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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      Official reason ref awarded farcical pen to Club Brugge after Mings blunder – but Arsenal got away with same error

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      TYRONE MINGS gave away an unbelievable penalty in Aston Villa’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge tonight.The Villa centre-back was punished for a lapse in concentration that saw him reach down and pick up the ball in his own box.Tyrone Mings made a calamitous error to give away a penalty for Aston Villa against Club BruggeCredit: GettyEmi Martinez played the ball out to Mings from a goal kickCredit: TNT SPORTSMings thought that his keeper was giving it to him to take and leant down and picked the ball upCredit: TNT SPORTSThe referee was forced to award a penalty despite Unai Emery’s efforts to explain the honest mistakeCredit: AFPHans Vanaken dispatched the spot-kick to put Club Brugge 1-0 upCredit: GettyMings, 31, had the ball passed to him inside the area by goalkeeper Emi Martinez at a goal kick.But the former England defender thought that Martinez was kicking him the ball for him to take the restart, prompting a VAR check for handball.The referee had no choice but to award the penalty, which was dispatched by Hans Vanaken.It was a hammer blow to Villa with the goal being the difference between the two teams and the match ending 1-0.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Mings’ Champions League debut was cut short after his calamitous error. The towering defender was hooked by manager Unai Emery just over ten minutes later.To make matters worse, Mings now becomes the first English player in history to give away a penalty on their debut in the competition.Unbelievably, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes got away with the exact same error as Mings in last season’s Champions League.Most read in FootballArsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes escaped punishment for doing the same thing in last season’s Champions LeagueCredit: TNT SPORTSFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Gunners’ star leant down to pick up a pass from David Raya against Bayern Munich, but was not called up on his moment of madness despite pleas from the Bayern players.The decision to punish Mings comes as the ball is already considered as in-play when Martinez plays him the pass – meaning the referee has to give a penalty for handball.The referee for Arsenal’s clash last season was lambasted by then-Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel for his decision not to strictly follow the rules.The now-England manager, said: “I think the referee did not have the courage to give a deserved penalty today in a bit of a crazy and awkward situation.”He admitted on the pitch that he saw the situation and that quarter-final is not enough for him to give a penalty, for a kid’s mistake. He admitted he saw the mistake the player made.“It was a goal kick, the goalkeeper passed to a central defender and one touched the ball with the hand because he thought it was not in game but it was in game and the referee admitted it was in game and was handball. Very frustrating.” More

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      ‘Punished for having a big booty? Game has gone’ say fans after unfortunate VAR decision in Champions League

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      THE Champions League saw a very cheeky VAR decision last night.And the call left one team with the rump as it ultimately decided the match.Donyell Malen netted a late winner against Sturm Graz in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySerhou Guirassy was just onside in the build-up due to Emanuel Aiwu’s bottomThe bizarre incident came in the clash between Sturm Graz and Borussia Dortmund which the German side won 1-0.Donyell Malen netted the 85th-minute winner at Signal Iduna Park.But it was only given when a VAR check went in their favour.Incredible replays showed that Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy was kept onside in the build up to the goal by the tightest of margins.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUpon further inspection, it turned out that Guirassy was onside thanks to Emanuel Aiwu’s BACKSIDE.Fans could not help but feel bad for the defender who came unstuck due to his kiester.One posted: “Punished for having a thick stack? Game has gone.”A second wrote: “Booty too Big.”Most read in FootballIt was Emanuel Aiwu’s backside that ensured Dortmund remained onsideCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “I like big butts and I can not lie – Dortmund.”A fourth said: “He’s assisting Dortmund there, cheeky decision by VAR.”Watch the moment Dortmund and Celtic fans BOTH sing You’ll Never Walk AloneAnother added: “Saved by the butt.”The goal helped Dortmund seal the win to take their record in the competition to three wins from four games.After the game, manager and former Liverpool star Nuri Sahin praised his side’s performance as he insisted their energy levels were not “normal”.He told Dazn: “We completely controlled the game, apart from one phase between the 60th and 70th minutes.”We need to score our first goal earlier, that opens the door. We didn’t manage to do that. Up to the box, we were good and the plan worked out.”When you score the goal, the spaces get bigger. In the end, we got our reward.READ MORE SUN STORIES’I’m glad that we kept clear heads and got the job done. I told Donny that he needed to bring some intensity to the game.”I have to take my hat off to them. The way the boys ran, it wasn’t normal.”New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More