Crossword Genius

Players sent off without angry shouting (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

entrants

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'players' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'sent off without angry shouting' is the wordplay.
'off' indicates anagramming the letters.
'without' indicates putting letters inside ('without' can be similar in meaning to 'outside').
'angry shouting' becomes 'rant' (I am not sure about the 'angry' bit.).
'sent' anagrammed gives 'ents'.
'ents' going around 'rant' is 'ENTRANTS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for entrants that I've seen before include "They go in, for competitions say" , "field?" , "Those who enrol, or competitors" , "New arrivals" , "Competitors who come in?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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