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      Football closes in on two huge rugby-style rule changes as referee chiefs talk up proposals after successful trials

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      FOOTBALL lawmakers are reportedly considering two huge rugby-style changes.That’s after successful trials were held at the lower levels of the beautiful game.
      New rugby-inspired rule changes could be coming to footballCredit: Rex
      Premier League stars are only just getting used to new rules regarding dissent this season.
      Referees are no longer allowing themselves to be berated by players.
      And players like Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson have already served bans after quickly racking up five yellow cards for the misdemeanour.
      However, the International FA Board (Ifab) is now considering tightening the rule even further by only allowing captains to speak to officials.
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      That would bring footballers in line with their counterparts in rugby.
      But it’s not the only rugby rule being weighed up by football chiefs, reports The Times..
      They add that sin-bins could also be added to football, with players sent out of matches for 10 minutes to punish dissent.
      Trials could now take place in professional leagues after they were deemed successful at grassroots and junior level over the past four years.
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      Sin-bins and only captains being able to talk to refs are key components of rugbyCredit: Getty
      Chief executive of Ifab, Lukas Brud, said: “Sin-bins for dissent have worked well in grassroots football, and some believe these could also be tested at a higher level, with trials in more senior football.
      “Players may not worry so much about getting a yellow card for saying something inappropriate to a referee, but it can make a big difference if they know it means a tenth of the match off the pitch.
      “There is also a lot of interest from different stakeholders for the idea where only the captain can approach the referee in a fair way.
      “Players approaching in an aggressive manner simply cannot be tolerated any longer.
      “We have even seen on a number of occasions where players deliberately go behind a referee with others coming in front of him so he cannot get away.
      “If only the captain can approach the referee, then afterwards he or she can explain to their team-mates what has happened.
      “This has worked well in other sports such as rugby and basketball.” More

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      VAR was CORRECT to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal against Arsenal, Howard Webb confirms in blow to Mikel Arteta

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      HOWARD WEBB has confirmed that Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal against Arsenal was correctly awarded. The PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer backed the VAR despite Gunners boss Mikel Arteta’s feisty rant post-game.
      Howard Webb has said that VAR were correct to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal against ArsenalCredit: Rex
      Mikel Arteta was left fuming during the game when the decision was given against his sideCredit: Rex
      Gordon’s goal was checked for the ball going out of play, an offside, a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes and a handball before it was awarded.
      But speaking on Match Officials Mic’s Up, Webb said he was in total agreement with the decisions that were made on the day.
      He said: “This was a big moment – an unusual situation with three aspects for the VAR to check whether or not the on-field decision of goal should be overturned.
      “We see the ball getting very close to the goalline – don’t forget we have an Assistant Referee who is right in line – the ball hasn’t got a lot of pace as it goes to the goalline, so he’s looking right down the line better than any of our cameras.
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      “And we know the ball is curved, so it can be over-hanging the line and we need evidence it’s out, and we don’t have that here.
      “The ball then comes over and Joelinton challenges Gabriel, and it could be a foul, might be a foul.
      “The VAR decides that the evidence from the footage isn’t clear enough to intervene with a recommendation for a review for a clear error.
      “I think the talks we’ve seen after, the opinion that is split across a lot of analysis, would suggest that was a correct non-intervention because of the subjectivity.
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      Questions were raised about the ball going out of play in the build up to the goalCredit: Sky Sports
      It was also suggested that Joelinton had pushed Gabriel Magalhaes in the boxCredit: Getty
      There was a check to see if Anthony Gordon was offside tooCredit: Sky Sports
      “And then one of those unusual situations where the ball goes between two players, and trying to identify exactly when the ball leaves Joelinton, is really difficult to establish because of the players being so close together.
      “So again, no conclusive evidence that Gordon was offside when the ball was last touched. The VAR went through that diligently and identified no clear evidence to intervene to overturn the goal. The process was actually correct.”
      It wasn’t the only controversial decision in Newcastle’s 1-0 victory either with both Bruno Guimaraes and Kai Havertz escaping red cards at St James’ Park too.
      Guimaraes’ flailing elbow clattered into the head of Jorginho, but he wasn’t even given a booking.
      While Kai Havertz flew into a challenge on Sean Longstaff and was given a yellow card for reckless play.
      However Webb has admitted that the officials got both those decisions wrong and the pair should have been dismissed for their actions.
      He said: “Quite a busy game wasn’t it? A couple of situations, that in the cold-light-of-day analysis that we go through, going forward, we would expect red cards in both of those situations.”
      The decisions on the day saw Arsenal taste defeat in the Premier League for the first time this season.
      Arteta was left incensed by the officiating and slammed it as an “absolute disgrace” while saying he was “ashamed” of the standard of refereeing in the league.
      Bruno Guimaraes appeared to use his arm to hit Jorginho in the headCredit: Sky Sports
      Kai Havertz left the ground with both feet to lunge into a tackle on Sean LongstaffCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Howard Webb reveals TWO decisions VAR got wrong in Newcastle vs Arsenal clash following furious Arteta rant

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      HOWARD WEBB has confirmed VAR got TWO decisions wrong in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal.PGMOL chief Webb revealed on the programme “Match Officials Mic’d Up” that both Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes should have been sent off – as previously stated by the Premier League’s Key Match Incident Panel.
      Mikel Arteta was raging with the officials following Arsenal’s defeat to NewcastleCredit: Rex
      Howard Webb has admitted the VAR made two mistakes at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
      Listen to the full four minute VAR check of Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal for Newcastle against Arsenal and PGMOL chief Howard Webb discussing the process of awarding the goal 🔊 pic.twitter.com/f0wGwsPqhE— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 14, 2023

      However, he insisted the process was followed correctly for Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner – which Gunners boss Mikel Arteta described as an “absolute disgrace”.
      Havertz’s lunge on Sean Longstaff in the 37th minute was deemed to be a yellow card.
      Meanwhile, Guimaraes’ forearm struck the head of Jorginho in an off the ball collision, but he did not receive any punishment.
      Speaking about the two incidents, Webb said: “Quite a busy game wasn’t it?
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      “A couple of situations, that in the cold-light-of-day analysis that we go through, going forward, we would expect red cards in both of those situations.”
      Prior to analysing those decisions, Webb also analysed the use of VAR in Gordon’s goal.
      The officials looked at three separate incidents in the match-winning moment.
      They were whether or not the ball had gone out, a potential foul on Gabriel, and Gordon being offside.
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      Explaining the process, Webb said: “This was a big moment – an unusual situation with three aspects for the VAR to check whether or not the on-field decision of goal should be overturned.
      “We see the ball getting very close to the goal-line – don’t forget we have an assistant referee who is right in line – the ball hasn’t got a lot of pace as it goes to the goal-line, so he’s looking right down the line better than any of our cameras.

      “And we know the ball is curved, so it can be over-hanging the line and we need evidence it’s out, and we don’t have that here.
      “The ball then comes over and Joelinton challenges Gabriel, and it could be a foul, might be a foul.
      “The VAR decides that the evidence from the footage isn’t clear enough to intervene with a recommendation for a review for a clear error.”
      He continued: “I think the talks we’ve seen after, the opinion that is split across a lot of analysis, would suggest that was a correct non-intervention because of the subjectivity.
      “And then one of those unusual situations where the ball goes between two players, and trying to identify exactly when the ball leaves Joelinton, is really difficult to establish because of the players being so close together.
      “So again, no conclusive evidence that Gordon was offside when the ball was last touched.
      “The VAR went through that diligently and identified no clear evidence to intervene to overturn the goal. The process was actually correct.”
      Also on the show, Webb said VAR had correctly disallowed Scott McTominay’s goal against Fulham for an offside on Harry Maguire.
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      He also backed officials for their decision to send off Cristian Romero against Chelsea.
      But he admitted Hwang Hee-chan’s challenge on Newcastle’s Fabian Schar should have seen VAR intervene to disallow the penalty given against Wolves. More

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      Arsenal told VAR audio from Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal against Newcastle will be released TOMORROW

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      ARSENAL have been told the VAR audio from Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal will be released on Tuesday.Gordon’s strike in the 1-0 win over the Gunners was allowed to stand after looking at three separate incidents in the lead-up to the goal.
      Mikel Arteta raged after Anthony Gordon’s goal was allowed to standCredit: Alamy
      VAR could not determine whether the ball had gone out in the lead-up to the goalCredit: Sky Sports

      Howard Webb will explain the decision on TV on TuesdayCredit: Sky Sports
      Now The Mail have confirmed the VAR recording from Stockley Park will be made public on the monthly programme “Match Officials Mic’d Up”.
      The show sees PGMOL chief Howard Webb explain how decisions were made to host Michael Owen.
      And one part of Tuesday’s programme will address Gordon’s controversial goal at St James’ Park.
      VAR could not definitively decipher whether the ball had gone out, before they decided Joelinton had not fouled Gabriel.
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      They then also looked at a possible offside, but did not have an angle which categorically proved Gordon was in an offside position.
      After the match, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta raged at the officials, calling the decision an “absolute disgrace”.
      Club bosses then released an official statement supporting their manager’s remarks.
      They also called on the standard of refereeing to be addressed.
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      Officials also looked at Joelinton’s clash with Gabriel but did not deem it to be a foulCredit: Sky Sports
      VAR also could not clearly determine whether Gordon was offsideCredit: BBC
      The FA have since sought explanations from both Arteta and Arsenal regarding their comments.
      The Gunners are understood to have responded on Monday.
      The Premier League’s Key Match Incident Panel have confirmed the goal SHOULD have stood, but insisted two other errors were made during the game.
      The panel revealed both Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes should have been handed red cards for their clashes with Sean Longstaff and Jorginho respectively.
      Meanwhile, it is not yet clear whether any of the NINE VAR checks in Chelsea’s win over Tottenham will be included on Match Officials Mic’d Up.
      Both clubs are yet to be contacted by the PGMOL. More

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      Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi launches blistering rant and says he ‘dislikes 80 per cent of referees in England’

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      ROBERTO DE ZERBI launched a scathing attack on Prem officials and VAR, blasting: “I don’t like 80 per cent of referees in England.”The Brighton boss was booked for mouthing off to fourth official Andrew Madley after Adam Webster’s own goal gifted Sheffield United a point.
      Roberto De Zerbi slammed referees in England in a furious rantCredit: Getty
      Mahmoud Dahoud was sent off for a challenge on Ben OsbornCredit: Getty
      🗣️ “I don’t like 80 per cent of referees in England”Roberto De Zerbi speaking after he was booked and Mahmoud Dahoud sent off in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield Utd ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LUTP5XuBqt— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 12, 2023

      De Zerbi was raging at ref John Brooks for sending off Mahmoud Dahoud for a nasty tackle on Ben Osborn moments earlier.
      The Seagulls chief stormed: “I am honest and clear and I don’t like 80 per cent of referees in England.
      “It’s not a new thing. I don’t like them or their behaviour on the pitch.
      “England is the only country where when there is a VAR check you are not sure it is the right decision.
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      “In other countries you have to be 100 per cent sure the referee’s decision is right.
      “In England, no, and I’m not able to understand it.
      “Until the red card there was only one team on the pitch. With one less player we lost order and lost our style.”
      However, TV replays appeared to show Brooks got it right, with VAR Chris Kavanagh backing his verdict that Dahoud’s ugly tackle deserved a straight red card.
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      And ex-Prem ref Mark Halsey declared: “Roberto can have no complaints over Dahoud’s red.
      “The ball was nowhere near Osborn’s ankle and the Brighton man deliberately stamped on him.”
      De Zerbi added: “If I see the new rules, it is a red card, clear.
      “But I was a player and the dynamic of the situation is not a red card — but we have to accept it.”
      Asked if referees in Europe are better, De Zerbi said: “I’m working in England and I speak only about the referees here.” More

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      Crewe vs Notts County HALTED after linesmen ‘refuse to stand on side of fuming fans’ after 98th-minute penalty awarded

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      NOTTS COUNTY’s clash at Crewe Alexandra was halted due to the linesman refusing to stand near the travelling fans.Notts’ supporters were raging with the officials after a 96th-minute penalty was awarded against their side.
      Notts County’s clash with Crewe was haltedCredit: PA
      Fans were enraged by the linesman’s decision to give a penalty to CreweCredit: PA
      The penalty was given by Richard Wigglesworth who had replaced the original refereeCredit: PA
      The game was stoppedCredit: PA
      Players tried to calm down the supportersCredit: Dan Westwell
      Jody Jones was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box as the referee pointed to the spot.
      However, the call angered County’s fans who let their displeasure be known at the awarding linesman.
      The decision came after the match’s original referee, Simon Mather, was forced to be replaced by fourth official Richard Wigglesworth after pulling his hamstring.
      Reports claimed that Notts’ fans then erupted as projectiles were thrown at the officials.
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      It was also suggested that the words “cheat” and “w****r” were chanted at them from the away support.
      Due to the intensity, the linesman was said to refuse to run the line because of the proximity to the fans.
      To make matters worse and add to the chaos the other linesman reportedly refused to switch with him, causing the match to be delayed.
      County’s players could be seen trying to calm down their incensed supporters.
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      The game eventually was restarted 13 minutes later in the 109th minute with the spot kick.
      Crewe star Courtney Baker-Richardson stood up and fired the penalty home to hand the hosts the victory.
      After the game Crewe manager Lee Bell insisted that the decision was correct.
      He said: “Yeah I thought it was a penalty.
      “I think with the new rule change when you are so close to it but in this day and age it is a penalty.
      “I think he [the referee] got it spot on, it takes a lot of courage to do that after coming on because he took his time.”
      Elsewhere in the Football League, Wycombe suffered two serious injuries as two players were taken to hospital after their defeat to Stevenage in League One.
      Courtney Baker-Richardson converted the penaltyCredit: PA More

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      Troy Deeney reveals he’d take advantage of former Chelsea and Arsenal star ‘dangling a leg’ to try win penalties

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      TROY DEENEY has revealed how he used to try to take advantage of David Luiz when he played against him.While writing in his SunSport column, Deeney was giving his take on VAR.
      Troy Deeney revealed how he would take advantage of defenders like David LuizCredit: Reuters
      Deeney called getting contact off a defender ‘professionalism rather than cheating’Credit: Getty
      He explained how Premier League referees have seen their job made much harder since the introduction of the technology.
      The former Watford ace then explained how this would be detrimental to certain defenders and make them more likely to give away a foul, citing Luiz as an example.
      Deeney said: “Let’s talk about the idea of ‘winning’ a penalty, of inviting contact and going down, which I’d describe as professionalism rather than cheating.
      “VAR was supposed to make that far more difficult but I’d say it’s actually made it easier.
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      “There were certain opponents — and as an example I’d use David Luiz of Chelsea, Arsenal and Brazil —  who you knew you had a chance of winning a penalty against.
      “Luiz was a brilliant footballer but he would also have a tendency to dive in to tackles or to dangle a leg if you were running past him, so you’d try to take advantage of that and invite referees to make a decision.
      “With the super slo-mo they use in VAR decisions today, a defender’s challenge often looks worse than it actually is, so you are probably more likely to win a penalty.
      “So many decisions are subjective, so you are never going to get perfection in decision-making.”
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      Deeney also aired his rage on VAR as a whole.
      He believes the Premier League should SCRAP it and bring back the chaos that makes football so fun. More

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      Prem referees chiefs advertise hardest job in football as they step up bid to end VAR chaos… with NO experience required

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      REFS’ chiefs have placed an ADVERT for people to take on football’s toughest job as VARs.The PGMOL are hunting for brave souls with little or no experience.
      The PGMOL are ready to appoint specialist VAR staffCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Luis Diaz’s legitimate goal was wrongly chalked off after a VAR howler
      And the job ad is asking for people who can: “PROVIDE clear communication under pressure,” and are “capable of SELF-REFLECTION on how they have performed.”
      “IDENTIFY when VAR needs to intervene,” and have the “ability to FOCUS and have great communication skills.”
      An advert is circulating among around 75 refs at elite level in the men’s and women’s game to recruit new “Specialist VAR” staff.
      It comes as VAR is under the biggest scrutiny since launching in 2016.
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      Arsenal and Liverpool have both issued strong statements this season, demanding reform.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta branded VAR calls “disgraceful” after Anthony Gordon’s Newcastle winner was allowed to stand last Saturday.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp demanded a replay after Luis Diaz’s goal was wrongly ruled out for offside in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.
      And Wolves boss Gary O’Neil accused VAR of huge blunders which have cost his side points.
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      Newcastle’s winner against Arsenal stood despite a series of controversiesCredit: Getty
      Fans, players and managers are growing increasingly frustrated with VARCredit: Getty
      PGMOL boss Howard Webb has made a number of apologies — including over the Diaz cock-up.
      VAR has also been criticised for lengthy delays, including one of more than SEVEN minutes in Chelsea’s 4-1 win at Tottenham on Monday.
      That game stretched to almost 112 minutes and included two sendings off and FIVE disallowed goals.
      Insiders at the PGMOL say officials are taking longer to make up their minds on decisions because they are frightened of the public backlash should they make a mistake.
      There is also a growing feeling among officials they are overstretched with the expansion of roles now associated with every Prem game.
      GIVEN A REF RIDE
      This weekend alone four referees are doubling up and working on both Saturday and Sunday in the top flight alone.
      Paul Tierney is VAR for Saturday’s lunchtime clash between Wolves and Tottenham before taking charge of Liverpool versus Brentford on Sunday at 2pm.
      John Brooks is VAR at Bournemouth’s home game with Newcastle at 5.30pm on Saturday evening from Stockley Park in North-West London and referee at Brighton against Sheffield United the day after.
      He will be in partnership over a two-day working weekend with Chris Kavanagh who is in the middle at Bournemouth before acting as VAR while Brooks referees at Brighton less than 24 hours later.
      Relative rookie Michael Salisbury, who only joined the Premier League list last year, is VAR for Arsenal vs Burnley then referee for West Ham against Nottingham Forest at 2pm on Sunday.
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      The job advert calls for “expressions of interest” from the top level in the men’s and women’s game to take on one of the most pressurised jobs in football.
      Pay is not mentioned.
      Wolves have been repeatedly on the wrong end of ref blundersCredit: AFP
      Tottenham’s home clash with Chelsea had 21 minutes of injury time after nine checksCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      John Brooks is involved in two Premier League games this weekendCredit: Alamy More