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      From snorting coke to moaning he was ‘too big’ to ref Coventry, nine moments in David Coote’s downfall

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      TWO days after his Klopp comments went viral, The Sun revealed on November 13 Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken on July 6 while he was officiating at the Euros.COOTE: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”The nine moments in Premier League referee David Coote’s downfallCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd1.The Sun revealed that Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken while he was officiating at the Euros2.Coote said in video chats table toppers Liverpool ‘will not win the Premier League’Credit: GettyCOOTE said in video chats table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League”.COOTE: “I guess I’m a human being who made a mistake in a moment I now deeply regret.”3.He branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a ‘Scottish p****’Credit: GettyTHE ref branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a “Scottish p****.”COOTE: “I certainly don’t think that. Everybody who takes to the football field is full of emotion. When we’re involved in the game, things will be said that people don’t mean. Read More on Sport”I’m pretty sure there’s been plenty of players or managers that have said things about me they wouldn’t sit here and say they believe. The same is true of us as match officials.”4.Coote said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans ‘shouting abuse so close to the pitch’Credit: GettyHE said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.COOTE: “It’s certainly not the worst place to officiate. Each ground, depending on how the result goes, can be just as difficult as any other. “So there’s no particular ground that’s more difficult than the other because it’s all really circumstance dependent.”Most read in Football5.The ref said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is ‘too far away’Credit: GettyCOOTE said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is “too far away”.COOTE: “We’re asked to go north, south, east and west, and all over Europe. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”There’s teams of officials that have been as far as Kazakhstan to do games. I was sent to Indonesia, so distance travel is never an issue.”6.He moaned he was ‘too big’ to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford UtdCredit: GettyTHE ref moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford Utd on August 16.COOTE: “The Championship is a fantastic league and my experience of Coventry and all of the other games in the league have been really good ones — some of the most exciting football you’ll get to see.”7.The ref arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersCOOTE arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30. During the interval he messaged his pal to say: “Hope you’re getting ready for me.”COOTE: “It never happened. These kinds of messages were among the behaviours I engaged with in order to escape.“It was almost like a different me and it’s something I really regret doing.“Clearly now I regret entering into those conversations.“I’ve paid the price for having them and that’s been a heavy one from a career and emotional perspective.”8.Coote giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West BromCredit: YouTubeAT the centre of an FA betting probe after he discussed giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West Brom. He messaged a pal: “I hope you backed as discussed.”COOTE: “I can categorically say that I’ve only ever done my best when I’ve gone onto the field of play.”9. Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)Credit: PASACKED by the PGMOL.COOTE: “I have nearly 30 years experience of refereeing and I understood the implications of the situation I found myself in and the position the PGMOL were in.”The Sun’s back page reported on Coote’s X-rated Klopp rantIT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – ContributorAmal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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      Wrexham’s European dreams shattered by FA as Ryan Reynolds’ club BLOCKED from entering new competition

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      WREXHAM’s hopes of competing in Europe have been dashed.It comes after the Football Association blocked attempts to allow clubs playing in the English leagues to participate in the Welsh League Cup.Wrexham’s European dream has been blocked by the FA after they were denied access to playing in the Welsh League CupCredit: GettyThe new-look Welsh League Cup has been granted a Conference League qualification spot by UEFA.And the Football Association of Wales (FAW) had wanted the EFL’s Welsh clubs – Wrexham, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport – to participate.However, the English FA board has rejected the proposal on the grounds it does not provide equal opportunity to other clubs in the English football pyramid.A statement from the FA said: “The FA board has considered a request made by four Welsh clubs to take part in a restructured version of the FAW League Cup which would provide an opportunity to qualify for UEFA competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As part of the request, the Welsh clubs would forfeit their existing right to qualify for UEFA club competitions through the English system whilst they remained members of the EFL.”The Welsh clubs would then seek to qualify for UEFA competition via the English system should they be promoted to the Premier League.”As a result of the request, the FA undertook a thorough consultation with stakeholders and invited submissions from the Welsh clubs.”Following careful consideration, taking into account various factors including equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis; concerns raised by stakeholders regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare, and the impact on the standing of existing competitions, the FA board has rejected the request.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It was noted that it is open to the Welsh clubs to choose whether or not to participate in the English or Welsh system based on their own assessment of the relative merits of participation in each system, but if they choose to participate in the English system they must do so on the same basis as the English clubs which participate in that system.”If accepted the move would have handed the likes of Wrexham an additional revenue stream not accessible by their English EFL rivals.Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds The Red Dragons were the last Welsh EFL side to play in Europe via a Welsh competition, coming in 1995/96 through the Welsh Cup.Since then, only Swansea have competed on the continent after winning the English League Cup in 2013. More

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      Man Utd slapped with huge fine after FA Cup win at Arsenal and both clubs face punishment over penalty melee

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      MANCHESTER United will be hit with a £75,000 fine after their FA Cup triumph at Arsenal.But Wembley beaks could also charge BOTH clubs for the melee that followed the Gunners’ contentious second half penalty.A huge scrap broke out during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Man UtdCredit: ReutersLisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandez, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire were outraged by the referee’s decision to give a second half penaltyCredit: GettyMan Utd have been hit with a fine for receiving at least six cards during the matchCredit: PAUnited survived almost an hour of normal and extra time with 10 men after Diogo Dalot was dismissed for a second yellow card.Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire – for his outraged reaction to Kai Havertz’s role in the spot kick award – were also cautioned by ref Andy Madley, as well as one member of the United coaching staff.Fines are automatically issued if a club picks up six or more cards in a game, with the amount increasing each time.United were fined £25,000 for breaching the threshold in the 3-0 home defeat by Spurs, doubled to £50,000 for a repeat offence in the Old Trafford draw with Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd the third occurrence will see the fine increase to £75,000, taking their tally to £150,000 so far this season.Meanwhile, FA beaks will await Madley’s report before deciding whether to issue charges of “failing to control players” to both clubs in the tear-up sparked by the penalty award.Maguire appeared to label Havertz a “cheat” after his tumble was viewed by Madley as a foul.There were a series of physical clashes on the edge of the box and with no VAR in operation Madley and his fellow officials received no help in determining what had gone on. Once calm had been restored, Altay Bayindir saved Martin Odegaard’s effort.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it is likely that the FA will study the footage and issue charges against both clubs, likely to result in significant extra fines.The Man Utd social media account claimed “justice” was served at full-time.Ruben Amorim praises ‘hero’ Altay Bayindir after Man Utd FA Cup win Reacting to the initial penalty incident, Ruben Amorim said: “The players told me it was not a penalty, but let’s move on.”We are more resilient. More aggressive.”We showed a different spirit. We are improving that aspect.”The players were really tired but today was our day. I felt a connection with the fans.”Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot’s moment of madnessMANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 8Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.DIOGO DALOT – 3Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.MANUEL UGARTE – 7A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.RASMUS HOJLUND – 3Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.SUBSTITUTESAmad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6Stuck to his task well.Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb. More

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      When is FA Cup 4th round draw? Date, start time, TV channel and FREE stream as 32 sides learn opponents for next stage

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      THE FA Cup third round is underway with fans treated to some blockbuster ties!44 Premier League and Championship clubs enter the competition at this stage, joining 20 lower-league and non-league outfits.Some huge clubs will bow out at the third round stage of this season’s FA CupCredit: GettySome of the standout matches of the FA Cup third round include League Two Accrington Stanley’s clash with top-flight leaders Liverpool at Anfield.Tamworth, who are the lowest-ranked side left in the prestigious competition, host Premier League royalty as they welcome Ange Postecoglu’s Tottenham.Elsewhere, FA Cup holders Manchester United take on fellow English giants Arsenal in Sunday’s featured tie.The 64 teams competing in the third round will be reduced to 32, which means some huge names won’t be in the hat for the next stage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport brings you all the details you need ahead of the FA Cup fourth round draw.When is the FA Cup fourth round draw?The FA Cup fourth round draw will take place on Sunday, January 12.The draw will take place following the conclusion of Arsenal’s blockbuster clash with Man Utd.The glamour tie kicks off at 3pm GMT, meaning the draw could begin at around 5pm GMT, depending on whether or not extra-time and possibly penalties are needed.FA Cup fourth round matches will be played across the weekend of Saturday, February 8.What TV channel will the FA Cup fourth round draw be on and can it be live streamed FREE?The FA Cup fourth round draw will be broadcast live on BBC One.You can live stream the draw for FREE via the BBC iPlayer app/website or The Emirates FA Cup’s official YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you all the ties as they are confirmed.FA Cup third round fixtures and resultsThursday, January 9Most read in FA CupSheffield United 0-1 Cardiff City Everton 2-0 Peterborough UnitedFulham 4-1 WatfordFriday, January 10Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 PortsmouthAston Villa 2-1 West Ham UnitedSaturday, January 11 – 12pm GMTBristol City v Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City v Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough v Blackburn RoversSaturday, January 11 – 12.15pm GMTLiverpool v Accrington Stanley Saturday, January 11 – 3pm GMTExeter City v Oxford UnitedPreston North End P-P Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich AlbionReading v BurnleySunderland v Stoke CityNottingham Forest v Luton TownBrentford v Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City v Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea v Morecambe Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers Saturday, January 11 – 5.45pm GMTMan City v Salford City Leeds United v Harrogate Town Saturday, January 11 – 6pm GMTLeyton Orient v Derby CountyCoventry City v Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town P-P Wigan AthleticSunday, January 12 – 12pm GMTHull City v Doncaster RoversSunday, January 12 – 12.30 GMTTamworth v Tottenham Hotspur Sunday, January 12 – 3pm GMTArsenal v Man UtdNewcastle United v Bromley Ipswich Town v Bristol RoversCrystal Palace v Stockport CountySunday, January 12 – 4.30pm GMTSouthampton v Swansea CityREAD MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 13 – 7.30pm GMTMillwall v Dagenham & Redbridge More

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      Football postponed LIVE: Latest with many FA Cup third round ties under threat as multiple EFL clashes are called OFF

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      IT’S FA Cup weekend – but fixtures are under threat as the big freeze continues across the UK.Preston’s third round clash with Charlton has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.Multiple matches across the EFL and non-league have been called off because of frozen pitches all around the UK.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…More non-league OFFAn FA Vase game between Walsham Le Willows and Whitstable Town is the latest to be called off.Copy linkCopiedSnow watchHeavy snow in West Yorkshire has led to the cancellation of Frickley Athletic’s game against Bottesford Town.Copy linkCopiedScottish game offAnnan Athletic have confirmed their fixture with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.Copy linkCopiedDropping like fliesNon-league games in the north are also being heavily affected with several clubs announcing postponements.The following are now off:Darlington vs ChorleyHereford vs WarringtonCurzon Ashton vs Scarborough AthleticBury vs Isle of ManStockbridge Park Steels vs Grimsby BoroughCopy linkCopiedEFL’s bottom side forced to postponeCarlisle were set to host MK Dons tomorrow but a frozen pitch means the match has been called off.Copy linkCopiedNon-league mayhemFour National League fixtures have been called off early.Southend vs HalifaxBarnet vs HartlepoolSutton vs FyldeMaidenhead vs YorkCopy linkCopiedEFL clash offBarrow have confirmed their match against Port Vale has been postponed.A frozen pitch again the cause.Copy linkCopiedPreston vs Charlton offA pitch inspection at Deepdale has deemed the pitch unplayable.The tie has also been re-scheduled for Tuesday, kick-off time 7:45pm.Copy linkCopiedCup clash bites the dustMansfield have called off their third-round clash with Wigan due to a frozen pitch.The match has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, which means the Stags’ League One clash with Exeter has also been moved.Copy linkCopiedHello and welcomeWelcome to SunSport’s football weather tracker, keeping you up to date with all the fixture cancellations ahead of the FA Cup third round.Two EFL games have already been called off due to the frosty conditions, with many more under threat.Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield in League One have been postponed.Copy linkCopied More

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      Norwich star Borja Sainz slapped with six-match ban after SPITTING at Sunderland rival as he issues grovelling apology

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      NORWICH star Borja Sainz has been banned for SIX matches and fined £12,000 for a spitting at a player. The incident took place in the Canaries’ 2-1 loss to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on December 21.Borja Sainz has been banned for six matches and fined for a spitting at a playerCredit: PASpaniard Sainz – the Championship top scorer with 15 league goals this season – admitted the charge at an FA independent disciplinary commission.Sainz said: “Following today’s announcement from the FA, I want to take this opportunity to issue a sincere and public apology for my actions during our game against Sunderland. “Spitting at an opponent is completely out of character for me, and my reaction in that moment was unacceptable. I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility.”I want to apologise directly to the opposing player, Chris Mepham, for my behaviour. READ MORE IN football “Additionally, I extend my apologies to my team mates, our coaching staff and our fans. “I am deeply disappointed in myself and for letting all of you down through my conduct.”While I am saddened to miss the upcoming games, I will use this time to reflect, learn and refocus, so that I can return stronger and continue contributing to the team for the rest of the season. “Thank you for your understanding and support. Borja.”Most read in FootballSainz got away with the incident at the time after it was missed by the match officials and played in Norwich’s following four league matches. The FA had launched an investigation and confirmed the forward breached FA Rule E1.1 and determined he “committed the sending off offence”.Philippe Clement reacts after angry Rangers fans call for him to quit after Dundee clashA statement read: “Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has been suspended for six matches and fined £12,000 following a breach of FA Rule E1.1 that took place during their EFL Championship match against Sunderland on Saturday 21 December 2024.”It was alleged that the forward committed the sending off offence of spitting at an opponent, during the 74th minute of the fixture. “Borja Sainz admitted the charge and his sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission. “Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.” More

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      Wycombe and Portsmouth fans can watch their moved FA Cup clash in Kyrgyzstan or Papua New Guinea… but NOT in UK

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      THIRD ROUND weekend is upon us, with a seemingly endless list of FA Cup ties kicking off at different times over a five-day spell.Starting with Thursday’s tie between Sheffield United and Cardiff City at Bramall Lane, there are some FOURTEEN different kick-off times.The FA Cup has been on display at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyWhile the BBC and ITV have a host of games between them, including glamour ties like Liverpool vs Accrington and Tamworth vs Tottenham, other matches were moved after being picked for overseas TV.Among the slightly less glamorous ties moved are Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth on Friday night and Birmingham vs Lincoln on Saturday lunchtime.Yet, despite being moved, many of these ties are NOT available to watch in the UK.When League One Wycombe host Championship rivals Pompey on Friday, overseas fans in SEVENTY FOUR countries will be able to tune in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters in Kyrgyzstan can tune in for the 7:45pm kick off at nearly 2am local time time should they so wish – nothing screams finishing your Friday night out with an afterparty watching the FA Cup.Likewise, any avid Pompey fans in Papua New Guinea can sit down and watch the game if they like – though it would mean a very early 5:45am start.The decision to move many of these fixtures has been controversial with home and away fans alike, particularly ahead of Everton vs Peterborough on Thursday night.The final third round tie at Goodison Park is available on BBC iPlayer and the Red Button, but the decision went down like a lead balloon with much of the Posh fanbase, who face a 300-mile round trip in icy conditions on a school night.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen TV selections were confirmed, the League One club urged the FA to rethink the decision, saying: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.”Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.Gary Neville tells Salford captain ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after comment live on BBC during FA Cup draw”We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.”An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”Ultimately, the match is a sell out, with both home and away fans coming out in their thousands for what looks set to be a strange night on Merseyside.The Toffees sacked Sean Dyche earlier today, with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman set to take charge, and David Moyes among the contenders to land the vacant job. More

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      FA Cup changes rule for first time in 154-year history with huge impact on mega-money prize pot

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      THIRD round losers will get prize money for the first time as the FA Cup kicks off for real on Thursday. All 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each bagging £115,000.The FA have announced brand new prize pot rules for the FA CupCredit: GettyFA chiefs agreed the extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays from the first round proper.Losing sides in the first and second round earned £15,000 and £20,000 respectively.Although this weekend’s ties will be the last this season that have a financial consolation prize.The total prize pot on offer from the first round onwards has gone up by £2.44m to £20.3m.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut the majority of the extra cash will go to lower league clubs.And there is no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.May’s Wembley winners will earn a total £3.91m, just £10,000 more than Manchester United picked up in prize money last term.That compares to the £6.795m that Arsenal earned for their behind closed doors Final win over Chelsea in 2020.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe impact of the pandemic on Wembley finances saw a significant reduction in FA Cup prize money.That has only marginally increased over the intervening four seasons.FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoyThe 12 clubs involved in the third-round matches selected for live screening by BBC and ITV – including Tamworth, who host Spurs on Sunday – will all receive £85,000.In addition, being broadcast on BBC iPlayer and Red Button services will earn Chelsea, Preston, Manchester City and Huddersfield £40,000.While Shrewsbury and Wrexham will split £96,000 equally after their game was chosen by SC4. More