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    Referee banned for LIFE for celebrating team’s title win after giving four red cards and 15 minutes of injury time

    A REFEREE has received a LIFETIME BAN for celebrating a Dutch team’s title win after handing out FOUR red cards to their opponents.Official Jan Smit, 61, was in charge of a game between St. George and SV De Valken when a bizarre conclusion took place.Referee Jan Smit was seen celebrating with St. George players and holding up the trophy following their controversial drawCredit: X / @dannykorporaalSmit sent off THREE De Valken players and a member of their coaching staff, while he also added on 15 minutes to the end of the game. St. George trailed heading into stoppage time, but keeper Dave Laan eventually equalised for the title-chasing side.This proved to be enough to seal the championship, before Smit was then seen celebrating with the St. George players.One video which has emerged on social media even showed Smit getting on the podium and lifting up the trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is also said to have sung songs during the jubilant scenes.De Valken filed a complaint against the football referee – who was previously suspended in 2021 for “improper behaviour”.And the Dutch FA, the KNVB, have now handed him a lifetime ban.A statement from KNVB spokesperson Daan Schippers read: “We have received several complaints after Sunday’s match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This morning we called Mr Smit and told him that he is no longer allowed to referee matches.”We expect a neutral attitude from a referee and that both teams are treated with respect. That is of course where this attitude belongs.”SunSport expert Martin Lipton reacts to shock new Premier League financial rulesBut Smit has hit back at the decision by insisting he does not feel he was in the wrong.Speaking to NH Nieuws, he said: “I wasn’t partying with the players at all. I just sang a song and held up the bowl once. That’s the only thing.”I find it too sad for words that the KNVB is removing me for that reason. It’s laughable.”KNVB has not done any research and only watched one video.”I assume that the whistling is now over, but I will no longer get on my knees like I did two years ago.” More

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    ‘Prime example to get rid of VAR’ moan Newcastle fans as Anthony Gordon shows off gruesome scar after failing to win pen

    OUTRAGED Anthony Gordon joined fans in blasting VAR after suffering a “really sore” injury in a huge penalty controversy.Gordon was left with a nasty heel graze and huge rip in his sock as Sofyan Amrabat floored him in Manchester United’s 3-2 home Premier League win.”I don’t understand what the point of VAR is then” 😳Anthony Gordon vents over VAR and it’s decision to not give Newcastle a penalty ❌ pic.twitter.com/al4CCooNds— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2024

    Amrabat was unpunished for this challenge on GordonCredit: Premier LeagueSky Sports pundit Wayne Rooney was among viewers insisting it should have been a spot-kick – hours after Prem clubs learned they will vote next month on whether to ditch video replays.And Gordon went much further afterwards – delivering a scathing verdict.The winger, who had also fired a brilliant but temporary equaliser, told Sky: “I’ve watched the incident back – it’s a clear penalty.”I don’t mind the referees getting it wrong on the pitch because it’s a difficult decision – things happen very quickly.READ MORE TOP STORIES”But I don’t understand what the point of VAR is then because it’s there to correct mistakes.”He goes down my Achilles and pushed me in the back, then Casemiro comes and gets the ball – but there’s two fouls before that.”Fans were divided on Gordon’s penalty shout – but one observer claimed the saga was a “prime example to get rid of VAR”.The English Euro 2024 hopeful snaked through the middle, with Amrabat trailing in his wake before lunging in.Most read in FootballGordon reckons Amrabat fouled him TWICECredit: Premier LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCasemiro – converted from midfield to central defence – then tidied up as Gordon slipped over.Many fans reckon Amrabat DID rake the Toon hero’s heel as he challenged.VAR is ruining football and must be ditched, says 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst – so would it have ruled out THAT goal?One posted: “Clear as day penalty. But will never happen at Old Trafford.”Another wrote: “VAR is once again the star of the show, as Newcastle were denied a penalty after replays showed Amrabat stepping on the back of Gordon.”A third added: “It was a penalty, not gonna lie.”And United legend Rooney said: “I think it’s a penalty. Casemiro does well but Amrabat catches him on his heel.”But other observers argued there was minimal contact – and not enough for a spot-kick.One posted: “Explain why its a penalty please? Casemiro perfectly tackled him and Amrabat grazed him.”Another hit back at pro-penalty protestors by saying: “Literally won the ball but you do you.”Gordon’s injury was clear to seeCredit: Premier League More

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    World’s sexiest ref Claudia Romani shows off her bum in stunning bikini as fans call her ‘amazingly sexy’

    CLAUDIA ROMANI left little to the imagination as she stunned fans with her latest bikini snaps.Romani – who is a fully certified referee – is no stranger to wowing her legion of followers with racy photos on social media.Claudia Romani is the ‘World’s Sexiest Referee’ who regularly flaunts her taut figureCredit: SPLASHThe 42-year-old recently shared more seductive snaps with her 1.3million Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIThe Italian-American is supremely confident about her figureCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIRomani treated her fans to a cheeky snap of her backsideCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIBut she sent them into a real tizzy with her latest series of saucy snaps.The 42-year-old shared a string of pulse-racing photos of herself in various seductive poses on Instagram on Saturday evening.Romani flaunted her backside – which was barely covered by her thong bikini bottoms – in three of the snaps.Her bikini bra was covered by a black and white chequered top, which she perhaps wore to remind her followers of her refereeing credentials.READ MORE ON CLAUDIA ROMANIRomani’s accompanying caption for the post, which included three love-heart emojis, read: “More from last weekend.”Hordes of the Italian-American’s fans were quick to comment, with one writing: “Beautiful, spectacular.”Another said: “In splendid form.”And another said: “Amazing.”Most read in FootballClaudia Romani is no stranger to a risque oufitCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIThe former ref is often found at the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM@CLAUDIA_ROMANIOne remarked: “Amazingly sexy.”Another chimed in: “I love the view.”Stunning Italian referee Claudia Romani set pulses racing yet again after she bared all for Playboy ItalyOne of Romani’s blown-away followers simply commented: “Fabulous.”Romani’s content – which she also shares on OnlyFans – has helped her amass over 1.3MILLION followers on Instagram.She’s modelled for numerous magazines over the years, including Cosmopolitan, GQ and Playboy.Romani no longer works as a ref in Italy and spends her time living in Miami.She ditched the gig after she was publicly criticised for openly supporting Serie A giants AC Milan.Claud Romani is a fully qualified refereeCredit: SPLASHShe quit refereeing after receiving criticism for her public support of AC MilanCredit: SPLASH More

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    Forgotten ex-England and Premier League star, 33, unrecognisable with top knot as he’s sent off using new VAR protocol

    A FORMER Premier League star was sent off following a VAR trial in Australia this week.The 33-year-old defender was playing for Sydney FC in an A-League match against Central Coast Mariners when a high challenge was reviewed by the referee.A former Premier League defender was sent off in a unique VAR check this weekCredit: GettyThe referee addressed the crowd and players before brandishing the red cardCredit: GettyAfter visiting the pitchside monitor, as part of a trial, the official addressed both the players AND the crowd to explain his decision and how he came to it.The whistler said: “After review, contact was above the ankle, studs to the shin, it is a red card.”Fans took to social media to react to the unique VAR protocol, with some suggesting it should be brought into the Premier League.However, others were more in disbelief after realising who the player was who’d been given their marching orders.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Manchester City, Everton and Sunderland star Jack Rodwell saw red after making the high challenge.But some fans struggled to recognise him due to his dramatic hairstyle change.The defender is now sporting a top knot – completely different to the shaved look from his Man City and Sunderland days.Rodwell kicked off his career with Everton back in 2007 after coming through the club’s academy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJack Rodwell was the man sent off for SydneyCredit: Paramount+The ex-Man City star is now sporting a new lookCredit: GettyRodwell formerly played for Man CityCredit: Getty Images – GettyRodwell’s career path

    Everton (2007-12)
    Rodwell came through Everton’s academy before makign 109 senior appearances for the club. He was heavily praised by then-manager David Moyes after breaking into the first team.
    Man City (2012-14)
    The defender joined City in a £12million transfer from Everton in 2012. He made his debut just a few weeks later but quickly fell down the pecking order after suffering an injury. He was then limited to just 25 appearances. He did, however, win the Premier League and a League Cup with the Cityzens.
    Sunderland (2014-18)
    Rodwell’s time at Sunderland coincided with the club’s back-to-back relegations from the Premier League, meaning he received some heavy criticism from fans. Recalling the latter stages of his time with the club, Rodwell said: “I was in the process of getting thrown under the bus for being in the building. Everyone inside the club will tell you I wasn’t a bad lad. I did everything that was asked of me and more whereas other players wouldn’t have.”
    Blackburn Rovers (2018-19)
    The former England star was limited to just 22 appearances for Blackburn. He left at the end of his contract despite being offered a new deal.
    Sheffield United (2020-21)
    A month after beginning to train with the team, Rodwell officially joined Sheffield United. However, his arrival coincided with the coronavirus pandemic meaning he made just two appearances before being released.
    Western Sydney Wanderers (2021-22)
    Speaking upon his arrival at the club, Rodwell told The Athletic: “I’m here to win trophies and play in the AFC Champions League. I’m not coming here to take it easy. I want to be the best player in the league.”
    He went on to make 14 appearances.
    Sydney FC (2022-Now)
    Rodwell joined Sydney FC on a two-year deal in 2022 and has since made 24 appearances.

    He went on to make 109 senior appearances for the Toffees, scoring eight goals.In 2007 he joined Man City and spent two years at the Etihad, making 25 appearances across all competitions.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonThe centre-back then joined Sunderland and spent four years at the club before joining Blackburn Rovers.His final season in England was spent with Sheffield United, but he was limited to just two appearances in 18 months.Rodwell then moved to Australia to join Western Sydney Wanderers for a year.He made a gradual return to first team football before then transferring to Sydney FC in 2022.Rodwell was capped three times by England earlier in his career.His senior debut for the Three Lions came in November 2011.England’s starting XI on Rodwell’s debut – the defender replaced Phil Jones More

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    Premier League referee Anthony Taylor lands bizarre new job in Europe as fans say ‘ain’t no way’

    PREMIER League referee Anthony Taylor has landed a bizarre new role in the Albanian Superiore.The 45-year-old will be the man in charge of the league’s final on May 26 in Tirana.Premier League referee Anthony Taylor will take charge of the Albanian Superiore final on May 26Credit: ReutersAlbania Superiore, also known as Kategoria Superiore, is Albania’s top-tier professional football league.This Superiore is the first that will feature the four highest-placed teams facing each other in a knockout tournament to decide the 2023/24 champion.The clubs in the current running for the title are KF Egnatia, Partizani, Vllaznia and Skenderbeu.And English referee Taylor will lead the final at the end of the month in the Albanian capital. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were puzzled when they heard the news of the FIFA official’s new role.As one said: “Ain’t no way.”While another added: “April fools was a month and 2 days ago lads.”A third then put: “It’s over.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTaylor has worn the FIFA crest for over a decade and has a rich career in the world of football after presiding over high-level meetings in the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League.He has also refereed several important finals, with the Uefa Europa League final last year between Sevilla and Roma.Europa Conference League clash SUSPENDED as referee calls a halt moments into second-halfAnd also the final match of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022-2023, Real Madrid against Al-Hilal.Not to mention the Nations League final meeting of the 2020-2021 season – Spain against France.Taylor also recently led the first Champions League semi-final meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.And it set to be the man in charge for Manchester City’s away game at Craven Cottage against Fulham on Saturday. More

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    Thomas Tuchel accuses referee of breaking ‘EVERY RULE’ to deny Bayern Munich last-gasp equaliser in Real Madrid clash

    THOMAS TUCHEL has accused the referee of breaking “every rule” after he denied Bayern Munich a last-gasp equaliser against Real Madrid.The German giants were cruelly knocked out of the Champions League after Joselu struck twice in three minutes to complete a stunning late comeback.Thomas Tuchel slammed the officials after Bayern Munich lost to Real MadridCredit: GettyThe linesman raised his flag straight away to call Matthijs de Ligt offsideBut there was still time for Bayern to launch a fightback as nine minutes were added on at the end of the match.And they thought they had got their equaliser when Matthijs de Ligt struck a low shot past Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.However referee Szymon Marciniak had already blown his whistle as the linesman flagged for offside – despite the call being very tight.Linesmen are advised to delay raising their flags, particularly when the players involved are so close, as De Ligt and team-mate Noussair Mazraoui were.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision sparked outrage from the Bayern bench as a member of Tuchel’s backroom staff received a yellow card.Tuchel, who was also booked earlier in the game, fumed at the decision in his post-match press conference.He said: “I think it’s pretty clear and [there] cannot be in my opinion any doubt that it is against every rule of modern football.”The first big mistake is from the linesman, he did it in an action in overtime in an action with Alphonso Davies he did it also, he raised his flag straight away.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t know if he was offside. I got a strange feeling. To raise your flag in a situation like this when you can never be sure that this is offside, to have the guts to raise the flag in a situation like this is a huge call. And it’s the wrong call.”The referee has the chance when he sees that we win the second ball and we win the rebound and we get the shot away within five seconds, he has the chance not to whistle. He takes the decision to whistle – it is against every rule.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern Munich”We accept we lost. It is what it is but that would not have happened on the other side.”De Ligt revealed the linesman apologised for “making a mistake” after the match.He said: “This is a shame. The linesman said to me ‘I’m sorry I made a mistake’.”In the end, I’m not the type of person who wants to blame the loss or win on the referee so Madrid deserves to win because they won 2-1.”But I think, if it’s a rule, it’s a rule and that’s the only thing I can say about it.” More

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    Astonishing moment referee ignores VAR and REFUSES to send players off for two-footed tackle and punch in face

    THIS is the astonishing moment a referee ignored VAR’s recommendation and refused to send players off following chaos on the pitch.Uruguayan giants Nacional and Argentine aces River Plate played out a fiery Copa Libertadores group stage game on Tuesday night.A ref failed to produce a red card for a shocking tackle during a fiery South American matchCredit: FOX Sports via X formerly TwitterThe official also ignored VAR regarding a clear punch to the face during a mass brawlCredit: FOX Sports via X formerly TwitterVisitors River took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pegged back late on by two goals in as many minutes from Nacional’s Gonzalo Carneiro.However, things could have turned out differently had the referee opted to show several red cards earlier in the match.With River ahead 2-0 early in the second half, chaos reigned when Nacional’ player’s Leandro Lozano launched an outrageous two-footed lunge on an opponent.The naughty footballer left the floor as he walloped the River star, who cried out in pain from the resulting challenge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis sparked a massive on-field melee between stars from both sides, with plenty of pushing and shoving.It quickly escalated as several punches were thrown, with footage showing River’s Paulo Diaz being punched in the face by Franco Romero of Nacional.And VAR quickly interjected to tell the ref to look at the pitch-side monitor for a potential two red cards.The official took his time on the sideline, watching several replays of the tackle and resulting brawl.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, in incredible scenes, Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco opted not to send anybody off.Instead, he dished out several yellows to keep the wild flow of the game going.River Plate to be punished after fans shot SEA FLARES and Boca Juniors players had to leave under riot police shields River were left fuming that Nacional escaped red cards in the Copa Libertadores gameCredit: FOX Sports via X formerly TwitterNacional kept all their players on the pitch before sealing a 2-2 comebackCredit: FOX Sports via X formerly TwitterUnlike in Europe, South American continental tournaments release VAR audio footage of key incidents after the match.And this was done by Conmebol for the Nacional vs River Plate incident (Portuguese with Spanish subtitles).The footage shows that Daronco felt that excessive force was used by Lozano in the two-footed tackle, but as the player got the ball it was only worthy of a yellow card.The official was then heard asking for the real-time rather than slow-motion footage of the brawl which saw Romero punch Diaz in the face.After being given the footage, he concluded that this incident was also only worthy of a yellow card.But despite recommending two potential red cards, there was also criticism of the VAR team.That’s because the referee was greeted with complete silence when he informed them that he was going to give two yellow cards, when normally the VAR team would be expected to respond.River fans were not happy at all, especially as the lack of serious action eventually led to Nacional rescuing a draw.One said: “A shame due to the refereeing errors.”Another declared: “That’s a red card.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “The tackle and the punch were red, these errors cannot just remain like this.”Another added: “Everything is against us, they robbed us with VAR showing everything.” More

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    Referee Daniele Orsato breaks down in tears on pitch after PSG vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League semi-final

    REFEREE Daniele Orsato broke down in tears after Borussia Dortmund faced Paris Saint-Germain.The veteran official appeared emotional after the full-time whistle as the Bundesliga side knocked out PSG.Daniele Orsato was emotional after Borussia Dortmund vs PSGCredit: XIt was the last Champions League game he would officiateCredit: GettyDortmund progressed to the final of the Champions League at Wembley Stadium with a 2-0 aggregate win.As well as PSG, Orsato will not be at the final and the match at the Parc des Princes was the last Champions League game of his career.He was hailed on social media after the match.One fan posted: “It was the last Champions League game for Daniele Orsato. Euro 2024 will be the last tournament as Fifa referee. Thank you, Daniele, for everything!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second wrote: “Top Ref… Refs for the game.”A third commented: “Woow, congratulations, one of the greatest referees who officiates wonderful matches in a beautiful game.”A fourth said: “Excellent referee. The standard in Europe seems to be at a very high level.”Another added: “A top-class referee whose experience will be sorely missed when he retires.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOrsato, 48, will referee at Euro 2024 and that will be the last competition of his career before he hangs up his whistle.He started refereeing in 2010 and has officiated matches at World Cups and Euro tournaments.Watch Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi’s insane skill before PSG clash leave Mats Hummels on floor in shock During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar he was slammed by Croatia captain Luka Modric after he lost the semi-final to Argentina.The midfielder described the referee as “one of the worst” and labelled his performance as a “disaster”.He is one of 18 referees from across Europe who will be at the Euros in Germany this summer.Euro 2024 officating teamHere is the full list of officials who have been selected for the tournament
    Referees:

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

    VARS:

    Stuart Attwell (England)
    David Coote (England)
    Jérôme Brisard (France)
    Willy Delajod (France)
    Bastian Dankert (Germany)
    Christian Dingert (Germany)
    Marco Fritz (Germany)
    Massimiliano Irrati (Italy)
    Paolo Valeri (Italy)
    Rob Dieperink (Netherlands)
    Pol van Boekel (Netherlands)
    Bartosz Frankowski (Poland)
    Tomasz Kwiatkowski (Poland)
    Tiago Martins (Portugal)
    Catalin Popa (Romania)
    Nejc Kajtazovic (Slovenia)
    Alejandro José Hernández Hernández (Spain)
    Juan Martínez Munuera (Spain)
    Fedayi San (Switzerland)

    Support match officials:

    Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
    Senad Ibrišimbegović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
    Donatas Rumsas (Lithuania)
    Aleksandr Radiuš (Lithuania)
    Serdar Gozubuyuk (Netherlands)
    Johan Balder (Netherlands)
    Espen Eskås (Norway)
    Jan Erik Engan (Norway)
    Rade Obrenovic (Slovenia)
    Jure Praprotnik (Slovenia)
    Mykola Balakin (Ukraine)
    Oleksandr Berkut (Ukraine) More