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      Fan’s baffling request picked up by BBC mic on live TV during Blackburn’s FA Cup clash with Newcastle

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      BBC viewers were left baffled while watching the broadcaster’s coverage of Blackburn and Newcastle’s FA Cup game. A pitchside microphone picked up audio of an odd request from a fan.
      A BBC mic picked up a strange request from a fan at Ewood ParkCredit: Getty
      Roughly 13 minutes and 45 seconds into the game a fan could be heard appearing to shout a finger-fuelled request.
      The fan could be heard shouting a name before yelling: “Show us your fingers!”
      One said: “BBC need to sort this sound out! Really struggling to hear commentary, apart from ‘show us your fingers’ 🤔😂.”
      A second said: “A Blackburn fan shouting ‘SHOW US YA FINGERS’ being picked up on the BBC microphones is the true magic of the FA Cup.”
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      While a third added: “Did I just hear correct on BBC that someone in the crowd shouted ‘Giz a look at your fingers’?”
      The game between Blackburn and Newcastle was delayed by 15 minutes as fans struggled to get into the stadium.
      It was then stopped around 15 minutes into the match as the home support threw tennis balls on the pitch from the Ronnie Clayton stand.
      The move appeared to be directed in protest against Blackburn’s owners.
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      The BBC claims chants of “We want Venky’s out” could be heard in some sections of the stadium at the time.
      Players from both teams came together to clear the pitch.
      Roy Keane unimpressed by Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley’s tunnel antics in FA Cup
      It took several minutes for the balls to be either picked up or kicked into off the pitch.
      And the two sides breathed a sigh of relief as the ref deemed it safe to play on.
      Newcastle legend, and Blackburn title winner, Alan Shearer was at Ewood Park as part of BBC’s FA Cup coverage for the fifth-round tie.
      He was joined by Gary Lineker and Micah Richards in the studio for the game.
      This had viewers with a dilemma considering ITV’s own panel of pundits.
      Newcastle went into the quarters after a penalty shootout win.
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      Elsewhere, Man City thrashed Luton 6-2 with Erling Haaland netting five goals.
      Meanwhile, Leicester also progressed past Bournemouth 1-0 after extra time. More

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      Emotional Jack Grealish breaks down and is consoled by Man City team-mates after suffering devastating new injury

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      JACK GREALISH has suffered a devastating new injury blow against Luton in the FA Cup.The Manchester City winger broke down and was consoled by his team-mates during their fifth round triumph.
      Jack Grealish was forced off with another injury blow against LutonCredit: Getty
      The Manchester City star broke down on the substitutes benchCredit: ITV
      Grealish was forced off before half-time at Kenilworth Road and was visibly distraught by his latest setback.
      He was replaced by Jeremy Doku after 38 minutes with Pep Guardiola forced into an early change.
      After coming off, cameras picked up an emotional Grealish hiding under a training jacket before his team-mates consoled him.
      His spirits appeared to have slightly improved by the half-time whistle.
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      Grealish was seen showing his appreciation to the travelling City fans as he made his way across to the tunnel.
      Guardiola gave an update after the match, revealing: “I didn’t speak to the doctor but I think it is the groin, maybe quite similar.
      “He felt really really good but unfortunately he got injured. It’s been a tough season for him, he has to recover well.”
      Fitness and injury woes have limited the 28-year-old’s game time this season.
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      He previously missed six matches with a hamstring issue between August and September.
      Meanwhile, he was substituted just 21 minutes into City’s Champions League clash with Copenhagen earlier this month.
      Is this the moment Jack Grealish is told of his family’s terror at £1m jewellery break-in raid at his mansion?
      Grealish had not returned to action since before starting against the Hatters on Tuesday.
      He was absent from the matchday squad against Chelsea and Brentford, but was an unused sub for Saturday’s win over Bournemouth.
      Fortunately for City, a first half hat-trick from Erling Haaland had them in control of their last 16 FA Cup tie.
      The Norwegian forward grabbed two more after the break as his side ran out 6-2 winners over the Hatters.
      Grealish had to be consoled by his team-mates after coming offCredit: ITV
      He was replaced by Jeremy Doku after just 38 minutesCredit: Reuters More

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      Blackburn vs Newcastle STOPPED mid-match after protest with players forced to step in during FA Cup clash

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      BLACKBURN and Newcastle’s FA Cup tie was stopped mid-match after fans staged a protest on the pitch.Players on both sides were forced to step in as tennis balls were hurled from the stands onto the field of play.
      Blackburn and Newcastle’s FA Cup tie was halted after fans staged a protestCredit: Getty
      Players were forced to intervene as tennis balls were hurled onto the pitchCredit: Getty
      The incident occurred around 15 minutes into Tuesday’s FA Cup clash at Ewood Park.
      Blackburn and Newcastle were both competing for supremacy when a hail of tennis balls entered the field.
      Around 15 to 20 were hurled from the corner of the Ronnie Clayton Blackburn End by home fans.
      It appeared the balls were thrown onto the pitch to protest Blackburn’s owners.
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      The BBC claims chants of “We want Venky’s out” could be heard in some sections of the stadium at the time.
      Players from both teams came together to clear the pitch.
      It took several minutes for the balls to be either picked up or kicked into the sides.
      And the two sides breathed a sigh of relief as the ref deemed it safe to play on.
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      Neither group of players wanted to be standing around for long.
      That’s because kick-off had already been delayed for 15 minutes due to problems at the turnstiles.
      Fans switch over from BBC to ITV to watch ‘dream team’ presenting Luton vs Man City in FA Cup
      Newcastle fans struggled to enter Ewood Park in time for the original 7.45pm start.
      And the game was pushed back to 8pm to accommodate those who had made the long trip from the north-east. More

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      Fans in FA Cup broadcasting dilemma after spotting ‘dream team’ presenting ITV coverage at same time as BBC

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      FOOTBALL fans were left with an FA Cup broadcasting dilemma after realising who the presenting teams were on ITV and BBC coverage of the FA Cup.The BBC were showing live cup games of Bournemouth v Leicester and Blackburn v Newcastle while ITV were showing Luton v Manchester City.
      BBC and ITV had fans scratching their heads on who to watch for FA Cup coverageCredit: Getty
      ITV had Laura Woods, Roy Keane and Ian Wright on their FA Cup coverage
      Meanwhile, BBC had Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in their studio
      The Beeb’s coverage featured the presenting team of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on BBC One.
      Meanwhile, ITV1 had their own heavy-hitting trio of Laura Woods, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.
      Taking to social media fans were unsure which side they should turn on to watch.
      One fan said: “Got a dilemma, Gary Lineker on channel one or Laura Woods on another.”
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      A second said: “Which game to watch tonight? The Alan Shearer derby or the Andy Dibble derby?”
      A third fan knew who he would be watching, saying: “Laura Woods, Keano, Wrighty.. absolute dream team.”
      Another said: “Switching to ITV. Gary Lineker presenting.”
      On the other hand, a fifth said: “Lineker, Shearer and Micah Richards on pundits is so much better.”
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      The FA Cup fifth round has already seen plucky Maidstone knocked out by Coventry in a 5-0 thrashing on Monday.
      The Blackburn v Newcastle game was delayed by 15 minutes after fans had trouble getting into the stadium.
      Blackburn vs Newcastle FA Cup clash delayed 15 minutes as Gary Lineker makes statement live on BBC
      Newcastle went through in the end on penalties, while Leicester also progressed past Bournemouth after extra time.
      Man City thrashed Luton 6-2 with Erling Haaland scoring five.
      Another weird quirk of the FA Cup means VAR will only be in use at Premier League grounds.
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag revealed a fresh trio of injury doubts ahead of the Red Devils clash against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.
      You can keep up to date with all the FA Cup fifth-round action with SunSport’s live blog which you can find by clicking here. More

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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.
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      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