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      Grimsby fans fume as League Two match against Crewe postponed due to clash with Man City U21s

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      GRIMSBY fans have been left raging after their League Two clash with Crewe Alexander was postponed due to Manchester City’s U21s being away on international duty.Man City’s youth side had their EFL Trophy clash with Derby – scheduled for September 20 – postponed.
      Grimsby fans have been left furious after the postponement of their league matchCredit: Rex
      They made this request due to 18 of their squad being called up for international duty.
      This had a knock-on effect as the fixture was re-arranged for October 18.
      And with three of the four remaining Tuesdays in October being taken up by the UEFA Youth League, it means Man City’s game with Grimsby will be pushed into November.
      And that has led to the EFL postponing Grimsby’s home league game with Crewe.
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      The Football Supporters’ Association tweeted: “Grimsby’s upcoming League Two fixture against Crewe Alexandra has been postponed because, in a bizarre set of events, Man City’s U21 side has too many internationals in it – the first time we know of a senior men’s game in the EFL being called off because of an U21 side.”
      This is the first time ever that a senior men’s league game in the EFL has been postponed due to a Premier League’s U21s side.
      And the Mariners Trust – a supporters group for Grimsby – slammed the decision, insisting the game should instead be re-arranged for Tuesday, November 15.
      They said: “Grimsby Town fans are rightly angry that a fixture has been allowed to be rescheduled and then postponed a matter of weeks later when it could all have been avoided if, as it seems, rules of the competition were adhered to.
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      “What consultation was taken with either Club and was more weight given to Manchester City in this scenario, as fans seem to feel is the case?”
      They then went on to add: “The integrity of this competition further declines.
      “It seems apparent to fans, unless you can state otherwise, that the wishes of an invited team have been held in higher regard than an EFL league game and indeed the actual rules of the competition.
      “Grimsby Town and Crewe Alexandra fans have been impacted by other teams’ unavailability and that doesn’t seem right.”
      Both the FSA and Mariners Trust say they have approached the EFL for an explanation regarding the fixture rearrangement. More

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      EFL clubs could scrap plans to move games earlier to avoid using floodlights amid fears matchday revenue will take hit

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      EFL clubs are hurriedly working out if early kick-offs can save them money on using their floodlights.But cash counters seem to think it will cost even MORE to change games radically.
      EFL clubs are concerned about racking up huge bills with their flood lightsCredit: Rex Features
      The cost of living crisis has prompted the EFL to contemplate having more early kick-offsCredit: REX
      Some EFL clubs are dead against the idea while others who plan to try are unsure it will help.
      As revealed here months ago, clubs face energy bills which have doubled or trebled.
      There is leeway to change kick-off times and some are planned — but many think it will mean fewer fans and a big financial hit at bars and food stalls.
      One leading official said: “Moving kick-offs by two or three hours will impact crowds.
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      “It would only take 50 fewer people and that would be up to £1,000 gone for ONE game.
      “And that would be inevitable as home supporters would be lost and even more away fans could be disrupted by having to travel earlier.
      “Fans also take food and drink at games and they are less likely to booze before noon.
      “So the finances don’t add up. It might be better facing the pain of the fuel bills.”
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      One radical proposal that could see EFL clubs get a cash injection is the addition of a Premier League All-Star match, which new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly reckons would have a trickle-down effect.
      The American said earlier this month: “Ultimately, I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson out of the American sports teams and really start to think about why don’t we do a tournament with the bottom four teams.
      “People are talking about why don’t we have more money for the pyramid?
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      “MLB did their All-Star Game this year. They made $200 million from a Monday and a Tuesday.
      “You could do a North vs South All-Star game from the Premier League to fund the pyramid very easily.”
      But the idea has been met with much derision among rival Prem managers and owners.
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      EFL sides look at lunchtime kick-offs during the winter to save on energy bills with teams desperate to cut costs

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      EFL CHIEFS are considering the possibility of increasing the amount of lunchtime kick-offs to help lower-league clubs amid the cost of living crisis.A new survey from football reform group Fair Game has found that midday kick-offs for weekend league and FA Cup games would be considered by the majority of clubs in the EFL and the wider football pyramid as a way of cutting costs.
      Many clubs are considering lunchtime kick-offs in a bid to aid with the cost of living crisisCredit: Arron Gent/News Images
      Many believe that staging earlier games would help to reduce energy bills as the use of floodlights would not be necessary.
      Although the government has pledged to support businesses with rising energy costs, it is currently unclear whether or not this will benefit football clubs for a sufficient period of time.
      Overall, 63 per-cent of 40 clubs – including 12 EFL teams – have revealed that they will consider utilising earlier kick-offs if given permission.
      Clubs rated their concern about the cost of living crisis at seven out of 10, with League Two clubs considering it an eight out of 10.
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      This has prompted many to re-evaluate budgets for ground improvements as well as non-playing staff.
      Amid the financial crisis, Premier League clubs are currently preparing to hold further talks over a new financial distribution model to support the rest of the football pyramid.
      The plan is expected to include changes to parachute payments and a new merit-based payment system to Championship clubs.
      Changes to the domestic calendar from 2024 are also expected to be considered with many clubs pushing to axe FA Cup third and fourth round replays despite the fact that many lower-league clubs have benefitted from them over the years.
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      Fair Game chief executive Niall Couper has now demanded that action be taken to financially aid clubs in need.
      He said: “The results paint a very bleak future for football outside the top echelons of the game.
      “Having survived the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis could well be the death knell for the hard-working community clubs lower down the pyramid.
      “Lower-league football clubs are the heartbeat of their communities, but right now they are in intensive care.
      “The Premier League are at best going to offer a sticking plaster. They have had decades to address the problem and they should stand aside.
      “It is now up to the Government to intervene. The recent fan-led review set up by the Conservative Party revealed the financial flow within the game, and the governance that sits behind it, is broken.
      “Fair Game are calling for action now. We were promised levelling up, instead we could see the levelling of football stadia across the country with decades of history and tradition wiped off the map.
      “The Government needs to deliver on its promise of an independent regulator now. A regulator that can oversee football’s financial flow. Without it the pyramid of our national game will crumble.”
      Plans for an independent regulator for football have stalled following the appointment of new Prime Minister Liz Truss.
      But, clubs have been handed a boost as the government have proposed to cut energy bills for UK businesses by around half their expected level.
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      The new scheme will fix gas and electricity prices for firms for six months from October 1, protecting businesses from rapidly rising costs.
      This would shield many clubs – especially non-league – from entering a cost crisis. More

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      EFL and National League clubs to be allowed to call off matches if they clash with England or Wales’ World Cup fixtures

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      EFL and National League clubs will be allowed to call off matches if they clash with England and Wales’ World Cup games.A full schedule of fixtures is planned over the weekend of December 3 — when the Home Nations could be playing in the last 16 in Qatar.
      EFL and National League clubs will be allowed to call off matches if they coincide with England or Wales games at the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Southgate is aiming to lead England to glory in QatarCredit: Reuters
      Rob Page has been handed a new contract after guiding Wales to the World CupCredit: Alamy
      EFL and National League bosses both said clubs can decide whether they rearrange, though it is possible a collective decision could be made.
      England and Wales are in Group B with Iran and the USA — and feasibly both teams could progress.
      The top two to qualify will face rivals from Group A.
      That World Cup group is made up of hosts Qatar, Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands, Sadio Mane’s Senegal and Ecuador.
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      Wrexham are due to visit York in the National League on the Saturday.
      But the Welsh side will likely postpone if Robert Page’s Dragons are in a first World Cup knockout game for 64 years.
      Then the next Saturday night could also see England or Wales play in the quarter-finals — hours after domestic games have finished.
      Argentina and France are both possible opponents for that one.
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      Although the leagues say they will expect teams to fulfil fixtures that day.
      England kick off their campaign against Iran on the opening day of the tournament, while Wales face the USA on the same day.
      The Three Lions take on the Dragons in their final group game. More

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      Man Utd star Marcus Rashford watches Barrow’s 2-0 win over Doncaster and poses for photo with young fans

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has been pictured watching League Two side Barrow and taking photos with young fans. The Manchester United attacker sat in the stands as the Bluebirds beat Doncaster 2-0.
      Barrow fans were shocked to see Marcus Rashford in attendanceCredit: https://twitter.com/OurBluebirdsFly/status/1569777177784115200
      Marcus Rashford is looking back to his best on the fieldCredit: EPA
      A supporters group called Bluebirds of Holker Street shared a picture on Twitter of Rashford taking a selfie with some children.
      The tweet thanked him saying: “What a guy Marcus Rashford is, brilliant taking time for a photo with the kids at the soccer.”
      Fans of Man Utd and Barrow were quick to praise him for mixing with the community and supporting a local club.
      One said: “There is genuinely people out there who hate this man. Top guy.”
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      Another reacted: “Wow. What a man.”
      More followed as another commented: “Legend.”
      Rashford responded himself to the post saying: “Nice to meet you guys.”
      This is not the first time the England ace has been seen trying to give back to the local area of Manchester and the North, where he grew up.
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      He has set up campaigns to help the homeless at Christmas, visited victims of the Manchester bombing and teamed up with charity FareShare.
      He is well-known for his work in 2020 that tackled food poverty in the UK, eventually influencing the government to give free meals to children in poverty during the pandemic and school holidays.
      On the pitch things are getting better for Rashford as he netted twice in United’s most recent victory over Arsenal.
      It seems like he is regaining his confidence again under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.
      Rashford’s night at Barrow comes as reports suggest he won’t jet off to Moldova for Man Utd’s Europa League tie versus Sheriff Tiraspol. More

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      Watch touching moment Mansfield release 96 white doves in honour of the Queen after minute’s silence

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      MANSFIELD released 96 doves after a minute’s silence and the national anthem in a touching moment before tonight’s game.The Stags hosted Carlisle in League Two – their first match since the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II aged 96 last Thursday.
      Mansfield released 96 doves – one for each year of The Queen’s lifeCredit: Twitter
      The birds were let into the sky after the minute’s silence and national anthem

      The EFL called off all of their matches over the weekend as a mark of respect to Her Majesty.
      But they resumed their fixture schedule this evening with the Championship, League One and League Two action.
      There was a minute’s silence before all 30 EFL matches as football paused to remember the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
      Players also wore black armbands – just as Tottenham and Liverpool did in the Champions League.
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      But at Mansfield’s Field Mill, following the silence, the club also invited supporters to join in singing the national anthem, God Save The King.
      Then club director and funeral director Paul Brown released 96 doves into the Nottinghamshire dusk – each one representing a year of The Queen’s remarkable life.
      One fan said: “Brilliantly observed and well organised MTFC. Fans are a credit to the club.”
      On the pitch, it ended goalless as Mansfield missed the chance to leapfrog Doncaster into the final play-off place.
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      However, there was drama as one of the goal nets broke in the top corner.
      Stags grounds staff were unable to reach the problem so had to get Carlisle goalkeeper Tomas Holy to tape the net up in bizarre scenes. More

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      EFL confirm Championship, League One and League Two to return from tomorrow after postponement following Queen’s death

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      THE EFL have confirmed that its fixture schedule will resume from tomorrow following the death of The Queen.The Queen died peacefully aged 96 on Thursday – marking an end to her historic reign and making her son, Charles, King.
      The EFL have confirmed that its fixtures will resume from TuesdayCredit: EFL
      The Championship, League One and Two is returning tomorrowCredit: Rex
      The Premier League and EFL postponed all matches last weekend as Scotland followed suit along with a host of other sporting events to pay tribute to Her Majesty.
      Now the EFL have announced that its midweek fixture list will go ahead as planned.
      A statement read: “The EFL fixture programme will return as scheduled from Tuesday 13 September, with tributes to be paid to Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at grounds around the country.
      “A minute’s silence will be held before matches, with black armbands to be worn by participants, flags to be flown at half-mast and the National Anthem to be played in stadiums.
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      “With a national policing plan now in operation, the League and Clubs will continue to work with forces in respect of any challenges that may emerge regarding policing of specific fixtures.
      “Consideration to individual circumstances will be made on a case-by-case basis, in line with standard match Safety Advisory Group (SAG) protocols.”
      Meanwhile, football chiefs and police are continuing talks today over a number of potential match postponements for this coming weekend.
      The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has been confirmed for Monday 19 September in London.
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      A host of police officers from across the country are set to be drafted into London to work on it and the other events surrounding the send-off with millions of mourners due to descend on the capital.
      As we reported last week, that means that Sunday’s Premier League games between Brentford and Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and Manchester United vs Leeds are among those being discussed about being postponed or moved.
      Up in Scotland, Rangers’ Champions League fixture at home to Napoli has been delayed for 24 hours and away supporters have been banned.
      SunSport understands that England’s representatives in Uefa’s competitions this midweek will not be affected, with Arsenal’s Europa League clash in North London against PSV on Thursday still scheduled to go ahead.
      But talks are still ongoing regarding the domestic top-flight clashes for next weekend.
      Switching games to the opposition’s venue has already been discussed, but they have also hit major roadblocks.
      For example, Liverpool’s neighbours Everton are also playing at home on Sunday, meaning Chelsea switching their game to Anfield is highly unlikely.
      Meanwhile, a huge police presence is expected at Old Trafford for the game between heated rivals United and Leeds, which would also stretch resources.
      And EFL fixtures are also at risk in and around London with Millwall, QPR and Watford due to be hosting matches.
      But officials are still “hopeful” that a positive conclusion could be reached.
      A National Police Chiefs Council spokesperson said: “We will work with football clubs to try and ensure that, where possible, football fixtures can take place safely when balanced against the requirement to support national events and deliver day-to-day policing.
      “This is a unique situation and we are working closely with everyone involved.”
      More to follow… More

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      Premier League and EFL call off all weekend’s football following the death of The Queen as sporting world pays respect

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      PREMIER LEAGUE and EFL chiefs have cancelled this weekend’s football following the death of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.After talks between bosses and government officials, the decision has been made to abandon the scheduled programme.
      West Ham paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on Thursday eveningCredit: PA
      There was a minute’s silence at Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United’s game against Real SociedadCredit: Reuters
      As a mark of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed.— Premier League (@premierleague) September 9, 2022

      A Prem meeting and a call between sport bodies and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport took place this morning.
      The Government informed sport bodies that they were under no obligation to cancel scheduled games.
      But the decision has been made to call off the weekend’s Premier League and EFL matches after The Queen died yesterday, aged 96.
      Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement that Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, had passed away peacefully at Balmoral.
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      The FA have also confirmed that all fixtures across the English football pyramid, including grassroots games, have been postponed, meaning no fixtures will take place at any level.
      Monday evening’s Prem clash between Leeds and Nottingham Forest has also been called off.
      A Premier League statement said: “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 
      “To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.”
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      They added: “Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.”
      Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.  
      “As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.  
      “This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
      Meanwhile an EFL statement said: “Further to discussions on Friday morning it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from 9-10 September will be postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
      “This is aligned with the approach that the Premier League and the FA will take with their competitions this weekend.
      “Further information, in respect of how football, Clubs and their supporters will commemorate Her Majesty’s reign will be confirmed at an appropriate point.
      “Details regarding rearranged games will be announced in due course.”
      Confirming the entire English football pyramid will come to a halt this weekend, the FA said: “Her Majesty the Queen was a long-standing patron of the Football Association and has left a lasting and indelible legacy on our national game.
      “As a mark of respect, following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, English football has united to postpone all football fixtures between 9-11 September.”
      “The FA can confirm that all football fixtures across the Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, and the Isuzu FA Trophy, will be postponed this weekend.
      “We can also confirm that all football fixtures across the National League System [NLS], Steps 1-6, including the Vanarama National Leagues, the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP], Tiers 3-7, and matches across grassroots football in England will be postponed.
      “The Premier League and the EFL have all confirmed that their fixtures this weekend will be rescheduled for a later date.
      “All flags at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park will continue to fly at half-mast over the weekend.
      “Our thoughts remain with our president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, and the whole of the Royal Family during this time.”
      But the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League will still go ahead as English teams would forfeit any matches they fail to take part in.
      An announcement on the weekend’s football fixtures has been made before fans start travelling up and down the country for tomorrow’s games.
      Prem chief Masters and his board were aware of a potential backlash if they played the matches as scheduled.
      Another factor considered was the potential drain on police resources as towns and cities up and down the land pay tribute to The Queen.
      Talks over whether to move next weekend’s London fixtures due to issues with policing are also set to go ahead.
      Tottenham host Leicester on Saturday 17th, while Brentford vs Arsenal and Chelsea vs Liverpool are scheduled for the following day.
      Games are permitted to go ahead on the day of the Queen’s State Funeral, which is expected to take place on Monday 19 September.
      Again officials have said there is no obligation to cancel fixtures, but sport bodies may want to consider postponing games or readjusting kick-off times on the day as to not clash with the service.
      It had already been confirmed on Thursday that the two EFL fixtures scheduled for today, Burnley vs Norwich and Tranmere vs Stockport, had been postponed.
      Last night’s European games involving Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham all went ahead.
      A minute’s silence was observed before United hosted Real Sociedad in the Europa League and West Ham played FCSB in London.
      Players also wore black armbands in tribute.
      Arsenal’s match against FC Zurich in Switzerland saw a minute’s silence carried out at half-time after the news broke while the game was in play.
      A full Football League fixture list went ahead three days after King George VI, The Queen’s father, died in February 1952.
      But the decision has been made to postpone this weekend’s games as the UK enters a period of national mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.
      Wembley pays tribute to Her Majesty Elizabeth IICredit: Splash More