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      Jude Bellingham facing 12-MATCH ban after X-rated rant at referee as he releases statement apologising… to team-mates

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM could face 12 MATCHES on the sidelines following his red card for an X-rated rant towards the referee.Bellingham, 21, was sent off in the first half of Real Madrid’s 1-1 La Liga draw with Osasuna after what he claims was a “miscommunication” between him and referee Jose Munuera.Jude Bellingham was sent off for a rant toward the referee on SaturdayCredit: GettyBellingham claims the incident was a ‘miscommunication’Credit: ReutersThe referee’s report claimed that Bellingham told Munuera “f*** you”, resulting in his dismissal.However, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claimed after the match that Bellingham had used the term “f*** off” instead, suggesting it is a phrase rather than a personal attack.He said: “I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said f*** off, not f*** you… that’s way different.”I won’t talk more about the referee as I want to be on the bench next week.”Bellingham could see himself banned for up to 12 GAMES for the sending off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spanish FA’s disciplinary Code says that any player guilty of “insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes” will be punished with a suspension of four to 12 matches.That astonishing ban means that, at the very least, Bellingham will miss Madrid’s La Liga bouts with Girona, Betis, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad.Should the ban extend to the full 12 matches, Bellingham will then miss the majority of the remainder of the season.Carlo Ancelotti defended Bellingham after the matchCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s yet to be confirmed how long Bellingham will be suspended.Most read in FootballBut the England superstar has already apologised to his team-mates for his red card, shutting down the talk about the misunderstanding at the same time.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clashSeemingly hinting at an immediate return to action, he wrote: “Enough said about the misunderstanding.”Just wanted to apologise again for leaving my team-mates in such a tough position and thank the fans for their support and understanding.”See you on Wednesday at home”.Bellingham defended himself while speaking to the media after the game on Saturday too.He told reporters: “It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication. I remember the incident very well but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.“I don’t want to go too much in detail about what was said but it’s like a expression like ‘joder’.“I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence. “Obviously we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”He continued: “There was no insult. You can see clearly in the video. I remember the incident very well. It was an expression to myself not directed towards the referee. “But obviously there was a misunderstanding of what he believes I said to him. It wasn’t an insult at all.”Last week, TV mics picked up an X-rated Bellingham rant directed at a linesman during Real Madrid’s clash with Atletico.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe shouted: “F*** you man! F*** off!”Even though he swore at an official, the midfielder escaped any punishment on that occasion.Bellingham, 21, looked stunned to have been sent offCredit: AFP More

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      Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes promise after he’s charged for his role in heated Merseyside Derby chaos

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      ARNE SLOT has vowed to “act differently” after he was charged by the FA over his behaviour at the end of the Everton match.The Liverpool boss received a red card after shaking referee Michael Oliver’s hand in an aggressive manner while talking to him after the final whistle.Arne Slot vowed to change his behaviour after being charged by the FACredit: Sky SportsThe Liverpool boss was sent off at the end of the Everton matchCredit: GettyEverton and Liverpool were charged for failing to control their playersCredit: PACurtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were sent off for their roles in sparking a meleeCredit: ReutersSlot was charged after allegedly “acting in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards the referee”.He has promised to change his behaviour following the incident, suggesting he will calm himself down before speaking to referees in future.Slot told Sky Sports: “I hope next time I will act differently.”The best thing to do is always go inside and calm down and then talk to the referee if you want to.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport understands he was sent off for his comments, NOT the handshake.Slot, 46, has until Wednesday to respond to the FA charge so he was on the touchline for Wolves’ visit to Anfield.The FA website initially shared an update stating Slot would be banned for two games, but it was later taken down as it is understood Oliver’s post-match report still needs to be reviewed.Liverpool and Everton were both charged by the FA too for failing to control their players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCurtis Jones received a second yellow card for his clash with Abdoulaye Doucoure, who was also sent off, after the Everton star goaded the travelling fans at full-time.Players, coaches, stewards and police rushed over to diffuse the situation but it only sparked a bigger melee.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt More

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      ‘What must he have said?’ – Fans puzzled as Jude Bellingham sent off after straight red following heated row with ref

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM looked bewildered after being sent off following a row with the ref.The England midfielder, 21, was in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting line-up as Real Madrid took on Osasuna in LaLiga.Jude Bellingham was sent off during the clash with OsasunaCredit: GettyThe Real Madrid star was incensed by the decisionCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe got the Spanish giants off to a great start, scoring after just 15 minutes.But their task became more difficult when Bellingham received his marching orders on 39 minutes.As Real Madrid prepared to take a goal kick, the former Birmingham ace could be seen talking to referee Jose Munuera.When Bellingham gestured and turned his back, Munuera appeared to grow agitated.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe whistled for play to remain paused before immediately brandishing his red card.Bellingham stood with his hands on his hips, not quite believing what had happened.Real Madrid stars including Vinicius Jr and Mbappe surrounded the referee in protest at the decision.But it was to no avail, with Bellingham heading in for an early bath.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBellingham, 21, looked stunned to have been sent offCredit: AFPFans watching on at home were left perplexed.One asked: “What must he have said?”Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clashWhile a second moaned: “Protest should be yellow card offence max. Never seen a player shown straight red card for protest in my whole life.”And a third commented: “It’s the same thing that he did versus Man City except this time he got a red card.”Down to 10 men, Real Madrid conceded an equaliser via Ante Budimir’s 58th minute penalty, with the match going on to finish 1-1.After the draw, Ancelotti sought to shed some light on the incident.The Italian said: “I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said f*** off, not f*** you… that’s way different.”I won’t talk more about the referee as I want to be on the bench next week.”‘I’M TALKING TO YOU WITH RESPECT, F*** OFF’On if he will talk to Bellingham about his conduct, Ancelotti added: “I’ve nothing to say to Jude. I should talk to the referee, not to Jude.”Real Madrid reporter Lucas Navarrete claims that Bellingham said: “I’m talking to you with respect, f*** off.”After the game, Bellingham apologised to his team-mates for getting sent off – but insisted that the referee had “made a mistake”.Last week, TV mics picked up an X-rated Bellingham rant directed at a linesman during Real Madrid’s clash with Atletico.He shouted: “F*** you man! F*** off!”Even though he swore at an official, the midfielder escaped any punishment on that occasion.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast season, Mason Greenwood saw red while at Getafe for appearing to tell a referee to “f*** off.”The former Manchester United forward denied those words, instead claiming to have said “don’t f*** with me”.Carlo Ancelotti defended Bellingham after the matchCredit: AFP More

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      The ‘middle-ground’ that could save VAR, as FA Cup proved football can do just fine without it

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      FOOTBALL life without VAR is bearable.More than that – by all the evidence from the FA Cup so far, it is a reasonable proposition.VAR continues to cause controversy week after week in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyNewcastle’s FA Cup win at League One Birmingham showed we don’t need total VARCredit: GettyOne incident in particular provides support for this view. It occurred when Birmingham goalkeeper Bailey Peacock- Farrell beat away a shot from Newcastle’s Joe Willock on or beyond the goal-line.Blues supporters thought the man with the fanciest name in football had just kept out the shot until the linesman flagged and referee Matt Donohue waved play to the centre spot.Willock had equalised and his side went on to win the fourth-round tie 3-2.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWith no goal-line technology in play because the match was held at a League One ground, imagine VAR trying to pick that apart.Referee Donahue would have asked for a ruling on a very tight decision. Cue a delay while set-squares and microscopes were (imaginatively) brought into play and a verdict finally reached.Not exactly the magic of technology.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI prefer the speed of the ref’s reaction, his assistant’s verdict here was swift and almost certainly correct. No VAR no cry. What a shame that we’ll now see VAR used for the rest of the competition.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralIt used to be carry-on regardless in the Premier League, too, but in the endless squabble between perfectionists and realists, the seekers of absolute truth won.It may be less than an invention to suggest a referee be able to press a button and an AI verdict will come back instantly with an answer.Until that slightly worrying day, let us be pleased that necessity led the FA for a while to abide by the whistle and leave VAR to gather dust.People fortunate enough to support a Premier League club are less lucky and have total VAR complete with constant interruptions. EFL have it in play-off finals and promise it elsewhere very soon.There are, it is true, several plusses to technology, such as quick and correct answers on whether a goal-line has been crossed.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.The major success of VAR, however, is the speed and precision of offside verdicts.Linesmen are good judges but inevitably do not always find it possible to decide on the basis of the length of a foot or elbow. On VAR it is a doddle and quick.Not so with free-kicks or yellow or red cards. These decisions are sometimes a good deal longer and often dubious.VAR itself does not make corrections, it is a helpmate for refs to make theirs.The methodology is sound but perfection is no easier to find than the holy grail. Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolStill, because VAR gives referees a second look, it soon became the Japanese knotweed of our game – once present, nothing short of a bomb will stop it.Various methods are being tried to speed up the process and waiting times have been cut to average 64 seconds. Yet the solution is easy to see. Bin total VAR. Trust the ref.Football was successful for well over a century before VAR. Referees in those days might have protested at being held responsible for United or City losing but the truth is they still are.They are the focus of the blame game and although do-gooders thought VAR would rectify all errors and cut down offensive and obscene shouting among fans, it hasn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall, I would compromise. Tech works on line decisions but is very slow and almost as faulty for fouls given by refs who take only a fraction of the time.And it’s easier to forgive a wrong decision made by genuine human error, than one made by a machine. More

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      Liverpool boss Arne Slot charged by FA following Everton chaos – but WILL be in dugout against Wolves after ban blunder

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      ARNE SLOT has been slapped with an FA charge following Wednesday’s Merseyside madness.The final clash between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park ended in chaos sparked by James Tarkowski’s 98th minute equaliser.Arne Slot spoke to Michael Oliver after the final whistleCredit: GettyThe Dutchman appeared to be unhappy with referee OliverCredit: ReutersCurtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were all sent off after full-time.Both the coaches and the two clubs have been charged following the incident.Liverpool and Everton face charges for failing to control the behaviour of their players.Slot erupted at referee Michael Oliver, for which he was shown a red card, but has also been charged for comments made after his dismissal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Reds boss will be in the dugout at Wolves this weekend before learning his fate – which could be a two-match ban.In a statement, The FA said: “The Liverpool manager allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished.”It is further alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off.”Slot, 46, spoke earlier today ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Wolves this weekend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSlot looked perplexed as he was shown a red cardCredit: GettyOn the incident that saw him sent off in mid-week, he said: “There’s an ongoing process now and I think I have to respect that we have to respect that so can’t go into details.”What happened was that the extra time, five minutes that ended up being eight, happens a lot.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card “The emotions go the better of me. I would love to do it differently and am looking to do it differently next time as well, but I don’t want to disturb the ongoing process.”On Jones’ suspension, Slot added: “The good thing is we have played so many games. He got a second yellow I assume so that’s only one game.”Next Wednesday there is a game, he comes back from an injury so he already missed a few games.”I liked him a lot when he came on. It was our best part of the game, the only part of the game where I felt a bit of comfort and where it felt like a bit of control. That is maybe because we went 2-1 up.”I like a lot that he stands up for the team but I think there are also other ways to do that for the team and the fans.”I will talk with him about that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it is the same for me, I should have acted differently after the game as well.”But it is an emotional game and sometimes people make the wrong decisions in an emotional moment and that’s what I did.”Slot also discussed Curtis Jones’ red cardCredit: Rex More

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      Mystery over Arne Slot ban as Premier League DELETE update saying Liverpool boss will miss next two games

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have mysteriously deleted an update claiming Arne Slot has received a two-match touchline ban for his red card at the end of the Merseyside derby.Slot was sent off by referee Michael Oliver after the final whistle, following a dramatic few minutes that saw tensions flare between Liverpool and Everton players.Arne Slot could face a touchline banCredit: GettySlot was sent off by referee Michael Oliver on WednesdaySlot had something to say to Oliver as he shook his handCredit: GettySlot was seen berating the assistant referee tooThis is what was originally on the Premier League websiteThe line on the two-match ban was deleted an hour laterThe Premier League had initially revealed on their website that Slot will face two matches away from the sidelines as a result of the incident.The Reds boss is believed to have been sent off for using “offensive, insulting, or abusive language”.Footage following the game showed Slot approach referee Michael Oliver to have a few words and shake his hand.But after the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe manager was also seen berating an assistant referee.But just an hour later, the sentence on the Premier League website about Slot’s ban had been deleted.The Premier League have not confirmed why the line on Slot’s ban was erased.However, it’s understood that the FA still needs to review Michael Oliver’s post-match report.Most read in FootballAnd SunSport understands he was sent off for his comments, NOT the handshake.The FA have three options available to them: charge Slot, remind him of his responsibilities, or take no further action.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGiven Liverpool would be given time to respond to any potential charge, it means in all likelihood Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff, who was also sent off, will be in the dugout for the game against Wolves on Sunday.Subsequent games Slot could be in danger of missing include their visit to Aston Villa on February 19, the trip to Man City on February 23, and the home clash with Newcastle three days later.David Moyes says ‘boiling hot Goodison Park deserved drama’ in final Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton But it remains to be seen whether Slot and his No2 are banned at all.If both are banned for any games, Liverpool could end up with former Everton star Johnny Heitinga in charge.Heitingha, 41, is an assistant coach at Liverpool despite playing nearly 150 games for the Toffees.Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones were both sent off for two bookable offences during the feisty 2-2 draw. The pair will each serve one-match bans.They were both dismissed after a brawl broke out amid post-match celebrations by Doucoure nearby the Liverpool away fans in Goodison Park.Everything had boiled over after Everton defender James Tarkowski thundered home a 98th minute equaliser to snatch a point from bitter rivals Liverpool in the last ever Merseyside derby at Goodison.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn total, the match saw eight yellows and four red cards dished out to players and staff.Despite dropping points Liverpool managed to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points, putting them in a commanding position over title rivals Arsenal.A massive brawl erupted on the field at Goodison Park after the late Everton levellerCredit: GettyCurtis Jones (No. 17) was sent off after a furious confrontation with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyStewards and police were tasked with restoring calm after Everton dramatically snatched a pointCredit: AFP More

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      Premier League release VAR statement after Everton’s dramatic equaliser but key omission will anger Liverpool fans

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      LIVERPOOL fans have been left fuming with the Premier League’s VAR statement for Everton’s late equaliser in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.James Tarkowski thundered home a controversial equaliser in the 98th minute of the feisty 2-2 draw, leading to a VAR check.Everton’s James Tarkowski netted a dramatic late leveller in a pulsating derbyCredit: APThe defender netted a thundering strikeCredit: ReutersEverton fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrateCredit: PAA VAR check threatened to spoil the party at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyLiverpool players had complained of a potential offside and foul in the build-up to the goal, but after a lengthy VAR check the goal stood.A statement released on the Premier League’s Match Centre X account cleared up the offside.It read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR- who established that Doucoure was in an onside position in the build-up.”However, there was no mention of a check for a foul on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate by Everton’s Beto.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe omission had left the Red half of Merseyside furious, with many Liverpool fans taking to social media to vent their frustrations.One wrote: “Didn’t check for the foul though”.While another added: “We ignoring pushing nowadays? Useless.”A third commented: “What about the blatant foul after the offside?”Most read in FootballThe Premier League shared an image showing the onside callCredit: X @PLmatchcentreLiverpool fans felt that Beto fouled Ibrahima Konate in the build up to the goal tooCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd a fourth fumed: “Yeah, what about the foul? Hmm??? Abolish the PGMOL”.Liverpool fans were hoping that a “push” from Beto into the back of Konate would be seen as a foul and rule the goal out.Rod Stewart steals show as he does duet with Carragher and dances at Celtic v Bayern However, the decision ultimately was’t given in their favour.Tarkowski’s late goal led to drama on the pitch as Toffees supporters spilled onto the playing surface to celebrate a point in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.While tempers flared between players too as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure came to blows in front of the fans in the stands, leading to a mass brawl involving both sets of players.Both Doucoure and Jones were sent off by referee Michael Oliver for their part in the passionate incident.Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards in the aftermath of the fracas. A massive brawl erupted on the field at Goodison Park after the late Everton levellerCredit: GettyCurtis Jones (No. 17) was sent off after a furious confrontation with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyStewards and police were tasked with restoring calm after Everton dramatically snatched a pointCredit: AFPLiverpool boss Arne Slot was later sent off after clashing with Michael OliverCredit: Reuters More

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      Champions League star left stunned after being handed red card… for asking for opponent to be booked

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      MONACO were left in disbelief after their player was sent off for asking an opponent to be booked.The Ligue 1 had fallen behind during their Champions League play-off first-leg game against Benfica just after half-time after a sumptuous chip from Vangelis Pavlidis.Referee Maurizio Mariani showed a second yellow to Monaco’s Al-MusratiCredit: ReutersIt came after the midfielder gestured towards the ref that an opponent should be bookedCredit: GettyA challenge from Alvaro Fernandez on Breel Embolo in the 52nd minute then saw things go from bad to worse for the home side.With ex-Manchester United defender Fernandez on a yellow card by this point, Monaco wanted to try and take advantage of the foul by reminding Italian referee, Maurizio Mariani.Midfielder Moatasem Al-Musrati was chief among the culprits to do so as he was shown to be wagging his right hand at the ref in the gesture of showing a card. Mariani then brandished a yellow card but to the 28-year-old instead of the fouling player.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Musrati, who had been booked in the 41st minute, appeared to be baffled by the decision as his Monaco team-mates then protested against it.It was a very unfortunate end to the Libya international’s Champions League debut following a loan transfer from Besiktas to Monaco in the winter transfer window.But IFAB rules state a yellow card can be awarded to a player who: “Argues with the referee or other match official (verbally or by making gestures).”The sending-off meant Monaco failed to get a vital goal back against the visitors to take to the second leg.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMonaco boss Adi Hütter and left-back Krépin Diatta both felt the decision was unfair, with the manager also moaning about a late yellow for Denis Zakaria which rules him out of the second leg.Hütter said: “I didn’t see him walk to the referee. The only thing what he said maybe was ‘It could be a yellow card.’Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it “Yes these are the rules we have to accept, but he was not aggressive right?”And when you see the second yellow card of Zakaria, he is suspended. These are harsh yellow cards.”Diatta said: “I think everyone saw for themselves.”He wasn’t angry and he was calm toward the referee. Sometimes it’s too severe.”The second leg will be played on Tuesday 18. More