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    Major change to VAR to be introduced for FA Cup fifth round despite concerns about accuracy

    THE FA CUP fifth round is set to be the testing ground of semi-automated offside technology.The technology, also known as SAOT, is set to be introduced into the fifth round of England’s premier cup competition with a view to a wider introduction to English football later on.Semi-automated offside technology was successfully used at the 2022 World CupCredit: FIFAIt is now set to undergo a live trial during the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: AFPSAOT was successfully used at the 2022 World Cup and was set to be brought to the Premier League in autumn after clubs unanimously voted to bring it in last April.However, officials were not satisfied with its accuracy when testing in stadiums, leading to it being delayed and prompting frustration.According to The Guardian, the technology is now set to be trialled in the FA Cup fifth round.The report says the system has been refined and its effectiveness improved considerably in the past month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPGMOL chief Howard Webb and the Premier League’s chief football officer, Tony Scholes, have both now given their approval.Seven of the eight ties in the fifth round are being played at Premier League grounds, with the exception of Championship side Preston, making it ideal for an extended live-testing stage.Top-flight clubs will be officially informed about the trial by the Premier League at its shareholders’ meeting in London today.SAOT and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have not been used in any of the previous rounds of the competition to ensure a “consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis led to several controversial decisions, including Harry Maguire’s last-gasp winner for Manchester United against Leicester in the fourth round which would have been ruled offside with the help of technology.It is hoped the tech will reduce the waiting time for offside decisions to be made if VAR is introduced by more than 30 seconds.VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECTCamera footage and special tracking software are used to calculate the position of players at the moment of a potential offside, removing the need for VAR teams to manually add lines to still images.During Everton’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equaliser took four minutes before it came to a decision. Scholes had previously admitted to being sceptical until seeing recent improvements. He said: “I have to confess, given the difficulties that we had over the first few months of the season [with SAOT testing] I had severe doubts.”But the progress made over the last four to six weeks has been significant. “We believe we’re going to be adopting the best system and the most accurate system.”FA Cup fifth round draw in fullHere are all the games from the next round in the FA Cup…Preston North End vs BurnleyAston Villa vs Cardiff CityDoncaster/Crystal Palace vs MillwallManchester United vs FulhamNewcastle vs Brighton and Hove AlbionBournemouth vs Wolverhampton WanderersManchester City vs PlymouthExeter City/Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town More

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    New footage shows what Arne Slot did moments before red card as mystery surrounds Liverpool boss’ sending off vs Everton

    NEW footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver has emerged following his red card, with the Liverpool boss also caught berating a linesman beforehand.Slot was given his marching orders after full-time as his side shipped a late goal to Everton in the Merseyside derby.New footage has emerged of Arne Slot’s red card from Michael OliverOliver sent Slot off after the pair shook handsSlot was also caught berating a linesman before approaching OliverSlot appeared to say something to Oliver during the incidentCredit: GettyLiverpool’s boss will miss their next match against WolvesCredit: GettyLiverpool were 2-1 up when James Tarkowski blasted home an equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Tempers then flared at the final whistle as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure clashed in front of supporters.The midfielders were both sent off by referee Oliver as teammates attempted to cool things down.And as the referee went off the field, he was approached by Liverpool boss Slot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut as the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.Slot was left shocked by the decision, with his assistant Sipke Hulshoff also receiving his marching orders.The Premier League announced that Slot had been handed a TWO MATCH ban for the incident – but later deleted details of the ban to spark fresh uncertainty.Mystery surrounded the circumstances of Slot’s red card, with the gaffer unable to speak to the press due to Premier League rules.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTwo new sets of footage emerged of the incident.A camera from the side caught the moment Slot approached Oliver, with things appearing innocent on the surface.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntSlot gave the linesman an earful after the final whistleIt is unclear what exactly was said by SlotThe footage showed Slot extending his hand as Oliver walked past him.The referee took it but appeared to continue walking in a straight line.Slot then seemed to momentarily hold on to Oliver’s hand in an attempt to speak to him.But this caused the official to spin around before reaching into his back pocket to brandish the red card.The Premier League have now confirmed that Slot was dismissed for “using offensive, insulting, or abusive language.”Additional footage also caught Slot berating the linesman moments before his clash with Oliver.The Liverpool boss was seen ranting at the official while walking on the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot let rip with a verbal volley, although it again was unclear just what the Dutchman said.Despite his outburst, the linesman remained stony-faced as Slot eventually retreated before quickly shaking hands with the other linesman while making his way over to Oliver. More

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    Arsenal fans joke that Liverpool should get POINTS DEDUCTION after Everton brawl – with Gunners setting ‘precedent’

    ARSENAL fans have pleaded with the Premier League to hit Liverpool with a points deduction following their post-match brawl in the Merseyside Derby.Tempers flared as Liverpool and Everton players came to blows following James Tarkoswki’s late equaliser in the last derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.A massive brawl erupted on the field at Goodison Park after a late Everton levellerCredit: GettyCurtis Jones (No. 17) was sent off after a furious confrontation with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyStewards and police were tasked with restoring calm after Everton dramatically snatched a pointCredit: AFPLiverpool boss Arne Slot was later sent off after clashing with Michael OliverCredit: ReutersEverton’s James Tarkowski netted a dramatic late leveller in a pulsating derbyCredit: APA brawl, seeming sparked by an incident between Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure, saw both players sent off by Michael Oliver and Liverpool boss Arne Slot shown red for his reaction towards the referee.The heated scenes were a throwback to derby days of yore, with many fans pleased have a taste of old-school football during the 2-2 draw.However, Arsenal supporters have taken a different view of the incident, jumping at the opportunity to try and claw some points back off title rivals Liverpool in the way of a points deduction.Gunners fans online were quick to point out that Liverpool should face a hefty points punishment for the violence at full-time, citing their own points deduction back in 1990.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal were docked two points back then after a feisty brawl broke out during their 1-0 win over Manchester United.Taking to social media, one Arsenal fan wishfully plead: “Hi @FA_PGMOL if you’re wondering how to handle Liverpool’s disgraceful behaviour against Everton – well!!! “It’s a points deduction as the precedent has been set by the FA. (in 1990)”While another added: “Premier League needs to seriously consider giving Liverpool a points deduction after those disgraceful scenes of thuggery after the final whistle at Goodison Park tonight.”Most read in FootballArsenal fans harked back to their brawl with Manchester United in 1990Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Gunners were handed a two-point deduction for the incidentCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third posted: “Disgraceful scenes at FT, think there must be at least a 20 points deduction to Liverpool at least.”And a fourth wrote: “Points deduction for Liverpool. Only possible punishment. Disgraceful.”Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreamsOf course there is more than a hint of sarcasm and tongue-in-cheek in the comments from the Arsenal fans.But make no mistake, there’s not a single Arsenal supporter that wouldn’t be delighted to close the gap on their title rivals.Arsenal currently trail Liverpool by some seven points and have a mountain to climb in the last 14 games of the season.And their title charge just got a whole lot harder after it was revealed that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury that is expected to see him miss the remainder of the season.That leaves Mikel Arteta with just three first team attacking options in out-of-form loanee Raheem Sterling, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard.The Gunners have already lost Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to injury in recent weeks and months.Arsenal star Kai Havertz is set to miss the remainder of the season with a torn hamstringCredit: PA More

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    ‘I’ve had a couple of drinks’ – Rod Stewart steals show as he does duet with Carragher and dances at Celtic v Bayern

    SIR ROD STEWART stole the show at Celtic Park for the Scottish giant’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich last night.Tonight was the night for the legendary singer as he confessed he was feeling merry during pre-match interviews with both CBS Sports and TNT Sports.Rod Stewart stole the show at Celtic Park ahead of Celtic v Bayern MunichCredit: GettyStewart was interviewed by Peter Schmeichel on CBS, joking he was being interviewed by Gordon BanksCredit: CBSHe performed a duet with Jamie CarragherCredit: CBSHe then showed his hot legs on TNT SportsCredit: TNT SportsThe Celtic superfan, 80, was first interviewed by CBS’ Peter Schmeichel pitchside, though it did not quite go how the ex-goalkeeper may have expected.During the interview, Stewart told the stadium announcer to “shut up” before admitting, “I’ve had a couple [of drinks].”The confession saw the entire CBS panel of Kate Abdo, now Scott, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and Thierry Henry burst out into laughter back in the studio.Carragher then asked whether he could come and join him for a few if Celtic make it though, to which Stewart replied: “Of course you can I’ll fly you anywhere you want.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor a moment Stewart seemed to be sailing back to sobriety as he explained how Celtic could make it through if they did not make any “cock ups”. Realising what he had said a moment later, Stewart then asked: “Did I say cock ups?” This prompted more laughter from the CBS panel while Stewart giggled to himself.As he carried on and some of the travelling fans started chanting, Stewart said: “Oi shut up I’m talking.”After explaining his infatuation with Celtic, Stewart was then asked if he knew who “Big Meeks” was, to which he replied: “Big knees, no never heard of him.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRichards gently corrected Stewart before the singer admitted he did know him, but only said: “Micah thing”.Stewart burst into a little dance to show he still has Hot Legs following a prompt by Carragher before he said he was being interviewed by Gordon Banks, admitting he was only joking as he started laughing.Celtic ace lookalike goes viral in hilarious vids spoofing Hoops star Daizen MaedaHe then said: “You had better get me off the air now, I’m embarrassing myself.”Before he went, Carragher and Stewart performed a duet of Maggie May, while Stewart’s son, Alastair, also appeared to complete the father-son duo.Stewart was feeling forever young with the interviews he was giving as TNT caught up with him.He started out by saying: “I’ve had a couple of drinks as you can probably tell, wahey.”Showing his passion, Stewart explained how Celtic was the rhythm of his heart as the club was in his blood.With every reason to believe Celtic could come away with a win at home, Stewart then burst out into a dance for the crowd as his TNT interview wound down.However, it did at first seem he had taken the microphone with him, with the presenter saying: “He’s taken the mic,” before he handed it to a producer in the background.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut in the game itself, the first cut was the deepest as Michael Olise scored a screamer on the stroke of half-time to put the visitors ahead. Harry Kane then scored minutes into the second half before Daizen Maeda managed to get one back, meaning the Bhoys will be trying to reverse a 2-1 deficit in Munich for the second leg next week.NHS guidelines on drinking alcoholAccording to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health.To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a weekif you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each weekIf you’re pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. You read more on the NHS website. More

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    Everton fans claim Virgil van Dijk ‘rattled’ as Liverpool star makes ‘salty’ eight-word comment in post-match interview

    EVERTON fans have claimed that Virgil van Dijk was “rattled” after his “salty” eight-word comment about the epic Merseyside derby draw.The Liverpool captain spoke out after his side threw away a famous win in the last meeting between the city rivals at Goodison Park.Virgil van Dijk appeared to made a jibe at Everton after Liverpool’s drawCredit: TNT SPORTSThe Reds were leading 2-1 heading into the final moments of the match.However, Everton captain James Tarkwoski wrote himself into club folklore with a brilliant equaliser in the 98th minute.Tempers then flared after the full time whistle with four people sent off, including Abdoulaye Doucoure who had a heated exchange with Van Dijk.It appeared that Van Dijk was still frustrated as he spoke to the media after the game.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSHe made an eight-word jibe at Everton, knowing his side are Premier League title favourites and in the Carabao Cup final.He told TNT Sports: “We all know this is their cup final.”And Everton fans have reacted by poking fun at the Dutch defender.One posted: “It’s the Merseyside Derby, hardly their cup final. The game always has bite. What a ridiculous comment.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second commented: “Crikey he’s rattled.”A third wrote: “Its a local derby, its a cup final for both sides.”Liverpool star Cody Gakpo incredibly reveals how close he came to joining Premier League strugglers but left transfer up to fate Merseyside Derby record at Goodison ParkHonours have ended evenly between Everton and Liverpool in terms of results at Goodison Park…Everton wins: 41Draws: 38Liverpool wins: 41A fourth said: “So salty, just be humble and take it like a professional.”Another added: “Bro looking nervous already.” Unlike Van Dijk, manager Arne Slot was denied the chance to speak to TNT Sports due to a little-known rule that came into play after his red card.Meanwhile, Everton will be relieved that their cheeky matchday programme cover featuring Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not backfire.Liverpool fans also had some fun at their hosts’ expense with a banner hinting at Everton’s trophy drought.And viewers watching the game on TNT Sport were baffled after comments by Rio Ferdinand about Van Dijk’s HAIR. More

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    TNT Sports denied Arne Slot interview as presenter briefly forgets little-known rule after Everton vs Liverpool clash

    TNT SPORTS were denied the chance to interview Arne Slot due to a little-known rule after Liverpool drew with Everton.The Reds dropped two points after James Tarkowski’s dramatic injury-time equaliser in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.TNT Sports could not interview Arne Slot after Liverpool’s draw against EvertonCredit: TNT SPORTSHe was given a red card by Michael Oliver after full timeCredit: GettyBeto had given Everton the lead inside 11 minutes before Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah hit back for the visitors.Tarkowski’s goal came late in the day and sent the Everton fans into raptures of celebration.However, after full-time, Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans, which led to a clash between the teams.The midfielder was handed a red card as was Curtis Jones for their part in the clash.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSReferee Michael Oliver also dismissed Slot for his protests on the pitch.The Dutch manager was due to speak to TNT Sports after the match, with the broadcaster showing the match.However, presenter Lynsey Hipgrave forgot a little-known rule that denied them the chance to speak to the coach.She said: “We will be hearing all the post-match thoughts of Liverpool manager Arne Slot after the break.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”In fact, we won’t because he was sent off at the end, so he can’t even speak to us.”One reason behind the ban on immediately speaking to the media is to protect the managers from saying something they could later regret.Former Liverpool Champions League winner, 44, completes incredible 24-hour treadmill run covering 106 milesTNT Sports did get the chance to speak to Everton boss David Moyes after the game.He was not happy with Doucoure being sent off as he will now be suspended.He said: “I’m disappointed with Doucoure because we need him, we’re down on numbers at the moment.”We’ve got to be careful what we do.”Discipline is never easy in these games and tonight was a game where quite easily sending offs happen.”Meanwhile, Everton will be relieved that their cheeky matchday programme cover featuring Mikel Arteta did not backfire.Liverpool fans also poked fun at their hosts with a banner hinting at Everton’s trophy drought.Merseyside Derby record at Goodison ParkHonours have ended evenly between Everton and Liverpool in terms of results at Goodison Park…Everton wins: 41Draws: 38Liverpool wins: 41 More

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    Kyle Walker suffers AC Milan Champions League debut to forget with England star run ragged by Brazilian ace

    KYLE WALKER may have left Manchester City, but just like his old club he suffered a rough night in Europe on his Champions League debut for Milan.The England defender, who has made three domestic appearances for the Italian side since ditching Manchester City, was run ragged by Feyenoord match-winner Igor Paixao.Kyle Walker had a rough night on his Champions League bow for AC MilanCredit: AFPFeyenoord’s Igor Paixao sent him all over the place at timesCredit: EPAWalker couldn’t stop Paixao getting in this crossCredit: RexThe 1-0 defeat at De Kuip leaves Milan on the back foot ahead of next week’s play-off second leg at San Siro, the winner of which could face Arsenal in the last 16.But Walker insisted: “We can turn it around… We have to learn from tonight. I”It’s not just the forwards – all the team needs to contribute to score goals.”It’s a two-legged game so we’re disappointed but we look forward to the game at the Stadio San Siro.”READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERFeyenoord, who sacked Arne Slot’s successor Brian Priske on Monday, took the lead after just three minutes.Paixao, who was being watched by a number of Premier League admirers, cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot at the near post which slipped past Mike Maignan.Feyenoord’s electric Brazilian winger gave 34-year-old Walker a torrid time, beating him time and again with direct runs down the left.Rafael Leao should have equalised in the first half but fluffed a golden chance on the break.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMilan, who dropped Tammy Abraham to the bench in favour of ex-Feyenoord man Santiago Gimenez, plugged away in the second half but could not find a way through.Paixao almost doubled his tally with an audacious effort from the half-way line after robbing loanee Walker on the ball as he continued to torment.Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC MilanNigerian wideman Samuel Chukwueze then blasted a shot through a crowd of players straight at Maignan.Gimenez got a round of appreciation from fans of his old club when Milan replaced him with ex-Chelsea hitman Abraham eight minutes from time.But the Serie A giants rarely threatened seriously.In fact, Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic had to block sharply to thwart a lively late raid from Anis Hadj Moussa.Nonetheless, a narrow loss means the Italians will fancy their chances of a return-leg revival.Meanwhile, The Sun’s Paul Sims has revealed why Walker will “never escape” his ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.That’s based on our dossier of evidence, including the model’s “restaurant ambush”. More

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    Watch ‘softest penalty in history’ give Club Brugge ‘disgraceful’ last gasp Champions League win over Atalanta

    FANS have slammed a huge Champions League refereeing blunder as the “worst decision of the season”.Club Brugge scored a 94th minute penalty to beat Atalanta 2-1 in a first leg play-off round clash.Gustaf Nilsson went down holding his face after a clash with Isak HienCredit: TNT Sports The referee controversially gave a penalty despite minimal contactCredit: TNT Sports The official then gave three Atalanta players bookings for their protestsCredit: RexNilsson dispatched the penalty for Club BruggeCredit: EPABut the decision to award the last-gasp spot-kick for a foul on eventual goalscorer Gustaf Nilsson was highly controversial.The striker chased down a loose ball in the box, only for Atalanta defender Isak Hien to get there first and hold him off.His right arm ended up brushing his Swedish compatriot, who went down clutching his face theatrically. Turkish referee Halil Meler pointed to the spot and the decision was surprisingly not overturned by VAR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFuming Atalanta stars surrounded the referee, with Rafael Toloi, ex-Chelsea man Juan Cuadrado and Hien all getting yellow carded.Nilsson kept his cool amid the chaos and scored to take a one-goal advantage to Italy next week.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini stormed down the tunnel as the ball hit the back of the net, ripping his coat off as he went.Fans were left shocked by the decision, with one saying: “Might be the worst decision I’ve seen all season.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Disgraceful decision.”A third wrote: “Worst penalty decision ever. Absolutely embarrassing.”Ref Meler is no stranger to being at the centre of controversy after being punched by Ankaragucu’s club president Faruk Koca at full-time of a game just over a year ago.Ex-Premier League midfielder given red card but bizarrely allowed to continue playing after discussion with opponents More