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      I’m Portsmouth fan who become linesman for my OWN team after answering SOS… but I had two issues

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      POMPEY fan Julian Browning swapped the club’s boozy corporate hospitality lounge to answer an SOS and take over as emergency LINESMAN.Browning borrowed kit, including GOLD boots, to take a flag after fourth official Stephen Brown — who had already replaced one crocked linesman — limped off.
      Julian Browning answered as SOS call to be a linesmanCredit: Rex
      Pompey fan Browning borrowed kit and gold kitsCredit: Rex
      Cheltenham boss Wade Elliott hailed local league ref Browning as “the best official we’ve had all year”, adding: “They should all have a curry and four pints before coming on.”
      The game was in danger of being abandoned when ref Ben Toner  took the players off the pitch while an appeal for a stand-in bellowed out from the  Portsmouth PA system.
      Browning revealed: “I’ve not been on the turf at Fratton Park since I was an 11-year-old playing in a schools cup final in 1978.
      “I am a massive Pompey fan, have been for 50 years. I’ve been a season-ticket holder forever.
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      “I got some kit from the second assistant ref and another official appeared in the changing room with a  spare pair of gold boots.
      “If you’re going to make your presence felt you might as well wear gold boots, hey?
      “We had been wondering what was going on. Everyone who sits around me knows I am a local  referee, not a brilliant standard.
      “I was a bit unsure at first. They made a second call and I thought, ‘Oh, what the hell?’.
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      “The adrenalin kicked in and I was c**pping myself.
      “I was worried about two things, one, if a contentious decision happened but also if Pompey scored, how was I going to react?
      “I asked the referee, ‘What do I do if we score?’ ”
      Fortunately, that did not arise as the game ended goalless following 21 MINUTES of added time because of the lino chaos.
      It was Cheltenham’s first point of the season and  Elliott joked: “I did worry when he walked on and gave the Messiah salute to the North Stand but it’s one of those things.
      “The players dealt with it really well. It would have been easy to have lost focus.”
      Portsmouth manager John Mousinho praised the visitors for allowing the game to continue despite Browning being a Pompey fan.
      Mousinho said: “There was a chance the game could be called off because nobody knew the affiliation of the fan who took over.
      “I was happy because he came down from our South Stand, so fair play to Cheltenham because they could have refused to play on.”
      The match resumed in the 55th minute, with Browning loudly applauded as he raised his flag for a throw-in moments later.
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      Pompey midfielder Joe Morrell added: “We were in the dark about whether the game was going to go ahead.
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      “But someone who’d had five pints in hospitality stepped up.
      “There were questions being asked. If you’re their manager, you’d be  worried about pulling a Pompey fan from the crowd. But 0-0 is a fantastic result for them.” More

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      Portsmouth clash bizarrely SUSPENDED as ref walks down tunnel with the ball before FAN ‘takes over as linesman’

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      PORTSMOUTH’S clash with Cheltenham was bizarrely delayed as the officials appealed for any qualified refs in the crowd to take over as linesman.The unusual incident occurred just 12 minutes into the second half, when referee Ben Toner grabbed the ball and left the field of play.
      Portsmouth’s clash with Cheltenham was bizarrely delayedCredit: Rex
      At the time, Pompey tweeted: “As if this afternoon couldn’t get anymore bizarre…
      “The referee has taken the ball and disappeared down the tunnel – we’ll keep you updated.”
      Two minutes later, they added: “A message has just gone out over the PA system for a qualified official to make themselves known…
      “And a fan from the stands has just emerged to take over duties, so we should be fine!”
      The original officiating team at the match consisted of Ben Toner as referee, Daniel Flynn and Mark Derrien as his assistants and Stephen Brown as the fourth official.
      One of the linesmen was forced off injured during the first half of the match, with Brown taking over.
      Disaster then struck early on in the second period, when the other linesman also picked up an injury.
      At this point the referee led both teams back down the tunnel, with the Fratton Park PA system appealing for any qualified referees to emerge from the crowd.
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      Around ten minutes after the initial incident it was confirmed that play would resume in a further five.
      The match eventually got back underway in the 55th minute, with a supporter running the line.
      Pompey and Cheltenham were level at 0-0 when the suspension occurred.
      As the replacement assistant ref raised his flag for a throw-in for the first time, he received a loud cheer from the crowd.
      The officials eventually reverted to the original match clock, meaning they entered 21 minutes of stoppage time at the end of the initial 90. More

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      Major rule change to stadium clocks and big screens as new season kicks off as fans say ‘thank the Lord’ and ‘love that’

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      FOOTBALL fans are rejoicing over a rule change which means stadium clocks will now show added time at the end of each half.EFL scoreboards or giant screen timers will run until the completion of the half – rather than stopping at 45 and 90 minutes.
      EFL clocks and screens will show added time at the end of each halfCredit: Getty
      It comes as a result of IFAB guidance following the introduction of a new approach to timekeeping.
      The step has been taken to improve the “transparency” of the game as fans will be more informed as to how much time remains.
      According to The Mail, Howard Webb and the PGMOL, the referees’ body, had a major say in the decision to change stadium clocks.
      The alteration will be enforced in the Championship, League One and League Two where technology permits it.
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      It is not yet clear whether the stadium clocks will show added time in the Premier League.
      In response to the change, one fan said: “Thank the lord I think these footballing governing bodies are finally waking up ❤️⚽️.”

      While another added: “About time.”
      A third responded: “Love that, won’t have to guess how much time is left anymore 😅.”
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      And a fourth replied: “Good idea. Hated the fact that it would get to 90 minutes and just stop.”
      More minutes are expected to be played this season in an attempt to combat time wasting.
      This is set to mirror the time added during the Men’s World Cup last year and the Women’s World Cup that is currently being held.
      It comes after FA chief David Dein hinted at a possible change earlier this year.
      He told The Times: “The time has come for transparency via a countdown clock so the public can actually see how much time is left. It should not be a national secret.
      “I’m not saying the clock should be stopped every time the ball goes out of play, but certainly for those incidents which cause the greatest delays: goal celebrations, substitutions, penalties, injuries and now VAR checks.” More

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      Simon Thomas teases fans about a ‘new look Soccer Saturday’ as Sky Sports presenter admits he is ‘a bit nervous’

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      SIMON THOMAS has teased football fans that Soccer Saturday will have a “new look” when the show returns tomorrow.The presenter was named the show’s lead after replacing the long-standing Jeff Stelling.
      Simon Thomas has teased fans about a ‘new look’ Soccer Saturday
      He will be hosting the show this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
      Former host Jeff Stelling stepped down after 30 years at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty
      Thomas, 50, admitted that he is “a bit nervous” about starting in the role.
      In a video on Instagram, he said: “The night before the football season returned in full and not a sound in the house could be heard.
      “I know the season returns tonight with Sheffield Wednesday against Southampton, but tomorrow is the return of Soccer Saturday with a new look, a new studio and a new host.
      “And I will be honest enough to say I am a bit nervous.
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      “I think nerves are good, I would be a bit worried if I had no nerves.
      “Healthy nerves are good, overwhelming nerves, not so good.
      “But I am feeling okay, I have been working really hard for the last month to try and catch up on everything.
      “Because it has been a long time since I was involved in football full-time, obviously I have been doing bits and bobs for Amazon Prime over the last three seasons, which has been amazing.
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      “But now I am fully back at Sky, and I am really excited, the Soccer Saturday team a brilliant team.
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      “I know that the pundits that are with me tomorrow, Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Michael Dawson, Sue Smith and Neil Lennon is popping in, so I know I am in safe hands.”
      The former Blue Peter star has won the race for the iconic job – six years after leaving Sky Sports following the tragic death of wife Gemma.
      The respected broadcaster quit his full-time job in 2017 to care for his son when wife Gemma died just three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
      And Thomas admitted in an emotional statement that he never thought he’d end up hosting Soccer Saturday, thanking new wife Derrina and his family and friends for their support.
      Thomas is not the only new face joining Soccer Saturday next month.
      Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has landed a role offering insight into games from the perspective of an official.
      He secured the job just 24 hours after quitting football, leaving his role as a video assistant ref in the process.

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      I’m a football club owner who launched my own newspaper and starred in Netflix show… now I’m trying to get promotion

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      CHARLIE METHVEN is arguably best known for his cringe-worthy antics on Netflix.But now the former journalist is hoping to write a new blockbuster script in his latest football project.
      Former Sunderland director Charlie Methven has a new gig as co-owner at CharltonCredit: Getty
      The journalist set up his own newspaper but it folded after a yearCredit: Getty
      Methven, 47, rose to fame during his infamous spell as co-owner of Sunderland.
      The blundering PR consultant, who was educated at Eton and the University of Oxford, came in for criticism for his behaviour in the Sunderland ‘Til I Die documentary.
      That included his iconic executive meeting to discuss PA music and his attempt at an inspirational rousing speech at the Stadium of Light.
      He stepped down as the Black Cats’ executive director in December 2019 after a series of struggles and controversies – including calling fans watching illegal streams of matches “parasites”.
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      But Methven was making waves in the media world a long time before his sudden rise to stardom on Netflix.
      The reporter wrote for Sporting Life, The Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and the Evening Standard.
      But in 2005, he launched The Sportsman, a daily horseracing and gambling title and the first new UK national newspaper in 19 years.
      The following year, though, it ran out of funds and folded.
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      Methven went on to have a communications firm which had Tottenham and the Kingdom of Bahrain on its clientele list.
      The Oxford United fan is back in football now, though, after he teamed up with investors at SE7 Partners to take over Charlton Athletic.
      And the Addicks’ new owner is insistent he is not at The Valley for some quick cash – but instead is desperate to see Dean Holden’s South Londoners promoted back into the Championship this season.
      Methven said: “I understand why people will say that because it was our model at Sunderland – but that was a very different ownership group.
      “The situation here is very different because the rest of my ownership group is very wealthy – at least the larger shareholders are – and really the increase in capital value from moving from League One to the Championship wouldn’t really be of any financial interest to them.
      “Really this project is more about passion.
      “They are successful people and successful investors and they want to be successful.
      “But if we were to get promoted this season, do I then envisage we would sell the club the next season? Absolutely not.
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      “Absolutely there is no intention for that to be the case.
      “I would put this as a five-year minimum project.”
      Methven frustrated many fans with his antics in the Netflix showCredit: Netflix
      Charlton will be eyeing promotion under new ownersCredit: Reuters More

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      Top footballer punched woman, 60, and left her unable to speak in bloody queue row at nightclub

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      A FORMER Premier League footballer is facing jail after he punched a 60-year-old woman and left her covered in blood following a nightclub row.Marcus Maddison insulted the victim’s daughter before launching the brutal assault which left the older woman unable to speak due to her facial injuries.
      Maddison started out at Newcastle but played most matches for PeterboroughCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Maddison attacked his victim after spending time at The Gate nightclub in DarlingtonCredit: The Gate/Facebook
      The attack happened after the ex-pro – who rose through the youth ranks at Newcastle United – left The Gate nightclub in Darlington in the early hours of September 25 last year.
      Teesside Crown Court has now heard how he got into a row with two women for apparently jumping the queue in a kebab shop close to the nightclub in County Durham.
      Prosecutor Robin Turton told how Maddison threatened: “You come near me and I’m going to pelt these cheesy chips at you.”
      Mr Turton added: “As the defendant threw the chips he fell backwards and he punched the victim with his right clenched fist.
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      “There was a steady stream of blood coming from what appeared to be a broken nose. She was unable to speak due to her injuries.
      “The victim was taken to hospital and a CT scan revealed complex midfacial bone fractures.
      “She reported that she continues to suffer numbness to the teeth, diminished sense of taste and smell and is now reluctant to go out on her own.”
      Maddison was arrested and later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.
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      He now faces sentencing on August 8.
      The judge, Mr Recorder Paul Reid, extended his unconditional bail while an updated victim impact statement is prepared and a medical carried out on the victim.
      The 29-year-old midfielder scored 52 goals in more than 200 appearances during a six-year stint at League One side Peterborough United.
      He also played for former Premier League sides Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
      He also won two caps in 2014 for England C, the team representing the country for non-league level footballers.
      Maddison signed for National League North club Darlington in June last year but had his contract ripped up days after the assault.
      Darlington FC said: “The club were made aware of an alleged incident and conducted an immediate disciplinary investigation.
      “After discussions with the player concerned, the club agreed to mutually terminate his contract with immediate effect at that time.
      “Darlington FC is a fan-owned club and has a zero tolerance towards discrimination, violence of abusive behaviour.
      “It would be inappropriate for Darlington FC to comment further at this time.”
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      Maddison took time off from football in March 2001 for mental health reasons, having played ten matches for Bolton on their way to promotion from League Two.
      Speaking a year later, he said: “Things didn’t go well at Bolton and, headspace, I just wasn’t in the right way to play football anymore.” More

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      Fans ‘pack their bags’ after discovering amazing city where streets are named after football teams – is yours included?

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      FOOTBALL fans have unearthed an incredible place where the streets are named after English football teams.This amazing area can be found in the city of McKinney, located in Collin County, TX, USA – roughly 32 miles north of Texas capital Dallas.
      The city in America has an uncanny amount of names belonging to football clubs
      Mckinney in Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA.
      After the astonishing find, fans have been declaring their intention to cross the pond and live on a road named after their team.
      Exactly why the streets have been named after the English clubs is unclear – but more importantly – has your side been included?
      Kicking things off in the Premier League, Fulham are one team to get a mention with the street name Fulham Lane.
      Newly-promoted Sheffield United and local rivals Sheffield Wednesday get a feature with their own Sheffield Drive, while Burnley Drive can also be found right off Fulham.
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      Another set of local rivals, Bristol City and Rovers also have a place in the City with Bristol Drive.
      Championship sides Southampton, Millwall and Preston are named too, with Southampton Drive, Millwall Drive and Preston Lane respectively.
      Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough are there too, though a misspelling of the road – Middlesborough Drive – being spelt like the location rather than the club left a couple of fans fuming.
      One fan wrote: “And OBVIOUSLY they spelled Middlesbrough incorrectly.”
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      The city has names from all across the English football pyramid
      As of 2020 it had a population just shy of 200,000
      While a second typed: “Aaaand they f***ed up and spelt Middlesbrough wrong 😬.”
      Relegated Championship sides Reading and Blackpool are in the City too with Reading Drive and Blackpool Parkway.
      From League One, Barnsley, Portsmouth, Port Vale, Leyton Orient and Shrewsbury can also be found.
      There is even a property currently for sale on Port Vale Drive, with houses in the area selling for around £400,000.
      League Two sides also have some resident street names, namely Crawley and Gillingham.
      In Non-League there is even a mention of Dagenham and Redbridge with Redbridge Lane.
      One fan added on Twitter: “All I want in life is to live on Port Vale Drive.”
      While another wrote: “Packing my bags.”
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      In 2017 McKinney was named the third fastest-growing city in the States, and as of 2020 has a population of 195,308.
      That number may swell even more with a flood of football fans now plotting a move over. More

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      Barnsley face points deduction and huge fine as EFL find them guilty of FIVE rule breaches after play-off heartbreak

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      BARNSLEY have been charged with FIVE breaches of EFL regulations.The EFL have found the club guilty of breaches concerning its ownership.
      Barnsley have been charged with five breaches of EFL regulationsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Paul Conway and Chien Lee have also been charged by the EFLCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The EFL have said that the Tykes have failed to provide the league with “correct and/or complete information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares in the club” despite a request for the information by the League.
      Barnsley have also been charged with failing to provide “necessary notifications regarding the ownership position” and “failing to publish accurate information on the club’s website concerning the ultimate owners of the significant interest”.
      The other two charges include “allowing individuals to acquire a position of control without prior clearance from the EFL” and “failing to act towards the League with the utmost good faith”.
      Former club directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee have also been charged with “causing the club to be in breach of EFL regulations”.
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      Barnsley, Paul Conway and Chien Lee have 14 days to respond to the charges.
      The EFL could hand Barnsley a points deduction and a heavy fine.
      Reading are one club that have been the subject of similar punishments from the EFL in recent times.
      Barnsley have since released a statement addressing the charges in which it confirmed that they were the result of an investigation initiated by the club itself.
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      The club could face a fine and a points deductionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It read: “The charges announced by the EFL today are the result of an investigation initiated by the club following an internal review into the shareholdings of former directors Paul Conway and Chien Lee.
      “After bringing the issue to the attention of the EFL, the club has fully cooperated with the investigation at every stage and will continue to do so, as appropriate.
      “The steps taken by the club to instigate and then ensure a thorough investigation into the issue underline Barnsley FC’s commitment to compliance with the EFL’s regulations.
      “The club will await the EFL’s sanctioning decision and will comment further in due course.”
      Barnsley finished fourth in League One last season but missed out on promotion after losing to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off final. More