make a total of SIX substitutions in today’s FA Cup final – if it goes past 90 minutes, and if either side has a player who needs to come off due to a head injury.
    In addition to this, Chelsea and Leicester can make one concussion sub if required and an additional change if the opposition has to make a concussion sub. More