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      Blackburn vs Newcastle FA Cup clash DELAYED 15 minutes as Gary Lineker makes statement live on BBC

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      KICK-OFF was delayed by 15 minutes in the FA Cup clash between Blackburn and Newcastle.The two sides met at Ewood Park in the fifth round on Tuesday night.
      Kick-off between Blackburn and Newcastle at Ewood Park was delayed by 15 minutesCredit: Getty
      Gary Lineker announced the delay was due to issues preventing Newcastle fans going through the turnstilesCredit: Getty
      Gary Lineker announced the start of the match had been pushed back during live coverage on BBC One.
      He explained that kick-off had been delayed by 15 minutes due to Newcastle fans struggling to get through the turnstiles at Ewood Park.
      Rovers also confirmed in a statement on X: “Kick-off has been delayed by 15 minutes until 8pm in order to allow as many supporters as possible to enter the ground.”
      During the delay, Eddie Howe’s players were seen returning to the pitch to warm-up for a second time as kick-off edged closer.

      The match was delayed further after kick-off due to a protest from a section of Blackburn supporters.
      Tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch in the 14th minute in opposition to 14 years of ownership by the Venkys group.
      The clash went on to go all the way to penalties after it ended 1-1 following extra-time.
      Martin Dubravka’s heroics sealed a shootout victory for the Magpies as they booked their place in the last eight.
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      The action was later delayed again when tennis balls were thrown onto the pitchCredit: Getty
      A group of Blackburn supporters carried out a protest against the club’s ownersCredit: Getty
      The draw for the quarter-finals will be held at 7pm on Wednesday.
      Lineker was joined in the studio by Micah Richard and former Blackburn and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer.
      Maidstone’s unusual pre-match routine picked up by ITV cameras live on TV ahead of historic FA Cup clash
      The trio filled the added time before kick-off by discussing Shearer’s time at each club as well as analysing both line-ups.
      Shearer won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995 before going on to score a club record 206 goals for Newcastle. More

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      Is VAR in use for FA Cup fifth round ties?

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      THE FA Cup is heading towards the business end – and there are some huge names eyeing glory.Premier League giants Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City and Chelsea are all taking part in the fifth round.
      The use of VAR has been a controversial topic in the FA Cup this seasonCredit: Times Media Ltd
      Non-league Maidstone had their fairytale FA Cup run ended by Championship high flyers Coventry after Mark Robin’s men booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 5-0 win.
      Fellow second-tier sides Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City are both in action in the fifth round as they test themselves against Premier League opposition.
      But fans are confused if VAR will be in use for FA Cup fifth round ties.
      Is VAR in use for FA Cup fifth round ties?
      VAR will only be in use at Premier League grounds for FA Cup fifth round ties due to licencing rules.
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      The prestigious competition has used VAR since 2018, when it was used in a trial format.
      However, it has only been used at Premier League grounds as the FA has never applied to the International Football Association Board (Ifab) for full use across all fixtures.
      It would be complicated and expensive to install VAR at some EFL and non-league league grounds, meaning it wouldn’t be a worthy investment for a one off tie.
      The FA has been criticised for creating an imbalance in sporting standards in the competition.
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      Responding to criticism last year, the FA said: “Video assistant referees provide match officials with additional support and should be utilised wherever possible.
      “However, only Premier League stadiums are currently licensed to use VAR due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required.”
      Which FA Cup fifth round ties will have VAR in use?
      With just Premier League grounds allowed to use VAR, Bournemouth, Luton, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Wolves and Liverpool will all have it in use for their FA Cup fifth round ties.
      But the two games hosted by Championship sides – Coventry 5-0 Maidstone and Blackburn vs Newcastle will not have the technology enabled.
      Will there be replays for the FA Cup fifth round?
      FA Cup replays have become a huge part of English football’s most famous cup competition.
      And there have been extensive changes in recent years regarding whether they are included.
      In the 2020-21 and the 2021-22 seasons, all replays were scrapped due to fixture congestion.
      But they were brought back for the third and fourth rounds of the 2022-23 campaign.
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      In the 2023-24 season, there were also replays for the third and fourth rounds.
      However, from the fifth round onwards, there will be no replays and matches that end in a draw will be settled on the night. More

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      Coventry 5 Maidstone 0: Non-league minnows blown away by forgotten ex-Premier League ace’s 26-minute hat-trick in FA Cup

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      ELLIS SIMMS played party pooper by ending Maidstone’s brilliant FA Cup run with a stunning first-half hat-trick.Having knocked out Barrow, Stevenage and Ipswich to reach the last 16, the quality between the 95 places that separated the Championship promotion contenders and the National League South side finally told.
      Ellis Simms bagged a 26-minute hat-trick against MaidstoneCredit: Getty
      Maidstone were outclassed in the 5-0 defeat against CoventryCredit: Rex
      Maidstone made sure to take in the atmosphere their 5,000 travelling fans had gave themCredit: Getty

      The £6million summer signing from Everton was in no mood to read the romantic script.
      And his partner in crime Kasey Palmer, who Bristol City once paid £3.5m for, provided all three assists.
      Two identical goals in the ninth and 14th minutes – Simms running onto Palmer defence-splitters before firing home gave Maidstone a mountain to climb.
      And then the striker added his sixth goal in eight games by netting into an open net after Palmer saw his speculative 35-yard effort pushed into his path by Covolan.
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      So Maidstone’s adventure was all but over by half-time.
      And then Fabio Tavares slotted two late efforts to give Coventry a flattering scoreline.
      But what George Elokobi has achieved with Maidstone is nothing short of remarkable – and surely he is destined to manage in the EFL.
      The non-leaguers are only the second side from the sixth tier down to reach the last 16.
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      When you consider only two clubs from outside the Premier League have got that far this season – with Championship side Blackburn being the other – it makes the achievement even more incredible.
      And most importantly the Stones earned a cool £450,000 from their cup run which is being earmarked to improve their Gallagher Stadium.
      Shock moment Maidstone fan FALLS OFF stand during wild celebrations as non-league side pull off huge FA Cup upset
      They were always going to have their work cut out against a Coventry side that went within a penalty shootout of the top flight at Wembley in May.
      Maidstone had to face a £14m strike force in Haji Wright and Simms.
      And they needed a brilliant early save from Covolan.
      After a bit of ping pong inside the Kent side’s box, the ball fell to Palmer and his ferocious half volley was kept out by a diving save.
      The Brazilian – the hero of Maidstone’s stunning win at Portman Road in the last round – could do little when Palmer thread a lovely pass to cut the Stones defence in half for Simms to run on and slot home.
      Simms ran to the touchline before grabbing and holding up a No7 shirt in honour of Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, who was taken to hospital after sustaining a horrible injury on Friday against Preston and is out for the season.
      And in the blink of an eye, it was 2-0.
      Yet again Palmer slipped another gorgeous through ball into Simms, who this time on his leg peg shot past Covolan.
      Simms paid tribute to Tatsuhiro Sakamoto following his first goalCredit: PA
      Fabio Tavares rounded out the show with two late goalsCredit: Getty
      Reiss Greenidge almost scored the unluckiest but most spectacular own goal ever.
      George Fowler hammered an attempted clearance into his team-mate’s forehead 30 yards from goal.
      The ball looped back towards his own goal and just cleared the bar with Covolan struggling.
      But Maidstone decided to go more attack-minded and Liam Sole fired a shot just over from 16 yards.
      And it was game over when Palmer saw his 35-yard daisy cutter well saved by Covolan – only for the ball to fall to Simms to slot into the empty net.
      Callum O’Hare replaced Wright after the break and forced Covolan into a fine early second-half save.
      Lamar Reynold fired into the side-netting and Maidstone continued to push forward.
      Covolan made a superb stop to keep out Palmer but he could do nothing when Fabio Tavares was put through by Godden.
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      And the youngster added a fifth by slotting home after Covolan palmed out Godden’s effort.
      It’s back to the bread and butter of National League South with a Kent derby at Dover – but thank you Maidstone for showing us that the Magic of the FA Cup lives on. More

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      Maidstone’s unusual pre-match routine picked up by ITV cameras live on TV ahead of historic FA Cup clash

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      MAIDSTONE were seen taking part in an unusual pre-match routine before their FA Cup fifth round clash.The National League South side were preparing to take on promotion-chasing Championship outfit Coventry.

      Maidstone did a lap of honour before their FA Cup clash with CoventryCredit: ITV4
      Players and staff joined in the gesture usually reserved for after a gameCredit: ITV4
      Around 5,000 Stones fans are estimated to have travelled to the gameCredit: ITV4
      And before kick off, Maidstone players and coaching staff were captured on ITV cameras doing a lap of honour around the Coventry Building Society Arena.
      The gesture is normally reserved for after a game.
      Regardless, the Stones got a loud ovation from their travelling support during the lap as they went past.
      An estimated 5,000 fans were said to be in the Maidstone end for the Monday evening clash.
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      And fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, were also in a supportive mood for the FA Cup underdogs.
      One fan said: “Unfortunately I think they get stuffed tonight but well done them on enjoying it to the fullest.”
      A second said: “Cheering for @maidstoneunited tonight.”
      While a third said: “C’mon the Stones.”
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      Maidstone captured the imagination of football fans around the globe, with Cameroon World Cup icon Roger Milla sending a message of support for compatriot and Stones boss George Elokobi.
      The former Wolves star, 38, told SunSport: “It was to congratulate me. This is what the magic of the FA Cup does. 
      World Cup Icon Roger Milla backs fellow Cameroonian George Elokobi to guide Maidstone into the FA Cup Sixth Round
      “He told me he had been watching us and to continue working hard.
      “He knows I’ve been doing well for Cameroon and flying the flag high. He wants to wish us well for the next round of the FA Cup.
      “And he also wanted to wish me good health and to keep working hard, keep developing and hopefully one day I’ll be able to help the nation.”
      But while the routine won the Stones plenty of fans, it failed to knock Coventry out of their stride as the Championship side progressed to the FA Cup quarter-final with a 5-0 win. More

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      Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd – FA Cup fifth round: Erik ten Hag’s side hoping to bounce back from awful Fulham defeat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED travel away to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday night.The Red Devils lost at the expense of a last-gasp goal in the dying minutes of injury time against Fulham at the weekend.
      Man Utd were beaten in the Premier League by Fulham on Saturday and next face Nottingham Forest in the FA CupCredit: Getty
      Both Manchester United and Nottingham Forest will be looking to advance in the FA Cup fifth round with both enduring difficult campaigns.
      Erik ten Hag’s men were left deflated as they saw themselves beaten right at the death thanks to Alex Iwobi’s injury-time winner.
      United missed the impact of Rasmus Hojlund, 21, as he and his team have been in fantastic form recently.
      Hojlund made history last week against Luton Town to become the youngest Premier League player to have netted in six consecutive league games – but United will need to get inspiration from elsewhere on Wednesday night.
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      Nottingham Forest beat United when they met in the League in DecemberCredit: Getty
      Defeat for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at Aston Villa meant Forest have only picked up two wins in their last eight games – with one being a penalties win against Bristol City in the previous round of the FA Cup.
      The clash at the City Ground is the perfect chance for Nuno’s side to make a statement as they have already taken down Ten Hag’s men this season.
      It will be interesting to see how Nuno sets up for this match with Forest heading into a tricky run of games in the Premier League.
      They host Liverpool at the weekend, then travel to Brighton and relegation rivals Luton Town – which will be a massive game at the bottom of the table.
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      Team News
      Erik ten Hag’s injury list is piling up as Luke Shaw remains out for the majority of the rest of the season, while Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Mason Mount are also expected to miss out.
      Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, and Antony are all likely to try and push for a starting place in the team.
      United are set to be without star striker Rasmus Hojlund againCredit: Alamy
      Forest’s absentee list is shrinking and they come into this game with Ola Aina, Chris Wood, Ibrahim Sangare, and Willy Boly missing.
      Nuno is likely to make a change or two after Forest’s defeat at Villa with Andrew Omobamidele, Harry Toffolo, and Divock Origi all knocking on the door for a place in the starting XI.
      Players to Watch
      Bruno Fernandes has struggled for form during this campaign, especially in comparison to previous seasons.
      However, the Portuguese could still prove to be a game-changer as he has 14 goal involvements in all competitions.
      Fernandes has scored in United’s previous two FA Cup ties – against Wigan and Notts County – and will hope to continue this run.
      Taiwo Awoniyi and Morgan Gibbs-White could prove to be the difference makers for Forest as both have managed to bag against United earlier this season.
      Awoniyi scored in the 3-2 loss to United at the start of the season, while Morgan Gibbs-White scored a lovely match-winning goal vs United last December in their 2-1 win at the City Ground.
      When is Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd?

      The game between Nottingham Forest and Man Utd will take place on Wednesday, February 28.
      The kick-off time for the game is 7.45 pm GMT.
      Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United will be held at the City Ground.

      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed FREE?

      Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd will be shown on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action FREE from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available to download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the match by following SunSport’s live blog.

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      What are the odds?

      Man Utd – 11/10
      Draw – 5/2
      Nottingham Forest – 9/4

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Chelsea vs Leeds tips and free bets for huge FA Cup clash tie with talkSPORT BET

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      CHELSEA and Leeds will renew their longstanding rivalry when the pair meet in a grudge FA Cup fifth round clash on Wednesday.We’ve picked out our top tip for the mega tie with talkSPORT BET – who are offering brand new customers an incredible £30 in free bets when they stake just £10 on football!
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      Chelsea will need to pick themselves up after Sunday’s desperately disappointing display when missing out on a golden chance of silverware.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side didn’t look like winning the final when it went to the extra 30 minutes, despite facing a Liverpool side with three kids in their shake-up.
      They now renew their rivalry with old foes Leeds with the Championship outfit on the up at present.
      Their huge, come from behind win over leaders Leicester not only put them in a strong place for promotion but also put them back in the title race to return to the top flight.
      TIP
      Christopher Nkunku did most of his best work defensively when sent on at Wembley.
      He should be in line for a start after Nicolas Jackson was anonymous for much of the contest.
      We do fancy Chelsea to bounce back and progress here as they’ve shown good cup form this season.
      But it will be a feisty game with lots up for grabs and it could be one that spills over.

      Our tip: Nkunku to score, Chelsea to win and over 3.5 cards at 29/10 – CLAIM HERE

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      Blackburn vs Newcastle: Best free betting tips and preview for FA Cup fifth round clash

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      BLACKBURN and Newcastle meet in what looks like a storming FA Cup fifth round clash.SunSport betting experts have previewed the crunch clash, and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the cup meeting.
      Best free bets for Blackburn vs Newcastle United

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      Blackburn vs Newcastle United preview
      The Alan Shearer derby takes top billing of the FA Cup fifth round clashes on Tuesday.
      Blackburn haven’t won any of their last four games in the league, drawing their last three.
      They’re four points clear of the relegation zone in the second tier but have just lost twice in nine home games.
      They’ve scored in all of those games, too.
      For Newcastle, they were ridiculously timid as they stood and watched Arsenal romp to a 4-1 win on Saturday.
      Eddie Howe has suggested players are currently playing for their Newcastle FUTURES after a disappointing drop-off this season.
      Injury issues are still plaguing Howe’s men but the returns of Alexander Isak and Joe Willock were big boosts on Saturday.
      The FA Cup and another cup run are pivotal for the club but also, mainly, for the supporters and this represents a great opportunity.
      Blackburn vs Newcastle United latest odds

      Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
      Blackburn vs Newcastle betting tips
      Away win
      Newcastle could and probably should have too much for Blackburn and avoid the upset.
      Their recent away woes – prior to Arsenal – had been eradicated with four wins on the bounce.
      They scored 11 goals in those four games, with two at Anfield prior to that in defeat and can rack up similar figures here.

      Newcastle to win and over 3.5 goals at 17/10 – CLAIM HERE

      Midfield battle
      It’s where games are won and lost and for Sondre Tronstad, he will be up against it in the battle.
      He’s actually been booked four times in the last eight games and will be without the ball plenty here.

      Will he?
      Joe Willock marked his return from a lengthy spell out with a goal in his 18 minute cameo at his former club.
      Will be hoping to feature for longer in this game and even coming off the bench, he represents a key part of the Toon attack.

      Joe Willock to score or assist at 9/5 – CLAIM HERE

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      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
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      Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
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      When is FA Cup quarter-final draw? Date, UK start time, TV channel, FREE live stream and ball numbers

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      THE fixtures for the FA Cup fifth round will take place this week as we enter the business end of the competition.Premier League leaders Liverpool take on Southampton after Manchester City travel to Luton.
      Manchester City are current FA Cup championsCredit: Times Media Ltd
      Non-league Maidstone continue their fairytale story as they face Championship side Coventry to kick off the fifth round on Monday night.
      Manchester United are looking to secure their 13th FA Cup this season but must get past Nottingham Forest first.
      Carabao Cup finalists Chelsea will be looking to hit back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Liverpool as they host the Championship’s second-place side Leeds.
      When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw?

      The draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals will take place on Wednesday, February 28.
      It is expected to take place at approximately 7pm GMT – just before Chelsea vs Leeds.

      READ MORE IN FA CUP
      What TV channel is the FA Cup quarter-final draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?

      The FA Cup quarter-final draw will be broadcast live on ITV4.
      You can live stream the draw for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog of the draw to find out who your team will be playing.

      FA Cup quarter-final draw ball numbers
      The ball numbers for the FA Cup quarter-final draw have been released:
      1 Blackburn Rovers or Newcastle United
      2 Chelsea or Leeds United
      Most read in FA Cup
      3 AFC Bournemouth or Leicester City
      4 Liverpool or Southampton
      5 Nottingham Forest or Manchester United
      6 Wolverhampton Wanderers or Brighton & Hove Albion
      7 Coventry City or Maidstone United
      8 Luton Town or Manchester City
      When will the FA Cup quarter-finals be played?
      The FA Cup quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of Saturday, March 16. More