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      in Soccer

      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney investigated by FA over match-betting ahead of this month’s World Cup

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      THREE Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.The £50million Brentford striker is being investigated by Football Association officials over allegations of wagers placed on games.
      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.Credit: Getty
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs – not current Premier League side BrentfordCredit: Focus Images
      Toney seen training with England skipper Harry KaneCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Toney, 26, is widely expected to be in England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar, which starts a fortnight today.
      Astonishingly, despite the ongoing investigation, he was picked for Three Lions duty during recent Nations League matches — but did not play.
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs. A source said: “Ivan is aware of the investigation. He is concerned but is adamant that he has done nothing wrong.
      “The FA is duty-bound to act fully on allegations they receive. But it is obviously a highly sensitive matter for the FA as he is a potential candidate for the England World Cup squad.”
      READ MORE ON QATAR 22
      No charges have been brought by FA chiefs against the player.
      There is no suggestion of any criminal activity by Toney — who also previously played for Newcastle United — or that he attempted to fix the outcome of any match.
      However, under FA rules, all ­professional men and top women players face a worldwide ban on all football betting.
      The laws are so strict they include gambling on transfers, manager jobs and team selection and apply to players and managers, match officials and club staff.
      Most read in Football
      They state that players “shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with a football match or competition.
      “Or any other matter concerning or related to football anywhere in the world, including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters.”
      Last night Toney tweeted: “I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion. 
      “I am a proud Englishman and it has always been my dream to play for my country at a World Cup.”
      Toney — regarded as one of the world’s best penalty-takers — was selected for Three Lions duty for Nations League matches against Germany and Italy in September.
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his squad place. 
      Southgate said: “I understand the push as it is so close to the World Cup but there is life for Ivan Toney beyond the World Cup as well. He’s very much in the frame and what he does with his club between now and then is also really important.”
      The fact that he was selected by FA bosses while he was being probed by the investigators from the same organisation will prompt questions about the governing body’s handling of the matter.
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting. Its website says: “The FA wants to preserve what is great in the beautiful game and has devised rules regarding betting in football to help protect the integrity and future of football.”
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his place in the squadCredit: Getty
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting.Credit: Rex
      It adds: “The FA, the Gambling Commission and betting companies have sophisticated systems to monitor and detect breaches of the betting rules. These organisations advise us of issues that arise in the cash, telephone and online betting markets.
      “If found guilty, then this can lead to financial penalties, suspensions, and in some instances, lifetime bans.
      “It is your responsibility to make sure you know the rules and help support the collective effort from the football authorities, players, clubs and officials, to protect the integrity of the game. The rules have never been clearer or easier to understand.”
      A source said: “It seems incredible that a high-profile star could be chosen for England duty at the same time that he is being investigated over betting. England footballers are role models for millions of youngsters and their conduct in relation to the sport must reflect that status.
      “Fans have a right to know if a star player is being probed — their focus must be entirely on winning the World Cup with no distractions.”
      Tory MP Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said: “These are serious allegations being made.
      “Football needs to be transparent. Any allegation of this nature needs to be investigated and there is a clear public interest.”
      Although there is no suggestion Toney is a gambling addict, Gareth Southgate is concerned about the impact of gambling on players.
      He witnessed first-hand its impact on ex-England team-mates Paul Merson, Tony Adams and Paul Gascoigne when he was a player.
      Before taking up his current role, he said: “Gambling is an addictive pastime. I think it’s for the national manager to step in if they feel there is an issue. 
      “People have always gambled in squads and sometimes in the squads I was involved in it got people together. But some of the sums being spoken at the moment would be disturbing no matter what you’re earning.
      “There is a duty for everybody involved to make sure those problems don’t get out of hand.” 
      The FA’s regulations were put in place after football was rocked by a string of betting controversies in 2014. A number of top players have been hit with bans — though they all involved more serious conduct than that being investigated over Toney.
      In 2020 ex-Chelsea star Daniel Sturridge was banned for four months and fined £150,000 for texting brother Leon to bet on his possible move from Liverpool to Sevilla.
      In 2019 Newcastle and England full-back Kieran Trippier was banned for ten weeks and fined £70,000 for WhatsApping pals “Lump on if you want” over his rumoured move to Atletico Madrid.
      In 2017, Joey Barton was banned for 18 months after placing 1,260 bets on matches between 2006 and 2013 — including games in which he played.
      In October ex-Reading defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 12 years for deliberately earning a yellow card in an FA Cup first-round tie.
      Read More on The Sun
      He was hit with a ten-year ban for the scam with pals and a further two years for failing to co-operate with the FA investigation and further betting.
      Toney’s agent and the FA were approached for comment. 
      SPOT-KICK KING’S RISE TO THE TOPBy Michael Hamilton
      IVAN Toney has risen from relative obscurity to the brink of England’s World Cup squad.
      He has won plaudits for his swashbuckling style and has scored eight times this season for Premier League side Brentford.
      Toney joined Newcastle in 2015 as a teenager but only made two appearances for the Toon, who sent him out on loans. He plied his trade at Wigan, Scunthorpe and Barnsley.
      He moved to Peterborough in 2018 — scoring 40 times in 76 appearances before switching to Brentford in 2020 for a modest £5million.
      Toney scored 31 Championship goals to fire the West London club into the Premier League. His good form continued last season as he scored 12 times.
      He has an impressive penalty record – netting 25 of 26 spot-kicks.
      A World Cup place would take him to new heights. More

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      in Soccer

      How 1966 commentary legend Kenneth Wolstenholme cheated death as WW2 bomber pilot

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      A WARTIME RAF logbook reveals how football commentating icon Kenneth Wolstenholme cheated death after the plane he piloted came under heavy fire.He is known for the line, ‘They think it’s all over . . . it is now,’ at Geoff Hurst’s third goal sealing England’s 1966 World Cup win.
      The famous 1966 World Cup commentator was earlier an exceptional RAF pilotCredit: Bournemouth News
      He was best known for the famous phrase ‘they think it’s all over … it is now’
      He commentated as Geoff Hurst made the third goal sealing England’s World Cup victoryCredit: Getty
      But he had earlier been an exceptional RAF pilot who flew 89 raids for Bomber Command in World War Two.
      He was nearly killed in a sortie on the German archipelago of Heligoland in 1941.
      An entry in the logbook tells of his Blenheim bomber being badly damaged and observer Sgt John “Polly” Wilson killed.
      Wolstenholme wrote: “Very shaky do. Three shells in nose — one got Polly.
      READ MORE ON BEAUTIFUL GAME
      “P (port) Wing smashed; tail and elevator riddled. Big shell hole in fin; bomb doors shot away; electric system shot away; cockpit, belly, both engines riddled with holes.
      “Hell of a lot of flak. Glad to see West Raynham (RAF base in Norfolk) and land. Drunk that night — thank God!”
      Wolstenholme also flew on Operation Varsity — history’s largest airborne operation on a single day and in one location.
      He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar.
      Most read in The Sun
      The Lancashire-born hero returned to journalism after the war and began working in TV at the BBC in 1948.
      He died in March 2002, aged 81.
      Read More on The Sun
      His logbook, medals and wartime photo album may fetch £15,000 at auction.
      Adam Gascoigne, of Graham Budd Auctions of London, said: “A modest man, Wolstenholme rarely spoke of his courage as a bomber pilot.”
      He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and BarCredit: Bournemouth News
      A wartime logbook reveals how the commentating legend cheated deathCredit: Bournemouth News
      The Lancashire-born hero returned to journalism after the warCredit: Bournemouth News More

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      in Soccer

      Luxury liner dubbed HMS Wag carrying England stars’ partners heading to World Cup but players aren’t allowed on board

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      A LUXURY liner to be used as England’s Wags’ World Cup base was tonight steaming towards Qatar — but no players will be allowed on board.Ace Jack Grealish, 27, and girlfriend Sasha Att­wood, 25, and others will be kept apart as the Three Lions live in a strict hotel Covid bubble away from MSC World Europa.
      MSC World Europa, which will be used as England’s Wags’ World Cup base, is on its way to QatarCredit: 2013
      Sasha Att­wood will be kept away from boyfriend Jack Grealish as the Three Lions live in a strict Covid bubbleCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Anna Modler is the partner of England ace Eric Dier
      MSC World Europa’s maiden voyage saw it inching through the Suez Canal yesterday.
      The £1billion 205,700-tonne floating palace boasts six swimming pools, a 643ft promenade, 14 ocean-view whirlpools, 13 dining venues and more than 30 bars and cafes.
      There is also an 11-deck high helter skelter called The Venom Drop — the tallest slide on any ship in the world.
      The liner left a French shipyard nine days ago, where 2,000 workers put finishing touches to its posh interior.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Footballers’ wives and girlfriends are expected to be among 6,762 guests in 2,633 cabins. Five-star packages to stay on board while the vessel is docked off the coast of Doha cost up to £6,000.
      But no players will be allowed on board. On arrival the England squad will be immediately placed in a strict Covid bubble at Doha’s Souq Al Wakra hotel.
      Boss Gareth Southgate is determined to stop the virus from wrecking his side’s hopes.
      Football Association sources confirm that the restrictions will be in place for the three opening group games — and almost certainly as long as England are in the tournament.
      Most read in The Sun
      Qatar axed the requirement for visitors to provide a negative Covid test before flying in for matches — sparking fears the virus could be rife across the Gulf State.
      Organisers have said any player testing positive will have to isolate for five days and wear a mask for a further five. They will also be barred from training sessions.
      Southgate is set to name his provisional squad next week.
      But Wags who seem certain to be heading to Qatar include model Anna Modler, 24, who is dating defender Eric Dier, Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, 25, and Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, 27.
      Players, including Jack Grealish, will not be allowed on board the luxury linerCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire’s wife Fern is excepted to stay on MSC World Europa
      Players who test positive for Covid have to isolate for five days and wear a mask for a further five (pictured Harry Maguire)Credit: Getty
      The women will have plenty to keep them busy on board, with a spa and wellness centre, thermal baths, beauty salon and a gym.
      And if they are feeling homesick they can pop into British pub Masters of the Sea for a glass of bubbly.
      A source said: “Due to the fact the boat is off-shore, guests can have a drink and enjoy themselves without having to worry about falling foul of Qatar’s strict laws.
      “The boat’s an amazing place to stay, which is why many of the players’ wives and families snapped up packages that the FA arranged.
      Read More on The Sun
      “If England do go all the way, it’s likely to become like a carnival on board.”
      The FA declined to comment. More

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      in Boxing

      Boxer David Haye pictured chomping on chicken wings despite becoming a vegan in 2014

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      BOXING star David Haye landed a knockout blow to his vegan diet by chomping on a chicken wing.The former heavyweight and cruiserweight world champ, 42, savoured every bite of a £21 hotel platter of them.
      David Haye landed a knockout blow to his vegan diet by chomping on a chicken wingCredit: Greg Brennan
      David became a vegan in 2014 and has spoken about his meat-free dietCredit: Getty
      An onlooker said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes.
      “David has told the world about his veganism and talked of his meat-free diet while flogging his vegan protein brand.
      “His meat-free diet credentials have hit the canvas.”
      The popular big-hitter, who formerly starred in a promo video for animal rights group Peta, was spotted tucking in on the terrace restaurant at central London’s Blake­more Hyde Park Hotel.
      Haye — wearing a baseball cap and a hoodie — had left his £100,000 Rolls-Royce outside.
      Haye, who appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2012, became a vegan in 2014.
      In 2017 he told The Sun: “I’ve had a plant-based diet for three years.
      “I have a full-time chef and a good nutritionist who makes sure I get all the minerals and nutrients required, which isn’t easy in a plant-based diet.
      “I feel better than ever, I look and feel younger.
      “People say, ‘Where do you get your strength from?’. I say, where does an ape get his strength from?
      “He’s 20 times stronger than a human and doesn’t have a meat-based diet.
      “They eat plants all day long. It’s a myth that you need meat for strength.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But I don’t like to ram it down people’s throats.
      “People say, ‘How do you know if someone is a vegan – because they never stop talking about being a vegan!’”
      Last night representatives of Haye were asked for comment. More

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      in Soccer

      Mason Mount channels Greek God to star in Sports Direct’s Christmas advert

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      MASON Mount channels his inner Greek God as he stars in Sports Direct’s Christmas advert.The England and Chelsea ace, 23, is front and centre in the festive ad alongside Premier League legends Eric Cantona and Thierry Henry.
      Mason Mount channels his inner Greek God as he stars in Sports Direct’s Christmas advert
      Also featuring in the campaign are Three Lions teammate Declan Rice, 23, and Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, 25.
      Iconic commentator Clive Tyldesley, 68, also features in the sportswear store’s “Give Me Football” campaign with a bowl of Brussels sprouts on his head.
      Meanwhile Mason was recently dubbed “Britain’s most eligible bachelor” as he posed on the front cover of Tatler Magazine.
      The Blues and England midfielder, 23, is forging a career in modelling and has given fans a rare insight into his love life.
      READ MORE ON MASON MOUNT
      In the mag Mason revealed he doesn’t have time to date due to his commitment to football.
      Mount was in a relationship with model Chloe Wealleans-Watts, 23, who he met back in 2017.
      The pair have split but it is not known when they went their separate ways.
      When asked about his relationship status, Mount told Tatler: “Football is my priority.”
      After being quizzed about whether he was on the dating scene, Mount said with a shrug: “Sometimes when I come up to London.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Mount wouldn’t be short of suitors either.
      He has a reported net-worth of £20million and 5.5m Instagram followers.
      Commentator Clive Tyldesley also features in the campaign with a bowl of Brussels sprouts on his head
      Premier League legends Eric Cantona and Thierry Henry also feature in the Christmas advert More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the World Cup WAGS – from a professional karate expert to an ex-Hooters waitress and a stunning Miss Belgium

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      WITH less than three weeks until the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, it’s not just the planet’s top soccer stars who are gearing up to try to beat the rest and be crowned the best – but their wives and girlfriends are too.From November 20, the glamorous WAGs from all over the globe will be facing off in the stands as they cheer on their famous footballer fellas in the ultimate footie and fashion showdown – but do you know who they are?
      It’s less than three weeks until the 2022 World Cup kicks off in QatarCredit: AFP
      From the wife who is a karate expert to an ex-Hooters waitress, former beauty queens and acting stars, here is your ultimate guide to the 2022 World Cup WAGs.
      Argentina
      Oriana Sabatini is one of Argentina’s biggest pop stars and has been compared to MadonnaCredit: instagram/ orianasabatini
      Oriana has been dating Roma and Argentina forward Paulo Dybala since they met at an Ariana Grande in concert in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
      ORIANA Sabatini is unlikely to stray from the spotlight in Qatar, as she is one of Argentina’s biggest pop stars and has been compared to Madonna.
      The stunning 26-year-old girlfriend of Roma and Argentina forward Paulo Dybala is also a model and actress, and niece of tennis star Gabriela Sabatini.
      She met 28-year-old Paulo while supporting Ariana Grande in concert in 2017.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP 2022
      England
      Sasha Attwood is the high school sweetheart of England and Man City star Jack Grealish
      Jack and Sasha have reportedly just closed the deal on a £5.6million mansion in the North WestCredit: Getty
      WITH past cheating allegations aplenty (him, not her), England and Man City star Jack Grealish may be hoping for an easier time on the pitch at the World Cup than he has had away from it.
      Jack, 27, has been with his former school sweetheart Sasha Attwood for years and they have reportedly just closed the deal on a £5.6million mansion in the North West.
      Meanwhile Sasha, 26, has signed to an A-list modelling agency and is believed to have secured a multi-million-pound deal with L’Oreal.
      Most read in World Cup 2022
      Belgium
      Noémie Happart won the Miss Belgium title in 2013 and was a runner-up in the Miss World and Miss Universe contests the same yearCredit: instagram/noemiehappart
      Noémie has been married to winger Yannick Carrasco for five yearsCredit: AFP
      LIKE her husband, winger Yannick Carrasco, Noémie Happart is also used to representing her county on the international stage.
      After winning the Miss Belgium title in 2013, the 29-year-old model was a runner-up in the Miss World and Miss Universe contests the same year.
      Noémie hit headlines when Yannick, also 29, scored a goal in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final, then ran into the crowd and kissed her.
      They have been married for five years.
      Spain
      Pilar Rubio is married to Spain’s Sergio Ramos and has 8.6million social media followersCredit: Splash
      Pilar and Sergio married three years ago after dating for a decadeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      SERGIO Ramos’s wife will certainly be ready for the World Cup spotlight – as she is a TV presenter back home in Spain.
      Pilar Rubio, 44, keeps her 8.6million social media followers entertained with a mix of lingerie shots and adrenalin sports such as skydiving and waterskiing.
      The mum of four has been married for three years and previously dated PSG defender Sergio, 36, for a decade.
      Uruguay
      Uruguay striker Luis Suarez is married to Sofia Balbi, who he met when he was a 15-year-old street sweeper
      Luis and Sofia have three childrenCredit: Getty
      URUGUAY striker Luis Suarez described wife Sofia Balbi as the “girl of my life”.
      They met when he was a 15-year-old street sweeper in Montevideo, and in their late teens they had a long-distance relationship after she moved to Spain.
      When Sofia, now 32, isn’t posing with her three kids on social media, she is snapped cheering for Luis, 35.
      Poland
      Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski’s wife Anna is a professional karate expertCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Robert has been married to Anna since 2013Credit: Getty
      IT might not be wise to yell anything nasty about Poland and Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski in the stadium – because his wife is a professional karate expert.
      Anna Lewandowska, 34, earned three World Championship medals before becoming a nutritionist and launching her own cosmetics line.
      She has been married to Robert, also 34, since 2013.
      France
      Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is dating former Hooters waitress Jordan OzunaCredit: Getty
      Jordan supported her partner’s club-level football matches and was there when he won the Ballon d’Or in OctoberCredit: AFP
      KARIM Benzema has scored some beauties on the pitch – and off it too, it seems.
      The 34-year-old Real Madrid striker is dating Jordan Ozuna, 32, a former Los Angeles Hooters waitress who is now a rising star in the modelling world.
      She has supported her partner’s club-level football matches and was there when he won the Ballon d’Or in October, alongside Benzema’s ex-girlfriend Cora Gauthier.
      Germany
      Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller is married to semi-professional equestrian LisaCredit: Instagram/ @lisa.mueller.official
      Thomas co-owns a horse named Dave with wife LisaCredit: Getty
      UNLIKE the stereotypical Wag, it’s clear that Lisa Muller doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty by doing a hard day’s work.
      That’s because the 33-year-old works on a farm and is a semi-professional equestrian.
      She has won medals for dressage events and co-owns a horse named Dave with her husband, Bayern Munich star Thomas, 33, whom she wed in 2009.
      Netherlands
      Model Annekee Molenaar is the daughter of former Ajax defender Keje MolenaarCredit: instagram/annekeemolenaar
      Annekee has been dating Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt, since 2018Credit: Getty
      AS the daughter of former Ajax defender Keje Molenaar, model Annekee Molenaar is certainly used to spending time in the soccer stands.
      She works with Hugo Boss and Armani and has dated her boyfriend, Netherlands and Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt, since 2018.
      This summer they featured on the cover of Vogue Living’s Young Love special.
      Last week 23-year-old Annekee flashed her bum in a nude black and white photo on Instagram.
      Portugal
      Georgina Rodriguez is mother to two of Cristiano Ronaldo’s six children and has 30 million fans on InstagramCredit: Getty
      Georgina met the Portugal and Man United wonderboy while working as his personal shopper at GucciCredit: AP
      SHE was the woman who showed she could tame Cristiano Ronaldo – and even he admitted his surprise that it was getting “so serious”.
      Now Argentinian-born model Georgina Rodriguez is mother to two of his six children, has 30 million fans on Instagram and even a documentary about her life on Netflix.
      She met the Portugal and Man United wonderboy while working as his personal shopper at Gucci.
      The 28-year-old is also a talented ballerina and performs at events.
      Brazil
      Raiane Lima is an influencer and the girlfriend of Arsenal and Brazil striker Gabriel JesusCredit: raianelima8/instagram
      Raiane and Gabriel welcomed daughter Helena in May this yearCredit: Getty
      INFLUENCER Raiane Lima’s relationship with Arsenal and Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus was hit last year by false claims that she had had a fling with a married Brazilian MP.
      But since the birth of their daughter Helena in May this year 21-year-old Raiane has deluged her 374,000 Insta-gram fans with loving snaps of the couple and their newborn.
      Read More on The Sun
      WALES
      Emma Rhys-Jones is the wife of Welsh wonderboy Gareth Bale
      Emma grew up two miles from Gareth and they attended the same secondary schoolCredit: Getty
      THE wife of 33-year-old Welsh wonderboy Gareth Bale will be rooting for him in probably his last international campaign.
      Childhood sweetheart Emma Rhys-Jones, 31, grew up two miles from her future husband and they attended the same secondary school.
      They married three years ago and have four kids – Alba Violet, Nava Valentina, Axel and Xander. More

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      in Soccer

      FA bans parents from cheering their kids at football matches – calling for polite clapping instead

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      PARENTS are being banned from cheering their kids at FA youth soccer matches this weekend — to shield the youngsters from abuse.English football’s rulers have been accused of going woke by calling for only polite applause from the touchline at games.
      The FA hopes to reduce pressure on players and referees by introducing the first National Silent Support WeekendCredit: Getty
      It follows the unveiling of the first National Silent Support Weekend which organisers hope will reduce pressure on players and referees.
      This scheme urges spectators to let youngsters “make mistakes and make their own decisions” without being harassed and to clap good play.
      The idea was devised amid fears youth league fans, and players, were picking up bad habits from watching Premier League matches.
      Anyone in breach of the FA’s Respect Codes of Conduct “may be asked to leave the venue or asked not to attend future games”.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWS
      Yet clubs say poorly behaving spectators will ignore the initiative.
      Alan Moore, director of youth club Sedgley and Gornal United FC in the West Mids, said: “I applaud any initiative to stop some of the crazy behaviour I’ve seen, but this isn’t it.
      I don’t care if it’s woke or nannying, I just know it’ll take more than this gesture to solve the problem.”
      He said the club had just filed a complaint on a pitch invader mum who swore at an under-ten over a tackle.
      Most read in The Sun
      He said: “I doubt people like that will be changing their ways because the FA says so.”
      Terry Humphreys, club secretary of Redbridge United Boys FC in Essex, said: “I’ve been involved in grassroots football for 35 years and I doubt this will change attitudes.
      I’ve seen youth games abandoned because of the terrible behaviour of supporters.
      “The aggression we see on ­touchlines is bad for the players and stops them learning the game and for young referees who get a lot of stick.
      Read More on The Sun
      I’m not sure what the Silent Support idea will achieve but it’s worth a shot.”
      FA boss Mark Bullingham said the plan would help kids focus on their game with no distractions. More

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      in Soccer

      I wear the poppy to salute my World War II hero grandad – it makes me proud, says Gareth Southgate

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      ENGLAND footie boss Gareth Southgate says he is proud to wear a poppy — to salute his World War Two hero grandad.He explained Arthur Toll, who served with the Royal Marines, instilled in him the importance of remembering those who serve.
      Gareth Southgate’s war hero grandad Arthur, instilled in him the importance of remembering those who serve or have servedCredit: Rex
      Gareth, who will lead the Three Lions in this month’s World Cup, said: “The poppy is a symbol that leads people to remember.
      “It keeps humility in the group because it means you’re not just thinking about yourselves.
      “The freedoms that we have are because of the commitment and sacrifice the people that came before us made.
      “My grandad was in the Royal Marines so since I was a kid there’s been that connection and appreciation of what people went through.”
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Gareth, 52, was launching this year’s football shirt auction in which fans can bid for stars’ kit embroidered with the poppy to raise money for the annual British Legion appeal.
      His grandad Arthur was a meat wholesaler in 1939 when war broke out.
      He died in Watford, Herts, in 1994, age 87.
      To bid in the auction go to matchwornshirt.co.uk/poppy
      Most read in The Sun More