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    VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial pen against Arsenal, says ex-Premier League ref as Arteta rages

    FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey insists VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial penalty against Arsenal.Mikel Arteta was left fuming as his Gunners side lost more ground in the title race with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.VAR was never going to overturn Everton’s controversial penalty against ArsenalCredit: GettyMark Halsey has revealed why the spot-kick stood, ultimately denying Arsenal victoryCredit: AFPMikel Arteta had plenty to say on the incidentCredit: EPALeandro Trossard gave the visitors the lead on Merseyside before half-time.But minutes into the second 45, Iliman Ndiaye fired Everton back on level terms from the penalty spot.Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for a foul on Jack Harrison, despite replays suggesting it was a 50/50 AND may not have even taken place in the box.But speaking exclusively to SunSport, former Premier League ref Halsey revealed why there was no chance the decision was ever going to be overturned.READ MORE IN football He said: “Darren England awarded a second-half penalty when Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have fouled Jack Harrison in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw at Everton.“They were both tussling for the ball and it was difficult to see who was fouling who – or if there was any foul at all – with contact also beginning well outside the penalty area.“Not one Everton player appealed for a penalty – Harrison got straight back up to play the ball – but VAR Stuart Attwell was never going to recommend a review as it was not a clear and obvious error.“It was one of those subjective calls where if it goes against you, you certainly feel hard done by. And had it not been given it would certainly have stayed not given.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArsenal boss Mikel Arteta was certainly left raging after handing Liverpool the chance to move 14 points clear.He said: “I’ve seen it 15 times. There’s no way, in my opinion, that’s a penalty.Fulham star Calvin Bassey shows Arsenal fans his bum at worst time possible “There’s no question that apart from that they had nothing but, obviously, that changes completely the momentum and the result.”I think we deserve more, but that’s what we got at the end. We had two big chances to win the game, we didn’t convert them, so we have to accept the point.” More

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    F1 Japanese Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Max Verstappen on POLE for huge race ahead of Lando Norris – updates

    FORMULA ONE travels to Japan in the third race of the 2025 season. Lando Norris currently leads the World Drivers’ Championship after two races, after winning in Australia and getting second in China. Lewis Hamilton will be looking for a boost in Japan, as he currently sits ninth in the Drivers’ Championship after two races. Max Verstappen will also be looking to improve on two second place finishes, as he aims to chase down Lando Norris at the top of the WDC.Start time: 6am BSTTV channel: Sky Sports F1BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below…Bear the fruitsOllie Bearman has revealed the stunning tactic he used to score a surprise top-ten qualifying result at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.The Haas rookie, 19, made a shock Q3 appearance after only running at best 15th fastest across the three practice sessions.But the Brit, racing at the circuit for the first time in his F1 career, turned his form around on Saturday to place P10 – his team’s best qualifying result at Suzuka since 2019.Speaking about his lap, Bearman revealed how using a tactic from “iRacing”, online motorsport races played through video games, had helped him gain vital time at the end of his lap.He said: “I had a snap in the chicane. I was taking more and more kerb every single lap, and the last lap was a little bit too much.“Every time I was doing it, I was gaining more and lap time, so I thought, why not take a little more?“I was going as tight as I could to the wall. I don’t know why not everyone is doing that.”Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedHow we start today1 Max Verstappen, Red Bull2 Lando Norris, McLaren3 Oscar Piastri, McLaren4 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari5 George Russell, Mercedes6 Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7 Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls8 Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari9 Alex Albon, Williams10 Oliver Bearman, HaasCopy linkCopiedRest of the gridCharles Leclerc will start from fourth, and Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli fifth and sixth.Brit Lewis Hamilton trailed Isack Hadjar in eighth after qualifying and rising star Oliver Bearman pushed his Haas car to the limit with a 10th placed finish.After a controversial week at Red Bull, Liam Lawson managed to advance to Q2 for the first time this season and even finished one place ahead of replacement Yuki Tsunoda.Copy linkCopiedMore on the qualifying controversyWilliams chief James Vowles hit out at the FIA to fix the issues ahead of qualifying – after attempts to water and trim it on Friday proved ineffective.Vowles said: “I think it’s hampered all of us really.“It’s just when you get into the flow, you need a couple of laps on the softs to get it right. And we just didn’t get that nor did anyone else for that matter.”So definitely, we spoke to the FIA at the end of that one [FP3],” he added. “No one wants these, and it’s the same for everyone. That’s the best way I can put it.“So it’s down to us to make sure that we don’t get caught out by it.”Copy linkCopiedQualifying chaosQualifying for the Japan Grand Prix was clouded by smoke from trackside fires causing red flag chaos throughout the session.Suzuka Circuit looked more like a wildfire than a race track as grass fires broke out throughout qualification and practice.Saturday morning’s practice was hit by two red flag delays from the wildfires, while the qualifying itself saw another two fires cause chaos.Sparks flying from the cars were blowing in the air and landing on dry grass and causing it to set alight.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to the Japanese Grand PrixHello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of the Japanese Grand Prix!Max Verstappen put together a blistering final lap out of nowhere to take pole for Sunday’s race for the fourth time in a row – setting a new track lap record of 1.26.983.While McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were right behind in second and third.Verstappen said: “Yeah, I am [surprised]. Each session we kept making little improvements. Then the last lap was just flat out.”In a Formula 1 car around here is insane. This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here.”Meanwhile Charles Leclerc was behind in fourth, and Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli took fifth and sixth.Brit Lewis Hamilton trailed Isack Hadjar in eighth and rising star Oliver Bearman pushed his Haas car to the limit with a 10th placed finish.Copy linkCopied More

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    Leicester consider Russell Martin to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy as manager but could face battle with Man City owners

    RUSSELL MARTIN is emerging as a shock contender to lead Leicester back to the Premier League.Martin, 39, was axed by relegation rivals Southampton but his work in the Championship at Saints caught the Foxes’ eye.Russell Martin is emerging as a shock contender to lead Leicester back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy is clinging to his job after a disastrous run since succeeding Steve Cooper in November and a decision is set for the end of the season.Leicester face Newcastle at home tomorrow having won just once in the Prem in 2025.The Dutchman, 48, is liked by Leicester’s hierarchy but some within the club are already looking at a change.Sean Dyche is a promotion specialist from his Burnley days and carries an obvious appeal. But Martin has significant support at the King Power.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFoxes   were promoted playing a passing game under Enzo Maresca last season and they will look for a similar style and approach.Martin had his critics during his time at MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton because he refuses to change his ways. But that may be the attraction to Leicester, who have players who would excel down a level if they played a passing game.Martin has had other interest and is also being mentioned within the City Group as a coach for one of their clubs around the globe because of the way he plays.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCommenting on his future at Leicester, Van Nistelrooy said: “It needs to be sorted yesterday. I think it’s very important to be aligned on that with the club.“We have to find out over the coming weeks because, of course, coming in December and how the winter window went, taking it into the new season and the challenges we face, it’s very important for me to be aligned and what the possibilities are there.“That alignment has to take place.”Ruud van Nistelrooy is clinging to his jobCredit: Getty More

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    ‘The club has to move on’ – Pep Guardiola reveals he chose to axe Kevin De Bruyne with Man City star prepared to stay

    PEP GUARDIOLA confirmed it was his decision to call time on Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City career.The Belgian announced on Friday he would leave the Etihad this summer after ten glittering years.Pep Guardiola has revealed he is the one who decided to end Kevin De Bruyne’s Man City careerCredit: PAThe Belgian will leave City on a free transfer when his contract expires this summerCredit: ReutersKDB, 33, was open-minded about extending his City stay — and may even have accepted a bit-part playing role as his family are settled in the area.Yet Guardiola had been concerned over his dip in form following injuries.Ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, boss Pep said: “Myself  and  the  club  had  to take a decision. It is not easy as he has been extraordinary.“Me, Txiki Begiristain and the club made the decision — and it is what it is.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDe Bruyne will be 34 this summer but is now clear of injury issues that dogged him in the last few seasons.Even so, offering anywhere close to the £375,000-a-week wages the attacking midfielder currently earns would have represented a big gamble by City.Guardiola added: “The club has to move forward, move on. To replicate his numbers is so difficult. To say bye to these players is so difficult“You can only be grateful. The club gave everything to him — and he gave everything to us.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I’m incredibly grateful and sad that it will be over in two months.“He’s the only player who has finished his contract. The rest are under contract but still there are many things the club and myself haven’t decided on.”Ex-Man City star Martin Demichelis explains showdown between himself and Spain ace Sergio Canales There will be question marks over several  stars as Guardiola plans a summer shake-up. John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have all had injury-hit campaigns while skipper Kyle Walker left on loan in January.Bernardo Silva and keeper Ederson’s form has also dipped — meaning City are now scrambling to claim a Champions League place.They spent over £170million in January but are set to splash out more this summer.And finding a replacement for De Bruyne is a priority, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, 21, their top target. More

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    WAG Taylor Ward ‘feels safer’ living in Saudi Arabia after quitting UK with ex-Man City star Riyad Mahrez

    WAG Taylor Ward says she feels safer living in Saudi Arabia with husband Riyad Mahrez after escaping the threat of burglary gangs targeting Premier League stars’ homes.The reality star, 27, told The Sun on Sunday she “can now sleep at night” after making the move to Jeddah, where the ex-Manchester City star, 34, now plys his trade for Al-Ahli following his £30million switch from the Premier League champions.Taylor Ward says she feels safer in Saudi Arabia after moving abroad with footballer Riyad MahrezCredit: Amazon MGM StudiosTaylor says her house in Saudi Arabia is ten times bigger than her home in EnglandCredit: InstagramGangs have targeted several footballers’ multi million pound homes in what’s been dubbed the “Cheshire Golden Triangle” – comprising the prestigious towns of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and Prestbury.Some of those houses have been decked out by Taylor’s mum Dawn Ward, an interior designer to the stars, but now she feels secure in the Middle East, so much so she’s allowing her £850,000-a-week husband to splash out on expensive gifts.Taylor said: “I feel way safer in Saudi – I can actually sleep at night now.“My house in Saudi is ten times bigger than my house in England, and if I had to stay on my own somewhere, I would choose Saudi every day of the week.READ MORE TAYLOR WARD“I’ve never stayed on my own in England, ever. We live in an apartment. I’ve never stayed there by myself. I’m just really conscious.“There’s so many burglaries and bad things going on especially in Cheshire. It’s a massive problem.“Living abroad now is great because I don’t bring anything home. It’s not worth it because we’ve been burgled in the past and it puts you off having nice things.“I used to say to Riyad, ‘please don’t buy me a watch for my birthday, please don’t buy me these because I don’t want to be a target.’Most read in Football“Now that we live in Saudi, you actually get the opportunity to enjoy and wear nice things.”Manchester City winger Jack Grealish had his £5.6m house raided on Boxing Day, while he was playing, by a gang who fled with £1m worth of luxury goods including watches and jewellery.Glamorous Premier League Wags to star on new Prime Video reality TV show Married To The Game including Jorginho and Mahrez’s other halves His terrified girlfriend Sasha Attwood was inside the property when the raid took place.Former Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, ex-Everton defender Phil Jagielka have also been previously targeted.Taylor, who shares a 20-month-old daughter with Mahrez and is stepmum to his other two daughters, is one of the five WAGS starring in Prime Video series Married to the Game, which follows the glamorous lives of partners of renowned footballers.The second series, which starts on Monday, sees Taylor joined by Cat Harding, fiancée of Arsenal star Jorginho, Gabrielle Figueiredo, the wife of his Gunners’ teammate Gabriel Magalhães, Chelsea WAG Claudia Rodríguez and boyfriend Marc Cucurella, plus Aston Villa star Leon Bailey and his girlfriend Stephanie Hope.In the debut series streamed last year, Taylor went viral after sobbing when five-times Premier League winner Mahrez told her they were moving to Saudi Arabia following his transfer from Manchester City.But having taken months to finally settle in the Middle East, Taylor now feels at home – although there are some stark differences, especially when it comes to the WAGS out there.She explained: “There’s no champagne. When we used to go to the Etihad it was like a day out and I had a really good relationship with them all at Man City.“We traveled so much, because they were in all the finals, like the Champions League and all that kind of stuff.“We did a lot of trips together and we had a really close bond, which is really nice.Read More on The Sun“That’s slightly different in Saudi. I don’t know the players and the partners as well.“People keep themselves to themselves more out here.”Taylor moved abroad to Saudi Arabia after Manchester City winger Mahrez was transferred to Al-AhliMahrez earns a staggering £850,000 per week at Al-Ahli after leaving Manchester CityCredit: Getty More

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    Illan Meslier’s Leeds career OVER as Whites consider two England goalkeepers in replacement transfer hunt

    LEEDS are after a new No1 and will move out Illan Meslier — whether they go up or not.The Whites have decided they need a keeper and started to look at options.Leeds United are looking to part ways with goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summerCredit: PANewcastle’s Nick Pope is admired by promotion-chasing LeedsCredit: RexJames Trafford has been linked with Newcastle and LeedsCredit: RexMeslier – who is contracted until June 2026 – has made high-profile errors this season but is not short of admirers.Manchester United keeper scout Tony Coton is a fan of the 25-year-old and may push his case.Meslier was dropped for No 2 Karl Darlow for Saturday’s trip to Luton, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.The Championship promotion chasers went 1-0 down inside 15 minutes after Isaiah Jones’ back-post volley from five yards.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDan James curled in a stunning equaliser less than 14 minutes later to earn a share of the spoils.The Frenchman’s error gifted Swansea a goal in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw.It was the latest in a series of costly mistakes and led to calls from fans and pundits for manager Daniel Farke to make a change.Farke then made the decision to drop Meslier, which he said was to protect the shot-stopper from further scrutiny.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I work with human beings. For Karl, he is buzzing. For Illan, it’s always a bit difficult to take.”I think, in general, with a goalkeeper, it’s important you don’t change game to game, even after a few mistakes.”Leeds manager Daniel Farke reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson trick he cannot copy And Burnley’s James Trafford is on a shortlist to replace Meslier at Elland Road, alongside Newcastle’s Nick Pope.Pope has made ten appearances for the Three Lions while Trafford was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad to face Albania and Latvia.But their chances of signing either goalkeeper will depend where clubs and players are in the summer.Indeed Newcastle themselves are reported to be keen on Trafford, which would put serious pressure on Pope.Meanwhile, Grady Diangana is putting a move to MLS on hold in the hope Leeds and Wolves firm up interest in him. The West Brom winger, 26, will be a free agent in the summer and  two American sides  are after him already.West Brom’s Grady Diangana is keen on a move to either Leeds or, controversially, the Baggies arch rivals WolvesCredit: Getty More

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    Trent Alexander-Arnold set to hire key Everton man ahead of transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid

    EVERTON loans manager James Vaughan is quitting his post — and may start to work for Trent Alexander-Arnold.The ex-Toffees striker, 36, is poised to move on and join Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold’s team of advisers ahead of his likely move to Real Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to add James Vaughan to his team ahead of a Real Madrid switchCredit: GettyFormer Everton striker Vaughan currently works as their loans manager but is set to quitCredit: PA:Press AssociationVaughan came through the ranks at Everton and ended up scoring nine goals in 60 games.His career also took him to clubs including Norwich, Huddersfield and Wigan.But the ace now looks set to link up with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives.The England star is reportedly set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his Liverpool contract expires this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned Alexander-Arnold has already agreed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.And he will take home a tasty £240,000-a-week salary, working out at £13million a year.Alexander-Arnold could also pocket a lucrative signing-on fee.While he could even boost his pay packet with a series of performance-related bonuses.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe move will see Alexander-Arnold link up with pal Jude Bellingham, who fuelled rumours of Real Madrid’s free transfer approach earlier this season.While the Spaniards could yet target more Premier League signings in Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq Alexander-Arnold’s impending move means he is finally set to call time on his Liverpool career after 21 years.Fortunately for Liverpool, they already have a ready-made replacement in fellow Anfield academy star Conor Bradley.While the likes of Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah can also fill in there. More

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    England football legend and wife plot move to relocate to Dubai as they eye properties and school for kids

    FORMER England football star Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate are considering relocating to the Middle East, we can reveal.Rio, 46, and Kate, 33, are looking at big-money properties and schools for their younger children in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.Kate is married to former Manchester United legend Rio FerdinandCredit: InstagramFriends say the entrepreneurial pair, who live in Bromley, South East London, are keen to find a home in the Gulf.A source said: “Rio and Kate are seriously considering being based out in the Gulf and are looking for a sprawling home with plenty of bedrooms. “They love the lifestyle and sunny ­weather and have lots of friends out there. It’s a very safe place for families and offers a healthy lifestyle, which suits them well.”The pair met in Dubai in 2016 after being introduced out there by mutual friends.READ MORE ON RIO FERDINANDRio proposed to Kate in Abu Dhabi two years later and the couple tied the knot one year on. He has five kids — Lorenz, 18, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12, with first wife Rebecca Ellison who died in 2015; and Cree, four, and Shae, 21 months, with Kate.The source said: “It holds a special place in their hearts as that’s where they met and both could easily travel back and forth for their work commitments in the UK.“As well as his sporting success Rio has a huge business portfolio now and there is lots of potential in the Middle East.”Most read in FootballInsiders at TNT Sports are concerned that pundit Rio, who also has homes in Portugal and Barbados, will leave at the end of the season.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season The former Manchester United captain has worked for the broadcaster for more than a decade and is seen as integral to their coverage.His management firm New Era has signed a partnership with US talent agency WME.A spokesman for Rio and Kate declined to comment.The couple are looking at homes in the sunny GulfCredit: Getty More