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      Premier League refs are best in world and other countries AGREE say chiefs – as just four mistakes this season revealed

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs remain convinced they have “the best referees in the world” — and insist that other countries AGREE.As officials in Spain discussed going on strike in protest at abuse from fans and clubs,  the Prem’s chief football officer claimed that top-flight whistlers are better than they have ever been.Chiefs reckon Premier League refs are the world’s best despite some high-profile errorsCredit: RexMichael Oliver’s red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly was later overturnedCredit: PATony Scholes said: “One of our main targets is to have the best match officials in the world — and we do. “We have ten officials on the Fifa list and two of them — Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor — are in the top ten in the world according to Fifa.“Other leagues around the world look up to the officials and VAR process in this country as a model they would like  to follow.“That’s the message we get from people around the world.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Oliver and Taylor have been at the centre of major controversies this season.Oliver red-carded Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for ‘serious foul play’ at Wolves last month but the player’s three-match ban was overturned on appeal.He was also the VAR who advised ref David Coote to review an  injury-time incident when  West Ham beat Manchester United after being awarded a  late penalty  — that ultimately led to Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag’s October sacking.And Taylor giving Brighton a penalty against Arsenal last month when William Saliba ‘headed’ Joao Pedro led to Gunners fury.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet that West Ham spot-kick is one of only FOUR mistakes after a VAR intervention so far this season — according to the Prem’s key match incident panel, which including ex-players, managers and referees.The panel also highlighted another nine  incidents where the VAR should have intervened.Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersThose four VAR errors . . .BOURNEMOUTH 1 NEWCASTLE 1Dango Ouattara’s late ‘winner’ was wrongly chalked off for handball after being awarded on the field.WEST HAM 2 MAN UTD 1Hammers’ stoppage-time spot-kick  winner came after Michael Oliver advised David Coote to review Matthijs de Ligt’s contact with Danny Ings.EVERTON 0 BRENTFORD 0Christian Norgaard should not have received a red card for ploughing into keeper Jordan Pickford.NOTTM FOREST 3 SOUTHAMPTON 2Nikola Milenkovic’s goal was ruled out for subjective offside against Chris Wood,  but VAR should not have got involved.That figure is markedly down from the total of 20 cock-ups at the same point of last season and 25 at the corresponding time in 2022-23.Scholes added: “Nobody under-estimates the gigantic impact of any single error.“They can cost a club points, managers their jobs, players their place in the team and have a huge impact on a game of such high stakes“But, while there were four incorrect interventions, that means 66  correct ones while the total errors are down.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Former referee Dermot Gallagher spots VAR ‘optical illusion’ in Chelsea’s controversial goal against West Ham

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      DERMOT GALLAGHER pointed out a flaw with the VAR system… it can be littered with “optical illusions”.The former match official was appearing on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch to discuss two major incidents in Chelsea’s controversial win over West Ham.Dermot Gallagher called this still image an ‘optical illusion’Dermot Gallagher believes it was the correct decision to allow Chelsea’s goal to standIn the build up to Pedro Neto’s all-important second-half equaliser, Jarrod Bowen was bundled over by Levi Colwill.No foul was given and play waved on, as Chelsea went up the other end to score.But the goal itself was also mired in controversy after Marc Cucurella was adjudged to NOT be offside.Neto whipped the ball across with the left-back in an offside position.READ MORE SPORT STORIESHowever, there was much debate as to whether Marc Guiu got a flick on the ball en-route to Cucurella.If he had, then Cucurella would absolutely have been offside.The ball came across to Neto, who smashed the ball into the back of the net.After a VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand, with Guiu therefore not adjudged to have got a flick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGallagher – who admitted the collision between Bowen and Colwill could perhaps have been a free-kick for West Ham – said it looked as though Guiu got a touch based on a still photo.However, he called it an optical illusion as he pointed to the fact you couldn’t see a touch when watching the video.Chelsea vs West Ham: Player Ratings BreakdownGallagher said: “If he touches it, without doubt Cucurella is offside.”But you look at it, there’s one angle that I think is an optical illusion…”It looks as though he touches it but it’s a still photo and I think still photos can be deceiving.”You look at it and there’s no evidence he’s touched the ball.”So I feel he’s duty bound to allow the goal.”Gallagher went on to admit while the foul on Bowen should have been given, enough time had passed between that incident and the goal to not go back and check it.On the goal, the Premier League commented: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as there was no factual evidence that Guiu made contact with the ball in the build-up, therefore there was no offside offence.”CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Levi Colwill’s sluggish performance saved by Pedro Neto’s best showing in a Blues shirtCHELSEA capitalised on the failures of their rivals to move up to fourth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham.A host of changes from Enzo Maresca upped the tempo in the second half, and they paid dividends with Pedro Neto driving home an equaliser in the 63rd minute after a shot from Fernandez.Jarrod Bowen had capitalised on a Levi Colwill error to fire West Ham ahead.Fans grew optimistic as the home side grew into the game, which culminated in a deflected Cole Palmer effort sending the Bridge into raptures as they went 2-1 up.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s performance.Filip Jorgensen – 7It would’ve been a tough task to disappoint Chelsea fans after what they have seen from Robert Sanchez in recent weeks.There wasn’t an awful lot he could do about the opener, and actually made some pretty good stops to prevent his side being more than one goal down at the halfway point.Those saves proved vital, and he should expect to start against Brighton up next.Reece James – 6His crosses from the right were good throughout the first half, but there was no one clinical enough in the box to grab him an assist.Strong defensively, but ultimately didn’t have much to do in that aspect with Chelsea dominant on the flanks.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Strong in the air and pretty good across the ground.Perhaps could have done a little more to prevent Bowen opening the scoring as he seemed to stand and watch him shoot, but overall was good and is growing into a good, consistent Premier League centre half.His vital block in added time might well have been the difference between three points and one.Levi Colwill – 3His awful backpass rolledBowen in perfectly to give the Hammers the lead just before first half-time.A lousy and sluggish performance improved in the second half after his side took the lead, but he was fortunate not to cost his side points tonight.Marc Cucurella – 7Inverted well from left back into midfield in a role that looks made for him, he was strong in his tackles and good in the air from start to finish.Got into dangerous positions going forward, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to his game on this occasion.Moises Caicedo – 7Tenacious tackling and energy is what the home fans have become accustomed to seeing from their Ecuadorian destroyer.Glimpses of that in the first half extended into a mature and controlled second 45 minutes where he looked to have Mo Kudus’ number.Enzo Fernández – 5Missed a huge chance to give Chelsea the lead which he rolled past the left hand post from a few yards out.It was his blocked effort which bounced out for Neto to level the scoring, but overall the Argentine looked a bit off the pace in midfield.Noni Madueke – 4Perhaps should’ve had a goal and assist in the first half an hour as he was set up by Nicolas Jackson and put the ball on a plate for Fernandez, but neither chance was converted.His best moment of the second half was when he bodied the referee, before being subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Cole Palmer – 7A quiet first half had the travelling fans comparing him to Andy Irving, but he soon showed them up.Almost scored a free-kick similar to the one we saw against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola.It was his deflected effort that put his side in the lead as he grew into the game more and more.Jadon Sancho – 4His quick feet made him a threat on the left-hand side in the first half, but again his end product or lack thereof would’ve cost Chelsea if his replacement didn’t bail them out.Was subbed five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.Nicolas Jackson – 3Showed some promising signs early on with a good ball into Noni Madueke, who narrowly missed the goal.Aside from that, he looked like a striker utterly devoid of any confidence and was poor before being hooked for 18-year-old Marc Guiu.SUBSMarc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5Didn’t really do a lot wrong or right after coming on for Nicolas Jackson.Certainly looks more confident in the Conference League, but Premier League minutes in the tank will do him good.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8His best performance in a Chelsea shirt since he joined.A composed finish saw him level the scoring before more great work in the build up sawPalmer rifle home a deflected effort.Great energy, work rate, and end product from Maresca’s own Portuguese magnifico.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6Was energetic and strong after replacing captain Reece James, also playing a part in the goal that put his side in the lead.His passing was good and he looked more like the player who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last campaign.Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5Did a job for the team out of position on the left-hand side in Jadon Sancho’s position. 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      ‘Only good thing he’s done today’ fume Chelsea fans as Noni Madueke knocks over referee Stuart Attwell

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      CHELSEA fans fumed and poked fun at Noni Madueke after he knocked over the referee against West Ham.The winger was not having the best game as he missed a good chance in the first half.Noni Madueke bundled over ref Stuart AttwellThe ref fell directly in front of Cole Palmer and caused a delay to the attackCredit: GettyAnd with Chelsea on the attack, he took his eye off ref Stuart Attwell and went crashing into the official, knocking him over.Attwell landed directly in the path of Cole Palmer who had the ball, which meant Chelsea had to delay their attack and the chance came to nothing.Palmer fumed with the ref for interrupting play but there was nothing he could do to avoid Madueke, who copped flak from his own supporters.One Chelsea fan reacted saying: “Only good thing Madueke has done today there by knocking over Atwell.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “The only time I’ve smiled in this game is when Noni Madueke pushed a referee to the floor. Life under Clearlake.”A third wrote: “Ref send Madueke off please, that’s violent conduct.”And another commented: “No way Madueke bodied the ref 😂😂”Madueke was substituted minutes after the incident and it quickly led to a turnaround for the hosts as sub Pedro Neto fired in a rebound after Enzo Fernandez’s strike was blocked.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Levi Colwill’s sluggish performance saved by Pedro Neto’s best showing in a Blues shirtCHELSEA capitalised on the failures of their rivals to move up to fourth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham.A host of changes from Enzo Maresca upped the tempo in the second half, and they paid dividends with Pedro Neto driving home an equaliser in the 63rd minute after a shot from Fernandez.Jarrod Bowen had capitalised on a Levi Colwill error to fire West Ham ahead.Fans grew optimistic as the home side grew into the game, which culminated in a deflected Cole Palmer effort sending the Bridge into raptures as they went 2-1 up.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s performance.Filip Jorgensen – 7It would’ve been a tough task to disappoint Chelsea fans after what they have seen from Robert Sanchez in recent weeks.There wasn’t an awful lot he could do about the opener, and actually made some pretty good stops to prevent his side being more than one goal down at the halfway point.Those saves proved vital, and he should expect to start against Brighton up next.Reece James – 6His crosses from the right were good throughout the first half, but there was no one clinical enough in the box to grab him an assist.Strong defensively, but ultimately didn’t have much to do in that aspect with Chelsea dominant on the flanks.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Strong in the air and pretty good across the ground.Perhaps could have done a little more to prevent Bowen opening the scoring as he seemed to stand and watch him shoot, but overall was good and is growing into a good, consistent Premier League centre half.His vital block in added time might well have been the difference between three points and one.Levi Colwill – 3His awful backpass rolledBowen in perfectly to give the Hammers the lead just before first half-time.A lousy and sluggish performance improved in the second half after his side took the lead, but he was fortunate not to cost his side points tonight.Marc Cucurella – 7Inverted well from left back into midfield in a role that looks made for him, he was strong in his tackles and good in the air from start to finish.Got into dangerous positions going forward, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to his game on this occasion.Moises Caicedo – 7Tenacious tackling and energy is what the home fans have become accustomed to seeing from their Ecuadorian destroyer.Glimpses of that in the first half extended into a mature and controlled second 45 minutes where he looked to have Mo Kudus’ number.Enzo Fernández – 5Missed a huge chance to give Chelsea the lead which he rolled past the left hand post from a few yards out.It was his blocked effort which bounced out for Neto to level the scoring, but overall the Argentine looked a bit off the pace in midfield.Noni Madueke – 4Perhaps should’ve had a goal and assist in the first half an hour as he was set up by Nicolas Jackson and put the ball on a plate for Fernandez, but neither chance was converted.His best moment of the second half was when he bodied the referee, before being subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Cole Palmer – 7A quiet first half had the travelling fans comparing him to Andy Irving, but he soon showed them up.Almost scored a free-kick similar to the one we saw against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola.It was his deflected effort that put his side in the lead as he grew into the game more and more.Jadon Sancho – 4His quick feet made him a threat on the left-hand side in the first half, but again his end product or lack thereof would’ve cost Chelsea if his replacement didn’t bail them out.Was subbed five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.Nicolas Jackson – 3Showed some promising signs early on with a good ball into Noni Madueke, who narrowly missed the goal.Aside from that, he looked like a striker utterly devoid of any confidence and was poor before being hooked for 18-year-old Marc Guiu.SUBSMarc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5Didn’t really do a lot wrong or right after coming on for Nicolas Jackson.Certainly looks more confident in the Conference League, but Premier League minutes in the tank will do him good.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8His best performance in a Chelsea shirt since he joined.A composed finish saw him level the scoring before more great work in the build up sawPalmer rifle home a deflected effort.Great energy, work rate, and end product from Maresca’s own Portuguese magnifico.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6Was energetic and strong after replacing captain Reece James, also playing a part in the goal that put his side in the lead.His passing was good and he looked more like the player who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last campaign.Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5Did a job for the team out of position on the left-hand side in Jadon Sancho’s position.That levelled the match after Jarrod Bowen’s first half opener and Chelsea completed the comeback when Palmer’s cross deflected over the goalkeeper’s head.That proved to be the winner to send Chelsea back into the top four as former boss Graham Potter left Stamford Bridge with nothing.Chelsea star ‘called cop “f***ing stupid & white” after row over taxi fare on drunken night out with partner’- More

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      Arsenal vs Man City referee appointment lacks common sense – Gunners fans are right to be unhappy, says ex-Prem ref

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      THE appointment of Peter Bankes for the power-keg Premier League showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City lacks common sense.Gunners fans are up in arms because Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football Association.Arsenal face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash at the EmiratesCredit: ALAMYPeter Bankes has been appointed the referee for the matchCredit: REXGunners fans are up in arms as Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football AssociationCredit: GETTYAnd I believe the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have brought undue pressure on Bankes and themselves with the appointment for today’s Emirates clash with Arsenal vying with Liverpool in the title race.In the wake of Michael Oliver receiving death threats and abuse after he wrongly sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 1-0 win at Wolves last weekend, refs’ chiefs have made an unnecessary appointment.They are not helping themselves.The game is big enough because of the huge rivalry as outlined by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSBut the appointment will only increase the pressure on Bankes.I would never question the integrity of any match official.But if anything happens then Bankes will be in the firing line.Arsenal fans are already fuming over Oliver’s decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut VAR Darren England and then the PGMOL were more to blame.England should have intervened at Molineux and then there was no reason for the PGMOL to back a decision which was clearly incorrect.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory The statement to support the red card only inflamed the situation.I saw Gary Neville accuse Mikel Arteta of fuelling Arsenal fans’ growing hostility towards referees but I disagree.If Prem officials got decisions right on a consistent basis then the majority of supporters would have no complaints.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      VAR orders referee to count number of players on pitch in most bizarre Premier League intervention yet

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      CHAOS erupted after VAR bizarrely ordered referee Andy Madley to count the NUMBER of players on the pitch during Wolves v Aston Villa.Wolves cruised to a shock 2-0 win against Villa at Molineux to move out of the relegation zone.Andy Madley was asked to confirm the NUMBER of players on the pitchGoncalo Guedes was already in the dugout but Wolves subs weren’t allowed onConfusion broke out on the touchlineIt took just under three minutes for Wolves to make two subsThe second half was littered with controversial moments as Villa saw a goal disallowed and Wolves were denied a penalty shout.The encounter then saw embarrassing scenes which have been likened to a Sunday League mix up.Wolves were 1-0 up -after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s opener – when they tried to make a double substitution in the 71st minute.The idea was for Goncalo Guedes and Rayan Ait-Nouri to make way for Rodrigo Gomes and Tommy Doyle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, what should’ve been a routine changeover after the Wolves par left the pitch was far from simple.Madley blew to stop play and was asked to get his fingers out and count up the players on the turf.Guedes was already sitting in the dugout, but Wolves weren’t allowed to bring their replacements on despite the fact that Tim Robinson was holding the fourth official board up. One fan wrote: “What in the Sunday league is going on here at Wolves 🤣.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe commentator said: “VAR are asking the referee to confirm that nobody has left the field. It beggars belief. Extraordinary scenes.”It took just under three minutes for Wolves to make those two substitutions. Aston Villa confirm Jhon Duran’s £64million transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with blunt 58-word statementIt’s unclear who asked him but Matt Donohue and Wade Smith were on VAR duties.Proceedings finally got back underway before Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury time.But to make matters worse, VAR was previously called into scrutiny just 20 minutes before the chaos after disallowing Villa’s equaliser.New £21.5million signing Donyell Malen, who replaced Ollie Watkins at half-time, thought he’d scored his first Villa goal.Malen was behind the ball when he converted a low cross from John McGinn, although the linesman immediately raised his flag.But VAR found something else wrong and ruled that Morgan Rogers was offside when he obstructed Nelson Semedo in the build-up. A statement from the Premier League’s Match Centre account on X read: “The referees call of no goal due to an offside offence is checked and confirmed by VAR – with Rogers in an offside position and deemed to be impacting the ability of Semedo to play or challenge for the ball.”Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury timeCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘This is laughable’ say fans as Arsenal CHARGED by FA after reaction to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs Wolves

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      THE FA has charged Arsenal for “improper” conduct against Wolves on Saturday.Arsenal stars were left furious when Myles Lewis-Skelly received a straight red card at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty around 90 yards out from goal.Arsenal stars have been charged after stars surrounded the referee against WolvesCredit: GettyThey subsequently surrounded referee Michael Oliver to appeal the decision just before half-time.And the Gunners have now been charged for the incident.An FA statement read: “Arsenal FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC on Saturday, 25 January.”The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner around the 43rd minute.”Arsenal FC has until Monday, 3 February, to provide a response.”The Gunners went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to a 74th-minute strike from summer signing Riccardo Calafiori.Mikel Arteta was left “fuming” as a result of the red card despite the win.However, Oliver’s controversial decision was overturned earlier this week following an appeal.Most read in FootballLewis-Skelly’s dismissal was deemed to be “wrongful” and his three-game suspension was rescinded.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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      Sacked ref David Coote set for sensational return to football with new job – despite cocaine shame and Klopp rant

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      SACKED Prem referee David Coote may make a sensational return to football — as a VAR instructor, his friends said.The 42-year-old, lauded for his honesty over his cocaine shame, could use his vast experience to help younger officials.David Coote may make a sensational return to football with a new job as a VAR instructorCredit: GettyCoote was fired after footage emerged of him snorting the class-A drug at Euro 2024The 42-year-old has been lauded for his honesty over his cocaine shameCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdDespite his career being torpedoed, Coote is keen to stay in football, although possibly not as a ref.A source close to him said: “He’s built up an incredible wealth of knowledge and skill. It would be a massive shame if that was lost because of mistakes he made while under moments of incredible stress.“He still gets on with all the other referees and I could see him taking a role somewhere. He’d be perfect as a VAR pundit or expert.”In an exclusive interview in yesterday’s Sun, Coote said he was scared to come out as gay and took coke to “escape”.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEHe was fired after footage emerged of him snorting the class-A drug at Euro 2024.However thousands of fans debated a possible return ­yesterday after he opened up about the “pressure cooker” of suppressed emotion, plus a punishing work schedule.Paul Field, chairman of the ­Referees’ Association, said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.Most read in Football“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”Coote was among the UK’s top three VAR exponents — and one of a select few English officials called up for international matches. Coote himself said he would love to come back.Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024He added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge. But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”He revealed he was “not sober” when he called former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “c***” in shocking footage.And he also told how he got sickening abuse as a ref, including messages hoping he was paralysed in a car crash.Gay rugby referee Nigel Owens yesterday supported Coote for hiding his sexuality.Coote said he was scared to come out as gay and took coke to ‘escape’Credit: XCoote revealed he was “not sober” when he called former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe 53-year-old was suicidal over fears of repercussions before coming out in 2007. He went on to officiate major games including the 2015 World Cup Final. Owens said: “Homophobia remains a problem in all sports.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on: “When you are struggling with your identity, it’s a very difficult and sometimes very dark place. “You will go to the extent of trying to deal with those demons and mental health issues in ways we’ve seen David Coote give examples of.”    ’I ADMIRE HIS BRAVERY’By Mark Halsey, ex-Premier League RefDAVID Coote taking full responsibility for his mistakes and showing the bravery to come out deserves all our admiration.It should also be the first step back towards some involvement in the game again. I’ve never touched drugs or even a cigarette but I can understand why the pressure and scrutiny of being a pro ref would cause someone to seek that kind of escape. Especially when you consider the fact he felt he had to hide his sexuality.We all knew about David’s sexuality when he was coming through the system. It is good he has now spoken out.We have all made mistakes in our lives. All referees discuss what they think of certain players and managers.David has just been let down by his so-called friends.In 2020 referee Bobby Madley returned to the Football League two years after being sacked over a video in which he mocked a ­disabled person. It should serve as an example to David that his career is not entirely over. More

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      ‘Just unacceptable’ – Mikel Arteta blasts attack of referee Michael Oliver as police probe abuse after Arsenal red card

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      MIKEL ARTETA blasted the attack of referee Michael Oliver and urged governing bodies to kick “hatred” out of football.Police are investigating abuse suffered by Oliver after he controversially sent off defender Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolves last weekend.Mikel Arteta has blasted the abuse directed at Michael Oliver following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves on SaturdayCredit: EPAMichael Oliver is currently having his house monitored by police after ‘abhorrent abuse’ following the matchCredit: AlamyOliver controversially sent off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during the matchCredit: PAThe Gunners full-back has since had his three-match ban wiped out by an independent committee after the club filed an appeal on Tuesday morning – despite the player missing the news due to being ASLEEP on the plane.But ref Oliver continues to have his house watched by police following alleged threats against him and his two-year-old daughter – leaving the PGMOL “appalled”.And Arsenal boss Arteta – who recently slated the online hate aimed at his player Kai Havertz – said: “Regardless of whether it is a player or a coach, a referee — it does not matter.“We shouldn’t be here with this hatred, these things we see, because they affect everyone and in the end, they take away the joy of this sport.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We have to really work harder to try to eradicate that part of the game that brings nothing but bad stuff, bad taste and it makes people’s lives more difficult. Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out.“For everyone in football. You should not be permitted [to do that]. We don’t want it, we don’t need it and it certainly damages our sport.“We are talking about it, but no one seems to be moving strongly enough because it’s just unacceptable. Why haven’t we done it?“We’re always putting a lot of emphasis on where football is going in the next five, ten years; on the rules, and all that sort of thing.Most read in FootballLewis-Skelly was dismissed for a trip on Wolves star Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But the most important thing we can do is create an environment that’s much better at a social level: one that’s healthier, that’s nicer.“Reward things that are not only winning, that when people make mistakes they have the chance to make amends.”Moment Mikel Arteta gives Michael Oliver ‘death stare’ after shaking his hand following Lewis-Skelly red card blunderOliver will not officiate Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday, instead taking charge of Ipswich vs Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday before overseeing the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton on February 5.It is also alleged that Oliver received a threat of a car bomb after the awarding of a penalty during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on January 5.Havertz also had his wife and unborn child attacked on Instagram following Arsenal’s FA Cup third round penalty shoot-out defeat to Man United on January 12 in which the German missed the decisive spot-kick.Arsenal were understood to have been in touch with the PGMOL over the abuse aimed at Oliver and are supportive of any inquiries.The PGMOL said in a statement on Sunday: “No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family.“We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour. Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.”Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the 43rd minute at Molineux for a tame trip on Matt Doherty inside the Wolves half – with the decision upheld by VAR official Darren England as “serious foul play”, one that left Arteta “fuming”.Oliver also sent off Wolves’ Joao Gomes in the 70th minute for a second yellow before Riccardo Calafiori scored a late winner.Pundits such as Micah Richards and Alan Shearer blasted Oliver for sending off Lewis-Skelly, the former labelling it “one of the worst decisions I have ever seen”.On Lewis-Skelly’s ban being lifted, Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori said: “We knew that it was a mistake, and now we keep on going and I’m happy for him.“He’s a strong guy mentally and also on the pitch.”An Arsenal statement said yesterday evening: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.”Asked how Lewis-Skelly reacted to the news ahead of their Champions League clash at Girona, Arteta said: “He was sleeping on the plane [to Spain] when I got the news and looked back. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I haven’t spoken to him but I imagine there is a big smile on his face.On if he woke him up, Arteta laughed: “I was working and he was in the back, so I didn’t.”Kai Havertz and his family were recently the victims of online abuse tooCredit: APMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More