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      ‘Clearly insufficient’ – FA looking to increase Millwall ace Liam Roberts’ three-match ban after horror Mateta challenge

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      THE FA has warned Millwall keeper Liam Roberts to expect a long ban after his shocking foul on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.In a statement released Wednesday morning, the FA announced that “in the circumstances the standard punishment is clearly insufficient”.Roberts collides with Mateta on SaturdayCredit: GettyMateta was hospitalized to receive specialist treatmentCredit: ReutersMichael Oliver needed to check the VAR monitor before sending Roberts offCredit: Pro SportsThe current sanction is a standard three-match ban, which saw Roberts miss last night’s Championship tie against Bristol City.He will also miss upcoming trips to Watford and Leeds.Roberts was given until Thursday March 6 to respond to today’s statement by the FA.But Millwall have immediately issued a statement of their own.Read more football storiesIt reads: “Millwall Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement and will continue to support Liam who has been subjected to horrendous online abuse since Saturday’s collision.”The clash came just eight minutes into Millwall’s FA Cup tie at Selhurst Park, a first South London derby since 2022.As Mateta chased a high ball into the box, Millwall goalkeeper Roberts leapt to clear it, kicking Mateta in the head in the process.Mateta was rushed to hospital for “specialist treatment”, where he received 25 stitches on his left ear.Most read in FA CupReferee Michael Oliver did not initially give a foul but sent Roberts off after a short VAR review.The FA have now submitted a claim to increase Roberts’ sanction.Millwall supporters have rallied behind their keeper, holding a minute of applause in the eighth minute of Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Bristol City.It comes after they chanted “let him die” as France international Mateta received treatment on Saturday.The club has also released statements in his defence, referring to reporting and punditry on the foul as “unwarranted character assassination”.Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish appeared on BBC One at half-time to discuss the foul, saying: “In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve not seen a challenge like it.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim defends Patrick Dorgu after error and red card against Ipswich “That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen, and I think [Roberts] needs to have a long, hard look at himself.”Millwall manager Alex Neil rebuked that statement post match, saying Roberts simply “misjudged [the clearance] and caught the lad”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I don’t think it is meant. I don’t think there is any intent, why would there be intent?”It is not yet known when Mateta will return to play.Millwall had a minute’s applause for Roberts in the match against Bristol More

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      ‘We’ve not seen that’ – John McGinn debunks Ruben Amorim’s Marcus Rashford claims after Champions League masterclass

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      ASTON VILLA captain John McGinn has defended his new team-mate Marcus Rashford from Ruben Amorim’s criticism.Rashford joined Villa on loan in January after struggling for minutes under new Manchester United manager Amorim, making just six appearances following his arrival in November.Rashford impressed again in the Champions League for VillaCredit: GettyRashford and Asensio have made an impression since joining on loan in JanuaryCredit: GettyHis primary complaint was a lack of intensity in Rashford’s training and reluctance to buy into his ideas.The Portuguese said: “I couldn’t put Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it.”Since moving to the Midlands, though, Rashford, 27, has been back to his best, impressing in his first appearances for Villa and most recently starring in Tuesday’s 3-1 Champions League win over Club Brugge.McGinn has now revealed how well Rashford and his fellow Villa loanees Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi have settled in behind the scenes.Read more footballHe said: “They’ve been a breath of fresh air.”Three really good guys, obviously come with big reputations but they haven’t shown any ego.”They’re pretty low maintenance, they work hard to get their careers back on track.”Like Rashford, Asensio and Disasi are looking for redemption at Villa after struggling at their respective clubs.Most read in Champions LeagueSpanish international Asensio, 29, never quite kicked on after joining PSG from Real Madrid, but scored a brace for Villa in a 2-1 win over Chelsea shortly after moving.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionDisasi, 26, struggled to win over Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, falling behind free transfer Tosin Adarabioyo in the pecking order.McGinn continued: “They obviously weren’t playing at their clubs, so what we can give them is a platform to do that and be happy.”All we want in return is for them to be a good team-mate, work hard, do the things we’ve all been doing over the last couple of seasons and show their quality. “They’ve been brilliant.”Villa’s away win over Club Brugge gives them the upper hand going into the second leg at Villa Park, which will take place next Wednesday.McGinn during the win over Club BruggeCredit: GettyDiasi has hit the ground running after his switch from ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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      Thomas Tuchel having doubts about England call-up for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, despite latest injury setback

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      NEWCASTLE and England have been dealt a huge blow after Lewis Hall was ruled out for the rest of the season.The news would appear to bolster the prospect of Arsenal’s 18-year-old star Myles Lewis-Skelly receiving his first senior Three Lions call-up – but Thomas Tuchel may have other ideas.Lewis Hall has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: PALewis-Skelly has been shown two red cards this seasonCredit: GettyThe Arsenal youngster has impressed this seasonCredit: GettyTuchel will name his first England squad next weekCredit: PASun Sport revealed on Tuesday that Toon left-back Hall, 20, was out of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool with an injury to a bone in his foot.That came after the club opted against appealing the red card for Anthony Gordon, meaning that he will also miss Wembley due to suspension.Hall suffered his injury in last week’s 2-0 Prem defeat at Anfield and was sent for a scan to assess the damage.Newcastle have followed specialist advice and Hall will undergo surgery, ruling him out of their push for a top five finish.Read more footballThe news is also a bitter setback for new Three Lions boss Tuchel, who handed him his senior debut at Chelsea.Hall has been in fine form for Toon this term and was rewarded for that with his first senior England caps in November while Lee Carsley was in interim charge.Tuchel will be in the dug-out for the first time this month with World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Hall seemed certain to be part of his plans, especially with England’s preferred left-back over recent years Luke Shaw continuing to be dogged by injuries.Most read in FootballTuchel has been monitoring Lewis-Skelly ahead of a potential call-up following his breakthrough under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal The talented teen, who has yet to make his U21s bow, could now be fast-tracked into the seniors.Tuchel, however, is believed to have some reservations over his age and lack of experience.Lewis-Skelly was subbed off just 34 minutes into Arsenal’s stunning 7-1 Champions League win over PSV on Tuesday.That was after his fortunate escape and luckily avoiding being sent-off for two challenges during the round of 16 first leg.Meanwhile, another of Tuchel’s former Chelsea favourites could also be in the frame for a recall.Ben Chilwell is now getting regular action on loan at Crystal Palace after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge.The 28-year-old started his first game since England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium on March 26 last year in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Millwall in the FA Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd as well as getting his club career back on track, he will have hopes of adding to his 21 caps under the man he won the Champions League with in 2021 at the Blues.Man City’s Rico Lewis and Chelsea defender Levi Colwill have also featured at left-back for England over recent times. More

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      Man Utd quickly act to protect Chido Obi as hoax pages emerge after former Arsenal starlet first-team debut

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have come to the aid of Chido Obi after fans set up social media pages impersonating him.The 17-year-old has made first-team three appearances under Ruben Amorim following his move from Arsenal earlier this season.Man Utd are tackling accounts pretending to be Chido Obi onlineCredit: GettyBut since making his debut, the young striker has been the subject of hoax accounts on social media.There has been a surge in pages being created that fool supporters into thinking they are the real player.Man Utd are said to be protective over this happening to teenagers and Obi has been a target.The club recently acted quickly to tackle the issue by removing these fake accounts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd confirmed to SunSport its something done “routinely” to help all players.Obi made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on February 16 before getting more minutes off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Everton.The teenager was also subbed on towards the end of normal time as Man Utd crashed out the FA Cup to Fulham on penalties.Obi got into positive positions on Sunday, taking three shots that were all considered “big chances” by stat gurus.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIncredibly, struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund has had the same amount of “big chances” across all 22 of his Prem games so far this season.But Amorim will be without Obi for their Europa League campaign as he has not been named in the squad.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueHe failed to make the cut for the A List and is ineligible to be a B List player like most academy stars.Uefa rules say you must be at the club for two years to qualify and Obi only joined from Arsenal in October. More

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      Footballer starts League One match just hours after pleading guilty to causing cyclist’s death in horror crash

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      A FOOTBALLER started a League One match just hours after he pleaded guilty to causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crash.Mansfield Town striker Lucas Akins, 36, was driving his Mercedes G350 near Huddersfield when he hit 33-year-old Adrian Daniel.Lucas Akins admitted causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crashCredit: GettyAdrian Daniel was struck by the player’s MercedesCredit: West Yorkshire PoliceThe cyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but tragically couldn’t be saved and died ten days later on March 27, 2022.Akins appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday where he admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.Just hours later, he took to the pitch for Mansfield Town in their 0-0 draw against Wigan.Manager Nigel Clough later discussed his decision to include Akins in his starting 11.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “We’ve known about it for some time, it’s not just happened but we’re not in a position to comment.”The court was told the horror unfolded on March 17, 2022, as Adrian cycled in the village of Netherton.Prosecutor Carmel Pearson said Akins’ plea was accepted by the Crown, who had relayed the information to the cyclist’s family.His Honour Judge Menary told the footballer: “You have pleaded guilty to the offence at count 2.Most read in Football”I am imposing an interim disqualification and you are now disqualified from obtaining or getting a driving licence. You must not drive on a public road.”Akins was bailed to return to court for sentencing on April 24.The striker came through the youth academy at Huddersfield and made his debut for them in 2007.He had stints at Northwich Victoria, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage.Akins spent eight years at Burton Albion before he joined Mansfield in January 2022.He has made four international appearances for Caribbean nation Grenada, who he qualifies for through his mum.The Mansfield Town star will be sentenced next monthCredit: Getty More

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      Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa with UK band with TEN No1 albums to perform glitzy half-time show

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      NEXT year’s World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show.The tournament is set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada and will include a new expanded 48-team format.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of a major changeCredit: PAThe World Cup final is set to take place in East Rutherford, New JerseyCredit: GettyThe final will kick off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19, 2026.Per Sky News’ Rob Harris, “multiple artists” will perform at half-time.He adds that Fifa president Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the decision.Fifa are working with Coldplay on the half-time show, with the British band set to also incorporate other artists into the act.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis will be the first time that a World Cup final has included a half-time show.The 2022 World Cup final in Qatar saw six artists perform before the final between Argentina and France.Their performances were incorporated into the tournament’s closing ceremony.In recent years, the Champions League final has often featured a pre-match musical performance.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSColdplay are set to be involved in the half-time showCredit: GettyLenny Kravitz performed three songs ahead of last year’s Wembley final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.While other recent finals have included Camila Cabello, Burna Boy and Dua Lipa.Coldplay perform Scottish football anthem The recent Super Bowl in New Orleans featured a half-time show with Kendrick Lamar and SZA.It achieved an average audience of 133.5 million – surpassing Michael Jackson’s record set in 1993 and making it the most watched Super Bowl half-time show ever.Kendrick Lamar and SZA produced a record-breaking performance in New OrleansCredit: GettyDua Lipa performs ahead of the 2018 final in KyivCredit: Getty Images – GettyCamila Cabello performed ahead of the 2022 Champions League finalCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He actually said it!’ – Fans go crazy for Mikel Arteta’s not-so-subtle put-down after Arsenal’s record-breaking PSV win

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      ARSENAL fans went crazy after Mikel Arteta delivered a not-so-subtle put-down following last night’s 7-1 win over PSV.The Gunners tore the Dutch kings apart in Eindhoven to all-but seal their spot in the Champions League quarters.Mikel Arteta delivered a not-so-subtle put-down after Arsenal beat PSV 7-1Credit: GettyMartin Odegaard led the way with two strikes as Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori also scored.The resounding result also saw Arsenal set SIX new records.They included becoming the first team to net seven goals in a Champions League away tie.Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly also became the first English teens to combine for a goal in the competition’s history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal will now be hoping to replicate their goalscoring feats back in the Premier League.The Gunners travel to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon ahead of their return leg with PSV.A tough clash against Chelsea then follows before the international break.And with leaders Liverpool already 13 points clear, the Londoners know they can’t afford to drop more points if they want to remain in the title race.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNow, Arteta has warned his players not to get carried away by last night’s result.He has told his stars to remain grounded.Moment Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe floors porn star girlfriend Teanna Trump in playfightArteta said ‘be humble’ in what may have been a reference to Erling HaalandCredit: GettyAnd in a not-so-subtle dig at Erling Haaland, Arteta even declared that Arsenal need to “be humble”.The infamous words were used by Haaland towards the Gunners after Man City netted a late equaliser against them in September’s 2-2 draw at the Etihad.Following the result, City slipped into an awful run of results and remain out of sorts.Arsenal got their revenge last month when they smashed City 5-1 at the Emirates.But Arteta has urged his aces to stay focused, saying: “Put your head down, be humble.“Analyse how you can improve because the next game is going to be completely different to this one.“Nobody in this room, if I gave you an envelope and said, ‘can you predict what’s going to happen tomorrow and who is going to score?’“That’s the beauty of football and nobody can write the script unfortunately, even if we’d like to.”Fans were certainly loving Arteta’s choice of words.One said: “I understood that reference.”Another declared: “HE SAID THE WORD.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “The karma is coming guys.”Another added: “Arteta actually said be humble!” More

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      PSG vs Liverpool: Get £50 in free bets, plus 22/1 Bet Builder tips with Betfred

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      LIVERPOOL are looking to keep their stunning season going when they head for PSG in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.So our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the Europ showdown, which Betfred have priced up at 22/1.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*PSG vs Liverpool tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Over 3.5 goals, Mo Salah and Bradley Barcola to score and Trent Alexander-Arnold to be carded at 22/1. ADD TO YOUR BET SLIP HERE!Back our 22/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections..Over 3.5 goals: Goals galore in these teams and the attacking areas. PSG have scored seven goals twice in the last four games plus four against Lille last time out. Liverpool will score.Mo Salah and Bradley Barcola to score: Mo Salah is the Ballon D’Or frontrunner and an impressive knockout round will secure it. Scored in eight of his last nine appearances. Barcola scored at weekend and made it two in his last four. Can cause mayhem on PSG wings.Trent Alexander-Arnold to be carded: Given torrid time by Jeremy Doku in game before last and wingers here can do likewise. Disciplinary record has been good so this is searching for bit of value.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More