Philippa Kaur

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    Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrong

    HOWARD WEBB admits Michael Oliver and VAR were WRONG to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves last month.But the PGMOL chief said the criticism and abuse aimed at under-fire ref Oliver as a result was “wholly unacceptable”.Michael Oliver sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over WolvesCredit: PALewis-Skelly was shown red for a foul on Matt Doherty but the card ended up being overturnedCredit: PAVAR Darren England didn’t advise Oliver to look at the incidentCredit: PAThe conversation that took place between Oliver and England and the assistant VAR has been revealedCredit: Sky SportsOliver told England and his assistant that he’d send off Lewis-Skelly before issuing the redCredit: Sky SportsGunners defender Lewis-Skelly was shown a first half straight red for a cynical trip on Wolves’ Matt Doherty just outside the Arsenal box – sparking widespread outrage from fans and pundits.Oliver claimed it was “serious foul play”, while Sky pundit Micah Richards labelled it “the worst decision I’ve ever seen in Premier League football history”.Three days later, the FA overturned the three-match ban for Lewis-Skelly – but Arsenal were still handed a £65k fine for the on-field reaction to the decision by the players.And Webb said: “From the outset, we would prefer a yellow card in this situation.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“[Oliver] saw the player moving in towards an opponent without any ability or intention of playing the ball. He felt it was serious foul play.“But we know that for serious foul play, we need excessive force or brutality and what we see here is that high contact [just] glancing and coming off the leg quite quickly.“So for that reason, everybody pretty much in the game has formed the same conclusion that this is falling short of serious foul play, because of that glancing contact.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMichael Oliver’s Conversation with VAR After Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardOliver said of the incident: “I’m going to go red card, mate. Red card on the ankle. Red card, serious foul play.”England replied: “Just checking the red card for serious foul play. OK, it’s for serious foul play, not DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goalscoring Opportunity).“OK, for me the contact’s on the top of the foot.”The assistant VAR chimed in by saying: “I think he catches him on the side of the ankle first. It glances off the side of the ankle down onto the foot. So the first impact is more that Achilles area.”England then said: “So first impact is on the Achilles, on the shin.”The assistant VAR chimed in: “With no chance of playing the ball.”England then stated: “So, it’s high up above the ankle then it comes back down. OK, just get me the number please.”Identifying Lewis-Skelly as the culprit, the assistant said: “It’s number 49, Lewis-Skelly.”England then told Oliver: “Michael, confirming the on-field decision of red card for serious foul play for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Away, 49. Check complete.”“Because the studs don’t really go right into the leg, they glance in before coming down onto the foot.Most read in Football“There are some considerations that might support a red card, but there are a whole host of others that say it is not quite there, so on balance we would rather this had been a yellow card.”Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalIn the released referee audio from the match, Oliver says straight away to VAR official Darren England after Lewis-Skelly’s challenge: “I’m going to go red card, mate. Red card on the ankle. Red card, serious foul play.”After a back and forth with his VAR assistant, England concludes that the “first impact is on the Achilles, on the shin” and replied: “Confirming the on-field decision of red card for serious foul play”.Webb continued: “We feel the VAR should have been involved, but they didn’t want to re-referee the situation, they were mindful of the referee’s call standing unless it is clearly and obviously wrong.“They felt it wasn’t at that level on the day and decided to leave it as a red card on the field. “I’ve heard this described as a really horrendous officiating decision. It’s not!“I understand why the referee saw this on the day as a serious foul-play action. “It’s an understandable on-field decision.”Darren England didn’t encourage Michael Oliveir to review the incident on the monitorCredit: SKY SPORTSEx-Prem ref Howard Webb believes Michael Oliver made the wrong callCredit: SKY SPORTSArsenal were fined £65,000 for their players’ reaction to Lewis-Skelly’s sending-offCredit: PAIn the days after in the incident, Oliver received social media abuse and threats towards himself and his family and had police protection at his home after the PGMOL reported it.It is one of NINETY cases of abuse towards refs police have assessed since the start of last season.Webb said: “It’s wholly unacceptable. We know criticism comes out way. “It’s part and parcel of the job, but there’s a line, isn’t there?“Nobody should be subject to threats, their families shouldn’t be subject to threats, whether that be officials or players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have seen all participants being exposed to those sorts of things.”Arsenal will be back in action Saturday afternoon, welcoming West Ham to the Emirates. More

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    Wayne Rooney offered high-profile TV role as Man Utd legend considers whether to return to management

    WAYNE ROONEY is wanted as a star pundit for Amazon Prime – while deciding whether to return to football.The former England captain, sacked by Plymouth last month, made his Amazon debut in Manchester City’s Champions League play-off first leg with Real Madrid.Wayne Rooney could have a big future as a punditCredit: GettyThe Prem icon has been coaching in Dubai this weekCredit: Instagram / footballescapesRooney, 39, has proved to be a popular pundit with his honest views, and has already worked for Sky Sports and BBC Sport.Amazon, although set to lose Premier League rights at the end of this season, will continue to show Champions League football until 2027.The ex-Manchester United striker will be able to do as much work as he wants for the station.Meanwhile, Rooney is deciding his next steps in the game having also managed Derby, DC United and Birmingham before his stint at Plymouth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told former Red Devils’ team-mate Gary Neville on his YouTube show The Overlap: “I would like to go back in [to management]. But it would have to be the right club.”I’m not in a massive rush to go back in. There’s different things that I’m looking at to try and get involved with… unless something was absolutely the right thing to do.”Every club I’ve been at, I’ve put myself in a really challenging situation.”I’ve had some great experiences, good ones, bad ones (and) you’ve always got that to fall back on.”Most read in FootballRooney poked fun at himself on his Amazon debutCredit: X @primevideosportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis week, however, Rooney is in Dubai – after accepting a coaching role during the February half-term break. He’s working with Football Escapes, tutoring young children at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.Inside Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s incredible £1k a night Disneyland trip with the kids – and a special birthday surpriseFellow ex-Prem stars Michael Owen and Mark Noble are among other coaches employed by the company. Rooney was a big hit when making his Amazon bow last week at the Etihad – helped by his relaxed joking.Predicting a hostile reception at United’s neighbours City, his first words were: “Obviously a stadium I’ve scored a lot of goals in.”He also trolled HIMSELF during a heavy downpour where he was the only Amazon pundit on the pitch without an umbrella.Rooney, who has had two hair transplants, said: “I hope the rain doesn’t come down any more, my hair will be all over the place!” More

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    ‘We didn’t even know he could do that’ – Man Utd fans can’t believe their eyes after seeing Antony’s goal celebration

    ANTONY stunned Manchester United fans with his celebration after scoring for Real Betis at the weekend.The 24-year-old joined Betis on loan until the end of the 2024-25 season last month after a poor spell with United.Antony’s celebration after scoring left fans mind-blownCredit: GettyIn 14 appearances for the Red Devils this term, Antony scored just one goal and quickly fell out of favour with new manager Ruben Amorim.But since moving to Spain, the Brazilian has enjoyed a complete resurgence.In four outings for Real Betis, Antony has managed the same number of goal contributions.His latest strike came against Real Sociedad on Sunday.Read More in FootballThe winger scored a left-footed volley just under 20 yards out from goal, firing the ball into the bottom-left corner.But it was his celebration that caught the attention of some fans.Running towards the corner flag, Antony cartwheeled into a backflip.Man Utd fans took to social media to react, with one person writing: “We didn’t even know that Antony could do backflip!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother joked: “It’s amazing what happens once you leave United.”A third said: “Do you know how surprised I am rn 🤣.”Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everWhile another simply wrote: “Antony can do backflips?”Meanwhile, Man Utd currently sit 15th in the Premier League table with just 27 points from 25 games. More

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    Favourable fixture encourages Dream Team bosses to gamble on Brighton midfielders in double Gameweek 25

    MANY Dream Team managers use the fixture list as a guide when making their transfers.It’s simply true that certain teams tend to give up more points than others and there’s no more favourable opponent in the Premier League this season than Southampton.Southampton are destined for relegationCredit: ReutersSaints have mustered just nine points since their promotion to the top flight.They have also scored the fewest league goals (19) and conceded the most (57) with the campaign now two thirds complete.It’s therefore logical that Dream Team bosses in search of plentiful points should always consider which players are most likely to take advantage of Ivan Juric’s beleaguered troops in any given Gameweek.Looking forward to Gameweek 25, Southampton are due to host Brighton at the weekend before travelling to Chelsea three days later.Cole Palmer’s (£5.9m) owners will be expecting big things from that match-up at Stamford Bridge but might there be healthy returns on offer from the Seagulls this coming Gameweek?Mitoma produced a moment of pure magic against ChelseaCredit: APFabian Hurzeler’s side have bounced back from their 7-0 trouncing at the hands of Nottingham Forest with back-to-back wins over Chelsea, first in the FA Cup then in the league.Kaoru Mitoma (£3.6m) scored in both victories over the Blues, his latest strike being a Goal of the Season contender because of a magnificent first touch that brought Bart Verbruggen’s (£2m) long ball forward under control.The Japan international is probably the best option for gaffers tempted by the prospect of backing a Brighton asset against Southampton; he boasts the highest points tally (154) and points-per-game average (5.5) among his team-mates.Most read in FootballHowever, it’s Georginio Rutter (£3.2m) who leads the way for goal involvements with seven goals and five assists to his name.The 22-year-old features in just 0.2% of teams at the time of writing and has to be considered an appealing ultra differential ahead of Gameweek 25.Rutter has added another dimension to Brighton’s attackCredit: ReutersAlternatively, Yankuba Minteh (£2.5m) has tapped into some fine form of late.The former Newcastle winger banked 19 points via a brace on Friday night – only Manchester City’s hat-trick hero Omar Marmoush (£4.4m) has earned more points in Gameweek 24 as it stands.More broadly, Minteh has gained 45 points across five outings since the start of Gameweek 20.All evidence suggests he is perfectly capable of bagging a double-digit haul at St Mary’s this coming Saturday.Minteh took Chelsea for 19 points on Friday nightCredit: GettyBrighton’s second fixture in double Gameweek 25 is a home game against high-flying Bournemouth, a tough test at this point in time.However, the Seagulls did beat the Cherries in the reverse fixture back in November and, besides, their midweek commitment could be seen as something of a free hit if Mitoma and company milk Southampton for plentiful returns at the weekend.Gaffers really are spoiled for choice in Gameweek 25!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    How Man Utd could line up in the CHAMPIONSHIP with top stars sold as Rio Ferdinand fears they won’t win another game

    MANCHESTER UNITED may have to oversee a huge clearout and start afresh if they are relegated this season.The Red Devils have suffered their worst campaign since 1973-74 – the last time they were relegated.There could be big changes at Old Trafford if Man Utd are relegatedCredit: GettyAcademy stars like Jack Fletcher could be given a chance to impressCredit: GettyYoung players signed for big bucks like Rasmus Hojlund could stick aroundCredit: ReutersNew signing Ayden Heaven could get a chance to shineCredit: GettyAnd Rio Ferdinand thinks the drop is a real possibility as he can only see his former side getting a result in one of the 13 Prem fixtures they have left – against bottom three side Leicester.Ferdinand said: “Do you realise we’re that close? Someone said we need 11 points just to stay up.“I’ve got the fixture list: Everton away, Ipswich at home, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest away.“Before hosting Man City, and going to Newcastle away, and then Wolves, Bournemouth, Brentford, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leicester.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“The only place I see us getting anything — and I’m not even saying a win — is Leicester. I’m not seeing wins. That’s the problem.”Relegation would likely mean a huge change at the club with high earners shipped out and young players brought in.Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton will likely leave no matter the season outcome as they are all out of contract in the summer.United could look to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, just as they did in January, as well as the underperforming Andre Onana, which could mean a chance for Altay Bayindir.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOther big earners Casemiro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraouri and Joshua Zirkzee would likely want to leave too, as would Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.That would mean an entire rebuild with only a few faces remaining – stalwart Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.‘Both teams have the same problem’ says Arsene Wenger as Arsenal legend tears into old rivals Tottenham and Man Utd The Red Devils would be keen to hang onto Leny Yoro having shelled out a big fee as an investment in the youngster last summer.Amad is also a key asset and only signed a new five-year contract last month, tripling his wages in the process.Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven are new additions and long-term investments having arrived last month – part of Ineos’ transfer strategy to bring in young players with room for potential.Amorim had to name a substitutes bench consisting of all but one academy player against Tottenham on the weekend – the likes of Jack Fletcher, Jack Lee Moorhouse, and forgotten summer signing Sekou Kone could be given a chance in the Championship. More

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    in Motorsport

    F1 star Ollie Bearman, 19, reveals how he FAILED his driving test as he gears up for first full season on grid

    HAAS rookie Ollie Bearman FAILED his driving test on the first attempt – despite being an F2 racer at the time.The 19-year-old burst onto the Formula One scene last year when he stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Oliver Bearman has revealed how he failed his driving testCredit: GettySainz was forced to withdraw from the event after being diagnosed with appendicitis and undergoing surgery.In replacing the Spaniard, Bearman became the youngest-ever driver to compete for Ferrari.He qualified in 11th but managed to earn points in the race by finishing seventh.Just four months after his F1 debut, the teenager earned a permanent seat with Haas and signed a multi-year contract.Read More in FootballHe is now gearing up for his first full season on the grid.Ahead of the 2025 launch event at the 02 Arena in London, Bearman was questioned about his driving test.Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft – also known as Crofty – asked him if he had passed.The Haas star responded: “Luckily I passed it a few years ago since you can pass at 17 here, not 18, like in Italy, I did pass second time.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCrofty then went on to ask why he failed, to which Bearman replied: “I didn’t stop at a stop sign.”But I didn’t blow it. I slowed down, but you know, like I was crawling, but you’re meant to stop.”F1 season to launch with never-before-seen event in London Bearman will partner Esteban Ocon for Haas this season.Both will be in attendance at F1’s launch event on Tuesday evening. More

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    I talk to my dead mother before every match – I truly believe it helps us, admits Champions  League manager

    NICKY HAYEN has revealed he speaks to his deceased mother before every game – and it’s a pre-match ritual which appears to be paying off.The Club Brugge boss, 44, is preparing to face Atalanta in Tuesday’s vital Champions League playoff. Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen has enjoyed immense success since taking overCredit: RexThe former Haverfordwest coach has said he talks to his deceased mother before each gameCredit: RexHayen was thrust into the Brugge job last March, initially on an interim basis.The 44-year-old guided the team to a Belgian championship and penned a permanent deal in the summer.Club Brugge beat Atalanta 2-1 in the first leg of the playoff tie last week.Hayen is confident his fearless side can come away from Bergamo with a famous win.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut prior to kick-off, he revealed an emotional ritual which he holds before every game. He explained: “Before the match I always talk to my mother, who passed away four years ago.”It was much too early.”Last year before the [Belgian league] playoffs I told her we wanted to do something crazy, and in the end winning the title was the result.Most read in Football”Am I deeply religious? No, but I do feel that it is something for me. I must believe there is something.”Hayen spent the majority of his playing career in Belgium’s top divisions, first at Sint-Truiden and then RBC Roosendaal.AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question He hung up his boots in 2014, embarking on several coaching roles to learn the ropes.Just three years ago, Hayen coached at Haverfordwest County in the Welsh semi-pro Cymru Premier.He is now a Champions League manager – and catching the eye of scouts around Europe. Brugge are playing in their fifth consecutive Champions League season.And Hayen admits it could be a “difficult evening” ahead in Italy, despite his side arriving with an aggregate lead. He continued: “Atalanta will definitely play more attacking. At home they also want to be more dominant. “They also have the team for that, so we expect a difficult evening.”We have to play our own game and especially show the tactical discipline of last week.”My plan for the match hasn’t changed because it was 2-1 last week. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We did very well, because Atalanta is a very strong team. I believe in my squad. “We play with a lot of guts in this Champions League, but that mustn’t turn into naivety.” More

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    ‘He’s not Messi or Ronaldo’ – Man Utd and Arsenal target warned to keep his head down under ‘strict’ Prem manager

    MATHEUS CUNHA has been told to stay out of trouble and keep proving his worth at Wolves because he is not “Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo”.The Brazilian striker was linked with a move away in January – and appeared to have his head turned by Arsenal before signing a new deal until June 2029 on February 1 with a £62.5m release clause.Matheus Cunha has been told to keep his head down amid links with top clubsCredit: GettyCunha has been warned he is not in the same league as stars like Lionel MessiCredit: GettyWolves boss Vitor Pereira has had run-ins with Cunha since replacing the sacked Gary O’Neil in late December, previously criticising the 25-year-old forward’s body language and suitability as captain.That looks to be in the past now with Cunha scoring in Wolves’ last three games in all competitions – including a beautiful strike in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield to take this season’s tally to 13 goals and four assists.Centre back Abdoulaye Ba, 34 – now at Saudi second tier side Al-Faisaly – played under Pereira at Porto from 2011 to 2013 where he lifted the Portuguese top flight in 2012/13.And Senegalese defender Ba told SunSport: “Pereira is very strict with discipline and his game plan. I remember he would often tell our Porto side: ‘I have two hands, one to give and the other to receive’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He acted like a father or a protector when the players gave their all without limits and raised the level of the team.“Cunha is not Messi or Ronaldo or even Neymar, so it does not surprise me that they have worked together to find the best way to help the team.”Cunha was berated by Pereira for allegedly refusing to acknowledge the away fans in a 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month, having been banned under O’Neil for two games by the FA for an on-field scuffle with Ipswich security just before Christmas.Pereira, 56, who has managed in Greece, Turkey, Germany, China, Brazil and Saudi Arabia during his varied managerial career to date, also played hard-ball with want-away midfielder and then-captain Mario Lemina, 31, before the Gabon international was sold to Galatasaray in the winter window.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBa continued: “Under Pereira, I became more mature with tactical discipline and respected the game plan, and above all, trusted my team-mates in difficult situations.“He always prioritised teamwork and the group. In his speeches, he would say that optimism is a magnet of happiness.Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeVitor Pereira has been backed to revitalise WolvesCredit: GettyAbdoulaye Ba won a title playing under Pereira at PortoCredit: Getty“While he was a coach in the Porto youth team, he convinced me to sign in 2008 as a teenager with an inspiring video call. He knew how to find the right words to convince and motivate me.“He has the sense to explain and talk with you. He says titles are won with discipline and attitude.”Pereira was linked with the Everton job in 2013 to replace David Moyes, and again in December 2019 to replace compatriot Marco Silva but turned it down to stay with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG.He was then tipped to take over at Goodison in January 2022 after Rafa Benitez was axed, only for Frank Lampard to be hired following protests from Toffees supporters.Wolves have won five of 11 matches with Pereira in charge at Molineux, three those in the Prem.Should Wolves avoid relegation – currently two points off the bottom three with 13 games remaining – the Portuguese coach could be a wanted man again in the summer.Ba added: “To follow managers like Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas Boas at Porto, he must have the same stuff and DNA as them. He has the confidence and the ability.READ MORE SUN STORIES“His office door was never closed and he wanted communication. He is a humble person and a true leader. His loyalty to all players was incredible.“He has already shown a lot of good things in different countries. The results, the numbers, the evidence is there. He is very stubborn and has all the abilities to succeed in the Premier League.” More