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      VAR orders referee to count number of players on pitch in most bizarre Premier League intervention yet

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      CHAOS erupted after VAR bizarrely ordered referee Andy Madley to count the NUMBER of players on the pitch during Wolves v Aston Villa.Wolves cruised to a shock 2-0 win against Villa at Molineux to move out of the relegation zone.Andy Madley was asked to confirm the NUMBER of players on the pitchGoncalo Guedes was already in the dugout but Wolves subs weren’t allowed onConfusion broke out on the touchlineIt took just under three minutes for Wolves to make two subsThe second half was littered with controversial moments as Villa saw a goal disallowed and Wolves were denied a penalty shout.The encounter then saw embarrassing scenes which have been likened to a Sunday League mix up.Wolves were 1-0 up -after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s opener – when they tried to make a double substitution in the 71st minute.The idea was for Goncalo Guedes and Rayan Ait-Nouri to make way for Rodrigo Gomes and Tommy Doyle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, what should’ve been a routine changeover after the Wolves par left the pitch was far from simple.Madley blew to stop play and was asked to get his fingers out and count up the players on the turf.Guedes was already sitting in the dugout, but Wolves weren’t allowed to bring their replacements on despite the fact that Tim Robinson was holding the fourth official board up. One fan wrote: “What in the Sunday league is going on here at Wolves đŸ€Ł.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM ÂŁ10 DEPOSITSThe commentator said: “VAR are asking the referee to confirm that nobody has left the field. It beggars belief. Extraordinary scenes.”It took just under three minutes for Wolves to make those two substitutions. Aston Villa confirm Jhon Duran’s ÂŁ64million transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with blunt 58-word statementIt’s unclear who asked him but Matt Donohue and Wade Smith were on VAR duties.Proceedings finally got back underway before Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury time.But to make matters worse, VAR was previously called into scrutiny just 20 minutes before the chaos after disallowing Villa’s equaliser.New ÂŁ21.5million signing Donyell Malen, who replaced Ollie Watkins at half-time, thought he’d scored his first Villa goal.Malen was behind the ball when he converted a low cross from John McGinn, although the linesman immediately raised his flag.But VAR found something else wrong and ruled that Morgan Rogers was offside when he obstructed Nelson Semedo in the build-up. A statement from the Premier League’s Match Centre account on X read: “The referees call of no goal due to an offside offence is checked and confirmed by VAR – with Rogers in an offside position and deemed to be impacting the ability of Semedo to play or challenge for the ball.”Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury timeCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘This is laughable’ say fans as Arsenal CHARGED by FA after reaction to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs Wolves

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      THE FA has charged Arsenal for “improper” conduct against Wolves on Saturday.Arsenal stars were left furious when Myles Lewis-Skelly received a straight red card at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty around 90 yards out from goal.Arsenal stars have been charged after stars surrounded the referee against WolvesCredit: GettyThey subsequently surrounded referee Michael Oliver to appeal the decision just before half-time.And the Gunners have now been charged for the incident.An FA statement read: “Arsenal FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC on Saturday, 25 January.”The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner around the 43rd minute.”Arsenal FC has until Monday, 3 February, to provide a response.”The Gunners went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to a 74th-minute strike from summer signing Riccardo Calafiori.Mikel Arteta was left “fuming” as a result of the red card despite the win.However, Oliver’s controversial decision was overturned earlier this week following an appeal.Most read in FootballLewis-Skelly’s dismissal was deemed to be “wrongful” and his three-game suspension was rescinded.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Sacked ref David Coote set for sensational return to football with new job – despite cocaine shame and Klopp rant

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      SACKED Prem referee David Coote may make a sensational return to football — as a VAR instructor, his friends said.The 42-year-old, lauded for his honesty over his cocaine shame, could use his vast experience to help younger officials.David Coote may make a sensational return to football with a new job as a VAR instructorCredit: GettyCoote was fired after footage emerged of him snorting the class-A drug at Euro 2024The 42-year-old has been lauded for his honesty over his cocaine shameCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdDespite his career being torpedoed, Coote is keen to stay in football, although possibly not as a ref.A source close to him said: “He’s built up an incredible wealth of knowledge and skill. It would be a massive shame if that was lost because of mistakes he made while under moments of incredible stress.“He still gets on with all the other referees and I could see him taking a role somewhere. He’d be perfect as a VAR pundit or expert.”In an exclusive interview in yesterday’s Sun, Coote said he was scared to come out as gay and took coke to “escape”.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEHe was fired after footage emerged of him snorting the class-A drug at Euro 2024.However thousands of fans debated a possible return ­yesterday after he opened up about the “pressure cooker” of suppressed emotion, plus a punishing work schedule.Paul Field, chairman of the ­Referees’ Association, said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.Most read in Football“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”Coote was among the UK’s top three VAR exponents — and one of a select few English officials called up for international matches. Coote himself said he would love to come back.Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024He added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge. But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”He revealed he was “not sober” when he called former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “c***” in shocking footage.And he also told how he got sickening abuse as a ref, including messages hoping he was paralysed in a car crash.Gay rugby referee Nigel Owens yesterday supported Coote for hiding his sexuality.Coote said he was scared to come out as gay and took coke to ‘escape’Credit: XCoote revealed he was “not sober” when he called former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe 53-year-old was suicidal over fears of repercussions before coming out in 2007. He went on to officiate major games including the 2015 World Cup Final. Owens said: “Homophobia remains a problem in all sports.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on: “When you are struggling with your identity, it’s a very difficult and sometimes very dark place. “You will go to the extent of trying to deal with those demons and mental health issues in ways we’ve seen David Coote give examples of.”    ’I ADMIRE HIS BRAVERY’By Mark Halsey, ex-Premier League RefDAVID Coote taking full responsibility for his mistakes and showing the bravery to come out deserves all our admiration.It should also be the first step back towards some involvement in the game again. I’ve never touched drugs or even a cigarette but I can understand why the pressure and scrutiny of being a pro ref would cause someone to seek that kind of escape. Especially when you consider the fact he felt he had to hide his sexuality.We all knew about David’s sexuality when he was coming through the system. It is good he has now spoken out.We have all made mistakes in our lives. All referees discuss what they think of certain players and managers.David has just been let down by his so-called friends.In 2020 referee Bobby Madley returned to the Football League two years after being sacked over a video in which he mocked a ­disabled person. It should serve as an example to David that his career is not entirely over. More

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      ‘Just unacceptable’ – Mikel Arteta blasts attack of referee Michael Oliver as police probe abuse after Arsenal red card

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      MIKEL ARTETA blasted the attack of referee Michael Oliver and urged governing bodies to kick “hatred” out of football.Police are investigating abuse suffered by Oliver after he controversially sent off defender Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolves last weekend.Mikel Arteta has blasted the abuse directed at Michael Oliver following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves on SaturdayCredit: EPAMichael Oliver is currently having his house monitored by police after ‘abhorrent abuse’ following the matchCredit: AlamyOliver controversially sent off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during the matchCredit: PAThe Gunners full-back has since had his three-match ban wiped out by an independent committee after the club filed an appeal on Tuesday morning – despite the player missing the news due to being ASLEEP on the plane.But ref Oliver continues to have his house watched by police following alleged threats against him and his two-year-old daughter – leaving the PGMOL “appalled”.And Arsenal boss Arteta – who recently slated the online hate aimed at his player Kai Havertz – said: “Regardless of whether it is a player or a coach, a referee — it does not matter.“We shouldn’t be here with this hatred, these things we see, because they affect everyone and in the end, they take away the joy of this sport.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We have to really work harder to try to eradicate that part of the game that brings nothing but bad stuff, bad taste and it makes people’s lives more difficult. Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out.“For everyone in football. You should not be permitted [to do that]. We don’t want it, we don’t need it and it certainly damages our sport.“We are talking about it, but no one seems to be moving strongly enough because it’s just unacceptable. Why haven’t we done it?“We’re always putting a lot of emphasis on where football is going in the next five, ten years; on the rules, and all that sort of thing.Most read in FootballLewis-Skelly was dismissed for a trip on Wolves star Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM ÂŁ10 DEPOSITS“But the most important thing we can do is create an environment that’s much better at a social level: one that’s healthier, that’s nicer.“Reward things that are not only winning, that when people make mistakes they have the chance to make amends.”Moment Mikel Arteta gives Michael Oliver ‘death stare’ after shaking his hand following Lewis-Skelly red card blunderOliver will not officiate Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday, instead taking charge of Ipswich vs Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday before overseeing the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton on February 5.It is also alleged that Oliver received a threat of a car bomb after the awarding of a penalty during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on January 5.Havertz also had his wife and unborn child attacked on Instagram following Arsenal’s FA Cup third round penalty shoot-out defeat to Man United on January 12 in which the German missed the decisive spot-kick.Arsenal were understood to have been in touch with the PGMOL over the abuse aimed at Oliver and are supportive of any inquiries.The PGMOL said in a statement on Sunday: “No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family.“We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour. Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.”Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the 43rd minute at Molineux for a tame trip on Matt Doherty inside the Wolves half – with the decision upheld by VAR official Darren England as “serious foul play”, one that left Arteta “fuming”.Oliver also sent off Wolves’ Joao Gomes in the 70th minute for a second yellow before Riccardo Calafiori scored a late winner.Pundits such as Micah Richards and Alan Shearer blasted Oliver for sending off Lewis-Skelly, the former labelling it “one of the worst decisions I have ever seen”.On Lewis-Skelly’s ban being lifted, Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori said: “We knew that it was a mistake, and now we keep on going and I’m happy for him.“He’s a strong guy mentally and also on the pitch.”An Arsenal statement said yesterday evening: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.”Asked how Lewis-Skelly reacted to the news ahead of their Champions League clash at Girona, Arteta said: “He was sleeping on the plane [to Spain] when I got the news and looked back. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I haven’t spoken to him but I imagine there is a big smile on his face.On if he woke him up, Arteta laughed: “I was working and he was in the back, so I didn’t.”Kai Havertz and his family were recently the victims of online abuse tooCredit: APMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      Michael Oliver should not be exposed to Arsenal fans after death threats over Lewis-Skelly red card, says ex-Prem ref

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      MICHAEL OLIVER should not be given any Arsenal games by his refereeing bosses.SunSport whistler, ex-Prem ref Mark Halsey, says it is common sense to keep Oliver away from Gunners games for a while after he and his family were given police protection off the back of death threats.Michael Oliver received severe backlash for giving Myles Lewis-Skelly a controversial red card at the weekendCredit: GettyThe incident left Arsenal players and fans furiousCredit: GettyCops have been making round-the-clock checks on Oliver’s family home after he was the subject of sick abuse due to the controversial red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s win at Wolves, which has now been overturned.PGMOL protocol means that Oliver is unlikely to take charge of an Arsenal game in the coming weeks.Halsey said: “The PGMOL will keep him away from Arsenal for a while, which is the right thing to do.”When there is friction between a ref and a club that is the right thing to do, why create a problem for yourself.Read More in Football”Taking him away from Arsenal is not derogatory towards Michael and his ability. It is common sense.”Oliver’s integrity has also come under serious scrutiny following the incident.Halsey added: “That does not come into it, you cannot question the integrity of a referee.”The referee goes out and referees what is in front of him.Most read in Football”There are millions of people watching him, he has an evaluation on his game too. You don’t prejudge anything.”Halsey also feels there needs to be more protection for top officials, with their hectic schedule adding further strain.Shamed Ref David Coote EXCLUSIVE on death threats, coke battle & coming out | The SunOliver is back in action taking charge of Barcelona v Atalanta in the Champions League tomorrow and will be at Portman Road for Ipswich v Southampton on Saturday.He has also been appointed to officiate the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on February 12 – another high profile game – and will likely be given an FA Cup fourth round game next weekend.Former ref Mark Halsey said: “Michael is our best referee by far.”He is reffing week in, week out. Perhaps PGMOL are not looking after him.”Players lose form and have indifferent performances, it’s the same with referees. They are out every week and also used in the VAR hub.”There has to be accountability when they put in a poor performance. I am not blaming the referees, it is the leadership and the direction coming from PGMOL management.”Howard Webb hasn’t got the right personnel below him in coaching terms.”Halsey himself has been the subject of death threats following a Liverpool vs Manchester United game in 2012, which left him fearing for his safety.He said: “I have been there and been through it. You fear for your safety, but luckily for me nothing happened.”I had just come back from cancer, my wife had Leukaemia and they wanted both of us to die, they wanted my illness to come back.”They wanted to do horrible things to my daughter.”I received a letter in the post saying there is a bullet waiting for you.”You expect abuse from fans in the terraces, you are a uniform.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because you are the ref they feel they have the right to have a go at you. You have to have mental toughness about you to survive.”I commend him for going back out, Michael is mentally tough and a strong character. Michael always does the best games because he is trusted by management.”Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/A More

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      Michael Oliver’s family home being guarded by police after referee received death threats following Lewis-Skelly red

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      MICHAEL OLIVER’S family home is being guarded by police, according to reports.The Premier League referee has been subjected to disgusting abuse and even received death threats in the wake of the red card he showed to Myles Lewis-Skelly.Michael Oliver has police protection after receiving death threatsCredit: GettyThe referee sent Myles Lewis-Skelly off for this challenge on Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyOliver, 39, dismissed the Arsenal youngster for his cynical trip on Matt Doherty in the first half of the Gunners’ 1-0 win away at Wolves on Saturday.He deemed the challenge as “serious foul play” – prompting a straight red and a three-match ban. The decision left Mikel Arteta “fuming” while the likes of Ian Wright, Pat Nevin, Keith Hackett and SunSport’s Mark Halsey shared their dismay. Many supporters also vented their anger at the decision.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut some of the reactions from fans were unacceptable as personal messages of hate and even sickening threats to kill Oliver and his two-year-old daughter. It is alleged one person vowed to smash the windows of their house – three weeks after an apparent threat to bomb Oliver’s car, the Daily Mail reports.And now The Times state the referee is under ongoing police protection.A police car was parked in the street of the family home on Sunday morning to check on their safety.Most read in FootballPolice patrols continue to operate around the family home while the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) are investigating the threats. The UKFPU is working with social media companies to track down the senders of the online messages. Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesA spokesperson said on Monday: “Officers from the UKFPU have launched an investigation after a number of abusive messages were directed toward a referee following a Premier League match.“On Sunday January 26 police were contacted by the UK Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in relation to social media messages directed towards referee Michael Oliver.“Enquiries are in the early stages and officers are working closely with social media providers, including Facebook and X, to identify those responsible for the messages.”The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) released their own statement on Sunday condemning the atrocious abuse.It said: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.”We will continue to support all investigations.”Arsenal were hoping the PGMOL would overturn the decision – as they did when Bruno Fernandes was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.But on Tuesday the North Londoners officially lodged an appeal against the red card. As for Oliver, he will return to refereeing on Wednesday when he takes charge of Barcelona vs Atalanta in the Champions League.The official then was handed a huge relegation six-pointer on Saturday as Ipswich host Southampton – but will not be involved at the Emirates on Sunday when Arsenal host Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIESOliver, though, did get given the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park with Liverpool making the short trip to face Everton on February 12 in a game rearranged from December due to the storms.The decision to show the red card stunned manyCredit: GettyArsenal players, staff and fans were furiousCredit: GettyThe Gunners have officially launched an appealCredit: Getty More

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      Michael Oliver handed huge Premier League title clash after Arsenal controversy as referee’s next games are revealed

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      MICHAEL OLIVER will referee a Premier League game this Saturday and a huge title clash next month.The official is at the centre of huge controversy for sending off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly in a decision that has been slammed by fans and pundits.Michael Oliver’s next games have been confirmedCredit: AlamyOliver controversially handed Myles Lewis-Skelly a red cardCredit: RexThe ref has come under fierce criticism from fans and punditsCredit: PABut he will be back on the field in the Champions League on Wednesday for Barcelona vs Atalanta and then this weekend he will oversee the Ipswich vs Southampton.The 39-year-old ref will then have the whistle for the Merseyside derby on February 12 as Everton welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park.The fixture has been re-arranged from December 7 after it was postponed due to Storm Darragh. Liverpool currently sit six points above Arsenal at the top of the table and the derby is their game in-hand over the Gunners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOliver was the subject of fierce criticism for red carding Lewis-Skelly against Wolves for a foul on Matt Doherty.The wonderkid cynically tripped the defender as he broke away on the counter-attack, with most expecting a yellow to be shown.But Oliver shockingly brandished a red for serious foul play and the decision was not overturned by VAR.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left “absolutely fuming” and club icon Ian Wright slammed it as a “joke”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET ÂŁ50 BONUSBBC pundit Pat Nevin hit out at the standard of officiating, claiming it set a “bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett agreed that Oliver made a “major error” and felt he needed a “rest for a couple of weeks” to stay out the firing line.Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace Police have also launched an investigation after the Newcastle-born whistleblower received vile death threats.The PGMOL issued a statement on Sunday, saying it was “appalled” by the “abhorrent” threats and abuse aimed at their official.Darren England, who was on VAR in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves and decided not to overturn Lewis-Skelly’s red card, has also come under fire.He will ref another title-impacting game this Saturday as he has been given Bournemouth vs Liverpool.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      From snorting coke to moaning he was ‘too big’ to ref Coventry, nine moments in David Coote’s downfall

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      TWO days after his Klopp comments went viral, The Sun revealed on November 13 Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken on July 6 while he was officiating at the Euros.COOTE: “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.”The nine moments in Premier League referee David Coote’s downfallCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd1.The Sun revealed that Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken while he was officiating at the Euros2.Coote said in video chats table toppers Liverpool ‘will not win the Premier League’Credit: GettyCOOTE said in video chats table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League”.COOTE: “I guess I’m a human being who made a mistake in a moment I now deeply regret.”3.He branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a ‘Scottish p****’Credit: GettyTHE ref branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a “Scottish p****.”COOTE: “I certainly don’t think that. Everybody who takes to the football field is full of emotion. When we’re involved in the game, things will be said that people don’t mean. Read More on Sport”I’m pretty sure there’s been plenty of players or managers that have said things about me they wouldn’t sit here and say they believe. The same is true of us as match officials.”4.Coote said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans ‘shouting abuse so close to the pitch’Credit: GettyHE said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.COOTE: “It’s certainly not the worst place to officiate. Each ground, depending on how the result goes, can be just as difficult as any other. “So there’s no particular ground that’s more difficult than the other because it’s all really circumstance dependent.”Most read in Football5.The ref said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is ‘too far away’Credit: GettyCOOTE said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is “too far away”.COOTE: “We’re asked to go north, south, east and west, and all over Europe. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”There’s teams of officials that have been as far as Kazakhstan to do games. I was sent to Indonesia, so distance travel is never an issue.”6.He moaned he was ‘too big’ to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford UtdCredit: GettyTHE ref moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford Utd on August 16.COOTE: “The Championship is a fantastic league and my experience of Coventry and all of the other games in the league have been really good ones — some of the most exciting football you’ll get to see.”7.The ref arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersCOOTE arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30. During the interval he messaged his pal to say: “Hope you’re getting ready for me.”COOTE: “It never happened. These kinds of messages were among the behaviours I engaged with in order to escape.“It was almost like a different me and it’s something I really regret doing.“Clearly now I regret entering into those conversations.“I’ve paid the price for having them and that’s been a heavy one from a career and emotional perspective.”8.Coote giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West BromCredit: YouTubeAT the centre of an FA betting probe after he discussed giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West Brom. He messaged a pal: “I hope you backed as discussed.”COOTE: “I can categorically say that I’ve only ever done my best when I’ve gone onto the field of play.”9. Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)Credit: PASACKED by the PGMOL.COOTE: “I have nearly 30 years experience of refereeing and I understood the implications of the situation I found myself in and the position the PGMOL were in.”The Sun’s back page reported on Coote’s X-rated Klopp rantIT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – ContributorAmal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More