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      Fulham 3 Wolves 2: Thriller ends in controversy as hosts are awarded last-gasp penalty after lengthy VAR check

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      GARY O’NEIL was dealt another blow by his pet hate VAR as Wolves crashed to a dramatic defeat.His team was beaten in injury time by the third penalty of a breathless game which will only add to the frustrations of the Wanderers’ boss.
      Alex Iwobi opened the scoringCredit: Getty
      Iwobi wheels off in celebrationCredit: Getty
      Fulham winger Willian had earlier buried a debatable spot kick on the hour after Tom Cairney went down under a challenge from defender Nelson Semedo.
      The Brazilian then had the last word of a thrilling game by converting from 12 yards again – this time after sub Harry Wilson was brought down by Joao Gomes during seven minutes of stoppage time.
      To make it even worse for O’Neil, his team had twice pulled themselves back into the game with two equalisers – having also hit the woodwork in the first half during a spirited away performance.
      Matheus Cunha planted a neatly cushioned header into the bottom corner of the net on 22 minutes to cancel out Alex Iwobi’s opener after only seven.
      And O’Neil thought his luck had finally changed with refs and VAR when striker Hwang Hee-Chan made it 2-2 with 15 minutes to go with a Wolves penalty.
      Fulham midfielder Tim Ream had clattered into the South Korean to give ref Michael Salisbury the easiest decision of the night.
      O’Neill has been simmering with referees and VAR this season for what he thinks has been a series of debatable decisions against his team.
      He has even held talks with refs’ boss Howard Webb over the matter.
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      Matheus Cunha levelled with a headerCredit: Reuters
      The game was back onCredit: Getty
      Hwang Hee-chan put Wolves aheadCredit: Reuters

      Wolves have previously come off worse against Manchester United, Newcastle and Sheffield United this season alone to leave O’Neil fuming with the authorities.
      And it looked to be happening again when Fulham skipper Tom Cairney went down in the box under a challenge from Nelson Semedo.
      VAR took five minutes to back up ref Michael Salisbury’s initial decision and Brazilian winger Willian stepped up to bury a shot from 12 yards and put Fulham ahead with just over half an hour to go.
      Salisbury was forced to consult the pitchside monitor in added time at the end of the second half when Gomes and Wilson collided knee-to-knee.
      It is rough justice on O’Neil who has masterminded an impressive run of games in recent weeks which included wins over defending Premier League champions Manchester City and Tottenham. It is a first win in five Premier League games for Fulham.

      Willian levelled from the spotCredit: Rex
      Harry Wilson is brought down for a contentious penalty as VAR gives the decision after a long delayCredit: Getty
      Willian sealed the winCredit: Getty More

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      Twelve recently-retired stars sign up for fast-track scheme to become referees after Premier League controversies

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      HOWARD WEBB is hoping to recruit a dozen ex-pros to a fast-track refereeing programme.PGMOL boss Webb took 12 years to reach the Prem after starting his whistling career while serving with South Yorkshire Police.
      Howard Webb is hoping to recruit 12 ex-pros to become refsCredit: PA
      Referees are under the microscope after a string of controversial decisions this seasonCredit: Rex
      But the former World Cup Final ref hopes his new cohort of current and recently-retired players can help increase confidence in officials.
      One regular complaint by players, managers and fans alike is that some referees “don’t know the game” and are officiating by the book rather than with a feel for a match situation.
      And while Webb does not accept that is a fair criticism – with refs having to apply the Laws of the Game – the idea of getting ex-players into the middle would aid perceptions.
      It is understood that around 12 players have expressed their interest in the idea so far after Webb opened the door over recent months.
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      A process which would allow them to short-cut the normal progression path is now being worked on by Webb and PGMOL.
      The refs’ chief is also investigating new technology which could see “flag to flag” touchline cameras being added to the VAR armoury.
      Rasmus Hojlund is still waiting for his first Prem goal for Manchester United after a strike against brighton was chalked off after the ball was adjudged to have gone out of play.
      Last month, though, Newcastle’s winner against Arsenal was allowed to stand when the VAR cameras were unable to find conclusive evidence the ball was out before Joe Willock centred.
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      Webb’s job before returning to England was with the MLS in the United States, where a trial of touchline cameras – to see if they can be deployed – is already ongoing.
      It is likely that even with sensors the system would only work for balls on the ground, as there is no overhead place for “triangulation” technology to be installed.
      Webb is interested in the outcome of the trial and earlier this month he told the latest edition of Match Officials: Mic’d Up: “We’re open minded to all technologies that make us more accurate and more efficient.
      “We’re doing some testing behind the scenes and we’ll see how that goes.
      “We’re also keeping a close eye on other competitions and we’ll take a decision in terms of the best way to go forward with that.” More

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      Tottenham step up bid to land forgotten winger who hasn’t played for TWO MONTHS in January transfer swoop

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      TOTTENHAM have stepped up their interest for Jota, reports say. Spurs’ priority is to bring in a centre-back in the winter window but they are also looking for short-term cover on the wing.
      Spurs have stepped up their interest for JotaCredit: Getty
      That comes after injuries to Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic left manager Ange Postecoglou short of attacking firepower.
      According to The Times, Postecoglou is looking to sign Jota in January in what would mark a reunion for the pair.
      The forward spent two seasons working under Postecoglou for Celtic, scoring 28 and assisting 26 goals across all competitions.
      He initially arrived in Scotland on loan before the Hoops triggered his £6.5million buyout clause from Benfica at the start of last season.
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      This summer, Jota signed for Al-Ittihad in a £25million deal, but he is now ineligible to play for the Saudi side.
      Each club in Saudi is limited on the number of foreign players they can register and they already have Fabinho, Luiz Felipe, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
      So Jota has been limited to playing just twice in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League in the past two months.
      The most recent of his five substitute appearances in the Saudi Super League was in September.
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      He is now available on loan and Spurs are ready to pounce having slipped to fifth following three consecutive losses.
      Perisic is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury while Solomon is sidelined till next year after having knee surgery.
      Fringe players like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could also be sold in January to boost transfer funds.
      Jota is ineligible to play for Al-IttihadCredit: Getty More

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      Brentford transfer chief gives blunt Ivan Toney update amid Arsenal and Chelsea interest

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      BRENTFORD chief Phil Giles has revealed he has NEVER received a transfer offer for Ivan Toney.The in-demand striker has been tipped to leave the Bees when the transfer window re-opens.
      Brentford have never received an offer for Ivan ToneyCredit: Rex
      Toney is still serving his gambling ban which ends in January – when the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea could make a bid.
      However director of football Giles has cooled talk of Toney leaving by revealing no club has ever tried to sign the striker since he joined Brentford.
      Giles told BBC 5 Live: “I’ve never had one phone call in three-and-a-half years about Ivan Toney, in terms of interest in buying him.
      “If my phone rings between now and then, I’ll see what’s happening. But I’m really not focused on that at all.”
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      SunSport understands Brentford are braced for a three-way transfer tussle between Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham in January.
      Spurs have played down speculation linking them to Toney, claiming they are more focused on adding defensive cover in the new year.
      But sources at Chelsea are not convinced and are preparing to go head-to-head with their city neighbours in the transfer market.
      Arsenal are thought to be at the front of the queue for his services but Toney feels he has a “debt to repay” to Brentford and to the club’s manager Thomas Frank which means any move could be held off until the summer.
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      Brentford hope to land teenage Argentinian star Santiago Castro as a potential replacement for Toney.
      The Velez Sarsfield striker has been scouted by the Bees and is very highly-rated. More

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      Heartbroken Marcus Rashford dedicates Man Utd goal to tragic cousin who ‘recently’ died after scoring against Everton

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has confirmed the tragic passing of his cousin with a heartfelt message on social media.The Manchester United forward, 26, scored from the penalty spot in a 3-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
      Marcus Rashford dedicated his goal against Everton to his late cousinCredit: Getty
      He lashed a second-half penalty into the top cornerCredit: PA
      On Monday evening, he took to Instagram to share a picture of him looking up to the sky.
      And he added the caption: “I would like to dedicate the goal yesterday to my cousin who recently passed away. GBNF 🕊️.”
      Rashford received a host of heartfelt condolence messages in response to his post.
      One said: “Sending you love Rashy ❤️.”
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      Another added: “We are with you Rashy…much love… my condolences…❤️.”
      A third replied: “We’re with you❤️🙏🏾.”
      While a fourth responded: “With you every step of the way ❤️.”
      Last year, Rashford scored two goals for England against Wales at the World Cup and dedicated them to his friend Garfield Hayward after he had died just days earlier.
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      On Sunday, Rashford was handed the penalty by captain Bruno Fernandes – who is Man Utd’s regular taker.
      The England man has struggled so far this season, scoring just one goal in 16 games heading into the Everton clash.
      And Fernandes revealed after the match he gave Rashford the penalty because he has endured a difficult spell.
      He said: “I felt Marcus needed confidence, needed his goal.
      “Marcus is an excellent penalty taker too. I’m sure he could score that penalty.
      “It’s not about who takes it, it’s about scoring that penalty, and Marcus did it perfectly. Strikers, wingers, they want to score goals, they need to score goals.
      “That’s part of the game, it gives you a boost. I think after the penalty, Marcus was unstoppable, he could take on everyone.
      “I think sometimes you need this chance, this opportunity, to get your confidence back. He’s been great for us.” More

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      BBC presenter Mark Chapman shouts ‘whoa… you’ve gone early there Theo!’ after ex-Arsenal star Walcott’s Spurs jibe

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      THEO WALCOTT shocked Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman with his cheeky Tottenham jibe.The former Arsenal star appeared on the highlights show as a pundit alongside Danny Murphy and Jermaine Jenas.
      Theo Walcott poked fun at his old rivals TottenhamCredit: BBC
      Mark Chapman was shocked but found the pundit’s remark amusingCredit: BBC
      And after Murphy analysed Aston Villa’s first goal Walcott took his chance to poke fun at rivals Spurs.
      He broke down Ollie Watkins’ strike – Villa’s second which proved to be the winner – and revealed he loved to get in behind the Tottenham defence just as the current England star did.
      Walcott said: “I lived off running in behind Tottenham in particular so I’m happy with that.”
      Chappers quickly interjected, laughing as he said: “Whoa you’ve gone early there Theo!”
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      It was the first comment Walcott made on the show and his colleague Murphy praised him, adding: “Good start there.”
      Walcott, 34, famously enjoys winding up Spurs and once taunted their fans by showing them a 2-0 to the Gunners gesture with his hands after being carried off on a stretcher during a North London Derby in 2014.
      The former winger became a pundit this season after retiring in the summer.
      He spent 12 years at the Emirates where he made 397 appearances, scoring 108 goals.
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      Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Villa despite taking the lead and have now dropped out of the top four following three defeats on the bounce.
      Meanwhile Villa are now just two points behind table toppers Manchester City.
      Walcott on the stretcher taunting Tottenham fans in 2014Credit: Getty More

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      Man Utd want Chelsea flop Timo Werner in shock January transfer but stunned fans say ‘tell me this is a joke’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have inquired about signing former Chelsea forward Timo Werner, according to shock reports in Germany. Erik ten Hag is in the market for striking reinforcements with £72million summer signing Rasmus Hojlund still without a Premier League goal.
      Timo Werner is linked to a move to Man UtdCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      And according to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, RB Leipzig’s Werner is on the Old Trafford boss’ wishlist.
      It is claimed United have already asked Leipzig about the striker’s availability, but formal negotiations have yet to take place.
      Werner signed for Chelsea in 2020 for £53million and he struggled during his two years in West London.
      He managed only 23 goals in 89 matches – but did help the Blues to the Champions League trophy in 2021.
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      Werner was sold back to Leipzig in the summer of 2022 for £23.5m and he notched 16 goals in his 40 games.
      But the attacker – who can play centrally or out wide – has scored just twice this term after 13 matches in all competitions.
      The 27-year-old is believed to be unsettled again in the Bundesliga, leading to rumours of a return to the Premier League.
      Werner is understood to be ready to see out the remainder of the season but the likes of West Ham and Fulham have also been linked.
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      Real Madrid are also apparently monitoring but now United are the latest big name side to register an interest in Werner – much to the shock of fans.
      One disappointed Red Devils fan wrote: “I’m not a fan of this.”
      Another added: “Tell me that’s a joke.”
      However, given United’s struggles in front of goal this season, others were willing to give Werner a chance.
      One argued: “I’d take him all day.”
      A second agreed: “I’d take this happily.”
      United are in desperate need of goals having scored only 16 so far in 13 Prem games.
      Hojlund is goalless domestically, despite five goals in the Champions League, with Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes instead United’s top league scorers with only three each.
      Marcus Rashford is the only other player with more than one.
      While long-serving attacker Anthony Martial set for the scrapheap as incoming chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe swings the axe.
      Werner is on United’s January transfer listCredit: EPA
      Werner is nowhere near Leipzig’s top scorer this season More

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      FA ‘confident’ Man Utd wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo WILL play for England despite chance to represent another nation

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      THE FA are reportedly confident that Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo will NOT switch international allegiances. Mainoo was handed his full senior debut in United’s 3-0 win at Everton.
      The FA are reportedly confident that Manchester United’s Kobbie MainooCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag gave the 18-year-old 72 minutes, helping the visitors lead 2-0.
      Mainoo – who was born in Stockport – has represented England at junior level up to the Under-19s but he is also eligible to play for Ghana.
      That has led to fears the starlet could choose to switch.
      However, according to the Daily Mail, FA chiefs are confident Mainoo will stick with England.
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      The midfielder has been a regular at St George’s Park in recent years and has staff convinced he wants an international career with the Three Lions.
      It is claimed Mainoo has impressed coaches at England’s training facility with both his ability and work ethic.
      And he has been tipped to one day rival Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Kalvin Phillips to a place in Gareth Southgate’s midfield.
      Lee Carsley’s England U21s are not in action again until March, when they face Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.
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      Mainoo is expected to be in contention for a place in the squad should he continue to feature regularly for United’s first-team.
      The starlet was given a glowing review from Ten Hag following the victory at Goodison Park.
      He said: “He has a lot of abilities and it was a really disappointing moment in pre-season when he got so badly injured.
      “For him but also for our team, because I know he can progress a lot if he plays many of such games as today.
      “I know young players will develop very quickly and we thought it was the moment to bring him in.
      “We prepared him properly but he did a great job and now he has to build on this.”
      Mainoo made his United debut at EvertonCredit: Getty More