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      FA Cup TV fixtures confirmed with Nottingham Forest and Man City fans facing nightmare trips

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      THE FA Cup quarter-final schedule has been confirmed – and some fans are not happy.Fixtures will take place on the 29th and 30th March, with Fulham vs Crystal Palace opening the weekend.Fulham host Crystal Palace in the first match of the weekendCredit: GettyBrighton host Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyMan City face a tough trip to BournemouthCredit: GettyThe all-London fixture is set for 12:15pm on the Saturday and it will be shown live on ITV1 and ITVX.That will be followed by Brighton vs Nottingham Forest at 5:15pm.However, some travelling fans could face travel chaos after the match.As things stand, the final train from London to Nottingham is 10:32pm which could give fans a tight turnaround getting from Brighton to the capital at full-time.Read More in FootballThere are also maintenance works currently planned between Brighton and London, which could double the time it usually takes to travel between the two cities.Should the match go to extra-time, it could leave fans at risk of missing the return train to Nottingham entirely.Some fans have already raised travel concerns, with one person taking to social media to write: “Train back on Saturday night looks a major problem!”Another commented: “At least it’s the Saturday for #NFFC, but planning a trip home will be fun considering potential extra time, penalties and the joys of Falmer station…”Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile a third said: “Brilliant, except for the rail replacement bus service on the Brighton line.”The quarter-final clash between Brighton and Forest is set to be shown live on BBC One and BBC IPlayer.Fans can’t believe state of Premier League away dressing room that is ‘worse than Sunday League’Aston Villa then travel to Preston North End for the first game on Sunday, which is penned in for 1:30pm live on BBC One.And to end the weekend, Bournemouth host Manchester City at 4:30pm live on ITV1 and ITVX.Like Nottingham Forest supporters, City fans also face a long journey back to Manchester on Sunday evening after the game.The winners of each match will progress to the semi-finals which will be played at Wembley.FA Cup quarter-finalsFulham vs Crystal Palace (29/3, ITV1 & ITVX, 12:15pm)Brighton vs Nottingham Forest (29/3, BBC One & IPlayer, 5:15pm)Preston vs Aston Villa (30/3, BBC One & IPlayer, 1:30pm)Bournemouth vs Man City (30/3, ITV1 & ITVX, 4:30pm) More

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      ‘I know the consequences’ – Ruben Amorim insists he is right man for Man Utd but fears he’ll be axed before he shows it

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      RUBEN AMORIM insists he is still the man to lead Manchester United for the long term.But the Portuguese boss knows what the consequences will be if he cannot start to win more matches.Ruben Amorim has insisted he is the best option for Manchester United in the dugoutCredit: PAThe team have been training ahead of the Europa League clash with Real SociedadCredit: PAAmorim is confident he can turn things around at Old TraffordCredit: PAThe Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup to Fulham on Sunday — Amorim’s TENTH defeat in just 24 games — and his 14th-placed side face their worst-ever Prem finish after a disastrous campaign.United’s only route to silverware is the Europa League, where they face a tough last-16 first leg at Real Sociedad tonight.Amorim said twice recently that he does not know if he will be at Old Trafford to realise the club’s vision of winning the Premier League by 2028.Asked if he is the man to take them forward, Amorim said: “That is clear, I know what to do. But sometimes there’s a lack of results.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“So I know the consequences when you don’t win games.“I am really confident since day one. A little bit more frustrated now — but I am still confident.“I’m really confident on the big goal of this club. I’m trying to show the big picture to our supporters.”Amorim arrived from Sporting in November but many have questioned whether the 40-year-old’s favoured 3-4-3 formation is going to work — particularly with this current squad.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he is not for changing and said: “The system is not the problem, it’s the way of playing.“I was always really clear. I have one idea. I am still really confident because I have an idea how to play football.‘We’ve broken the poor man, he must hate us’ – Ruben Amorim bizarrely stands on different pitch as Man Utd flops trainManuel Ugarte picked up a knock against FulhamCredit: GettyHarry Maguire will also be out for the match against Real SociedadCredit: Getty“I will not change that, no matter what. And I’m not talking about the system, it’s the way I see football.“I will not change that. We are going to do it. Or not, we’ll see.”Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte will miss the first leg in San Sebastian after both missed training and did not travel to Spain.England centre-back Maguire was substituted after 90 minutes of Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round penalty-shootout exit to Fulham, while Uruguay midfielder Ugarte was also withdrawn in the second half.The duo have minor injuries.Amorim added: “They are small things, so we are being careful with them because in this moment we cannot allow us to lose more players for a long time.“So we are taking care of them in Carrington, and they cannot play   this game because it will be a greater risk.”Man United’s travelling squadHere is a look at the 18-man travelling squad for Manchester United to take on Real Sociedad…Goalkeepers:Andre OnanaDermot MeeElyh HarrisonDefenders:Harry AmassDiogo DalotMatthijs de LigtPatrick DorguAyden HeavenVictor LindelofNoussair MazraouiLeny YoroMidfielders:CasemiroToby CollyerChristian EriksenBruno FernandesForwards:Alejandro GarnachoRasmus HojlundJoshua Zirkzee More

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      Matheus Cunha facing extended ban as Wolves star is handed extra FA charge after ‘punch, kick and headbutt’ red card

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      MATHEUS CUNHA is facing an extended ban after the FA handed him an extra misconduct charge for his antics at Bournemouth.The Wolves striker was sent off in the closing stages of extra-time in the FA Cup clash for grabbing Milos Kerkez around the neck before he appeared to punch, kick and push his head into the face of the Cherries defender.Matheus Cunha was sent off for an altercation with Milos KerkezCredit: GettyThe striker had a bust-up on the sidelinesCredit: RexReferee Sam Barrott showed Cunha a straight red.The Brazilian, 25, then remonstrated with Wolves boss Vitor Pereira and pushed team-mate Dan Bentley as he was ushered towards the changing room.The FA said: “Matheus Cunha has been charged following the FA Cup tie between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth on Saturday, March 1.“It’s alleged that the forward acted in an improper manner around the 121st minute of the fixture after his dismissal. Matheus Cunha has until Monday, March 10 to provide a response.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe straight red card for violent conduct means Cunha is already suspended for Saturday’s Prem clash with Everton, plus matches with Southampton and West Ham.If the misconduct charge is proven, he faces a one-game extension that would see him miss the crucial trip to relegation rivals Ipswich on April 5.Wolves are currently 17th in the league – five points and one place above the third-bottom Tractor Boys.Cunha — Wolves’ top scorer with 15 goals in all comps — was banned for two matches and fined £80,000 by the FA in December after a row against Ipswich.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe clashed with a member of Ipswich’s staff, grabbing the man’s glasses, and could face further retrospective punishment following the latest incident at the Vitality Stadium.Cunha’s ban was reduced after he apologised to the Ipswich security guard and offered to buy him a new pair of glasses.Man Utd and Arsenal in Matheus Cunha transfer battle with Wolves star ready to make summer move More

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      ‘Clearly insufficient’ – FA looking to increase Millwall ace Liam Roberts’ three-match ban after horror Mateta challenge

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      THE FA has warned Millwall keeper Liam Roberts to expect a long ban after his shocking foul on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.In a statement released Wednesday morning, the FA announced that “in the circumstances the standard punishment is clearly insufficient”.Roberts collides with Mateta on SaturdayCredit: GettyMateta was hospitalized to receive specialist treatmentCredit: ReutersMichael Oliver needed to check the VAR monitor before sending Roberts offCredit: Pro SportsThe current sanction is a standard three-match ban, which saw Roberts miss last night’s Championship tie against Bristol City.He will also miss upcoming trips to Watford and Leeds.Roberts was given until Thursday March 6 to respond to today’s statement by the FA.But Millwall have immediately issued a statement of their own.Read more football storiesIt reads: “Millwall Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement and will continue to support Liam who has been subjected to horrendous online abuse since Saturday’s collision.”The clash came just eight minutes into Millwall’s FA Cup tie at Selhurst Park, a first South London derby since 2022.As Mateta chased a high ball into the box, Millwall goalkeeper Roberts leapt to clear it, kicking Mateta in the head in the process.Mateta was rushed to hospital for “specialist treatment”, where he received 25 stitches on his left ear.Most read in FA CupReferee Michael Oliver did not initially give a foul but sent Roberts off after a short VAR review.The FA have now submitted a claim to increase Roberts’ sanction.Millwall supporters have rallied behind their keeper, holding a minute of applause in the eighth minute of Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Bristol City.It comes after they chanted “let him die” as France international Mateta received treatment on Saturday.The club has also released statements in his defence, referring to reporting and punditry on the foul as “unwarranted character assassination”.Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish appeared on BBC One at half-time to discuss the foul, saying: “In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve not seen a challenge like it.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim defends Patrick Dorgu after error and red card against Ipswich “That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen, and I think [Roberts] needs to have a long, hard look at himself.”Millwall manager Alex Neil rebuked that statement post match, saying Roberts simply “misjudged [the clearance] and caught the lad”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I don’t think it is meant. I don’t think there is any intent, why would there be intent?”It is not yet known when Mateta will return to play.Millwall had a minute’s applause for Roberts in the match against Bristol More

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      Newcastle suffer further Carabao Cup final blow with second key man to miss clash as Anthony Gordon ban confirmed

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      NEWCASTLE have suffered another crushing Wembley blow after Lewis Hall was ruled out of the Carabao Cup Final.The Magpies have opted against appealing Anthony Gordon’s red card in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton for violent conduct.Newcastle have been dealt another blow ahead of the Carabao Cup finalCredit: PALewis Hall has been ruled out with injuryCredit: GettyNewcastle have opted not to appeal against Anthony Gordon’s red cardCredit: ReutersHe will now serve a three-match ban – the second of which will be the clash with Liverpool under the arch on March 16.Gordon received his marching orders for pushing Jan Paul van Hecke in the head.And the club feel they don’t have any grounds to get the decision overturned.Now boss Eddie Howe will be without left-back Lewis Hall after he picked up an ankle injury in last week’s league loss at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 20-year-old visited a specialist.And Sun Sport understands that he has now been delivered the bad news that the damage means he too will now miss the Wembley showpieceThat means that Howe is facing up to the prospect of taking on the league leaders and trying to stop Mo Salah without BOTH of his first-choice starters down the left.The news is also a blow to new England boss Thomas Tuchel.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHall seemed certain to be in his first Three Lions squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Now he seems certain to be sidelined for those matches also.Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior More

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      Millwall fans give minute’s applause for goalkeeper Liam Roberts following horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta

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      MILLWALL fans conducted a minute’s applause for suspended star Liam Roberts during their Championship clash with Bristol City.The Lions were playing their first game since crashing out of the FA Cup with a 3-1 defeat to South London rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.Millwall fans gave a minute’s applause to suspended goalkeeper Liam RobertsCredit: @BroadcastMooseRoberts was sent off in the eighth minute of the FA Cup clash against Crystal PalaceCredit: ReutersRoberts’ tackle forced Mateta to go to the hospitalCredit: GettyRoberts was subjected to vile abuse online after the incidentCredit: GettyThat game was overshadowed by a shocking challenge from goalkeeper Roberts after he inexplicably rushed out of goal and fly-kicked Eagles’ ace Jean-Philippe Mateta in the head.Mateta was rushed to hospital as a result of the collision and needed 25 stitches, with Roberts being given his marching orders by Michael Oliver after a VAR review upgraded a yellow card to a red.Palace chairman Steve Parish said the tackle had “endangered his life” during an astonishing half-time rant to BBC Sport.Roberts, 30, had been subjected to a huge barrage of abuse on social media following the incident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a statement released on Monday, Millwall said: “The club are disgusted by abuse directed towards goalkeeper Liam Roberts following Saturday’s unfortunate collision with Jean-Philippe Mateta.”The reporting on the matter, as well as disgraceful suggestions made by certain news organisations and high-profile figures within the sport that Liam intended to harm Jean-Philippe, has contributed to the unwarranted character assassination of Liam and fuelled abhorrent online abuse towards him.”And Millwall fans paid tribute to Roberts by applauding him in the eighth minute of the clash, the same time he was sent off against Palace.Roberts, who could have his suspension extended to beyond three games for serious foul play, reportedly apologised to Mateta in the evening following the game.Most read in FootballIn a message on social media after being released from hospital, 27-year-old Mateta said: “Thanks for all your kind messages. “I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon and stronger than ever. Well done, guys, for the great job today. I love you. JP.”‘Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starMillwall added: “No player at Millwall Football Club steps on to the pitch with the intent to harm another, and the club will continue to support Liam, who reached out to Jean-Philippe personally on Saturday evening with an apology which was accepted immediately.”The club are pleased to hear positive updates from Jean-Philippe and wish him the best in his recovery.”Vile chants of “let him die” from some of the travelling supporters drew condemnation from BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce.Meanwhile, the FA are set to investigate alleged homophobic chants aimed at Ben Chilwell – on loan to Palace from the Blues.Elsewhere, Mark Halsey slammed the state of English referees after Oliver originally only awarded a yellow card for the tackle. More

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      Gary Lineker calls for major FA Cup rule change after Man Utd’s defeat to Fulham and Alan Shearer is ‘all for it’

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      GARY LINEKER has called for the FA to scrap extra-time in the FA Cup following Manchester United’s defeat to Fulham on Sunday.Lineker, 64, called for the major change after United and Fulham played out a 1-1 draw that saw over an hour of goalless football lead to a penalty shootout success for the Cottagers. Gary Lineker has called for extra-time to be scrapped in the FA CupCredit: AlamyThe claims come after Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties by FulhamCredit: APLineker labelled the clash as “bad” as he suggested that penalties are often more exciting than the extra-time that precedes it.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’.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFellow podcast host and England icon Alan Shearer was in full agreement with Lineker too.He added: “Straight to penalties, I’m all for that.”The FA Cup already saw replays scrapped after the first round at the start of this season, meaning clubs lower down the football pyramid lose their shot at lucrative repeat fixtures.So much so that the EFL urged the FA to “re-evaluate their approach” before the season began, claiming clubs are being “marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid”.Most read in FootballAlan Shearer echoed Lineker’s sentiment on extra-timeCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, ditching extra-time alongside the replays could give smaller teams a better chance of advancing with the lottery of spot-kicks somewhat levelling the playing field.Lineker spoke out on that issue earlier in the season after Tottenham edged past non-league Tamworth in extra-time.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary LinekerSpeaking back in January, he said: “We still have extra-time. Personally, I think if they’re going to take away replays, they should take away extra-time.”Because otherwise, it really favours the strong teams.”Because they’ve got bigger squads, and they can put on their best players in extra-time like Spurs did. And they went on to win.”Of the eight FA Cup fifth round ties that took place last week, four of them went to extra time, with three being decided via penalty shootouts.FA Cup replays after the first round have already been axedCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘We’re the laughing stock’ – Ex-referees chief demands Michael Oliver is AXED for ‘missing’ horror challenge on Mateta

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      FORMER refs’ chief Keith Hackett has called for blunder whistler Michael Oliver to be axed and claims English officials “are the laughing stock in Europe.”Hackett also wants a maximum 120-second VAR review introduced following the astonishing 8min 11sec farce to rule out a Milos Kerkez ‘goal’ for offside in Bournemouth’s FA Cup shootout win over Wolves.Michael Oliver has been slammed for not immediately awarding a red card for a horror tackle on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: RexCrystal Palace star Mateta was taken to hospital after being kicked in the head during the club’s FA Cup clash against MillwallCredit: APEx-ref Keith Hackett wants Oliver axed and a 120-second maximum review time introducedCredit: GettyOliver was slammed by Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish for failing to award even a free-kick after Millwall keeper Liam Roberts’ flying kung fu kick to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s head put the Eagles striker in hospital.It needed VAR Nick Hopton’s intervention in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round clash before Oliver was persuaded to issue Roberts a red card.And it came on the same day the new Semi-Automated Offside Technology failed at the Vitality Stadium – on the very first weekend of it being used in competitive matches.It prompted ex-PGMOL boss Hackett to launch a blistering attack on his successor Howard Webb, posting: “We are the laughing stock in Europe and the decline continues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I wonder if the PGMOL are capable of delivering top-class officiating.“A challenge that put a player in hospital not recognised by the referee; EIGHT minutes to make an offside call? Time for the players to have afternoon tea! How is that helping?”Angry Parish accused Roberts of endangering Mateta’s life with the “most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen.”Mateta needed 25 stitches in a “serious” gashed ear and also underwent head scans before being released from hospital.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Parish fumed: “It was a dreadful challenge, but why the ref needed to go to the screen I have no idea.”Oliver, 40, was also widely criticised over his Molineux cock-up in January when he wrongly issued a straight red card to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for a trip – overturned on appeal.Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrongHackett insisted Oliver “needs rest. At least a couple of weeks off.“That was terrible officiating. The referee went missing. The red card should have been issued without hesitation.”Bournemouth and Wolves fans chanted: “F*** VAR,” and “it’s not football any more,” during the Vitality farce.And Hackett posted on X: “This should be a game-changing moment.“Why didn’t the Premier League/PGMOL purchase an SAOS system that is tried and tested.“Why decide to use at this stage of the FA Cup?“We now need to put a time clock on the process. Two minutes max – then revert to the on-field decision.”Hackett, 80, also claims if refs wait for a VAR input before making decisions, “then we might as well use Tarot cards or bingo balls.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSheffield-born Hackett previously accused the £26million PGMOL of “being run by a bunch of amateurs who operate like a Mayfair Gentlemen’s Club.”He added: “VAR is not working, so bin it.” More