Plus: more costly (and beneficial) red cards, plus attacks with triple half-century of international goalsMail us with your all of your questions and answers“When did fans wearing replica kits become a thing?” asks Alex Ecob. “Older footage shows people in regular clothes and a few scarves/flags in the team colours. What kickstarted the trend? Did…

Captain looking forward to intimidating atmosphere when Wearsiders host AZ, after 53 years awayWhen Sunderland last played European football, club directors viewed it as a useful means of raising the cash necessary to fund floodlight upgrades at Roker Park necessitated by England’s widespread adoption of colour television.Back in the autumn of 1973 a lighting system…

Prolonged league suspension due to war and falling behind Saudi spending power are weakening the sport in IranJust three months ago, Iran was one of the biggest stories in football as Team Melli arrived at the World Cup to try to play in the US, a country that had been bombing and firing missiles at…

Lions to play five fixtures in New Zealand in 2027Sky has held live rights for men’s Lions since 1997The inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand next year is expected to be broadcast live on Sky Sports in a significant boost for the women’s game. Sky has held live rights for men’s…