FA Cup

GEORGINIO RUTTER was rushed to hospital following Brighton’s FA Cup heartbreak against Nottingham Forest.The 22-year-old appeared to be in tears as he was forced out of the 0-0 draw at the Amex Stadium in the 75th minute.Georginio Rutter left the pitch in tears during Brighton’s loss to Nottingham ForestCredit: AlamyThe 22-year-old went down off the ball during the FA Cup quarter finalCredit: AlamySunSport’s exclusive picture shows the forward heading into an ambulance after the gameCredit: Dan KingRutter went down off the ball and appeared to roll his ankle in the Amex turf. He was able to limp from the field under his own steam after being worked on by medical staff.But following the match, SunSport’s exclusive picture shows Rutter being led into an ambulance outside the stadium.He was also seen wearing a large boot over his right leg. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBrighton boss Fabian Hurzeler earlier told reporters: “He might have to go for a scan.”I cannot say anything now.”Brighton and Forest couldn’t be separated after 120 tense minutes in their FA Cup quarter-final.Rutter was replaced by Brajan Gruda, with the Seagulls having the best chances to win it in extra time. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it was Nuno Santo’s side who held their nerve from the spot, booking a place at Wembley after a 4-3 victory on penalties.It is the first time in 34 years Forest have reached the last four of the FA Cup. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sends fans bold Champions League predictionRutter is Brighton’s record signing and arrived last summer in a £40million deal. The German has made the No10 role his own in Hurzeler’s exciting young team. He has netted six times in his last 12 games, with eight in total this season across 32 games. Following shootout heartbreak, Hurzeler refused to put any blame on his players. Forest keeper Matz Sels saved from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez, while Joao Pedro, Gruda and Lewis Dunk all netted their spot-kicks.Hurzeler said: “In the end, I decided and I made the decisions with the penalties and the players should just focus on their job, focus on which corner they shoot and that’s why I say that’s my responsibility.”I think in the end they didn’t shoot that bad, also the penalties we missed.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They had an idea and that was the thing I said to them.”In the end they had a great goalkeeper and therefore we weren’t able to win this game.” More

NOTTINGHAM FOREST captain Ryan Yates and goalkeeper Matz Sels were the heroes as Brighton suffered more FA Cup penalty agony.Sels made two saves in a shootout and Yates scored the winning spot-kick to put his team in the semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.Nottingham Forest made it to the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Brighton on penaltiesCredit: ReutersRyan Yates scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup quarter-finalCredit: ReutersForest and Brighton faced off in an intense FA Cup quarter-finalCredit: RexForest had a penalty scrapped by VAR after Kaoru Mitoma clashed with Elliot AndersonCredit: ReutersThe Seagulls lost the battle of nerve, just as they had done in their last-four clash with Manchester United two years ago.But Forest will feel justice was done because they might have been ahead from the spot long before the denouement.Just after the hour referee Peter Bankes pointed to the spot following Kaoru Mitoma’s challenge on Elliot Anderson.But VAR told him to think again and a disappointing game went the distance.Read More on FootballSels saved from Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez, either side of Neco Williams blazing over the bar.So it was left to Yates to send Forest to Wembley and keep them on track for a truly memorable season.For all the late drama, the match did not live up to its billing as a potential classic.In the 2-2 draw at the Amex in September, the red mist had descended, with Morgan Gibbs-White sent off and both managers also dismissed in the aftermath.Most read in FA CupAt the City Ground in February, it had been a red rampage with Forest battering the Seagulls 7-0.But Fabian Hurzeler’s team had gone unbeaten since to put them right in the mix for a Champions League place, as well as one step away from Wembley.Wayne Rooney bizarrely reveals he’s scared of fish live on BBC during Brighton vs Nottingham Forest coverage It was a bit of a harum-scarum start.On the plus side, the intensity suggested neither side was keen on extra-time.But the lack of accuracy in the passing and of quality in the final third were conspiring against anyone having a proper chance, let alone scoring.An opportunity did arise when the ball broke into the path of Forest centre-forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who was in for the injured Chris Wood. But Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen saved with a leg.The visitors were in the ascendancy, without creating any other opportunities of note.It took the hosts nearly half an hour to pose even a vague threat to Sels’ goal, when Yasin Ayari had a shot from distance deflected wide.Goalless clashWhen left-back Pervis Estupinan had a go from more than 30 yards, Sels made a meal of it but no one in blue and white was close enough to gobble up the rebound from his parry.Although Forest were superior, Nuno’s displays of frustration were becoming more animated.After Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba flashed a shot just wide, Nuno told Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to warm up.But they didn’t come on at the break and it was Brighton who started the second half with more purpose.Georginio Rutter, part of a home front four that had been missing in action until then, span and flashed a shot across and over Sels’ goal.Almost immediately at the other end, Gibbs-White hit a dipping shot which Verbruggen helped over the bar acrobatically.Penalty deniedThe game was now more entertaining for the neutral. Hinshelwood should have done better with a free header from close range after an Estupinan corner.Nuno had seen enough by the hour and sent on Elanga and Hudson-Odoi.Forest thought the breakthrough had arrived soon afterwards when a sliding Mitoma inadvertently took down Anderson with his trailing elbow and Bankes pointed to the spot.But VAR Paul Tierney asked Bankes to look again and he changed his mind.The Forest bench signalled that they had been denied two spot-kicks, in reference to Adam Webster’s challenge on Yates earlier in the passage of play.Hurzeler made a double change of his own in an attempt to wrest back the initiative.Forest coming closeBut it was Forest who almost scored, Verbruggen again saving with a leg, this time from Elanga after he was played in by Gibbs-White..From another trademark break, Elanga failed to direct his cross to Gibbs-White, who collided instead with the post.After that, neither side did much to prevent another half an hour of play, despite what became 11 minutes allowed for stoppages.The first opening of extra time appeared for Brighton substitute Gomez but closed again when he cut back inside instead of shooting.The Paraguayan also had an effort well blocked by Nikola Milenkovic.At the start of the second period, Gomez forced Sels into his first decent save of the evening, with a goalbound header that the Belgian fingertipped over the bar.Penalty shootoutSels then beat away an effort by Simon Adingra before Jan Paul van Hecke blocked a Jota Silva shot.Home sub Joao Pedro had the ball in the net but Estupinan had been offside before heading the ball into his path.So the first time anyone scored would be from the spot.Brighton won both tosses, so went first in front of their fans.Pedro, Anderson, Brajan Gruda and Hudson-Odoi all scored. Sels saved Hinshelwood’s kick, Brighton’s third, but then Williams skied his.The Seagulls’ celebrations were short-lived as Gomez fired straight at Sels.READ MORE SUN STORIESMilenkovic converted, so Lewis Dunk had to do the same, and did.But up stepped Yates and he did a captain’s duty to send Forest to Wembley.Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels saved two penalties against BrightonCredit: Reuters More

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney slammed Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting line-up in the FA Cup.Forest defeated Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at the Amex Stadium to punch their ticket to the semi-finals at Wembley and challenge for their first piece of silverware in 35 years.Wayne Rooney criticised Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirot SantoCredit: AlamyManchester United legend Wayne Rooney slammed Nuno’s starting line-up at BrightonHowever, Nuno opted to bench key players, such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga and Ibrahim Sangare, while giving starts to the likes of Danilo and Nicolas Dominguez.Rooney was left “shocked” with the Portuguese tactician’s decision with Forest considered a favourite to lift the FA Cup with all of the Big Six out, bar Manchester City.The pundit, who underwent some hapless stints as manager of Derby, DC United, Birmingham and Plymouth, understood Nottingham’s bid for Champions League qualification.However, Man Utd’s record goalscorer, who won the FA Cup in 2016, was adamant key players need to maintain momentum.Read More on FootballRooney told the BBC: “I’m shocked. I think the FA Cup is such a prestigious tournament and to rest players in the quarter-final when you’ve got a great opportunity to get to the semi-finals… “They’re trying to get into Champions League football which is fine, it’s great.”But as a player, you want to play, you want to get momentum, you want to keep trying to win games.”To leave players out… If I was a fan, I’d be fuming. You want to win silverware and this is a great opportunity.Most read in FA Cup”To leave players out when they’re not guaranteed to win the game on Tuesday is beyond belief for me.”Nuno, who lost top scorer Chris Wood to a hip injury during the international break, addressed his choices before kick-off.’I’m not playing for you’ – Wayne Rooney could’ve played for different country before breaking England goal recordThe ex-Tottenham boss explained cup competitions are always a great opportunity to use players who don’t get enough minutes in the Premier League.Nuno said: “Look, the cup is always a good chance for players that work so hard and don’t have minutes in the Premier League, so we keep this idea.”Taiwo [Awoniyi] has been working good and Danilo has been working good. Players deserve their moments.”Nuno won’t be looking back at the quarter-final with any significant regret as his choices paid off and he sent Forest to the semi-finals for the first time in 34 years. More

CRYSTAL PALACE produced a stunning FA Cup splash-and-grab to book a semi-final date at Wembley.Jean-Philippe Mateta – donning his water polo-inspired protective headguard – barely made a ripple on his Eagles return.Ebere Eze’s magic sent Crystal Palace into the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: GettyHe curled a superb finish in off the far post at Craven CottageCredit: ReutersInstead, Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr stepped up to grab two goals in four first-half minutes, blowing a stunned Fulham out the water at Craven Cottage.A third goal against the run of play in the 75th minute sealed it thanks to second-half sub Eddie Nketiah.Marco Silva – enjoying his 500th game in management – will be scratching his head for weeks at this scoreline, shocked by how his Fulham boys failed to see this one out after such a dominant but toothless showing.The Portuguese coach will also be wondering what might have been had Adam Wharton received a second yellow for a 22nd-minute kick-out at Rodrigo Muniz.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFor now, Fulham’s 50-year wait to reach a domestic cup final goes on. Meanwhile, Austrian boss Oliver Glasner’s hero status in South London has hit new heights. The Selhurst faithful will genuinely be believing this is finally their time in the most open FA Cup for years – even if they were outplayed for large parts on the banks of the Thames.Mateta’s comeback was another positive for Palace and Glasner – the Frenchman making his first appearance since requiring 25 stitches in his left ear after being hit with a horrific kung-fu kick by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in the fifth round on March 1.A bizarre-looking headband covering the ear made its debut. Glasner joked in the build-up he looked like a water polo star, while his team-mates compared Mateta to a WWE wrestler.Most read in FA CupUnsurprisingly, he looked rusty and leggy, unable to add to his 15 goals in all competitions so far this term in this 69-minute outing, with chances few and far between for the visitors.Silva also made a big decision, bringing in Muniz to lead the line after his impressive goal-scoring display to down Tottenham in the Premier League before the international break, dropping Raul Jimenez to the bench.Why Man City could be dumped out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerThe early signs were promising. Inside the opening two minutes, Muniz outmuscled Marc Guehi, nipped past Maxence Lacroix and curled just wide of Dean Henderson’s far post.The Cottage was rocking. The noise was sensational. White and black flags had draped the stands before kick-off while red and blue balloons bounced around the away end. Early kick-offs in the cup are often recipes for tame, muted affairs, but this one – smothered in sunshine – had the feel of a final. Both sides recognised what a chance this was.Fulham continued to pile on the pressure, suffocating Palace. Sander Berge’s long-range shot was deflected wide by the hand of a lunging Jefferson Lerma. VAR weren’t fussed.Muniz then sent a header from a corner straight into the arms of Henderson. The visitors were struggling for a solution. Mateta cut an isolated, frustrated figure.He almost got his chance as Sarr skipped in front of Calvin Bassey on the edge of his box – only for his cut-back to be comfortably dealt with.It seemed inevitable Fulham would score. Bassey, this time rampaging forward, made the most of a mistimed Guehi clearance but his tee-up for Andreas Pereira was wasted.Soon after, Wharton kicked out at Muniz off the ball in the middle of the pitch, having already picked up a yellow for wiping out Willian in the 14th minute.Ref Darren England, surrounded by furious Fulham players, opted to give Wharton the benefit of the doubt. In hindsight, it was a huge let-off for Palace, one they would take advantage of.Lerma had just smacked the bar with an audacious volley, and in the 34th minute, Eze was given too much space to cut in off the left and curl a beauty in off the post from 25 yards, shushing the home fans with a smile.Palace’s cup king, four of Eze’s last five goals have come away from the Prem.Shell-shocked and downbeat, Fulham’s reaction could not have been worse, backing off Eze yet again, this time the England international going on the outside and getting a cross in.Sarr had wriggled free of Bassey’s grasp for the simplest of flicked headed finishes.In truth, Fulham never looked like getting back into it from there. Palace were beginning to enjoy themselves, especially Wharton, suptuously pirouetting on the ball around two players just before the break.The Cottage demanded an almighty response, a memorable comeback. They received neither. The air had been let out of Fulham’s FA Cup balloon.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir second-half highlight included a deflected Willian effort off Wharton that was palmed away by Henderson and a subsequent goalmouth scramble from a corner that Bassey somehow failed to convert.Sticking to the script of the day, Palace then struck against the run of play once more, Nketiah – who had replaced Mateta – slipped in down the left and poking a cute finish through the legs of his old Arsenal pal Bernd Leno.Adam Wharton was fortunate not to get sent offCredit: AlamyIsmaila Sarr headed in the second for the EaglesCredit: AlamyEddie Nketiah rolled in for 3-0Credit: ReutersNketiah was all smiles as he put the result beyond any doubtCredit: ReutersJean-Philippe Mateta returned to action with protection for his earCredit: GettyPalace fans revelled in their side’s emphatic winCredit: GettyMarco Silva knows this was a glorious chance for Fulham to win the FA CupCredit: AFP More

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA wore a water polo-style helmet on his return from a horror head injury.The Crystal Palace striker was taken to hospital after being on the receiving end of a sickening tackle in the last round of the FA Cup against Millwall.Jean-Philippe Mateta is wearing a helmet against FulhamCredit: GettyIt is reminiscent of a water polo hatCredit: PAMateta has not played since suffering an ear injury in the previous round of the FA CupCredit: GettyThe Eagles won the clash 2-1 to set up Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Fulham, but Mateta had not played since.He required 25 stitches in his ear and was spotted wearing a big bandage in a recent interview.On his return to action Mateta wore a water polo-style helmet to protect his ear and helped Palace to a 3-0 win at Craven Cottage.There was serious planning to put into the helmet’s design, with three versions considered.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMateta, 27, wore the helmet in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner joking afterwards that the helmet was better suited to water polo.He said: “It’s like a water polo helmet. In water polo it’s so they don’t get water into their ears, he has it just on one side. It sounds crazy, but we are used to it.“I said to him maybe you should try [water polo] because he’s tall enough.”It looks a bit strange but he says he feels comfortable so let’s see.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“When he scores a header, then it was the right mask and the right protection.“Our doctor and the team did a great job finding the right protection. Everything is approved by the FA.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star“There were three different ones. He tried one like you use to ride a motorbike but he couldn’t train with this because it was too heavy.“I said to the doctor I remember Petr Cech wearing a helmet but the ear was free so we needed the full helmet. Then we found the right one.“He tried in training which one fits him best and doesn’t influence him in the wrong way.“If I believed it was a problem, I wouldn’t play him but it looks like it isn’t a problem.“The last 10 days he’s had this protection and he did well in training so I didn’t find a reason to talk about this.” More