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      Rangers ‘question effectiveness of VAR’ after Hibs no-goal controversy as Barry Ferguson calls out Nick Walsh

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      RANGERS have issued a damning statement after they were controversially denied a goal in today’s game against Hibs.Cyriel Dessers had opened the scoring for Gers after three minutes but Nicolas Raskin thought he had put the Light Blues 2-0 up when he flicked the ball past Jordan Smith and it trundled towards the net.Barry Ferguson couldn’t believe his side were denied a 2-0 lead at HibsCredit: PARocky Bushiri was trying to recover and managed to get his foot to the ball but it looked like it had already crossed the line by that time.However, referee Nick Walsh didn’t signal for a goal and VAR didn’t intervene either.What made matters worse for Gers is that moments later, Hibs went up the other end and scored through Kieron Bowie.The match itself ended 2-2 with Raskin scoring in the second half before Martin Boyle struck with his 99th goal for the club to equalise.At full-time, Ibrox interim boss Barry Ferguson couldn’t hide his frustration with the contentious decision.And his fury was followed up by an official statement from the club.Ferguson said: “I’ve got to be careful what I say. I don’t want to get myself into trouble.”But that is baffling.Most read in Football”I seen it when it happened, I seen it again at half-time and I seen it again at the end of the game. What’s the point?”Ferguson was then asked if he’d spoken to referee Walsh but he said: “Nah, he won’t speak to you.Dundee Utd fan ‘caught mocking Ibrox disaster’ during Rangers clash days after Celtic supporter lost job”The fourth official was brand new but the referee? Not interested.”I’ve seen it all season with bad decisions. Not just with Rangers but with other teams.”But that today was just mind blowing.”I don’t think you need goal line technology for that one. It’s clearly over the line.”Ferguson also highlighted the penalty that was awarded during to Dundee in their midweek clash against Ross County by Walsh, which was also slammed by fans.A Rangers spokesperson added: “Incidents like this again bring into question the effectiveness of VAR and also highlight the need to introduce goal-line technology in Scottish football.”Our supporters, players and staff deserve better. Read More on The Sun”We will raise this with the Scottish FA and continue to press for initiatives which improve the accuracy of decision-making.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      ‘Do you want me to send you off’ – Lionel Messi reaches boiling point with referee as Inter Miami woes worsen

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      LIONEL MESSI clashed with the referee after Inter Miami failed to win yet again.The MLS side have picked up just one win in six matches after drawing 3-3 with the San Jose Earthquakes.Lionel Messi clashed with the referee after Inter Miami drew with San JoseCredit: Apple TVHe shared some words with the official and pointed at himCredit: Apple TVThe ref told Messi to walk away or he would be red cardedCredit: Apple TVMessi had one final word before the San Jose coach tried to usher him awayCredit: Apple TVMessi appeared frustrated after the final whistle and confronted ref Joe Dickerson.He pointed at the official and exchanged words with Dickerson, who reportedly said to him: “Do you want me to send you off? Walk away!”Messi did walk away but he was still unhappy so he continued gesticulating towards the referee and pointed at him again.San Jose coach Bruce Arena tried to beckon the superstar away, and he later confirmed Messi was not happy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArena said: “Yes, yes, he was. As you know, there’s a universal language when you’re talking about referees. “He was obviously not happy. And I really wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to get a red card, and that’s why I just tried to move him out of the way. “Because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous. “So I just wanted to make sure we get him out of there and he’s ready to play the next game for Miami.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLosing Messi to suspension would be been a big blow for Miami, who are fifth in the Eastern Conference, six points off top spot.Despite their struggles, Messi has continued to shine with ten goals and three assists in 15 games.The football boot customiser who’s scoring BIG with the game’s biggest stars are | Football Fixers More

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      Ex-Prem assistant ref jailed after luring man to flat, locking him inside and raping him

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      AN ex-Premier League assistant referee has been jailed for raping a man. Steven Wilson, 55, lured the stranger from a taxi rank to his flat by promising to take him to a party with “a lot of girls”. He locked him in and forced him to perform a sex act before raping him in 2009 in Worcester. Wilson evaded justice until 2021. The victim recognised him from an article about his other sex crimes and told cops. Wilson, of Rowley Regis, West Mids, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault at Worcester crown court. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe was jailed for nine years. Previously known as Stephen Dorr, he was promoted to the Prem referee roster in 2005. In 2009, it emerged he had downloaded indecent images and communicated with underage boys. He was jailed for 15 months in 2011 for sexual offences involving teenage boys. Most read in Footballpeaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Chris Hawkes, of West Mercia Police, said: “Wilson’s victim was incredibly scared during his time trapped in his flat and feared for his safety as he did not know Wilson, or what he was capable of. “His awful ordeal lasted for three or four hours as it was light outside when Wilson eventually allowed him to leave the flat. “We are pleased to get this court result for Wilson who subjected his victim to a degrading and humiliating ordeal back in 2009.”Former Premier League assistant referee Steven Wilson has been jailed for raping a manCredit: West Mercia PoliceScandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder More

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      VAR audio ‘picks up suspicious “thank goodness” after Barcelona goal vs Real Madrid is ruled out for handball’

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      EL CLASICO has been rocked by a VAR controversy after an official appeared to say “thank goodness” during a goal review. Barcelona beat rivals Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling LaLiga showdown on Sunday night.Referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez disallowed a late goal for Barcelona in El ClasicoCredit: GettyA controversial handball in the build-up saw the goal chalked offCredit: X @rfefThe Catalan giants stretched their lead at the top of the table to seven points with victory at the Nou Camp. But the hosts were denied a fifth goal in stoppage time as Fermin Lopez’s strike was chalked off for a handball in the build-up. Referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández was advised by VAR official Juan Martínez Munuera to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. In audio released by RFEF, Munuera said: “Listen to me, Alex, we’ve just detected a handball, okay? Please come take a look.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAn unknown voice in the VAR room was then heard saying: “Given the height – thank goodness [menos mal]. Yes, yes, totally.”Hernandez replied: “Okay, perfect. Let’s continue. It hits his hand, yes. “The ball’s going out. Now give me a wide angle so I can see the entire action and how it ends. “Okay, perfect. The hand is clearly raised. I’m going to disallow the goal.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMundo Deportivo claim the ‘thank goodness’ comment “was not transcribed or subtitled by the RFEF” in the video released to the public.It followed a match dogged by referee controversy, with Barca feeling stung by the decisions.Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs InterKylian Mbappe appeared to be marginally offside before Madrid won a penalty early in the contest.And the league leaders were fuming after Aurelien Tchouameni was not punished for handball in the area moments before Lopez’s strike. Despite the controversy, Barcelona took control of the LaLiga title race with the 4-3 win. Mbappe struck a hat-trick for Los Blancos, who had led 2-0 after just 14 minutes.But Hansi Flick’s side stormed back with four goals before half time from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Barcelona will secure top spot as early as Wednesday night if Madrid fail to beat Real Mallorca.Should Madrid win, Barcelona could win LaLiga the following day when they face Espanyol in the Catalan derby. More

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      Arsenal fans furious as Bukayo Saka ‘chokeslammed’ by Andy Robertson but VAR fails to intervene

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      ARSENAL fans have been left furious after Bukayo Saka was “chokeslammed” by Andy Robertson during their clash with Liverpool.Robertson wrapped his hand around Saka’s neck during the first half as the pair tussled for the ball, but VAR and referee Anthony Taylor failed to intervene.Andy Robertson appeared to strangle Bukayo Saka during the first half of Arsenal vs LiverpoolCredit: Sky SportsThe incident occurred while both players were trying to win the ball, with Robertson wrapping his hand around Saka’s neck and pushing him to the floor.The officials clearly didn’t seem to think it was a foul as play was waved on and Liverpool were awarded a throw-in.In fact there was very little discussion of the incident whatsoever, even on Sky Sports’ coverage, despite Saka’s pleas to the linesman over Robertson’s grasp.Arsenal fans certainly didn’t let it go quietly though, taking to social media to vent their frustrations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “How the hell was Robertson allowed to just strangle Saka?”While another added: “Saka just been chokeslammed by Robertson. Apparently that’s allowed these days.”A third fumed: “Wtf is this? Robertson with both hands round Saka’s neck? And it wasn’t a foul? What is going on?”And a fourth asked: “So you’re allowed to strangle players now?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTo make matters worse for Arsenal, just a matter of minutes later Liverpool took the lead through Cody Gakpo – with Robertson providing the assist.And that opener snowballed into serious momentum for the Anfield outfit, who doubled their advantage to 2-0 through Luis Diaz just 82 seconds later.MORE TO FOLLOW…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      ‘Uefa should look into it’ – Watch Barcelona star get bundled over three times in FOUR SECONDS as he demands ref probe

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      PEDRI has urged Uefa to investigate the referee for his performance as Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The Spanish giants were knocked out of Europe’s premier competition by Inter Milan in a thrilling semi-final tie.Francesco Acerbi appeared to push Pedri down three times in four secondsCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe Barcelona star repeatedly fell to the groundCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe first push was in the penalty areaCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaInter won the tie 7-6 on aggregate following a 4-3 win at the San Siro in the second leg on Tuesday night.Barcelona were minutes from booking their spot in the final after Raphinha put them ahead in the 87th minute.However, the Italians hit back through Francesco Acerbi before Davide Frattesi scored the winner in extra time.After the match, Pedri vented his frustration at the performance from referee Szymon Marciniak.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe claimed that the referee gave every split decision to the hosts.The midfielder claimed: “It’s not the first time this happens to us with this referee, Uefa should look into it.”Every 50-50 for them. There are things that I don’t understand and which are hard to explain.”One moment of the game that left Pedri red in the face was multiple pushes from Acerbi.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA video taken from the stands shows the defender pushing the midfielder to the ground three times in FOUR SECONDS.Marciniak awarded Inter a penalty after he was called to the screen by VAR for a foul by Pau Cubarsí on Lautaro Martinez.Inter Milan hero Frattesi drops F-bomb live on TV after win over Barcelona leaving CBS Sports studio in hystericsPedri has urged Uefa to look into referee Szymon Mariniak’s peformanceCredit: ReutersBarcelona also believed they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Gerard Martín in the build-up to Acerbi’s goal.Marciniak had awarded the LaLiga giants a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal before VAR intervened.The Polish official was also in charge when Inter drew 3-3 with Barcelona in the Group Stage of the 2022 edition of the tournament.Barcelona manager Hansi Flick echoed Pedri’s complaints in his post-match press conference.He said: “I don’t want to talk too much about the referee, but every decision that was 50-50 went (Inter’s) way.”I am disappointed, but not with my team. They tried everything. It’s the way it is. We are out, but next year we will try again to make the fans happy.Read More on The Sun”It makes me sad. My team did an excellent job.”I don’t like talking about the referee, I’ve told him what I think, but I’m not going to say it here what I’ve said.”Hansi Flick was not happy with the Polish officialCredit: Reuters More

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      Who is Felix Zwayer? Meet the German referee officiating the PSG vs Arsenal Champions League semi-final second leg

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      FELIX ZWAYER will officiate in Paris as the Gunners aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit in a crucial Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday 7 May, 2025.Here is everything you need to know about the referee who received a six-month ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.UEFA stood by their decision to appoint Felix Zwayer to Euro 2024 semi-final England V Netherlands despite his pastCredit: Getty The match-fixing scandal is still on the minds of Felix Zwayer criticsCredit: GettyWho is Felix Zwayer?Felix Zwayer is a German football referee, based in Berlin.Born on May 18, 1981, he officiates for SC Charlottenburg of the Berlin Football Association. He is a FIFA referee and is ranked as a UEFA elite category referee.Felix began his refereeing career in 2003 and worked his way up through the ranks of German football.Read More on ZwayerHe made his Bundesliga debut in 2012 and soon become a regular fixture in their matches.In 2005, his career took a hit when he found himself involved in a match-fixing scandal. It was revealed that he accepted a €300 bribe from referee Robert Hoyzer, who was involved in a larger match-fixing scandal at the time in Germany.Felix was banned from refereeing for six months by the German Football Association (DFB) as a result of his involvement.Most read in Champions LeagueEngland sensation Jude Bellingham referred to the scandal in a post-match interview and was fined £33,970 from the German FA for his comments about Felix in 2021.What big matches has Felix Zwayer officiated before?Zwayer last officiated an English side when Liverpool beat Lille 2-1 in JanuaryCredit: EPAFelix has been involved in various UEFA and FIFA competitions, including qualifiers for the World Cup and the European Championship.He has also refereed matches in top club competitions such as the Champions League and the Europa League.The German has refereed 36 Champions League games in his career with his most recent Champions League assignment being Barcelona’s 1-0 win against Benfica on March 5, 2025.Felix’s last game officiating an English side was Liverpool’s 2-1 triumph over Lille on January 21, 2025, which also saw a red card for Lille’s Aissa Mandi.Despite the scandal, Felix continued to work his way up the ranks and was selected by FIFA to be one of the video assistant referees for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.But in December 2021, he was heavily criticised for not awarding Borussia Dortmund a penalty and for sending off coach Marco Rose during a game.You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany, what do you expect?Jude BellinghamAfter the match, the former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham, who now plays for Real Madrid, referred to Felix’s past.Bellingham told ViaPlay after Dortmund’s 3-2 loss: “You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany, what do you expect?”Felix took a break from refereeing after the incident, but returned in February 2022.Referee Felix Zwayer and England player Jude Bellingham have historyCredit: GettyWhat else has Felix Zwayer done?Away from the pitch, Felix is a real estate manager.He owns a company with three other partners. What is Felix Zwayer’s VAR history?Zwayer has refereed in 384 games in his careerCredit: GettyThe Bundesliga pioneered the rise of VAR in European football, introducing the technology in 2017 and becoming one of the first leagues in Europe to do so. VAR is regularly used in Germany where Felix has officiated the majority of his 384 games with the whistle.Felix has used it in a number of matches, including the match where Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund in December 2021.He controversially chose not to award Dortmund a penalty for a foul on Marco Reus but subsequently gave Bayern a spot-kick for a dubious handball on Mats Hummels. The new semi-automated offside technology denied Mikel Merino an equaliser in the first leg and it is a system yet to be implemented in German football.Read More on The SunWith the system being introduced next season to the Bundesliga, Felix has been involved in the trialing of it. The Gunners will be hoping that it won’t spoil their fun again when they face PSG at the Parc de Princes. More

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      PSG vs Arsenal referee served six-month ban for match-fixing after accepting bribe and was blasted by Bellingham

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      THE REFEREE taking charge of Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain previously served a six-month ban for match fixing.Felix Zwayer, 43, has been tasked with officiating Wednesday night’s semi-final second leg clash at the Parc des Princes.Arsenal’s referee against PSG previously served a six-month ban for match fixingCredit: RexThe German is one of Uefa’s top-ranked referees and took charge of England’s semi-final win over the Netherlands at last summer’s Euros.Zwayer now faces another major night as Arsenal look to come back from their 1-0 loss to PSG in the first leg.The two sides are set to go hammer and tongs in search of a place in the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan.But ahead of kick-off, Zwayer’s chequered past has now come to light.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn 2005, he was punished for accepting a bribe from fellow ref Robert Hoyzer.Zwayer was a linesman at the time and took £250 to fix a second division match in Germany.An investigation revealed that Hoyzer had been accepting money from a Croatian gambling syndicate connected to an organised crime group.He was banned from football for life while also receiving a prison sentence of two years and five months.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs for Zwayer, he was suspended from football for six months before returning to eventually become a Bundesliga ref in 2009.His bribery scandal has not gone unnoticed by players though, with Jude Bellingham referencing it while blasting Zwayer for a controversial penalty decision against former club Borussia Dortmund.Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League placesZwayer was blasted by Jude Bellingham during the ace’s Borussia Dortmund daysCredit: GettySpeaking after a defeat to rivals Bayern Munich three years ago, Bellingham said: “For me it wasn’t a penalty. You can look at a lot of the other decisions in the game.“You give a referee that has, you know, match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany – what do you expect?” More