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      Shocking moment assistant referee is hit by lighter launched from stands before player leaps to his defence

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      AN assistant referee was hit by a missile thrown from the stands at the end of a match.A third-tier game between CF Montanesa and CE L’Hospitalet turned ugly as fans made their feelings clear.An object was thrown at an assistant referee in SpainCredit: X @MarcadorCatHe clutched his head despite appearing to block the missileCredit: X @MarcadorCatA fan pleaded for calm from the standsThey shouted at the officials as they walked off the pitch and a lighter was thrown at the assistant referee.He raised his hand to block the object before clutching his face, appearing to be hurt.Two people came to his aid but he seemed fine and began shouting towards the stand.A Montanesa player then jumped to his defence and called for calm from the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpain has been hit by fan unrest in recent weeks with the Madrid derby halted by objects thrown from the stands last month.Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the target of many of the missiles thrown due to his former ties with Atletico.Atletico boss Diego Simeone criticised the behaviour of his fans after the match.He said: “The message was to think about the club, think about your team.Most read in Football”You aren’t helping the team. They said it wasn’t their fault, they said they’d been provoked by the opposition goalkeeper.”CF Montanesa beat CE L’Hospitalet 1-0.David James saves penalty from young fan at half-time of Liverpool’s win over Chelsea More

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      Man Utd legend facing FA charge after ‘furious tunnel-bust up’ with referee over Matthijs de Ligt drama

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chief Darren Fletcher faces an FA charge after claims of a fiery tunnel bust-up with officials.United were furious as defender Matthijs de Ligt was ordered off the Old Trafford pitch in first-half stoppage time with blood on his head and face.Matthijs de Ligt sustained a nasty head injury and blood poured down his faceCredit: RexDe Ligt left the field for treatment but was sent back to the sidelines as the ref felt it was not patched up enoughCredit: GettyEthan Pinnock scored for Brentford while De Ligt was off the fieldCredit: GettyDarren Fletcher supposedly confronted the ref in the tunnelCredit: RexThis was the result of an earlier injury which medics had twice tried to patch up.As soon as De Ligt left the field, Brentford scored from a corner, sparking outrage with manager Erik ten Hag and No 2 Ruud van Nistelrooy booked for protesting.Van Nistelrooy continued his protests down the tunnel, while former United midfielder and technical director Fletcher waited inside where he allegedly verbally confronted ref Sam Barrott and fourth official Gavin Ward.The FA will now await the referee’s report before deciding whether to take further action.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited came back to win the game with Alejandro Garnacho scoring just after the break and Rasmus Hojlund getting a 62nd-minute winner.Yet Ten Hag was still fuming with the ref’s decision after the game.He raged: “It was dry blood so he was already treated for the injury.“I didn’t understand why he was sent off.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I went over to Matthijs and he said, ‘It is dry blood and I have to come off I don’t know why’.“It was a huge moment because Brentford is very good at corners and you are missing one of your best headers.”Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund slammed as ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ by Ben Foster for injuring team-mate in trainingMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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      ‘I have MAJOR doubts over Arsenal star William Saliba’s red card for three key reasons’, says ex-Premier League referee

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      I HAD major doubts over William Saliba’s red card and would have stayed with referee Rob Jones’ on-field decision of a caution.The Arsenal defender fouled Bournemouth striker Evanilson but was it a clear and obvious error for VAR to intervene?William Saliba was sent off against Bournemouth following a VAR reviewCredit: RexEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey has major doubt over the decisionCredit: AFPIt’s a subjective decision, so I didn’t think VAR Jarred Gillett needed to get involved. For the denial of a goalscoring opportunity, we look at four key criteria.And I had doubts over three of those.The distance between the offence and the goal was lengthy, the general direction of play saw the ball coming across Evanilson and not in front of him and also the location and number of defenders was questionable.The likelihood of him keeping or gaining control of the ball would have probably been in the favour of the Cherries forward because  David Raya was back-pedalling towards his own goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPGMOL chiefs Howard Webb was spotted on TV listening into the VAR comms and that is  normal for him to have access — just like the media broadcasters.There is no way he would have had any input or communication into the Saliba red card.The Frenchman’s dismissal means he is now set to miss a crucial match in the title race for the Gunners.Saliba will serve a one -match ban in the Premier League, ruling him out of next Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe will then be free to return to league action away to Newcastle on November 2.Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, he remains available for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.Arteta is open to allowing Arsenal academy players to take part in first team trainingThe 23-year-old is also free to face Preston in the Carabao Cup later this month ahead of the trip to St. James’ Park.Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth is only the second of his career and his first for almost four years.He was previously dismissed whilst playing for Arsenal’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy back in 2020.Robert Jones upgraded Saliba’s yellow to a red card after an on-field review of the incidentCredit: APSaliba will miss Arsenal’s home match against Liverpool next weekend through suspensionCredit: Getty More

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      Roy Keane’s stunned reaction as he discovers Fifa are trialling bold rule change he suggested

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      ROY KEANE provided a brilliant response when Howard Webb revealed that Fifa are trialling a bold rule change that he suggested.Former Premier League referee Webb, 53, joined Keane and Co for a wide-ranging conversation on officiating.Roy Keane provided a brilliant responseCredit: Stick to FootballHoward Webb discussed a potential rule changeCredit: Stick to FootballKeane’s response had the panel in stitchesCredit: Stick to FootballHaving hung up his whistle in 2014, Webb became the chief refereeing officer for the PGMOL in 2022.In his job, the Yorkshireman has had a hands on role in the implementation of VAR in the Premier League.This week he joined Keane, Gary Neville, Jill Scott, Ian Wright and Wayne Rooney on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.During the conversation, Neville brought up that Keane had recently suggested changing the implementation of technology in officiating to a system in which coaches would receive one challenge per match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if this was something that could be feasible, Webb revealed: “We’ll only really know by seeing it in practice.”Interestingly enough, at the moment is the Under-17 Women’s World Cup, England are playing there, we talked about it earlier Jill, and we’ve just finished the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, the 17s is in Dominican Republic.”They’re using this on trial, so each coach has two challenges a game, it’s called…”At this point, Webb was interrupted as Wright slapped Keane on the arm and joked: “You’re wasted here!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeane, 53, then joked: “I’m wasted here! I should be working for Fifa or something.”Through laughter, Scott quipped: “Can you imagine Roy, head of Fifa?”Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops The former Man Utd skipper then put on a pretend stern face as he replied: “What’s wrong with that Jill? What’s wrong with that?”As Neville howled with laughter, Keane continued: “I’ve worked at the highest level, I’ve played at the highest level… I’m sitting here eating chocolate.”Webb went on to boldly claim that there have only been two VAR errors so far this season, a significant reduction on the number recorded at this time a year ago.He said: “I don’t think we managed expectations well in terms of VAR. We knew it was always going to be a situation where it was going to do well on those clear situations, the ones where you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.”We have this independent panel which has got ex-players on it, and they judge each decision each week, and according to the panel there has only been two VAR errors this season compared to 10 at the same time last year.”We’ve been better at hitting the mark but that can change and we’re not going to get complacent, but it’s been better. For me, the biggest thing of all is that it’s been quicker.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The average delay last season through VAR was 70 seconds per game and this year it’s 25 seconds.”I said to the guys, ‘Don’t ponder for too long, if you see a situation that jumps off the screen then get involved, but if you’re having to think about it too much then just say check complete because we’ll leave it with the referee on the field’. That’s why the term, ‘Referee’s call’ is useful.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Premier League claims VAR has IMPROVED with just two mistakes since start of season

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      REFS’ chief Howard Webb believes Prem whistlers HAVE got better this season — and he has stats to prove it.The first two months of this campaign have seen more moans and even allegations of bias from fans and managers.The Premier League has claimed VAR and refereeing has improved this seasonCredit: AlamyRefereeing chief Howard Webb told the Stick to Football podcast what has changedCredit: YouTubeSo far, there have been 15 on-field decisions overturned by VAR — the same number as at this stage last term.But only five of those have seen refs’ rulings changed, compared to nine after the first 70 games in 2023-24.Part of that is a switch to “referee’s call”, meaning there must be clear evidence of a mistake for VAR to intervene.Yet Webb also pointed to the verdicts of the Prem’s Key Match Incidents panel of former players, managers and referees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe PGMOL boss told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “We didn’t manage expectations well over VAR. “It was always going to be [the case that] it did well on situations when you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.“We have this panel now with ex-players on it and they judge each decision each week.“According to the panel, there have only been two VAR errors this season, compared to ten at the same time last year. We’re not complacent but it’s better.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThose errors were disallowing Dango Ouattara’s “winner” for Bournemouth against Newcastle for a handball — and Bruno Fernandes’ red against Spurs.SunSport analysis shows VAR has had little impact on the table. We looked at the “result” of every match if the original call, before VAR intervention, stood.Gary Lineker makes bold prediction on Match of the Day that his ‘good idea’ to fix VAR will eventually come inThe only big change sees Bournemouth go up to sixth from 13th. Newcastle, Brighton and Fulham would have two fewer points, while Wolves while Wolves move off the bottom on goals scored.Dango Ouattara saw his goal wrongfully ruled out against NewcastleCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports Premier LeagueBruno Fernandes was incorrectly dismissed against SpursCredit: Reuters More

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      Premier League trials radical new corner rule endorsed by Gary Neville that will prevent ‘ridiculous situation’

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      HOWARD WEBB has revealed that the Premier League is trialling a radical new corner rule.The chief refereeing officer for PGMOL has insisted that the rule will help avoid “ridiculous situations”Howard Webb has revealed a game-changing potential new ruleCredit: GettyIt would put a tougher limit on goalkeepers holding onto the ballCredit: ReutersIf they hold it for too long the opposition will be awarded a corner kickCredit: AlamyWebb, 53, appeared on the latest episode of Stick To Football by Sky Bet, when he revealed the potential game-changing rule.The trial is ongoing in Premier League 2 and will punish goalkeepers for holding onto the ball for too long.Stoppers are only allowed to keep the ball in their hands for six seconds.However, if they continue to keep the ball and delay the game, the opposing team will be awarded with a corner kick.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “In Premier League 2, they’re trialling something around the goalkeeper holding the ball for more than six seconds.”If they hold it for eight, and don’t release it, it goes to a corner to the other team.”After three seconds, the referee counts down, and if the goalkeeper is daft enough to hold onto it, it’ll be a corner.”That avoids the ridiculous situation where you have an indirect free kick in the six-yard box, and players are chasing out.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManchester United legend Gary Neville supported the idea behind the rule put forward by the former Premier League referee.He said: “I like that. I think we all like that.”Gary Neville suggests drastic rule change to spice up Premier League that would allow teams to win an extra point Gary Neville agreed with the ideaCredit: YouTube / The OverlapNeville had argued that the delays caused by goalkeepers hogging the ball is something that makes him “crazy”.He argued: “The biggest delay in the game is when goalkeepers take longer than the six seconds with the ball.”We talk about delaying the game, a lad like Declan Rice kicked the ball away a touch and to be fair I get the rules, but that’s wasting a millisecond.”Then you’ve got a situation where goalkeepers are holding the ball for nine, ten seconds, sometimes 13 or 14 seconds – they’re wasting six or seven seconds every time.”That never gets pulled up and that rule is still in. It drives my crazy.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Female ref banned for life over sex tape scandal claims video was made with AI and ‘malicious intentions’

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      THE Turkish referee at the centre of a sex tape scandal has claimed that the X-rated video was faked using AI.Elif Karaarslan, 24, was this week banned from officiating after a video was alleged to have shown her having sex with referees’ observer Orhan Erdemir, 61.Elif Karaarslan has been officiating since 2020Credit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17The Turkish official has found herself at the centre of a sex tape scandalCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Karaarslan denies being the woman in an X-rated video circulating onlineCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Karaarslan, who played for Besiktas before having her career cut short by injuries, has denied being in the video.She said: “I will have a long road ahead legally, but will overcome in the strongest and most robust way.”I look forward to your full support and love in this process. Crying, screaming and being sad are not things I would do. That is not me.”I will stand by my cause until the end. I am just one of many who are being harmed – I hope I am the last.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHer legal team have claimed that her alleged role in the video, which has circulated online, has been fabricated by technology.Their statement claimed: “A montaged video was published on social media, created entirely through AI from someone else’s social media account.”Taking into consideration this montage video, created with malicious and deliberate intentions, poses a threat to anyone facing similar accusations in the future.”Erdemir, meanwhile, has confessed to being the male in the video.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “My honour in my family, my social circle and the refereeing community has been blown away.”In addition to my financial losses, the emotional damage I have suffered is indescribable.”How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsLike Karaarslan, Erdemir has also received a lifetime ban from the TFF, Turkey’s FA.Karaarslan debuted as an assistant referee back in 2020.She has since gone on to take charge of the country’s biggest clubs at Under-17s level.And she has also gathered a big social media following, with 462,000 on Instagram.Karaarslan has a large social media followingCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Orhan Erdemir has confessed to being the man in the video More

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      I’ve refereed Cristiano Ronaldo matches a number of times… Man Utd legend is very difficult and complains a lot

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      A HONDURAN referee has lifted the lid on a heated exchange he had with a “difficult” Cristiano Ronaldo after revealing what it’s truly like to manage the superstar on the pitch.One of the spats ended with the Portuguese striker later offering a sincere apology.A Saudi Pro League referee has detailed his experience of working with Cristiano RonaldoSaid Martinez claimed Ronaldo became irate after two goals were ruled out by VARSaid Martinez has officiated a number of games involving Ronaldo throughout his career.And he has now recounted one particularly edgy incident involving the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star.Martinez claimed that he was refereeing an Al-Nassr game when he disallowed two of the 39-year-old’s goals for offside.An irate Ronaldo reportedly made his feelings surrounding the quality of Martinez’s officiating known.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMartinez told Mexican outlet Mediotiempo: “Cristiano Ronaldo is very difficult due to his temperament.”He is a very competitive person, which makes him feel there’s a lot of injustice towards him, so he complains a lot.”We disallowed two goals for him, with VAR and everything, but there was a play that upset him because he felt he was fouled in attack, leading to a goal against them. They were losing.The 33-year-old added: “He stayed 10 metres away from me and said: ‘It’s always the same with you lot, you always think you’re the stars.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”‘But we don’t bring you here to be the stars, we are the stars’, in perfect Spanish.”He started calmly but then got agitated and I just looked at him provocatively to see if he would get closer to me, but he didn’t.” Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnHowever the Fifa-accredited official spoke to Ronaldo about their disagreement in the tunnel after reviewing the incidents.The referee said: “After checking the VAR, I asked him to come closer. Cristiano is Cristiano, and if he doesn’t want to come, he won’t.”But he came over to where I was and I said to him: ‘You’re a great player, but what you said at half-time isn’t right. I respect you a lot, but we’re here to do our job just like you are’.”He replied: ‘Yes, you’re right; it wasn’t the right way to express myself. I apologise’.” Ronaldo’s ultimate expression of regret speaks volumes about his sporting personality.Martinez then revealed that the Portugal captain left him alone in the second half and went on to score a stunning free-kick.Meanwhile, Ronaldo has received 12 red cards in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOf those, eight were direct red cards and four dismissals have come through double yellow cards.The former Juventus star was booked for dissent during Portugal’s defeat to Georgia in Euro 2024.Ronaldo is known for his passionate defences on the pitch More