Refereeing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Three controversial David Coote decisions that angered Liverpool fans as referee suspended for alleged Klopp ‘c***’ rant

      by

      SUSPENDED David Coote sees himself in the eye of a storm after THREE contentious decisions against Liverpool have resurfaced.This comes as Coote was suspended after a shocking viral video allegedly showed him refer to former boss Jurgen Klopp as a “c***”.Fans have called out some contentious incidents involving David CooteCredit: GettyA leaked video appearing to show Coote calling Liverpool ‘s***’ and Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’ is being investigated by PGMOLCredit: XThe astonishing clips shows an alleged Coote also refer to Liverpool as a “s*** club” alongside one other man.The 42-year-old refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday in which he was at the centre of a few controversial decisions.He appeared to deem Leon Bailey’s last-man challenge on Mo Salah not to be a foul prior to Darwin Nunez scoring, but also denied Villa a penalty despite Conor Bradley’s tug Pau Torres’ shirt in the box.The PGMOL are investigating the video with the referee now facing the sack after being suspended from officiating duties.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCoote “cannot recall” abusing Klopp in the video rant that seems certain to end his refereeing career.But the Nottinghamshire official is NOT denying the accuracy of the footage which has gone viral on social media.He is understood to not be denying the accuracy of the comments although he has admitted to refs’ chief Howard Webb that he cannot recall all the contents.The debacle seems almost certain to end with Coote being sacked.Most read in FootballThe X-rated scathing attack on Liverpool and Klopp has sparked fans to investigate several contentious historic incidents involving Coote’s officiating in matches.Although he cannot be blamed for these decisions, Coote has found himself at the wrong end of some damaging accusations.PICKFORD’S FOUL ON VIRGIL VAN DIJKCoote was on VAR on the day that Jordan Pickford inflicted a horror tackle on Virgil van Dijk in the penalty box in October 17 2020.The incident saw world class defender Van Dijk undergo surgery to fix his ruptured ACL and miss the rest of the season.Not only were Liverpool denied a penalty, but Pickford avoided any type of punishment as the Toffee’s earned a 2-2 draw at Goodison.On-field ref Michael Oliver later admitted that he should have shown Pickford a straight red and the PGMOL held a mid-season review.However fans were hacked off with Coote, who was on VAR, as he denied the penalty on the basis that Van Dijk was in an offside position.But Oliver could have still dismissed the England goalkeeper for serious foul play or violent conduct.Everton keeper Jordan Pickford avoided punishment after his horror tackle on Virgil van Dijk in 2020Credit: AFPODEGAARD’S HANDBALLCoote was the VAR official when Martin Odegaard handled the ball inside David Raya’s penalty box last December.Mohamed Salah had attempted to flick the ball round Odegaard when the ball hit the Arsenal captain’s arm as he was falling.Referee Chris Kavanagh waved on and Coote confirmed his decision not to give a penalty after a VAR review.Liverpool were denied a penalty last season when Martin Odegaard handled the ball inside the boxIn-game audio revealed Coote saying: “For me, Lee, I’m back with live. So, he’s falling down, he’s moving his arms in towards him, so it’s check complete for me.”After the game ended at 1-1, head ref Howard Webb said: “The VAR looked at it and thought it was a case of Odegaard trying to make himself smaller by bringing the arm back towards the body.”But Webb later admitted that he believed Liverpool should have been awarded the spot-kick.ORIGI FOULED BEFORE MAN UTD GOAL Liverpool fans have gone as far back as 2019 to dig out a problem they had with Marcus Rashford’s opening goal five years ago.The oldest call that has riled up some supporters came during the Reds’ Premier League-winning 2019/20 season.Liverpool felt they should have received a free kick for a foul by Victor Lindelof on Divock Origi in the build up to Rashford’s opener at Old Trafford.READ MORE SUN STORIESKlopp’s side were calling for the goal to be ruled out, but ref Martin Atkinson was close to the incident and Coote backed his decision not to blow for a foul.Coote decided that it wasn’t a clear and obvious error to not award the foul leaving Klopp furious before Adam Lallana equalised in the 85th minute.Klopp was furious that VAR didn’t rule out United’s goalCredit: AFP or licensorsShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      What did David Coote allegedly say in video that appears to show Premier League ref slamming Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp?

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE referee David Coote has now been SUSPENDED while the PGMOL investigate a shock video that appears to show him hitting out at Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.The Professional Game Match Officials Limited says that Coote has been suspended “with immediate effect pending a full investigation”.David Coote has been suspended after a video appears to show him hitting out at Liverpool and ex-boss Jurgen KloppCredit: XJurgen Klopp and Coote at Anfield in 2022Two men can be seen in the footage, with Liverpool referred to as a “s*** club” and former manager Klopp described as a “German c***”.The full transcript from the two videos that began to circulate on social media on Monday are below.What was said in the alleged David Coote video about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp?First videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Read More Football NewsSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Most read in FootballSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown. “Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant. “So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”‘Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesSecond videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career. “Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”What will happen next?The PGMOL have confirmed that David Coote has been suspended.A statement read: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. “PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not yet clear if the PGMOL will take further action against the referee.Coote, 42, has been a Premier League ref since April 2018 and belongs to the Select Group of Referees. More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Turkish football chief JAILED after punching referee in moment of madness with three more imprisoned

      by

      THE former president of Turkish side MKE Ankaragucu has been jailed after attacking a referee last year.Faruk Koca, 60, punched referee Halil Umut Meler following his team’s 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor in December 2023.Faruk Koca has been jailed after punching a refereeCredit: GettyThe ex-Ankaragucu chief attacked Halil Umut Meler in DecemberCredit: EPATurkish football was suspended in the wake of the horrific incidentCredit: GettyMeler suffered a small fracture near his eyeCredit: GettyThe ex-Ankaragucu president was left furious when Rizespor equalised in the seventh minute of injury time. His frustration then quickly spilled out onto the pitch.Koca hit Meler in the face just moments after the full-time whistle.The referee then fell to the floor while others kicked him.Read More in FootballHe was later taken to hospital to receive treatment for his injuries, one of which was a small facial fracture.In the wake of the incident, Turkish football was suspended for several weeks.Almost one year on, Koca has been sentenced to more than three-and-a-half years in prison.The court in Ankara convicted him of “intentionally wounding a public official” as well as threatening the referee and violating laws aimed at preventing violence in sports, but those rulings have been suspended.Most read in FootballPrison terms ranging from one to five years were also handed out to three other people.Koca, who resigned as Ankaragucu chief shortly after the incident, is expected to appeal.Ankaragucu were fined £45,000 at the time and forced to play five home games without fans. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rant

      by

      PREM referee David Coote has been suspended pending investigation after a shocking viral video allegedly showed him blasting Liverpool.The highly experienced FA official also appeared to launch a foul-mouthed tirade at former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.A leaked video appearing to show Coote calling Liverpool ‘s***’ and Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’ is being investigated by PGMOLCredit: XThe video has gone viral on social mediaCredit: GettyFormer Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp clashing with Coote back in 2022The 42-year-old refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday in which he was at the centre of a few controversial decisions.In the shocking footage, which appears to be from several years ago but was leaked on social media today, Coote is allegedly seen speaking with a fellow man. In the brief conversation, he refers to Liverpool as a “s*** club” and extraordinarily dropped the C-bomb to describe ex-Reds boss Klopp.The PGMOL are investigating the video with the referee now facing the sack after being suspended.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe man, who appears to be Coote, said: “Liverpool were s*** .Klopp is an absolute c***. “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f***ing pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f***ing arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner is all right, I get on with him. “You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my god, German c***, f*** me.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn a second video, the man added: “Just to be clear, that f***ing last video cannot go anywhere, seriously.”It is unclear what triggered his comments, but Coote was indirectly targeted by Klopp for criticism as recently as last December.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesDuring Saturday’s match between Liverpool and Villa, Coote was the man in the middle.He appeared to deem Leon Bailey’s last-man challenge on Mo Salah not to be a foul prior to Darwin Nunez scoring.Later in the match he opted not to award Villa a penalty despite Conor Bradley tugged Pau Torres’ shirt in the box.Coote was also the VAR official on the day that Jordan Pickford inflicted an ACL injury on Virgil van Dijk in the Merseyside derby in October 2020.The Everton goalkeeper escaped without any form of punishment.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”He was also on VAR duty when Liverpool were denied a clear penalty against Arsenal after Martin Odegaard handled the ball inside the Anfield box during their 1-1 draw last December.Referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to continue and the game was not halted for a VAR check.READ MORE SUN STORIESCoote has been a top-flight referee since April 2018 and hails from Nottinghamshire.He belongs to the Select Group of Referees in England and officiates primarily in the Premier League.Liverpool were denied a penalty by VAR when Martin Odegaard appeared to handle the ball in the box last season More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘There’s something seriously wrong’ fumes ex-Premier League referee after baffling decisions at Liverpool and Wolves

      by

      MARK HALSEY claims there is “something seriously wrong” with officiating in the Premier League after Southampton saw a goal controversially disallowed.The 63-year-old was a top-flight referee from 1999 to 2013.Southampton saw a goal chalked off after a coming together involving Matheus Fernandes and Nelson SemedoRyan Manning’s effort would have made the score 1-1, but they went on to lose 2-0Credit: RexRussell Martin had ‘every right to be aggrieved’Credit: GettyMark Halsey was a Premier League referee for 14 yearsCredit: AFPEvery week, Halsey joins SunSport to look back at the weekend’s most contentious refereeing decision, with Southampton’s 2-0 loss to Wolves taking centre stage.In the early season relegation six-pointer, the Saints thought they had made it 1-1 in the first-half when Ryan Manning fired in.But the goal was controversially chalked off by VAR for a foul in the build-up by Mateus Fernandes on Nelson Semedo. Halsey told SunSport: “It’s a clear and obvious error by VAR to get involved. That’s for sure. For me, it’s not even a foul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Russell Martin’s got every right to be aggrieved with that incident. “Why is VAR getting involved in that incident? “I keep saying it, something is seriously wrong with the training and education with the PGMOL officials. We have it week in, week out.”They need to come out and explain it don’t they.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’m sure that will get missed off or mic’d up with Howard Webb. I bet that gets brushed aside, that incident.”Halsey also felt there was inconsistency from Stockley Park man Chris Kavanagh for not recommending a review on Wolves’ second goal.’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedMatheus Cunha scored brilliantly from outside the box after two Saints players went down claiming fouls in the build-up.Halsey took issue with Kavanagh’s contradiction of himself, saying: “Well, again, we talk about inconsistency with VAR. “In that phase of play that leads up to the goal, VAR can look at that and recommend a review because clearly there are two fouls leading up to the goal. “So if VAR get involved in disallowing Southampton’s goal for a foul, then surely, they have to get involved in this and recommend a review.”It’s absolutely nonsense disallowing the first goal, recommending the review and then not recommending a review with that. “Then obviously the referee, Thomas Bramall, has got to be strong enough when they go over to that screen and say, ‘no, there’s no foul there’.”Halsey was also unhappy with the refereeing performance by David Coote, who took charge of Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, labelling him “bang average”.Darwin Nunez opened the scoring as Mo Salah grabbed the assist after a brilliant charge forward on the counter-attack.The Egyptian was floored by a desperate Leon Bailey as he approached the goal, but luckily for Liverpool, his team-mate was on hand to score instead.But Halsey was left baffled by how the ref did not spot the Villa star pulling Salah to the deck, with an advantage not played.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also found it bizarre that the visitors were not given a spot-kick for a clearest shirt pull on Pau Torres by Conor Bradley.And the ex-Prem ref is unhappy with the wording of the laws, explaining: “I get fed up with listening to this ‘sustained holding or fleeting holding’. It’s nonsense.”Halsey could not believe Bailey escaped punishment for his foul on Salah when he was in on goalCredit: TNT SPORTSBradley appeared to pull Torres’ shirt More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Southampton fans brand VAR decision a ‘disgrace’ as Manning’s goal in crunch Wolves clash is overturned

      by

      SOUTHAMPTON fans are furious after VAR overturned Ryan Manning’s equaliser against Wolves.Saints thought they levelled the score after only 12 minutes when Manning, 28, smashed the ball past goalkeeper Jose Sa and into his top left corner.Southampton fans are furious after Ryan Manning’s equaliser was chalked offCredit: GettyVAR sent referee Thomas Bramall to the monitor for a potential foul in the build-upCredit: GettyVAR deemed Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes had fouled Wolves’ Nelson SemedoThe left-back’s goal was awarded on-field but VAR deemed that the scorer’s team-mate Mateus Fernandes had fouled Nelson Semedo in the build-up.The officials at Stockley Park then advised referee Thomas Bramall to check the monitor for an on-field review.Bramall agreed with VAR and overturned his original decision, thus restarting the match with a free-kick for the hosts at Molineux.Southampton fans were left incensed as they stormed social media to lambast the controversial decision.Read More on FootballOne fan tweeted: “Sorry, but how the f**k is that goal disallowed? There’s no foul there from Southampton, if anything the foul’s the other way round.”Another commented: “Absolute b******s!”A third wrote: “Absolutely shambolic that’s been given as a Wolves free-kick.”This fan said: “Hilariously pathetic VAR overturn there. Truly a disgrace to the sport, how does anyone want this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that one stated: “That’s possibly the worst VAR decision I’ve ever seen.”Southampton found themselves trailing against fellow Premier League strugglers Wolves after just two minutes when Pablo Sarabia opened the scoring.Key Dream Team Stats This SeasonThings got even worse for Russel Martin’s side on 51 minutes when Matheus Cunha doubled his team’s lead.Southampton need a result against Gary O’Neil’s side as they are both looking for a way out of the bottom three in the English top flight. More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      VAR has made just THREE mistakes in 100 games with TWO against Man Utd, but are Arsenal really victims of bad decisions?

      by

      VAR officials have made just THREE clear mistakes this term – after 100 Prem games.Going into the final weekend before the November international break, there have been 29 decisions overturned after the intervention of the Stockley Park video booth.VAR have made just three mistakes from the first 100 Premier League matches of the seasonCredit: PAErik ten Hag lost his job as Manchester United boss after one of the errorsCredit: AlamyLeandro Trossard was sent off in controversial circumstancesCredit: GettyThat has seen five goals awarded along with eight penalties.Ten goals have been ruled out and four initially-awarded spot-kicks annulled.There have been a swathe of conspiracy theories about fans and some clubs.None more so than at Arsenal, where supporters have bemoaned the PGMOL’s referees of their “agenda” against the Gunners.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey cited the inconsistency from officials that led to red cards for Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba – while players from other teams seemingly got away with similar offences. Add into the mix their frustrations following the 2-2 draw with Liverpool and they now have a full “laundry list” of examples – although their own manager Mikel Arteta debunked any suggestions of a conspiracy against his team.Elsewhere, Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton is now suggesting he would vote to scrap VAR if there was another proposal on the table.But PGMOL bosses believe the reality is that they are getting it right.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Prem’s “Key Match Incident” panel of former players, managers and refs has determined that a handful of on-field calls might have been incorrect but did NOT meet the threshold for VAR to intervene.And that leaves just the three accepted mistakes – even if one of them directly contributed to the end of Erik ten Hag’s reign at Manchester United.Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions Refs’ chief Howard Webb is expected to confirm during next week’s new episode of the “Mic’d Up” review show that VAR Michael Oliver was wrong to recommend David Coote award an injury-time penalty for Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on West Ham striker Danny Ings.Jarrod Bowen converted the spot-kick – one of six successful penalties out of the eight awarded through VAR guidance – and Ten Hag got the boot the next day.United were also on the receiving end of one of the other two errors, with the FA subsequently rescinding the red card received by Bruno Fernandes for his challenge on James Maddison during the 3-0 home defeat by Spurs.The other mistake came in August, when Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara wrongly had a late “winner” against Newcastle ruled out for handball.PGMOL insiders believe the change in emphasis to put greater weight on the “referee’s call” – requiring clear evidence that the on-field ruling was wrong – has improved consistency and acceptance of decisions.Matthijs de Ligt was judged to have fouled Danny Ings in the boxCredit: PADeclan Rice’s second yellow card against Brighton sparked fury among Gunners supportersCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes initially saw red for this foul on James Maddison but it was later overturnedCredit: GettyDango Ouattara had his ‘winner’ against Newcastle chalked off for handballCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports Premier LeagueMikel Arteta’s frustrations have been clear to seeCredit: GettyTV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports) More

    • 313 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Referee had no choice but to award a penalty, Mings needs to have a look at himself and ask, What on earth was I doing?

      by

      ASTON VILLA conceded one of the most bizarre penalties in Champions League history on Wednesday night.Villa boss Unai Emery slammed Tyron Mings’ bizarre decision to PICK UP the ball as “the biggest mistake I witnessed in my career”.Tyrone Mings’ inexplicable error cost Aston Villa all three points against Club BruggeCredit: GettyMings picked up the ball from a goal kick, giving away a penalty by doing soCredit: TNT SPORTSFormer Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey has given his verdict on the controversial decisionCredit: AFPMings gifted Club Brugge a penalty in the second half when he was passed the ball inside the area by Emi Martinez from a goal-kick and decided to bend down and pick it up.It can only be assumed that Mings had a lapse in concentration and thought he had been rolled the ball to take the goal-kick himself.But referee Tobias Stieler stuck to the letter of the law and pointed to the spot, a decision that cost Villa all three points as Brugge captain Hans Vanaken converted the resulting penalty to score the only goal of the game.Former Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey gives his verdict on the controversial decision that marred Villa’s defeat to Club Brugge…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking exclusively to SunSport Halsey explained that official Stieler made the right call and said that Aston Villa can have “no complaints whatsoever”.He said: “We see it week in week out in every league around the globe, where the goalkeeper takes a quick goal kick giving it to the defender, and the defender plays it away.”Adding: “The referee has no option whatsoever to to give that penalty because the ball is in play and it’s a it’s a schoolboy error by by Tyrone Mings. “It’s just unbelievable for a player of his calibre to do what he did in the second half.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So Aston Villa can have no complaints whatsoever.”The incident was remarkably similar to Arsenal centre-back Gabriel’s blunder against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season.Arsenal star Gabriel got away with a similar incident in last season’s Champions LeagueCredit: TNT SPORTS’Career threatening!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to Martinez’s tackle on Cole Palmer in Man Utd vs Chelsea | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyThe Brazilian defender was let off the hook that night with Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg saying that it was a “kid’s mistake” that wasn’t in the spirit of the game to punish a team for.Halsey reckons you can feel sorry for Mings, but the decision ultimately has to be a penalty by the letter of the law.He added: “Tyrone Mings needs to have a look at himself and ask himself, What on earth was I doing?”Listen, yes. You do feel a little bit for him, but they’re professional footballers. They should know the laws of the game.”And as I say It’s a quick goal kick and, once the goal kick has been taken the ball is in play.”So, as I said before, Aston Villa could have no complaints at the award of a penalty by the referee.”Villa players also found themselves complaining that the referee hadn’t blown his whistle to restart play yet, but Halsey has clarified there’s no substance in that argument either.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “The referee doesn’t need to blow his whistle in that situation to restart play. It’s just ‘away we go’.”Villa’s defeat knocked them off their perch in Europe and ended their 100% start to the Champions League this season.Unai Emery labelled Mings’ gaffe as the ‘biggest mistake I witnessed in my career’Credit: Getty More