Euro 2024

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is South Korea vs Ghana referee Anthony Taylor at World Cup 2022?

      by

      ANTHONY TAYLOR is back at the World Cup this winter.A familiar face to fans of the Premier League, Taylor takes charge of the group game between South Korea and Ghana in Qatar.
      Taylor will be in the middle for Group F clash between Portugal and GermanyCredit: Ryan Browne-The Times
      Here is everything you need to know about the referee.Who is Anthony Taylor?
      Anthony Taylor is from Wythenshawe, Manchester.
      He first started refereeing in the Northern Premier League in 2002.
      Taylor refereed his first Premier League game eight years later in February 2010, taking charge of Fulham’s 1-0 win over Portsmourh.
      Has he refereed a major tournament before?
      Taylor refereed at Euro 2020 and was in charge in the group game between Denmark and Finland where Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch.
      He was praised for his calm demeanour during the match – and for acting within seconds to get medicals onto the field.
      Taylor refereed the Nations League final in October 2021 between Spain and France.
      What was Anthony Taylor’s previous career?
      A former prison officer, Taylor doesn’t take any nonsense on the field – and believes he has taken the tough qualities of that job into his refereeing.
      He explained: “Working in a prison meant I needed a lot of communication and management qualities to deal with daily situations.
      “I spent a considerable number of years working with those who suffered severe mental health problems, a lot of attempted suicides, that kind of thing.
      “I’ve seen the depths that people can reach, sometimes through no fault of their own.”
      Taylor is heading to his first international tournament this summer but has big game experience having taking charge of the 2020 Super Cup final.
      MOST READ IN SPORT
      What happened with Arsene Wenger?
      Arsene Wenger was seen shoving Taylor after Burnley were awarded a late penalty at the Emirates in February 2017.
      Following the match, Taylor, who was fourth official, accused Wenger of swearing at him and questioning his integrity.
      Taylor wrote in his post-match report: “Mr Wenger left his technical area to confront me in disagreement at the decision.
      “Before he said anything I said ‘think carefully before you say anything’.
      Arsene Wenger and Anthony Taylor have historyCredit: Reuters
      “He responded by saying ‘you are dishonest to your federation’.
      “I considered this to be questioning both mine and the referee, Jon Moss’s integrity and impartiality.
      “I stated to Mr Wenger that such a comment was not acceptable and he told me to ‘f*** off’ on two separate occasions.”
      The then-Arsenal boss subsequently received a four-match ban for his behaviour.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup
      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

    • 150 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Spain vs Germany referee Danny Makkelie at World Cup 2022?

      by

      OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage and is seen as one of the best referees on the planet.He takes charge of Spain’s massive group stage against Germany at the World Cup.
      Danny Makkelie was in charge during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark when he awarded a controversial penaltyCredit: PA
      The Dutchman, a former policeman, was in charge for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark.
      He was also the ref for Finland’s defeat to Russia in the group stages.Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
      A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in the Wembley match-up.
      He was first listed as a FIFA referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of seasons under his belt.
      Before this tournament, Makkelie was the referee for the 2020 Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan, but this is his first major international tournament in the middle.
      What else has he done so far?
      Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 180 appearances across nine seasons.
      He took charge of five Champions League fixtures in 2019, including the quarter-final first leg when Barcelona beat AS Roma 4-1.
      The Dutchman was blasted by the Italians’ boss Eusebio di Francesco for denying them a penalty in that game, but it proved irrelevant as Roma heroically won the second leg 3-0 to progress on away goals.
      Makkelie has also been involved in the Europe League, officiating 11 matches from 2012 to 2017.
      Most read in sport
      Has he used VAR before?
      The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.
      Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.
      He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.
      During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

    • 113 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Japan vs Costa Rica referee Michael Oliver?

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Michael Oliver has been chosen as one of England’s representatives at the 2022 World Cup.A familiar face to English football fans, Oliver is one of 18 officials appointed by the Uefa Referees’ Committee and will take part in his first major international tournament.
      Michael Oliver was in charge of Sheffield United’s controversial game against Aston Villa when the Blades clearly had a goal not given that was over the lineCredit: AFP
      It will cap off a long but productive season for the 36-year-old, who officiated in every matchday of the top flight season and took charge of May’s FA Cup final as Leicester beat Chelsea.
      Who is Michael Oliver?
      Born in Ashington, Northumberland, Oliver began refereeing at the age of 14 after being introduced to it by his father.
      By 2007 he became the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley stadium when he whistled the Conference National play-off final.
      Oliver continued to break records becoming the youngest ever Football League referee and youngest Premier League fourth official.
      Michael Oliver awarded a controversial penalty to Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018 and sent off Gianluigi BuffonCredit: REUTERS
      Michael Oliver took charge of Blackburn’s game with Birmingham in 2010 when he was just 25 years oldCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      In 2010, Oliver became the youngest ever Prem referee at the age of 25 years and 182 days old when he officiated Birmingham City’s game with Blackburn Rovers.
      He was selected for Champions League duty in 2016 where he took charge of three group stage games.
      Oliver was caught up in controversy in April 2018 when he refereed to Champions League quarter final second leg between Real Madrid and Juventus.
      In injury time and with the aggregate score level at 3-3, Oliver awarded Real Madrid a controversial penalty and, in the melee, sent off Juventus Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
      Most read in Football
      In the aftermath, police investigated threatening messages sent to Oliver’s wife after her phone number was leaked on social media.
      Buffon was rapped for his explosive post-match interview.
      The Italian legend clearly let himself down when he said: “The team gave their all, but a human being cannot destroy dreams like that at the end of an extraordinary comeback on a dubious situation.
      “The referee has a trashcan where his heart should be.
      “On top of that, if you don’t have the character to walk on a pitch like this in a stadium like this, you can sit in the stands with your wife, your kids, drinking your Sprite and eating crisps.”
      What games is he taking charge of at Euro 2020?
      Oliver refereed multiple games in the group stages of the tournament.
      He will also referee Switzerland’s quarter-final clash with Spain.
      Is Michael Oliver allowed to take charge of England games at Euro 2020?
      No.
      Referees are not allowed to officiate matches involving the team from their association, the same as applies in Champions League and Europa League matches. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Argentina vs Mexico World Cup 2022 referee Daniele Orsato and what controversies has he been involved in?

      by

      REFEREE Daniele Orsato has been called up for the World Cup, to referee some of the world’s biggest games, including the opener.The Italian official will preside over the group match between Argentina and Mexico.
      Italian Daniele Orsato is one of the world’s most respected and experienced refereesCredit: Getty
      Has he officiated at a World Cup or Euros before?
      The Italian made his first World Cup appearance in 2018 and also officiated at Euro 2020.
      Orsato had before officiated a series of international friendlies and World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the first leg of the World Cup play-off between Honduras and Australia.
      He’s also been a senior referee in Serie A since 2010.
      What has he done so far?
      Orsato made his Serie C debut in 2002, moving to the premier Serie A division for the 2006-07 season. He has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances in the division.
      Since 2012, the Italian has been involved in Champions League fixtures. Orsato went on to referee the 2020 Champions League final between PSG and Bayern Munich before reffing the 2021/22 semi-final second leg between Real Madrid and Chelsea.
      Most read in sport
      Has he used VAR before?
      Orsato reversed a decision in a Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Juventus after using VAR to view the incident. The Italian correctly decided to send off Inter’s Matias Vecino instead of sticking with the yellow card he had already given.
      But in the same game he controversially refused to use VAR after failing to give Miralem Pjanic a card for a high tackle on Rafinha, with the Bosnian already on a yellow.
      The decision would prove crucial as Juve went on to secure a late 3-2 win.
      VAR has been used in Italian’s Serie A since the start of the 2017/18 season. Orsato is a regular official in the league.
      He also refereed the controversial Champions League tie between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
      Orsato awarded a penalty to United in the 94th minute via VAR after a handball by Presnel Kimpembe and Marcus Rashford scored it to send United through.
      Which Euro 2020 games did he referee?
      Daniele Orsato made his Euro 2020 bow in England’s 1-0 win over Croatia.
      And following that game he refereed Spain vs Poland, awarding a penalty to the Spaniards after a VAR review.
      He later officiated Ukraine’s win over Sweden in the last 16 of the tournament.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Ryan Giggs not Wales manager at the 2022 World Cup?

      by

      WALES will be looking to go on a brilliant run at the World Cup but will be doing so WITHOUT Ryan Giggs in the dugout. Giggs was Wales boss since 2018 and managed to steer them through the Euro qualifiers and into Euro 2020 before Rob Page took charge.
      Ryan Giggs won’t be managing Wales this summer at Euro 2020Credit: AFP
      Why isn’t Ryan Giggs managing Wales at the World Cup?
      Giggs was readying his squad for their long-awaited Euros campaign back in 2020 before being arrested in April.
      Giggs, 47, was charged with coercive control and actual bodily harm in relation to his ex-girlfriend, while he was also charged with assault by beating relating to a second woman.
      “We have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Ryan Giggs with engaging in behaviour which was controlling or coercive and assault occasioning actual bodily harm,” the Crown Prosecution Service announced.
      Most read in Football
      As a result, the Welsh FA announced Page would be taking Giggs place as manager for the Euros.
      The head coach was then named the manager of the national team on a permanent basis as the controversy surrounding Giggs continued.
      Who are Wales playing at the World Cup?
      Robert Page will take charge of WalesCredit: PA
      Wales are in Group B for this the World Cup, the same as England.
      They face the USMNT in the opening game before going up against Iran and then finishing the group against England. More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is referee Danny Makkelie, how many major tournaments has Dutchman refereed at?

      by

      OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage and is seen as one of the best referees on the planet.The Dutchman, a former policeman, was in charge for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark.
      Makkelie has been selected as a VAR assistant for the World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      He was also the ref for Finland’s defeat to Russia in the group stages.Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
      A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in the Wembley match-up.
      He was first listed as a FIFA referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of seasons under his belt.
      Before this tournament, Makkelie was the referee for the 2020 Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan, but this is his first major international tournament in the middle.
      What else has he done so far?
      Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 180 appearances across nine seasons.
      He took charge of five Champions League fixtures in 2019, including the quarter-final first leg when Barcelona beat AS Roma 4-1.
      The Dutchman was blasted by the Italians’ boss Eusebio di Francesco for denying them a penalty in that game, but it proved irrelevant as Roma heroically won the second leg 3-0 to progress on away goals.
      Makkelie has also been involved in the Europe League, officiating 11 matches from 2012 to 2017.
      Most read in sport
      Has he used VAR before?
      The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.
      Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.
      He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.
      During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored.
      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is World Cup star Raheem Sterling’s fiancee Paige Milian and do they have children together?

      by

      PAIGE MILIAN is the fiancee of Chelsea star Raheem Sterling.And she’ll no doubt be in Qatar cheering on her long-term partner as he represents England at the World Cup.
      Paige regularly posts photos of herself on Instagram.
      Who is Paige Milian?
      Paige met Sterling during his spell with Queens Park Rangers.
      She gave up her job in JD Sports to live with him in Liverpool after he left QPR.
      They now live together in London after the England superstar signed for Chelsea last summer in a £47.5million transfer deal.
      She has racked up over 100,000 Instagram followers from uploading pictures of herself and their children to her page alongside giving fans an insight to her lifestyle.
      When are they getting married and do they have children together?
      Sterling proposed to the beauty in March 2018 with a HUGE diamond ring.
      They had hoped to tie the knot in 2020 but wedding plans were put on hold due to the Covid pandemic.
      Paige gave birth to their son Thiago on January 16, 2017, and Sterling has a daughter, Melody Rose, from a previous relationship.
      And in 2019, the couple had a second son – Thai Sterling.
      Sterling and Milian have been together since teenagers More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner, did they break up and do they have children?

      by

      KYLE WALKER ties the knot with long-time girlfriend Annie Kilner, despite scoring a number of own goals in his relationship.Here’s all you need to know about the England star’s wife.
      Kyle Walker and girlfriend Annie Kilner were together for over nine yearsCredit: Annie Kilner : Instagram
      Who is Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner?
      Annie Kilner and Kyle Walker started dating in their teens.
      The brunette beauty said about the cheeky chap, whose tweet in the 2018 World Cup about Harry Maguire went viral: “When we started going out it was love at first sight.”
      They were together for over nine years before splitting in May 2019.
      Walker was dumped by Annie after reality star Laura Brown opened up about romps in the England ace’s £200k Bentley.
      Since then, the England ace has been embroiled in a number of steamy encounters – culminating in a coronavirus lockdown sex party with two hookers in April 2020.
      Walker bedded Lauryn Goodman last summer and became a dad for the fourth time – but Annie branded him “gutless” after he broke the news over the phone.
      Annie was spotted supporting Kyle and England at the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The glamourous Wag has three children with WalkerCredit: Annie Kilner : Instagram

      Brave Annie told a friend: “He’s a fool for risking his family for this. When he told me I was heartbroken. I also felt physically sick. All the air in your body leaves you.
      “My world completely caved in on me in that second.
      “It was the worst-case scenario, the one thing I dreaded most but knew was possible, given his track record with women.
      “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Not only had he cheated on me but she was pregnant with his baby.”
      And SunSport revealed how Annie has held secret talks with lawyers over a share of Walker’s £30million fortune.
      However, the couple got married at the beginning of 2022, putting their troubles behind them.
      The England star proposed last year with a £250,000 engagement ring.
      Annie Kilner wanted a little girl as she felt outnumbered with three boys and KyleCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun
      Most Read in Football
      Do they have any children?
      Annie and Kyle have three sons together: Roman, Riaan and Reign.
      Annie had expressed that she’d quite like a girl, telling OK! Magazine: “I really want a little girl. I love my boys, but I’d really like a daughter as I’m outnumbered in this house.”
      Walker had a fourth child with Lauryn Goodman in 2020. More