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      Why Arsenal goal should NOT have stood and Man City stars were absolutely right to be furious with referee

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      HERE SunSport’s whistleblower Mark Halsey picks out the key incidents from Sunday’s fiery Prem clash at the Etihad.From Manchester City star Kyle Walker’s fury at Arsenal’s equaliser to that disputed dismissal of Gunners ace Leandro Trossard, our former man in black gives his assessment on the 2-2 epic.Rodri was left flattened at the start of the game by Kai HavertzCredit: Sky SportsMark Halsey reckons Michael Oliver was correct to not punish HavertzCredit: ReutersHAVERTZ & RODRIThe tone was set after just eight seconds when Kai Havertz ran into Rodri and the City midfielder fell to the ground holding his face.But Havertz did nothing wrong as he is absolutely entitled to run into space.In fact, you could argue that Rodri was the one fortunate to escape without a booking.He was trying to get Havertz sent off — and you never want to see that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKyle Walker was right to feel aggrieved over Arsenal’s equaliserCredit: Sky SportsWALKER REACTION TO ARSENAL EQUALISERKyle Walker had every right to feel aggrieved over Riccardo Calafiori’s 22nd-minute goal.Ref Michael Oliver called the City captain over for a chat after the Gunners had been awarded a free-kick, which is fine.But the issue is he allowed Thomas Partey to take the set-piece quickly and, with Walker out of position, Arsenal ended up scoring.Walker was rightly furious. When a referee calls a player over, he must allow him to get back into position. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOliver should have restarted the game once Walker had returned to his right-back spot. The goal came because Walker was out of position and Gabriel Martinelli exploited the space before teeing up Calafiori.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliserThe decision to send off Leandro Trossard was correctCredit: RexTROSSARD SEEING REDLeandro Trossard was deservedly sent off as he kicked the ball 50 yards away after conceding a free-kick and therefore delayed the restart.The Belgian has clearly learnt nothing from team-mate Declan Rice being sent off for the same thing against Brighton last month.Neither Trossard or Gunners boss Mikel Arteta can have any  complaints.But all we want is consistency and City’s Jeremy Doku did exactly the same thing earlier in the game and went unpunished. He also kicked the ball away and was not booked.Jurrien Timber was correctly treated for an injury late onCredit: GettyARSENAL PHYSIOProtocols mean a physio or doctor can only enter the field of play to give a player treatment when given the green light by the referee.Arsenal’s physio ran onto the pitch to treat Jurrien Timber and would have been cautioned had Oliver not given him permission.  READ MORE SUN STORIESSo he did nothing wrong there.Given the intensity of the game and with what is at stake, on the whole I thought Michael Oliver performed well.Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal. More

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      Anthony Taylor embroiled in further controversy after red card in match he WASN’T refereeing

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      ANTHONY TAYLOR is caught in a new refereeing rumpus involving Nottingham Forest after a heated draw at Brighton that saw THREE red cards.The official  had been taken off Prem duty this weekend due to online abuse after issuing a record 14 yellow cards in Chelsea’s win at Bournemouth.Anthony Taylor is caught in a new refereeing rumpus involving Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyAnd he was already in Forest’s bad books after rejecting THREE penalty claims during a defeat at Everton in April.But as fourth official at the Amex, Taylor oversaw a moment in the 83rd minute that saw Morgan Gibbs-White and managers Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo all sent off. It started after Gibbs-White — already on a yellow — caught Joao Pedro with a late challenge.Ref Robert Jones initially said he got the ball — but then gave the Forest star his marching orders following apparent contact with  Taylor.READ MORE IN football Hurzeler also saw red for encroachment while Espirito Santo followed for foul language.Forest assistant Rui Pedro Silva said: “It was a strong but fair tackle. I didn’t see anything that justified a second yellow.”He added: “If he (Jones) makes that sign to show the ball, maybe go through with his decision. But I didn’t see the image.Official stance By Mark HalseyWHEN Morgan Gibbs-White went to ground on Joao Pedro already on a yellow card, I thought he could be in big  trouble.Rob Jones clearly signalled for a throw in to Brighton and then made a gesture that Gibbs-White had clearly won the ball.Therefore, fourth official Anthony Taylor should simply not have got involved.Taylor has refereed that second-half incident. Had he not made the signal for a throw and that he won the ball, then Taylor could have helped Jones.And that incident sparked the managers and saw things boil over on the touchline.Ultimately, the officials caused Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo to be sent off for their reactions to the decision.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I think the referee on the pitch is the main decision (maker) of the game so if he sees that he should stick with his decision.Most read in Football“I think the referees took their time to chat, to have a conversation about that situation, and they make the final decision to show a second yellow card to Morgan.“Anthony has a point of view, Rob probably another point of view, the linesmen another point of view.”Watch astonishing phantom goal as furious fans call for ‘entire refereeing team to be arrested’ More

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      Watch hilarious moment Premier League ref says ‘hello there’ to the BALL as fans call it ‘highlight of the weekend’

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      THIS is the hilarious moment a Premier League ref greeted a BALL ahead of a match.Fans hailed it as the “highlight of the weekend” as official Sam Allison said “hello there” as he picked up the matchball for Southampton vs Ipswich.Ref Sam Allison had fans in stitches as he greeted the ball before a gameThe clash between the newly-promoted side finished 1-1 on the south coast.Tyler Dibling bagged his first Saints goal just five minutes into the game.But Ipswich fought back and rescued a point with a 95th minute Sam Morsy equaliser.However, the star of the show was undoubtedly Allison.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe hit headlines last year after becoming the first Black Premier League ref in 15 years.Allison impressed as he took charge of Luton Town’s thrilling 3-2 win over Sheffield United.And the official looked to be loving life as he came out at St Mary’s on Saturday.Leading the two sides to the pitch, Allison approached the ball as it sat on the Premier League-branded plinth.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd before he scooped it up, Allison looked lovingly at the spherical piece of leather before saying: “Hello there!”The hilarious moment was caught on camera too, leading fans to hail Allison’s actions on social media.Watch astonishing phantom goal as furious fans call for ‘entire refereeing team to be arrested’One said: “The highlight of yesterday’s football. This ref saying ‘hello there’ to the ball.”Another declared: “Sam Allison, representing my home town Melksham. He’s a top bloke and the town is so proud of him.”One noted: “Love this a lot.”Another added: “Refs adding a personal touch to their style adds to the entertainment.” More

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      Man City vs Arsenal stopped after EIGHT SECONDS as Rodri falls to floor and immediate VAR check

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      ARSENAL’S trip to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was stopped after just EIGHT SECONDS. As the game kicked off, Gunners forward Kai Havertz seemed to run into City’s Rodri. Rodri went down after eight seconds following a collision with Kai HavertzPlay was forced to a stopThe Spanish midfielder went down clutching his face as referee Michael Oliver got immediate instructions from VAR. But the official waved play on following a big break in play with Havertz’s collision adjudged to have been accidental. Fans online sided with Havertz as one said: “Embarrassing from Rodri that is.”Another added: “Embarrassing from Rodri…”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fumed: “That’s genuinely so embarrassing from Rodri.”Another raged: “Absolutely pathetic from Rodri.”Gooner Piers Morgan posted: “Poor Rodri, is he still alive? Looked a really savage light brush with Havertz’s hand.” But it was City fans who were soon cheering as just minutes later Erling Haaland opened the scoring. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Norwegian goal machine made in ten in just five appearances for City’s start to the season. Rodri was later forced off after what appeared to be an off the ball incident on 20 minutes. Physios took him off with Mateo Kovacic coming on in replace. The game took a further twist when Arsenal’s summer signing Riccardo Calafiori levelled with a sublime curling effort.What Arsenal and Mikel Arteta must do to topple Pep Guardiola’s Man City More

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      Gary Lineker makes bold prediction on Match of the Day that his ‘good idea’ to fix VAR will eventually come in

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      GARY LINEKER boldly predicted that his radical plan to fix VAR will eventually be adopted by PGMOL.Lineker was discussing a controversial penalty call from Chelsea’s 3-0 win at West Ham with Danny Murphy and Ashley Williams on Match of the Day.Gary Lineker made a bold prediction as he doubled down on his VAR solutionWest Ham felt that they were denied a clear penalty when Wesley Fofana grabbed hold of Crysencio Summerville’s armBoss Julen Lopetegui was fuming with the decisionThe Hammers felt cheated when referee Samuel Barrott failed to award the home side a penalty in the 28th minute.Wesley Fofana grabbed hold of Crysencio Summerville’s arm inside the 18-yard box just before the half-hour mark when the score 2-0.Following a short review, the VAR advised Barrott to stick with his original decision as Fofana’s hold had only been ‘fleeting’. But Lineker, 63, believes he has the solution to fix the video assistant referee system.read more football newsEarlier this year, the former England striker said that an appeal system would help “add to the drama” in football.And he double downed on his claim this weekend on MOTD.He believes that there should be a limited amount of times where VAR can intervene, like the restricted number of challenges in tennis.He said on MOTD on Saturday night: “Until there is an appeal system with VAR it will always be a problem.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis prompted Murphy to jokingly reply: “That is one of your only good ideas.”Lineker then jested: “I know. And it will come. It will come.”Chelsea Player Ratings vs West HamBoth ex-Liverpool star Murphy and former Everton defender Williams believed West Ham were denied a blatant penalty after Nicolas Jackson’s brace.Fofana was later booked for another challenge on Summerville before he was replaced by Axel Disasi in the 57th minute.Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast in May, Lineker explained: “The only way out of this mess, and I think they should keep offside and goal-line technology.”But I think you either scrap the rest of it or, more realistically, you take it to an appeal system.”You limit the amount of times that VAR can interfere. It can not intervene unless someone appeals.”It has to be the captain and they have got to tell you what they are appealing for.”It does not mean there is a goal and you have got to find some kind of foul somewhere.”They have to stipulate what the foul is, the captain does it, and if it is a foul then it is a foul, there is no bar.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is the decision that the VAR and the referee come to.”Maybe one appeal a half, but it stops VAR coming into every possible corner that comes in.”VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you. More

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      ‘Don’t think I’ve ever seen it happen,’ say fans as ref praised for penalising Arsenal’s Ben White for common infraction

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      FANS praised referee Clement Turpin after the French whistler pulled Arsenal star Ben White up for a common infraction that rarely gets penalised.White, 26, was in action as the Gunners took on Serie A side Atalanta in Bergamo.Ben White was penalised during last night’s matchCredit: RexThe Gunners put in a laboured performance, drawing 0-0 in their Champions League season opener.Things could have been worse for Mikel Arteta’s men, but for David Raya’s heroics.Thomas Partey conceded a second half penalty for a foul on midfielder Ederson.But Mateo Retegui’s subsequent spot kick was saved Raya, with the Spaniard also managing to keep out the forward’s follow up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother moment that got fans talking was full-back White being penalised for a foul throw in the 20th minute.Having initially grabbed the ball just inside his own half, the Arsenal defender spent 12 seconds trotting further and further down the touchline.When he finally took the throw-in, White was around ten yards ahead of where the ball had actually gone out.Rather than let him get away with it, or order a retake, referee Turpin gave a foul throw – meaning that it would instead be Atalanta’s ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWith stealing yards down the touchline often not penalised, several fans were delighted with Turpin’s officiating.One wrote on Reddit: “For how precise they are with so many things, it always bewilders me how players are allowed to do this multiple times a game.”Man City vs Arsenal WagsWhile a second agreed: “I was watching in awe. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it happen before. Would love this to become more normal.”A third pointed out: “I mean he went from the half way line and extended the throw by like 10 meters.”And a fourth commented: “I think Ben does this often. And he also takes an absolute age to make the throw in. Was bound to get punished for it eventually.”Another added: “Clement Turpin gotta be the best ref in Europe rn, didn’t even notice him during the game. Wish the PL would hire foreign competent refs.”Last season, Arsenal fans noticed Turpin’s resemblance with their attacker Leandro Trossard.One joked during last season’s Champions League semi-finals: “This ref gotta be Trossard’s father.”Fans pointed out that referee Clement Turpin looks like Leandro TrossardCredit: GettyArsenal ratings vs Atalanta as Raya saves uninspiring Gunners in ItalyARSENAL had some David Raya heroics to thank for a points in the Champions League opener.Raya’s stunning double save just after the break spared Thomas Partey’s blushes after the midfielder gave away a penalty.And that was the closest either side came to a goal in the 0-0 draw.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Mikel Arteta’s men…David Raya – 9Produced a simply stunning double save to stop Mateo Retegui’s penalty and then flung himself across to push away the follow-up rebound header – even better than his effort to deny Ollie Watkins.Robbie Savage labelled it the “best save I’ve ever seen” while Gunners fans lauded their Spanish hero, who has conceded just once in five games so far this term.Ben White – 7Given the daunting task of trying to keep Ademola Lookman quiet inside a rocking Gewiss Stadium but completed the job with his classic relaxed, languid demeanour.William Saliba – 8One of the world’s top centre-backs but did not need to be anywhere near his best – solid enough when called upon, including excellent late sliding tackle in own box.Retegui showed great movement but Saliba will have far sterner tests this season, none more so than up against Erling Haaland on Sunday.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Like his partner Saliba, Gabriel helped ensure the Arsenal defence came out on top.Starting to run out of words to say about this pair who just concede so few chances.Jurrien Timber – 7Adds an extra dimension to this Arsenal side – showing just how much he was missed when sidelined last season.Arguably had the easiest evening’s work of the four defenders.Thomas Partey – 4Martin Keown described the Gunners’ retraction en masse during the transition as Arteta putting up his own “Thames Barrier”.But Partey nearly allowed the floodgates to open by giving away the penalty three minutes into the second half – only to be rescued by Raya’s heroics.Declan Rice – 6Top awareness to sniff out the Atalanta danger and help control midfield.But squandered a great chance to drive Arsenal forward when he won the ball on the halfway line and could have launched a potent counter.Kai Havertz – 6With Jesus starting up front, Havertz dropped into a deeper role – but he is perfectly comfortable there, too, and can carry the ball forwards.Little to show for his evening, though, but continued to put a shift in defensively until the final whistle.Buakyo Saka – 6Drew the foul from Ederson who collected an early yellow and from the resulting free-kick almost squeezed a low effort into bottom corner but for top save.Given a breather for final 20 minutes with an eye on Sunday.Gabriel Jesus – 5Captain on the night was his typical busy self early on getting himself around but virtually all of his involvement was outside the Atalanta penalty area.Withdrawn before the hour mark.Gabriel Martinelli – 4Struggled to get in the game and then when he did get in, squandered a really good chance when he blazed over.Definitely not hitting top form so far this season and may well find himself among the subs against Manchester City. 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      Watch bizarre optical illusion as Barcelona star sent off in Champions League… and commentator has NO idea what happened

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      A FORMER Premier League star was incredibly sent off in a bizarre optical illusion.And it proved crucial as his side fell to a shock defeat in their Champions League opener.Eric Garcia appeared to only be shown a yellow card despite his blatant foulCredit: X @TNTSportsThe official Champions League graphic indicated he had received a straight red cardCredit: X @TNTSportsEric Garcia started in midfield for Barcelona as they took on Monaco.However, his game lasted just TEN minutes before he was given his marching orders… or was he? Garcia was put under pressure by a sloppy pass from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.And that allowed Takumi Minamino to pick his pocket.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEx-Manchester City man Garcia then brought down the former Liverpool forward in a cynical foul as Minamino closed in on goal.It was a blatant goalscoring opportunity and with the incident taking place outside of the penalty area, the offence warranted a red card.But did the referee agree?Well, it was not immediately clear. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat is because official Allard Lindhout blew his whistle to award the free-kick and sprinted over to the two players sprawled out on the turf.He then reached for his back pocket and produced a card.’Brain-breaking’ intro to Champions League MOTD divides fans as BBC decision shows ‘game has never been more gone’However, on first viewing on the TV cameras, the card looked yellow. The commentator clearly thought so, too.Sam Matterface, calling the action for TNT Sports, said: “It’s just a yellow card. That’s a massive let-off for Eric Garcia. “Well, it looked like the yellow card came out. I was almost convinced the red card was incoming. The VAR will certainly check it.”Interestingly, as soon as the referee brandished the card above his head, it was the Barcelona players – rather than the Monaco stars – who immediately surrounded him and protested.That would therefore imply they were not happy with the decision – and surely would not have done so if Garcia escaped with only a yellow. Then the official Champions League graphic flashed up on the screen stating Garcia had received a direct red card – as he trudged off the pitch towards the tunnel. Matterface added: “Well, I wonder if the referee has brought out the wrong-coloured card because there’s absolutely no intention to win the ball and that would ordinarily be a red card. “We are being told on our information system it’s a yellow card but I think he’s walking here.”That’s a red card, a direct red card, that’s the right decision.”I think the referee pulled out the wrong card.”However, on further investigation, although the card seemed to be yellow on the screen, that actually appeared to be another footballing optical illusion due to a reflection of light.In fact, the referee DID pull out the red card.That was confirmed by photographs from the scene with Garcia and Minamino lying on the floor as the referee held up the card.The video footage also showed him putting the red back into his shorts during the commotion on the field.And Garcia’s early bath clearly had an impact as Maghnes Akliouche put Monaco ahead six minutes later.Lamine Yamal equalised just before the half-hour mark with his first Champions League goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut George Ilenikhena grabbed the winner for the Ligue 1 side 20 minutes from time to hand Barca the nightmare start to the new campaign. It was the 18-year-old’s first Monaco goal – and prompted hilarious scenes in the CBS Sports studios as Jamie Carragher butchered his attempt to pronounce Ilenikhena’s name. Referee Allard Lindhout clearly brandished a red cardCredit: GettyThe Barca stars complained as he put the card back in his pocketCredit: ReutersGarcia trudged off the field after just ten minutesCredit: Getty More

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      Fuming Leicester boss Steve Cooper accuses refs’ chiefs of ‘hiding’ footage that showed they made major VAR error

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      LEICESTER boss Steve Cooper has accused refs’ chiefs of ‘hiding’ footage that showed they made a major error.Cooper hit out after VAR ruled Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal for Crystal Palace was onside in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with the Foxes.Steve Cooper has accused referees of hiding footage that shows they made an errorCredit: PAVAR ruled Jean-Philippe Mateta to be onside for his goalCredit: X @PLMatchCentreLeicester maintained the decision had been made on the basis of the wrong piece of footage — and that the clip released to Match of the Day and Sky Sports was ‘false’.Cooper said: “It was an awful human error which has been hidden a little bit in the media. That’s been as disappointing as the decision.“Everything you’ve seen on Match of the Day or Sky has been false. I didn’t like the fact that it didn’t reach the public or the media.“Don’t hide away from mistakes — own them and stand up for it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeicester were 2-0 up at Selhurst Park when Mateta scored from Tyrick Mitchell’s cross.The assistant ref flagged for offside but VAR overturned the decision and gave the goal.Mateta then levelled with a late penalty.Cooper claimed: “We’ve seen different images which show that, when they froze the footage for offside, he was.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“In the meeting we had on Monday with the Premier League, we said we’ve had a massive error go against us.”Cooper had run-ins with referees’ body the PGMOL during his time as Nottingham Forest manager. ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to interveneBut he added: “I’ve never had to have a conversation like this before. The referees’ department met us on Monday, it should’ve been Sunday.“We showed them broadcast footage that’s been nowhere near the media.“We showed them extra footage, plus some we have, and there’s been no response.”Cooper said the footage Leicester showed at Monday’s meeting was available to VAR during the game, but was not used.Everything you’ve seen on Match of the Day or Sky has been false. I didn’t like the fact that it didn’t reach the public or the media.Steve CooperHe added: “Errors like that should never happen, particularly when VAR is in place.“Have the humility to admit you made a mistake. Show the footage, don’t show the wrong footage.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We can’t release the clips but the Premier League have it as part of our presentation.”The Premier League has been contacted for comment. More