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      in Soccer

      The FA need to pick a brave new leader and not just tick a box after Greg Clarke embarrassment, says Marvin Sordell

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      THE IDEA that Greg Clarke’s derogatory comments were a ‘mistake’ sits extremely uneasily with Marvin Sordell.
      Ex-Premier League player Sordell’s battles with mental health saw him overcome by crippling depression, which culminated in a suicide attempt back in 2013. 

      Marvin Sordell, who is part of the FA Inclusion Advisory Board, finds it hard to believe Greg Clarke’s comments were a ‘mistake’Credit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun

      It led to the decision to retire from the game aged just 28. 
      But his work and words off the field since then have seen him develop into one of the most important, inspiring and influential voices in the game today.
      As such, he has recently joined the FA Inclusion Advisory Board that looks to improve diversity within the sport, and indeed society, and has sat in on Zoom meetings with Clarke amid others.
      Sordell doesn’t know Clarke personally, but from his numerous experiences of being racially and verbally targeted throughout his footballing career, he knows the difference between slips of the tongue and preconceived notions.

      And with Clarke, who insulted black, female and gay players within one sitting with MPs this week, Sordell believes it is just the tip of the iceberg.
      Sordell said: “I find it hard to say that Clarke’s comments were a ‘mistake’.
      “Those are the words that came to his mind and that’s obviously what he thinks.
      “People have these preconceived notions about demographics and want to label them as this or that and that’s just as bad as using specific terminology. 

      “Some will focus on the certain words he used and argue they are not in themselves derogatory.
      “But if you are making someone feel like a lesser person or that they are capable of less, then that is just as damaging.
      “This isn’t just one person, though. It is a collective mindset of people at that level and that’s something that reflects across society.
      “If that collective still feel the same as the person that has just left then it doesn’t really make a difference.”
      The search to find Clarke’s replacement will be met with severe scrutiny, with many rightly seeing this as a chance to not only fill a hole, but to enforce a trickle-down effect throughout the entire FA.
      Sordell continued: “His replacement, whether they are male, female, black, white, Asian – the demographic doesn’t matter – needs to be brave enough to be a leader.
      “They will need to challenge and question those around them and steer the ship in the right direction. They need to have the want and the desire to lead in the right way, such as with racism that still exists within football.
      “Has the Black Lives Matter campaign had an impact? What was the intended impact? Players are still being abused on social media.

      He has called for the FA to bring in a brave new leader after Greg Clarke’s embarrassment Credit: PA:Press Association
      “At the moment we are wanting to try and fix racism with one stroke of a brush, but that is not possible.
      “It is something that has happened for hundreds of years now and it cannot just be stopped dead with a couple of weeks of campaigning. It is about educating more than anything else. 
      “Seeing the players take the knee before kick-off in every game was a very strong message, but if they continue to do it now, will it still have the same impact? Have we moved on anywhere? Where are we now?
      “What I do know is that players are still getting abused.”
      Sordell added: “I know myself and other members of ethnic minority groups will see a lot of names of people from our communities chucked into the hat for the role, and a lot of people will question that.
      “I have had a few meetings with the Inclusion Advisory board talking about the diversity code and what the FA are doing to move things forward. It has been difficult to see progress so far with the impacts of Covid.
      “But I don’t want someone to be appointed to make me happy or tick a box. That isn’t going to help. As long as they are very strong, assured and clear in their objectives then that is a step forward.
      “If someone like that doesn’t come in, then Clarke may as well have not resigned.”

      FA Chairman Greg Clarke apologises for ‘coloured’ comment More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight could still happen in UK thanks to coronavirus vaccine – if it’s rolled out in time

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      TYSON FURY vs Anthony Joshua could still happen in the UK If a Covid-19 vaccine is rolled out in time.
      UK promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have always insisted the heavyweight prize fighters must take to the show to wherever they can earn the most, with the Middle East, China and Las Vegas all interested.

      Tyson Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum says his all-Brit clash with Anthony Joshua could happen in the UKCredit: Rex Features

      AJ and the Gypsy King want to have a unification showdown in 2021Credit: PA:Press Association

      But the Gypsy King’s American matchmaker Bob Arum told SunSport the biggest fight in British boxing history could be a home fixture – if the boffins beat the virus in the first quarter of 2021.
      Arum said: “We have a number of places contending to do that fight but no serious discussions have been made.
      “Tyson Fury needs to win his fight on December 5 and much more difficult Joshua winning his fight on December 12.
      “Let’s be optimistic, I really believe with the words on this vaccine coming down the pipe, let’s assume it’s being widely distributed by February, which I’m told is a good possibility, by May or June we’re not going to have to worry about coronavirus.

      “We’ll be back to a normal time. We can’t run our lives thinking coronavirus will be with us forever.
      “There will be a time with the vaccine that we can conquer it and I’m optimistic that will happen in the first quarter of next year.
      “The promoters, whether it’s Eddie and Joshua or myself, Frank and Tyson, we’re going to put the fight on where it makes the most sense economically wise.”
      Fury, 32, fancies the all-English double more than ever, after finding a newfound respect for AJ.

      Deontay Wilder’s embarrassing excuses and scandalous accusations, in the wake of his February whooping, have turned Fury right off and reminded him of how well Joshua handled his 2019 loss to Andy Ruiz Jr.
      The WBC king said: “If we both come through our December fights then I hope this fight finally gets made when we are both heavyweight world champions – at the top of our careers – and I hope it can happen twice next year.
      “Me and AJ are rivals, we have been for a long time, but he handled his defeat to Andy Ruiz like a man , he took it in his stride, he didn’t make a single excuse.
      “He said ‘well done, I will see you next time’ and if that happens to me then I hope I can react like that.
      “If people are going into a fight with an injury they need to pull out or never mention it. AJ just said ‘I got beat by the better man on the night’ and that was class.”

      SunSport’s pound for pound top ten

      Frank Warren says that Tyson Fury clash with Anthony Joshua to be 50-50 purse split More

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      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford set for global superstardom after getting go-ahead to trademark his name in the US

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      MARCUS Rashford is set for global superstardom after getting the go-ahead to trademark his name in the US.
      And the Man United ace, 23, has already been signed up by billionaire hip-hop entrepreneur Jay-Z.

      Marcus Rashford has got the go-ahead to trademark his name in the USCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The music and business mogul wants to turn the England star into a Stateside success via his £75million Roc Nation management agency.
      Rashford’s lawyers have trademarked his name against a range of products in the US, including clothes, sportswear, grooming products and games.
      Jay-Z met the footballer when he travelled to Miami, Florida, in February to watch the SuperBowl as a Nike guest. 
      Rashford took his brothers Dwaine Maynard and Dane Rashford to the star-studded American-football final.

      The pair have guided their sibling’s professional career through their firm DN May Sports Management.

      Jay-Z has signed up the footie ace to his Roc Nation agencyCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Rashford and Jay-Z pose together at the SuperBowl in FebruaryCredit: Refer to Caption

      Rashford has made headlines around the world for his free school meals campaigning. 
      And Jay-Z has said he and his team will manage the player’s off-field branding and philanthropic activities rather than his football career.
      The rap artist impressed Rashford with his company’s humanitarian work, explaining how, in exchange for producing the SuperBowl half-time show, the NFL had pledged $100million (£76million) to social justice causes over ten years.

      Boris Johnson has ‘been in touch’ with Marcus Rashford over free school meals, Matt Hancock claims
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Southgate promises Bellingham a ‘brilliant experience’ as teen prepares to become third-youngster England international

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been promised he will enjoy a ‘brilliant’ experience on his shock England debut tonight.
      The 17-year-old from Dortmund will start on the bench but has been guaranteed to earn a dream run-out against the Irish to become the country’s third youngest player behind Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney.

      Gareth Southgate has ‘promised’ Jude Bellingham a ‘brilliant’ experience on his England debutCredit: Rex Features

      Bellingham, who joined Dortmund from Birmingham for £30m in the summer, was given a late call-up after an injury to James Ward-Prowse.
      Manager Gareth Southgate said: “My initial conversation with him was that ‘you will have a few days with us, we’ll involve you in the game, we’ll see how it goes’. 
      “And that’s going to be a brilliant experience for him.”
      Southgate also reacted to criticism that he had picked Bellingham ahead of Ross Barkley and James Maddison, pointing out they are completely different types of midfielders.

      Bellingham players in a more central-defensive role.
      Southgate added: “It’s always interesting to see the reaction when we select a player, because people are immediately talking about other players without understanding why we’ve called Jude up.
      “We could flippantly say, ‘Well, he’s playing for a massive club and he’s playing Champions League football’, but there’s actually a bit more to it than that.
      “Positionally, he’s playing in a two-man midfield at Dortmund, whether that’s a 4-2-3-1 or a 3-4-3. So, he’s in the exact position that we lost a player in James Ward-Prowse.

      “But the bigger picture here is that, at times, we select older players to come in to challenge directly for competition for places.
      “In this instance, we’re giving a young player an opportunity to work with us, to spend some time with us, invest some time with him, he’ll have a brilliant experience for a few days.
      “It’s not a decision that he’s a better player than one or two older players who I’ve seen mentioned, although those players don’t play in the position that he plays. And that’s a fact.”

      Jude Bellingham trains with England squad for the first time More

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      in Soccer

      England players ‘deserve the right leadership’, raps Gareth Southgate as disgraced Greg Clarke quits

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has lashed out at disgraced former FA chairman Greg Clarke and insisted his England players ‘deserve the right leadership’.
      Clarke quit on Tuesday after making a string of shocking and outdated comments about racial diversity to a committee of MPs.

      Gareth Southgate has lashed out at disgraced former FA chairman Greg ClarkeCredit: Rex Features

      The England boss insists his Three Lions ‘deserve the right leadership’Credit: Rex Features

      And England boss Southgate revealed he had felt the need to speak to his England players – many of whom have spoken out about racism – to assure them Clarke’s attitudes did nor reflect his opinions or those of the FA.
      Southgate said: “I felt I couldn’t ignore what had happened and not explain to the players that (Clarke’s comments) weren’t what people within the FA thought was acceptable.
      “I talked about there being 800 people in the FA – which is such a broader organisation and younger and more diverse than people realise.
      “The biggest danger was the good work those people do was distracted from and it’s not what we do as a team.

      “So I felt it was important to speak from the heart about that and that the players understand where I am on it.
      “They had spoken so eloquently on numerous occasions on the issues we’ve faced as a team and the issues we’ve faced as society and they deserve the right leadership and support around that.”
      Meanwhile, FIFA have refused to sack Greg Clarke from his £190,000-a-year role as vice-chairman.
      The 63-year-old resigned from his position as chairman of the FA on Tuesday following a reel of offensive comments around race, sexuality and gender.

      Clarke’s term of office runs until 2023 and while Fifa released a damning statement, they said the ball is in his court whether he wants to resign from his post.
      The statement read: “FIFA’s zero tolerance position on discrimination remains steadfast and clear: any form of discrimination, including racism, sexism and homophobia, has no place in football.
      “In the circumstances and given the nature of his comments, FIFA considers that Mr. Clarke did the right thing to resign as chairman of the FA yesterday.
      “He is, of course, free to resign from the FIFA Council, just as he has resigned as chairman of the FA. It is for Mr. Clarke to take that decision.”

      FA Chairman Greg Clarke apologises for ‘coloured’ comment More

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      in Soccer

      Nick Pope says Jordan Pickford is England’s No1 despite NEVER conceding for Three Lions and rival being axed by Everton

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      NICK POPE admits he is some distance behind England number one Jordan Pickford.
      The Burnley keeper will make his fourth senior appearance tonight against Ireland and has yet to concede a goal.

      Nick Pope says Jordan Pickford is England’s No1 despite never conceding for Three LionsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Boss Gareth Southgate has already claimed that no other keeper is ‘seriously’ challenging Pickford even though he was dropped for one game by Everton.
      Pope, 28, said: “I think it’s fair to say Jordan is number one at the minute.
      “If you look at the last 25, 30 fixtures, he’d have played probably 28 of them.
      “So, a person with that sort of record in the national team, I think, deserves to be called number one, he has earned it. It’s not happened overnight.

      “I think I’ve done quite well for England in those three games. No goals is always a massive bonus for a goalkeeper and you can’t ask for much more in terms of goals against.
      “But I don’t think I’ve been overly tested in all the games either so I don’t think I’m walking round thinking I’m the best goalkeeper in the world.”
      Pope also admitted that keepers have to accept stick when it is flying around.
      Asked about the criticism handed out by England keeper Martyn Margetson, Pope smiled.

      He said: “I’ve not seen it to be honest. I’ll have to have a look later.
      “Generally, you know when you’ve made a mistake and can feel or know if you’re in a good run of form or a bad run. I think that’s just part of being a goalkeeper.
      “You’ve got to have thick skin, be brave and have a big character to get through those moments, come through the other side and ride mistakes, put performances together and start the cycle again of being in good form.
      “I think it’s just part and parcel of being a goalkeeper. Your goalkeeping coach is there and if you want criticism from anyone, or advice or pointers, it’s your goalkeeping coach.
      “They’ve been underneath a crossbar, they’ve been in that position themselves and want only the best for you.”

      Sam Allardyce feels Jordan Pickford should’ve been sent off in Everton v Liverpool match More

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      in Soccer

      American stars are earning their stripes in the Champions League with Pulisic leading a new wave of US youngsters

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      UNCLE SAM has never had so many stars earning their stripes in the Champions League.
      Over the years, only a handful of American players have ever cut the mustard on this side of the Atlantic.

      Christian Pulisic is leading a new wave of European-based US youngstersCredit: Getty

      But now, Chelsea ace Christian Pulisic is leading a new wave of European-based US youngsters who are giving fresh hope to national team boss Gregg Berhalter.
      Nine Champions League players are in his squad to take on Wales in tonight’s Cardiff friendly.
      Alongside 22-year-old Pulisic, Barcelona’s Sergino Dest (20), Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards (23), RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams (21) Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie (22) and Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna – the 17-year-old son of former Sunderland midfielder Claudio – are all thrilling Berhalter.
      With the MLS heading into the play-offs, Berhalter’s team is made up entirely of those playing outside the US.

      And he spends a lot of his time channel-hopping on his TV to watch his kids of America sparkling on Euro nights.
       Berhalter declared: “I am a firm believer that the measure of talent in any given country is  based on the number of players that you have playing in the Champions  League.
      “It is exciting when you have  five guys on a matchday  that you can watch by flipping back and forth.
      “It is now  that you watch just one game every couple of weeks. Now they are coming fast and furious.”

      Former USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann was blasted by some fans after suggesting Americans may be better off heading to Europe for their football  education.
      But Berhalter’s crop may be about to prove Tottenham’s former German striker right.
      Berhalter also has high hopes for Manchester City keeper Zack Steffen (25), Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah (17) – who has played for England’s youth teams but was born in the USA – Leicester’s Chituru Odunze (18), Wolves’ Owen Otasowie (19), PSV’s Richie Ledezma (20) and Barcelona winger Konrad de la Fuente (19).
      Ex-US defender Alexi Lalas has seen enough false dawns to last a  lifetime.

      But he told SunSport: “I am hard pressed to find a moment over the  last 25 years when there has been more optimism, not just specific to the  amount of talent available, but where they are all playing.
      “We have to remember this is all theoretical at the moment, it’s all on  paper so there is cautious optimism.
      “Just because you have good players it  doesn’t always translate to the national team.
      “But don’t forget there were dark, negative times after the epic failure  of missing out on the Russia World Cup.
      “We are in a good place right now. It’s going to be fun watching these players.”

      Frank Lampard predicts Christian Pulisic will ‘get even better’ as USA International continues to impress for Chelsea after Premier League restart More