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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

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      I was paralysed in shock car crash but saved local club with payout… now I must decide between FA Cup & birth of child

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      GEORGE DOWELL must choose between two dreams.The Worthing owner saved the club with a payout from a crash that paralysed him – but they face an historic FA Cup trip on the day his girlfriend gives birth to their first child.
      Worthing owner George Dowell says, with girlfriend Jessica expecting a baby, choosing where to be is an easy decisionCredit: Instagram @gdowell
      The young supremo of the National League South club saved them in 2015 but also reckons they rescued himCredit: Instagram @gdowell
      George was 17 when he suffered terrible injuries in a crashCredit: Instagram @gdowell
      The part-timers travel 205 miles to fellow fifth-tier side Alfreton this Saturday after reaching the first round for the first time in 24 years.
      At the same time George’s partner Jessica is due to give birth in Worthing.
      The ex-footballer, 31, was 17 and close to making the Sussex club’s first team when, as a front-seat passenger in a car accident, he suffered spinal injuries that paralysed him from the neck down.
      Five years later he bought the club as they were £200,000 in debt and fearing extinction, as explained by SunSport.
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      Now he’s not only one of the youngest club owners in the land, he’s that equally rare thing – one who is loved by the fans.
      Dowell, who has used a wheelchair since his crash in 2010, told the BBC: “As much as I saved the club, the club saved me.”
      And what of his choice between what should be two joyous occasions.
      He said: “I can’t miss the birth.
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      “I’ve arranged for a live stream so I can watch it on my laptop back in Worthing.”
      His club are eighth in National League South, while Alfreton are fifth in NL North.
      So whatever the result of what should be a tight contest on Saturday, Dowell could yet take Worthing up this season – to within just one level of from the EFL.
      And as he approaches a momentous weekend, he said of his life in general: “There are plenty of opportunities out there. You’ve just got to look for them and have a crack at it.”
      Dowell enjoys getting around watching football but believes owning ambitious Worthing has helped give him purposeCredit: Instagram @gdowell
      The young Dowell was an enthusiastic footballer who was later close to breaking into the first-team picture at Worthing before his accidentCredit: Instagram @gdowell More

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      FA speak to Man Utd star Garnacho after he posts then deletes ‘controversial’ message about Onana

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      MANCHESTER Utd star Alejandro Garnacho is being spoken to by the FA over deleted social media messages about team-mate Andre Onana, it’s understood.Onana had spared United’s blushes with a match-winning penalty save against FC Copenhagen in their Champions League group stage match on Wednesday night.
      Alejandro Garnacho could be in hot water after posting a now-deleted social media postCredit: Getty
      Garnacho posted a snap of his teammates celebrating with keeper Andre OnanaCredit: Alamy
      A post uploaded by Garnacho with two gorilla emojis was swiftly deletedCredit: Instagram
      And the young Argentine posted a snap of himself and other United players celebrating Onana’s heroics on Twitter – including two gorilla emojis.
      Despite swiftly editing then deleting the post, the FA were alerted to it and have since liaised with the 19-year-old winger to investigate the matter.
      And while there is no suggestion of racism behind the message, it is likely the athlete will be hit with a suspension if the Football Association adopt the same approach they have in the past.
      Previously, the FA has punished footballers over other controversial social media postings that were viewed as offensive – even if the meaning was unintended.
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      But Onana has since taken to social media to defend his young teammate.
      Over two Instagram stories, he wrote: “People cannot choose what I should be offended by.
      “I know exactly what @garnacho7 meant: power and strength.
      “This matter should go no further.”
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      Garnacho has also shared Onana’s defence of him on his own Instagram.
      In 2020, then-United striker Edinson Cavani was suspended for three games for writing “Gracias Negrito” to a friend – with an FA commission finding it a racial term.
      The Uruguay striker asserted that the message “was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend” following an apology.
      Cavani was slapped with a £100,000 fine and made to complete face-to-face education.
      The previous year, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva picked up a one-match ban and £50,000 fine for posting the image of the popular Conguitos chocolate bar, which has long been accused of racist undertones.
      And while the swiftness of the post’s deletion and Garnacho’s youth will be factors taken into account, he may yet be made to pay for a moment’s unintentional foolishness.

      The FA are aware of the post in question and have sought Garnacho’s observations on it.
      The Sun has approached Manchester United for comment.
      Onana took to Instagram to defend his teammateCredit: Instagram
      The stalwart keeper urged the FA not to punish GarnachoCredit: Instagram
      Garnacho shared the goalkeeper’s defence of his postCredit: Instagram
      The winger is expected to receive the same treatment other players haveCredit: Reuters More

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      West Ham star Lucas Paqueta ‘grants FA access to his phone’ as part of investigation into potential betting breaches

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      WEST HAM star Lucas Paqueta has reportedly “permitted the Football Association access to his phone” amid his alleged betting breaches.The allegations against the Brazilian international are linked to bets back in Brazil that were not directly placed by the winger.
      West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta has granted the FA access to his phone for their investigationCredit: Getty
      Paqueta, 26, has denied all allegations made against him.
      However, the Daily Mail now states that he has agreed to give the FA access to his phone as they continue their investigation into whether he has breached their strict betting rules.
      Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon for a club record £51.4m including add-ons in the summer of 2022.
      He suffered from injury issues throughout his first campaign but he shone in the Europa Conference League, leading the Hammers to their first piece of major silverware since 1980 with Euro glory.
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      The playmaker was then on the brink of a switch to Manchester City after they submitted a £70m bid only for the deal to collapse amid the betting allegations.
      Meanwhile, this latest development comes as frustration mounts in Brazil over the time being taken by the FA to conclude their investigation.
      The national team voluntarily withdrew Paquetta from the squad when the accusations were made public in August.
      He was then left out of boss Fernardo Diniz’s squad for the recent international break but now the Samba Boys are beginning to grow impatient.
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      This fresh report claims that “Diniz is set to recommend the recall of Paqueta for next month’s games versus Colombia and Argentina” despite the investigation.
      But now the FA have access to his phone activity it seems that a decision on whether to charge him or not may not be far away. More

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      Part-time footballers face fines for failing to bring in cakes or leaving bar early after game

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      PART-time footballers face fines for failing to bring in cakes or leaving the bar early after a game.They also have to fork out for talking back to the boss or speaking to fans online.
      The Havant & Waterlooville FC boss is causing a stir in non-league footballCredit: 2020 Getty Images
      Steve King has implemented the harsh fines on his playersCredit: Havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk
      The strict rules were brought in by Steve King, the manager at National League South bottom club Havant & Waterlooville FC.
      He took over at the Hampshire side last month.
      Under his regime players face a £50 fine for failing to stay in the bar after a home match until 5.45pm.
      And there is a £25 penalty if they do not bring in cakes when it’s their turn, or supply a “bad selection”.
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      Talking back to the boss is a £150 fine, while being late on matchday is £100.
      Players, who earn around £300 to £400 a week and often have second jobs, can be docked a week’s wages if they “comment on club social media posts” and “respond to fan comments regarding the football club”.
      King’s list appeared online, and one fan said: “Who would want to play for him?”
      The club said it is investigating.
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      King has previously been in charge at Gloucester City, Dartford, Farnborough, Lewes and Whitehawk. More

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      Furious England fans blast ’embarrassing’ and ‘wrong’ FA request for Euro 2028 and say ‘how boring is that?’

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      THREE Lions fans were left fuming as the FA has reportedly requested for Wembley to host ALL of England’s Euro 2028 fixtures.The five-nation British Isles bid – featuring England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – was accepted by Uefa this week.
      England are to be offered the chance to play all their Euro 2028 games at WembleyCredit: Getty
      The original plans include six venues across England – Wembley, Villa Park, St James’ Park, the Etihad, Everton’s in-construction new home at Bramley Moore Dock and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      BUT now Gareth Southgate’s side are set to be given the chance to play all their Euro 2028 matches at Wembley.
      The commercial benefits of staging England matches there are likely to see the FA get their way.
      The other home nations will also lobby Uefa to play their own fixtures at their national stadiums, assuming they qualify.
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      With Casement Park in Belfast, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium the non-English venues to be awarded matches.
      But England fans have blasted the proposition.
      One supporter wrote: “How boring is that!”
      A second added: “That’s totally wrong. I’d prefer it went around the country.”
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      A third fan said: “So they expect England fans to travel to London?”
      A fourth declared: “Absolutely embarrassing.”
      The Three Lions will stage 28 of the 51 matches, including both semi-finals and the final at Wembley.
      With Wembley originally expected to get eight games including both semi-finals and the final.
      Big stadiums to miss out are Manchester United’s Old Trafford, West Ham’s London Stadium and Liverpool’s Anfield.
      A final decision on the match schedule for Euro 2028 will not be discussed until after next summer’s Euros, when the qualification process for the tournament will be decided.
      FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that all the host nations wanted to go through qualifying, but Uefa will keep two spots open in reserve for any who fail to qualify. More

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      Ex-England Under-21s star charged by FA for ‘racially abusing’ OWN team-mate before Cardiff contract torn up

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      JACK SIMPSON has been charged by the FA for racially abusing a team-mate during pre-season.Simpson had his Cardiff contract ripped up in August with the club issuing a blunt 16-word statement.
      Jack Simpson had his Cardiff contract ripped up only last monthCredit: Getty
      Simpson has been charged by the FA for alleged racial abuse towards a team-mateCredit: Getty
      The Bluebirds announced on their official website: “We can confirm that Jack Simpson has today left Cardiff City Football Club by mutual consent.”
      But the FA has now stated that the centre-back has been charged with an “aggravated breach” of rules relating to misconduct and abusive language towards “race and/or colour”.
      The ex-England Under-21 international was allegedly involved in an incident that took place in July during Cardiff’s pre-season tour in Portugal.
      The 26-year-old is alleged to have used “abusive and/or insulting and/or improper” language towards a team-mate.
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      The ex-Rangers player has until Tuesday, 10 October to issue a response.
      The FA issued the following statement on Twitter: “Jack Simpson, a former Cardiff City player, has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct that took place on their pre-season tour to Portugal in July 2023.
      “It’s alleged that the defender’s language towards a teammate was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
      “It’s 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 race and/or colour.
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      “Jack Simpson has until Tuesday 10 October 2023 to provide a response.”
      Simpson joined Cardiff last year following a brief spell at Rangers and amassed a total of 23 appearances.
      The defender only played once on international level for England’s Under-21 side in a friendly against Denmark back in 2018. More