Refereeing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Stadiums on fire, gun attacks & referees thumped – How Turkish football has been plagued by decades of bloodshed

      by

      FROM fans burning down stadiums to knife-wielding attacks on rival players and and referees, Turkish football has a violent history. Decades of bloodshed have plagued the game – and chaos erupted at Euro 2024 during Turkey’s clash with Georgia after fights broke out in the stands.The shocking moment referee Halil Umut Meler was punched by club president Faruk Koca after matchCredit: GettyFenerbahce fans once set fire to the seats after they lost the league title to their rivalsCredit: ReutersTurkey fans were seen brawling with Georgia supporters in the stands at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersTurkish riot police shielding themselves from an angry mob of fans launching broken chairs at themCredit: ReutersThe Fenerbahce team bus was once attacked by a gunman who riddled the windshield with bulletsCredit: GettyFenerbahce stars were even seen fighting against rival supporters on the pitchCredit: GettyREFEREE THUMPEDIn one of the most shocking scenes, a Turkish referee was punched to the ground by a team’s president.MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca launched his assault on referee Halil Umut Meler in November 2023.Pictures show the moment the an aggressive Koca stormed the pitch and threw a straight right hand at the official.Meler’s cheek instantly started to bruise and swell as he was taken to hospital with a fractured eye socket.read more in Turkish footballAn irate Koca later claimed he only meant to “spit” at the referee for what he claimed was a poor performance during the match. Following the assault huge droves of pitch invaders emerged onto the pitch as they trampled, stomped and booted the defenceless official.The terrible ordeal left a nasty stain on sport in Turkey with even the national media labelling it “barbaric”.It even caused the entire Turkish Super Lig season to be suspended. Most read in Euro 2024Meler was later seen wearing a neck brace in hospital as he spoke to the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.’My heart stopped,’ says terrified girlfriend of footballer chased by fan wielding CORNER FLAG in ugly scenes in TurkeyKoca resigned after the strike and issued a half-hearted apology as he was formally arrested alongside two others for “injuring a public official”.Another horrific incident saw manager Yuksel Yesilova being stabbed six times as he stood on the touchline in 2010The game was suspended so Yesilova could receive urgent, life-saving medical attention as an ambulance drove onto the pitch.After an investigation into the horror security breach, it was revealed that the knife man was his angry brother.FIERY ALTERCATIONSOn two separate occasions, Turkish football has been set ablaze by huge fires inside football grounds.The first came during the 2003-04 season when over passionate Gaziantepspor’s fans set a stand on fire during a match against Fenerbahce.In 2010, Fenerbahce were involved again as they let out their rage at losing the league to bitter rivals Bursapor by setting their own ground alight.Chilling pictures show dozens of seats up in flames with fans battling with cops across the stadium.Soon after the first fire erupted, the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium looked like a warzone.Bottles and stones were being launched onto the pitch with chairs being ripped from their bolts and thrashed around.Multiple other parts of the stadium had caught alight in the ensuing chaos as emergency crews and riot police looked to control the worsening situation.Angered fans ended up being blasted by water cannons as a much larger angry mob of supporters gathered outside. BUS ATTACKIn April 2015, Fenerbahce’s team bus was targeted by a gunman who burst a round of bullets through the front windshield.Driver, Ufuk Kiran, was left with severe facial injuries and blood dripping down his face after the glass splintered and flew in his direction.Miraculously, he managed to keep himself conscious throughout the ordeal despite losing a lot of blood.The heroic driver was left bloodied after the bus carnageCredit: AFPFenerbahce players were seen fighting back after they were attackedCredit: GettyThe ref suffered a fractured eye socketCredit: GettyA riot kicked off after the referee was punchedPockets of flames appeared across the stadium during a heated up 2010 seasonCredit: ReutersHe safely took the bus out of danger and kept all 41 players and staff uninjured.Turkish Football Federation chairman Yildirim Demiroren labelled the horrific act a “terrorist attack” that targeted all Turkish sports. In response to the near fatal shooting the Turkish Super Lig officials suspended play for just one week.STONES, MISSILES AND LIGHTERSTurkish fans are infamous for making their feelings extremely well known at matches towards players and officials.They can often be seen launching a range of objects from the stands to prove their hatred. In 2009, assistant referee Tarik Ongun was whacked on the head by a lighter thrown from the stands during a derby between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. He required treatment on the nasty cut and needed five stitches before continuing on to officiate the game.Turkey’s Euro 2024 carnageTURKEY fans have already been involved in a number of issues in the tournament this summer.
      The most high profile issue came in their very first match against Georgia on Tuesday 18.
      The game quickly descended into chaos before kick-off after fights broke out in the stands as water poured from the roof as topless men scrapped.
      Objects were reportedly thrown between two sections as fighting ensued.
      The scene was described as “absolute bedlam” by journalist Daniel Storey with fears the game could be suspended.
      A small section of supporters from both sides could be seen throwing punches and pushing.
      Riot police were even bought in to re-establish control of the hectic situation.
      Footage from the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund showed rain from a storm drenching seats by the pitch.
      The fans later met their Georgian counterparts inside a fan zone in Poland following the fiery clash between the two nations.
      A disastrous brawl broke out as shocking social media footage shows the rival fans punching, kicking and even dragging each other around Gorzow Wielkopolski in headlocks.

      Months later, more match officials were targeted when furious supporters unleashed a barrage of stones.The match was quickly abandoned after just 15 minutes when some of the fans miraculously managed to launch the rock hard pellets at referee Kemal Yilmaz.The fan fury continued to erupt as Bursaspor goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov was even hit by a stone.Moments after Yilmaz called off the match he was then struck by a launched missile.PITCHSIDE FURYEarlier this year, Fenerbahce were involved in the latest shocking scenes of violence that have blighted the Super Lig.Following a last-gasp 3-2 win at rivals Trabzonspor, home fans ran onto the pitch – some even wielding weapons.They could be seen lunging at Fener stars with some players like former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi defending himself by throwing an astonishing spinning back kick.Ex-QPR ace Bright Osayi-Samuel was also seen aiming a punch at a fan.One rivalry in Turkey has even been dubbed the “derby of immense and never-ending hate”.Fenerbahce and Galatasaray fixtures have been marred by scenes of violence for years.In 2012, things flew overboard when Galatasaray won the league at Fenerbahce thanks to a cagey 0-0 draw.At full time, police, armed with pepper spray, were forced to use riot shields to protect Galatasaray’s jubilant players.The joy on the pitch quickly caused carnage in the stands as furious Fenerbahce fans ambushed the players.Chairs were hurled around as supporters outside the ground whacked cop cars with stones.Last year, a fiery match between Bursaspor and Amedspor in Turkey was abruptly called off as fans and players ran riot before, during and after kick off.Horrific videos on social media seemed to show irate supporters hurling objects, including water bottles, firecrackers and a knife onto the pitch in Turkey.Bursaspor players were seen storming onto the pitch and attacking their opponents as they warmed up.READ MORE SUN STORIESAggression continued throughout the 90 minutes, with fans throwing firecrackers onto the pitch and knives being allegedly brandished. After the final whistle, Amedspor staff and players claimed they were assaulted by “private security supervisor, club security officer, club staff, and police officers” in the dressing room corridors.Turkish football manager Yuksel Yesilova was stabbed six times on the touchline by his brother in 2010Firemen battle to put out the flames in the stadium after Turkish fans set fire to the standsCredit: ReutersThe ref was later seen in a hospital bedA crazed Trabzonspor supporter chased Fener players with the corner flag in a huge pitch invasionCredit: APTurkish football is renowned for their passionate fansCredit: GettyFlares, missiles, chairs, rocks and lighters have all been thrown at players during feisty gamesCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League referee RELEGATED by Uefa as fans hail ‘good sign’ after being left fuming by VAR chaos

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Craig Pawson has been relegated to Uefa’s Second list.The Englishman, 45, has been replaced by John Brooks on the governing body’s First list – which also includes Chris Kavanagh.Premier League referee Craig Pawson has been relegated by UefaCredit: GettyMichael Oliver and Anthony Taylor remain the two Premier League officials on Uefa’s Elite list.Pawson joins Stuart Attwell, Darren England, Jarred Gillett, Rob Jones and Andy Madley on the Second list – the third tier for Uefa officials.According to ESPN, Brooks, 34, had the best stats of all Premier League refs in the 2023/24 season, while he also ranked second as a VAR.Pawson caught unwanted headlines for particular key decisions including disallowing a late Chelsea goal against Aston Villa for a dubious foul back in April.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Premier League has just four refs on Uefa’s Elite and First lists – Oliver, Taylor, Brooks and Kavanagh.That is compared with six for officials in France, Germany and Italy.Spain and Romania also boast five referees on the two lists.It comes after English officials were criticised for their handling of a controversial decision in the game between Holland and France at Euro 2024 on Friday night.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMark Halsey on France vs Netherlands VAR
      ENGLISH VAR officials . . . here we go again.
      Stuart Attwell took far too long to make a call on Xavi Simons’ strike and he got it wrong by sticking with the on-field decision.
      It was a ‘good’ goal because Denzel Dumfries should not have been adjudged offside.
      Holland’s Dumfries did not affect the line of vision for France keeper Mike Maignan, who made no attempt to save a shot he could not have reached.
      It means wing-back Dumfries was not involved in ‘active’ play.
      The VAR decision-making had been so slick in Germany up until last night.
      But with VAR Attwell, who should have sent English referee Anthony Taylor to the pitchside monitor, we had the slowest decision of Euro 2024 so far — which took just under three minutes.

      Xavi Simons thought he had given the Dutch a second-half lead, only for referee Taylor to disallow the goal after consulting his assistant.VAR Attwell, 41, then spent a lengthy amount of time reviewing the incident before he stuck with the on-field decision.’No excuse for that’ – Alan Shearer fumes at abject England as Three Lions legend says ‘Denmark deserved to win’ EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThis led to uproar among football fans, while Holland manager Ronaldo Koeman said: “If it’s offside, then you don’t need to spend five minutes touching your ear.”I don’t understand this. If you have this much doubt, you give a goal.”Dumfries did not hinder the goalkeeper. It wasn’t because of Dumfries that Maignan didn’t go for the ball, Maignan did not react because he simply couldn’t get to the ball anyway.”He would have never reached that ball. It’s a legal goal. Once again, he’s not disturbing the goalkeeper.”The game ended goalless as Netherlands and France move onto four points each heading into their final group games against Austria and Poland.Pundits and legends lay into EnglandENGLAND’s lifeless display in the 1-1 draw with Denmark left pundits and legends queuing up to take a dig at Gareth Southgate’s team.
      Here’s the best of what was said…
      ALAN SHEARER
      “Awful performance, particularly after going up in the game.
      “I don’t think one England player can look at themselves and say, ‘I’ve done my job tonight’.
      “England were all over the place, far too sloppy in possession, gave the ball away too much and got caught too many times.
      “There was no energy, no pace, no guile — Southgate is simply not getting the best out of England’s best players.
      “It’s concerning and Gareth will get some serious questions.
      “You saw England players lying on their backs — they look absolutely shattered but there’s no excuse for that.”
      GARY LINEKER
      The BBC host called the performance “lifeless and tepid”.
      On Harry Kane he said: “He needs his manager to ask more of him. I would have expected that if I’d put in that kind of performance.”
      RIO FERDINAND
      “The players don’t look the same as they do for their clubs. It is a big concern.”
      ROY KEANE
      “Courage and bravery, we’re not really seeing it.
      “There’s something amiss with the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.
      “This is a big test for Gareth. It looks like he’s overthinking things.”
      JAMIE CARRAGHER
      “My big worry watching this and for the rest of the tournament?
      “England look absolutely knackered. They can’t get close to the ball.
      “The surest sign of fatigue is dropping deep.
      “Declan Rice is having to cover so much ground. No-one can convince me this is a strategy.”
      JACK WILSHERE
      “It’s strange that we have taken the lead in both games so far, yet instead of it settling us down and giving us the confidence to play, we have failed to take control.
      “But what was most worrying was that Denmark had a clear way of playing — while we didn’t.” More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Trust the English refs’ – Fans fume as Holland have goal ruled out by VAR in ‘first offside decision to take ages’

      by

      HOLLAND fans were left fuming after having a goal ruled out in their clash with France.The two sides played out a goalless draw in Leipzig on Friday night in their second match of Euro 2024.Xavi Simons had a goal ruled out for offside against FranceCredit: GettyVAR agreed Denzel Dumfries interfered with play from an offside positionCredit: ReutersDespite being a tight encounter, the Dutch thought they had taken the lead during the second half.Xavi Simons’ strike was ruled out for offside by Anthony Taylor, though, before VAR agreed with the on-field decision.The midfielder’s low strike from the edge of the box beat Mike Maignan in the France goal to find the bottom corner.However, Denzel Dumfries was stood in an offside position to the goalkeeper’s left.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSBoth Taylor, his assistant referee and the VAR officials agreed Dumfries was interfering with play due to his proximity to Maignan and disallowed the goal.The decision was finalised after a lengthy VAR check, to the anger of supporters.Reacting to the decision on social media, one fan wrote: “Typical that the first offside decision to take ages… comes when English referees are using the technology.”Another added: “Didn’t even need to see them to know it’s an English VAR team.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third supporter also commented: “Terrible decision by the English ref and English VAR, what a shock, not.”Meanwhile, one more said: “Trust the English refs to take absolutely forever to make the wrong decision.”Kylian Mbappe’s new mask revealed as France training mask is bannedNetherlands Euro 2024 guideRONALD KOEMAN has overhauled Holland’s playing style after returning for a second stint in charge.

      Captain Virgil van Dijk will be expected to be a stalwart in defence while Xavi Simons will be hoping for a breakout tournament. But they may miss injured Frenkie de Jong.
      MANAGER: Ronald Koeman
      Ex-Barcelona and Everton boss was the scourge of England as a player when he knocked Graham Taylor’s side out of World Cup qualifying in 1994.
      STAR MAN: Virgil van Dijk
      Liverpool star has won everything there is to win at club level and will be counted on to keep things tight at the back.
      How Holland attack
      The Netherlands will play with a typically Dutch patient possession-based build-up.
      They will stagger their positions to play through the lines, but can be overly individualistic in the final third.
      How Holland defend
      The Dutch will play with a medium block, allowing the opposition to break the first line before engaging in the midfield area.
      They can run into problems when they fail to protect the middle of the pitch.
      Read the full Netherlands 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

      Taylor is one of two English referees at Euro 2024, with Michael Oliver also at the tournament.Oliver has already taken charge of Spain’s win over Croatia and Ukraine’s victory against Slovakia, with Friday night’s match Taylor’s first assignment.Mark Halsey on France vs Netherlands VAR
      ENGLISH VAR officials . . . here we go again.
      Stuart Attwell took far too long to make a call on Xavi Simons’ strike and he got it wrong by sticking with the on-field decision.
      It was a ‘good’ goal because Denzel Dumfries should not have been adjudged offside.
      Holland’s Dumfries did not affect the line of vision for France keeper Mike Maignan, who made no attempt to save a shot he could not have reached.
      It means wing-back Dumfries was not involved in ‘active’ play.
      The VAR decision-making had been so slick in Germany up until last night.
      But with VAR Attwell, who should have sent English referee Anthony Taylor to the pitchside monitor, we had the slowest decision of Euro 2024 so far — which took just under three minutes.

      Neither side was able to find an opener following Simons’ disallowed goal.The draw also means both France and Netherlands are yet to book their place in the last 16.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Boxer collapses mid-fight with apparent seizure as referee immediately waves off bout

      by

      A BOXER collapsed mid-fight after suffering an apparent seizure. Tramaine Williams was representing NYC Attitude in Team Combat League against Ryan Allen of Las Vegas Hustle. Boxer Tramaine Williams, right, collapsed mid-fightCredit: Team Combat League via X formerly TwitterWilliams suffered an apparent seizureCredit: Team Combat League via X formerly TwitterThe boxer later spoke out to confirm he was discharged from hospitalAnd just minutes into the bout, Williams went down without being punched and began to have a seizure on the floor.The quick-thinking referee immediately waved off the fight and concern turned to Williams’ health. Thankfully, the former super-bantamweight world title challenger revealed on Instagram he was discharged from hospital. He posted: “I’m good, the doctor said I was too dehydrated. I’m good though.”READ MORE IN BOXINGWilliams has a record of 20 wins, two losses and one no-contest and in 2020 lost for the 122lb WBO title against Angelo Leo. But he signed up for this year’s TCL, a unique format where boxers in different weights compete as a team over a series of 18 rounds. Some only box for one round with the total scores added up at the end. And despite Williams’ scare in the ring, the match continued with NYC Attitude beating Las Vegas Hustle 172-166. Most read in BoxingTragedy struck in TCL in April when heavyweight Ardi Ndembo lost his life following a knockout in the ring. Ndembo passed away three weeks after being put in a coma following the KO against Nestor Santana. Ardi Ndembo shows off his punching power in boxing training More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Eagle-eyed fans say ‘game is well and truly gone’ after spotting referee for England clash has Euros TATTOO

      by

      REFEREE Artur Soares Dias stunned fans when they saw what was on his arm in England’s drab 1-1 Euro 2024 draw with Denmark.One viewer joked the “game is well and truly gone” after spotting a Euro 2020 tattoo below the Portuguese whistler’s short-sleeved top.Artur Soares Dias caught the attention of fans vs DenmarkCredit: GettyThe Portuguese official could be seen with an inking from Euro 2020Credit: RexDias was already known to the Three Lions – after appearing to annoy their assistant coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the 1-0 Wembley friendly loss against Brazil in March.Ex-Chelsea striker Hasselbaink believed the ref left too many challenges from the visitors unpunished.This time, though, it was viewers who reacted with astonishment – when it became clear Dias had a sizeable inking.One posted: “A referee with tattoos, my God the woke mob have really done it now.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAnother wrote: “Don’t think I have ever seen a referee with tattoos.”But a particularly keen-eyed third viewer had a different slant on the matter.He said: “Admire that this referee has got the five rings tattoo and presumably therefore refers to himself as an Olympian.”Other viewers then noticed the same thing.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYOne commented: “Also have a 2020 Olympics tattoo.”And another suggested: “There has to be a 2024 one under there somewhere.”England fans at home and abroad go wild as Harry Kane puts England 1-0 up against DenmarkBut Dias’ tattoo was just a small distraction from a frustrating England stalemate.One fan wrote: “This England team is doing my head in …can’t stand theses world class players…they are useless.”Meet England’s Euro 2024 Wags
      England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
      Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
      The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
      Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
      The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
      Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
      Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
      Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
      England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
      Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
      Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
      Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
      Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
      Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
      The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
      Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England vs Denmark Euro 2024 referee has already clashed with Three Lions after bust-up with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

      by

      ENGLAND will have to be on their best behaviour against Denmark if they want to avoid a confrontation with the referee.Artur Soares Dias is set to take charge of the clash in Dusseldorf.England will have to be on their best behaviour for referee Artur Soares DiasCredit: RexEngland assistant boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink clashed with the ref in MarchCredit: PAHe is a referee England know well, having taken charge of the Three Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Brazil in March.The match official came under scrutiny as he failed to sufficiently sanction Brazil for their aggressive approach, with Dorival Jr’s side committing 19 fouls.Jude Bellingham was particularly targeted by the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes, with the former receiving a yellow card.England assistant boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink objected to Brazil’s style of play and decided to take matters into his own hands at half-time.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The former Chelsea star confronted ref Dias in the tunnel about the persistent fouling, which the Portuguese deemed unworthy of a caution.Hasselbaink will have to be on his best behaviour on the touchline in Dusseldorf as coaching staff have been warned about their behaviour towards officials.Referees have not hesistated to book those who have stepped out of line at the Euros so far, as part of a clamp down on dissent.Only captains are allowed to speak to referees about their decisions too, and if players surround the match official they will be booked.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho is Artur Soares Dias?By Mark Halsey
      Artur Soares Dias should have no problems in dealing with England and Denmark’s players because he’s a decent and experienced referee.
      But one man who will not be looking forward to seeing the Portuguese official is Three Lions coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
      The pair had a bust-up in the Wembley tunnel at half-time of England’s friendly defeat with Brazil in March with Hasselbaink unhappy over the constant fouling on Jude Bellingham.
      But Hasselbaink will need to be on his best behaviour in Frankfurt tonight because refs in this tournament aren’t taking any messing about from the technical area.
      It’s something for England boss Gareth Southgate to keep an eye on.
      The dugouts of Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary have already received yellow cards for their actions and Dias may not be so lenient if there is more complaining from the sidelines this time.
      Dias has been a Fifa ref since 2010 and knows both sets of players well as he is a Champions League regular. He officiated the Netherlands’ 2-1 opening win over Poland and his one caution highlights he is not fussy if players follow the laws.

      Referee Dias has plenty of big game experience having been a VAR during the 2018 World Cup and in the middle for Euro 2020.He has bee a ref since 2010 and on the elite list since 2016, taking charge of multiple matches in the Champions League and other top competitions.Fans say ‘make this man PM’ as Steve McClaren lookalike England fan reveals his incredible journey following team More

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League ref tells funny story of how Matija Sarkic ‘did him like a kipper’ in tribute to tragic Millwall ace, 26

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Bobby Madley has shared a heartwarming tribute for the late Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.The Championship club announced tragic news yesterday morning that the 26-year-old had died after falling ill in the coastal town of Budva, Montenegro.It was announced Matija Sarkic passed away at the age of 26 yesterdayCredit: GettyReferee Bobby Madley revealed a heartwarming story between the twoCredit: GettySarkic had been on international duty with Montenegro, and put in a man of the match performance in his last display with nine saves in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium.Montenegrin state-owned TV station RTCG report that Sarkic went for a walk with pals, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment early on Friday evening.He is believed to have told friends he felt ill after waking up at around 6am morning and they called an ambulance but it was too late.Tributes poured in from across the football world following the terrible news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne tribute came from referee Madley, who shared an interaction the pair had as he prepared to take charge of a Montenegro Under 19s game in 2016.Taking to social media, Madley said: “I met Matija in 2016 when refereeing my first U19 Euros qualifying game between Montenegro and France.”Matija was the captain which, as a goalkeeper, isn’t always the easiest for a referee. “Standing in the tunnel before the game Matija came down and shook hands. Most read in Football”Given that my grasp of the Montenegrin language wasn’t the best, in a shocking broken English accent I tried to explain to Matija with many hand gestures and ridiculous facial expressions that as a captain and goalkeeper it would be hard to work with him. “My question of ‘Is there player in team, speak English, maybe can speak with me if problem today?’ was met with a blank look from Matija. “I tried again with even worse broken English and the stone look remained on his face. “I was defeated. I looked at Matija and said clearly I’m wasting my time and getting nowhere.”Matija half smiled before replying in a strong Balkan accent: ‘Nine. Speak English him’.”Delighted and very proud of myself I replied ‘Ah you understand English little. This is good. He speak good English?’ “Matija smiled and replied… ‘Yeah, it’s not bad, it’s my brother Oliver, we’re from Grimsby… I just wanted to see how long you’d carry that nonsense on.'”He’d done me like a kipper.”Madley added: “Sincerest condolences to his family and his friends. Rest in peace Matija.”He has whistled over 90 top flight matches in his career. Grimsby-born Sarkic was the son of Montenegro ambassador Bojan Sarkic.Sarkic had only moved to the Den last season, where he helped the club to a midtable finish and penned a long-term contract.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe had also starred for Wolves, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Stoke, Aston Villa and Anderlecht in his career.Matija Sarkic careerAll you need to know about his career:
      Clubs:
      Aston Villa (2015-2020)
      Wigan (Loan 2017/2018)
      Stratford Town (Loan 2018/2019)
      Havant & Waterlooville (Loan 2019)
      Livingston (Loan 2019/2020)
      Wolves (2020-2023)
      Shrewsbury (Loan 2020/21)
      Birmingham (Loan 2021/22)
      Stoke (Loan 2023)
      Millwall (2023/24)
      Honours:
      Birmingham City Player of the Season 2022
      International:Montenegro (9 caps) More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ITV VAR expert Christina Unkel is a former player, referee and current president of up-and-coming US team

      by

      ITV expert Christina Unkel has done it all.The American, 37, will be gracing our screens as a refereeing analyst throughout Euro 2024.Christina Unkel picked up her first whistle at a young ageCredit: GettyChristina Unkel is a feature of the CBS Champions League show alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: Instagram @christina.unkelThe former ref advanced quickly through FIFA’s ranksCredit: GettyAnd it is hard to think of anybody more qualified to talk us through the inevitable VAR controversies.Unkel’s refereeing career started when she was just 10.The youngster’s coach Bob Harris – a referee and assessor – told her to stop shouting at officials, who she felt were not paying enough attention to girls’ games.Told she could either take a course or stop voicing her opinions, Unkel became a certified US Soccer Referee in Cape Coral, Florida.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I could ref two games and make $40 and have all the concession stand food you could want,” she said in an interview with Stetson University.“For me, it was kind of a no brainer. It was something where I could play and practice soccer and then on my off-days referee. I ended up falling in love with it.”The rising star continued to play as well and featured at the collegiate level for Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she unfortunately suffered a torn ACL.After recovering while at Stetson University College of Law, Unkel began travelling to referee and ended up overseeing over 80 professional games while continuing her studies.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I would go to school, then on Friday afternoons I would fly out to some place and do a game and then fly back on Sunday evening to go back to school on Monday,” she told the University’s website.Unkel received her FIFA badge in 2013 at just 25 years old – the youngest possible age.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTBest XI of players snubbed for Euro 2024She has been involved with VAR since its introduction in the MLS in 2017.The former whistler is a refereeing analyst on the CBS Champions League show, which has soared in popularity on both sides of the pond.Unkel regularly features alongside host Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher.She has now replaced Mark Clattenburg on ITV and made her debut as Germany hammered Scotland.As well as working for ITV and CBS, Christina previously worked at Fox Sports and Paramount+ and has also been a journalist for The Athletic.A qualified attorney, Unkel is the president and general counsel for the Tampa Bay Sun – an expansion team who will enter the USL Super League this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe describes herself as an entrepreneur and has co-founded multiple businesses, including Scorch Fitness and the Deadlift Effect, sports science and strength training firms.She is married to current MLS referee Ted, with the couple having one daughter, Quinn.Unkel made her ITV debut as Germany beat ScotlandCredit: Getty More