Newcastle fans fought running battles with mounted police as English football, already scarred by Saturday's Wembley disorder, was gripped by violence again on Sunday. Twenty seven fans were arrested and at least three police officers were injured following Newcastle's 3-0 home defeat to bitter local rivals Sunderland. Police said they were pelted with missiles as they clashed with Newcastle fans attempting to confront Sunderland supporters at the city's railway station.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers tipped Reading keeper Alex McCarthy for an England call-up after he starred in the 0-0 draw at Madejski Stadium. McCarthy was inspired for the rock-bottom Royals from start to finish as he denied the Reds quartet of Luis Suarez, Steven Gerarrd, Phillipe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge. And Rodgers, the former Reading boss who coached McCarthy during his six-month reign in 2009, admitted that the 23-year-old is destined for the top after his stunning display in his first game back since shoulder surgery in November.

Wigan owner Dave Whelan has called on the Football Association to allow him to lead his team onto the field in the FA Cup final. Whelan's club will play Chelsea or Manchester City in their first ever FA Cup final next month after defeating Millwall 2-0 in the semi-finals on Saturday. It was initially claimed that Whelan, who has transformed Wigan from fourth tier minnows into a Premier League club with his vast financial investment, would lead the team out before the Millwall match at Wembley.

By Justin Palmer LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester City reached a second FA Cup final in three seasons after the 2011 winners ended holders Chelsea's hopes of another Wembley triumph with a 2-1 victory in a pulsating semi-final on Sunday. City, who will play Premier League strugglers Wigan Athletic in a May 11 final, dominated for two thirds of the game and led through Samir Nasri's 35th minute strike and Sergio Aguero's header two minutes after the break.