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      Man Utd plunged further into injury crisis as Harry Maguire ruled out of remainder of Premier League season

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      HARRY MAGUIRE faces a race to be fit for the FA Cup Final as Manchester United’s injury problems mount.The England international defender has been ruled out for at least the rest of the Premier League campaign.Harry Maguire has delivered Man Utd a fresh injury blowCredit: EPAAnd boss Erik ten Hag will be scratching his head as to who will play in defence against Crystal Palace on Monday after this fresh setback.A statement on United’s website confirmed: “Harry Maguire has sustained a muscle injury that will keep him out for about three weeks.”That means that the 31-year-old could also be a doubt for the FA Cup Final against Man City on May 25.Maguire had started the last six matches for the Red Devils in all competitions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was partnered at centre-back by Brazilian midfielder Casemiro in the 1-1 draw with Burnley last weekend amid their huge injury crisis at the back.But it remains to be seen who will replace him there for tomorrow’s trip to Palace.United then host Arsenal on Sunday before playing Newcastle and Brighton in their final two top-flight games.Argentine Lisandro Martinez has been out for over a month with a calf and heel problem.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSwedish ace Victor Lindelof has a thigh issue, French World Cup winner Raphael Varane has been sidelined since the defeat at Chelsea and Jonny Evans was hurt in the same game.The veteran Northern Irishman could return to face Palace, but a host others have suffered injury problems and look set to miss out.Gary Neville feels ‘disconnected’ as Man Utd’s Class of ’92’s dream of taking Salford to Premier League implodesForward Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia will be absent.Scott McTominay is also a doubt with a knee problem but hopes to play.Anthony Martial is back training after his groin injury.But it is the absence of Maguire that will provide a huge setback to Dutchman Ten Hag.United have shipped 77 goals in 47 games in all competitions this season – the most in a campaign since 1977/78.They also head to Selhurst Park on a miserable run of just one win in six league games.But it is the absence of Maguire that will provide a huge setback to Dutchman Ten Hag.United have shipped 77 goals in 47 games in all competitions this season – the most in a campaign since 1977/78.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey also head to Selhurst Park on a miserable run of just one win in six league games.United are eighth in the table, behind Chelsea on goal difference and Newcastle by two points, although this is their game in hand. More

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      Man City star Phil Foden named Player of the Year beating Declan Rice and Rodri to top award after stunning season

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      PHIL FODEN has been rewarded for his outstanding season by being named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers Association.The Manchester City midfielder has scored 24 goals to help put his boyhood club on course for a Premier League and FA Cup double.Phil Foden has been named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers AssociationCredit: GettyHe pipped Arsenal’s Declan Rice and team-mate Rodri to the prizeCredit: GettyAnd his efforts were recognised by FWA members – as he earned 42 per cent of the vote to scoop the prestigious award.His England team-mate Declan Rice, who has enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Arsenal, was second.Meanwhile Foden’s fellow City star Rodri – who has not lost a game with the club in 15 months – was third.Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa and Chelsea’s summer signing Cole Palmer made up the top six.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Foden is the third player from the Etihad to receive the FWA award, which Sir Stanley Matthews first won in 1948, in the last four years after Ruben Dias in 2021 and Erling Haaland last season.He said: “Being named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year is a huge honour.“I’m very, very happy to receive this award but I could not have done it without the help of my team-mates.“We have a very special squad of players at City, and I’m privileged to be a part of that group.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I want to thank all my team-mates as well as Pep and the coaches for all the support and advice they have given me.“I strive to be the best that I can be every single day and that is all down to the way the manager and my colleagues always seek to improve and get better.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me as well as my fellow nominees.”It is also a double celebration for City as forward Khadija Shaw was named Women’s Footballer of the Year by the association.The Jamaican, 27, and Chelsea’s Lauren James dominated a record vote – receiving 80 per cent between them.But it was Shaw who edged it – becoming the first City player to win since Nikita Paris in 2019.And the news will be a welcome tonic for her as earlier this week she had surgery on a broken foot which will rule her out for the remainder of the season.Three ways Phil Foden has been transformed into Man City, and England’s, most important playerBy Lee Scott
      PHIL FODEN ran away with the voting for Footballer of the Year – and it’s easy to see why.
      Foden has been transformed into Man City’s new David Silva and England’s Euro 2024 swiss army knife.
      Initially used sparingly by Pep Guardiola, the Stockport technician has become a key player for City.
      Foden’s his tactical intelligence and game understanding make him stand out week in, week out – even in City’s team of expensively-assembled superstars.
      From playing the final pass and running between the lines to leading the press, Foden really can do it all.
      Click here to read our tactical analysis of the Premier League’s best player.

      But she still looks set to finish as the WSL’s top scorer as Gareth Taylor’s side close in on the league title.Three of her club mates also finished in the top six with Alex Greenwood third, Yui Hasegawa fourth and Khiara Keating in sixth.Brighton’s Norwegian striker Elisabeth Terland broke up the sequence by finishing fifth.Shaw said: “I am very proud and privileged to have received this award and to be recognised in this way is a special honour.“I want to also thank all of my team-mates. They provide me with the chances to score goals and I could not have won this award without them.“I also owe such a lot to Gareth, the rest of the coaching team and everyone else here at City. It’s a pleasure to be part of such a special group.“Many thanks to all who voted for me and to my fellow nominees. It means such a lot to have won this award.“Hopefully the side can now finish off the season in style and give everyone special cause to celebrate.”It is the first time in five years that a City player has won both the men’s and women’s award.It was double delight for City as Khadija Shaw scooped the women’s prizeCredit: AlamyLast time it happened was 2019 when Paris and Raheem Sterling topped the votes.A total of 18 players got votes in the men’s section.The others were: Virgil Van Dijk, Mo Salah, Bukayo Saka, Bruno Guimares, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, John McGinn, Ross Barkley, Alexis Mac Allister, Diogo Dalot, Son Heung Min and Jarrod Bowen.Meanwhile, the other players to get votes for the women’s award were: Erin Cuthbert, Sjoeke Nusken, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, Katie McCabe, Ashleigh Neville,READ MORE SUN STORIESMillie Turner, Niamh Charles, Fuka Nagano, Taylor Hinds and Jess Carter.Both winners will be honoured at the Footballer of the Year dinner in London on Thursday May 16.Inside humble Phil Foden’s family lifeBy Jon Boon
      PHIL FODEN may be flashy on the pitch, but the Premier League’s Player of the Year is a humble family man off it.
      The Man City superstar earns an astonishing salary believed to be £11.7million-per-year.
      But the Stockport kid is frugal with his cash as he enjoys his down time with childhood sweetheart Rebecca and their two kids.
      Foden only passed his driving test last year… and turns up for training in City’s glittering club car park in a £40k VOLKSWAGEN.
      And in his spare time he loves nothing more than a FISHING trip.
      He celebrated his first big City contract by buying his mum and dad a Cheshire mansion and lives with them until 2021.
      But Foden has now splashed out on a luxury £3million mansion for his own growing family.
      Click here for to find out all about Foden’s glamorous life… More

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      Man Utd slammed for ‘paying for swanky Wags day out – hours after axing FA Cup final perks for employees’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been slammed for covering the costs of a swanky Wags day out.The expensive outing came just a day after the club informed staff that certain FA Cup final benefits were being cut.Scott McTominay’s girlfriend Cam Reading was in attendanceCredit: BackGridThe lunch bill was paid for by Manchester UnitedCredit: BackGridAaron Wan-Bissaka’s girlfriend April Francis took home a Harvey Nichols bagCredit: BackGridA heavily pregnant Roosee Xavier, who is married to Antony, made the outingCredit: BackGridDiogo Dalot’s partner Claudia Pinto Lopes was spotted tooCredit: BackGridUnited staff have traditionally been given a free ticket along with free travel and food for the day out at Wembley – including a pre-match lunch, after-match party and accommodation in London.Ineos moved to oust the tradition last week, with staff now restricted to just one ticket and having to pay £20 for a coach trip to the capital as the club focuses its spending on making United a force on the pitch again.To make matters worse, neighbours Manchester City will provide all their staff with a free ticket and free travel for the final, along with a plus one.But what has really rubbed salt in the wounds is the fact United paid for a swanky wags day out last Friday.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe wives and girlfriends of Scott McTominay, Luke Shaw, Antony, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan Bissaka, headed out to restaurant San Carlo, where items on the wine list can hit around £450.The likes of Cam Reading, McTominay’s girlfriend, and Anoushka Santos – Shaw’s partner – were spotted leaving with Harvey Nichols branded bags.Claudia Pinto Lopes, Roosee Xavier and April Francis all attended the event too.A United staff member reacted by telling the Daily Mail: “It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The trip to Wembley has been a tradition that staff have enjoyed for years and years. It’s like a thank you for the work that we do and it means that when the team does well we all get rewarded.”Clearly they are cutting costs but to see that less than a day later the Wags are out on the town with the club paying the bill is a bit rich.”Gary Neville reveals Man Utd stars would be ‘killed’ if they broke four unwritten rules in matchesHowever the club have dismissed the criticism as ensuring the happiness of players’ partners and families is a priority. A number of social events are held throughout the year for players and their partners and families, some of which are paid for by United, who take pride in their player care.McTominay and Cam began dating last yearCredit: InstagramShaw and Anouska have two children togetherCredit: Instagram / @anouskasantosDiogo Dalot and Claudia Pinto LopesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/diogodalot/ More

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      I played with David Beckham for my club and against him at the World Cup, now I’m making my way in brand new career

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL was David Beckham’s team-mate at LA Galaxy and faced England at the 2006 World Cup.But now he has traded the high life of LA and glitz and glamour of international football for pounding the Staffordshire mud as a REFEREE.Chris Birchall is on red alert for a career as a whistlerCredit: Paul TongeBirchall says England legend David Beckham was humble both as an international opponent and club team-mateCredit: GettyBirchall and Becks won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy in 2011Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdChris Birchall with a framed David Beckham personalised signed shirtThe  ex-midfielder, 39, lined up against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Becks while playing for Trinidad & Tobago in Germany.Stafford-born Birchall, who qualified for the Caribbean islands through his mum, spent three seasons in LA.Hanging on a wall at home in Newcastle-under-Lyme is a personalised signed Beckham shirt and a photo of the pair when they won the MLS Cup in 2011.He said: “David was great with me. Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.READ MORE TOP STORIES“There was banter between us as English guys. He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’“He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.”Trinidad & Tobago — the Soca Warriors —  elevated Birchall’s career. While still a 22-year-old League One footballer at Port Vale, he found himself up against the Three Lions.England needed two late goals to win 2-0 in the group game before their World Cup quarter-final exit to Portugal. Most read in FootballThe ex-Trinidad & Tobago ace reckons VAR has big weaknessesCredit: Paul TongeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBirchall said: “My biggest memory was Beckham shaking my hand at the end and telling me, ‘You had one hell of a game’. He was my hero so that was special.“It’s amazing looking back — lining up against Beckham, Scholes, Owen, Rooney, Ferdinand.  That squad should have won a World Cup.” Watch former Bohemians star score from own half with shot to rival David Beckham’s iconic goalBirchall — who also played for  Coventry, Port Vale and Brighton before retiring in 2016 — started the process of becoming an official six months ago.He said: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall would like other former players to lend their experience to help the PGMOL stop the controversies ruining football.He said: “The way certain laws are written tie the hands of refs. There’s no room for common sense.“If an incident ticks all the boxes, you must give a certain decision. Yet if you’ve played you know every incident is different and whether a player meant to do something.He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.Chris Birchall on David Beckham“Take handball — a ball’s blasted at you from ten yards. You might be jumping with your arms slightly away from your body and as you’re landing the ball touches your hand. That isn’t a penalty but they’re given.“The diving and simulation is ridiculous. That’s where I’d like to use my experience. Ex-footballers can see the tricks of the trade.“I’ve sympathy for a ref who has a split second to make a decision and then has VAR putting him under pressure to change it after viewing a replay at one thousandth of a second. The game isn’t played in slo-mo.”Birchall saw his ex-club Coventry denied what would have been an incredible win against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.Victor Torp thought he had scored a 120th-minute winner to complete a fightback from 3-0 down. Ref Rob Jones gave the goal but VAR told him Haji Wright was a CENTIMETRE offside!Birchall took on Frank Lampard & Co in the 2006 World CupCredit: GettyHe rose to a momentous occasion against the Three Lions 18 years agoCredit: GettyBirchall said: “This is where VAR kills football. That decision affected a club’s history as Coventry would’ve reached the final having staged one of the greatest ever comebacks.“VAR wasn’t brought in to decide offside by a toenail or to take three minutes to work out.“If it’s level to the naked eye, award the goal — give the advantage to the striker as it used to be. We want to see goals, not find reasons to disallow them.”PGMOL chief Howard Webb wants to welcome ex-players into refereeing and Birchall hopes to see his peers and officials work together.He said: “I don’t want a battle between ex-footballers and refs. It’s about educating refs from a player’s perspective and the other way round.“Paul Merson slates refs on Soccer Saturday — some stuff he’s saying as an ex-player is correct. But it’s often not the ref’s fault, it’s the law that’s written that needs changing.”The high life of LA has gone, now it’s back to earthy EnglandCredit: Paul TongeBirchall gives our man Justin Allen more than just the lowdownCredit: Paul TongeBirchall concedes you cannot make a living refereeing at grassroots level and that perhaps puts ex-players off, especially those who played professionally in the lower divisions and are not wealthy.However, he believes the PGMOL should team up with the PFA, FA and clubs to encourage footballers still playing to take courses.He said: “Unless you’ve made good money from your career, you need a job while you’re developing to reach a level where you might get an income.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They need to be telling footballers towards the end of their careers, ‘You can do this while you’re still playing.’“There needs to be that transition from when they retire to going straight into refereeing or at least have a platform.” More

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      Man Utd fans devastated by ‘one of the worst jerseys ever seen’ as away kit ‘leaked’ for 2024/25 season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left devastated after their new away kit was supposedly “leaked” online.Erik ten Hag’s side have provided little for their supporters to cheer about on the pitch this term.Man Utd’s new away kit has allegedly been leakedCredit: Jersey ReviewFans soon took to X to vent their anger at the designCredit: Jersey ReviewAnd they were even embarrassed when reaching the FA Cup Final with Man City after they survived blowing a three-goal lead to Coventry before beating them on penalties.They failed to retain the Carabao Cup while the Red Devils were also dumped out of the Champions League at the group stages.And their Premier League form has left little to get excited about.Saturday’s dismal 1-1 draw at home to Burnley left them sixth in the table with just four matches left to secure European football.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe dire campaign has piled pressure on Ten Hag, who is wanted back at old club Ajax, after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of 25 per cent in the club.However, while the future of the manager remains up in the air, an Instagram account called “jerseyreview” has “leaked” what those players still at United next term will allegedly be wearing in away games.The all-blue Adidas number, which has new sponsor Snapdragon on the front, looks incredibly similar to England’s cricket jersey.And it did not take long for United’s followers to give their damning verdict on the new design on social media after the alleged “leak”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“This could easily be one of the worst jerseys I have ever seen,” replied one stunned fan.Another claimed that it “looks like a cricket kit” while it was also branded “awful”.Under-fire Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag slammed for ‘writing off NEXT SEASON’ after admitting how far Reds are off top 3A fellow supporter said: “Team about to drop several stinkers in this shirt.”A fifth wrote: “This looks like we gan get major Ls wearing this.”A sixth asked if they were “taking the p***?”Another declared that it was a “true stinker”.An eighth wrote: “That is a disgusting design.”A ninth asked: “Wtf is this ??”While a tenth stated that it was simply “garbage”.Some United fans slammed the ‘awful’ design and said it looked like a ‘cricket’ topCredit: Jersey Review More

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      Erik ten Hag tipped to jump at ‘great Man Utd escape route’ with Old Trafford boss ‘at top of wanted list’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag could be offered a sensational return to Ajax after a turblent campaign at Old Trafford.Ten Hag, 54, joined United from the Dutch giants in 2022 and enjoyed a successful maiden campaign as he won the Carabao Cup, made it to the FA Cup Final and qualified for the Champions League.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could return to Ajax in the summerCredit: AlamyTen Hag is Ajax’s top target but talks won’t take place before the FA Cup FinalCredit: GettyHowever, this season has been completely different as the Red Devils finished last in their Champions League group and have officially missed out on a top-four finish in the Premier League.The Dutch tactician has endured a raft of injuries woes and still managed to lead the Manchester giants to back-to-back FA Cup Finals but his future is still under immense doubt.According to transfer expert Marcel van der Kraan, there is a “great escape route” lined up for Ten Hag as he could go back to Ajax where he won six trophies in five years.However, no potential talks will take place before the FA Cup Final against Manchester City on May 25.Read More on Man UtdVan der Kraan told the Trans Europe Express: “There is a great escape route for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag.”Ajax have had a dreadful season – they’ve had three managers, they’ve sacked the technical director Sven Mislintat, they’ve sacked the CEO and brought him back… They’ve sacked almost everyone they can think of and it’s been really dire.”The CEO, the big man who was sacked only two weeks ago for suspected insider trading because he allegedly bought shares just before he was appointed is back on the scene as of on Friday afternoon.”Alex Kroes, who started SEG [Sports Entertainment Group], look after Erik ten Hag, they have done for many years. This Alex Kroes is the new technical director of Ajax.Most read in Football”Alex Kroes has got Erik ten Hag at the top of his wanted list. He is his man and will wait for him until the end of this month because by June 1st they have to appoint a manager or make a decision.Erik ten Hag hits back with message to fans and ‘forgetful’ Man Utd icons after being booed for substitutions v Burnley”He’s prepared to wait another month to see if Erik ten Hag will take the job on June 1st. Why until the end of May? Because on May 25th it’s the FA Cup Final and Ten Hag will not want to be disturbed with that question.”But he knows about it, he knows there’s an open door at Ajax and he can be the manager of Ajax next season and try and win a title there again.”Van der Kraan is also confident money won’t pose as an issue during potential talks with Ajax.Instead, Ajax will have to sell a lucrative project to convince the United manager to return to Amsterdam and lead them back to success.Van der Kraan added: “If we remember why Ten Hag came to Manchester United, money was never his motivation.”Ten Hag comes from a family of millionaires, his father had a huge, huge empire in the east of Holland. “I don’t think he’s ever had to worry about money and I don’t think one or two million more or less will make a difference for Erik.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Prince William urged to step in and ask FA to reverse ‘ridiculous’ decision that sparked nationwide backlash

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      PRINCE William has been urged to intervene and ask the FA to rethink scrapping FA Cup replays.The Prince of Wales has been President of the FA since 2006, although it is a ceremonial position.Prince William has been urged to get involved amid the FA Cup dramaCredit: GettyFA Cup replays have been scrapped following a decision that stirred controversyCredit: RexWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      But amid the fan backlash to the decision to end replays from the first round proper stage from next season, he has been asked to get involved.In a letter to the Prince, the lobby group “The People’s FA” pleaded with him to push back against the decision.Former Charlton player and co-chair Mickey Ambrose wrote: “The whole of the English Football Family, world was shocked to hear that the FA have announced that they are to scrap FA Cup replays as of the 2024/25 season.“Football fans up and down the country, especially those of the 72 English Football League clubs have been shaken to their core by this bombshell decision.Read More on Football“Even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer, were in a rare consensus and agreed that this is wrong and against the interest of our national game.”He added: “FA Cup Replays give local clubs and their towns the chance to savour a momentous occasion in their community’s history.“In 2018, Rochdale fans queued in the snow at the Crown Oil Arena on the Monday morning to get their hands on the precious tickets for their replay against Tottenham.“Within four hours it was the first sell-out at Rochdale in living memory. In years to come, parents and grandparents will tell their children, ‘I was there’.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“The money they earned was credited with saving Rochdale from potential bankruptcy and the club were able to plan and rebuild.“The People’s FA and the football community urge you to stand with the fans and to publicly request that the FA Board reconsider their impetuous decision and retain FA Cup Replays for the betterment, sustainability and longevity of all of the clubs in the football pyramid.VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECT“As things stand at present it feels as if the FA only care about the Premier League. Football’s governing body should be seen to be equally representing all clubs.”The controversial decision led to a furious backlash from managers as well with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder claiming it was the latest example of the top-flight’s leading clubs overwhelming all opposition.And Millwall manager Neil Harris stormed: “It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It’s all about money!”England risk World Cup ban over FA Cup replay controversyBy Martin Lipton and Anthony Chapman
      MPs demanding a U-turn on the FA Cup replay row could risk England being banned by Fifa.
      During the second reading of the Football Regulation bill in Westminster on Tuesday, former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron promised to propose an amendment to give the Regulator the power to force the FA to reintroduce replays.
      He argued, with backing from MPs across the House, that all member clubs must have a vote on deciding the rules of the competition.
      Yet such a move by the Regulator would leave open the possibility that Fifa could determine the FA had been subjected to “government interference” in the running of the game.
      That would be a breach of membership rules.
      In recent years, the world governing body has temporarily suspended the football associations of Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Pakistan because of outside influence.
      It emerged that Spain’s government could take over the RFEF (Spanish FA) following disgraced ex-president Luis Rubiales’ kiss-gate scandal at the Women’s World Cup final.
      That could see them run the same ban risk as England, although in reality such a punishment is unlikely. More

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      Fans slam ‘worst thing I’ve ever seen from EFL ref’ as John Eustace sent off after heated touchline bust-up

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      BLACKBURN ROVERS manager John Eustace has been sent-off for pushing Kasey Palmer in the technical area.Blackburn are up against FA Cup heartbreakers Coventry City in the Championship.Eustace is shown a red card by referee Anthony BackhouseCredit: PAThe Blackburn boss was sent off following a scuffle with Kasey Coventry star PalmerCredit: RexEustace was given his matching orders for pushing Palmer.The Coventry midfielder was holding onto the ball, which sparked fury from the former Birmingham manager.Palmer did receive a yellow card for his efforts.The incident happened in the 50th minute of the match, with the score still goalless.But just 12 minutes later, Liam Kitching was given a straight red for bringing down Sam Gallagher as the last man.One fan said: “John Eustace getting a red card for that is the worst thing I have ever seen from an EFL ref…. sort your Refs out ffs how is that a red honestly.”Another said: “So we now have no manager on the touchline for the rest of the season whilst fighting relegation.” More