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      Howard Webb officially confirms VAR decision that ‘got Ten Hag sacked’ by Man Utd was wrong

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      REFS’ chief Howard Webb has conceded the penalty decision that sealed Erik ten Hag’s fate at Manchester United WAS wrong.When United played at West Ham on October 27, VAR Michael Oliver recommended that match referee David Coote go to the monitor after Hammers striker Danny Ings went down in the box following an 87th-minute skirmish with Matthijs de Ligt.Howard Webb has admitted penalty should not have been given for the challenge on IngsCredit: RexThe decision contributed to Ten Hag’s sackingCredit: GettyWest Ham were not appealing for a penalty but to the disbelief of De Ligt and his team-mates, Coote reversed his decision and pointed to the spot.Jarrod Bowen smashed home the penalty, sending United plunging to their fourth Prem defeat of the season and Ten Hag was sacked the next morning.Now it has emerged that PGMOL chief Webb accepted Oliver should not have intervened and urged Coote to overturn his decision.And the Prem’s Key Match Incident panel — made up of former players, managers and referees — are also believed to have determined the final decision was an error and the initial call should have stood.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe revelation will add fuel to Ten Hag’s fire after he was left furious by the crucial incident, suggesting it was the second shocker his side had suffered this season.Ten Hag also referred to Bruno Fernandes’ red card during the 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham in September — which was overturned by the FA on appeal — as a critical call that wrongly went against his United team.However, Ten Hag did not mention Lisandro Martinez’s two-footed tackle in the goalless draw at Crystal Palace the previous weekend.Many experts suggested that the defender should have been dismissed rather than merely booked.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEven so, Webb’s admission, which is expected to be made public in a week during the next edition of the monthly Mic’d Up refereeing review show, will only serve to justify Ten Hag’s feeling that he was the victim of poor calls which ultimately cost him his job.Particularly after the Premier League claimed sufficient contact was made on Ings.’Ruben Amorim feels like Erik ten Hag all over again – Man Utd missed out on the perfect coach who’s done it already’ says Paul Scholes A statement after the match said: “The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by De Ligt on Ings.”The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.” More

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      Michael Oliver and David Coote accused of new VAR blunder – but little-known rule proves they got decision SPOT ON

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referees have come under fire once again, this time on the European stage.Michael Oliver and David Coote have been lambasted by fans after being accused of making a huge blunder during Girona’s clash against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League tonight.Premier League officials have been slammed after fans accused them of making a mistake in a Champions League fixtureCredit: RexFans slammed Prem official Michael Oliver for missing what they thought was an obvious error during PSV vs GironaCredit: AlamyPSV star Malik Tillman took a throw-in with his foot on the pitchCredit: xThe long throw-in directly resulted in a goalCredit: xOliver was the man in the middle for the league phase match, while Coote was acting as the VAR for the fixture.And fans have slammed the pair for what they thought was an error in the early stages of the game.Both Oliver and Coote appeared to miss the fact that PSV star Malik Tillman seemingly stepped onto the pitch while taking a long throw-in to set up the game’s opening goal.The former Rangers and Bayern Munich midfielder delivered a huge throw into the box that was tucked away by Ryan Flamingo in the 16th minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans and viewers were convinced that Tillman had stepped onto the pitch with his left foot when still holding onto the ball.On social media, one slammed: “No-one talks about referees in the Champions League until it comes to Michael Oliver and David Coote allowing a scandalous goal to count in the PSV vs Girona game. “Speaks volumes about the standards of PGMOL really”While another fumed: “PSV just scored a goal where their player was on the pitch when he threw the throw in in.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”No wonder our officials get a bad rep they really are poor.”However, a little-known rule means that Coote and Oliver actually got the decision CORRECT.Malik Tillman’s foot was actually touching the line, meaning the action was legalCredit: xMan Utd legend Paul Scholes names his top 5 toughest Champions League opponents of all time Uefa’s ruling around throw-ins only requires a player to “have part of each foot on or behind the touchline”.Tillman’s right boot was well behind the line, while his the heel of his left foot was still making contact with the byline – meaning his throw-in was perfectly legal.Despite getting this decision right, Oliver and Coote were guilty of making a huge blunder in the Premier League last month.The pair was accused of “getting Erik ten Hag sacked” after their mistake saw West Ham awarded a match-winning penalty in the Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to the Hammers – a match which ultimately proved to be the Dutchman’s last.The Times have since reported that the PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb believes that the pair made the incorrect decision to award a penalty that day.On that occasion it was Coote who was the match official at the London Stadium, while Oliver was acting as the VAR.David Coote incorrectly awarded West Ham a penalty against Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyCoote’s decision saw United lose and Erik ten Hag sackedCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League club chairman admits texting refs’ chief Howard Webb DURING game before controversial decisions

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      IPSWICH TOWN’S chairman has admitted he texted referees chief Howard Webb DURING his side’s controversial draw with Leicester.The Tractor Boys were 1-0 up at home on Saturday when star man Conor Chaplin was shoved in the box by Foxes ace Abdul Fatawu.Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton texted Howard Webb during the 1-1 draw with LeicesterCredit: PAAshton was desperate to talk to Webb about recent VAR decisions against his sideCredit: GettyDespite it appearing to be a clear penalty, the incident was bizarrely waved away by the referee and VAR.Things then got even worse for Ipswich when Kalvin Phillips received a second yellow card and trudged off for an early bath.And Ipswich’s worst fears were realised when Jordan Ayew nabbed a 94th-minute equaliser for Leicester to split the points.It’s not the first time Kieran McKenna’s side feel they have been hard done by since their return to the top flight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn their 2-0 defeat to Everton, Ipswich were given a penalty for a foul on Jack Clarke before the ref’s decision was reversed by VAR.And in the following week’s 4-3 defeat at Brentford, the promoted side saw VAR overturn a decision to award a free-kick while instead handing the Bees a decisive penalty.Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton has now revealed he messaged ref chief Webb DURING his side’s game against Leicester, begging for talks on VAR clarity before his side were denied a penalty.Ashton told BBC Radio Suffolk: “I thought Saturday was a real injustice. Those who know me know I care passionately about this club and will give my last breath defending it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“And I made that very clear to Howard Webb. I actually messaged him when we were 1-0 up because I had a sense of the way this was going to go.“I said, ‘Can we speak directly after the game?’ We spoke and some of that conversation needs to remain private because I’ll end up being on a charge.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre Ipswich feel they were denied a clear penalty against LeicesterCredit: RexThey also saw Kalvin Phillips sent offCredit: Rex“I’ve seen on international broadcasters today, former refs giving their opinion it’s not a penalty. You cannot be serious. Come on, don’t just back your former colleagues. It’s a stonewall penalty.“All I look for is consistency and right now I’m confused. The culmination of that conversation with Howard is that we will meet this week at Portman Road to discuss it because we need answers.“I can’t understand some of the decisions and I struggle to understand why we weren’t awarded a penalty.” More

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      David Beckham’s former team-mate becomes referee and one of first ex-players to make the jump

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL’s football career took him from Port Vale to Los Angeles – and now he’s eyeing up the Premier League. The former LA Galaxy midfielder has retrained as a referee since hanging up his boots in 2016.Chris Birchall (right) could finally be ready to achieve his Premier League dreamCredit: GettyThe former LA Galaxy midfielder has retrained as a refereeCredit: Paul TongeBirchall played alongside David Beckham in LACredit: Paul TongeBirchall started the process of becoming an official earlier this year.The 40-year-old signed up for a special PGMOL initiative aimed at fast-tracking ex-pros into refereeing. Birchall took charge of his first qualification game in April.And he told SunSport just a month later: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall has now secured a three-year deal with the FA, blazing a trail for ex-players going into the profession.He revealed on Monday: “I am over the moon to accept a 3yr contract offer from the PGMOL to become one of the first ex-players to transition into professional refereeing! “Huge thanks to the PFA and Premier League along with PGMOL for this opportunity.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTagging in Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, a vocal referee critic, he added: “Don’t be sceptical, be very excited!”The new recruitment drive is part of the Elite Referee Development Plan, which is funded and supported by the Premier League. Fans dub David Beckham’s dream 5-a-side team ‘probably the best ever’ as legend picks just one former Man Utd team-mateIt aims to revamp refereeing in English football, giving ex-professionals a fast-track route into the system.Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb explained: “We’ve made no secret that we are looking to broaden our pool of officials and entice people from other areas of the game and society into refereeing who may have historically not been well represented.”It’s been fantastic to collaborate with the PFA on this programme.”The level of interest from their members strongly indicates they feel this is an exciting opportunity to explore an avenue which could potentially lead them to the highest levels of our game – this time as a match official.”VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.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, replacing David Beckham on his debut. Speaking to SunSport earlier this 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!’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.”He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.”Birchall played international football for Trinidad & Tobago, facing off against Golden Balls in the 2006 World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe remembers: “My biggest memory was Beckham shaking my hand at the end and telling me, ‘You had one hell of a game’. “He was my hero so that was special.” More

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      There’s something wrong with refereeing after Martinez dodged red for career-threatening Palmer foul, says ex-Prem ref

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ avoiding a red card for his shocking challenge on Cole Palmer signals something could be wrong with refereeing, according to Mark Halsey.The former Premier League referee believes the Manchester United defender was “very lucky” to escape a red card.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his high tackle on Cole PalmerCredit: PAThe challenge could gave caused a serious injuryCredit: PAMark Halsey questioned why VAR did not intervene to send off MartinezCredit: AFPMartinez caught Palmer high on his knee with a reckless lunge that could have led to a serious injury.Ref Rob Jones booked Martinez for the tackle but VAR did not recommend a review, so there was no opportunity to increase the Argentine’s punishment.Halsey cannot understand why VAR did not intervene and he believes Martinez would have walked if the ref took a second look at the incident.Halsey told SunSport’s Whistleblower: “I was surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review because I don’t think Martinez could have any complaints had he seen red card for that offence. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Because it was for me, it was serious foul play. It was a challenge that endangered the player’s safety because he was so high. Okay, the force wasn’t there.”But it’s a career threatening challenge when you’re going that high on someone’s knee.”If officials do not think that’s a red card. Then there’s something seriously wrong. It’s not about knowing the laws of the game.”I think Martinez was very, very lucky that he didn’t see red.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were also shocked Martinez did not walk, as was Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.He said after the match: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)”It is quite clear it is a red.”While Gary Neville said in commentary: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.”When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.” More

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      Jose Mourinho explodes at referee in vintage rant as he accuses him of ‘drinking Turkish tea’ during match

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      JOSE MOURINHO exploded in a vintage rant as he accused a referee of “drinking Turkish tea” during a match.The Special One let rip after watching his Fenerbahce side clinch a dramatic 3-2 win at rivals Trabzonspor on Sunday.Jose Mourinho went on an epic rant accusing a referee of ‘drinking Turkish tea’The Special One celebrated wildly as Fenerbahce beat Trabzonspor with a 102nd minute winnerCredit: GettyMourinho pointed out several incidents, including a handball by TrabzonsporMourinho’s men were 1-0 up when their opponents were given two controversial penalties following VAR checks.The ex-Chelsea boss was then left incensed when a foul on Bright Oyasi-Samuels went unpunished.And after Fenerbahce levelled things up, Mourinho went ballistic when VAR failed to give his side a penalty following a clear handball by a Trabzonspor player in the box.The former Man Utd and Tottenham chief had the last laugh though, with Fener netting an incredible winner in the TWELFTH minute of added time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMourinho risked the wrath of home fans by celebrating wildly on the pitch.But afterwards, he blasted the standard of refereeing in Turkey’s Super Lig.In a lengthy rant, Mourinho claimed too few people around Europe watched Turkish football regularly to see the level was not high enough.And he also hit out at VAR ref Atilla Karaoglan, who he accused of NAPPING during the first half due to “drinking Turkish tea” before waking up to hand Trabzonspor their two penalties.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMourinho said at his press conference: “Who wants to watch this Turkish league abroad? I couldn’t believe that this was the dimension (of refereeing standards). It’s too grey, it’s too dark, smells bad.“We were in good control, winning 1-0 when Atilla (Karaoglan, VAR ref), woke up because in the first half he was probably having Turkish tea.Watch moment Jose Mourinho wiped out in training exercise and collapses to floor as stars help him off pitch“Not to say an alcoholic drink so probably was Turkish tea. “I don’t think abroad many people watch the Turkish league. I think in London only my son watches the Turkish league, nobody else.“I’m going to post on my Instagram. I don’t have many but I think more than five million will watch more of that penalty.“So they will know what the Turkish league is.”Mourinho followed through with his threat to post the handball incident on Instagram and incredibly it’s seen 650,000 people ‘like’ the post.Fans certainly found Mourinho’s latest comments interesting.One said: “Mourinho doesn’t talk in vain, what’s going on in the Turkish league?”Another declared: “Let the whole world see this injustice.”Mourinho’s press conference rant in full“I will watch the matches until I can because nobody wants to watch the Turkish league.“Who wants to watch this Turkish league abroad? They have the Premier League, the French league, the German league, the Portuguese league, the Dutch league.“Why should they see this? When the president met me, the director, even before that I met other important and respectful clubs in Turkey.“I couldn’t believe that this was the dimension. It’s too grey, it’s too dark, smells bad.“We were in good control, winning 1-0 when Atilla (Karaoglan, VAR ref), woke up because in the first half he was probably having Turkish tea.“Not to say an alcoholic drink so probably was Turkish tea. There was a clear red card on Bright (Oyasi-Samuel). If it is a Fenerbahce player he would wake up, even the ref on the pitch wouldn’t be afraid to give the card.“Referees are afraid to give decisions to us. For me the biggest scandal is a penalty in our favour.“As I was saying before, I don’t think abroad many people watch the Turkish league. I think in London only my son watches the Turkish league, nobody else.“I’m going to post on my Instagram. I don’t have many but I think more than five million will watch more of that penalty.“So they will know what the Turkish league is. (On a scale of 1-10 what grade would I give myself?) Zero.”One noted: “One thing I like about Jose is he says the truth.”Another added: “Everybody knows he is right. He will fight to the end.”Before his press conference, Mourinho went on a rant in the tunnel immediately after full time.He said on live TV: “I blame the Fenerbahce people that brought me here. They told me only half of the truth.”They didn’t tell me the whole truth because if they told me the whole truth, I wouldn’t come.”But, with half of the truth and my boys, we fight opponents and the system.”The man of the match was Atilla Karaoglan. We didn’t see him but he was the referee. The referee was just a little boy that was there on the pitch, but the referee was Atilla Karaoglan.”He goes from the invisible man to the most important man in the match.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think I am speaking on behalf of every Fenerbahce fan – we don’t want him again.”We don’t want him as a VAR. We don’t want him on the pitch but, on the VAR, even less.” More

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      Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez endangered Cole Palmer’s safety and was extremely lucky not to be given red card

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ was extremely lucky not to receive a red card for serious foul play on Cole Palmer.The Manchester United defender’s studs caught the Chelsea playmaker high on his left knee.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for a knee-high challenge on Cole PalmerCredit: PAVAR reviewed it and decided to stick with the on-field decision of a yellow cardCredit: PAFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes Martinez was luckyCredit: AFPReferee Rob Jones deemed it was a yellow card for a reckless challenge — but VAR Michael Salisbury should have intervened to upgrade the punishment to a red.Martinez endangered the safety of Palmer and knew what he was doing by stopping the attack at all costs.The challenge occurred in stoppage time at the end of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insisted during his post-match interview that it was an obvious red card offence.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”In his press conference he then added: “They show me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear for all of us.”The referee is there to make a decision, he took a different decision.”For me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and just the player, is a red.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd legend Gary Neville agreed Martinez was fortunate to avoid being dismissed.On commentary, the former England right-back said: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)”When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.” More

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      Furious Cristiano Ronaldo confronts referee at half-time and screams ‘be fair’ as nightmare week continues

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’s horror week continued as he was tormented by fans chanting for Lionel Messi – and had a run-in with a referee. The Portuguese superstar drew a blank as Al-Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Hilal on Friday. Cristiano Ronaldo had a night to forget against Al Hilal on FridayCredit: ReutersThe 39-year-old went in the book for remonstrating with the referee at half-timeCredit: X / GoalNassrRonaldo was furious at what he saw as unfair bookings to his teammatesCredit: X / GoalNassrRonaldo has netted six times already this season in the Saudi Pro League.But he put up a stinker against the league leaders, picking up a needless booking as Al-Nassr were held to a fourth draw of the campaign. The 39-year-old was booked just before half-time after a furious confrontation with referee Felix Zwayer.Ronaldo remonstrated with the official as the teams walked off to the dressing rooms. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was caught on camera fuming: “We receive three yellow cards. Al Hilal have zero.”Be fair for both teams!”Ronaldo was also targeted with Messi chants from the travelling Al Hilal support.He raised a sarcastic thumbs up towards the supporters as they taunted the Portuguese star in the second half. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAl-Nassr had led from the first minute when Anderson Talisca lashed in an early opener.But Ronaldo and Co were pushed back after the break as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic netted a deserved late leveller. I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredThe draw ended Al Hilal’s winning start to the season, which had seen them take 24 points from 24.Al-Nassr are playing catchup in the league, with Ronaldo’s men six points adrift of top spot after Friday’s game. The incident caps a nightmare few days for CR7. On Tuesday, he blazed a stoppage-time penalty over the bar as Al-Nassr were dumped out of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cup competition.Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick six minutes into added time against Al-Taawoun.But he could only find the stands with his penalty, breaking a young fans phone in the process. More