The FA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      The FA Cup doesn’t need changing and scrapping replays would be ridiculous, says Premier League vice-chairman

      by

      THE FA Cup is a sports institution that should be left alone to warm our winters — as it has for well over 150 years.This may appear an obvious statement, except that there are continuing whispers it should be trimmed further to make room for competitions without particular history or prestige.
      The FA Cup is an institution and should be left alone, says Karren BradyCredit: Getty
      It took a foreigner, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, to sum up the affection that most of us have for it.
      After beating third-tier Wigan, he said: “It is a massive competition and everyone wants to win the FA Cup. We take it seriously.”So we should. United have won the  Cup 12 times — bettered only by Arsenal’s 14.
      But the essence is that any club from tiers one  to eight has a chance to play in a Wembley final.
      Without replays, it would be stunted and, for the underprivileged, a loss of revenue.

      Maidstone United were the non-league tiddlers to survive the third round.
      Let George Elokobi, Maidstone’s boss, explain the true meaning of the Cup: “It is magic. This is what it does.
      “It just brings our  community and binds  us together. It makes us even stronger — inspiring the younger generation.”
      Perhaps it takes an aspiring boss from Cameroon, albeit with plenty of Premier League experience, to capture the dimension of our annual knockout wonder.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Yet the ex-Wolves star’s view is not necessarily shared by owners whose sentiments are often, “Who cares about a silly old competition”.
      Well, I do and so do millions of English and Welsh men and women.I also care that it helps spread down money to lower leagues as all gate revenue is shared.
      There is too much talk of following the Scottish FA this season in cutting out replays and deciding ties with penalties.
      This is both unfair on the away team and ridiculous, almost akin to Parliament scotching by-elections and reintroducing rotten boroughs.
      Penalties provide a quick fix of excitement — but they hardly add up to justice for all.
      As for deciding the World Cup on penalties, that gets more absurd the longer that the contest goes on.
      There has to be a better method, although time is limited to a month and rules out full replays.
      It’s true that replays do not aid long-term programming. We have one at Bristol City next week and, of course, we want to go through.
      West Ham vs Bristol City will be decided by a replayCredit: Getty
      We’d love to win the FA Cup, we know that would brighten the lives of Hammers fans.
      It is something to brag about for the rest of your life, just as winning the European trophy did last season.
      The Robins will make an extra sum, an important factor the further down the eight qualifying divisions you go.
      Until the 90s there were as many replays as necessary. Heaven help us from a repeat of the record.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      One is fun but let’s have no more interference in our world’s oldest football competition.
      Watch this week’s brilliant episode of the Tap In – SunSport’s exclusive new football show. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Bury must play two games behind closed doors as they become first English club in decades to suffer UEFA-type punishment

      by

      BURY have been hit with a two-game stadium ban by the FA.The Shakers have been ordered to play their next two home matches behind closed doors due to offensive comments made by fans at a recent game.
      Bury have appealed the order to play two games behind closed doorsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      It is the first time an English club has been sanctioned in such a manner for decades, with stadium bans often handed out to European teams by Uefa.
      Bury have announced they will appeal the punishment, meaning fans will likely be in attendance when their next opponents Wythenshawe visit Gigg Lane.
      The club stressed they did everything in their power to help police and the FA carry out their investigation.
      And they claim the lost revenue would better be put to use “to fund a campaign intended to positively promote diversity and inclusion”.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      A statement from the club read: “Bury Football Club has been informed by Manchester FA that an independent committee has decided that due to the offensive comments made by two supporters during our game against West Didsbury and Chorlton in September, we should be forced to play our next two home games behind closed doors.
      “We reported the incident at the time, and provided video and other evidence to the police to assist their enquiries at some considerable cost to the club. We have not disputed the claims made. The individuals have not yet had their case heard by the law enforcement authorities and have been prevented from entering the stadium indefinitely whilst we await the outcome.
      “Our grounds for appeal are limited. We have accepted the facts of the incident, and do not believe that we acted in a way which was anything other than responsible and measured.
      “We accept that the two individuals involved could have been removed from the stadium immediately but the stewards took a view at the time to stop any further problems and review the situation afterwards. We paid additional money to a CCTV specialist to review footage and provided this to the police. Our stewarding costs are £3-4,000 per game, it is not something we take lightly.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “The basis of our appeal is that the punishment is excessive. We have seen multiple incidents over recent years of groups of supporters collectively issuing racist, misogynistic and homophobic abuse, as well as tragedy chanting.
      “These have gone unpunished or have been dealt with by fines. We acted on the day. We are unable to completely control the words of two people in a crowd of 3,838 on that particular occasion.”
      The England national team were hit with a two-game stadium ban after the Euro 2020 final descended into chaos with fans breaching Wembley.
      One match was suspended so only the clash against Italy in June 2022 was played behind closed doors, although under-18s were allowed in.
      The last English club ordered to play a match behind closed doors was Aston Villa.
      They began their defence of the European Cup in front of an empty Villa Park in 1982 as punishment for fan riots against Anderlecht in the semi-final earlier that year.
      The FA also forced Burton to play Leicester behind closed doors in an FA Cup replay after the first match was marred by fan violence – Burton goalkeeper Paul Evans was struck by an object thrown from the crowd so the game was abandoned with Leicester leading 6-1. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former EFL defender given FOUR-YEAR ban from football for sexually assaulting two women on coaching course

      by

      A FORMER EFL defender has been banned from football for four years after sexually assaulting two women.Danny Senda, 42, was on a coaching course abroad with the women last June when the incidents of inappropriate touching took place in a bar.
      Former Wycombe defender Danny Senda was given a four-year football banCredit: PA
      It is understood he was already in the bar when the pair arrived together with a few other people.
      The first complainant accused Senda – who spent most of his professional playing career at Wycombe – of pulling her towards him.
      He then put one arm over her shoulder and placed his other hand down the front of her shorts.
      She removed his arms from her.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      As she was preparing to leave the bar, she saw Senda touching another woman.
      The second survivor explained she felt someone’s hands come from behind her and placed on her chest and then her breasts.
      She turned around to see that it was Senda and immediately left the bar with the other woman.
      They reported Senda’s behaviour to the course leaders – who asked the ex-Millwall man to leave the programme.
      Most read in Football
      With permission, he met with the pair to apologise before flying back to the UK – although one complainant felt “railroaded” into attending.
      The women did not press legal charges as the assaults took place overseas but did make a formal complaint to the FA, who said they were “deeply sorry” for what happened.
      Senda has admitted two charges of misconduct but in an interview with the FA in July, he said because of drinking alcohol he did not remember the incidents but also did not deny them.
      An independent commission initially wanted to give Senda a six-year ban but this was reduced to four years due to his apology and early admission of the charges.
      They said the incidents were of “the utmost seriousness” and that they “amounted to the commission of criminal offences that could never be condoned or tolerated in any environment”.
      An FA spokesperson said: “Women deserve to be involved in professional football without the fear of any form of abuse.
      “This was a shocking case, and we investigated the very serious allegations as soon as we were made aware of them.
      Women in football will be supported and protected and offenders will be severely punishedFA spokesperson
      “We thank the victims for reporting the incidents to us, and supporting the investigation through to its conclusion, and we are deeply sorry that they endured such a terrible experience.
      “The behaviour shown by Daniel Senda in June 2023 will not be tolerated.
      “We will investigate all allegations of sexual assault in a football environment which are reported to us – usually working with the police, but in this case, the incidents happened overseas so were not within the jurisdiction of UK law enforcement.
      “We hope that the very lengthy ban serves as a strong deterrent, and a clear signal that women in football will be supported and protected and offenders will be severely punished.”
      Senda came through the youth academy at Southampton and joined Wycombe, initially as a striker, in 1999.
      After also playing at full-back and as a right midfielder and racking up 316 league appearances for the Chairboys, he joined Millwall in 2006.
      But midway through his three-year stint in South London, he suffered a lengthy injury and was sidelined for 16 months.
      Senda also had brief spells with Torquay, Bristol Rovers and Barnet but retired in 2013, 13 months after dislocating his kneecap.
      Read more on The Sun
      He transitioned into coaching, working through the EFL at Brentford, Barnet, Leyton Orient and, most recently, Charlton where he was a first-team assistant manager until Dean Holden’s sacking in August 2023 just five games into the new season.
      According to LinkedIn, Senda is now self-employed after setting up his own football academy in Windsor.
      The ex-Millwall man apologised for sexually assaulting two women on a coaching course abroadCredit: Getty More

    • 300 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I have an office job but after work I compete in the FA Cup… it’s a far cry from Premier League glitz & glam

      by

      THE FA Cup holds a special place in the heart of all non-league footballers.It’s the first game you look out for when the fixture list is released ahead of the new season, with the potential to make history and play against your heroes.
      Don’t be fooled, the magic of the FA Cup is alive and kicking – literallyCredit: Kevin Dunnett
      Life in the office and on the football pitch is vastly differentCredit: Kevin Dunnett
      Barking orders on the pitch is a norm on a Saturday afternoon
      I’ve had the honour of captaining my team in the FA Cup
      Premier League and Championship clubs begin their tournament at the Third Round stage in January.
      That is when the competition becomes relevant for the majority of football fans.
      But the FA Cup actually begins months earlier – eight rounds earlier, to be precise – at the beginning of August.
      More than 700 clubs compete to win the iconic trophy, but realistically only a handful have a genuine chance of a day out at Wembley.
      Read more football
      So it’s not bumper crowds and the glamour of the national stadium that makes the FA Cup special.
      Rather the dream starts on Saturday afternoon on a shockingly bad pitch and a handful of spectators – no fancy coach, no sprinkler system and no egos – just hope of what could be.
      Away from the glitz of the Premier League, there are thousands of non-league players with office jobs like me who train just a couple of evenings a week.
      I work by day as a journalist – writing stories about the UK’s latest news, attending murder scenes and covering trials in our crown courts.
      Most read in Football
      By night and weekend, though, my attention turns to playing for Alton FC in the ninth tier of the English football pyramid.
      There are no hydrotherapy pools, saunas and steam rooms to help you recover on a Tuesday night.
      Instead, it’s a less friendly walk back through the door of my home – often in the early hours – and minimal sleep before the morning commute begins.
      I’ll get in around midnight after most midweek games, before the stark realisation of having to set a pre-6am alarm hits me.
      It’s this harsh reality that irks non-league footballers whenever a Premier League manager complains about fixture congestion.
      And then there’s the FA Cup, with the extra preliminary round beginning in early August. If successful, the preliminary round follows.
      And yes, you have to win two preliminary games just to get into the First Qualifying Round.
      You’re playing at that early stage of the tournament knowing there is next to zero chance you will come up against a professional side, let alone win it.
      Yet it remains the highlight of the year, for you could be part of that one club which goes on an historic run and enjoys a day out playing in front of thousands – just as you dreamt of doing as a child.
      But you have to earn the right to get there, which normally involves playing in front of 200 people – most of whom are club officials, parents or people who would rather be elsewhere.
      Look at this season for example, with Cray Valley (PM) FC earning a 1-1 draw at Charlton Athletic in front of thousands of fans before losing out in a replay shown live on BT Sport.
      AFC Stoneham, who play at the same level as me, earned a lucrative away tie with at former Championship side Yeovil Town in the Third Qualifying Round.
      Stretching back beyond this season, eighth tier Chasetown hosted Cardiff City in 2008 and Farnborough went up against the giants of Arsenal in 2003.
      I play in the Combined Counties Premier Division South – the ninth tier of the English Football League pyramid.
      You arrive at 1.15pm for a 3pm kick-off, listen to music on an average speaker and catch-up with the plumbers, builders, teachers and salesmen that make up your team – many of whom have come straight from work.
      You’re cramped in a tight changing room, fighting over the last few sweets and drinks, debating who can get some treatment from the one physio before the other and jostling for space as you put your socks on.
      The manager comes in at 1.45pm to give you the pre-match brief, before heading out for a warm-up and come to the deflating realisation you have to spend 90 minutes on a bobbly pitch where the ball is as likely to come off your shin as it is your foot.
      But the location of any FA Cup fixture has no bearing on the excitement of the occasion – and a victory is celebrated like no other.
      My favourite footballing memory is blasting out 5, 6, 7, 8 by Steps after winning an FA Cup extra preliminary round replay in front of 600 people on a Tuesday night.
      With a win on a Saturday, the buzz continues into Sunday, then as you begin to come down on a Monday, it all reignites as you tune in to see who you’ve been drawn against in the next round.
      Players and fans at the likes of Chesterfield, at the top of the National League, will dream of a tie away at to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
      Meanwhile, there’s us us dreaming of a tie away at Chesterfield.
      Read more on The Sun
      Don’t let Premier League managers, players or pundits have you believe the magic of the FA Cup has dwindled.
      The spark is alive and kicking, literally, for the hundreds of us who have not quite made it.
      Life at the desk and life on the pitch are vastly differentCredit: Kevin Dunnett
      Non-league players often go to their games straight from workCredit: Kevin Dunnett
      We beat National League Aldershot Town earlier this season More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Millwall facing FA probe after linesman is hit on head by object thrown from crowd during QPR clash

      by

      MILLWALL face an FA probe after assistant ref Matthew Wilkes was hit on the head by an object thrown from the crowd during the game with QPR.Wilkes made referee Thomas Bramall aware of the incident at The Den on 55 minutes.
      Assistant referee Matthew Wilkes was struck by an object from the crowdCredit: Alamy
      Millwall hosted QPR at The Den for the Boxing Day Championship clashCredit: Getty
      Lions boss Joe Edwards condemned it but said his keeper Matija Sarkic was also targeted in a 2-0 win.
      Home medical staff took a quick look at Wilkes before he continued.
      Edwards said: “We don’t want to see that behaviour.
      “Matija Sarkic had objects thrown at him as well. So there are issues that the club will have to look into. These things can’t happen.”
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Tom Bradshaw’s poacher’s strike put Millwall on course to end their dismal run of seven games without a win.
      The Welsh striker slid in at the back post to score just before the break and Murray Wallace made sure when he fired home from close range in the 91st minute from George Honeyman’s corner.
      It delivered a much-needed lift for new Den manager Edwards.
      He said: “There is definite relief after the run we have been on.
      Most read in Championship
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “We want more quality and to play football. But you need a foundation to build on after that run and this was about the team’s spirit.
      “We were difficult to play against and were aggressive.”
      But the mini-revival sparked by QPR boss Marti Cifuentes is now over after their third straight defeat.
      He said: “That was the worst performance since I came to the club.
      “We can’t blame anyone else. We didn’t start well and they were more aggressive.”
      Lions boss Joe Edwards condemned the behaviourCredit: Getty
      Tom Bradshaw celebrates scoring in the 2-0 Millwall winCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Trophy clash POSTPONED due to weather as ref decides pitch is unplayable just hours before kickoff

      by

      WEALDSTONE’S FA Trophy clash against Billericay Town has been postponed just hours before kick off.The two non-league outfits were due to collide tonight on the road to Wembley at Grosvenor Vale.
      Wealstone’s FA Trophy clash has been postponedCredit: Rex
      However, the game, which was scheduled for a 7.45pm start, will now be taking place on another date due to the wet weather making the pitch unplayable.
      A Statement from Wealdstone said: “Unfortunately after heavy rain and a further pitch inspection, the referee has now declared the pitch unplayable. 
      “Therefore our FA Trophy game v @BTFC this evening is now postponed.”
      The game has now already been rescheduled.
      Wealdstone and Billericay Town, will now hopefully play the third round showdown on Tuesday 19 December.
      A number of non-league matches have also been hit by the wet weather and postponed across the country.
      However, tonight’s Champions League and Football League fixtures all look set to go ahead as planned at present.
      There are also several FA Cup clashes taking place this evening.
      Most read in Football
      Scarborough Athletic are looking to beat Forest Green Rovers in their rearranged First Round clash.
      While there are also four Second Round replays taking place.
      Barnet face Newport County, Crew take on Bristol Rovers, Port Vale will go head-to-head with Stevenage while Walsall and Alfreton Town collide for a place in the Third Round.
      More to follow…
      The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video
      Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s FA Cup clash with Wigan will be 86th televised match of their last 87 in all cup competitions

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S FA Cup clash with Wigan will be broadcast on BBC One.That means the Red Devils will have featured on TV in 86 out of 87 cup clashes, dating back to 2005.
      Manchester United travel to Wigan on January 8Credit: EPA
      The only match not to be televised was an FA Cup third round clash against Derby in January 2018, which United won 2-0.
      Prior to that every single one of United’s FA Cup and League Cup matches were aired, dating back to a 0-0 draw with Exexter in 2005.
      That means every stage of last year’s Carabao Cup success was shown live on air.
      Erik ten Hag also led his side to the FA Cup final where they lost to rivals Manchester City.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The Dutchman will be confident he can overcome League One side Wigan, who won the FA Cup in 2023.
      However his side have not fared very well in cup competitions this season having been beaten 3-0 in the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.
      United are also on the brink of Champions League elimination and need to beat Bayern Munich to have hope of qualifying from their group.
      The Red Devils’ meeting with Wigan will be the last match of the third round weekend to be broadcast.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Crystal Palace vs Everton will be shown on Thursday with Tottenham’s clash against Burnley airing a day later.
      Saturday TV sees Newcastle travel to Sunderland for a Tyne-Wear derby before two Prem titans battle it out on Sunday – Liverpool and Arsenal. More

    • 288 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m one of FA Cup’s top scorers looking to cause a shock but I only play football part-time and have very different job

      by

      JOE TAYLOR is a sales executive aiming for glory in the FA Cup.The Ramsgate FC striker is set for the biggest crowd in his career in the second-round clash against a League Two side.
      Joe Taylor is hoping to cause a shock in the FA CupCredit: Louis McLaren
      Ramsgate will play AFC Wimbledon at Plough LaneCredit: Getty
      The Isthmian South East league outfit have been on a magical run in the FA Cup, having knocked out multiple teams above them.
      The club have already played seven games in the competition, including three qualifying rounds to make it to the first round proper.
      They made it past the first round after coming from behind to beat National League side Woking 2-1 at the Southwood Stadium.
      Ramsgate are currently three tiers below their next cup opponents AFC Wimbledon.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Taylor, 32, has been a key member of the “total football” playing side and he has insisted that Ramsgate are relishing being the underdogs.
      He told SunSport: “As a team we have beaten a lot of opposition from higher levels which has been particularly pleasing.
      “It doesn’t feel like we have had an easy game at any point, we have only faced one team that is at a lower level than us.
      “We have been up against it and been underdogs the whole way and we have embraced that.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “It has been really good and really fun.
      “When it comes to Wimbledon, we won’t freeze up and we won’t be outclassed.”
      Football is not Taylor’s full-time job, as he works for a construction company as a sales executive.
      He started working there when it was owned by his father. However, it has since been sold to new owners.
      Taylor has netted nine goals in the FA Cup already this seasonCredit: Louis McLaren
      Taylor works as a sales executive in his day job
      But away from the office and on the pitch, Taylor has been in fine form in the FA Cup, having netted nine goals which is one less than the competition’s top scorer.
      He said: “If I get one more, I will share the trophy, and if I get two I might get to go Wembley and pick up the Golden Ball trophy.
      “On a personal level, it would be amazing for me.”
      Taylor is looking forward to the match as he will be swapping average crowds of 1,000 spectators for a potential crowd of over 9,000 at Plough Lane.
      Taylor will be swapping Ramsgate’s Southwood Stadium for the next FA Cup clashCredit: Dan Whitehead
      To make the occasion even more special, the game at Wimbledon will be televised on ITV on December 4.
      He said: “That will beat the most attended crowd that I have ever played in front of.
      “There is so much excitement, we are riding the wave.
      “As soon as I saw the draw, playing at a ground like that is lovely and will be a real occasion.
      “We will fill out the away end and we will never forget playing there live on tele.”
      As part of Taylor’s pre-match ritual he always gets a fresh haircut before a match.
      He joked that he might get the FA Cup cut into the side of his hair to celebrate the day.
      Read More on The Sun
      “My team-mates always take the mick out of me because I always get my hair cut before every game without fail”, he said.
      “I best get a haircut that weekend, maybe I will get a little FA Cup in the side of my hair for that game in particular.”
      Taylor will be getting a haircut before the matchCredit: Twitter
      Taylor gets a fresh trim before every gameCredit: @JoeTaylor28 More