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      Non-league clash ABANDONED with players forced off the pitch after just seven minutes due to weather

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      SOUTHEND’S non-league clash against Boston United was ABANDONED due to weather conditions. The National League game kicked off under heavy fog in Lincolnshire.Boston United vs Southend was suspendedCredit: Focus ImagesBut after just seven minutes players were taken off the pitch by the referee with the match suspended. Around 20 minutes later officials were still deciding on what to do. Southend posted online: “The referee has decided to take another check on conditions in 10 minutes to see if anything improves. “The game remains suspended and a final decision will be made at that point.” read more in footballEventually, the murky conditions were deemed too extreme to carry on.Southend added: “Tonight’s game against Boston United has been abandoned due to the fog.”Safe trip home to every Shrimper who made the journey tonight.”The drive from Southend to Boston is close to three hours one way, with public transport taking closer to four hours.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoston United confirmed: “Tonight’s fixture has been abandoned due to fog.”An announcement regarding ticketing will follow during the coming hours.”A new date will be communicated in due course. We apologise for any inconvenience caused…” Hosts Boston came into the game second from bottom while Southend sat 14th – having won their last two games. Why Daniel Levy will be fed PIE & CHIPS with Tottenham in for FA Cup shock at part-time Tamworth More

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      Premier League referee makes history as he refuses to send off Bournemouth star who ‘clotheslined Cucurella’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Robert Jones made history when he refused to send off David Brooks for a “clothesline” challenge on Marc Cucurella.The incident occurred during last night’s clash between Chelsea and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.Robert Jones made history during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with BournemouthCredit: ReutersVAR recommended a red card review for David Brooks’ ‘clothesline’ on Marc CucurellaThe Blues took the lead through Cole Palmer before the visitors turned the game on its head for 2-1.And it took a last-gasp Reece James free-kick to rescue a point for Enzo Maresca’s side, who have now gone five games without a win.However, Chelsea felt they were hard done by when Cucurella was smashed by Brooks while making a forward run.Bournemouth’s Welshman appeared to “clothesline” the Spaniard, according to fans online.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it saw VAR recommend a red card review for violent conduct at the pitchside monitor.However, referee Jones did not see things the same way.After watching a replay of the incident, he went against VAR’s recommendation and instead gave Brooks a yellow card.It marked the first time in Premier League history that a referee has rejected a red-card review at the monitor.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt was also the first VAR monitor rejection this season.And the Premier League’s Match Centre explained Jones’ thinking in a social media post.The one player Chelsea must sign this seasonJones rejected the red card recommendation, the first one in Premier League historyCredit: ReutersFans were left baffled by the decisionCredit: GettyIt read: “VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card to Brooks for violent conduct.“Upon review, the referee deemed that the challenge on Cucurella was a reckless action and not violent conduct — and issue a yellow card to Brooks.”Fans certainly felt the decision should have been a red card.One said: “Blatant and deliberate. Red card all day.”Another declared: “Pure embarrassment.”One noted: “Blatant red, that’s a wrestling move.”Another added: “Clotheslines now allowed in football.”Chelsea player ratings vs BournemouthCHELSEA failed to win for their fourth Prem outing in a row as they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth.Having taken the lead through Cole Palmer, things went very wrong in the second half.Justin Kluivert scored from the spot after a poor challenge from Moise Caicedo led to the penalty. Antoine Semenyo then put the Cherries in front.But up stepped Reece James to fire in a brilliant 95th minute penalty and salvage a point.Here’s how the players rated…Robert Sanchez – 5His (or Enzo Maresca’s) insistence on playing the “riskiest pass in football” almost cost his side in the first half, but he wasn’t caught out on this occasion. Couldn’t do an awful lot about either of the goals, a pretty average performance.Moises Caicedo – 3Was solid in the first half if not a little fortunate not to be booked for a few “tactical” fouls. However, he got caught out in the second 45 and gave away a penalty through a poorly timed tackle on Semenyo. Not the kind of performance we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him as his passes too often went astray.Josh Acheampong – 5Made a few good blocks and tackles in the first half, but was easily beaten by Semenyo before he smashed home the goal that put Bournemouth in the lead. Looked a little inexperienced out there, but you can tell he has quality – was taken off for Tosin in the second half shortly after the goal, who you would imagine will take the starting spot going forward.Levi Colwill – 6Imperious in the air and across the ground in the first half. Didn’t do a lot wrong truth be told, but no clean sheet cost him a higher score.Marc Cucurella – 6Stepped into his tackles well and was solid throughout the game, keeping David Brooks quiet on the right for Bournemouth. Wasn’t as influential in an attacking sense as we have seen him be this season, but still did a decent job.Romeo Lavia – 5Dominant in midfield in the first half, and was brilliant in transition, looking like a master of his craft. Unfortunately, a second-half mistake saw him caught out which led to the Bournemouth penalty before he was then booked for a late tackle. Was taken off shortly after he was booked and replaced by Reece James.Enzo Fernández (c) – 6Worked well as he had done previously when given the license to roam forward, knowing he had Lavia and Caicedo behind him. Bournemouth’s midfield had no answer to him with the ball at his feet, but as for many of the Blues, he was much quieter in the second half.Noni Madueke – 6Arguably deserved a first-half assist after he left a defender on the floor with a mazy run from the right-hand side, but Nicolas Jackson fluffed his lines in front of goal. Continued his good work on the ball in the second half and generally created some good chances that weren’t finished.Cole Palmer – 8Looked like he was out to impress from the start, with a cheeky nutmeg followed by a Lampard vs Hull-esque dink early on which didn’t come off. This was all before the 12th minute where he sat interim goalkeeper Mark Travers on his backside with a fake shot before slotting home for the opening goal. He created good chances too for Jackson, but faded pretty heavily after his goal.Jadon Sancho – 4Two nutmegs in quick succession was the highlight of his first half, but he was pretty quiet throughout the 90 minutes.Nicolas Jackson – 6His first half performance would have had fans raving about how he is the second coming of Didier Drogba. But his second half reminded us of why he’s not, with two huge bites at the Cherries missed that ultimately cost his side.SUBSReece James (Romeo Lavia, 56) – 8Made the perfect comeback from his injury woes, with a rocket of a free-kick guided into the bottom right corner. Looked strong and composed on the ball after his introduction.Tosin Adarabioyo (Josh Acheampong, 71) – 7Brought a bit more presence and leadership to a Chelsea team that looked as though it was lacking exactly that tonight. Had a good header saved by Travers at the death, you’d imagine he will be starting against Wolves.Joao Felix (Moises Caicedo, 80) – 6Did really well with limited minutes on the pitch after being bought on. A tame effort on goal was saved by the Bournemouth keeper, but it was his mazy dribbling that won the free-kick that James fired home to equalise.Pedro Neto (Noni Madueke, 80) – 5Didn’t get long enough to properly warm into the game and Chelsea didn’t find him enough, could probably count his touches on your fingers. More

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      Football match descends into chaos with huge brawl and players punching each other

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      AN INDONESIAN football match descended into chaos following a huge brawl as players punched each other. The Liga 2 game between Deltras FC and Persibo Bojonegoro ended in a 1-1 draw. An Indonesian match descended into chaos following a huge brawlCredit: XPlayers Deltras FC and Persibo Bojonegoro punched each otherCredit: XThe row started over a disputed goalCredit: XBut drama unfolded in the closing stages of the game when Persibo levelled the game. It sparked a furious reaction from Deltras who protested a foul in the build-up to the goal.Tensions soon escalated with players chasing the referee and some Deltras supporters even storming the pitch. Shock footage revealed players from both sides throwing punches and kicks at one another. READ MORE IN football The scenes soon went viral on social media with stunned fans flooding the comment section. One said: “Lots of drama.” Another added: “Regardless of how foolish and moronic the decision was, Liga 2 doesn’t have VAR. “If clubs can wreak havoc on the pitch to get what they want. It’s a bad precedent.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne said: “The two clubs should get sanctions.” The result left Persibo second in Group C of Liga 2 with Deltras a point behind in third. How Spurs can destroy Arsenal’s title hopes with Ange Postecoglou ‘wheels of chaos’ tacticAmir Burhanuddin, CEO of Deltras, said: “It all started with the referee’s leadership. “When the foul occurred, our players prepared, but the ball was shifted by the opposing player which then resulted in a quick free kick. “However, the opposing player’s position was clearly offside.” More

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      Is VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round? Video Assistant Referee ruling for the cup

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      THE FA Cup third round is here as the Premier League’s giants join in from this stage.But how does the video assistant referee system work with the lower league clubs, and when is it being used from?VAR in use in the FA Cup last seasonCredit: The TimesLast season, Manchester United won the FA Cup by defeating local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley.However, manager Erik ten Hag was sacked later in the year in October after earning a reprieve by winning the cup.On the way to reaching the final, United received an almighty VAR call in their favour in their semi-final victory over Coventry City.This time round, United are opening up with a blockbuster all-Premier League clash at Arsenal.But will the video assistant referee (VAR) be used in the match?Coventry had VAR heartbreak against Man Utd last seasonCredit: GettyIs VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round?No. VAR will not be used in the FA Cup until the fifth round stage.Previously VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums due to “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”The FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards. Most read in FA Cup”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds. “VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation. “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 137.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More

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      Ange Postecoglou cites little-known rule as he claims Tottenham hero Bergvall SHOULDN’T have got second yellow card

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU referred to a little-know rule as he claimed Lucas Bergvall was correctly not sent-off against Liverpool.The 18-year-old midfielder was the hero for Tottenham, scoring the winner in their 1-0 victory in the Carabao Cup semi-final last night.Lucas Bergvall had already been yellow carded when he fouled Kostas TsimikasCredit: RexThe ref’s decision comes down to whether the challenge was reckless or notCredit: RexAnge Postecoglou cited a little-known rule in his defence of the refereeCredit: GettyLiverpool were incensed that Bergvall should have got his marching orders for wiping out Kostas Tsimikas when already on a yellow card.But a second booking and subsequent red stayed in Stuart Attwell’s pocked.Asked about the decision, Postecoglou cited a little-known rule as he claimed the ref was correct on Bergvall’s challenge because he played an advantage straight after it.The Spurs boss said: “The rule is and we have been told for quite a while now that if advantage gets played, as long as it is not for a cynical tackle then the yellow card doesn’t get given.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPostecoglou is partly correct – but there are more key details to understand about the rule.In this incident, if Attwell thought it was an honest attempt to go for the ball from Bergvall, he was correct not to give a yellow as Liverpool’s attack continued.But the remains questionable as many felt the Spurs man’s tackle was reckless, which means the ref should have red carded him instantly and not played advantage.The rules state that advantage should not be used if the challenge was a “second cautionable offence”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis means the decision on Bergvall comes down to the official’s opinion on whether it was a reckless tackle or not.The playing of advantage does not impact this situation.Ange Postecoglou falls to his knees in despair after Pedro Porro fails to convert golden chance against LiverpoolRules on advantages state: “If the referee plays the advantage for an offence for which a caution/sending-off would have been issued had play been stopped, this caution/sending-off must be issued when the ball is next out of play. “However, if the offence was denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, the player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour; if the offence was interfering with or stopping a promising attack, the player is not cautioned.”Advantage should not be applied in situations involving serious foul play, violent conduct or a second cautionable offence unless there is a clear opportunity to score a goal. “The referee must send off the player when the ball is next out of play but if the player plays the ball or challenges/interferes with an opponent, the referee will stop play, send off the player and restart with an indirect free kick, unless the player committed a more serious offence.”Reckless is “when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned”. More

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      ‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen red

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK raged Lucas Bergvall should have been sent off — moments before the Swedish teen hit Tottenham’s winner.That came after team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur was carried off on a stretcher in a neck brace and head strap after a heavy fall in this Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Lucas Bergvall escaped a second booking for this foul on Kostas TsimikasCredit: RexTsimikas needed treatment off the pitch following the lungeVirgil van Dijk reckons it’s ‘obvious’ Bergvall deserved to be sent offBergvall struck the only goal  in the 86th minute but just before he escaped a second  yellow despite taking out Kostas Tsimikas  — with ref Stuart Attwell playing advantage and deciding not to go back to book the 18-year-old.Tsimikas was then off the pitch waiting to come back on as Bergvall put Spurs ahead.Liverpool captain Van Dijk was seen arguing with whistler Attwell at full-time, insisting “It’s a yellow!”The Dutchman, 33, later seethed: “It was quite obvious was going to be a second yellow, it was pretty clear.Most read in Football“Then a minute later he scores the winner.“The ref made a mistake and I told him that. It was quite obvious and everyone on the sideline knew it was a yellow.“He should have been off. There is a linesman, fourth official, VAR and referee and he doesn’t get a second yellow.“I’m not saying it is the reason why we lost but it was a big moment.”Most read in FootballArne Slot gave the fourth official his verdict on Bergvall staying onFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReds boss Arne Slot and his coaching staff were left raging after Bergvall’s goal on the touchline.Slot’s assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff was booked for his complaints.Ange Postecoglou falls to his knees in despair after Pedro Porro fails to convert golden chance against LiverpoolThe game was the first in English men’s football history to have VAR decisions announced to the fans in the stadium.Attwell could be heard on the loudspeaker explaining Dominic Solanke’s 78th-minute goal had been ruled offside.Slot, whose side failed to score for only the second game this season, added: “It would be more interesting if he explained why he didn’t give a second yellow card than why he cancelled the goal.“But I know that’s not the rule.”Spurs chief Ange Postecoglou added: “I can see why Arne would be very disappointed but apparently they’re the rules.“He wasn’t lucky to be on the pitch. If the advantage gets played and it’s not a cynical tackle, then it’s not a yellow.“We’ve been screaming for it in the last two months and that’s what we’ve been told.”Bergvall’s strike came 80 minutes after team-mate Bentancur fell to the turf in worrying scenes when going up for a challenge unchallenged.He appeared to be knocked out, with Pedro Porro seeming to put his finger in his stricken pal’s mouth to ensure he had not swallowed his tongue.After six minutes of treatment, Bentancur was stretchered off in a neck brace and head brace.He received oxygen as he left the field — but was later conscious, talking and sent for hospital for further checks.Postecoglou added: “It was some sort of head injury, but he was conscious when he was coming off the field.“He’s been taken to the hospital for observation. Hopefully he’ll be OK.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSpurs keeper Antonin Kinsky hugged his sister after keeping a debut clean sheet following this week’s £12.5million switch from Slavia Prague just days ago.The Czech, 21, said: “I’m a big dreamer but I never dreamt this one.” More

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      ‘Genuinely what’s the point of VAR?’ – Fans fume as ‘unbelievable’ audio reveals why ref changed mind on Duran red card

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      FOOTBALL fans have been left scratching their heads once again after the audio was released for the VAR decision to send off Jhon Duran against Newcastle.Duran was dismissed during the Magpies’ 3-0 win over Villa on Boxing Day following an incident that saw his studs scrape up the back of Fabian Schar.Jhon Duran was sent off against Newcastle on boxing dayCredit: ReutersDuran was deemed to have deliberately stood on Fabian Schar’s backCredit: GettyDuran was left fuming with the decisionCredit: GettyThe officials’ audio of the incident has now been releasedCredit: Sky SportsThe Villa striker was deemed to have deliberately stood on Schar’s back and was shown a straight red card by referee Anthony Taylor at the time.But the decision left Villa manager Unai Emery seething, he said: “Three matches for this red card is hard to accept. There was no action with the intention to kick him.”.Aston Villa later had an appeal against the decision rejected, meaning Duran’s three-game ban remained in place.And the reasons behind the decision not being overturned have now been revealed on ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ after the audio from the incident was shown.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing Duran’s fall to the ground, both the fourth official and assistant referee appear to tell Anthony Taylor that they believe it was accidental.Fourth official Leigh Doughty can be heard saying: “It looks accidental from here”. While one of the assistant refs claims the incident is “reckless” and not dangerous, suggesting Duran should be cautioned and not sent off.He said: “So Duran steps on the back. For me, it’s a reckless act rather than anything more. He’s sort of trying to stop and then lands in the wrong place. So Duran, caution.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Anthony Taylor makes his own decision instead of taking the advice of his colleagues, citing Fabian Schar “holding somewhere else” on his body as the reason to show red. Taylor can he heard saying: “Hang on, he [Schar] is holding somewhere else here [on his body]. I’m going red card”.Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran rages as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair Fans have been left confused and frustrated that Taylor seemed to change his decision based on where Schar had been stamped on.On social media, one fan wrote: “That Duran red card audio is UNBELIEVABLE, genuinely what’s the point of VAR?? Tedious.”While another added: “Something is so wrong with this system”.A third fumed: “Absolutely shocking”.And a fourth posted: “Decides to send him off because of where Schar is holding. Laughable”.PGMOL chief Howard Webb was on hand during ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ to explain why the decision didn’t change and why Villa’s appeal wasn’t overturned.The retired referee explained that Taylor had the best view of the incident and so was best placed to make the decision on it being a red card, going on to add that there wasn’t enough evidence to prove his decision was incorrect to overturn it.He said: “You can hear on the comms a range of opinions. The fourth official makes a comment based on what he’s seen, the assistant referee suggests it might be a yellow card. “But the best placed match official by a long way is the referee, who is right behind the situation.”Adding:”It’s always hard to read players’ minds, you have to judge the actions that we see, the physical evidence to make our judgements. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And in this situation, the referee saw the action, felt it was a red card offence.”And the VAR saw the movement of that leg onto the back of Schar and didn’t feel that the on-field referee’s call was obviously wrong – he probably agreed with it – and it stayed as an on-field call as a red card.”Howard Webb has explained why the decision stood More

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      Michael Owen argues back as Howard Webb reveals VAR took SEVEN SECONDS to decide Brighton penalty vs Arsenal

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      VAR took just seven seconds to check Brighton’s controversial penalty against Arsenal.The Gunners dropped two points in the title race at the Amex last weekend after William Saliba was deemed to have made head contact with Joao Pedro when going for a header in the box.Howard Webb explained why Brighton were awarded a penaltyWilliam Saliba made contact on Joao Pedro using his headBoss Mikel Arteta was seething at full time, revealing he had never seen anything like that in his entire career and claimed the VAR official Darren England took just seconds to confirm Anthony Taylor’s decision.And the Spaniard was proven right, but PGMOL chief Howard Webb insists ref Taylor made the right call, despite replays showing Saliba’s head glancing the ball.In the released transcript, England can be heard saying during his check: “Clear. Clear penalty. Head on head.”And Webb explaned: “It’s unusual. Saliba doesn’t head it. Saliba has the ball flicked onto his head and then he goes into the head of Pedro. He gets there late on Pedro, who goes down.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“It’s a late contact by someone who hasn’t played the ball himself. The ball has touched him, but he’s not played it.“When you break it down in that way, it’s a foul.”If he heads the ball first at that loose ball and there’s a collision, I have no issue with that and then there’s a collision. That’s not what happened.”Discussing the incident with Webb, Michael Owen pushed back on TV show Match Officials Mic’d Up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “If he touches the ball it has to make a difference. If he doesn’t touch the ball it’s definitely a penalty.”He gets a fair chunk of the ball.”Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 yearsArsenal skipper Martin Odegaard said: “None of us have seen many penalties given for situations like that before.“There is a small contact on the head there, but William touches the ball too, so it’s a weird one.” More