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      National League playoff final referee subbed off with CRAMP in extra-time of dramatic tie at Wembley

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      REFEREE Elliot Bell had to be substituted with cramp during the National League play-off final.Shortly after half-time of extra-time in the contest between Southend and Oldham, the whistler had be replaced by fourth official Aaron Bannister.Referee Elliot Bell was forced off with crampCredit: GettyAaron Bannister stepped in for the stricken refBell pulled up with cramp in the 107th minute of the match, trudging over to the touchline to be subbed.Southend had led 2-1 at the time, courtesy of Leon Chambers-Parillon’s goal barely a minute into extra time.Within three minutes of Bell being replaced, Oldham dramatically equalised courtesy of veteran forward James Norwood.The Latics completed their comeback less than two minutes later, taking the lead as Kian Harratt’s cross flew all the way in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSouthend piled men forward as they desperately hunted an equaliser.But following three minutes of stoppage time, Bannister blew up – confirming Oldham’s promotion back to the EFL.Earlier in the game, Bell had awarded the Latics a penalty.Manny Monthe, who had scored an own goal in the fifth minute, was pulled down by Ben Goodliffe – with Joe Garner netting the subsequent spot kick.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYorkshireman Bell shows a yellow card during the National League play-off finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBell had been taking charge of his first match in 18 days.His last assignment had been Leyton Orient’s League One play-off semi-final second leg triumph over Stockport On May 14.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionPrior to that, Bell had been the man in the middle for Swansea’s 3-3 draw with Oxford on May 3.Bell, from Yorkshire, took charge of 33 games during the 2024-25 season.Of these, 24 were in the Championship – with two in League One, four in League Two and a pair of League Cup ties.Bell previously took charge of the 2020 National League play-off final between Harrogate and Notts County.Aaron Bannister took over from Elliot BellCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Who is Conference League final referee Irfan Peljto?

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      IRFAN Peljto is an elite football referee who was the very first Bosnian referee to officiate a UEFA game. He will be officiating at the Uefa Conference League final on May 28, 2025, despite being hit with a ban earlier in the season.Irfan Peljto is an accomplished football refereeCredit: GettyThe star faced a ban after making a series of mistakes during a matchCredit: ReutersBreaking a recordBorn on July 18, 1984, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Irfan first began officiating in the Bosnian Premier League. He has been on the FIFA list since 2015 and is categorised as a UEFA elite referee. The star has broken an incredible football record too. He is the first Bosnian referee to oversee a UEFA Champions League group stage or knockout phase match – having officiated a match between Beşiktaş and Ajax in 2021.Read More on footballIrfan’s shocking banHowever, Irfan has proven to be controversial – having been banned from six games this season. His ban came after he made three major mistakes during Borac Banja’s 1-1 derby draw with Zrinjski Mostar.Irfan failed to award penalties on two separate occasions during the match, which led the Bosnian FA to release a damning statement. The statement read: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.Most read in Football”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. “In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Refereeing the UEFA Conference League final Irfan Peljto will be acting as the referee at the 2025 UEFA Conference League final.  ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeChelsea will be taking on the Spanish side Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, on 28 May 2025.  Ahead of the game, Irfan said: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.”I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.”Chelsea have previously won two Champions League titles, two Europa Leagues and two European Cup Winners’ Cups – meaning that this is the club’s final European honour to win. Fans can watch the game live when it airs at 8pm on TNT Sports.Irfan revealed that it was ‘very emotional’ to be selected as the UEFA Conference Final refereeCredit: Getty Images More

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      Referee who was hit with six-match ban this season named as official for Chelsea vs Real Betis Conference League final

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      A REFEREE who was hit with a six-match ban this season will take charge of Chelsea’s Conference League final against Real Betis.Irfan Peljto will become the first Bosnian to officiate a major Uefa club competition final on Wednesday.Conference League final ref Irfan Peljto was banned for six matches earlier this seasonCredit: GettyThe clash sees Chelsea looking to become the first-ever club to win all three European titles.But Betis will prove to be their toughest test yet, with Premier League flops including Antony, Pablo Fornals and Gio Lo Celso shining under ex-Man City title winner Manuel Pellegrini.Enzo Maresca’s men will have to be at their best just days after securing Champions League football with a fourth-place domestic finish.However, their fate could end up in the hands of Peljto, who oversaw Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg win over Real Madrid in April.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 40-year-old is held in high regard by Uefa, having also taken charge of a further six Champions League matches and four Europa League clashes this term.However, back in his native Bosnia, Peljto was banned for six matches after overseeing an error-strewn game.He was found guilty of making three major mistakes, with two errors involving his failure to award clear penalties.September’s 1-1 derby draw between bitter rivals Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja caused plenty of controversy, with the Bosnian FA declaring both sides should have been awarded penalties on separate occasions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA damning statement declared: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured”In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Despite his previous ban, Peljto believes his selection for the Conference League final is a huge boost for Bosnian football.He told Uefa: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.“I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.” More

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      Nottingham Forest in Champions League and Newcastle miss out on Europe – how Premier League table would look without VAR

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST would have earned a Champions League spot at the expense of Newcastle if VAR did not exist.And the Magpies’ escape from any consequences for their home defeat by Everton is put into even starker content as they would have missed out on European football altogether without the technology.Nottingham Forest would have earned a Champions League spot if VAR did not existNewcastle would have missed out on Europe if VAR did not existSunSport have analysed all 380 Prem matches this term and worked out how the table would have looked if the original on-field decisions had not been overturned after intervention by the Stockley Park video booth.Our number crunchers found that Eddie Howe’s men were by far the biggest beneficiaries of VAR changes. Newcastle had a staggering 13 decisions changed in their favour, with just five reversals hurting them.That brought a net figure of +8, with Aston Villa and West Ham next in the benefits column with each having four more interventions in their favour than against them.Read More on FootballOur analysis, which assumes every penalty that was initially awarded and then wiped was scored, suggests that without VAR Newcastle would have picked up four fewer points – dropping them to eighth in the table – and conceded seven more goals.Forest, whose home defeat by Chelsea left them in the Conference League slot, would have finished fifth in our “No VAR” table.And Bournemouth, ninth in the actual table, would have been preparing for a first continental campaign in the Europa League without the technology changes.Andoni Iraola’s side had 11 VAR changes against them and just three in their favour, costing the Cherries EIGHT points and seven goals.Most read in FootballThe study of the 111 changed decisions cannot determine definitively what would have happened in real life if the initial decisions had not been overturned.But one of the most contentious calls saw Dango Ouattara’s last-gasp “winner” against Newcastle in August chalked off for a handball PGMOL chief Howard Webb subsequently conceded was wrongly overturned after the VAR intervention.Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs ChelseaOver the course of the season there were 12 goals and 25 penalties awarded through VAR intervention – with 21 of those spot-kicks converted – compared to 48 goals and 11 penalties disallowed.Liverpool’s 10-point advantage over Arsenal at the top of the pile would have been reduced to just two without VAR, as the Gunners lost eight points from the six overturns against them – including “winning” goals against Chelsea, Fulham and Aston Villa.Chelsea and Manchester City swap places, with the Londoners up to third, with Villa down one to take the Conference League slot. More

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      Premier League release statement on decision that denied Aston Villa goal vs Man Utd as club make official complaint

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      THE Premier League have released a statement over Aston Villa’s controversial disallowed goal.But it hasn’t pacified the Midlanders, who have now written to the PGMOL with their own “concerns”.Morgan Rogers was penalised despite Altay Bayindir dropping the ballCredit: GettyRogers finished into the empty net for Aston VillaCredit: ReutersThe whistle had already gone too earlyCredit: PAVAR were only able to confirm the mistake but not step inCredit: TNT SportsVilla thought they had gone in front in their crunch clash away at Manchester United on the final day of the season.Morgan Rogers poked the ball away from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before finishing into an open net after Harry Maguire’s header.But referee Thomas Bramall blew his whistle before the ball crossed the line.He thought Rogers had kicked the ball out of Bayindir’s hands and therefore awarded a free-kick against the Villa man.READ MORE ON ASTON VILLAHowever, replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under control and the goal should have stood.However, the laws of the game state that a goal cannot be retrospectively awarded after the whistle has blown – even if done in error. VAR did take a brief look at the incident.But that was only to confirm the whistle had gone before the goal was scored – thus leaving the officials hamstrung. Most read in FootballAnd the Premier League statement clarified the situation. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTheir Match Centre account tweeted during the United vs Villa match: “72’ – The referee’s call was a free kick to Manchester United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession. “The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR.”Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apologyBut vexed Villa are not letting the matter lie and have written in a complaint.A statement read: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has written to the PGMOL to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today’s game with Manchester United at Old Trafford.”With such high stakes surrounding today’s fixture, the club believe a more experienced referee should have been appointed. “Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Mr. Bramall was the second least experienced.”The decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ goal, which would have given the club a 1-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining in the match, was a major contributing factor to the club not qualifying for the Champions League.”As per the standards that have been established over the course of the season, a decision to whistle early is clearly inconsistent with current refereeing guidelines. “VAR exists to ensure that these types of situations receive the scrutiny they deserve. Unfortunately, the technology was not allowed to serve its purpose.”Ultimately, we acknowledge that the outcome for us will not change, but we believe that it is important to address the selection methodology to ensure that high stakes matches are treated as such with regards to officiating and to ensure that the implemented VAR technology is allowed to be effective.”To rub salt into the wounds for Villa – who were in fifth at the time of the referee controversy – United went up the other end and scored the opener through Amad Diallo.A Christian Eriksen penalty sealed a 2-0 home win as Villa had to settle for sixth and missed out on the Champions League on goal difference behind Newcastle – who lost at home to Everton. Bramall has taken charge of league matches across the Premier League and Championship this term – with Sunday’s Old Trafford game his 11th in the top flight. That took his Premier League tally to 30 – ironically, that is less than a third of the amount overseen by today’s fourth official Bobby Madley.Captain John McGinn was raging after the game and said: “I think everyone wanted the correct decisions when the VAR was implemented. “You watch rugby, even if the referee has awarded a try and it’s wrong, its overturned.”It’s so so hard to take especially when the impact it has on us, as a club and a team, is so big.”It’s really, really tough to take and handle. I don’t think we deserved to win but if you were 1-0 up at that point and all you need is a point to get to the Champions League, it’s costly.”Moving forward, the rule has to be looked at as the correct decisions were not getting made at the end of the day. I think [referee] Thomas [Bramall] knew. It probably wasn’t fair on him at that moment either. The boys are gutted.”Asked if the ref acknowledged his mistake, he said: “He didn’t really know what to say.”Because of the impact it has on us as players and our careers, the club, you are obviously angry. I think he is a young referee who has progressed very quickly.”Maybe we could look at having more experienced referees. I don’t know. It’s just an incredible decision and makes today even worse than it should be.”Villa manager Unai Emery added: “It was a mistake. A big mistake.Read More on The Sun”The match we played overall in 90 minutes with the red card and this goal disallowed, it was a key moment. But overall, they did more.”Emery revealed he spoke with the referee after the game: “Yes, I told him but he knows it [he made a mistake].”Replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under controlCredit: PAAston Villa raged at Thomas Bramall after his mistakeCredit: ReutersUnai Emery made his feelings and frustrations clearCredit: AFPFourth official Bobby Madley has refereed more than 90 Premier League gamesCredit: Getty More

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      Championship play-off final history made as referee speaks to crowd to explain why goal was controversially ruled out

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      FOOTBALL fans saw history made in the Championship play-off final.Sheffield United took on Sunderland at Wembley for a place in next season’s Premier League. Harrison Burrows shot through the crowd as Sheffield United thought they were 2-0 upCredit: Shutterstock EditorialChris Kavanagh announced the goal was chalked off over the PA systemCredit: Sky SportsTyrese Campbell gave the Blades the lead on 25 minutes, expertly dinking in to round off a superb counter attack. Less than ten minutes later, Harrison Burrows thought he had made it 2-0.Burrows let fly from outside the area as the ball flew into the back of the net.But replays showed Vini Souza was impeding Anthony Patterson’s vision and ability to save the shot.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat saw VAR intervene – the technology in force for the play-off final despite not being used during the regular season. But rather than overturn the decision, the VAR sent referee Chris Kavanagh over to the pitchside monitor to watch the incident and make a call on the subjective offside.Kavanagh decided Souza was interfering and therefore ruled the goal out.That led to the referee announcing over the tannoy that the goal was ruled out because United’s No21 was offside. Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd it became the first time in a Championship play-off final that a VAR decision was explained to the crowd over the PA system inside the stadium by the ref.Fans at the Carabao Cup final saw similar scenes at Wembley in March.’Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emergesFederico Chiesa’s consolation goal for Liverpool against Newcastle was initially chalked off by the assistant’s flag.But the referee announced over the tannoy that it was in fact allowed to stand – much to Chiesa’s bemusement. The play-off final saw eight minutes of injury time added on at the end of the first half.As well as the stopagge for the disallowed goal, there was also a lengthy delay right at the start when Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien dislocated his shoulder. Premier League clubs went into the final hoping to see a United win – because that would mean an extra £39million windfall cash bonus for top-flight teams. Referee Kavanagh watched the replay on the pitchside monitorCredit: PAReplays clearly showed Anthony Patterson was impeded in the Sunderland goalCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Premier League will see more rule changes next season – when will this ever end? I have NO idea what football rules are

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      CLAUDIO RANIERI earned the nickname ‘Tinkerman’ during his spell at Chelsea as he was forever changing his player line-ups but that meddling moniker should surely now be passed on to football’s governing bodies.Next season there will be more new rule changes. When will this ever end and are you, like me, ­baffled and bamboozled in equal measure as to what the actual rules of football are?Referees will punish goalkeepers for time-wasting with a corner for the opposition next seasonCredit: GettySunSport columnist Karren Brady thinks if it aint broke, don’t fix itCredit: GettyFrom next season goalkeepers will be penalised for holding on to the ball for more than eight ­seconds, with the punishment a corner to the attacking team.Referees are supposed to indicate when a keeper has held the ball for three seconds, giving him five more seconds to release it. Apparently, this new rule has been tried and tested and will be in place for next season.So what was wrong with the old rule which gave keepers six seconds to release, with punishment in the form of an indirect free-kick? Beats me. It was hardly ever enforced anyway.The body which has come up with this latest daft tinkering, I meant well-researched brainstorm, the International Football Association Board, must have spent ages on it. Probably in a well-stocked five-star hotel somewhere near Fifa’s Swiss Alps headquarters.Read more football newsThe purpose of this newest change is to cut down on time-wasting but how can extending possession from six to eight seconds do that?And also the fact that the ‘old’ rule was almost never imposed surely means it was a good rule.A bit like competent refereeing, if you don’t know they are there, chances are the official is doing a decent job.Every year we are told greedy water companies will clean up their act and every season football makes changes which confuses the hell out of fans. Dirtying the waters, so to speak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe have had ‘golden’ goals, ­‘silver’ goals, the advance ten-metre rule, you name it. If anyone can ­successfully tell me what the current rules around handball are, please let me know.As for VAR, well let’s just say the jury is still out on that one.We have been told the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology will solve the ridiculous amount of time it has taken Stockley Park assessors to actually reach a decision.’In one year the decision will be made’ – Wenger demands new offside rule that will be ‘impossible to defend against’Well, that wasn’t true last weekend at the West Ham v Forest game, as that quick check we were promised turned into an excruciating six-minute delay as the offside technology was not working.And don’t get me started on the financial fair play rules.Professor Brian Cox might be able to name all the stars in the sky but even he would struggle with that.I’m the first to admit that some changes have been of great benefit. In 1992, the introduction of the backpass rule where keepers cannot handle the ball when it has been deliberately kicked to them by a team-mate is one.When will this ever end and are you, like me, ­baffled and bamboozled in equal measure as to what the actual rules of football are?Karren BradyGoal-line technology came in 2012 following the uproar over the Frank Lampard World Cup ‘goal-that-never-was’. That was another. But in recent seasons the dribble of rule changes has become a downpour.From allowing the kick-off to be taken in any direction, to teams now requiring a mandatory captain, complete with armband, to additional subs if a player has received a concussion injury.Have any of these actually improved fans’ enjoyment?Just leave the game alone please. The International Football Association Board should adhere to the wise man, more likely wise woman, who said, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Or to put it another way, stop bloody tinkering.I’m just waiting for the first referee next season who awards a corner after a keeper has transgressed this newest rule change.Read More on The SunCue hundreds of examples by irate fans where the ‘offence’ was not spotted.Football. They say it used to be a simple game which involved two jumpers and a ball. Not any longer. More

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      SFA to review ‘corrupt’ Rangers TV comments made by Ibrox hero in wake of Hibs ‘ghost goal’ controversy

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      THE SFA are launching an investigation into comments made by former Rangers defender John Brown whilst appearing on the club’s official TV channel.Brown, 63, sounded off on-air on Rangers TV about the failure to award Rangers a second goal against Hibs in the first half.Nicolas Raskin thought he’d put Rangers 2-0 up against HibsCredit: PABut Nick Walsh didn’t give it and Hibs went up and scored at the other endCredit: Willie VassNicolas Raskin had ran through and beat goalkeeper Jordan Smith to the ball, poking it under his body.The ball appeared to cross the line but referee Nick Walsh didn’t signal for it and he wasn’t called to review the incident by VAR.Gers interim boss Barry Ferguson later criticised Walsh for his attitude on the park and called the decision “baffling”.But in the immediate aftermath of the flash point, Rangers TV co-commentator Brown was even more incredulous and his remarks could land him – and the club – in hot water.The nine-in-a-row hero branded it “corrupt”, before lead commentator Tom Miller said: “Well, I’m not sure we can actually say that.”Those are not necessarily the views of Rangers Football Club.”Brown continued: “Well, I am saying it.””That’s a disgrace and it’s the worst decision I’ve seen in all the years I’ve been in football.”Most read in FootballMiller added: “John Brown obviously has his own opinion there, but it’s certainly questionable.”Those comments have caught the eye of the SFA’s Compliance Offer and a charge could be forthcoming.Dundee Utd fan ‘caught mocking Ibrox disaster’ during Rangers clash days after Celtic supporter lost jobAccording to The Herald, the SFA believe there are grounds for action under article 29.2 of the rules which reads: “A club or recognised football body which publishes, distributes, issues, sells or authorises a third party to publish, distribute, issue or sell a match programme or any other publication or audio/visual material of any description in any media now existing or hereinafter invented, including but not limited to the Internet, social networking or micro-blogging sites, shall ensure that any such publications or audio/visual material does not contain any criticism of any match official calculated to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official or to impinge upon his character.”Celtic were previously subject to a review when club legend and club TV pundit Tom Boyd alluded to referee John Beaton drinking in a Rangers pub.He said in 2019: “If he doesn’t know that’s a penalty he should not be in the middle of the park refereeing a football game.”He’ll probably be welcomed down his pub tonight again.”Celtic rushed to defend club legend Boyd after his misdemeanor and it remains to be seen if Rangers do the same with Brown. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More