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      Premier League ref Anthony Taylor in firing line AGAIN after Uefa bosses admit he made monumental error during Euro 2024

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      PREM ref Anthony Taylor has been hit by another blow – after Uefa bosses said he wrongly denied Germany a penalty during Euro 2024.Taylor was relegated to fourth official duties last weekend after booking a record 14 players in Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth.Uefa have confirmed that Anthony Taylor made a monumental mistake at Euro 2024Credit: PAHe did not award a penalty for a handball by Marc CucurellaCredit: ReutersThe Wythenshawe whistler is due to be back in the middle this weekend after being appointed to take charge of Liverpool’s visit to Wolves on Saturday.But a report by Uefa’s referees’ committee, leaked in Spain, castigated Taylor for not awarding Germany a spot kick during extra-time of their last eight defeat by the subsequent champions.And that led to former Germany midfielder Toni Kroos lambasting Taylor for his decision and mockingly asking: “Can I now say that I am a European champion?”Taylor played on after Jamal Musiala’s shot was blocked by the arm of Chelsea defender Marc Cucarella, with his decision not to award a spot kick backed by VAR Stuart Attwell.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLArsenal summer recruit Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain soon afterwards, with the incident leading to Cucarella being jeered mercilessly by German fans in both the semi-final win over France and the Final against England.But the official report of the Uefa body makes clear that Taylor got it wrong.It said: “Following the latest UEFA guidelines, hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly, and in most cases a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to the body or on the body.“In this case, the defender stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making itself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTaylor, one of Uefa’s most senior refs,  was surprisingly not appointed to any matches when the new-look expanded Champions League kicked off last week.And the report sparked a backlash from Germany, led by Kroos – who was playing what became the final match of his career.Football analyst bizarrely blames ref Anthony Taylor for ‘hindering Man Utd’s play’ in humiliating loss to LiverpoolToni Kroos led the backlash against the decisionCredit: GettyHe said: “It took them three months to realise that there was a handball, something that almost everyone could see in a second.“That reassures me a lot.”Can I say that I am now European champion because it has been officially confirmed? I don’t think so.”After the game, Cucurella admitted that the ball hit his arm but Taylor “immediately” told him it was not a foul.He said: “The ball hit my hand, but the referee immediately said no, no, no, and that made me feel better.”If the refereeing experts say it’s not a handball, then it’s not a handball”Taylor was also criticised for his role during Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Everton last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe official denied the East Midlands outfit of three penalty decision.He was also involved as the fourth official as three red cards were handed out in Forest’s 2-2 draw against Brighton on Sunday.Official stanceBy Mark HalseyWHEN Morgan Gibbs-White went to ground on Joao Pedro already on a yellow card, I thought he could be in big  trouble.Rob Jones clearly signalled for a throw in to Brighton and then made a gesture that Gibbs-White had clearly won the ball.Therefore, fourth official Anthony Taylor should simply not have got involved.Taylor has refereed that second-half incident. Had he not made the signal for a throw and that he won the ball, then Taylor could have helped Jones.And that incident sparked the managers and saw things boil over on the touchline.Ultimately, the officials caused Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo to be sent off for their reactions to the decision. More

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      Major change to handball rule with more penalties than ever before set to be awarded – but Premier League exempt

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      UEFA is set to tweak the handball rule – after admitting its referees made a huge mistake at Euro 2024.The Uefa Referees Committee claims hosts Germany should have been awarded a penalty during their quarter-final loss to Spain.Germany were incensed after not being given a penalty at Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe ball struck Marc Cucurella on the arm and was on target, but Anthony Taylor turned down German’s appealsCredit: APGermany were left incensed after Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella appeared to handle in the area during extra time on July 5.Anthony Taylor, the on-field referee, and VAR Stuart Atwell, decided not to award a spot-kick after a lengthy review. Eventual champions Spain would go on to win the game in the 119th minute, leaving Cucurella to be booed for the remainder of the tournament. Following the incident, Uefa’s Referees Committee has recommended a change to its handball guidelines. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt wants to “strictly punish” instances where a player’s hand blocks a shot on target.According to Spanish publication Revelo, the report reads: “Following the latest UEFA guidelines, hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly.”And in most cases a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to the body or on the body.”Referencing the Cucurella incident, it continues: “In this case, the defender stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making himself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe committee concluded that although a penalty should have been given, Cucurella should not have been booked. Changes to the Uefa guidelines are likely to see more penalties awarded for handball. Watch Cucurella stand on table and sing about ‘drinking Estrella and making Haaland tremble’ during Spain celebrations The tweaks will not however impact the Premier League, a separate governing body. German coach Julian Nagelsmann was inconsolable following ref Taylor’s decision.But he called for the handball rule to be reviewed in light of the incident.Nagelsmann said: “They applied the rule and it was not a penalty. I do not feel cheated. “For me, the question is about making it more practical, more logical, in terms of how this [handball] rule is assessed. “I say this for football [overall], not just today. “You look at the hand. If it is at 3 o’clock, if it is a bit higher or a bit lower. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But there are people with bigger muscles than me, different movements.”Is it going into the clouds or is it going in the goal? In one case it is a penalty, in the other, it is not. If it is going into the stands, then it is no penalty.” More

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      Liverpool legend Graeme Souness forced to undergo emergency heart operation after health scare during England clash

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      GRAEME SOUNESS revealed he underwent an emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scare while watching England. The Scotland and Liverpool legend was making a cup of tea during England’s 2-0 friendly win over Finland on September 10.Graeme Souness underwent emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scareCredit: GettyHe told the BBC: “We had a bit of a setback last week. “I had a bit of an episode 10 days ago, where I was watching England play Finland got up at half 10 to make a cup of tea, felt chest pains.“Without dwelling on it three days later, I had a couple of stents put into one of my coronary arteries. I feel great. “I’ve got a great cardiologist soil Talwar down in Bournemouth. And he’s looked after me for 15 years and I’m in great hands.”READ MORE IN football Souness has had a history of heart trouble – having been diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 38 and also a triple bypass.He had a stent fitted ten years later as another one of my arteries had become blocked. Then in November 2015, Souness was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home.The Sky Sports pundit wanted to take part in an event for DEBRA, the butterfly skin charity.Most read in FootballIt included a cross channel swim and cycle from the channel to Westminster.But Souness suffered a bad shoulder, needing an operation in January. Graeme Souness launches stinging attack on ‘FC Hollywood’ Man Utd and singles out star as ‘not the go-to man’Still he planned to do the cycle part of the challenge last week until his chest pains hit.Souness stop playing in 1991 to move into management with old side Rangers before stints in charge of Liverpool and Newcastle. But more recently he has been a pundit for the likes of Sky, Channel 4 and ITV.Souness is now a football punditCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      Football hooligan who left England fan with broken jaw in horrific Euros attack caught using face recognition technology

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      A FOOTBALL hooligan who attacked a fellow England supporter at the Euro 2024 was tracked down using facial recognition tech. Josh Waugh, 34, broke his victim’s nose and jaw following the Three Lions’ match against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.Cheshire Police, the UK Football Policing Unit, and German officers collaborated to track down WaughA witness took a photo of him and gave it to policem who tracked him down using Retrospective Facial Recognition Technology (RFR) and mass messaging app SOLV, The Times reports. It is the first time the technology has been used at an overseas tournament. Cheshire Police, the UK Football Policing Unit, and German officers collaborated to track down Waugh. The picture was used in a witness appeal issued using SOLV. Read more FootballIt got more than 54,000 hits and aided the police investigation into Waugh. He appeared at Middlesbrough magistrates’ court on Wednesday and got a three-year banning order.German police have not yet taken any action against him. Chief constable for Cheshire and the head of UK Football Policing, Mark Roberts, said: “This is the first time that we have used this type of technology at overseas tournaments, but as the results demonstrate it can make a real difference. Most read in Football”Thousands of people attend football matches every week, many of them travelling long distances, so trying to identify and locate a suspect on the ground can sometimes be difficult.Sir Alex Ferguson booked me a flight home from my holiday and hauled me back to Man Utd – I hadn’t done anything wrong“However, systems such RFR and SOLV allow us to identify offenders even when they’re hundreds of miles away, so we can ensure that those who do offend are arrested and held accountable for their actions.”Josh Waugh broke his victim’s nose and jaw following the Three Lions’ match against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen, GermanyCredit: Reuters More

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      Who is Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner and how many children do they have?

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      FOOTBALL ace Kyle Walker and his estranged wife Annie Kilner have welcomed another baby. The former couple have had a tumultuous year so far, following allegations he cheated on his wife of six years. Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner pictured in 2018Who is Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner?Annie Kilner and Kyle Walker started dating in their teens.The brunette beauty said: “When we started going out it was love at first sight.” They were together for over nine years before splitting in May 2019, after reality star Laura Brown opened up about romps in Walker’s £200k Bentley. After splitting from Kilner in 2019, the England ace was embroiled in a number of steamy encounters – culminating in a coronavirus lockdown sex party with two sex workers in April 2020. Walker then became a dad for the fourth time after a short-term relationship with Lauryn Goodman. THE TIME IS NOWENGLAND face their destiny against Spain TONIGHT – hoping to end 58 years of hurt in the Euro 2024 final.Annie branded him “gutless” after he broke the news over the phone. 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.Most Read in Sport”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.” In 2020, Annie told SunSport: “Kyle says he wants his future with me and the kids. He wants to marry me but he’s caused a lifetime of damage. But when you have children they come first.“My kids want their daddy. Until you’re in this situation you don’t know what you’d do.”SunSport revealed how Annie held secret talks with lawyers over a share of Walker’s £30million fortune.Despite the challenges in their relationship, Walker and Kilner put their troubles behind them and got married at the beginning of 2022 after the England star proposed with a £250,000 engagement ring More

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      England could be BANNED from playing in Euro 2028 despite hosting tournament due to Keir Starmer proposal

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      UEFA have threatened England with a ban from playing and hosting Euro 2028.Prime Minister and Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer is set to push forward with plans to implement a football regulator.Keir Starmer is ready go ahead with plans to implement a football regulatorCredit: APUefa are unhappy about the regulator and could ban England from the EurosCredit: GettyThe new legislation is set to prevent clubs forming a breakaway-style Super League and “protect clubs” by “ensuring their financial sustainability”.Britain will be the first country to have a football watchdog in place and Uefa are said to be unhappy about it.The European governing body has slammed the proposed “interference in the running of football”.And in a leaked letter sent to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis has threatened to strip England from competing in tournaments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheodoridis wrote: “We do have concerns remaining… as normally football regulation should be managed by the national federation.”One particular area of concern stems from one of Uefa’s fundamental requirements, which is that there should be no government interference in the running of football.”We have specific rules that guard against this in order to guarantee the autonomy of sport and fairness of sporting competition.”The ultimate sanction for which would be excluding the federation from Uefa and teams from competition.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis would mean that English clubs could be banned from European tournaments like the Champions League.Uefa also hit out at the football regulator’s proposed “backstop powers”.England fans SLAM Lee Carsley for not singing the national anthem at Wembley The move could see the watchdog be allowed to intervene in talks between the Premier League and EFL over funding.On this, Theodoridis said: “Mandating redistribution which effects the competitive balance in the game and wider European competition would be of concern to us. “We also fear that having a third party intervene in redistribution would likely prevent amicable solutions being found.”As we see it, the ‘backstop’ power, while intended as a safety net, should be carefully reconsidered to avoid undermining these fundamental principles.” More

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      Euro 2028 set for major change with abandoned UK stadium ‘unlikely to host games’ after redevelopment funding withdrawn

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      EURO 2028 is set for a major change to its originally scheduled plan, after the UK government announced it would not be providing funding to one stadium.Originally, 10 stadiums across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were due to host matches for the next European Championships.Northern Ireland’s Casement Park will no longer host matches at Euro 2028Credit: SportsfileIt comes after the government pulled funding for a redevelopment project of the groundCredit: PacemakerThe estimated cost for the project had ‘risen dramatically’Credit: PacemakerHowever, Northern Ireland’s chances of hosting one such game now appear to be dead in the water.The plan was for the country to host four matches at a rebuilt Casement Park in Belfast.But costs “dramatically” rising by more than £220million have now seen that plan scrapped.The UK government announced on Friday night that the estimated cost of rebuilding the ground now stood at more than £400m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConsequently, funding for the redevelopment project has now been pulled due to there being “significant risk” it would not be built in time.In order to be ready for Euro 2028, the building project for Casement Park would need to be meet a Uefa deadline of being completed by the summer of 2027.The ground, which would have seated 34,500, has been left empty for more than a decade and is now in a state of disrepair with overgrown grass and neglected facilities.The announcement was made in a joint letter from NI secretary Hilary Benn and Sports Minister Lisa Nandy to Stormont Minister Gordon Lyons – head of sport in Northern Ireland.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt read: “The estimated build costs have risen dramatically – from £180m when the EURO 2028 bid was awarded in October 2023 to potentially over £400m – and there is a significant risk that it would not be built in time for the tournament.”We have therefore, regrettably, decided that it is not appropriate for the UK government to provide funding to seek to build Casement Park in time to host matches at EURO 2028.”UK and Ireland WILL host Euro 2028 after Turkey pull out of race leaving no opposing bidsThe news comes despite Primer Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, “pushing hard” for the Gaelic football ground to be funded.Mr Lyons said his department remains “committed to the 2011 agreement with the GAA for a GAA stadium”.He added he he will work with the government and other stakeholders to “ensure that there is a lasting legacy for football in Northern Ireland”.The Ulster GAA branded the announcement “bitterly disappointing”.Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Irish FA said it would “consider the implications of this with our bid partners and UEFA”.Even if they do not end up hosting any matches, Northern Ireland could play a role as a training base or host warm-up games at the existing Windsor Park Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Times have reported that the four matches due to be hosted in Northern Ireland will be split among the other host nations.The report adds that London’s Wembley, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium are the four set be handed an extra match.The stadium was announced alongside 10 others for Euro 2028 matchesCredit: SportsfileContingency plans have proposed that Wembley hosts one extra match along with three other stadiumsCredit: Alamy More

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      Lee Carsley nailed on to land England manager job with bookies with Pep Guardiola second favourite at massive 10/1

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      LEE CARSLEY is the nailed-on favourite to land the England job on a full-time basis.The bookies are backing the interim head coach to be offered the role by the FA.Lee Carsley is the favourite to land the England jobCredit: GettyPep Guardiola is rated at 10/1 to be the next full=time England bossCredit: GettyCarsley, 50, has stepped in to lead the Three Lions after Gareth Southgate stepped down after Euro 2024.Bookmaker Coral has placed Carsley as the massive favourite for the job full-time.He is rated at 1-20 to get the role, which is ahead of the likes of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe.Coral’s John Hill said: “We now make Lee Carsley long odds-on to land the England job permanently following back-to-back victories in the Uefa Nations League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”England are next in action in October against Greece and it looks very likely that Carsley will be charge of the Three Lions for that game at Wembley where he will be bidding to keep up his 100 per cent record.”Guardiola is the second favourite at 10/1 and 12/1 for Howe.While the likes of Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp and Frank Lampard are seen as much less likely.Carsley has enjoyed a perfect start to his reign in charge of England.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis Three Lions have won both Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Both games finished 2-0, with the side joint top of League B Group 2 along with Greece.England’s player ratings against FinlandNext England manager oddsHere are the latest odds on who will be the next England manager…Lee Carsley – 1/20Pep Guardiola – 1/10Eddie Howe – 1/12Graham Potter – 1/16Jurgen Klopp – 1/25Frank Lampard – 1/33Kieran McKenna – 1/33*Odds from CoralDeclan Rice and Jack Grealish were the goalscorers against Ireland as they silenced the boo-boys in the crowd.While against Finland, Harry Kane stepped up to fire in a brace on his 100th appearance for the national side.Speaking after the win over Finland, Carsley admitted he does not yet feel comfortable in his position.He told ITV: “I definitely don’t feel comfortable still, I have been out of my comfort zone.”Enjoyable but we have to had make sure every single day we are producing high standards.”[We were] fortunate to get two good results and about building on that.”England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:READ MORE SUN STORIESEstablishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.  More