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      Aleksandar Mitrovic will face no further action after FA FAILS in appeal to have eight-game ban extended

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      ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC has avoided further punishment for his shoving of referee Chris Kavanagh.The Fulham hitman, 28, was given an EIGHT-MATCH ban for pushing the official in the Cottagers’ FA Cup quarter-final tie with Manchester United last month.
      Alexsandar Mitrovic shoved ref Chris Kavanagh during Fulham’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United
      The fuming Serbian was slapped with an eight-match ban but the FA tried to extend itCredit: AFP
      But the FA have failed in their bid to further throw the book at the strikerCredit: AFP
      FA chiefs were hoping to make a further example of the Serbian by extending his suspension.
      But an independent panel have decided the original punishment fits the crime.
      An FA statement read: “An Independent Appeal Board has dismissed appeals from the FA in relation to recent sanctions for Fulham’s Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic, and they will face no further action.
      “Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic were sanctioned by an independent Regulatory Commission following a hearing in relation to their tie against Manchester United in The FA Cup on Sunday 19 March.
      “The FA appealed the match-based sanctions imposed on the manager and forward in order to seek to increase the sanctions.
      “But both appeals were subsequently dismissed by the independent Appeal Board.
      “Marco Silva is free to be on the touchline from this weekend and Aleksandar Mitrovic will remain unavailable for the club’s next five matches.”
      It means Mitrovic will return for Fulham’s final three games of the season – including a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
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      Serbia international Mitrovic didn’t try to defend his actions, which he issued a grovelling apology for.
      In a statement on the club’s website, he said: “On a personal level, I regret my actions that led to me being sent off.
      “I allowed my frustration to get the better of me, and how I reacted was wrong.
      “I was trying to get the referee’s attention, but I appreciate that I should not have put my hands on him and I understand why he showed me a red card, my first in-game sending off for Fulham and my first since the 2015-16 season.
      “I have accepted the three-match ban for my red card, I have spoken to Chris Kavanagh to apologise, and I have volunteered to accept a club fine.
      “I now want to do what I can to put this incident behind me and get back to helping my teammates on the pitch as soon as possible.
      “In the meantime, I would like to reiterate my regret that this happened.
      “I have already said sorry to my team-mates, but I would also like to apologise to the Fulham fans, particularly those who travelled to Old Trafford to support us and who did not stop singing all game.
      “I hope to be back soon and repay their faith and support.”
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      Fulham will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Leeds United to Craven Cottage. More

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      Ex-Sheffield United captain delivers a plea to the Blades ahead of FA Cup semi-finals versus Manchester City

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      ROBERT PAGE has told Sheffield United’s stars to have no regrets as the FA Cup semi-finalists bid to go one better than the Class of 2003.The Wales boss was the Blades captain for their 1-0 cup semi defeat to Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal at Old Trafford 20 years ago.
      Robert Page played for Sheffield United between 2001-04 and was captain for the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Old TraffordCredit: Alamy
      Robert Pires scored the only goal as Arsenal beat Southampton to win the 2003 FA Cup
      Freddie Ljungberg struck the winner but the tie is remembered for David Seaman’s self-proclaimed ‘greatest save’ after the Gunners keeper incredibly denied Paul Peschisolido an equaliser – and a potential cup upset.
      Paul Heckingbottom’s United – on the brink of a Premier League return – face a similarly daunting challenge when the Championship high-fliers take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City treble chasers at Wembley tomorrow.
      Page, 48, said: “This is a free hit for Sheffield United. Promotion has to be number one for me. 
      “We’re potentially a win away from getting promoted back to the Premier League which is incredible. So this is a free game. Go and show off.
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      “Have a go and play against the best team in the world with the best players – irrespective of what Pep decides to do and what team he plays – enjoy the moment, roll your sleeves up and have the Blades behind them.
      “Give it everything you have got and have no regrets.”  
      The Yorkshire club were also in the second tier back then – and managed to reach the last four of both domestic cup competitions under Neil Warnock only to lose to the Gunners and Liverpool in the League Cup.
      But Seaman’s iconic match-winning save when the then 40-year-old, in his 1,000th senior game, clawed Peschisolido’s close range header off the line still haunts Page.
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      The ex-centre-back told the Blades Heaven podcast: “Still to this day, I can’t believe he kept the ball out. He has said it was his best save that he ever made in his career.
      “What an occasion! Great memories. It was incredible when we had a police escort driving into Old Trafford and there were Blades fans either side of the bus.
      “We’d been to the ground the day before because Neil didn’t want us to be fazed on the day with the crowd. He wanted that out of our system and it was the right thing to do.
      “Neil had spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson about the best way to play Arsenal, from a tactical point of view, and I respect him for that.
      “He didn’t look at Arsenal and just think, ‘We’re going to make up the numbers and defend for our lives.’ He thought, ‘No, we can have a go.’
      “Arsenal were a top team and they were flying. It’s similar to Manchester City.
      “We punched above our weight but we had chances. Sol Campbell was marking me for set plays and I got the better of him in the first minutes of the game.
      “The ball went to the back post and my header hit the side of the net. If I’d got the ball back across goal then it might have been a different outcome.
      “We gave a great account of ourselves and went toe-to-toe with them. I hope the supporters were proud of that level of performance that day.
      We’re potentially a win away from getting promoted back to the Premier League which is incredible. So this is a free game. Go and show off. Rob Page
      “But if you aren’t up for an FA Cup semi-final against top quality opposition then you’re in the wrong industry.”
      Despite the heart-breaking defeat, Page did receive a prized souvenir from the Blades’ big day out – Thierry Henry’s shirt.
      Page recalled: “I’d been away on international camp the month before and Eddie Niedzwiecki, who was a coach at Arsenal, was one of Mark Hughes’ assistants for Wales.
      “I knew we were playing Arsenal coming up so I said, ‘If you can mention it to Thierry, I would love to have his jersey at the end of the game’.
      “Fair play to Thierry, as soon as he came on to the pitch, he ran straight to me.
      “As a centre-back, the last person you want to see coming off the bench with fresh legs for the last 20 minutes is Thierry. Trust me.
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      “But as disgusted as I was to see him come on, he did cheer me up by saying, ‘I’ve heard you want my jersey’.
      “He was true to his word and as soon as the final whistle went he came straight over. It’s framed and in the house.” More

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      Liverpool legend trolls Man Utd with hilarious Treble message after Sevilla capitulation

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      LIVERPOOL legend Robbie Fowler trolled Manchester United after their Europa League elimination.United’s treble hopes went up in flames after a heavy 3-0 loss to Sevilla on Thursday at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

      Manchester United were eliminated from the Europa League at SevillaCredit: Reuters
      Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler trolled United after their ‘Micky Mouse treble’ claimsCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils were hoping to cap off a successful season with a Europa League trophy – as well as the FA Cup – after winning the Carabao Cup.
      However, the Manchester giants’ pursuit of glory came to a dramatic end and Erik ten Hag’s men can now only hope for a double as they are 15 points off the top of the Premier League table.
      Fowler decided to poke fun of Liverpool’s rivals as their original treble chase was very similar to the Reds’ triumph back in 2001.
      The Merseysiders won the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup 22 years ago under Gerard Houllier.
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      However, some United fans weren’t impressed and dubbed it the “Micky mouse treble” just two years after they won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
      Fowler hasn’t forgotten and took the chance to rub salt into his former foes’ wounds.
      The legendary striker shared a picture of himself and former team-mates Jamie Redknapp as well as Sami Hyypia holding a trophy each with a sarcastic caption.
      Fowler returned the favour with the following tweet: “Micky mouse treble.”
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      United are now targeting a Premier League top-four finish as well as the FA Cup.
      Ten Hag’s men are third in the Prem table and currently in the cup’s semi-finals.
      United will take on Brighton and could face either Sheffield United or rivals Manchester City in the final at Wembley. More

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      Pep Guardiola has inspired me to take Sheffield United to the brink of the Prem.. now we’re out to ruin his Treble dream

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has revolutionised not just the Premier League but the Championship too.That is the view of Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom, who pits his wits against the Spaniard at Wembley on Saturday in the FA Cup semi-final.
      Pep Guardiola is inspiring managers and teams in the Championship too
      Paul Heckingbottom says even EFL clubs have changed the way they look at football because of what Guardiola has achieved at Manchester City
      While Manchester City are chasing the first Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble since rivals United achieved it 24 years ago, the Blades could complete their own unique double.
      They need just three points from their last four games to return to the Premier League at the second attempt — and, as unlikely as it may seem, can lift the FA Cup too.
      Most teams in the second tier now try to play the sort of football that Guardiola has made his trademark.
      And Heckingbottom told SunSport: “When Pep Guardiola managed Barcelona, they became so dominant and the matches they were involved in changed a lot of people, a lot of young coaches in the way we see the game.
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      “And when I say ‘we’, I mean the English FA and how we were changing as young coaches in England and working within our academies. It coincided with a big shift in mentality there as well.   
      “When young coaches are looking for a possession-based style of football or making plays, comfortable on the ball and able to handle it under pressure, Barcelona were held up as the team to watch.   
      “Proceeding to Manchester City, he’s had a big influence on the English game. A lot of people have seen and experienced it first-hand. He’s gone on to show what a top coach he is with the results they’ve had. 
      “We’re under no illusions as to what type of test we’re facing. We know it’ll be a big challenge and a gauge to see how far off we are from these top teams.” 
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      Heckingbottom needs just one win to take the Blades back to the Premier League
      Sheffield United celebrates Iliman Ndiaye’s strike against Tottenham
      Heckingbottom has done a superb job with the Blades. 
      Many people in the red half of the Steel City wish he had been given the job permanently after being in caretaker charge for the club’s last 11 Premier League games two years ago following Chris Wilder’s departure.
      Instead they opted for Slavisa Jokanovic, who had previously led Fulham to promotion, but he was sacked in November 2021 and the club turned back to the popular Yorkshireman.
      And he almost led them straight back to the top flight, only to lose to Nottingham Forest on penalties in the play-off semi-finals.
      Heckingbottom has fused possession-based football with a hearts-on-sleeve and up-and-at-them approach traditionally expected from a second tier team — and built a mentally-tough culture.
      He said: “We do mental work without explicitly calling it that. It’s how we try and work every day. We’ve got some strong characters in the group and wanted to bring that into how we work and train — and that’s a no-excuses culture. 
      “A lot tends to be said about footballers, and how good they are tactically and technically, but ‘is he a good person or teammate?’ We’ve a lot of those guys so it’s been important to bring that out in us and put as much value in that mentality as someone scoring or assisting a goal. 
      “Rather than have mental and psychological sessions, we try to live it and make sure everyone becomes a part of what we are as a group of people. That’s been the best way to enhance that and try and grow it.” 
      Burnley and Sheffield United have been the two standout teams in the Championship. 
      Vincent Kompany’s Clarets have already booked their place back but the Blades have been put under pressure over the last couple of months by the relentless form of both Middlesbrough and Luton.
      “It’ll be a big challenge and a gauge to see how far off we are from these top teams.”Paul Heckingbottom
      They have also had to deal with off-the-field noise surrounding the potential takeover of the club by Nigerian tech businessman Dozy Mmobuosi, who has still not satisfied the EFL that he has passed their fit-and-proper owners’ test. 
      Heckingbottom said: “We’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing and focusing on ourselves. Middlesbrough and Luton have been in fantastic form, they’ll fight until the death.
      “They both have nothing to lose as they’re chasing us. They want to confirm their play-off positions but, in the meantime, they can have a go at chasing us down.  
      “Both teams are dangerous and we must expect that they’ll win every game but each time we win their margin for error becomes smaller and smaller.
      “We’ve been in this position all season with that target on our backs and have managed it well so we just need to maintain that and not get distracted by the off-field situation. 
      “We’ve had documented things surrounding the club, but we’ve tried to keep our focus and make sure that as a group of people – not just a football team – that we keep focussed on what our job is, which is trying to prepare well, train well and win games. 
      “Regardless of what’s been happening, the focus and mentality of the players has been excellent, and that has transferred onto the pitch.”
      Sheffield United’s FA Cup run has done little to hinder their Championship campaign. 
      Although promotion to the Premier League is the No1 target, Heckingbottom has not allowed either the FA Cup or league to get in the way of each other.
      He said: “When the FA Cup has come around it’s become our most important match. Our games have been a big part of this FA Cup story this season. 
      “We had our first game away at Millwall where we were dominant, performed well and won 2-0. 
      “Then we were involved with Wrexham which brought about its own story – we were a big part of that.  
      “Our squad, our players showed what we are about in those games. We came back and equalised with ten men, away from home in a difficult game, in a strange atmosphere to get a replay. 
      “And then the same at home, we were dominant but behind again and then we had to find a way to win the game, which we did.
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      “Our victory against Tottenham was talked about as a big implication of Spurs but it was a big moment for us as well. 
      “So, we’ve enjoyed every game in the cup.. But we’ve put the cup in its place. We’ve never let the cup overtake the league and likewise when we’ve had that cup game, we’ve never been prioritising the next league game. It’s all been about trying to win the game in front of us.”
      Paul Heckingbottom spoke to SunSport, courtesy of EFL sponsors Sky Bet More

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      I fell out with Arteta and his Arsenal staff over their touchline antics – I hope Man City win the title

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      MIKEL ARTETA and his coaching staff have no love lost with former Oxford United manager Karl Robinson.Robinson faced off against Arteta and Co when Arsenal paid Oxford a visit in the FA Cup third round.
      Karl Robinson is not Mikel Arteta’s biggest fanCredit: Getty
      He explained Arteta’s antics when Arsenal faced Oxford left a sour tasteCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But despite losing 3-0 – courtesy of a brace from Eddie Nketiah and a Mohamed Elneny header – it was the antics of Arteta and his staff, rather than his team’s performance, which riled up Robinson.
      Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I have seen it first hand (Arteta’s antics), it isn’t necessarily always him though.
      “I think there is one or two behind him that don’t conduct themselves great at time, which I was shocked by.
      “Listen, they were moaning at us for going down and wasting time. I tell you what, we will play Arsenal, right, and we will give you all the ball, 95 minutes.
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      “We are obviously going to be looking to set-plays and taking more long throw-ins.
      “It is part and parcel of what we have to do, but you are better than us. Then, they were having ago at me for doing that.
      “I think I said one or two things and I might have been wrong. They were calling me all sorts it was quite funny.
      “One of his staff members was calling me a cheat, this, and that, and I said ‘thank you.’”
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      Arsenal would be knocked out of the competition by title rivals Manchester City in the fourth round, and Robinson also hopes Pep Guardiola can clinch the title ahead of his former pupil.
      Robinson declared: “I want City to win it [the title], because of Guardiola.”
      And asked whether his rationale came down to his fractured relationship with Arteta, he added: “Yeh, probably. 
      “I just love Pep Guardiola and I’m just addicted to watching Man City play. I respect what Arsenal have done, they have been outstanding.
      “Without what Arsenal have done this season, the league would have been completely boring. It will go down to hopefully the last few games.
      “That’s why we do have the best leagues in the world, and part of that is having competition for Manchester City over the last three or four years and they are certainly going to do that.”
      Arsenal’s gap to City is now down to just four points after they threw away another two goal lead against West Ham.
      Consequently, the clash between the pair on April 26 has grown to be potentially the most pivotal game of the season. More

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      Major change to ITV coverage before FA Cup final as TV bosses look to give fans blockbuster day of sport

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      ITV are planning to move the Epsom Derby to an earlier slot in order to broadcast it immediately before the FA Cup final, according to reports.The terrestrial broadcaster is the home of UK racing, with the Derby one of its biggest events.
      The Epsom Derby could be given a new start timeCredit: AFP
      Last year’s FA Cup final kicked off at 4:45pmCredit: Getty
      Since 2015 it has been shown at 4:30pm in order to try and gather as big an audience as possible.
      This year it is set to take place on Saturday, June 3 – the same day as the FA Cup final.
      With ITV going up against the BBC, who also hold rights to the FA Cup final, they reckon that showing the Derby immediately beforehand could help retain viewers for the football.
      The Cup final kick-off time has yet to be confirmed by football chiefs.
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      Manchester City play Sheffield United in the first semi-final this Saturday, with Manchester United taking on Brighton in the second on Sunday.
      The final kick-off time will depend on who wins – with factors such as travel being taken into account.
      Last year’s final kicked off at 4:45pm, and according to the Mirror, the Epsom Derby could be moved to an earlier 4pm slot in order to get straight to the football afterwards.
      Along with Cheltenham and the Grand National, the Derby is one of the biggest events on ITV’s extensive racing schedule.
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      The terrestrial channel recently confirmed that they have secured exclusive rights to UK racing through to the end of 2026.
      This year will mark the first time that the FA Cup final has ever been played in June.

      The mid-season World Cup pushed the usual schedule back by a number of weeks, with the Champions League final not taking place until June 10.
      While the 2020 FA Cup final was also pushed back, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was not played until August 1. More

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      Panicking Man Utd fans all ask the same question with cult hero tipped to solve centre back crisis for FA Cup semi-final

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are panicking as to how Erik ten Hag will solve the club’s centre-back crisis for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.The clubs meet at Wembley on April 23 for a spot in the final but United could be stretched for options in the heart of the defence.
      Lisandro Martinez picked up an injury against SevillaCredit: Getty
      Raphael Varane also suffered a knockCredit: Getty
      While Harry Maguire is suspended for the semi-finalCredit: Rex
      Phil Jones may be recalled if he is fitCredit: Getty
      Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both picked up injuries against Sevilla in the Europa League, which could rule them out of the tie.
      While club captain Harry Maguire is suspended for the semi-final, and Luke Shaw is still on the mend from his recent injury.
      Which means that the club’s only available centre-backs would likely be Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones.
      Jones has barely played for the club over the last few seasons due to injury and falling down the pecking order.
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      The former England international has not played this season, leaving fans discussing the club’s options on social media.
      Some fans were up for giving the Premier League winner a chance.
      One tweeted: “One more last time.”
      While a second said: “Enters Sir Phil Jones.”
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      Although one fan was completely against the idea as they declared: “I don’t care, bring someone from the academy, definitely better than Phil Jones dawg.”
      However, other fans were predicting that either Scott McTominay or Casemiro could be utilised as a makeshift defender.
      One fan wrote: “Casemiro has played there this season and didn’t look out of place.”
      A second commented: “Casemiro I expect. He played him there with Lindelof against Burnley in the cup just before Christmas.”
      Scott McTominay and Casemiro could fill in at centre back if neededCredit: Getty
      A third added: “I’ll take the stick for it, but McTominay at CB as a stopgap isn’t the worse choice in the world.”
      In February, Ten Hag revealed the reason for Jones’ absence from the squad this season.
      The United boss said: “For the whole season he’s injured. I can’t say [if Jones will play again this season].
      “What I can say is that he’s not available for training since the first day of training this season so I think there’s not an opportunity for you to recover quickly and be available quickly.” More

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      How Man Utd will be forced to line up without Martinez, Varane and Rashford for FA Cup semi-final against Brighton

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will be forced to rely on several back-up players when they face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final.The clubs meet at Wembley on April 23 for a spot in the final but United could be without three key players.
      Marcus Rashford is currently sidelined for Man UnitedCredit: PA
      Lisandro Martinez was stretched off against SevillaCredit: Getty
      Raphael Varane also picked up a knock in the Europa League clashCredit: AP
      How Man United could line up against Brighton
      Marcus Rashford could miss the match after the club confirmed he will be out for a “few games” following an injury during the win over Everton.
      This means that Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag could give a chance to Anthony Martial to impress on the left wing.
      The French attacker is capable of playing across the frontline and could fill in for the England international if he is unable to feature.
      Alternatively, exciting prospect Alejandro Garnacho would also be able to deputise off the left-hand side.
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      But the main issue for the Dutch manager is in the heart of his defence.
      Lisandro Martinez was carried off the pitch in tears in the Europa League clash against Sevilla.
      The Argentine pulled up with nobody near him and could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
      Fellow centre-back Raphael Varane also picked up an injury in the game as he was withdrawn at half time.
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      That means Ten Hag will likely have to rely on back-up and Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones, due to Harry Maguire being suspended.
      The other option of Luke Shaw being used in the centre-back role is also scrapped due to his injury.
      Ten Hag could also opt to play Scott McTominay as an emergency defender.
      Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could have to play in defenceCredit: Getty
      An alternative line-up for the FA Cup semi-final More