Refereeing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 300 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      VAR ruins football & must be ditched, says 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst – so would it have ruled out THAT goal?

      by

      VAR is ruining football and must go, according to Sir Geoff Hurst, scorer of the most controversial goal in history. But England’s 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero says goal-line technology, which may have ruled out his second strike, should stay.Sir Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick secured England the 1966 World CupCredit: ColorsportSir Geoff says goal-line technology, which may have ruled out his second strike, should stayHowever he thinks VAR is ruining football and called it a ‘joke’Credit: ITNThe 82-year-old insisted he is a fan of modern tech but called VAR a “joke” that delays the game and stops fans from properly celebrating a goal.He said: “They are making more bad decisions now and you don’t want to see people take ages to make a decision. “It’s ruining the spectacle, and the fans can’t cheer.“It’s actually spoiling the game.”read more on footballDebate still rages over whether Sir Geoff’s second goal against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley did actually cross the line.And 44 years later he was in South Africa to witness Frank Lampard’s 2010 World Cup goal against the Germans being famously ruled out, despite being well over the line.Sir Geoff recalled: “I was the opposite side to the linesman and I could see the ball bounce halfway between the goal-line and the back of the net.“That was the most disgraceful decision we’ve seen in football and then they introduced goal-line technology.”Most read in FootballHe predicts big things for Gareth Southgate’s boys at the Euros next month — especially Jude Bellingham.He said: “The bunch of young players are the best we’ve had since 1966. England legend Sir Geoff Hurst reveals his damning thoughts on VAR“We’ve got quality players in all positions and his biggest issue is he can only pick 11 of them.“If you have to pick one player out, I would say Jude Bellingham.“He is doing astonishingly well for a 20-year-old. “He is in the same category as people like George Best and Bobby Charlton.”Sir Geoff revealed he uses his iPad to watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer — but skips the post-match analysis.He said: “I think they spend too much time on punditry, which is just one person’s opinion. “There are some awful commentators who don’t know what to say and so they just waffle on.”The football legend — the last survivor from the 1966 triumph — is now encouraging other older folk to learn digital skills to improve their quality of life.Sir Geoff, who teamed up with BT and AbilityNet, said: “I do internet banking and use the Trainline app to buy tickets. “I use technology to keep up with family, to send photos and we have a WhatsApp group called Family Bantz.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But if I’ve got an issue with something, I go to my children or grand-children — it’s as simple as that.“And if I get something that could be a scam I bin it.” More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is referee Jarred Gillett wearing a camera for Crystal Palace vs Man Utd?

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED travel to South East London to face Crystal Palace TONIGHT!And referee Jarred Gillett will sport a video camera during the huge Premier League clash at Selhurst Park – but what’s the reason behind the use of technology?Premier League official Jarred Gillett will wear a video camera for Crystal Palace vs Man UtdWhy is referee Jarred Gillett wearing a camera for Crystal Palace vs Man Utd?Premier League official Jarred Gillett will wear a ‘RefCam’ for tonight’s clash between Crystal Palace and Man Utd.The video will be used in a one-off program that provides insight into officiating in the top flight of English football.Footage caught on Gillett’s camera will not be broadcast live during the match but will be released to fans at a later date.The RefCam has been used in the Bundesliga this season with ref Daniel Schlager sporting the camera during a 2-2 draw between Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg in February.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat did the Premier League say about the RefCam?A statement from the Premier League read: “This footage will not be broadcast live but fans will be able to view it later in the year as part of a programme being produced by Premier League Productions (PLP) aimed at offering further insight and education into the demands of officiating in the Premier League.”The technology comprises a head-mounted device which is integrated into the usual referee communications system.”Its one-off use for educational purposes has been approved by The IFAB, the Premier League, PGMOL and both clubs.”We would like to thank Crystal Palace and Manchester United for their support with this project.”Most read in FootballHow to watch Crystal Palace vs Man Utd?
      Crystal Palace vs Man Utd will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
      You can live stream the action on the NOW TV and Sky Go apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can follow the match via SunSport’s live blog. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League referee to wear never-before-seen equipment ON HIS HEAD tonight for Crystal Palace vs Man Utd clash

      by

      A PREMIER LEAGUE referee will wear a camera on his HEAD for tonight’s clash between Manchester United and Crystal Palace.Jarred Gillet is set to wear the head-mounted device, dubbed ‘RefCam’, for the game at Selhurst Park.Referee Jarred Gillett will wear a bodycam when he officiates Crystal Palace vs Manchester UnitedThe headset will record Palace vs Man Utd as the match unfolds but it will not be broadcast live.Instead the footage will be used for a one-off edition of the programme Match Officials Mic’d Up.The show, which is broadcast on Sky Sports, delves into contentious refereeing decisions, with PGMOL chief Howard Webb featuring on it recently and admitting Nottingham Forest were wrongly denied a penalty against Everton last month.The bodycam has received approval for a one-off usage by the IFAB, Premier League, PGMOL and both clubs.Both sets of players will be made aware of the camera and may have to tone down their usual interactions with the ref.Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has a reputation for passionately expressing his views to officials during matches.Gillett has previously been part of experimentation on the pitch when he was mic’d up for an A-League clash between Sydney FC and Melbourne City.A video of Gillett communicating with players over various decisions from the game went viral, with the ref revealing he was not aware he was going to be broadcast live on TV.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “It is interesting because the mic situation, I wasn’t broadcast live on TV in terms of when the game was being played that night and I wasn’t even aware that my comms were going to be used in the way they were after the game.“Actually, what has been produced afterwards and put out was genuine, legitimate, and I wasn’t even aware that was going to happen so in terms of the authenticity and how the comms were, that is just our regular communication kit that we use every week. It is the same here.Ref announces VAR decision tin stadium for first time in Women’s World Cup“Those exchanges that happen with players are commonplace, it is just they are not heard because the broadcast of comms at the moment isn’t permitted to happen live. “There is a little bit of secrecy around those sorts of exchanges that happen between players and referees. For me, that was just normal.” More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I was the youngest referee in World Snooker Championship history – it went horribly wrong when a streaker caused mayhem

      by

      PAUL COLLIER says farewell to snooker refereeing on Monday night – and he is praying it is less eventful than his first world final.The Welshman has the honour of being in the middle as Kyren Wilson and Jak Jones battle it out over two days for the £500,000 top prize.Referee Paul Collier stands behind Ronnie O’Sullivan and Graeme Dott ahead of the Embassy World Snooker finalA streaker was a nuisance for Collier before the fourth and final sessionThis is his fourth final at the highest level but his first in 2004 was famously interrupted by a male STREAKER before the fourth and final session.Some hairy-a***d bloke jumped out of the crowd, whipped off his shirt and trousers and then tried to hide under the table before being escorted away by security.Collier, 53, recalled: “I was the youngest referee of a world final at the time, it was quite an experience for me.“I’d never done the one-table before and normally everybody does a semi-final then a final, but I was straight into a final.Read more snooker news“I’ve seen bits of it back. It was unfortunate because it was the year we had the streaker and that idiot came out of the crowd.“I’m focused ready for the last session of the final and this bloke’s crawling round naked under the table.“If you look at it I’ve hit him with the rest as we’re trying to get him out from underneath.“It broke the atmosphere. You don’t expect that. It would be nice not to have one this time!”Most read in FootballCollier will ref low-level Q School matches in Leicester this month but then hangs up his gloves and black tie for good to become a tournament director on the World Snooker Tour.Between 2005 and 2011, he took a break from the sport, disillusioned by the then rulemakers, and he ran a snooker club in his home town, sold cars and bought a café.World Snooker Championship referee Marcel Eckardt suffers official’s worst nightmare after Jak Jones missOff-the-baize, it has been a difficult couple of years with mum Shirley dying in 2021.And then he had to give his wife, his “beloved Dragon”, emergency CPR when her heart stopped at a dinner party – thankfully she is okay these days.Like in football, a good ref is one you barely notice because they have not made a mistake or become the main talking point.Yet Collier, who can spend more time with his grandkids, does not want VAR to become a mainstay in the sport.The Newport-based official, who oversaw Mark Selby’s triumphs in 2016 and 2021, said: “I was on the wrong end of one of these calls at the Tour Championship when Gary Wilson was playing and I made a call.“I called it as I’d seen it and it turned out after 20 replays I’d got it wrong.“It was raised at the time, ‘can you look at the replay?’“What people don’t realise is we don’t have that technology yet.“If the TV company can queue it up in time, you end up watching it on one of the floor cameras viewfinders. You can’t always tell on that, you don’t know.“My view is why do you want to stop play for four or five minutes and you might not get an answer anyway.“It’s not like I didn’t see it, I saw it. I made a decision. On reflection I got it wrong.Paul Collier says his goodbyes to the Crucible before the World Snooker Championship final“I’m not a big football fan. I follow rugby union, which has TMO. That frustrates the hell out of me because it takes so long.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When you’re at the game, the amount of time you don’t know what’s happening because you haven’t got an earpiece and can’t listen to it.“I’d like to stay away from it in snooker. But it’s gutting when you get it wrong.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch ‘worst sending off EVER’ as commentator is left stunned and player is humiliated after VAR review

      by

      REFEREE Ruddy Buquet astonished fans, players and commentators alike as he bafflingly sent Metz star Georges Mikautadze off last night.The Ligue 1 relegation strugglers were in action against Rennes at Stade Saint-Symphorien.Arnaud Kalimuendo collided with Georges MikautadzeCredit: X / @FOOTBALLONTNTThe forward threw himself to the turfCredit: X / @FOOTBALLONTNTMikautadze, 23, was sent off by referee Ruddy BuguetCredit: AFPThe striker waited in the tunnel to learn his fateCredit: X / @FOOTBALLONTNTAs he thought he would be allowed back on, the Georgian was stoppedCredit: X / @FOOTBALLONTNTMetz trailed 3-2 in the closing stages, after Arnaud Kalimuendo’s 93rd minute goal for the visitors.Things then went from bad to worse for Laszlo Boloni’s side, as talisman Mikautadze was shown a straight red card in the 96th minute.Replays clearly showed that the Georgian and Kalimendo had innocuously bumped into each other, with the latter going down theatrically.Mikautadze made his way down the tunnel, only for VAR to instruct Buquet to take another look on the pitchside monitor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 47-year-old was then shown the incident a number of times, with an expectation that common sense would prevail and the decision would be overturned.Mikautadze, 23, clearly expected to be allowed to return, and attempted to make his way back onto the pitch.Incredibly he was stopped by the fourth official, with Buquet doubling down and sticking to his baffling decision.Metz went on to lose the crucial match 3-2 to leave them 16th, in Ligue 1’s relegation play-off zone, and just three points above the automatic drop.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikautadze had scored earlier in the matchCredit: AFPMikautadze’s controversial red card will now see him ruled out for Metz’s pivotal last two matches, if it is not overturned by the LFP.Boloni, who gave Cristiano Ronaldo his senior debut for Sporting Lisbon more than 20 years ago, will take his team to Strasbourg next time out, before finishing their campaign by hosting Paris Saint-Germain.Fuming Kylian Mbappe’s incredible reaction to being subbed by PSG in Marseille victoryMetz’s veteran boss, 71, was furious with the officiating after the match.His side had twice led through goals by Mikautadze and Papa Amadou Diallo, before being pegged back by an Amine Gouiri effort and a penalty by Benjamin Bourigeaud.I don’t know whether to scream, cry, laugh…Laszlo BoloniOn the referee’s performance, Boloni blasted: “The penalty almost completely changes the course of the match.”The icing on the cake is the expulsion of Mikautadze. I don’t know whether to scream, cry, laugh… I can’t comment. It’s incommentable. No comment.”I only ask myself one question. Am I really ready to talk to really tell you what I feel?”Because if I do that, I live not far away, I immediately buy a ticket to go to the disciplinary committee and they will be right, because there is always a sentence or a word of interpretation by which some are more equal than equals, wiser than the wise, have more rights than… there you go.”The TNT Sports commentator in the UK was also stunned.As the incident was being checked, he said: “Kalimuendo if anything deserves a yellow card for that.”Let’s hope the call is right. Let’s hope he gets called back in and scores a late goal! He just stood there.”‘VAR has broken match officials’ minds’Fans watching on at home were left scratching their heads.One wrote on social media: “VAR has broken match officials’ minds.”While a second blasted: “That’s the worst sending off I’ve ever seen.”A third claimed: “Referee shouldn’t referee again if he thinks that is a red card.”And another added: “Seems like VAR is broken all over Europe..”Mikautadze scored 23 goals as Metz were promoted from Ligue 2 last season.He subsequently signed for Ajax in a deal worth around £14million.After failing to make an impact in Amsterdam amid Ajax’s shambolic season, Mikautadze returned to Metz on loan in January.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis comeback has been a roaring success, with the forward having notched 12 goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances.Should the LFP fail to overturn his red card, however, his stint back at Metz will be over. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Piers Morgan and Ian Wright say Arsenal ‘got away with it’ as VAR slammed for controversial decisions vs Bournemouth

      by

      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright and Gooner Piers Morgan both admitted they “got away with it” against Bournemouth as VAR dominated again.The Gunners restored their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory.Bournemouth had a goal ruled out due to Dominic Solanke’s challenge on David RayaCredit: GettyIt was eventually ruled out after a lengthy VAR checkCredit: TNT SportsFans were fuming over the decision to give Arsenal a penalty after this foul on HavertzCredit: GettyIan Wright claims that he felt it was never a penaltyCredit: GettyBukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice all got on the scoresheet to pile the pressure on second-placed Man City ahead of their clash with Wolves.However, the main talking point after the lunchtime game at the Emirates was the much-maligned VAR.And it has led to more calls for the technology to be scrapped.Both teams were on the receiving end of controversial decisions during the game as Cherries ace Ryan Christie escaped a red card for a high tackle while his side also had a goal ruled out in the second half.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSaka and Trossard had already fired Arsenal into a two-goal lead when Antoine Semenyo looked to have got the visitors back into it after bundling home the rebound after Christie’s effort hit the woodwork.But the celebrations were soon cut short as Dominic Solanke was ruled to have fouled goalkeeper David Raya by backing into him during the build-up upon a VAR check.Solanke moved into Raya’s path as the loose ball dropped back into the area as the stopper weakly tried to punch it away, with the ref blowing despite contact being minimal.Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and his coaching staff were furious after watching a replay but, after a lengthy delay of several minutes, the officials at Stockley Park did not advise the ref to check his pitchside monitor.Most read in FootballI played with Ian Wright at Arsenal for six years… he used to go ballistic and fight rival players in changing rooms-That was after the away side believed they should have received a penalty moments earlier when Philip Billing was pulled back by William Saliba.However, VAR failed to intervene this time, placing the team working on the technology under more scrutiny.And it even led to TalkTV host and Arsenal fan Piers calling for it to be axed completely.He wrote on X: “VAR is so bad that even when Arsenal get a verdict our way (like just now), I still hate the bloody thing for the way it sucks all the joy out of the game.”Meanwhile, former Gunners striker Wright admitted VAR had robbed Bournemouth.He wrote: “Didn’t think it was a penalty. Bournemouth’s goal should have stood.”Wright was referring to Kai Havertz being brought down by Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers which led to Saka scoring from the penalty spot.Arsenal fan Piers Morgan called for VAR to be axedCredit: ReutersFans were fuming that “Havertz knew what he was doing” by dangling out a leg to initiate contact.And other supporters were raging as well after the full-time whistle over the incidents.“I’ve had enough of VAR,” blasted one fed-up viewer.A Gooner wrote: “That’s a goal all day, I have to be honest.“VAR a shambles for all involved, just have to hope it’s not your team each week.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile a third added: “Premier League implementation of VAR is baffling. VAR isn’t supposed to re-referee games.“It’s simply supposed to tell the ref if and when he’s made a clear and obvious mistake. That’s how it works in other leagues anyway.”Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendant
      Tomali Benson – partner of Bukayo Saka
      Benson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.
      They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.
      Helene Spilling – partner of Martin Odegaard
      A professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023.
      Sophie Weber – partner of Kai Havertz
      Weber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.
      They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.
      Milly White – partner of Ben White
      The couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.
      Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro Trossard
      The pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.
      They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.
      Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan Rice
      Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.
      She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.
      Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron Ramsdale
      Georgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.
      The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Clattenburg QUITS Nottingham Forest role after club’s explosive row with referees over VAR

      by

      MARK CLATTENBURG has quit his role as a refereeing consultant at Nottingham Forest.The former Premier League referee, who only took up the position in February, was employed to help the club better understand VAR and refereeing decisions.Mark Clattenburg has left his role as a refereeing consultant at Nottingham ForestCredit: PAThe Daily Mail have revealed that Clattenburg has called time on his association with the club in a statement online – just over a week after Gary Neville told the ex-ref that he MUST resign.It read: “This is to announce that I will no longer be providing match analysis services to Nottingham Forest Football Club. “Since February this year, I have been proud to have done so under a consultancy agreement between NFFC and Referee Consultant Ltd.”I performed my services under the consultancy agreement in good faith, to the best of my abilities and in the hope of using my extensive experience as a match official to help NFFC understand how decisions in relation to key match incidents are made amid the workings of VAR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”However, it is now clear that the existence and performance of these consultancy services has caused unintended friction between NFFC and other participants, to the extent that it has become more of a hindrance than help to NFFC.”It has also led to the unmerited targeting of me, personally, by certain participants and pundits. “Such reactions and outcome was not expected and is regrettable, as it is my sincere belief that there is a place for and value in such a role in the modern game.”I am grateful to NFFC and wish them all the best during the remainder of the season and in the future. It’s been an honour.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSClattenburg came under fire quickly after taking up the role with Forest when the club released a statement following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Everton.The club’s official X account fumed about three penalty decisions that went against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side during the game and flagged that the VAR for the fixture, Stuart Attwell, is a Luton fan.Former Premier League referee’s new job leaves fans baffled after BBC cameras spot him at FA Cup clash Their post read: “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.”Clattenburg was targeted by fans and pundits alike after the statement was released as a result of his ties to the club.Gary Neville even spoke out on Sky Sports claiming that Clattenburg should resign after the “embarrassing” statement.The Manchester United legend 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.READ MORE SUN STORIES“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.”Forest felt they should have had three penalties against EvertonCredit: ReutersThe players were fuming about the refereeing decisionsCredit: GettyGary Neville called for Clattenburg to resign after Nottingham Forest released their controversial statementCredit: Sky Sports More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans gobsmacked as EFL overturn ‘most blatant red card you’ll ever see’ just in time for club’s play-off run

      by

      ASTONISHED football fans have taken to social media following the decision to overturn Doncaster keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala’s red card in time for the play-offs.Grant McCann’s men clinched a spot in the League Two play-offs with a 12-game unbeaten streak at the end of the season.Thimothee Lo-Tutala saw a header from his own defender looping over his headCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweHe pushed the ball away acrobatically with his hand while outside the areaCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweThe red card has been rescinded as it was deemed he did not deny an obvious goalscoring opportunityCredit: X / @RedAlexCreweBut on the final day things threatened to go awry for them when Lo-Tutala handled outside the area when they led 2-0 away at Gillingham.Fortunately for Donny, after conceding twice they managed to hold on for a 2-2 draw and will now face Crewe in the play-off semi-finals.And they have been handed yet more positive news as Lo-Tutala’s dismissal has been overturned, meaning he is eligible for the first leg on Monday.The incident in question saw a defensive mix-up lead to the keeper clearly parrying the ball away while several yards outside of his area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the time, it looked an obvious red card, but the law dictates that a keeper only be sent off when denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.The IFAB rules state: “A direct free kick is awarded and: a yellow card is shown if a promising attack was stopped, or. a red card is shown if a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity was denied.”As there were three covering Doncaster defenders, it was not a goalscoring opportunity for Gillingham, meaning Lo-Tutala was incorrectly sent packing.Yet fans on X simply could not get their heads around the decision to scrap the red card.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne said: “This is the most blatant red card you’ll ever see. How on earth has it been overturned?!”Another added: “Wtf how? Bro stopped the ball from going towards the goal from outside the box ahahhaha.”‘I might’ve chinned him’ – Neil Warnock labelled ‘actually unreal’ as ex-EFL boss takes issue with post-match interview
      A third replied: “The most blatant red card this season overturned. No punishment for denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity.”
      And a fourth responded: “How an earth has this been overturned. You don’t need VAR to see that is outside the area.”Doncaster go to Crewe on Monday, before hosting the return leg on Friday, May 10.The winner will face Crawley or MK Dons at Wembley on May 19 for a place in League One next season.Lo-Tutala could play in Doncaster’s play-off semi-final first leg against Crewe on MondayCredit: Rex More