Refereeing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Horror moment referee gets punched in face as officials forced to storm boxing ring to break up chaotic fight

      by

      A REFEREE was on the receiving end of some brutal punches during a boxing match in Japan.The incident took place during Rikiya Anpo’s RIZIN 49 clash with Sina Karimian, who was a replacement for boxing superstar Ryan Garcia.The referee tried to hault Rikiya Anpo’s RIZIN 49 clash with Sina Karimian due to illegal blowsCredit: RIZINThe poor official ended up taking several punches to his face for his effortsCredit: RIZINHe took even more blows to the head the second time aroundCredit: RIZINAnpo – who recently threw down with Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao – was too slick and elusive for his replacement opponent.Frustration soon started to get the better of Karimian, so much so that he started to break the rules of the contest.The Iranian threw several spinning back fists in the sixth round and received a stern warning from the referee.An irate Anpo eventually responded with one of his own, sparking pandemonium as the ref tried to separate the pair.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBoth men threw punches as the official tried his best to keep the duo apart.And Karimian ended up landing several hard blows on the poor ref, who took them like a champ.Ringside officials eventually entered to help restore order and the fight was later restarted.Footage of the incident went viral, with one fight fan saying on X: “Dear lord.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOrder was eventually restored by the referee and other ringside officialsCredit: RIZINAnother said: “[The] ref does have some chin.”And another said: “What a POS and that ref has a chin on him.”Shocking moment MMA fight cancelled after huge brawl breaks out during introductions One remarked: “This was one of the wildest things I’ve seen in combat sports.”Plus that ref is tougher than most opening-card fighters in MMA.”Another chimed in: “One of the craziest things you’ll see in combat sports. “The referee deserves a bonus lol.”Commentator Michael Schiavello later wrote: “This was NUTS. “The referee took three solid hits from a heavyweight.”READ MORE SUN STORIESStunningly, neither man was punished for failing to obey the referee’s commands.Anpo continued to tee off on Karimian after the restart and cruised to a 60-54 victory on all three of the judges’ scorecards. More

    • 238 Shares134 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa star Jhon Duran facing extended ban that will leave Unai Emery seething after red card versus Newcastle

      by

      ASTON VILLA star Jhon Duran has been charged by the FA for acting in an “improper manner” after he was red-carded against Newcastle on Boxing Day.The Colombian striker was controversially sent off by referee Anthony Taylor for allegedly stamping on Fabian Schar during the 3-0 defeat.Jhon Duran was sent off for appearing to stamp on Fabian ScharCredit: GettyThe incident occurred in Villa’s 3-0 loss to NewcastleCredit: ReutersDuran was sent off despite a VAR checkCredit: ReutersThe striker has been charged with misconduct for his reaction to the red cardCredit: GettyVilla appealed Duran’s three-match ban but their pleas fell on deaf ears at the FA.And now chiefs have added insult to injury by slapping the 21-year-old with a further misconduct charge for his reaction to the dismissal.Duran was so incensed by the red card that he remonstrated with the fourth official on the touchline and kicked a water bottle away.Duran served the first match of his ban last night when he missed Villa’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now the striker could face a further ban for his angry reaction.The FA has given him until Friday to respond to the charge.Duran is already certain to miss Saturday’s home game against Leicester and the FA Cup third round clash with West Ham.Writing in the match programme ahead of the Brighton game, Emery said: “Referees are not using enough and correctly the VAR.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The VAR came to help us avoid injustice or mistakes, and to protect whatever it takes for the on-field decisions to be delivered – right or wrong – by the referee.”If we start to use VAR in a political way, we are forgetting that the video tool is here to protect the game and the fairness of the competition.Aiden McGeady on ‘f— you’ message from Unai Emery”VAR is not a tool to protect or to be under any ego, any system or any individual. “VAR cannot be overused to break the spirit of the game but if it is existing and available, VAR neither must be underused on purpose and let big mistakes happen without using all the tools correctly.”Those comments could land Emery in hot water as well, with FA chiefs having to determine if he crossed the threshold between having an opinion on the operation of the system or a direct criticism of the integrity of the officials involved.Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany also slammed the Duran sending off, saying: “The most damaged here is not Villa, it is the credibility of the ones that made this decision.“We are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all these unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentlemen.”Unai Emery slammed VAR after Duran’s red cardCredit: Reuters More

    • 188 Shares174 Views

      in Soccer

      Major VAR change for Carabao Cup semi-finals that’s never been seen before in English football

      by

      FIFA-style in-stadium referee VAR explanations will be used for the first time in England for the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Until now, while Prem clubs do give more information over decisions changed after VAR intervention over their giant screens, refs have not been heard.Referees will explain decisions after going to the monitorCredit: GettyBut after the game’s Lawmakers Ifab signalled a confirmation that in-stadium announcements will be allowed worldwide from the start of next season, EFL bosses have agreed with PGMOL to trial the new system in the remaining matches in competition.That does not mean a full explanation of decisions by referees and will only apply when the on-field call is altered after a VAR intervention – whether a “factual” call by Stockley Park or after a visit to the pitchside monitor on a “subjective” decision.If a change is confirmed, the referee will be able to announce in simple terms such as “attacking player No 14 was offside, no goal” or “handball by defender No 17, penalty kick” to let the crowd know the basic reason for the new decision.VAR has not been used in this season’s Carabao Cup so far – meaning Manchester United’s complaints about a “foul” by Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall on keeper Altay Bayindir after Son Heung-min’s late corner ended up in their net were to no avail.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it was always intended that it would be brought in for the two-legged semi-finals and the Wembley final on March 16.The new approach will first be available for Arsenal’s game with Newcastle on January 7 and then at Tottenham the next day when they face Liverpool.Ahead of the trial being launched, PGMOL bosses have included practice announcement procedures at training camps and also inside top flight grounds.PGMOL say the move – likely to be extended to the Prem next season if it is deemed a success – is part of a “broader commitment to transparency including providing greater clarity and understanding around key decisions”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTottenham defeated Man Utd 4-3 in a dramatic quarter-final to book their place in the last four.A much-changed Liverpool side, meanwhile, won 2-1 at Southampton.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 3-2 courtesy of Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick.And Newcastle overcame Brentford 3-1 at St James’ Park. More

    • 200 Shares144 Views

      in Soccer

      Brighton 0 Brentford 0: Premier League release statement after Joao Pedro escapes red card despite elbow

      by

      BRIGHTON star Joao Pedro escaped a red card during a goalless Premier League draw with Brentford at the Amex Stadium.Pedro, 23, and the Bees’ Yehor Yarmolyuk vied for the ball on 75 minutes.Brighton star Joao Pedro escaped a red card against BrentfordCredit: ReutersPedro appeared set to elbow Brentford’s Yehor YarmolyukCredit: ReutersVAR deemed there was no violent conduct from Brighton’s PedroCredit: ReutersAnd Yarmolyuk, 20, committed a foul, for which he was booked by referee Andrew Madley.However, VAR intervened to check for potential violent conduct by the Seagulls striker after the Ukrainian committed the foul.Replays showed Pedro appearing to swing an elbow towards Yarmolyuk’s face.The Brazil international looked ready to deliver the blow but rapidly withdrew at the last moment.Read More on FootballReplays also showed the Brazilian had clearly made little contact if any.However, VAR deemed there was no violent conduct and Pedro was spared his marching orders.The Premier League released a statement explaining why Brighton weren’t left with ten men.And the announcement claims that is because the referee’s call was “not clear and obviously wrong”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Prem statement read: “The referee’s call of no red card to Joao Pedro for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed the referee’s call was not clear and obviously wrong.”The scoreline remained the same after the controversial incident, which means the two clubs’ winless streaks go on.Premier League club announces major stadium changes with new capacity and away fans moved However, injury-hit Brentford will be happier with the draw than Brighton. It was only Thomas Frank’s side’s second point on the road all season rather than the first away win they had hoped for.But with their injury situation reaching crisis point it was probably more than some of their fans expected.Brighton, meanwhile, are without a victory anywhere in six successive games – all against teams who had been in the bottom half of the table when they played them. The Seagulls’ temporary rise up to second place in the table at the back end of last month is becoming a distant memory.And they were perhaps fortunate that VAR ruled out a Brentford goal in the first half.Brentford’s injury hellThe Bees rolled up at a misty Amex Stadium without NINE injured players and it was ten by half-time as goalkeeper Mark Flekken limped off to be replaced by Iceland stopper Hakon Valdimarsson for his Premier League debut.But Flekken had made his mark before being replaced. Brighton went in search of goals from the kick-off and were nearly ahead after four minutes. Carlos Baleba picked off a poor pass out Flekken and fed Pedro. The Brazilian teed up Julio Enciso, whose curler beat Flekken’s left hand but smacked back off the post.Then Baleba sent Flekken full-length with a snap shot from the edge of the penalty area, and Enciso tested the Brentford goalkeeper with a header from Kaoru Mitoma’s cross.But Brentford had the ball in the net first. After 13 minutes Yoane Wissa ran onto Mads Roerslev’s pass infield from the right and hit a shot high past Bart Verbruggen and into the top far corner. It seemed he had scored his first career goal against the Seagulls and also joined Ivan Toney as the club’s leading Premier League scorer with 36 goals. Brentford denied openerBut VAR Chris Kavanagh ruled that he had been fractionally offside, by a kneecap.Soon Flekken was in action again, clutching a 22-yard free-kick from Germany Under-21 winger Brajan Gruda, and then diving to his right to parry a shot by Matt O’Riley. So Brentford fans’ hearts were in their mouths when the keeper stayed down after kicking clear from a deflected cross from Mitoma.Flekken carried on for a while, but was replaced after 35 minutes by Valdimarsson, who has 17 caps for Iceland but had not featured for Brentford since signing last January from Elfsborg.Mikkel Damsgaard relieved the pressure for a while with a run past three Brighton defenders that finally ended when Joel Veltman put an uncompromising foot in. And the action switched back to the other end, where O’Riley’s effort was deflected wide and then Mitoma half-volleyed into the side-netting.’Same old story’To Albion fans this felt a bit like the same old story of recent matches, as they were dominating possession but could not score.By half-time they had had 15 shots to Brentford’s two but only six on target and were sometimes guilty of looking to walk the ball in.The crowd were getting restless, hoping for fewer flicks and tricks and more purpose. And there was the constant danger of a Brentford breakaway goal, which nearly came when Christian Norgaard’s scissor-kick was diverted just wide with Verbruggen scrambling. Or when Nathan Collins got his head on a set play but sent the ball high into the ranks of visiting fans behind the goal.The home side had scored in each of their previous 13 games and boss Fabian Hurzeler threw on wingers Yankuba Minteh and Simon Adingra to try to keep that run going. And then record £40million summer signing Georginio Rutter.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut although most of the action was still in and around the Brentford penalty area, Valdimarsson was not nearly as busy as Flekken had been. And the team from West London were beginning to believe that they could nick a win.Brighton even sent on long-serving winger Solly March for his first appearance since suffering a serious knee ligament injury 434 days before. But they continued to dither when the chances came to strike for goal.Brighton and Brentford played out a goalless Premier League drawCredit: ReutersBrentford star Yoane Wissa thought he scored but his goal was ruled out by VARCredit: Alamy More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League ref David Coote WON’T appeal sacking after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder

      by

      SHAMED ref David Coote won’t appeal the decision to sack him, it emerged last night.Referees’ body the PGMOL gave him the boot this month after a probe into videos of him snorting white powder and a foul-mouthed rant about ex Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.Shamed ref David Coote won’t appeal the decision to sack him, it emerged last nightCredit: ReutersCoote was filmed branding ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c**t’Credit: XThe top-flight ref was also filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024Sources last night said the 42-year-old Premier League official had decided to accept his sacking – rather than fight to keep his old job, the Daily Mail reported.The PGMOL – Professional Game Match Officials Board – showed Coote the door after examining evidence provided by The Sun.We exclusively revealed a film of him snorting what appears to be cocaine during the Euros in Germany this summer.In the eight-second WhatsApp clip, he was wide-eyed as he used a rolled-up US banknote to snort a four-inch line of the substance in his Uefa-funded hotel room.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEThe previous day, the official had acted as a VAR for France’s quarter-final shootout win over Portugal.Days before that exposé, footage emerged on social media showing him calling former Liverpool boss Klopp a “German c***”.Coote had also tried to arrange a drugs party during Tottenham’s win over Manchester City on October 30. He was the fourth official for the Carabao Cup clash.Most read in FootballOfficial body PGMOL said the ref – also subject of a separate betting probe – was sacked after his actions were found to be in breach of contract.In a statement, they said: “David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.”Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since the video emerged.Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse.Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order.The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings.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.”Shamed ref David Coote was seen for the first time since his sacking, as he was pictured heading to the gymCredit: BackGrid More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Top flight clash ABANDONED with children left in tears after riots break out in stands and chaos continues outside

      by

      AN Eredivisie match was abandoned last night following rioting in the stands.Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen were level at 1-1 during the second half.Fans clashed in the upper tierCredit: X @VoetbalUltrasThe chaotic scenes occurred at Heracles vs GroningenCredit: X @thecasualultraChildren were seen crying in the standsCredit: ESPNBut following ugly scenes in the crowd, referee Rob Dieperink was forced to suspend the contest.In footage captured and posted online, hooded figures in the away section of the stadium could be seen clashing with home supporters.Further clips appeared to show fans trying to smash panels beneath them.Heartbreaking images showed children in tears as the horrible scene unfolded.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne Groningen supporter is claimed to have fallen from the upper tier.Reports in the Netherlands suggest that they were conscious and taken to hospital.Speaking to ESPN, Heracles General Manager Rob Tuessen reportedly said: “We cannot continue the game due to a breach of public order.”Luka Kulenovic had given the home side a 20th minute lead.Most read in FootballCops got involved in the ugly incidentCredit: RexPlayers were taken off the fieldCredit: RexDamage was caused to the stadiumCredit: RexRomano Postema went on to level from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half.Groningen were reduced to 10 men just after the hour mark, when Marco Rente was shown a straight red card.Non-league clash suspended with players taken off pitch as advertising board sparks safety fearsIt is not yet known whether the match will be resumed at a later date, or if it will be replayed entirely.A short statement posted on Heracles’ website read: “Dear supporters.”We deeply regret what happened in the away section on Saturday evening during the match between Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen, which resulted in the match being definitively abandoned.”If you would like to contact the club about this, you can send an email to info@heracles.nl with your name and telephone number.”When more information becomes available, we will share it.”Groningen have not posted a statement on their website.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a tweet on their official X account read: “The match has been definitively stopped.”More information will follow about how this match will be played out.”The game had been level at 1-1Credit: Rex More

    • 150 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Who is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 referee Roberto Ramirez Jnr?

      by

      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk resume battle on Saturday night to be crowned heavyweight king – but who is the third man in the ring?Here we get to know Roberto Ramirez Jr, who will be officiating the blockbuster rematch in Riyadh.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk go toe-to-toe for a second time on SaturdayCredit: ReutersRoberto Ramirez Jr (left) will be in charge of the fightCredit: PAWho is Roberto Ramirez Jr?Roberto Ramirez Jr is a professional boxing referee from Puerto Rico.His father, Roberto Ramirez Sr, was also a respected referee who presided over title fights, including Aaron Pryor vs Gaetan Hart in November 1980 for the WBA light-welterweight belt.Ramirez Jr followed in his father’s footsteps, beginning his professional refereeing career in 2003.Over the course of his career to date, he has officiated an impressive 412 bouts, including multiple world title fights.read more on fury v usyk 2First heavyweight title fightWhile Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk 2 will be the first heavyweight world title fight he has reffed, Ramirez Jr has overseen some big clashes in the top division.His most significant heavyweight fight so far was the 2014 demolition of Malik Scott by Deontay Wilder.He has also looked after influencer boxing fights, including the October 2023 dust-up between Logan Paul and Dillon Danis.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk 2The pinnacle of Ramirez Jr’s career so far is his selection to ref the highly-anticipated heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Most read in BoxingThe biggest fight of the year is scheduled for around 10pm on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Beyond his in-ring duties, Ramirez Jr has actively contributed to the development of boxing officiating.Tyson Fury stuns reporter with chilling threat to inflict ‘serious hurt’ on Oleksandr Usyk in heavyweight rematchExpertiseIn October 2023, he participated in a WBO Referee and Judges Seminar in Nicaragua, sharing his expertise with aspiring officials.He is committed to improving the standard of officiating in boxing and passing on his knowledge to the next generation of referees.Furthermore, Ramirez Jr has been involved in WBO conventions, further cementing his standing in the international boxing community.CriticismWhile Ramirez Jr has generally enjoyed a controversy-free career, he has not been immune to criticism.It was such a high-status fight, why would you put in a referee no one had heard of?Chantelle CameronBBC Radio NorthamptonFollowing Chantelle Cameron’s defeat by Katie Taylor in their November 2023 rematch, both Cameron and her former trainer Jamie Moore expressed dissatisfaction with Ramirez Jr’s officiating.Cameron told BBC Radio Northampton: “It wasn’t just me and Katie in that ring. If it was, I’d take the loss and say the better woman won on the night.”I had everything against me. The ref on the night… It was such a high-status fight, why would you put in a referee no one had heard of?”That’s not my job, it’s my job to fight. I don’t look into who’s reffing, who’s judging.Chantelle Cameron wasn’t happy with Roberto Ramirez Jr’s performance during her rematch with Katie TaylorCredit: DAZN“I’m just frustrated — if I could turn back the hands of time, I would make sure that was all looked into. I’ve learnt my lesson.”In a post-fight interview, Moore said: “We were denied a knockdown in the first round, which should have been a 100% legitimate knockdown.”I begged the referee in the changing room before the fight, please, last time, she got away with holding a lot.”My fighter’s best work is up close. Please don’t let her hold the way she did last time this time. And he allowed her to go on worse this time than it was last time.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m gutted for her because she was so frustrated by the fourth and fifth rounds because she was holding that much.”From watching what I watched, if Chantelle was allowed to do the work that she can do on the inside, it would have been a different result.”Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Major change to FA Cup confirmed with Arsenal vs Man Utd clash to look very different from Premier League

      by

      THE FA Cup will not use VAR until the fifth round this season.In previous campaigns since 2019, all FA Cup matches played at Premier League stadiums have utilised VAR.The tie between Arsenal and Man Utd will be played without VARCredit: GettyIn a major change to this season’s competition, however, technology will only come into play from the fifth round onwards.Should non-Premier League sides remain at that stage, and be drawn at home, VAR will be deployed at their venue.The significant change has been made to ensure consistency across rounds.An FA statement read: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.”VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Several Premier League sides have been drawn at home and would have had VAR for their third round ties in previous seasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSToday’s news means that Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United will now be played without VAR.Other Premier League sides drawn at home include Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.Ruben Amorim on shock Rashford, Garnacho exclusionsVAR was first trialled in the FA Cup during the 2017-18 season.In 2022, the FA were forced to defend the use of VAR in some FA Cup ties and not in others, after just nine of 32 third round ties used the technology. More