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      in Soccer

      Laura Woods returns to TV for first time since giving birth to baby boy and loves how TNT Sports welcomed her back

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      LAURA WOODS made her long-awaited return to TV for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final.The popular presenter, 37, stepped back from duties to welcome son Leo in January with fiance Adam Collard. Laura Woods returned to the TV screens on Champions League dutyCredit: TNT SportsShe opened the programme on TNT Sports with a pre-recorded piece to cameraWoods was joined in the studio by Steve McManaman and Owen HargreavesShe gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the TNT Sports studiosCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe has been enjoying family time and settling into life as a mum – and is wasting no time getting her boy into her beloved Arsenal.The pair watched the first leg of the semi-final against PSG together at home last night. But she shocked fans during the game by announcing she would make a comeback to the screens for TNT Sports’ coverage of Barcelona vs Inter.Woods kicked off the programme at 7pm with a pre-recorded monologue setting the scene for the highly-anticipated semi-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe then went live with Steve McManaman and Owen Hargreaves in the London studios. And when McManaman made a slight mix-up regarding the stage of the tournament, Woods – decked out in a long-sleeve black outfit – joked it was “me who missed the quarter-finals”.She then quipped that every English person is an Arsenal fan because they are the only Premier League team left in the Champions League – prompting sniggers from the two pundits. Colleagues were delighted to see Woods back at work, with Reshmin Chowdhury kicking off her piece from the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys by stating: “Welcome back, Laura.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd close pal Ally McCoist could not resist a cheeky dig at Woods’ expense by referencing PSG’s victory last night with a wry smile.Woods took to her Instagram story earlier on Wednesday afternoon with a picture of her mum and Leo waving her off through the window to head to the TNT studios.Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post She then added another snap of a dressing room door with her name on a Champions League-themed background, captioning the image with a series of love-heart emojis.Woods also revealed she will be in Paris next week for the second leg of the Arsenal tie, where she will be desperately hoping the Gunners can overturn the 1-0 deficit and book their place in May’s Munich final.That is understood to be her first live presenting gig at a stadium since hosting TNT’s coverage of Arsenal vs Monaco in the league phase at the Emirates on December 11. Woods’ son and mum waved her off to workCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe watched the Arsneal vs PSG game with Leo on Tuesday nightCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods was on duty at the Emirates on December 11 – approximately six weeks before the baby arrivedCredit: Getty More

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      Fan favourite Ian Wright becomes highest paid football pundit after bumper year of earnings amid Eni Aluko row

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      ITV sports presenter Ian Wright is now the highest earning pundit on telly – making an estimated profit of almost £2.2m last year.His earnings now dwarf those of his longtime friend and former England skipper Gary Lineker who was paid £1.35m by the BBC as host of Match of the Day. Ian Wright was recently slammed by fellow pundit Eni AlukoCredit: RexRecent accounts for former Arsenal star Ian, 61, showed that his company, Elanar Ltd, had its best period yet in the year ending July 2024.A TV insider said: “These figures show just how popular a figure Wrighty remains – both the viewing public and with TV execs and advertisers who clearly think he’s worth every penny they pay him.”His firm’s financial reports show he has over £1m in the bank and in the last financial year paid a staggering £549,000 in corporation tax, which suggests he made a profit of £2.19m during that period.As well as his football punditry Ian also has other deals that have boosted his coffers, including ad campaigns for retail giants ranging from Marks & Spencer to adidas.read more on ian wrightITV recently backed him following a row with his fellow presenter Eni Aluko, who accused him of ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football. She later apologised, but he refused to accept the apology.A spokesperson for the channel later said he was: “an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football.”Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowArsenal legend Ian has refused to accept Eni’s apologyCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Four stars Chelsea could sign in transfer from sister club Strasbourg – including PSG Champions League hero’s brother

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      CHELSEA owners Todd Boehly and his BlueCo consortium are no stranger to a loophole in the world of football, and their acquisition of RC Strasbourg might be one of their smartest business moves yet.The Ligue 1 side are having a campaign to remember as they sit seventh, just four points short of SECOND place and still battling in the hunt for Champions League football next season.Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos is thriving on loan for StrasbourgCredit: GettyKeeper Djordje Petrovic is also shining in his stint at the Ligue 1 sideCredit: AFPA matter of weeks ago I travelled to Eastern France to watch the team in person in their 2-2 draw vs INEOS-owned OGC Nice, and I was pretty blown away by the quality of some of their players, not least those on loan from Chelsea, Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic.Their fans are rightly concerned that any major talent they produce or buy will be sniffed around by the Stamford Bridge outfit and lured into the heart of South West London in a transaction similar to when I move money from my current account to my savings.It’s no secret that Chelsea have spent obscene amounts of money in recent windows, but many fans will tell you that there are still problem positions in Enzo Maresca’s side.Nicolas Jackson is good, but there are concerns over his ability to be a Premier League winning number nine. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSWesley Fofana is a (sometimes) walking injury concern, and it remains to be seen if Reece James can keep his recurring injuries away for good this time.So, which players from Strasbourg will the BlueCo ownership no doubt be keeping an eye on, who could be moving to London sooner than you think?1) Emanuel EmeghaAged 22, Striker. Market Value: £17mEmanuel Emegha has great stats and the all-round game to matchCredit: AFPBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe dons the number 10 shirt as a striker, but this guy is a serious number nine.Most read in FootballThe Dutch forward joined RCSA in 2023 in a four-year deal worth slightly over £11m, and has scored 21 goals in 52 games since his arrival.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThat said, this campaign he’s got 14 goals and 3 assists in 26 league matches, and impressed me with his all-round play in their game vs Nice.One of the criticisms of Jackson this season has been his threat inside the box, the Senegalese striker is great in build up and has shown technical ability on the ball, but doesn’t pose a huge threat inside the box or in the air.Emegha provides exactly that.At 6’5 feet tall, he is a danger in the air and has been clinical when he gets the chance to shoot too, I sat and watched on as he shrugged off Nice’s Moises Bombito before calmly dispatching the ball at the near post into the back of the net.He may not be the superstar name of Viktor Gyokeres or be Premier League proven like Liam Delap, but he is certainly one to keep an eye on.Expect plenty of people to be talking about him for a big move soon, especially if Strasbourg do end up playing in Europe next year.2) Guela DoueAged 22, Right back/Centre Back. Market Value: £10.1mWhen speaking to Strasbourg fans, Guela Doue was one name that kept cropping up over and over again.His brother is one of the most exciting talents in world football right now, lighting up the Champions League and Ligue 1 this season with PSG – Desire Doue if you haven’t yet put 2+2 together.Guela is the older of the two, and is far less flashy on the pitch, rather establishing himself as one of the French top flight’s best full-backs this season.Guela Doue is a steady performer who slots in perfectlyCredit: GettyAs previously mentioned, Reece James fitness concerns have had Chelsea fans at times calling for a new right-back.However, what makes Doue such a good fit is the style of how he plays for Strasbourg.Against Nice he was very solid defensively, playing as a right sided centre back and allowing the left-sided defender to push much further up the pitch, which for Liam Rosenior’s side is familiar face Diego Moreira, but in Chelsea’s case would be Marc Cucurella.When James is fit, there is no doubt he is Chelsea’s starting right-back, but Guela Doue would be a more than capable deputy for him and would allow Reece to be rested somewhat with the Blues hoping to be competing on all fronts next season.The stumbling block for this move however, could be Josh Acheampong.Chelsea’s Cobham academy has almost certainly produced another gem in him, and most fans will hope that he can go onto be James’ deputy himself.3) Dilane BakwaAged 22, Right wing, Market Value £15.2mI know what you’re thinking, Chelsea aren’t short of right-wingers.Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto have both joined the club in recent seasons, and they have a supposed generational talent joining in the summer in the form of Willian Estevao.Dilane Bakwa has similarities to Noni Madueke but needs time to developCredit: AFPSo I’m not saying the Blues need to sign him immediately, I’m just saying he is one to keep an eye on.Ligue 1 has served as something of a proving ground for tricky and exciting wingers this season such as Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki and this man, Dilane Bakwa.Outside of Santos and Petrovic, the French forward has been the club’s best player for me this campaign, and has potential to be lighting up the Champions League sooner than you may expect.He is relatively similar stylistically to Madueke, with his stop-start dribbling causing chaos for defenders and his ability to create chances and shots reminiscent of Chelsea’s current number 11.With five goals and eight assists in 27 games so far this season he has shown that he possesses the talent to be one of the best wide players in the division, but may just need a bit more time to really compound those numbers next year.He has also played on the left and at times centrally for Strasbourg, which is something Maresca will like, but he may need to refine his end product before making a move away from France.4) Valentin BarcoAged 20, Left back/Central midfield, Market Value £6mBrighton thought they had hit the jackpot once again with their ridiculously good scouting methods when they picked up Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors.He joined the Seagulls in 2024, but was quickly loaned out to Sevilla in a move that didn’t really work out for him, before being loaned to Strasbourg, who have an obligation to buy him after his spell in France.Valentin Barco plays a role like that of Chelsea’s Marc CucurellaCredit: GettyHe plays primarily as a left back, but this season under Rosenior has been inverting into midfield in a similar mould to how Cucurella does at Chelsea – and he has been sensational at doing so.He’s got two assists in 11 games so far, but lately had his gaffer raving about him after a stunning performance vs Lyon in which he was rewarded with three days off having become a father for the first time ahead of the match.With Cucurella being one of the best left-backs in Europe as it stands, it is unlikely that Barco would come in and displace him, but Chelsea have no real back-up for the curly headed Spaniard either – something that could become a problem should the Blues be competing on all fronts in the next few seasons.Read More on The SunIn his absence this season, we’ve seen the likes of Levi Colwill, Reece James and Malo Gusto fill in there – all experiments that haven’t exactly been ideal.  For now, it doesn’t make sense to take Valentin out of an environment where he is doing so well, but if Cucurella’s form drops or he faces an injury lay-off, don’t be surprised to hear Barco’s name branded about Stamford Bridge before long.  More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s promoter hints at Anthony Joshua ‘Battle of Britain’ after Gypsy King says he will come out of retirement

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      TYSON FURY could be tempted out of retirement for a “generational” showdown with Anthony Joshua, according to his promoter Frank Warren.The Gypsy King, 36, retired for the fourth time in January following his second defeat to Olesksandr Usyk.Frank Warren hinted Tyson Fury could finally fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyAJ has been out of the ring since losing to Daniel Dubois in SeptemberCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaFury’s camp insisted this was for good and that he was content with closing the book on his fighting career.And that seemed to kill boxing fans’ hopes of seeing a long-awaited Battle of Britain between Fury and Joshua. However, Warren opened the door for another Fury comeback.And the Queensberry Promotions chief suggested Fury may lace up his gloves once again so the two former heavyweight world champions could finally step into the ring and settle their score.READ MORE IN BOXINGWarren told Sky Sports: “He’s with his family, enjoying life.”I haven’t spoken to him about returning to boxing and I wouldn’t. “If he does decide to, then I’ll support him. If he doesn’t, then I’ll support that.”He’s been a magnificent servant to boxing, two-time world champion, he’s very well off, set up for life, doesn’t need to box. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But the thing with Tyson is he is a fighting man so you never know what will happen.”[Fighting Joshua] would tempt all of us to get him to do it.Tyson Fury says he will come out of retirement for Oleksandr Usyk trilogy and calls out world champion to huge UK fight”That’s the fight everybody wants to see, a generational fight.”I know AJ wants it, Tyson at one stage did want it and we were close but it didn’t happen. You never know what can happen in boxing.”Boxing fans were denied the chance to see Fury vs Joshua while they were world champions at the peak of their powers. A 2020 bout with all four belts on the line was scrapped by a US judge ruling Fury had to face Deontay Wilder for a third time instead. Joshua, 35, fought Usyk instead and had his IBF, WBO and WBA belts snatched away – before the Ukrainian grabbed the WBC title from Fury last May.There was then hope of the two British icons dusting it up in 2025 – until AJ’s shock loss to Daniel Dubois wrecked those plans and a mega pay day for both men. Usyk then beat Fury for a second time – prompting the Manchester man to quit the sport – and will take on Dubois on July 19.Dubois hopes to get revenge for a ninth-round stoppage in 2023 and victory would see him crowned undisputed world champ.As for Fury and AJ, while there would be no belts to fight for, there would be plenty of bragging rights between two of the biggest stars in the sport of the 21st Century should they finally agree a deal. The Warren comments came less than 24 hours after Fury himself teased a return. Responding to comments where Usyk suggested he could fight Fury in a trilogy bout after his date with Dubois because “he’s not retired”, the 34-2-1 Gypsy King implied he would be ready to rumble with his conqueror again.He replied on social media: “Beat the f***er 2 times the world knows the truth.Read More on The Sun”Any time, any place. sucher (sic) UK next time 100k people.”Fury also sparked speculation that he is set to perform a retirement U-turn by linking up with trainer SugarHill Steward on Monday.Fury is back in the gym – suggesting he could be preparing for another comebackCredit: Instagram @tysonfuryOleksandr Usyk has beaten both AJ and Fury twice eachCredit: AFPUsyk found Tyson Fury was his toughest opponent More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea leading transfer race to sign ‘new Yaya Toure’ with two other Premier League clubs monitoring starlet

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      CHELSEA are leading a trio of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom this summer.The 2004-born midfielder is a rising star in French football, with Chelsea, West Ham, and Aston Villa scouts regularly attending his games throughout the season.Chelsea are leading the race for the ‘next Yaya Toure’ who’s playing in Ligue 2Credit: GettyFrench Ligue 2 side Lorient are keen to tie him down to a long-term deal, with his current contract reportedly expiring this summer.However, with Chelsea aiming to become a hot bed for Europe’s top young talents, Avom is reportedly in no rush to sign an extension.He will listen to all offers and will make a decision on his future in the summer.Lorient have a strategic partnership with Bournemouth and believe that the 20-year-old could make the move to the Premier League in a similar deal to the one that took Dango Ouattara to the Vitality Stadium.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS West Ham are also interested, with manager Graham Potter determined to rebuild a midfield that has disappointed massively this season.Aston Villa meanwhile will have European football next season and Unai Emery wants to strengthen. The Aston Villa manager played a key role in developing Nicolas Jackson during his early days at Villarreal and has also set his sights on convincing the talented midfielder to come to Villa Park.Avom, a Cameroonian international, is often compared to Ivorian legend Yaya Toure. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe is blessed with superb technique, a powerful shot, and remarkable stamina, allowing him to play effectively as either a central or box-to-box midfielder.This season, he has featured in thirty league games, quickly establishing himself as one of the first names on Olivier Pantaloni’s team sheet.Cole Palmer spotted running away from Stamford Bridge as baffled Chelsea fans ask ‘where is he going’SunSport understands that Chelsea’s interest is focused on signing Avom and then loaning him to their sister club, Strasbourg.It remains to be seen, however, whether the midfielder prefers a move that brings him straight to the Premier League or one that keeps him in France a little while longer.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      in Soccer

      Napoli fan gets Scott McTominay tattoo with permanent nod to Scotland hero’s bizarre new nickname

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      IT’S little secret that Napoli have fans taken to Scott McTominay in a BIG way since his arrival this summer.But now one supporter has taken his love for the Scotland ace to a whole new level!Scott McTominay has become a huge Napoli heroCredit: ReutersHis teammates love him tooCredit: GettyOne Napoli fan has taken his dedication even furtherCredit: Instagram / @vik_ink_tattoo_napoliThe impressive ink contains McTominay’s new nicknameCredit: Instagram / @vik_ink_tattoo_napoliMcTominay, 28, quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite after switching Man Utd for Napoli last August.The midfield maestro has flourished in an advanced role under Antonio Conte and has bagged 11 Serie A goals.Those goals have been crucial, especially in recent weeks.McTominay has netted in ALL THREE of Napoli’s last three matches, a stretch that has seen them wrestle control of the Scudetto title race.With four games left to go, Napoli are three points clear of Inter Milan in the race to be champions.McTominay scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Torino to send them into that position.McTominay Mania has gripped Naples, with plenty of fans sporting kilts to games.There’s even been a pizza named in his honour!Most read in FootballBut now, one Napoli fan has trumped even those shows of support for the midfielder.That’s because he’s got a huge TATTOO in the Hampden hero’s honour.A tattoo artist in Naples, Vincenzo Poziello of Vik-Ink Tattoo, has shared a video on Instagram showing his completed work.The freshly tattooed ink contains the number 8 shirt he wears for Napoli, but while there’s a name inked on too it is NOT ‘McTominay.’Instead, it’s ‘McFratm’ that’s written above the number.This is a nod to McTominay’s rather bizarre new nickname!’Fratm’ is a Neapolitan slang dialect for ‘bro’, meaning ‘McFratm’ effectively translated directly as ‘McBro.’McTominay himself revealed at the weekend that it was his FAVOURITE nickname he’s been given since moving to Italy, with teammate Pasquale Mazzocchi credited with making it a thing!Among other nicknames bestowed upon him by the Naples faithful is McTerminator, while McSauce is the one he’s probably most known for back here on UK shores.Tattoo artist Vincenzo posted the clip alongside the coment: “Grande Scott! Whatever the season goes, McFratm will be remembered forever!”Read More on The SunHe also put a call out for someone to share his work with the footie ace himself – because he’s after an autograph!Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      in Soccer

      Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ row

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      ENI ALUKO’S former England teammate Steph Houghton has publicly backed Ian Wright in the row between the TV pundits.Former Chelsea star Aluko sparked a backlash when she claimed that Arsenal legend Wright was “blocking opportunities” in women’s football.Steph Houghton has publicly backed Ian Wright in his row with her ex-England teammate Eni AlukoCredit: GettyHoughton showed her support as she hosted the Crossways podcast with WrightAfter receiving major criticism for her comments, Aluko backtracked before apologising to Wright – who is widely regarded as a major advocate of the women’s game even before its recent surge in popularity.The fan favourite refused to accept Aluko’s apology, instead insisting it’s time to “move on.”Aluko has since stepped down from hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards.And now Wright has been publicly backed by England women’s hero Houghton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe duo host a podcast together on YouTube called Crossways, which discusses all aspects of women’s football.Opening up on the difficult period, a deflated Wright said: “It’s been a bit of an up-and-down week. But at the end of the day, it’s all sorted.“It’s always good to see you Steph, because you make me smile. It’s been quite a tough week.”This saw Houghton, who played alongside Aluko for the Three Lions, take a public stance by backing Wright and thanking him for supporting women’s football.Most read in FootballShe said: “Ian, can I just say this, and this has not been pre-empted, I think I posted on Instagram.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“What you have done for our game is unbelievable and you’ve got to take all the credit that everybody’s thrown at you this week because you are a super hero.“And I love working with you.”’Don’t speak to me like that’ – Moment Ian Wright, 61, angrily confronts former Man Utd star before pair are split upAluko received a major backlash for her comments on Wright’s status in women’s footballCredit: PAThis saw Wright beam with delight as he replied: “I love you Steph. To see you come out publicly like that for me is just nice.“But I just wish, it’s not about the individual in the women’s game, it’s just about the collective.“I’m not going to go into it but I just really appreciate the public support that I got.” More

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      in Soccer

      Luton Town star sees five-match ban overturned in unusual circumstances as red card ‘does him a favour’

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      LUTON TOWN midfielder Liam Walsh avoided a five-match ban after a straight red card seemingly HELPED him avoid a stint on the sidelines.Walsh, 27, was shown a straight red for violent conduct during Luton’s 1-0 win over Coventry City at the weekend.Luton Town’s Liam Walsh has escaped a five-match banCredit: PAWalsh was shown a straight red card during Luton Town’s 1-0 win over Coventry CityCredit: SkySportsWalsh (wearing no.20) was shown red for a shove on Luis BinksCredit: SkySportsHaving already been booked earlier in the game, Walsh shoved Coventry defender Luis Binks in the 68th minute of the Championship clash.Referee Oliver Langford appeared to deem the push to be an act of violence and instead of showing Walsh a second yellow, he opted to show a straight red.That decision meant that Luton were able to appeal the red – something that wouldn’t have been an option for two yellow cards.The Hatters’ appeal was successful, over-turning what would have been a five-match ban for Walsh following his two previous red cards earlier in the campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad referee Langford issued Walsh a second yellow card then he would have been sent off without the ability to appeal the decision and would have subsequently received a one-match ban. Now the former Everton academy graduate will face now suspension and is available to play in Luton’s final game of the season as they scrap to stay afloat in the Championship.Luton, who were only relegated from the Premier League last season, sit just one point above the drop in the Championship and know that win over West Brom will keep them up on Saturday. Other fans have been left incensed by Walsh’s availability for the West Brom game, claiming that the midfielder has got away without a ban because of a technicality over the straight red card.Most read in FootballLuton Town StatementHere’s what Luton Town had to say about their appeal…”We are delighted to confirm that the Club’s appeal against midfielder Liam Walsh’s straight red card during last Saturday’s win over Coventry City has been upheld.”A Football Association appeal hearing was held yesterday afternoon to rule on referee Oli Langford’s decision to dismiss the 27-year-old after Sky Blues defender Luis Binks went to ground in the 68th minute of the Town’s 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road.”The FA statement says: ‘Luton Town’s Liam Walsh will be available for their next five matches after a claim of wrongful dismissal was upheld by an independent Regulatory Commission. The midfielder was sent off for violent conduct on Saturday, 26 April, during their EFL Championship match against Coventry City.'”We look forward to seeing Walshy back in action at West Brom on Saturday!”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOn social media, one fan wrote: “So a player that should’ve been sent off for a second yellow has his ban overturned and yet [Isaiah] Jones who got booked (and should have been sent off) won’t get a retrospective ban?”While another added: “Very lucky man, should’ve been a second yellow, rather than a straight red. We live INSIDE Luton Town’s famous entrance – footballs smash our windows but there are some surprising perks”So sending off was right, and now because of the poor decision by the ref, he now gets to play and not face the 1 game suspension he should have regardless.”A third posted: “Irony is the incompetent ref has done Walsh a favour by incorrectly giving him a red rather than correctly a (non overturnable) second yellow”.And a fourth even labelled the PGMOL and the FA as “Incompetent fools”. More