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    What is semi-automated offside and how will the technology be used in FA Cup 5th round?

    THE FA Cup fifth round will create history in English football, as semi-automated offsides will be used for the first time.Seven of the eight FA Cup fifth round fixtures will use the new technology, aiming to speed up the VAR offside decision-making process.VAR will introduce the new system, after already introducing in-stadium announcements in the Carabao CupCredit: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty ImagesManchester United are the current holders of the FA CupCredit: Marc Aspland The TimesPreston vs Burnley will not use the technology, as the new system will only be used in Premier League grounds.The system has already seen success in competitions such as the World Cup, Champions League, Serie A and La Liga.What is semi-automated offside?The semi-automated offside technology uses tracking cameras to help referees know when a player is offside.The technology will help eliminate long wait times in games with VAR, as it will flag when players are offside rather than spending long periods of time drawing lines on still images.Read more FA CupCameras around the ground will track players during the game, and if at any point during a key moment, such as a penalty or red card, a player is offside, the VAR will be sent an alert.It is a similar concept to the semi-automated offsides seen in the World Cup 2022 and the Champions League.However, Tony Scholes, Premier League chief football officer, has said the Premier League have been developing a different system.FA Cup fifth round drawPreston vs Burnley is the only game not using the new technology, as the rest of the ties take place in Premier League grounds.Most read in FA CupThe full draw is available here:Aston Villa vs Cardiff – Fri, Feb 28 – 8pm GMT – ITV1Crystal Palace vs Milwall – Sat, Mar 1 – 12:15pm GMT – BBC OnePreston vs Burnley – Sat, Mar 1 – 12:15pm GMT – BBC iPlayerBournemouth vs WolvesManchester City vs Plymouth – Sat, Mar 1 – 5:45pm GMT – ITV4Newcastle v Brighton – Sun, Mar 2 – 1:45pm GMT – ITV1Man United vs Fulham, Sun, Mar 2 – 4:30pm GMT – BBC OneNottingham Forest vs Ipswich – Mon, Mar 3 – 7:30pm GMT – ITV4 More

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    David Coote slapped with lengthy Uefa ban for bringing the sport of football into disrepute

    DAVID COOTE has been banned from officiating by Uefa until 2026.Coote, 42, had already been sacked by the PGMOL in December following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.David Coote has been banned by UefaCredit: GettyNow Uefa have hit him with a ban of their own, effective immediately and running until June 30, 2026.Uefa revealed that Coote has been banned for “bringing the sport of football, and Uefa in particular, into disrepute”, as well as “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.The European football governing body opened an investigation into Coote following The Sun’s exclusive video of Coote snorting a white power while on duty at Euro 2024.Coote’s ban means he can no longer officiate in the Nations League, Champions League, Europa League or Uefa Conference League.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEWhile, despite him already being sacked, Uefa’s jurisdiction over the English leagues means he won’t be able to officiate in the Premier League either. Coote was initially suspended by the PGMOL following a video emerging online of the referee calling then-Liverpool manager a “German c***”.Paul Field, chairman of the ­Referees’ Association, had said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.Most read in FootballVideo emerged showing Coote snorting a white powder“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”While Coote himself had said he would like to return to officiating in some form.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powderHe added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge. “But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Coote revealed that he is gay – suggesting that hiding his sexuality is one of the contributing factors to his actions.He said : “My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position.”But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.”Coote was also subject to an investigation over allegations related to bookings given to Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski in the 2019/20 Championship campaign.It was claimed that Coote has discussed the possibility of showing Alioski a yellow card with a third party before the game.However, it is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.Coote maintained his innocence on the matter in a statement and claimed he has always held the “integrity of the game in the highest regard”.A statement read: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”Coote told The Sun he is gay in an exclusive interviewCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Major upgrade to VAR coming TONIGHT with Semi-Automated Offside Technology installed at Premier League clubs

    VILLA PARK will tonight see the launch of English football’s VAR upgrade.Premier League chiefs plan to roll out the use of Semi-Automated Offside Technology across the remainder of the season.Villa Park will see the launch of English football’s VAR upgradeCredit: The FAThe new VAR system uses up to 30 specialist high-speed cameras to track 10,000 data points on every playerCredit: The FABut the new system, which uses up to 30 specialist high-speed cameras to track 10,000 data points on every player, will be debuted across all but one of this weekend’s eight FA Cup fifth-round ties.And it starts with Aston Villa’s clash with Cardiff.Unlike the top-flight’s current VAR system, where operators manually determine the ‘kick point’ for offside calls and then draw lines, SAOT will do both automatically.It is expected the system, devised by the Prem’s new tech partner, US-based Genesis Sport, will reduce even tight decision times to an average of 30 seconds.Read More on FootballThe Genesis system will then send a 3D visual replay to broadcasters and the giant screens in stadiums, to ensure fans know why the call was made.A white vertical wall will represent the offside line, with a blue ‘pulse’ on the defender’s relevant body part.And when an attacker is offside, the offending part of their body will appear through the white wall and be outlined in red.The final image in the virtual replay will be on an angle, off-centre.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is to provide a clear view of the attacker and defender involved in the offside review.SAOT will only be installed at Prem grounds.Everton boss David Moyes gives his reaction to disallowed penalty against Man Utd That means the tie between Preston and Burnley will only use the current VAR systemVilla and Cardiff’s FA Cup clash kicks off at 8pm. More

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    Liverpool boss Arne Slot BANNED over Merseyside derby chaos as he’s set to miss crunch Premier League matches

    LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot has been handed a two-match touchline ban following his Merseyside derby red card earlier this month.The Dutchman, 46, was sent off by referee Michael Oliver after the final whistle following a frenetic 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.Arne Slot was sent off at the end of the Merseyside derbyCredit: ReutersThe Dutchman had spoken to Michael Oliver at the end of the gameCredit: GettySlot subsequently admitted he had let “emotions get the better of me” after what was understood to be a four-letter blast at both officials following Everton’s stoppage-time equaliser and suggested he would act “differently” in future.And after admitting a charge of “improper conduct” at an independent FA disciplinary hearing Slot has now been given the two match suspension and fined £70,000.Assistant Sipke Hulshoff has also accepted a similar charge and will serve a two-match touchline ban alongside Slot, beginning tonight.Slot has continued to be on the touchline for Liverpool’s subsequent games against Wolves, Aston Villa and Manchester City, due to the FA taking time to examine the referee’s report.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he will now begin his ban for this evening’s Anfield clash with Newcastle.Slot will return to the touchline for the Champions League match-up with Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday, due to it being a Uefa competition and thus not being included in the FA’s suspension.He and Hulshoff will then serve the second game of their touchline bans for Liverpool’s home match with Southampton on March 8.While Reds boss has been fined £70k, Hulshoff will have to pay £7,000.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFormer Everton star Johnny Heitinga will take charge of LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportAn FA spokesman added: “The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for these sanctions will be published in due course.”Should the decision have been delayed a further 24 hours, Slot’s two-match ban would have seen him missing the Carabao Cup final.Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on red card controversy and mystery over ban His first Prem game back on the touchline will be the Reds’ homne reverse fixture against Everton.In Slot and Hulshoff’s temporary absence, former Everton star Johnny Heitinga, who is now a first team coach at Anfield, will take charge of Liverpool’s next two Prem games.Slot’s red card followed a chaotic ending to the last Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park.James Tarkowski dramatically thumped home a 98th minute equaliser.Following the final whistle, Curtis Jones took issue with Doucoure celebrating in front of the Liverpool supporters.The midfielder angrily confronted Doucoure, yanking his shirt before Ashley Young and Carlos Alcaraz attempted to intervene.Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister then stepped in, before several more players and even policemen got involved.Jones and Doucoure both received red cards for their roles in the ruckus from referee Oliver.Liverpool have been fined £50,000 for failing to control their players, with Everton made to pay £65,000 for the same offence.Since the incident, Liverpool have taken huge strides towards the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey subsequently beat Wolves 2-1, before grabbing a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.On Sunday they defeated defending champions Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad, profiting on Arsenal’s home loss to West Ham to move 11 points clear at the top.Curtis Jones furiously clashed with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: ReutersThe incident sparked a huge ruckusCredit: PA More

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    Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez fined for ‘violating’ MLS rules in opening match of Inter Miami’s season

    LIONEL Messi and Luis Suarez have both been FINED for “violating” a little known MLS rule.The Inter Miami duo were hit with an undisclosed fine for their actions during a 2-2 draw with New York City FC in Saturday’s season opener.Messi has been fined for grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coachTeam-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy earlier in the matchMessi has been punished for grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coach during a post-match war of words.The World Cup winner was heading off the pitch before turning to confront coach Mehdi Ballouchy after the final whistle.Messi appeared agitated as the pair went back and forth, before the Argentine briefly rested his hand on Ballouchy’s neck, who pulled away from the superstar.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner began walking away, before turning around to hold onto the back of Ballouchy’s neck for a second time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMessi had initially fumed at referee Rosendo Mendoza at full-time, and was handed a post-match yellow card on his way down the tunnel for his outburst. Ballouchy then appeared to say something to the Inter Miami captain, sparking to a fiery exchange between the pair.Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy earlier in the match.Suarez pinched the back of Norwegian defender Birk Risa’s neck in an incident at half-time. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe precise amount each player was fined is unclear.The MLS said in a statement that their disciplinary committee had ruled that the former Barcelona stars had violated the league’s “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Messi had just set-up a stoppage time equaliser for team-mate Telasco Segovia in the 2-2 draw at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadim.He also assisted Tomas Aviles’ early goal before the latter was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Aviles dragged down NYC FC forward Alonso Martinez from behind as he was in on the goalkeeper.It comes after a referee in charge of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions League opener was disciplined after asking for Messi’s shirt after their game against Sporting KC.Messi scored the winning goal in their first leg, a 1-0 win that was played in frigid, single-digit temperatures in Kansas City.Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava was reportedly slapped with a six-month ban after asking Messi for his autograph, according to The Mail. More

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    Controversial moment Euro giants ‘give away penalty by throwing second ball on to pitch’ in never-before-seen blunder

    PANATHINAIKOS ace Daniel Mancini may have committed the biggest blunder of the year, and ended his team’s title hopes.Mancini, 28, and his team-mates visited bottom-of-the-league Lamia on Sunday in a match where the Greek giants needed the three points to maintain pressure on bitter rivals Olympiacos at the top.Panathinaikos ace Daniel Mancini may have committed the biggest gaffe of the yearCredit: RexMancini thought the ball went out for a throw-in against LamiaBut it was still in play as it never went over the line so Gustavo Furtado chased after itThe Panathinaikos ace Mancini kicked another ball onto the pitchAs per a rather unknown rule, that led to a penalty for Lamia who sealed a 3-1 winRui Vitoria’s side endured a horrendous start that saw them conceding after just four minutes by ex-Reading and Aston Villa ace Aaron Tshibola.Panathinaikos equalised on 72 minutes with Filip Djuricic but Lamia fought back and regained the lead just six minutes later with Gustavo Furtado, who used to play for the visitors.The Athens outfit pushed hard for another equaliser but disaster struck three minutes before full-time.Ex-Grimsby Town ace Sebastian Ring tried to find Furtado with a through ball.Read More on FootballMancini, who was playing out of position at right-back thought the ball went out for a free throw.But Ring signalled towards Furtado that the ball was surprisingly still in play as it never went over the line, while the Panathinaikos ace was getting ready for the throw-in the referee never awarded.Furtado gained possession and broke into the box with his marker completely oblivious to what was happening.The Lamia star tried to beat goalkeeper Bartlomiej Drągowski from a tight angle but the Poland international denied him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, Mancini’s woes were about to become much worse as, for some reason, he decided to kick another ball into play before Furtado’s shot.Referee Angelos Evangelou stopped the match and awarded the hosts a penalty, as per the rules, before booking the winger.EFL goalkeeper concedes ‘most embarrassing goal ever seen’ as fans fume ‘get him off that pitch now’ Furtado took spot kick and beat Dragowski to seal only Lamia’s second win of the season.The rules state that if another ball or object is thrown onto the pitch by another player then the referee awards a set piece for the opposing team at the spot where it landed.Because the ball was thrown inside the Panathinaikos area, where the action was taking place, the ref awarded a penalty.Two years ago, Valencia got away with a similar piece of ‘s***housery’ against Real Madrid.As Vinicius Jr approached the hosts’ penalty area, a defender kicked a second ball against the one he was dribbling with before the Brazilian could enter the box.Furtado enjoyed quite the redemption as he was offloaded by Panathinaikos last year after going viral in a clip showing him chasing after the B team’s bus, which forgot about him and almost left him behind.PAO are now third in the table with eight points separating them from the top. More

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    Why VAR was CORRECT to overturn controversial Everton penalty against Man Utd due to little-known protocol

    VAR was CORRECT to overturn Everton’s controversial late penalty against Manchester United.The Toffees were denied a chance to win the clash in the dying moments at Goodison Park.Everton were denied a late penalty against Manchester UnitedCredit: TNT SportsAndy Madley had initially given a penalty but was sent to the screenCredit: GettyAfter a second look, he decided to change the decisionCredit: GettyThe review centred on the challenge from Harry Maguire as that was what Madley gave the penalty forCredit: RexDavid Moyes’ side had thrown away a two-goal lead in the second half against the Red Devils.But they believed they had the opportunity to claim three points after Ashley Young went down in the Man Utd box in injury time.The former Red Devil fell theatrically after contact with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, with the Dutchman grabbing his shirt.But Referee Andy Madley pointed the spot as he judged MAGUIRE to have fouled the full-back.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis decision was checked by VAR Matt Donohue.Maguire had placed a hand on Young’s hip but there was no obvious tug or pull to cause Young’s fall, meaning VAR believed it was a clear and obvious error to award the penalty. Madley was called to the monitor to look at the incident involving Maguire and changed his decision. Everton fans were up in arms that the penalty was overturned despite De Ligt clearly having a hold of Young’s shirt, but while the VAR did review that, he decided there was not enough to give a penalty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat’s because the penalty wasn’t originally given against De Ligt and therefore it couldn’t be deemed a clear and obvious error. It’s the same as if the referee had waved play on – the threshold wouldn’t have been high enough to overturn the decision and give a penalty for the Dutchman’s shirt pull. However if Madley had given the penalty due to De Ligt’s actions, then there would have been no intervention from VAR.In that scenario it would not have been a clear and obvious error because De Ligt did grab Young’s shirt. Ruben Amorim admits Man Utd were invisible in first half at Everton The threshold for this kind of decision has been risen this season.Donohue decided that the holding of Young’s shirt was “fleeting” and not enough to cause him to fall in his exaggerated manner.Therefore, Madley was shown angles of the Maguire incident and decided to rescind his original decision of a penalty.He would have seen the two shirt pulls by De Ligt as he was shown a “high behind” camera angle.The Premier League addressed the situation at full-time with a statement on social media.It read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”Meanwhile, the Red Devils were slammed by their performance by club legend Rio Ferdinand.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe retired defender insisted that he had never seen the club play that badly before.Sir Alex Ferguson was also in attendance and looked disgusted at the team’s first-half efforts.Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More

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    Jose Mourinho gets huge pre-derby win after Champions League final ref is airlifted in for title clash with rivals

    A CHAMPIONS League final referee has been airlifted in for Fenerbahce’s derby clash against Galatasaray.Jose Mourinho will be thrilled with the decision for Slavko Vincic to be given control of the potential title decider.Jose Mourinho will be happy with the referee appointment for Fenerbahce’s next gameCredit: ReutersSlavko Vincic has been airlifted in for the derby game against GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe Portuguese manager has made no secret of his disgruntlement with the level of officiating in the Turkish Super Lig.The arrival of the Slovenian referee should be a relief to Mourinho as he officiated last season’s Champions League final.The referee is deemed a complete outsider to the context of the match.It is not the first time a foreign referee has been brought in for a one-off game in Turkey.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLast year, the VAR was often manned by referees from abroad for Super Lig matches.The match between the fierce rivals is TONIGHT at Galatasaray’s RAMS Park stadium.Mourinho will be desperate for his side to win in order to close the gap to their rivals to just three points at the top of the table.He will also be hoping that there are no controversial decisions called against his team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has addressed the appointment of Vincic ahead of the match.He said: “He’s a top European referee.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionMourinho put a laptop in front of a TV camera after disagreeing with one decision”That’s important for the credibility, for the image of this match.”I’m happy.”The former Premier League manager has often called out decisions after games in classic theatrical fashion.In one rant, he exploded and accused a referee of “drinking Turkish tea” and NAPPING during a match.It came after VAR failed to award Fenerbahce a penalty for a blatant handball against Trabzonspor.He was booked in September for putting his laptop in front of a TV camera to highlight a wrong decision as his side beat Antalyaspor 2-0.Mourinho believes that decisions against his team have cost them up to 15 points across the season.He said: “Normally, we should be eight or nine points ahead.”Mourinho’s gripes have not solely been in the domestic game as he was sent off in the Europa League clash against former club Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was incensed after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the box under a challenge from Manuel Ugarte.His post-match rant saw him “congratulate” referee Clement Turpin for being able to see him on the touchline and the incident at the same time.Mourinho was sent off against Manchester United in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty More