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      The FA’s NINE rule changes in clampdown on players, managers and fans that could see bookings and stadium bans soar

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      PLAYERS, managers AND fans have all been targeted in a major disciplinary clampdown for the new season.The new measures, agreed by the FA, Prem, EFL and refs’ chiefs, will see officials better able to punish “unacceptable conduct on the pitch, on the side-lines and in the stands”.
      Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban after his red card at Old TraffordCredit: AFP
      Players are being reminded over their conductCredit: Getty
      Managers are also being urged to behave responsiblyCredit: AFP
      Wembley bosses have been working on the updated proposals since mid-way through last season as on field and touchline anarchy exploded.
      And the hardline measures, to come into effect from the start of the season, are aimed at ensuring referees are no longer pursued and intimidated by players and benches.
      Under the new regulations, all club technical staff, including managers and assistants, must sign up to a “code of conduct” – which has been approved by the League Managers Association.
      That will mandate them to attend pre-match briefings with the match officials, behave in a “responsible manner”, stay within the technical area at all times and not use tablets or or electronic devices to try to show refs that have made errors.
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      In addition, any boss entering the pitch to confront an official at either half-time OR full-time will be in direct breach of the code and face punishment.
      Breaches will bring heavier fines and other punishments including potential bans.
      The crackdown for players, drawn up with the help of the PFA, will put the onus on team captains to “take responsibility for the behaviour of their team-mates”.
      Crucially, players have been explicitly warned they “must not confront, invade the personal space of, or make physical contact with the match officials”.
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      Yellow cards is the minimum punishment and WILL follow if “two or more players surround a match official in a confrontational manner”.
      And players will be punished if they are adjudged to have “instigated or escalated a mass confrontation with opposing players and/or technical area occupants”.
      In addition, and in response to so-called “tragedy chanting” by some fans, the game’s rulers promised “tough new measures” resulting in “stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution”.
      Police and stewards will be expected to identify those guilty of “offensive chanting, gesturing and displaying offensive messages based on football-related tragedies”.

      In a statement the governing body and leagues said: “The game will also continue its efforts to combat dangerous, illegal and unwelcome behaviour off the pitch, be it in the stands or online. 
      “Last season a host of new measures were introduced by authorities which saw enhanced sanctions applied for people identified entering the pitch, using pyros, taking drugs to games, throwing objects or for discriminatory abuse.”
      Explaining the new stance, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Football has the unique power to unite, inspire and improve the lives of all those that play and watch the game at any level. 
      “However, in recent years we have seen how this can be negatively impacted by a small minority of players, coaches and fans.
      “This season, English football is coming together with a commitment to address this unacceptable behaviour within our game, on the pitch and on the side-lines. 
      “We understand that it will take time to adapt to these new measures – but we are confident that they will have a positive impact at all levels.
      “We are also determined to address the rise in unacceptable behaviour from the stands. Incidents such as dangerous conduct, discrimination, and chanting about football-related tragedies have no place in our game – and can lead to football bans and potential criminal action. 
      “Passion, emotion and excitement are fundamental to football, however this must be shown in the right way. 
      “Everyone can play their part, so that together we can create a safe and enjoyable environment for all.”
      Prem counterpart Richard Masters added: “We want players, managers and fans to continue showing their passion, but these new measures have been introduced to ensure that the line is not crossed when it comes to on-field and technical area behaviour.
      “We also strongly believe there is no room for abhorrent tragedy abuse in football. 
      “Along with our clubs and the authorities, we are committed to sanctioning those found guilty and will also focus on educating fans of all ages so they understand why this abuse is so hurtful and unacceptable.”
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      The new measures for the professional game will be allied to a clampdown at grass roots level as well, including the introduction of point deductions for teams whose players or coaches commit repeated offences of serious misconduct.
      Additionally, the trial of bodycams for referees will continue into the 2023/24 season.
      The new measures could lead to more bansCredit: Reuters
      Fans are also being reminded not to chant abhorrent songsCredit: AFP More

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      Nottingham Forest star Harry Toffolo charged with 375 alleged breaches of FA betting rules

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Harry Toffolo has been charged with 375 alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules.The charges date from between January 2014 and March 2017.
      Harry Toffolo has been charged with 375 alleged breaches of FA betting rulesCredit: Rex
      A statement from the FA reads: “Nottingham Forest’s Harry Toffolo has been charged with misconduct in relation to our betting rules.
      “It’s alleged that the defender breached FA Rule E1 (b) 375 times between 22 January 2014 and 18 March 2017.
      “Harry Toffolo has until Wednesday 19 July 2023 to provide his response.”
      Toffolo was a Norwich City player at the time of the alleged offences, having come through the club’s academy.
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      He had several loan spells away from the Canaries before signing for Millwall in 2018.
      The 27-year-old later had spells with Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town prior to joining Forest last summer.
      Toffolo made 21 appearances across all competitions for Steve Cooper’s side in his debut campaign at the City Ground.
      His alleged breaches come just months after Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban from the FA for betting.
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      Toney was charged with 262 counts between 2017 and 2021, with the FA subsequently withdrawing 30 of those breaches.
      The Brentford striker had been set for a 15-month suspension before it was reduced after he pleaded guilty to the charges and was diagnosed as a gambling addict.
      Wembley insiders explained that all such incidents are dealt with on a “case by case” basis and that there is not a standard fixed penalty.
      Indeed, just last week, Port Vale’s Mitch Clark was banned for just three months and fined £600 after admitting placing 312 bets in a 13-month spell up to March, when he was on the books of Accrington.
      Clark gained credit for contrition and agreeing at the very start of the process to take part in PFA education policies.
      Toffolo, though, as a Premier League player, could face a heavier penalty, even if the alleged offences took place when he was playing in the lower reaches of the EFL and were between six and NINE years ago.
      Harry Toffolo has until July 19 to respond to the chargesCredit: Getty More

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      England youth footballers chased ‘shaken’ teen sisters around hotel then barged into family’s room with key card

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      ENGLAND youth footballers chased teen sisters around a hotel then got into their family’s room.Two under-15 players barged in after getting hold of a key card.
      England youth footballers chased teen sisters around a Hilton hotel then got into their family’s room
      They saw the girls’ 12-year-old sister naked, as she had just been in the shower, before being chased away by their mum.
      She claims a duty manager told her: “They’re England players, they get what they want.”
      The single mum said a group of players had filmed her girls, 17, 15, and 12, as they collected food then ran up to their floor.
      The family locked the door but the mum said bungling staff gave two players a key card.
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      The mum said: “I dread to think what would have happened had I not been there.”
      Next day the shaken family cancelled a trip to Alton Towers and went home to Essex.
      The mum contacted the FA over October’s incident at Hilton St George’s Park in Burton, Staffs.
      Last week she got an apology and offer of four Wembley tickets, or £300.
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      She said: “That’s the last place I’d take my girls.”
      The FA said it considers the matter closed.
      Hilton apologised. More

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      Watford FC physio Phil Edwards ‘carried out horrifying sex attacks on 29 teen boys at club’, report claims

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      A WATFORD FC physio sexually abused 29 teenage boys while working at the club, a report has found.The Championship side investigated allegations against Phil Edwards, who is thought to have killed himself in 2019 while facing claims he had assaulted a boy.
      Watford’s investigation found 29 potential victims of football physio Phil EdwardsCredit: Getty
      Paedophile physio Edwards is believed to have killed himself in June 2019Credit: UPPA/Photoshot
      It has now been revealed that as many as 29 potential victims were contacted by Watford, as well as six members of staff.
      The inquiry heard how Edwards was known to some at the Hertfordshire club as “Paedo Phil” and “Feel me up Phil”.
      Some 18 of the survivors provided signed accounts of their alleged abuse by Edwards when they were aged between 13 and 15.
      Edwards was arrested in June 2019 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child at his Woodside physiotherapy clinic in Watford.
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      A fortnight later the 60-year-old was found dead at the home where he lived alone, with police suggesting he killed himself.
      Another 18 police complaints were filed against him for alleged child sexual offences between 1998 and 2019.
      Edwards is believed to have abused players at Watford’s Vicarage Road ground as well as his private clinic and his home in the 1980s and 1990s.
      The details have been revealed in a newly-published addition to Clive Sheldon KC’s independent report into child sexual abuse in football.
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      Some of the assaults are alleged to have happened at Watford’s Vicarage Road groundCredit: Getty
      The inquiry found English football did not do enough to protect children from predatory coaches from 1970 to 2005, cataloguing failings by eight clubs – including Chelsea and Manchester City – to act on concerns.
      Watford has now apologised to all victims they contacted, today’s addendum to the report says.
      Survivors told of Edwards carrying out unnecessary groin examinations, ordering them to strip naked and squat before he lay alongside them, given boys alcohol and showed them pornography, as well as encouraging them to “perform sexual acts”.
      Some also described how “Edwards appeared to enjoy inflicting pain on them and laughed or shouted at them if they cried”.
      Watford said they could find no payroll record nor personnel file to “show that Edwards was ever employed” by them, though acknowledged he provided physiotherapy services there and held “a position of influence and access within the club”.
      They also said the former members of staff they contacted “all denied any knowledge of the alleged abuse by Edwards”.
      One survivor alleged that club legend and former England manager Graham Taylor was told of the accusations against Edwards while he was Watford boss but “nothing was done”.
      Two members of staff who allegedly witnessed the conversation have denied doing so and Mr Sheldon accepted Watford’s insistence there was “no corroborating evidence to support that any staff member knew that the alleged abuse by Edwards was taking place”.
      He also highlighted the importance of Taylor, who died aged 72 in January 2017, being unable to contribute to the investigation.
      Lawyers representing the club reached out-of-court settlements in January with five former youth team players who said Edwards sexually abused them.
      In a statement, Watford said: “As a club, Watford FC wishes to apologise to all young people who experienced the behaviour perpetrated by the late Phil Edwards, while holding a position of influence and access within the club.
      “We thank the survivors for their courage and dignity in all of their dealings with Watford FC, their patience also which allowed us to both conduct a thorough internal investigation and work with Clive Sheldon KC and his team with regards to their own independent findings.
      “We are doing, and will continue to do, everything we can to ensure that the boys, girls, men and women who play for this club – and indeed anyone who works for or with the club – will not have to endure the experiences these young people did.
      “Watford FC will continue to champion best practice in relation to the safeguarding and welfare of the people in its charge.
      “Further, the input and observations of survivors, based on their experiences, will always be welcome in the future.
      “Support remains available for anyone who believes it would be beneficial to them.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with allegations about former youth coach Barry Bennell, who is now serving a 34-year prison sentence for sex offences against young boys.
      Among the ex-players who came forward to reveal they had been abused by Bennell when youngsters were former Bury and Sheffield United footballer Andy Woodward, the first to speak out, and then ex-England, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool star Paul Stewart.
      Former Chelsea youth player Bennell worked for Crewe Alexandra in the 1980s and 1990s and also had links with Manchester City and Stoke City.
      The FA said in today’s statement: “We continue to offer support to anyone who has been impacted by non-recent child sexual abuse in football.
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      “If anyone is ready to come forward at this time, they can do so without waiving their anonymity and there is support in place if they want to access it.
      “Abuse can be reported via the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 023 2642 or the police.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with accusations against serial offender Barry Bennell, now serving a 34-year jail term for abusing young boysCredit: PA More

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      England football chiefs replace Snickers sponsor in new health drive

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      BARS of Snickers chocolate have been subbed by England footie chiefs in a new health drive.The treat, a partner of the England and Scotland teams, has been replaced by healthier Kind cereal bars.
      Snickers will no longer be sponsoring the England football teamCredit:
      FA officials did not want stars including Harry Kane and Beth Mead to be associated with Snickers after last year launching The Greater Game scheme to inspire youngsters to be healthier.
      Instead they will now be ­promoting Kind bars, which have a lower sugar and calorie count, and Extra chewing gum.
      The move is part of a new sponsorship deal with Kind owners Mars ­covering this year’s women’s World Cup and 2025 Euros, and the men’s Euros in 2024 and the World Cup in 2026.
      Kerry Cavanaugh, UK marketing boss of Mars Wrigley, said: “For this latest chapter of our FA partnership it felt right to focus on a new healthier product.
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      “Our Kind bars and Extra gum are a better fit for that than Snickers.”
      Navin Singh, FA commercial director, said: “This evolving partnership aligns perfectly with our passion to encourage ­balanced lifestyles.”
      Mars, which bought the Kind brand in 2020, has been an FA sponsor since 2009.
      Last year the FA ended a 20-year sponsorship tie-up with fast food giant McDonald’s, the longest in the FA’s history.
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      I was youngest ever Premier League owner – I got £10,000 out in pound coins to pay an FA fine then they suspended it

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      SIMON JORDAN was once the youngest-ever owner of a Premier League club.But that didn’t stop him from attempting to pay a mammoth £10,000 FA fine with a WHEELBARROW of one-pound coins.
      Simon Jordan admits trying to pay a £10,000 FA fine with a wheelbarrow of one-pound coinsCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPER LTD
      Jordan was once the youngest owner of a Premier League after leading Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      Jordan, 55, is currently one of the leading voices on talkSPORT radio.
      Earlier in his career, he took charge of Crystal Palace despite only being 32 years old at the time.
      It made him the youngest-ever owner and chairman of a Premier League club.
      And Jordan recounted the moment he was handed a hefty fine by FA chiefs during his time at the Eagles’ helm.
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      He was slapped with a £10k punishment in 2005 over comments made in a newspaper.
      Jordan’s penalty was eventually suspended by the FA.
      And he admits being left disappointed as he’d already scraped the £10k together with a wheelbarrow full of one-pound coins.
      Jordan told talkSPORT: “When the FA fined me £10,000, I promised to deliver it in a wheelbarrow of pound coins.
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      “They then suspended the penalty, so I had this £10,000 in pound coins and didn’t know what to do with it, so years later [I finally got to do it].”
      Jordan’s admission came as he paid a £1,000 wager to pundit pal Jim White in 20p coins.
      That’s after initially attempting to hand over the dosh in pennies.
      Handing a huge sack to White, Jordan said: “The moment has come Jimbo. 
      “You said the man doesn’t pay his bets, here’s your £1000 for your lucky bet, here it is, the lowest common denominator I could get, it’s all yours, spend it in slot machines.
      “They’re not pound coins but I tried to get pennies, the bank manager said ‘I can’t get you 100,000 pennies, it’s 20ps Jimbo.
      “50 kilos that was. I gave my driver a day off then I suddenly realised how am I going to get this in, I’ve been lugging it in on a trolley. Jim will probably count it and say ‘there’s 999,980p, what have you done with the other 20?’”
      White explained to listeners: “So I had a bet with Simon that Newcastle would finish top six and it was a £1000 charity bet. 
      “I’ve been on at him to bring it in, and he’s brought it in 20 pences, I do not believe it.
      “We’ll get in touch with Newcastle and get their advice on which charity we give the money to.”
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      Jordan then refused to take the sack back, adding: “No mate it’s yours, I’ve paid my bet, it’s nothing to do with me anymore, get some exercise. Enjoy.
      “I phoned my bank and said I want 1ps, they said ‘can’t get you 1ps, what about 20ps’ I said ‘how much is that going to weigh?’ and they said 46 kilos.” More

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      FA reveal conversation between Klopp and ref Tierney that sparked furious row as Liverpool boss is hit with ban

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      THE FA have revealed the details of the conversation between Jurgen Klopp and Paul Tierney that triggered the Liverpool boss’ suspension.Klopp was hit with a two-game touchline ban for his comments regarding the referee on April 30 – although one of those is suspended until the end of next season.
      Jurgen Klopp was hit with a ban and a fine after his comments about Paul TierneyCredit: Reuters
      The Reds chief also got hit with a fine worth £75,000 for what he said.
      Klopp, 55, was charged the day after he accused Tierney of having an agenda against his team and giving biased decisions – despite failing to send off match-winner Diogo Jota in the dramatic 4-3 victory over Spurs.
      And as part of the disciplinary commission which heard the case on Monday, the conversation on the touchline when Klopp celebrated in fourth official John Brooks’ face then argued with Tierney was publicised.
      Brooks told Tierney: “Jurgen Klopp has just run and celebrated in my face. I think it’s a yellow card mate, minimum.”
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      The commission agreed: “Mr Brooks considered Mr Klopp’s conduct to be misplaced celebration rather than an aggressive or threatening move.”
      Tierney then asked the VAR officials in Stockley Park for advice and was told a yellow card was sufficient.
      When he went to issue the card, Tierney told Klopp: “Right. I have to show you yellow.
      “It could be red, but I am going to show you yellow. He said yellow. We will give you the benefit of the doubt, don’t do anything more.”
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      In a written submission, Klopp said he was “sorry”, describing that as “the most important sentiment I must express”.
      Klopp claimed on May 2: “Paul Tierney came over to me. I didn’texpect a red card, to be honest because I didn’t feel that was right.
      “I expected a yellow card in that moment. And he said to me, ‘For me it’s a red card, but because of him.’
      “That’s what I understood, so it was loud in the stadium, but, ‘Because of him, it’s yellow.’
      “Shows me yellow card, smiles in my face, that’s it. I [said], ‘Red card? For what?'”
      The FA confirmed the conduct on the touchline did not warrant the charge – although it provided background information – and it was his TV interview that prompted the punishment.
      Klopp said to the media: “We have our history with Tierney, I really don’t know what he has against us.
      “He has said there [are] no problems but that cannot be true.”
      ‘I AM SORRY’
      FA lawyers described Klopp’s comments as “a particularly serious example of misconduct involving media comments about a match official” and that they were “particularly more damaging” than typical post-match gripes.
      The commission found that these were “allegations of persistent bias against a blameless referee”, “highly damaging” and “unacceptable”.
      Klopp admitted his comments were “improper” as “they imply bias, question the integrity of the referee, are personal, offensive, and bring the game into disrepute”.
      The German added: “I am sorry for some of the tone and content of my post-match interview.
      “Although it was not my intention I accept now it appears that I was questioning Mr Tierney’s integrity.
      “I take ownership of this. On reflection, the words I used were inappropriate.
      “To be absolutely clear, I know that Mr Tierney, along with all other officials, do their work without any pre-conceived bias or prejudice.”

      It was expected Klopp would be hit with a two-game ban, ruling him out of the rest of the campaign.
      Instead, while Klopp will be in the stands for Liverpool’s game against Aston Villa on Saturday, he will be able to return to a pitchside view for the final game of the campaign at Southampton on May 28. More

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      Jurgen Klopp CHARGED by FA over ref rant and Tottenham antics as Liverpool boss ‘faces long ban’

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      JURGEN KLOPP has been charged by the FA after his verbal attack on ref Paul Tierney.The Liverpool boss faces a heavy fine and touchline ban for accusing Tierney of having an agenda against the Reds on Sunday.
      Jurgen Klopp has been charged by the FA after his verbal attack on Paul TierneyCredit: EPA
      An FA spokesperson said: “Liverpool FC’s Jurgen Klopp has been charged following their Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday 30 April.
      “It is alleged that the manager’s comments regarding the match official during post-match media interviews constitutes improper conduct in that they imply bias, and/or question the integrity of the referee, and/or are personal/offensive, and/or bring the game into disrepute.
      “Jurgen Klopp has until Friday 5 May to provide a response.”
      Klopp’s blast against Tierney came after Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday.
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      Klopp went before the Sky cameras to claim: “We have our history with Tierney, I really don’t know what he has against us.
      “He has said there [are] no problems but that cannot be true.”
      The German was earlier booked for celebrating Diogo Jota’s winner by steaming up to fourth official John Brooks.
      And he was left fuming by a touchline interaction with Tierney, later telling reporters: “Paul Tierney came over to me, I didn’t expect for a second a red card, and he said: ‘For me it’s a red card but because of him (the fourth official) it’s a yellow’.”
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      Klopp’s comments prompted a strongly-worded reaction from the PGMOL, who said: “PGMOL is aware of the comments made by Jurgen Klopp after his side’s fixture with Tottenham Hotspur. 
      “Match officials in the Premier League are recorded in all games via a communications system.
      “Having fully reviewed the audio of referee Paul Tierney from today’s fixture, we can confirm he acted in a professional manner throughout including when issuing the caution to the Liverpool manager.
      “So, therefore, we strongly refute any suggestion that Tierney’s actions were improper.”
      Klopp has since admitted his temper got the better of him in the exchange and revealed he expected to land a reprimand as a consequence of his actions.
      He added: “I know Paul Tierney is not doing this on purpose, absolutely not, but we have this history. It hasn’t happened intentionally but it’s still there.
      “I really regret the headlines I created. I have no clue what happens now. We haven’t heard anything yet.
      “I probably have to expect a punishment. The red card I got against City was in the same spot, foul against the same player, Mo Salah.”
      Klopp was left fuming after a heated interaction with TierneyCredit: Reuters
      Spurs boss Ryan Mason also blasted Tierney following the gamesCredit: Alamy
      Should Klopp be punished, he is likely to be hit with a fine and touchline ban by the FA.
      Jose Mourinho’s half-time attack on Jonathan Moss in Chelsea’s 2015 2-1 defeat at West Ham landed him with a one-match stadium ban and £40,000 fine.
      And Klopp is likely to already be feeling worse for wear after injuring his hamstring while celebrating Liverpool’s controversial winner.
      Klopp wasn’t the only manager left fuming with Tierney on Sunday, with Spurs caretaker Ryan Mason blasting the official for not sending off match-winner Jota for catching Oliver Skipp in the head with his boots.
      Mason said: “It’s one of the clearest red cards I’ve seen, it’s difficult to take. It’s an impossible one to miss.
      “When you talk about endangering an opponent, to draw blood from a stud when Skipp’s head is five-and-a-half feet in the air baffles me.
      “That type of decision is maybe the difference between winning the game or not.
      “It’s tough to understand and I would like an explanation.
      “I saw the incident in real time and you have a feel for those sort of moments. The VAR official has the benefit of a replay.
      “I would like an explanation and a reason why it wasn’t [a red card].
      “I can understand referees and officials on the pitch missing it even though my feeling was an instant red card because when your foot is studs showing and you’re five-and-a-half feet off the ground and make contact with a player’s head and draw blood, and there is a gash, I think it ticks all the boxes.
      “Probably more so an experienced referee in the VAR room, you want him to help the official on the pitch in that moment.

      “Listen, it’s decided the game because that player on the pitch shouldn’t have been on there at the end.
      “I’m pretty sure most football people’s opinions will probably feel the same.” More