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    ‘Could get a tank in there’ – League One play-offs overshadowed by ludicrous offside call leaving fans furious

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    FOOTBALL fans were left furious after the 2-2 League One play-off semi-final draw between Leyton Orient and Stockport was marred by a “ludicrous” offside call.Charlie Kelman opened the scoring for Orient in the first half, despite seemingly being significantly offside when he tapped in his 26th goal of the season.Charlie Kelman’s opening goal against Stockport cause huge controversyCredit: ReutersKelman appeared to be offside as the ball was flicked onCredit: Sky SportsKelman appeared onside from the initial headerCredit: Sky SportsHe was significantly beyond the last man after a flick on from Omar BecklesCredit: Sky SportsKelman got on the end of a loose header in the box to put his side 1-0 up heading into half-time.However, there was a huge gap between the last Stockport defender and the 23-year-old forward when the ball was nodded on by Omar Beckles.Beckles jumped up to flick on a speculative Sean Clare ball that was heading into the box.Kelman was narrowly onside from the Clare ball, but was very clearly beyond the last man when Beckles tried to flick it on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s not clear if Beckles did manage to get a touch on the ball, but the officials seemed to think he didn’t, as the goal was awarded and the game subsequently overshadowed by the decision.Fans were convinced that Beckles did touch it and immediately took to social media to voice their opinions.One wrote: “Could get a tank in there!”While another added: ” @Specsavers, do you have room for this Lino?”Most read in FootballStockport County manager Dave Challinor fumed at the officials at half-timeCredit: Sky SportsStockport players pleaded their case to the referee tooCredit: Sky SportsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “It’s terrible guys, absolutely terrible”.And a fourth posted: “I do not want VAR but with officials this bad we might actually need it”.’In one year the decision will be made’ – Wenger demands new offside rule that will be ‘impossible to defend against’It wasn’t just fans that were furious either, but also the Stockport players.They immediately surrounded referee Benjamin Speedie to explain that they felt a mistake had been made.While Stockport boss Dave Challinor could be seen confronting the official in the tunnel at half-time.Unfortunately for Stockport, they were unable to change the referee’s mindAnd without VAR in the play-off semi-finals, the officials could do nothing to overturn the initial decision.Stockport managed to quickly overturn the deficit themselves though.Goals from Oliver Norwood and Fraser Horsfall after the break put Stockport 2-1 up at Brisbane Road.Read More on The SunHowever, Horsfall went from hero to villain when he handled the ball in the box in the 87th minute, gifting Leyton Orient a late penalty to level the scores – a spot kick dispatched by Kelman for his second.Speaking after the game about the controversial first goal, Beckles said: “The beauty of EFL is there is no VAR, and that means there’s room for errors. That’s what makes it special.”Oliver Norwood scored from the spot to draw Stockport levelCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFraser Horsfall scored just five minutes later to give the visitors the leadCredit: Shutterstock EditorialKelman scores his second goal from penalty to leave the tie levelCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Stockport star Corey Addai ready to upset Leyton Orient locals as he heads home for League One play-off first leg

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      COREY Addai hopes to be the local lad done even better after already becoming the one come good, even though it will mean heartache on his doorstep.And the Stockport ‘keeper does not have to look far for the inspiration that has seen him rise from an area where he could easily have taken the wrong path in life.Hackney-born Stockport star Addai is heading home to East London for the play-offCredit: AlamyTo say the 6ft 8ins stopper is on familiar turf at Leyton Orient is underplaying it – his parents live just two-and-a-half miles away in Hackney and big mate Thomas Jordan is an Os supporter.Listen to many and that borough is a write-off – rough, crime-ridden, a place where no-one prospers.But Addai is a firm believer in ‘life is what you make of it’ and the tattoo on his arm of Martin Luther King’s ‘ultimate measure of a man’ speech makes sure he does not waver.He said, while giving door-to-door directions from Leyton Orient to home: “It’s not who you are in a convenient situation, it’s who you are in controversy. That’s the real you. It’s on my arm and I live and die by that quote.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Can you be the same person? It’s about humility and being kind and caring for yourself and other people. If you can give when you have nothing, that tells the kind of person you are.“Being a young black boy from London, you come across a lot of situations and things you see.MOST READ IN LEAGUE ONE“I could say so much about growing up in London and what I’ve seen but I’m now in a position where I don’t have to see that anymore.“At the start of the season, we did a thing called ‘Six Pitches’ about why you play football – I put the London Borough of Hackney because I don’t want people to view where I come from as this bad place.Most read in Football“Google Hackney and it’ll say, ‘the worst place, the top five worst places to llve in London.’ That’s not what Hackney is, it’s my home and I want to represent it in the best possible way.“Also, my mates and family and say, ‘This is what we are. This is what we can achieve when things are done right.“’Live the right way. Do the right things. Work hard.’’ Ultimately, that’s what’s got me into this position. ‘You’ve got a chance to get out of here, so go and do it.’ That’s what I represent.Addai has Martin Luther-King’s ‘ultimate measure of a man’ speech tattooed on his armCredit: GARY CARTER“But what do I do to have humility, do the right things and see good in people? That’s how I want to live my life.”Addai is the biggest thing in Orient’s way in this play-off semi-final and is used to success after being part of Crawley’s League Two triumph last season.Life at Stockport started shakily for the 27-year-old as he found himself dropped for Ben Hinchliffe before the latter’s injury saw him back in and prospering.But given the calibre of team-mate he had in Arsenal’s junior ranks, it is little surprise to see him doing well.He can then maybe attempt to emulate another of his heroes, Thierry Henry.Addai was part of Crawley’s League Two Play-Off triumph last seasonCredit: PAThe Gunners fan told SunSport: “That team was unbelievable. Eberechi Eze played in it – but I can’t remember if he took penalties then like he does now!“He’s the biggest star who’s come through and I still speak to him.“I’m friends with his family. He’s a wonderful human being and I’m so proud to see where he’s got to from where he’s come from.Read More on The Sun“But as an Arsenal fan, Thierry Henry is the best player the Premier League’s ever seen and how he conducts himself now makes him someone you aspire to be like.“If someone goes the season unbeaten, they can have words with me. Until then, I don’t want to hear anything!” More

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      ‘Celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate’ – Bradford trolled over trophy for finishing third in League Two

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      BRADF0RD CITY sealed a remarkable final-day promotion last weekend, but they have found themselves on the end of social media ridicule for their ‘trophy’ lift.The Bantams sealed promotion back to League One with a 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town on the last day of the campaign. Rival fans joked about the size of Bradford’s silverwareCredit: RexRichie Smallwood and Andy Cook celebrate Bradford’s promotionBradford are looking forward to League One football next seasonThey pipped Walsall to third spot, with the Saddlers needing to better the Yorkshire outfit’s result to have any chance of going up automatically.However, Graham Alexander’s men emerged victorious in the dying embers, with Antoni Sarcevic’s 96th-minute winner sending them up and Valley Parade into raptures. Bradford join champions Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale in League One next term. They will be joined by one of Walsall, AFC Wimbledon, Notts County, and Chesterfield, who make up the play-off contenders. Read more FootballDespite the sheer delirium that washed across the city, fans on social media decided to poke fun at the “trophy” the Bantams were given to celebrate their third place finish.One Doncaster fan tweeted: “Congrats #BCAFC after all the banter I’d much rather have you in league 1 than Walsall. “Great scenes. Not sure why you’re celebrating with someone’s nan’s dinner plate though”.A Port Vale supporter wrote: “Celebrating a season and a job well done, you’re trying to banter a 2nd place trophy in a season where Bradford got someone’s nan’s plate for coming 3rd.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnother said: “Bradford City won a dog bowl trophy.”Andy Cook, the longest-serving player in the Bradford squad, sported a personalised shirt with his face on at the promotion parade.Bradford v Tranmere delayed after medical emergency in crowd with visitors’ keeper raising alarm (1)Cook, who scored 12 goals this season, said that going up “means everything” as the players and a sea of Bantams fans celebrated in Centenary Square in the city.Bradford have spent six season in the basement division – a far cry from their Premier League glory days of the early 2000s.It is the first time the Yorkshire side have achieved automatic promotion since 1999 – when a 3-2 win away at Wolves saw them reach the promised land of the top flight.But the 24 years that followed have been populated with despair and relegations.Fans flood the Valley Parade pitch as Bradford finally returned to League One More

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      Former Premier League star, 32, rips up Peterborough contract for ‘personal reasons’

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      A FORMER Premier League player has had his contract ripped up in League One.Peterborough United announced their retained list and the ex-Aston Villa ace was not included.Jed Steer has had his Peterborough contract ripped upSteer wanted to leave Peterborough for ‘personal reasons’Jed Steer joined Peterborough last year in January after completing a 10-year stint at Villa.Steer, 32, linked up with Posh on a short-term deal but put pen to paper on a new two-year contract last summer.Nevertheless, the goalkeeper asked the club to “cancel” his contract so that he can leave.The club confirmed the ex-England youth international wanted to depart for “personal reasons”.Read More on FootballPeterborough announced: “Goalkeeper Jed Steer has requested that the final year of his contract be cancelled due to personal reasons.”Steer played 28 times with Peterborough this season before his decision to leave.He saved two penalties against Wrexham to help Posh reach this season’s EFL Trophy final at Wembley and helped them beat Birmingham City in the final to make it back-to-back wins.Steer’s career started in 2009 with Norwich, where he also spent six years in the academy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, the keeper only managed two senior appearances with the Canaries.And that led to two different loan stints for the shot-stopper to Yeovil Town and Cambridge United.And thus he moved to Villa in 2013, but was also loaned out five times.Steer played for Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil, Huddersfield, Charlton and Luton.The goalie managed a total of 36 appearances during his decade-long spell at Villa Park. More

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      From Man Utd to Mansfield… where it all went wrong for Luton as they’re relegated twice and end up in League One

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      LUTON TOWN have been relegated AGAIN just 12 months on from their Premier League survival fight.The Hatters finished just six points behind Nottingham Forest last season, with the Tricky Trees now chasing Champions League football under Nuno Espirito Santo.Luton Town have been relegated to League OneCredit: RexThe Hatters’ relegation was confirmed last weekendCredit: GettyLuton failed to ditch their losing habit from last seasonCredit: Prime MediaMatt Bloomfield arrived in January but could not keep Luton upCredit: GettyUnfortunately for the Kenilworth Road faithful, Luton just could not shake off the habit of losing.Under former boss Rob Edwards, who guided Town to the Premier League, Luton collected just six points from their last 16 matches of the 2023-24 campaign.If fans had the impression that the Championship would be easier, they were plunged back down to earth with a cruel bump when they lost 4-1 at home to Burnley on the opening day last August.The Clarets would bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking, the Hatters would not.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChastening defeats at Preston, Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield United and Coventry City followed their opening day disappointment.While their 5-1 battering at Middlesbrough prompted boss Edwards to admit that he felt “numb” to the situation.Luton tried to stay faithful to the man that got them up to the Premier League, but finally pulled the trigger in January when their desperate situation became impossible to ignore.In came Matt Bloomfield, ditching a League One promotion charge with Wycombe Wanderers for a relegation dogfight at Luton.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRob Edwards was sacked by Luton in JanuaryCredit: GettyBloomfield won just four of his first 15 games in charge of Wycombe, so a slow start at Luton may not have been totally unpredictable.But the 41-year-old taking nine matches to secure his first Hatters win left his side with an awful lot to do.Rob Edwards reflects on Luton Town’s loss to Queens Park Rangers A late charge did see Luton briefly climb out of the relegation zone.But a 5-3 collapse at West Brom on the final day sealed their fate, condemning the Hatters to relegation.Last summer, Luton lost the likes of Ross Barkley, Chiedozie Ogbene and Andros Townsend, while club stalwart Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu was allowed to go out on loan.Then there was inspirational skipper Tom Lockyer, the centre-back who suffered a second cardiac arrest on the pitch last season.The Wales international has since recovered and been cleared to return, but a slew of injuries have kept him off the pitch this season.His future at Kenilworth Road remains in doubt.Speaking of Luton’s traditional home, so embedded in the community, the Hatters recently announced plans to move into a new 25,000-seater stadium.Despite their relegation, CEO Gary Sweet remains bullish on the prospect.’THAT’S WHO WE ARE’Speaking to The Athletic, Sweet said: “That is what the Premier League has done for us.”What I’ve been saying this week when we’ve announced the contractor to build Power Court (the location of the new ground) is that during the course of this lifetime we’re going to be playing football in that stadium in the Premier League, the Championship, in League One and, most probably, League Two because that’s Luton Town.“That’s who we are, they are the journeys we take, as our history has absolutely proven.”So whether we are League One or Championship next season, it makes really no difference to the specification of that programme, the timeline or delivery of Power Court.”All we do is regroup as a football club and a football team.”In a club statement, chairman David Wilkinson bullishly added: “The in-depth analysis started before relegation was confirmed, as individuals and as a Club, as we set about working harder and more effectively to build on the run of form that, before Saturday’s defeat, had put us in with such a chance of survival.”All we can promise, at this moment, is that we will review, regroup and rebuild. Indeed, this has started. “We must recover the spirit that was so familiar to us on our rise, and we will use this now as a catalyst for a renewed determination and focus to achieve one objective.”Lengthy discussions have already taken place with Matt [Bloomfield] and his staff regarding next season designed to reshape our squad into a proper Luton team we can all be proud to watch next season.Read More on The Sun”No stone will go unturned as we review and prepare for the 2025/26 season, hopefully, with fresh optimism and renewed vigour.”From duelling with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool last season, Luton will have to overcome Mansfield and Burton next term.Luton rallied late on in the season but could not stay upCredit: RexThe Hatters will battle the likes of Mansfield next seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Former Chelsea wonderkid who spent 10 years with Blues wakes up unemployed as he’s released with ‘next Steven Gerrard’

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      SHREWSBURY TOWN have released former Chelsea wonderkid Jamal Blackman and ex-Liverpool prospect Jordan Rossiter.Shrewsbury revealed their retained list ahead of the coming League One season and neither of the two made the cut.Shrewsbury Town have released ex-Chelsea wonderkid Jamal BlackmanShrewsbury also let go of former Liverpool prospect Jordan RossiterBlackman, 31, joined the Shrews in 2024 from Burton Albion amid an ongoing nomadic career.The goalkeeper amassed a mere total of 27 appearances since his arrival to the EFL outfit.Rossiter, 28, moved to New Meadow on the same year as the former Chelsea ace. The midfielder, who was sent out on loan to Oldham Athletic this season, registered only 17 appearances for Shrewsbury.Read More on FootballBlackman was tipped by many to become Chelsea’s next No1 after impressing within the youth ranks.The keeper was with the Blues’ seniors for almost 10 years after an impressive six-year spell with the reserves until he was called up in 2012.But the ex-England Under-19 international never played for the first team and was released in 2021 after several loan stints with Middlesbrough, Ostersund, Wycombe Wanderers, Sheffield United, Leeds, Vitesse, Bristol Rovers and Rotherham.Blackman now finds himself as a free agent after some unremarkable spells with Los Angeles FC, Huddersfield, Exeter City and of course Burton, which took place before his move to Shrewsbury.Most read in FootballRossiter poses as perhaps an even greater shock than the former Chelsea shot-stopper.The former England Under-19 international enjoyed an impressive 11-year stint with Liverpool’s reserves, where he even donned the captain’s armband, until he was called up to the seniors in 2014. The defensive midfielder stood out so much in the youth ranks that the Reds’ legend Robbie Fowler tipped him to become the next Steven Gerrard back in 2013.Fowler said 12 years ago: “Jordan Rossiter. Big shout, but potentially a young Stevie G. He’s a very good player.”But the England legend’s prediction never materialised as Rossiter only managed a total of five appearances with Liverpool’s first team during a hapless two-year stint that was marred by injury.That led to a move to Rangers in 2016, where he played under Gerrard for two years, before also competing for the likes of Bury, Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.He never lived up to the Gerrard tag, but he insists that wasn’t the reason behind his unfortunate fall from grace.Rossiter said back in 2020 when asked if all that hype added pressure: “No, I never saw it like that. For legends of the club to say positive things about me was great to hear. Read More on The Sun”It showed that they rated me highly but I never felt under any extra pressure or anything like.”I never got carried away by it either. I was just thinking, ‘Next Steven Gerrard? If I have 10 per cent of the career Steven Gerrard has had then I will have had a great career’.”Blackman was expected to become Chelsea’s next No1Rossiter was tipped to become the next Steven Gerrard More

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      Former Chelsea star with very famous TV ex left unemployed at 36 after being released by relegated League One club

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      FORMER Chelsea star Scott Sinclair is unemployed after being released from Bristol Rovers.The veteran winger, who was the club captain, has been let go following their relegation from League One.Scott Sinclair has been released by Bristol RoversCredit: GettySinclair’s ex is ex-Corrie star Helen FlanaganCredit: InstagramShe is a TV personality, actress and modelCredit: InstagramBristol Rovers finished 22nd in a disastrous campaign and Sinclair is now without a club.He is not the only ex-Premier League ace released by the Pirates as former West Brom midfielder Romanie Sawyers has also not earned a new contract.Joining the duo as free agents from the side are Grant Ward, Luke McCormick, Jerry Lawrence, Jack Hunt, Jevani Brown and Matt Hall.A one-year extension has been triggered for James Wilson and Chris Martin, who will remain at the club while he recovers from a knee injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSinclair, 36, came through the ranks at Bristol Rovers before joining Chelsea as a teenager.He was on books of the Blues for five years, playing 14 times for the club.Sinclair went on to feature for the likes of Swansea, Manchester City West Brom, Aston Villa and Celtic in his lengthy career.He also represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAway from the field, Sinclair had a high-profile romance with ex-partner Helen Flanagan.They had three children before going their separate ways in 2022.Helen Flanagan looks amazing as she glams up in pink dress for Grand National with boyfriend Robbie TalbotActress and model Helen rose to fame on Coronation Street and she has since been on several shows like I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Celebs Go Dating.She now dates former footballer Robbie Talbot.Helen and Sinclair have three kids togetherCredit: Instagram More

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      EFL play-off semi-final moved due to fixture clash with Premier League club 120 miles away

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      AN EFL play-off semi-final has had its date changed due to a fixture clash with a Premier League game.The top-flight affair takes place 120 miles north of the play-off match, but the Premier League has taken priority in the scheduling pecking order. Lloyd Jones opened the scoring in Charlton’s 4-0 win over Wycombe in April – their play-off game has been movedCredit: AlamyMorgan Gibbs-White and Forest need to beat Leicester to aid their Champions League pushCredit: PAThe EFL clubs in question are Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, with the pair set to meet in the League One promotion lottery. Wycombe will host the first leg at Adams Park, and were supposed to kick off at 7.45pm on Saturday. May 10, but that has since been changed. The reason for that is that Nottingham Forest play east Midlands rivals Leicester City the day after and crucially, Forest’s city rivals Notts County are set to face AFC Wimbledon in the League Two play-offs that same day.Both games were scheduled for the same day in Nottingham, and as a result, County’s game – which was supposed to kick off at 6.30pm on Sunday, May 11 – has now been moved to the Saturday, swapping with Wycombe’s clash with Charlton. Read more footballAs such, Mike Dodds’ side will now take the 6.30pm kick-off on Sunday, with Notts to face Wimbledon on Saturday evening at 8pm at Meadow Lane. Forest kick off against Leicester at 2.15pm on Sunday at the City Ground as they look to turn around their lapse in form in their hunt for Champions League qualification.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side fell out of the top five in the Premier League table with home defeats by Manchester City and Brentford, and they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace on Monday night.They sit sixth with three games to play, two points off fifth-placed Chelsea, who beat champions Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt will be the first time ever that the Chairboys and the Addicks have played each other in play-offs. Nathan Jones’ south east Londoners did the double over the Buckinghamshire side in the regular season, thrashing them 4-0 at Adams Park in the third-last game of the campaign. Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke lead Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after win over LiverpoolAt The Valley, they scraped a 2-1 victory thanks to a double from Miles Leaburn. More

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      Former Premier League captain and club cult hero, 36, wakes up unemployed as one of TEN players released

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      A FORMER Premier League captain has been left unemployed after his EFL club released ten players.Huddersfield finished the 2024-25 season tenth in League One after a horror run saw them drop out of play-off contention.Jonathan Hogg has been left unemployed after his release by HuddersfieldCredit: RexThe midfielder captained the Terriers in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsAnd less than 48 hours after the end of the campaign, the Terriers announced their retained list.But, crucially, club cult hero Jonathan Hogg has been let go after 12 years with Huddersfield. Hogg, 36, captained the Yorkshire club during their stint in the Premier League.The news of his departure at the end of his contract had already been confirmed.READ MORE ON EFLThat allowed him to bid farewell to his adoring Huddersfield supporters after the final game of the EFL season at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday. The club also let a further nine first-team stars go as their deals expired while goalkeeper Chris Maxwell retired. Huddersfield said: “As previously disclosed, club captain and legend Jonathan Hogg will wave goodbye to the club this summer following 12 distinguished years in blue and white. “Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has also departed the club following his recent retirement.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Now at the conclusion of their contracts, we will also part ways with nine other players with senior appearances for the club across our First Team and B Team, with Danny Ward, Tom Lees, Matty Pearson, Ollie Turton, Josh Ruffels, Josh Koroma, Scott High, Loick Ayina and Conor Falls all set to depart with our sincere thanks for their service, and best wishes for the future.”Having unfortunately had his season cut short by an ACL injury, Ward will have the opportunity to continue his rehabilitation with the club until he is fit to move elsewhere.How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final “Conducting a full review of our footballing operations following the 2024/25 campaign, the club retains a desire to refresh the complexion of our First Team squad having fallen short of our targets this season. “Looking to head into the 2025/26 season reinvigorated, decisions have been made to allow full flexibility and freedom to any incoming Head Coach.”Huddersfield sacked manager Michael Duff in March after a run of four defeats in five league matches as the Terriers dropped out of the play-off places. Jon Worthington took interim charge for the remainder of the season to replace Duff, who came in after relegation from the Championship last May. More