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      Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

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      A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

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      I played alongside Ronaldo and Scholes at Man Utd but now run a shop aged 35 – I regret leaving Reds too early

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      FORMER Manchestrer United starlet Richard Eckersley has now embarked on a very different career path. The Red Devils academy graduate, who was given his big break under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009, has transitioned from football to running a zero-waste shop in Devon.Richard Eckersley began his senior career at Man Utd under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty – ContributorThe forgotten Man Utd man now owns Britain’s first zero-waste supermarket with his wifeCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceThe forgotten United man made his first-team debut in an FA Cup match against Tottenham on January 24 2009 as a substitute.Having joined United as a nine-year-old, he achieved his lifelong dream of making his first-team debut by stepping off the bench at Old Trafford.The former defender played alongside United legends Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.Eckersley told Manchester Evening News: “It was an awe-inspiring kind of moment.READ MORE MAN UTD”I was playing with people I had watched growing up and I was giving them the ball. It was a really surreal moment.”Three days later, he made his league debut in a 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.Then on March 1, 2009, he was on the bench for the League Cup Final against Spurs, which United won, earning him his first career medal.But his time with the senior squad did not last long as he left Old Trafford at the end of the season and signed a four-year contract with Burnley.Most read in FootballAnd the 35-year-old reflecting on his football said he regrets leaving Old Trafford so early on.Eckersley continued: “I think the decision to leave United was probably too early for me.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”I think I probably should have stayed on and developed at Carrington under the coaches that I was already working with, because I was making steady progress.”I think the jump from the cusp of one of the world’s greatest teams, you could say at that time, to Burnley, who had just got promoted but were going to be a struggling team in the Premier League was a massive jump.”After moving to Burnley Eckersley’s career took a different turn. He had loan spells with Plymouth, Bradford, and Bury before crossing the Atlantic to join MLS side Toronto in 2011, making the move permanent the following season.The move to the MLS was a much-needed change for the Salford-born star, who had lost his love for the game in the UK.Eckerlsey said: “I was desperate just to play and desperate to enjoy football, because at the time I wasn’t enjoying football.”I was playing in League Two, I was going on loan to Bradford, Bury and places like that.”Even though it was competitive football, I just wasn’t enjoying the football side of things because I enjoyed playing football and how we used to play at United.”But at 26, after leaving Toronto and having stints with New York Red Bulls and Oldham, Eckersley decided to retire from football. Seeking a new direction that would bring him closer to his family, he chose an uncommon path for ex-footballers by opening a zero-waste shop.Passionate about vegan and organic food, Eckersley and his wife founded Earth.Food.Love, the UK’s first zero-waste shop, located in Totnes, Devon.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “It gives us a purpose, I think that is the biggest thing. I love letting my children see that. “I think that is the biggest thing: seeing their mum and their dad enjoying what they do. We’re all intermingling and they are never more than five minutes away from me all the time. That is important for me.” More

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      Non-league side lose 14-0 after fielding team of fans, a coach and even their press officer in protest at Hampshire FA

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      A NON-LEAGUE side lost 14-0 after they fielded a team of fans in a protest towards the Hampshire FA.Farnborough were hammered by Tadley at Cherrywood Road in the in the Servio Men’s Senior Cup second round.Farnborough boss Spencer Day missed the 14-0 defeatCredit: Farnborough FC TVThe Vanarama National League South club lost to Tadley despite the outfit being three steps above them.However, Farnborough’s team selection may be an explanation to the result.The team included fans, the club’s media manager Dom Lloyd, two first-team players and goalkeeping coach Dave Hill.The reason behind the selection was due to the club’s protest towards the Hampshire FA.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFarnborough were disqualified from the competition in 2022 after beating AFC Porchester 8-0.They were kicked out of the competition after failing player eligibility rules.After the decision, Farnborough boss Spencer Day argued that the rules were in a “grey area” and insisted that the club had always taken it seriously.Farnborough has come under scrutiny for the result as many have claimed the club has been “disrespectful”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “Outrageous, should be made to play the rest of the season with that team.”A second commented: “Why take part if you had no intention of trying to win. An embarrassment and a disgrace.”Forgotten Premier League star scores Puskas contender in training as baffled fans say ‘didn’t know he was still playing’A third wrote: “That is truly shambolic and disrespect to a cup competition.”Just withdraw, don’t disrespect cup competitions by getting humbled to this blatant extent.”A fourth said: “Well done tadley, wish it was more, the disrespect from Farnborough.”Another joked: “Could have gone either way lads.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      A sparkie, night shiftworker and sweet shop owner shooting it out for FA Cup golden ticket at Wembley

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      A SWEET shop owner, electrician and a telecoms engineer are all shooting it out to be at the FA Cup Final – one way or another.The trio would all love to fire their respective non-league sides to a miraculous Wembley triumph.Jonathan Lacey was last season’s top goalscorer in the FA CupCredit: X @EmiratesFACupAshford United’s Gary Lockyer is leading the way in this season’s competitionCredit: X @AshfordUnitedFCHe has eight goals so far and is gunning for more this weekendCredit: X @EmiratesFACupHowever, it’s fair to say that they all stand a much better chance of being a VIP under the arch instead of actually playing on Saturday 17 May. And that is because all three are currently battling to be crowned this season’s FA Cup top scorer and land themselves the Mitre Golden Ball award.The Football Association created it three years ago, and the winner gets the honour of not only collecting the trophy from an FA Cup legend but also walking the cup final match ball out onto the Wembley pitch before the final.The competition has already provided Tilbury hotshot Sam Bantick, who has five goals so far, with his greatest football memory.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 32-year-old, who owns Sam’s Sweets and Shakes near Brentwood station, tasted the magic of the cup firsthand back in 2017.That was when he helped fire Heybridge Swifts into the first round proper and scored in their 3-1 defeat against their Football League opponents at St James Park.He moved to Isthmian League North Division outfit Tilbury this summer and capped his home debut with a hat-trick against Buckhurst Hill.But his exploits were caught on camera, and he soon went viral when his third, an audacious effort from inside his own half, was shared online.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’ve tried it a few times but it hasn’t always come off. If I could do it all the time then I wouldn’t be playing the level that I’m playing at,” he told Sun Sport.“I hit that perfectly and as soon as I did I knew it was going in. I’ll always remember it.” I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundBantick has never been to an FA Cup Final, but after discovering the prize that awaits the top goalscorer, he says it would top the “best day of my life” at Exeter if he went to Wembley to collect the trophy.He said: “I’ll have to try a bit harder on Saturday now.“We don’t often get exposure or the chance to play big sides, of course you want to help your team out, but to get the chance to get honoured on a personal level like that is unreal.”And ahead of welcoming National League South outfit Chelmsford City to Chadfields, he added: “It’s going to be really tough, but it’s XI vs XI.“We know we’re massive underdogs but they’ll have to come to our ground, the changing-rooms will absolutely stink and we’ll try and make it as hard as we can for them.”Sparkie Sonnie Coleman, 27, is another looking to continue his hot-streak of six goals in three matches.And the Northern League Crook Town striker, who scored to help Hardwick Social retain the FA Sunday Cup in 2018 at Bramall Lane, has even played at Wembley before.He was part of the Stockton Town side that suffered FA Vase Final heartbreak at the hands of Thatcham Town six years ago.Tilbury hero Sam Bantick went viral earlier in the competitionCredit: Focus PhotosHe runs a family sweet shop near Brentwood stationCredit: Focus PhotosHe said: “Winning the Sunday Cup two years running was great but the Vase was the biggest game I’ve played in. That was the first and only time that I’ve ever been to Wembley. “So it would be amazing to get there and I have been keeping my eye on it.“I’ve seen the leader has eight, but I feel a bit ripped off as we haven’t had one replay and just gone straight through. He’s had a couple of replays but he’s obviously doing very well.”Coleman is gunning for Witton Albion, who are a step above them in the pyramid, on home turf on Saturday and added: “It’s already the furthest the club have been in the cup this century.“We’ve beaten Ashington already, who were from a step above, so let’s see if we can go even further.”The man they are all chasing is Ashford United’s Gary Lockyer.He already has EIGHT – including a four-goal haul in the last round – but was only told about JJ Lacey’s haul of ten being enough to secure the Golden Ball last season a fortnight ago.Sonnie Coleman of Crook Town already has some fabulous Wembley memoriesCredit: Si CrumbsLockyer, who works night shifts as a telecoms engineer for Network Planning Solutions, said: “After the four goals took me to eight, my manager said ‘you should be really up there’ but I hadn’t really thought or known about it.“I then looked it up and saw that the gentleman won it with ten goals last time and instantly thought ‘I’m quite close here’ and it would really be something to remember.“So I’m definitely hoping for a few more.”Man Utd fan Lockyer, 31, has experienced the first round proper when he was 17 at Hyde Town but didn’t play and he has also attended finals under the arch as a spectator.But the father-of-four is determined to stave off his competition and beat the likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the scoring stakes to land himself and his wife a VIP day out under the arch.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after being informed that his rivals were desperate for him to draw and blank and for Ashford united to be eliminated, Lockyer added: “I’m exactly the same!“I’m one for healthy competition and I’m eager to get it now that I know I’m in the lead. Hopefully I can get a few more this weekend.” More

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      What did Rodrigo Bentancur say to Son Heung-Min?

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      RODRIGO Bentancur drew widespread criticism after he made a comment at the expense of his Tottenham teammate Son Hueng-min.The footballer now faces charges from the FA, after making the comment on a Uruguayan TV show.Rodrigo has been charged by the FACredit: Reuters- Action ImagesSon Heung-min has addressed Bentancur’s commentsCredit: AFPOn the show, Rodrigo was asked about a teammate’s shirt.He responded: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too. They all look the same.”The video quickly spread across social media, leading Bentancur to post an apology on his Instagram story. In the video, he said: “Brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke!”Read more in sportsHowever, there is still the possibility that Bentancur could face a serious ban.What have the FA said about Bentancur’s comments towards Son?The FA charged Rodrigo with breaching FA Rule E3, which covers references to someone’s nationality, race, or ethnic origin. The football body went one step further by releasing a public statement about the incident. The statement read: “Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview.Most read in Football”It’s alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.”It’s further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach” which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”Rodrigo has until September 19, 2024, to respond to the charges.How will Bentancur be punished for his comments towards Son?It is not known how the FA will respond, once Rodrigo has addressed the charges, but they have a long history of punishing racist comments made by players.In 2011, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was fined £40,000 and given an 8-match ban, after he was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.Tottenham complete £20m Rodrigo Bentancur signing on permanent transfer from Juventus Also, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, was fined £50,000 and given a one-match ban, after he made a comment about Benjamin Mendy.Tottenham Hotspur FC released a statement regarding the incident, which included comments from Son.Son said: “I’ve spoken with Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised.“Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all.“We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe football club has also said that further education promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion will be given to their players.They also said they hope that this will have a positive outcome. More

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      Ex-Premier League star on trial accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine as he’s called ‘major player in drugs world’

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      FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam has gone on trial – accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine.And the former Wigan defender is also being investigated for alleged money laundering, together with four family members.Ronnie Stam is on trial accused of smuggling two tons of cocaineCredit: GettyStam was part of Wigan’s FA Cup-winning run in 2013Credit: Action Images – ReutersStam, 40, spent three top-flight seasons with the Latics.  He took part in their FA Cup-winning run in 2013, although missed their 1-0 final win over Manchester City.But Dutch police arrested him in June on suspicion of drug offences in 2021 and 2022.  He has been on remand since then.And a court in Breda on Thursday heard that Stam had been involved in trafficking 2,217 kilos of cocaine.A prosecutor told the hearing: “This case concerns hundreds of kilos of cocaine each time.Read More on Football”I contend that Stam was a major player in the drugs world.”Stam was not in court to hear the accusations.  He must appear before a judge on November 28.The player’s parents, brother and girlfriend were arrested alongside him in June under suspicion of the same offences after police reportedly cracked an encrypted messaging service.Cops later raided six homes and a camper van, finding €100,000 (£85,000) in cash.Most read in FootballThey seized the money, three properties, a yacht, three cars, six luxury watches and jewellery.Stam is the only family member still in custody.  His lawyer asked the court to provisionally release the ex-player.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4However the judge refused, voicing fears that Stam will flee to join his brother in Dubai.The footballer won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Twente under ex-England boss Steve McClaren in 2010.That helped him land a £2million move to the Premier League, where he made 73 appearances before leaving Wigan for Belgian side Standard Liege in 2013. More

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      I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying round

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      CURTIS WESTON made history against Manchester United in the 2004 FA Cup final… and is still going in non-league 20 years later.The midfielder, 37, came on for Millwall’s player-manager Dennis Wise in the 89th minute at the Millenium Stadium.Curtis Weston replaced Dennis Wise in the 2004 FA Cup finalCredit: ReutersWeston is the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup finalCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The SunThe second-tier side trailed 3-0 when Weston entered the fray – and that was how it stayed.Yet despite it only being a brief appearance, he still made history as the youngest player to participate in an FA Cup final at the age of just 17 years and 119 days.It was only the second game of his career – and the record still stands today.Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “Don’t forget I was 17, a kid, and I was going to the FA Cup final. It was a great achievement in itself to be named in the squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was only on the day of the final I was told I was going to be on the bench. I was surprised, shocked, so excited.”He added: “I spent as much time as possible warming up on the side of the pitch to soak up the atmosphere, getting close to the action because [Cristiano] Ronaldo was doing all his tricks.”More than two decades on and Weston, who still has ex-Man Utd defender Mikael Silvestre’s shirt, is yet to hang up his boots as he continues his career in the lower divisions.After leaving Millwall in 2006, he went on to play for Swindon, Leeds, Gillingham, Barnet and Chesterfield.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe won the League Two play-offs with Gillingham and Conference with Barnet, before he dropped down to non-league.Brief stints at AFC Fylde and Buxton in the National League North followed.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamAnd now he is preparing to return to FA Cup qualifying with Derbyshire-based outfit Mickleover.Weston’s side will come up against Anstey Nomads in the second qualifying round on Saturday.He said: “The second qualifying round is a long, long way from the final.”But playing in the FA Cup still brings me an awful lot of pleasure.”Weston also revealed his former Millwall manager Wise recently contacted him.He added: “It’s funny because Dennis [Wise] contacted me recently on social media to see how I was doing.”It’s crazy how time flies. I know it’s 20 years ago but I remember it all like it was yesterday.” More

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      Tottenham hit with their own injury blow after Arsenal lost Odegaard as star limps off on international duty

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      YVES BISSOUMA is a doubt for the North London derby after limping off on international duty.The Tottenham midfielder, 28, was in action for Mali against Eswatini on Tuesday and netted the only goal of the game.Yves Bissouma limped out of Mali’s clash with EswatiniCredit: GettyArsenal’s Martin Odegaard picked up an injury against AustriaCredit: SplashBut he was forced off with a knock in the 65th minute after a heavy tackle and now Spurs are sweating on his fitness for Sunday’s powder-keg clash at home to Arsenal.Bissouma was handed a one-match club ban last month for filming himself inhaling nitrous oxide, so missed the season-opener at Leicester.Yet he has started both games since and netted a stunner in the 4-0 victory over Everton.The blow comes just days after Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard picked up an ankle injury while playing for Norway.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gunners’ captain will miss the derby game and could be out for at least three weeks.Meanwhile, fellow midfielder James Maddison says it is the current Spurs squad’s “duty” to end their trophy famine.Tottenham have not tasted silverware since winning the League Cup in 2008.They compete in the Europa League this term, while they have a potential banana skin of an opening Carabao Cup tie away to Coventry on Wednesday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking to Australian channel Optus Sport, Maddison said: “What trophy would I like to win? I’d like to win all of them!“It’s spoken about a lot in the media here and kind of a bit of a black mark against Tottenham’s name in terms of silverware.Arsenal fans raging as ‘smug’ Norway boss ‘cracks joke’ about Martin Odegaard’s devastating injury on live TV“That’s on us, that’s our duty to try to change the history of recent times and try to get our hands on silverware.“It’s not a thing that we should not talk about.“The club needs to be winning trophies of this size and with the quality that we have, we should be battling it out for trophies.“So we’ve got a good few competitions this year with the Europa League, the Carabao, the FA Cup and the Premier League.“Hopefully we can have a deep run in one of them because winning trophies is for sure the best thing about football.“When all is said and done at the end of your career, you look back on what you’ve won, I think.”James Maddison wants to end Spurs’ trophy droughtCredit: GettyHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More