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      Rio Ferdinand and ‘touchy’ Martin Keown in awkward exchange live on TV after Arsenal’s defeat to Inter Milan

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      RIO FERDINAND slammed Martin Keown for being “touchy” after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan at San Siro.The Gunners suffered their first Champions League defeat of the season with Hakan Calhanoglu’s controversial first-half penalty enough to separate the sides. Martin Keown slammed Martin Keown for being ‘touchy’ about ArsenalThe former centre-backs were on punditry duty at San SiroArsenal have suffered three defeats in their last six in all competitions.While their only wins in that run have come against Shakhtar Donetsk and Preston North End.And there’s no sign of their form changing ahead of what is now a HUGE visit to Chelsea on Sunday.But Arsenal legend Keown is not worried about the Gunners’ dip in form.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking on TNT Sports, he said: “The point I’m making is that in the second half, Arsenal did all they could to score a goal here. And I saw a really good reaction.“Everyone wants to put Arsenal away. I don’t think there’s a massive crisis for Arsenal. I don’t think they’re that far away from getting it right. “They’ve got to keep believing in what they’re doing. Yes they’re not scoring goals but I thought when Ethan Nwaneri came on – perhaps should have been on a bit earlier – and he demonstrated some real quality when he came on.”Fellow pundit Ferdinand replied: “I want to see him more. But I don’t think anyone is trying to put Arsenal away here, Martin, we’re just stating facts.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Keown bit back: “No I’m admiring what Inter Milan are doing. They have a different model. They have a director of football who is coming to the end of his career shall we say?“A lot of people knocking Arsenal, I’m standing up for them a bit tonight.Arsenal player ratings v Inter Milan (1)“I thought they did better. Maybe it was mentioned in the commentary. I thought they had one or two chances that they didn’t put away but they certainly went after their opponents today.”Ferdinand then turned to host Laura Woods and said: “Why are Arsenal people so touchy? “I don’t understand, why is that? No one’s having a dig – we’re not having a dig.”The Man Utd legend’s comment triggered a fit of laughter from the rest of the TNT panel and left Keown speechless.Mikel Arteta was left fuming after a tale of TWO penalties on Wednesday night.Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled inside the box from close range during stoppage time in the first half.Merino had earlier been denied a penalty after he saw himself on the receiving end of a punch in the head by Inter keeper Yann Sommer.Arteta said: “We were very harshly done. I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.”Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer appeared to punch Mikel Merino in the head, but Arsenal were not awarded a penaltyArsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions. More

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      What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES is one of the hottest strikers in the world at the moment.The Sporting striker has been banging them in for fun since he swapped Coventry for Lisbon in 2023.Viktor Gyokeres has been touted for a return to EnglandCredit: GettyGyokeres’ eye-catching performances in the Portuguese top flight and the Champions League have caught the attention of many top sides around Europe.Most notably, Premier League giants Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the Swede.The Red Devils will be seen as the clear favourite to land Gyokeres, with Sporting boss Ruben Amorim taking the reins at Old Trafford from November 11.Recent reports state that Sporting are willing to accept a cut fee of £63million for the Swede, which is £20m less than his release clause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould the inform striker make a stunning return to England, fans will need to get to know his iconic goal celebration.What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?When Gyokeres celebrates a goal, he locks his fingers together on both hands and covers his mouth and nose to create a mask.The reason behind the striker’s unique celebration was completely unknown until he shared a highlights reel of his goals from the 2023/24 season on Instagram, which included the caption: “Nobody cared until I put on the mask.”The line is a slight misquote from the iconic Batman film The Darts Knight Rises when the villain Bane says: “It doesn’t matter who we are, what matters is our plan. No one cared who I was till I put on the mask.”Most read in FootballGyokeres is still yet to confirm that Bane is the sole inspiration behind his signature celebration, but the caption certainly hints that it could be a nod to the supervillain.Gyokeres has hinted that Batman villain Bane is the reason behind his iconic celebrationCredit: AP:Associated PressThe forward’s former Coventry team-mate Josh Eccles suggested it was a reference to film character Hannibal Lecter.However, Gyokeres revealed that the theory was incorrect.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses… There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.” More

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      Mikel Arteta is booked after trying to pick up the ball while it’s still IN PLAY in bizarre scenes during Arsenal loss

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      MIKEL ARTETA had a night to forget as Arsenal lost at the San Siro – and even picked up a bizarre booking of his own. The Gunners boss watched his side labour to a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta found himself in trouble with the referee at Arsenal vs Inter MilanCredit: GettyThe Gunners boss appeared to interfere with play just after the hour markCredit: TNT SPORTSHe was shown an immediate yellow card after trying to grab the ballCredit: BBCArteta cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as Arsenal wasted a host of chances. The 42-year-old watched his side go down to an Inter penalty after Mikel Merino controversially handled in the box.But it was Arteta’s use of his own hands that got him into hot water just after the hour mark.Matteo Darmian was scrapping for the ball by the dugouts with Arsenal’s Ben White. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ball looked to be going out for a throw, with Arteta rushing out of his technical area to reach down and grab it.But the spin of the ball appeared to keep it in play, with a fuming Darmian claiming he was impeded. Arteta was immediately booked by Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs, as deafening whistles rained down from the Inter supporters.It was not immediately clear if the Arsenal boss was cautioned for handball, or leaving his technical area to interfere with play. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUefa clarified the situation following the final whistle, confirming Arteta went in the book for a “lack of respect for the game” and picking up the ball. Arteta immediately held his hands up in apology after the incident, with his intervention deemed accidental. Arsenal player ratings v Inter Milan (1)If the Arsenal chief had deliberately entered play and stopped the attack, he would have been red-carded.One fan joked on X: “Using their dark arts again I see.”While another laughed: “Yellow for leaving his technical area. Yellow for entering the pitch. Yellow for handling the ball. Should have been sent off.”Following Wednesday’s game, Arteta launched into a furious rant against the officials. Arsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions.The Arsenal boss claimed the decision to give a penalty against Merino was “harsh.”And he believed the Gunners should have had a spot kick of their own after Inter’s keeper Yann Sommer took out the Spaniard. Arteta said: “We were very harshly done.”I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.” More

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      Barcelona star Pau Cubarsi shows off horror facial injuries after sickening kick to face left him needing 10 stitches

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      BARCELONA star Pau Cubarsi needed ten stitches in his face after sustaining a horror injury. The worrying scenes occurred during the Catalan giants’ 5-2 Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade last night.Pau Cubarsi suffered horror facial injuries after being studded in the faceCredit: FC BARCELONAHe required ten stitches in his faceCredit: FC BARCELONABut Cubarsi has revealed he is OKCredit: fc BARCELONABlood poured down the side of his face as he was subbed offCredit: ReutersCubarsi tried to head away from a corner and was caught by the studs of Uros Spajic.The 17-year-old wonderkid went down holding his face as blood began to pour from his wounds.Medics rushed over to him and several towels that were used to patch up the cuts were left covered in blood.Cubarsi was taken off in the 67th minute and he required ten stitches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBarca boss Hansi Flick confirmed after the game that the centre-back was “fine”.And the player later showed off his injuries on social media alongside the caption “I’m OK.”Team-mate Alejandro Balde videoed himself grimacing after seeing the state of his horror wounds.Cubarsi, who made his debut for the club aged 16, is the latest in a long line of young La Masia graduates playing a key role at Barca this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBalde, 21, Hector Fort, 18, Gavi, 20, Marc Casado, 21, Fermin Lopez, 21 and Lamine Yamal, 17, have all featured regularly for the first-team under Flick.Barca are currently top of LaLiga and have a nine point advantage over their El Clasico rivals Real Madrid. Wojciech Szczęsny spotted ‘smoking cigarette’ in Real Madrid changing rooms after Barcelona’s El Clasico winThe wonderkid was covered in blood as he left the fieldCredit: AFPAlejandro Balde grimaced after seeing the injuries More

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      Desperate Real Madrid to launch Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer in January as they bring forward move for Liverpool star

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      REAL MADRID have reignited their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold.The LaLiga giants could launch a bid for the Liverpool star as early as January.Real Madrid could go after Trent Alexander-Arnold in JanuaryThe LaLiga giants are eyeing a long-term replacement for veteran defender Dani CarvajalMadrid made contact with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives in October.It made sense for the iconic club to go after the 26-year-old when his Liverpool contract expires in the summer. But Carlo Ancelotti’s side could be forced to move for Alexander-Arnold in the January window, according to Spanish outlet Marca.Madrid are under pressure after AC Milan’s 3-1 victory saw them suffer back-to-back defeats at the Bernabeu.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLucas Vazquez is the only fit right-back at the club after Dani Carvajal suffered a potentially career-ending knee injury last month.The 15-time Champions League winners have long been linked with Alexander-Arnold.The report adds that Real bosses feel that Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham could work to their advantage.But the England full-back has not ruled out penning a new deal to extend his stay at Anfield.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMadrid have a knack for luring superstar players on free transfers after signing Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger for nothing.Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best right-back in world football, having contributed 19 goals in 324 appearances for Liverpool.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldHis prowess going forward and incredible passing ability has also seen him provide 59 assists in the Premier League.Prior to this season, he had experienced his entire club career under Jurgen Klopp.He has started every Prem and Champions League game so far under Klopp’s successor Arne Slot.Last month, Alexander-Arnold was quizzed regarding his future.He said: “Look, I have been at the club 20 years now.”I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either.”I have always said I want to captain the club – that is an aim and a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands. I want to be a Liverpool player this season is what I will say.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The most important thing is always trophies if I am honest. This season we are looking really good.”And he could be offered a timely audition when Liverpool host Madrid in their next Champions League game on November 27. More

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      Bayern Munich fan dies after medical emergency in stands during Champions League win over Benfica

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      A BAYERN Munich fan tragically passed away after a medical emergency in the crowd during their Champions League win over Benfica.The individual required medical assistance just three minutes into the match at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening.They were taken away on a stretcher around 30 minutes later and passed away while being rushed to hospital.Bayern fans in the part of the ground where the medical emergency took place – the Sudkurve – stopped singing for much of the match out of respect for the supporter.A statement from the Bundesliga club read: “In the Champions League league phase match against Benfica, FC Bayern’s 1-0 victory was overshadowed by a sad event.”A medical emergency in the stands of the Allianz Arena cast a shadow over the game right from the start.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Out of consideration, the Sudkurve refrained from its usual vociferous support for their team, and the club also reduced its coverage of the match.”Around an hour after the final whistle, the German record champions received the sad news that the fan had died on the way to hospital.”FC Bayern is in mourning side by side with the fan’s relatives.”Bayern won the game 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jamal Musiala.Most read in Champions LeagueAfter the match, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany spoke about the medical emergency.He said: “It’s difficult to talk about football at the moment.”After the game, we didn’t celebrate as much as we normally do. Of course, the boys only noticed it after the game.”We always hope that our fans and all of them go home safe and sound. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case today.”And forward Thomas Muller added: “We noticed it, how and wherefore. I think we saw right before kick-off what would have been possible in terms of atmosphere.”The whole group in the south curve was jumping. But of course, when something like that happens, it’s also a nice sign of solidarity that the fans don’t put their own party first, but show a bit of humanity.”The fan was taken away on a stretcher but died on the way to the hospitalCredit: AP More

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      Mikel Arteta launches furious rant as Arsenal star Merino ‘punched in the head’ but no penalty given in Inter defeat

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      MIKEL ARTETA was left seething with the officials after Arsenal were sunk at the San Siro after a tale of TWO penalties.The Gunners boss raged over Hakan Calhanoglu’s first half spot-kick for a controversial handball against Mikel Merino that earned Inter Milan a famous Champions League victory.Mikel Arteta was left seething with the officials after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter MilanCredit: GettyInter goalkeeper Yann Sommer appeared to punch Mikel Merino in the head, but Arsenal were not awarded a penaltyCredit: AFPInter’s goal came from controversial handball decision involving Merino as wellCredit: TNT SPORTSAnd Arteta then argued his side deserved to have a penalty of their own “one thousand percent” after Merino was PUNCHED by Inter keeper Yann Sommer in the head.Arteta said: “We were very harshly done. I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.”Arsenal legend and TNT pundit Martin Keown said: “It was a controversial moment. Fine margins. I don’t believe it was a penalty and I feel it was really harsh.“Where are you supposed put your arm in that position? Who’s made these rules? Have they played the game?“Mikel Merino is so close and the arm has come up to go into a challenge. It is really harsh.Most read in FootballMartin Keown gave his thoughts on the controversial refereeing decisionsCredit: RexMartin Keown’s assessmentHere’s a look at what Arsenal hero Martin Keown made of the referee’s decisions…On Yann Sommer clashing with Mikel Merino…”You can see there is a follow-through. On another night the referee might see that as a violent act.”He [referee Istvan Kovacs] was levelling it up and dishing it out to players, but he didn’t level up on penalties.”The one against Arsenal is really harsh.”On the penalty decision…”It was a controversial moment. Fine margins. I don’t believe it was a penalty and I feel it was really harsh.”Where are you supposed put your arm in that position? Who’s made these rules? Have they played the game?”Mikel Merino is so close to Mehdi Taremi and the arm has come up to go into a challenge – it is really harsh.”Merino is preparing to go with his first action and then the ball deflects.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMerino is preparing to go with his first action and then the ball deflects.”On Sommer’s connection with Merino, Keown added: “You can see there is a follow-through. On another night the referee might see that as a violent act.Thierry Henry aims huge dig at Arsenal in awkward CBS Sports moment as fans ask ‘why are you s***ting on your own club?“He [referee Istvan Kovacs] was levelling it up and dishing it out to players, but he didn’t level up on penalties.”Arteta confirmed that Merino was taken off at half time as a result of that collision with Sommer, admitting he did not feel well before kick-off and was left “groggy”.Arsenal have now lost three of their last six games in all competitions as their poor run continues both in the Premier League and in Europe.They now travel to Stamford Bridge to take on in-form Chelsea on Sunday, with Kai Havertz now also a doubt after requiring stitches following a clash of heads late on against Inter.But the visitors had their chances, attempting 20 shots, their most without scoring in a Champions League game since November 2006 against CSKA Moscow.Arteta added: “I’m very proud of my players. If we play like we did tonight we can win at Chelsea.“With the number of situations we created we should have scored. “But that was more us tonight, we dominated one of the best teams in Europe in their stadium, I’m proud of them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The worst thing of the night is the result, the performance, attitude, the dominance against one of the best teams in Europe, I haven’t seen it in the games I watched.“We had many situations we could have resolved much better and scored at least two goals and we are extremely frustrated – in both boxes we did not do what we have to do.”Mikel Merino was substituted at half-time after feeling ‘groggy’ from the collisionCredit: PAKai Havertz is a doubt for Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge after requiring stitches after a clash of headsCredit: GettyArsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions. More

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      ‘Referee had no choice but to award a penalty, Mings needs to have a look at himself and ask, What on earth was I doing?

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      ASTON VILLA conceded one of the most bizarre penalties in Champions League history on Wednesday night.Villa boss Unai Emery slammed Tyron Mings’ bizarre decision to PICK UP the ball as “the biggest mistake I witnessed in my career”.Tyrone Mings’ inexplicable error cost Aston Villa all three points against Club BruggeCredit: GettyMings picked up the ball from a goal kick, giving away a penalty by doing soCredit: TNT SPORTSFormer Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey has given his verdict on the controversial decisionCredit: AFPMings gifted Club Brugge a penalty in the second half when he was passed the ball inside the area by Emi Martinez from a goal-kick and decided to bend down and pick it up.It can only be assumed that Mings had a lapse in concentration and thought he had been rolled the ball to take the goal-kick himself.But referee Tobias Stieler stuck to the letter of the law and pointed to the spot, a decision that cost Villa all three points as Brugge captain Hans Vanaken converted the resulting penalty to score the only goal of the game.Former Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey gives his verdict on the controversial decision that marred Villa’s defeat to Club Brugge…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking exclusively to SunSport Halsey explained that official Stieler made the right call and said that Aston Villa can have “no complaints whatsoever”.He said: “We see it week in week out in every league around the globe, where the goalkeeper takes a quick goal kick giving it to the defender, and the defender plays it away.”Adding: “The referee has no option whatsoever to to give that penalty because the ball is in play and it’s a it’s a schoolboy error by by Tyrone Mings. “It’s just unbelievable for a player of his calibre to do what he did in the second half.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So Aston Villa can have no complaints whatsoever.”The incident was remarkably similar to Arsenal centre-back Gabriel’s blunder against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season.Arsenal star Gabriel got away with a similar incident in last season’s Champions LeagueCredit: TNT SPORTS’Career threatening!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to Martinez’s tackle on Cole Palmer in Man Utd vs Chelsea | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyThe Brazilian defender was let off the hook that night with Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg saying that it was a “kid’s mistake” that wasn’t in the spirit of the game to punish a team for.Halsey reckons you can feel sorry for Mings, but the decision ultimately has to be a penalty by the letter of the law.He added: “Tyrone Mings needs to have a look at himself and ask himself, What on earth was I doing?”Listen, yes. You do feel a little bit for him, but they’re professional footballers. They should know the laws of the game.”And as I say It’s a quick goal kick and, once the goal kick has been taken the ball is in play.”So, as I said before, Aston Villa could have no complaints at the award of a penalty by the referee.”Villa players also found themselves complaining that the referee hadn’t blown his whistle to restart play yet, but Halsey has clarified there’s no substance in that argument either.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “The referee doesn’t need to blow his whistle in that situation to restart play. It’s just ‘away we go’.”Villa’s defeat knocked them off their perch in Europe and ended their 100% start to the Champions League this season.Unai Emery labelled Mings’ gaffe as the ‘biggest mistake I witnessed in my career’Credit: Getty More