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      Who is Michael Oliver? Premier League referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Michael Oliver is one of the English game’s most experienced officials.And he’ll be the man in the middle throughout Euro 2024 as one of the top refs in the game.English referee Michael Oliver will be in the middle at Euro 2024Who is Michael Oliver?Born in Ashington, Northumberland, , on February 20, 1985, Michael Oliver began refereeing at the age of 14 after being introduced to it by his father.By 2007 he had become the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley stadium when he whistled the Conference National play-off final.Oliver continued to break records becoming the youngest-ever Football League referee and youngest Premier League fourth official.In 2010, Oliver became the youngest ever Prem referee at the age of 25 years and 182 days old when he officiated Birmingham City’s game with Blackburn Rovers.READ MORE ON MICHAEL OLIVERHe is one of the most experienced referees in the Premier League having taken charge of 372 matches in the top flight.He was used as an official in both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup and has officiated over 50 Champions League and Europa League matches.Oliver was also in charge for the 2018 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United – which was notable for the absence of Prince William who was attending the wedding of his brother Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.He officiated again in the 2021 final in which Leicester defeated Chelsea.Most read in Euro 2020He has also taken charge of matches in the United Arab Emirates Pro League.In 2023 he officiated the game between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal for a reported £3,000.Italy football legend Marcello Lippi sympathises for Gianluigi Buffon after being sent off in final ever Champions League match by Michael Oliver In the 2023/2024 season, the referee came under huge scrutiny after failing to award Liverpool a penalty during the 1-1 draw with Man City at Anfield.He made headlines again in April 2024 over a penalty decision during a London derby between Arsenal and Spurs.In 2024, it was revealed he was one of the main referees at the Euros in Germany.His assistants have been named as Stuart Burt and Dan Cook.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Mark Clattenburg admits Nottingham Forest role was not a success after humiliating ‘Luton fan’ VAR row

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      MARK CLATTENBURG claims he quit his consultancy role at Nottingham Forest because he was causing more controversy and confusion than was healthy for the club.The former Premier League referee was handed his ground-breaking job by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis in February.Mark Clattenburg has opened up on his time as a refereeing consultant at Nottingham ForestCredit: PABut he stepped down three months later in the wake of the club’s furious statement on X claiming they had “warned,” the PGMOL that VAR Stuart Attwell supported relegation rivals Luton, after they were denied three penalties against Everton.Asked whether his role had been a success, Clattenburg, 49, told BBC Radio Five Live: “No, because if you look it caused more problems than it did good.”There were certain things that we implemented within the club, certain ways to give a sporting edge to Nottingham Forest, but there seemed to be a huge outcry from certain people, certain bodies, certain companies.”It was just highlighted week in, week out.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClattenburg claims there was a “misinterpretation,” of his role at the City Ground and that his remit was wider than simply advising the club on refereeing.He found himself embroiled in two major controversies.He spoke out publicly in March after referee Paul Tierney wrongly handed possession back to Liverpool following an injury to Ibrahima Konate, when Forest had the ball in the attacking third of the pitch.Liverpool surged down to the other end of the pitch and Darwin Nunez struck a 99th minute winner to Forest’s fury.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPremier League sides deducted points and others at risk
      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
      Everton
      Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
      Everton (again)
      The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.

      He followed that up by publicly slamming the officiating during Forest’s defeat at Everton in April, when the visitor’s were denied three strong penalty claims.He fell on his sword shortly afterwards, claiming he had become: “more of a hindrance than a help,” to Forest.Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk More

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      Worrying new footage shows moment Deontay Wilder gets brutally KO’d by Zhilei Zhang while COMPLAINING to referee

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      A NEW worrying angle of Deontay Wilder’s brutal knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang has emerged.The former long-reigning WBC heavyweight champion suffered his second loss in a row to the Chinese clubber in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.Deontay Wilder was knocked out by Zhilei Zhang in their Riyadh rumbleCredit: GETTYFresh footage from the fight showed Wilder complaining to the ref after getting hurtCredit: X@DAZNZhang pounced to send the former champion to the canvasCredit: X@DAZNWilder, 37, was stunned by a big counter right hand in the fifth round before being flattened by a huge follow-up hook.The Bronze Bomber beat the count but the referee saved him from taking additional punishment by waving off the contest.And fresh footage of the knockout revealed just how badly hurt the American was.A newly-released angle of the stoppage from DAZN showed that Wilder was complaining to the referee before Zhang floored him.READ MORE IN BOXINGBoxing fans were quick to comment on the clip, with one saying: “What was he complaining about?”Another said: “TF he complaining about? Got hit with a perfect counter right hook.”And another said: “Turned his back talking to the ref? Come on Wilder.”One remarked: “Feel sorry for Deontay, but what was he complaining about? [The] game was still on.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDeontay Wilder’s future is unclear after four losses in his last five fightsCredit: GETTYAnother chimed in: “Wilder is done!! Dude should have learned to box.”Wilder didn’t protest the stoppage, although he repeatedly said “I’m fine” to head coach Malik Scott in the aftermath of his latest loss.Deontay Wilder back in training after Joseph Parker loss Defeat to Zhang was the Alabama slammer’s FOURTH in his last five outings in the ring.Three of those losses have come by way of knockout, with two being inflicted on him by long-time rival Tyson Fury.Speaking after picking up one of the biggest wins of his career, Zhang said: “I would like to thank every friend who came here over the world and fans in China.”It is midnight there and you are watching me.”I lost to [Joseph] Parker, it was a fair loss. He was the better man that night. “I’ve learned since then. As long as the bell doesn’t ring, stay focused.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have to pretend Wilder didn’t have a right hand and I successfully took it away.”Wilder punches hard, I give him a lot of respect.” More

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      Who is Champions League final referee Slavko Vincic?

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      REFEREE Slavko Vincic will be officiating the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.The crunch clash takes place on Saturday, June 1 at London’s Wembley Stadium.Slavko Vincic will officiate the Champions League final at WembleyCredit: The TimesThis will be Vincic’s second Uefa final after the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyVincic will be joined by fellow Slovenians Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, who will work as his assistants.Their compatriot Nejc Kajtazoovic will be the VAR referee with countryman Rade Oblenovic as his assistant.And Italian Massimiliano Irrati has been appointed as VAR support.But what should Real and Dortmund fans expect from Vincic? SunSport bring you all the information…Read More on FootballWho is Slavko Vincic?A native of Maribor, Vincic turned professional in 2007 making his debut in Slovenia’s top flight.Vincic was turned international in 2010 and was included in the Slovenian officiating team at Euro 2012 as an unused additional assistant.The 44-year-old has been a Fifa accredited referee since 2010 and has regularly officiated in the Champions League as well as the Europa League and he also took charge of games at Euro 2020.This won’t be the first Uefa final he referees as he was also appointed for the 2022 Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat about his booking record?Vincic refereed 23 games this season across Slovenian competitions and European fixtures, handing out 91 yellow cards, one red card and two penalties. The majority of those yellow cards came in Slovenia’s Prva Liga, handing out 55 bookings in 13 games.Jude Bellingham FaceTimes brother Jobe from Bernabeu pitch before scoring wonder goal for Real MadridBoth penalties also took place in the Slovenian top flight.Vincic was assigned five Champions League matches this season, handing out 19 yellow cards in the process. He has also refereed two knockout games – that was Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Lazio in the second leg of the round of 16 and Dortmund’s 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the quarter-finals.How to live stream the Champions League final for FREE
      Since 2016, TNT Sports have live streamed the match on YouTube, but that will change this year.
      Now, you can live stream the Champions League final for FREE via the discovery+ app/website.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      Football could be hit by most radical change to offside law in 30 YEARS as Wenger presses ahead with ‘daylight’ rule

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      ARSENE WENGER is set to press ahead with the most radical rule change football has seen in more than 30 years as he looks to implement his “daylight” offside law. The former Arsenal boss is Fifa’s chief of global football development.Arsene Wenger is set to press ahead with his radical offside proposalCredit: GettyThe player above would NOT be offside using the new ruleCredit: DirectTVSportsHe has been a major advocate for a huge change to the offside rule that will effectively mean there has to be “daylight” between attacker and defender for an offside offence.The new rule dictates if any part of an attacker’s body that can score — head, torso or legs — is still in line with the defender then they should be judged onside.Wenger, 74, has viewed results from trials for the new rule – performed in Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands – as positive, according to The Times.And he is now set to propose this new offside law to football lawmakers at the International FA Board (Ifab).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe most recent big change to the offside law came in 1990, when Scotland successfully proposed that attackers could be onside if they are level with defenders instead of behind them.Ex-Arsenal vice chairman David Dein backed the proposal when attending the Fifa congress in Bangkok last week, calling it “refreshingly innovative”.However, ex-Portugal star Luis Figo, who is now head of Uefa’s Football Board, is understood to be among those with reservations to the idea.Speaking in 2020, Wenger said: “There is room to change the rule and not say that a part of a player’s nose is offside, so you are offside because you can score with that. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Instead, you will be not offside if any part of the body that can score a goal is in line with the last defender, even if other parts of the attacker’s body are in front.”That will sort it out and you will no longer have decisions about millimetres and a fraction of the attacker being in front of the defensive line.”Rules of football under review after unknown Swedish club find loophole in offside lawWenger also wants to introduce kick-ins in the defensive half if they are taken within five seconds to help speed up play. More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk referee Mark Nelson BARELY FLINCHES as he takes brutal right hook to chin

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk’s upcoming dream match promises to be one for the ages.And that is why tonight’s bout in Saudi Arabia needs a referee that can take everything thrown his way – literally and figuratively.Referee Mark Nelson went viral in 2016 when he took a literal punch to the faceCredit: X/SkySportsBoxingNelson officiated a boxing match between Maciej Sulecki and Hugo Centeno JrCredit: X/SkySportsBoxingNelson will officiate the dream match between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson FuryCredit: EPAFury and Usyk promise to be a handful for Nelson in Saudi ArabiaCredit: EPAIt seems that the powers that be have taken that on board and hired experienced official Mark Nelson for the job to keep the two undefeated heavyweights in line.Nelson has officiated over 100 world titles throughout his long career and has also proven capable of dealing with all sorts of unpleasantness in the ring.Such was the case back in 2016 during a match that saw the American taking a devastating punch to the face and barely flinching.Nelson refereed a grudge match between Maciej Sulecki and Hugo Centeno Jr eight years ago.Read More on BoxingAnd it was during the seventh round when Centeno accidentally caught the ref square on the chin with a right hook after Sulecki pushed him to the canvas.But Nelson was completely unmoved and continued with his job that saw him ultimately raising Sulecki’s hand in victory.The infamous highlight has resurfaced ahead of the highly-anticipated clash between Fury and Usyk, and boxing fans are certain he is the right man to call this fight right down the middle.Some of them even claimed Nelson has a stronger chin than famous British boxer Amir Khan.Most read in BoxingOne fan tweeted: “Blimey he took that well.”Another commented: “Took it well tbh.”Tyson Fury REFUSES to look at Oleksandr Usyk during Press Conference stare downA third said: “Got a better chin than Amir Khan.”This fan wrote: “Ooof, he took it like a champ! I’d be out cold for a week.”And that one stated: “Stayed on his feet. Fairs.”Colin Hart on Fury vs Usyk
      This Little and Large affair is likely to be messy and more mundane than memorable with lots of clinches and Usyk using mind over matter as his most potent weapon.
      Logically there is no way the Gypsy King should lose — that old adage about a good big-un always beating a good little-un was coined for good reason.
      If it was the Fury of three years ago when he KO’d Deontay Wilder in the last of their unforgettable trilogy then I believe Usyk — despite his masterful skills and boxing brain — would be facing a painful defeat.
      But there was evidence seven  months ago  when Fury was lucky to get a debateable points win after crude MMA novice Francis Ngannou had floored him, that his powers may be in decline.
      The young Fury would never have been caught by Ngannou’s left hook that sent him to the canvas.
      It will be no surprise if Fury uses his height and weight advantage to physically wear Usyk  out.
      But my gut feeling is Usyk is clever enough to keep out the way of Fury’s big punches and earn a close but decisive points victory.
      Talking to boxing people and fans this week I have the impression Fury is losing popularity — not helped by his father John’s headbutting antics — and not too many tears will be shed if he should lose.
      Read the full Colin Hart column here More

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      ‘Maybe it’s time to give it the boot’ – West Ham CEO joins VAR criticism ahead of landmark Premier League vote

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      To VAR or not to VAR, that is the question.Well, it will be next month when all 20 Premier League clubs will decide what to do about the most controversial new plaything in football since they invented the ref’s whistle. Not quite, but you get my point.Referees like Michael Salisbury must wait to see if the plug will be pulled on VAR next season by a vote from Prem clubs next monthCredit: RexThe use of video replays has divided opinion amongst pundits and fansYou don’t need a PhD in human behaviour, or even more baffling, the handball laws, to realise VAR has not been a universal success.It was supposed to iron out the mistakes, make the game fairer for all and improve the overall experience for fans. To put it plainly, it has done none of that.At West Ham, any decision on which way to vote has not yet been decided but in many ways VAR has been a disaster, especially for the lifeblood of the game, the supporters.I have lost count of the number of times fans have said to me, ‘please get rid of it’ — and I can sympathise.READ MORE TOP STORIESSupporters pay good money to be entertained and sitting there waiting for interminable minutes for a  decision from Stockley Park has been driving many bonkers.My real problem with VAR is this — it was intended to eliminate mistakes and yet week in, week out, it does no such thing.Errors are being made all over the Prem and against every club.Fans can deal with the human error of the ref because they understand that we all make mistakes and they accept refs make honest mistakes.Most read in FootballLong delays for decisions as well as bad errors have irked critics of VARCredit: AFPBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat they find hard to understand is how a so-called expert, in a room many miles away, with countless TV angles, can get it wrong, so often.That is my principal beef with VAR and over the five years it has been with us, it has not got much better or quicker, despite the fact that every season there have been assurances it will improve.Man United defender Harry Maguire wants VAR SCRAPPED…except in ONE way and gives Fury vs Usyk predictionAlso, VAR was introduced to avoid ‘clear and obvious errors’. We would all agree it has not been used for that.We have had instances where errors have not been corrected which a blind man could have spotted.Added to that, VAR has also punished clubs when their players have done nothing wrong. Those who back VAR say it works on offside ‘line’ decisions. But can they honestly say the Coventry FA Cup semi-final ‘winner’ wasn’t a goal because their player was a gnat’s whisker offside. Surely it is impossible to accurately record EXACTLY when a ball left the passer’s boot.Wolves have asked for the vote and, as a league shareholder, they have every right to do so.And I don’t think it is just a Wanderers whinge following a succession of decisions that went against them — most of us feel like that.I think they genuinely want to see a return to the days when refs got it right almost all the time and we could live with that.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.

      Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special
      Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
      A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR
      Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
      Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch
      Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards
      Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long
      Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league
      Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption

      If we cannot improve VAR then I don’t see why we shouldn’t get rid because so many fans say it is  spoiling the game they love.Your team scores now and what do you do? You sit on your hands hoping the VAR chappie in Stockley Park hasn’t spotted anything.Beforehand, there was an instant decision from either the ref or his assistant. They got it wrong sometimes — but very rarely — and you could celebrate  like a raving banshee.The stakes are high and every place in the Premier League is worth millions.So yes, I can see the argument that we want to get as many decisions right as possible. But if VAR is not doing that then we should  seriously consider its future.Refs make mistakes and so does VAR. Maybe if VAR was adjudged by ex-players who know the game inside out, there may be an improvement.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho knows better than an ex-player if a handball is deliberate or not? I watched Sky Sports’ coverage in midweek and three ex-players, Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane and Andy Cole, all said, “it’s killing the game”.Fans don’t want it, players past and present don’t want it, so maybe it is time to give VAR the boot. More

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      Gary Lineker outlines radical proposal to fix VAR that would ‘add to the drama’ as he says ‘I would vote for that’

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      GARY LINEKER has suggested a radical idea in order to fix VAR.Premier League clubs are set to vote on the future of the system following a complaint from Wolves.Premier League clubs will vote on the future of VARCredit: ReutersGary Lineker has his own idea of how to fix the systemCredit: AlamyLineker, 63, believes he has the solution to fix the video assistant referee system.The former England striker thinks that an appeal system would help “add to the drama” in football.Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “The only way out of this mess, and I think they should keep offside and goal-line technology.”But I think you either scrap the rest of it or, more realistically, you take it to an appeal system.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”You limit the amount of times that VAR can intervene. It can not intervene unless someone appeals.”It has to be the captain and they have got to tell you what they are appealing for.”It does not mean there is a goal and you have got to find some kind of foul somewhere.”They have to stipulate what the foul is, the captain does it, and if it is a foul then it is a foul, there is no bar.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It is the decision that the VAR and the referee come to.”Maybe one appeal a half, but it stops VAR coming into every possible corner that comes in.”It stops all those things.”You can have 20 seconds to do the appeal and it would add to the drama.”You can get it on the screens and all that kind of stuff.”It won’t be where every single goal is looked at.”Lineker has a different view to the likes of Harry Maguire.The Manchester United defender wants the system to be scrapped for penalties and red cards.Wayne Rooney agrees with Maguire as he wants to see VAR “gone”.VAR: The great debate
      Martin Lipton’s pro VAR view
      FAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.
      After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.
      A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.
      And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.
      Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.
      But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”
      Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.
      Dan King’s anti VAR view
      THREE cheers and a hearty slap on the back for Wolves chairman Jeff Shi.
      For mentioning the unmentionable,  for speaking commonsense to deaf ears, for proposing that VAR should be scrapped.
      Shi is doomed to failure. His suggestion is unlikely to even go to a vote at next month’s Premier League AGM.
      And if it does get that far, it has a cat in hell’s chance of receiving the two-thirds majority required to carry such a radical proposal.But in one statement on Wednesday, Shi proved that he will be the brightest man in that meeting room.
      He claimed VAR ‘has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand’.
      And he is absolutely spot on.
      The argument against VAR is wide-ranging and yet completely basic.
      If you believe that football is a sport, to be enjoyed in all its spontaneous, high-tempo glory, then you are against VAR.
      If you believe that football is a business, that it is far more important than a mere game, that forensic evidence must be applied, that we must reach the closest point to ultimate justice at all costs — and if you also believe that match-going supporters are irrelevant — then you are in favour of VAR. More