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      ITV pundit Eni Aluko calls in lawyers over Joey Barton’s ‘extremely violent’ rant which left her ‘genuinely scared’

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      AN ITV pundit has revealed she’s calling in lawyers over what she’s labelled Joey Barton’s “extremely violent” online rant. Eni Aluko, 36, says it comes after Barton’s first sexist tirade left her “genuinely scared” and she fled the country.
      Eni Aluko has revealed she’s called lawyers on Joey Barton over a social media post she says is ‘defamatory’
      Barton made claims about Aluko’s family, after comparing her and another pundit to serial killersCredit: PA
      The football star has now revealed she is taking legal action against the former player for what she says are “defamatory” claims against her family.
      Barton has repeatedly taken to his keyboard to complain about female players talking about men’s football.
      Aluko has been a victim of that – with him comparing her and another pundit, Lucy Ward, to “the Fred and Rose West of football”, referring to two of Britain’s worst serial killers.
      But he recently targeted her, and her family, in another bizarre tirade.
      Read more on football
      The former Manchester City and Newcastle star wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on January 19: “More has come to light about poor, little Eni Aluko. Dad was a Nigerian Senator. Dodgy money.
      “Ran to England. Massive house in Wentworth. 3 Rolls Royces. St Mary’s in Ascot private education. Lawyer. Race card player.”
      Aluko has now said she’s taking legal action against Barton, while slamming his rant as “untrue and inaccurate”.
      She today wrote on Instagram: “Joey Barton recently published a post on X which made untrue, inaccurate and defamatory allegations about me and my family. 
      Most read in Football
      “It is particularly harmful that Mr Barton involved my family in that post, suggesting my late father, a distinguished Nigerian senator, was in receipt of ‘dodgy money’ and that I had benefitted from his corruption which paid for my lavish lifestyle including Rolls Royce cards and a private education.
      “Mr Barton also publicly stated he knew where my family lived.
      “These, and the other allegations he made in the post, are all entirely untrue and have caused me extreme harm and distress. 
      “These were made just days after I stated publicly that I was genuinely scared, following Mr Barton’s repeated online posts targeting me using extreme violent comparisons in previous weeks.
      “I have instructed Judith Thompson at Samuel’s Solicitors, as well as Sara Mansoori KC and Ifeanyi Odogwu at Matrix Chambers to send a letter before action to Mr Barton setting out the true position and requesting that the post on X be taken down.
      “Instead of taking down his post, Mr Barton published a post today mischaracterising my legal complaint with a photograph of my letter of claim, causing further abuse of me, and my legal advisers. 
      “While he has now removed that post, it has been necessary to make this statement to set out the correct position.”
      I’ve genuinely been scared this week. I didn’t leave my house until Friday and I’m now abroad.Eni AlukoITV pundit
      Prior to Aluko taking to social media, Barton claimed he was being “for saying she’s not very good at her job” while sharing a letter he was said to have received from her lawyers.
      However, the post has now been deleted.
      The Sun has approached the law firm for comment.
      Earlier this month, on January 5, Barton went on a sexist rant online, saying: “How is she even talking about Men’s football. She can’t even kick a ball properly.
      “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.
      “Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”
      Over two decades, Fred and Rose West abducted, tortured, raped and murdered numerous young women.
      Celebrities like Piers Morgan,  Laura Woods and Bianca Westwood were quick to call out the comments on social media.
      These, and the other allegations he made in the post, are all entirely untrue and have caused me extreme harm and distress. Eni AlukoITV pundit
      ITV Sport also addressed Barton, saying in a statement: “For Joey Barton, an ex-professional player with a significant social media presence, to target two of our pundits, Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, with such vindictive remarks based on gender and to involve the names of serial killers in doing so is clearly contemptible and shameful on his part.
      “Football is for everyone.”
      On January 19, Aluko posted a 15-minute-long video saying she would take legal action against Barton.
      She claimed she had fled the UK out of fears for her safety after getting a slew of online abuse.
      Aluko said: “Now, I’m open and honest and I’m human and I’m more than happy to admit that I’ve been scared this week.
      “I’ve genuinely been scared this week. I didn’t leave my house until Friday and I’m now abroad.
      “It’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel and how safe you feel in real life.”
      The same day Barton reposted the video saying: “Cry me a fu**ing river.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I was waiting for the victim card to be played.”
      He went on to call her “dreadful as a pundit”, “tone deaf” and said she knew “next to nothing about men’s football”.
      Barton’s bizarre claims
      On December 6, 2023 Barton started the controversy by tweeting: “Women shouldn’t be talking with any kind of authority in the men’s game. Come on. Let’s be serious.
      “It’s a completely different game. If you don’t accept that. We will always see things differently.
      “The women’s game is thriving. Fantastic to see.
      “I cannot take a thing they say serious in the men’s arena.”
      His tirade on X, formerly Twitter, included saying that women commentating on men’s football was the same as him “talking about knitting or netball”.
      Barton, 41, defended his comments on Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV — slamming former England and Arsenal footballer Alex Scott.
      During her footy career she won eight league titles, three WSL Cups, seven FA Cups, the Champions League once, and two Community Shields.
      When quizzed about her commentating he said: “She hasn’t played in it.
      “One is 200 years old and one is about 40 years old. It’s the same rules but football is about a lot more than rules… the games are at two different speeds.”
      Barton said it was the same as him commentating on Formula One just because he can drive a car.
      He then took to X once again to call out Bianca Westwood and Laura Woods for a debate on his new Common Sense podcast, after the pair both shared their views on his remarks.
      The former midfielder wrote: “Both of you follow me. And not the other way around. So, why the silence?
      “Do you both have something to hide?
      “You can come and debate. Just make sure you’re ready.
      “I’ll take your silence as a sign you know it’s not for you. Screaming from the rooftops yesterday. Tumbleweeds blowing across the vast expanse today. Says it all.”
      Neither Woods nor Westwood responded to Barton’s taunt — so he increased his efforts by questioning why they chose to remain silent.
      He added: “Laura Woods and Bianca Westwood won’t come on the show. They’re not brave enough. Lots to say yesterday?
      “You should have kept your heads down. Something to hide girls?
      “Cat got your tongue today!”
      On December 7, 2023, Barton tweeted: “The Women’s game is absolutely thriving. Great to see. It’s a fantastic sport in its own right.
      “Really entertaining. Good to watch. Technically and tactically not that much difference.
      “Physically. Complete different planet. Until you have experienced that. You cannot say what you would have done in said position at said time. No.
      “It’s got a great England team (that wins stuff!) it’s got its own Premier League. It’s got its own Champions League.
      “Please for the love of God, go and commentate on that.
      “You can say what you want. You will be qualified to. You have actual experience of what is taking place.
      “The eunuch’s might not agree. But somebody had to say something. Hate it having to be me…”
      On December 8, 2023, he wrote:” If any top male players, ex-players think I’m wrong. That women are overkill and underqualified in the men’s punditry and commentary space.
      “The floor is open to you all as well.
      “As I said, anywhere, anytime and any place.
      “Send me location. 
      “Two hours. No edit. 
      “Gloves off. Conkers out.”
      On December 16, 2023, Barton continued his social media tirade by slamming Football Focus.
      Barton said: “36 minutes. Football Focus turned off. Sorry, it’s just terrible.
      “Drivel and nonsense served with a side of boring. No wonder it’s getting canned.
      “Well done to all involved. Another flagship destroyed by The Tokens.”
      He next took aim at SPOTY winner Mary Earps.
      On December 20, 2023 Barton tweeted: “So the best sports person this year is… A Women Goalie. Lost in a couple of finals this year. Not won a sausage.
      “So popular that Nike didn’t even sell a replica jersey before tournament.
      “You telling me all those who jumped on that bandwagon, haven’t voted in the BBC nonsense?
      “Good luck to Mary. Hope she makes a few quid.”
      Joey then added: “To win before Ronnie O’Sullivan and Frankie Dettori…? Well, that’s just madness to me.
      “Both almost genius-like in their respective fields. They’ve lost to a big sack of spuds that plays in goal for a girls’ team.”
      On December 26, 2023, he tweeted: “Is this women pundit (Finnis-Brown) an international goalie.
      “She’s at least a foot shorter than Tortoise head and McManaman…
      “I’d chip her on her line.
      “Why is she talking about the men’s game???
      “Please stop this nonsense”
      On December 31, 2023, Barton reposted a tweet from Amazon Prime managing director for sport Alex Green, along with the comment: “Well done Alex.
      “Can you now remove the terribly underqualified, tone-deaf, tokenistic women currently all over your broadcasts.
      “They’re ruining the experience for most of us.”
      On Jan 1, 2024, Barton posted: “How can we not call this out for what it is?
      “Women who are underqualified, under-prepared and over opinionated.
      “It’s ruining the experience for millions of Football addicts, like myself.”
      On January 7, 2024 Barton alleged women use “pillow talk” and their “sexuality to get an advantage”.
      He posted: “We all know whose marriages you have violated. What info you got from the pillow talk to get ahead…
      “I also, don’t blame you using your sexuality to get an advantage. It’s a big tool and everyone should use all there tools wisely in the game of life.”
      He added: “Don’t take me for a fool. Lawyer up. Sue me. Get me cancelled. Pressure my employers, my sponsors.
      “I’ve got plenty to fight you back with. I’ve deeper pockets than most.”
      On January 5, Barton went on yet another a sexist rant online, saying: “How is she even talking about men’s football. She can’t even kick a ball properly.
      “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.
      “Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”
      Then, on January 17, Barton responded to a clip Aluko posted online where she revealed that she had fled the country in fear for her safety after being bombarded with online abuse in the wake of Barton’s comments.
      Barton responded to the clip on X, saying: “Cry me a Fu**ing river….
      “I was waiting for the victim card to be played.
      “Eni, sorry luv, you’re dreadful as a pundit.
      “Tone deaf, can’t count and most importantly you know next to nothing about men’s football.
      “You should have ran off to a desert island after your ‘Areta phoning Pep to put a bin’ in nonsense.
      “Everyone is laughing at you.
      “Not just me.” More

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      in Soccer

      Laura Woods jokes she’s considering Premier League manager job as eagle-eyed fans spot her in dugout at FA Cup match

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      LAURA WOODS joked she is preparing to take over as Liverpool manager after being spotted in the Anfield dugout.The ITV presenter was on hosting duty for Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Norwich.
      Laura Woods joked that she is considering a career changeCredit: Instagram / @laurawoodsy
      The presenter was at Anfield covering Liverpool’s win over NorwichCredit: ITV
      But while she was not on screen presenting she took a seat behind the Reds dugout.
      The TV cameras spotted Woods looking pensive behind Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
      One eagle-eyed fan spotted her and questioned whether she is planning to take over from Klopp, who announced he is stepping down at the end of the season.
      She responded jokingly: “Considering my next move 😂”
      READ MORE ON LAURA WOODS
      Woods is not the first presenter to take to the Anfield dugout after TNT Sports’ Jules Breach was spotted sitting behind Klopp during the Merseyside derby in October.
      Woods, 36, also caught the eye thanks to her fancy outfit.
      She dressed in a lavish black coat with gold buttons and brown leather lapels.
      The presenter wore black leather fingerless gloves to match her coat.
      Most read in Football
      Woods was on duty for ITVCredit: Instagram
      The presenter also covers the Champions League for TNT SportsCredit: Instragram
      Woods boasts 765,000 Instagram followers
      While colleague Ian Wright got fans talking after showing off the latest addition to his quirky hat collection.
      The pundit also dressed in a leather jacket and a woolly beanie hat. More

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      Laura Woods becomes millionaire after her earnings shoot up by £600,000 in ONE year

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      FOOTIE presenter Laura Woods has become a millionaire.The ITV and TNT Sports host, 36, saw her earnings shoot up by £600,000 in a year.
      Footie presenter Laura Woods has become a millionaireCredit: Getty
      The host, 36, saw her earnings shoot up by £600,000 in a yearCredit: PA
      Paperwork from her company The Pig and I Limited, set up in 2014, reveal assets have now reached £1million.
      Her wealth increased from £400,000 to £1million from December 2021 to December 2022.
      The increase of £600,000 is equivalent to earning £11,500 a week.
      But Laura is likely to have earned even more.
      READ MORE ON Laura Woods
      She left the talkSPORT breakfast show in June last year, where she is said to have earned £250,000 a year, and is rumoured to have had a huge pay rise on her move to TNT Sports.
      Arsenal fan Woods worked her way to the top by starting as a runner on Sky Sports.
      We recently revealed Laura joked she was being haunted by a picture of Ange Postecoglou.
      The TNT Sports host has revealed a snap of her and the Tottenham manager “keeps popping up” in her home.
      Most read in Football
      Woods had her picture taken with Postecoglou at Wimbledon last summer, with the polaroid snap now at her home.
      However, she has now admitted she cannot escape it after being asked if she would swap the Spurs boss with Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta. More

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      Lauryn Goodman sets sights on HUGE reality show appearance – amid Kyle Walker baby drama and Annie Kilner feud

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      LAURYN Goodman is eyeing up a spot in the Celebrity Big Brother house and hopes it will mend her shattered image following her Kyle Walker baby drama.She wants to sign up to the reality TV show that made her sister Chloe famous – after falling out with family members over the paternity of her young daughter.
      Lauryn Goodman is hoping she’ll win a spot in the Celebrity Big Brother house
      Kyle Walker pictured with wife Annie and their son Roman in 2016Credit: Instagram
      Last week The Sun revealed that Premier League star Walker Walker, who is married to childhood sweetheart Annie Kilner, is the father of Lauryn’s six month old.
      He is also dad to her son Kairo, three, and he has three sons with pregnant wife Annie.
      Lauryn’s sisters, Chloe and Amelia, have cut ties with her, and she’s been uninvited to Chloe’s wedding, after The Sun revealed that Lauryn planned to destroy Walker’s marriage just weeks before falling pregnant.
      The new series of CBB kicks off soon, and a source told us: “Lauryn is desperate to talk with Celebrity Big Brother producers and land a spot in the line-up.
      READ MORE ON LAURYN
      “Lauryn feels like she is misunderstood and feels like CBB would be the perfect image rehab for her.
      “She feels like it would be a chance to show viewers the real her, and that there is more to her than all of the scandal around her paternity drama with Kyle Walker and her fallout with Annie Kilner.”
      They continued: “ITV, however, aren’t sure if she is the right fit for the direction they want to take the series in, but they know she is hugely topical and would get people tuning in and talking.
      “Right now, they are weighing it up. They haven’t closed the door on the idea.”
      Most read in Football
      Texts sent from Lauryn’s phone in July 2022 exposed Walker’s double life, and Lauryn became pregnant three months later.
      She gave birth in July last year, and revealed the truth to Annie two days after Christmas.
      She first begged Walker, 33, to tell Annie the full truth, then took it into her own hands.
      Lauryn said she didn’t want to cause harm but believed the truth needed to be known.
      She told The Sun this week: “I didn’t want them to split up or cause harm but it had to be out in the open for all of our sakes.”
      Lauryn’s comments sparked were seen by her friend who then disclosed messages to The Sun that showed Lauryn had every intention of destroying Annie’s marriage.
      Lauryn had texted the pal: “Ready to finish them” — then added laughing and heart emojis.
      Another message read: “Ask him if he wants to go with me again? I’m down for baby number 2 [five laughing emojis].”
       Annie threw Walker out at Christmas and announced their separation last week.
      In the latest incredible twist Annie also revealed she is pregnant again with their fourth child.
      A source confirmed to The Sun: “Annie is six months pregnant with their fourth child. It should be a time of great joy and excitement.
      “Instead, she’s struggling greatly with the fall-out from his latest sex scandal.
      “She’s understandably fragile but doing everything to protect her children and prepare for the arrival of their fourth.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “To his credit, Kyle is trying to put on a united front to limit the damage they have been exposed to.
      “It’s a little bit too late, but he’s trying.”
      She hinted Walker was her daughter’s father last year and told Annie over ChristmasCredit: Instagram
      Lauryn now has two kids with WalkerCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury shows off lean body as he takes time out of training to wish Ricky Hatton good luck on Dancing On Ice

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      A SHIRTLESS Tyson Fury was looking lean and mean as he took time out from training to wish Ricky Hatton good luck on Dancing On Ice.Excitement continued to mount this week when the fight poster for the Gypsy King’s heavyweight clash with Oleksandr Usyk was unveiled.
      Tyson Fury made a shock cameo on tonight’s Dancing On IceCredit: ITV
      The heavyweight appeared to wish Ricky Hatton, pictured with partner Robin Johnston, good luckCredit: Splash
      The Gypsy King looked in lean shape as he took time out from his Saudi training campCredit: ITV
      Tyson Fury will fight Oleksandr Usyk on February 17 to unify the divisionCredit: EPA
      The two champions will fight to unify the division on February 17 in Saudi Arabia in what will be one of the biggest bouts in modern boxing.
      Meanwhile Hatton is no stranger to big bouts himself having headlined Las Vegas with Floyd Mayweather back in his heyday.
      But the 45-year-old retired boxing star is now perhaps facing one of his most difficult challenges yet after joining the cast of ITV’s hit show Dancing On Ice.
      Just before ‘The Hitman’ and dance partner Robin Johnston took to the ice, he received an unexpected boost when Fury made a shock cameo by appearing on the big screen with a good luck message.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      In the clip to Hatton, who has worked as a cornerman in the past for the WBC title holder, Fury said: “Hi Rick. Tyson Fury here.
      “I’m over in training camp with the undisputed, taking this time out to wish you a massive, massive good luck with Dancing On Ice.
      “All the best guys. Do the best. Knock em out Rick!”
      Former world champion Johnny Nelson recently admitted fears that Fury’s fight with Usyk could be DELAYED.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The bout comes just four months after Fury, 35, was dropped by ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, in his controversial points victory.
      The crossover clash was meant to be a routine rout but it turned out to almost be the mother of all banana skins and Fury’s dad John spoke out to say his son’s training camp is a “circus” as he revealed fears that it would carry on over to the Usyk unification.
      That then had ex-cruiserweight king Nelson believing the historic title fight could face a further postponement.
      But Fury arrived in Saudi six weeks before the showdown to start his Middle East camp after starting training in Morecambe.
      The Gypsy King spent Christmas with wife Paris and his seven kids, but swerved a New Year’s celebration at home to get preparations underway.
      And he certainly looked to be reaping the benefits after his appearance on ITV earlier showed him looking in great shape as his camp continues.

      TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT More

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      David Haye plans surprise career change after secret dates with Helen Flanagan

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      EX-boxer David Haye is planning a range of sun lotions — ­after accusing actress Helen Flanagan of reeking of fake tan.The former world champ, 43, has been linked to Helen, 33, who was his campmate in I’m A Celebrity in 2012.
      David Haye has big plans for branded merchandise including fake tanCredit: Getty
      We can reveal he has lodged papers with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office asking to ringfence the name “Haye” for ten years. He wants to sell cosmetics and toiletries including “sunscreens and suntan oils and creams”.
      Clothes, handbags and boxing gear will also be covered under the “Haye” banner, as well as sports and fitness classes.
      Haye previously said of the former Corrie star: “Helen is a real cute little chick, a bit ditzy, but she stinks of fake tan.”
      But last month it was revealed that the boxing champ had been enjoying ‘secret dates’ with the former soap star.
      READ MORE DAVID HAYE
      The pair became friends when they appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2012, but recently matched on dating app Raya and sparks have reportedly flown.
      Helen, 33, met up for dinner with former champion boxer David — who had been in a ‘throuple’ relationship with girlfriend Sian Osbourne and pop star Una Healy.
      But it is understood Helen and David, 43, went on dates alone.
      David and Helen Flanagan are believed to have enjoyed a string of datesCredit: Dan Charity – The Sun More

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      in Soccer

      Real FA Cup magic got TV snub.. bosses at the BBC and ITV should hang their heads in shame

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      TV bosses at the BBC and ITV should hang their heads in shame after snubbing the magic of our much-loved FA Cup.It is either through ignorance, arrogance or sheer incompetence — or all three — that they have scheduled some of the most dull and uninspiring collection of games ever seen in the third round.
      Maidstone boss George Elokobi and goal hero Sam Corne celebrates making FA Cup history by reaching the fourth round — but BBC and ITV snubbed televising them
      For me, this week every year is one of the most exciting in the football calendar.
      It is when the FA Cup really comes to life as the plumbers and builders or lower-league pros dine on the same table as the superstars.
      It is what makes this competition unique — not just here in the UK but across the globe.
      As a proud man of Kent, I simply could not miss going to watch little Maidstone United of the National League South host League One high-fliers Stevenage.
      Read More Football
      And the lowest-ranked team left in the competition caused the biggest shock and story of the round by producing a brilliant performance to stun Steve Evans’ men at their neat but small Gallagher Stadium.
      More than 1,000 joyous fans swamped the pitch at the end to celebrate one of the biggest achievement’s in the town’s 127-year football history. Yet the game was not picked by the dullards in the ivory towers of the Beeb and ITV.
      No, they believed the magic of the Cup lay on a Thursday night at Selhurst Park where Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace and Everton slogged out a goalless bore.
      And they felt the all-Premier League tie between Tottenham and Burnley would win the hearts of the nation on Friday night.
      Most read in FA Cup
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      Around 1,000 Maidstone fans swamp the pitch in joy after historic win
      Fans celebrated with the Maidstone team on the pitch after they beat Stevenage
      Aside from Pedro Porro’s stunning winner at the end for Spurs, the game was a snooze-fest.
      Sunderland v Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime was a fair enough selection with it being a North-East derby — but even that proved to be an underwhelming and boring mismatch as the Toon cruised to a 3-0 win.
      Middlesbrough hosting Aston Villa was a pretty tepid affair on Saturday evening, too.
      Arsenal taking on Liverpool yesterday was an all-Premier League heavyweight clash so, to be fair to the BBC execs, that one deserved to be on the box.
      And tonight ITV are screening Wigan v Manchester United, which is a decent tie.
      But let’s not pretend they made that decision because they love the idea of League One club Wigan creating more Cup magic to add to their stunning 2013 triumph when they won it.
      No, tonight’s game is only on screens because it’s Manchester United. Every single round they are still in the competition, we have to endure having Erik ten Hag’s team forced down our throats.
      I’ve nothing against anyone at United — but personally cannot wait for them to be knocked out each year because it’s so excruciating listening to all the hype that surrounds them.
      Not one match at the weekend featured a team below the Championship — and even the two games that did involve second-tier clubs, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, were up against top-flight sides.
      AGGREGATE CROWDS 2023-24THE number of people who have passed through the turnstiles in the top six tiers of English football so far this season.
      PREMIER LEAGUE: 7,483,909
      CHAMPIONSHIP: 6,928,003
      LEAGUE ONE: 2,854,803
      LEAGUE TWO: 1,790,684
      NATIONAL LEAGUE: 822,432
      NATIONAL SOUTH: 417,508
      NATIONAL NORTH: 371,385

      Our football culture is not based only in the golden bubble of the sanitised Premier League.
      In fact, most people who go to football matches week in, week out go to games OUTSIDE the top flight.
      I’ve done some number crunching. So far this season, according to my A-level maths knowledge at least, an aggregate of 7,483,909 have passed through the turnstiles to watch Premier League football this season.
      Yet a staggering 13,184,815 punters have passed through the gates to watch either the EFL or the top two divisions of non-league football — nearly SIX MILLION more than the top division.
      People who defend the TV execs say that even if they did select a non-league side against a pro team, like Maidstone v Stevenage, they cannot guarantee an upset.
      One person on social media argued to me that a few years ago non-league Marine took on Tottenham and who was still watching as the Premier League side went 5-0 up? Well, how many people — my Geordie friends aside — were still watching when Newcastle went 8-0 up at Sheffield United in the Premier League in September?
      And if you went by that logic Ronnie Radford’s stunner for Hereford that helped knock Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 would never have been televised — and maybe the then 26-year-old commentator John Motson would not have gone on to have the great career he had.
      Of course, you cannot guarantee upsets in football — that is the whole beauty of it.
      TV execs decided that Crystal Palace v Everton was a ‘must-watch’ FA Cup tie that bored anyone unfortunate enough to watch it on Thursday
      When it does happen, like it did in Kent on Saturday, it makes it extra special.
      Thankfully, here at your favourite newspaper, we were at the Gallagher Stadium to capture it all — and will continue to champion ALL levels of our wonderful pyramid.
      As Wolves cult hero and Maidstone manager George Elokobi said on Saturday: “The magic of the FA Cup lives on.”
      Even if it doesn’t for those spoilsport TV execs who, quite frankly, have no clue about the heartbeat of our national game.
      By George, what a great bloke
      WHAT a guy George Elokobi is.
      After Maidstone’s stunning win on Saturday, the Wolves cult hero did not want to miss out a single person that has helped behind the scenes to make the club tick and set up one of the greatest days in their history.
      The emotional Stones boss said: “It’s not just one of the greatest days for me, my players, assistant Craig Fagan, goalkeeper coach Zach Foster-Crouch, backroom staff, the owners and director of football Bill Williams  — but everyone who works behind the scenes.
      “I’m talking about Ben and the media guys, John Gooch behind the scenes, Ian Tucker in the office, Helen, Bob, Helen Cooper who takes the photos, credit to all of them …. and I’m not forgetting Louise and Andy in the office. I’m trying not to forget anyone. We want to enjoy all these moments together.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Elokobi gets non-league football. He started and ended his playing career there. And as a manager he can go a long way — because he knows how to treat people. Everyone wants to work and play for him. It’s a huge asset to have.
      Oh, and he knows a thing or two about football. More

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      Maidstone owner takes swipe at BBC and ITV as huge FA Cup giant-killing snubbed for TV coverage – and names dream tie

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      MAIDSTONE’S co-owner took a swipe at the BBC and ITV for snubbing their FA Cup giant-killing.And then he revealed who he wants to face next.
      George Elokobi and Sam Corne helped fire Maidstone into the FA Cup fourth roundCredit: Getty
      There were wonderful celebrations with Stones fans after the full-time whistleCredit: PA
      The National League South side were the lowest-ranked side in the third round of the famous competition.
      But TV bosses opted against selecting their clash against League One Stevenage to be broadcast live.
      That is despite showing eight of the 32 matches over the weekend – six on TV and a further two on BBC iPlayer and Red Button – with Wigan the only team not in the top two divisions to feature as they host Manchester United on Monday.
      As well as fans around the country being able to watch those matches live, the 12 teams picked also received £85,000 on top of their FA Cup prize money.
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      However, sixth-tier Maidstone were inexplicably overlooked.
      And it proved to be a blunder by the BBC and ITV as George Elokobi’s side produced a shock result at the Gallagher Stadium – with just three main cameras around the 792-seater ground.
      Sam Corne converted a penalty just before half-time – and that proved to be the only goal of the game.
      There was a jubilant pitch invasion when Maidstone secured the victory.
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      But the Stones’ co-owner Oliver Ash hit out at the broadcasters for overlooking the story of the weekend, which was the opening tie on Match of the Day.
      He told the Express: “Most people are amazed the cameras are not here.
      “I get that more people support Everton and Crystal Palace so the TV companies think they will get more viewers than Maidstone.
      “But it is a shame because the competition is all about games like ours – the lowest-ranked club in the competition against a side that could well be in the Championship next year.
      “It would have been wonderful TV. It is all about the magic of the FA Cup – it is so wonderful for the spirit of the club, the community and the town.
      “Definitely this is the biggest result in the club’s history. We are not going to win it, but more and more the FA Cup is something magic for clubs like ours.
      Credit: X
      “It may have lost its magic for the top clubs but it has gained its magic for us.”
      Maidstone’s social media team echoed their chief’s views with a brilliant tweet.
      They reshared the FA Cup’s tweet announcing the TV picks and replied: “Aged well,” with a sarcastic thumbs-up emoji.
      The Stones will be one of the standout numbers when the fourth-round draw takes place and will surely be on TV when that fixture takes place on the last weekend of January.
      And Ash knows exactly who he wants to face next.
      He added: “I want a home tie.
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      “Having seen what it means to people to come and watch a big game here, it would be magic – even compared to a trip to one of the big clubs.
      “So let’s get Manchester City down to the Gallagher!”
      Corne scored a penalty just before half-timeCredit: PA
      Co-owner Oliver Ash wants Manchester City at home in round fourCredit: Reuters More