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      Furious Pep Guardiola confronts referee after Man City draw with Crystal Palace and red card that can’t be overturned

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      FUMING Pep Guardiola confronted the referee on the pitch following Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.The reigning champions lost more ground in the title race as they were held to just a point at Selhurst Park by Oliver Glasner’s side.Rico Lewis was sent off for a second yellow card after this challenge on Trevoh ChalobahCredit: ReutersAn angry Pep Guardiola confronted referee Robert Jones after the gameCredit: PADaniel Munoz had given Palace the lead after just four minutes before Erling Haaland looped a header into the goal on the half hour mark.The second half then saw Maxence Lacroix head home a far post corner before Rico Lewis netted the second equaliser for City.But the England international went from hero to zero as he was sent off by Robert Jones with a second yellow card for a challenge on Trevoh Chalobah even though it appeared he had come off worse.VAR could not overturn the decision – which was the first red card of Lewis’ career – due to it being a second yellow card rather than a straight red.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe only time VAR is permitted to intervene for a second yellow card is when there is a belief the card should be upgraded to a straight red.City stars on the pitch were adamant the decision was an error and confronted Jones both at the time and after the game.However, manager Guardiola also took to the pitch after the game to speak to the ref and assistant refs.He was seen with his hands in his pockets saying something to them before walking away.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking after the game, the Spaniard said: “So proud of the team. I liked everything of the team, how we fought. We have a lot of problems with our squad.”We fought incredible. We came back twice. It’s a difficult place to come. We struggled in the beginning. We gave everything and we take a point.Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ chants at Anfield from Liverpool fans “Long balls, second balls, they’re stronger than us. We started the second half a bit sloppy. After 2-1 we reacted well.”We lost another player defensively for the next game for a second yellow card.”With Liverpool’s clash at Everton postponed due to Storm Darragh, City’s point in London moved them to eight behind the league leaders. More

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      Amazon Prime forced to issue apology to Arne Slot after making claim about Liverpool boss following Newcastle draw

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      AMAZON PRIME have issued an apology to Arne Slot after they wrongly implied he tried to influence a referee.The Liverpool boss spoke to ref Andrew Madley at half-time in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle.Amazon Prime issued an apology to Arne SlotCredit: RexHost Dan Walker mistakenly implied Slot had entered ref Andy Madley’s room at half-timeCredit: AlamyThe Reds were a goal down at the break and had three players booked by Madley.Slot, 46, spoke to the official and Amazon Prime presenter Dan Walker mistakenly implied he had entered the referee’s dressing room, which is forbidden at half-time.But Slot did not in fact enter the referees’ room and he instead spoke to Madley in the tunnel in what was described as a “normal way”, report The Times.Amazon Prime have apologised to Slot and to Liverpool and the matter is considered closed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe broadcaster blamed the error on a production misunderstanding.Managers are allowed to speak to the ref for up to 30 minutes after full-time – in their dressing room.But if they look to go in before then they risk a yellow or red card – it is up to the ref to decide if they are acting in a balanced matter or not.The entertaining game thew up some controversial moments in the latter stages, with Newcastle denied a penalty after Alexander Isak went down in the box under a challenge from Jarrell Quansah.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMadley also blew for full-time as Toon were on the attack, and Liverpool had a penalty appeal waved away after Alexis Mac Allister’s shot struck Sean Longstaff on the arm.Eddie Howe refused to get involved in the matter when asked, stating: “I don’t think I’ll go there. I think that’s a can of worms. I tend to focus on my team.”Football fans say ‘I’m dying of cringe’ as Arsene Wenger DANCES on stage at live Fifa Club World Cup draw More

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      Chelsea fans say ‘how is this allowed?’ as referee for huge Tottenham clash is decided

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      CHELSEA fans were left furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will referee their derby against Tottenham, just two years after officiating a highly controversial clash.The Blues and Spurs will lock horns in the Premier League on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chelsea fans are furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will be the referee against TottenhamCredit: RexTaylor oversaw a controversial 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham in 2022Credit: GettyChelsea were angry with Taylor’s officiating against Tottenham two years agoCredit: GettyAnd Taylor, 46, will be in charge after overseeing a dramatic 2-2 draw in August 2022 at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea were left incensed at full-time as they claimed both of the North Londoners’ goals should have been disallowed.Tottenham ace Rodrigo Bentancur appeared to have fouled Kai Havertz in the build-up to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s goal.And Cristian Romero then appeared to pull Marc Cucurella by the hair as they contested a corner-kick moments before Harry Kane scored as a result of that set-piece.Read More on ChelseaThe West Londoners’ manager at the time Thomas Tuchel even suggested Taylor should NEVER officiate another Chelsea game.Nevertheless, the Mancunian ref will referee the London clash once more despite a negative reaction from a section of Blues fans.One fan tweeted: “I sound like a broken record but how is he still allowed to referee our games? Especially what happened couple years ago.”Another commented: “Why does he get all of our big games? It’s every season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “It was fun while it lasted…”This fan gushed: “FFS!”Cole Palmer scowls at reporter’s question as fans hail Chelsea star’s interviews as ‘one of a kind’ And that one said: “Drama loading.”Taylor is among the Premier League’s most experienced and respected refs having been officiating in the Premier League since 2010. More

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      New ‘Mikel Arteta law’ to be introduced to football after Arsenal manager’s Champions League antics

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      MIKEL ARTETA has helped bring about a change in the laws of football – to stop coaches being sent off for innocent mistakes.Arsenal chief Arteta was booked for grabbing the ball a fraction of a second before it went out of play for a Gunners throw on the touchline during his side’s Champions League defeat at Inter Milan.Mikel Arteta was booked during his side’s Champions League clash with Inter MilanCredit: GettyThe Gunners boss interfered with play at San SiroCredit: TNT SportsUefa confirmed that Arteta should have been dismissed for his action.But Lawmakers on the International FA Board have now agreed to propose that from next season it would just be an indirect free-kick and no disciplinary action against the coach or any substitute who accidentally infringed.Ifab technical director and former Premier League ref David Elleray explained: “It’s currently a direct free-kick, or a penalty if it happens inside the box as was the case in a match in Germany a few years ago, and a red card.“Of course, the coach might still get a yellow card if he comes out of his technical area to do it but if the Laws are applied rigorously we feel they are too draconian.”READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Law change will be confirmed at The Ifab’s annual general meeting in Belfast in February, along with two other minor alterations.The first will allow Prem refs and officials in other domestic competitions to explain changed VAR decisions over stadium tannoys to give more explanation to fans in the ground over why a call has been overturned.That was trialled at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and has been used more widely since.Prem clubs will decide if they want to adopt the measure for next season, in addition to the extra information now being displayed on giant screens.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the last change will relate to drop ball situations where play is just outside the penalty box.Currently the ball has to go to the defending team if they have cleared it but from next term that will revert to the attacking side if they would clearly have taken up possession.Mikel Arteta fumes over penalty decisions as Arsenal lose to Inter Milan More

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      ‘I’m surprised’: Ex-Prem ref responds as VAR helps Arsenal again with controversial Saka and Timber calls at West Ham

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      ARSENAL’s victory over West Ham was comprehensive, but it wasn’t without controversy following some questionable VAR calls.The Gunners won 5-2 after an entertaining Premier League encounter against the Hammers on Saturday at the London Stadium.Arsenal picked up a controversial victory over West HamCredit: GettyFormer Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversyCredit: RexThe London rivals played out a seven-goal thriller in the first half that saw the visitors lead 4-0 by the 36th minute with goals by Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.However, West Ham got back in the game with two goals within two minutes thanks to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri.But Arsenal knocked the wind out of the East Londoners’ sales in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a controversial penalty that Gabriel earned and Bukayo Saka scored.Former Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversy on Whistleblower.Read More on ArsenalHalsey started by analysing Arsenal’s final goal that ended West Ham’s hopes of a dramatic comeback.Saka whipped in a corner-kick from the right and Gabriel got the header that sent the ball way over the crossbar.But then referee Anthony Taylor deemed Lukasz Fabianski caught the centre-back in the face in his attempt to punch the ball away.Taylor booked Fabianski in front of a shocked crowd and Saka scored from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballHalsey told SunSport’s Will Pugh: “I think when the cross comes over and the ball comes over like that, you’re going to have contact between players at every occasion. You’re going to have contact. And it’s subjective. “We have seen penalties given in those sort of situations where a keeper has come out. But there’s been a lot more contact than we saw at the weekend.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait “Anthony Taylor’s given it. He’s taken some time to think about it. And he’s given it. And VAR are not going to overrule that, because obviously we’ve heard Howard Webb say that we want to stick with the on-field decision on those situations, on a subjective decision.”So, listen, yeah, I mean, had he not given that as a penalty, that would have stayed not given. It does seem that it did take four or five seconds to give the decision whether he was influenced by Gabriel on the floor, holding his head, his face and players sort of surrounding him. “So, as I said, had it not been given, it would have stayed not given. It would have stayed with the on-field decision.”Arsenal players weren’t really claiming for anything. It all went quiet in the ground. And then all of a sudden, there’s a penalty check for God knows what. And then Arsenal scored.”Halsey, though, was categorically against the way the referee and VAR handled Arsenal’s opener that saw Saka’s corner-kick from the right finding Gabriel who beat Fabianski with a clinical header.Jurrien Timber appeared to have fouled Lucas Paqueta, who covered the near post and could have easily headed the cross away.’I’m surprised’However, Timber seemed to have pushed him from behind and that didn’t allow Paqueta to clear the ball.Halsey added: “Well, again, we’re talking about inconsistency, aren’t we? Regarding decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?”So, yeah, listen, for me, I think it’s a clear free-kick. And I’m surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review.”Halsey also addressed Arsenal’s first penalty that saw Paqueta fouling Saka inside the West Ham area on 34 minutes.It seemed like there was very little contact and the England international didn’t go down immediately.Nevertheless, the decision stood and the North Londoners’ captain Odegaard converted from the spot to make it 3-0.Halsey said: “When he sticks his leg out like that, you run the risk. And I just want to see players, when they are challenged like that, just go down straight away.”Don’t need to take one or two more steps, then go down. Listen, had that not been given, it would have stayed.”Possibly not given. Because as I say, there was just slight, slight contact. But once the referee has given it…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listen, I think he’s just guessed as in the way he’s gone in and Paqueta’s gone over. And he’s been safe and given a free-kick. “But we can all see that it’s not a free-kick and he has clearly won the ball. But in real time, it possibly looked like it’s a free-kick.” More

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      FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoy

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      AFC WIMBLEDON against Dagenham & Redbridge was halted in bizarre circumstances.The FA Cup second round tie was just 10 minutes old when referee Craig Hicks needed treatment for a leg injury.Referee Craig Hicks receives treatment to a leg injury in a FA Cup second round tieCredit: RexHicks leaves the Cherry Red Records Stadium after he couldn’t continueCredit: RexHe was seen to for two minutes, before it was decided he could not continue.After 14 minutes, he subbed himself off – with a replacement official needed.Incredibly, just moments later, AFC Wimbledon made a PA announcement appealing for a ref.Over the tannoy, it was asked: “Do we have a qualified official in the crowd?”Read more football newsFinally, after 18 minutes, a referee did appear at the Cherry Red Records Stadium and replaced Hicks.The man who took on the role was the original fourth official, Greg Rollason.He was seen heading down from the main stand, to the tunnel area, to talk with the officials about taking over from Hicks.Then, he headed to the centre circle where he was seen limbering up and then blowing the whistle to continue the game.Most read in Football’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsRollason’s first decision had to made four seconds after the restart, when he awarded a free kick for a push against the home side.Amusingly, the home team’s fans then chanted: “You’re not fit to referee.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe situation was reminiscent of last month’s clash between Charlton and Wrexham.There, referee Sam Purkiss went down twice before finally having to come off the pitch with a knee injury.Football fans’ humour, again, kicked in as he left the pitch.The fans chanted: “You’re not fit to referee.” More

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      Brighton 1 Southampton 1: Fuming Martin has to be held back from Hurzeler after controversial VAR call denies him win

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      RUSSELL MARTIN was left seething after Southampton were denied only a second win of the season as VAR caused chaos once again. Saints were in dreamland when Cameron Archer looked as though he had slotted home a 67th-minute winner to finally provide the club with a glimmer of hope. Cameron Archer’s goal was ruled outCredit: GettyArcher at the back post was judged to be onside yet Adam Armstrong in the middle was offsideArmstrong threw a trailing leg at the ball as it went behind him and was deemed to be interferingRussell Martin’s temper flared and he had to be held back from Fabian HurzelerCredit: PATheir argument continued onto the pitchAnd the bosses eventually had to be separatedIt came after Flynn Downes had cancelled out Kaoru Mitoma’s opener for the high-flying Seagulls who had the prospect of soaring into the heady heights of second-place in the table with a draw or a win. But you can always rely on VAR to inflict more misery on a Southampton side who look all but down before the advent calendars have been opened. A lengthy check by VAR ref Jarred Gillett which involved lots of zooming in and out and lines resulted in the goal being chalked off for offside, leaving Martin and co gobsmacked. It was ruled out not because Archer was offside but because Adam Armstrong was offside and deemed to be interfering with play as the cross came in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe cameras panned to Martin who was effing and blinding on the touchline with Saints rock bottom of the table. He continued his fury after the full-time whistle when he had angry words with Brighton gaffer Fabian Hurzeler. Injured keeper Aaron Ramsdale hit out at the decision on Twitter, writing: “You can not be serious.”After the game, Martin raged that he had sympathy for on-field officials but “struggled to accept” errors from those in Stockley Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHurzeler added: “I think it’s about respect. You should ask him [Martin] about it.”It’s worth remembering his Southampton strugglers would stay at the foot of the table no matter what happened at the Amex last night. It was a huge let off for Brighton who are now sitting pretty in second, bang on level with Manchester City on goal difference. Brighton’s model as a football club has always been revolutionary and refreshing in equal measure, but last night begs the question of whether they have got the minerals to become real little contenders?’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsStats driven recruitment is the beating heart of their success while their young and ambitious manager, Fabian Hurzeler has produced an exceptional start to the season, but consistency will be key. With 23 points from their first 13 games, this remains Brighton’s best start to a top-flight season.And since the beginning of October, only leaders Liverpool have won more points.As expected, the hosts burst out the traps, with Georginio Rutter teeing up Mitoma, who would have lashed in the opener had it not been for Joe Lumley’s finger tips. Rutter was back for more with his twinkle toes twisting inside and out of three pink shirts before he flicked a shot just wide. It was no surprise that the French 22-year-old produced Brighton’s best chance as he cut inside and drilled a shot off the far post. Brighton were building and got their deserved opener on 28 minutes as Tariq Lamptey pulled away from Taylor Harwood-Bellis to tee up Mitoma who headed home. It was dreadful defending though as Saints allowed the ball to bounce around the penalty spot while the defenders shirked their duties once again. The cameras panned to a dejected Martin who was shaking his head as the goal replayed on his ipad. He should have played Candy Crush on his ipad instead of looking at his side’s abysmal defending. Meanwhile Mitoma, another hidden gem unearthed by Tony Bloom, is now one goal short of Shinji Okazaki’s 14-goal record as the top Japanese scorer in the top-flight. Chants of “You’re going down with the Palace” rang out from the boisterous North Stand, but it only riled up Martin and co. The Saints boss shouted “f***ing come on” just after a huge chance for Archer who latched onto an inch-perfect Yukinari Sugawara cross before shinning it over from eight-yards. Brighton looked as though they were bossing it again after the break as Lamptey and Welbeck linking up before Matt O’Reily fired in a cross, but Mitoma was unable to make the crucial touch. The hosts were stunned though when out of absolutely nothing Downes hammered the ball home on 58 minutes. The leveller was fired in on the edge of the box after the ball ricocheted out to the Saints midfielder after Armstrong and Ryan Manning both had shots blocked. READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthampton couldn’t believe it when Ryan Fraser’s cross found Archer six-yards out and he slotted into the bottom corner, sparking mayhem in the away end on 67 minutes before the VAR misery. Brighton hit back strongly with Rutter nearly making it 2-1 with an outrageous bicycle kick from Welbeck’s cross but they couldn’t find a second.Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for BrightonCredit: RexFlynn Downes equalised with a thumping finishCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star Andre Onana avoided red card due to little-known rule as Bodo/Glimt star reveals referee’s explanation

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      ANDRE ONANA avoided a red card against Bodo/Glimt due to a little-known rule.The Cameroonian, 28, was in action as Manchester United came from behind to beat their Norwegian opponents 3-2 in the Europa League.Andre Onana appeared to handle outside the boxCredit: TNT SportsOnana helped his side to a comeback winCredit: GettyLawrence Visser elected not to punish Andre OnanaCredit: RexWith 15 minutes remaining, Onana was involved in a highly contentious moment.As Bodo/Glimt broke forward, the United stopper raced out of his goal.Onana challenged Jens Petter Hauge, with the ball clearly striking his arm and stopping Bodo/Glimt’s attack.Referee Lawrence Visser immediately waved away the visitors’ claims.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision was then cleared by VAR as the game continued.After his side’s defeat, Bodo/Glimt’s skipper Patrick Berg revealed Visser’s on-field explanation for the decision.He told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “I feel Jens tries to drag the ball past Onana and then it hits his hand.”He [Visser] explains that there is a rule that states that the ball can hit the hand if it is on the ground as a support, then it does not matter.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/GlimtWhile the decision not to send Onana off was correct by the letter of the law, it still left some opposition players with a sour taste.Hakon Evjen added: “It looked like he takes it with his hand now and then, whether there is support or not.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt “It is an open target for Jens at 20 metres, so it is at least debatable.”Man Utd had taken the lead after just 48 seconds via Alejandro Garnacho.But Bodo/Glimt stunned the Old Trafford crowd by turning the game on its head courtesy of strikes by Evjen And Philip Zinckernagel.Rasmus Hojlund levelled on the stroke of half-time, before grabbing what turned out to be the winner on 50 minutes.After the game, Onana caught up with a high-profile compatriot.The goalkeeper beamed as he posed for a snap with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.Onana beams as he poses with Francis NgannouCredit: GettyPatrick Berg revealed the referee’s decision making processCredit: Getty More