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    Dele Alli in line for shock Tottenham recall in FA Cup clash with Everton after clear-the-air talks with Jose Mourinho

    JOSE MOURINHO is eyeing a double D as he aims to get his paws on another cup.
    The Tottenham boss is set to recall Dele and Dier for tonight’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Everton.

    Dele Alli is set to start in Tottenham’s FA Cup clash with EvertonCredit: PA

    The England international has held clear-the-air talks with manager Jose MourinhoCredit: AFP

    Midfielder Dele could feature for the first time since last month’s 5-0 third-round win at Marine, after recovering from a calf injury and having clear-the-air talks with Mourinho.
    Defender Eric Dier is likely to return after being benched for Sunday’s 2-0 Prem victory over West Brom, Mourinho said: “I believe players have moments.
    “They can be very good, they can be strong personalities, they can be experienced, they can cope with a mistake.
    “But in the end, players feel these little moments of confidence, of crisis.

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    “Recently, our team has made little, important mistakes that are punished in terms of our results.
    “And Eric was there, he was one of them. They feel it.
    “Confidence drops a little bit. But he is a great personality, a team guy — a guy that I trust and he will soon be back to normality.”

    Dele spoke with his boss when a move to Paris Saint-Germain and a reunion with ex-Spurs chief Mauricio Pochettino did not materialise — and may feature tonight.
    Mourinho added: “What’s changed? He is available and not injured. He is happy to be training and we’re happy to have him back.”

    Dele Alli works hard in some solo training More

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    Man City star Phil Foden warned not to get too big for his boots by Pep Guardiola after Liverpool heroics

    PEP GUARDIOLA has warned Phil Foden not to think he has cracked it after his Anfield masterclass.
    The England ace, 20, starred in Manchester City’s 4-1 win at Liverpool.

    Pep Guardiola has warned Phil Foden not to get too big for his bootsCredit: AP:Associated Press

    But Etihad boss Guardiola has told the midfielder not to expect to start every week on the back of it.
    Guardiola has handled Foden with care over the last four years.
    So he will leave him sweating over playing in the FA Cup against Swansea tonight or Tottenham on Saturday.
    The Spaniard said: “I know Phil is ready to play because his physical condition is extraordinary.

    “But I’ll handle it the same way I’ve always handled it.
    “When I believe he can help us he will play and if I feel someone else deserves to play then he’s not going to play.”
    While Foden now has more than 100 appearances, Sunday was his most eye-catching yet.
    Asked if he now faces a different challenge with Foden, Guardiola said: “Not for me, no. It will be for him.

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    Foden put in a sublime display in Man City’s 4-1 win at LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    “He has to be calm and understand the tough periods are going to come. It depends if he’s humble with this.
    “The expectations at that age, we’ll see if he can handle it. This is the most difficult thing.
    “What is important now is to do 100 more and then 100 more at this level, playing every day and winning every day.
    “This is the next target of Phil, playing as high as possible for as long as possible.
    “It depends absolutely on him, hopefully he can do it.”
    Guardiola’s men will look to extend their 14-match winning streak against a Swansea team that ran them close in the FA Cup two years ago.
    But he believes Liverpool should serve as a warning over how quickly things can change.
    He said: “It was two or three seasons without one defeat. Then immediately, you don’t know why, three defeats in a row.
    “Do you think it cannot happen with us? Of course it can.”

    Guardiola has confirmed Ederson is an option to take penaltiesCredit: Reuters
    Guardiola also admitted goalkeeper Ederson is an option to take penalties.
    His team have missed eight spot-kicks since the beginning of last season, Ilkay Gundogan the latest at Anfield on Sunday.
    Regular takers Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne are sidelined.
    Guardiola added: “It depends on the other players. It’s an option, of course. He’s a good taker.”

    Liverpool vs Man City as it happened More

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    Under-fire Lee Mason dropped as referee for ten days after VAR shambles leading to Tomas Soucek’s West Ham red card

    UNDER-SCRUTINY ref Lee Mason has been taken out of the firing line by being relegated to fourth official duty for the next ten days.
    Mason was criticised by Southampton for not awarding them a clear penalty in the defeat by Aston Villa.

    Lee Mason has been criticised for recent performances and controversies, including refusing Southampton a penalty against Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Lee Mason was the VAR when Mike Dean wrongly sent off West Ham defender Tomas Soucek after being asked to look at video replaysCredit: PA:Press Association

    The Bolton official was then on VAR duty when recommending Mike Dean issue a red card to West Ham’s Tomas Soucek for his alleged elbow on Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.
    Dean will not be working this weekend or midweek after requesting time off following a number of online death threats to him and his family.
    And while Mason will be involved in Saturday’s game between Leicester and Liverpool and next Wednesday’s rearranged clash between Everton and Manchester City, he will only be operating as the fourth official.
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    It should ensure no more controversy surrounding Mason, who has already been fiercely criticised by Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo this season.
    Former refs’ chief Keith Hackett has been among those calling for Mason and Dean to quit after their “hapless double act”.
    Hackett, who headed the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), was especially baffled at their Craven Cottage cock-up.
    He wrote in the Telegraph: “I think the time is long overdue for Mike Dean and Lee Mason to step down as referees following their hapless double act when adjudicating on West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek

    “I would love to know the conversation that took place between the two before Soucek was shown a red card.
    “It was clear that the contact between Soucek’s elbow and Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic was accidental.

    ‘Soucek had not used excessive force and/or endangered the safety of an opponent to meet the requirement for a sending off.
    ‘The way Mitrovic dropped to the ground as though he had been shot probably deceived Mason at Stockley Park and led him to ask Dean to watch a replay on the pitchside monitor.”
    Hackett was “shocked when two experienced referees could make such a bad decision”.

    Mike Dean’s sending off of Tomas Soucek after watching the West Ham star’s clash with Aleksandar Mitrovic was overturned on appealCredit: Rex Features

    Mark Halsey says VAR needs to improve after ref Mike Dean receives death threats after West Ham game More

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    Mark Halsey fears horrific social media abuse will drive officials out of football after Mike Dean sent death threats

    EX-FIFA referee Mark Halsey fears horrific social media abuse will drive Mike Dean and other officials out of football.
    Dean has notified Merseyside Police after he and his family were subjected to death threats.

    Refs like Mike Dean could be forced out of football by trolls, says Mark HalseyCredit: Rex Features

    The 52-year-old has since asked not to be involved in a Premier League game this weekend.
    SunSport’s ref expert Halsey revealed vile abuse contributed to his retirement in 2013 and he fears Dean and more top-flight refs could now follow.
    Halsey said: “Many officials past and present, including myself, have suffered from horrific social media abuse. It’s disgusting.
    “In fact, the abuse I received was one of the factors in my decision to quit.

    “It affects not just officials, it also hurts their families as well – and the likes of Mike and others may think, ‘Is this worth it?’
    “Social media platforms should be protecting people.
    “Twitter, Instagram and Facebook must do more to police what is allowed to be aired publicly. I don’t think they are doing enough.”
    Merseyside Police have said they are ‘investigating allegations of malicious communications’ towards Dean.

    Halsey revealed fan abuse contributed to him quitting in 2013Credit: Rex Features

    He was targeted after controversially sending off West Ham’s Tomas Soucek and Jan Bednarek of Southampton in the space of four days, despite the use of VAR.
    Both red cards have been overturned but Dean’s boss at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, Mike Riley, branded the abuse ‘totally unacceptable’.
    Dean is still set to take charge of tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth-round tie between Leicester and Brighton.

    MARK HALSEY ON ABUSE OF REFS

    THE death threats and social media abuse towards referee Mike Dean is despicable.
    I know exactly how Mike and his family will be feeling.
    I received death threats and online abuse after I officiated Liverpool and Manchester United in September 2012.
    I had sent off Jonjo Shelvey and also awarded a penalty to United in the game.
    My son called me as I was driving home after the match and said: “Dad, have you seen the online abuse?”
    I didn’t use Twitter or Facebook back then so I wasn’t aware.
    As a referee you have to be mentally tough and accept criticism of your decision-making but this abuse – from a minority – was sickening.
    As well as the death threats, I was alerted to messages including “I hope your cancer comes back”, “I hope your wife dies of her illness” and “I hope your daughter gets cancer”.
    I couldn’t believe it. Football is important to many – but it’s only a game.
    Mike has made mistakes but he’s human. He and his family will be hurt and worried.
    I can remember that feeling after you make an error, you feel sick and even struggle to eat for days because you’re constantly thinking back to the decision.
    But this level of abuse crosses a line.
    I am delighted Mike has received strong support from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and refs’ chief Mike Riley.
    When it happened to me, I remember ringing the then refs’ press officer and he told me to ignore it!
    But I spoke to my line manager Keren Barratt and called the police.
    Keren asked me if I wanted to take a break but I said no – I didn’t want the abusers to win.
    So I took charge of Southampton’s League Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday.
    Keren attended the game and the PGMOL put measures in place to protect me.
    My mindset was to carry on but I must admit the abuse was one of the factors in my decision to quit at the end of that season.
    I thought, “Do I or my family need this?”
    I wonder if Mike will also think enough is enough now.
    For the first half of my career, Twitter and Facebook didn’t exist. Now they give keyboard warriors a platform.
    The trolls need to be found and prosecuted.
    In my case, the police caught some of the abusers and made them realise what they did was wrong.
    In fact, I later received a nice letter from one, who apologised for his actions.

    Man Utd ‘choked’ and are now out of the Premier League title race after ‘criminal’ defending vs Everton says Ferdinand More

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    Fulham forward Mitrovic acted as star witness in getting West Ham ace Tomas Soucek’s red card for harsh elbow overturned

    ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC acted as star witness for Tomas Soucek to help the West Ham midfielder overturn a three-game ban.
    Fulham striker Mitro provided a written submission to the appeal panel, which confirmed their clash on Saturday was accidental.

    Tomas Soucek was sent off for accidentally elbowing Aleksandar Mitrovic on SaturdayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Soucek has had his red card overturned, with the midfielder now available to face Manchester United in the FA CupCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Soucek received a straight red card for violent conduct from referee Mike Dean after consultation with VAR Lee Mason.
    Czech ace Soucek put his elbow into Mitrovic’s face but insists it was unintentional — and he has been backed up by boss David Moyes.
    The controversial decision was widely condemned — and Mitrovic criticised for his initial reaction to the incident, having gone to ground clutching his face.
    But the Serbian forward made a remarkable gesture to support Soucek’s case and it has proved successful.

    The sending-off has been rescinded and West Ham will have one of their best players available for Tuesday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Manchester United.
    Mitrovic was said to be ‘hurt’ by the elbow — but was determined to stand up for a fellow pro.
    It has still put the spotlight on refereeing decisions and VAR yet again as the technology fails to win over managers, players and fans.
    Moyes said: “At the moment, we are appalled by the levels that are creeping into the game —  it’s not all about the officials.

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    Fulham striker Mitrovic acted as a star witness in Soucek having his ban rescindedCredit: EPA
    “The players have to take responsibility. But at the moment the only way we are going to stop it is by the officials saying, ‘Sorry, we’re not going to give that and we’re not going to allow you to con us.’
    “We are getting the softest things and they are making the referees and the officials make decisions.
    “Once players start to see that they are not going to be rewarded they will start to say to themselves, ‘I’d better stay on my feet here, I’d better stop screaming.’
    “Only then, when we get all those parts together, will we start seeing progress.
    “When you’re 6ft 3in and 14st, it doesn’t take much to get you down these days.”
    Moyes believes refs’ chiefs at the PGMOL are stubborn about letting ex-pros sit in on VAR decisions from their base at Stockley Park.
    He said: “I don’t think they are very open at all. There have been a few suggestions saying, ‘Could we get a football person in at Stockley Park to look at decisions?’

    “I am on the LMA committee and there is regular dialogue. It is the rules that we are not enjoying, it is not the referees.
    “Mike Dean has been a very good referee in his career and Lee Mason has been a very good referee.”
    West Ham have still yet to be awarded a penalty this season.
    Moyes said: “That’s because I tell my players to stay on their feet.”

    Man Utd vs West Ham – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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    England football legend Paul Gascoigne reveals he has quit social media after becoming addicted to it

    ENGLAND football legend Paul Gascoigne has revealed he has quit social media — after becoming addicted to it.
    The ex-footie ace, 53, said he is off Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

    Paul Gascoigne ‘has quit social media after becoming addicted to it’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    He told James English’s Anything Goes podcast: “I got addicted and kept on looking at it. 
    “I’m just trying to enjoy life as much as possible and make the most of what I’ve got.”
    Gazza, who has had a long battle with alcoholism, added: “I know I’m happier when I’m not drinking. I can sometimes be a sad drunk.
    “Last year, not just me but the whole country was struggling with regards to work, but I’ve got work coming back.

    “I’m just staying on the right track.”

    Paul Gascoigne jokes Diego Maradona ‘Hand of God made Peter Shilton’ on Good Morning Britain as England duo remember him
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    Bruno Fernandes tears into Man Utd team-mates as ‘very bad’ mistakes threaten to derail Prem title bid

    BRUNO FERNANDES tore into his Manchester United team-mates for blunders that are costing them a title tilt.
    United twice surrendered the lead to let in an injury-time leveller in Saturday’s 3-3 home draw with Everton.

    Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in the final minute to salvage a point for Everton at Old TraffordCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun

    They are now five points behind Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
    Fernandes said: “We are making many mistakes in the last few games. We can’t keep conceding more goals like that. We have to be more focused, we need to have the same desire to score and to defend our goal.
    “Every time we make goals and score goals, we have to be the same way to not concede — and I think we need to learn from this.
    “It already happened a lot of times, so it is more than a bit disappointing.

    “We can talk about everything that is going on — but it is also about learning and making it better.”
    Fernandes had scored a cracker to put United 2-0 up at Old Trafford.
    But Everton hit back with two goals in four minutes after the break.
    Scott McTominay’s header looked to have won it at 3-2.

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    Fernandes had doubled United’s lead with a sensational strike before half-time against EvertonCredit: AP:Associated Press
    But yet more calamitous defending — with keeper David de Gea once again in the spotlight — allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to nick a point.
    Fernandes said: “It is really bad and you can’t concede  like that  because — from a full 50 yards — they are a long way from our goal.
    “You cannot concede  from that. We have to be more focused, we have to be ready — and we have to be stronger.
    “We have to defend our goal with everything.”

    Misfiring United have now dropped seven points in four games.
    They suffered a shock home defeat to Sheffield United and then came a  goalless draw at Arsenal.
    It has taken the shine off Tuesday’s 9-0 romp of Southampton.
    Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side  face West Ham at home tomorrow in the FA Cup fifth round.
     Midfielder Paul Pogba is a doubt after limping out of Saturday’s game with a thigh injury.

    Roy Keane cannot believe it as Jurgen Klopp blames cold feet for Liverpool keeper Alisson’s blunders vs Man City More

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    West Ham to win appeal over Tomas Soucek’s red card as refs chiefs tell Mike Dean he was WRONG to send midfielder off

    WEST HAM are set to win their appeal over Tomas Soucek’s red card at Fulham.
    Referee Mike Dean has been told by his bosses at PGMOL he was wrong to send the Czech midfielder off in the 0-0 draw at Fulham.

    Tomas Soucek was stunned after being sent packing by Dean for the accidental altercation with Aleksandar MitrovicCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    And that means Soucek will be available to face Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday.
    He was dismissed for an elbow on Aleksandar Mitrovic as the pair jostled.
    But it was clearly accidental and Hammers boss David Moyes claimed Dean and VAR official Lee Mason should be “embarrassed” over their decision.
    Soucek, 25, was facing a three-match ban, also ruling him out of Premier League games at home to Sheffield United and Tottenham.

    West Ham’s appeal means an independent panel will now decide on the decision.
    The red card was widely slammed but there is still no guarantee it will be overturned if the panel feel Dean was technically right to make his decision.

    Moyes added: “If Tomas was missing for any game it would be a blow.

    “Whether we chose to play him against United or not is a different decision.”
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    It is the second fiasco involving Dean in a week, with Southampton also successful in their appeal against Jan Bednarek’s red card at United.
    But he was still yesterday appointed to referee Wednesday’s FA Cup tie between Leicester and Brighton.

    Fulham vs West Ham as it happened More