All aboard the UK and Ireland Euro 2028 rail replacement bus service

“It is an obvious mistake. I think there should be solutions for that. I think the outcome should be a replay. The argument against that would be it opens the gates … I’m used to wrong and difficult decisions but something like this never happened” – Jürgen Klopp cheerfully boots open the hornets’ nest by calling for Spurs v Liverpool (and no other games affected by VAR mistakes) to be replayed.

Can I be the first of 1,057 readers to congratulate Michael Butler on his scarily accurate prediction [Tuesday’s Daily]? ‘Zaha played a key role in Galatasaray’s first Big Cup game … manager Okan Buruk would be wise to start him at Old Trafford … it could be a bad night to be Diogo Dalot.’ On second thoughts, perhaps it wasn’t THAT hard to predict” – Ricky Phi.

Sad news that we’ve lost yet another of the greats in Franny Lee. I was reminded of Franny during this year’s Women’s World Cup whenever I saw Lauren Hemp play. Two blonde, stocky and indefatigable forwards for Manchester City and England, both with an eye for goal. Admittedly, Franny was in a class of his own when it came to winning penalties, but might have found that tougher in the VAR era” – Chris Berry.

Interested to read Deryck Hall [Tuesday’s letters] decrying Whitby’s long-distance trip to Chelmsford in the FA Cup. Sympathy too for Maidstone United, in the southern half of the draw but still travelling 229 miles to play at Torquay. A long old trip for Stones supporters, particularly with the preceding league away game at … you’ve guessed it, Torquay” – Paul Bromley.

Arsenal and Manchester United losing to Lens and Galatasaray, Newcastle drawing with Milan – there’s a real 90s/early 00s throwback feel to this year’s Big Cup. Can’t wait for the second group stage!” – James Vortkamp-Tong.

Send your letters to the.boss@theguardian.com. Today’s winner of our prizeless letter o’ the day is … Paul Bromley.

The Football Weekly Book is out now and you can order your discounted copy (plus a range of merchandise) here, here, here. And if you want Max and Barry to answer your questions, you can go and ask them anything here.

Derek Reynolds, a lifelong Leyton Orient fan, has died after becoming unwell during Tuesday’s home match against Lincoln. Several fans ran on to the pitch to alert the referee that the 74-year-old required medical treatment, leading the match to be abandoned. The club confirmed that Reynolds had died on Wednesday afternoon.

An alleged victim of sexual abuse in Gabon has questioned why Fifa and Caf have still not suspended the president of the country’s football association while they investigate claims he failed to report “crimes of paedophilia”.

Leah Williamson has received an OBE from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle. “A day we will remember forever,” cheered the Euros-winning England captain.

On a grim Big Cup night for English clubs, Arsenal lost 2-1 to Lens and saw Bukayo Saka limp off after attempting a backheel. “Big teams punish you,” lamented Arteta, whose side host, oh, Manchester City this weekend.

“This is not us,” bawled Erik ten Hag after watching his Manchester United side slump to a tragicomic 3-2 Big Cup defeat to Galatasaray, the team’s sixth defeat in their opening 10 games this season. “We are in a very difficult period but we come out together, we fight together, we stick together,” he roared.

Jude Bellingham scored one and set up another with a slaloming tribute to Maradona as Real Madrid won 3-2 at Napoli. Harry Kane wasn’t on the scoresheet as Bayern Munich fought back to win 2-1 at Copenhagen. It’s now Kane 9-8 Bellingham in the Brits Abroad Goal Race.

Vincent Kompany has his first Premier League win as Burnley manager after the Clarets secured a 2-1 victory at Luton in their rearranged fixture.

And in our chips off the old block department: Charlie Savage, son of Robbie, has earned his first call-up for Wales. “So so proud … hard work, dedication and sacrifices are paying off,” blubbed Savage Sr on Social Media Disgrace TwiXter. Owen Beck, the great-nephew of Ian Rush, has also been called into the squad to face Croatia.

Endless theatre of pain: not a forgotten Manics B-side, but Barney Ronay’s description of Old Trafford, where things just keep getting worse for Manchester United.

Louise Taylor sets the scene as Newcastle prepare for the visit of Kylian Mbappé and Paris Saint-Germain – the first Big Cup game at St James’ Park for 20 years.

What is the most competitive football league in Europe and how often have all the Premier League’s northern giants lost on the same day? The Knowledge knows.

“We’ve got our club back”. Southend United fans are celebrating a dramatic takeover with the side on the brink of financial meltdown, writes Paul MacInnes.

And Nick Ames gets his chat on with the RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko ahead of their Big Cup showdown with Manchester City.

The Euro ‘92 mascot, Berni, greets England’s travelling fans before their group game against Denmark in Malmö. A goalless draw offered little hint of what was to come for both sides – England crashed out, while Denmark went and won the thing.