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      Idiot England fan has ticket to Italy match RIPPED UP by FA after showing off offensive Maradona flag

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      AN IDIOTIC England fan had his ticket for the Italy match ripped up by the FA after showing off an offensive Diego Maradona flag.A photo circulated on social media of the Three Lions supporter seemingly travelling on a train.
      An offensive and vile England flag mocked Diego MaradonaCredit: Twitter
      Maradona is still adored in Naples for his exploits for NaplesCredit: EPA
      He is standing up holding out a large St George’s cross.
      And in the white sections, the words “Diego’s In A Box” are printed, in reference to the Argentine icon’s death in 2020.
      England took on Italy in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier, with the game staged at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples.
      Maradona was a hero at Napoli between 1984 and 1990 before his drugs ban, scoring 115 goals in 259 appearances and winning five trophies including their two Serie A titles.
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      The FA slammed the vile and tasteless flag with a brief statement and swift action.
      A statement said: “We strongly condemn the actions of the individual who travelled to Naples with a flag that had a highly offensive message on it.
      “We immediately took steps to have their tickets cancelled before the match.
      “The matter will be reviewed further when we return to England.”
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      Others on social media were convinced the fan would regret the crass gesture if he went to Naples and was confronted by Italian ultras.
      SunSport revealed their chilling “battle plans” to attack England fans.
      A friendly match between supporters was cancelled as a result of the violent threats.
      The 3,000-plus Three Lions followers heading to Italy were even told not to wear belts to the match because security officials could confiscate them and deem them to be weapons.
      Just last week, the streets of Naples were overwhelmed with thuggish violence before Napoli’s Champions League match with Eintracht Frankfurt.
      The German supporters defied a police ban and clashed with Napoli ultras, which left more than eight hooligans arrested.
      Pictures showed the total carnage with shop fronts smashed up, cars lit on fire and masked thugs storming alleyways with weapons as they hunted their rival supporters. More

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      Ivan Toney slams FA for ‘leaking’ gambling charge investigation as he faces lengthy ban

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      IVAN Toney has slammed the FA for “leaking” news of his gambling charge admissions.Toney faces a lengthy ban, likely to extend into next season, after admitting a number of the 362 separate charges against him.
      Ivan Toney is unhappy details have got out ahead of a hearing after he admitted breaches of betting rulesCredit: Getty
      Betting on any games is a breach of FCA regulations and Toney is charged with placing the wages between 2017 and 2021.
      But the Brentford striker went on the attack as he posted a statement condemning Wembley beaks over the news of his guilty pleas.
      Toney said: “I was shocked and disappointed to see press speculation yesterday and today about the FA investigation process concerning me after I had been told by the FA it was a confidential process until any decision has been made.
      “It is especially disturbing for me to read that the FA has said I shall be banned for six months before there has even been a hearing.
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      “And it does make me worried about the process.”
      The frontman added: “My lawyers will be writing to the FA to request that they conduct a leak enquiry as this is the second time stories have appeared in the newspapers.
      “The last time was just before the selection of the England World Cup squad.
      “As I continue to be told the investigation is meant to be confidential I am unable to provide any further comment and shall continue to concentrate on my football.”
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      SunSport understands an independent commission hearing is likely to take place in the coming weeks with a ban virtually certain now the striker has admitted to the offences.
      But his statement will put pressure on the FA head of that hearing and is likely to see his lawyers arguing a for a more lenient punishment. More

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      Brentford star Ivan Toney admits multiple betting breaches and could face lengthy ban THIS season

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      IVAN TONEY has admitted a number of FA betting charges – and is set to start a lengthy ban before the end of the season.Brentford striker Toney was charged with 262 breaches of FA rules outlawing betting on games across two batches of allegations in November and December.
      Ivan Toney is set to serve a lengthy banCredit: Getty
      The allegations were revealed by The Sun before the World Cup and while the FA did not put a block on him being selected by Gareth Southgate for Qatar they were something the England boss was fully aware of when he omitted the uncapped striker.
      Now it is understood that Toney has admitted a significant number of the charges although he is denying others.
      It is expected the formal FA disciplinary commission into the case will be held within weeks, allowing Toney to begin to serve any ban before the end of this campaign and which would include the fallow months across June and July.
      The striker has scored 26 Prem goals across two seasons for Thomas Franks’ Bees.
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      There is no suggestion that Toney placed wagers on any matches – which took place between 2017 and 2021 – in which he was involved.
      Toney, 26, was on loan from Newcastle at Wigan and Scunthorpe during the early part of that period before his moves to Peterborough and Brentford, whom he joined in 2020
      England star Kieran Trippier was penalised for breaking FA betting rules after telling a friend to “lump on” ahead of his transfer from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid in 2019.
      Trippier did not directly place a bet but following an investigation he was banned from football activity for ten weeks and fined £70,000.
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      In 2016 Joey Barton was found to be in breach of the betting rules after placing 1,260 bets over a period of ten years.
      The following April he was banned for 18 months, effectively ending his career as he retired instead of deciding to appeal his punishment.
      Former England striker Daniel Sturridge was banned for four months in January 2018 after being found guilty of passing on information relating to his transfer.
      He was also hit with a £150,000 fine and Turkish club Trabzonspor terminated his contract.
      Toney has been in red-hot form this season and is the joint-third top scorer in the Premier League.
      His tally of 14 strikes is level with that of Marcus Rashford, and only behind those of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
      Toney is uncapped at international level, but was an unused substitute for England’s 3-3 draw with Germany last September – prior to missing out on the World Cup.
      His impending ban is set to rule him out of the Three Lions’ clashes with Ukraine and Italy next month.
      Toney, 26, was part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad last SeptemberCredit: Getty More

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      Bury back from the dead as Shakers formally apply to play in non-league next season and plot EFL return

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      BURY could finally be back up and running next season after the expelled EFL club yesterday formally submitted an application to play non-league.The Shakers — who were formed in 1885 — have submitted a business plan to the FA setting a target of returning to the EFL by 2031 and are likely to be placed in the North West Counties League.
      SunSport can reveal Bury have applied to rejoin the football pyramidCredit: PA
      The club were booted out of the Football League in 2019Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      SunSport’s Justin Allen visited Gigg Lane and is pictured with the club’s applicationCredit: The Sun
      A friendly against a Premier League or EFL club has been pencilled in for July 1Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Bury’s last season in football saw them clinch promotion to League One at Tranmere
      Club sources have revealed to SunSport that they already have experienced and successful non-league managers who have applied to build a team with a friendly at Gigg Lane against either a Premier League or EFL club pencilled in for July 1.
      Bury have not kicked a ball at their spiritual home since 2019 when the then League One team were controversially booted out after previous owner Steve Dale failed to show proof of funds and a subsequent takeover bid collapsed — ending their proud 125-year EFL membership.
      But in October 2021 the Bury Football Club Supporters Society successfully purchased the Bury FC name, intellectual property, history, memorabilia and, crucially, their Gigg Lane stadium from the club’s administrators.
      In that time since, the stadium, which suffered vandalism and decay while it sat dormant, has been slowly but surely spruced up, mostly thanks to the help of volunteers and local businesses offering their services, hardware and equipment for free. As well as benefactors donating funds to the project.
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      SunSport has seen the impressive 230-page application that has left virtually no stone unturned as the club detail how they plan to grow steadily from a non-league team to eventually restoring their EFL status.
      The North West Counties League are tiers nine and 10 of English football’s pyramid so the club would need to win a minimum of five promotions to return to the EFL.
      Already the club are renting space inside the stadium with plans in place to install more office space to hire out.
      The ground has been opened up for community use and already 39,000 people have passed through the doors — whether it be playing football, using the community hub, watching legends games, local league cup finals and women’s football. The ground has also hosted kids’ soccer camps in the summer.
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      Bury will be installing a new pitch in March and April before hoping to host local cup finals before final preparations are made for the new season.
      The club is making its application under the name Bury Community United Football Club but are hopeful the FA will ratify its bid to be called Bury FC from the onset.
      The club, however, will be able to rebrand itself to Bury FC in 18 months anyway.
      Bury Football Club Supporters Society were handed a £1million government grant from its levelling-up fund to purchase Gigg Lane and develop the stadium for community use.
      So far, despite no first-team fixtures, they have turned over £133,000 with £50,000 in the bank.The community club will use the German model of being 51 per cent fan owned with 49 per cent made up of investors. This is to safeguard it from being taken over by rogue owners. More

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      FA demand extended ban for disgraced ex-Crawley Town boss John Yems after fury at ‘not a conscious racist’ findings

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      THE FA is demanding an extended ban for disgraced former Crawley boss John Yems after getting the green light from lawyers Wembley bosses were furious that Yems was ruled to be “not consciously racist” by the three-man commission that handed him an 18-month ban from the game.
      The FA are demanding an extended ban for John YemsCredit: Getty
      Yems’ attempts to shift the blame and portray himself as the victim.
      Despite admitting one racism charge and being found guilty of 11 more – added to FA angst.
      While anti-racism campaigners and prominent black football figures, including Ian Wright, slammed the wording.
      FA prosecutors had demanded a two-year ban at the initial hearing.
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      And now, after consulting lawyers, the FA confirmed it would demand a new hearing.
      An FA spokesperson said: “We are appealing the sanction imposed by the Independent Panel on John Yems. 
      “We believe a longer sanction is appropriate.
      “We are unable to comment further until the appeal is complete.”
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      The FA does not believe it can challenge the findings of the commission, headed by a leading KC and including former Watford and Sheffield United striker Tony Agana.
      But the appeal panel does have the right to extend the punishment if it agrees with the FA view that the Yems ban was insufficient. More

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      FA to probe Ciaron Brown’s phone, texts & social media amid suspicious betting investigation in Oxford clash vs Arsenal

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      THE FA will look into Oxford defender Ciaron Brown’s phone and social media activity as part of their probe into possible spot-fixing, according to reports.An investigation was launched by the football governing body amid suspicious betting activity on the FA Cup third-round tie with Arsenal.
      Ciaron Brown’s phone could be investigated amid a suspicious betting probe by the FACredit: Getty
      The Oxford defender was booked in the 59th minute against ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      It was reported the FA were made aware with evidence presented to them after full-time.
      And that evidence is said to include WhatsApp messages claiming Brown would definitely be booked during the match.
      The Northern Ireland left-back, 24, was cautioned in the 59th minute after fouling Eddie Nketiah and tussling with Fabio Vieira.
      Earlier on in the match, which Arsenal won 3-0, he escaped punishment for pulling down Gunners pair Bukayo Saka and catching Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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      Now according to the Daily Mail, the FA have the power to interview all related parties and access to their devices.
      It is said they want to start by examining Brown’s phone to review calls, texts and his social media.
      Some supporters have claimed to the Mail they won thousands of pounds with Brown’s second-half yellow card with odds of 8-1.
      And there were suggestions that even a number of Arsenal fans celebrated their winnings when he was cautioned – although there is no suggestion they were involved in any criminal activity.
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      However, some bookmakers have so far refused to pay out due to the alleged suspicious volume of bets on the market in the hours building up to kick off which prompted the odds to drop to 7-2.
      Some experts believe the market was overpriced for a League One defender to get booked against the attack of the Premier League leaders and punters took advantage.
      However, others claim the betting pattern is questionable and should be investigated fully.
      Oxford said: “‘Oxford United can confirm that they have been made aware of a specific allegation of irregular betting around our Emirates FA Cup game against Arsenal on Monday evening,
      “The club will co-operate fully with any investigation and while this is ongoing, we are unable to make any further comment.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo BANNED from Al-Nassr clash tomorrow as FA ban for smashing Everton fan’s phone comes back to haunt him

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been BANNED from making his debut for Al-Nassr tomorrow by the English Football Association.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 37, is now the highest-paid sportsperson ever after he signed a lucrative £173million-a-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned from making his Al-Nassr debut tomorrowCredit: Rex
      The star still has to serve a two-game ban for smashing an Everton fan’s phone from their handCredit: Twitter
      Ronaldo, who was released by Manchester United last month after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, arrived in Riyadh on Monday and was greeted by a large group of adoring fans.
      The forward then underwent his medical on Tuesday ahead of his official unveiling, which took place at Al-Nassr’s home stadium – Mrsool Park – and he later joined his new team-mates in his first training session.
      Al-Nassr were hoping to hand the Portuguese star his big debut tomorrow having sold-out all of their 28,000 seats for their clash with Al Ta’ee.
      However, he has been told he suspended due to the punishment dished out by the FA after he slammed an Everton supporter’s phone out of their hand.
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      Ronaldo received a two-game ban and was fined by the FA in November following the incident with the autistic fan at Goodison Park in April and did not feature for the Red Devils again.
      Ronaldo, who was walking down the tunnel, was cautioned by Merseyside Police after he shoved the young boy’s phone out of his hand after Everton had beaten United 1-0 at Goodison Park.

      He later issued an apology via social media for his “outburst” and issued an invite for the supporter to be his guest for a game at Old Trafford “as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship”.
      He wrote: “It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing.
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      “Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.
      “I would like to apologise for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.”
      But the 14-year-old Jake – who has autism – declined the forward’s offer and refused to accept his apology.
      Due to the break for the World Cup, Ronaldo was unable to serve his suspension before his explosive United exit and now that ban will carry on to his new club.
      And that effectively bars Al-Nassr from playing their new talisman until they have completed two competitive matches that he is available for.
      Article 12.1 of Fifa’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players says: “Any disciplinary sanction of up to four matches or up to three months that has been imposed on a player by the former association but not yet (entirely) served by the time of the transfer shall be enforced by the new association at which the player has been registered in order for the sanction to be served at domestic level.”
      The FA clarified that he must serve his suspension even if he moved abroad in their written reasons when they imposed the ban days after his high-profile interview with Morgan.
      They wrote: “We note the Player has participated in a recently published interview in which he has criticised MUFC. We know not what effect that may nor will have on his future with that club nor whether it will take disciplinary action in respect thereof. The suspension we have imposed must have effect.
      “In other words, it applies to MUFC’s first team competitive matches for which he is eligible for selection. Should he leave MUFC before it completes two first team competitive matches the balance of the suspension will apply to any new club he should join.
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      After tomorrow’s match, Al-Nassr are not back in action until Saturday 14 January in a derby against Al-Shabab.
      They then face Ettifaq at home on January 21 – which now looks set to be Ronaldo’s first match. More

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      Players, fans and football legends beg Gareth Southgate to stay on and lead England to victory in Germany at Euro 2024

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      PLAYERS and fans last night begged Gareth Southgate to stay on as England manager.As he arrived back in the UK from Qatar amid World Cup heartache, he said he will “reflect and review” his position.
      Southgate waves after landing with the England team at Birmingham AirportCredit: Simon Jones
      Gareth Southgate has been begged to stay on as England managerCredit: Getty
      Southgate with Kieran Trippier in Qatar before departingCredit: Reuters
      But it sparked a huge outpouring of support for Southgate to lead the Three Lions to Euro 2024 victory in Germany in 18 months.
      Midfielder Declan Rice said: “I really hope he stays.”
      But as dejected players and staff prepared to fly home, a huge swelling of support was growing for Southgate to stay on.
      England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire hailed the Three Lions’ boss as “amazing”.
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      He said: “I’m sure if you asked every player in the team they wouldn’t be able to speak highly enough of him.”
      Ex-England keeper Peter Shilton believes the 52-year-old gaffer can end the men’s 56-year wait for a trophy.
      He said: “Southgate must stay on as England manager. We have the basis of a team that will eventually win a big trophy. The future looks bright. Keep the faith.”
      Southgate’s young guns outplayed the French world champions at the Al Bayt Stadium but were punished at key moments — while Harry Kane’s uncharacteristic penalty miss late on sealed their fate.
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      Southgate — who has led England to a World Cup semi and a Euros final — is under contract until December 2024 but will now have talks with the FA over his future.
      He refused to commit to staying on for the difficult Euro 2024 campaign — where our first qualifier will be in March against our 2020 conquerors Italy.
      He said: “Whenever I’ve finished these tournaments I’ve needed time to make the correct decision.
      “Emotionally you go through so many different feelings and the energy that it takes through these tournaments is enormous.
      He’s achieved incredible, incredible things for his country. He’s been in the semi-finals, and he’s been in the finals. He’s got to do it again because there are players there, younger players, to take us forward.Paul Parker
      “I want to make the right decision, whatever that is for the team, for England, the FA. I think it is right to take time to do that.”
      Paul Parker, an Italia 90 England star, last night added to the chorus of support for him to stay.
      He said: “Gareth Southgate’s going to go back, and he will want to reflect on what happened, but he’s got to be there for the next tournament — he has to be.
      “He’s achieved incredible, incredible things for his country. He’s been in the semi-finals, and he’s been in the finals. He’s got to do it again because there are players there, younger players, to take us forward.”
      Former England manager Sam Allardyce said: “I’d be surprised if he’s not carrying on for at least the next two years. There’s nothing better as a manager than looking at a team and saying, ‘I have a very, very good squad and I have a very good team at international level’.
      “Every manager wants to work with the best and I think he’s the best England has had for many, many years.
      “More young lads are coming through, so we are getting better and hopefully more resilient.
      “And in the end, hopefully, we can clinch a tournament.”
      Emotionally you go through so many different feelings and the energy that it takes through these tournaments is enormous. I want to make the right decision, whatever that is for the team, for England, the FA. I think it is right to take time to do that.Gareth Southgate
      Man United and England legend Gary Neville wants him to remain even after his current contract ends.
      He said: “I would love Gareth to stay on for another two years. I’d love him to stay on beyond that, whether it be actually as the coach or whether it be in a role in the FA in the future.”
      Fans also pleaded for Southgate to stay after the defeat to France, while Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio was coming under mounting criticism.
      John Jackson, a 59-year-old retired joiner from Gateshead, said: “We were by far the better team against France and would have won if it wasn’t for one kick of the ball and a dodgy ref.
      “This England team is still a work in progress but there’s only one man who can lead us to victory in the Euros — and that man is Gareth Southgate.”
      England Supporters’ Band trumpeter John Hemmingham, 59, said: “It would be a disaster if we lost him now. We’ve just outplayed the world champions and don’t need a new broom to come in and sweep away all the good work he’s done.”
      Sun and TalkTV star Piers Morgan added: “Could anyone else have done better with this (very good) squad of players? I don’t think so.”
      Meanwhile, Maguire risked a fine for blasting the ref, who refused two England penalty appeals and ignored a string of French fouls. He said: “It was really, really poor.”
      Southgate was seen chatting with Kieran Trippier as the players left yesterday while Jude Bellingham, Rice and Jack Grealish waved and gave the thumbs-up to fans.
      Kane was nowhere to be seen as the rest boarded a bus to the airport.
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      He tweeted: “Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for.”
      Saturday night’s game was the most-watched TV event of the year, pulling in 20.4million viewers, ITV said.
      Jack Grealish gives a thumbs-up before leaving QatarCredit: Dan Charity
      Midfielder Declan Rice publicly backed his bossCredit: Reuters
      Jude Bellingham leaves the team base to fly homeCredit: Dan Charity
      Declan Rice said: ‘I really hope he stays. I love playing under him’Credit: Rex More