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      Nottingham Forest WILL be allowed to listen to VAR audio after furious statement – and it could be shown on TV

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST will be offered a chance to listen to the VAR exchanges held during their defeat to Everton.But the recordings will not be aired publicly before next week at the earliest.Nottingham Forest were left furious with some VAR decisions against EvertonCredit: AlamyThe club released a furious statement after the matchCredit: GettyFurious Forest face a welter of FA and Prem charges after inferring that VAR Stuart Attwell might have been biased by his support of  relegation rivals Luton.They demanded on Monday that the recordings be “released into the public domain”.The club were raging  over three denied penalty claims, all involving Everton’s former England defender Ashley Young.Forest called the referring decisions “extremely poor” on their social media.Read More on FootballThe furore relates to Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna, his ‘handball’ and his tackle on Callum Hudson-Odoi.But while PGMOL bosses are ready to let Forest listen to the tapes of the conversations between Attwell and ref Anthony Taylor, that would only be in a private setting and not generally broadcast.That is in line with standard procedure, with clubs having the right to ask for the recordings as long as they respect the confidentiality of the process.However, it is likely that refs’ chief Howard Webb WILL address the issues in the  looming edition of the Match Officials Mic’d Up magazine show, which explains and clarifies contentious calls.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWebb is scheduled to record the  programme at the start of next week before it is broadcast on Tuesday,  giving him the opportunity to put PGMOL’s case or admit to an error by either Taylor or Attwell.Whether the offer will be accepted by Forest is unclear.Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’They had argued: “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, defender Neco Williams and former Prem official Mark Clattenburg — the club’s ‘referee analyst’ — have until tomorrow  to respond to the FA demand for their “observations” over post-match comments on Sunday.The club and the three individuals face charges and heavy fines, while the Prem is also ready to file a charge that alleges Forest breached their undertaking to act in “utmost good faith”.David Coote, a Notts County supporter, has been put in charge of Luton’s visit to Wolves this Saturday.What have Nottingham Forest said?
      After the final whistle against Everton, Nottingham Forest’s official Twitter account tweeted: “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.”
      On Monday the club revealed they have requested the PGMOL release the audio recordings between officials during the match.
      A statement read: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.
      “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
      “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”

      That decision has also angered fans of Forest, who sit just one point and one place in the table ahead of rivals Luton.Despite the controversy at Everton, Attwell has been given Uefa’s stamp of approval  by being named on VAR duty for the Euros while Taylor is chosen as a pitch ref.Attwell is one of two English officials on booth duties at the tournament, which kicks off in Munich on June 15.He and Coote will be based at the tournament hub in Leipzig, while Michael Oliver and Taylor have both been selected to take charge of matches.They are among the 18 whistlers selected by Uefa for the Euros.And despite the continued criticism of officiating standards in the Premier League, England is one of just four countries with more than one referee selected.France, Germany and Italy  have two whistlers, while others  include Poland’s Szymon Marciniak — praised for refereeing the 2022 World Cup final.READ MORE SUN STORIESOliver will work with assistants Stuart Burt and Dan Cook, while Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn complete Taylor’s team.Oliver and Taylor officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as well as at Euro 2020. More

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      Nottingham Forest fans fuming as they spot rival-supporting ref’s next two Premier League fixtures

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST fans have hit out at the PGMOL again over their refereeing appointments.The club were controversially denied three penalties in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Everton.Nottingham Forest were controversially denied three spot-kicks against EvertonCredit: GettyForest owner Evangelos Marinakis is said to be unhappy with decisions going against his clubCredit: PADavid Coote is at the centre of Forest fans latest grievanceCredit: GettyAfter the match, Forest put out a bombshell statement that slammed the choice to put referee and Luton fan Stuart Attwell on VAR for the game amid both side’s battle to avoid relegation.They are demanding the release of the conversation Attwell had with on-field official Anthony Taylor that led to the calls.Meanwhile, the club have been slammed by pundits like Alan Shearer and Gary Neville.And the FA and Premier League are threatening to take action over the statement and reaction from boss Nuno Espirito Santo, player Neco Williams and their ref consultant Mark Clattenburg. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the latest episode of the saga, some Forest fans are AGAIN fuming over ref appointments for approaching matches.Despite the fans’ gripes there is no reason to suspect bias or wrongdoing by any official.David Coote, who is from Nottinghamshire, is a fan of Forest’s city rivals Notts County.This has been confirmed by the PGMOL after incorrect rumours spread that he was a Manchester United supporter last year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCoote will be on VAR in tomorrow’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool.And on Saturday, he is the man with the whistle as Luton travel to Wolves.Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’Forest supporters have slammed the decision from the PGMOL and their chief Howard Webb.One said: “David Coote, a Notts County fan that is not allowed to referee any games involving Nottingham Forest is in charge of Luton’s trip to Wolves on Saturday. The PGMOL are rattling Forest fans.”Due to him belonging to the Nottinghamshire FA, Coote is not allowed to take charge of Forest matches.However, no rules stop him from working in games that involve teams who are positioned close to them in the table.With four fixtures remaining this season, Luton occupy a relegation spot in 18th on 25 points.Forest are above them by a point and Everton are five clear of the drop zone.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, it was revealed today that Prem refs Taylor and Michael Oliver have been selected for this summer’s Euros.And they will be joined by Coote and Attwell from the VAR hub. More

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      Stuart Attwell chosen for Euro 2024 VAR duty as Nottingham Forest suffer further humiliation after bizarre statement

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      STUART ATTWELL has been chosen for VAR duty at Euro 2024 this summer.The referee is currently under scrutiny following Nottingham Forest’s defeat at Everton on Sunday.Stuart Attwell has been selected for VAR duty at this summer’s EurosCredit: PAAshley Young was at the centre of all three penalty decisionsCredit: GettyHe brought down Callum Hudson-Odoi in the box in one incidentCredit: ReutersThe official was working on VAR and the relegation club claimed that they were denied three clear penalties.One was for a possible handball on Ashley Young, while the other two incidents also involved the former Manchester United star.In the first half, he clipped Giovanni Reyna in the box, and in the second half, he hauled down Callum Hudson-Odoi.As a response, Nottingham Forest released a statement slamming his appointment for the match as a “Luton fan”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey have since demanded that the conversations between referee Antony Taylor and Attwell be made public.While the FA have announced that they want urgent explanations from manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco Williams and ex-Prem whistler Mark Clattenburg.Despite the ongoing feud, Attwell will be in Germany this summer for the Euros.He and fellow Brit David Coote have both been selected for VAR duty for the tournament.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAttwell and Coote could be set for big paydays after the competitions, with a reported £2,600 being paid per match.Referee at Goodison Park Taylor and Michael Oliver will also be heading to mainland Europe as two of the 18 selected referees.Gary Neville tells Mark Clattenburg to RESIGN from Nottingham Forest role after club’s ’embarrassing’ VAR statementForest have faced lots of criticism for the statements following the controversial decisions.Alan Shearer, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have all gone against the club and claimed it to be “embarrassing”.Neville went as far as to say that Clattenburg should resign from his role at Forest.He also claimed that Forest’s statement was like a “mafia-gang” with the club now considering legal action against the pundit.What have Nottingham Forest said?
      After the final whistle against Everton, Nottingham Forest’s official Twitter account tweeted: “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.”
      On Monday the club revealed they have requested the PGMOL release the audio recordings between officials during the match.
      A statement read: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.
      “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
      “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.” More

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      Nottingham Forest ‘consider SUING Sky’ after Gary Neville made ‘mafia gang’ comment live on TV

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST are considering suing Sky over comments made by Gary Neville, according to reports.It comes after Neville slammed the club for their statement criticising the PGMOL in the wake of their 2-0 defeat to Everton.Nottingham Forest are considering suing Sky over comments made by Gary NevilleForest were critical of the fact they were denied three penalties by referee Anthony Taylor, with VAR Stuart Attwell deciding not to advise the ref to review the incidents on the VAR monitor.Neville likened the statement to something a mafia gang would put out, and Forest are now considering legal action against Sky according to the Daily Mail.In response to Forest’s statement, Neville said: “It’s like a mafia-gang statement. I mean, honestly, what the hell are they playing at? It’s like a petulant child, it’s embarrassing. “And some of those things they’re saying in there, the suggestion of some sort of inferring of cheating because there’s an official in VAR in Stockley Park who’s a Luton fan is a scandal, and they will pay for that.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForest have also requested PGMOL release the audio of the three penalty incidents, with the club’s referee analyst Mark Clattenburg describing the calls as “mindboggling”.Clattenburg is reported to have spoken to PGMOL chief Howard Webb last Friday to share his concern about VAR Attwell being a Luton fan.Webb denied a request for the VAR to be changed, leading Forest to air their grievances after Sunday’s defeat publicly.A tweet from the club read: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.Most read in FootballWhat have Nottingham Forest said?

      After the final whistle against Everton, Nottingham Forest’s official Twitter account tweeted: “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.”
      Today the club revealed they have requested the PGMOL release the audio recordings between officials during the match.
      A statement read: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.
      “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
      “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”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.”Nottingham Forest’s behaviour could lead to the FA dishing out a fine as the organisation and the Premier League are set to open investigations into the matter.A Premier League statement read: “It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.”Gary Neville tells Mark Clattenburg to RESIGN from Nottingham Forest role after club’s ’embarrassing’ VAR statement More

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      Nottingham Forest at WAR with Premier League and FA as they demand VAR audio is made public after incredible statement

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST are at war with the Prem, the FA AND PGMOL.An astonishing day of claim and counter-claim over the fall-out from Sunday’s defeat at Everton saw:Nottingham Forest were left furious after their loss to Everton on SundayCredit: Getty*Forest demand the public release of the conversations between ref Anthony Taylor and VAR Stuart Attwell*The FA announce they wanted urgent explanations from Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco William and ex-Prem whistler Mark Clattenburg*Forest then repeating allegations that refs’ chief Howard Webb was asked to take Luton fan Attwell off VAR duties for Sunday’s contentious Goodison clash before suggesting their “fears of a sideshow” had come true*Prem chiefs then signalling they will bring their OWN charges against Forest for the incendiary outing of Attwell as a Hatters supporter and implying he was biased against them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt left tension between the club and the authorities at boiling point with a series of statements issued cranking up the heat.Forest remain furious over the three penalty decisions that went against them in the relegation six-pointer while  Webb is insistent the central claim that he was asked to take Attwell OFF the match is simply untrue.Webb’s position is that, while he did receive a call from Clattenburg on Friday, it was to inform him that Forest thought Espirito Santo might be asked about Attwell’s appointment as VAR in his pre-match news conference.Managers and players have been warned that ANY pre-match comments about officials is an offence, although the question was then not asked.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Webb is adamant that Clattenburg categorically did not ask for the appointment to be changed and that Forest said they had no problem with it.Forest raised the temperature as they made their demand for the audio recordings of conversations between Attwell and ref Anthony Taylor to be played out on TV.Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’A club spokesman said: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park. “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).“We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”Young added another layer when he posted an image of Justin Timberlake’s 2002 song “Cry Me a River”, adding the caption “Old Skool Tunes for Today” accompanied by two winking face emojis.Soon after the Forest statement, the FA said it had “formally requested observations” from Forest, Espirito Santo, Williams and Clattenburg into their public comments.Espirito Santo’s interviews included him saying “it’s been clear what has been happening to us”  and suggesting “if we were in another country, we will start speaking about conspiracy” while Williams claimed:  “The top six teams will get decisions and we won’t.”Then the Prem issued its own statement, saying it was “extremely disappointed” with Forest’s comments and adding: “It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.”Forest could be charged under Prem Rules B.15 and B.16.Forest have demanded the VAR audio from three incidents at Goodison ParkCredit: RexThey demand that club officials act “with utmost good faith” to the League and that every club must “conduct itself in an abusive, derogatory, insulting, intimidating or offensive manner towards any (other) Club or the League”.Yet that only sparked a further response from Forest who doubled down on Sunday’s initial post-match statement.The club said: “This was an issue we raised with PGMOL prior to the fixture because of the fear of the side show that would ensue if anything went wrong with officiating in the game.“That fear has materialised, as the correctness of three important decisions against the Club have been called into doubt.”Forest made a partial climbdown as the club added: “This is not about individuals but rather how the integrity of the game is seen.“We know match officials do not allow outside factors to influence their decision-making and that all referees are required to declare their ‘allegiances’ to PGMOL to avoid any perceived conflict or harm to the game’s reputation for integrity.“However, it is clear PGMOL must amend its rule on allegiances to account for contextual rivalries in the league table, not just local rivalries.“This is currently not within the criteria but should be. Mere reliance on match officials to recuse themselves if contextual rivalries exist invites conjecture, as some have recused themselves where others have not.”The FA want an explanation from Forest referee analyst Mark Clattenburg for his commentsCredit: PAWhile Attwell is a Luton fan, he, along with all over referees and officials must declare his club allegiance each season, meaning he will not be assigned to Hatters’ games or certain other matches involving direct local rivals.Even the affiliation of a referee’s family can be enough to prevent them being appointed to matches involving certain teams.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt has been noted, however, that Luton’s cause in terms of avoiding the drop would actually have been better served by the match at Goodison finishing as a draw, as it would have kept the Bedfordshire side close to both clubs at the foot of the table.And while Forest insisted the club  only wanted “greater transparency” over ref appointments and that, given a season of controversy “any move which boosts confidence in the system should be properly considered” the outcome is almost certain to be an extremely expensive one. More

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      Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’

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      ALAN SHEARER has slammed Nottingham Forest for their “embarrassing” statement criticising the PGMOL.The club claimed three “extremely poor” decisions were made against them after referee Anthony Taylor failed to award them three penalties against Everton.Alan Shearer slammed Nottingham Forest’s PGMOL statementCredit: GettyOne was for a possible handball against Ashley Young, while the Toffees defender was also involved in two awkward tussles inside the box, possibly making contact with a Forest player.Nottingham Forest said after the match they could “not accept” the decisions, before going on to say they warned the PGMOL that Taylor is a Luton fan.They have now called for public broadcasting of the VAR conversations during the match.Shearer was baffled by the statement, which he criticised on The Rest is Football podcast saying: “What the f*** are Forest doing putting that statement out? It’s an absolute embarrassment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”‘We told the PGMOL the referee he was a Luton fan’. What on earth are they thinking about?”Co-host Micah Richards joined in with Shearer’s bemusement, saying he could barely believe it was real.Richards added: “Honestly I thought it was a parody account. I was like ‘this is not real, surely this is not real.””I had to check about ten different sources to ensure it was real.”Most read in FootballJamie Carragher and Gary Neville also blasted the statement, with the latter calling it a “scandal”.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat have Nottingham Forest said?
      After the final whistle against Everton, Nottingham Forest’s official Twitter account tweeted: “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.”
      Today the club revealed they have requested the PGMOL release the audio recordings between officials during the match.
      A statement read: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.
      “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
      “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”

      Neville also suggested former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg must resign from his role as Forest’s referee analyst.He 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.Gary Neville tells Mark Clattenburg to RESIGN from Nottingham Forest role after club’s ’embarrassing’ VAR statement”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.”Today has been a horrendous day for Nottingham Forest. Possibly horrendous because of the decisions that they’ve had, but horrendous for how they’ve reacted to the situation.”To mention the VAR official as being a Luton fan and inferring in some way that’s had an impact on the decision-making process and suggesting to me as a fan, thinking ‘has he cheated us’, you’re into really dangerous territory.” More

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      Bizarre cup final saw Chelsea star play twice in 24 hours and City awarded outrageous pen as ref ‘was having bit of fun’

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      RODRI – look away now. If you aren’t already knackered you will be after reading this.Manchester City’s overworked midfielder broke with tradition ten days ago by pleading for a rest, because the hectic football calendar is catching up on him.Chelsea star Pat Nevin won the 1986 Full Members’ Cup – 24 hours after playing against SouthamptonCredit: GettyAlan Saunders was the referee ‘having fun’ during the Wembley showdownCredit: GettyHe will probably start against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, though, in an example of a thoroughly modern FA Cup semi-final: late kick-off and no replay to drain the legs.Back in 1986, the two teams met at the same ground in the now-defunct Full Members’ Cup on March 23 with both teams having played the day before in the old Division One.City drew 2-2 at Manchester United while Chelsea won 1-0 at Southampton then whizzed back up to London to prepare for the game.Winger Pat Nevin played two full 90-minute matches in 24 hours. A league game and cup final on consecutive days. The stuff of Rodri’s nightmares.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea won 5-4 as 67,000 fans turned up.For slender Nevin, it was a doddle.He said: “Wembley is quite taxing, it’s a big pitch and in those days anyway, quite sapping because it was lush grass. It was asking a lot but I don’t actually remember feeling tired.“But my background was as a distance runner so I could go forever.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“The big, heavier guys struggled more than anyone else. I think Kerry Dixon was injured that day.“The Chelsea fans turned up as if it was the Champions League final. It was weird. Chelsea hadn’t been at Wembley for a long time, so they were enjoying a day out. I think we were 5-1 up with five minutes to go.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadium“The referee was just having a laugh. He gave them a penalty right at the end to make it 5-4. I was furious. I shouted at him, ‘What are you doing?’“He said, ‘I’m just having a bit of fun and will blow up after this, don’t worry.’ I thought, ‘I like your style, mate.'”Chelsea played 52 matches in season 1985-86 and finished sixth.Nevin, 60, said: “If you check, we played a lot of games that year. But it was injuries that got us more than tiredness.“In 850 games as a professional I never once said I was tired, and I wasn’t the only one.“We had much, much smaller squads. You played with injury. The concept of being in the red zone so they take you off didn’t exist. You ran through it.“Players have always pushed themselves to the edge, okay some of us may have two metal hips now because of it, but you take that.“I loved it. I thought ‘Yes, they’ll be knackered.’ Any weakness, you turn it into a positive.“So if I have two games in two days, so do they. It’s, ‘Let’s see if you are as fit as me’. It’s just the way elite sport is.”’I’M NOT SYMPATHETIC’Rodri has played 48 matches this season and is the beating heart of a City team chasing a league and cup double after exiting European competition in midweek.Nevin said: “I am not deeply sympathetic. Nobody is 100 per cent fit.“Rodri has the right to say it. But there are some I think, ‘Come on give us a break.’“In a different era, if you’d said you were too tired and didn’t play next week, somebody else would take your place and you might not get back in.“It doesn’t happen so much now. And if you are on £60,000, £70,000 a week does it matter if you don’t get in?“Back then it was your livelihood. So even if you did want a rest you couldn’t afford it. Not only did you lose your place in the team, but your wages.”The Full Members’ Cup was a substitute for European competition with English clubs banned following the 1985 Heysel Stadium riot.READ MORE SUN STORIESNevin said: “It was completely for the fans, They deserve it. They have waited since Peter Osgood and Charlie Cook. “I was fine after it. It’s not that I am Superman. I am a bit of an oddity.”David Speedie grabbed a hat-trick for the BluesCredit: GettyChelsea were 5-1 up with five minutes to goCredit: GettyCity scored in the 85th and 88th minutes before the controversial 89th-minute penaltyCredit: Getty More

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      Xavi launches stinging attack on referee after Barcelona knocked out of Champions League thanks to ‘mistake’

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      BARCELONA manager Xavi lashed out at the referee following his team’s heartbreaking Champions League elimination.Barca hosted Paris Saint-Germain at the Nou Camp in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 advantage following last week’s victory in the first leg at Parc des Princes.Barcelona boss Xavi lashed out at the referee after the elimination by Paris Saint-GermainCredit: EPAXavi was furious with the referee, who sent him and Ronaldo Araujo offCredit: APThe Blaugrana opened the scoring after just 12 minutes to extend their lead but it all went downhill after that as they lost Ronald Araujo to a controversial red card after he tripped Bradley Barcola.PSG went on to punch their ticket to the semi-finals with a 4-1 victory thanks to goals by ex-Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha as well as a brace by Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.Xavi’s evening got even worse after he was also sent off for angrily kicking Champions League padding around the VAR monitor near his dugout.As he walked away from the touchline, the ex-midfield maestro could be seen taking off his coat and having a quick chat with assistant Oscar Hernandez.Read More on FootballThe Spaniard was left fuming and confronted referee Istvan Kovacs at full-time, calling him a “disaster before giving him both barrels during his post-match interview.Xavi said: “It’s a pity, our Champions League is over due to referee’s mistake.“I just told the referee that he’s been a disaster. It’s the reality”.This officially marks Xavi’s last Champions League match as Barcelona manager.Most read in Champions LeagueThe Catalan tactician confirmed earlier this season that he will be leaving his beloved club after three years in charge.The 44-year-old head coach missed the chance of leaving the Catalan giants with silverware as his team are eight points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid in the table.Football icons’ strange hobbiesPSG are now set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals.Dortmund made it to the final four after knocking Atletico Madrid out with an aggregate of 5-4. More