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      The FA have long been a disgrace to the game, but scrapping cup replays should be final nail in the coffin

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      THE FA have long been a disgrace to our national game.And their announcement last week about scrapping FA Cup replays from the first round should be the final nail in their coffin of integrity.The decision to scrap FA Cup replays only profits Premier League clubs playing in EuropeCredit: ReutersThe FA are letting the prestigious competition downCredit: PAThe football regulator cannot come soon enough to take control away from these hapless men in grey blazers.How the hell can this organisation make such a sweeping change to the oldest domestic cup competition in the world without consulting 712 of the 732 clubs that entered it this season?They did not discuss it with the EFL, they didn’t mention it to the National League or any of the grassroots divisions.They simply dictated to them: Our entire game must revolve around the Premier League.Read More on FootballAnd let’s face it, this decision is only about pleasing the SEVEN clubs who play in Europe.It’s ironic when you think that the glory that Sir Alex Ferguson delivered to Manchester United might well never have happened had it not been for cup replays.Coventry boss Mark Robins scored a winner in a semi-final replay against Oldham in 1990 that saved him from being sacked.And Fergie’s first trophy was also won after they beat Crystal Palace following a replay in the final that year.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe FA Cup is a crown jewel of our football heritage and the blazers at Wembley are happy to further damage this wonderful competition.Let’s not forget it wasn’t long ago that these same idiots wanted to sell our national stadium to Fulham owner Shahid Khan. They actually were going to do that had it not been for a huge stink-up.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears on Wembley pitch after Blues crumble against Man CiyuTimes have changed in terms of the amount of games the elite clubs play in Europe – but that doesn’t mean we should be watering down our flagship competition to accommodate that.When the FA scrapped replays from the fifth round, it was a fair compromise. It allowed the smaller clubs the chance to force a replay and generate much-needed revenue.Given that the FA don’t allow these clubs to switch home ties to their opponents’ bigger stadiums anymore, it’s a massive deal for a Sutton United or Boreham Wood snatching a draw at home against someone like Man Utd or Arsenal.When Cambridge United earned a replay against the Red Devils in 2015, it saved the club from financial meltdownThe FA blame the expanding European tournaments that are adding to the fixtures.But it always amazes me when I hear people like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola whinge about the schedule.FIXTURE CONGESTION MYTHCity will finish this season having played 59 games in all competition – and we all have to get the violins out.But what about League One club Peterborough United who could end their campaign having played SIXTY-FOUR? I never hear Posh boss Darren Ferguson complaining about that.Nor did I ever once hear George Elokobi complain about his FA Cup giantkillers Maidstone United having to play SIXTY games so far. If the National League South side reach their division’s play-off final, they will have ended up playing SIXTY-THREE matches!And most of their players have to do a five-day week of work on top of their football too!This contrasts hugely with say the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United, who will finish their miserable season having played only 41 games in all competitions.It is a huge myth that the FA Cup adds a huge burden to clubs’ fixtures.ALL ABOUT THE MONEYThe real reason why the top seven in particular don’t want to play the extra games is purely finance. Don’t let them fool you otherwise.West Ham for example won more money for topping their group in the Europa Conference League last season than what Manchester City won for lifting the FA Cup.If the cup paid out more than European football, they would instead be complaining about the expanding UEFA competitions.It is bad enough that most of these clubs don’t bother playing pre-season friendlies anymore against the lower-league teams, preferring instead to push their brands across other continents so they can get richer and richer.Personally, I’d love it if a football regulator had the power to kick the likes of United, City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal out of English football completely.And I’d enjoy it even more if they force them to play ALL their games outside the country in their much-wanted breakaway European Super League.Never in the long and proud history of English football have our top clubs been so out of touch with the heartbeat of the game in our country.READ MORE SUN STORIESEnough is enough. Football must be regulated because the whole way the game is run here is rotten to its core.And those in power at the FA should be booted into row Z once and for all. More

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      Sky Sports presenter sends fans wild with bold outfit as she admits she’s ‘smiling through the pain’ at Wembley

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      OLIVIA BUZAGLO sent her fans wild with a bright pink outfit at Wembley Stadium.The presenter revealed she was “smiling through the pain” as she watched Chelsea lose to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.Olivia Buzaglo sent her fans wild with a bright pink outfit at Wembley StadiumCredit: INSTAGRAM @oliviabuzagloThe presenter ‘smiled through the pain’ as she watched Chelsea lose to Manchester CityCredit: INSTAGRAM @oliviabuzagloHer beloved Blues were beaten 1-0 on Saturday through Bernardo Silva’s second half strike.However, Buzaglo was all smiles pitchside as she hosted coverage for the Sony Sports Network.The reporter shared a trio of snaps from the match to Instagram as she stunned in a bright pink jacket and trousers.As well as appearing next to the famous Wembley turf, Buzaglo also posed with the FA Cup trophy and interviewed Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.READ MORE IN SPORTAlongside the snaps, she wrote: “Smiling through the pain. But so lucky to have been pitchside for such a big game. Exciting things coming.”Her fans were quick to praise Buzaglo in the comments, with one saying: “You are sooo cool.”Another added: “Queen of Chelsea.”Meanwhile, a third follower also commented: “You are a legend.”Most read in FootballBuzaglo spoke to Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino for the Sony Sports NetworkCredit: INSTAGRAM @oliviabuzagloShe has also hosted boxing coverage for Dazn in the pastCredit: Instagram @oliviabuzagloBuzaglo has amassed 58,300 followers on Instagram, where she often shares snaps from her presenting work.The fan-favourite reporter has hosted football and boxing coverage for the likes of Sky Sports, DAZN, Chelsea and the Premier League.Sky Sports racing presenter Kate Tracey dazzles in bold outfit as fans say she looks ‘absolutely incredible’ She has also appeared ringside and back stage with the microphone at recent Misfits Boxing events.As well as work-related uploads, Buzaglo has also shared pictures from her trips to watch Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.Her followers are also regularly treated to glamorous snaps of her daring outfits both in and out of the studio.Buzaglo has become a fan-favourite with her regular appearances on Sky SportsCredit: instagram @oliviabuzagloShe also often shares glamorous snaps with her 58,300 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM @oliviabuzaglo More

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      Man Utd fans ‘scared’ after learning who will start at centre-back for FA Cup semi-final against Coventry

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are “scared” after learning who will start at centre-back in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry.The Red Devils line up for this afternoon’s game means midfielder Casemiro is playing in the back-line.Man Utd fans are ‘scared’ to see Casemiro play centre-back against CoventryCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s team sheet for this afternoon’s games has concerned fans as they guess who will play in defence.In defence the Dutch boss has put Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the left next to Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot on the right.Means fans suspected Casemiro will join the trio in the back line as they only have Maguire in the centre back position.One fan tweeted: “Casemiro cb I am scared.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile another added: “This actually means you play just one CB?”A third then put: “Casemiro at cb tears.”The Brazilian has occasionally played as centre-back, so will be familiar if one of them has to play in the defensive line.The defensive midfielder last season played in the United back-line notably in the Carabao Cup.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThis follows as United have suffered three more injuries to take their toll for the season to a staggering 60 cases of injury or illness.On Saturday Willy Kambwala, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat were not part of the travelling squad for the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson Meaning defender and academy star Louis Jackson, 18, has been promoted to the matchday squad.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Chelsea star spotted ‘LAUGHING’ with Jack Grealish while team-mate cries over defeat – days after penalty controversy

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      FANS think Noni Madueke was LAUGHING alongside Jack Grealish after Chelsea were knocked out of the FA Cup at Wembley.The Blues suffered more heartbreak under the arch after a late winner from Bernardo Silva cemented another trophyless season for Chelsea.Thiago Silva was left in tears after Chelsea lost in the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: RexNoni Madueke and Jack Grealish appeared to be laughing and joking behind himAfter the final whistle had blown on Man City’s 1-0 victory, Chelsea fans and players appeared dejected at their last chance of silverware this season coming to an end.Thiago Silva looked to be particularly downcast with the Brazilian veteran reduced to tears at the thought of his Chelsea career ending on such a low.However not every player in the Blue of Chelsea appeared to have the same reaction, with fans spotting Noni Madueke joking around with opposition player Jack Grealish behind the tears of Silva.Madueke appeared to be laughing and smiling with Grealish despite being knocked out of the cup just moments beforehand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it’s not the only controversial moment that the 22-year-old has been involved in this week either.The tricky winger was caught up in an on-field argument with team-mates Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer on Tuesday night when he tried to take a penalty during Chelsea’s 6-0 thrashing of Everton.Madueke picked up the ball to demand he took the spot kick while Chelsea were 4-0 up, but was put in his place by designated penalty taker Palmer who took the ball off him converted from 12 yards.Chelsea fans are growing concerned with Madueke’s behaviour with the two controversial interactions in the space of a week causing many to voice their opinions online.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMadueke was seen arguing with Cole Palmer over who should take a penalty on Tuesday night against EvertonCredit: AlamyOne fan wrote: “Noni Madueke’s immaturity is showing and getting worse. From the penalty incident to this. I don’t know what to say anymore.”While another added: “Thiago Silva crying and Noni Madueke laughing and joking around behind him. And people genuinely question what’s wrong with this Chelsea squad.”reveals reason behind Chelsea penalty bust-up and insists team-mates were ‘laughing and joking about it’A third posted: “Tend to avoid the silly pseudo psychologists that weigh in on how a player acts etc.”But in the space of a week we’ve seen Madueke, at least initially, more upset that he couldn’t take a penalty at 4-0 than to lose a semi-final in the FA Cup, can’t say that’s a good thing to see.”Madueke arrived at Stamford Bridge in January last season and has struggled to cement himself as a regular starter under Mauricio Pochettino.The former PSV star has only started six Premier League games this term and has made a further 10 cameos from the bench. More

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      Thiago Silva ‘makes decision on Chelsea future’ with star available to leave on free transfer in weeks

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      THIAGO SILVA has made his decision on his future at Chelsea and is set to reveal his plans in the coming days.The 39-year-old defender will become a free agent this summer after his contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire in June.Thiago Silva has made a decision on his future at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old was in tears after crashing out of the FA Cup on Saturday against Manchester CityCredit: RexSilva was spotted in tears on Saturday after their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.For the Brazilian, this opportunity represented his final bid to claim silverware with Chelsea before his scheduled departure at the end of the season.When asked if he had made a decision about leaving Chelsea, Silva said: “You are going to know in the coming days. “I don’t want to say anything now after a defeat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’m sad about the result, but sooner or later, the news will come out.“I do have a decision made in my mind, but it’s not the moment to share it.”In 2020 Silva joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.And the centre-back was a key part of the Blues squad who won the Champions League in 2021.Most read in FootballHe has since made 149 appearances in the west London outfit and won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup as well as reaching the FA Cup final twice.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAfter the crashing out of the FA Cup Silva says he has no plans to retire, adding: “My four years here were very good. “Not that I didn’t believe in myself, but with my age and the intensity of this league…it’s rare to see players in a high level at 39.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targets“I don’t like to talk about myself, but you can see this. Today, I was ready to play the extra time! I can see I have some years in me to keep enjoying football.” More

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      ‘It’s unacceptable’, fumes Pep Guardiola as Man City boss launches furious rant on live TV after FA Cup semi-final

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      PEP GUARDIOLA launched an astonishing attack on football bosses after Manchester City stumbled into the FA Cup Final.The City boss slammed the FA for making his team play the first semi-final of the weekend less than 72 hours after their Champions League clash with Real Madrid ended in agonising defeat on penalties.Pep Guardiola launched an attack on English football bosses after Man City’s FA Cup semi-final winCredit: BBCThe City manager was not happy with the fixture congestionCredit: BBCGuardiola was in no mood to celebrate, despite Wednesday night spot-kick villain Bernardo Silva grabbing a late winner to punish Chelsea for missing a host of chances.City will play the winners of Sunday’s clash between Manchester United and Coventry and Guardiola raged: “It’s really unacceptable that Coventry, United and Chelsea don’t play in the week and they let us play today.”Why not give us one more day? It’s impossible, for the health of the players. It is not normal, honestly it’s not normal.“It’s common sense. I’m not asking for a special privilege. But I want to protect my players. We started in conditions that were a risk for injuries and health.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I know they don’t care but I care. Because I win, I have the courage to tell you.“I know the FA Cup in this country is special for many things, but it’s for the health of the players.”I don’t understand how we survived today. People cannot imagine what a punch in the face it was to be out of the Champions League in the way we are out.“What they have done today is one of the greatest things I have seen from a group of players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCity booked their spot in a second consecutive FA Cup finalCredit: GettySilva hit his shootout penalty straight at Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin on Wednesday night.But in the dying minutes at Wembley the Portuguese star saw his shot deflected in by Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella to give City a victory they hardly deserved.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonSilva said: “I am very happy after a very frustrating week for the fans and me personally.”The good thing in football is that if you play at Man City you play every three days so you have the chance for a bit of revenge and to put things right.”Today we tried to do that even though we were very tired and we are very happy with another final and a chance to win a trophy.”Chelsea suffered more Wembley agony after losing February’s Carabao Cup final to Liverpool through a Virgil Van Dijk goal late in extra time.This time Blues striker Nicolas Jackson was guilty of missing a number of great chances to score before Silva’s late intervention.Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

      Downcast Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino said: “It is so easy to explain. We conceded in a moment you should not concede.”We were not capable of being clinical in front of goal, we had many chances but we did not score.”I think in the game we were a little bit better and deserved more, but it is not about deserving it, it is about being clinical and we were not today.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But we have to take the positive things and try to build.“Now it’s the time to finish the season in the best way and then see how we can be better next season.”Mauricio Pochettino was downcast after his side suffered more Wembley heartbreakCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea fans beg board to complete sensational summer transfer and claim they’d have beaten Man City 5-1 in FA Cup semi

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      CHELSEA fans begged their big-spending board to complete a stunning summer transfer after a frustrating FA Cup defeat.And they even reckon they could have beaten Manchester City 5-1 had the deal already been done. Nicolas Jackson struggled in front of goal against Manchester CityCredit: GettyHe failed to get a shot away from this glorious chanceCredit: X @BBCMOTDBernardo Silva grabbed the only goal of the game six minutes from time.He made amends for his woeful penalty in the shootout defeat to Real Madrid by firing home at Wembley to send City into back-to-back finals. But the scoreline may well have looked very different if Nicolas Jackson put his shooting boots on in the dressing room.The Senegal striker, 22, wasted at least four very good chances.READ MORE ON FA CUPThat included Stefan Ortega denying him from a one-on-one and close-range header within ten seconds.Jackson also decided against taking on a shot on his left foot in the first half, instead turning in and failing to pick out a team-mate with a pass.And his goal-shy performance prompted a wave of comments from Chelsea supporters on social media demanding more spending from the new owners on an out-and-out goalscorer.The one man on everyone’s digital lips was Napoli ace Victor Osimhen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 25-year-old Nigerian will leave the Serie A champions at the end of the season. Chelsea are among the front-runners for Osimhen’s signature – but face strong competition from the likes of rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.Inside Victor Osimhen’s life as a footballerOne said: “We need to get Osimhen this summer no excuses.”Another wrote: “The faster we sign Osimhen and let Jackson play as a winger, the better for us.”A third added: “Imagine Osimhen as your main striker in that match.”A fourth commented: “Sell Jackson and bring @victorosimhen9 if not we will never win.”A fifth replied: “Please find another strike like Victor Osimhen.”And a final user typed: “If Chelsea had Watkins, Isak, Osimhen, Lattè Lath or any other world-class speedy striker up top today it would have been 5-1.”Chelsea fans are desperate to see Victor Osimhen sign for the clubCredit: GettyStefan Ortega denied Jackson from a one-on-one chanceCredit: AP More

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      Chelsea star Thiago Silva breaks down in tears on Wembley pitch after Blues crumble against Man Ciyu

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      THIAGO Silva cut an emotional figure, after Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Man City.The Blues were beaten by a late Bernardo Silva goal, despite having opportunities to kill off their opponent.Thiago Silva wipes a tear from his eyes after Chelsea lost in the FA Cup semiCredit: ReutersAn emotional Silva couldn’t hide his disappointmentCredit: Premier SportsJeremy Doku consoles Silva after the matchCredit: ReutersAfter the match, the Brazilian defender appeared distraught at the final whistle.He was seen crouched down on the Wembley turf in tears after the heartbreaking defeat.City’s Jeremy Doku did his best to console the legendary defender.But it was too much for the ex-PSG star who couldn’t hide his disappointment.Read more football newsFootball fans on X voiced their opinion on Thiago’s tears.One wrote: “I am absolutely heartbroken. Thiago Silva deserves a better ending to his Chelsea career.”A second posted: “thiago silva crying stoppppp.”A third shared: “Thiago silva we let you down for 3 seasons.”Most read in FootballA fourth pleaded: “Thiago silva stay one more season please.”Man City will play in the FA Cup final, after an edgy win over the London club.Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseThe champions were made to wait for it until the 84th minute, when Bernardo Silva finished off a fine move involving Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne.However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will regret missing a hatful of chances.Nicolas Jackson was particularly wasteful in front of goal, as the Blues were left heartbroken. More