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Reading’s Jason Roberts has announced that he will refuse to wear Kick It Out T-shirts this weekend in protest at the F.A.’s handling of the John Terry scandal. The veteran striker has urged the Premier League’s other black players to join his boycott of the anti-racism campaign, suggesting it has failed to stop racial abuse in football.

It is believed that brothers Anton and Rio Ferdinand, who have been at the heart of the John Terry scandal, will join Roberts as will a number of senior black footballers, however several Premier League managers have spoken out in order to quash the revolt.

Following John Terry’s announcement that he would not appeal against his four game ban and fine handed to him by the F.A. as a punishment for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand last year, 34-year-old Roberts told Sky Sports News “Certainly a four-game ban is nowhere near what people would expect for something like this.

“It seems like the authorities don’t have the stomach to take this on, and if the players don’t take it on then nobody will.

“You know we’ve sat and we’ve spoken about the Serbian FA and their view of what happened out there with the England Under-21s and how you have to take responsibility.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Roberto Mancini have  announced that all of their squad will be wearing the Kick it out T-shirts at the weekend, meaning Roberts could be standing alone in his protest should Ferguson convince Ferdinand to drop his issues with the F.A.

The United boss has spoken out in disagreement with the Royals striker: “I have to disagree with Jason Roberts. I think he is making the wrong point. Everyone should be united, with all the players in the country wearing the Kick it Out warm-up tops.

“I don’t know what point he is trying to make. I don’t know if he is trying to put himself on a different pedestal from everyone. But he really should be supporting all the rest of the players who are doing it” added Ferguson.

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According to The Independent, Arsenal’s defensive recruitment drive won’t end with the impending arrival of Sokratis from Borussia Dortmund. They claim the Gunners hope to sign up to four new defenders this summer, in what could end up being pretty much a complete overhaul of their backline.

But room must always be made for new arrivals and while Arsenal may be short of quality in defence, they’re certainly not short of depth; last season in the Premier League alone, Arsene Wenger fielded nine different defenders as he switched between 3-4-3 and 4-3-3.

And there’s a consequential question we want Gunners fans to answer – which defenders should be moved on this summer to make room for new signings? Per Mertesacker will be leaving the club anyway, so who should follow the German powerhouse out of the exit door?

Calum Chambers, for example, has struggled to prove himself in an Arsenal jersey since arriving from Southampton. But Hector Bellerin, albeit a member of the Gunners’ strongest starting XI on paper, would likely bring in a bigger transfer fee for Arsenal to spend in other areas – Transfermarkt valuing him at £36million – and certainly disappointed for long periods of last season.

Arsenal fans, let us know who you would cash in on by taking part in the poll below, giving those you would sell a thumbs up and those you wouldn’t a thumbs down.

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Arsenal fell further adrift of their top four rivals in the English Premier League this weekend, losing away to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners are now eight points adrift of fourth place, also having Tottenham Hotspur five points ahead of them in fifth.

Hector Bellerin actually opened the scoring for Arsene Wenger’s side but a Bournemouth double in four minutes midway through the second half secured all three points for the Cherries.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech came under sharp criticism for his performance, misjudging Ryan Fraser’s cross before Callum Wilson prodded home, sending the home side on their way to victory.

Supporters are now questioning whether he should still be Arsenal’s number one, many taking to social media in the aftermath to plead with Wenger to sign a new goalkeeper.

Is he finished as a top level shot-stopper, or can he continue to feature between the posts as Arsenal compete for a top four position?

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Michu is out of the spotlight and underperforming, at least in comparison to what he did over the last two seasons. Maybe it’s second-season syndrome; maybe he was never that good in the first place. No. It is a natural dip in form and productivity that could work in other teams’ favour.

The Spanish forward was on the list of targets for Arsene Wenger during the summer. Swansea wouldn’t sell, understandably, with their valuation being in the region of £25 million. They know he’s not worth that on the market, so that price tag more or less acts as a not-for-sale sign. But what about now?

Michu has expressed his desire to play for a club competing in the Champions League, with Arsenal being one of the teams linked with the Spaniard.

Is he good enough for Arsenal, is the important question. The fact that he’s received a call up to the Spanish national team and looks more or less settled in English football is a good indicator. What can he bring to Wenger’s team? His size means he’d be able to offer a similar presence in the attack as currently provided by Olivier Giroud, and he’s arguably a better finisher. Not only that, Michu is a player who drives forward and can carry the ball too.

Arsene Wenger may feel that the team and overall the club are in need of a boost. It’s been a trying week for Arsenal, losing in Napoli, yet going through to the next round of the Champions League, and having their title credentials seriously questioned after the loss at Manchester City. The team need a boost, the fans want assurances, perhaps rightly so after the failure to properly address the striker department in the summer.

Nicklas Bendtner is the butt of all jokes. What people fail to see, however, is his talent as a footballer, instead focusing on his shortcomings and missteps away from the pitch. Nevertheless, he is still Denmark’s leading marksman, a forward who scored twice against Italy when the two sides met in October. He’s not the answer for Arsenal long term, but he’s an option for now.

The problem is it won’t do for some. Bendtner’s reputation away from the pitch precedes his ability on it. Look at his contribution against Manchester City. Giroud missed a handful of fantastic opportunities to add to Arsenal’s tally. Bendtner came on and put his first real chance away, only to be wrongly adjudged offside.

If Arsenal are to enter the market in January, they could do worse than Michu – though of course they could do much better, but only in the summer. The Swansea striker’s stock is down, he’s not catching the attention or imagination in the way he used to, and there could be a feeling at Swansea that now might be the right time to move him on and reinvest.

The fact that he was on Arsenal’s radar in the summer is a good sign, but he doesn’t fit the bill as the long-term addition the club need. The last thing Wenger needs to do is sign a player for the purpose of appeasing others. If a January signing is to take place, it needs to be with purpose and with long-term thinking in mind. Does Michu fit the bill?

The summer will more than likely see Arsenal spend again, adding to an already good squad. Due to the club’s financial capabilities and those available during the summer, Michu is more than likely to be an afterthought. He’s good, but will he lead a team to the league title? It’s unlikely.

The Spaniard may be looking to his own future as further up the Premier League ladder. For Arsenal, though, a partnership makes little sense beyond this season, despite Michu’s obvious qualities.

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Matthew Etherington says he is puzzled by Stoke players being continually overlooked for England recognition.

The Potters winger has urged Three Lions

boss Roy Hodgson to visit the Britannia Stadium and cast his eye over striker Peter Crouch

and defender Ryan Shawcross.

Crouch, 31, scored both goals as Stoke won 2-0 against weekend visitors Swansea, taking his tally to five goals in seven games this season. However, he has not played for his country since scoring in the 2-1 home defeat by France in a November 2010 friendly.

Potters captain Shawcross is still to make his senior international bow after representing England Under-21s and recently turned down an invitation from Wales boss Chris Coleman to switch allegiance. Etherington told Sky Sports:

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“Perhaps the England manager needs a map. You would think so because there’s no doubt Crouchie should be in the squad. His international record is second to none and since he’s came here he’s been scoring regularly. He’s priceless for us. Ryan should be in the frame as well, but you play for Stoke and there seems to be a certain stigma.”

Liverpool have performed so well en route to the Champions League final and their already thin squad contains so many injuries that Jurgen Klopp’s side for Saturday’s showpiece in Kiev almost picks itself.

There are precious few selection dilemmas but the return of Nathaniel Clyne may just provide Klopp with one as he considers how best to prevent an attack containing Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and potentially Gareth Bale as well.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt – has enjoyed a staggering breakthrough season, becoming something of a cult hero at Anfield and essentially taking Clyne’s club and international spot.

The teenager is the one heading to the World Cup, while Clyne will be watching at home like the rest of us, but is there a case to be made that Klopp should opt for experience on this huge occasion?

Let us know which way Klopp should go by voting in the poll below and keep your eyes peeled for the results on the day of the game…

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According to reports in The Sun, West Ham United are lining up a surprise move for £4m-rated Hibernian midfielder John McGinn, who has scored 13 goals in 115 appearances for the club.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun says that Irons boss David Moyes is a big fan of the Scotland international, who has been tipped to be a Premier League success if he moves south of the border.

The Sun says that the 23-year-old would cost around £4m if the Scottish Premiership side decide to cash in on him, with Moyes having identified the middle of the park as an area that needs strengthening during the January transfer window.

How has McGinn done this season?

He has done very well.

Even though he primarily plays as a central midfielder, he has made a big impact in the final third for his team by scoring four goals and providing a further four assists in 26 appearances in all competitions this term – including a brilliant brace against Celtic at Celtic Park in September.

His discipline is a slight issue though, seeing as he has already picked up 10 yellow cards before Christmas.

Would he be a good signing for West Ham?

He certainly would be, especially for £4m.

McGinn has scored 13 goals and provided a further 23 assists in 115 appearances in total for Hibernian, and his impressive performance away against Celtic shows that he can perform on the big stage too.

He would certainly add some bite and aggression in the middle of the park, while he has proven that he can be creative and a goal threat when he needs to be.

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West Ham certainly look as though they need strengthening in central midfield, but Irons supporters may not be so impressed with the addition considering they have been linked with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho and Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi over the course of the last few weeks.

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Celtic manager Neil Lennon has told any interested parties to forget about a January deal for winger James Forrest.

Cardiff are the latest of a number of Premier League sides to have registered an interest in the Scottish international, who has been one of the SPL’s leading names for some time.

The 22-year-old is thought to have ambitions of playing in England, but has elected to remain in his homeland up until now thanks to guaranteed first-team action in Glasgow.

Lennon – who admitted recently that goalkeeper Fraser Forster may be sold – says that he understands why so many clubs are monitoring Forrest, but went on to issue a hands off warning.

“It wouldn’t be a surprised if other clubs were looking at James because he is a brilliant player,” Lennon told Sky Sports.

“But he signed a long-term contract 18 months ago. We are months and months away from the window – he is not for sale.

“We are in a very stable position as a club and that is something which is a rarity in this day and age.

“The players are happy, vibrant and we have a lot to look forward to.”

Forrest is a product of Scottish giants’ youth set-up and is a crowd favourite at Celtic Park.

He made his international debut in 2011, and is believed to be on Malky Mackay’s radar ahead of the New Year.

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Could James Forrest be a Premier League hit?

Join the debate below!

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Twitter is essentially a glorified Facebook status update, allowing you to share each and every thought that pops into your head with a global audience. In the right hands this can be a very powerful tool but in the wrong hands, it’s just straight up dangerous. Most of us have the foresight to consider our ‘tweets’ before we set them in virtual stone but footballers appear incapable of such logic, instead using the site to offload a few ‘brain dumps’.

The advent of social media has bestowed us with unprecedented access into the lives of our favourite superstars. We’re now all too readily exposed to an unfiltered stream of mundane and trivial information, which serves only to quash our once idolised view of our sporting icons. I’m sure most players don’t set out to infuriate, annoy or ‘wind-up’, some actually share interesting content, but that doesn’t stop them from further enforcing all the negative stereotypes associated with the modern day footballer.

Click on Pele below to reveal my Top 15 most annoying footballers on Twitter

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Leicester beat Arsenal 3-1 at the King Power stadium last night to earn their first win against the Gunners in 24 years as Arsenal’s dreadful away form continues.

Kelechi Iheanacho was a central figure putting in a man of the match display.

The ex-City striker calmly slotted the opener past Petr Cech after poor defending from Arsenal, who had 20-year-old defender Konstantinos Mavropanos sent off two minutes later after he brought down Iheanacho as he broke through on goal.

The young Nigerian put in one of his strongest performances for Leicester in what has been a stop-start debut season since his move from Manchester City.

Iheanacho scored only his second league goal for Leicester in the victory to take his goal tally to seven for the season.

After a slow start to his career in the East Midlands, The Sun linked the Nigerian striker with a move away from the club. However the 21-year-old is determined to prove his worth:

“That’s what every player wants, to play. When you work hard, you get your chance, so I’ll keep working hard and see what’s next.”

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Leicester supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Iheanacho’s man of the match performance…

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