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    Major change to FA Cup confirmed with Arsenal vs Man Utd clash to look very different from Premier League

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    THE FA Cup will not use VAR until the fifth round this season.In previous campaigns since 2019, all FA Cup matches played at Premier League stadiums have utilised VAR.The tie between Arsenal and Man Utd will be played without VARCredit: GettyIn a major change to this season’s competition, however, technology will only come into play from the fifth round onwards.Should non-Premier League sides remain at that stage, and be drawn at home, VAR will be deployed at their venue.The significant change has been made to ensure consistency across rounds.An FA statement read: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.”VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Several Premier League sides have been drawn at home and would have had VAR for their third round ties in previous seasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSToday’s news means that Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United will now be played without VAR.Other Premier League sides drawn at home include Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.Ruben Amorim on shock Rashford, Garnacho exclusionsVAR was first trialled in the FA Cup during the 2017-18 season.In 2022, the FA were forced to defend the use of VAR in some FA Cup ties and not in others, after just nine of 32 third round ties used the technology. More

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      Man Utd in row with Arsenal as they ‘complain about FA Cup third-round tie fan allocation’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly embroiled in a row with Arsenal over their FA Cup ticket allocation.The two clubs are set to meet in the third round on Sunday January 12.Man Utd have contacted the FA over a dispute with ArsenalCredit: GettyUnder FA rules the away side is granted 15 per cent of the ticket allocation, meaning there could be 9,000 Red Devils packed inside the Emirates, which is a 60,000-capacity stadium.But United have been given just under 8000 tickets according to the Daily Mail, which is not acceptable for club officials.As a result, they have raised the issue with the FA with the aim of getting their full allocation.United reportedly raised concerns with Arsenal and gave them time to address the issue, but a solution has not been reached.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSources at the club are said to feel that the match being brought forward to 3pm should avoid any crowd problems.The Red Devils have even had to delay placing their tickets up for sale, which was initially scheduled to take place on December 13.They blamed Arsenal for the delay in a statement which read: “Arsenal have not provided us with the relevant information required to open applications as planned at 8am tomorrow for our away game in the FA Cup.”We’ll update here as and when this is received and will also add updates to our game information on the ticketing website.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal v Man Utd FA Cup historyAFTER drawing each other in the third round of the FA Cup, it will be the 17th time Arsenal and Manchester United have faced off in the competition.They previously met in the 1997 and 2005 finals, both won by Arsenal.The last match came in 2019, which was won by United.Overall Arsenal have six wins while United have eight, while they share two draws.United’s tally of 22 goals is also superior to Arsenal’s 20 in these games.Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in the fixture, with three of his goals against the North London side coming in the FA Cup.Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal’s tally at the moment with six goals, though these have all been in the Premier League.United’s trip to the Emirates is the biggest tie of the third round and is a baptism of fire for Ruben Amorim, who will be managing his first game in the competition.The two clubs have a lengthy history in a tournament and this will be their 17th meeting.Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH gets very own mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans say ‘this is just tragic… game’s gone’Two of those matches came in the final, with the Gunners coming out on top on both occasions, in 1979 and 2005. More

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      Fans blast ‘FA Cup is dead’ after discovering third round games being played on THURSDAY as full schedule confirmed

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      FOOTBALL fans are outraged following the announcement that the FA Cup third-round fixtures will begin on a THURSDAY.Tradition has it that FA Cup rounds typically start on a Saturday – during the years when the competition was the pinnacle of domestic footie.Fans are outraged by the FA Cup’s bizarre scheduling for the third-round properFulham v Watford has been moved to a Thursday and will only be shown overseasBut only 10 of the 32 third-round games will actually be played at 3pm on Saturday January 11 due to TV demands.The move reduces what is usually one of the busiest and most interesting afternoons of the season into a handful of games.An incredible 22 games have been moved to Thursday, Friday, Sunday or Monday.And some will be played on Saturday earlier or later than 3pm.READ MORE FOOTBALLIn fact, the round kicks off with Cardiff City’s trip to Sheffield United on Thursday 9 January. While Everton’s clash against Peterborough United and Fulham’s hosting of Watford will be played on the same night.And NONE of them will be televised live in England on Thursday, instead fans can catch Everton on BBC iPlayer and Fulham overseas.Peterborough have since criticised the decision to host their game midweek.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Posh’s statement read: We were very confident of taking a full allocation of tickets for our ever first visit to Goodison Park and what is the final ever third round tie there. “On learning that the tie will take place on Thursday 9 January we are incredibly disappointed that the needs of our supporters have not been taken into consideration in this decision.”Gary Neville tells Salford captain ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after comment live on BBC during FA Cup drawThe full schedule for the Emirates FA Cup third round properThursday 9 January 2025 – 7pm GMTSheffield United v Cardiff City (Live on BBC Wales)Thursday 9 January 2025 – 7.45pm GMTEverton v Peterborough United (Live on BBC iPlayer)Fulham v WatfordFriday 10 January 2025 – 7.45pm GMTWycombe Wanderers v PortsmouthFriday 10 January 2025 – 8pm GMTAston Villa v West Ham United (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 12pm GMTBristol City v Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City v Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough v Blackburn RoversSaturday 11 January 2025 – 12.15pm GMTLiverpool v Accrington Stanley (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 3pm GMTExeter City v Oxford UnitedPreston North End v Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich AlbionReading v BurnleySunderland v Stoke CityNottingham Forest v Luton TownBrentford v Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City v Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea v Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 5.45pm GMTMan City v Salford City (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United v Harrogate Town (Live on BBC iPlayer)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 6pm GMTLeyton Orient v Derby CountyCoventry City v Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town v Wigan AthleticSunday 12 January 2025 – 12pm GMTHull City v Doncaster RoversSunday 12 January 2025 – 12.30 GMTTamworth v Tottenham Hotspur (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Sunday 12 January 2025 – 3pm GMTArsenal v Man Utd (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United v Bromley (Live on BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town v Bristol RoversCrystal Palace v Stockport CountySunday 12 January 2025 – 4.30pm GMTSouthampton v Swansea City (Live on BBC Wales)Monday 13 January 2025 – 7.30pm GMTMillwall v Dagenham & Redbridge (Live on ITV4 and ITVX)”We feel a better solution could have been found to ensure all our supporters who wish to travel to the game would have been able to do so.”They also pointed out the lack of public transport available from Liverpool to Peterborough on the evening of the match, meaning fans must travel by car or coach. They added: “We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.” Peterborough United Chief Executive Dawn Gore said: “To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing. Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.”Everton cannot share the same game day with Liverpool, who are scheduled to play at Anfield on Saturday.Other fans were quick to vent their anger at perhaps the most bizarre rescheduling to date.One wrote: “FA Cup 3 Rd on a Thursday evening. A sad demise of a once great cup competition.”A second said: “The FA are really saying ‘let’s make it a Thursday night for overseas coverage so kids can’t come’.”A third wrote: “Sickening. The only games that should be playing on a Thursday night are European ties.”While another added: “This is genuinely the worst possible time for the Everton game. I don’t get it, the weekend was free.”Just can’t f***ing help themselves can they.”On the overseas broadcast option, one fan to commented: “Who the f** is going to watch Fulham v Watford in another country?”The FA website had originally announced that the third-round would take place between January 10 – 13, with another fan writing: “@EmiratesFACup is just dead isn’t it.”Only six games will be shown on live TV – five of which include a Premier League team.Fans were particularly fuming with the decision to televise all Prem clash Aston Villa v West Ham on Friday.Many believed that the magic of the cup should’ve allowed League Two side Bromley to pick up the TV money that comes along with a trip to Newcastle.While Harrogate’s clash with Leeds at Elland Road has also missed out on selection.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead, Bromley will be shown on BBC iPlayer at 3pm on Sunday, as Manchester United’s trip to Arsenal will be live on BBC One.The other ties being shown are Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley, Manchester City vs Salford, Tamworth vs Tottenham and Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge. 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      The FA have disappeared down a rabbit hole again with absurd double standards over Morsy and Guehi rainbow armband row

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      CAST your mind back two years to the World Cup in Qatar.There, the FA and Harry Kane insisted that the England skipper would wear a rainbow armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community, after FIFA had awarded hosting rights to a nation which criminalises homosexuality.Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi wrote ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow armbandCredit: RexGuehi was then warned for writing ‘Jesus loves you’ on the armbandCredit: GettyIpswich captain Sam Morsy didn’t wear a rainbow armbandCredit: GettySix other western European nations were going to take the same stand.Until the point when FIFA insisted that those captains making this “political” gesture would be booked.Until the point where that gesture might have some sporting consequence – and therefore a more substantial meaning. At that point, the FA and their six allies all performed a late U-turn. They bottled it.Read More on FootballThat’s the thing with English football and its “support” for the LGBTQ+ community.They are happy to show them support by virtue signalling with meaningless gestures. Meaningful gestures, not so much.Two years later, the FA have disappeared down a rabbit hole again with their absurd double standards in allowing Ipswich captain Sam Morsy – a practising Muslim – not to wear a rainbow armband, while reprimanding Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi – a devout Christian – for daubing his armband with the words “I love Jesus” and then “Jesus Loves You”.This is patent nonsense. It is discrimination wrapped up in the excuse of a “rules is rules” technicality. Most read in FootballEnglish football wanted to make a stand against the staging of the World Cup in Qatar.But when it comes to allowing Newcastle to be funded by the Saudi regime – which subjugates women and criminalises homosexuality – or for the Abu Dhabi government to bankroll Manchester City, it turns a blind eye.England star Marc Guéhi’s talks about his father’s faith and missing church on Sundays When England defender Guehi – the son of a Christian minister – made his first stand in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle, visiting captain Bruno Guimaraes dutifully wore his rainbow armband.Yet the regime which is allowed to pay his wages clearly doesn’t share the values this armband supposedly represents.On Tuesday, by quirk of the fixture list, Guehi and Morsy – a British-born Egypt international – were pitted against one another, further highlighting the absurdity of one man being allowed not to wear an armband and another man being warned for writing on that armband.Then there is the case of Manchester United’s Muslim defender Noussair Mazraoui refusing to wear a specially-designed pre-match warm-up jacket to mark the club’s Rainbow Laces match against Everton.As a result, United decided none of their players would wear the jackets so as not to disrupt team unity.So United wanted to show support for LGBTQ+ rights – but only until the point that it became difficult for them.Lot of work to be donePersonally, I feel grateful not to have been brought up with any religion in my life and believe that any organised religion causes more harm than good.But I also recognise Guehi, Morsy, Mazraoui and anyone else with religious faith has every right to practice their beliefs.I also consider the principle behind the rainbow campaign to be a sound one.That people should be free to love whomever they want to love, and not have to hide their sexuality.In an increasingly secular society, most people agree with that basic statement.Inclusivity shouldn’t be a dirty word. Gay people have, with good reason, felt excluded from participating in football and attending matches.Sometimes it’s meaninglessThe fact that there still aren’t any openly “out” gay footballers in the Premier League suggests there remains a lot of work to be done.But when campaigns are besmirched by such absurdities as the FA’s capitulation in Qatar and the double standards shown to Guehi and Morsy, they simply stoke the beliefs of intolerant people and are self-defeating. They give credence to the idea that the FA are a fanatically “woke” organisation, when that isn’t the case.The FA, and English football in general, are simply desperate to recognise everyone and everything all the time.It is rare to attend an England match without a minute’s silence. Which usually turns into applause.Often with a recently-deceased former England player or manager being offered a silence in association with the victims of some terrible war or natural disaster overseas. Rendering it all pretty meaningless.Opposite of ‘wokeness’It also feels weird that before every England game, there are around 100 serving military personnel on the pitch.Even weirder when, last month, the opposition was the Republic of Ireland, whose population are understandably not keen on the sight of uniformed British squaddies.This is actually the opposite of “wokeness” – whatever that means – and it is jarring just the same.Then there’s Remembrance Day. I happen to wear a poppy – or, more often, I buy several and lose them all – as a personal mark of respect to relatives who fought and died, and a recognition of my own good fortune in not having had to suffer the same horrors as my grandfather and great-grandfather.But football has taken Remembrance Day to extreme degrees – with The Last Post being played and silences observed as early as October.And it also allows James McClean, an open supporter of IRA terrorism, to make his own views known. Views which are abhorrent to most of us.READ MORE SUN STORIESGesture politics in football have become an ugly moral maze – underlined by the idiocy surrounding the treatment of Guehi and Morsy.In an angry and divided nation, the only intelligent conclusion is that football should be a safe space – away from politics, religion, the military or any other cause. More

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      Marc Guehi escapes FA charge after doubling down on rainbow armband stance with ‘Jesus loves you’ message

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      MARC GUEHI will NOT be charged by the FA for displaying a second religious message on his rainbow armband during Crystal Palace’s 1-0 win over Ipswich.The England defender, 24, a devout Christian, was warned by the FA not to repeat his actions after writing “I love Jesus” on his armband for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.Marc Guehi displayed ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow armband on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe Crystal Palace captain then wrote ‘Jesus loves you’ on Tuesday nightCredit: ReutersOn Tuesday night, the Eagles skipper ignored the warning as he wrote “Jesus loves you” on his armband.And it has now emerged that the FA do not plan any formal disciplinary action despite the breach of Rule A4.Instead, Wembley beaks have reminded Palace of the kit regulations that are in place.The Laws of the Game allow slogans “promoting the game of football, respect and integrity”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Laws forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.Breaching this requirement is a strict liability situation with the Laws adding: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”The Guehi issue, and Ipswich skipper Sam Morsy’s refusal to wear the rainbow armband on “religious” grounds, will put a spotlight on the campaign that has been part of the Premier League’s season since 2013.Guehi, whose dad is a minister, was one of 19 top flight captains who wore the armband in the weekend fixtures to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign in support of LGBTQ+ rights.Most read in FootballIpswich’s Morsy was the only skipper to snub wearing the armband.Speaking after Tuesday’s game, which Palace won 1-0 to ease relegation concerns, manager Oliver Glasner backed his captain.Crystal Palace star Marc Guéhi talks about his road to 100 Premier League appearances He said: “We respect every single player and especially Marc as our captain.”He’s a great guy, very humble and we shouldn’t make it bigger than it is. Keep it calm.”He’s very respectful to everyone in the club.”In football we’re all against discrimination, against abuse, every single part. It was a great campaign and I think that’s it.”We spoke about it. I speak to Marc quite often, he’s my captain.”He’s no child who is 15, he’s an adult person like every one of us.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion. This is the quote of this campaign, being tolerant and Marc is very tolerant so everything is fine.”Meanwhile, Man Utd’s players abandoned plans to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community after Noussair Mazraoui refused to join the initiative ahead of their 4-0 win over Everton. More

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      Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi writes message on his Rainbow captain’s armband AGAIN after being spoken to by FA

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      MARC GUEHI defied the FA by writing a message on the Rainbow captain’s armband AGAIN.Captains were asked to wear Rainbow armbands over the weekend in a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.Marc Guehi has written a message on the rainbow captain’s armband againCredit: ReutersHe wrote ‘Jesus loves you’Credit: ReutersThe message on Guehi’s armband was changedCredit: ReutersGuehi is a devote ChristianCredit: ReutersCrystal Palace star Guehi did so against Newcastle on Saturday – but added the words “I love Jesus” on the armband. The defender, a devout Christian, was spoken to by the FA, who reminded him that displaying any religious message on a player’s kit is prohibited.But on Tuesday night, away against Ipswich, Guehi wrote on the armband again but changed the words to “Jesus loves you” with a smiley face.The 24-year-old was one of 19 top flight captains who wore the armband in the weekend fixtures to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign in support of LGBTQ+ rights.READ MORE IN football Ipswich’s Morsy was the only skipper to snub wearing the armband entirely due to “religious beliefs”.The Ipswich skipper did so again in the game against Crystal Palace.Guehi – whose father is a minister – risked facing action by writing the religious message on his arm against Newcastle.The Laws of the Game allow slogans “promoting the game of football, respect and integrity”.Most read in FootballBut the Laws forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.Breaching this requirement is a strict liability situation with the Laws adding: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”FA disciplinary beaks opted to speak with Guehi and Palace rather than going any further.Both Guehi and his club were told that the appearance of any religious message on kits, boots or any other equipment – including the armband – is prohibited under FA Rule A4.The FA declined to comment when approached over any further repercussions following Tuesday night’s repeat offence.Speaking after Tuesday’s game, which Palace won 1-0 to ease relegation concerns, manager Oliver Glasner backed his captain.He said: “We respect every single player and especially Marc as our captain.”He’s a great guy, very humble and we shouldn’t make it bigger than it is. Keep it calm.”He’s very respectful to everyone in the club. “In football we’re all against discrimination, against abuse, every single part. It was a great campaign and I think that’s it.”We spoke about it. I speak to Marc quite often, he’s my captain.”He’s no child who is 15, he’s an adult person like every one of us.”He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion. This is the quote of this campaign, being tolerant and Marc is very tolerant so everything is fine.”Armband snubIpswich captain Morsy – a practising Muslim – was the only one of the league’s 20 captains not to wear the Rainbow armband.In a club statement, while stressing their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion, Ipswich admit they “respect the decision” of Morsy to don a plain Prem captain’s armband instead.The statement read: “Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone.“We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of the game.“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs.“We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”Morsy has been captain of Ipswich under boss Kieran McKenna since 2021 and also did not wear the Rainbow armband against Palace.McKenna said after the game: “In line with what the club statement said we want to be an inclusive club. We are working really hard on that within the playing group, there is a lot of good work being done. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The club has accepted Sam’s decision based on his religious beliefs and that is a fair assessment.”Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic also refused to wear a Rainbow armband in the Prem back in December 2023, but did not give a specific reason as to why, simply saying the word “guess”.Sam Morsy wore a regular captain’s armbandCredit: Getty More

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      Marc Guehi spoken to by FA for writing ‘I love Jesus’ on rainbow armband and told not to repeat message against Ipswich

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      MARC GUEHI has escaped FA action for writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow captain’s armband.But the Crystal Palace skipper, who is a devout Christian, has been warned not to repeat his actions – or risk a charge.Marc Guehi has been warned for writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow armbandCredit: GettyThe Crystal Palace defender is a devout ChristianCredit: GettyThe England centre-half, 24, was one of 19 top flight captains who wore the armband in the weekend fixtures to support the LGBTQ+ community, with Ipswich’s Sam Morsy declining to do so due to his beliefs.But Guehi, whose father is a minister, risked facing action for writing the religious message on his.Guehi has earned 22 England caps since making his debut in 2022Credit: GettyThe Laws of the Game allow slogans “promoting the game of football, respect and integrity”.But the Laws also forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBreaching this requirement is a strict liability situation with the Laws adding: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”However, FA disciplinary beaks have opted to reprimand Guehi and Palace rather than going any further.Both Guehi and his club will be told that the appearance of any religious message on kits, boots or any other equipment – including the armband – is prohibited under FA Rule A4.Crystal Palace star Marc Guéhi talks about his road to 100 Premier League appearances The warning comes ahead of Palace’s two other games during the Rainbow Laces campaign, with the Eagles travelling to Ipswich tonight before hosting Manchester City on Saturday.Most read in FootballSpeaking previously about his religious beliefs, Guehi told The Athletic: “I’ve grown up loving God and when I have had the chance I still go to church with my family, and my faith is definitely a big part of my life.”Faith is everything that I’m involved with, really; even in football, where I’m trying to be a role model and show God’s graciousness and God’s glory through my life.”This is the eleventh season that the Premier League has supported the Rainbow Laces movement.The decision of Egypt international Morsy not to wear the armband was based on his Muslim beliefs.Wembley chiefs feel that is a matter for the club and the player as Morsy did not breach any kit and advertising regulations but chose not to take part in the initiative.Ipswich released a statement on the matter, saying: “Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone.”We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.”During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs.”We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”Morsy refused to wear an armband against Forest due to his beliefsCredit: Getty More

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      FA Cup 3rd round draw ball numbers: Who is in the hat as Premier League sides join?

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      THE FA Cup third round draw will take place TODAY as Premier League heavyweights enter the hat.Lower-ranked sides, including non-league outfits Dagenham & Redbridge and Tamworth, will be hoping to land a glamour tie.Manchester United are the current holders of the FA CupCredit: GettyIn addition to the two FA Cup underdogs, 18 teams from League One and Two join the 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship teams to make up the 64 sides in the draw.SunSport brings you every club’s number ahead of tonight’s prestigious event.When is the FA Cup third round draw?The FA Cup third round draw will take place on Monday, December 2.It will begin at around 7pm GMT.Old Trafford will host the draw.How to watch the FA Cup third round draw?The FA Cup third-round draw will be broadcast LIVE on BBC Two.READ MORE IN FA CUPYou can live stream the show for FREE via the BBC iPlayer app/website.Kelly Somers will present the draw, with Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin picking out the all-important balls.You can find out all the third-round ties as they are drawn out by following SunSport’s live blog.FA Cup third round draw ball numbersHere are all the ball numbers for the FA Cup third round draw:Most read in FA CupAFC BournemouthArsenalAston VillaBlackburn RoversBrentfordBrighton & Hove AlbionBristol CityBurnleyCardiff CityChelseaCoventry CityCrystal PalaceDerby CountyEvertonFulhamHull CityIpswich TownLeeds UnitedLeicester CityLiverpoolLuton TownManchester CityManchester UnitedMiddlesbroughMillwallNewcastle UnitedNorwich CityNottingham ForestOxford UnitedPlymouth ArgylePortsmouthPreston North EndQueens Park RangersSheffield UnitedSheffield WednesdaySouthamptonStoke CitySunderlandSwansea CityTottenham HotspurWatfordWest Bromwich AlbionWest Ham UnitedWolverhampton WanderersSalford CityCharlton AthleticExeter CityLeyton OrientBristol RoversDagenham & RedbridgeAccrington StanleyLincoln CityTamworthBirmingham CityMansfield TownPeterborough UnitedStockport CountyWycombe WanderersMorecambeBromleyDoncaster RoversReadingHarrogate TownWigan AthleticWhen are the FA Cup third round ties taking place?FA Cup third round ties will take place over the weekend of Saturday, January 11. More

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      Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

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      SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More