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      I’m a Premier League referee – but by night I live a very different life as a prison officer

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      HISTORY-MAKER Sunny Gill Singh uses skills he learnt working in jails to keep control on a football pitch.Prison officer Gill will become the first British South Asian to referee a top-flight match in England when he takes charge of the Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Luton tomorrow.Sunny Gill Singh will become the first South Asian to referee a Premier League matchCredit: RexGill also works as a prison officerCredit: GettyHe worked at Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution as recently as 2022Credit: PA:Press AssociationGill worked at Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution as recently as 2022 and still does the occasional shift in the prison service.He said: “I find it a little bit easier managing players!“But there’s always pressure and there are 22 sets of eyes in different positions that will always have an opinion. “In a prison, you’ve got to know how to talk to people when they get angry and frustrated.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Players are the same when things don’t go their way.“You have to sell your decision to them straight away. You have to be a bit cute.”When Gill started reffing Sunday league football at the age of 17, he found it a lot tougher.He explained: “The players would turn up half-drunk from the Saturday night out. They always thought they knew more than you.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Every decision you made, it was World War III.“For £25 a match or whatever, I didn’t even enjoy it and it put me off.’Just doing my job’ – EFL referee reveals how he dealt with star being racially abused as he’s praised for interview“I never faced any racial comments, but I nearly got into a few fights, definitely.“And as a non-white person in the game, it’s easier for people to remember your face if you make a mistake.”Fortunately, Gill and his brother Bhupinder, a high-level assistant referee, had the perfect role model in their father, Jarnail Singh.The latter remains the only man wearing a turban to ref an English league match, having taken charge of 150 EFL matches between 2004 and 2010.Gill, 39, said: “The first match I went to with my dad was Arsenal vs Everton when he was fourth official.“I was used to seeing my dad on Match of the Day and speaking about it at school.”Now Gill will make his debut on the BBC show after a meteoric rise.When SunSport spoke to the family in 2020, Gill had just been promoted to National League Premier level.I’m improving in every department… I now want to set more goals and fulfil my dreamSunny Gill SinghIn April 2021, he and Bhups were the first South Asians to officiate at the same Championship game when he was fourth official and his brother was an assistant for Nottingham Forest’s visit to Bristol City.Then in November 2023, Gill was the first South Asian since his dad to ref a Championship game as he took charge of Huddersfield vs Watford.He and his brother benefited from the FA’s three-year equality, diversity and inclusion plan, In Pursuit of Progress, and its specific Asian Inclusion Strategy.Gill has learnt how to deal with footballers thanks to his other jobCredit: ReutersThe ref compared players to angry inmatesCredit: AlamyGill is following in the footsteps of his refereeing fatherCredit: GettyIn 2019, the FA launched its Asian Inclusion Strategy, a five-pillar plan that aims to address the underrepresentation of Asian communities by encouraging more players, coaches, referees and staff from an Asian background to make football their chosen career path.Now the FA and refereeing body the PGMOL are working together via the new Core X programme to create more diversity among top-level match officials, while a separate initiative aims to recruit 1,000 more referees from under-represented backgrounds.Bhups made his Premier League debut last season and now Sunny will take the biggest step of all for British Asian match officials – just as he hoped to do when speaking last October.READ MORE SUN STORIESGill said: “It’s been a lot of hard work training away from the pitch, improving in every department with the help of the PGMOL and my coaches.“I now want to set more goals and fulfil my dream of becoming the first South Asian to referee in the Premier League.” Jarnail Singh took charge of 150 EFL matches between 2004 and 2010Credit: GettySunny’s brother Bhupinder made his Premier League debut as an assistant last seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Major broadcasting change to FA Cup with decision made between BBC and ITV after TNT Sports bought rights

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      THE BBC have retained the rights for live FA Cup matches until 2029, according to reports.But TNT Sports will replace ITV in showing fixtures from the 2025-26 season.A new four-year deal for the FA Cup TV rights has been struckCredit: GettyGary Lineker is the current host of the live BBC FA Cup coverageCredit: GettyTNT paid a whopping £264million last month to secure a four-year deal with The FA to become the main broadcaster of the famous cup competition.That left the BBC and ITV to battle it out for the secondary spot.And according to the Daily Mail, it is the Beeb who have come out on top.The new rights package will see the BBC show two FA Cup matches from each round up to the quarter-finals.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey will then get one of the two semi-finals and the final. In a further boost for fans, any FA Cup ties from the third round that do not kick off during the Saturday afternoon blackout will be televised live.Part of The FA’s recent contract with TNT stated that a certain number of matches per round needed to be available on free-to-air TV. And although they could have live-streamed on YouTube or used their Freeview channel Quest, they were open to striking a partnership with a major public broadcaster. Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is also reported that the BBC will continue to keep its Match of the Day highlights programme for the FA Cup. TNT will also show the Community Shield and FA Youth Cup final as part of the new deal. Fans can’t believe what Alan Shearer said about Man Utd live on BBC commentary during FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest The tournament – on terrestrial TV only from 2021 to 2025 – will return to a subscription channel following previous spells on BT Sport, Sky Sports, Setanta and ESPN. The BBC have the rights to two of the four FA Cup quarter-finals this month.Chelsea vs Leicester and Manchester City vs Newcastle will both be on the Beeb, with the ITV having Wolves’ clash with Coventry and the standout tie – Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United.The new FA Cup contract for the BBC comes after the broadcaster sealed a deal to show live Super League rugby league action on Saturday evenings. More

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      Nottingham Forest CHARGED by the FA after furious reaction to referee Paul Tierney’s blunder in Liverpool clash

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have been charged by the FA for their furious reaction in the aftermath following last Saturday’s last-gasp defeat to Liverpool.Darwin Nunez’s controversial 99th minute winner came after referee Paul Tierney blundered by restarting play with a drop ball to Liverpool, when he should have awarded possession to Forest.Nottingham Forest have been charged by the FA for their reaction following Liverpool’s late win on SaturdayCredit: RexForest owner Evangelos Marinakis came on to the pitch during the hysteriaCredit: RexThe Forest staff were fuming after Paul Tierney had incorrectly given Liverpool the ballCredit: ReutersMembers of Forest’s coaching staff surrounded ref Tierney at full-time.While the club’s Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis took to the pitch and followed the under-fire official down the tunnel after the final whistle.Forest have now been charged with allegedly failing “to ensure its players and/or technical area occupants don’t behave in an improper way after the final whistle.”First team coach Steven Reid has also been charged with allegedly using “abusive and/or insulting language,” towards Tierney during a stormy encounter as the official left the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReid was sent off after the final whistle and the FA Statement alleges he “acted in an improper manner and/or use abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official after being sent off.”Reid and Forest have until Wednesday, March 13 to respond to the charges.Referee Tierney received punishment himself following his incorrect decision to give the ball to Liverpool in the build up to Nunez’s goal.The official has been DROPPED from taking charge of any Premier League fixtures this weekend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSForest coach Steven Reid was sent off by Tierney after the full-time whistleCredit: GettyHowever he will still be on duty as a VAR for Arsenal’s clash with Brentford on Saturday instead.Forest captain Ryan Yates revealed that Tierney had claimed that he had got the rules right in the situation despite Forest players explaining he was incorrect.Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp reflects on the game Speaking after the game, Yates said: “He just said: ‘That’s the rule. They get the ball.” I honestly don’t know how that is possible.“We were in the ascendancy, we had a corner.”There was just a coming together and then we were going to put another ball into the box. I thought they’ll just drop us the ball back.“Maybe on the halfway line — worst case on the halfway line — and then we’ll just play on. But not giving them it there.“Suddenly, while we’re switched off, they’re allowed to get the ball to the other end of the pitch and put us under pressure. It’s strange, very strange.” More

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      FA Cup final could be hit by scheduling chaos with Championship sides set to cause major headache

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      THE FA CUP final could be hit with major scheduling chaos due to the date of the Championship play-off final.That is because the FA Cup final scheduled for May 25 – just one day before the Championship play-off final on May 26.The FA Cup final faces a schedule clash with the Championship playoff finalCredit: GettyPromotion-hunting Leicester or Leeds could see a play-off final date clash with the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyAs it stands, four Championship teams remain in the FA Cup; Coventry, Leicester, Leeds and Southampton, with the latter two in action tonight against Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.Each of these teams is in the hunt for promotion, which may lead them to the Wembley play-off final.Leicester lead the second tier but could be clawed back by the likes of Ipswich and Leeds, who are level on points with the final automatic promotion spot up for grabs.Southampton are close behind them and sit fourth in the table and firmly in the play-off spots.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Coventry are just five points outside the top six.The magic of the FA Cup means any of these four could make the Wembley final.However, with the showpiece so close to the playoff final it could cause a real headache for event organisers. Since the play-offs were introduced in 1987, such an event has never occurred, with second-tier sides who have made the FA Cup final not appearing in the play-off final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere is no plan for it happening, either.SunSport understands that in the event this does occur, the Championship game would be moved to facilitate the FA Cup, with the EFL making a final decision on a prospective new date.’I’m telling you how it is’ – Shearer instantly shakes head after Lineker question live on BBC for FA Cup coverageBut before all of that, there are FA Cup quarter and semi-finals to contend with, not to mention the rest of the Championship season.SunSport has simulated the draw for the last eight, with a tasty Manchester derby on offer if injury-stricken Manchester United can beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. There is also the chance for an all-Championship tie between Leicester and Southampton if the Saints can overcome Carabao Cup winners Liverpool.The real draw commences tonight at 7pm. You can keep up with the draw with SunSport’s live blog. Simulated FA Cup quarter-final draw in full
      Newcastle vs Coventry
      Man City vs Forest/Man Utd
      Southampton/Liverpool vs Leicester
      Brighton/Wolves vs Chelsea/Leeds More

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      Mystery as referee probed over claims he wore bodycam in kids’ footie match without permission

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      A REF is being probed over claims he wore a bodycam in a kids’ footie match without permission.The match official told the coaches it was part of an FA-backed VAR-style trial.
      A ref is being probed over claims he wore a bodycam in a kids’ footie match without permission (stock pic)Credit: Getty
      Durham FA chief John Topping said they do not know if he was actually wearing video equipmentCredit: Supplied
      But when they double-checked, they were told there was no trial.
      An investigation has been launched by Northumberland and Durham County FAs following the U13 game in the Russell Foster Youth League.
      Refs wore bodycams in four grassroots leagues last ­season to see if respect improved — but only in adult matches and not in that area.
      Durham FA chief John Topping said they do not know if he was actually wearing video equipment.
      Read More on Football
      But he added: “He informed the coaches he was recording everything.
      “They couldn’t understand because the FA did do a pilot a few months ago with bodycams but not here.”
      Local football chiefs said they are investigating after a ref registered to Northumberland FA allegedly used a body-worn camera at a recent fixture.
      They added: “We must clarify that referees are not currently permitted to use body-worn cameras at any time.”
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      Major broadcasting change to FA Cup with BBC or ITV set to lose coverage as fans rage about deal with new channel

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      FOOTBALL fans are going to be able to watch more FA Cup games than ever.But it won’t be entirely free with the FA agreeing a new four-year deal with paid broadcaster TNT Sports.
      TNT Sports will be the new home of the FA CupCredit: Reuters
      The new deal will begin from the 2025/26 season and will see every game from the third round onwards, outside of the 3pm kick offs, televised.
      TNT Sports, who currently show Champions League and Premier League coverage, charge a subscription fee to watch their coverage.
      But the FA have confirmed in a statement that the FA Cup will still be shown on free-to-air channels alongside TNT Sports.
      However it is not known what channel that will be with the statement adding that it will be “confirmed in due course”.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      ITV and BBC currently share the rights to show the historic competition.
      Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, said: “This new partnership will see selected matches shown live on TNT Sports, as well as free-to-air, from the first round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium.

      “TNT Sports are an outstanding broadcaster with an impressive record of showing some of the biggest and best sporting events around the world,
      “So we are delighted to be working with them on our shared commitment and long-term vision that will ensure the Emirates FA Cup continues to thrive over the coming year.”
      Most read in Football
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      The deal will also see TNT televise the Community Shield, and the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and final.
      Some fans have been left fuming by the news with frustration over having to pay to watch the 153-year-old competition.
      Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
      One wrote on social media: “Grim. FA Cup behind a paywall. Totally grim.”
      While another added: “This is wrong. The world’s oldest and most prestigious national cup competition should always be free-to-air.”
      A third wrote: “Taking the FA Cup off terrestrial TV is absolutely sickening.” More

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      Footie assistant manager charged with betting breaches by FA after ‘placing 251 bets on matches’

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      MORECAMBE’s assistant manager has been charged with allegedly violating FA betting rules.John McMahon has been charged with a whopping 251 alleged violations over a near four-year period.
      Morecambe assistant manager John McMahon could be in hot waterCredit: REX
      He’s been charged with 251 alleged breaches of betting rulesCredit: MORECAMBE FC
      An FA statement read: “Morecambe assistant manager, John McMahon, has been charged with misconduct in relation to betting.
      “It’s alleged that he has breached FA Rule E1 (b) by betting on football matches 251 times between 30 November 2019 and 14 October 2023.
      “John McMahon has until Thursday 8 February to respond.”
      A statement from League Two Morecambe on the allegation read: “Morecambe Football Club acknowledges the FA’s statement regarding the charge made against John McMahon.
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      “As this is an ongoing matter, we will be making no further comment at this time.”
      The allegations against McMahon came to light just hours after a Championship player received a lengthy ban for breaching rules – with one of the violations seeing him bet on his own team.
      Huddersfield Town’s Kian Harratt was slapped with a four-month ban after being found guilty of placing 484 bets on football over a three-year period.
      Harratt apologised for his actions, saying: “I am also cognisant of the fact that some of the bets that I have placed are more problematic than others, in particular those involving my own team.
      Most read in Football
      “While the vast majority of the bets I have placed on football do not involve my own team, I recognise the issues that placing bets involving my own team can cause.”
      Huddersfield Town’s Kian Harratt was slapped with a four-month ban for 484 breaches of betting rulesCredit: GETTY
      He added: “Of the 44 bets of this nature that I placed, 36 involved Huddersfield.
      “I was not in the matchday squad for any of the fixtures involving Huddersfield that I bet on, as I was either on loan or training with the reserves at that time.
      “Nine of the 36 bets involving Huddersfield included selections for Huddersfield to lose. While, as explained above, I was not in the squad for these fixtures, I accept that these are perhaps the most serious of the bets on football that I have placed.
      “As is demonstrated by the spontaneous nature of the bets that I placed, I did not plan or give much thought to the teams that I included.
      “Looking back, I find it difficult to explain how or why I would have selected certain teams or fixtures to bet on.
      “In particular, I am unable to explain why I would have placed bets against my own team, when it is clear to me now that this is something that footballers should not do.”
      If found guilty, McMahon could face a serious touchline suspension.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The FA hit Brentford and England international Ivan Toney with an EIGHT-MONTH ban and a £50,000 suspension for 232 breaches of FA betting rules.
      Toney, 27, only returned to the fray on January 20 in the Bees’ clash with Nottingham Forest.
      Ivan Toney was slapped with an eight-month ban for 232 breaches of FA betting rulesCredit: PA More

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      FA Cup could introduce sin bins from NEXT SEASON and overhaul VAR in one of biggest ever rule changes

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      THE FA Cup could trial sin-bins next season – with VAR also set to change.International rule-makers are likely to approve FA plans for ten-minute banishments.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea visit Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in an FA Cup fourth-round replay on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The world’s most famous domestic competition could see major changeCredit: Rex
      Next term is also expected to see referees announce video-replay decisions via microphones – like at the women’s World Cup last summer.
      And a third major initiative should also get the go-ahead – a rugby-style rule where only captains are allowed to approach the referee.
      That’s part of a powerful new push to improve players’ discipline.
      The Times say the proposals could all be cleared at the International FA Board’s annual meeting in Scotland in March.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The FA is then tipped to “seriously consider” trialling sin-bins for dissent or cynical fouls in the men’s and women’s FA Cup.
      It follows successful trials of the temporary sending-off in amateur and youth football across England and Wales, albeit just for dissent.
      The change is designed to curb unsporting fouls that rile fans as well as potentially changing the course of matches.
      For example, had the rule been in place three years ago, Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini might have been sin-binned for the infamous way he pulled Bukayo Saka back at a crucial time in the Euro 2020 final.
      Most read in FA CupWHEN WOULD PLAYERS BE SIN-BINNEDTHE sin-bin trials would focus on two areas of rule-breaking.

      The FA want to curb tactical fouls that infuriate supporters.
      These are the sort of clever or crafty actions that for so long were called “professional fouls”.
      At the moment, such fouls might not deny an obvious scoring chance but they could well halt a dangerous attack when a chance appears likely to be created.
      Similarly, these cynical interventions might break the momentum of a team pressing for a vital goal.
      Instead, fearing a possible 10 minutes on the sidelines, players would think twice about tugging an opponent back or cynically tripping a speeding player.
      The other use of temporary dismissals is part of a major push towards improving behaviour towards match officials.
      It would mean only captains could go up to referees to question decisions.
      The FA hope that rule will stop teams swarming around a ref – as well as limiting the flare-ups that can spread quickly when players rush in over a heated incident or controversial decision.

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      At 1-1 and with seconds left of normal time, the outpaced centre-back halted Saka the only way he could.
      Yet Chiellini was only booked and Italy went on to win 3-2 on penalties.
      Kim Kardashian admits ‘I’ll be the most embarrassing soccer mom in world’ as she makes major World Cup 2026 announcement_1
      The 39-year-old even laughed off the controversial moment, happily admitting: “I grabbed him good!”
      And in the 2018 Champions League final Sergio Ramos seriously injured Liverpool’s main man Mo Salah by hauling him down on the half-hour.
      Many believed it was a match-turning moment as Real Madrid turned a goalless first period into a 3-1 victory.
      The international board that will decide if sin-bin trials can go ahead is made up of Fifa, who have four votes, and the four British associations, who have one apiece. More