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      Alan Shearer fumes ‘he saved the cross’ as England fans rage at ‘utterly shocking’ referee decision against Switzerland

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      ALAN SHEARER led viewers’ disbelief at an “utterly shocking” decision in England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final triumph over Switzerland.Many fans were convinced referee Daniele Orsato missed a “blatant handball” when Remo Freuler flung his arms up at a dangerous cross.Kieran Tripper swung in what looked likely to be a dangerous crossRemo Freuler sparked controversy by raising his arms to block the centreKobbie Mainoo’s impressive run led to the contentious incidentCredit: AFPAnd although it was an improved Three Lions’ display, that 33rd-minute moment was one of the few opportunities of the first half.BBC pundit Shearer questioned how Freuler escaped punishment, with the Beeb commentator even claiming the midfielder “saved the cross”.Fans were stunned that Orsato waved play on – and also that he didn’t call it back for a free-kick when England wasted the loose ball.The controversy came when Kobbie Mainoo burst forward from midfield.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Manchester United midfielder peaked his run by threading the ball out to Kieran Trippier on the left.The Newcastle wing-back cut back onto his stronger right foot to whip the ball in menacingly.But Freueler, just outside the box, appeared to raise his arms deliberately.England players immediately appealed – but in vain.Most read in Euro 2024Trippier’s cross as diverted by Freuler away from the main danger zoneOrsato was only yards away, although his view appeared to be slightly obscured.”How is this not a handball?” posted one fan and “clear handball,” blasted another.Gareth Southgate explains his new-look England XI against Switzerland after he is forced into changes at Euro 2024However, a few viewers blamed England for blowing what could still have been a promising position.One suggested: “Advantage was given to England and it was outside the box too.”Fortunately for the Three Lions, they made no mistakes themselves… once the contest went to a shootout.Bukayo Saka cancelled out Breel Embolo’s opener, with the Three Lions then winning 5-3 n penalties. More

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      England fans in meltdown over controversial referee who ‘loves cards more than Moonpig’ in Slovakia clash

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      REFEREE Umut Meler booked four players within just 17 minutes of England’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia.The Turkish whistler, 37, was the man in the middle for the round of 16 tie.Marc Guehi was the first England player to enter the bookCredit: ReutersKobbie Mainoo was then yellow carded after seven minutesCredit: ReutersJude Bellingham entered the book for a late tackleCredit: AFPHe was quickly in the thick of the action, flashing his yellow card at seemingly every opportunity during the opening exchanges.Marc Guehi was booked in the third minute, being penalised for a foul after having been sold short by a poor pass by Kieran Trippier.Kobbie Mainoo was next to receive a yellow card, after treading on Ondrej Duda.A first Slovakian then entered the book, with former Watford ace Juraj Kucka punished.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The flurry of yellow cards was then complete in the 17th minute, when Jude Bellingham was penalised for a late lunge on Lukas Haraslin.Fans were left stunned by the referee’s card-happy display.One wrote on social media: “This ref loves cards more than Moonpig.”While a second quipped: “This ref has lost the plot lol.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJuraj Kucka was also booked for SlovakiaCredit: AFPA third moaned: “Ref is spamming yellow cards for no reason.”And a fourth whinged: “This ref is terrible, he’s going to ruin this game.”England BOOED off pitch after dire first-half against Slovakia as Euro 2024 hopes hang by a threadAnd another added: “This ref is far too eager to get the yellow card out.”Meler is at Euro 2024 after a tumultuous season at club level.In December he was shockingly attacked on the pitch by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after the board member’s side drew 1-1 with Rizespor.He was later seen looking battered and bruised in hospital, but soon recovered and made a heartwarming return to action.England went on to scrape a 2-1 win against Slovakia.Ivan Schranz had given Slovakia a first half lead, only for Jude Bellingham to equalise deep into stoppage time.Harry Kane’s extra time header then won it for the Three Lions, who will next face Switzerland on Saturday.Milan Skriniar was booked on the stroke of half timeCredit: AFP More

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      Denmark star Andersen blasts ‘BRAIN DEAD’ Michael Oliver over ‘one of worst refereeing performances’ after Germany loss

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      JOACHIM ANDERSEN has blasted “brain dead” Michael Oliver for “one of the worst refereeing performances” he has ever seen.The Denmark defender saw a goal ruled out for the tightest of offsides before, minutes later, conceding an incredibly harsh penalty for handball in the 2-0 defeat to Germany.Joachim Andersen ripped into Stuart Attwell after Denmark’s defeat to GermanyCredit: X / HaytersTVThe Danish defender had a goal disallowed before harshly conceding a penaltyCredit: APThe star blasted ‘brain dead’ Oliver and said it was ‘one of the worst refereeing performances’ he has ever seenCredit: AFPAndersen’s goal, which would have put the Dane’s 1-0 up against the hosts, was chalked off by the semi-automated offside technology with team-mate Thomas Delaney’s toes in an offside position.Minutes later, at the other end, play was pulled back after Uefa’s new “snickometer” and English VAR Stuart Attwell showed that the ball had grazed the Crystal Palace man’s hand from David Raum’s cross and a spot kick was given.Kai Havertz netted for Germany and they did not look back.Andersen raged: “It’s one of the worst refereeing performances I’ve seen in my career.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″Offside is offside, but that you can rule on the ball in such a situation is absolutely crazy.”I had it in a natural position, so no penalty can ever be awarded. They told us that in black and white.”That he then goes out and judges it handball – an English referee even – is completely brain dead.”For me it is never a pen, they come every season to describe the rules for us.Most read in Euro 2024″For two years now that would never be a pen, in the Premier League in the last two years there is not one situation where the referee has given a pen. Horrible decision.”Asked if he had discussed the decision with ref Oliver, Andersen said: “You can’t speak to the ref nowadays.”We must not talk to him. We get fines and red cards.”Just say one little thing and it’s: ‘Boom, yellow card.’ It’s a ridiculous rule.”He can make all the mistakes he wants and we must not say anything.”Of course you react when the referee makes a wrong decision. And I don’t know how many of them he made in this match.”In the Premier League, Oliver would not have been expected to give a spot kick for a similar incident, though Uefa are far more strict when it comes to handball.It is not the first time English refs have been in the spotlight in Germany, however. Attwell and Anthony Taylor were criticised by Uefa for the time taken to make a decision on Xavi Simons’ disallowed goal for Netherlands against France, despite reaching the correct decision.Former Leicester goalkeeper and Denmark captain, Kasper Schmeichel, added: “I’ve played the game for over 20 years I don’t know the handball rules anymore, it is very subjective.”It depends on who the ref or VAR is, it makes it difficult to know what is what.”I am not sure what he is supposed to do with his arm in that situation when you are running and it is hit at you from a yard or so.”I would say that is a natural position when you are running but they thought different.”Brentford’s Christian Norgaard said: “I’ve had Michael a few times in the Premier League and I’ve always seen him as a very good referee, he’s always been at the highest level, but I think even he would admit that this game that today was a doubtful performance.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I get it, like us as players also have doubtful performances now and then.”It felt like he had to make up one mistake with another mistake, another mistake, another mistake. It was just like that throughout the whole game.” More

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      Watch MLS star score ‘craziest winner you’ll ever see’ in 97th minute but fans fume at ‘illegal’ goal

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      FOOTBALL fans were treated to a rare type of goal in Major League Soccer in the game between Atlanta United and Toronto.Headlines would have normally been made about the stoppage time winner alone, but it was the nature of how it came about which had fans calling it “crazy”.Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiare became hide and seek champion as he snuck up behind Toronto’s goalkeeperCredit: Atlanta UnitedThiare pounced as the goalkeeper put the ball down to playCredit: APThiare then dribbled the ball around the goalkeeper after pinching itCredit: APHe shot the ball into an empty net for a stunning match winnerCredit: ReutersIn the 97th minute with the score tied at 1-1, Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran had the ball in his arms as he attempted to run down the clock.However, unbeknownst to Gavran, Atlanta forward Jamal Thiare had sneakily gone off the pitch behind him to grab some water before quietly ambling back on to the field of play behind the Canadian.As both attackers and defenders moved down the pitch expecting 24-year-old Gavran to boot it long, Thiare waited behind him in case he dropped the ball.And in a stunning twist of fate, Gavran duly obliged as he dropped the ball ready to play the ball with his feet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSenegal ace Thiare then pounced on the loose ball before dribbling it around the keeper and shooting the ball into the back of the net for an astonishing winner.Fans couldn’t believe what they had just seen, with one saying: “You see a goal like this maybe once every five years.”A goal like this to win the game seven minutes into stoppage? Never seen anything like it. Not even in MLS.”A second said: “The craziest game winner you will ever see and a team like Atlanta… they deserved a break like this.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe official club account shared a video of 31-year-old Thiare, proclaiming him: “Hide and seek champion.”Interim head coach Rob Valentino added: “I would say I’m on the younger side of coaching and the younger side of being in the game, but I have never seen anything like that.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlines”I made the joke to Dax [McCarty], after I ridiculously went sprinting down the sideline, that he has played 20 years now and I bet he has never seen a finish like that. “It was incredible, bizarre, but I’m glad we’re on this side of it.”Similar goals have occurred in England, with Danny Rose scoring a cheeky goal for Stevenage in 2022.One of the most famous versions came when Robbie Keane scored against Birmingham for Tottenham in 2003.However, many fans were left fuming at an apparent breach of rules from Thiare for stepping off the pitch, and believed referee Serhiy Boyko should have overturned the goal.One fan said: “Illegal, he steps off the field of his own accord, pretty bad reffing that this didn’t get VAR’d.”A second said: “He left the pitch to get a drink of water. Did the referee wave him back onto the pitch or am I missing something?”A third said: “The goal scorer leaves the field of play and re-enters without permission. That’s a yellow card, no goal.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnder Ifab’s law 12.3 it says a player should be cautioned when “entering, re-entering or deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission”.Ifab’s law 13.2 also states: “Free kicks for offences involving a player entering, re-entering or leaving the field of play without permission are taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Denmark star Schmeichel rages at VAR and admits he ‘still doesn’t know the rules yet’ after controversial Euro 2024 exit

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      KASPER SCHMEICHEL raged at VAR after Denmark’s elimination from Euro 2024 yesterday.The Danes thought they had taken the lead against hosts Germany after a shock Joachim Andersen opener.Schmeichel slammed VAR after the gameCredit: XJoachim Andersen’s opener was ruled out after Thomas Delaney was found to be marginally offside in the buildupCredit: GettyVAR images showed how tight the call wasCredit: XAndersen had the ball kicked at him from close rangeBut the goal was ruled out for a fractional offside for Thomas Delaney in the build-up.Their misery was then compounded immediately when a penalty was awarded down the other end for an Andersen handball.The handball didn’t look immediately obvious but VAR stepped in and summoned Michael Oliver to the monitor.He then gave a penalty for Germany which Kai Havertz converted to make it 1-0, and Jamal Musiala added Germany’s second with just over 20 minutes to go.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe famous ‘snickometer’ was used to show the ball had struck Andersen’s hand after it was blasted at him from close range by Florian Wirtz.Speaking after the game, Schmeichel, 37, was asked to sum up his feelings and said: “It’s a mixture of disappointment, anger, rage, a bit of everything at the moment.When asked to expand, he referred to the VAR decisions and said: “This is football nowadays, I’ve played football 23 years and still don’t know the rules yet.He was especially aggrieved about the penalty decision and said: “I’m not sure what a player is meant to do when he is running, and the ball is whacked at his hand from a yard away.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”Not really sure what he’s supposed to do with his arm but there was definitely a sense that the margins were on their side today.”He then said: “I’m not sure football and common sense go together anymore.”Kasper Hjulmand post match interview – Germany v Denmark Euro 2024Crystal Palace defender Andersen could not contain his frustration after the game either, saying: “It was crazy and not a penalty at all. I can’t run around with my arms behind my back and play football. “He’s half a metre away from me and hits the ball on my hand, so I can’t see what I could do to prevent it.”And Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand fumed: “It was decided by VAR decisions. I have a photo here, It was one centimetre (the offside).“It doesn’t make sense. This is not how we are supposed to be using VAR. It’s one centimeter.I’m not sure football and common sense go together anymoreKasper Schmeichel“Then there was the penalty. I’m so tired of the ridiculous handball rules.“We can’t require our defenders to be running with their hands by their sides. It’s not natural.“Joachim was running normally. He jumps up and he is hit from one metre. I rarely talk about these decisions.“But they were decisive for this game. It’s frustrating. Being in front 1-0 would have changed everything for our team.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe game was also paused in the first-half due to a thunderstorm, in unusual scenes in Germany.Players were rushed off the pitch after a tremendous lightning strike saw the heavens open with heavy rain.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Fans claim ‘English refs have struck again’ as Germany goal is controversially disallowed by Michael Oliver

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      GERMANY were controversially denied an early goal during their Euro 2024 round of 16 clash by English referee Michael Oliver.Nico Schlotterbeck rose to head home Toni Kroos’ fourth minute corner, only for Oliver to blow up for a supposed foul by Joshua Kimmich.Nico Schlotterbeck headed beyond Kasper SchmeichelCredit: APJoshua Kimmich was adjudged to have fouled Alexander Skov OlsenMichael Oliver explains his decision to Ilkay GundoganCredit: EPASchlotterbeck, 24, wheeled away in celebration, with pandemonium in the stands.Oliver broke German hearts, however, by adjudging Kimmich to have blocked off Alexander Skov Olsen, who has been trying to chase Schlotterbeck.Many fans slated the decision, taking to social media to vent.One fumed: “English refs ruining games as always.”READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSWhile a second moaned: “These English refs absolutely stink, this competition has made it very apparent to everyone else.”A third posted: “England’s squad and the English refs seemingly having a competition to see who can stink up this tournament the most.”Another added: “I see Michael Oliver is already trending less then 5 minutes into the game. The English refs never fail to disappoint, do they?”In the 36th minute, Oliver was forced to take players off due to extreme weather.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHost city Dortmund was hit by a storm, with torrential rain, thunder and lightning.Oliver allowed play to continue for around five minutes after the storm began, before stopping following complaints from players that it was not safe to continue.Huge brawl breaks out at full-time of Czech Republic vs Turkey as referee forced to give red card AFTER final whistleEarlier in the week, weather experts warned of a potential tornado.Meteorologist Dominik Jung told Bild: “From Saturday evening and into the night on Sunday, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms from the south west and west to the middle of Germany.”These could bring extremely heavy rain, with amounts of between 40 and 80 litres per square meter within a few hours.”Large hail with a diameter of around 3 cm is also expected, as are strong storm or hurricane gusts with speeds of between 100 and 140 km/h.”Tornadoes cannot be ruled out either.”After a few minutes of waiting by the dugouts, players were taken back inside.Denmark went on to feel aggrieved in the second half, when Joachim Andersen had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR check.Things then went from bad to worse for Andersen moments later, when he conceded a penalty for handball following another VAR check.Kai Havertz then converted the spot kick to put Germany into a controversial lead.Jamal Musiala then doubled his side’s lead 15 minutes later, with the hosts going on to win 2-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier in the tournament, Anthony Taylor and his team of officials were criticised for disallowing Xavi Simons’ strike during Holland’s 0-0 draw with France.He adjudged Denzel Dumfries to have interfered with play from an offside position, despite the ball whizzing in way out of Mike Maignan’s reach.The match was suspended due to a torrential downpourCredit: EPA More

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      Shocking moment boxing referee attacked after stopping fight – before turning round, punching him and running off

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      CHAOS erupted at a boxing clash as a fighter and referee ended up throwing punches at each other.Over in the Dominican Republic, Angel Cruz took on Julio de Jesus Rodriguez in a super welterweight clash.Julio de Jesus Rodriguez pushed the referee after he announced a stoppageCredit: @PermantexGHe then hit the ref with a right hookCredit: @PermantexGBefore the official then tried to hit him backCredit: @PermantexGBut in round two, there was huge controversy as Cruz landed a powerful right hand on his opponent.It led to De Jesus falling to his knees before swiftly getting back up again.But the referee had seen enough and stopped the bout to hand his 29-year-old rival the victory.As the official waved his arm in front of Cruz, he angrily pushed him away.READ MORE IN BOXINGBefore furiously storming to the other side of the ring and landing a right hook on the ref’s head.The official initially did not retaliate but then shockingly charged at Cruz and tried to punch him.His swing missed and the referee then dashed away from the scene and jumped out the ring.The crazy incident left fans shocked, with one saying: “Casually walking up the referee and punching him is nuts.”Most read in BoxingAnother added: “This is one of the craziest boxing clips I’ve seen. Swinging on a ref is near unheard of, the ref swinging back is once in a century.”And a third commented: “That was classless.”Inside Muhammad Ali’s stunning former LA mansion up for sale More

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      How England vs Slovakia referee survived a beating from a club PRESIDENT to complete Euro 2024 dream

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      THE Turkish referee who was punched by a club president will be the man in the middle for England’s last-16 clash with Slovakia.Whistler Halil Umut Meler, 37, will be in charge of keeping the peace at Gelsenkirchen.Faruk Koca, president of MKE Ankaragucu, throws a punch to the referee Halil Umut MelerCredit: GettyKoca stormed onto the pitch at full-time before confronting MelerCredit: GettyThe referee will now officiate England in Euro 2024Credit: GettyIn December, he was attacked on the pitch by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after the supremo’s side drew 1-1 with Rizespor.Rizespor scored a last-gasp leveller in a bad-tempered clash that included two red cards.Koca stormed onto the pitch at full-time before confronting Meler, with the official kicked on the floor after being punched by the president.Meler was later pictured looking battered and bruised in hospital.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut on being discharged, he confirmed: “There is no problem with my health.”It sparked outrage in Turkey, with the attack prompting the temporary suspension of the Turkish Super Lig.Koca ended up resigning as Ankaragucu president after a court ordered his arrest while Meler continued refereeing to earn a spot at the Euros. England topped their group with an opening win against Serbia with draws to Denmark and Slovenia following.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSlovakia await in the last 16 on Sunday and Phil Foden is back having gone to the UK for the birth of his third child.Meanwhile, Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier worked on individual programmes to aid their load – but are expected to play against Slovakia.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesOf the two players, Trippier is the bigger doubt and if he were to lose his fitness battle, Ezri Konsa is the most likely candidate to come in at left-back.Luke Shaw still remains an unused member of the squad after being selected while still carrying an injury.But the Manchester United star has now declared himself fit and could feature against Slovakia.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More