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      ‘This is RIDICULOUS’ – Ian Wright in meltdown over ‘worst officials in Europe’ after Arsenal’s draw with Brighton

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      IAN WRIGHT fumed that Prem refs are the “worst in Europe” after Brighton were awarded a controversial penalty against Arsenal.William Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao Pedro after he mistimed a header and caught the Seagulls striker.Ian Wright slammed the penalty decisionCredit: ReutersWilliam Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao PedroThe Arsenal defender avoided a red card with VAR sticking by referee Anthony Taylor’s decision.But Wright disagreed with the decision to award a penalty and fumed that it was given.He said on Optus Sport: “I don’t know what to believe anymore. This is ridiculous. We have the worst officials in Europe.”Mikel Arteta was equally as bemused as he made his feelings clear post-match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Sky Sports: “I have never seen something like this in my life.”I am really disappointed. He touches the ball as well!”Fans argued over whether the correct decision was made as the Premier League released a statement on the incident.It read: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe decision proved crucial as Pedro converted the penalty to equalise, with the match ending 1-1.The Gunners dropped yet more points in the title race and are now five points behind Liverpool having played two games more.Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 years More

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      Premier League release statement on Brighton’s penalty against Arsenal after VAR check on William Saliba challenge

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a statement on the decision to award Brighton a penalty after William Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro.Saliba made contact on the Brighton striker using his head but avoided a red card.William Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao PedroVAR confirmed referee Anthony Taylor’s callCredit: ReutersReferee Anthony Taylor did deem the challenge to be a foul however so awarded the Seagulls a penalty, which Pedro converted.VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the ref’s decision to award a spot kick.The Premier League match centre have since clarified the incident, confirming the decision made by the ref and VAR.It wrote on X: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”READ MORE ON ARSENALFans were split on the incident with one Arsenal fan arguing it should have not been a penalty.They wrote: “In what world is this a penalty against Saliba????”A fan hit back, saying: “100 per cent pen. If you go to kick the ball and catch the player late it’s a foul, no different with head! It’s a late foul!”Another added: “Clear penalty!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a third wrote: “It’s a clear penalty. You can see clearly the tackle stopped Pedro from advancing forward.”Ethan Nwaneri had put Arsenal in front in the first half but they were unable to find another after Pedro’s equaliser, with the match finishing 1-1.Amazon Prime Video presenter and John Legend give fans ‘second hand embarrassment’ after Arsenal’s win over IpswichArsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More

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      in Boxing

      Horror moment referee gets punched in face as officials forced to storm boxing ring to break up chaotic fight

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      A REFEREE was on the receiving end of some brutal punches during a boxing match in Japan.The incident took place during Rikiya Anpo’s RIZIN 49 clash with Sina Karimian, who was a replacement for boxing superstar Ryan Garcia.The referee tried to hault Rikiya Anpo’s RIZIN 49 clash with Sina Karimian due to illegal blowsCredit: RIZINThe poor official ended up taking several punches to his face for his effortsCredit: RIZINHe took even more blows to the head the second time aroundCredit: RIZINAnpo – who recently threw down with Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao – was too slick and elusive for his replacement opponent.Frustration soon started to get the better of Karimian, so much so that he started to break the rules of the contest.The Iranian threw several spinning back fists in the sixth round and received a stern warning from the referee.An irate Anpo eventually responded with one of his own, sparking pandemonium as the ref tried to separate the pair.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBoth men threw punches as the official tried his best to keep the duo apart.And Karimian ended up landing several hard blows on the poor ref, who took them like a champ.Ringside officials eventually entered to help restore order and the fight was later restarted.Footage of the incident went viral, with one fight fan saying on X: “Dear lord.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOrder was eventually restored by the referee and other ringside officialsCredit: RIZINAnother said: “[The] ref does have some chin.”And another said: “What a POS and that ref has a chin on him.”Shocking moment MMA fight cancelled after huge brawl breaks out during introductions One remarked: “This was one of the wildest things I’ve seen in combat sports.”Plus that ref is tougher than most opening-card fighters in MMA.”Another chimed in: “One of the craziest things you’ll see in combat sports. “The referee deserves a bonus lol.”Commentator Michael Schiavello later wrote: “This was NUTS. “The referee took three solid hits from a heavyweight.”READ MORE SUN STORIESStunningly, neither man was punished for failing to obey the referee’s commands.Anpo continued to tee off on Karimian after the restart and cruised to a 60-54 victory on all three of the judges’ scorecards. More

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      Aston Villa star Jhon Duran facing extended ban that will leave Unai Emery seething after red card versus Newcastle

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      ASTON VILLA star Jhon Duran has been charged by the FA for acting in an “improper manner” after he was red-carded against Newcastle on Boxing Day.The Colombian striker was controversially sent off by referee Anthony Taylor for allegedly stamping on Fabian Schar during the 3-0 defeat.Jhon Duran was sent off for appearing to stamp on Fabian ScharCredit: GettyThe incident occurred in Villa’s 3-0 loss to NewcastleCredit: ReutersDuran was sent off despite a VAR checkCredit: ReutersThe striker has been charged with misconduct for his reaction to the red cardCredit: GettyVilla appealed Duran’s three-match ban but their pleas fell on deaf ears at the FA.And now chiefs have added insult to injury by slapping the 21-year-old with a further misconduct charge for his reaction to the dismissal.Duran was so incensed by the red card that he remonstrated with the fourth official on the touchline and kicked a water bottle away.Duran served the first match of his ban last night when he missed Villa’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now the striker could face a further ban for his angry reaction.The FA has given him until Friday to respond to the charge.Duran is already certain to miss Saturday’s home game against Leicester and the FA Cup third round clash with West Ham.Writing in the match programme ahead of the Brighton game, Emery said: “Referees are not using enough and correctly the VAR.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The VAR came to help us avoid injustice or mistakes, and to protect whatever it takes for the on-field decisions to be delivered – right or wrong – by the referee.”If we start to use VAR in a political way, we are forgetting that the video tool is here to protect the game and the fairness of the competition.Aiden McGeady on ‘f— you’ message from Unai Emery”VAR is not a tool to protect or to be under any ego, any system or any individual. “VAR cannot be overused to break the spirit of the game but if it is existing and available, VAR neither must be underused on purpose and let big mistakes happen without using all the tools correctly.”Those comments could land Emery in hot water as well, with FA chiefs having to determine if he crossed the threshold between having an opinion on the operation of the system or a direct criticism of the integrity of the officials involved.Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany also slammed the Duran sending off, saying: “The most damaged here is not Villa, it is the credibility of the ones that made this decision.“We are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all these unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentlemen.”Unai Emery slammed VAR after Duran’s red cardCredit: Reuters More

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      Major VAR change for Carabao Cup semi-finals that’s never been seen before in English football

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      FIFA-style in-stadium referee VAR explanations will be used for the first time in England for the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Until now, while Prem clubs do give more information over decisions changed after VAR intervention over their giant screens, refs have not been heard.Referees will explain decisions after going to the monitorCredit: GettyBut after the game’s Lawmakers Ifab signalled a confirmation that in-stadium announcements will be allowed worldwide from the start of next season, EFL bosses have agreed with PGMOL to trial the new system in the remaining matches in competition.That does not mean a full explanation of decisions by referees and will only apply when the on-field call is altered after a VAR intervention – whether a “factual” call by Stockley Park or after a visit to the pitchside monitor on a “subjective” decision.If a change is confirmed, the referee will be able to announce in simple terms such as “attacking player No 14 was offside, no goal” or “handball by defender No 17, penalty kick” to let the crowd know the basic reason for the new decision.VAR has not been used in this season’s Carabao Cup so far – meaning Manchester United’s complaints about a “foul” by Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall on keeper Altay Bayindir after Son Heung-min’s late corner ended up in their net were to no avail.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it was always intended that it would be brought in for the two-legged semi-finals and the Wembley final on March 16.The new approach will first be available for Arsenal’s game with Newcastle on January 7 and then at Tottenham the next day when they face Liverpool.Ahead of the trial being launched, PGMOL bosses have included practice announcement procedures at training camps and also inside top flight grounds.PGMOL say the move – likely to be extended to the Prem next season if it is deemed a success – is part of a “broader commitment to transparency including providing greater clarity and understanding around key decisions”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTottenham defeated Man Utd 4-3 in a dramatic quarter-final to book their place in the last four.A much-changed Liverpool side, meanwhile, won 2-1 at Southampton.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 3-2 courtesy of Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick.And Newcastle overcame Brentford 3-1 at St James’ Park. More

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      Brighton 0 Brentford 0: Premier League release statement after Joao Pedro escapes red card despite elbow

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      BRIGHTON star Joao Pedro escaped a red card during a goalless Premier League draw with Brentford at the Amex Stadium.Pedro, 23, and the Bees’ Yehor Yarmolyuk vied for the ball on 75 minutes.Brighton star Joao Pedro escaped a red card against BrentfordCredit: ReutersPedro appeared set to elbow Brentford’s Yehor YarmolyukCredit: ReutersVAR deemed there was no violent conduct from Brighton’s PedroCredit: ReutersAnd Yarmolyuk, 20, committed a foul, for which he was booked by referee Andrew Madley.However, VAR intervened to check for potential violent conduct by the Seagulls striker after the Ukrainian committed the foul.Replays showed Pedro appearing to swing an elbow towards Yarmolyuk’s face.The Brazil international looked ready to deliver the blow but rapidly withdrew at the last moment.Read More on FootballReplays also showed the Brazilian had clearly made little contact if any.However, VAR deemed there was no violent conduct and Pedro was spared his marching orders.The Premier League released a statement explaining why Brighton weren’t left with ten men.And the announcement claims that is because the referee’s call was “not clear and obviously wrong”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Prem statement read: “The referee’s call of no red card to Joao Pedro for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed the referee’s call was not clear and obviously wrong.”The scoreline remained the same after the controversial incident, which means the two clubs’ winless streaks go on.Premier League club announces major stadium changes with new capacity and away fans moved However, injury-hit Brentford will be happier with the draw than Brighton. It was only Thomas Frank’s side’s second point on the road all season rather than the first away win they had hoped for.But with their injury situation reaching crisis point it was probably more than some of their fans expected.Brighton, meanwhile, are without a victory anywhere in six successive games – all against teams who had been in the bottom half of the table when they played them. The Seagulls’ temporary rise up to second place in the table at the back end of last month is becoming a distant memory.And they were perhaps fortunate that VAR ruled out a Brentford goal in the first half.Brentford’s injury hellThe Bees rolled up at a misty Amex Stadium without NINE injured players and it was ten by half-time as goalkeeper Mark Flekken limped off to be replaced by Iceland stopper Hakon Valdimarsson for his Premier League debut.But Flekken had made his mark before being replaced. Brighton went in search of goals from the kick-off and were nearly ahead after four minutes. Carlos Baleba picked off a poor pass out Flekken and fed Pedro. The Brazilian teed up Julio Enciso, whose curler beat Flekken’s left hand but smacked back off the post.Then Baleba sent Flekken full-length with a snap shot from the edge of the penalty area, and Enciso tested the Brentford goalkeeper with a header from Kaoru Mitoma’s cross.But Brentford had the ball in the net first. After 13 minutes Yoane Wissa ran onto Mads Roerslev’s pass infield from the right and hit a shot high past Bart Verbruggen and into the top far corner. It seemed he had scored his first career goal against the Seagulls and also joined Ivan Toney as the club’s leading Premier League scorer with 36 goals. Brentford denied openerBut VAR Chris Kavanagh ruled that he had been fractionally offside, by a kneecap.Soon Flekken was in action again, clutching a 22-yard free-kick from Germany Under-21 winger Brajan Gruda, and then diving to his right to parry a shot by Matt O’Riley. So Brentford fans’ hearts were in their mouths when the keeper stayed down after kicking clear from a deflected cross from Mitoma.Flekken carried on for a while, but was replaced after 35 minutes by Valdimarsson, who has 17 caps for Iceland but had not featured for Brentford since signing last January from Elfsborg.Mikkel Damsgaard relieved the pressure for a while with a run past three Brighton defenders that finally ended when Joel Veltman put an uncompromising foot in. And the action switched back to the other end, where O’Riley’s effort was deflected wide and then Mitoma half-volleyed into the side-netting.’Same old story’To Albion fans this felt a bit like the same old story of recent matches, as they were dominating possession but could not score.By half-time they had had 15 shots to Brentford’s two but only six on target and were sometimes guilty of looking to walk the ball in.The crowd were getting restless, hoping for fewer flicks and tricks and more purpose. And there was the constant danger of a Brentford breakaway goal, which nearly came when Christian Norgaard’s scissor-kick was diverted just wide with Verbruggen scrambling. Or when Nathan Collins got his head on a set play but sent the ball high into the ranks of visiting fans behind the goal.The home side had scored in each of their previous 13 games and boss Fabian Hurzeler threw on wingers Yankuba Minteh and Simon Adingra to try to keep that run going. And then record £40million summer signing Georginio Rutter.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut although most of the action was still in and around the Brentford penalty area, Valdimarsson was not nearly as busy as Flekken had been. And the team from West London were beginning to believe that they could nick a win.Brighton even sent on long-serving winger Solly March for his first appearance since suffering a serious knee ligament injury 434 days before. But they continued to dither when the chances came to strike for goal.Brighton and Brentford played out a goalless Premier League drawCredit: ReutersBrentford star Yoane Wissa thought he scored but his goal was ruled out by VARCredit: Alamy More

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      Premier League ref David Coote WON’T appeal sacking after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder

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      SHAMED ref David Coote won’t appeal the decision to sack him, it emerged last night.Referees’ body the PGMOL gave him the boot this month after a probe into videos of him snorting white powder and a foul-mouthed rant about ex Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.Shamed ref David Coote won’t appeal the decision to sack him, it emerged last nightCredit: ReutersCoote was filmed branding ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c**t’Credit: XThe top-flight ref was also filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024Sources last night said the 42-year-old Premier League official had decided to accept his sacking – rather than fight to keep his old job, the Daily Mail reported.The PGMOL – Professional Game Match Officials Board – showed Coote the door after examining evidence provided by The Sun.We exclusively revealed a film of him snorting what appears to be cocaine during the Euros in Germany this summer.In the eight-second WhatsApp clip, he was wide-eyed as he used a rolled-up US banknote to snort a four-inch line of the substance in his Uefa-funded hotel room.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEThe previous day, the official had acted as a VAR for France’s quarter-final shootout win over Portugal.Days before that exposé, footage emerged on social media showing him calling former Liverpool boss Klopp a “German c***”.Coote had also tried to arrange a drugs party during Tottenham’s win over Manchester City on October 30. He was the fourth official for the Carabao Cup clash.Most read in FootballOfficial body PGMOL said the ref – also subject of a separate betting probe – was sacked after his actions were found to be in breach of contract.In a statement, they said: “David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.”Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since the video emerged.Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse.Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order.The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”Shamed ref David Coote was seen for the first time since his sacking, as he was pictured heading to the gymCredit: BackGrid More

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      Top flight clash ABANDONED with children left in tears after riots break out in stands and chaos continues outside

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      AN Eredivisie match was abandoned last night following rioting in the stands.Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen were level at 1-1 during the second half.Fans clashed in the upper tierCredit: X @VoetbalUltrasThe chaotic scenes occurred at Heracles vs GroningenCredit: X @thecasualultraChildren were seen crying in the standsCredit: ESPNBut following ugly scenes in the crowd, referee Rob Dieperink was forced to suspend the contest.In footage captured and posted online, hooded figures in the away section of the stadium could be seen clashing with home supporters.Further clips appeared to show fans trying to smash panels beneath them.Heartbreaking images showed children in tears as the horrible scene unfolded.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne Groningen supporter is claimed to have fallen from the upper tier.Reports in the Netherlands suggest that they were conscious and taken to hospital.Speaking to ESPN, Heracles General Manager Rob Tuessen reportedly said: “We cannot continue the game due to a breach of public order.”Luka Kulenovic had given the home side a 20th minute lead.Most read in FootballCops got involved in the ugly incidentCredit: RexPlayers were taken off the fieldCredit: RexDamage was caused to the stadiumCredit: RexRomano Postema went on to level from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half.Groningen were reduced to 10 men just after the hour mark, when Marco Rente was shown a straight red card.Non-league clash suspended with players taken off pitch as advertising board sparks safety fearsIt is not yet known whether the match will be resumed at a later date, or if it will be replayed entirely.A short statement posted on Heracles’ website read: “Dear supporters.”We deeply regret what happened in the away section on Saturday evening during the match between Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen, which resulted in the match being definitively abandoned.”If you would like to contact the club about this, you can send an email to info@heracles.nl with your name and telephone number.”When more information becomes available, we will share it.”Groningen have not posted a statement on their website.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a tweet on their official X account read: “The match has been definitively stopped.”More information will follow about how this match will be played out.”The game had been level at 1-1Credit: Rex More