More stories

  • in

    Nottingham Forest in Champions League and Newcastle miss out on Europe – how Premier League table would look without VAR

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST would have earned a Champions League spot at the expense of Newcastle if VAR did not exist.And the Magpies’ escape from any consequences for their home defeat by Everton is put into even starker content as they would have missed out on European football altogether without the technology.Nottingham Forest would have earned a Champions League spot if VAR did not existNewcastle would have missed out on Europe if VAR did not existSunSport have analysed all 380 Prem matches this term and worked out how the table would have looked if the original on-field decisions had not been overturned after intervention by the Stockley Park video booth.Our number crunchers found that Eddie Howe’s men were by far the biggest beneficiaries of VAR changes. Newcastle had a staggering 13 decisions changed in their favour, with just five reversals hurting them.That brought a net figure of +8, with Aston Villa and West Ham next in the benefits column with each having four more interventions in their favour than against them.Read More on FootballOur analysis, which assumes every penalty that was initially awarded and then wiped was scored, suggests that without VAR Newcastle would have picked up four fewer points – dropping them to eighth in the table – and conceded seven more goals.Forest, whose home defeat by Chelsea left them in the Conference League slot, would have finished fifth in our “No VAR” table.And Bournemouth, ninth in the actual table, would have been preparing for a first continental campaign in the Europa League without the technology changes.Andoni Iraola’s side had 11 VAR changes against them and just three in their favour, costing the Cherries EIGHT points and seven goals.Most read in FootballThe study of the 111 changed decisions cannot determine definitively what would have happened in real life if the initial decisions had not been overturned.But one of the most contentious calls saw Dango Ouattara’s last-gasp “winner” against Newcastle in August chalked off for a handball PGMOL chief Howard Webb subsequently conceded was wrongly overturned after the VAR intervention.Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs ChelseaOver the course of the season there were 12 goals and 25 penalties awarded through VAR intervention – with 21 of those spot-kicks converted – compared to 48 goals and 11 penalties disallowed.Liverpool’s 10-point advantage over Arsenal at the top of the pile would have been reduced to just two without VAR, as the Gunners lost eight points from the six overturns against them – including “winning” goals against Chelsea, Fulham and Aston Villa.Chelsea and Manchester City swap places, with the Londoners up to third, with Villa down one to take the Conference League slot. More

  • in

    Premier League release statement on decision that denied Aston Villa goal vs Man Utd as club make official complaint

    THE Premier League have released a statement over Aston Villa’s controversial disallowed goal.But it hasn’t pacified the Midlanders, who have now written to the PGMOL with their own “concerns”.Morgan Rogers was penalised despite Altay Bayindir dropping the ballCredit: GettyRogers finished into the empty net for Aston VillaCredit: ReutersThe whistle had already gone too earlyCredit: PAVAR were only able to confirm the mistake but not step inCredit: TNT SportsVilla thought they had gone in front in their crunch clash away at Manchester United on the final day of the season.Morgan Rogers poked the ball away from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before finishing into an open net after Harry Maguire’s header.But referee Thomas Bramall blew his whistle before the ball crossed the line.He thought Rogers had kicked the ball out of Bayindir’s hands and therefore awarded a free-kick against the Villa man.READ MORE ON ASTON VILLAHowever, replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under control and the goal should have stood.However, the laws of the game state that a goal cannot be retrospectively awarded after the whistle has blown – even if done in error. VAR did take a brief look at the incident.But that was only to confirm the whistle had gone before the goal was scored – thus leaving the officials hamstrung. Most read in FootballAnd the Premier League statement clarified the situation. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTheir Match Centre account tweeted during the United vs Villa match: “72’ – The referee’s call was a free kick to Manchester United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession. “The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR.”Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apologyBut vexed Villa are not letting the matter lie and have written in a complaint.A statement read: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has written to the PGMOL to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today’s game with Manchester United at Old Trafford.”With such high stakes surrounding today’s fixture, the club believe a more experienced referee should have been appointed. “Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Mr. Bramall was the second least experienced.”The decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ goal, which would have given the club a 1-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining in the match, was a major contributing factor to the club not qualifying for the Champions League.”As per the standards that have been established over the course of the season, a decision to whistle early is clearly inconsistent with current refereeing guidelines. “VAR exists to ensure that these types of situations receive the scrutiny they deserve. Unfortunately, the technology was not allowed to serve its purpose.”Ultimately, we acknowledge that the outcome for us will not change, but we believe that it is important to address the selection methodology to ensure that high stakes matches are treated as such with regards to officiating and to ensure that the implemented VAR technology is allowed to be effective.”To rub salt into the wounds for Villa – who were in fifth at the time of the referee controversy – United went up the other end and scored the opener through Amad Diallo.A Christian Eriksen penalty sealed a 2-0 home win as Villa had to settle for sixth and missed out on the Champions League on goal difference behind Newcastle – who lost at home to Everton. Bramall has taken charge of league matches across the Premier League and Championship this term – with Sunday’s Old Trafford game his 11th in the top flight. That took his Premier League tally to 30 – ironically, that is less than a third of the amount overseen by today’s fourth official Bobby Madley.Captain John McGinn was raging after the game and said: “I think everyone wanted the correct decisions when the VAR was implemented. “You watch rugby, even if the referee has awarded a try and it’s wrong, its overturned.”It’s so so hard to take especially when the impact it has on us, as a club and a team, is so big.”It’s really, really tough to take and handle. I don’t think we deserved to win but if you were 1-0 up at that point and all you need is a point to get to the Champions League, it’s costly.”Moving forward, the rule has to be looked at as the correct decisions were not getting made at the end of the day. I think [referee] Thomas [Bramall] knew. It probably wasn’t fair on him at that moment either. The boys are gutted.”Asked if the ref acknowledged his mistake, he said: “He didn’t really know what to say.”Because of the impact it has on us as players and our careers, the club, you are obviously angry. I think he is a young referee who has progressed very quickly.”Maybe we could look at having more experienced referees. I don’t know. It’s just an incredible decision and makes today even worse than it should be.”Villa manager Unai Emery added: “It was a mistake. A big mistake.Read More on The Sun”The match we played overall in 90 minutes with the red card and this goal disallowed, it was a key moment. But overall, they did more.”Emery revealed he spoke with the referee after the game: “Yes, I told him but he knows it [he made a mistake].”Replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under controlCredit: PAAston Villa raged at Thomas Bramall after his mistakeCredit: ReutersUnai Emery made his feelings and frustrations clearCredit: AFPFourth official Bobby Madley has refereed more than 90 Premier League gamesCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Championship play-off final history made as referee speaks to crowd to explain why goal was controversially ruled out

    FOOTBALL fans saw history made in the Championship play-off final.Sheffield United took on Sunderland at Wembley for a place in next season’s Premier League. Harrison Burrows shot through the crowd as Sheffield United thought they were 2-0 upCredit: Shutterstock EditorialChris Kavanagh announced the goal was chalked off over the PA systemCredit: Sky SportsTyrese Campbell gave the Blades the lead on 25 minutes, expertly dinking in to round off a superb counter attack. Less than ten minutes later, Harrison Burrows thought he had made it 2-0.Burrows let fly from outside the area as the ball flew into the back of the net.But replays showed Vini Souza was impeding Anthony Patterson’s vision and ability to save the shot.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat saw VAR intervene – the technology in force for the play-off final despite not being used during the regular season. But rather than overturn the decision, the VAR sent referee Chris Kavanagh over to the pitchside monitor to watch the incident and make a call on the subjective offside.Kavanagh decided Souza was interfering and therefore ruled the goal out.That led to the referee announcing over the tannoy that the goal was ruled out because United’s No21 was offside. Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd it became the first time in a Championship play-off final that a VAR decision was explained to the crowd over the PA system inside the stadium by the ref.Fans at the Carabao Cup final saw similar scenes at Wembley in March.’Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emergesFederico Chiesa’s consolation goal for Liverpool against Newcastle was initially chalked off by the assistant’s flag.But the referee announced over the tannoy that it was in fact allowed to stand – much to Chiesa’s bemusement. The play-off final saw eight minutes of injury time added on at the end of the first half.As well as the stopagge for the disallowed goal, there was also a lengthy delay right at the start when Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien dislocated his shoulder. Premier League clubs went into the final hoping to see a United win – because that would mean an extra £39million windfall cash bonus for top-flight teams. Referee Kavanagh watched the replay on the pitchside monitorCredit: PAReplays clearly showed Anthony Patterson was impeded in the Sunderland goalCredit: Sky Sports More

  • in

    Premier League will see more rule changes next season – when will this ever end? I have NO idea what football rules are

    CLAUDIO RANIERI earned the nickname ‘Tinkerman’ during his spell at Chelsea as he was forever changing his player line-ups but that meddling moniker should surely now be passed on to football’s governing bodies.Next season there will be more new rule changes. When will this ever end and are you, like me, ­baffled and bamboozled in equal measure as to what the actual rules of football are?Referees will punish goalkeepers for time-wasting with a corner for the opposition next seasonCredit: GettySunSport columnist Karren Brady thinks if it aint broke, don’t fix itCredit: GettyFrom next season goalkeepers will be penalised for holding on to the ball for more than eight ­seconds, with the punishment a corner to the attacking team.Referees are supposed to indicate when a keeper has held the ball for three seconds, giving him five more seconds to release it. Apparently, this new rule has been tried and tested and will be in place for next season.So what was wrong with the old rule which gave keepers six seconds to release, with punishment in the form of an indirect free-kick? Beats me. It was hardly ever enforced anyway.The body which has come up with this latest daft tinkering, I meant well-researched brainstorm, the International Football Association Board, must have spent ages on it. Probably in a well-stocked five-star hotel somewhere near Fifa’s Swiss Alps headquarters.Read more football newsThe purpose of this newest change is to cut down on time-wasting but how can extending possession from six to eight seconds do that?And also the fact that the ‘old’ rule was almost never imposed surely means it was a good rule.A bit like competent refereeing, if you don’t know they are there, chances are the official is doing a decent job.Every year we are told greedy water companies will clean up their act and every season football makes changes which confuses the hell out of fans. Dirtying the waters, so to speak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe have had ‘golden’ goals, ­‘silver’ goals, the advance ten-metre rule, you name it. If anyone can ­successfully tell me what the current rules around handball are, please let me know.As for VAR, well let’s just say the jury is still out on that one.We have been told the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology will solve the ridiculous amount of time it has taken Stockley Park assessors to actually reach a decision.’In one year the decision will be made’ – Wenger demands new offside rule that will be ‘impossible to defend against’Well, that wasn’t true last weekend at the West Ham v Forest game, as that quick check we were promised turned into an excruciating six-minute delay as the offside technology was not working.And don’t get me started on the financial fair play rules.Professor Brian Cox might be able to name all the stars in the sky but even he would struggle with that.I’m the first to admit that some changes have been of great benefit. In 1992, the introduction of the backpass rule where keepers cannot handle the ball when it has been deliberately kicked to them by a team-mate is one.When will this ever end and are you, like me, ­baffled and bamboozled in equal measure as to what the actual rules of football are?Karren BradyGoal-line technology came in 2012 following the uproar over the Frank Lampard World Cup ‘goal-that-never-was’. That was another. But in recent seasons the dribble of rule changes has become a downpour.From allowing the kick-off to be taken in any direction, to teams now requiring a mandatory captain, complete with armband, to additional subs if a player has received a concussion injury.Have any of these actually improved fans’ enjoyment?Just leave the game alone please. The International Football Association Board should adhere to the wise man, more likely wise woman, who said, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Or to put it another way, stop bloody tinkering.I’m just waiting for the first referee next season who awards a corner after a keeper has transgressed this newest rule change.Read More on The SunCue hundreds of examples by irate fans where the ‘offence’ was not spotted.Football. They say it used to be a simple game which involved two jumpers and a ball. Not any longer. More

  • in

    SFA to review ‘corrupt’ Rangers TV comments made by Ibrox hero in wake of Hibs ‘ghost goal’ controversy

    THE SFA are launching an investigation into comments made by former Rangers defender John Brown whilst appearing on the club’s official TV channel.Brown, 63, sounded off on-air on Rangers TV about the failure to award Rangers a second goal against Hibs in the first half.Nicolas Raskin thought he’d put Rangers 2-0 up against HibsCredit: PABut Nick Walsh didn’t give it and Hibs went up and scored at the other endCredit: Willie VassNicolas Raskin had ran through and beat goalkeeper Jordan Smith to the ball, poking it under his body.The ball appeared to cross the line but referee Nick Walsh didn’t signal for it and he wasn’t called to review the incident by VAR.Gers interim boss Barry Ferguson later criticised Walsh for his attitude on the park and called the decision “baffling”.But in the immediate aftermath of the flash point, Rangers TV co-commentator Brown was even more incredulous and his remarks could land him – and the club – in hot water.The nine-in-a-row hero branded it “corrupt”, before lead commentator Tom Miller said: “Well, I’m not sure we can actually say that.”Those are not necessarily the views of Rangers Football Club.”Brown continued: “Well, I am saying it.””That’s a disgrace and it’s the worst decision I’ve seen in all the years I’ve been in football.”Most read in FootballMiller added: “John Brown obviously has his own opinion there, but it’s certainly questionable.”Those comments have caught the eye of the SFA’s Compliance Offer and a charge could be forthcoming.Dundee Utd fan ‘caught mocking Ibrox disaster’ during Rangers clash days after Celtic supporter lost jobAccording to The Herald, the SFA believe there are grounds for action under article 29.2 of the rules which reads: “A club or recognised football body which publishes, distributes, issues, sells or authorises a third party to publish, distribute, issue or sell a match programme or any other publication or audio/visual material of any description in any media now existing or hereinafter invented, including but not limited to the Internet, social networking or micro-blogging sites, shall ensure that any such publications or audio/visual material does not contain any criticism of any match official calculated to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official or to impinge upon his character.”Celtic were previously subject to a review when club legend and club TV pundit Tom Boyd alluded to referee John Beaton drinking in a Rangers pub.He said in 2019: “If he doesn’t know that’s a penalty he should not be in the middle of the park refereeing a football game.”He’ll probably be welcomed down his pub tonight again.”Celtic rushed to defend club legend Boyd after his misdemeanor and it remains to be seen if Rangers do the same with Brown. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Rangers ‘question effectiveness of VAR’ after Hibs no-goal controversy as Barry Ferguson calls out Nick Walsh

    RANGERS have issued a damning statement after they were controversially denied a goal in today’s game against Hibs.Cyriel Dessers had opened the scoring for Gers after three minutes but Nicolas Raskin thought he had put the Light Blues 2-0 up when he flicked the ball past Jordan Smith and it trundled towards the net.Barry Ferguson couldn’t believe his side were denied a 2-0 lead at HibsCredit: PARocky Bushiri was trying to recover and managed to get his foot to the ball but it looked like it had already crossed the line by that time.However, referee Nick Walsh didn’t signal for a goal and VAR didn’t intervene either.What made matters worse for Gers is that moments later, Hibs went up the other end and scored through Kieron Bowie.The match itself ended 2-2 with Raskin scoring in the second half before Martin Boyle struck with his 99th goal for the club to equalise.At full-time, Ibrox interim boss Barry Ferguson couldn’t hide his frustration with the contentious decision.And his fury was followed up by an official statement from the club.Ferguson said: “I’ve got to be careful what I say. I don’t want to get myself into trouble.”But that is baffling.Most read in Football”I seen it when it happened, I seen it again at half-time and I seen it again at the end of the game. What’s the point?”Ferguson was then asked if he’d spoken to referee Walsh but he said: “Nah, he won’t speak to you.Dundee Utd fan ‘caught mocking Ibrox disaster’ during Rangers clash days after Celtic supporter lost job”The fourth official was brand new but the referee? Not interested.”I’ve seen it all season with bad decisions. Not just with Rangers but with other teams.”But that today was just mind blowing.”I don’t think you need goal line technology for that one. It’s clearly over the line.”Ferguson also highlighted the penalty that was awarded during to Dundee in their midweek clash against Ross County by Walsh, which was also slammed by fans.A Rangers spokesperson added: “Incidents like this again bring into question the effectiveness of VAR and also highlight the need to introduce goal-line technology in Scottish football.”Our supporters, players and staff deserve better. Read More on The Sun”We will raise this with the Scottish FA and continue to press for initiatives which improve the accuracy of decision-making.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    ‘Do you want me to send you off’ – Lionel Messi reaches boiling point with referee as Inter Miami woes worsen

    LIONEL MESSI clashed with the referee after Inter Miami failed to win yet again.The MLS side have picked up just one win in six matches after drawing 3-3 with the San Jose Earthquakes.Lionel Messi clashed with the referee after Inter Miami drew with San JoseCredit: Apple TVHe shared some words with the official and pointed at himCredit: Apple TVThe ref told Messi to walk away or he would be red cardedCredit: Apple TVMessi had one final word before the San Jose coach tried to usher him awayCredit: Apple TVMessi appeared frustrated after the final whistle and confronted ref Joe Dickerson.He pointed at the official and exchanged words with Dickerson, who reportedly said to him: “Do you want me to send you off? Walk away!”Messi did walk away but he was still unhappy so he continued gesticulating towards the referee and pointed at him again.San Jose coach Bruce Arena tried to beckon the superstar away, and he later confirmed Messi was not happy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArena said: “Yes, yes, he was. As you know, there’s a universal language when you’re talking about referees. “He was obviously not happy. And I really wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to get a red card, and that’s why I just tried to move him out of the way. “Because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous. “So I just wanted to make sure we get him out of there and he’s ready to play the next game for Miami.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLosing Messi to suspension would be been a big blow for Miami, who are fifth in the Eastern Conference, six points off top spot.Despite their struggles, Messi has continued to shine with ten goals and three assists in 15 games.The football boot customiser who’s scoring BIG with the game’s biggest stars are | Football Fixers More

  • in

    Ex-Prem assistant ref jailed after luring man to flat, locking him inside and raping him

    AN ex-Premier League assistant referee has been jailed for raping a man. Steven Wilson, 55, lured the stranger from a taxi rank to his flat by promising to take him to a party with “a lot of girls”. He locked him in and forced him to perform a sex act before raping him in 2009 in Worcester. Wilson evaded justice until 2021. The victim recognised him from an article about his other sex crimes and told cops. Wilson, of Rowley Regis, West Mids, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault at Worcester crown court. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe was jailed for nine years. Previously known as Stephen Dorr, he was promoted to the Prem referee roster in 2005. In 2009, it emerged he had downloaded indecent images and communicated with underage boys. He was jailed for 15 months in 2011 for sexual offences involving teenage boys. Most read in Footballpeaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Chris Hawkes, of West Mercia Police, said: “Wilson’s victim was incredibly scared during his time trapped in his flat and feared for his safety as he did not know Wilson, or what he was capable of. “His awful ordeal lasted for three or four hours as it was light outside when Wilson eventually allowed him to leave the flat. “We are pleased to get this court result for Wilson who subjected his victim to a degrading and humiliating ordeal back in 2009.”Former Premier League assistant referee Steven Wilson has been jailed for raping a manCredit: West Mercia PoliceScandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder More