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      EFL clash STOPPED after mass pitch invasion as furious fans run on field in protest

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      READING’S match with Port Vale has been suspended following a pitch invasion.The League One clash was stopped by officials after a mass pitch invasion took place inside the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
      Reading fans have stormed the pitch in their clash with Port Vale
      The invasion was a protest towards the Reading ownershipCredit: X @russell1871

      Reading fans poured onto the grass in a protest to the ownership at the club.
      Supporters entered the field of play and rushed to the centre circle to make their thoughts known.
      The official Reading X account posted a statement online to warn their fans of the dangers of their actions.
      It read: “We are fully aware of and understand our supporters’ frustrations, but we must reiterate to our supporters that entering or throwing items onto the pitch can put the fixture at risk of abandonment,
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      “And can result in personal consequences including banning orders. Thank you for your support today.”
      The club then followed up with a second statement urging fans to get off the pitch to avoid sanctions for the club.
      It read: “We appreciate supporters frustrations. Please leave the field of play.
      “The club will face serious sanctions if this does not take place.”
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      Frustrations have reached boiling point with Reading owner Dai YonggeCredit: Rex Features
      The match was scoreless when the incident occurred in the 17th minute.
      The Royals owner Dai Yongge has come under a lot of criticism during his time in charge of the historic club.
      Reading have been handed a number of penalties for their financial mismanagement including a four point deduction this season for a late payment of wages.
      Reading have been docked a total of 16 POINTS while under the ownership of Yongge.
      They currently face the very real possibility of relegation to League Two as they sit in 21st place in the League One table.
      It comes after they dropped down from the Championship at the end of last season.
      The club’s on-field struggles are made worse by the string of cost-cutting and redundancies that is going on off the pitch.
      Fans had already protested before today’s pitch invasion by throwing tennis balls on to the field of play during games this season.
      And they began today’s show of frustration with the same action on the 16th minute before then entering the pitch.
      Fans in attendance at today’s clash with Port Vale have reported that the PA system inside the stadium announced that the game would be abandoned is supporters didn’t leave the pitch.
      The disgruntled fans were said to be chanting “get out of out club” and “we want Dai Yongge out” during the on-field protest.
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      And in a show of support for Reading’s dire situation, Port Vale fans were also said to be joining in with the chanting.
      While video also emerged of both sets of fans shaking hands after discussions about the protests.

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      EFL clash suspended due to medical emergency in crowd as players are taken off pitch

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      A MEDICAL emergency has suspended play in Bolton’s clash against Cheltenham.The League One game was stopped due to a crowd emergency in the East Stand.
      Medical staff attended to a fan following a medical emergency during Bolton’s League One clash with CheltenhamCredit: PA
      Paramedics treated the fan in the East StandCredit: PA
      Pictures from the Toughsheet Community Stadium showed a group of paramedics attending to the incident.
      Multiple bright yellow jackets rushed over to the stand with a stretcher and began performing CPR.
      At 15:47, stewards carried a stretcher down the stairs and a light blue sheet was put around it.
      Several stewards then ran off the pitch with the stretcher a minute later.
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      A public announcement asked supporters to remain where they were until a decision on what happens next is made.
      Players from both teams were taken off the pitch following the incident which occurred around 30 minutes into the game.
      A statement from Bolton on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “There’s been a stoppage in-play here due to an apparent medical incident in the crowd.
      “The players have been taken from the field for now.”
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      It was later announced that the fan was in a critical condition.
      As a result officials decided to abandon the game.
      A Bolton statement said: “Due to a medical emergency in the crowd, today’s game has been postponed.
      “Our thoughts are with the family concerned.”
      More to follow.
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      Free EFL football tips, 14/1 acca prediction and £40 in free bets for Saturday’s action

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      SUNSPORT tipster Craig Mahood has gone through Saturday’s EFL card to bring you his best bets, top tips and a whopping 22/1 accumulator.With a lack of Premier League football on Saturday afternoon, the EFL takes centre stage and there’s a banker single and longshot – for those who love bigger odds – on top of the weekend acca.
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      This weekend’s five-fold starts in the Championship with WEST BROM (7/10) hosting out of sorts Blackburn.
      Rovers sit bottom of the form table with just one point from their last five games.
      The Baggies are looking to maintain their spot in the play off places after winning their last three games at home. Two of those came in the Championship against Norwich and Leeds.
      Speaking of LEEDS (8/13), they’ve won 3-0 in back-to-back games and need to go on a bit of a run to catch Ipswich who are seven points clear and in second spot.
      Cardiff have only won once in their last six home games and this represents a good chance for an away win.
      PETERBOROUGH (21/20) are away to Charlton this weekend and sit two points off Bolton in second, so dropped points can be costly.
      Charlton are nine games without a win, while Posh have three wins away from home on the bounce. They also won the reverse fixture earlier this season.
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      Staying in League One, NORTHAMPTON (11/8) host Wigan on Saturday looking to keep their winning run going.
      They’ve won their last two but have made home their fortress, winning five of the last six with leaders Portsmouth the only team to beat them in that run.
      Wigan were plucky in defeat to Man Utd earlier this week but have one win to their name in their last seven games and Northampton could have too much.
      The acca is finished off with CRAWLEY (10/11) who host Salford.
      The hosts have picked up three wins from their last four games while scoring seven goals in their last two games.
      The visitors haven’t won in twelve games, prompting a change of manager but it could be same old story.
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      The Banker
      We head to League One for this one and Reading’s home game with Port Vale.
      Reading’s three games before the EFL Trophy defeat to Brighton U21’s were 3-2, 2-2 and 2-2.
      In fact, the 1-0 loss was only the second time in 17 games that a game involving Reading didn’t finish with both teams scoring.
      Port Vale’s last four games have brought 17 goals. So that trend could and should continue here. Wouldn’t put you off BTTS & over 3.5 goals at 9/4 either….

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      The Longshot
      We’ve gone down the full time result with both teams to score for this one.
      Oxford United (3/1) are at Carlisle with their recent form a bit sticky, but they can bounce back at a Carlisle with just one win in their last nine – though they have only failed to score once in their last five home games.
      Wycombe (10/3) have hit a decent bit of form and could leapfrog opponents Leyton Orient with a home win.
      The Wanderers have won three of their last five home games, with both teams scoring in all three. The visitors have two draws and five defeats in their last seven games.
      And this bet finishes with Wrexham (5/2), still buoyed from beating Shrewsbury in the FA Cup last week.
      They’ve only lost one of their last 14 home games, with Wimbledon scoring on three successive away days.

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      Six lower-league FA Cup stars to watch including England hero’s brother, goal ace and forgotten Premier League cult hero

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      THE FA CUP third-round is always one of the biggest weekends in the football calendar as Premier League, EFL and non-league sides mix it up.SunSport’s JUSTIN ALLEN takes a look at six players below the top-flight to look out for this weekend in the world’s oldest domestic cup competition.
      Jobe Bellingham (left) will relish facing Premier League Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      Paul Appiah (right) stars for Maidstone, the lowest-ranked team left in the CupCredit: Gary Stone
      Eastleigh’s 6ft 4in defender Ludwig Francillette is ready to face NewportCredit: Rex
      JOBE BELLINGHAM (Sunderland)
      REAL MADRID and England star Jude Bellingham’s younger brother is enjoying his breakthrough season with the Black Cats.
      And what a game for the 18-year-old midfielder to show his talents this weekend as the Black Cats face their bitter rivals Newcastle in Saturday’s big North East derby at the Stadium of Light.
      PAUL APPIAH (Maidstone United)
      ROOKIE defender will be turning out for the National League South club against Stevenage on Saturday on loan from Leicester.
      The 21-year-old is highly rated and already appeared four times in the EFL Trophy for the Foxes Under-21s side but been sent to the Kent team to get more week-to-week action against senior players. Was superb for the Stones in their second-round win over Barrow.

      LUDWIG FRANCILLETTE (Eastleigh)
      The 6ft 4in ace, 24, is from Guadeloupe and came through the youth system at Newcastle and has two seasons under his belt at League Two club Crawley. Will be hoping to snub out Newport and 17-goal Will Evans this weekend.

      JONNY WILLIAMS (Gillingham)
      VASTLY-experienced midfield playmaker who until last year was a Wales international.
      The 30-year-old former Crystal Palace, Charlton, Cardiff and Swindon ace has featured at two Euros (2016 and 2020) plus was selected for the World Cup squad in Qatar last winter despite being a League Two player!
      DION CHARLES (Bolton)
      STRIKER is on fire as the Trotters aim to win promotion this season from League One.
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      The 28-year-old has an impressive 17 goals already and will be hoping to add to that this weekend and take the scalp of Premier League strugglers Luton.
      JOSH COBURN (Middlesbrough)
      THE lively striker has just turned 21 and highly rated at the Riverside.
      Coburn, back from a season on loan at Bristol Rovers, has scored twice in his last two games and should get a chance against Premier League Aston Villa — although both teams do have bigger fish to fry in their respective divisions.
      Jonny Williams will use all his experience for Gillingham against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
      Dion Charles will be Bolton’s main goal threat at Premier League LutonCredit: Rex
      Josh Coburn has scored two in his last two for MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty More

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      Derby looking to sign son of Premier League cult hero and TNT Sports pundit to help boost League One promotion bid

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      DERBY are reportedly looking to sign Charlie Savage – son of Premier League cult hero Robbie – to help boost their League One promotion bid.Savage only joined Reading at the start of the term but league rivals Derby are doing everything they can to chase down a spot in the Championship next season.
      Derby are looking to sign Reading’s Charlie SavageCredit: Getty
      Charlie is the son of Premier League cult hero and TNT Sports pundit Robbie Savage
      From a rich footballing background, Charlie Savage has made an impressive start since his move from Manchester United.
      The 20-year-old midfielder signed a permanent contract for the Royals during the summer and has scored four goals in 25 appearances.
      However, the youngster’s stint at Reading could be cut short soon, as Derby wants him to follow in his dad’s footsteps and sign for them, according to the Daily Mail.
      Despite Reading being in financial turmoil it is understood the Berkshire club has already snubbed Paul Warne’s side’s offer.
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      The ex-Rotherham United boss is desperate to add reinforcements to his Derby squad for a chance of promotion to the Championship at the end of term.
      While Derby are in a fourth-place play-off spot with 46 points – Warne is targeting automatic promotion which will mean hunting down second-place Bolton and frontrunners Portsmouth.
      Savage came through the youth ranks at Man Utd only to make a single senior appearance in December 2021, replacing Juan Mata in the 89th minute against Young Boys.
      Like his father Robbie, Charlie is a Wales international and made his senior debut against Gibraltar in 2022.
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      Robbie had a glittering career and spent four terms at Pride Park from 2008-2011 making 137 appearances for the Rams.
      Before his move to the East Midlands, he spent two decades in the Premier League playing for Leicester City, Birmingham and Blackburn.
      Savage is now a TNT Sports pundit and director of football at Northern Premier League Premier Division club Macclesfield.
      Derby manager Paul Warne More

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      Star who played in Homeless World Cup after being abandoned due to his sexuality seals dream transfer to League One side

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      LEAGUE ONE Wycombe have signed a non-league striker who was made homeless in his native country – because he is gay.Richard Kone, 20, was introduced to the Adams Park crowd before kick-off in yesterday’s 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers.
      Richard Kone, with Bloomfield next to him on his left, has signed for WycombeCredit: @wwfcofficial
      Hotshot Kone, who has been starring with Athletic Newham in the Essex Senior League, is only the second openly gay player in England’s top four divisions.
      He ended up on the streets in his home country of Ivory Coast after coming out to his parents, then appeared in the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff four years ago before linking up with Athletic Newham, where he has scored 21 times this season.
      Now after a lengthy trial, Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield has beaten clubs including Brentford and Colchester to his signature.
      Kone, who is now reconciled with his mother, said: “I was living on the street after I had some problems with my parents because I am homosexual. It was terribly difficult being homeless in my country.”
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      Although it is not illegal to be gay in Ivory Coast, discrimination against homosexuality is widespread.
      There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
      The only other openly gay player in men’s professional football in England is Blackpool’s Jake Daniels.
      Bloomfield, who was the first footballer to sign the Football v Homophobia Charter for Action, said: “It’s been a long saga. Richard played for us pre-season and we looked to try and sign him in the summer window.
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      “Unfortunately, that didn’t happen for various reasons so it’s been four or five months in the making.
      “Richard’s a young lad and we have to be careful how much is put on his shoulders. But he knows where the back of the net is and he’s been working hard with us behind the scenes. We have him on a long contract and we’re looking to build him into a good player.
      “We have a few young players we are excited about and Richard is one of them. We want to have our own assets here and develop our own players.
      “We’re pleased to get his move over the line.” More

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      Premier League cult hero Charlie Adam lands his first manager’s job with League One strugglers

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      FLEETWOOD have appointed Charlie Adam as their new boss after sacking Lee Johnson.The former Blackpool favourite and Liverpool midfielder, 38, was working as loans manager at Burnley.
      Fleetwood sacked Lee Johnson as manager on Saturday after a dismal runCredit: Rex
      They have appointed Charlie Adam as his replacement at HighburyCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Adam, who won 26 caps for Scotland, jumped at the chance of a first crack at management following a long playing career.
      He has climbed the coaching ladder and Premier League Burnley did not stand stand in his way.
      Fleetwood announced his arrival on social media, with Adam saying: “I’m delighted to join a club I know well and one which we feel we can make a real difference with.
      “I’m inheriting what I think is a strong squad which is more than capable of getting the results needed to climb the table.
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      “Fleetwood is a hard-working, honest, and passionate town and the football club must reflect that – the players have to be proud to pull the shirt on and represent what the club and the town stands for.
      “It’s now important we see togetherness from the players, staff and crucially the supporters to help turn results around – we can’t wait to get started.
      The Cod Army have been struggling this term and currently sit second bottom of League One.
      They have only amassed 18 points from 23 matches and have moved quickly as they look to get out of the drop zone.
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      Johnson, who has previously managed Bristol City, Barnsley and Sunderland, started the season in charge of Hibernian.
      However, he was sacked by the Scottish Premiership side back in August.
      The 42-year-old was not out of work long as he was appointed Fleetwood boss in September.
      But he won just six of his 22 matches at the helm.
      And a run of nine games without a win in all competitions led to the North West club sacking him yesterday.
      His assistant manager Darren Way and first-team coach Phil Jevons also left Highbury. More

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      Ex-Premier League keeper scores ‘most embarrassing own-goal ever’ as fans say ‘2023 summed up in four seconds’

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      READING goalkeeper David Button produced the “most embarrassing own-goal ever” in his side’s 2-2 draw at Cheltenham.The Royals fought back from two goals down to rescue a point against their relegation rivals on Friday night.
      David Button scored a comical own goal for Reading against Cheltenham
      The ball ricocheted off his foot after a team-mate’s attempted clearance

      However, fans were left in shock after seeing the own-goal which allowed the hosts to double their lead.
      After Button had spread himself to save at close range, the ball fell to a defender inside the six-yard box.
      His attempt to clear ricocheted off the keeper’s foot, though, and into the back of the net.
      Reacting to the incident on social media, one fan wrote: “2023 perfectly summed up in a four second clip. We’re a laughing stock.”
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      Another added: “One of if not the most embarrassing goals we have ever conceded.”
      A third supporter also commented: “If my U13s did this I’d be embarrassed.”
      Meanwhile, one more fumed: “Beyond embarrassing.”
      The own goal came after Liam Sercombe had already given Cheltenham the lead at Whaddon Road.
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      Fortunately for Reading, though, they were able to pull level before half-time.
      Quick-fire stoppage time goals from Jeriel Dorsett and Paul Mukairu saved Button’s blushes as the sides went in at half-time all square.
      Neither team could find a breakthrough after the interval, with the point leaving Reading 21st in League One and three points from safety.
      Ruben Selles’ side have also been deducted four points already this season for failing to pay wages on time.
      As for Button, the 34-year-old is a former England youth international and made five Premier League appearances for Brighton and West Brom earlier in his career.
      Fans labelled it the ‘most embarrassing own goal ever’ on social media More