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      Wigan’s Funso Ojo believes US Capitol ‘riot’ may be GOOD for Black Lives Matter

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      FUNSO Ojo admits he was thankful when people ‘rioted’ at the US Capitol building as it could be good for his career – by bringing the fight against racism in stark focus.
      However, he can understand why Wilfried Zaha describes taking a knee before matches as ‘degrading.’

      Wigan’s Funso Ojo is a passionate supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement

      The Wigan midfielder has been the victim of monkey chants during his time in Holland and is a passionate believer in the Black Lives Matter movement.
      And when former President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol building, and the way it was dealt with, he was thankful as it showed why the cause exists in clear vision.
      Ojo, on loan from Aberdeen, said: “What happened in the Capitol was probably the best thing that could’ve happened for us of different nationalities and colours.
      “Now people understand what we were talking and complaining about as there was a massive difference in how that situation got handled.

      “The day after it happened, the physio at Aberdeen said, ‘Now that’s happened, I understand the Black Lives Matter movement. I see what you mean.’

      Ojo believes the Capitol riot may prove a good thing for the Black Lives Matter movementCredit: REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
      “He was like, ‘It can’t be that bad,’ but that was a pure riot and nothing happened. That’s when he said, ‘Now I understand.’
      “I’ll still take a knee as racism is still there – if anything it’s not getting better.
      “Tendayi Darikwa here says he won’t do it any more, he’s on the same page as Zaha but it’s a personal matter, I can see where Wilfried is coming from.

      “But I look at where it started with Colin Kaepernick in the NFL and what it stood for at the start. I understand what Wilfried’s saying but it’s a symbol and a message.

      Ojo admits he thinks about Colin Kaepernick taking the knee when people say Black Lives Matter is losing its relevanceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “Those type of players in the public eye still get a lot of messages, maybe more now as it’s in the public eye. So maybe they think, ‘It’s not doing anything.’”
      Belgian Ojo, 29, swapped life in Aberdeen for crisis club Wigan but the way things operate, he would not know the club is in administration.
      And he is adamant they can still stay in League One, even though they face leaders Peterborough today.
      But while he believes the competition in England’s third tier is stronger and deeper than the Scottish Premiership, the air is worse in Greater Manchester.

      Ojo admits he felt like he was on Peaky Blinders when he mistook a strong Scouse accent at Wigan for a Birmingham oneCredit: BBC
      Some of the accents around the place also take some getting used to.
      Ojo, who himself has a slight Scottish twang, added: “There are too many Scousers here, all I hear is, ‘All right, all right, all right.’
      “I thought our assistant coach had a Birmingham accent at first but apparently it’s a string scouse accent.
      “When he spoke, I felt like I was in Peaky Blinders!” More

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      Joey Barton confirmed as Bristol Rovers manager as he makes swift return to dugout a month after ugly Fleetwood sacking

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      JOEY BARTON is the new Bristol Rovers manager.
      The former midfielder, 38, replaces Paul Tisdale at the Memorial Stadium on a contract until 2023.

      Joey Barton is back in management after taking the Bristol Rovers jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Barton spent two-and-a-half years as Fleetwood boss between June 2018 and his ugly departure last month.
      He won 51 of his 128 games in charge with the Cod Army.
      Now the one-cap England international is tasked with keeping Rovers in League One.
      The Gas are currently 18th in the table, one of three teams on 27 points and just two clear of the relegation zone.

      Barton has been joined by assistant manager Clint Hill and first-team coach Andy Mangan.
      They will take charge of their first game when Wigan travel to the Mem tomorrow night.
      Speaking about Barton’s appointment, Bristol Rovers president Wael Al Qadi said, “We are delighted to welcome Joey to Bristol Rovers and look forward to working closely with him to progress our football club forward.
      “Joey’s experience in the game is matched by his passion for coaching and delivering results, which made him a standout candidate for the role.

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      “He’s got a good knowledge of the league already thanks to his spell at Fleetwood and has shown his credentials at delivering results and getting the best out of the players he works with.
      “We are confident that he will be able to continue the ongoing development of the younger players coming through the ranks at the club and speaking to him, I know his ambitions align with what we want to achieve as a football club.
      “I want to wish Joey, the staff and the players the very best of luck for the coming games, as we look to cement our safety in Sky Bet League One and build for the future.”
      Barton was axed by Fleetwood on January 4 following a fall-out with striker Ched Evans.
      SunSport revealed Barton let the forward join Preston after alleged disciplinary breaches despite chairman Andy Pilley remaining a fan.

      The former Newcastle man also revealed the ‘disconnect’ with the League One side’s owner that led to him leaving Highbury.
      Speaking on Robbie Fowler’s podcast, Barton felt Pilley wanted to dictate transfers and admitted the pair didn’t speak for ten days before his sacking.
      In the same interview, he lifted the lid on the training ground fight with Ousmane Dabo at Manchester City – and offered the Frenchman a shot at ‘revenge’ in a charity match.
      Barton, who has served time in prison and also landed himself in hot water for stubbing a cigar out in a youth team player’s eye, was hit with a six-match ban by the Football Association in 2008 for assaulting his then Etihad team-mate on May 1, 2007.
      He was also given a four-month suspended sentence after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm after Dabo was left with cuts and bruises as well as a detached retina.

      Joey Barton reveals he left Fleetwood after bust-up with chairman More

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      Peterborough teenager Bobby Copping opens up on ‘heartbreaking’ decision to retire aged 19 over head injury

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      BOBBY COPPING has spoken of his heartbreak at retiring from football at the age of 19 following a serious head injury.
      The defender had only made one appearance for the club when he was hospitalised for four days after suffering the injury in July of last year.

      Bobby Copping has been forced to retire from football due to a head injuryCredit: Rex Features

      Having made a full recovery, he returned to the Peterborough bench for a game with Cambridge in November as he looked to return to action.
      However, only a week later, Copping was ruled out again with the same head injury.
      Still suffering from issues on a daily basis as a result of the injury, the teenager made the tough decision to retire to preserve his long-term health.
      On Thursday, Copping confirmed his move ahead of taking up a backroom role in the Posh academy.

      He said: “Over the last few months, I have been doing all I can to recover whilst having conversations with a specialist who had suggested I try a medication to see if that would stop the injury from reoccurring.
      “Unfortunately, this didn’t work, so that left few options open to me.
      “I have had various conversations with the club and the specialist and we all came to the same conclusion that for my long-term health and to prevent further damage, retirement from football completely was the obvious decision to make and that has been backed up by the fact I still have problems on a day to day basis because of the injury.
      “This decision was extremely heartbreaking to make and not just for me, but also for my family who have invested so much into my football journey.

      Thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      Bobby Copping

      “Words cannot describe how truly gutted that I am.
      “Firstly, I would just like to thank everyone at the club, especially the staff and my teammates for all their support in such a difficult time for myself.
      “They have been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to come through this without their support. I would also like to thank my family.
      “They have been my rock throughout this tough time. From the very start of my footballing career they have been there and it hurts a lot knowing we can’t continue my career any further.
      “Finally, thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible, I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
      “Although this is a very difficult time for myself, moving forward I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to stay a part of the club.
      “I will be taking up a new role at the club as I now progress my career down the business side of things.
      “Thank you again to everyone that has been involved with my football career from the start, I am extremely gutted but anyone that knows me knows that I will bounce back from this.”

      Copping joined League One Peterborough after Bury collapsed in 2019, having previously been part of Norwich’s academy.
      Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony paid tribute to the youngster’s response to the ‘horrendous setback’ ahead of his move behind the scenes.
      He said: “Myself and everybody at the club were bitterly disappointed for Bobby and what he has been through physically and mentally.
      “He is such a lovely young man who in my mind will bounce back from this horrendous setback to have a great career in the game.
      “We are delighted that he is staying with the club and excited for the next chapter in his journey which in mind will be the making of him.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      A tribute to Stevie Ward from the Leeds Rhinos as he retires aged 27 More

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      Watch referee Darren Drysdale SQUARE UP to Ipswich’s Alan Judge in heated clash at Portman Road

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      REFEREE Darren Drysdale SQUARED UP to Ipswich star Alan Judge as tempers flared in a bizarre incident against Northampton.
      The game descended into farce at Portman Road after Judge was booked for diving inside the area on 90 minutes.

      Referee Darren Drysdale appeared to put his head towards Ipswich ace Alan Judge in a moment of madness at Portman RoadCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Ipswich aces were forced to separate the heated fracas and hold the referee backCredit: © Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      The Tractor Boys midfielder protested strongly, pointing at Drysdale – prompting him to push his HEAD into Judge’s face.
      Ipswich aces were forced to separate the heated fracas and hold the 49-year-old referee back.
      Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey told SunSport that the men in the middle “should NEVER put themselves in that position.”
      He added: “I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL”

      The Tractor Boys midfielder protested strongly, pointing at DrysdaleCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Ipswich manager Paul Lambert waved his finger at the refCredit: Steve Waller
      Moments after the melee it went from bad to worse for the home side when skipper Flynn Downes was sent packing for two swift bookings in the same incident.
      The first was for a midfield tangle and then for dissent in the aftermath.
      It could have been more embarrassing for the hosts if the Cobblers, who were on top throughout, had taken one of their chances.

      Thomas Holy’s heroics came in a one-sided first half as he denied both Jack Sowerby and Peter Kioso.

      Moments after the melee it went from bad to worse for the home side when skipper Flynn Downes was sent packing for two swift bookings in the same incidentCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Mark Halsey’s view

      DARREN DRYSDALE showed a lack of self-control when he squared up to Ipswich’s Alan Judge.

      Irrespective of what has gone before in the match, referees should never put themselves in that position.
      Discipline is vital for an official and the footage and pictures from Portman Road did not look good as players from both teams ushered the experienced Drysdale away. 
      I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL.

      The incident happened in the final stages of the contestCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Mark Marshall also dragged an effort wide for the visitors and it took the home side almost 80 minutes to muster an effort on target.
      Alan Judge put fellow sub James Norwood clear but keeper Jonathan Mitchell used his left leg to block the shot.
      The clash finished goalless which will do little to appease the disgruntled Ipswich supporters.
      Furious fans set a fire outside the training ground during a protest calling for manager Paul Lambert to be sacked.
      Ipswich are currently 11th in League One, four points off the play-offs.

      Ipswich fans START FIRE in protest to get Paul Lambert sacked More

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      Referee Darren Drysdale facing ban after he’s charged by FA over angry clash with Ipswich’s Alan Judge

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      REF Darren Drysdale faces an FA commission and likely ban – despite making a public apology to Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge.
      Lincolnshire whistler Drysdale, 49, was charged with improper conduct by Wembley disciplinary chiefs less than 24 hours after his angry clash with the Irishman.

      Darren Drysdale is facing a likely FA ban after being charged for clashing with Ipswich Town’s Alan JudgeCredit: © Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Drysdale locked heads with Judge and then seemed to square up to him in the latter stages of the Portman Road clash against Northampton.
      The astonishing scenes saw Ipswich boss Paul Lambert demanding an investigation by the EFL and FA.
      SunSport understands that Drysdale’s performance was criticised by players on both sides throughout the game.
      But the referee is said to have flipped and used foul and abusive language when Judge insisted he had been brought down and not dived in a bid to win a spot kick.

      The Ipswich midfielder responded to the episode on Wednesday night and told his club’s website that Drysdale’s reaction did not upset him.
      Judge said: “Referees have a tough job to do and it was heat of the moment stuff that happens in football.
      “The photo makes it look worse than it was and to be honest, the matter was finished with from my end as soon as I walked off the pitch.
      “I wasn’t looking for the referee to apologise; I wasn’t looking for him to be charged. There was never going to be a complaint from me and I made that clear.

      As I said in this 👇. There was no need for an apology. I wasn’t looking for one or looking for any action to be taken. In football as everybody knows stuff happens in the heat of the moment in a game. We all make mistakes and for me that is the end of this https://t.co/ujQsF9lQ4N
      — alan judge (@10judgey) February 17, 2021

      “Like I said, for me – it was finished with straight away.”
      In a statement issued through the ref’s governing body PGMOL, Drysdale said: “I fully understand that it is important for us as referees to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner.
      “I’m sorry that I did not do that and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
      Aston Villa’s England internationals Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish suggested the FA should let the issue blow over. 
      Mings Tweeted: “Everyone makes mistakes…..nothing to see here.”
      Grealish added: “Ah come on?! No need to apologise at all! I think it’s brilliant.”
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      But FA beaks had already opened a probe into the incident and Drysdale was charged with a breach of rule E3.
      However, in a twist, the case is being treated as neither “standard” – which would have seen a fixed sanction – nor “non-standard” because of circumstances.
      Instead, a commission will determine the next step if Judge accepts his guilt, as now seems likely, with a short ban of up to three games the anticipated punishment.

      FA rules do not allow a suspension before any hearing but it is expected PGMOL will take him off their officials’ list for this weekend pending the resolution of the case.
      The incident comes with the FA looking to scrap the current “maximum” 10-year ban for violence towards referees and allow life suspensions.
      The FA insists grassroots officials have not been put off by incidents of violence and abuse but is keen to ensure younger referees remain convinced they can progress through to the highest levels of the game.

      Neil Warnock in X-rated rant at referee at Middlesbrough youth game vs Leeds just 24 hours after Brentford loss More

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      Watch referee Darren Drysdale SQUARE UP to Ipswich Town midfielder Alan Judge in heated clash at Portman Road

      by

      REFEREE Darren Drysdale SQUARED UP to Ipswich ace Alan Judge as tempers flared in a bizarre incident against Northampton.
      The game descended into a farce at Portman Road after Judge was booked for diving inside the area on 90 minutes.

      Referee Darren Drysdale appeared to put his head towards Ipswich ace Alan Judge in a moment of madness at Portman RoadCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      The Tractor Boys midfielder protested strongly, pointing at Drysdale – prompting him to push his HEAD into Judge’s face.
      Ipswich aces were forced to separate the heated fracas and hold the referee back.
      Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey told SunSport that the men in the middle “should NEVER put themselves in that position.”
      He added: “I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL”

      Moments after the melee it went from bad to worse for the home side when skipper Flynn Downes was sent packing for two swift bookings in the same incident.
      The first was for a midfield tangle and then for dissent in the aftermath.
      It could have been more embarrassing for the hosts if the Cobblers, who were on top throughout, had taken one of their chances.
      Thomas Holy’s heroics came in a one-sided first half as he denied both Jack Sowerby and Peter Kioso.

      Mark Halsey’s view

      DARREN DRYSDALE showed a lack of self-control when he squared up to Ipswich’s Alan Judge.

      Irrespective of what has gone before in the match, referees should never put themselves in that position.
      Discipline is vital for an official and the footage and pictures from Portman Road did not look good as players from both teams ushered the experienced Drysdale away. 
      I’m sure the PGMOL will conduct an investigation into what happened and it will be interesting to see if Ipswich now make a complaint to the EFL.

      The incident happened in the final stages of the contestCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Mark Marshall also dragged an effort wide for the visitors and it took the home side almost 80 minutes to muster an effort on target.
      Alan Judge put fellow sub James Norwood clear but keeper Jonathan Mitchell used his left leg to block the shot.
      The clash finished goalless which will do little to appease the disgruntled Ipswich supporters.
      Furious fans set a fire outside the training ground during a protest calling for manager Paul Lambert to be sacked.
      Ipswich are currently 11th in League One, four points off the play-offs.

      Ipswich fans START FIRE in protest to get Paul Lambert sacked More

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      Northampton eye Aldershot boss Danny Searle in shock move as they look to replace the axed Keith Curle

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      NORTHAMPTON are weighing up a surprise move for Aldershot boss Danny Searle.
      Cobblers are on the hunt for a replacement for Keith Curle, who was axed last week after a run of one win in ten league games left them scrapping for League One survival.

      Northampton are eyeing Aldershot’s Danny Searle as their new bossCredit: Rex Features

      Searle, 42, has impressed Northampton chiefs with his work in the National League and would jump at the chance to step up.
      Although he has no experience as a No 1 in the EFL, Searle has previously worked as youth coach at Chelsea and is the former head of West Ham’s academy.
      He helped the likes of Declan Rice break into the first team at the London Stadium.
      And his ability to work with young players is a huge plus for the cash-strapped Northampton.

      SunSport understands the club have made contact with his representatives
      But Northampton are yet to make an official approach.
      Other high-profile candidates who appear to be in the mix include Arsenal legend Sol Campbell and former Huddersfield chief Danny Cowley.
      Paul Tisdale is also looking for a new job after leaving Bristol Rovers and has been linked with the position.

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      Leyton Orient and Northampton players in 17-MAN BRAWL as last-minute equaliser sparks fiery clash More

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      EFL chiefs forced to AXE salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing legal battle with PFA

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      EFL chiefs have been forced to drop their salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two after losing a legal case against the PFA.
      Clubs voted to approve the wages limits in August.

      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the salary caps were in ‘breach of obligations’ as the players’ union won their case against themCredit: PA:Press Association

      EFL chiefs will now hold meetings later this week with its member clubs to discuss what to do next after withdrawing League One and Two wage limits

      The measures capped League One club wages at £2.5milion per season, with sides in League Two limited to £1.5m.
      But PFA chiefs launched their action after accusing EFL bosses of failing to consult properly with the union.
      Now an independent arbitration panel has found in favour of the PFA, forcing the Football League to drop the caps with immediate effect.
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      The PFA said it “welcomed” the decision, adding: “We hope to to open constructive dialogue to agree reasonable and proportionate cost control measures for the future.
      PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: “We were disappointed that the EFL decided to introduce salary cap proposals, which were voted through without the proper consideration or consultation.
      “We argued the new rules were in breach of obligations and are pleased the panel uheld the PFA’s claim.”
      Union bosses insist they are aligned with the EFL in a wish to see sustainable clubs at all levels. 

      A PFA spokesman added: “We also recognise the huge economic pressure that clubs have come under due to the Covid-19 crisis.
      “The PFA believes it is now in the best interest of the leagues, the clubs, and the players to work together and agree on rules that promote financial stability.”
      The EFL said they “will now discuss the matter of financial controls and implications linked to this outcome at a series of meetings with its member clubs later this week”.
      Back when the plans had been approved in August, EFL chief executive David Baldwin admitted: “The term ‘salary cap’ is an emotive one, creating the impression of a restrictive measure.

      “But we are clear in our view that this is neither the objective nor the likely effect of these changes to EFL regulations.”
      He stressed the aim was to “help ensure clubs cannot extend themselves to the point that could cause financial instability”.
      As a result of the panel’s verdict, the EFL have brought back last season’s Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations that link “player-related expenditure to turnover”.

      Mark Halsey says VAR needs to improve after ref Mike Dean receives death threats after West Ham game More