The UK Football Policing Unit says a financial donation from the Premier League will have no influence on the decisions forces make around kick-off times and match safety.

The PA news agency understands the Premier League intends to make an unconditional ‘gift’ to police forces which have one or more top-flight clubs within their force area.

The payment, first reported by Mail Sport on Monday, is understood to be being made to recognise and thank the police for the role forces play in ensuring the safety and security of football fans and clubs across match days and beyond.

The UKFPU has rejected the idea that the payment could change the approach forces take to deciding kick-off times.

“The decision whether to object to a kick-off time is an operational matter for individual police forces,” a statement from the unit read.

“It is then subject to an independent assessment by the relevant Safety Advisory Group who will make a recommendation to the licensing authority, usually the local authority.

“Public safety is always the primary concern in making these decisions. The suggestion that a donation by the Premier League would influence a police decision around safety is wrong and ill informed as to the process.”

It is understood it will be left entirely to the forces’ discretion how they make use of this payment, which will be in addition to what clubs pay for specialist police services as required within their stadiums and surrounding areas that are owned and controlled by the club.

The news regarding the payment comes at a time when football’s authorities, fan groups and the police are trying to get to grips with a series of ugly incidents over the last month.

West Midlands Police said on Monday that six individuals had been arrested, with more expected to follow, over the disorder at Sunday’s West Brom versus Wolves FA Cup tie, a match which kicked off at 11.45am.

Play in the Black Country derby at The Hawthorns was suspended for more than half an hour after trouble flared in the stands and fans spilled onto the pitch.

The previous day a supporter chased referee Craig Hicks off the pitch during the League One match between Port Vale and Portsmouth, while Coventry’s Kasey Palmer reported he was racially abused by a fan during his side’s Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday on January 20.

The English game’s key bodies have now spoken out.

“We are very concerned about the unacceptable events that have taken place in some of our stadiums recently,” a joint statement from the Football Association, the Premier League, the EFL, the National League System, Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the League Managers’ Association, the Football Supporters’ Association and the UK Football Policing Unit said.

“Acts of discrimination, violence and entering the field of play are all criminal offences – which can result in individuals receiving criminal convictions, football banning orders and life-time stadium bans.

“While we understand that this behaviour is carried out by a small minority, we wish to remind everyone that these actions will not be tolerated and we will collectively work together, alongside the police, to bring offenders to justice and stamp this out of our game.”

Erling Haaland is set to return for Manchester City as the champions host struggling Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The prolific Norwegian striker has been out of action for almost two months with a foot injury.

Manager Pep Guardiola said: “Apparently he will be (available to be) selected. For the first time he is back.”

Haaland’s absence has been his first significant lay-off since joining City.

The 23-year-old scored 52 goals last season in a remarkable first campaign with the club and had already netted 19 for the club this term when he sustained the injury in early December.

He returned to training earlier this month and is now at least likely to be included in the matchday squad to face the Clarets.

Guardiola said: “When we have all the squad, we are stronger, definitely and Erling is an important player for us, definitely.

“He has been two months out, it is a long time, but he feels good. We have to train this afternoon but apparently tomorrow he will be with all of us.”

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has undergone surgery on a hamstring injury in Finland.

The homegrown 20-year-old talent has played 28 matches in all competitions this season and was forced off 23 minutes into last Wednesday’s Copa del Rey defeat at Athletic Bilbao.

Tests showed Balde had sustained an injury to a hamstring tendon that required surgery, which could rule the Spain international out for the remainder of the season.

A statement from the LaLiga club read: “The first team player Alejandro Balde has undergone a successful surgical procedure on the injury to the tendon in his right hamstring.

“The procedure was carried out by Dr Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the club’s medical staff, in Turku, Finland.

“The player is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.”

Balde joins Barca’s lengthy list of absentees. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marcos Alonso and Inigo Martinez are also out, as are Gavi and Raphinha.

Sergi Roberto also missed Saturday’s 5-3 home defeat against Villarreal with an Achilles tendon problem.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has urged Marcus Rashford to think carefully about his “choices and timing” after the forward’s reported Belfast escapades led to an internal disciplinary.

The homegrown 26-year-old has performed poorly this season, scoring just four times, and the England international’s decision-making away from the pitch has also come under scrutiny.

Rashford went to a nightclub party after October’s embarrassing 3-0 home derby defeat to Manchester City – something his manager Erik ten Hag went on to call “unacceptable”.

The United academy product is back under the microscope after reportedly spending Thursday night in a Belfast nightclub, where he apparently stayed out until 3am before flying back to Manchester.

Ten Hag said the following day that Rashford was unable to train as he “was ill” and, having missed Sunday’s FA Cup win at Newport, the club said in a statement that “Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions”.

United called it an “internal disciplinary matter” that it is now closed, with former skipper Neville – Rashford’s former coach with England – hoping he learns from this experience.

“To me, going out for a drink or going out for a night out is something that every football player should do and will do, so I’ve got no problem with that whatsoever,” he said.

“They need to enjoy themselves. It’s just all about choices and timing.

“I said this after the Manchester City game. We got beat home by City a few months ago and he went out last night to Chinawhite. I think it was for his birthday.

“I think we had a game against Newcastle on the Wednesday in the Carabao Cup or something like that and I just said ‘look, choose your time’.

“I think Manchester United have just had a winter break. They’ve had a couple of weeks off, so there was a better moment for him to choose to go out.

“So, I would say go out, have your moment where you relax with your friends, but just your timing’s got to be right.”

United say Rashford is back in training and available for selection for Thursday’s Premier League match at Wolves after days of unwanted headlines.

Manager Ten Hag is sure be quizzed on the matter at his pre-match press conference scheduled for Wednesday lunchtime.

Asked what former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson would have done with Rashford, Neville told the BBC: “He would have given him a dressing down.

“But he would have said similar things – make sure you do it at the right moments, the right time.

“No-one ever says to a football player ‘you cannot go out’ but obviously when you’ve got a game three days later… Marcus himself knows.

“He’s an experienced player, we’re not talking about a young lad, but he’s done it a couple of times in the last few months.

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“I’ve always seen Marcus as being really responsible, a good professional, someone who works hard every single day and, look, he’s going through a dip in form at this moment in time.

“But it’s happened once, it’s now happened twice, and it sometimes can become your personality if you’re not careful.

“If you do it too many times, people can start to say ‘well, what’s happening in his life?’

“So, he just needs to relax, calm down, drink a bit of cacao, choose when to go out and get back to playing football at the levels which we know he can.”

Everton’s appeal against a 10-point penalty imposed for breaches of Premier League financial rules is being heard this week, the PA news agency understands.

The club were sanctioned by an independent commission in November after being found to have exceeded permitted losses under the league’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) in the three seasons up to 2021-22, but immediately indicated they would appeal.

It is understood the appeal hearing before an independent commission will run until the end of the week, with the expectation that the outcome of the appeal is known before the end of February.

The outcome of the appeal could also have a direct impact on a second PSR complaint the club are facing which was laid on January 15. That complaint covers an assessment period that ends with the 2022-23 season.

Under a new expedited process to deal with PSR breaches which was agreed by top-flight clubs last summer, an independent commission hearing into the second PSR complaint must conclude no later than 12 weeks after the complaint was laid, which would be early April.

Everton described the initial 10-point penalty as “wholly disproportionate”.

The independent commission’s written reasons stated the club’s overspend “was the result of Everton irresponsibly taking a chance that things would turn out positively”. The PSR breach was described as “serious” and warranting “a significant penalty”.

Nottingham Forest were also referred to an independent commission over a PSR breach on January 15.

Franck Kessie scored the winning penalty as hosts Ivory Coast sent holders Senegal tumbling out of the Africa Cup of Nations, sparking wild celebrations in Yamoussoukro.

Kessie, who had coolly dispatched an 86th-minute spot-kick past Edouard Mendy to earn a 1-1 draw send the round-of-16 tie to extra time, delivered again with the crucial kick to seal a 5-4 shoot-out win after Moussa Niakhate had missed for favourites Senegal.

The Ivory Coast’s win continued a remarkable revival for the hosts, who had looked down and out in the group stage after a 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Equatorial Guinea.

Senegal had looked set to end the curse that had seen no defending champions reach the last eight since 2010 when Habib Diallo rifled home with just four minutes on the clock.

The hosts responded well as they pinned Senegal back in their own half, but the holders’ defence held firm and Ivory Coast were restricted to a succession of half-chances.

Seko Fofana’s run into a dangerous area was superbly snuffed out by Niakhate and Senegal almost extended their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Ismaila Sarr stumbled over a shooting chance.

Sarr came close again early in the second half but Ivory Coast continued to press through Oumar Diakite, who almost served up a leveller for Jean Philippe Krasso just before the hour mark.

The holders missed an even better opportunity in the 74th minute when Kessie’s free-kick was parried by Mendy, who somehow got in the way of the same player’s follow-up from a tight angle.

Substitute Nicolas Pepe missed another huge chance when he lashed a curling effort straight at Mendy, but earned his side their crucial penalty four minutes from time when he was tripped by Mendy in the box.

Kessie kept his cool to force the additional half-hour and after neither side could break the deadlock, it came down to the shoot-out where the hosts scored all five to seal a famous triumph.

What the papers say

Conor Gallagher could make a move across London as the end of the January transfer window looms. According to The Times, Tottenham are weighing up a potential bid for Chelsea’s England midfielder, 23.

Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri, 22, could be heading for a spell away from Old Trafford. Spanish club Granada have revived plans for a loan move for the Uruguay international, reports the Manchester Evening News.

West Ham have turned their attention to Portuguese winger Jota, 24, from Al-Ittihad, according to the Evening Standard. Hammers talks with FC Nordsjaelland over Ghanaian forward Ibrahim Osman, 19, have stalled.

Leeds have made an offer to Everton for Ben Godfrey, reports The Sun. The Championship club are looking to take the England international defender, 26, on loan.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Jacob Ramsey: Newcastle, Tottenham and Bayern Munich are interested in the 22-year-old midfielder, with Aston Villa considering a sale to comply with financial regulations, reports The Athletic.

Chuba Akpom: Everton and Luton are keen on signing the English forward, 28, on loan from Ajax, says Teamtalk.

Liverpool announced the signing of Brazilian forward Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan on this day in 2013.

The 20-year-old became manager Brendan Rodgers’ second signing of the January transfer window after finalising the details of his medical and work permit.

Coutinho was on his fourth club – all in different countries – in three years, but having spoken at length with compatriot and new team-mate Lucas Leiva, he was confident he would adapt to life on Merseyside.

“I’ve been talking to him for some time and he said good things about Liverpool,” said the midfielder, who began his career with Vasco da Gama before moving to Inter, who loaned him to Espanyol.

“He believes this might be a nice club for me and now it’s happening. I’m very confident and excited to come and start to train with the team and be available to the manager.

“I’ve been playing in Italy for two and a half years and I believe I will adapt with ease here.

“I’m feeling very happy, it’s a very important step in my career and I’m expecting to come here and play good football to give my contribution on the pitch.

“Liverpool is a great club with great players. We’ve always heard about Liverpool’s history in Brazil.

“They are the club that have been interested in me and that have showed this interest so I know they believe in me and my football.”

Coutinho went on to make 201 appearances for the Reds, scoring 54 goals, before he was sold to Barcelona for £130million in 2018.

Now 31, he currently plays for Qatari club Al Duhail, on loan from Aston Villa.

Franck Kessie stepped up from the penalty spot to send defending champions Senegal tumbling out of the Africa Cup of Nations and spark wild celebrations in Yamoussoukro.

Kessie had given hosts Ivory Coast hope when he coolly dispatched an 86th-minute spot-kick past Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to send the tie into extra-time.

And the 27-year-old delivered once again with the crucial kick to seal a 5-4 win in the shoot-out after Moussa Niakhate had missed his earlier effort for the favourites.

The Ivory Coast’s win continued a remarkable revival for the hosts who had looked down and out in the group stage after a 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Equatorial Guinea.

Senegal had looked set to end the curse that had seen no defending champions reach the last eight since 2010 when Habib Diallo rifled home with just four minutes on the clock.

The hosts responded well as they pinned Senegal back in their own half, but the holders’ defence held firm and Ivory Coast were restricted to a succession of half-chances.

Seko Fofana’s run into a dangerous area was superbly snuffed out by Niakhate and Senegal almost extended their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Ismaila Sarr stumbled over a shooting chance.

Sarr came close again early in the second half but Ivory Coast continued to press through Oumar Diakite, who almost served up a leveller for Jean Philippe Krasso just before the hour mark.

The holders missed an even better opportunity in the 74th minute when Kessie’s free-kick was parried by Mendy, who somehow got in the way of the same player’s follow-up from a tight angle.

Substitute Nicolas Pepe missed another huge chance when he lashed a curling effort straight at Mendy, but earned his side their crucial penalty four minutes from time when he was tripped by Mendy in the box.

Kessie kept his cool to force the additional half-hour and after neither side could break the deadlock, it came down to the shoot-out where the hosts scored all five to seal a famous triumph.

Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson is relishing the prospect of his side hosting his old club Newcastle after Rovers came from behind to beat Wrexham 4-1 at Ewood Park in the FA Cup fourth round.

The League Two visitors were on for an upset when Andy Cannon put them in front in the 19th minute, bringing a huge roar from the 7,000-plus away fans in the ground.

But Blackburn responded in ruthless fashion with goals in quick succession just past the half-hour mark from Sammie Szmodics and then Sam Gallagher as goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was punished for racing out of his area.

Szmodics, the Championship’s leading scorer this term with 16 goals who had bagged a hat-trick in the 5-2 third-round victory over Cambridge, then netted his second of the night just prior to the interval before Sondre Tronstad wrapped things up in the second half.

Former striker Tomasson – a Newcastle player in 1997-98 – said in his post-match press conference when asked about the fifth-round clash with the Magpies that had been set up: “It’s special.

“When I saw the draw, I was thinking about the Champions League game against Barcelona where we won it 3-2, I thought that could be nice if we were able to win against Wrexham, to see my former club here.

“We know how well Newcastle has performed. So I’m really pleased to see my old club coming here.”

On his team’s display against Wrexham, Tomasson said: “It was a good performance, and when you play the FA Cup it’s about winning.

“A game like this could be extremely dangerous, Wrexham are bringing on a Monday night more than 7,000 fans, they had a great run last season, beating Coventry, almost beating Sheffield United as well. The team have done a very good performance and we are pleased to be through to the next round.”

Scouts from esteemed colleges, universities, and professional football teams in the United States and Mexico have descended upon St. Kitts for a three-day football player combine at the SKNFA Technical Centre in St. Peters. The SKNFA scouting showcase, which kicked off earlier this afternoon (29) aims to discover and assess young football prospects aged 17 to 22 for potential scholarships in the USA, while local players between the ages of 18 and 25 aspire to secure spots in professional teams.

Adding an international flair, players from French St. Martin joined the combine, highlighting the event's diverse reach. Herrera Raul, Head Coach of Richland College in Texas, expressed excitement about expanding and growing talent on an international scale, emphasizing the significant growth of the game in US colleges and universities.

Clemeinein Oancea, a scout for Waxahachie Southwestern Assemblies of God University, shared his enthusiasm for evaluating the talent in St. Kitts and commended the efforts of SKNFA President Atiba Harris over the past two years.

Oscar Munoz of San Antonio FC anticipates encountering "fast players with new techniques," while Adam Kay of Louisiana State University (LSU) Shreveport is on the lookout for players ready to contribute immediately and those with long-term development potential.

Former Costa Rican International, Andy Herron, now with the Chicago Fire MLS team, expressed his belief in St. Kitts and Nevis as a breeding ground for football talent, eagerly awaiting the unfolding events over the next three days. Manolo Vega of Club Puebla in Mexico is keen on identifying local players for potential opportunities with their club, a sentiment echoed by M. Gonzalez of Club Necaxa.

Wayne Simmonds of Connecticut United expects a showcase of great athleticism, hunger, and excitement from the participating players.

 The scouts, representing Major League Soccer, USL, LIGA MX, and NCAA Division 1, 2, and 3 Colleges, watched a scrimmage with St. Kitts and Nevis U-20 national team players on Sunday evening at the Technical Center, offering a preview of the talent on display.

Darren Moore, an ex-Jamaican international, has been axed as Huddersfield Town head coach with the club languishing just three points clear of the English Championship relegation zone.

The Birmingham-born former defender, who twice represented the Reggae Boyz in 1999, leaves the West Yorkshire team with just three league triumphs in 23 games since taking charge last September.

He was sacked following a winless six-match run, culminating in the weekend’s 1-1 draw at struggling QPR when a stoppage time equalizer denied the 49-year-old a long overdue victory.

The former West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday boss and his backroom staff leave after four months of seeing his side stutter during his 23-game tenure.

Having led Wednesday to promotion to the Championship last term via the play-offs, Moore took over from veteran Neil Warnock at the John Smith's Stadium.

Huddersfield had managed to stave off relegation from the second tier, while in contrast Moore masterminded a gutsy extra time 1-0 success over Barnsley Town in their League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Although that seemed to be the start of something special for Moore — who played for the likes of Barnsley, Derby County, Portsmouth and WBA at club level — he left Wednesday by mutual consent after two years at the helm.

His appointment at Huddersfield was always deemed to be a gamble, which has now failed to pay dividends.

Huddersfield Town AFC’s official statement read: “Darren Moore has been relieved of his duties as Huddersfield Town manager.

“This decision was taken after our Sky Bet Championship draw at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, which took Moore’s record as Town manager to three wins, 11 draws and nine defeats in all competitions.”

Moore kicked off his managerial career at WBA in 2018, having cut his teeth as interim head coach with the Premier League club to become only the second top-tier boss from the CONCACAF region. American Bob Bradley was the first head coach from the Caribbean and North American region, when he managed Swansea City in 2016.

Moore surprisingly left The Hawthorns in 2019 with 10 games remaining in the Championship and WBA in with a shot of automatic promotion in fourth place.

He joined League One outfit Doncaster Rovers a few months later, then was headhunted by Wednesday so jumped ship in March 2021.

Despite a highly successful stint at Wednesday, Moore left the promoted club in June because he failed to agree terms of a potential contract renewal with chairman Dejphon Chansiri.

Moore’s managerial career may have taken a blip, but with a proven track record of transforming the fortunes of teams outside the top-tier there’s little doubt he’ll be a wanted man soon in the British game.

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui insisted there can be no slip-ups from his side at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 1976 champions finished top of their group with wins over Tanzania and Zambia either side of a draw against DR Congo to set up a last-16 clash against South Africa in San Pedro on Tuesday.

South Africa prevailed 2-1 when the teams met in the tournament qualifier in June so Regragui is taking nothing for granted.

“It’s a knockout match, it’s a change of competition, we can’t afford to make any mistake,” Regragui said in quotes on the tournament website. “We’ve done well so far, but we want to do better.

“We have a lot of respect for South Africa. They were the last team to beat us on the continent. We’re not in a favourable position, which is why I’m insisting on my group’s humility.”

Sofiane Boufal is likely to miss the rest of the tournament with a muscular problem while Hakim Ziyech is struggling with an ankle knock.

“The medical staff and I are doing everything we can to get him back on the pitch,” Regragui added. “If we have to take a risk with him, we’ll take it.”

South Africa bounced back from a 2-0 defeat to Mali in the tournament opener to beat Namibia 4-0 and hold Tunisia to a goalless draw to finish second in their group.

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos said: “We already beat Morocco a year ago and we can do it again. Anything is possible and we want to create another surprise in this competition.

“We’re confident, we believe in ourselves and in what we can do. I think we’ll have to go into this match with the same frame of mind we’ve had recently, but I want us to be at a very high level.”

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery insists he wants to keep hold of “very important” Jacob Ramsey  amid speculation over the midfielder’s future.

It has been reported that Villa need to sell before strengthening their squad due to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Ramsey, 22, who has been linked with Newcastle, Tottenham and Bayern Munich, is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and remains doubtful for Tuesday night’s home league game against Eddie Howe’s Magpies.

Emery told a press conference: “Jacob Ramsey is a very important player. He grew up in the academy and his progression is getting better.

“His level is increasing a lot and I want to keep him here with us. Of course, there are movements (speculation) around him.

“Maybe there are teams involved in the possibility to sign him because he has a big, big potential at Villa and in England. I want to keep him here, 100 per cent.”

Villa have also been reported to have had a third bid for 21-year-old Middlesbrough striker Morgan Rogers rejected and Emery said: “The club is working hard so some players can leave, then if we can we can add potentially.”

Emery’s side are riding high in fourth place having earned their best-ever points return after 21 Premier League matches, but have won only one of their last four.

They were thumped 5-1 at Newcastle in their opening league game of the season when defender Tyrone Mings sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which has ruled him out since.

“It was tough,” Emery said. “Not only the result, but we can remember the moment Tyrone got injured and that was difficult.

“We analysed, we worked and are trying to improve. We will respect them like they deserve – and we are ready.”

Villa’ last three fixtures have been on the road and they return to action at Villa Park, where they have dropped only two points in 10 games this season, for the first time since the end of December.

Emery added: “We are excited. The last match we played here was one month ago so my motivation is very high.”

The Spaniard confirmed Pau Torres (ankle), Lucas Digne (thigh) and Jhon Duran (hamstring) are still out, while Mings and Emi Buendia (knee) remain long-term absentees.

Luton captain Tom Lockyer had an emotional reunion with his team-mates at the club’s training ground on Monday.

The 29-year-old made his first visit to the Hatters’ Brache HQ since suffering a cardiac arrest during the Premier League match at Bournemouth in December.

“It was amazing to see him back,” manager Rob Edwards told the club website.

“We had a really good morning seeing him around the place.

“We handed out the debut Premier League balls with (former managers) John Still and Mick Harford.

“It was a nice presentation; it was a special moment and great to see.

Lockyer receives treatment after suffering a cardiac arrest (Steven Paston/PA)

“I managed to hold it together but it was emotional. It’s been a really difficult time for his family first and foremost, but for us it was great to see him.

“He’s an unbelievably brave man and someone who has an unbelievable handle over all of it. I wouldn’t be how he is.

“He’s such an impressive and focused person. There’s a rehabilitation process but he’s taking it slowly, he’s got a baby on the way and that’s his main focus.”

Wales defender Lockyer collapsed on the pitch at the Vitality Stadium and was tended to by medics. The match was subsequently abandoned.

Lockyer later praised the “heroic” actions of the players, staff and medics who helped save his life.