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Mansfield’s Impressive Win Puts Pressure on Burnley’s Parker

Pressure is mounting on Burnley’s Scott Parker after the Premier League club was eliminated from the FA Cup by Mansfield, a team competing in League One.

In his debut season as manager, Parker successfully guided Burnley to promotion to the Premier League.

On Saturday, League One team Mansfield created an unforgettable FA Cup upset at Turf Moor, dealing a blow to Burnley's already struggling Premier League campaign.

The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when Louis Reed scored a stunning free-kick into the top corner of Burnley's goal, sending the 3,500 traveling Mansfield fans into raptures.

In contrast, the home crowd's reaction was one of discontent, with boos and jeers emanating from large sections of the stadium, which intensified into a chorus of dissatisfaction by the final whistle.

Having secured only two wins in their last 19 games across all competitions and trailing safety in the Premier League by nine points, an FA Cup run had represented Burnley's last hope for a turnaround in their dismal top-flight return.

According to Chris Sutton on BBC Final Score, a segment of Burnley's fan base is calling for Scott Parker's dismissal, believing his tenure has reached its end.

Burnley's Premier League rivals have all made managerial changes this season, raising questions about whether the club might follow suit.

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Mansfield staged a remarkable second-half comeback to stun Burnley and advance in the FA Cup.

The loss to Mansfield, a team ranked 13th in the third tier of English football, marked a new low point in Burnley's season, coming just as optimism was beginning to return.

Burnley had previously secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory at Crystal Palace on Wednesday, ending a 16-game winless streak in the Premier League and slightly lifting the gloom.

Parker's decision to make nine changes to his lineup for the FA Cup match against Mansfield was puzzling, given the team's spirited performance at Selhurst Park.

When asked about his team selection, Parker told BBC Sport that he didn't believe it was the primary factor in their loss, instead citing a lack of intensity in the final moments of the game.

Parker acknowledged that his team fell short in the crucial moments, which ultimately decided the outcome of the match.

While it's not uncommon for Premier League teams to rotate their lineups for cup games against lower-tier opponents, Burnley's changes were particularly notable given their precarious league position.

Having been eliminated from the League Cup by Cardiff City in September, the FA Cup represented Burnley fans' last opportunity to shift their focus away from the looming threat of relegation.

Former Burnley defender David Unsworth criticized Parker's team selection, stating that the changes made were embarrassing and that the strongest lineup should have been fielded.

Unsworth described the afternoon as embarrassing for Burnley, suggesting that the ownership group, led by Alan Pace, needs to take action in response to the fans' discontent.

The former defender emphasized that the owner must listen to the fans, who are unequivocally unhappy, and consider making changes to address the situation.

Chairman Alan Pace, who leads the ALK Capital ownership group, has also faced criticism from fans, who are dissatisfied with his leadership.

Pace's recent comments in an interview with BBC Football Focus, in which he dismissed fan concerns as akin to complaints from individuals who "just play this game on a computer somewhere," have further angered supporters.

Pace also likened disgruntled fans to three-year-old children having tantrums, which has only exacerbated the tension.

In an attempt to clarify his remarks, Pace wrote in the match-day program that he did not intend to upset fans but meant to convey that their concerns should not be exaggerated.

Many Burnley fans are now calling for Pace to terminate Parker's contract, although the manager himself remains confident in his position.

Parker stated that he is comfortable with his current situation and acknowledged that the team's performance was disappointing, but emphasized that they had created numerous scoring opportunities.

The manager accepted responsibility for the loss, acknowledging that the result was poor and that he and the team would face criticism.

Mansfield pulled off a stunning FA Cup upset by defeating Burnley.

While Burnley's defeat was significant, it's essential to recognize the impressive achievement of Mansfield, who eliminated a top-flight team from the FA Cup for the first time since 1969.

Under Nigel Clough's guidance, Mansfield will now participate in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 1974-75 season, marking a notable milestone for the team.

Despite falling behind early, Mansfield demonstrated resilience and determination, exemplified by Kyle Knoyle's crucial goal-line clearance when the score was 1-0.

When opportunities arose, Mansfield capitalized on them, with Rhys Oates scoring the equalizer shortly after halftime, followed by Louis Reed's memorable free-kick.

Reed described the moment he scored the winning goal, saying he felt confident as soon as he struck the ball, having worked on his free kicks during the week.

The Mansfield captain attributed the team's success to their collective spirit and emphasized that they will approach their next match with the same energy and determination.

Reed expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming fifth-round match, stating that the team will maintain their momentum regardless of the opponent.

Chris Sutton praised Nigel Clough's management, describing Mansfield's story as amazing and highlighting the team's impressive performance against Premier League opposition.

Sutton noted that Mansfield's free-kick goal, scored by Louis Reed, was deserving of winning any cup tie, given its exceptional quality.

The victory could have significant consequences for Parker, potentially costing him his job as Burnley's manager.

For the latest Burnley news, analysis, and fan perspectives, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Burnley, please feel free to ask, and we will do our best to provide you with the information you seek.

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Rooney Criticizes Controversial Digne Handball Decision

According to BBC Sport pundits Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, referees have become hesitant to make decisions on their own, relying heavily on VAR for support, as seen in the FA Cup fourth-round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle, where officials opted not to give a penalty for a possible handball by Lucas Digne.

According to BBC Sport analysts Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, referees have become overly reliant on VAR, and this dependence is causing them to hesitate when making decisions on their own, as seen in the recent FA Cup fourth round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle, where a potential handball by Lucas Digne did not result in a penalty.

For further analysis on the incident and its implications for the use of VAR, click to read more about the controversy surrounding the Villa Park match.

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Tuipulotu Credits Scotland for Delivering Under Townsend

Captain Sione Tuipulotu credited the team’s Calcutta Cup victory to a strong performance by Scotland, which in turn alleviated some of the pressure on head coach Gregor Townsend.

Captain Sione Tuipulotu has praised Scotland's impressive Calcutta Cup win, which came after a difficult week for head coach Gregor Townsend, with the team delivering a much-needed triumph.

Following their opening Six Nations defeat to Italy in Rome, Scotland's championship aspirations were under scrutiny as they hosted an in-form England side at Murrayfield, with Townsend's position under increased pressure.

The hosts made a stunning start, racing into a 17-0 lead within 15 minutes, a cushion they maintained for the remainder of the match.

Scotland's performance was characterized by pace and flair, with fly-half Finn Russell playing a pivotal role in the victory.

Russell's vision and distribution were instrumental in creating tries for Huw Jones and Jamie Ritchie, as Scotland's attacking play flourished.

Despite England's response, which included a try from Henry Arundell before his dismissal for a second yellow card, Scotland continued to play with freedom, adding a third try after Ellis Genge failed to gather Russell's chip, allowing Ben White to capitalize.

England, who had won their previous 12 Tests, attempted a comeback in the second half, but Scotland's defense held firm, and they sealed a bonus-point victory with Jones' second try, following a charged-down drop-goal attempt by George Ford.

Tuipulotu expressed his pride in the team's performance, saying he was "extremely proud" of the way they responded to their defeat in Italy.

The Scotland captain acknowledged that the team had deserved criticism after their loss to Italy, but felt they had redeemed themselves with a strong display against England.

Tuipulotu stated that the team had felt under pressure, but had rallied behind their coach, delivering a performance that justified their support.

The captain admitted to feeling a sense of guilt, recognizing the challenges faced by head coaches, who receive criticism when the team performs poorly.

Tuipulotu praised his teammates for their commitment to the coach and their role in the victory, saying they had "got behind our coach and delivered a performance."

The Scotland Rugby Podcast has reaction from a jubilant Murrayfield, with players and coaches reflecting on the impressive win.

Scotland will now travel to Spain to recover before their next championship match against Wales, looking to build on their momentum.

Tuipulotu emphasized the importance of maintaining their performance level, saying the team would do everything possible to replicate their victory against Wales.

The Glasgow Warriors centre said he wanted to enjoy the win, but was already focused on preparing for the next match, ensuring they "prepare to the best of our abilities to back up this performance."

Former Scotland captain John Barclay echoed Tuipulotu's sentiments, stressing the need for consistency and saying that the best teams are able to maintain their performance levels.

Barclay, speaking on ITV, said that Scotland must "back it up" and avoid a significant drop-off in performance if they are to progress as a team.

The former skipper emphasized that the team's focus should be on replicating their Calcutta Cup win, with Tuipulotu and Townsend already highlighting the importance of consistency.

Barclay noted that the top teams are able to maintain their performance levels, with minimal drop-off, and that Scotland must strive to achieve this if they are to succeed.

Scotland's convincing win over England has rejuvenated their championship campaign, with the team sweeping aside their opponents in a stunning Calcutta Cup victory.

Townsend has expressed his pride in the team's performance, which saw them dominate England and regain the Calcutta Cup.

The match highlights are available, showcasing Scotland's impressive display.

Townsend has spoken about Scotland's emphatic victory, praising the team's performance and highlighting the challenges they faced.

The Scotland head coach has faced a difficult period, with three defeats in four Tests and speculation about his future, but the win over England has eased the pressure.

Townsend's position had been under scrutiny, with some questioning whether he had taken the team as far as he could, but the Calcutta Cup win has provided a timely boost.

The head coach praised the team's first-half display, saying it was some of the best rugby he had seen from a Scotland team.

Townsend told ITV that the team's performance in the opening 20 minutes was exceptional, and that he was proud of the way they fought for each other and the supporters in the second half.

The head coach attributed the team's success to their aggressive and fast-paced play, saying that Finn Russell had one of his best games for Scotland and the forwards' work-rate was superb.

Scotland have now won five of the last six Calcutta Cup matches, with Russell's missed conversion last year denying them a sixth consecutive win.

Former Scotland prop Peter Wright praised the team's performance, saying they had made England look "pretty mediocre."

Wright noted that Scotland's inconsistency is frustrating, as they can produce performances like the Calcutta Cup win, but also struggle, as they did against Italy.

The former prop said that the players deserved credit for their display, which was a significant improvement on their previous outing.

Scotland's players have been praised for their commitment to the coach and their role in the victory.

The match highlights are available, showcasing Scotland's impressive display.

England head coach Steve Borthwick said that Scotland's players had "shown up" for their coach, delivering a performance that justified their support.

Townsend dismissed the idea that Scotland only produce their best performances against England, saying that the team sees it as a positive that they can raise their game for the Calcutta Cup match.

The head coach said that the team had played some of their best rugby against England, and that this was a testament to the players' ability to perform under pressure.

Townsend emphasized that the team's focus is on the positives, rather than the negatives, and that they are proud of their record in the Calcutta Cup fixture.

The head coach reflected on the team's performance against Italy, saying that they had shown resilience and determination, even in defeat, and that he was proud of the players' efforts in difficult conditions.

The players' dedication and hard work throughout the week are evident, and their performance on the weekend is a testament to their commitment. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that their energy and effort are not the issue. The team's efforts have been commendable, and their coach's pride in them has been consistent, whether in victory or not, as seen in the past two weeks.

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Kane Reaches Milestone 500th Career Goal as First English Player

Harry Kane, the striker for Bayern Munich, made history by scoring his 500th professional goal in an official match, achieving this milestone with a long-range shot against Werder Bremen, thereby becoming the first English player to reach this mark.

In a notable achievement, Harry Kane, the striker for Bayern Munich, has successfully scored his 500th professional goal in an official match, making him the first English footballer to reach this milestone after scoring from distance against Werder Bremen.

For more information on Harry Kane's record-breaking feat and other potential records he may break, additional details are available.

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