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      Declan Rice’s red card against Brighton was a poor decision – referee Chris Kavanagh went looking for trouble

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      DECLAN RICE’S dismissal against Brighton was a poor decision by referee Chris Kavanagh.The Arsenal midfielder was shown a second yellow in the 49th minute for delaying a restart.Arsenal’s Declan Rice received a second yellow card after kicking the ball awayCredit: GettyFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey disagreed with Kavanagh’s decisionCredit: PAHowever, the ball was rolling when Brighton’s Joel Veltman took the free-kick, so the restart would not have taken place as it would have been wrong in Law.Therefore, the delaying a restart does not apply.Kavanagh went looking for trouble and he found it.A referee of his calibre at this level should not be sending players off for this.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe should have managed the situation better by speaking to both players.Rice should have received a final warning for flicking the ball away and Veltman was also lucky to escape punishment for kicking the England star.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a valid point when he highlighted Kavanagh’s inconsistency.Kavanagh acted on Rice but why didn’t he punish Joao Pedro for booting the ball downfield?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal ratings vs BrightonARSENAL drew 1-1 with Brighton in a game that turned when Declan Rice was sent off for a daft second booking.Here, we take a look at how the players rated…David Raya – 6/10Initially had very little to do but was solid on the few occasions he was called upon. Denied Yankuba Minteh in the first half with a routine save.Stopped his side from going 2-1 down in the 75th minute, brilliantly saving Yasin Ayari’s shot at a largely open goal.Ben White – 6Spent large portions of the match in the Brighton half supporting Saka.Was solid defensively against the tricky Karou Mitoma.William Saliba – 6Continues to show an incredible ability to read the game and positional awareness. Thwarted the few Brighton attacks which managed to make their way into the box before Rice’s red.Gabriel – 5Marshalled the defence well with Saliba but seldom found himself in a one-on-one situation before Rice’s red. Was too far apart from the Frenchman in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser.Jurrien Timber – 6Switched off and allowed Minteh to ghost in behind him for a header early in the first half but was solid after that lapse in concentration.Martin Odegaard – 7Was at the centre of everything good the Gunners did, pulling the strings from the first minute of the match.Should’ve put his side ahead in the 17th minute when he ghosted onto a cross into the box.Thomas Partey – 6Anchored the midfield well and showed new signing Mikel Merino that he won’t give up his place in the starting XI without a fight.Declan Rice – 4Tenacious on the left side of the midfield and was a threat going forward in the first half.Stupidly put his team under pressure just after the restart by getting himself sent off for kicking the ball away.Bukayo Saka – 7Was lively from the outset, tormenting Seagulls left-back Jack Hinshelwood every time he ran at him.Should have scored in the eighth minute when Odeegard beautifully teed him up for a close-range effort.Made up for his poor finish with a stellar assist for Havertz after bullying Lewis Dunk off the ball. Should’ve got a better connection on Havertz’s 77th-minute cross to restore the North Londoners’ lead.Kai Havertz – 8Was anonymous for large portions of the match but constantly made his brilliant runs in behind which created space for his team-mates.Produced a deft finish over the advancing Bart Verbruggen in the 37th minute to break the deadlock.But he missed a sitter in the 75th minute that would’ve restored his side’s advantage.Leandro Trossard – 6Struggled to get into the match against his former club and cut a frustrated figure on the left wing.But he produced a good save from Verbruggen just before the half-time interval.SubsRiccardo Calafiori – 6The Italian was thrown on to shore up the defence after Rice’s red card and did just that, as well as offering an outlet on the left wing.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Tried his best but failed to inject his usual energy into the game.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5The Ukranian was brought on to further bolster the struggling defence but almost cost his side the game in stoppage time by allowing Carlos Baleba a free header in the box.Or even Bukayo Saka, who committed a worse offence than Rice by throwing the ball away in injury time after Brighton won a free-kick.It’s the inconsistency from our officials that really annoys managers, players and fans.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out More

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      Declan Rice left speechless as Arsenal star controversially sent off with Piers Morgan slamming ‘worst red card ever’

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      DECLAN RICE was left gobsmacked after being controversially sent off in Arsenal’s clash with Brighton.The England international was booked in the first half for a wild lunge.Declan Rice was sent off for kicking the ball away in the second half of Arsenal’s clash with BrightonCredit: TNT SPORTSThe England midfielder poked the ball away before Joel Veltman booted him on the shinCredit: TNT SPORTSRice went down in agony and expected to Veltman be awarded a yellowCredit: TNT SPORTSHe was left stunned when referee Chris Kavanagh showed him a second yellowCredit: REXAnd an act of petulance just minutes after the restart saw referee Chris Kavanagh send him for an early bath.Rice was shown a second yellow for kicking the ball away after Brighton were awarded a free kick in their half in the 49th minute.He poked the ball with his foot a split second before Joel Veltman went to kick it up the park, with the Brighton player instead making contact with the Arsenal man.Rice went down in agony and expected the Dutch defender to be given a yellow when he rose to his feet.But Kavanagh stunned the Emirates faithful – and Rice – by opting to show the midfielder a second booking.The former West Ham skipper couldn’t believe it and was left speechless.And he wasn’t the only one baffled by Kavanagh’s decision.One Gunners fan wrote on X: “Joao Pedro kicks the ball away the first half and no yellow.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal have a tricky start to the season”Rice gets sent off for the same offense after being on the receiving end of violent conduct.”Another said: “I saw Joao Pedro kick the ball away in the first half with everyone shouting for it and the ref ignoring. How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out”Declan Rice has just been sent off for tapping it in the 2nd half.”And another said: “How does Declan Rice get a red card for getting kicked????”One remarked: “A Brighton player booted the ball 30 yards after giving away a throw-in. “Nothing. Declan Rice taps the ball one yard and gets booted in the process. Second yellow card.”Gunners superfan and Sun columnist Piers Morgan was also left flabbergasted by the decisionHe wrote: “What the f*ck was that? “Declan Rice sent off for being kicked to pieces? Worst red card decision I’ve ever seen.”Things went from bad to worse for the Gunners nine minutes later when Pedro levelled the scores with a tap-in inside the 18-yard box.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe second half proved to be a pulsating one, although neither side was able to find a winner and the score remained 1-1.Rice’s act of stupidity will see him miss the North London derby against Tottenham a fortnight on Sunday. More

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      Cult hero ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean takes on new job as he enjoys break from VAR duties

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      MIKE DEAN has taken on a new job as he enjoys a break from VAR duties.The former Premier League referee has swapped the pitch for the gantry in his new football role.Mike Dean has started commentatingCredit: X @TRFCRadioDean, 56, is a lifelong Tranmere Rovers fan and has had the opportunity to commentate on a match.The cult hero official was on Tranmere Rovers Radio to give his insight on the club’s Football League Trophy clash against Everton’s U21s.The match got off to a dream start for Dean as Josh Davison gave the home side an unlikely lead in the 11th minute.However, listeners would have to have heard Dean’s despair come the end of the game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Toffees managed to score two late goals through Martin Sherif and Beto to turn the score around.Dean earned praise from fans for his analysis on the radio.One posted: “Big fan of hearing Mike on a Tranmere game!”A second commented: “I absolutely love it.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Nice one Mike.”Dean stopped officiating at the end of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.Mike Dean lost for words live on Sky Sports after VAR mix up for ‘stonewall’ penalty during Premier League clashDean had been a referee for the Premier League until the 2021/22 seasonCredit: GettyHe then started a new role as one of two full-time VAR officials with PGMOL.During his break from the role, he also picked up work with Sky Sports.Dean often appeared on the broadcaster last season to provide a referee’s insight on decisions on Soccer Saturday.Despite the defeat, Dean would have no doubt enjoyed commentating on his favourite team.His love for the club is well known as he was seen going crazy when they reached the League Two play-off final in 2019.Meanwhile, there has already been refereeing drama in the Premier League after one matchday.Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze saw a brilliant goal ruled out after referee Sam Barrott blew his whistle for a foul in the box.Harry Redknapp’s 2024/25 season predictions TOP FOURARSENAL, MANCHESTER CITY, LIVERPOOL and TOTTENHAM  — and  I’ve got a really strong feeling for Arsenal this season. A few of Man City’s star players are getting a bit older. There’s been nothing between the two teams over the past two years.RELEGATIONEVERTON (18th), SOUTHAMPTON (19th), LEICESTER (20th) — I like Sean Dyche and Everton are a great club with brilliant, knowledgeable fans. They’re just badly run. They need to go down to rebuild to come back again. But the key is new owners.TOP SCORERERLING HAALAND — I can’t see anyone taking his crown off him. He’s a goal machine, isn’t he? If I can get him at evens, I might lump on!MOST ASSISTSMARTIN ODEGAARD — He’ll be the catalyst for Arsenal’s surge to the title. I can see it now. He’s a superb player and he makes it look so easy.CARABAO CUPTOTTENHAM — Ange Postecoglou will break Spurs’ trophy curse. Most big teams will mess about with this trophy, but Tottenham will go full steam.FA CUPLIVERPOOL — I fancy Arne Slot to stamp his mark on English football quickly and there’s few better ways to do it than lifting this famous old trophy.CHAMPIONS LEAGUEREAL MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti is bullish about their chances. He has said that with Kylian Mbappe, it’s the best team they’ve had for a long time.EUROPA LEAGUEMANCHESTER UNITED — Clubs seem to have stopped sneering at this competition. And Spurs and United should be going both barrels for it.CONFERENCE LEAGUECHELSEA — The Luxembourg champions could be dangerous! Joking aside, the Blues must win it. More

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      Thiago Silva publicly digs out Anthony Taylor after Man City score controversial goal in win over Chelsea

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      THIAGO SILVA has thrown a dig in the direction of Premier League referee Anthony Taylor.The former Chelsea centre-back seemingly hit out at Taylor on social media after the official’s decision not to award his former club a penalty against Man City.Chelsea fans were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty for a Mateo Kovacic handballCredit: xThiago Silva took to social media to agree with Blues fans sentimentCredit: AlamySilva appeared to take aim at referee Anthony TaylorCredit: RexThe Blues were beaten 2-0 at the Bridge by four-in-a-row champions Man City with their former midfielder Mateo Kovacic at the heart of the action.Kovacic netted City’s second goal a matter of minutes after he was the subject of controversy when the ball bounced off his elbow in the box during the second half.Blues fans were convinced they should have been given a spot-kick when the ball ricocheted off the foot of Malo Gusto and onto Kovacic’s arm, but referee Taylor and VAR Michael Salisbury decided otherwise.Subsequently, play was waved on and Kovacic secured all three points for his side just moments later up the other end.READ MORE ON CHELSEAIt seems nobody was more upset about the decision than former star Thiago Silva, who left the club for a Brazilian homecoming this summer.The 39-year-old veteran commented on an Instagram post detailing the decision not to award the penalty with a message that simply read: “Anthonyyyyyyyyyyyy” – seemingly hitting out at Anthony Taylor’s decision.Silva and Taylor have history too with the Silva using social media to vent his frustrations with the referee’s decisions in the past.Back in 2022 Silva shared an Instagram story showing Tottenham’s Cristian Romero tugging on Chelsea teammate Marc Cucurella’s famous locks during a London derby.Most read in FootballSilva and Taylor have previous during the Brazilian’s time in the Premier LeagueCredit: RexBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe shared the image alongside the caption: “Haven’t you seen this? No way. Can you pull hair out?”.While pulling hair may feel like an obvious error to be missed by the officials, Sunday’s handball decision is a much more contentious subject. Inside Chelsea stars’ exclusive boxes at Stamford Bridge as Thiago Silva’s wife Belle clears out Brazil legend’s stuffThe introduction of new regulations surrounding the handball law in the Premier League this season meant that Kovacic was deemed to be too close to the ball for it to be seen as a handball offence.A post on X from the Prem’s new VAR Hub read: “VAR checked a potential penalty for a handball by Kovacic. “He confirmed the referee’s call of no penalty, deeming the ball came from close proximity.”Silva is still getting his fix of Prem football after re-joining former club Fluminense on a free transfer, returning to Brazil for the first time since he left for AC Milan in 2009.The 113-time Brazil international has already featured six times for the South Americans this term and is settled back at his boyhood outfit.Silva said his goodbyes to Chelsea on the last day of the seasonCredit: GettyThe Brazilian has now returned to former club FluminenseCredit: GettyThiago Silva’s career statsThose numbers in full:RS Futebol, 2002-2003: 25 games, 2 goalsJuventude, 2004: 36 games, 3 goalsPorto B, 2004-2005: 14 games, 0 goalsDynamo Moscow, 2005: 0 games, 0 goalsFluminense, 2006-2008: 143 games, 14 goalsAC Milan, 2009-2012: 119 games, 6 goalsPSG, 2012-2020: 315 games, 17 goalsChelsea, 2020-2024: 152 games, 9 goalsBrazil, 2008-2022: 113 games, 7 goalsTrophies: Brazilian Cup (Fluminense); Serie A, Italian Super Cup (AC Milan); Ligue 1 x7, French Cup x5, League Cup x6, Champions Trophy x5 (PSG); Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup (Chelsea); Copa America, Confederations Cup (Brazil) More

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      Brentford 2 Crystal Palace 1: Hosts grab all three points in controversial game after ‘monumental mistake’ by referee

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      YOANE WISSA showed Brentford need not panic about a possible Ivan Toney exit with the Bees subjecting Crystal Palace to a stinging 2-1 defeat.Toney had tongues wagging after being dropped before his team clinched the victory that ended their six-game winless run against the Eagles.Eberechie Eze had a wondergoal controversially ruled outCredit: RexBryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for BrentfordCredit: GettyEthan Pinnock’s own goal brought Palace levelCredit: ReutersYoane Wissa restored Brentford’s lead as he bundled the ball inCredit: ReutersWith the England striker in the final 11 months of his current Brentford contract, his future has been a hot transfer topic, with speculation a summer exit could be imminent.Three days before the game Bees boss Thomas Frank spoke bullishly of his hopes that Toney could still be with his club beyond the end of the summer transfer window.However, with the player missing from his side’s first game of the new Prem season, transfer speculation is rife.Despite his absence, Wissa, who was among his team’s bright performers, bagged the winner for the hosts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBrentford got off to a positive start in the opening minutes with Eagles full-back Tyrick Mitchell forced to make a block from a dangerous delivery into the box.And Mitchell volleyed an effort wide as the visitors began to settle into the game, looking more promising in attack.Palace gaffer Oliver Glasner looked miffed after Eberechi Eze had a classy finish from a 27th-minute free-kick disallowed by ref Sam Barrott.The decision was slammed by Jamie Redknapp, who labelled the call a “monumental mistake.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA VAR check concurred with the ref’s view that Nathan Collins had been shoved by Eagles midfielder Will Hughes before the ball went in.Despite having more attempts on goal it was Brentford who broke the deadlock with Bryan Mbuemo’s curled effort in the 31st minute.Man Utd and Chelsea transfer boost as Ivan Toney left out of Brentford’s squad for Premier League opener vs PalaceAnd Palace were lucky not to drop down to 10 players after skipper Marc Guehi’s studs-up late challenge on Mads Roersley.The Newcastle target was given a yellow card which appeared to prompt chants of “sh*t refereeing” from some of the crowd.A howler of a clearance from Ethan Pinnock saw Palace level in the second half with the Brentford defender poking the ball into his own net.But Wissa secured the win and points from the hosts prodding home from close range with 14 minutes of normal time left. Mbeumo opened his account for the seasonCredit: ReutersWissa’s goal proved to be the winnerCredit: Reuters More

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      Shocking footage shows ambulance forced to drive on to PITCH after footballer suffers horror injury

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      AN ambulance was forced to drive on to the pitch to aid a National League footballer after he suffered a horror injury.Gateshead star Greg Olley suffered a broken leg following a reckless tackle from Woking’s Dion Kelly-Evans.An ambulance came on to the pitch to take Greg Olley away after he suffered a broken legCredit: TwitterTwo emergency services vehicles drove on to the fieldCredit: TwitterPlay was stopped for 40 minutes as Olley received treatmentPlayers covered their faces with their hands in horrorCredit: TwitterWoking’s Dion Kelly-Evans was sent off for the tackle which sparked a meleeCredit: TwitterThe defender was sent off and his challenge sparked a melee with Gateshead players pointing in his face.Olley’s team-mates quickly called on the medical team and some covered their faces after seeing how badly he was hurt.The physio also called for additional medical support and two vehicles drove onto the pitch including an ambulance.Olley, 28, received treatment on the pitch before being taken away in an ambulance, with play stopped for 40 minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth sets of supporters showed their support by giving the Gateshead captain a standing ovation. A Gateshead statement later confirmed he was in a stable condition in hospital and they thanked those who assisted him.A statement read: “Olley was taken to hospital via ambulance after suffering a broken leg in the 15 minute of the game at the Laithwaite Community Stadium and is now in a stable condition ahead of a planned surgery on Sunday morning.”All at Gateshead FC would like to thank both the medical staff in attendance for their professionalism in quickly dealing with the medical emergency concerning Greg, and those at Woking FC for their care and concern in teh immediate aftermath.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho are these famous footballers?”We would also like to acknowledge the immense team effort from players, staff and supporters after the decision was taken for play to resume, in what has been a difficult afternoon for all associated with Gateshead.”Gateshead made the most of their man advantage, winning 2-0 with goals from Kenton Richardson and Mark Benk.Man Utd and Chelsea transfer boost as Ivan Toney LEFT OUT of Brentford’s squad for Premier League opener vs Palace More

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      Fans baffled as VAR monitor seems completely BLANK before ref Simon Hooper overturns Everton’s ‘stonewall’ penalty

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      FOOTBALL fans have been left baffled after referee Simon Hooper appeared to watch a BLANK VAR pitchside monitor before overturning a penalty decision.Hooper, 42, had originally awarded a penalty to Everton for an apparent foul on Dominic Calvert-Lewin committed by Brighton’s Lewis Dunk.Simon Hooper appeared not to be watching anything on the VAR monitorCredit: AlamyThere is a back-up monitor in a case below the main one which he watched from insteadCredit: RexHooper originally awarded a penalty to Everton for an alleged foul on Dominic Calvert-Lewin by Lewis DunkCredit: ReutersBut Hooper overturned it after consulting VARCredit: ReutersThe spot-kick would have handed the Toffees the chance to equalise early in the second half.Hooper was called over to the VAR monitor to double-check his decision before he overturned the penalty.However, the main monitor appeared to only show the generic VAR and Premier League logos, rather than a replay of the incident – something Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also picked up on as he protested the call.Fans reacted to the decision with surprise on social media, with one saying: “That is absolutely a penalty on Calvert-Lewin. What an absolutely atrocious decision that is. Dunk drags his foot away.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second said: “Did Hooper even look at the Calvert-Lewin penalty on the screen yesterday? Pickford looked like he was going mad pointing at the screen to him?”A third added: “Whether Simon Hooper has watched that back on VAR or not, it’s a disgrace to overturn it.”Despite Hooper appearing to have not viewed the screen, the official’s match report said he had watched on a back-up monitor – located on the ground below the main monitor facing upwards.The Premier League match centre account posted: “The referee awarded a penalty to Everton for a foul by Dunk on Calvert-Lewin.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The VAR recommended an on-field review as he deemed Calvert-Lewin’s foot landed on Dunk’s foot and there was no foul. “The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.”PREM RULE CHANGESBrighton went on to win the game 3-0, with Ashley Young also sent off late on.Sean Dyche was also left enraged by the decision to overturn the penalty.He said: “I can’t work it out on the penalty. He (the referee) makes a decision in a perfect viewing point and lo and behold is called over to overturn it.”So what is the point of a high bar then? We’ve had meetings about it.”Their player is out of control on the floor and drags his foot along with the top of his foot and the bottom of Dom’s so that clearly pulls him to the ground.”That is contact in the box and we have all seen the tiniest things given as a penalty – someone treads on a toe and they give a penalty. So I think we are all confused by this.”Meanwhile, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said it was “clear” the original penalty call was wrong and should have been overturned. Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      National League match SUSPENDED as star rushed to hospital after horror tackle

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      A DRAMATIC National League clash between Gateshead and Woking was suspended after a player was rushed to hospital with a serious injury.Just 14 minutes into the game, Woking’s Dion Kelly-Evans clashed with Gateshead’s Greg Olley.National League clash between Gateshead and Woking was suspended as one player was transported to hospitalCredit: X
      The referee promptly issued a straight red card to Kelly-Evans – but thoughts instantly turned to the stricken Olley on the grass.The referee decided to suspend the match and the 28-year-old was taken to hospital.The remaining players were taken off the pitch, with the game stopped for 40 minutes.Both sets of supporters showed their solidarity giving the Gateshead captain a standing ovation. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs the game resumed the away side’s Kenton Richardson fired his side into the lead.Then in the second half, Mark Benk’s goal sealed Gateshead a 2-0 victory.Speaking afterwards, Gateshead boss Rob Elliott told the club website: “What we do know is that he’s in the right place.”He’s gone to hospital and we’ll just have to see what the situation is, we’ll have to assess that as we go.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We’re into unknown territory here with everything, so we just have to get around Greg to make sure he’s OK and give him the best support.”I’m absolutely gutted and devastated because there’s no need for it to be in that situation.PREM RULE CHANGES”We just have to make sure we’re there for Greggy, support him and take it from there.”Olley’s disastrous injury wasn’t the only one on Saturday.In Nottingham Forest’s season opener against Bournemouth midfielder Danilo also suffered a broken ankle after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge. More