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      VAR official seen scrolling through betting site as shocking footage from top flight surfaces live on TV

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      A VAR official has landed in hot water after appearing to scroll through a betting site on live TV.A Bulgarian official is alleged to have been spotted using the site moments before kick-off between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia.A VAR official appeared to scroll a betting site before a matchHe was suspended after footage of the incident began to circulate on social media.Hawk-Eye Innovations, which is responsible for the VAR system in the Bulgarian First League, explained the decision in a letter to the Bulgarian Football Union.It said: “Hawk-Eye Innovations acknowledges with regret an incident involving one of its VAR operators during the Parva Liga match between PFC CSKA-Sofia and PFC Lokomotiv Sofia yesterday evening (2nd April 2025).“Live footage from the camera situation in the VAR operations room documented the individual utilising a personal smartphone during the match and appearing to engage in inappropriate activities which would constitute gross misconduct in relation to the responsibilities of their assigned role.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe company said it would investigate the official during his suspension, as reported by NeedToKnow.It added: “If the individual has been found to have been engaging in such inappropriate activity, we will look to dismiss the individual in accordance with their contractual terms.”Fans were shocked by the revelation with one saying: “Lol that’s wild.”Another added: “Everything you need to know about VAR…”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Nah this is some nasty business.”And another commented: “We are in a very bad situation…”‘People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea loss More

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      Premier League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie learning to walk again after rare condition left him paralysed

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      FORMER Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has opened up about the rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.Once described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, the 65-year-old is now learning to walk again.Uriah Rennie has revealed he is learning to walk againCredit: GettyThe 65-year-old has been diagnosed with a rare neurological conditionCredit: AlamyAfter experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.”By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.”I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.”I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.”I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”Most read in FootballHaving been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.He now spends much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.Describing his current state of movement, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.”I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.”It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”Half a year on from his hospital admission, Rennie is now due to start his role as a university chancellor next month. And he is determined not to give up on walking again.He concluded: “Lots of people are in wheelchairs, but it doesn’t define them.”It has made me resilient and forceful and I will never give up – I’m not on my own, there is a village helping me.”I recognise how brittle things are in life now.”I don’t know if I am going to walk fully, but I know what I need to do to try and you must never give up hope.”Read More on The SunRennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.He is also a kick-boxing and aikido expert. More

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      ‘I was on the point of doing something crazy’ – Liverpool legend admits VAR would have changed history in Everton clash

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      LIVERPOOL icon Dirk Kuyt has admitted his infamous Merseyside derby tackle was “crazy” and he should have been sent off.The shocking challenge was made during an ill-tempered fixture in 2007.Dirk Kuyt avoided a red card for a reckless tackle on Phil NevilleCredit: Sky SportsKuyt then stepped up and scored a late winner from the spotCredit: PA:Press AssociationLiverpool beat Everton 2-1 as David Moyes’ side went down to nine-men after red cards to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville.Kuyt scored both goals for the Reds, including a dramatic 92nd minute penalty to win it.The strike was highly controversial as the Dutchman somehow escaped an early bath for a reckless and wild lunge on Neville.Kuyt went in two-footed above the Everton skipper’s knee but was given just a yellow by referee Mark Clattenburg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on the moment, Kuyt told The Telegraph: “I was very lucky to come away from that because if I had a red card, I would not have managed to score the winning goal. “It’s crazy when you play these kinds of games because there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion.“I flew through the air and thank God there was no VAR there at the time. “When I was in the air, I knew I was way too late and I was on the point of doing something crazy. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I tried to hold my legs inside me just to be lucky not to touch him. I think I was very lucky not to get the red card.”Liverpool face Everton tonight and tempers could flare again after a huge bust-up at the end of their 2-2 thriller just seven weeks ago.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntKuyt, 44, is currently the manager of Belgian side Beerschot and it is his “dream” to one day fill Arne Slot’s shoes as Liverpool boss.Kuyt is now manager of Belgian outfit BeerschotCredit: AFP More

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      Incredible moment referee KOs losing coach with karate kick to the face after he tried to attack him with a bottle

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      THIS is the incredible moment a referee KO’s a furious member of a losing team’s coaching staff with a karate kick to the face during a Peruvian league match.Luis Alegre let rip with his right boot as the man invaded the pitch and ran towards him with the apparent intention of assaulting him with a plastic bottle in his hand.A member of the coaching staff ran on the pitch armed with plastic bottleCredit: XHe looked ready to attack the referee with the bottleCredit: XReferee Luis Alegre let out a karate kick to defend himself from the bottleCredit: XThe coach immediately fell to the floorCredit: XHe connected with his rival’s head, putting him on the ground and sparking the intervention of the police.Things then took a turn for the worse as the ref and his linesmen were surrounded by angry players looking for revenge.The drama occurred in the 82nd minute of Sport Huaquilla’s Copa Peru match against Magdalena CEDEC in Ancash north of the of the Peruvian capital Lima.TV footage showed it happened after Mr Alegre brought out a red card after one of his linesman appeared to point towards someone from the Magdalena bench.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe video showed the ballsy ref was no martial arts beginner – with his right boot connecting full-on with the jaw of the unnamed individual who rushed at him and went to hit him with his plastic water bottle.Remarkably Luis managed to keep hold of the red card he was brandishing in his left hand despite his rapid reaction to the assault he was about to become a victim of.The linesman nearest the action ran towards the pair before the karate kick in an apparent attempt to protect his colleague.Although he ended up trying to calm tempers elsewhere on the pitch as the situation threatened to derail.Most read in FootballPlayers tried to pull away the furious coachCredit: XOther players swarmed the officials angry with the referee’s actionsCredit: XThe situation threatened to boil overCredit: XCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe man on the receiving end of the referee’s martial arts technique got up moments after being felled looking dazed.And perhaps thankfully for his own safety was persuaded not to react by one of his own team’s players who put his arms around him and moved him away.Ex-Man Utd star Memphis Depay sparks mass brawl with cheeky trick as four red cards are handed out in derby clash Match commentators responded by saying, when it was already too late: “Calm down lads, calm down” before adding as police intervened: “This sort of thing can’t happen.”The game was suspended after the incident.It was not immediately clear if the man kicked in the face had needed to be taken to hospital or whether he and the ref would face any disciplinary action. More

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      Surprising reason why tall footballer are more likely to receive yellow cards, according to experts

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      REFEREES are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts have found.And they reckon it is a classic case of “short man syndrome”.Referees are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts revealedCredit: GettyPlayers taller than the referee have 9.4 per cent more fouls given against them and are 7.2 per cent more likely to get a card.Players who are shorter are 12.3 per cent less likely to be done for a foul and 16.5 per cent less likely to get a yellow.The team at Germany’s University of Hagen ­analysed 2,340 games in the Bundesliga.They said: “This bias is consistent with the ­Napoleon complex, where shorter individuals show compensatory behaviours for lacking social dominance through height.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFrench general ­Napoleon, only 5ft 6in, told a rival: “You may be taller, but I am greater.”Earlier in the week Premier League referees’ huge pay packets were revealed – and it showed they are among the country’s top earners.Their salaries appeared to reflect their growing status in the game and the increasing pressure they are under every week as billions watch worldwide.Figures provided by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubs revealed what kind of money the Prem’s officials are pocketing, as reported by The Times.Most read in FootballThey showed that the average salary for a Premier League referee is between £170,000 and £180,000.While the top referees are earning around £250,000 per year.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolOfficials are paid their salary at a base rate, which is then boosted by performance bonuses and match fees.That base rate ranges between £72,000 and £148,000, and varies according to experience and seniority in the role.Senior officials, such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, are likely to earn around £250,000 a year from their Premier League roles.6ft7inch striker Peter Crouch, pictured with Stephen Gerrard, would be more likely to get booked than a smaller player, experts say More

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      I played against England at World Cup then became David Beckham’s team-mate – now I want to be a Premier League referee

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL never made it to the Premier League as a player – but is eager to get there in retirement.The former LA Galaxy midfielder played alongside David Beckham during his MLS days. Former Port Vale and LA Galaxy midfielder Chris Birchall is training to become a refCredit: Paul TongeThe midfielder played alongside England legend David Beckham in LACredit: GettyBirchall also faced England in the 2006 World Cup for Trinidad and TobagoCredit: GettyAnd now he is retraining as a referee, all thanks to a special PGMOL initiative for former pros.Birchall is part of the ‘Player to Match Official’ programme, a joint venture between the PGMOL and the Players Association. The scheme aims to fast-track ex-players into officiating over a three-year period.Birchall, who played most of his club football for Port Vale, hung up his boots in 2017. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow 40, he believes the scheme is vital to bring through the next generation of referees. Birchall told Sky Sports: “If you were a professional who finished at 32, 33, there wouldn’t be an opportunity because you’d be 45 before you had the chance.”This is why this programme is so exciting because it opens doors to ex-players to come through into the game and use their experience to not be better referees.”But to try and be as good as they individually can, because there are some exceptional referees coming through who haven’t played the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”A lot of people say this is what the game’s been crying out for, but you don’t want to be the person to say ‘ex-players are going to become better refs’. “It’s just another string to the bow of officiating.”Former LA Galaxy star Birchall goes from playing with Beckham to being a refereeEx-pros including Coventry winger Carl Baker and Milwall midfielder Liam Trotter are also enrolled in the course. And Birchall has big ambitions – with a spot in the Premier League within his sights.He continued: “Sometimes, someone will ask you a question like, ‘Where do you want to be in three years?’ “I want to be in the Premier League. I don’t want to come across as arrogant, but the opportunity is there to be in the Premier League. “So, my goal within that three to four years is to be officiating in the Premier League.”What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.Birchall spent much of his early career in England’s lower leagues, playing for Vale, Coventry and Brighton.His world was turned upside down in 2009 when he joined the Galaxy in Los Angeles, replacing Beckham on his debut.Speaking to SunSport last year, Birchall said: “David was great with me.”Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. “He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.”There was banter between us as English guys. “He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’”Before playing with David Beckham, Birchall played against him on the biggest stage of all.Though born in Stafford, he was called up by Trinidad and Tobago by virtue of his mum being born in the country’s capital Port of Spain.Playing with Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke, Birchall would score one of the most famous goals in the country’s history as he scored a long range equaliser in a home play-off against Bahrain.The Soca Warriors would then win 1-0 in the Middle East to earn a spot at the 2006 World Cup.And there, while playing club football for Port Vale, he took on Becks and England’s Golden Generation.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere, the Caribbean Islanders stubbornly held the Three Lions to a goalless stalemate until the 83rd minute where Peter Crouch netted a controversial opening goal.The England striker was seen pulling on defender Brent Sancho’s dreadlocks to head home before Steven Gerrard netted a second in stoppage time. More

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      Premier League referee salaries revealed as officials are controversially blocked from boosting earnings abroad

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referees’ huge pay packets have been revealed – and show they are among the country’s top earners. Their salaries appear to reflect their growing status in the game and the increasing pressure they are under every week as billions watch worldwide.The salaries of Premier League referees has been revealedCredit: RexFigures provided by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubs revealed what kind of money the Prem’s officials are pocketing, as reported by The Times.They showed that the average salary for a Premier League referee it between £170,000 and £180,000.While the top referees are earning around £250,000 per year.Officials are paid their salary at a base rate, which is then boosted by performance bonuses and match fees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat base rate ranges between £72,000 and £148,000, and varies according to experience and seniority in the role.Senior officials, such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, are likely to earn around £250,000 a year from their Premier League roles.While less-experienced refs, identified in ‘Select Group 1′, will earn closer to £125,000.When pension and national insurance contributions are factored in, it’s understood that the PGMOL averaged a total cost of £240,000 per referee. Most read in FootballBy comparison, the average salary for pilots and air traffic controllers is significantly less at £91,208.Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb revealed the figures in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubsCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLyon manager Paulo Fonseca faces SEVEN-MATCH ban after squaring up to referee in incredible meltdownWhile chief executives (£81,328) , IT directors (£81,588) and specialist medical practitioners’ (£73,320) salaries are all dwarfed by the officials’ pay packets too.However, top city workers such as those in finance, insurance and lawyers can earn far more than the Prem’s referees.Officials can boost their earnings outside the Premier League too, with many of the top referees chosen to take charge of Uefa sanctioned games in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.While they can also officiate at Fifa-run events like the Club World Cup and the World Cup proper.A report last year claimed that referees in the Champions League are paid between £5,300 and £9,000 per game.And major tournaments like the World Cup have been reported to earn officials between £38,700 and £54,000 – before match bonuses are added.Outside of those organisations, Premier League officials will find it difficult to boost their incomes.That’s because the PGMOL have now effectively prevented officials from taking charge of matches in the Gulf states.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe decision came last year, after Michael Oliver, Darren England and Dan Cook officiated a match in the United Arab Emirates less than 48 hours before a shocking VAR mistake in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last season.Concerns were voiced around how that looked for the Premier League given Manchester City’s United Arab Emirates ownership, and Newcastle United’s links to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.Officials failed to realise that Luis Diaz was onside during a clash between Liverpool and Tottenham last season More

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      James McClean has furious bust-up with rival fan after angry rant at linesman earns Wrexham controversial penalty

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      JAMES McCLEAN had a furious bust-up with a Stockport fan and was slammed over his role in Wrexham’s controversial winner.The Irish winger’s rant at linesman Abbas Khan resulted in ref Simon Mather overturning his decision to award a corner in favour of a penalty.Jay Rodriguez scored the rebound from his penalty to fire Wrexham to a 1-0 win over StockportCredit: GettyJames McClean won the peanlty for Wrexham after heading the ball onto Ibou Touray’s hand in the boxCredit: XMcClean was adamant he had won a penalty after the referee initially awarded a cornerCredit: RexMcClean had leapt up for a header inside the area and nodded the ball onto the back of Stockport defender Ibou Touray’s raised hand.The ball made contact with Touray – but from point-blank range – and ref Mather awarded a corner. Video then showed McClean, 35, raging at Khan, berating the linesman for not giving a penalty.The lino then beckoned Mather over and, following a chat, the ref changed his decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWell over a minute had passed since the incident.Former Stoke star McClean was furious after an initial decision to award a corner, waving his arms in the air and berating the linesman for not giving a penalty.That decision left Stockport fans seething, taking to social media to vent after conceding in a huge promotion fight in League One.One wrote: “Great refereeing by James McClean”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another added: “Didn’t create nearly enough to warrant getting anything. Doesn’t help that James McClean was officiating the game!”A third fumed: “How is that a pen?!”Wrexham’s James McClean involved in car crash on way to training ahead of League One table-topping clash with BirminghamThe Wrexham star furiously questioned the decisionCredit: RexAnd another jokingly replied: “It is when McClean is officiating”.Other posts accused McClean of “reffing” the game and “bullying”. Jay Rodriguez took the 29th-minute spot-kick and saw it saved by Stockport keeper Corey Addai.But the former Premier League striker tucked away the rebound to earn a 1-0 win in the League One promotion clash.McClean was then involved in a heated row with a fan as he made his way down the Racecourse Ground tunnel at half-time before the supporter was led away by police.SunSport understands that the supporter in question has alleged that McClean attacked him.However, both Wrexham and the Police have reviewed CCTV and there appears to be no evidence of the incident happening and McClean has not been arrested.Stockport manager Dave Challinor bit his tongue when it came to the decision.”I am not going to get myself in trouble by saying what I really believe”, he said.”It has never been a penalty. There were arguments for a potential penalty on the decision before with Sam Smith but that was more of a penalty than the one that was given.”And for a linesman to get involved on the far side of the pitch and do nothing else in the game cost us a point.”It flipped the momentum in the first half and was another poor decision.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe League One clash was certainly feisty with 10 yellow cards and one red card dished out by the referee over the course of 90 minutes.Wrexham’s victory sends the Red Dragons three points clear of third-placed Wycombe who have a game in hand and also takes them nine clear of the Hatters in fifth.James McClean had an interaction with the fans as he was leaving the pitchCredit: GettyMcClean gestured towards the crowdCredit: Getty More