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      Female footballer, 18, who was banned by FA for trans comment wants body to apologise after case folded

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      A TEENAGE girl footballer banned for asking a bearded transgender opponent “Are you a man?” wants the FA to apologise after the case folded.Cerys Vaughan, 18, raised safety and fairness concerns during a friendly.Cerys Vaughan, 18, raised safety and fairness concerns during a friendlyCredit: BBC SportAnti-discrimination watchdog Kick It Out complained and Cerys, then 17, was charged with breaching FA rules. Vaughan, of Leigh Genesis FC in Gtr Manchester, was banned for six matches, with four suspended for a year.She appealed against the decision and an FA board ruled the hearing “unfair” and dismissed the case. It came after the FA said transgender players would be barred from June 1 following a Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.Read More on UK NewsCerys said: “I’d like the FA to apologise for the way they treated me. “It was stressful and in the end pointless.“If the new ruling was in place when I asked the original question I’d never have been punished.” The FA said it dropped the case after the complainant withdrew for personal reasons.Most read in SportTrans ruling victory hides a terrifying reality – for years, women have been demonised simply for pointing out biological fact More

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      FA Cup final gets never-before-seen kick-off time after BBC and ITV clash over scheduling

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      THE FA CUP final has been given a brand new kick-off time just two weeks before the showpiece match at Wembley Stadium.Manchester City and Crystal Palace’s season-concluding clash will start at a later time of 4:30pm BST on Saturday May 17.The FA Cup kick-off time has finally been shared with fansCredit: ReutersThe new time was agreed following collaboration with the two clubs, broadcasters, local authorities, police and the Safety Advisory Group.The FA Cup final has traditionally kicked off at 3pm – a time preferred by police.FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were delayed, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb wanted the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there would be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMore than 7.5million people in the UK watched Eurovision on the BBC last year, with the corporation desperate to not see the final clash with the competition.ITV were understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.The 2022 final between Chelsea and Liverpool was forced to start at 4:45pm because of a scheduling clash with Eurovision that night too.In each of the Chelsea’s previous trips to Wembley in 2021 and 2020 for the FA Cup final kick-off has been at 5:15pm and 5:30pmMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCity booked their place in the final for the third straight year with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Sunday,Goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol gave Pep Guardiola the chance to end a disappointing season with another trophy.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyMeanwhile, Crystal Palace are chasing their first ever FA Cup gong after thrashing Aston Villa in the semi-final on Saturday.A wonder striker from Eberechi Eze and a double from Ismaila Sarr secured Palace’s third ever final in the competition.The 2024-25 FA Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer as well as ITV1 and ITVX.No Premier League matches have been scheduled for the final.There were rows and rows of empty seats for the FA Cup semi-finalsAnd City will be hoping that their fans actually turn up this time, after 5,000 fans snubbed the journey against Forest.Fans of both clubs are already raging over an increase in ticket prices – a first in six years – with fees ranging from £175 for a category 1 ticket to £50 for category 4.That’s a rise of £30 for category 1 tickets compared to the 2024 final.Read More on The SunA spokesperson said: “The FA Cup is our biggest revenue producer, and it allows us to invest more funding into every level of English football.“We will be freezing the prices of almost all tickets to the Emirates FA Cup Final for the next three years.” More

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      FA needs to urgently rethink policy on FA Cup semi-finals after rows and rows of empty Wembley seats

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      CAN you imagine turning up to a Taylor Swift gig and finding rows and rows of empty seats? Exactly, it wouldn’t happen.But last weekend, for a showpiece occasion at Wembley Stadium, there were banks of seating with no one in them.There were rows and rows of empty seats for the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: ReutersIt was very far from a sell-out and the FA needs to urgently rethink their policy on FA Cup semi-finals.Push finally came to shove as the simple economics of attending matches in the capital hit home last Sunday as Manchester City against Nottingham Forest, two big clubs based many miles from Wembley, clashed for a place in the final.What greeted the millions of armchair viewers across the world, keen to tune in to the oldest football competition of them all? Thousands of unused plastic red seats.First of all, it’s not a good look. TV companies will not be remotely happy with this.Most read in FootballTrying to sell a tournament when there are empty seats galore is difficult if not impossible and it damages the image of the competition.A lot is said about the ‘magic’ of the FA Cup, but the TV coverage from Sunday will prompt many to ask why fans are not turning up.This is not a dig at City at all. They are one of the best-supported clubs but could only shift 27,000 of their 36,230 allocation.This was their 29th Wembley trip since the stadium was refurbished in 2007 so you can understand why a touch of London fatigue has kicked in.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTicket prices cost between £30 and £150 and then you have the 400-mile round trip.Throw in food and drink, plus the Russian roulette of catching a train and you can see why thousands of die-hard fans said enough is enough.Karren Brady’s daughter Sophia reveals she’s pregnant with her second child – as Apprentic star is set to become a grandmother againAsking two clubs to travel so far from their fanbase is not only expensive, it’s also illogical.Why not use much closer, high-quality venues such as Villa Park or Old Trafford.Wembley should be reserved for the final. You might think that is traditionalist but some traditions are worth preserving.It always had a real aura about it and getting there was a kind of footballing El Dorado.By putting semi-finals there, the FA has diluted their own competition, with the result there were over 17,000 empty seats on Sunday.It’s not as if this was a rare occurrence as the 2023 FA Cup semi-final between City and Sheffield United attracted fewer than 70,000 at Wembley’s 90,000- capacity stadium.In 2019, just over 71,000 attended the semi-final between Brighton and City.I think some common sense as well as common decency is needed.If two clubs from the capital meet each other in an FA Cup semi-final, I can see the logic in hosting it at Wembley.Many Man City fans didn’t seem bothered to travel to the capital for the gameCredit: PABut dragging Northerners hundreds of miles to London, with the enormous costs involved, seems complete lunacy.Football needs to take care of its traditions and none more so than the FA Cup which, since it began in 1871, has seen 44 different clubs lift the famous trophy.It has been won by Blackpool and Burnley, Wimbledon and Wigan and the FA Cup needs to be cherished and respected.Perhaps the most famous FA Cup giant-killing goal of them all was Ronnie Radford’s screamer to help non-league Hereford knock out Newcastle in the 1970s.Read More on The SunRonnie’s reaction has gone down in folklore as he celebrated hands aloft, tummy out, wide-mouthed in disbelief.The reaction of the fans showed what it meant to the good folk of Hereford. Wouldn’t have been the same with rows of empty seats, would it? More

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      FA bosses MUST apologise for treatment of women forced to compete against biological men & punished if they complained

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      FA chiefs finally red-carded trans players from women’s football yesterday.Biological men will be banned from all levels of the women’s game from June 1. FA bosses are facing demands to apologise for the treatment of women and girls forced to compete against biological menTrans goalie Blair Hamilton, circled, joined a women’s teamTrans Radio UK, made up solely of trans women, played against Dulwich Hamlet WomenCredit: AlamyFA bosses are facing demands to apologise for the treatment of women and girls forced to compete against biological men — and punished if they complained.They finally acted following last month’s Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.The decision affects around 20 trans footballers registered at grassroots level.Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies, who has led a ten-year fight to stop biological men taking part in women’s sport, told The Sun she was delighted, and disgusted, by the FA’s “too little, too late” move.READ MORE UK NEWSShe said: “I’ve heard all kinds of heartbreaking stories — women saying they just can’t compete with men who’ve ruined the enjoyment of their sport.’Sense has prevailed’“It’s crazy and I’m pleased to see sense has finally prevailed (in football) but I won’t rest until men are barred from all female sport.”Sharron told of her fury that the FA has yet to apologise to an autistic girl, 17, banned six games for asking a “bearded” opponent: “Are you a man?”She denied being transphobic and said she was concerned for her safety. Sharron added: “The FA owes this girl an apology and all the women forced to compete against men.Most read in Football“The FA have misrepresented the Equality Act, which has not actually changed, and have been sanctioning legalised cheating for years in ­pursuit of a woke agenda.”FA rules reviewed on April 1 had allowed the 20 or so trans players to carry on playing if their testosterone levels were below a set level for at least 12 months.But chiefs sparked confusion by saying they could intervene if concerns were raised about safety and fairness.Trans women are NOT women, Supreme Court rules in win for anti-woke campaigners after battle over female-only spacesFiona McAnena, of campaign group Sex Matters, said of yesterday’s new ruling: “This is welcome but long overdue.“The FA has had ample evidence of the harm to women and girls caused by its nonsensical policy of letting men who identify as women play in women’s teams.“The requirement to lower their testosterone tells you that everyone knew they were not women.“Thankfully, the UK Supreme Court has now confirmed this.“Every other sporting body now needs to re-establish a genuine women’s category, and this shameful period in history will finally be brought to an end.”My experience is playing in the men’s game, ten to 15 years ago it wasn’t a safe place to be transgender or non-conforming in any wayNatalie WashingtonTory MP Sir John Hayes added: “This is a victory for common sense. Sporting competition needs to be fair and farce had replaced fairness.”In a 2022 “world first”, Trans Radio UK, a team of solely trans women, played their first game against Dulwich Hamlet Women.Last September Sutton United women’s team postponed their fixture against Ebbsfleet United after a row over the signing of trans goalie Blair Hamilton.In November 2023 trans player Francesca Needham quit Rossington Main Ladies FC in South Yorkshire and claimed she suffered discrimination after opponents refused to play against her.Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies, who has led a ten-year fight to stop biological men taking part in women’s sportCredit: AlamyLast night Natalie Washington, of Football v Transphobia, told how trans players have said they could give up the game from June 1.Natalie said: “Most don’t feel they can play in the men’s game for reasons of safety and comfort.“My experience is playing in the men’s game, ten to 15, years ago it wasn’t a safe place to be transgender or non-conforming in any way.“That’s probably improved slightly but it’s still not a great place to be.”’Biology matters’The FA said: “We understand this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify.“We are contacting the registered transgender players to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game.”Asked about an apology to biologically female players, the FA said: “We’ve no further comment.”Read More on The SunDowning Street insisted “biology matters” when it comes to women’s sport and “everyone should be compliant with the law”.Other sports could follow the FA’s lead. The English Cricket Board currently allows for self-identification at all levels. But chiefs could confirm a policy change today.APOLOGY BY POLICEBy Andy RobinsonPOLICE have apologised after investigating a fan who was banned by Newcastle United for expressing gender-critical views.Linzi Smith, 34, was accused of being transphobic by a complainant who claimed trans people would not feel safe sitting near her at St James’ Park.She promotes lesbian, bisexual and women’s rights online.Northumbria Police launched a hate crime probe after being handed a dossier by the club.Linzi was interviewed for two hours under caution in 2023 and eventually faced no further action.The force now says elements of the probe were unacceptable. Linzi said: “I can’t help but feel let down over so many failings.”Newcastle fan Linzi Smith was accused of being transphobicCredit: LInzi Smith More

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      BBC at odds with ITV over FA Cup Final kick-off time with talks ongoing just TWO WEEKS before showpiece occasion

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans have slammed Wembley chiefs for keeping them in the FA Cup Final dark.With only 16 days before City run out against Crystal Palace for English football’s showpiece occasion, there has still been no confirmation of the kick-off time.Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner will lock horns with Man City counterpart Pep Guardiola in the FA Cup final on May 17Credit: AlamyThe two broadcasters have differing views on kick-off timeLast night the FA took all information about the game off its official website, with the page designation for Final details reading: “No Fixtures available, please check later.”FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were still ongoing, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb want the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there will be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.ITV are understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, the FA has to square all decisions off with Police, local council safety chiefs and the transport authorities.Even so, there is a recognition that the lack of certainty is not the best look.And the lack of confirmation brought an angry response from City supporters, already fuming at ticket prices of up to £285.City sold 5,000 short of their allocation for the semi-final win over Nottingham Forest.Most read in FA CupBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoss Pep Guardiola noted the amount his side’s supporters have had to fork out for Wembley trips over recent season.City YouTube channel presenter Steven McInerney, pointing to all Final category tickets having gone up by between £5 and £35, said on X: “The prices compared to last year are taking the p***.“It’s in two weeks, people have to organise travel and the kick off time hasn’t even been announced yet.“Shambles of an institution. Fans slapped in the face constantly.” More

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      FA launch brand new tournament with former England stars fronting star-studded line-up

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      THE FA have launched a brand new tournament with several former England stars fronting a star-studded line-up.All eyes will be on Wembley next month when Manchester City and Crystal Palace battle it out for the FA Cup.Jermain Defoe is one of several ex-England stars heading up a new tournamentCredit: AlamyBen Foster will also be involved in the FA’s new five-aside-tournamentCredit: PABut ahead of the crunch final, the FA and tournament sponsors Emirates have launched a brand new five-a-side football tournament.Featuring four teams, the competition will take place at St George’s Park — the base of the FA and England’s football teams.The teams will be made up of non-league stars, influencers and local community heroes.But there are a slew of former aces involved, with each heading up a side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFifty-seven cap England striker and Tottenham icon Jermain Defoe will front one side.While another will be led by eight-time England goalie Ben Foster.Chelsea title winner Shaun Wright-Phillips will take charge of the third team.While Newcastle hero Shola Ameobi is the fourth name getting involved.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEach side will represent an Emirates Flight Hub.These include London, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle.Roy Keane delivers verdict on Thomas Tuchel after two games with England and claims he’s been handed ‘easy start’Shaun Wright-Phillips will lead one of the sidesCredit: AlamyEx-Newcastle ace Shola Ameobi is also involvedCredit: GettyEach one is also linked with a destination such as Indonesia, Dubai, Thailand and Cambodia.And the tournament’s top scorer and best player could end up being gifted a flight to their team’s corresponding country as a reward.A date for the competition is yet to be confirmed, but it will be streamed live on YouTube. More

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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