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      Premier League chiefs in talks over huge rule change ahead of crunch meeting with football lawmakers

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      THE Premier League are hoping to introduce a new substitution rule in the near future.England’s top flight has reportedly penned a letter to football’s lawmakers asking to trial temporary concussion substitutes.The Premier League are in talks to introduce temporary concussion substitutionsCredit: GettyThe rule would change the way players are assessed after a head injuryCredit: AlamyAccording to the Mail Online, the Premier League’s chief football officer Tony Scholes wrote to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to ask for their permission to start the trial.The Premier League are said to have prepared their own draft protocol to ensure a faster and smoother introduction should IFAB approve the trial.The proposed rule would see players leave the pitch for ten minutes to be thoroughly assessed for a concussion when suffering a head injury.If the player then passes the tests that are carried out they can return to the pitch to continue playing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe introduction would be change from the current concussion substitution rules in place in the Prem.Teams are currently allowed two PERMANENT concussion substitutions that do not detract from their tactical changes if a player is deemed to have signs of a concussion.The proposal has been sent to IFAB ahead of the organisation’s annual general meeting which will take place in Scotland this weekend. The Premier League have reportedly pointed towards player welfare as a main factor for the proposed change and have collaborated with the PFA, FIFPro and the World Leagues Forum in their approach.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere had already been widespread suggestion of new rules being trialled in English football with the highly-criticised blue card proposition that was leaked last month. However Fifa president Gianni infantino has already rubbished the idea of introducing blue cards to the top level of the sport.Sports reporter Melissa Reddy works up a sweat as she shows off her gym routineBlue MurderBy Martin Lipton

      IT’S a sin for football to allow cynical cheats to get away with it.
      So introducing ten-minute sin-bins would be a big step forward for the game.
      In truth, it does not matter what card the referee shows – blue, green or pink.
      What matters is that, if the trial – which will not include the Prem or EFL at this stage – is a success, then it could become part of top tier professional football by the end of the decade.
      The argument is simple: Nobody likes what Fifa refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina describes as “anti-football action”.
      That is a deliberate, cynical act to stop a potential break by fouling a rival with absolutely no attempt to play the ball.
      If teams who do that have to spend the last 10 minutes of a game a man short, they could pay a real price, rather than just picking up a yellow card and “taking one for the team”.
      Sin bins for dissent might be a tougher argument to progress, although it might just give refs some respect back.
      But having players sat by the side of the pitch, powerless as their man-short side concedes a last-gasp winner, might actually change the way players behave. And it will be a statement of intent.

      Speaking ahead of Saturday’s IFAB meeting, he said: “If you want a headline, it’s the red card to blue cards. No way.“There will not be any blue cards used at elite level. This is a topic that is non existent for us. Fifa is completely opposed to blue cards.”However the idea of sin-bins still still remains a very real possibility for the beautiful game with a global trial almost certain to be approved for dissent – starting at semi-professional level.Although it isn’t clear if the sin-bins will be used for cynical fouls as had been originally suggested.The idea is set to be debated in Saturday’s meeting with a number of big name Fifa representatives set to be in attendance including Infantino and Arsene Wenger.Another topic set to be up for discussion is a push for extended VAR coverage, led by iconic ex-referee Pierluigi Collina.The proposition would see VAR be able to intervene for corners, free-kicks and second yellow cards – although it is understood to be less likely to be backed.And there has been a revision of the idea that time-wasting by goalkeepers should be punished with the award of a corner.Many have deemed this to be too harsh of a punishment and are instead proposing that the other team would be given the ball for a throw-in level with the edge of the box.READ MORE SUN STORIESIFAB are also expected to endorse two new law changes from next season.All deliberate handball offences by defensive players in their own box will be punishable with dismissal from next term, while the ball must overhang the centre of the spot for penalty kicks.Sin-bins may be used for dissent going forwardCredit: GettyThere are talks over increasing the scope of VAR interventionCredit: ReutersThe ball may have to overhang the centre of the penalty spot for spot-kicks next seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Blue cards SCRAPPED as Gianni Infantino shows controversial scheme red card… but gives go-ahead to sin bin trials

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      FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he will give the “red card to blue cards” on Saturday – but sin-bins WILL be trialled.The proposal for a third card for sin-bin offences of dissent and cynical “anti-football action” fouls caused global controversy when it emerged last month.Gianni Infantino confirmed the ‘blue card’ idea was being given the ‘red card’The idea for a blue card to be introduced is set to be scrappedCredit: AFPSpooked Law makers on the International FA Board then rowed back from a planned reveal of the idea.And world football chief Infantino, arriving for Saturday’s annual general meeting of the Ifab at Loch Lomond, officially gave the idea the thumbs down.Infantino said: “If you want a headline, it’s the red card to blue cards. No way.“There will not be any blue cards used at elite level. This is a topic that is non existent for us. FIFA is completely opposed to blue cards.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInfantino insisted he has been blindsided by the concept, adding: “I was not aware of this topic. We have to be serious. “You also have to protect the essence and tradition of the game. There is no blue card.”Sin-bins, though, remain on the table with a global trial almost certain to be approved for dissent – starting at semi-professional level.It is less clear, however, if the proposal for a trial of which would also see sin-bins for deliberate cynical break-stopping fouls – Fifa refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina highlighted Giorgio Chiellini’s scragging of Bukayo Saka by the back of his shirt collar in the Euro 2020 Final – will be approved.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBlue MurderBy Martin Lipton
      IT’S a sin for football to allow cynical cheats to get away with it.
      So introducing ten-minute sin-bins would be a big step forward for the game.
      In truth, it does not matter what card the referee shows – blue, green or pink.
      What matters is that, if the trial – which will not include the Prem or EFL at this stage – is a success, then it could become part of top tier professional football by the end of the decade.
      The argument is simple: Nobody likes what Fifa refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina describes as “anti-football action”.
      That is a deliberate, cynical act to stop a potential break by fouling a rival with absolutely no attempt to play the ball.
      If teams who do that have to spend the last 10 minutes of a game a man short, they could pay a real price, rather than just picking up a yellow card and “taking one for the team”.
      Sin bins for dissent might be a tougher argument to progress, although it might just give refs some respect back.
      But having players sat by the side of the pitch, powerless as their man-short side concedes a last-gasp winner, might actually change the way players behave. And it will be a statement of intent.

      That option is likely to be the most debated at the meeting, which has four Fifa representatives including Arsene Wenger and President Infantino and one from each of the four Home Nations.But the alternative would be to mandate referees to clamp down on dissent by having to caution any player who abuses them, rather than leaving it to their discretion.Huge football rule change set to be introduced with BLUE CARD and players dumped in 10-minute sin binA push, led by Collina, for extending the scope of VAR to include corners, free-kicks and second yellow cards, is understood to be less likely to be backed.Some Ifab members are fearful that VAR is causing enough controversy as it is without adding further complications that might cause more of a backlash.And there has been a revision of the idea that time-wasting by goalkeepers – holding onto the ball for far longer than the allowed six seconds – should be punished with the award of a corner.While a stricter approach by referees is expected, perhaps with an extension of the permitted time a keeper can hold the ball to 10 seconds, that is now felt to be too much of a sanction.Instead, the other team would be given the ball for a throw-in level with the edge of the box.Ifab will also endorse two planned Law changes for next season.All deliberate handball offences by defensive players in their own box will be punishable with dismissal from next season, while the ball must overhang the centre of the spot for penalty kicks.Blue cards were set to be used to deter ‘anti-football action’ foulsCredit: AP More

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      Ex-Premier League ref reveals why Casemiro’s goal stood and Van Dijk didn’t… and says VAR is even enraging OFFICIALS

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      ONE thing is certain for this season, we’ve seen so many inconsistencies with VAR and it riles the fans, players, managers — and even us referees.In Law 11, just being in an offside position is not an offence in itself.Virgil van Dijk had a goal disallowed in the Carabao Cup final before scoring the winnerCredit: GettyCasemiro’s similar goal was allowed to stand against Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyBut does the forward become involved in active play? Interfere with the defender? Make a movement to play the ball?For Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed goal in the Carabao Cup final, Wataru Endo is in an offside position but makes no movement to play the ball.So does he become involved in active play by blocking Levi Colwill?Can Colwill challenge Van Dijk? I don’t think so.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut look at Burnley v Luton, where the Luton forward clearly blocks the keeper and it’s allowed.At Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, it was exactly the same as the Van Dijk one.Another defender is between Felipe and Casemiro as he scored.People will say, in that position Rafael Varane was involved in active play because defenders knew he was there.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut I think both goals should have been given.Van Dijk AND Sterling have goals RULED OUT by VAR in frantic final More

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      ‘Just doing my job’ – EFL referee reveals how he dealt with star being racially abused as he’s praised for interview

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      AN EFL referee says he was “just doing my job” after revealing how he dealt with the disgusting Omar Bogle racist abuse.The disgraceful incident occurred in a League Two match on October 28 at Gillingham.Newport star Omar Bogle was racially abused during a game at Gillingham by a fanCredit: X @SkySportsNewsEFL referee Tom Reeves has opened up on how he dealt with the situationCredit: X @SkySportsNewsEFL referee Tom Reeves discusses handling an incident of racism involving Newport County striker Omar Bogle and a Gillingham supporter. pic.twitter.com/epsSL8Vu0m— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 29, 2024

      Bogle, 30, scored two first half penalties to earn Newport County a 2-0 victory away to the Gills.However, it was not the striker’s brace that was the main talking point from the game.After slotting home the first spot-kick, Bogle was racially abused by a Gillingham supporter as he celebrated.The fan ran over in front of him in the stands and made a monkey gesture.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBen Burchell, 28, who has learning difficulties, admitted a charge of racially aggravated breach of public order at Medway Magistrates court.He escaped a football banning order but received 40 hours of community service and was ordered to pay £200 in compensation to Bogle after pleading guilty to racially abusing the star.Burchell was also told that he cannot attend professional football matches on his own for a period of 12 months without a carer.Tom Reeves was the referee on that day, and now the court case has been held, he has discussed his handling of the shocking incident with Sky Sports News.Most read in EFLHe revealed how it was the first time in his career he had dealt with a fan racially abusing a player but explained how he felt equipped to handle it following his training.Reeves said that “alarm bells” rang when he noticed several Newport players running over to a particular section of the home end.Shocking moment referee is CHASED OFF pitch by pitch invader in Port Vale vs Portsmouth clashHe was then informed about the racial abuse, which led to him approaching Bogle to get a statement from him and give it to his fourth official to make sure it was recorded and make the police and Gillingham safety officer aware.Reeves then said that the fan had been removed from the stadium already by the time he spoke to them, allowing the official to reassure Bogle that it was being dealt with and encourage him to work with him for the remainder of the game.Before the second penalty, Reeves also spoke with Bogle as it was in the same spot as his first.The ref said: “I didn’t want him to celebrate in front of the same group of fans because there could be potential further problems.“I just said to him to think about it if he scores, where he celebrates.”He then explained how he did not want the forward’s emotions to get the better of him as he praised the forward for “working really well” with him.Reeves went on to explain the protocol for such incidents, revealing he checked with Bogle that he was still “OK to continue” and to reassure him again just before the start of the second period.He then got full statements from Bogle and a member of Newport’s team, who on this occasion was the assistant manager, after the game.Reeves said: “The reason we do that is so I can report it to the FA for a full investigation.”Ben Burchell pleaded guilty to racially abusing the forwardOmar Bogle scored two goals during the game, both from the penalty spotCredit: GettyHe said: “We have a particular protocol in place that we follow and there’s certain steps that we go through from the moment the player lets you know about it all the way through to the full time whistle.”Reeves added: “We as referees go there to referee a game of football and don’t expect anyone to go through what Omar had to.“Actually, that night I had messages and phone calls from various people just checking up on me to make sure that I was OK.“But for me, it was ensuring Omar was OK to get through the game, I made sure my report could be reported to the FA so a full investigation could take place.“I was just doing my job, being professional as possible to ensure the game was fully under control and Omar was OK.”After Sky Sports News released the interview, fans rushed to heap praise on Reeves for how he handled the ordeal.One posted on X: “Respect to referee Tom Reeves for the brilliant interview on @SkySportsNews regarding the Newport striker Omar Bogle incident.“Handled the racism incident perfectly.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother wrote: “Effective refereeing when the racists are in town. Well done Tom Reeves.”And a third added: “A horrible incident handled expertly by Tom Reeves. Well done, Tom.” More

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      Former Premier League referee’s new job leaves fans baffled after BBC cameras spot him at FA Cup clash

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      FOOTBALL fans were left confused by Mark Clattenburg’s new job after he was spotted at Nottingham Forest’s clash with Manchester United.Earlier this month, the ex-Premier League referee, 48, was hired by Forest to become their “referee analyst”.Mark Clattenburg, left, sat next to PGMOL chief Howard Webb for Nottingham Forest’s clash with Manchester UnitedCredit: BBCClattenburg has been hired as Forest’s ‘referee analyst’Credit: GettyIt came as they watched decisions go against them in games against Newcastle and West Ham.Clattenburg, who refereed in the Premier League from 2004 to 2017, was in the stands for Forest’s 1-0 defeat to Man Utd on Wednesday evening.And he was sat alongside PGMOL chief Howard Webb as he took in the match.But when his job title flashed up on the screen – “Referee Analyst, Nottingham Forest” – many took to social media to joke about the baffling role he has undertaken.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “Why on earth have Nottingham Forest hired Mark Clattenburg as a ‘Referee Analyst’?😂😂😂”Another added: “That should be unacceptable.”While a third replied: “Can we all talk about how Forest have hired Clattenburg and there [he] was tonight sitting beside the chief referee Howard Webb, absolutely mental 😂.”And a fourth joked: “Clattenburg would be more use on set pieces 😗.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSClattenburg refereed 297 Premier League games across a 13-year period.He also took charge of the 2016 Champions League final and the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowHe has recently been the lead referee in BBC TV show Gladiators.The classic series, which originally aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000, made a comeback earlier this year. More

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      LaLiga official left covered in blood and carried off on stretcher after being hit by a CAMERA

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      A LALIGA match official was left covered in blood after being hit by a camera. Assistant referee Guadalupe Porras was left bloodied and on the floor during the Spanish league match between Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao.
      LaLiga assistant referee Guadalupe Porras received treatmentCredit: EPA

      Betis’ medical staff rushed over to help Porras after Chimy Avila’s goal in the 13th minute was confirmed following a VAR check, causing play to stop.
      Porras was then moved to an ambulance after being placed on a stretcher.
      Initially, it was unclear what had caused the incident.
      But according to Relevo, Porras was left bloodied after colliding with a close-up camera operator from Dazn which was filming the celebrations for the opener.
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      The official was replaced on the touchline by the fourth official Holgueras Castellanos following a lengthy delay.
      Porras was applauded off the pitch by the crowd in the Benito Villamarin as she her condition appeared to improve.
      LaLiga referee veteran Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez urged league president Javier Tebas to have a word with the camera operators.
      He told Cadena SER: “Message to Javier Tebas the camera goes where it shouldn’t go.
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      “Please let them work, the assistant referee is as professional as a player.”
      It was not the only time Betis’ medics were called into action, with Nabil Fekir also left in a bloody state in the 31st minute.
      Bizarre moment Arsenal target Nico Williams gets ‘dumbest red card ever seen’ after two yellows in 12 seconds – BEIN Sports 5
      However, the 30-year-old was able to carry on with cotton wool placed in his nose.
      Betis went on the win the game 3-1, with Bilbao’s Nico Williams being sent off after receiving two yellow cards in 12 SECONDS.
      You can watch the video of it above. More

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      Why football stars are scoring more penalties.. and the goalkeeper’s cheat code that could turn the tide

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      VAR was supposed to end the controversy surrounding poor refereeing decisions in football. Instead, we have seen football slowed down with a myriad of replays and debates rage on the quality of officiating in the division.
      Penalties are being converted at record levelsCredit: The Times
      So how can goalkeepers tip the balance in their favour againCredit: Alamy
      How the Premier League five-year rolling average penalty conversion rate has increased
      The introduction of VAR has also led to a notable increase in the award of penalty kicks.
      According to Opta Analyst, the second season VAR was introduced saw 125 penalties awarded, or one every three games.
      This season has seen the figure stands at its fourth-highest in history, with one spot kick awarded every 3.5 games.
      With the increase in penalties being awarded, however, we have also seen penalties converted with record quality from 12 yards – an unprecedented 90 per cent.
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      Even from last season the five-season rolling average for penalty kicks being converted has increased to a staggering 81.1 per cent, up from 74.8 per cent in the 1996/97 season.
      Goalkeepers have been further handicapped by video technology with the new rule that they cannot move off their line until the penalty is struck.
      This, combined with outfield players seemingly continuing to take leaps in terms of technical ability and ball striking has seen more penalties being scored.
      Despite this there must be something goalkeepers can do to tip the scales back into their favour when facing penalties. Well, yes, there is. The key for goalkeepers though might be to do nothing at all…
      Most read in Football
      Why do goalkeepers dive?
      In penalty shootouts at major competitions we often hear commentators say that all of the pressure is on the penalty taker with none on the goalkeeper.
      At the top level you expect players to be able to convert from the spot and as such the goalkeepers are not expected to save the shot.
      Jason Cummings channels Thierry Henry as he blunders famous spot-kick routine
      This means that goalkeepers will typically not be blamed by fans, coaches or team-mates for failing to stop the penalty but they will be highly praised should they manage to save one, or more than one.
      So, why do goalkeepers dive?
      We have seen a huge increase in outfield players adding a delay into their run before they strike the penalty.
      They will deliberately stutter or hop as they approach the ball before striking.
      Bukayo Saka stutters his run up as a tactic to throw off the goalkeeper
      This is intended to force the goalkeeper to move early and if the goalkeeper goes to one side then the player striking the penalty will go the opposite way.
      Despite not having the pressure on them, goalkeepers will still dive to their left or right as opposed to staying still in the centre of their goals. 
      Here Matheus Cunha stuttered and provoked Chelsea’s Djorde Petrovic into moving before he slotted the ball the opposite way
      If they stand still and the penalty goes to the left or the right then there will be an assumption from those watching that the goalkeeper did not do enough.
      Though the real reason behind the move is incomplete information.
      In this example Andre Onana sells himself early despite there being no run up from Pablo Sarabia
      Everton and England goalie Jordan Pickford went viral as cameras caught him looking at info on opposition penalty takers on crib sheets taped to his water bottles.
      Analysts at clubs will now spend time breaking down the penalty tendencies of players at their next opposition and goalkeepers will be given that information.
      This means that if a goalkeeper knows that their opponent goes to the goalkeepers left a high proportion of the time then diving in that direction is the smart thing to do.
      For goalkeepers to start saving more penalties we may well see them make a change to their approach to saving penalties, despite what fans might think.
      Should goalkeepers stand still?
      Although standing still in the centre of their goal may be against all of their instincts there is an argument that this would increase the chances of goalkeepers making a save from a penalty.
      In recent seasons we have seen a notable increase in the amount of players who include stutters or stops in their run as they wait for the goalkeeper to commit.
      This season has seen 15 spot kicks aimed down the middle of the goal, 14 of which have been scored.
      The conversion rate for these efforts sits at 93.3 per cent, while it the rate drops to 89.1 per cent for the corners.
      Last season the rate down the middle stood at 95 per cent while it was 69.6 per cent in the corners, with a total of 35 penalties being taken in the last two seasons.
      If goalkeepers can maintain their discipline and not move from the centre of the goal then this will start to put doubt in the head of the player who is taking the penalty.
      Here the goalkeeper commits to his right the ball before James Ward Prowse hits his penalty high to the middle
      They are essentially trying to wait until the last second before deciding whether to put the penalty to the left or to the right as opposed to making up their mind before they start their run up.
      The longer that the goalkeeper takes to move the greater the chance that the taker will start to panic and doubt themselves.
      Joao Pedro uses delays to wrong foot the goalkeeper before slotting the ball the other side of the net
      Waiting and staying in the centre of the goal would also be more effective for goalkeepers because of the technique and striking of players taking the kick.
      If the player in question catches the inside of the post, or even the side netting, with an accurate and well struck shot then there is very little chance that the goalkeeper could have made the save anyway.
      Here Ederson holds his central position for a Michael Olise penalty but loses his footing before the taker scores
      Increasingly, however, we are seeing penalties that are just played casually into the goal without getting anywhere near the corner of the goal.
      If goalkeepers were to remain in a central position then they would have more of a chance to react and save those penalties that are clipped just to either side but not right into the corner of the net.
      If the goalkeeper has the composure and conviction to stay in the centre of their goal then they will force the player taking the kick to amend their approach and perhaps overthink what they are going to do with the shot.
      Conclusion
      There is always a sense that the player taking the penalty has the advantage over the goalkeeper.
      And to be fair this should be the case as the defending team has been punished for a foul in their penalty area.
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      Goalkeepers, however, need to find a way to level the playing field and to put some more doubt into the minds of the players taking the penalty.
      We believe that we are going to see more goalkeepers taking the decision to stand and make themselves big in the centre of the goal in order to put doubt back into the minds of the penalty takers. More

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      Mystery as referee probed over claims he wore bodycam in kids’ footie match without permission

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      A REF is being probed over claims he wore a bodycam in a kids’ footie match without permission.The match official told the coaches it was part of an FA-backed VAR-style trial.
      A ref is being probed over claims he wore a bodycam in a kids’ footie match without permission (stock pic)Credit: Getty
      Durham FA chief John Topping said they do not know if he was actually wearing video equipmentCredit: Supplied
      But when they double-checked, they were told there was no trial.
      An investigation has been launched by Northumberland and Durham County FAs following the U13 game in the Russell Foster Youth League.
      Refs wore bodycams in four grassroots leagues last ­season to see if respect improved — but only in adult matches and not in that area.
      Durham FA chief John Topping said they do not know if he was actually wearing video equipment.
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      But he added: “He informed the coaches he was recording everything.
      “They couldn’t understand because the FA did do a pilot a few months ago with bodycams but not here.”
      Local football chiefs said they are investigating after a ref registered to Northumberland FA allegedly used a body-worn camera at a recent fixture.
      They added: “We must clarify that referees are not currently permitted to use body-worn cameras at any time.”
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