SOCCER SHORT:THE DECISION of the Football Association in England to schedule the FA Cup final for an early-evening start has been described as an "absolute joke" by a Liverpool fans' group.
With a number of Premier League matches being played on May 5th, and television companies to consider, the encounter between the Reds and Chelsea will kick-off at 5.15pm on that date.
It is the first time the final has been moved from its traditional 3pm slot since the new Wembley opened its doors in 2007.
On Saturday supporters from both Liverpool and Everton had to make the trip south for a 12.30pm kick-off in their semi-final – with some on Merseyside getting up at 3am to start their journey – and the FA have now been accused of ignoring the concerns of the paying public.
“The FA running the game in this country is an absolute joke,” a spokesman for the Merseyside branch of the Liverpool FC Official Supporters Club said.
Green hoping to sign a new deal with Derby County
REPUBLIC OF Ireland midfielder Paul Green is hoping to sign a new deal with Derby County before the end of the campaign despite interest from other Championship clubs, particularly Leeds United.
After a long lay-off through injury, the 29-year-old has been in impressive form for the club over the last few months.
“You get linked away from clubs if you’re out of contract but to be honest, I didn’t even know about Leeds’ interest,” he said.
“As far as I know I’m a Derby player until told otherwise. Hopefully we can get things sorted in the next few weeks. I’m keen to stay, I’m settled here, it’s a great set of lads and if we can get a couple more in the summer it will be good.”
Doyle to feature for Birmingham tonight
COLIN DOYLE will continue in goal for Birmingham City tonight at Ipswich as the club seek to nail down their place in the Championship promotion play-offs.
The Corkman, who has one senior international cap, played in Saturday’s draw with Bristol City after Boaz Myhill sprained his thumb in the pre-match warm up.
* DUNDALK and Drogheda United will both pay tribute to former manager Eddie May at forthcoming home games, the clubs confirmed, after the 68-year-old passed away at the weekend.
May arrived at Oriel Park with the club looking certain to be relegated in 1997 but the Englishman guided them to a controversial victory over Waterford United in the play-off. He returned to Ireland a couple of years later for a stint at United Park.
* FORMER Shamrock Rovers midfielder Rohan Ricketts has left Exeter City after a month at the League One club. He had signed until the end of the season but, having played just once, opted to join his family in Canada.
Muamba leaves hospital and is home with his family
BOLTON MIDFIELDER Fabrice Muamba has been discharged from hospital. The club and Barts Health NHS Trust announced the 24-year-old left The London Chest Hospital yesterday.
He had been recovering in the east London hospital since his cardiac arrest during Bolton’s FA Cup tie with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on March 17th.
A spokesman for Barts Health NHS Trust said on Bolton’s official website: “Barts Health can confirm that Fabrice Muamba has now been discharged following several weeks of treatment. All our staff wish him the very best in his ongoing recovery.”
Muamba added: “I am naturally very pleased to be discharged from hospital and would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to every single member of staff at The London Chest Hospital who have played a part in my care.
“ .... Now I am out of hospital, I am looking forward to continuing my recovery and spending precious time with my family.”
Lennon in trouble again for confronting Hampden referee
NEIL LENNON is unlikely to find out the ramifications of his latest referee bust-up until next week due to a backlog of cases at the Scottish Football Association.
The Celtic boss, with three disciplinary cases pending, is in trouble again after Sunday’s confrontation with referee Euan Norris in the aftermath of his side’s 2-1 semi-final defeat by Hearts at Hampden.
Lennon was livid that Norris had awarded Hearts a controversial last-gasp penalty when a shot from Jambos skipper Marius Zaliukas hit the arm of Joe Ledley before brushing the hand of Victor Wanyama, and was further enraged when the official refused Celtic a penalty in injury time.
The Northern Irishman is likely be in more trouble after a comment made on his Twitter account after the match.
Lennon tweeted: “Referee told players he thought (Victor) Wanyama handled...feel so sorry for players and fans..I think it’s personal myself.”
