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      Luton Town star sees five-match ban overturned in unusual circumstances as red card ‘does him a favour’

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      LUTON TOWN midfielder Liam Walsh avoided a five-match ban after a straight red card seemingly HELPED him avoid a stint on the sidelines.Walsh, 27, was shown a straight red for violent conduct during Luton’s 1-0 win over Coventry City at the weekend.Luton Town’s Liam Walsh has escaped a five-match banCredit: PAWalsh was shown a straight red card during Luton Town’s 1-0 win over Coventry CityCredit: SkySportsWalsh (wearing no.20) was shown red for a shove on Luis BinksCredit: SkySportsHaving already been booked earlier in the game, Walsh shoved Coventry defender Luis Binks in the 68th minute of the Championship clash.Referee Oliver Langford appeared to deem the push to be an act of violence and instead of showing Walsh a second yellow, he opted to show a straight red.That decision meant that Luton were able to appeal the red – something that wouldn’t have been an option for two yellow cards.The Hatters’ appeal was successful, over-turning what would have been a five-match ban for Walsh following his two previous red cards earlier in the campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad referee Langford issued Walsh a second yellow card then he would have been sent off without the ability to appeal the decision and would have subsequently received a one-match ban. Now the former Everton academy graduate will face now suspension and is available to play in Luton’s final game of the season as they scrap to stay afloat in the Championship.Luton, who were only relegated from the Premier League last season, sit just one point above the drop in the Championship and know that win over West Brom will keep them up on Saturday. Other fans have been left incensed by Walsh’s availability for the West Brom game, claiming that the midfielder has got away without a ban because of a technicality over the straight red card.Most read in FootballLuton Town StatementHere’s what Luton Town had to say about their appeal…”We are delighted to confirm that the Club’s appeal against midfielder Liam Walsh’s straight red card during last Saturday’s win over Coventry City has been upheld.”A Football Association appeal hearing was held yesterday afternoon to rule on referee Oli Langford’s decision to dismiss the 27-year-old after Sky Blues defender Luis Binks went to ground in the 68th minute of the Town’s 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road.”The FA statement says: ‘Luton Town’s Liam Walsh will be available for their next five matches after a claim of wrongful dismissal was upheld by an independent Regulatory Commission. The midfielder was sent off for violent conduct on Saturday, 26 April, during their EFL Championship match against Coventry City.'”We look forward to seeing Walshy back in action at West Brom on Saturday!”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOn social media, one fan wrote: “So a player that should’ve been sent off for a second yellow has his ban overturned and yet [Isaiah] Jones who got booked (and should have been sent off) won’t get a retrospective ban?”While another added: “Very lucky man, should’ve been a second yellow, rather than a straight red. We live INSIDE Luton Town’s famous entrance – footballs smash our windows but there are some surprising perks”So sending off was right, and now because of the poor decision by the ref, he now gets to play and not face the 1 game suspension he should have regardless.”A third posted: “Irony is the incompetent ref has done Walsh a favour by incorrectly giving him a red rather than correctly a (non overturnable) second yellow”.And a fourth even labelled the PGMOL and the FA as “Incompetent fools”. More

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      Antonio Rudiger slapped with SIX-GAME ban after Real Madrid star hurled objects at ref – but Bellingham’s red rescinded

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER has been hit with a six-match ban for launching an object at the referee – but Jude Bellingham has had his red card rescinded. Real Madrid imploded and had three players sent off in Saturday night’s 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat to El Clasico rivals Barcelona.Antonio Rudiger launched an ice pack at the refereeCredit: X @PremSportsTVA fuming Rudiger had to be held back from confronting the refCredit: X @PremSportsTVJude Bellingham has seen his red overturnedCredit: RexReal Madrid were unhappy with the appointment of Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea before the gameCredit: GettyThere were shocking scenes at the of the match after Kylian Mbappe was judged to have fouled Eric Garcia as Real Madrid staged a last attack.Tempers flared as the bench behind boss Carlo Ancelotti lost their cool and wildly protested.Rudiger, who had been subbed off, was the most incensed and he launched an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.The ex-Chelsea centre-back then had to be restrained from confronting the official. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Vinicius Junior, Lucas Vazquez and several coaches charged onto the pitch and gestured angrily towards the official.Rudiger and Vazquez were sent off at the time, with Bellingham also seeing red after the final whistle.The official’s report said the English midfielder “approached the referee aggressively” and needed “to be restrained by team-mates”.Rudiger has been slapped with a six-game ban as punishment and Vazquez will be suspended for two.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, Bellingham has been let off after Real Madrid’s appeal was successful.They reportedly had video evidence that proved he was not “aggressive” to the ref.Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’Real Madrid were unhappy with the appointment of De Burgos Bengoetxea before the game, taking to their club TV channel to broadcast mistakes made by him and express that he was too inexperienced for a final.It led to the ref breaking down in tears in a pre-match press conference, saying: “When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up.”What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson.It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level.”Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.” More

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      Footie clash abandoned as club refuse to play after referee awards ‘worst penalty ever’ then ‘refuses to use VAR’

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      A MATCH had to be abandoned after the referee refused to use VAR and fuming players stormed off the pitch.The shocking incident occurred in a match between FK Sloboda Tuzla and HSK Posusje in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Premier League.Sloboda stormed off the pitch after Posusje were given a soft penaltyThe club’s president then appeared on the pitch to confront the refereeThey sarcastically applauded the official and stopped him entering the tunnelWith the score level at 1-1, bottom of the table side Sloboda had a man controversially sent off with ten minutes remaining. And almost straight after, referee Milos Gigovic gave Posusje a soft penalty following a minor coming together as two players contested a header.Fans slammed the decision as the “worst penalty call I have ever seen” and others labelled it “ridiculous”.But Sloboda expected the official to head to the VAR monitor, only for him to reportedly refuse.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe raging players complained wildly and then opted to walk off the pitch in protest.Four police officers swiftly surrounded the ref and his assistants as tempers flared.Sloboda president Azmir Husic suddenly appeared at the side of the pitch and had to be restrained from getting to Gigovic as the team refused to return to the field.The club chief was escorted away but the referee was then blocked from entering the dressing room.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSeveral players and staff formed a bizarre guard of honour for Gigovic and sarcastically applauded him.It all led to the match being abandoned and the league is yet to confirm the result of the game.Incredible moment referee KOs losing coach with karate kick to the face after he tried to attack him with a bottle But rules state it could go down as a 3-0 win for Posusje and Sloboda, meanwhile, are at risk of a three to six-point deduction.Since the chaotic scenes, Bosnian refereeing chief Elmir Pilav has resigned. More

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      Evanilson should never have been sent off against Man Utd, the red card was just like Bruno Fernandes in Spurs clash

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      EVANILSON should never have received a red card against  Manchester United.The Bournemouth striker slipped when he challenged Moroccan  international Noussair Mazraoui in the 70th minute of Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw.Bournemouth frontman Evanilson slipped as he tackled Man Utd defender Noussair Mazraoui and was harshly given a red cardCredit: RexEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey was astonished that VAR got involvedCredit: AFPUnited’s Bruno Fernandes had his dismissal for this challenge on James Maddison during a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last September overturnedCredit: GettyRef Peter Bankes gave a yellow card to the Brazilian — and that was the correct call, as Evanilson’s slip turned his tackle into a reckless one. It was not serious foul play.Why on earth did VAR John Brooks get involved?It’s a very poor decision — and Bournemouth can feel aggrieved because it changed the game and dented their European hopes.They would have a good case to appeal the dismissal — and the three-match ban — as the incident was similar to Bruno Fernandes’ foul against Spurs last September.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe United midfielder’s sending-off in United’s 3-0 defeat was rescinded.Referee Chris Kavanagh showed Fernandes a straight red but the appeal commission ruled he had made an “obvious” error.WHAT WAS THE PREM EXPLANATION?HERE’S the statement Prem chiefs issued to explain Evanilson’s red card:Evanilson appeared stunned with his dismissalCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK “VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card for the challenge by Evanilson on Mazraoui – with the challenge deemed to be two-footed with both feet off the ground, endangering the safety of the opponent. Most read in Football”Upon review, the referee issued a red card to Evanilson for serious foul play.”Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’BOURNEMOUTH CHIEF’S ANGRY VERDICTCHERRIES’ boss Andoni Iraola appeared astounded by his frontman’s dismissal.Iraola told Sky Sports: “Common sense. Everyone who has played football understands. “He slips. He doesn’t catch him with the leg that goes high and the consequence is a red card. “It is another three games without playing. The repercussions for us are huge. Of course we are going to appeal. It is common sense. “In the first half Evanilson gets a kick in the chest by Casemiro. I don’t think you should have a red card for this. But the VAR cuts the worst angle, the worst frame.” More

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      Real Madrid implode with THREE red cards as Bellingham ‘restrained’ and Rudiger throwing ICE PACK at ref in Copa del Rey

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM had to be “restrained” and Antonio Rudiger threw an ice park at the referee as Real Madrid had three players sent off in a heated cup final.The club’s El Clasico rivals Barcelona won last night’s thrilling Copa del Rey final 3-2 amid shocking scenes in the closing stages.Antonio Rudiger launched an ice pack at the refereeCredit: X @PremSportsTVLucas Vazquez and Vinicius Junior ran onto the pitch and made angry gestures at the officialCredit: X @PremSportsTVRudiger had to be restrained from confronting the refereeCredit: X @PremSportsTVReal Madrid were wound up by several decisions given by Ricardo De Burgos BengoetxeaCredit: AFPTempers flared with just 20 seconds of extra-time remaining after Kylian Mbappe was judged to have fouled Eric Garcia in Real Madrid’s last attack.Chaos erupted as the bench behind Carlo Ancelotti completely lost their heads.A raging Rudiger launched an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez sprinted onto the pitch and gestured angrily towards him as several coaches also got involved.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen the official came over to dish out red cards to the Real Madrid players, Rudiger had to be held back from confronting the ref by Ferland Mendy and a member of staff.The ex-Chelsea centre-back and Vazquez were both sent off, but Vinicius somehow escaped without punishment.The ref’s report says Rudiger was sent off for “throwing an object and behaving aggressively” and Vazquez went for “stepping onto the field making disapproving gestures”.Bellingham’s red card came after the final whistle for angrily “approaching the referee aggressively” and needing “to be restrained by team-mates”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA clip has since emerged of the Englishman in the tunnel at half-time, ranting: “Everything 50/50 goes their way, everything 50/50”.Meanwhile, Rudiger could receive a lengthy for his moment of madness.Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’Ex-Granada player Dani Benitez was banned for three months for throwing a bottle at an official in 2012.The appointment of referee De Burgos Bengoetxea for the final was highly controversial with Real Madrid expressing their displeasure before the game.They took to the club’s TV channel, broadcasting videos that showed his mistakes while highlighting he had never been in charge of a Champions League or Fifa level match.Real Madrid also pointed out they had a poor win percentage when he was the man with the whistle for their games.It led to De Burgos Bengoetxea breaking down in tears in a pre-match press conference, saying: “When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up.”What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson.”Lucas Vazquez was of three Real Madrid players red cardedCredit: RexJude Bellingham was sent off after the final whistleCredit: RexBarca won via a late Jules Kounde goal in extra-timeCredit: Rex More

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      Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’

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      REAL MADRID have issued a statement following a referee breaking down in tears ahead of the Copa del Rey final.Los Blancos are due to face rivals Barcelona at the Estadio de La Cartuja tonight.Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears during a press conferenceCredit: Copa Del ReyThe official was targeted by a video released by RMTVCredit: APThe video showcased his decisions against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThere were thoughts that Los Blancos could boycott the Copa del Rey finalCredit: GettyHowever, the capital-based club pulled out of pre-match activities after referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s press conference.The Spanish official broke down as he responded to a video by Real’s in-house TV channel RMTV.The video highlighted decisions that had gone against Real, which the club believe to have been incorrect.An emotional De Brugos said: “To see your son come from school crying because some kids have said his dad is a crook is very hard to take.READ MORE FOOTBALL”What I do is tell my son that his father is honourable. I make mistakes, like any athlete, but I am honourable.”I want my son to be proud of his father and of the refereeing profession.”Nobody has the right to submit my colleagues to what they are dealing with.”Reuters has claimed that Real views the ref’s comments as a “clear conflict of interest.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA source told the outlet that the club believe that the refereeing team should be changed for the final.However, the Spanish FA rejected the request.You’re a football superfan if you can work out Brazil and Real Madrid legend’s son, 16, by his iconic playing style Real Madrid statementHere is the full statement released by Real Madrid…It read: “In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play in the final.”Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.”Real Madrid understands that football’s values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final.”The actions of the club led many to believe that they may boycott the final entirely.However, Real later released a statement that insisted that it “never considered” withdrawing from the match.The club continued to argue that “football’s values must prevail, despite animosity that has once again been shown against our club”.The final VAR, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, joined De Brugos at his press conference.He insisted that referees will soon take action against the constant pressure they are under.He added: “In a few days, you all will see.”We are going to make history and we are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with.”A strike? You will have news from us soon.”Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also weighed in on the referee debacle.The German insisted that officials, like players, need to be protected,He said: “For me, it’s only a sport. It’s only a game.Read More on The Sun”It’s only football.”It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game.”Hansi Flick claimed referees need to be protectedCredit: Getty More

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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