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      Jurgen Klopp confronts referee after 98th minute season-defining VAR call saves Man City at Anfield

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      FUMING Jurgen Klopp confronted referee Michael Oliver after Liverpool were denied a late penalty against Manchester City. The game was level at 1-1 and in the eighth minute of extra time when Jeremy Doku collided with Alexis Mac Allister. This is the collision between Jeremy Doku and Alexis Mac AllisterThe City forward got away with itJurgen Klopp confronted referee Michael Oliver after Liverpool were denied a late penaltyReplays revealed the City forward kicking Mac Allister in the chest as they both went for the ball in the box. But ref Oliver waved play on and the VAR team refused to intervene as the game ended all square. Klopp was left raging after the final whistle and confronted Oliver to probe him on the controversial call. Manchester United legend Gary Neville said at the time on commentary: “I think he’s a lucky, lucky boy.” READ MORE IN football Neville also added: “Doku is very lucky. I thought he was in trouble.”The two sides played out a thrilling clash, but neither could find a winner meaning Arsenal now sit top of the table.City centre-back John Stones opened the scoring in the first half but a Mac Allister penalty levelled the game after the break.Klopp was still devastated after the final whistle as he said: “It was 100 per cent penalty. Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “They will find an explanation. It was 100 per cent foul in all areas of the pitch and probably a yellow card.”All the people with ipads around me were ‘wow, clear’. Maybe they can hide behind the phrase it is not clear and obvious.Roy Keane tells Micah Richards to calm down on live TV after furious rant about Man City and Pep Guardiola”It is of course a penalty but we didn’t get it and that is fine. The most important thing for me is that we can play football like that. “I saw so many sensational performances today.”Pundits’ viewsSky pundit Roy Keane didn’t agree though. He told Sky Sports: “Klopp makes a good point about Doku getting the ball but his foot is so high.”I don’t think there’s any force behind it. So, I think the officials got it right.”Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: “I think he sees Mac Allister coming in and he’s almost trying to pull his foot away. I think if that’s being given on the pitch, it’s not being overturned.”But once it’s not given, he’s not gone fully through him. Klopp says anywhere else on the pitch and that’s a foul. I agree with that, but there is an unwritten rule in football where a penalty has to be a bit more.”When it’s in the box, it has to be a little bit more. He’s lucky but I can see why he’s not given it.” More

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      Premier League clubs could be fined for time-wasting tactics by BALL BOYS in never-before-seen ruling

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs are planning a crackdown on time-wasting in games by… BALL BOYS.It follows demands from football’s lawmakers Ifab to stop goalkeepers using delaying tactics.The Premier League wants to crack down on timewasting ball boysCredit: Getty Images – Getty‘Spotters’ at matches accused some Prem clubs of ordering ball kids to run down the clock if their team is winning.And it is understood a panel is looking at possible punishments for not returning the ball to the opposition fast enough.Ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard was famously sent off and banned for three matches after kicking 17-year-old Swansea ball boy Charlie Morgan during the 2013 League Cup semi-final.That prompted warnings to clubs over time-wasting but Prem bosses fear the tactic is creeping back into the game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport revealed last week that an eight-second rule is proposed to stop keepers holding the ball for too long.The radical trial could be used in the EFL lower divisions or the Football League Trophy from next season after being backed by the game’s Law-making body.The current six-second rule, rarely punished, will be extended to eight.But then referees can hold up their hands to count down to zero with five seconds left.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that would give fans inside stadiums the chance to join in the drama.Goalkeepers could even be at risk of giving throw-ins or corners away if they fail to release the ball in time.Huge football rule change set to be introduced with BLUE CARD and players dumped in 10-minute sin binIronically, Hazard’s ball boy victim Morgan has gone on to become a multimillionaire since his moment in the spotlight in South Wales in 2013.And the duo were even reunited recently as they put that chaotic moment behind them.That is because Morgan and school friend Jackson Quinn launched their own vodka company in 2016.Au Vodka has gone on an incredible rise over the past eight years thanks to endorsements from the likes of ex-footballer Ronaldinho, club owner Wayne Lineker, and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.And Morgan is now worth £40million, enough to see him named on the Sunday Times Rich List in 2022.Eden Hazard was sent off in the 2013 League Cup semi-final for kicking Charlie MorganCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThere are also plans to crack down on goalkeepers holding the ball for too longCredit: Getty More

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      Man City boss Pep Guardiola reveals his biggest fear ahead of huge Premier League title clash at Liverpool

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      PEP GUARDIOLA warned his Manchester City stars: Don’t let any Anfield ref errors KO our title dream.Guardiola’s Premier League champs have won just twice at Liverpool since 1981 and have been on the wrong end of a string of questionable calls. Pep Guardiola does not want referee blunders to ruin the trip to LiverpoolCredit: GettyVictory against Liverpool this afternoon will send City back to the top of the table.And Etihad chief Guardiola said: “You can’t control what happens in the stadium with the refs. All we can do is perform better.“We have to overcome absolutely everything, otherwise it will be difficult to win there on Sunday.“All I can handle is our performance — who we are and what we are as a team. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”That’s all I can deal with. If it happens, it happens, so we will see.”Last season, a Phil Foden effort was ruled out when Erling Haaland was controversially pulled up for a foul in a game City lost 1-0.And in 2019, in Liverpool’s title-winning season, Fabinho scored seconds after Trent Alexander-Arnold escaped a handball in his own box.Referee Michael Oliver, who has Stuart Attwell on VAR duties today, took charge of that game, which ended with a furious Guardiola sarcastically saying “thank you very much” to him after the final whistle. Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Other controversies include a Mo Salah strike from a seemingly offside position.But it was Foden’s disallowed goal last term that was on Guardiola’s mind when he added: “It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers“All we have to do is perform better. “For big achievements, chasing four titles in a row — that no team has done ever — it’s the challenge we have to face.“I’m pretty sure we will perform well and, whatever happens, we have many games to play.”Guardiola has had previous at Anfield with today’s official Michael OliverCredit: Getty Images – GettyPhil Foden had a goal controversially ruled out in last season’s defeatCredit: The Times More

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      Mike Dean slams new Premier League referee as ‘bang out of order’ after spotting what he did at half-time

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      LEADING referee Mike Dean blasted whistler Sunny Singh Gill as “bang out of order” – for signing AUTOGRAPHS at half-time on his historic Premier League debut.Gill, 39, became the top-flight’s first-ever British South Asian ref in Crystal Palace’s 1-1 home draw with Luton on Saturday.Referee Sunny Singh Gill sparked controversy by signing autographsGill made history at Selhurst Park in the Prem over the weekendCredit: GettyTop ref Mike Dean was staggered by what he saw as a pundit for Sky SportsBut he raised eyebrows with his actions during the break as he stopped to scribble his name for admirers.Many fans reacted with shock – as did former long-serving Prem ref and current VAR Dean.Asked on Sky Sports News if he had ever done such a thing himself, the 59-year-old replied: “I did after about 300 games!”He added: “I don’t see the point. You’re on a hiding to nothing now.. if kids ask, maybe, but not at half-time, it’s bang out or order.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMany viewers agreed, with one posting: “Just seen… Absolute disgrace, does he think he’s some kind of star? His conduct really needs to be investigated.”But another viewer defended Gill – and looked at the bigger pictureHe wrote: “Sunny Singh Gill makes history, a rare inspiring story about a ref, and Mike Dean slags him off for signing an autograph… You should be ashamed of yourself Mike.”Gill saw Jean-Philippe Mateta put the Eagles in front after 11 minutes.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Sunny Singh Gill surprised some observers with his half-time decisionCredit: RexThat deepened Luton’s woes in the drop zone and left Palace scenting a rise into mid-table.But Cauley Woodrow snatched a point-saver deep into stoppage time.Sunny Singh Gill is a Premier League referee but by night I live a very different life as a prison officer Ahead of his momentous day, ex-prison officer Gill had told EFL.com: “Football has always run in the family. “Me and my brother grew up loving the game and like most young kids, we just wanted to play.”But in our household it was a bit different because when we were going to primary school, we knew our dad was going out to referee on a weekend.”There were times he was a fourth official in the Premier League and our friends would say they saw him on Match of the Day!” More

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      I’m a Premier League referee – but by night I live a very different life as a prison officer

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      HISTORY-MAKER Sunny Gill Singh uses skills he learnt working in jails to keep control on a football pitch.Prison officer Gill will become the first British South Asian to referee a top-flight match in England when he takes charge of the Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Luton tomorrow.Sunny Gill Singh will become the first South Asian to referee a Premier League matchCredit: RexGill also works as a prison officerCredit: GettyHe worked at Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution as recently as 2022Credit: PA:Press AssociationGill worked at Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution as recently as 2022 and still does the occasional shift in the prison service.He said: “I find it a little bit easier managing players!“But there’s always pressure and there are 22 sets of eyes in different positions that will always have an opinion. “In a prison, you’ve got to know how to talk to people when they get angry and frustrated.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Players are the same when things don’t go their way.“You have to sell your decision to them straight away. You have to be a bit cute.”When Gill started reffing Sunday league football at the age of 17, he found it a lot tougher.He explained: “The players would turn up half-drunk from the Saturday night out. They always thought they knew more than you.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Every decision you made, it was World War III.“For £25 a match or whatever, I didn’t even enjoy it and it put me off.’Just doing my job’ – EFL referee reveals how he dealt with star being racially abused as he’s praised for interview“I never faced any racial comments, but I nearly got into a few fights, definitely.“And as a non-white person in the game, it’s easier for people to remember your face if you make a mistake.”Fortunately, Gill and his brother Bhupinder, a high-level assistant referee, had the perfect role model in their father, Jarnail Singh.The latter remains the only man wearing a turban to ref an English league match, having taken charge of 150 EFL matches between 2004 and 2010.Gill, 39, said: “The first match I went to with my dad was Arsenal vs Everton when he was fourth official.“I was used to seeing my dad on Match of the Day and speaking about it at school.”Now Gill will make his debut on the BBC show after a meteoric rise.When SunSport spoke to the family in 2020, Gill had just been promoted to National League Premier level.I’m improving in every department… I now want to set more goals and fulfil my dreamSunny Gill SinghIn April 2021, he and Bhups were the first South Asians to officiate at the same Championship game when he was fourth official and his brother was an assistant for Nottingham Forest’s visit to Bristol City.Then in November 2023, Gill was the first South Asian since his dad to ref a Championship game as he took charge of Huddersfield vs Watford.He and his brother benefited from the FA’s three-year equality, diversity and inclusion plan, In Pursuit of Progress, and its specific Asian Inclusion Strategy.Gill has learnt how to deal with footballers thanks to his other jobCredit: ReutersThe ref compared players to angry inmatesCredit: AlamyGill is following in the footsteps of his refereeing fatherCredit: GettyIn 2019, the FA launched its Asian Inclusion Strategy, a five-pillar plan that aims to address the underrepresentation of Asian communities by encouraging more players, coaches, referees and staff from an Asian background to make football their chosen career path.Now the FA and refereeing body the PGMOL are working together via the new Core X programme to create more diversity among top-level match officials, while a separate initiative aims to recruit 1,000 more referees from under-represented backgrounds.Bhups made his Premier League debut last season and now Sunny will take the biggest step of all for British Asian match officials – just as he hoped to do when speaking last October.READ MORE SUN STORIESGill said: “It’s been a lot of hard work training away from the pitch, improving in every department with the help of the PGMOL and my coaches.“I now want to set more goals and fulfil my dream of becoming the first South Asian to referee in the Premier League.” Jarnail Singh took charge of 150 EFL matches between 2004 and 2010Credit: GettySunny’s brother Bhupinder made his Premier League debut as an assistant last seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Chris Hunter dead at 35: Nottingham Forest lead tributes as non-league referee passes away unexpectedly

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      REFEREE Chris Hunter has died aged 35.Hunter officiated across steps 2-4 in non-league, which covers the sixth to eight tiers of English football, during his career.Chris Hunter has tragically passed away aged 35Credit: https://twitter.com/NottsFAAnnouncing his tragic passing, the Nottinghamshire FA wrote: “Nottinghamshire FA is deeply saddened to report that Chris Hunter has unexpectedly passed away aged 35.”Chris was a former Level 3 referee operating at Steps 2-4 of non-league football and a season-ticket holder at Nottingham Forest.”They then added: “Our deepest sympathies go to Christopher’s family and friends. A tribute to Chris will follow in the coming days.”Forest also paid tribute to Hunter.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey wrote on social media: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Chris’ friends and family at this truly difficult time.”The PGMOL added: “Everyone at PGMOL is deeply saddened at the passing of Chris. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the refereeing family.”Rest in Peace, Chris.”Former official Chris Foy, who officiated in the Premier League between 2001 and 2015, wrote: “Sending my deepest condolences to Christopher’s family and friends.”Most read in FootballWhile Foy’s fellow ex-Prem ref Keith Hackett posted: “My condolences to the family and friends of Chris Hunter on this shocking news. RIP Chris.”Fans also paid tribute to Hunter online.One wrote: “This is very tragic news – my thoughts are with all of his family during this very difficult time.”While a second commented: “Worked with Chris growing up, always having a laugh, sad news, rip.”Another added: “shocked to hear the news, RIP Chris.” More

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      Nottingham Forest CHARGED by the FA after furious reaction to referee Paul Tierney’s blunder in Liverpool clash

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have been charged by the FA for their furious reaction in the aftermath following last Saturday’s last-gasp defeat to Liverpool.Darwin Nunez’s controversial 99th minute winner came after referee Paul Tierney blundered by restarting play with a drop ball to Liverpool, when he should have awarded possession to Forest.Nottingham Forest have been charged by the FA for their reaction following Liverpool’s late win on SaturdayCredit: RexForest owner Evangelos Marinakis came on to the pitch during the hysteriaCredit: RexThe Forest staff were fuming after Paul Tierney had incorrectly given Liverpool the ballCredit: ReutersMembers of Forest’s coaching staff surrounded ref Tierney at full-time.While the club’s Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis took to the pitch and followed the under-fire official down the tunnel after the final whistle.Forest have now been charged with allegedly failing “to ensure its players and/or technical area occupants don’t behave in an improper way after the final whistle.”First team coach Steven Reid has also been charged with allegedly using “abusive and/or insulting language,” towards Tierney during a stormy encounter as the official left the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReid was sent off after the final whistle and the FA Statement alleges he “acted in an improper manner and/or use abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official after being sent off.”Reid and Forest have until Wednesday, March 13 to respond to the charges.Referee Tierney received punishment himself following his incorrect decision to give the ball to Liverpool in the build up to Nunez’s goal.The official has been DROPPED from taking charge of any Premier League fixtures this weekend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSForest coach Steven Reid was sent off by Tierney after the full-time whistleCredit: GettyHowever he will still be on duty as a VAR for Arsenal’s clash with Brentford on Saturday instead.Forest captain Ryan Yates revealed that Tierney had claimed that he had got the rules right in the situation despite Forest players explaining he was incorrect.Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp reflects on the game Speaking after the game, Yates said: “He just said: ‘That’s the rule. They get the ball.” I honestly don’t know how that is possible.“We were in the ascendancy, we had a corner.”There was just a coming together and then we were going to put another ball into the box. I thought they’ll just drop us the ball back.“Maybe on the halfway line — worst case on the halfway line — and then we’ll just play on. But not giving them it there.“Suddenly, while we’re switched off, they’re allowed to get the ball to the other end of the pitch and put us under pressure. It’s strange, very strange.” More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot Premier League referee ‘try to to tap up Champions League star for Newcastle’

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED fans think one Premier League referee is doing his best to help the club’s recruitment.Eagle-eyed Toon supporters spotted Michael Oliver seemingly ask Mikel Merino to rejoin the Black and White Army.Fans think Michael Oliver has been trying to tap up a Real Sociedad star to join Newcastle UnitedCredit: GettyOliver seemed to joke with Mikel Merino about a return to St James’ ParkCredit: AFPFans spotted the interaction on TVCredit: TNT SportsOliver was the man in the middle for the second leg of Real Sociedad’s Champions League last 16 tie with PSG on Tuesday night.And after the full time whistle blew on PSG’s 4-1 aggregate win, Oliver appeared to jokingly ask Sociedad star Merino to make a return to the Magpies.Fans online thought that Oliver, who is known to be a Newcastle fan himself, appeared to joke “are you coming back?” while shaking hands with Merino.The 27-year-old central midfielder previously had a brief spell at St James’ Park during the 2017/18 season after joining on loan from German giants Borussia Dortmund.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut despite Newcastle being impressed enough to make the deal permanent just three months into the loan, Merino was sold to Sociedad in the following summer where he has remained since.Merino made just 25 appearances for the Premier League club scoring one goal in the process.And fans are convinced that he would be keen to make a return to Tyneside as they claimed that Merino “didn’t say no” to Oliver’s question.Others pleaded on social media for the 27-year-old to return to Newcastle in the near future.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote: “What a signing this lad would be… again!”While another added: “Would love to see him in black and white once more”.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveA third posted: “‘I’d have him back in a second”.And a fourth wrote: “Please come back Merino! Our midfield would be stacked”.Merino previously spent one season at Newcastle UnitedCredit: Reuters More