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    Arsenal fans come up with wildest conspiracy theory yet as American VAR official makes big call in Crystal Palace clash

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    ARSENAL fans have leapt to the top of the table – for conspiracy theories!Gunners’ supporters noted an unusual twist as a huge VAR call in a 2-2 home draw with Crystal Palace helped put Liverpool on the brink of the Prem crown.Gabriel Martinelli had the simple task of putting the ball in the netCredit: RexJurrien Timber hooked the ball back in for Martinelli to volley inCredit: Sky SportsBut VAR ruled the ball had gone out before Timber crossed itCredit: Sky SportsBelow-par Arsenal were 2-1 up midway through the second period when Jurrien Timber hooked the ball over Eagles keeper Dean Henderson for Gabriel Martinelli to volley home from point-blank range.An assistant referee ruled it out for offside against Timber – but after a lengthy delay VAR decided that was the wrong call.Unfortunately for Arsenal, the video assistant also spotted that the ball had gone out of play just as the defender crossed it in, so the goal was disallowed after all.And having levelled brilliantly once, through Eberechi Eze, Palace went on to do it again, and arguably even better, through sub Jean Philippe Mateta’s long-range chip.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSIt means Liverpool need just a point at home to Tottenham on Sunday to seal the title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge.But if the Gunners were disappointing on the pitch, their fans dazzled online – with their VAR conspiracies.One pointed out that the video assistant was an American – former Major League Soccer referee Alex Chilowicz.The New Jersey official, 37, who is also known to be a musician, switched to officiating in England two years ago.Most read in FootballDefenders William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior show Arsenal’s dejectionCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe became one of the first non-Brits to take charge of an EFL match in December 2023.And he finally oversaw a game on Premier League turf in August 2024, as Brighton took on Sussex rivals Crawley in the EFL Cup.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksBut on Wednesday night he found himself under a far more intense microscope in a cagey contest refereed by Michael Salisbury.One fan described Chilowicz and Salisbury as a pair of “unknowns”.The supporter then added to his wacky thinking – with a surprise question.He posted on X: “I find it hilarious that the referee and VAR tonight for #Arsenal game are unknowns. None of the usual clowns. “Is it because @FA_PGMOL  are all with the Liverpool players ready to celebrate their title win if we lost tonight?”Another supporter was more blunt with his observation.He wrote: “VAR always works correctly when it’s against Arsenal lol.”A third claimed: “Now that the league is decided, they take their time on VAR calls involving Arsenal.”And a fourth hinted that, apart from terrible luck with injuries to strikers, the Gunners have had equally miserable misfortune up front – albeit off the pitch.With an apparent touch of suspicion, he lamented: “So many goals disallowed from VAR for Arsenal this year.”Other fans blasted the “ridiculous” length of time waiting for VAR to deliver a verdict.But at least one viewer suggested the incident was a VICTORY for the technology.He wrote: “You have to give the Premier League credit.”That Timber goal was inconclusive 3 months ago… VAR is awful but getting the tech in place to see an out ball is super stuff… Nobody hates VAR more than me, but credit where it’s due.”  Meanwhile, Prem chiefs acted to clear up debate over the disallowed goal with an explanation on social media.Read More on The SunThey posted: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for Arsenal for offside against Timber – and established that he was in an onside position in the build-up. “However, the VAR also determined that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up and the goal should be ruled out.”  Boss Mikel Arteta was frustrated by Arsenal’s two dropped pointsCredit: Getty More

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      Fire alarm at Stockley Park sees VAR SCRAPPED in middle of Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest match as statement released

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      VAR was temporarily axed during Tottenham’s clash with Nottingham Forest after a fire alarm at Stockley Park.Referee John Brooks and assistant Dan Robathan were forced to flee the west London officials hub at half-time.VAR was axed mid-game due to a fire alarm at Stockley ParkCredit: ReutersForest were leading Spurs 2-0 when VAR went downCredit: GettyNuno Espirito Santo’s side went in at the break 2-0 up after goals by Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.And by the time the second 45 minutes begun, the refs were still unable to return to the building in West London.A brief Premier League statement confirmed the news, which read: “The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park.”Technology was out of use for around eight minutes in second-half before things returned to normal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second Prem tweet said: “VAR is now back up and running”.The system was fortunately not called upon while it was out of action.But fans found the situation hilarious, with one saying: “We had freedom for about one minute.”Another added: “Whoever set the fire alarm off deserves a raise.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third laughed: “Quick, someone go break the emergency glass again.”By the time of the fire alarm, VAR’s new semi-automated offside technology had already been used at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt Wood had headed the ball into the back of the net but the goal was chalked off as the Forest striker went too early.Yet it took him just seven minutes to score a goal that did stand after heading home an Anthony Elanga cross.Tottenham improved after the break, and Richarlison netted a late goal. But Spurs couldn’t find another and Forest won 2-1 to boost their Champions League qualification hopes. More

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      Referee forced to leave ring after being manhandled by Tetteh who was fuming after being stopped against Frazer Clarke

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      FRAZER CLARKE’S one-round victory over Ebenezer Tetteh ended in chaos as the beaten Ghanaian raged at referee Kevin Parker’s stoppage.Burton-on-Trent giant Clarke, 33, needed emergency surgery in Saudi Arabia after Fabio Wardley smashed a dent into his skull, in a one-round battering last October.Frazer Clarke dominated Ebenezer Tetteh in a one-round winCredit: GettyTetteh placed his hands on referee Kevin Parker after the stoppageCredit: Sky SportsThe Ghanaian veteran was unhappy with the decisionCredit: Sky SportsThe Team GB Olympic bronze winner bounced back in style against Tetteh, dodging a couple of wild swings from the veteran and then flooring him with the first serious punch of the opener.And then the referee dived in as soon as Clarke raced onto the overmatched Accra punchbag.Tetteh was furious that Parker dived in so swiftly and had to be calmed down by the security staff after manhandling the referee.He didn’t hang around for the official result announcement, racing away from the brief bout, into the dressing rooms and away from the farcical fight.READ MORE IN BOXINGRecovered Clarke celebrated with his team but will need a much more serious test to prove his potential, with dreams still on a world title.After his win, a jubilant Clarke said: “I have been crying out for that kind of performance since my debut.”I have come through some dark times, so that feels amazing.”People can take whatever they want from it but I was just so happy to be back in the boxing ring.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTetteh raged with Kevin Parker as his victorious opponent celebratedCredit: Sky SportsClarke was on his own for the official decision as Tetteh had left the ringCredit: Sky Sports”Thank you to everyone who stuck by me because it has been difficult.”I knew I hit him with a big shot and I knew he wasn’t all there and that was enough. I think the ref did a good job.Fabio Wardley admits he was ‘concerned’ about Frazer Clarke after brutal knockout “I would love the winner of David Adeleye and Jeamie TKV. I want to box again ASAP.”I feel the best I have ever felt, all that adversity has made me stronger and going forward I will take people out.”Clarke celebrates his bounce-back winCredit: Getty More

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      ‘What’s the point in VAR?’ blast fuming Rangers fans as Cyriel Dessers’ shirt is almost ripped clean off in penalty box

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      CYRIEL DESSERS was furious after he was denied a penalty in the first half against Athletic Bilbao. And Rangers fans were in agreement after realising the striker almost had his shirt ripped clean off by Bilbao defender Dani Vivian during the controversial incident. Cyriel Dessers hauled down in the boxCredit: Willie VassThe striker appealed for a penaltyCredit: Willie VassHis shirt was ripped by the Spanish defenderHe made his feelings clear to the officials over the flashpointCredit: GettyDessers, 30, was chasing the ball in the penalty box but was halted by the Spaniard when he attempted to get on the end of it to open the scoring at the Estadio de San Mames. Ridvan Yilmaz attempted to play the striker through on goal but his pass was deflected and Dessers had to adjust his run. That’s when Vivian grabbed a hold of the Dessers and pulled him down to the deck. Referee Irfan Peljto was having none of it though as he waved play to continue. Furious Dessers appealed to the officials and pointed to his shirt which had been ripped across his chest. He was then ordered to change his shirt and he continued making his feelings heard to the fourth official on the touchline. Dessers eventually returned to the pitch after swapping shirts but was dished out a yellow card by the ref. It’s understood he was booked for entering the field of play before getting the all-clear from the Bosnian official. Most read in Europa LeagueGers fans expressed their outrage over the whole incident with many feeling hard done by. They believe their team should’ve been awarded a spot-kick. Taking to social media platform X, one fan wrote: “He’s just ripped the shirt clean off of Dessers. That’s a stone wall penalty.”Another blasted: “Dessers shirt has just been torn off of him and it’s not checked by VAR.”A third said: “That’s a stonewall penalty btw Absolutely ridiculous from the ref & VAR! Guys ripped Dessers shirt, how much more blatant can it be?”While a fourth asked: “How’s that not a penalty? What is the point of VAR?”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Crazy goalkeeper ‘plays real life FIFA pro clubs’ for some reason and it ends in total disaster

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      A GOALKEEPER had an unbelievable moment of madness after “playing pro clubs in real life”.In the Argentinian Premier League, Ignacio “Nacho” Arce was playing in goal for Deportivo Riestra in an away game against his former club Instituto on Sunday.Deportivo Riestra goalkeeper Ignacio Arce dribbled the ball outside the box during an Argentina first division gameCredit: YouTube/FanatizArce was blocked by the referee in trying to move the ball onCredit: YouTube/FanatizHe was then tackled by an Instituto defender way outside his boxCredit: YouTube/FanatizThe ball fell with Gaston Lodico who then chipped the ball into the net from 30 yards awayCredit: YouTube/FanatizArce trudged back to goal with his head down and hands on his headCredit: YouTube/FanatizWith the score 1-0 in the 61st minute and, Riestra a player down after defender Facundo Mino was sent off moments before, a ball was lifted forward into the penalty area.Following a couple of loose touches by both attackers and defenders the ball found its way to Arce on his goal line, who then gratefully picked up the ball.However, in a moment of sheer madness, he decided to run to the edge of the area before rolling the ball out and starting to dribble with it up the pitch.The 33-year-old got almost as far as the centre-circle before disaster struck.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArce was closed down by opposition players before he attempted to play the ball to his right.But with the referee unfortunately standing in the way his passing lane was cut off.He then attempted to dribble even further up the pitch but failed to spot incoming Instituto star, Jeremias Lazaro, over his shoulder who then tackled him by poking the ball away and to a team-mate.The ball ended up at the feet of, Gaston Lodico, who had scored the opener in the game just after half-time.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWith Arce miles out of his net, Lodico, 26, then chipped the ball towards goal from 30 yards away.And back-pedalling Riestra defenders were powerless to stop the ball sailing into the goal to make it 2-0.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonArce trudged back to goal with his head down and scratching his head as he realised what he’d done.Fans seeing the clip on social media were stunned at what he was doing, with one saying: “Bro thought he is the main character.”A second said: “He’s made right Arce of that.”A third added: “The fact he had to dribble around the ref didn’t help but this is otherwise ridiculous.”Another said: “Arce is playing real-life pro clubs.”While one just asked: “What is he doing??!”Arce addressed his actions after the game, saying it was his style to play bravely before putting some of the blame for the mistake on referee, Andres Merlos.He said: “It’s my style, and mistakes can happen. Even the best make errors. I’ve had unforgettable moments and today was just a learning experience.”Look at Merlos. When I lifted my head, I saw a light blue body. They had a clear advantage in that situation.”Read More on The SunResponding to the stunning claim, Merlos joked: “Is it my fault now? That’s classic Nacho, but I love him. “He’s a talent who wanted to make a brave play, sometimes those plays backfire. Such is football.” More

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      History-making Premier League legend retires immediately after featuring in Man City vs Crystal Palace match

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      PREMIER LEAGUE mainstay Darren Cann has officially retired from assistant refereeing.Cann, 58, has been running the line in the English top-flight for over 25 years and is one of the most recognised officials in the country.Assistant referee Darren Cann has retired from officiatingCredit: AFPCann began his officiating journey all the way back in 1991Credit: PACann has officiated the most matches in Premier League history and called time on his career after Manchester City’s win over Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPCann cut an emotional figure after the final whistle of his careerCredit: TNT SPORTSBut after helping officiate 579 Premier League fixtures – the most of any official in the competition’s history – the veteran linesman has decided to hang up his flag.Cann’s final Prem appearance came in Manchester City’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.Ahead of the game, Cann, who reffed over 1000 games in his career, said: “It’s been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years.“Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But, above all, I’m proud of the fact I’ve given 100 per cent in every single match throughout my career.“I would like to thank every single person who has helped and supported me to work in this wonderful sport, PGMOL and The FA as well as all of the clubs, managers, players and fans that have made the Premier League the greatest league in the world.“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love.”Cann, who played in Crystal Palace’s youth team as a striker alongside Ian Wright, began his refereeing journey in 1991.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCity skipper Kevin De Bruyne had some words for the retiring Darren Cann after the final whistleCredit: TNT SPORTSIt would take him ten years to be promoted to the Football League, where he’d officiate for four years.Cann would go on to represent England on the global stage, taking part in 140 international fixtures – including games at the Euro 2008 and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups in South Africa and Brazil.Ruben Amorim’s Garnacho dilemma explained ahead of Manchester derbyHe was part of the refereeing team that officiated the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finals, which were contested by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan and Spain and the Netherlands, respectively.PMGOL chief Howard Webb, who knows Cann all too well having worked alongside him in the Champions League and World Cup finals, was quick to pay tribute to the retiring official.He said: “As I know first-hand from working with Darren on many matches.”He is an official of extraordinary talent and he has performed at the very highest level with distinction.”His professionalism and dedication have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating.”We wish him all the very best as he steps away from the field.”Though we’re sure his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.”Darren Cann was part of the officiating team for the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finalsCredit: GETTY More

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      Premier League history made as Eberechi Eze has goal ruled out for Crystal Palace vs Man City

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      PREMIER League history has been made after the new semi-automated offside technology chalked off its first goal.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze thought he had made it 3-0 to the Eagles against Manchester City this afternoon.Eberechi Eze was judged to be offside by the semi-automated systemA tracking system using 10,000 plus data points for each player recognised that the Palace ace was ahead of the City defender’s kneeCredit: @PLMatchCentreIt then produced a graphic of the offside to show Eze had gone too earlyCredit: @PLMatchCentreThe England midfielder sprinted in behind the City defence and finished beyond Ederson before being flagged offside by the linesman.Eze was adamant that he had timed his run to perfection, wagging his finger in disbelief at the decision.The goal was immediately checked by VAR’s semi-automated offside technology and within seconds it was confirmed that he had narrowly gone too early.It was the first time in Prem history that a goal was disallowed following the new check.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision proved to be a major turning point as City fought back from 2-0 down to level before eventually going 4-2 ahead.Chalking off Eze’s goal was semi-automated offside’s second use in the game after it supported the on-field decision to award his first strike after a possible offside in the build-up from Ismaila Sarr.In the second-half it was also used to confirm City’s fourth goal by James McAtee.Fans praised the new system, with one saying: “Semi-automated offside is pleasant to see.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Took a matter of seconds yet it took till April with only six games of the league season left for the Premier League to bring it in.”Others disagreed, commenting: “Oh look, finally a decision graphic but it doesn’t even show that they’ve gotten the timing of the pass correct. This is useless.”The new system, devised by the US-based company Genius Sports, aims to reduce offside waiting times to an average of 30 seconds.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsA whopping 28 cameras per match are deployed to track 10,000 plus data points for each player to reach the decisions.Explaining the tech, a Prem statement read: “Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR).“It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.“The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.”Eze was in disbelief over the offsideCredit: AFP More

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      Atletico vs Real Madrid VAR official replaced for Tottenham clash after Julian Alvarez penalty controversy

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      THE VAR responsible for chalking off Julian Alvarez’s controversial ‘double-kick’ penalty has been axed from his next European game.Tomasz Kwiatkowski, the Polish official, has been removed from the refereeing set-up for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt. Alvarez was adjudged to have touched the ball twice upon scoring his penaltyCredit: ReutersFootball fans struggled to see the momentCredit: TNT SportsThe penalty was chalked off and Real Madrid advanced in the Champions LeagueCredit: APKwiatkowski fuelled a frenzy during the penalty shoot-out between city rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 at the Estadio Metropolitano, when he disallowed Alvarez’s successful spot-kick in a matter of seconds. Kwiatkowski deemed that the Argentine had touched the ball twice as he slotted past Thibaut Courtois.That sparked outrage amongst Atleti staff and supporters alike. There was such an uproar after the game that Uefa were forced to back the VAR’s decision with an official statement, even releasing a video of the spot kick to demonstrate Kwiatkowski’s thought process.Read More FootballThe incident also prompted Uefa to admit that they were ready to readdress the ‘double-kick’ law. It seemed as though things would return to normal when the fiasco simmered down, but the debate has been reignited by Kwiatkowski’s axing for Spurs’ Europa League tie with Frankfurt.Uefa have not publicly given a reason as to why the change has been made, leaving fans in the dark ahead of tonight’s game.Kwiatkowski has been part of referee Szymon Marciniak’s team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he will not be in London as initially planned.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead, he will be replaced by Spaniard Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez in the VAR control room.Tottenham host Frankfurt in tonight’s game, which kicks off at 8pm.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendoSzymon Marciniak will be without his usual VAR when he takes charge of Spurs’ encounter against FrankfurtReal came out on top in the shootout, earning them a meeting with Arsenal in the quarter-finalsCredit: Alamy More

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      Referees to wear BODYCAMS at major tournament with footage set to be shown to fans on TV

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      REFEREES will wear bodycams during the Club World Cup, it has been confirmed.Footage from the cameras will be readily available to broadcasters during matches at the competition.The club world cup will feature bodycam footage from refsCredit: AFPThe technology has had good feedback from trials in England at the grassroots levelCredit: PAJarred Gillett used a bodycam during a Premier League clash last seasonCredit: GettyIt was revealed during a Prem clash between Crystal Palace and Man UtdCredit: Sky SportsThe move was confirmed by the chairman of the Fifa referees committee, Pierluigi Collina.Collina said: “It is a good chance to offer the viewers a new experience, in terms of images taken from a perspective, from an angle of vision which was never offered before.”It’s a combination of new experience for broadcasters and also for coaching purposes.”Having the possibility to see what the referee sees is important in the debriefing, to evaluate how the call was made by the referee, which was his view, and so on.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReferee bodycams were first trialled in English football at the grassroots level last season.The trials were then expanded for this season after results showed a decrease in abuse toward match officials.In the Premier League, Jarred Gillett became the first referee to wear a bodycam during last season’s clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester United in May, a game won 4-0 by Palace.That game was a one-off to capture footage for a programme promoting match officials.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther nations have also taken to using bodycams.The Bundesliga saw its first instance of a referee wearing a bodycam in February 2024 during a game between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.Fifa show off incredible new Club World Cup trophy that has be opened with a giant gold KEYFootball in the United States, where the refreshed 32-team Club World Cup will be played out this summer, has seen the use of bodycam footage in recent seasons in Major League Soccer.Manchester City and Chelsea are the English clubs who will be present at the tournament.It will run from June 15 to July 13.The early scheduling of the post-season tournament has seen the Premier League open up a second summer transfer window to allow teams to sign players before the competition begins.It will then be shut again during the tournament before re-opening afterwards for the remainder of the summer.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More