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      Football chiefs considering shock FIVE new rules at crunch meeting including sin-bins and refs stopping matches mid-game

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      REFS could stop matches for a number of minutes to “calm down” feuding players under a plan to be discussed by football’s Law makers next month.A discussion on trialling official “cooling off periods” after flare-ups is on the formal agenda for the annual general meeting of the International FA Board to be held at Loch Lomond on March 2.
      Players could be sin-binned next seasonCredit: Rex
      Goalkeepers could be hit with a new punishment for time wastingCredit: Getty
      The handball law could also changeCredit: Rex
      The idea is the latest development as The Ifab seeks to improve player behaviour across the world game.
      It comes with members, including FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, expected to give the green light for formal trials of sin-bins for cynical game-stopping fouls from as soon as next season.
      And Law makers are also likely to confirm another trial of punishing time-wasting by goalkeepers by awarding corner kicks.
      The only Law changes on the agenda, which will be part of the game from next season, will see all deliberate defensive hand-ball offences in the penalty box bringing red cards while the ball must overhang or touch the centre of the spot at penalties.
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      But three trials aimed directly at improving behaviour are all on the table, with the prospect of official “cooling off” breaks called by referees if players are out of control a new idea.
      While it is unclear what protocols would be adopted, it is thought all players would be forcibly separated by the match officials.
      Refs would have the discretion to call time on play for as long as required to get tempers back in check.
      The other two trials were endorsed by Ifab – which is composed of the four Home Nations and four votes for Fifa – in November.
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      One will see competitions trialling a system where only a team’s captain can approach the referee during a game.
      The other will see 10 minute sin-bins in operation at senior level for the first time as Ifab seeks to reduce “anti-football behaviour” such as break-stopping, cynical fouls and mouthing off at officials.
      Shocking moment referee is CHASED OFF pitch by pitch invader in Port Vale vs Portsmouth clash
      Bullingham explained in November: “The areas we were looking at were dissent and tactical fouls.
      “There’s a real frustration for fans when they’re watching games when they see a promising counter-attack that’s ruined by that sort of foul.
      “We asked if a yellow card is sufficient punishment for that and don’t believe it is.”
      SunSport revealed in November that extending the scope of VAR to include second yellow cards and even free-kicks and corners was something Ifab would look into.
      This comes after Fifa refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina said it was time to investigate the “second stage” of the technology as long as it did not lead to further delays.
      FIVE POSSIBLE NEW RULES

      Sin-bins for cynical game-stopping fouls.
      Time-wasting goalkeepers to have a corner given against them.
      Defenders to get a straight red card for deliberate handballs.
      Only the team captain can confront the referee.
      Matches stopped after flare-ups for “cooling off periods”. More

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      New audio footage appears to show VAR get rules completely wrong with last minute penalty decision in huge clash

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      NEW audio footage appears to show VAR officials get the rules completely wrong leading to a decision that almost certainly cost Barcelona.The Spanish giants were in action against Getafe back in August and hunting for a late winner when they thought they were awarded a penalty.
      This one is 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐥 👀In the 103rd minute, Barcelona think they’ve got a penalty after the referee heads to the screen on the advice of VAR but they’re wrong…#GetafeBarca pic.twitter.com/W1ZUBP5Dly— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 13, 2023

      VAR audio appears to have called into question a huge decision between Barcelona and Getafe in August
      Following an alleged foul on Ronald Araujo, referee Soto Grado went over to the pitchside monitor to review the footage.
      After the review, Grado deemed there to have been a handball offence by Barcelona player Gavi, so controversially ruled a free-kick to Getafe rather than awarding a penalty.
      The teams drew the game 0-0 thanks to the decision which came right at the end of the match.
      However, the audio files of that game have now been published, causing fresh controversy.
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      According to Mundo Deportivo, a voice can be heard at the start of the recording saying: “Caution Gavi”.
      But the report states that the voice is NOT of the referee or VAR referee, Iglesias Villanueva.
      It is not clear whether the voice was from one of the on-field or fourth officials or from the VAR assistant.
      If it is determined that the voice came from an official on the field of play, there would be no issue.
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      On the other hand, if the voice is deemed to have come from VAR then it would represent them overstepping what they are allowed to do.
      Football rule makers Ifab state a VAR review can only be initiated by the on-field referee and can only intervene at certain times.
      Mourinho’s BIGGEST Barcelona bust-ups over the years
      These are:

      1. Goal/no goal
      2. Penalty/no penalty
      3. Direct red card (not second yellow card/caution)
      4. Mistaken identity (when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player of the offending team)

      Barcelona are said to have communicated “great discomfort” towards the news.
      The Catalan club are enduring a nightmare season, currently sit third in the LaLiga table, eight points behind Real Madrid in first.
      So bad have things become that manager Xavi announced he would be stepping down at the end of the season. More

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      ‘Most bizarre penalty ever seen’ given after defender’s moment of madness as fans left in disbelief

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      THIS is the bizarre moment a footballer gifts his rivals a last-gasp penalty after touching the ball with his hand as he congratulates his keeper on a save.Yann Baldez rushed up to goalie Moises Freitas to pat him on the head after he helped make sure the scoresheet stayed at 2-1 in favour of Maranhao in the dying minutes of their cup match against ABC on Sunday.
      A defender in Brazil gave away the ‘most bizarre penalty ever seen’Credit: X / TubeAlvinegro
      Maranhao’s Yann Baldez slapped the ball after his goalkeeper had claimed itCredit: X / TubeAlvinegro
      But in the emotion of the moment he managed to touch the ball as well as his teammate as he lay on the ground in his own penalty area.
      The ref pointed to the 12-yard spot and ABC’s Chilean striker Javier Parraguez saw his shot saved first time round before equalising with the rebound, seven minutes into second-half stoppage time.
      The extraordinary moment, which was being described by local media today as one of the most bizarre penalties ever, occurred during a Brazilian football competition involving Northeastern region teams called the Copa do Nordeste.
      Serie C side ABC was playing at home at the Frasqueirao Stadium in the city of Natal.
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      Footage of the moment Baldez gave away a penalty appeared to show him patting the ball TWICE as his keeper lay on the ground shielding it after an ABC defender put in a key tackle to stop a Maranhao attack.
      The astonished goalie was filmed looking at his teammate in disbelief as he saw him make contact with the ball before the ref awarded a penalty.
      One social media user, calling the penalty “the most bizarre I’ve ever seen in my life,” said: “The fact the keeper saved the spot kick and the Maranhao striker scored with the rebound made it even more painful.”
      Another claimed: “Half the players don’t know the rules of the sport they practice.”
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      In March last year soccer fans in Argentina were left baffled after witnessing a spot kick dubbed at the time as the “most stupid penalty in football history”.
      Top-flight team Independiente was awarded the bizarre penalty during a clash with Colon.
      Watch hilarious moment player gives away bizarre penalty
      Colon goalkeeper Ignacio Chicco initially placed the ball on the six-yard line before teammate Paulo Goltz motioned he should take it.
      Chicco passed the ball a yard to his right, with Goltz picking it up to place the ball himself.
      The Independiente players started jumping up and down appealing for a penalty, claiming Chicco had taken the kick therefore Goltz had handballed it.
      The referee initially waved away the home side protesters, motioning for players to stop surrounding him.
      But incredibly VAR intervened and eventually opted to give a spot kick which Martin Cauteruccio converted to level the game at 1-1.
      Like Sunday’s cup game in Brazil the match finished 2-2.
      Fans were shocked by the penalty incident in Maranhao’s cup clash with ABCCredit: X / TubeAlvinegro More

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      Premier League manager flips at assistant referee for ‘disrespectfully’ eating SANDWICH during conversation after match

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED manager Chris Wilder berated an assistant referee for eating a sandwich after his side’s 3-2 defeat by Crystal Palace on Tuesday.In a furious post-match rant, the 56-year-old claimed that “every 50/50 or tight decision” went against his team.
      Chris Wilder was left furious after Sheffield United’s defeat to Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      Wilder also revealed that he went to see referee Tony Harrington at full-time, but was taken aback by his assistant’s response to the criticism.
      Discussing the brief chat, Wilder told BBC Sport: “I’ve been to see the referee, I’ve told him that (every decision went against Sheffield United).
      “One of his assistants was eating a sandwich at the time and I thought that was a complete lack of respect.
      “Hopefully he was enjoying his sandwich while talking to a Premier League manager.”
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      Sheffield United took the lead through Ben Brereton Diaz just 20 seconds into the match against Palace.
      Eberechi Eze levelled the score in the 17th minute before James McAtee quickly restored the Blades’ advantage.
      Eze equalised once again at the half-hour mark with a fantastic strike into the top-left corner.
      And Michael Olise sealed the vital win for Palace in the second half.
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      After the match, Blades boss Wilder was highly critical of the referee’s performance.
      He said: “It’s yet again another ridiculous performance from the referee. 
      “I was told by a Premier League referee, who I’ve known for a long time and who’s as honest as the day is long. He said get ready because every tight decision will go against you. 
      “He said every 50/50 decision will go against you. We had two bookings in the first half of the game but they weren’t bookings. They were just a coming together. 
      “Their boy absolutely takes our goalkeeper out, we have to change goalkeepers and the boy doesn’t get booked. He says it was an accident, he clashed, it makes no odds if it’s an accident or it’s not an accident. It’s a yellow card.
      “We pick up four yellow cards, they pick up one at the death for time wasting. They’re taking an age. Their game management was good, but they’re taking an age.
      “We talked with Howard Webb about speeding the game up and making sure that referees have got a grip on that and he could hear the frustration for the supporters. He could see our frustration from our players. 
      “Every 50/50 or tight decision goes against us and if that’s what we’re going to have to deal with between now and the end of the season, we’re going to deal with it.” More

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      Major change to Premier League rules for next season with new VAR system approved

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referees may be able to explain VAR decisions to fans next season in a potential major change in protocol.PGMOL chief Howard Webb is keen to improve transparency between referees and fans.
      Referees will be able to explain their VAR calls inside stadiums next seasonCredit: PA
      And the new initiative could help repair damaged trust in top-flight officials.
      Football lawmakers Ifab have given the Prem the green light for refs to communicate their calls to those in the stadium.
      It comes following a successful trial of the new procedure in Mexico and Portugal.
      But the new plans would still need to be approved before being introduced by the Premier League.
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      Like in the Women’s World Cup and Club World Cup, the refs are expected to be mic’d up inside stadiums.
      And after consulting the VAR monitor and agreeing on a decision, they will then declare the basic reasoning over the PA system to the crowd – such as identifying who committed a foul or was offside for example.
      There was some criticism that the explanations at the Women’s World Cup were too basic and only copied what was displayed on the big screens.
      And one nervous official sparked chaos when she declared “no goal” before quickly correcting herself: “No, wait… no offside. Goal!”
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      But if it comes in for the Premier League, Webb will hope the chance for refs to give a brief overview should help reduce confusion and frustration for fans watching the game live in the stadium.
      However, in a blow to fans, it is understood there are no plans yet to make the full step towards rugby’s open dialogue system.

      In rugby, fans watching matches live on television are able to listen in to the conversations between referees, including those on the field and in the TMO room.
      This has proved incredibly popular in understanding decisions as they are made.
      But while football will not be introducing this in 2024-25, there is hope that broadcasters will be able to use the audio footage after games.
      The trial had mixed success at the Women’s World CupCredit: BBC More

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      Fan forced to step in after linesman suffers horror injury and helped off pitch in Bundesliga clash

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      A FAN had to step in from the stands and referee the Bundesliga clash between Wolfsburg and Cologne after a linesman got injured.Official Thorben Siewer fell victim to a miskick as the ball hit him so hard in the head he went down and required medical attention.
      A linesman got injured during the Bundesliga clash between Wolfsbug and CologneCredit: AP
      A fan had to step out of the stands to replace the fourth officialCredit: Rex

      Cologne ace Max Finkgrafe tried to clear the ball during a Wolfsburg attack and accidentally hit the ref who was standing behind the line.
      Physio staff from both teams immediately tended to Siewer who thankfully got back up to his feet.
      Unfortunately, however, the 36-year-old couldn’t carry on with the match and underwent further checks after being taken to the tunnel.
      Fourth official Nicolas Winter replaced his colleague but there was no one else to fill in for the former.
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      Therefore, hosts Wolfsburg issued an announcement at the Volkswagen Arena asking for any potential certified referees within the crowd.
      Thankfully, there was someone with the necessary badges who could carry out those duties and the match continued soon after.
      Tobias Krull, a goalkeeper of German sixth-tier club MTV Gifhorn, stepped away from the crowd and filled in as the fourth official.
      Krull stood between the two Bundesliga managers’ bench during a 1-1 draw.
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      A similar incident took place only last week in the FA Cup third-round replay between Wolves and Brentford.
      Qualified referee Ross Bennett, who officiates at grassroots Under-12 games, gave up his seat at Molineux after assistant ref Harry Lennard felt unwell and fourth official Gavin Ward stepped in to run the line.
      Bennett then replaced Ward and had to contain his jubilation after Wolves star Matheus Cunha’s extra-time penalty winner. More

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      Shocking moment referee CHASED OFF pitch by pitch invader in Port Vale vs Portsmouth clash

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      A REFEREE was chased off the pitch by a pitch invader during Port Vale vs Portsmouth.A fan charged onto the pitch in added time of the second half of the League One clash.
      The referee for the Port Vale vs Portsmouth match had to run off the pitch to avoid a pitch invaderCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      After entering the pitch, the invader began chasing after the refereeCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      The ref was then forced to head towards the dugoutCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      Staff from both teams stepped in to stop the fan from getting to the refereeCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      Referee Craig Hicks was forced to run away from the pitch invader who appeared to be charging directly at him.
      Hicks was protected by members of staff from the sidelines after the pitch invader was stopped.
      Port Vale boss Andy Crosby and coach David Dunn were forced to restrain the rogue fan as he darted for Hicks.
      The incident occurred just moments after Portsmouth had bagged a controversial penalty in the 88th minute to win the game 1-0.
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      Colby Bishop despatched the spot kick which seems to have led to the unbelievable moment.
      Fans watching on couldn’t believe what they were witnessing with many taking to social media.
      One wrote: “Imagine trying to attack the referee for making the correct decision.”
      While another added: “It all went a bit Benny Hill for a minute there.”
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      A third joked: “To be fair he ran more then any of the Port Vale players today.”
      And a fourth chimed in writing: “Disgraceful that this has been able to happen and that whoever they are felt that it was acceptable.
      “A line seriously crossed there, pun intended. But seriously, gone too far is an understatement!”
      The game was able to get back underway shortly after the incident when the supporter was removed from the field of play.
      The result means Pompey remain top of the table while Port Vale continue to flirt with the relegation zone in League One.
      Port Vale later released a statement on social media condemning the actions of the fan and vowing to work with the authorities.
      It read: “Port Vale Football Club condemn the actions of the individual who entered the field of play during today’s match against Portsmouth.
      “We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter and the individual is dealt with a zero tolerance approach.
      “We remind all supporters that entering the field of play is a criminal offence.”
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      It’s not the first time Port Vale have seen fans enter the pitch in one of their games this season either.
      Their visit to Reading was abandoned earlier this month when Royals supporters protested the club’s ownership by carrying out a mass pitch invasion.
      The pitch invader was restrained by staff and stewards in the dugoutCredit: PA
      Craig Hicks waited on the sidelines while the issue was being resolvedCredit: PA More

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      Top 10 dirtiest games in Premier League history revealed with feisty Arsenal vs Tottenham clash only SEVENTH

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      THE Premier League showcases the best of the beautiful game – but sometimes it turns ugly.From matches with huge brawls to derbies with 11 cards shown, referees have had to deal with it all.
      Brentford’s clash with Aston Villa this season saw ten yellows and two redsCredit: Alamy
      Two Merseyside derbies make the top tenCredit: Alamy
      Statisticians at Onlinecasinos365 have crunched the numbers on bookings, second yellows and red cards to find the ten dirtiest top-flight games.
      And with the addition of VAR and officials clamping down on player behaviour, many of the matches come from this season.
      10. 1999: Liverpool 0-1 Everton
      The Merseyside derby is always a ferocious encounter and the 1999 clash at Anfield saw three red cards.
      Everton star Francis Jeffers and Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld ended up fighting each other, with both dismissed.
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      Then at the end of the game a reckless tackle by Steven Gerrard kick-started a second brawl as the Reds legend was sent off.
      9. 2004: West Brom 1-1 Fulham
      The famously feisty match was refereed by a young Mike Dean.
      An off the ball incident saw Papa Bouba Diop sent for an early bath and things erupted again when Luis Boa Morte was fouled while through on goal.
      It led to Andy Cole and Neil Clement throwing punches.
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      West Ham once got three reds in one game
      8. 2023: Wolves 2-4 Leeds
      A thriller at Molinuex saw Leeds secure a huge three points in their battle for survival.
      The game was littered with bookings for both sides as Wolves duo Jonny Otto Castro and Matheus Nunes were given their marching orders.
      7. 1999: Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
      Arsenal lost their tempers against bitter rivals Spurs with Freddie Ljungberg sent off for violent conduct.
      And then Martin Keown was given a second yellow for a horror tackle.
      There was also a fight at the end of the game with three players from each team getting booked.
      Martin Keown was sent off for a terrible tackleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      6. 2006: Liverpool 3-1 Everton
      This iconic derby saw Rafa Benitez’s side beat David Moyes’ thanks to goals from Luis Garcia and Harry Kewell.
      A passionate Gerrard was given two yellows for tough tackles and Andy van der Meijde was given a straight red for an elbow on Xabi Alonso.
      5. 2023: Man City 2-0 Nottingham Forest
      It may have been a routine win for Man City but this match makes the top five in the rankings after it kicked off when Rodri strangled Morgan Gibbs-White.
      Ref Anthony Taylor dished out 11 yellows.
      Rodri was sent off for strangling Morgan Gibbs-WhiteCredit: Premier League
      4. 1999: West Ham 1-5 Leeds
      The Hammers imploded against Leeds as they went down to eight-men in this Premier League classic.
      Ian Wright was sent off and refused to leave the pitch, having to be held back by his team-mates as he tried to confront the ref.
      Then goalkeeper Shaka Hislop was given his marching orders for fouling Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the box.
      And things were completed by a frustrated Steve Lomas crossing the line with a poor challenge.
      3. 2011: QPR 1-0 Chelsea
      The West London derby saw Chelsea lose their cool, receiving two reds and seven yellows.
      Jose Bosingwa was sent off for deliberately chopping down Shaun Wright-Phillips as he was about to score then Didier Drogba got dismissed for terrible tackle on Adel Taarabt.
      John Terry, David Luiz, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Raul Meireles were booked.
      As were QPR’s Shaun Derry and Joey Barton to add to the chaos.
      Didier Drogba injured Adel Taarabt with his late lungeCredit: EPA
      2. 2023: Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool
      This game is best remembered for the Luis Diaz goal that VAR accidentally chalked off for offside.
      But it was also a feisty one with Curtis Jones sent off for a bad challenge before Diogo Jota got two bookings.
      Ten yellows were also handed out in a frantic encounter.
      VAR sent off Curtis Jones for a high tackle
      1. 2023: Brentford 1-2 Aston Villa
      Multiple brawls, ten yellow cards and two straight reds – this match deservedly takes top spot.
      The brutality started with Ben Mee sent off after a VAR check for a shocking tackle.
      A mass fight then begun after Ollie Watkins scored against his former club and celebrated in front of his old fans.
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      Brentford took exception and a melee erupted in the goal.
      Minutes later Neal Maupay clashed with Emi Martinez and it kicked off the another scuffle with Boubacar Kamara red carded for a headbutt.
      There were two mass brawls in the fixtureCredit: AFP
      Unai Emery sprinted on to the pitch to calm his playersCredit: PA More