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      Arne Slot salutes controversial hero Darwin Nunez as Liverpool ace escapes red card to lead comeback against Southampton

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      ARNE SLOT saluted his controversial hero Darwin Nunez — as Liverpool stormed SIXTEEN points clear at the top of the Prem.The pair had a bitter fallout last month when Kop boss Slot accused the £64million striker of a lazy attitude following his horror open-goal miss against Aston Villa.Darwin Nunez scored and won a penalty versus SouthamptonCredit: GettyNunez was perhaps fortunate not to be red carded for wild lunge on Kyle Walker-PetersCredit: Sky SportsVAR decided not to give him a red cardCredit: RexBut after Nunez escaped a red card for kicking Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, he turned the game in four second-half minutes by levelling and winning a penalty from which Mo Salah put them ahead.And Slot declared: “In the second-half, he showed the workrate that he can bring to the team.”The Dutch boss wildly celebrated in the stands amid his two-match ban for an X-rated rant at ref Michael Oliver as his Reds profited from TWO penalty awards.First, rookie ref Lewis Smith adjudged Saints’ scorer Will Smallbone had fouled Nunez, then VAR Matt Donohue ruled Yukinari Sugawara handled.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut SunSport’s ex-Prem ref Mark Halsey insisted Nunez was lucky not to be sent off for scything down Walker-Peters.VAR did look at the incident – and backed Smith’s decision to only give him a yellow card.Yet Halsey said: “Nunez deliberately kicked an opponent when there was no chance of getting the ball. It was violent conduct.“On another day, with another referee, it would have been a red.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBBC pundit Chris Sutton added: “It was such a reckless, daft challenge. Liverpool were lucky to have 11 on the pitch.”Salah’s two pens took his Liverpool goals tally to 243 — and he sits third in their all-time scoring list behind Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285). ‘The miss I can accept, but what is harder to accept…’ Arne Slot slams ‘behaviour’ of Liverpool star Darwin NunezBut superstar Salah revealed Slot got the hairdryer out at half-time.The Egyptian said: “It was a bit of frustration. His head was going for us. We were sloppy and slow in the first half. I don’t think we played well.“But if you want to win the title, you have to win games like that.”Slot made a triple half-time substitution to inspire their comeback — bringing on Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott and Andy Robertson.Arne Slot praised Nunez’s workrate after he changed the gameCredit: GettyNunez missed an open goal against Villa last month and was slammed by Slot for his attitudeThe Reds chief said: “I had to make hard calls to create a certain anger with the players.“Our energy levels were far, far, far too low.“The three who came on did really well. But I saw a different attitude from the other eight, too.”Liverpool are 16 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who have two games in hand and visit Manchester United.But Southampton boss Ivan Juric was fuming over both penalty decisions.The Croat blasted: “The first, contact is almost nothing. This just cannot be a penalty — ever.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m sorry it happened because then it was 1-1 and it changed the match.“The second one, maybe it was a handball, but he was pushed. My guys fought until the end.” More

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      Max Fosh tries SHREDDING yellow card after being booked by ex-Premier League ref in Sidemen vs YouTube All Stars clash

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      FORMER Premier League ref Mark Clattenburg had his yellow card hilariously shredded by a booked player in a charity match.Some of the internet’s biggest stars featured in the Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars game in front of a sell out crowd at Wembley today.Max Fosh shredded the yellow card given to him by Mark ClattenburgCredit: SidemenAfter a technical problem, his device finally workedIn a chaotic match that ended with 18 goals, there was a brilliant moment in the second half when Allstars defender Max Fosh gave away a penalty for fouling Joe Weller.Referee Clattenburg immediately went to his pocket and booked the comedian with 4.4 million subscribers online.But the 29-year-old hilariously hit back by whipping a mini shredder out of his sock and destroying the yellow card.The stunt did not go quite to plan, however, as the machine initially did not turn on and Fosh chucked it onto the ground in anger.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt seemed to smash the shredder into life and Clattenburg obliged when asked to book him again to complete the joke.Fosh pulled off a similar trick in the Sidemen charity match last year, getting booked by the ref again and instead responded by holding an Uno reverse card aloft.On his shredding mishap, the stand-up comic said: “I’ve been working on that shredder for months. I’ve been testing it every single day.”When I made the challenge, the batteries came out and I heard no whizzing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I threw it to the ground and it caused the batteries to go back into place, so turns out all you need is an Uno reverse card.”Host Munya Chawawa said: “You pulled it out and it didn’t work, we’ve all been there.”Sidemen 9 YouTube All Stars 9- iShowSpeed scores crucial penalty as AngryGinge spared of last-gasp howlerBut Fosh’s blushes were spared as the Allstars won the game on penalties, with Speed netting the winner. In other hilarious moments in the game, Logan Paul used his WWE skills to floor Weller and goalkeeper Sketch briefly lost his glasses after a save.When he was booked last year, Fosh pulled out an Uno reverse cardCredit: Sidemen More

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      Premier League referees could wear BODY CAMERAS as FA chief backs sensational change

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      FA chief Mark Bullingham wants Prem refs to wear BODY CAMERAS — with footage shown live on TV.Bodycams are used at grassroots level to protect referees from abuse.Referees could wear bodycams in the Premier LeagueCredit: RexFA chief Mark Bullingham is backing the changeCredit: PABullingham feels the cameras will help cut out bad behaviour from managers and playersCredit: GettyChief exec Bullingham feels pro officials wearing cameras could be hugely popular with fans — while helping cut out managers and players’ bad behaviour.Prem whistler Jarred Gillett trialled a head-mounted RefCam in last season’s Crystal Palace-Manchester United clash.It was a Premier League first but the footage was not broadcast live.While official Rob Jones also wore a chest camera in Chelsea’s 4-3 pre-season win over Brighton in the US back in July 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Bullingham said: “In the pro game, bodycams are more about if they will be good for the broadcaster.“It is something which should be trialled — and potentially allowed.“Initially, it might be trialled without audio and then with audio.”Only this week, the FA gave its written reasons for handing Liverpool boss Arne Slot a two-game ban for abusing Michael Oliver following the Merseyside derby against Everton.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSlot got a red card for confronting Oliver and a linesman in the aftermath of last month’s 2-2 draw.The three-person panel explained: “It was alleged Slot initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs Liverpool“Including that the ref had ‘f***ing given them everything’ and that he hoped the ref ‘was proud of that performance’.”The panel also claimed that Slot said, “If we don’t win the league, I’ll f***ing blame you.”And Bullingham revealed abuse towards referees at grassroots level has fallen thanks to bodycams.He said: “They have had a really positive impact.“What we’re speaking with Fifa about is whether we can get more countries to adopt a trial and even get Fifa behind it.“We see that as a good way of referees being more confident.“We have seen a huge decrease in the number of issues in the leagues where there’s bodycams.” More

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      Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca handed NINE-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee in shocking scenes

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      PAULO FONSECA has been handed a NINE-MONTH ban after his heated confrontation with a referee.The Lyon manager had squared up to official Benoit Millot during a Ligue 1 match against Brest.Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca has been banned for nine months after squaring up to a refereeCredit: AFPFonseca’s ban will last until November 30Credit: RexFonseca’s ban will last until November 30.The Portuguese boss had squared up and then pressed his forehead against the ref after being sent off for dissent during the game on March 2, which had ended in a 2-1 win over Brest.The act, which was paired with screaming in the refs face, was considered a head-butt and very aggressive gesture.Referee Millot told L’Equipe after the game he was “frightened”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFonseca apologised after the incident, admitting it was “the wrong thing to do”.Reports had suggested he could be banned for seven months.But the actual punishment handed out by French officials is an even harsher nine-month ban.It also means he cannot even step into the locker room to manage his squad until September 15.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe decision leaves Lyon chiefs with a decision to make over whether they stick with Fonseca going forward.Fonseca took over Lyon at the end of January, and has managed just five Ligue 1 games so far – winning three and losing two.Crystal Palace and Lyon chief John Textor wears cowboy hat in sarcastic response to rivalHe has previously managed Lille in France, where he lasted for 90 matches between July 2022 and June 2024.Elsewhere, Fonseca has managed the likes of AC Milan, AS Roma, SC Braga, Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Porto.He won seven trophies with Shakhtar, one with Braga and one with Porto. More

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      Inter Milan manager’s gesture backfires horribly after shock intervention in Champions League penalty decision

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      SIMONE INZAGHI’S hand gesture backfired after his chosen player MISSED a penalty against Feyenoord in the Champions League.With Inter Milan 2-0 up, goalscorer Marcus Thuram drew a foul in the box after Jeyland Mitchell clipped the back of the Frenchman’s leg in the 63rd minute.Inter Milan boss Inzaghi’s gesture backfired after his chosen player scuffed a penalty against FeyenoordPiotr Zielinski missed out on the chance of putting Inter 3-0 upCredit: ReutersAfter initially waving on, referee Espen Eskas overturned his decision after being sent to the monitor.The camera panned to Inter boss Inzaghi who was holding seven fingers up to his players waiting near the penalty spot.He was indicating he wanted midfielder Piotr Zielinski to take the spot-kick in the first-leg of their last-16 clash.That’s despite talismanic striker Lautaro Martinez still being on the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd, in a dramatic turn of events, Zielinski’s limp shot was easy kept out by goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.Inzaghi’s mistimed intervention came about because No.1 penalty taker Hakan Calhanoglu was sitting on the bench.Zielinski had just returned to the starting line up at the expense of former Manchester United star Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Martinez scored his penalty in Argentina’s shootout victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was also due to take the fifth spot-kick for Argentina in the final against France, but his country had already claimed a 4-2 win before his turn came.Martinez doubled Inter’s lead in the 50th minute, after Thuram grabbed their opener.Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV Zielinski had scored his last two spot-kicks, both in the same game in a 4-4 thriller against Juventus in Serie A in October.Usual penalty taker Halhanoglu has endured a torrid time in 2025 and was benched after coming off injured during Inter’s 1-1 draw against title rivals Napoli. More

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      Michael Oliver NOT given Premier League game after horror blunder to not send off Millwall star for brutal kung-fu kick

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      BLUNDER ref Michael Oliver has not been given a Premier League game this weekend, following his stunning initial decision not to send off a Millwall player for a kung-fu kick on Saturday.Oliver, 40, needed a VAR intervention to persuade him to issue a red card to Lions keeper Liam Roberts for his outrageous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Michael Oliver has been dropped from this weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: RexThe referee initially did not give a free kick for Liam Roberts’ kick on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: ReutersMateta required 25 stitches for the gash on his earCredit: ReutersThe whistler had not even awarded a free-kick for the horrifying incident in the FA Cup, which saw Mateta taken to hospital and have TWENTY-FIVE stitches for a gashed ear.Eagles chairman Steve Parish branded the reckless tackle as “endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life”.The home side went on to win the FA Cup 3-1 at Selhurst Park and knock out the Championship outfit.The forward was later discharged from hospital after all scans were clear and he was “feeling well”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMillwall manager Alex Neil and Roberts both reached out to Mateta to check on his well-being after the game.Oliver has not been given a match to ref this weekend, and is not down to be a fourth official or VAR.He will officiate Harry Kane’s all-German Champions League clash though as Bayern Munich take on Bayer Leverkusen in their last-16 first leg.The clash will take place tomorrow night at the Allianz Arena.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPGMOL sources pointed to the fact that ref rotation is a common occurrence in the Premier League.Oliver had the weekend of February 15-16 off too, which followed his reffing of a feisty Merseyside derby which ended 2-2 and saw two players and two coaches sent off.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redArne Slot was furious with Oliver after the Merseyside derby last monthCredit: ReutersLiverpool boss Arne Slot was left fuming after the match by Oliver’s performance.The Dutchman was given a two-match ban and a £70,000 fine for his meltdown after the full-time whistle.Slot told Oliver that he would “F*****G BLAME” him should Liverpool go on to lose the Premier League title.The Reds are the favourites to lift the title at the end of the season despite dropping two points against the Toffees.The FA has backed Oliver on this occasion after publishing the full written reasons for the penalties imposed on Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.Both clubs were also punished for the incidents that were sparked by Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time celebrations.A three-person commission explained: “It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by Arne Slot who had entered the field of play to confront the referee and the match officials team. “Tensions were running high. It was alleged that Arne Slot’s manner was confrontational and aggressive. “It was alleged that he initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.”Including that the referee had ‘f****** give them everything’ and that he hoped that the Referee “was proud of that performance.” “The referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by Arne Slot around one minute later. “In this exchange, Arne Slot once again shook the referee’s hand and said, ‘If we don’t win the league, I’ll f****** blame you.” “It is then further alleged that Arne Slot turned to the assistant referee and shouted twice that it was ‘a f****** disgrace.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”As a result, he was shown a red card by the referee.”Oliver also reported that Hulshoff, who also received a two-game touchline ban but was only fined £7,000, had continued the verbal tirade.Steve Parish on Mateta injuryCrystal Palace chairman Steve Parish spoke to the media at half time about the injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta…He told the BBC: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.” More

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      ‘We’re the laughing stock’ – Ex-referees chief demands Michael Oliver is AXED for ‘missing’ horror challenge on Mateta

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      FORMER refs’ chief Keith Hackett has called for blunder whistler Michael Oliver to be axed and claims English officials “are the laughing stock in Europe.”Hackett also wants a maximum 120-second VAR review introduced following the astonishing 8min 11sec farce to rule out a Milos Kerkez ‘goal’ for offside in Bournemouth’s FA Cup shootout win over Wolves.Michael Oliver has been slammed for not immediately awarding a red card for a horror tackle on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: RexCrystal Palace star Mateta was taken to hospital after being kicked in the head during the club’s FA Cup clash against MillwallCredit: APEx-ref Keith Hackett wants Oliver axed and a 120-second maximum review time introducedCredit: GettyOliver was slammed by Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish for failing to award even a free-kick after Millwall keeper Liam Roberts’ flying kung fu kick to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s head put the Eagles striker in hospital.It needed VAR Nick Hopton’s intervention in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round clash before Oliver was persuaded to issue Roberts a red card.And it came on the same day the new Semi-Automated Offside Technology failed at the Vitality Stadium – on the very first weekend of it being used in competitive matches.It prompted ex-PGMOL boss Hackett to launch a blistering attack on his successor Howard Webb, posting: “We are the laughing stock in Europe and the decline continues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I wonder if the PGMOL are capable of delivering top-class officiating.“A challenge that put a player in hospital not recognised by the referee; EIGHT minutes to make an offside call? Time for the players to have afternoon tea! How is that helping?”Angry Parish accused Roberts of endangering Mateta’s life with the “most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen.”Mateta needed 25 stitches in a “serious” gashed ear and also underwent head scans before being released from hospital.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Parish fumed: “It was a dreadful challenge, but why the ref needed to go to the screen I have no idea.”Oliver, 40, was also widely criticised over his Molineux cock-up in January when he wrongly issued a straight red card to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for a trip – overturned on appeal.Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrongHackett insisted Oliver “needs rest. At least a couple of weeks off.“That was terrible officiating. The referee went missing. The red card should have been issued without hesitation.”Bournemouth and Wolves fans chanted: “F*** VAR,” and “it’s not football any more,” during the Vitality farce.And Hackett posted on X: “This should be a game-changing moment.“Why didn’t the Premier League/PGMOL purchase an SAOS system that is tried and tested.“Why decide to use at this stage of the FA Cup?“We now need to put a time clock on the process. Two minutes max – then revert to the on-field decision.”Hackett, 80, also claims if refs wait for a VAR input before making decisions, “then we might as well use Tarot cards or bingo balls.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSheffield-born Hackett previously accused the £26million PGMOL of “being run by a bunch of amateurs who operate like a Mayfair Gentlemen’s Club.”He added: “VAR is not working, so bin it.” More

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      Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca faces SEVEN-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee in incredible meltdown

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      LYON manager Paulo Fonseca faces a SEVEN-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee Benoit Millot. The French side actually beat Brest 2-1 in Ligue 1 but drama unfolded in the dying moments of the game. Paulo Fonseca faces a seven-month ban after squaring up to referee Benoit MillotCredit: AFPFonseca went head to head with ref MillotCredit: AFPFonseca was previously shown yellow earlier in the game but he was sent off after Millot went over to the VAR screen to check for a Brest penalty. The ex-Porto defender was livid with Millot, who then brandished the red card to send Fonseca off. Fonseca squared up to the official in wild scenes and now faces a suspension over seven months, per the league’s rules. His outburst falls under LFP’s Article 8 regarding “intimidating or threatening behaviour.”READ MORE IN footballThe rulebook states his behaviour was “intimidating, all words, gesture and/or attitude that could inspire fear. “Is threatening, all words, gesture and/or attitude expressing the idea of ​​prejudice to the physical integrity of a person.” Any head coach or club executive found guilty of this towards an official during a game faces a seven-match ban, as per the ruleset.Fonseca, who joined Lyon in January after being sacked by AC Milan, apologised for his outburst. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I apologise for this gesture. I shouldn’t do that. Football makes us do bad gestures. The match was very difficult.”Playing against Brest is always difficult, they are a physical team, they defended a lot. These are very important points.”‘That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueLyon captain Alexandre Lacazette added: “It’s part of football. “I think he’ll regret this gesture but we’ll see what the disciplinary committee says.”It’s tension. There are a lot of questionable choices. When you live the match, sometimes you can do things. We’re all behind the coach.”Lyon are now sixth in the table with PSG leading second-place Marseille by 13 points. Fonseca had to apologise for his outburstCredit: Getty More