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      Wembley Stadium set for major change after FA make decision following public backlash

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      WEMBLEY STADIUM is unlikely to light up its arch in support of causes or to mark tragic events in the future.Last month, the FA were criticised for not lighting up the arch in the colours of the Israeli flag after the country suffered attacks from Hamas which reportedly killed 1,200 people.
      Wembley have lit up the arch in support of causes in the recent pastCredit: Rex
      FA chief executive Mark Bullingham then confirmed the policy would be reviewed.
      According to The Independent, it has now been confirmed the arch is not set to be lit for any matters outside of those “relating to Wembley’s purpose as a sport and entertainment venue”.
      This is understood to also mean the arch will not be lit in rainbow colours as a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community or any other diversity matters.
      Incidences such as the death of a monarch or England footballer could still see the arch lit up in tribute.
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      In October, Bullingham said: “This week has made us question whether we should light the arch and when, and we’ll be reviewing that in the coming weeks.
      “I recognise that our decision caused hurt to the Jewish community, who felt that we should have lit the arch and that we should have shown stronger support for them.
      “This was one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make and the last thing we ever wanted to do in this situation was to add to the hurt.”
      The Wembley arch was lit up in purple following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
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      And England paid a heartfelt tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton by dimming the lights before their clash with Malta earlier this month.
      Fans also held up cards that spelt out “Sir Bobby”.
      England’s next game at Wembley comes against Brazil on March 23, before they host Belgium three days later. More

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      FA launch probe into Jermain Defoe’s transfer from Tottenham to Portsmouth over alleged dealings with unlicensed agent

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      FA chiefs are investigating potential breaches of agent rules involving Jermain Defoe’s transfer from Tottenham to Portsmouth in January 2008.Both clubs and Harry Redknapp, Pompey’s boss at the time, are said to have dealt with an unlicensed agent during negotiations over the ex-England striker.
      Jermain Defoe was at Portsmouth 12 months after joining in January 2008Credit: Getty
      Defoe arrived at Pompey from Spurs but later returned to the London giantsCredit: Action Images
      The matter is being treated as serious, with potentially huge sanctions facing anyone found guilty.
      Clubs could be hit with a transfer ban, points deduction or even RELEGATION, while agents and players could be hit with anything from a warning to a fine or ban.
      Luton Town were deducted ten points for breaking agent regulations in the same year, but the FA took no action for the Defoe case.
      However, the organisation have now reopened the matter and will be “reviewing the arbitration panel award”.
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      Tottenham have declined to comment on the matter.
      But Portsmouth have stressed the transfer came under an old regime that has long since departed the club.
      TalkSPORT quote Pompey as saying: “The signing … occurred under a previous ownership and those involved in the transfer of the player’s registration from Tottenham Hotspur are no longer at the club, having left many years ago.
      “The current board and ownership acquired the club in 2017 from the Pompey Supporters’ Trust and club presidents, who themselves formally acquired the club in 2013.
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      “The board and the new executive therefore have no knowledge of any negotiations that led to Portsmouth Football Club’s registration of Jermain Defoe in 2008.”
      Defoe spent 12 months on the South Coast, scoring 14 league goals in 30 games but was unable to play in their FA Cup-wininng run as he had already played for Spurs in earlier rounds.
      He returned to North London after just a year at Fratton Park.
      The former England star had five more years in the capital before moving on to a host of clubs including Toronto, Rangers and Sunderland.
      Defoe returned to Spurs 12 months after departing, and was reunited with ex-Portsmouth chief Harry RedknappCredit: AFP More

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      Former England U21 star Jack Simpson banned for six games and fined after admitting to racially abusing team-mate

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      FORMER England youth international Jack Simpson has been banned and fined after admitting he racially abused a team-mate.The ex-Bournemouth and Rangers defender, 26, joined Cardiff City in 2022.
      Jack Simpson admitted racially abusing a team-mate during pre-season with CardiffCredit: Getty
      And he was accused of using racist language towards a fellow Bluebirds star during a pre-season tour to Portugal in July 2023.
      The incident took place at breakfast at the team’s hotel the morning after a squad night out following a friendly match with FC Porto.
      Now an FA Regulatory Commission has concluded Simpson was guilty of an “aggravated breach” of rule E3.
      Simpson – who is a free agent after having his Cardiff terminated by mutual consent in August 2023 – was slapped with a six-match suspension.
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      He will serve the ban when he finds a new club.
      Simpson must also pay up to £8,000 in fines and have “face-to-face education”.
      An FA statement said: “It was alleged the defender used language towards a team-mate that was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
      “It was further alleged that this language constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to race and/or colour.
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      “Jack Simpson admitted the charge against him, and his sanctions were imposed following a hearing.”
      Cardiff have not commented.
      Simpson came through the youth academy at Bournemouth and racked up 35 first-team appearances for his boyhood club, including one goal and 11 Premier League games.
      He left in February 2021 for Ibrox, where he won the Scottish Premiership under Steven Gerrard, before his switch to Cardiff 18 months later.
      Simpson earned his solitary England Under-21 cap in November 2018 in a 5-1 win against Denmark.
      Simpson came through at Bournemouth and made 11 Premier League appearances for the CherriesCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta charged by FA over furious outburst at officials after Newcastle clash

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      MIKEL Arteta faces a potential touchline ban for his verbal attack on Prem refs.Arsenal chief Arteta went on the warpath after the Gunners’ controversial defeat at Newcastle. 
      Mikel Arteta has been charged by the FA following his rant about the officiating during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to NewcastleCredit: Rex
      Outraged Arteta slammed the decision by ref Stuart Attwell and VAR Andy Madley, branding it “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”.
      Arsenal then put out what many considered an inflammatory statement backing the Spaniard and presenting a “dossier” of poor decisions against them they claimed justified his stance.
      Arteta doubled down two days later, suggesting there was a “stink” about decisions – which some suggested implied a conspiracy against the North Londoners.
      And now the FA has finally intervened, after receiving Arteta’s “observations” in response to an initial inquiry from Wembley disciplinary chiefs.
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      In a statement, the FA said: “Mikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday 4 November.
      “It’s alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.
      “Mikel Arteta has until Tuesday 21 November to provide a response to this charge.”
      It means a decision on punishment will be made before Arsenal’s next Prem game at Brentford on November 25.
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      A touchline ban is more likely than a full stadium suspension, although Arteta will be hopeful of escaping with a fine and warning if he admits the charge.
      PGMOL bosses were understood to be seething about the comments, believing they had been entirely out of place.
      Refs’ chief Howard Webb also backed Attwell and Madley during this week’s “Match Officials Mik’d Up” broadcast review of the incident.
      Arteta and Arsenal fans felt Joelinton had fouled Gabriel Magalhaes in the build up to the goalCredit: Getty
      There was also a question about the ball going out of playCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Roberto De Zerbi could face BAN with FA looking into Brighton boss’ comments to see if he breached regulations

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      BRIGHTON boss Roberto De Zerbi could face FA action after his latest diatribe against refs.The Italian slammed John Brook and fourth official Andy Madley after a straight red for Mahmoud Dahoud was the turning point of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.
      Roberto De Zerbi slammed officials in England following Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty
      The Brighton boss criticised the decision to send Mahmoud Dahoud off for his challenge on Ben OsbornCredit: Getty
      De Zerbi said: “I am honest and clear and I don’t like 80 per cent of referees in England.
      “It’s not a new thing. I don’t like them or their behaviour on the pitch.”
      Seagulls chief De Zerbi  has been the scourge of top flight officials since his arrival on English soil, meaning a reputation among whistlers as the hardest boss to deal with in the Prem.
      His latest stinging criticism came despite conceding that Dahoud had to see red for the challenge on Ben Osborn.
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      But Sun Sport can reveal that the FA is looking into the comments to see if they breach regulations.
      Some PGMOL insiders feel that De Zerbi has overstepped the mark once too often with his comments and that action is required – whether a fine or even a ban.
      It is being asked if De Zerbi should be considered in breach of the Participant Behaviour Charter introduced – with the backing of all clubs – at the start of the season.
      That charter, part of the “Love Football Protect the Game” campaign, states that all coaches “must behave in a responsible manner”.
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      The weekend behaviour by a number of top flight bosses has increased private fears that pre-season vows have been completely forgotten.
      Mikel Arteta accused officials of being a “disgrace” and “embarrassing” after Arsenal’s defeat at Newcastle, although he then went out of his way to praise Michael Oliver despite having Fabio Vieira sent off in the win over Burnley.
      Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino then apologised to ref Anthony Taylor and fourth official Craig Pawson for his reaction at the final whistle of the 4-4 draw with Manchester City.
      Poch, who received a yellow card, is likely to escape any other sanction unless Taylor’s official match report records the incident and suggests further action is required. More

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      FA reach Raheem Sterling verdict after Chelsea star accused of ‘throwing missile into Tottenham crowd’

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      RAHEEM STERLING will face no further FA action after the Chelsea attacker was accused of throwing a missile into the Tottenham crowd.The allegation followed celebrations in front of home fans after Chelsea equalised in Monday’s dramatic 4-1 Premier League win against their nine-man neighbours.
      Raheem Sterling will not be investigated further by football chiefs over the incident involving an object from the Tottenham crowdCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea ace Sterling appeared to pick up an object thrown from the home end
      It was suggested the England attacker threw the object back towards fans
      Cole Palmer tucked home a penalty and put his finger to his lips.
      An object then seemed to be hurled at Chelsea players from the crowd – appearing to hit Palmer before allegedly being thrown back by Sterling.
      But nothing was spotted on the night by match officials.
      Now the FA have reviewed the incident and decided there is no need to pursue a case against the 28-year-old.
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      If charged and found guilty, Sterling could have been banned.
      Tottenham forward Richarlison was suspended for one game and fined £25,000 while at Everton for hurling a lit flare towards the stands.
      Sterling went on to tee up the first of Nicolas Jackson’s late three goals that clinched one of the Prem’s most chaotic victories ever.
      Apart from red cards for Spurs duo Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, referee Michael Oliver oversaw five disallowed goals and a handful of VAR disputes.
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      The all-clear for Sterling might help ease his frustration at again failing to earn an England recall.
      Three Lions’ boss Gareth Southgate omitted the 82-cap star from his squad for dead-rubber Euro 2024 qualifiers at home to Malta and away to North Macedonia. More

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      Chris Hughton set to be sacked from international job days before match as squad list angers FA chiefs

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      CHRIS HUGHTON is set to be sacked as Ghana coach after just eight months, according to reports.The former Newcastle, Brighton and Nottingham Forest boss only took charge of the Black Stars in March.
      Chris Hughton is facing the axe at Ghana nine months after his appointmentCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
      Hughton’s recent squad plans angered Ghana’s FA officialsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Since then the ex-Tottenham defender has lost just two games, against Mexico and the USA.
      But Ghana FA officials are understood to be angry at 64-year-old Hughton planning widespread changes in his latest squad.
      The west African side is due to face Madagascar and Comoros in  World Cup qualifiers next week.
      Local expert Bright Kankam Boadu said: “They planned on sacking Chris Hughton after the two matches, but they have decided to do it now after he sent the squad [list] to them.
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      “The squad has a lot of changes, and some players [favoured by] FA officials have been omitted from the list.”
      GFA chiefs are expected to meet before the weekend to decide Londoner Hughton’s fate.
      The former Republic of Ireland international is expected to be replaced by ex-Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Ghana midfielder George Boateng.
      The 48-year-old, who also played for Coventry, Hull and Forest, currently works as Hughton’s assistant.
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      The former defender joined Ghana last year in February as their technical advisor.
      Hughton was then appointed as the national team’s manager exactly a year later.
      The ex-Norwich boss has three wins and two losses in seven matches. More

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      Luton to escape FA punishment for sick chants against Liverpool blasted by Jamie Carragher as talks held with police

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      THE FA will not sanction Luton over the “tragedy chanting” that marred the Hatters’ 1-1 draw with Liverpool.Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher condemned the home fans who chanted “always the victims” during the game – a reference to the Hillsborough disaster.
      Luton will not be sanctioned by the FA over ‘tragedy chanting’ heard against LiverpoolCredit: Rex
      But while the FA and Premier League united in a pre-season drive to root out offensive chants, that did not include punishing clubs for the behaviour of their fans.
      While Wembley accepts the chants are offensive and do not want them to continue, they are not deemed “discriminatory” in law – and so cannot bring FA action.
      The onus is on Luton to identify and – if they see fit – ban the perpetrators, while working alongside local police to determine if a criminal act has taken place.
      Such action would be welcomed by the FA but they are powerless to act by taking any disciplinary action.
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      Despite that, the FA showed its concern as a spokesperson said: “We are aware of the tragedy chanting during yesterday’s Premier League fixture between Luton Town and Liverpool.
      “We are seeking observations from Luton Town and further detail from the Police.
      “We strongly condemn chanting of this nature and will continue to work closely with our stakeholders across the game, including the clubs, leagues, fan groups and the relevant authorities to proactively address this issue.”
      Carragher had called out the home fans for their sick chants, which were heard live on Sky Sports.
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      Jamie Carragher had condemned the chants on Sky SportsCredit: Alamy
      Appearing on commentary, he said during the game: “At the start of the season I was involved in something about tragedy chanting and supporters coming together. I have just heard something a couple of times in this game.
      “Supporters have got to have rivalry but we are better than that. A lot of clubs have been guilty of that over the years but football fans are better than that.”
      The Luton chants came just a week after Manchester City blasted a section of their own fans.
      A small section of fans were overheard singing disgraceful chants following the death of Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.
      City responded to the incident with a damning club statement, condemning the chants from their supporters. More