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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.

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

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      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.

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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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      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”.

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      Bristol Rovers condemn vile racist abuse of defender Mark Little on Instagram with police set to investigate

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      BRISTOL ROVERS defender Mark Little has become the latest footballer subjected to vile racist abuse on social media.
      The epidemic of online hate has continued unabated amid calls for Instagram, Twitter and others to increase their efforts to stamp out abuse.

      Bristol Rovers defender Mark Little has revealed the hideous racist abuse he received onlineCredit: Rex Features

      On Sunday, 32-year-old Little revealed a racist comment from a now-deleted Instagram account posted on his page.
      Accompanying the screenshot, he posted an upside-down smiley face with the caption: “Happy Sunday.”
      Rovers quickly showed their support for Little, who has played four times this season having joined the League One club in 2019.
      The club tweeted: “There is no place in sport or society for racism.

      “Racism and discrimination will not be tolerated at Bristol Rovers.”
      According to the Bristol Post, Rovers have reported the incident to Avon and Somerset Police.

      Little’s fans and fellow pros rushed to his support, midfielder Josh Barrett tweeting his fury with two angry-faced emojis.
      Peterborough star and ex-Rover Jonson Clarke-Harris also posted two angry emojis with the phrase: “What a clown.”

      The original message sent to Little was made up of several monkey emojis, which hold clear racial connotations against black people.
      Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi this week railed against social media companies who do not consider the emojis to breach their racism rules.
      He stated: “How can that make sense?
      “Do you know what I mean? If somebody puts for example, a monkey emoji towards a player. Why is that?

      Callum Hudson-Odoi has slammed social media rules over monkey emojisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “How is a player a monkey? What does that mean to a player?
      “So for us seeing stuff like that it always makes us angry. Are you saying that because of our skin colour? Because of the colour that we are?”
      An overwhelming number of footballers have received abuse online in recent times.
      Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is just one example having been sent disgusting taunts following his recent appearances against Sheffield United and Everton.

      I think [social media companies] don’t really care because as you know, this money has power so the rest doesn’t matter.
      Antonio Rudiger

      And Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea team-mate Antonio Rudiger has spoken out on the ‘immense abuse’ he suffered after media reports claimed the German was partly responsible for Frank Lampard’s sacking.
      He said: “To be very honest I don’t know about all these social media things but I think the more people who make accounts, [social media companies] make money off it.
      “So me personally, I think they don’t really care because as you know, this money has power so the rest doesn’t matter, so it is hard to tell if people will make a change on that.”

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      Emma Hayes rubbishes AFC Wimbledon role as step up from Chelsea job as ‘insult’ to women’s football

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      EMMA HAYES has slapped down speculation linking her to League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon.
      And the Chelsea boss rubbished the view that the Dons’ managers job would be a step up from her current role at the helm of the WSL champs. 

      Emma Hayes says AFC Wimbledon cannot afford her Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes has dismissed rumours linking her to the vacant manager’s role at AFC Wimbledon Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes, 44, was speaking to journalists following reports of her being shortlisted to become AFC Wimbledon’s new manager. 
      But the Blues gaffer revealed she is happy to be leading her WSL title-winners and that her focus is on Chelsea’s Conti Cup semis clash with West Ham. 
      And the highly-rated coach reckons the Dons could ‘absolutely not’ afford her. 
      Hayes said: “First of all, I think it’s important we talk about my game tomorrow – I’m the manager of Chelsea. 

      “I manage and represent elite world-class players and for me, this is an amazing job I’ve spent nine years cultivating all of my energy into. 
      “I’m not looking for another job, I’m blessed with working with wonderful humans day-in, day-out.
      “I just don’t know why anybody would think women’s football is a step down. 
      “If coaching World Cup champions, winners, players who have represented their countries in the Olympics or Euros is a step down from anything.

      “I think the football world needs to wake up and recognise that women’s football- while the game is played by a different gender to men – is exactly the same sport.”
      “This is not a conversation about Emma Hayes and AFC Wimbledon, but we should be having larger conversations about creating opportunities in the men’s game are not limited to those in privileged positions.”

      Hayes has won 11 major trophies with Chelsea’s women’s side Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes, who is highly regarded by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, has won 11 major trophies with the club. 
      A move to the Dons would have seen the Camden-born coach become the first woman in history to take charge of a men’s football league side.

      Women’s football is not a step down from anything
      Emma Hayes

      However the former Arsenal assistant manager questioned why anyone would want to leave elite women’s football management for coaching a lower tier men’s side battling relegation.
      And her view was echoed by England Women’s legend Fara Williams who believes Hayes would face an uphill struggle in the Dons’ hotseat. 
      England’s most-capped player said: “Do I see it as a good opportunity for Emma to go and take on a relegation battle with a League One club? No. I think the odds would all be against her going into that position.
      “The positions she’s in with Chelsea is a much better position.”
      WRONG STEP
      Hayes added: “Women’s football is not a step down from anything. 
      “Women’s football in its right is something to celebrate and the quality and achievements of all the females I represent.
      “Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder, Beth England, Magda Eriksson, Millie Bright, Maren Mjelde, do you want me to keep going? 
      “These are world-class players and I think that’s what I’m disappointed with, not being linked to a football job as a football coach, regardless of gender.
      “But as you can see with – I’m happy at Chelsea and I love my job here and I’ve always been clear about that. Nothing has changed.” 
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      Hayes says she is happy to be managing world-class talent at the BluesCredit: Prime Media

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      Reading ace Williams thinks odds could be ‘stacked against’ Emma Hayes in AFC Wimbledon hotseat

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      FARA WILLIAMS reckons Emma Hayes could face an uphill struggle if she takes charge of AFC Wimbledon. 
      And the England Women’s legend thinks the highly-rated Chelsea manager is better off at the helm of the WSL champs.

      Reading ace Fara Williams believes Emma Hayes would be better off staying as Chelsea bossCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Emma Hayes is reportedly on the short-list for the vacant manager role at AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Williams, 37, who is the country’s most decorated Lioness, was speaking hours after the Express revealed Hayes is reportedly on the shortlist to become the next Dons manager.  
      Such a move would see the Kingsmeadow chief, who led Chelsea to a record-breaking 33 game unbeaten run, become the first woman in history to boss a men’s football league outfit. 
      The League One strugglers, who are currently one place above the drop zone, called time on Glyn Hodges’ tenure after a 2-0 loss to arch-rivals MK Dons.
      Williams told talkSPORT 2’s Women’s Football Weekly: “I think it’s credit to the work Emma has done over the past years and certainly for the past year with her Chelsea team. 

      “Do I see it as a good opportunity for Emma to go and take on a relegation battle with a League One club? No.
      “I think the odds would all be against her going into that position 
      “I would say the position she is in at the minute with Chelsea is a much better position for her.
      “But I think it’s great that she is being spoken about in that bracket to go and work within the men’s game. 

      “If it is to happen, it’s fantastic and it opens up doors for many other women within the game.” 

      Hayes, 44, is highly regarded by Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hayes, 44, whose Blues will take on West Ham in the Conti Cup semis, is considered to be one of the best coaches in women’s football.
      In addition to leading Chelsea to three league titles and two FA Cups, the Camden-born gaffer won 11 major trophies during her three-season spell as Arsenal’s assistant manager. 
      Hayes, who joined Chelsea in 2012, is reportedly being eyed for the AFC Wimbledon post alongside ex-Dons players Ian Holloway and Luke Garrard, and ex-England and Gunners star Sol Campbell.

      We just need somebody to break the mould
      Emma Hayes

      Other names being touted include Morecambe coach Derek Adams and former Fleetwood manager Joey Barton.
      Days before the story broke Hayes told SunSport that she hoped to see women coaching men’s sides in the future.
      The Chelsea boss said:”I’m like everyone, I would hope for a fair and equal society and making great strides to create opportunities for women in the men’s game. 
      “Are we at the stage where a Premier League or Championship club is close to hiring a female?
      “You would have to ask the board because they’re the people that have to make the decisions about who they hire.
      “I just hope we do start to see more females coaching teams like you see across American sports.
      “And I suspect that when that happens the first time and there is a success to it, that it will happen subsequently. 
      “We just need somebody to break the mould.”

      Hayes has led Chelsea to 11 major trophy wins since taking charge of the WSL side in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Reading ace Williams, who is working with England Women’s Under-17s as part of an FA Elite Coaching Programme, believes Hayes could blaze a trail for women managers in men’s game. 
      And the Royals striker, who has 168 England caps, hopes to see the Blues gaffer one day take charge of the Lionesses.
      Williams added: “I would like to see Emma be that driving force for women to take opportunities within the men’s game.
      “I certainly think she has the capabilities to do that and I hope an opportunity comes up for her but I just don’t think this AFC Wimbledon one is the one. 
      “But for me in the long-term, I would love to see Emma Hayes – after she has achieved things at Chelsea and worked in the men’s game – take the England Women’s job further down the line. 

      Hayes and her Chelsea stars are targeting a WSL title and Champions League win this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “That would be something special.” 
      Hayes was heavily linked with managing Chelsea’s Prem side following Maurizio Sarri’s departure in 2019.
      And the Blues boss has previously worked as a W-League coach in the USA where she managed Long Island Lady Riders, Iona College and Chicago Red Stars. 
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      Ex-Man Utd keeper Roy Carroll signs for his 13th club at the age of 43 as he joins Irish League side Dungannon

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      ROY CARROLL has signed for Irish League side Dungannon Swifts – at the age of 43.
      The former Manchester United goalkeeper has joined his 13th side more than 25 years after making his league debut.

      Carroll, 43, has joined Dungannon Swifts

      The Northern Irish club are the 13th of Carroll’s career

      Carroll has been without a professional club for 18 months, most recently playing for amateur side FC Mindwell in Northern Ireland.
      He told Dungannon’s website: “I’m coming back to play in the Irish League and no matter what team you sign for, it’s just great to get back out and play football.
      “A real pull for me to Dungannon is that the club has two young keepers and I feel it would be good for me to come in and help them as much as I can.”
      Carroll has made almost 700 professional appearances during his career.

      He joined United in 2001 after starring for Football League sides Hull City and Wigan Athletic.
      The goalie failed to hold down a place during his four years at Old Trafford but did win the Premier League and FA Cup.
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      Carroll has won 11 trophies during his 25-year careerCredit: Pacemaker Press

      He was on the bench when United defeated Millwall 3-0 in the 2004 FA Cup finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Carroll famously dropped the ball over the line only for the referee to disallow the goal

      During a match against Tottenham in 2005, he famously dropped a long-range shot from Pedro Mendes over the line – only for the referee not to give the goal.

      The Northern Ireland international moved to West Ham in 2005 but struggled with injuries and left for Scottish giants Rangers in 2007.
      He returned to England six months later, joining Paul Jewell’s doomed Derby County team that picked up just 11 points – the fewest in Premier League history.
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      Carroll later enjoyed success abroad, winning the Greek Super League with Olympiacos and two Irish League titles with Linfield.
      He also had spells with OB in Denmark, OFI Crete in Greece and Notts County.
      Carroll made 45 appearances for Northern Ireland between 1997 and 2017 and was part of their squad for Euro 2016.
      He was Barnet’s caretaker manager in 2011, winning the Herts Senior Cup in his only game in charge.

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