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      EFL star Sam Finley slapped with 13-GAME ban and fined for ‘discriminatory abuse regarding sexual orientation’

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      TRANMERE ROVERS star Sam Finley has been hit with a 13-MATCH suspension for an “aggravated breach” of FA rules. The midfielder, 32, admitted using “abusive and or insulting” language, with a homophobic comment to Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two clash on January 11. Tranmere’s Sam Finley has been given a lengthy suspensionCredit: GETTYJamille Matt headed Walsall in front in the game where Finley made his offensive comment, with the Tranmere player then red-cardedCredit: RexFinley ended up getting sent off in that 5-1 away defeat after just 38 minutes.He saw red after two quick bookings, the second for handball.Jamaican ace Matt had tormented Rovers with the first of his two goals, with the then table-toppers 2-0 up when Finley was dismissed.The Liverpudlian accepted he had breached by making his comment, which has resulted in the FA handing him a mammoth suspension and £2,000 fine.It’s his SECOND offence of this kind following a four-game suspension and fine in February 2016.That was for a homophobic remark to a referee while playing for AFC Fylde.Finley was also fined and banned for eight matches – reduced from 11 – for an offensive comment to a Rochdale player in April 2020 when he was with Accrington Stanley.Tranmere reacted to Friday’s verdict by saying they “condemn all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally”.Most read in FootballThe FA released a statement explaining their decision.It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a 13-match suspension, £2,000 fine and mandatory education programme on Sam Finley for a breach of FA Rule E3 during the EFL fixture between Tranmere Rovers and Walsall on Saturday 11 January 2025.Roy Keane tried putting me in a high chair when he approached me to sign for Sunderland, says EFL cult hero.mov” It was alleged that the midfielder’s language towards a Walsall player around the 23rd minute was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1. “It was further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to sexual orientation.”Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him.”Tranmere responded with a statement of their own. Rovers said Finley had admitted the “charge of misconduct”.Finley’s ban starts immediately – ruling him out of Rovers’ run-in as they fight to to stay in the EFL.Tranmere are just four points above the drop zone ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Crewe. Finley had a spell at Everton as a youngster before cutting his teeth in non-league and TNS in Wales.Read More on The SunAfter a loan spell at Wrexham, he went on to play for Fylde, Accrington, Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers, who he helped to promotion in 2022, before signing for Tranmere last summer.Finley has appeared 37 times this term for the Prenton Park outfit, scoring twice but picking up ten bookings and a red card More

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      Millwall release statement after being charged with rule breaches following FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace

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      MILLWALL released a statement after being charged with rule breaches following the FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace.The fiery South London derby saw the Eagles beat the Lions in the fifth round.Millwall were charged following fan chants during the FA Cup exit to Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPMillwall released a statement in responseCredit: ReutersThe match at Selhurst Park was overshadowed by the horror injury to Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and sickening chants by some Millwall fans. And two of the songs during the first half prompted action from the FA.The football governing body said: “Millwall FC has been charged with misconduct in relation to crowd control following the FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace FC on Saturday 1 March. “It’s alleged that during the 5th and 20th minutes the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting way with either express or implied reference to sexual orientation.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMillwall have been given until April 16 to respond to the misconduct charge. The Championship club did, though, release their own comment on Thursday morning in response.They said: “Millwall Football Club notes The Football Association’s decision to charge the club with breaches of rule E21 following the Emirates FA Cup fixture away to Crystal Palace on Saturday 1st March 2025.”The chant in question is condemned by Millwall Football Club, and once again it strongly emphasises its zero-tolerance policy against discrimination of all kinds. Most read in FA Cup”The club remains committed to working tirelessly to eradicate homophobic chanting, and any other form of discriminatory abuse, from the sport.”This work will continue under the club’s leading anti-discrimination campaign, All ‘Wall, which is promoted ahead of every fixture and overseen by its industry-leading Equality Steering Committee.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star”The club is proud to work side-by-side with the Millwall Community Trust to support, and provide, a safe, inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly through its two LGBTQ+ teams, Millwall Romans and Millwall Pride.”Both hugely successful teams, the number of participants continues to grow each day, with everyone brought together into a welcoming environment by a mutual love for football and Millwall. “Everyone associated with Millwall Football Club has a responsibility to act as an ambassador of the club. Passion, loyalty, family, uniqueness defines the support for the club and discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.”Should you hear any racist, homophobic, misogynistic, tragedy chanting or any other discriminatory abuse during Saturday’s home fixture against Middlesbrough, you can use the club’s dedicated ‘Hear Hate? Don’t Hesitate’ reporting service by texting ‘HATE’ and your message to 66777, or by emailing slo@millwallfc.co.uk.”Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off after his dangerous karate kick on Mateta which saw the French striker suffer a shocking gash behind his ear.Japhet Tanganga’s own goal gave Palace the lead before Daniel Munoz made it 2-0.Wes Harding pulled one back for Millwall in the 13th minute of first-half injury time.Read More on The SunBut Eddie Nketiah rounded off the victory late on.Palace saw off Fulham in the quarter-finals and face Aston Villa at Wembley on April 26 for a place in the final. Eddie Nketiah scored the final goal in the 3-1 win for PalaceCredit: Getty More

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      Anyone with an ounce of spirit should want Bournemouth to beat Man City to keep romance of the FA Cup alive

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      THERE are no Premier League fixtures this weekend — but don’t feel ashamed if you haven’t even realised.It’s hardly been a bumper year for the so-called greatest league  in the world.Bournemouth could offer a massive FA Cup miracle for the romanticsCredit: GettyBournemouth take on Manchester City in the FA CupCredit: GettyNewcastle broke a monotonous run by winning the Carabao CupCredit: RexThe last time a club outside the Big Six won a cup was in 2013 with Wigan in the FA Cup and Swansea in the League CupCredit: GettyLiverpool have fast-walked the title race and Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton have been hell-bent on relegation since last August.So who would have thought the two cup competitions would be left to stop the entire nation switching off altogether and doing something less boring instead?The cups have been bulldozed and bullied to make way for expanding European competition.Boiled down with second legs and replays scrapped to relieve the heavy legs of players grinding it out to satisfy the demands of clubs looking beyond two relatively tiny trophies offering a few quid in prize money. Read More on FootballNewcastle’s victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final this month was a spectacular bloody nose for the Big Six.It’s five down and one to go in the FA Cup, which means “little” Bournemouth have the opportunity to finish the job. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham  all have a surprise weekend off as we reach the quarter-final stage.Anyone with an ounce of romance, spirit and  sporting fun should be willing the Cherries on against Manchester City. If not, you should never again pass an “I am not a robot” test.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA winner from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Crystal Palace or Preston North End is a rarity.And not since 2013 have both our domestic trophies been won by teams from outside the “elite” in the same season. That’s when Swansea won the League Cup and Wigan beat City in the FA Cup final. Prior to that, it was 1988 with Luton and Wimbledon.Erling Haaland reveals bizarre bedtime habit including special glasses and taping mouth SHUT on Logan Paul podcastIn between, it is the same old names and the same old finals. Prior to this year, the previous nine Carabao Cups were shared between Liverpool and the Manchester clubs.For one year only, Leicester broke the FA Cup stranglehold of Arsenal, City, Chelsea, United and Liverpool that has existed since 2014.What we are seeing now is football’s equivalent of Halley’s Comet entering our solar system.Come May, screw up your eyes and you may be able to visualise the glowing tail of glory for a team which doesn’t treat Wembley as a second home.The Cherries have never won  a major trophy, nor Palace, nor Fulham, nor Brighton.Preston, synonymous with the great Sir Tom Finney, have had big stars but no significant silverware since the 1938 FA Cup.Breaking traditionVilla and Forest are shaking up the establishment in the league but you must rewind to the 1990s to find either winning a cup of note.What it will mean for the  supporters of these seven clubs to reach the FA Cup semi-finals or beyond fires the imagination.And it serves as a beacon of hope for anyone wishing to salvage a crumb of interest in a mundane season in the league. Players love the cups, the fans adore them.Attendances throughout this year’s Carabao Cup were 20 per cent up on last year and their highest for almost a quarter of a century.If Bournemouth beat City on Sunday it’s a huge shot in the arm for the much-maligned cups, for fans and for fun. So what if it’s bad for business and for the big boys?Fans ticked off with ToddTODD BOEHLY is feeling the heat from Chelsea fans over his 41 per cent stake in US ticket resale outlet Vivid Seats.To the extent the supporters’ trust has written to the Premier League demanding they probe their club chairman over a  potential conflict of interest. Fair enough. No trip to Stamford Bridge is complete without the sight and sound of several shady characters loitering by Fulham Broadway Tube station offering tickets for the coming game at inflated prices.So much so that the London club emailed fans last week to trumpet their actions targeting this criminal scourge. They claim to have stopped more than 1,000 people entering the ground with dodgy tickets, cancelled more than 1,500 memberships linked to dodgy tickets and arrested dozens of people through matchday operations.Meanwhile, Boehly, the man at the top of the club, is raking it in via his investment in what the Premier League label an “unauthorised” ticket website.They urge fans to “exercise extreme caution” when dealing with firms like Vivid Seats.It’s almost as if it’s one rule for one and one for another. In football? Surely not?A bore’s no drawEVERYTHING about England’s recent two matches was highly interesting — apart from the two matches. Thomas Tuchel, Dan Burn, the build-up, the team selection, the hope.But as usual the ties were as flat as a pancake and sparked a debate about the entertainment value of qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Don’t think the boredom level of these insipid games hasn’t been  discussed at the top level.Not that long ago a plan was hatched to expand the Euros to 32 teams.The continent’s top-ranked countries would face each other in an extended Nations League to leave 16 sides. Lesser-ranked nations would do similar, eventually leaving 32 teams.Almost everyone was up for it apart from Europe’s rights-holding broadcasters, who seem to think England v Albania on a Friday night is just what the nation wants to see on their TVs.London bawlin’AS domestic football returns, a plea. Can London-based clubs stop playing London Calling by The Clash, fronted by Joe Strummer, during every pre-match build-up?Yes, we know the song is about the city — it’s in the title — and your club is in that city. But that’s it. It’s not that big a deal.And by endlessly forcing this irony upon fans, you have worn out what should be cherished as a post-punk classic by one of the greatest rock bands of all time.Just stop it. Please.FA party Ful of itIF you have £120 to spare you too can enjoy a night out at Fulham’s 1975 FA Cup final celebration dinner come May.A selection of team members from the day will entertain guests with memories of the showpiece — which they LOST 2-0 to West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESSounds like a silly idea —  then again, Newcastle held open-top bus parades after losing the 1974 FA Cup final and 1976 League Cup final.Even more daft, someone I know actually went to BOTH. More

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      Dan Ashworth closing in on shock return to football just four months after being brutally sacked by Man Utd

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      DAN ASHWORTH is in line to return to football with a senior role at the FA, according to reports.Ashworth, 54, was surprisingly sacked by Manchester United in December after just five months at Old Trafford.Dan Ashworth is set to return to football in a senior role with the FACredit: PANow the former Newcastle and Brighton chief is set to return to the FA, where he spent five years as Director of Development between 2013 and 2018.According to The Telegraph, Ashworth has been in talks with the FA over the role for some time – long before Thomas Tuchel’s opening two games during the international break.It’s claimed that Ashworth would be joining in a role that would see him oversee the “St George’s Park 2.0 project” – a huge redevelopment project of England’s training ground facilities announced last month.It’s thought that Ashworth would also look after both the men’s and women’s senior and junior teams, looking closely at coach development.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt present, it appears that Ashworth’s appointment would have no impact on the the current technical director roles within the FA.Ashworth has been without a job since his dismissal at Old Trafford, but has been considered for a number of different roles in the meantime.It was revealed that he was one of many candidates considered by Arsenal for their sporting director job, before the North London club landed on former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta.Ashworth has been praised for his role with England and the FA in the past – spearheading a period of change with the national team.Most read in FootballAshworth will oversee the ‘radical refurbishment’ of St George’s ParkCredit: thefa.comAll outdoor pitches are in line to be upgraded in the refurbCredit: thefa.comCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Telegraph has claimed that there’s concern within the FA about the state of British coaching pathways with very few home nation bosses in top flight football and German national Thomas Tuchel in charge of the national side.There are just two English coaches currently working in the Premier League – Eddie Howe at Newcastle and Graham Potter at West Ham.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upHowe’s recent Carabao Cup success with Newcastle saw him become the first Englishman to guide a team to a major English trophy since Harry Redknapp won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008.It was revealed last month that Ashworth’s exit from Manchester United had cost the club £4.1MILLION.Ashworth has also taken up an advisory role with Warwickshire County Cricket Club since leaving the Red Devils, according to The Times.He has been involved with the cricket club since 2021, having held an honorary role on their audit committee for over three years.That role is said to have involved oversight of what Warwickshire call their “elite teams and high-performance structure”.England ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match… More

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      Walking into England dressing room after Euros final defeat was so hard – but we CAN win World Cup, says Prince William

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      PRINCE William revealed one of his toughest tasks as FA ­President was consoling England’s crushed players shortly after the gut-wrenching defeat in the final of Euro 2024.The royal joined the deflated stars following the shattering 2-1 loss to Spain in Berlin and admitted: “That was the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever had to walk into.After the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry KaneCredit: EPAWilliam and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winnerCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Prince William and England manager Thomas TuchelCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace“They were really down. They realised they’d given it their all and they’d been on such a journey.“It felt like the culmination should have been a successful ­victory for them.”However, footie-mad Wills is still quietly hopeful for the future and feels the Three Lions will be “as close as we’ve ever been” to winning a World Cup in two years.The Prince had taken on the FA presidency 18 years before the shattering defeat against Spain which he shared with son Prince George, then ten, who sat by his side.READ MORE ON PRINCE WILLIAMHe famously marked his appointment by turning up at England training and asking beanpole striker Peter Crouch to perform his robot goal celebration for him. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived.Prince WilliamEngland sadly failed to get past the quarter-finals that summer and, ever since, William has been as frustrated as any other England supporter at their continuing inability to lift a trophy.His hopes had been high in the Euro 2020 decider at Wembley, but Italy won that on penalties.“Do you know, I thought it was our time at the first final,” he said.Most read in FootballThat result made last year’s further disappointment doubly difficult to take, he said — as was evident from the images of him and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winner and shattered English dreams.William said: “To go and see it again and be so close when the guys had really given it their all was very difficult.”Prince William picks Messi vs Ronaldo winner and gives David Beckham a huge boost | Big Shot BattleAfter the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham as well as long-term manager Gareth Southgate.Like Southgate, he too stepped down after that final, but he has since taken on the role of FA patron instead of president and is as big an England fan as ever.The appointment of the German Thomas Tuchel as manager attracted criticism from those who felt the job should have gone to an Englishman.And William himself was involved in the development of the FA’s national training centre at St George’s Park, which was supposed to provide a pathway for English coaches.In fact, he opened the facility, which is just outside Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, back in 2012.He well understands that concern about an English coach being denied the top job this time round but is enthusiastic about what former Chelsea boss Tuchel can bring to the table.And he is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World Cup.He said: “I’m still linked to the FA but as a patron rather than president now. However, I loved my time as president.Prince William with former England manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyWilliam is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World CupCredit: Dan Charity“I learned an awful lot about the football world and the England set-up. I was trying to do my bit to work out how to bring the best minds in so that England could win a World Cup.“We’re now as close as we’ve ever been, I really do feel that. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us.”He went on: “The FA is in quite a stable place which it hasn’t always been in the past when I was involved when I was younger.“It’s all coming together nicely. We just need the results on the pitch to go our way. We are going to see how Thomas sets up and who he picks.”He’s only got two years so it’s a short turnaround but I am quietly confident we are in a good position.”’Right person for job’Tuchel is due to announce his first England squad today. William was informed about the decision to hire him before it became public knowledge and he has had no reason to doubt it was the right move.The dad of three went on: “Having met him, I’m definitely happy about that decision.“I think he will bring serious detail and experience and wisdom to the role. Gareth Southgate was an incredible manager who did brilliantly and really laid the foundations for success.“He was very unlucky that he just didn’t quite manage to get us over the line. He gave it his all.“Of course I was sad to see him leave. He’s a lovely guy who did an incredible job.“He was the manager for nearly nine years, which is a long time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, as regards finding his successor, I’m excited by what Thomas might bring.“I think he is exactly the right person for the job.”WILLING ENGLAND ONPRINCE William’s tenure as FA President has been marked by a huge upturn in form.May 2006: He takes over from uncle Prince Andrew.June 2006: He cheers on England and meets fans at the World Cup in Germany.2010: He and Prince Harry visit the England camp in South Africa.2012-2014: The future King stays home for the disappointing Euro 2012 and the dismal 2014 World Cup in Brazil.2016: Wills says the FA’s governance structure needs reform, at a lunch commemorating his ten-year anniversary as president.2018: The Prince does not attend the World Cup in Russia but he tweeted after the 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter finals: “You wanted to make history England and you are doing just that.”2021: The president continues his hands-on approach to the Three Lions during the Covid-delayed Euro 2020.He gave a dressing room speech after England’s final defeat to Italy, which he watched alongside wife Kate and son George at Wembley.2022: Wills and Kate cheer the Lionesses on to England’s first trophy since 1966 at the Euro 2022 final at Wembley.2024: He roars England to victory over Switzerland at Euro 2024 — months after the double cancer diagnosis shock of Kate and dad Charles. He steps down after loss in final. More

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      Premier League referees could wear BODY CAMERAS as FA chief backs sensational change

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      FA chief Mark Bullingham wants Prem refs to wear BODY CAMERAS — with footage shown live on TV.Bodycams are used at grassroots level to protect referees from abuse.Referees could wear bodycams in the Premier LeagueCredit: RexFA chief Mark Bullingham is backing the changeCredit: PABullingham feels the cameras will help cut out bad behaviour from managers and playersCredit: GettyChief exec Bullingham feels pro officials wearing cameras could be hugely popular with fans — while helping cut out managers and players’ bad behaviour.Prem whistler Jarred Gillett trialled a head-mounted RefCam in last season’s Crystal Palace-Manchester United clash.It was a Premier League first but the footage was not broadcast live.While official Rob Jones also wore a chest camera in Chelsea’s 4-3 pre-season win over Brighton in the US back in July 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Bullingham said: “In the pro game, bodycams are more about if they will be good for the broadcaster.“It is something which should be trialled — and potentially allowed.“Initially, it might be trialled without audio and then with audio.”Only this week, the FA gave its written reasons for handing Liverpool boss Arne Slot a two-game ban for abusing Michael Oliver following the Merseyside derby against Everton.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSlot got a red card for confronting Oliver and a linesman in the aftermath of last month’s 2-2 draw.The three-person panel explained: “It was alleged Slot initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs Liverpool“Including that the ref had ‘f***ing given them everything’ and that he hoped the ref ‘was proud of that performance’.”The panel also claimed that Slot said, “If we don’t win the league, I’ll f***ing blame you.”And Bullingham revealed abuse towards referees at grassroots level has fallen thanks to bodycams.He said: “They have had a really positive impact.“What we’re speaking with Fifa about is whether we can get more countries to adopt a trial and even get Fifa behind it.“We see that as a good way of referees being more confident.“We have seen a huge decrease in the number of issues in the leagues where there’s bodycams.” More

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      Matheus Cunha facing extended ban as Wolves star is handed extra FA charge after ‘punch, kick and headbutt’ red card

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      MATHEUS CUNHA is facing an extended ban after the FA handed him an extra misconduct charge for his antics at Bournemouth.The Wolves striker was sent off in the closing stages of extra-time in the FA Cup clash for grabbing Milos Kerkez around the neck before he appeared to punch, kick and push his head into the face of the Cherries defender.Matheus Cunha was sent off for an altercation with Milos KerkezCredit: GettyThe striker had a bust-up on the sidelinesCredit: RexReferee Sam Barrott showed Cunha a straight red.The Brazilian, 25, then remonstrated with Wolves boss Vitor Pereira and pushed team-mate Dan Bentley as he was ushered towards the changing room.The FA said: “Matheus Cunha has been charged following the FA Cup tie between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth on Saturday, March 1.“It’s alleged that the forward acted in an improper manner around the 121st minute of the fixture after his dismissal. Matheus Cunha has until Monday, March 10 to provide a response.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe straight red card for violent conduct means Cunha is already suspended for Saturday’s Prem clash with Everton, plus matches with Southampton and West Ham.If the misconduct charge is proven, he faces a one-game extension that would see him miss the crucial trip to relegation rivals Ipswich on April 5.Wolves are currently 17th in the league – five points and one place above the third-bottom Tractor Boys.Cunha — Wolves’ top scorer with 15 goals in all comps — was banned for two matches and fined £80,000 by the FA in December after a row against Ipswich.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe clashed with a member of Ipswich’s staff, grabbing the man’s glasses, and could face further retrospective punishment following the latest incident at the Vitality Stadium.Cunha’s ban was reduced after he apologised to the Ipswich security guard and offered to buy him a new pair of glasses.Man Utd and Arsenal in Matheus Cunha transfer battle with Wolves star ready to make summer move More

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      Burnley stars SNUB handshake with Preston player accused of racially abusing team-mate before he taunts fans after goal

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      BURNLEY players refused to shake hands with Preston’s Milutin Osmajic’s amid a racism row before their 3-0 FA Cup defeat. The two Championship clubs drew 0-0 in February in the league. Burnley players refused to shake hands with Preston’s Milutin Osmajic’s amid a racism rowOsmajic laughed off the snubCredit: X @BBCMOTDBut the match was marred in controversy after Osmajic was accused of making a racist remark to Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.The FA are still investigating the incident meanwhile the teams drew each other in the fifth round of the cup. During the pre-match handshakes, Burnley players snubbed Osmajic.But the drama did not stop there as the Preston forward scored before half-time to double the host’s lead after Robbie Brady’s opener. READ MORE IN football And Osmajic caused more controversy after putting his hands to his ears to goad the travelling Burnley fans. And ex-Manchester United forward Will Keane made it 3-0 to wrap the game up. Burnley manager Scott Parker confirmed Hannibal was fit but he left out the Tunisia midfielder to protect him from the spotlight.Parker told BBC iPlayer before kick-off: “As I said earlier in the week in the press conference, fundamentally I need to protect Hannibal and making sure of the right decision.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It has been a tough decision and we come here a bit weakened today because Hannibal is a vitally important member of this squad, and I felt it was the best decision for Hannibal.”I wouldn’t want to put him in a situation here, so we have made the decision for the best for Hannibal. How Man Utd could clinch a win in Fulham FA Cup clash – Expert’s best bets | Weekend Wager”That is why he is not in the matchday squad.”Asked whether he spoke with Hannibal, Parker said: “It was mainly my decision. “Hannibal was selectable today but he is a young boy that experienced something here only a few weeks ago and I just made that decision to keep him out of here and we have another game on Tuesday.”If found guilty, Osmajic faces a minimum six-match ban as the FA continue their probe. Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom admitted he had not considered the idea of leaving Osmajic out. Asked whether he was taking an approach of “innocent until proven guilty” – Heckingbottom replied: “Yes, exactly – 100 per cent.” In October, Osmajic was hit with an eight-match ban after biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck.The incident took place during Preston’s 0-0 draw with Rovers in September.Osmajic last year bit Blackburn’s Owen BeckCredit: GettyOsmajic was accused of making a racist remark to Burnley’s Hannibal MejbriCredit: RexOsmajic was only shown a yellow during the game and was able to play in Preston’s next two games.But the FA launched an investigation and subsequently charged him.Osmajic missed Preston’s next eight matches and was also fined £15,000.Parker backed his squad after their handshake snub, as he said: “The players made that decision as a group.”The players decided that that was a stance they were going to take. I was fully supportive of that when I found out.”If that’s the decision this group wanted to take out of support and an understanding of more clarity and more of an understanding of the situation, that’s the decision they made.”I was fully supportive of that.”Parker held talks with Hannibal this week and despite the ex-United man being in a good frame of mind decided to leave him out.He said: “Hannibal is in a good frame. There was an opportunity to play him and I made the conscious decision.The players decided that that was a stance they were going to take. I was fully supportive of that when I found out.Scott Parker “I made the decision to take him out of that situation. There’s a live investigation going on now and there’s no conclusion to it.”I didn’t want to put Hannibal in a situation today which is still up in the air. Because that’s what it is.”He’s coming to an away stadium. Maybe against a player that the allegations are against. And a fan base which people are making up their minds about whether it was or whether it wasn’t.”My decision which took me a long time and a lot of thinking about was one that I just wanted to protect Hannibal.”Osmajic scored the second of Preston’s three goals as they reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1966.Preston fans responded late on by chanting “Are you watching Hannibal?”.Parker added: “It’s made me sad really.”I’m sure he would have been fine today. But I’ve been around football a long time. I understand fanbases.”I didn’t want to put him in this situation.”North End boss Paul Heckingbottom said: “It’s about could he be professional enough to give a performance for us? READ MORE SUN STORIES”That was it. That’s what the conversations were about. If I felt or he felt that he couldn’t be professional enough then we wouldn’t have been involved.”Osmajic scored and taunted Burnley fansCredit: GettyHe cupped his ears to goad fansCredit: Getty More