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      Man Utd got lucky against Everton after major VAR blunder meant referee saw WRONG footage of Everton penalty claim

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      FORMER Premier League whistler Mark Halsey has branded VAR “embarrassing” following Everton’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United. The Toffees were denied a last-gasp penalty after a controversial VAR intervention on Saturday afternoon.Everton were given a penalty late on against Man Utd – only for the decision to be overturnedCredit: AFPReferee Andy Madley was shown incorrect footage on the pitchside monitorCredit: RexEx-referee Mark Halsey has slammed VAR for the mistakeCredit: AFPAshley Young went down in the box following a shirt pull from Matthijs De Ligt, with referee Andy Madley initially pointing to the spot.VAR Matt Donohue recommended Madley review his decision – before the WRONG footage was shown on the pitchside monitor. Former Prem ref Halsey told SunSport: “The decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Everton near the end of their 2-2 draw with Manchester United was clearly wrong.”VAR Matt Donohue should NOT have got involved because referee Andy Madley’s on-field call was in no way a clear and obvious error.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Ashley Young’s shirt was pulled – and when an opponent does that in the penalty area he is asking for trouble.”When Madley went to the monitor on the advice of VAR he was then shown the wrong footage.”The Premier League Match Centre posted on social media that Harry Maguire’s challenge on Young had been checked and that no foul had been committed.”But they failed to take into account that Matthijs de Ligt had pulled Young back by the shirt.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And had Madley been shown footage filmed from behind the goal he would have seen this.”The incident was embarrassing.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesEverton led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.But United fought back after the break and levelled through Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.Relieved Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim claimed the decision not to award a penalty was fair.Amorim said: “No, I think it’s a soft touch, it was not [a penalty] from what I saw. “I think it was a soft penalty, that was clear. “If you start the game without the first half, it was a good point, but we needed the three points.”The VAR footage centered on Harry Maguire impeding Ashley Young, rather than focusing on Mattjis De Ligt’s shirt pullBut fuming Everton manager David Moyes hit out at the officials after his side were denied back-to-back Premier League wins.Moyes fumed: “I can’t understand. [De Ligt] pulled his jersey.”I just thought the referee made the correct decision at the time and he should stick with it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think everybody who watches football, we’re all looking forward to seeing a referee saying ‘No, no I’m sticking with it’.’If it’s absolutely clear and obvious that’s what we’ve got VAR for, but I didn’t think it needed to get involved.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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      Premier League release statement on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West Ham as Arsenal’s title hopes collapse

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      ARSENAL ace Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off once more following another VAR review.Lewis-Skelly, 18, and the rest of Mikel Arteta’s men endured a miserable afternoon at the Emirates as they lost 1-0 to London rivals West Ham following Jarrod Bowen’s winner.Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off against West HamCredit: GettyArsenal’s Lewis-Skelly fouled West Ham star Mohammed KudusCredit: Premier LeagueLewis-Skelly was initially shown a yellow card for that foulCredit: Premier LeagueLewis-Skelly was then sent off after a VAR reviewCredit: Premier LeagueThat shocking loss dealt a major blow to the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes as a victory would have seen them cut down the deficit with leaders Liverpool to five points.And things got worse for the North Londoners in the 73rd minute when their teenage defender fouled Mohammed Kudus.The Arsenal academy graduate was caught in possession on the halfway line, with the hosts pushing for an equaliser.Kudus nicked the ball off the youngster, with Arteta’s goalkeeper David Raya miles off his line.Read More on ArsenalWith the forward in the clear, Lewis-Skelly lunged in to try and poke the ball away.The versatile defender made limited contact with the ball, bringing the West Ham star down, and after an initial yellow card referee Craig Pawson upgraded it to red following a VAR review.The Premier League addressed that decision deeming the Ghana international was denied an “obvious goal-scoring opportunity”.The Prem explained: “VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Kudus – deeming it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity due to the goalkeeper’s position and there being no covering defender, therefore recommended an on-field review. Most read in Football”The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”This isn’t the first time Lewis-Skelly has been sent off in the Premier League.Mikel Arteta gives his reaction to Arsenal’s Champions League draw against PSV The Arsenal ace was controversially sent off against Wolves last month.He received a straight red at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty.On that occasion, Lewis-Skelly made the tackle on the edge of the Wolves area as the hosts attempted to counter.But Arsenal later launched an appeal and the FA subsequently lifted Lewis-Skelly’s suspension. More

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      Premier League release statement as Everton’s last-gasp penalty vs Man Utd is controversially ruled out after VAR review

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE addressed VAR’s controversial decision to deny Everton a late penalty against Manchester United.The Toffees thought they got a last-gasp spot kick at the death of stoppage time when the score was 2-2 at Goodison Park.Everton thought they got a late penalty against Manchester UnitedThe referee pointed at the penalty spot in the third minute of stoppage timeEverton ace Ashley Young appeared to have been fouled by Man Utd’s Harry MaguireHowever, VAR intervened and the decision was overturned after a lengthy reviewThe Merseysiders saw themselves leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.However, United fought back in the second half and levelled the score with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.But David Moyes’ men thought they would redeem themselves in the third minute of stoppage time after throwing away a two-goal lead.That was when Man Utd star Harry Maguire appeared to have pulled down Ashley Young in the area.Read More on Man UtdThe referee pointed straight at the spot but VAR felt differently and advised him to check the pitchside monitor.After a lengthy review, the hosts were denied a late penalty and the Red Devils found themselves breathing a sigh of relief.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. Most read in Football”The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”Man Utd also had a penalty kick denied in the closing stages of the match.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Joshua Zirkzee’s header hit Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the face and then possibly his arm in the 83rd minute.But VAR concluded there was no handball and the ref waived play on.Nevertheless, it could have been worse for Man Utd if the referee’s penalty decision stood.Sir Alex Ferguson attended the match and was spotted at the stands looking disgusted before half-time when Everton were 2-0 up, but appeared happier when his former club hit back. More

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      Next time Jude Bellingham wants to launch X-rated rant at referee he should copy former Wimbledon champion instead

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      FIERCE criticism of referees is practically a national habit, either in stadiums or at the TV.And why not? If we wish to send hot air at such targets and without much chance of reprisal, well, good luck to us.Jude Bellingham was sent off and handed a two-match suspension for his outburst towards the referee last weekendCredit: ReutersPity the poor ref, though, because it is as certain as thunder following lightning that some people will go too far.That is what the brain-dead do when they utter death threats at referees or spit out racial slurs.The question is what is the difference between fair criticism and a blurted insult.Did Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham stray too far when he muttered “f*** off” or f*** you” in the direction of referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero? The hugely talented 21-year-old says it was directed at himself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ref said it was aimed at him and he had the red card!A Spanish Football Federation panel could have banned him for up to 12 weeks — it ended up being just two.Bellingham is no innocent Brummie abroad. He has been sent off as a Real player once before and should know that while “f*** off” is often aimed at someone’s own failings, it can easily be misunderstood.There is a much bigger aspect to this. On-field reaction to rulings might be generally overlooked. In the real world, not so much.Most read in FootballOfficials are given a tough task to deal with the complaints of playersCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNo one expects going to a match to be like attending church, but some of the bile delivered at refs and players is gruesome.Racial abuse must be eradicated, not only is it a short cut to hatred on a major scale but also to violence, mass murder and even war.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Football is a physical and highly competitive sport. Surely that should be enough for supporters who like it for those reasons as well as for its immense skill, character and mental toughness.The crucial part of any competition is good refereeing which in many ways is like policing.In football, the job is no 90-minute picnic and there’s never been a ref, copper or judge who got everything right.Most of them understand this and quickly grow a thick skin. But no skin is thick enough to resist threats of physical harm to close relatives or themselves.We all need protection and no one more so than the man or woman who is, as the saying goes, “in the middle”.Key to good order is that at a certain level there must be rights of appeal. High-level football in general does this well and efficiently.Though I must add that what and how a comment was made is definitely an area of contention.Self-blaming language is a part of every sport: There’ll be plenty of it in a rugby scrum and inevitably after a dropped catch at cricket.Nowadays umpires at big matches are blessed with instant access to incidents so errors are as rare as six overthrows.But football is emotional and action never stops: No wonder, then, that VAR can be so controversial.But one sport had an appeal of its own — tennis with John McEnroe v Umpire. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe pleaded “you cannot be serious”. Perfect.It is what Bellingham could say and then get on with the game.John McEnroe would plead ‘you cannot be serious’ when decisions didn’t go his wayCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi grants referee’s unusual request after Inter Miami win but waited until they’d left the pitch

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      LIONEL MESSI had a very unusual interaction with a referee this week.Messi, 37, has done and seen it all throughout his glittering 21-year career.Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi was asked for his shirt by the REFEREECredit: GettyMessi played in the sub-zero temperatures of Kansas against Sporting KCCredit: RexMessi handed over his prized No10 shirt to the referee backstageCredit: APReferee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nara approached Messi after the full-time whistleCredit: ReutersThe star forward has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League trophies, 10 LaLiga titles, two Copa America honours and the World Cup.And the Argentina international has played all around the world against the best football has to offer.But perhaps nothing could prepare the Inter Miami superstar for what he encountered on Thursday in the sub-zero temperatures of Kansas.Messi and co visited Sporting KC at the freezing Children’s Mercy Park in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.Read More on FootballThe visitors braved the awful cold, with temperatures going as low as -22C.The Barcelona legend led Javier Mascherano’s side to a 1-0 win thanks to his winner on 56 minutes, which marked his first official goal of the calendar year.Messi’s performance finally put to bed the cliche theory of whether he could produce the same magic on a “cold Tuesday night in Stoke” as he shone bright against Sporting.According to ESPN, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star then received a very unusual request from the referee.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMexican official Marco Antonio Ortiz Nara approached Messi after the full-time whistle.And Nara asked the Argentine great for his SHIRT as a memento – a tradition usually reserved for players.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami The MLS superstar agreed but passed on his prized No10 jersey backstage in the dressing room later on.That wasn’t because of the freezing temperatures, but rather that the Inter Miami star wanted to avoid any potential controversy on the field. More

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      Stephen Graham’s nephew’s football club FINED after Hollywood actor’s foul-mouthed rant at match official

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      MOVIE star Stephen Graham landed his nephew’s footie club with a fine and seven penalty points after a foul-mouthed rant at the referee.The actor, 51, was investigated by the FA for calling the match official a “fat t**t” and a “f*****g Teletubby” while he was a spectator at the non-league game.A Thousand Blows star Stephen Graham landed his nephew’s football club with a fine and seven penalty points after a foul-mouthed rant at the refereeCredit: Disney +Graham branded non-league referee David Kennedy, pictured, a ‘f***ing Tellytubby’Graham, middle, on a trip to Barrow Town FC in LeicestershireCredit: FacebookThe Sun told how he flew into a rage in front of dozens of onlookers, forcing kick-off to be delayed.Two months on, the Line of Duty star’s conduct has resulted in Barrow Town FC being hit with seven penalty points and a £190 fine.The club admitted failing to control a spectator.It comes as the star’s new show, A Thousand Blows, premieres on Disney+ today.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd it is understood the match incident came when Mr Graham was in peak physical form after undergoing a strict workout regime for the boxer role.A source said: “Graham’s behaviour was absolutely shameless. The club’s now been punished for his actions, which isn’t fair on players or fans.“Nobody can act like that, even A-list celebrities. He’s let a lot of people down.” The Saturday afternoon game on December 14 was between Barrow Town FC’s first team and Heather St John’s reserve squad near the star’s home in Ibstock, Leics.Most read in FootballThe Boiling Point actor was standing with his son, 17, when he accused the referee of being on a “power trip”.The ref refused to continue until Graham walked away. Stephen Graham lashes out in new pictures of gripping drama A Thousand Blows from Peaky BlindersIt is believed the star phoned the official to apologise later.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Jude Bellingham escapes 12-game ban after X-rated rant at referee with Real Madrid star to miss just TWO matches

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has received a two-match ban for his X-rated rant at a referee.The Real Madrid star was red carded in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna after what he claims was a “miscommunication” between him and referee Jose Munuera.Jude Bellingham was sent off for dissent on SaturdayCredit: ReutersThe England star couldn’t believe the decisionCredit: AFPMunuera claimed Bellingham, 21, had yelled “f*** you” – which could have landed the England international a TWELVE-GAME ban.In the Munuera’s report after the game, he claimed: “In the 40th minute, Bellingham was sent off for the following reason: For addressing me, being just a few metres away, in the following terms: “F*** you.”Bellingham immediately refuted the claim, insisting: “It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication. I remember the incident very well but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.”I don’t want to go too much in detail about what was said but it’s like a expression like ‘f***’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence.”Obviously we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”While Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claimed after the match that Bellingham had used the term “f*** off” instead, suggesting it is a phrase rather than a personal attack.He said: “I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said f*** off, not f*** you… that’s way different.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Spanish FA’s disciplinary Code says that any player guilty of “insulting, offending, or addressing the main referee, assistants, fourth official, directors, or sports authorities in offensive terms or attitudes” will be punished with a suspension of four to 12 matches.But Bellingham has avoided a lengthy ban, and will be suspended for matches against Girona at home and Real Betis away.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Reports in Spain suggest Real will appeal.The Spanish giants had been 1-0 up at the time of Bellingham’s red card, via Kylian Mbappe’s 15th minute opener.They went on to draw 1-1 following Ante Budimir’s 58th minute penalty.Asked whether he will talk to Bellingham about his conduct, Ancelotti added: “I’ve nothing to say to Jude. I should talk to the referee, not to Jude.”The previous week, TV mics picked up a similar X-rated Bellingham rant directed at a linesman during Real Madrid’s clash with Atletico.He shouted: “F*** you man! F*** off!”Even though he swore at an official, the midfielder escaped any punishment on that occasion.On Tuesday evening, Munuera detailed the abuse he had received during an appearance on Spanish TV show El Partizado.He said: “Today it was my turn, but how long has the committee been suffering these attacks?”They are vilifying my nephews, they are attacking my nine brothers, my 80-year-old father went to mass today and… I better keep quiet.”What are we creating? How can we show in a newspaper the barbarities that we are saying? Are we crazy? Are we controlling violence or promoting it? This is getting out of hand. What sport are we creating with football?”Before they sent me another hundred thousand death threats or insults, I silenced my Linkedin account so that the same thing wouldn’t happen again. I’m not afraid, it’s for my protection and that of my family. They are in a bad way, very worried.”They haven’t asked me to stop because they know that’s impossible. My parents don’t deserve this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLast season, Mason Greenwood saw red while at Getafe for appearing to tell a referee to “f*** off.”The former Manchester United forward denied those words, instead claiming to have said “don’t f*** with me” – subsequently escaping a ban.Carlo Ancelotti stood by Bellingham after the matchCredit: AFP More

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      Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrong

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      HOWARD WEBB admits Michael Oliver and VAR were WRONG to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves last month.But the PGMOL chief said the criticism and abuse aimed at under-fire ref Oliver as a result was “wholly unacceptable”.Michael Oliver sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over WolvesCredit: PALewis-Skelly was shown red for a foul on Matt Doherty but the card ended up being overturnedCredit: PAVAR Darren England didn’t advise Oliver to look at the incidentCredit: PAThe conversation that took place between Oliver and England and the assistant VAR has been revealedCredit: Sky SportsOliver told England and his assistant that he’d send off Lewis-Skelly before issuing the redCredit: Sky SportsGunners defender Lewis-Skelly was shown a first half straight red for a cynical trip on Wolves’ Matt Doherty just outside the Arsenal box – sparking widespread outrage from fans and pundits.Oliver claimed it was “serious foul play”, while Sky pundit Micah Richards labelled it “the worst decision I’ve ever seen in Premier League football history”.Three days later, the FA overturned the three-match ban for Lewis-Skelly – but Arsenal were still handed a £65k fine for the on-field reaction to the decision by the players.And Webb said: “From the outset, we would prefer a yellow card in this situation.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“[Oliver] saw the player moving in towards an opponent without any ability or intention of playing the ball. He felt it was serious foul play.“But we know that for serious foul play, we need excessive force or brutality and what we see here is that high contact [just] glancing and coming off the leg quite quickly.“So for that reason, everybody pretty much in the game has formed the same conclusion that this is falling short of serious foul play, because of that glancing contact.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMichael Oliver’s Conversation with VAR After Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardOliver said of the incident: “I’m going to go red card, mate. Red card on the ankle. Red card, serious foul play.”England replied: “Just checking the red card for serious foul play. OK, it’s for serious foul play, not DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goalscoring Opportunity).“OK, for me the contact’s on the top of the foot.”The assistant VAR chimed in by saying: “I think he catches him on the side of the ankle first. It glances off the side of the ankle down onto the foot. So the first impact is more that Achilles area.”England then said: “So first impact is on the Achilles, on the shin.”The assistant VAR chimed in: “With no chance of playing the ball.”England then stated: “So, it’s high up above the ankle then it comes back down. OK, just get me the number please.”Identifying Lewis-Skelly as the culprit, the assistant said: “It’s number 49, Lewis-Skelly.”England then told Oliver: “Michael, confirming the on-field decision of red card for serious foul play for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Away, 49. Check complete.”“Because the studs don’t really go right into the leg, they glance in before coming down onto the foot.Most read in Football“There are some considerations that might support a red card, but there are a whole host of others that say it is not quite there, so on balance we would rather this had been a yellow card.”Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalIn the released referee audio from the match, Oliver says straight away to VAR official Darren England after Lewis-Skelly’s challenge: “I’m going to go red card, mate. Red card on the ankle. Red card, serious foul play.”After a back and forth with his VAR assistant, England concludes that the “first impact is on the Achilles, on the shin” and replied: “Confirming the on-field decision of red card for serious foul play”.Webb continued: “We feel the VAR should have been involved, but they didn’t want to re-referee the situation, they were mindful of the referee’s call standing unless it is clearly and obviously wrong.“They felt it wasn’t at that level on the day and decided to leave it as a red card on the field. “I’ve heard this described as a really horrendous officiating decision. It’s not!“I understand why the referee saw this on the day as a serious foul-play action. “It’s an understandable on-field decision.”Darren England didn’t encourage Michael Oliveir to review the incident on the monitorCredit: SKY SPORTSEx-Prem ref Howard Webb believes Michael Oliver made the wrong callCredit: SKY SPORTSArsenal were fined £65,000 for their players’ reaction to Lewis-Skelly’s sending-offCredit: PAIn the days after in the incident, Oliver received social media abuse and threats towards himself and his family and had police protection at his home after the PGMOL reported it.It is one of NINETY cases of abuse towards refs police have assessed since the start of last season.Webb said: “It’s wholly unacceptable. We know criticism comes out way. “It’s part and parcel of the job, but there’s a line, isn’t there?“Nobody should be subject to threats, their families shouldn’t be subject to threats, whether that be officials or players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have seen all participants being exposed to those sorts of things.”Arsenal will be back in action Saturday afternoon, welcoming West Ham to the Emirates. More