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      Watch ‘worst sending off EVER’ as commentator is left stunned and player is humiliated after VAR review

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      REFEREE Ruddy Buquet astonished fans, players and commentators alike as he bafflingly sent Metz star Georges Mikautadze off last night.The Ligue 1 relegation strugglers were in action against Rennes at Stade Saint-Symphorien.Arnaud Kalimuendo collided with Georges MikautadzeCredit: X / @FOOTBALLONTNTThe forward threw himself to the turfCredit: X / @FOOTBALLONTNTMikautadze, 23, was sent off by referee Ruddy BuguetCredit: AFPThe striker waited in the tunnel to learn his fateCredit: X / @FOOTBALLONTNTAs he thought he would be allowed back on, the Georgian was stoppedCredit: X / @FOOTBALLONTNTMetz trailed 3-2 in the closing stages, after Arnaud Kalimuendo’s 93rd minute goal for the visitors.Things then went from bad to worse for Laszlo Boloni’s side, as talisman Mikautadze was shown a straight red card in the 96th minute.Replays clearly showed that the Georgian and Kalimendo had innocuously bumped into each other, with the latter going down theatrically.Mikautadze made his way down the tunnel, only for VAR to instruct Buquet to take another look on the pitchside monitor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 47-year-old was then shown the incident a number of times, with an expectation that common sense would prevail and the decision would be overturned.Mikautadze, 23, clearly expected to be allowed to return, and attempted to make his way back onto the pitch.Incredibly he was stopped by the fourth official, with Buquet doubling down and sticking to his baffling decision.Metz went on to lose the crucial match 3-2 to leave them 16th, in Ligue 1’s relegation play-off zone, and just three points above the automatic drop.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikautadze had scored earlier in the matchCredit: AFPMikautadze’s controversial red card will now see him ruled out for Metz’s pivotal last two matches, if it is not overturned by the LFP.Boloni, who gave Cristiano Ronaldo his senior debut for Sporting Lisbon more than 20 years ago, will take his team to Strasbourg next time out, before finishing their campaign by hosting Paris Saint-Germain.Fuming Kylian Mbappe’s incredible reaction to being subbed by PSG in Marseille victoryMetz’s veteran boss, 71, was furious with the officiating after the match.His side had twice led through goals by Mikautadze and Papa Amadou Diallo, before being pegged back by an Amine Gouiri effort and a penalty by Benjamin Bourigeaud.I don’t know whether to scream, cry, laugh…Laszlo BoloniOn the referee’s performance, Boloni blasted: “The penalty almost completely changes the course of the match.”The icing on the cake is the expulsion of Mikautadze. I don’t know whether to scream, cry, laugh… I can’t comment. It’s incommentable. No comment.”I only ask myself one question. Am I really ready to talk to really tell you what I feel?”Because if I do that, I live not far away, I immediately buy a ticket to go to the disciplinary committee and they will be right, because there is always a sentence or a word of interpretation by which some are more equal than equals, wiser than the wise, have more rights than… there you go.”The TNT Sports commentator in the UK was also stunned.As the incident was being checked, he said: “Kalimuendo if anything deserves a yellow card for that.”Let’s hope the call is right. Let’s hope he gets called back in and scores a late goal! He just stood there.”‘VAR has broken match officials’ minds’Fans watching on at home were left scratching their heads.One wrote on social media: “VAR has broken match officials’ minds.”While a second blasted: “That’s the worst sending off I’ve ever seen.”A third claimed: “Referee shouldn’t referee again if he thinks that is a red card.”And another added: “Seems like VAR is broken all over Europe..”Mikautadze scored 23 goals as Metz were promoted from Ligue 2 last season.He subsequently signed for Ajax in a deal worth around £14million.After failing to make an impact in Amsterdam amid Ajax’s shambolic season, Mikautadze returned to Metz on loan in January.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis comeback has been a roaring success, with the forward having notched 12 goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances.Should the LFP fail to overturn his red card, however, his stint back at Metz will be over. More

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      Piers Morgan and Ian Wright say Arsenal ‘got away with it’ as VAR slammed for controversial decisions vs Bournemouth

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      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright and Gooner Piers Morgan both admitted they “got away with it” against Bournemouth as VAR dominated again.The Gunners restored their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory.Bournemouth had a goal ruled out due to Dominic Solanke’s challenge on David RayaCredit: GettyIt was eventually ruled out after a lengthy VAR checkCredit: TNT SportsFans were fuming over the decision to give Arsenal a penalty after this foul on HavertzCredit: GettyIan Wright claims that he felt it was never a penaltyCredit: GettyBukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice all got on the scoresheet to pile the pressure on second-placed Man City ahead of their clash with Wolves.However, the main talking point after the lunchtime game at the Emirates was the much-maligned VAR.And it has led to more calls for the technology to be scrapped.Both teams were on the receiving end of controversial decisions during the game as Cherries ace Ryan Christie escaped a red card for a high tackle while his side also had a goal ruled out in the second half.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSaka and Trossard had already fired Arsenal into a two-goal lead when Antoine Semenyo looked to have got the visitors back into it after bundling home the rebound after Christie’s effort hit the woodwork.But the celebrations were soon cut short as Dominic Solanke was ruled to have fouled goalkeeper David Raya by backing into him during the build-up upon a VAR check.Solanke moved into Raya’s path as the loose ball dropped back into the area as the stopper weakly tried to punch it away, with the ref blowing despite contact being minimal.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and his coaching staff were furious after watching a replay but, after a lengthy delay of several minutes, the officials at Stockley Park did not advise the ref to check his pitchside monitor.Most read in FootballI played with Ian Wright at Arsenal for six years… he used to go ballistic and fight rival players in changing rooms-That was after the away side believed they should have received a penalty moments earlier when Philip Billing was pulled back by William Saliba.However, VAR failed to intervene this time, placing the team working on the technology under more scrutiny.And it even led to TalkTV host and Arsenal fan Piers calling for it to be axed completely.He wrote on X: “VAR is so bad that even when Arsenal get a verdict our way (like just now), I still hate the bloody thing for the way it sucks all the joy out of the game.”Meanwhile, former Gunners striker Wright admitted VAR had robbed Bournemouth.He wrote: “Didn’t think it was a penalty. Bournemouth’s goal should have stood.”Wright was referring to Kai Havertz being brought down by Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers which led to Saka scoring from the penalty spot.Arsenal fan Piers Morgan called for VAR to be axedCredit: ReutersFans were fuming that “Havertz knew what he was doing” by dangling out a leg to initiate contact.And other supporters were raging as well after the full-time whistle over the incidents.“I’ve had enough of VAR,” blasted one fed-up viewer.A Gooner wrote: “That’s a goal all day, I have to be honest.“VAR a shambles for all involved, just have to hope it’s not your team each week.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile a third added: “Premier League implementation of VAR is baffling. VAR isn’t supposed to re-referee games.“It’s simply supposed to tell the ref if and when he’s made a clear and obvious mistake. That’s how it works in other leagues anyway.”Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendant
      Tomali Benson – partner of Bukayo Saka
      Benson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.
      They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.
      Helene Spilling – partner of Martin Odegaard
      A professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023.
      Sophie Weber – partner of Kai Havertz
      Weber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.
      They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.
      Milly White – partner of Ben White
      The couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.
      Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro Trossard
      The pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.
      They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.
      Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan Rice
      Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.
      She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.
      Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron Ramsdale
      Georgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.
      The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More

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      Mark Clattenburg QUITS Nottingham Forest role after club’s explosive row with referees over VAR

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      MARK CLATTENBURG has quit his role as a refereeing consultant at Nottingham Forest.The former Premier League referee, who only took up the position in February, was employed to help the club better understand VAR and refereeing decisions.Mark Clattenburg has left his role as a refereeing consultant at Nottingham ForestCredit: PAThe Daily Mail have revealed that Clattenburg has called time on his association with the club in a statement online – just over a week after Gary Neville told the ex-ref that he MUST resign.It read: “This is to announce that I will no longer be providing match analysis services to Nottingham Forest Football Club. “Since February this year, I have been proud to have done so under a consultancy agreement between NFFC and Referee Consultant Ltd.”I performed my services under the consultancy agreement in good faith, to the best of my abilities and in the hope of using my extensive experience as a match official to help NFFC understand how decisions in relation to key match incidents are made amid the workings of VAR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”However, it is now clear that the existence and performance of these consultancy services has caused unintended friction between NFFC and other participants, to the extent that it has become more of a hindrance than help to NFFC.”It has also led to the unmerited targeting of me, personally, by certain participants and pundits. “Such reactions and outcome was not expected and is regrettable, as it is my sincere belief that there is a place for and value in such a role in the modern game.”I am grateful to NFFC and wish them all the best during the remainder of the season and in the future. It’s been an honour.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSClattenburg came under fire quickly after taking up the role with Forest when the club released a statement following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Everton.The club’s official X account fumed about three penalty decisions that went against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side during the game and flagged that the VAR for the fixture, Stuart Attwell, is a Luton fan.Former Premier League referee’s new job leaves fans baffled after BBC cameras spot him at FA Cup clash Their post read: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.”We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options.”Clattenburg was targeted by fans and pundits alike after the statement was released as a result of his ties to the club.Gary Neville even spoke out on Sky Sports claiming that Clattenburg should resign after the “embarrassing” statement.The Manchester United legend said: “Mark Clattenberg must resign tonight.”If he saw those words go out in which question the integrity of a referee and claims someone is a cheat for supporting another club, then he’s supporting what is being said.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He would lose all credibility with referees in the game. He should stand down tonight and distance himself from that statement.”The statement is like a petulant child. It’s embarrassing.”Forest felt they should have had three penalties against EvertonCredit: ReutersThe players were fuming about the refereeing decisionsCredit: GettyGary Neville called for Clattenburg to resign after Nottingham Forest released their controversial statementCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Fans gobsmacked as EFL overturn ‘most blatant red card you’ll ever see’ just in time for club’s play-off run

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      ASTONISHED football fans have taken to social media following the decision to overturn Doncaster keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala’s red card in time for the play-offs.Grant McCann’s men clinched a spot in the League Two play-offs with a 12-game unbeaten streak at the end of the season.Thimothee Lo-Tutala saw a header from his own defender looping over his headCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweHe pushed the ball away acrobatically with his hand while outside the areaCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweThe red card has been rescinded as it was deemed he did not deny an obvious goalscoring opportunityCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweBut on the final day things threatened to go awry for them when Lo-Tutala handled outside the area when they led 2-0 away at Gillingham.Fortunately for Donny, after conceding twice they managed to hold on for a 2-2 draw and will now face Crewe in the play-off semi-finals.And they have been handed yet more positive news as Lo-Tutala’s dismissal has been overturned, meaning he is eligible for the first leg on Monday.The incident in question saw a defensive mix-up lead to the keeper clearly parrying the ball away while several yards outside of his area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the time, it looked an obvious red card, but the law dictates that a keeper only be sent off when denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.The IFAB rules state: “A direct free kick is awarded and: a yellow card is shown if a promising attack was stopped, or. a red card is shown if a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity was denied.”As there were three covering Doncaster defenders, it was not a goalscoring opportunity for Gillingham, meaning Lo-Tutala was incorrectly sent packing.Yet fans on X simply could not get their heads around the decision to scrap the red card.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne said: “This is the most blatant red card you’ll ever see. How on earth has it been overturned?!”Another added: “Wtf how? Bro stopped the ball from going towards the goal from outside the box ahahhaha.”‘I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interview
      A third replied: “The most blatant red card this season overturned. No punishment for denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity.”
      And a fourth responded: “How an earth has this been overturned. You don’t need VAR to see that is outside the area.”Doncaster go to Crewe on Monday, before hosting the return leg on Friday, May 10.The winner will face Crawley or MK Dons at Wembley on May 19 for a place in League One next season.Lo-Tutala could play in Doncaster’s play-off semi-final first leg against Crewe on MondayCredit: Rex More

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      I played with David Beckham for my club and against him at the World Cup, now I’m making my way in brand new career

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL was David Beckham’s team-mate at LA Galaxy and faced England at the 2006 World Cup.But now he has traded the high life of LA and glitz and glamour of international football for pounding the Staffordshire mud as a REFEREE.Chris Birchall is on red alert for a career as a whistlerCredit: Paul TongeBirchall says England legend David Beckham was humble both as an international opponent and club team-mateCredit: GettyBirchall and Becks won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy in 2011Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdChris Birchall with a framed David Beckham personalised signed shirtThe  ex-midfielder, 39, lined up against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Becks while playing for Trinidad & Tobago in Germany.Stafford-born Birchall, who qualified for the Caribbean islands through his mum, spent three seasons in LA.Hanging on a wall at home in Newcastle-under-Lyme is a personalised signed Beckham shirt and a photo of the pair when they won the MLS Cup in 2011.He 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.READ MORE TOP STORIES“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!’“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.”Trinidad & Tobago — the Soca Warriors —  elevated Birchall’s career. While still a 22-year-old League One footballer at Port Vale, he found himself up against the Three Lions.England needed two late goals to win 2-0 in the group game before their World Cup quarter-final exit to Portugal. Most read in FootballThe ex-Trinidad & Tobago ace reckons VAR has big weaknessesCredit: Paul TongeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBirchall said: “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.“It’s amazing looking back — lining up against Beckham, Scholes, Owen, Rooney, Ferdinand.  That squad should have won a World Cup.” Watch former Bohemians star score from own half with shot to rival David Beckham’s iconic goalBirchall — who also played for  Coventry, Port Vale and Brighton before retiring in 2016 — started the process of becoming an official six months ago.He said: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall would like other former players to lend their experience to help the PGMOL stop the controversies ruining football.He said: “The way certain laws are written tie the hands of refs. There’s no room for common sense.“If an incident ticks all the boxes, you must give a certain decision. Yet if you’ve played you know every incident is different and whether a player meant to do something.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.Chris Birchall on David Beckham“Take handball — a ball’s blasted at you from ten yards. You might be jumping with your arms slightly away from your body and as you’re landing the ball touches your hand. That isn’t a penalty but they’re given.“The diving and simulation is ridiculous. That’s where I’d like to use my experience. Ex-footballers can see the tricks of the trade.“I’ve sympathy for a ref who has a split second to make a decision and then has VAR putting him under pressure to change it after viewing a replay at one thousandth of a second. The game isn’t played in slo-mo.”Birchall saw his ex-club Coventry denied what would have been an incredible win against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.Victor Torp thought he had scored a 120th-minute winner to complete a fightback from 3-0 down. Ref Rob Jones gave the goal but VAR told him Haji Wright was a CENTIMETRE offside!Birchall took on Frank Lampard & Co in the 2006 World CupCredit: GettyHe rose to a momentous occasion against the Three Lions 18 years agoCredit: GettyBirchall said: “This is where VAR kills football. That decision affected a club’s history as Coventry would’ve reached the final having staged one of the greatest ever comebacks.“VAR wasn’t brought in to decide offside by a toenail or to take three minutes to work out.“If it’s level to the naked eye, award the goal — give the advantage to the striker as it used to be. We want to see goals, not find reasons to disallow them.”PGMOL chief Howard Webb wants to welcome ex-players into refereeing and Birchall hopes to see his peers and officials work together.He said: “I don’t want a battle between ex-footballers and refs. It’s about educating refs from a player’s perspective and the other way round.“Paul Merson slates refs on Soccer Saturday — some stuff he’s saying as an ex-player is correct. But it’s often not the ref’s fault, it’s the law that’s written that needs changing.”The high life of LA has gone, now it’s back to earthy EnglandCredit: Paul TongeBirchall gives our man Justin Allen more than just the lowdownCredit: Paul TongeBirchall concedes you cannot make a living refereeing at grassroots level and that perhaps puts ex-players off, especially those who played professionally in the lower divisions and are not wealthy.However, he believes the PGMOL should team up with the PFA, FA and clubs to encourage footballers still playing to take courses.He said: “Unless you’ve made good money from your career, you need a job while you’re developing to reach a level where you might get an income.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They need to be telling footballers towards the end of their careers, ‘You can do this while you’re still playing.’“There needs to be that transition from when they retire to going straight into refereeing or at least have a platform.” More

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      Premier League release full audio of Everton vs Nottingham Forest VAR decisions as Howard Webb admits mistake

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      HOWARD WEBB has admitted the referee and VAR made a mistake by not awarding Nottingham Forest a penalty against Everton.Forest fumed following their 2-0 defeat to the Toffees claiming they were wrongly denied with penalties.PGMOL chief Howard Webb admitted Nottingham Forest should have been awarded a penaltyCredit: Sky SportsThe ref and VAR mistakenly believed Ashley Young made contact with the ballCredit: Sky SportsNottingham Forest released a statement slamming the PGMOL after the matchCredit: Sky SportsThe club released a statement condemning the PGMOL and their appointment of Stuart Attwell as VAR, claiming he is a Luton fan.Forest are now likely to be hit by FOUR FA charges for their response, despite the Premier League Key Match Incident panel admitting they should have been awarded a penalty for Ashley Young’s tackle on Calum Hudson-Odoi.Now PGMOL chief Webb has also accepted referee Anthony Taylor and VAR Attwell made the incorrect decision not to award Forest a spot-kick, as they both mistakenly believed Young had made contact with the ball.He said on Sky Sports: “We would have preferred an intervention on the situation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The referee waves away the penalty appeal, the VAR looks at it and asks himself the question – was the non-award clearly and obviously wrong and came to the conclusion that is wasn’t.”He doesn’t see a clear action by Young that he considers to be worthy of intervention, one that reaches the threshold of being very clear. “We would have preferred an intervention for the referee to go to the screen to make a judgement for himself in this situation, and he probably would have come out with a different outcome if that had happened.”Young brought down Hudson-Odoi inside the penalty area after the winger was played through on goal by a team-mate.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe incident had a big impact on the game as Forest would have been given the opportunity to level the game if a penalty had been awarded.Instead they were beaten which led to their furious statement, which read: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.Nottingham Forest ‘consider SUING Gary Neville’ after Man Utd legend’s ‘mafia gang’ comment on Sky Sports”We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him.”Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Premier League referee doesn’t make the big decisions and uses VAR as backup, suggests former top ref Mark Halsey

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      CHELSEA felt aggrieved when Axel Disasi’s stoppage-time winner was disallowed in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.But I was baffled why VAR got involved because it wasn’t a clear and obvious error.VAR intervened to overrule Craig Pawson’s decision at Villa Park on SaturdayCredit: GettyEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey feels Pawson needs to be more decisive during games to minimise the role of VARCredit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea thought they had scored a last minute winner through Axel Disasi but saw VAR intervene and the goal ruled outCredit: EPAPawson went to the monitor and disallowed the goal but Halsey felt he had a good enough view of the incident to blow for a free kick straight awayCredit: AFPReferee Craig Pawson had a great view of the incident, he was looking directly at both players and allowed play to continue.If Pawson thought it was a foul by Benoit Badiashile on Diego Carlos then why didn’t he award a free-kick straight away? I felt it was a foul but Pawson had to give it in real time and then there wouldn’t have been a fuss afterwards.My big problem with this incident is it’s a classic case of technology re-refereeing a game and not what VAR is there for.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVAR official Chris Kavanagh recommended an on-field review and Pawson changed his mind. I’ve watched Pawson for a long time and he does not seem to make the big decisions and uses VAR as a back-up.Although we got the right decision, the process of how we got there is not how we should be operating VAR in the Premier League.Chelsea stars protested madly at the end of their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa and had to be pushed away from Pawson by the Blues coaching staff.Most read in FootballBadiashile and Madueke were fuming with the referee and linesmen following the final whistle and had to be restrained by coaches.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea’s penalty chaosMAURICIO POCHETTINO has been tearing his hair out watching Chelsea’s stars fight over penalties again and again. Here are all their spot kick lowlights

      CHELSEA 2-2 ARSENAL (23rd October, 2023)GOAL Raheem Sterling immediately picks up the ball to take Chelsea’s spot kick before Cole Palmer approaches. Enzo Fernandez intervenes to give the ball to Palmer, who sends David Raya the wrong way to score.
      CHELSEA 4 LEICESTER CITY 2 (17th March, 2024)MISS Raheem Sterling wins a penalty and this time is handed the ball by Palmer. However, he fires it down the middle and sees his kick comfortably saved. Leicester later recover to 2-2 from 2-0 down and Sterling is booed every time he touches the ball by a section of the home crowd.
      CHELSEA 4 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (4th April, 2024)GOAL Noni Madueke makes an audacious attempt to take the ball off Palmer after winning a 98th minute penalty with the Blues 3-2 down but is pulled away by Trevoh Chalobah. Palmer sends Andre Onana the wrong way before scoring a winner two minutes later.
      CHELSEA 6 EVERTON 0 (15th April, 2024)GOAL Madueke picks up the ball immediately after Chelsea are awarded a penalty at 4-0 up, but a furious Nicolas Jackson rushes in wanting to take the kick and shoves the winger. Captain Conor Gallagher has to intervene to give the ball to Palmer, who scores. Pochettino blasts his team’s behaviour as “like being at school”.

      Madueke was evidently still fuming with the decision when probed by the BBC post-match.He said: “Should it have been three points? Yes.”Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ five things in scathing rant after ref changes mind over late Chelsea goalMadueke, 22, added: “Do I think the goal should have stood? Yes. Nothing else to say about the situation.”Manager Mauricio Pochettino also bemoaned the intervention of VAR after the game, saying: “Well VAR changed the decision of the referee.”That was for me a normal challenge that can happen in normal action.”That damaged a little bit the Premier League and its image.”It’s damaged myself, damaged my team, damaged my players, my fans, damaged football.” More

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      Sickened fans left ‘cringing’ for assistant ref after spotting his customised boots during Bournemouth vs Brighton

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      FANS have been left “cringing” after noticing that the assistant referee for Bournemouth vs Brighton was wearing personalised boots.Supporters are normally used to players showing their personality with some custom clobber but official Scott Ledger has joined in on the fun too.Premier League official Scott Ledger has been seen wearing customised bootsCredit: GettyLedger was sporting some black boots with his nickname printed on themCredit: GettyLedger, who was running the line during the Bournemouth’s 3-0 win, was spotted wearing boots adorned with his nickname.The Barnsley man was donning some all-black Nike boots with the word “LEDGE” alongside the England flag printed on the upper.Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing and took to social media to voice their opinions on the custom boots.One wrote: “Cringing for him tbh”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile others used words like “tragic” and “embarrassing” to describe the controversial outfit choice.Another joked: “Sackable offence surely”.And a further unhappy viewer commented: “Refs wanna be centre of attention always. It’s going to their heads. Poor to see!”He’s not the first Premier League referee to be spotted slipping into some customised footwear either.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFormer top flight official-turned-PGMOL chief Jonathon Moss was seen wearing boots with “MOSSY” written on them back in 2020.Despite the social media outcry regarding Ledger’s boots it obviously had no impact on his ability to properly officiate the game as he, Paul Tierney and Mat Wilkes oversaw Bournemouth’s 3-0 win over Brighton.The Cherries continued their electric form under Andoni Iraola thanks to goals from Macros Sensesi, Enes Unal and Justin Kluivert.While Brighton continue to struggle with the Seagulls now winless in their last six Premier League games and producing an embarrassing “goal of the month”.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More