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    ‘I hate it, hate it’ – Premier League official rages at VAR as referee says ‘we knew the monster that had been created’

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    REF Bobby Madley let rip at VAR, insisting its usage means football will never see another Sergio Aguero moment.And Madley slammed Prem chiefs for creating a “monster” that is “ruining” the beautiful game.Referee Bobby Madley has not held back when discussing VARCredit: GettyThe Wakefield-born whistler, 39, who takes charge of EFL games and is a fourth official for top-flight matches, raged: “Most fans weren’t clambering to get video technology.“Players weren’t, referees weren’t, but the multi-million pound people running football had issues with refs getting things wrong.“But we knew the monster that had been created — we knew what was coming.“We’ve got to the stage where people go, ‘Sorry, we’re ruining football with this now’.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere have been a string of controversies since the technology was introduced in 2019.VAR Lee Mason was axed for failing to rule out a Brentford equaliser against title-chasing Arsenal in 2023 after “forgetting” to draw the offside lines.Howard Webb’s ref body, the PGMOL, issued an apology to Liverpool when VAR wrongly ruled out a Luis Diaz goal in a 2-1 loss to Spurs the following season.Aguero’s famous final-game, stoppage-time winner clinched Manchester City’s first title in 2012.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut at the Cheltenham Science Festival, Madley added: “That Aguero moment, where the ref was blowing, nobody’s flagging, you are never going to see that again.“Because everyone will panic as they check a potential offside 15 seconds ago. VAR takes that emotion away. I hate it, hate it.”New footage sees raging Jude Bellingham KICK VAR monitor in frustration after Real Madrid’s last-gasp defeatVAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you. More

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      David Coote produced an admirable act of humility as picture of shamed ref working as Evri delivery driver went viral

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      BIZARRELY, David Coote’s former career as a Premier League referee will stand him in good stead as a delivery driver.He’ll be dealing with two yellows every working day, just as before.Former Premier League referee David Coote has taken on a new career as an Evri delivery driverCoote fell from grace after a video leaked showing him ranting against Jurgen KloppCredit: PAOnly instead of cards, it’s those two thick, emulsioned lines by the roadside where he swings his Evri van in front of a school entrance and slaps on the hazard lights before dumping a poly-wrapped, fake Nike top from China on the wrong doorstep.What a come-down for the man who took charge of a Wembley final involving Manchester United and Newcastle only two years ago.Equally, what an admirable act of humility and courage by someone who brought shame upon himself and his profession but, as he says so himself, “is trying to move forwards and regain a sense of purpose and responsibility”.When one of football’s most promising officials was captured on video, slurring his way through a foul-mouthed rant at Jurgen Klopp, it was easy to dismiss him as another pompous and pumped-up symbol of the Premier League era.Read More on FootballBut as this fascinating story unfolds, Coote more and more is morphing into its victim as opposed to its perpetrator.By labelling Klopp a German c*** and snorting cocaine to earn a 16-month ban, he let himself down.But maybe he did so as a release from the relentless pressure heaped upon him as a referee at the top level of our national game.At first Coote appears as a p****d-up prima donna, showing off in what he believed was the assured privacy of intimate surroundings with friends, having a pop at Liverpool’s manager because he could.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s some fall from officiating the 2023 Carabao Cup final to haring around his home county of Nottinghamshire dropping off parcels part-time for minimum or living wage.But having been sacked by his paymasters at the PGMOL, the fact he is not too proud to take any job to get back on his feet suggests a person ready to pay their penance.Shamed Ref David Coote EXCLUSIVE on death threats, coke battle & coming out | The SunIt’s not just the animated reaction of Klopp that is to blame.There are 20 unexploded bombs like him managing in the Premier League because they are under enormous  pressure, too.Klopp’s heated exchange at Coote after Liverpool did not get a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Burnley is just one example of the dozens that litter every season.Every decision referees make is under more scrutiny than ever before.Whether that’s the fault of TV’s ever intrusive coverage or that there is silly money involved in men’s football today is irrelevant. It’s how life is.I imagine Thomas Bramall, the latest referee to be walking around with a target on his back for blowing his whistle too quickly in Aston Villa’s final-day defeat at Man Utd is starting to understand the reality of life as a top-class ref.Reality of life as a top-class refThe intricacies of his mistake are too complicated to explain in one column but it’s fair to say he cocked up.In their defence, Villa were largely restrained in their vocal reaction despite lodging a formal complaint, as is their right.The wider criticism has been astonishing and whether justified or not, young referee Bramall is being painted a pretty grim picture of what’s in store if he stays in his job.It’s patently obvious by what’s happened to Coote that it’s an alarmingly quick process to plummet from the heights of running a showpiece final in front of 90,000 fans to becoming a delivery boy.But while it’s tempting to feel sorry for him, we should not.We should instead give credit to a bloke who made a mistake and is now trying to put it behind him without crying out for pity.And perhaps reflect on the foundations of fury that can make referees crumble so spectacularly as he did.Besides, dealing with frothing managers day in, day out who feel totally wronged by even the slightest thing that goes against them is actually the perfect training for becoming a white van man.Try pulling out on him at a T-junction.************MILLIE BRIGHT’S shock withdrawal from the Euro 2025 squad reminds of one thing.Women look after themselves better than men, physically and mentally.They tend to be braver than men too when it comes to knowing their limits.It takes courage to pull out of an international tournament — especially when England are defending their European crown.The 31-year-old Chelsea defender admits she had to fight off her ego to make the call.That is something men rarely do enough of, overcome primeval urges and make a decision in favour of their own well-being at the top level of sport.Too many would lose that battle with their own psyche. Pull out and you are still considered a loser among the boys.Bright is a winner for thinking of things more important than football.****************INGESTING biometric tablets to record things like stress levels from the inside is both fascinating and horrifying.England’s players have been doing this under boss Thomas Tuchel’s instruction as they prepare for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra.Now, I have no idea if these tablets are single-use, and I don’t really want to ask anyone at the Football Association for the details either.But if not, just picture the scene 24 hours after swallowing — when what goes in must come out.Lots of Premier League stars peering down between hairy legs on the loo.And who on earth has the job of washing them?Or maybe each player has his own, complete with initials — like ‘HK’ for Harry Kane — to avoid unpleasant mix-ups. Yuk.********IN the final scene of The Empire Strikes Back, the rebel fleet disperses as Luke Skywalker and pals head for different galaxies at the speed of light.The break-up of Bournemouth’s over-achieving squad this summer has a similar ring to it.Read More on The SunFirst Dean Huijsen heads to Real Madrid, now Milos Kerkez looks bound for Liverpool. Newcastle are eyeing Dango Ouattara.Pretty soon the gallant band of brothers — which beat  Arsenal (twice) and Nottingham Forest, also coming close to European qualification  — will be splintered across the football cosmos, leaving Cherries manager Andoni Iraola standing alone like Obi-Wan Kenobi. More

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      Bruno Fernandes’ ex-referee wife went from paying for dates when he was broke to convincing him to snub £200m Saudi move

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      BRUNO FERNANDES revealed wife Ana had a huge say on his decision to snub the Saudi Pro League.The Portuguese star turned down a £200million package from Al-Hilal to stay at Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes’ wife Ana has helped convince him to stay at UnitedCredit: GettyThe pair are childhood sweethearts and have been together since they were teenagersCredit: Instagram @anaapinho_Ana is a former futsal referee and had to pay for their early datesCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes and Ana married in 2015 and have two childrenCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes was a rare shining light in a dismal Old Trafford season last term.And the skipper has now turned down a fortune to stay in the North West.Reports suggest Al Hilal offered to TRIPLE Fernandes’ £250,000-a-week wages. But with two years remaining on his United deal, the 30-year-old has decided to remain in Manchester.READ MORE ON SPORTFernandes said: “There was that possibility [I could leave], the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask. “There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.”I spoke with [manager] Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. “I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We never talked about money – that was all handled by my agent, not me.”Fernandes and Ana are childhood sweethearts and met in their teens. Gary Neville names four Man Utd stars who must leave this summer They married in 2015 and have two children together – Matilde, 8, and Goncalo, 4.And he leaned on his rock for advice on whether to leave the Theatre of Dreams this summer. Fernandes continued: “I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future.”It was actually my wife who asked me – I never said yes or no.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.”During Fernandes’ early days as a struggling player, he did not have the money to take his beau out on dates.Ana funded their relationship by refereeing futsal matches on weekends.And the United star credits her with getting them through the “tough times”.Fernandes said: “Ana has been with me on this ride since we were 16, 17, 18 years old.”We met as teenagers, and when we first started dating, I wasn’t making any money as a footballer.”She had a nice job working as a futsal referee on the weekends.“She used to do three or four matches in a row on a Saturday, and then we would always go to the cinema on Sundays.“I personally didn’t have much money at the time so Ana was the one who had to pay for our movie tickets.”Same with going out to dinner. Even at the pizza shop, she had to pay.”Despite Fernandes bringing in the big bucks, Ana continues to be her own boss.She is the owner and CEO of architecture and interior design company Studio Otto.Read More on The SunAna boasts over 120,000 followers on social media.Her presence is mostly dedicated to her family and Bruno’s success at United, earning her the moniker “Queen of Old Trafford.” More

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      Football lawmakers make major rule change after Julian Alvarez’s controversial Champions League penalty vs Real Madrid

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      THE International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made a significant change to penalty rules following a controversial shootout in the Champions League this term.Atletico Madrid were knocked out of Europe’s elite competition by Real Madrid in the last-16 after a penalty from Julian Alvarez was ruled out following a VAR check.The IFAB have made a rule change to penalties after Julian Alvarez controversially had a goal ruled out against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThe striker was deemed to have touched the ball twiceCredit: GettyThe striker had slipped when running up to shoot and subsequently double-touched the ball with both feet.Although it was barely noticeable at first, VAR deemed the kick to be illegal and it was not registered as a goal.Atletico went on to lose the match 4-2 on penalties, sparking a furious reaction from Diego Simeone and fans.The manager said: “I just saw the image of the penalty. The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”The outrage has prompted the IFAB to alter Law 14 which is based on a player intentionally kicking the ball twice during a penalty.Because Alvarez did not intentionally shoot twice during the shootout, the regulation has been amended to account for similar situations.It now states: “The penalty taker inadvertently hits the ball with both feet simultaneously or the ball touches his supporting foot or leg just after taking the kick: If the ball enters the goal, it will be repeated.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Meanwhile, if a player voluntarily kicks with both feet, the alternative rule states: “An indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Atletico Madrid boss Simeone loses his cool with reporter over Alvarez penalty controversy More

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      Referee PUNCHED by angry dad with brutal uppercut in shocking scenes during children’s match

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      A REFEREE was brutally punched by an angry dad in shocking scenes at a children’s football match.The incident took place after the full-time whistle.A dad punched a referee after a kids’ football match in SwitzerlandCredit: Tele M1The father allegedly landed the uppercut after a decision went against his sonCredit: Tele M1A dad of FC Villmergen C-Junior player flew off the handle at the official in Aargau, Switzerland. Villmergen lost 4-2 to SC Schoftland – suffering heartache in injury time.Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk and you could even get PAIDAnd for one parent, he completely lost his cool. The dad confronted the referee as he walked off the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWearing a black vest and light shorts, according to Aargauer Zeitung he asked the ref: “Do you know what football means?”He then proceeded to thump the official with a savage uppercut.The referee managed to stay on his feet as his assailant was restrained, video footage showed.A FC Villmergen coach labelled the father’s behaviour as unacceptable and hinted the inexplicable reaction may have come after he thought his son was fouled.Most read in FootballThe club are also considering what measures to take against the individual, with a possible ban against attending his son’s matches. A statement read: “FC Villmergen condemns any form of violence on and off the pitch. “The incident following the match on May 31, 2025, deeply contradicts our core values. “We are working closely with the relevant authorities to fully clarify the situation.”The video footage has been passed on to the Aargau Football Association (AFV).The AFV president Luigi Ponte said: “I was truly shocked that someone could freak out like that during a game like that.”We will have to refer the case to Bern,” where the Swiss FA are based.Just last month, Ponte openly declared he is “against the use of [referees wearing body] cameras” – despite a rise in similar cases against officials.According to Swiss statistics, a referee is insulted, threatened or physically assaulted in one in every 100 football matches in the country. The video footage has been passed on to the Swiss authoritiesCredit: Tele M1The referee managed to stay on his feet as the dad was restrainedCredit: Tele M1 More

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      Shamed Prem ref David Coote filmed delivering Evri packages after cocaine video & Klopp rant destroyed career

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      SACKED Premier League referee David Coote is now delivering packages for Evri — and says: “I’m just ­trying to make an honest living.”A couple were stunned to see the 42-year-old on their Ring doorbell, below, dropping off a parcel.Sacked Premier League referee is now delivering parcels for Evri as he attempts to ‘make an honest living’ after his drugs shame got him banned from footballCoote is currently serving a 16-month UEFA ban, but pals say he could return to the game eventuallyCredit: PABanned ref David Coote was caught snorting cocaine in a video clipCoote is serving a 16-month UEFA ban after video emerged of him savaging former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and a Sun clip showed him taking cocaine.He works for the courier firm near his home in Newark, Notts, and said: “I want to get on with my life.Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk and you could even get PAID”I’m trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTE”The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it’s not a new long-term career.”The Sun told in November how Coote had called Klopp a “German c***” in a leaked video.We then revealed a film of him doing cocaine at last summer’s Euros.The homeowner at the address he delivered to said: “My husband’s a Liverpool fan and what David said didn’t go down well.Most read in Football”My husband had ordered a part for a vehicle he’s working on and recognised David.”He said, ‘He’s delivering packages now’. I was like ‘Oh my gosh, is he really?’”It’s his own downfall, at the end of the day. David got himself into this mess.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”He lives up the road. I see him around town a lot.”Coote was fired by referee governing body PGMOL in December and is banned by UEFA till next June.He said: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis.”It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”Last month he ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to raise money for his uncle Mick who has motor neurone disease.Coote said: “I’m doing what I want to do, focusing on what’s important like spending more time with friends and family.”Friends backed him. A source said: “David’s a great lad who lost his career through stupidity, as he fully acknowledges.”There might be a return for him to the game at some point, and football definitely needs experts like him.Read More on The Sun”Until then he obviously has to pay the bills.”Evri did not comment.He works for the courier firm near his home in Newark, NottsCredit: GettyThe former referee is concentrating on ‘spending more time with friends and family’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      National League playoff final referee subbed off with CRAMP in extra-time of dramatic tie at Wembley

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      REFEREE Elliot Bell had to be substituted with cramp during the National League play-off final.Shortly after half-time of extra-time in the contest between Southend and Oldham, the whistler had be replaced by fourth official Aaron Bannister.Referee Elliot Bell was forced off with crampCredit: GettyAaron Bannister stepped in for the stricken refBell pulled up with cramp in the 107th minute of the match, trudging over to the touchline to be subbed.Southend had led 2-1 at the time, courtesy of Leon Chambers-Parillon’s goal barely a minute into extra time.Within three minutes of Bell being replaced, Oldham dramatically equalised courtesy of veteran forward James Norwood.The Latics completed their comeback less than two minutes later, taking the lead as Kian Harratt’s cross flew all the way in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSouthend piled men forward as they desperately hunted an equaliser.But following three minutes of stoppage time, Bannister blew up – confirming Oldham’s promotion back to the EFL.Earlier in the game, Bell had awarded the Latics a penalty.Manny Monthe, who had scored an own goal in the fifth minute, was pulled down by Ben Goodliffe – with Joe Garner netting the subsequent spot kick.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYorkshireman Bell shows a yellow card during the National League play-off finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBell had been taking charge of his first match in 18 days.His last assignment had been Leyton Orient’s League One play-off semi-final second leg triumph over Stockport On May 14.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionPrior to that, Bell had been the man in the middle for Swansea’s 3-3 draw with Oxford on May 3.Bell, from Yorkshire, took charge of 33 games during the 2024-25 season.Of these, 24 were in the Championship – with two in League One, four in League Two and a pair of League Cup ties.Bell previously took charge of the 2020 National League play-off final between Harrogate and Notts County.Aaron Bannister took over from Elliot BellCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Who is Conference League final referee Irfan Peljto?

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      IRFAN Peljto is an elite football referee who was the very first Bosnian referee to officiate a UEFA game. He will be officiating at the Uefa Conference League final on May 28, 2025, despite being hit with a ban earlier in the season.Irfan Peljto is an accomplished football refereeCredit: GettyThe star faced a ban after making a series of mistakes during a matchCredit: ReutersBreaking a recordBorn on July 18, 1984, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Irfan first began officiating in the Bosnian Premier League. He has been on the FIFA list since 2015 and is categorised as a UEFA elite referee. The star has broken an incredible football record too. He is the first Bosnian referee to oversee a UEFA Champions League group stage or knockout phase match – having officiated a match between Beşiktaş and Ajax in 2021.Read More on footballIrfan’s shocking banHowever, Irfan has proven to be controversial – having been banned from six games this season. His ban came after he made three major mistakes during Borac Banja’s 1-1 derby draw with Zrinjski Mostar.Irfan failed to award penalties on two separate occasions during the match, which led the Bosnian FA to release a damning statement. The statement read: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.Most read in Football”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. “In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Refereeing the UEFA Conference League final Irfan Peljto will be acting as the referee at the 2025 UEFA Conference League final.  ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeChelsea will be taking on the Spanish side Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, on 28 May 2025.  Ahead of the game, Irfan said: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.”I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.”Chelsea have previously won two Champions League titles, two Europa Leagues and two European Cup Winners’ Cups – meaning that this is the club’s final European honour to win. Fans can watch the game live when it airs at 8pm on TNT Sports.Irfan revealed that it was ‘very emotional’ to be selected as the UEFA Conference Final refereeCredit: Getty Images More

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      Referee who was hit with six-match ban this season named as official for Chelsea vs Real Betis Conference League final

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      A REFEREE who was hit with a six-match ban this season will take charge of Chelsea’s Conference League final against Real Betis.Irfan Peljto will become the first Bosnian to officiate a major Uefa club competition final on Wednesday.Conference League final ref Irfan Peljto was banned for six matches earlier this seasonCredit: GettyThe clash sees Chelsea looking to become the first-ever club to win all three European titles.But Betis will prove to be their toughest test yet, with Premier League flops including Antony, Pablo Fornals and Gio Lo Celso shining under ex-Man City title winner Manuel Pellegrini.Enzo Maresca’s men will have to be at their best just days after securing Champions League football with a fourth-place domestic finish.However, their fate could end up in the hands of Peljto, who oversaw Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg win over Real Madrid in April.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 40-year-old is held in high regard by Uefa, having also taken charge of a further six Champions League matches and four Europa League clashes this term.However, back in his native Bosnia, Peljto was banned for six matches after overseeing an error-strewn game.He was found guilty of making three major mistakes, with two errors involving his failure to award clear penalties.September’s 1-1 derby draw between bitter rivals Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja caused plenty of controversy, with the Bosnian FA declaring both sides should have been awarded penalties on separate occasions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA damning statement declared: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured”In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Despite his previous ban, Peljto believes his selection for the Conference League final is a huge boost for Bosnian football.He told Uefa: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.“I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.” More