More stories

  • in

    Man Utd vs Liverpool referee had no choice but to send Amad Diallo off… but that doesn’t make it the right decision

    AMAD DIALLO was sent off for a second caution after taking off his shirt off following his last-gasp FA Cup winner.The Manchester United winger’s actions were silly because referee John Brooks had NO option but to show a red card for his celebration.Amad Diallo is shown a red card after celebrating his winning goal against LiverpoolCredit: APThis law came in because of players making political statements.It wasn’t the case here, so I’d like to see the law changed as fans want goals and emotional celebrations.If Brooks showed common sense, he’d have been rapped by his bosses for failing to apply the law correctly.After the game, Diallo admitted he forgot that he was on a yellow card.Read more Man. Utd newsBut he wasn’t going to let the dismissal put a dampener on his day.He told ITV: “What a game. Today I think we deserved this win. One of the best games of the season so I’m very happy. It was an important moment, I think it was the best goal of my career.”I don’t believe, but this is football so you need to believe every moment. When he (Garnacho) gave me the ball I wanted to give it to him again but I shot.”I forgot the first yellow so I’m really disappointed to get the red card but the most important for me was to get the win.Most read in Football”Everyone came to me and said I deserved it. The most important [thing] for me today was the win.”United won a thrilling contest at Old Trafford 4-3.Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag on Liverpool winThey got off to the perfect start when Scott McTominay scored after just 10 minutes.However, Liverpool turned the game on its head before half-time with a quickfire double from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe visitors should have put the game beyond doubt, before Antony equalised for United with just three minutes left on the clock.In extra-time, Harvey Elliot restored Liverpool’s lead, but Marcus Rashford got his side level once again.Then, in the 120th minute, Ivory Coast winger Diallo raced clear to fire home the fourth to gift his club a famous victory. More

  • in

    West Ham rocked by Premier League’s longest ever VAR check that left David Moyes seething

    DAVID MOYES vented his frustration at West Ham’s rough luck with referees after enduring the Premier League’s longest ever VAR check.The Hammers had an injury time winner against Aston Villa ruled out by VAR, causing Moyes to confront referee Jarred Gillett at full-time having had a fourth handball decision go against them in ten days.David Moyes was seething at the latest VAR decision against his sideCredit: AlamyRef Jarred Gillett looks at a monitor as he watches a VAR Review of Jarrod Bowen’s goalCredit: GettyIn all the injury-time check took a staggering five minutes and 37 seconds, a new record beating the five minutes it took to rule out a Jay Rodriguez goal for Burnley at Bournemouth last season.Ref Gillett and VAR Tony Harrington decided that Tomas Soucek had deliberately handled the ball before Jarrod Bowen turned it in. If the handball had been deemed accidental the goal would have stood.Against Villa, the hosts had two goals ruled out for handballs following a check either side of Mohammed Kudus firing one in a second after the whistle had been blown for a foul on Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez by Antonio.That comes after a controversial call not to award West Ham a late penalty for handball against Sander Berge last Sunday, with a similar incident happening in their first leg against Freiburg.Read more football newsMoyes said: “We think they are goals but VAR are the ones who decide, not us.”Burnley last week, Freiburg last week, two today. Every one of them has gone against us on handball situations so it’s hard to take.”You’ve got VAR so if VAR thinks it’s right they’ve got a chance to look at things so they must be right.”Football people see things differently. Maybe that’s where I see some of them differently.Most read in Football”Undoubtedly you might think that some of them hit people’s arms and it does and if that’s the rule we have to go with the rule.”But we had two that hit people’s arms last week, not one of them went our way. Not one of them.”The Tap In West Ham’s Moyes Out fans should ‘be careful what they wish for’ ft. Tony CotteeMoyes, who said he will not discuss the incidents with referees boss Howard Webb, added: “You can contact Howard yourselves and get the results.”A late winner, following Michail Antonio’s opener and Nicolo Zaniolo’s equaliser, would have made it three Prem wins from four games for the Hammers and strengthened their European charge.Zaniolo has not started a Premier League game in 2024 but made a huge impact off the bench, ensuring Villa did not suffer back-to-back league defeats.Boss Unai Emery said: “I’m very happy for Nicolo, hopefully we can keep him in this mood for the rest of the season.”When they scored the plan changed and in the second half we did better than in the first half.”We dominated, scored the goal and tried to win the match. It’s a draw but the result is good for us.” More

  • in

    Mike Dean lost for words live on Sky Sports after VAR mix up for ‘stonewall’ penalty during Premier League clash

    FORMER Premier League referee Mike Dean was left dumbfounded by VAR confusion during Burnley’s 2-1 win over Brentford.Defender Sergio Reguilon was dismissed in the eighth minute for denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity, with Vincent Kompany’s men also awarded a penalty.Sky Sports thought the VAR monitor was not working but they were incorrectCredit: PAMike Dean was left baffled by the VAR – which turned out to be working perfectlyCredit: Sky SportsAnd Dean confirmed in Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday studio before the decision was made that it should be a red card and spot kick.As referee Darren Bond went to the pitchside monitor after originally not awarding the penalty, Dean said: “Stonewall [penalty], he has kneed him in the back of the leg and there is a push as well. Paul Tierney is the VAR and he has sent Darren [Bond] over.”It will be an interesting decision really because if the penalty stands, he [Reguilon] has made no attempt to play the ball so it could be a potential red card, too.”But Dean was then left baffled as those in the Sky Sports studio could not see anything on the VAR monitor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDean added: “It’s plugged in but there’s no pictures right now.”It’s not the fault of the refs or the VAR, it’s actually the people running the system, so something technical went wrong somewhere.”This was actually not the case, with Sky Sports subsequently clarifying that the VAR technology was working fine.In fact, the five-minute stoppage to assess the incident was largely due to the VAR analysing an offside in the build-up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe penalty and red card were eventually dished out, before Jacob Bruun Larsen converted the spot kick in the 10th minute.David Datro Fofana doubled Burnley’s lead shortly after the hour mark, before Kristoffer Ajer pulled one back for Brentford late on.Ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean embarrassed live on Sky Sports and told ‘get to Specsavers’ during Soccer SaturdayIt is Burnley’s first win in 12 games – a run which stretches back to December.But they are still eight points adrift of Premier League safety with just nine games remaining. More

  • in

    I’m an award-winning porn star… now I’m living my dream after becoming a football referee

    A VETERAN porn star has told how she is training to be a football referee after quitting hardcore blue movies.Award-winning Brazilian adult star Elisa Sanches, 42, is among some porn platforms’ most-watched performers.Elisa Sanchesis swapping the film industry for refereeingCredit: InstagramElisa has admitted she is concerned about her past coming back to bite herCredit: InstagramBut now Elisa is planning to get her kit ON to learn how to be a football ref.While worried about how some fans will react to her porn past, she cannot wait to become a match official.Elisa told local media: “My biggest fear is prejudice in the field. It’s the only thing that was holding me back.”It was always my childhood dream, but life let me forget that.READ MORE IN GLAM”I’ve set a goal that this year I would sign up and finally start my course to become a football referee.”She added: “I feel ready and in good shape with my body to go to the field. I see a bright future as a referee.”I want to study hard for the tests and pass the first time.”However, Elisa fears that she could be taunted by fans and ignored by players because of her adult movies.Most read in FootballShe says: “I confess that sometimes I wonder if the players and the public would respect me.”I’m a woman and a former porn star, so I have to be prepared for anything, but I’m still very excited.Seven sports stars who started an OnlyFans including ex-footballer and British boxing icon”I’ve already taken my first step, which was choosing my school and financial organisation.”Elisa has already served as a referee in 2020 in a charity football match in Queimados, Rio de Janeiro.She explained: “I remember this special day in my life with great affection.”I was fulfilling a dream – even if unofficially, but I got a taste of what it’s like to be a referee on the field.”Elisa has starred in hundreds of raunchy adult movies, like ‘Lesbian Security Guards’ and ‘Maid Takes Boss’.Crowd pleasers like ‘Big *ss Maid’ and ‘Uber Without Panties’ have won her more than seven million views.And Elisa, who has 1.8 million Instagram followers, has previously told how rich and powerful men often try to hook up with adult stars like herself.She told local media: “It happens a lot more than people think.”Elisa added: “Politicians and public figures often seek discreet encounters with people in adult entertainment, and they often require confidentiality terms to protect their public images.READ MORE SUN STORIES”My priority is always to respect the agreements I have made, even if it means keeping certain secrets.”Transparency is important, but it is also essential to respect people’s privacy.”Elisa has 1.8 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe revealed how politicians have tried to hook up with herCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Watch ‘funniest football moment ever’ as player tries to high five ref for cancelling yellow card only to be given RED

    THE Europa League is never short of entertainment and Thursday’s clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Qarabag was no different.Qarabag defender Elvin Cafarquliyev hilariously tried to high-five the referee following a VAR decision thinking he had been spared a yellow card – only to be shown a red just seconds later.Elvin Cafarquliyev was sent off following a VAR review that turned his yellow card into a red for pulling on the shirt of Jeremie FrimpongReferee Anthony Taylor signalled that the yellow card was ruled outCredit: https://twitter.com/footballontntCafarguliyev went to high-five Taylor thinking he had gotten away with itCredit: https://twitter.com/footballontntInstead Taylor pulled out a red card and sent the defender offCredit: https://twitter.com/footballontntCafarguliyev left the pitch fumingCredit: https://twitter.com/footballontntCafarquliyev was booked by referee Anthony Taylor in the 61st minute after he was judged to have grabbed the shirt of Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong who was through on goal.Frimpong fell to the ground as a result and after a lengthy VAR check Taylor retrospectively decided that his Cafarquliyev’s yellow card should instead have been red.After making the bold decision the official indicated that the yellow card would no longer stand with a hand gesture, leading Cafarquliyev to believe he had got off scot free.The Azerbaijan international wanted to celebrate that by high-fiving Taylor and raised his hand to do so – only for the stern referee to reach into his pocket and brandish a red card instead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCafarquliyev had jumped the gun in thinking he was getting away with the shirt tug, but instead was sent for an early shower.Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing and took to social media to share their reactions.One wrote: “Right up towards the top of the list for funniest football moments ever. Outstanding.”While another added: “Taylor left him hanging and said here you go, you’re off!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third joked: “I’m on the actual floor.”And a fourth wrote: “VAR can’t even downgrade yellows so not sure what he was hoping his best case scenario was there.”Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowThe one man deficit didn’t seem to hamper Qarabag initially as they doubled their lead over Leverkusen to 2-0 just three minutes after the sending off.But ultimately Xabi Alonso’s side made the most of their advantage by pulling a goal back in the 72nd minute and adding two more through Patrik Schick in injury time to win the game 3-2.Leverkusen didn’t just book their place in the Europa League quarter-finals with their win, but also kept their 37 game unbeaten run alive.The Germans sit top of the Bundesliga table after an exceptional campaign with Alonso at the helm.And with 10 points separating them from second placed Bayern Munich it looks like they are on course for a first ever Bundelsiga title.Patrik Schick left it late to turn things around for Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyXabi Alonso’s side continue to impressCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Mike Dean let himself down by turning on another referee for signing autographs, Sunny Singh Gill should be celebrated

    IF only referees would show a little common sense.Mike Dean probably still wakes with a jolt in the middle of the night with that patronising phrase ringing in his ears.Mike Dean took aim at Sunny Singh Gill live on Sky SportsCredit: GettyGill was seen signing autographs at half-time of Crystal Palace vs LutonCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPLPTSD from hearing the same old story while serving as one of our highest-profile officials.So why now in retirement he cannot apply it to the case of Sunny Singh Gill is beyond anyone’s guess.From his pulpit on Sky Sports, whistleblower-turned-expert-pundit Dean wasted no time in tainting Gill’s Premier League debut because he signed a couple of autographs for some kids during half-time at Crystal Palace last Saturday.Describing the  rookie ref’s actions as “bang out of order”, this man who has taken charge of an FA Cup final and high-level European games turned on one of his own.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd, in doing so, Dean provided a tasty soundbite for his employers in the gallery.By the way, if you don’t happen to know who  Dean is, as well  as switching on the telly on a  Saturday afternoon, you can easily look him up appearing as himself in old episodes of Ted Lasso.Gill is the first referee of British South Asian heritage to officiate in the Premier League. So that makes him a bit of a story.In the 70s and 80s, instead of being asked to sign his name in a little boy’s scrapbook, there’s every chance he would have been called ‘P**i b*****d’ as he walked out in readiness for the second half.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVALHis dad Jarnail probably became only too familiar with the lyrics of the song ‘one, two, three the lights are flashing . . . ’ as the first Sikh to become an English football referee.So seeing his son take in the history of the occasion and enjoy engagement with young, white supporters is a moment to hold up to the light.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceA sign that while people in  football from any ethnic minority, or with non-white skin, face worrying levels of racist abuse on social media, there is hope when  people meet face to face.As far as we know,  Gill wasn’t charging £50 a pop for his autograph.Perhaps that is the issue some ‘celebrity’ ex-refs have with it.And it didn’t look like he was aware  that TV cameras scanning the stadium had caught this unprecedented, fleeting exchange between a referee and some young fans.There was more criticism from other ex-referees, too, proclaiming that while on duty Gill is there to officiate — not glad-hand and make it all about him.While that’s insensitive, it is at least a credible argument about referees keeping their distance and retaining the aura of authority.However, it’s probably safe to assume that Gill was not strutting around the tunnel area during the break at Palace’s home clash with Luton, touting his moniker to anyone within earshot.Gill became the first referee of British South Asian heritage to officiate in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyIt’s a fair bet that the small child asked for his autograph.And if so, what’s Gill actually supposed to do?Just imagine the outcry if umpteen TV cameras had chanced across images of the first Premier League referee of British South Asian descent ignoring the pleading face of a cherubic kid asking to sign in his scrapbook.What’s that going to do for race relations and the diversity dream in this country?READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s almost as if Gill is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t.What we need more than anything  is for people to show some common sense. More

  • in

    ‘Incredible, this is like a movie’, say fans as ref’s bodycam footage released ahead of possible Premier League launch

    FOOTBALL fans watched in awe as Bundesliga released footage from a referee’s bodycam amid talks of the Premier League following suit.Daniel Schlager gave a glimpse of football’s future during last month’s league clash between Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg.at the Deutsche Bank Park.Footage from a referee’s bodycam has been released to the publicCredit: RedditFans were amazed with the Hollywood-like quality footageThe Premier League could introduce the same initiative in the futureSchlager’s VAR earpiece also featured a camera, which captured his view of key incidents during the game.And the German ref had to make a major call only two minutes into the match after Wolfsburg opened the scoring.Maxence Lacroix broke the deadlock and Schlager initially awarded the goal.However, another camera showed referees in the VAR booth analysing the opener.Read More on FootballThere was initial suspicion of a Wolfsburg team-mate pushing the ball with his hand after Lacroix’s header.However, after a rather long period of deliberation it was later determined that the handball was in fact committed by an Eintracht defender.And so the goal was awarded and that sparked quite an entertaining encounter which ended 2-2.Philipp Max equalised for Eintracht only 12 minutes after Lacroix’s dramatic goal.Most read in FootballKevin Behrens put the visitors back ahead on 36 minutes but Omar Marmoush salvaged a point in the second minute of stoppage time.Fans were left amazed by the footage with some even comparing it something they would see from Hollywood.One football enthusiast commented: “Incredible footage, this is like a movie ffs. Imagine this level of transparency in the Prem (LOL).”Another posted: “Reminds me of that Nike ad… so cool!”CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL A third said: “Sick footage, can’t wait to see it all.”This fan wrote: “This is fantastic for understanding what the referee sees, why and how some decisions are made. This should be the staple because it is really interesting and entertaining.”And that one stated: “Damn, this is nice.”The concept could be utilised by PGMOL in the Premier League in the future after a similar kit was used during a friendly between Chelsea and Brighton in the US last July.One refereeing source said: “It might help fans realise why decisions were taken.” More

  • in

    Bundesliga star thanks quick-thinking referee for saving his life after horror collision saw him swallow his tongue

    A TOP footballer has thanked referee Patrick Ittrich for potentially saving his life after a horror on-field collision. Mainz star Josuha Guilavogui’s head collided with team-mate Anthony Caci’s knee during Saturday’s match at Bayern Munich. Josuha Guilavogui thanked referee Patrick Ittrich for potentially saving his life after a horror on-field collisionCredit: EPAThe Frenchman was left motionless on the ground and looked to be unconscious before Ittrich arrived and put him in the recovery position. Quick-thinking official Ittrich then adjusted his tongue so he could breathe again.The incident took place on the half hour mark and Guilavogui was subbed off five minutes later for Edimilson Fernandes. And he expressed his gratitude to ref Ittrich on social media after the game. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe posted on X: “Thank you very much for the quick intervention and the help provided, Patrick Ittrich, my teammates and the doctors at Mainz!”Ittrich said: “You just have to act quickly, there’s no praise for it.”The game ended in an 8-1 hammering for Mainz with Harry Kane scoring three but – due to Bundesliga rules – it did not count as a hat-trick. For a “true hat-trick” in German football, one must score three goals in the same half all consecutively, with no one else bagging in between.Most read in BundesligaWith Kane scoring Bayern’s first, third and seventh unfortunately it does count, despite him taking home the match ball regardless. He posted after the game: “Perfect afternoon! Gotta keep this momentum up.”Micah Richards accuses Harry Kane of ‘having a dodgy box’ in hilarious interviewThe emphatic result sees the Bavarians move to within seven points of leaders Bayer Leverkusen.And England skipper Kane improved his sensational tally for the season to 36 goals in 34 matches. Harry Kane poses with the match ball despite his hat-trick not officially counting More