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      Kalvin Phillips reveals he waited outside referee’s dressing room for half an hour after West Ham red card

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS waited for half an hour outside ref Tom Bramall’s dressing room seeking the reason for his red card.But the gutted West Ham midfielder, 28, eventually admitted defeat after his first ever Premier League sending-off.
      Kalvin Phillips was sent off in West Ham’s 2-0 defeat to Nottingham ForestCredit: REX
      Phillips demanded an explanation for his dismissal from ref Tom Brawell and waited outside his dressing room for 30 minutesCredit: GETTY
      Manchester City loanee Phillips picked up two yellow cards in three minutes during the 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
      First, he pushed Nicolas Dominguez who tried to stop him taking a quick free-kick before being shown a second yellow for a challenge on Morgan Gibbs-White.
      Phillips said: “I waited outside the referee’s room to have a chat with him.
      “But after half an hour he hadn’t come out. I don’t know if he knew I was there or not.
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      “I didn’t want to batter him. I just wanted to have a conversation about it.
      “In the end, I’m going home without saying my piece.
      “I’m just disappointed, more so because I’m working to get myself back into a position where I can help — but now I’ve got to miss a game.”
      England international Phillips has, so far, endured a terrible loan spell at the London Stadium.
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      David Moyes has leapt to the defence of the under-performing Kalvin PhillipsCredit: Getty
      But Hammers boss David Moyes was quick to leap to his defence after his early bath at the City Ground.
      The Scot said: “The sending-off was a huge blow because the game was tight and we were always in it at 1-0.
      Man Utd fans brutally troll Kalvin Phillips with X-rated chant as he warms up – but City rival has perfect response
      “The minute we went down to ten men it was going to make it twice as hard.
      “I thought Kalvin played much better today, he did a lot of good things.
      “I hadn’t seen it coming. The crowd played a huge part in backing Nottingham Forest, with the referee, and played a part as they always do here.
      “The first one the boy’s blocking him and he pushes him away because he’s trying to play the game quick, as we’re trying to get back in the game and win it.
      “Nowadays you get booked for standing in front of the ball, so he shouldn’t have pushed him, I get that.
      “The second one – I’ve only been told – I haven’t seen it.
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      “But they are saying the two boots are very close and they just come together.
      “It looks like there was quite a meal made of it but that’s the way it is.”
      David Moyes is under growing pressure at West HamCredit: Getty More

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      Former referee Mark Clattenburg gets surprise new job at Premier League club – alongside role on BBC’s Gladiators

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have appointed former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg as the club’s new referees’ analyst.The 48 year old was at the City Ground for Forest’s home match against West Ham today.
      Mark Clattenburg has landed a shock new job at Nottingham ForestCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Clattenburg recently appeared as the official on BBC show Gladiators alongside host Bradley WalshCredit: BBC
      Clattenburg spent time with the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis before kick-off.
      Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s chief football officer, was also present at the match.
      Forest have been frustrated over a number of controversial decisions by officials and VAR this season.
      The appointment of Clattenburg is seen as an attempt to improve their understanding of decisions and also improve relationships with the PGMOL and match officials.
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      The Durham-born ref officiated in the Premier League for 13 years between 2004 and 2013.
      He also took charge of the 2016 Champions League final and the European Championship final between Portugal and France in the same year.
      He has recently been the lead referee in BBC TV show Gladiators.
      The classic series, which originally aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000, made a comeback earlier this year.
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      Clattenburg’s appearance on the reboot left fans stunned with some claiming he was putting on a Scottish accent during the show.
      During the one-hour episode, the former ref said the show’s famous line: “Contestants, ready? Gladiators, ready?”
      Eight bizarre football rules you may not know
      But for the rest of the season he will be in place at Forest in a key consultancy role. More

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      Mark Halsey: Record-breaking Lewis Smith has the natural ability to be Premier League ref… even aged just 30

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      ROOKIE ref Lewis Smith, 30, makes his big-time debut tomorrow, becoming the youngest official to take charge of a Premier League match this season.Smith is the man in the middle as Fulham take on Aston Villa, the highlight of a season that has seen him referee six matches in the Championship, four in the FA Cup and three in the EFL Cup.
      Lewis Smith will become the youngest Prem ref in history tomorrowCredit: Rex
      Mark Halsey is backing him to be a hit during Fulham’s clash with Aston VillaCredit: PA
      Here, SunSport’s Whistle Blower, ex-Prem ref MARK HALSEY, runs the rule over the new boy…
      LEWIS SMITH has the natural ability to be a Premier League referee.
      And it’s great to see a young talent like Lewis being given the chance to take charge of Fulham’s home clash with Aston Villa tomorrow.
      Like a promising player breaking into a first-team, if a referee is good enough, they are old enough and we should not hold the 30-year-old back.
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      Yes, Lewis has been fast-tracked through the system but the PGMOL have identified him as a future prospect and believe the time is right for his top-flight debut.
      He’s been well-prepared for his big test at Craven Cottage in recent weeks by officiating at tough Championship venues such as Leeds, Stoke and Birmingham – and even Barrow’s match with Forest Green in League Two on Tuesday night.
      It’s no secret that I’m a QPR fan and I watched Lewis perform exceptionally well when he officiated the Hoops against Millwall last month.
      That London derby is not an easy one to referee but he handled the game superbly, allowing the game to flow and engaging with the players.
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      Lewis only cautioned two players because his communication was good and that’s what players like.
      I’ve also spoken to people who have observed him this season and the feedback was similar to what I saw.
      Fans in hysterics as they spot Aaron Ramsdale’s cameo as referee delays Arsenal vs Liverpool clash
      Lewis is a very fit lad and isn’t fussy. He’s well liked and in the same mould as fellow Prem rookie Sam Barrott, who has also impressed in the top-flight this season.
      My only note of caution is we need to nurture these young talents.
      There is no hiding place in the Premier League and it’s a tough environment where mistakes from young officials will happen.
      We need to make sure they learn and develop and are coached in the correct manner so he improves his on-field performance but also gains mental toughness.
      It’s clear we are short of refereeing talent in the Prem and the likes of Michael Oliver, who became the youngest top-flight ref at the age of 25 in August 2010, and Anthony Taylor won’t be around forever so we need the next generation to flourish. More

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      Premier League ace in hospital after horror clash of heads as manager blasts rival’s ‘almost life-endangering’ challenge

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      PREMIER LEAGUE ace Michael Mellon is in hospital after an horrific clash of heads at the weekend.The on-loan Dundee striker’s boss Tony Docherty has slammed St Johnstone’s Liam Gordon for causing the “almost life-endangering” injuries.
      Michael Mellon suffered an horrific head injury in Dundee’s win over St JohnstoneCredit: Willie Vass
      The on-loan Burnley striker was rushed to hospital after the collision with Liam GordonCredit: Willie Vass
      And he also raged at referee David Munro for waving play on after the horror incident in injury-time of the Dark Blues’ 2-1 Scottish Premiership victory on Sunday.
      The 20-year-old Scottish U21 striker Mellon left Burnley to join Dundee last month after previously impressing in Leagues One and Two with Morecambe.
      He is already off the mark north of the border after scoring on his debut and grabbing two assists against Livingston.
      However, he suffered a horrible blow yesterday and was rushed to hospital from Dens Park in an ambulance after the sickening collision with St Johnstone captain Gordon.
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      Ref Munro was just yards away but signalled for the game to continue – although Dundee’s medic Dr McCormack ignored that and sprinted onto the pitch to administer treatment.
      After the game the clearly emotionally-charged Docherty didn’t hold back on his view of what had gone on.
      He said: “He’s not great. I’d like the referee to comment on that.
      “For me, that was almost life-endangering. And to not even get a booking for it . . . 
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      “Michael is a top boy in our team and I’m concerned for him because he took a really bad blow to the back of the head.
      “Luckily we have a brilliant doctor here, Dr McCormack, who didn’t pay any attention to the referee and ran on the pitch. He recognised what happened.
      St Mirren fans charge at Dundee supporters after ruckus with stewards
      “It was a sour note at the end of the game and the player’s welfare is the most important thing. But I’d like you to ask the referee about it.”
      Now Dundee have confirmed that they are putting in an official complaint as they provided concerned supporters with an update on the star’s condition.
      A statement read: “Michael sustained a significant head injury in yesterday’s match against St Johnstone, but thanks to the swift intervention by Dr McCormack and the medical team, his condition was stabilised and he was transferred to Ninewells Hospital Accident and Emergency Department.
      “Following specialist investigations he was discharged with appropriate head injury advice.
      “He will continue his recovery under the supervision of the club’s medical team in accordance with concussion protocols.”
      It then added: “The club is today writing to the Scottish FA in the strongest terms to express its serious concerns that play was not stopped to allow immediate attention to Michael after what was clearly a dreadful head clash.”
      Dundee’s doctor was praised for racing straight on to give treatmentCredit: Willie Vass
      Dundee boss Tony Docherty slammed the challenge on Mellon (left)Credit: Rex More

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      Who is Afcon 2023 final referee Dahane Beida?

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      THE Africa Cup of Nations final is upon us after a thrilling tournament in the Ivory Coast.And the refereeing team has been decided with a Mauritanian star named as the official for the big one.
      Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida is refereeing the Afcon finalCredit: AFP
      Who is Afcon final referee Dahane Beida?
      Dahane Beida is refereeing the Afcon final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
      Beida is a 32-year-old Mauritanian official, and was the referee for Egypt’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Mozambique in the group stage.
      That match saw Mo Salah score a dramatic 97th-minute penalty which Beida gave after a VAR call.
      Beida was also in charge of Angola’s 3-0 win over Namibia in the Last 16, in which a player from either side was sent off inside the first half.
      Angola’s goalkeeper Neblu was red carded in the 17th-minute for handling the ball outside his area, before Namibia’s Lubeni Haukongo was given a second yellow five minutes before the break.
      An Afcon statement read: “Dahane Beida, aged 32, will be the on-pitch referee for this crucial match, marking his third appearance at this year’s TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.
      “Previously, he officiated the match between Egypt and Mozambique, which ended in a 2-2 draw during the group stage, as well as the Round of 16 clash where Angola secured a 3-0 victory over Namibia.
      “Assisting Dahane Beida will be Emiliano Dos Santos from Angola and Diana Chicotesha from Zambia, Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi will serve as the fourth official.”
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      Dahane Beida shows a red to Namibia defender Lubeni HaukongoCredit: AFP
      When is Nigeria vs Ivory Coast?

      Nigeria’s big Afcon final clash with Ivory Coast will take place on Sunday, February 11.
      The game will kick off at 8pm UK time.
      Nigeria vs Ivory Coast will be played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Nigeria vs Ivory Coast will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football and BBC Three in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is also available to stream for FREE from the BBC iPlayer, so long as you have a valid TV licence. More

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      The Premier League stars who would have been shown most blue cards with Man Utd star set for lengthy spell in sin bin

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      FOOTBALL is set to see the introduction of BLUE CARDS that will see players sent to the sin-bin temporarily.Players on the receiving end of the new blue card will have to spend 10 minutes off the pitch before they are re-introduced to the game.
      Football looks set to see the shock introduction of blue cardsCredit: AFP
      The cards will be dished out to players who are guilty of showing dissent to the officials and could be extended to obvious cynical fouling.
      It would replace the yellow card that is currently in place for those offences.
      If the rule was to be implemented in the Premier League then this could see a number of players spending vital minutes in the sin-bin.
      And with plenty of cards already branded for dissent this season the new rule could spell trouble for some of the Premier League’s biggest stars.
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      Bruno Fernandes leads the way this season as the man who has been booked for dissent the most.
      The Manchester United captain has seen yellow FOUR times already for acting out to the officials in the league.
      That would amount to 40 minutes on the sidelines in total if those bookings were replaced with the proposed sin-bin punishment.
      Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson and Fulham man Andreas Perreira also have four booking each this season for showing dissent towards the officials – meaning they too would be watching on from the bench for 40 minutes.
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      Bruno Fernandes would be sitting out plenty of football with his tally of cards this seasonCredit: Alamy
      Nicolas Jackson has also been booked four times for dissentCredit: Reuters
      However players who have been racking up the yellows this season may now take a sigh of relief as the announcement has been delayed, throwing the whole proposition into doubt.
      Seven other players have totted up three bookings this term for having a whinge at the referee.
      Paul Merson fears ‘the game will be killed’ as football prepares for huge rule change
      Wolves star Matheus Cunha and Bournemouth keeper Neto would see themselves heavily punished by the blue cards, while Man Utd’s Diogo Dalot has also picked up three bookings for dissent this season.
      Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has would also have been sent to the sin-bin three times alongside Enzo Fernandez, Sean Longstaff and Lucas Paqueta.
      The proposed introduction of blue cards has been met with widespread backlash.
      Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey labelled the idea as “nonsense”.
      While Gunners icon Paul Merson has previously gone on record to say that the idea of a sin-bin in football would “kill the game”.
      And fellow ex-Arsenal man Mesut Ozil has claimed that Atletico Madrid will be forced to play with hardly any players due to their style of play.
      Andreas Perreira’s cards this season spell bad news for a potential blue card introductionCredit: Reuters
      Gabriel Jesus has also picked up a number of bookings for dissentCredit: Getty More

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      Controversial new blue card has ALREADY been used in football, with former star punished in huge derby clash

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      CONTROVERSIAL plans to implement a new blue card in football have already been in use around the world, including one of the most intense derbies in football.Yesterday it was reported football lawmakers Ifab are planning to bring in a new blue card following successful trials at grassroots level.
      A controversial rule blue card is set to be introduced in footballCredit: Reuters
      But the new blue card has already been used in one of the world’s hottest derbiesCredit: Reuters
      The new card would see players handed a 10-minute sin-bin similar to that seen in rugby, with the card being dished out for cynical fouls or for dissent against the match officials.
      These offences are all currently punished with a yellow and like a yellow card, players who received two blue cards will be sent off.
      If implemented at the top level, blue cards will be the first major disciplinary change since the introduction of yellow and red cards back in 1970.
      SunSport understands the card could be introduced in FA competitions such as the Trophy or Vase, they will NOT be added into the FA Cup.
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      However, the card has already been used at the top level in Uruguay, albeit more than 20 years ago.
      During a derby match between Peñarol and Nacional de Montevideo – the oldest derby outside of the British Isles – a blue card was issued to Robert “El Bola” Lima.
      After the card was brandished Peñarol were forced to play for five minutes with a man down before he was reintroduced.
      Back then the rule was a five-minute sin-bin, half of what Ifab are proposing today.
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      Blue MurderBy Martin Lipton
      IT’S a sin for football to allow cynical cheats to get away with it.
      So introducing ten-minute sin-bins would be a big step forward for the game.
      In truth, it does not matter what card the referee shows – blue, green or pink.
      What matters is that, if the trial – which will not include the Prem or EFL at this stage – is a success, then it could become part of top tier professional football by the end of the decade.
      The argument is simple: Nobody likes what Fifa refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina describes as “anti-football action”.
      That is a deliberate, cynical act to stop a potential break by fouling a rival with absolutely no attempt to play the ball.
      If teams who do that have to spend the last 10 minutes of a game a man short, they could pay a real price, rather than just picking up a yellow card and “taking one for the team”.
      Sin bins for dissent might be a tougher argument to progress, although it might just give refs some respect back.
      But having players sat by the side of the pitch, powerless as their man-short side concedes a last-gasp winner, might actually change the way players behave. And it will be a statement of intent.

      The 10-minute deterrent may see the end of fouls such as Italy star Giorgio Chiellini’s brutal tug on England star Bukayo Saka in the Euro 2020 final.
      Meanwhile, data from OptaJoe has revealed there have been a record number of yellow cards dished out for dissent (233) and time-wasting (121) this season.
      Paul Merson fears ‘the game will be killed’ as football prepares for huge rule change
      Tony Scholes, the Prem’s chief football officer, said: “We’ve discussed sin bins with Ifab, in the same way we’ve discussed all the potential law change trials.
      “I don’t think sin bins will be available to us as a top competition anyway, yet.
      “That’s whether or not we wanted to use them.
      “But they will not be used by the Premier League next season.” More

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      I was a Premier League referee who handled Keane and Terry – blue cards are NONSENSE, we are over-complicating football

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      THE idea to introduce blue cards into football is nonsense.Trials in amateur and youth games in both England and Wales saw referees have the power to send players off the pitch for 10 minutes for dissent or denying a promising attack.
      Mark Halsey does not want blue cards introduced into the gameCredit: Rex
      Halsey dealt with hard men such as former Manchester United captain Roy KeaneCredit: Alamy
      But I’d like to know what the full protocol will be because I have major doubts.
      Firstly, I don’t see a difference between a current yellow card and this new blue card?
      Yellow cards are already used as a warning to players that if they persist with misconduct then further punishment will follow. So what’s the difference?
      We don’t need blue cards if officials manage the game properly in itscurrent form.
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      I never showed many yellow cards for dissent throughout my careerbecause one of the main jobs of a referee is to have control and man-manage the players on the pitch.
      And I had to manage the likes of Craig Bellamy, Roy Keane, AlanShearer, John Terry, Danny Murphy, Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard, who were all big personalities and not afraid to tell me what theythought of my decisions!
      By bringing in a blue card is effectively telling officials they have lost the art of managing players.
      Rather than show a yellow or what could be a blue card I would speakand build relationships to avoid further sanction and maintain fairplay.
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      Another point on this is tactical or cynical fouls are not worded in the laws of the game so why are we changing our game for something so trivial?
      Whether this comes into non-league or elite football it doesn’t matter.
      Paul Merson fears ‘the game will be killed’ as football prepares for huge rule change
      Who is going to enjoy a match that could be decided by blue cards?
      Imagine watching a game with nine players against seven – it wouldmake the game farcical.
      Officials have enough on their plates at the moment without sendingplayers to a sin-bin for 10 minutes.
      We are over-complicating football and only going to confuse more people.
      It’s a simple game which is being made difficult by others.
      Just look at VAR. As I have said many times, it’s been a disaster since its introduction.
      Football has been in existence for many years but IFAB are constantlytrying to spoil our game.
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      They have regular meetings about law changes but are they talking to the people that matter? They are only making the game worse.
      Please leave it alone. More