The FA

LUTON have found themselves embroiled in a bitter row with the FA after hosting an England U21 fixture at Kenilworth Road this week.Luton’s home ground played host as England’s starlets earned a 4-1 victory over their Austrian counterparts on Monday night.Luton Town have released a statement after controversy over a banner during an England U21 clash at Kenilworth RoadCredit: GettyThe flag should have read: ‘Betrayed by the FA 2008′, but had been folded to cover the messageCredit: ReutersThe fixture sparked controversy after a historic flag inside Kenilworth Road was altered to hide a message that is usually on display for every Luton game.The flag, which is believed to have been in the Main Stand since 2008, reads: “Luton Town. Betrayed by the FA 2008”.The message points to Luton’s history as a club after they were slapped with a 30-point deduction back in 2008 following financial infringements.The deduction, which was brought upon Luton by the FA and the Football League, led to Luton’s relegation and saw them consigned to non-league football for five years before earning their spot back in League Two in 2014.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the flag was folded to cover the message “Betrayed by the FA 2008” during Monday’s international fixture – a decision Luton claim “would have been declined” had those in charge known of the request.A statement from the club read: “The ‘Betrayed by the FA 2008’ message printed at the bottom section of the flag has a meaningful significance to our supporters and the Club.”As it is a representation of the most poignant event in the Club’s history and is a symbolic relic of the largest points deduction the FA has issued any club.”Luton claim that they agreed to host the England U21 fixture at Kenilworth Road under the condition that the banner would remain in place.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Hatters’ statement added: “In the final build-up to the match, the FA asked for the flag to be taken down, a request that the Club rejected.”Instead, the corner was folded, which meant the flag remained in place, but the full extent of its meaning was compromised.Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England star”This action was demanded by the FA and carried out by a member of club staff who didn’t appreciate the true significance of the action.”Had the request been escalated it would have been declined.”Luton went on to add that they are “extremely disappointed the FA felt they needed to hide the message”.The club also issued an apology to their fans who had been upset by the message being hidden.While the Championship outfit also stated that they would only host future FA fixtures at Kenilworth Road on the “assurance that the club’s wishes to acknowledge its history are observed”.A statement from the Loyal Luton Supporters Club (LLSC) slammed the decision and said it was left “deeply disappointed and dismayed” by the banner being covered.Luton put together a miraculous comeback following their relegation from the Football League after their points deduction.After regaining promotion into League Two in 2014 they put together a string of promotions to earn a spot in the Premier League last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever the Hatters were relegated after one term in the top flight and are now plying their trade in the Championship.The FA is yet to release a statement regarding the incident.Luton Town statement in fullLuton Town Football Club would like to clarify the situation regarding the unauthorised folding of the flag in the corner of the Main Stand for last night’s England Under-21 international at Kenilworth Road.The ‘Betrayed by the FA 2008’ message printed at the bottom section of the flag has a meaningful significance to our supporters and the Club, as it is a representation of the most poignant event in the Club’s history and is a symbolic relic of the largest points deduction the FA has issued any club.As time has passed, the Club’s relationship with the FA has arrived at a place where games such as last night’s England U21 international may be hosted at Kenilworth Road. Events such as these are positive for the Club’s local community – particularly for younger supporters in the area – and are events the Club wishes to conduct more of moving into Power Court.In agreeing to use Kenilworth Road for last night’s fixture, the Club was obliged to hand the operation of the fixture and the Club’s entire facility to the FA under their specification which included adding the application of England branding throughout the stadium. However, it was requested that the banner in question would remain in place, just as it did when Kenilworth Road played host to the FA Women’s National League Cup final on March 23rd.In the final build-up to the match, the FA asked for the flag to be taken down, a request that the Club rejected.Instead, the corner was folded, which meant the flag remained in place, but the full extent of its meaning was compromised. This action was demanded by the FA and carried out by a member of Club staff who didn’t appreciate the true significance of the action. Had the request been escalated it would have been declined.The Club understands the subsequent reaction from the fanbase and is extremely disappointed the FA felt the need to hide the message, which is also a poignant part of its own history. We will never forget what happened with the points deductions, and we apologise to any of our supporters who were offended by this action and to those who own the flag.Ultimately, it was not the Club’s decision but the FA’s very late insistence in their staging of the fixture.Finally, the Club would like to be able to offer Kenilworth Road as a hosting venue for similar fixtures in future but would only do so on assurance that the Club’s wishes to acknowledge its history are observed. More

LEE CARSLEY’S audition to become England manager sends Stuart Pearce down memory lane.In the wake of Fabio Capello’s  shock resignation on February 8, 2012, Pearce — then the Under-21s boss — acted as interim while the FA searched for a replacement.Stuart Pearce has backed Lee Carsley to succeed as England interim managerCredit: GettyUnder-21 boss Carsley will take charge of the Three Lions against the Republic of IrelandCredit: GettyNow more than a decade on, Carsley is stepping up from the Young Lions with six games between now and mid-November to prove he can fill Gareth Southgate’s sizeable shoes.And that starts away to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.He may be playing it down but it is clear Carsley, 50, would jump at the “impossible job” — which even weighed heavy on Italian managerial great Capello.But the England hotseat is not for everyone, Pearce included, despite a playing career including 78 Three Lions caps and a stint in charge of Manchester City from 2005-2007.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPearce took the U21s to a Euros final in 2009 — with former FA director of football Sir Trevor Brooking asking Pearce, 49 at the time, whether he considered himself a candidate for the role.Pearce told SunSport: “I told him I didn’t think I was ready for that leap. I felt I needed more experience. I always knew I was doing it for the one game.”That one game was a friendly at Wembley on February 29, 2012 against a Holland side fresh from reaching the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.Pearce’s England fought back from 2-0 down only to lose 3-2 to a late Arjen Robben goal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDanny Welbeck, then 21, and Chris Smalling, then 22, were given their fourth and third caps respectively, with a one-and-only cap off the bench for 24-year-old striker Fraizer Campbell.On May 1, Roy Hodgson was officially appointed on a four-year contract.Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starPearce was in interim charge of the Three Lions for a friendly against the Netherlands in February 2012Credit: GettyGareth Southgate stepped down as manager after the Euro 2024 final defeat to SpainCredit: GettyPearce left the FA 12 months later, having led Team GB to the Olympic quarter-finals at London 2012.Pearce continued: “I used that game to bed in a couple of younger players. Bear in mind we had a Euros that summer and also an Olympic Games. It felt big, no doubt about that.“You put pressure on yourself. But it was the biggest honour to manage your country at senior level.”Carsley also made his name within  the FA, starting with the U20s in 2020 and  moving to the U21s in July 2021.The likes of Mauricio Pochettino — on the verge of managing the USA national team — Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter have been linked with the full-time role.But Pearce feels Carsley, whose Young Lions had won 23 from 29 and lifted the Euros in summer 2023, has the edge.His bow as England interim comes with  Nations League encounters against Republic of Ireland on Saturday, then Finland at Wembley on Tuesday.Pearce added: “When you haven’t managed at international level, coming in from the outside, it can be daunting.“I’m sure Lee will feel that pressure but he’s worked inside the FA for a number of years and understands the pressure. That’s why he’ll be OK.“Carsley was a common-sense approach. He has trod the same path as Southgate and these games are not high-pressure ones.“This will buy the FA some time to have a look at other candidates.“But make no mistake, this is an audition for Lee. It is a fantastic opportunity to show what he can do.“And if he does well, he might just force the FA’s hand.”Carsley boldly dropped the likes of Kyle Walker, Aaron Ramsdale, Marcus Rashford and James Maddison.Call-ups Angel Gomes, Tino  Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White and Noni Madueke all played under Carsley for the U21s.Pearce added: “If he thinks this job is for him must utilise these games to bed in for  a decent tilt at the 2026 World Cup.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLadbrokes, with the support of its owner Entain, has launched a multi-million-pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports.More details at www.entaingroup.com/sustainability-esg/entain-foundation/pitching-in/ More

A NON-LEAGUE club have been praised for their classy response to forgetting their kit.Tooting Bec’s FA Vase first qualifying round clash with Newhaven on Monday had to be postponed as a result.Tooting Bec have been praised for their ‘classy’ gesture after a match was postponed by forgetting their kitCredit: X/TootingBecFCThe London-based side play in the Southern Counties East League Division One, the 10th tier of English football.Newhaven’s visit was called off due to Tooting Bec forgetting their kit, with the club releasing a statement after the decision.Chairman Steffan Wells apologised to supporters and the opposition for the mistake in a classy message.He also asked the FA to advance Newhaven to the next round of the FA Vase as well as confirming all fans who attended had been refunded.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans also praised the club for urging supporters to donate to a Go Fund Me highlighted by the non-league community for a young girl facing life-changing injuries.The statement read: “Firstly, we would like to thank Newhaven FC’s committee, management and fans for their support and understanding under unusual circumstances.”As reported, due to a miscommunication, we arrived at the ground today without our playing kit. It was a monumental error, and we are embarrassed that it ultimately led to the match referee deciding to not allow a later kick off to get the game played.”Just as a short explanation, we groundshare a distance from Tooting, which is where the kit was situated. Ultimately, there wasn’t time for a round trip to collect it, even though we tried a number of options. Unfortunately, the kit still hadn’t arrived within the allowed delayed kick off time of 15.30 so the game was ultimately called off.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We’d like to apologise again to all those who attended today and gave up their time on a Bank Holiday weekend. I personally refunded all spectators as far as I’m aware, but if anyone did not get their refund they can contact us at info@tootingbecfc.com.”We also feel that Newhaven FC, who acted with class throughout, should advance to the next round. Therefore, we have suggested this to the FA and Newhaven FC this evening. We will also take care of all costs of the fixture. We wish Newhaven all the best for the remainder of the competition.SunSport’s Latest Transfer Headlines”We are an amateur club, we rely on volunteers, and as such would ask people to think before attacking individuals and those that run our social media accounts that give up their time to run the team and club. Everyone at the club has my full support and as embarrassed as we feel today, we will always pride ourselves on our hospitality, sportsmanship and organisation. We will put measures in place, as a club, to make sure a mistake on this scale cannot happen again.”Finally, social media can quickly spread a story, so thank you for all your ‘feedback’. If you’re reading this, we would like to use this opportunity to share a worthy cause that has been highlighted by the non-league community lately…”Reacting to the gesture on social media, one fan wrote: “Classy as always.”Who are these famous footballers?Another added: “Classy from you.”A third supporter also commented: “Perfect statement.”Meanwhile, fellow non-league outfit Horsham YMCA said: “Extremely classy statement chaps. Hopefully it won’t impact you as a club too drastically.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTooting Bec are next in league action at home to Elmstead on Wednesday.Meanwhile, Newhaven will appear in the FA Vase second qualifying round next month after being awarded a walkover victory. More

WOLVES have dismissed a half-baked statement from Como claiming a racist remark directed at Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly had been: “blown out of proportion”.And vowed to carry out their threat to report the flashpoint incident to UEFA and the Italian FA – despite UEFA claiming it cannot investigate the alleged abuse.Wolves star Hwang Hee-chan was allegedly racially abused in a friendly match against Como on MondayCredit: GettyGary O’Neil said Hwang would have their full supportCredit: GettyThe controversy erupted during a closed-doors friendly in Marbella which Wolves won 1-0.The clash was marred by an incident after 68 minutes when Hwang alleged he had been racially abused by an opponent.His furious team-mate Daniel Podence was so incensed he lashed out at a Como defender and was red-carded by the referee.Incredibly, Como issued a statement later defending the unnamed defender at the centre of the racist row.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLComo’s statement said: “We spoke to the defender in question to understand what was said.”He has told us the comment he made to his co defender, was ‘ignore him, he thinks he’s Jackie Chan’.”Having spoken to our player at length, we are confident this was in reference to the player’s name, and to the constant references of ‘Channy’ made by his own team-mates on the pitch.”As far as our club is concerned our player did not say anything in a derogatory manner.Most read in Football”We are disappointed that the reaction of certain Wolves players has seen this incident blown out of proportion.”Privately, Wolves were staggered by Como’s statement and found it embarrassing.”We are working with the FA to submit a formal complaint which will go to UEFA and the Italian FA,” said a club spokesman.”We are continuing through the official channels.”Wolves feel that Como’s statement is an admission the offence took place.”It seems clear that we’ve heard him referred to as Jackie Chan,” said the spokesman. “We don’t know what the context was. But that’s what he (Hwang) considers to be racist because Jackie Chan is obviously a Chinese actor.”So he (the offending player) has basically insinuated that all Asian people look the same.”That’s Hee-chan’s position.”UEFA, Europe’s governing body, insists it cannot look into the incident because it did not take place during a competitive UEFA match.A UEFA spokesman said: “The fight to eliminate racism, discrimination and intolerance from football is a major priority for our organisation.”Discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated in UEFA’s competitions. Any such behaviour would fall under Article 14 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations.”While UEFA will continue its fight to eliminate all forms of discrimination in football, the organisation’s disciplinary bodies can only take action for incidents that take place in UEFA competitions.”Despite that Wolves will push on with their fight and there will be a meeting between FA officials and the Wolves players who were involved later this week.Only then will the FA take the matter to the relevant bodies.Wolves have confirmed they will not be taking disciplinary action or fining Podence for his red card, for violent conduct.”He was obviously protecting his teammate,” we were told.”Gary (O’Neil) said yesterday that Daniel had apologised for reacting the way he did.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s the end of it as far as we are concerned.”Asked how Hwang Hee-chan was, the spokesman replied: “He’s good but he wants to make sure it’s taken further. He’s happy the club is supporting him in that.” More