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      Arsenal release unprecedented statement after Mikel Arteta’s stinging attack on VAR ‘error’ in Newcastle defeat

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      ARSENAL have issued a statement in support of manager Mikel Arteta following his passionate rant about VAR. The Gunners boss was left incensed after his team were on the receiving end of a number of controversial decisions during their 1-0 loss to Newcastle on Saturday.
      Mikel Arteta was left fuming with the officiating during Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle last nightCredit: Getty
      And now the club have released an official statement offering their support of the Spaniard on their website.
      It read: “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.
      “We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.
      “The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better.
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      “PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.
      “We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands.”
      Arteta made it clear that he felt Anthony Gordon’s goal should not have stood during last night’s feisty clash.
      Questions were raised about the ball going out of play in the build up to the goal as well as a potential offside and a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes by Joelinton.
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      Questions were asked around the ball going out in the build up to Newcastle’s goalCredit: Sky Sports
      There was also a VAR check to see if Joelinton had fouled Gabriel MagalhaesCredit: Sky Sports
      The officials looked to see if Anthony Gordon was offside tooCredit: Sky Sports
      On top of the controversy surrounding the goal, Arsenal fans and players alike were left scratching their heads over VAR’s decision not to send off Bruno Guimaraes.
      The Newcastle midfielder was let off without so much as a yellow card after his flailing arm clattered into the back of Jorginho’s head.
      After his side succumbed to their first Premier League defeat of the season Arteta did not hold back on his analysis of the officiating.
      Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I have praised my players for the performance and the way that we played – we didn’t deserve to lose the match.
      “We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. It’s a disgrace. That’s what it is, a disgrace.”
      And when asked if he was planning to escalate the issue with the PGMOL, Arteta vowed to take it up with those at the top.
      He said: “Yeah. We will be taking it for many months. There is so much at stake and we put in so many hours.
      “I am here to represent the football club and to get my team to compete at the highest level.
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      “The margins are so small. It’s a disgrace. It’s embarrassing. That’s how I feel and that’s how everyone feels in that room [the dressing room].
      “You cannot imagine the amount of messages that we’ve got saying ‘this cannot continue’. It’s embarrassing, I’m sorry, embarrassing.”
      Bruno Guimaraes escaped Red despite seeming to elbow Jorginho in the headCredit: Sky Sports
      Arsenal tasted defeat in the league for the first time this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Forgotten Liverpool star hurls VAR monitor on floor in rage after late penalty decision overturned in crunch LaLiga game

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      FORMER Liverpool forward Iago Aspas threw the VAR monitor to the ground after his Celta Vigo side were denied a penalty last night.The Spaniard joined the Reds from Celta in 2013, before returning to the LaLiga side two years later.
      Iago Aspas furiously grabbed the VAR monitorCredit: X / @centregoals
      The 36-year-old then hurled it to the ground in frustrationCredit: X / @centregoals
      Aspas remains without a goal this seasonCredit: Getty
      Aged 36, he remains a talismanic figure at Estadio de Balaidos.
      His struggling side, managed by former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez, hosted Sevilla yesterday.
      In desperate need of points, former Celtic defender Carl Starfelt gave them the lead on 22 minutes by heading home Aspas’ set-piece.
      Things got difficult, however, after Renato Tapia’s 65th minute red card.
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      Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyri equalised for the visitors six minutes from time with an instinctive finish.
      Deep into six minutes of additional time, Celta thought they had been handed a golden opportunity to win it.
      When a searching cross was sent into the middle, it appeared that former Manchester City ace Jesus Navas had dragged down his man.
      The referee initially pointed to the penalty spot, booking Navas.
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      Following a lengthy VAR review, the official enraged Celta by overturning the decision.
      Aspas, who had been substituted by this point, was even seen throwing the monitor to the floor in disgust.
      The final whistle was blown just moments after the game restarted, with Celta players rushing to surround the referee.
      Celta are 18th after 12 games, having won only once and picked up seven points.
      Aspas has been a reliable goal-getter for Celta over many years, scoring 196 times in 468 appearances for the club.
      But his frustrations appear to be at an all-time high, having so far failed to score in 11 appearances as captain this season.
      Sevilla, meanwhile, sneaked a late point with ten men ahead of a tricky mid-week assignment.
      The reigning Europa League winners will travel to North London to face Arsenal in the Champions League.
      Renato Tapia was sent off in the 65th minuteCredit: Getty
      Rafa Benitez’s side are in the LaLiga relegation zoneCredit: Getty More

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      Alan Shearer hails referee and says ‘you’re the man’ as Bruno Guimaraes somehow escapes red card for elbow on Jorginho

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      ALAN SHEARER has hailed referee Stuart Attwell after Bruno Guimaraes escaped red against Arsenal. Guimaraes was fortunate to stay on the pitch when his flailing elbow struck the head of Jorginho during Newcastle’s win over the Gunners.
      Alan Shearer has praised Stuart Attwell for not sending Bruno Guimaraes off against ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Guimaraes charged down Jorginho with a raised arm
      The Newcastle midfielder’s elbow struck the back of the head of the Arsenal man
      The Brazilian midfielder had mistimed a tackle just moments before and after getting up to make amends he seemed to shove his arm into the back of Jorginho’s head.
      The decision was checked by VAR, but ultimately nothing was given and the Magpies star man was able to continue without so much as a yellow card.
      And it would seem even Newcastle legend Shearer thought Guimaraes was lucky to not be dismissed as he appeared to joke about the referee in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
      The England hero posted: “Well done Ref. You’re the man.”
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      Whereas other fans watching the game were incensed at the officials decision to allow Guimaraes to continue without punishment.
      One wrote: “He’s so lucky to still be on the pitch. I don’t understand why VAR didn’t give a red for that.”
      While another added: “Clearest red of the season.”
      A third commented: “That’s a red every day.”
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      One fan suggested that Arsenal will receive an apology from the PGMOL in the coming days for the decision.
      They wrote: “Can’t wait for the apology lads!”
      It was a feisty affair at St James’ Park with a wild Kai Havertz lunge sparking the game into life – leading to three Newcastle players seeing yellow in the space of a few minutes.
      But despite treading on eggshells the Magpies were able to get over the line and wound up as 1-0 winners.
      It’s the first time that the Gunners have tasted defeat in the league this season and leaves their bitter rivals Tottenham as the only Premier League club still unbeaten this term.
      Anthony Gordon scored the game’s only goalCredit: Reuters More

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      Who is female Premier League referee Rebecca Welch?

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      REBECCA Welch is set to make history AGAIN by being appointed as the first female fourth official of a Premier League game.Here we find out more about the groundbreaking ref.
      Rebecca was also the first woman to officiate a men’s FA Cup and Football League fixtureCredit: Getty
      Who is Rebecca Welch?
      Welch took up football refereeing while she was still working in the health service. 
      The former NHS admin officer started her life as a ref in university football clashes and Sunday League games. 
      And while the college football encounters involving teams of female students were a “doddle”, her experience of refereeing men’s Sunday division fixtures was less straightforward.
      Welch told the FA’s web site: “The first couple (of matches) I did were women’s university games and the players weren’t really that bothered about so it was a doddle. 
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      “Then the third game I did was Sunderland Sunday league football and it was a completely different kettle of fish. 
      “That took some getting used to but I am so grateful for the grassroots football experience because I never would have got to where I am now without it.
      “Sometimes I used to go home and chuck my bag down and I’d tell myself I’m never doing it again but you soon realise that not every day is going to be a good day in the office – it’s just like anything else. 
      “I had to analyse my performances and work out what I could do to improve and that’s something I really enjoy. 
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      “I’ve been doing this for more than ten years now and I guarantee that the good days will far outweigh the bad ones in the long run.”
      Welch eventually worked her way into the higher echelons of match officiating, becoming part of an elite group on Fifa’s international list. 
      The Sunderland-based administrator also made her mark on the women’s game covering domestic and international encounters. 
      In addition to refereeing the Women’s FA Cup final twice, in 2017 and 2020, Welch has officiated in the men’s National League for three seasons and taken charge of WSL, Women’s Champions League and international clashes. 
      She was selected to oversee Harrogate’s clash with Port Vale in April 2021 following an ongoing review of her performances this season and official approval from referee chiefs Mike Riley and Mike Jones.
      The Washington-based ref is reported to be among the individuals included within the Professional Game Match Officials top group of referees. 
      Welch added: “I’ve always said, through all my promotions, I want to be appointed because I am in the top 10 match officials on that list. 
      “I never want to be appointed based on anything else. I’ve got faith in the system, and I’ve been rewarded.”
      Rebecca broke ground again in January 2022 when she became the first woman to to take charge of FA Cup match — the Birmingham vs Plymouth third-round tie.
      And on November 4, 2023 the trailblazer is set to become the first woman to be a fourth official of a Premier League game when Fulham take on Manchester United.
      Where is Rebecca Welch from?
      Rebecca is originally from the town of Washington, but now lives in Sunderland.
      Both are situated in the ceremonial county of Tyne and Wear.
      It borders Northumberland to the north and County Durham to the south.
      When did Rebecca Welch become a referee?
      Rebecca first picked up a referee’s whistle 13 years ago at the age of 27 after being dared to do so by a friend.
      She earned her qualifications as an official through Durham County FA.
      Welch has gone on to break ground as the first woman to officiate Football League, FA Cup and Premier League fixtures.
      Does Rebecca Welch play football?
      Yes, Rebecca does play football.
      She has played the sport since childhood.
      Welch told the FA’s website: “I played football and didn’t even think about refereeing until one of my really good friends, who is a referee, refereed us.”
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      “I spent the whole game telling her how to do her job! Her response was, ‘If you think it’s that easy, give it a go’.
      “That’s how it happened and 10 years later here I am.” More

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      I’m a former World Cup official but my real job is a binman collecting the garbage at 5am every morning

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      SUPPORTERS in the stands and managers in the dugouts are no stranger to calling a referee’s decision rubbish.But to Gabriel Victoria, from Monday to Friday, that is technically true.
      Gabriel Victoria would juggle rubbish collecting with his work as an official
      There was not enough money to be made in full-time refereeing in Panama so he juggled careers
      That is because back home in Panama he is a full-time BINMAN.
      And Victoria juggled is day job with being a linesman at the 2018 World Cup.
      He was an assistant official as Brazil drew 1-1 with Switzerland during the group stages in Russia.
      It was a long, but mainly clean, road for Victoria, on his path to the biggest stage in football.
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      Victoria, who has cleaned the streets of Panama City for 25 years, was one of 99 officials involved at the World Cup.
      He became a Fifa licensed ref in 2008 after discovering a passion for taking charge of games many years earlier when he was the man with the whistle to do a friend a favour and to see what it would be like.
      It led to the veteran making his way up the ranks in Panama but there was not enough money in refereeing for him to do the career full-time so continued to be a binman.
      The grandfather of two would kick-off his day at 3am and be on the streets at 5am.
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      Gabriel Victoria worked as a linesman at the World CupCredit: YouTube @ Fepafut Panamá
      He balanced refereeing with collecting rubbishCredit: YouTube @ Fepafut Panamá
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      He explained: “At 11am I go home to rest a little and in the afternoon I go to full training as referee.
      “At first it was difficult, but you get used to it.
      “At the national level we have a salary per game, we don’t have a fixed wage.”
      Victoria was was selected as a World Cup official after Panama made it to the 2018 finals.
      He was joined by compatriot John Pitti in Russia.
      Victoria added: “Thank God. It will be our first time in a senior World Cup. With effort and sacrifice I have achieved wonderful things.
      “Fight for your dreams. It is difficult — but not impossible.”
      Victoria decided to hang up his whistle after the tournament in 2018 as he had achieved his dream and was hoping to launch a career as a refereeing instructor and inspire more to follow in his path.
      He hoped to train more referees after retiring
      Dad-of-three was excited at the prospect of his time in Russia when speaking to local press on his round
      Gabriel Victoria has worked as a match official for 20 years, 11 at international level
      He was a binman in Panama City More

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      I’m considered the greatest referee ever – I locked myself in my room for 36 hours before the 2002 World Cup final

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      LEGENDARY referee Pierluigi Collina once locked himself in his room for 36 hours before a World Cup final.The Italian is widely regarded as one of the greatest whistlers of all time.
      Pierluigi Collina said he locked himself in his room for 36 hours before the World Cup 2002 finalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Collina was regarded as one of the greatest referees in footballCredit: Getty
      Collina was known for his no-nonsense style and remains one of the most respected figures in the game.
      In a glittering 28-year career of refereeing, he took charge of Champions League, World Cup and UEFA Cup finals.
      The 63-year-old was named “The World’s Best Referee” by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics six times in a row between 1998 to 2003.
      His invincible status was reinforced during his preparation for the 2002 World Cup final between France and Brazil.
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      The Bologna-born official asked for VHS tapes of both teams to analyse their style of play.
      Collina told ESPN: “I remember when I was asked to referee the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany.
      “I had to ask for VHS tapes of both teams. I locked myself in my room for a day and a half, taking notes and watching every minute of every match.
      “Because the goal of a referee is to be one step ahead, to know what is going to happen before it happens.”
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      “At the time, it was pretty unusual to prepare like that… but I’m proud of the fact that today this is normal prep for a referee.”
      Modern refs are heavily scrutinised for their decisions on the pitch.
      They pressure has arguably never been so high following numerous controversial VAR blunders.
      One of this season’s worst was Liverpool’s Luis Diaz goal being incorrectly disallowed for offside against Spurs due to miscommunications from the on-field referee.
      Audio from the control room revealed the officials understood they made a mistake but deemed it too late to reverse the decision.
      During his interview, Collina admitted that the pressure to get things right immediately can lead to mistakes.
      He added: “Sometimes accuracy and speed don’t go together. … If you want to be sure, it takes time.” More

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      Premier League referee Anthony Taylor DEMOTED for first time in four years after ‘scandalous’ penalty decision

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      REFEREE Anthony Taylor has been demoted to the Championship for the first time in four years.The 45-year-old infuriated fans after awarding Newcastle a controversial penalty during a Premier League match against Wolves last weekend.
      Anthony Taylor has been demoted to the ChampionshipCredit: Alamy
      He awarded a controversial penalty to Newcastle last weekCredit: AFP
      He pointed to the spot after Hwang Hee-chan brought down Fabian Schar while attempting to clear the ball.
      The decision was not overturned by VAR despite a lengthy check, but both Hwang and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil were adamant that it wasn’t a penalty.
      O’Neil even went as far as calling it “scandalous”.
      The match finished 2-2 after Wolves came from behind twice.
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      However, Taylor’s controversial first-half call overshadowed the result.
      The referee has now been demoted to the Championship, where he will oversee this weekend’s match between Preston and Coventry.
      It will be his first second-tier match since 2019.
      Taylor is not the first Premier League official to be demoted this season.
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      Assistant referee Adrian Holmes officiated Millwall’s clash with Hull last month after incorrectly deeming Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham to be offside – a decision that was controversially not overturned by VAR in a shock error.
      Referee standards body PGMOL subsequently had to issue a grovelling apology. More

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      Fulham vs Man Utd clash set to make Premier League history as trailblazing female referee appointed

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      REBECCA WELCH has made history by becoming the first woman appointed fourth official of a Premier League game.The 39-year-old will take to the touchline at Craven Cottage on Saturday as Fulham take on Manchester United.
      Rebecca Welch has become the first woman to be appointed fourth official of a Premier League gameCredit: PA
      The trailblazing official made history by becoming the first woman to referee a professional game in England after officiating a League Two clash between Port Vale and Harrogate in 2021.
      Welch followed that up by becoming the first female referee to oversee an FA Cup game this year, before officiating a Championship clash between Birmingham and Preston.
      And she has impressed enough to earn a call-up to the Premier League.
      Welch will act as fourth official to referee John Brooks and will be called upon if he is unable to officiate the match due to injury or any other reason.
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      She will become the fourth woman to be part of the team of officials for a Premier League match, following on from assistant referees Wendy Toms, Sian Massey-Ellis and Natalie Aspinall.
      But Welch will not be the first woman to act as fourth official for a Prem game – Massey-Ellis holds that honour after taking on the responsibility for the second half of West Ham United v Everton in 2017.
      Massey-Ellis was lineswoman but picked up an injury so took on fourth official duty for the Prem clash.
      Massey-Ellis will act as assistant VAR for United’s trip to Fulham.
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      Welch picked up a referee’s whistle 12 years ago at 27 after being dared to do so by a friend.
      The former NHS admin officer, who has played football since childhood, started her life as a ref in university football clashes and Sunday League games.
      Welch has officiated two Women’s FA Cup finals and has built up her experience refereeing in the WSL, Women’s Champions League and in international clashes. More