Refereeing

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      Fans convinced Liverpool star Van Dijk asked referee very cheeky question after fuming with decision against Arsenal

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      FOOTIE fans are convinced Virgil van Dijk asked referee Chris Kavanagh if he’d “BEEN DRINKING” during Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal.The Kop defender was far from happy with the official’s decision to award the Gunners a free kick in the 52nd minute of the Anfield clash.
      Virgil van Dijk was far from happy with referee Chris Kavanagh in the second half of Liverpool’s clash with ArsenalCredit: EPA
      The Reds star appeared to ask the official if he’d been drinkingCredit: SKY SPORTS
      And he appeared to ask Kavanagh if he’d a pre-Christmas beverage after the call had gone against him.
      The Dutchman made a drinking gesture with his right hand before seemingly asking the ref if he’d had a cheeky tipple.
      One footie fan said: “Van Dijk has just asked the referee if he’s been drinking?”
      Another said: “Van Dijk has definitely had enough of this ref.”

      And another said: “Has Van Dijk just asked if the refs been drinking.”
      One remarked: “Virgil van Dijk to the referee – ‘Have you been drinking?’
      “Complete with hand gestures and all.
      And another said: “Captain Van Dijk asked the ref if he’s been drinking and got no booking.”
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      Mohammed Salah rescued a point for Liverpool in the 72nd minuteCredit: ALAMY
      The crunch Anfield clash ended in a 1-1 draw – which meant the visitors will top the Premier League table at Christmas.
      Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock in the fourth minute with a well-placed header into the far corner.
      Mohamed Salah drew the Merseysiders level in the 29th minute with a sumptuous near-post finish after jinking past Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      Jurgen Klopp’s troops should have sealed the three points in the 72nd minute following a breakneck speed counterattack.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold had the goal at his mercy after being put through by Salah.
      But the fullback somehow managed to hit the crossbar – much to the frustration of the Anfield faithful.
      Mikel Arteta will have no doubt been happy to leave Merseyside with a point as it’s ensured his charges will top the Premier League table at Christmas.
      Arsenal will be back in action on Thursday, welcoming the in-form West Ham to the Emirates.
      Liverpool, meanwhile, will travel to Turf Moor on Boxing Day to take on Burnley. More

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      in Soccer

      Fans slam ‘absolute disgrace’ as Willy Boly sent off for ‘cleanest tackle’ and ask ‘how does VAR make this mistake?’

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      FANS have slammed the referee’s decision to dismiss Willy Boly during Nottingham Forest’s clash with Bournemouth.The forest centre-back was sent off in the 23rd minute after he picked up two yellow cards, but those watching at home are convinced he shouldn’t have been shown a red.
      Fans can’t believe that Willy Boly was sent off by referee Rob JonesCredit: Alamy
      The Nottingham Forest defender seemed to win the ball cleanly against Adam SmithCredit: Rex
      Smith went down under the challenge of Boly and the Ivorian was dismissed for a second yellow cardCredit: Rex

      Boly had been rightfully booked just five minutes into the game, but it was his second booking that left fans incensed.
      The Ivory Coast international slid into a tackle against Cherries defender Adam Smith while appearing to come away with the ball cleanly.
      His studs looked to be down and he only led with one foot, but regardless of the seemingly fair challenge Rob Jones dipped into his pocket for a second time and sent him packing.
      Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing and took to social media to share their opinions on the decision that was labelled an “absolute disgrace” by many.
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      One wrote: “So CLEARLY wins the ball. Absolutely ridiculous.”
      While another labelled Boly’s challenge as “the cleanest tackle” and couldn’t fathom why he had been sent off.
      One fan asked: “How does VAR make this mistake?”.
      Although the decision was frustrating, it was not the fault of VAR with the officials at Stockley Park unable to intervene in red cards that come as a result of two yellows.
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      It wasn’t just fans that were furious about the decision either with Nottingham Forest’s new boss Nuno Espirito Santo venting his frustrations post match.
      Steve Cooper’s replacement said: “Look I’ve seen it over and over again on the screen and I still cannot understand it.
      “Honestly I cannot understand it. It’s a mistake and I think he should have taken more time for the VAR to advise him.
      “I think we and our fans deserve more respect because this is a decision that totally changed the game and it’s not fair,”
      It was even more frustrating for Nuno as he was unable to get any points on the board in his first game in charge at The City Ground.
      Forest ended up losing the game 3-2 after Dominic Solanke secured himself a hat-trick and Bournemouth all three points with an injury time winner.
      Despite the Tricky Trees valiant efforts they were on the receiving end of their tenth league defeat this season and now sit just two points off the relegation zone.
      Dominic Solanke’s hat-trick secured Bournemouth a 3-2 victory at The City GroundCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘even in retirement it’s still Mike Dean’s world we’re living in’ after hilarious wardrobe choice on Sky Sports

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      FANS have been left in hysterics after Mike Dean’s wardrobe choice on Sky Sports.The former referee is now working for the broadcaster as an expert on Soccer Saturday.
      Mike Dean wore a hilarious Christmas jumper on Sky SportsCredit: SKYSPORTS
      Dean, 55, got into the festive spirit for the Premier League fixtures with his jumper.
      He wore a green top that was football and Christmas themed.
      The jumper featured the Premier League logo lion with a Santa hat on it.
      It also featured a text saying “VAR Humbug”, as a play on the Xmas phrase “bah humbug”.
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      Fans spotted the jumper as they flocked to social media to comment.
      One fan posted: “Even in retirement it really still is Mike Dean’s world we’re all living in.”
      A second wrote: “Var is the kind of thing Scrooge would come up with tbf.”
      A third commented: “Credit where credit’s due, that jumper is hard.”
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      A fourth said: “No matter what you can say about him, or about VAR, or the PGMOL, this is a hilarious jumper.”
      Another added: “WHERE CAN I GET THIS.”
      Dean stopped officiating at the end of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
      He then started a new role as one of two full-time VAR officials with PGMOL.
      But that switch has not panned out as expected and he did not receive a top-flight appointment from February leading to his career switch to Sky Sports. More

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      in Soccer

      Fans hail Rebecca Welch as Premier League’s first-ever female referee gets off to bright start during Fulham vs Burnley

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      FANS have hailed Rebecca Welch as she becomes the Premier League’s first-ever referee.Welch, 40, took charge of the match that saw Fulham host Burnley at Craven Cottage.
      Rebecca Welch became the first-ever female Premier League refereeCredit: EPA
      She was in charge of Fulham vs BurnleyCredit: EPA
      She booked Calvin BasseyCredit: AFP
      The fixture means a lot to the two involved clubs as the Clarets are battling against relegation while the Cottagers are trying to cement themselves in the top half.
      As she came out to warm up before the match and do their pre-match checks.
      It was clear that fans were warming to the referee as they applauded her from the stands.
      The official has had an untraditional rise to the Premier League.
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      She worked as an administrator for the NHS before taking charge of her first-ever League Two fixture between Harrogate Town and Port Vale in 2019.
      Fans were quick to praise Welch for not dominating the match too much as she let the clash flow as they flocked to social media.
      One posted: “Rebecca Welch letting a lot go in the early stages, which suits me just fine.”
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      A second commented: “What a brilliant moment of history.”
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      A third wrote: “Woman power.”
      A fourth said: “Smattering of applause with whistles of support as Rebecca Welch comes out to warm up with her assistants.”
      She laid down the marker for the players as she showed Calvin Bassey the yellow card for catching Josh Brownhill with a stray arm
      Welch had originally not wanted to be a referee but picked up the occupation after taking a course to learn more about the rules and laws of football.
      She also admitted that players would “chew her ear off” when she first started officiating.
      She is not the only person to make history before the end of the year.
      On boxing day, Sam Allison will assume control over Sheffield United and Luton Town and become the first black official since Uriah Rennie 15 years ago.
      PGMOL head of referees Howard Webb told Sky Sports: “They are both part of the PGMOL development group which fast-tracks talented officials through the pathway.
      “We have already seen three officials from the group take charge of their first Premier League games and now we have number four and five and it shows the value of that work.
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      “We have not seen a female take charge of a Premier League game before so it’s significant, and Sam being the first black official with a whistle in the Premier League since Uriah Rennie.
      “It demonstrates people can make it through the pathway from groups that are not traditionally well represented.” More

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      in Soccer

      Turkish referee breaks silence after punch by club president as he blames ex-Newcastle star for provoking brutal attack

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      A TURKISH referee who was punched in the face by a club president has broken his silence over the incident.Halil Umut Meler was struck by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca in disgraceful scenes after a top-flight Super Lig match last week.
      Ref Halil Umut Meler says he will not forgive Faruk Koca for punching himCredit: Getty
      Meler reckons Ankaragucu boss Emre Belozoglu inflamed the situationCredit: Getty
      The bad-tempered game saw visitors Rizespor snatch a 1-1 draw at the death.
      Hosts Ankaragucu also had two players sent off, sparking scenes of fury at the final whistle.
      President Koca launched an outrageous attack on Meler, punching him in the head.
      And another person kicked the ref while he was on the ground.
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      Meler suffered a slight fracture to his eye after being rushed to hospital.
      Koca has since resigned from his position, while all top-flight matches were postponed by the Turkish FA.
      But Meler has now broken his silence on the incident, claiming he will “not forgive” Koca’s strike.
      And he has also laid blame at the feet of Ankaragucu boss Emre Belozoglu, claiming the ex-Newcastle star inflamed the situation beforehand.
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      Meler was left with a fractured eye socket after being kicked while on the groundCredit: EPA
      Meler said: “No I do not forgive (Koca), I will not forgive.
      “I collapsed and fell to the ground. But the actual kicking while I was on the ground will be something I will never forget for the rest of my life.
      “That’s why, in conscience, I will never forgive. I will not forgive in any way, I will never forgive those who did it or those who provoked it.
      “I am saying this specifically, I will not forgive those who provoked it or those who did it.”
      Referring to Belozoglu, he said: “After blowing the whistle, the players came to thank me. Meanwhile, I saw Belozoglu’s hands and arms (waving).
      “(He was involved?) Yes, that is something clearly visible.”
      Ankaragucu responded to Meler’s interview, with spokesperson and board member Huseyin Aytekin saying: “Relevant referrals have been made regarding those responsible, and decisions have been rendered by the PFDK. 
      “Our club will exercise its right to appeal to the Arbitration Committee for PFDK decisions. 
      Read more on The Sun
      “We, as MKE Ankaragucu Club, are disheartened to witness our technical director, Emre Belozoglu, persistently being drawn into the unfolding events.
      “Our coach, Emre Belozoglu, whose name does not feature in the referee and representative reports, repeatedly expressed his regret to referee Halil Umut Meler both on the field and in the corridors.” More

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      in Soccer

      Fresh chaos in Turkey as president pulls team off pitch in protest at referee call week after club boss punched official

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      TURKISH football descended into chaos once again as İstanbulspor president Faik Sarıalioğlu ordered his team off the pitch against Trabzonspor.Sarıalioğlu fumed at his side not being awarded a penalty and decided it was necessary to protest the referee’s decision.
      Istanbulspor president Faik Sarıalioğlu stormed onto the pitchCredit: AP
      He ordered his players off the pitch after the referee failed to award his side a penaltyCredit: Getty
      The players left the field of play at the match was suspendedCredit: Getty
      Trabzonspor players tried to remonstrate with officialsCredit: Getty
      He ordered his players off the pitch and they obeyed his instructions.
      It comes just a week after all football in Turkey was suspended by the football federation following an attack on a referee by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca.
      Istanbulspor were trailing their Super Lig clash with Trabzonspor 2-1 at the time of the incident, with the game being suspended in the 73rd minute.
      Minutes earlier Florian Loshaj went down under a challenge from Batista Mendy in the box but the ref waved play on.
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      Istanbulspor striker Simon Deli appeared to beg his president Sarıalioğlu not to take the team off.
      Trabzonspor manager Abdullah Avci reacted saying: “It is a sad day for football. We will wait for the football federation’s decision from now on.”
      Turkish football has only just returned from its suspension and children wore t-shirts with the word “respect” emblazoned across them ahead of kick-off, and also presented the referee with flowers.
      Last week referee Umut Meler was hospitalised after being punched on the pitch by Ankaragucu president Koca, with two fans kicking him as he lay on the floor.
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      Last week referee Umut Meler was punched on the pitch by Ankaragucu president Faruk KocaCredit: Getty
      He suffered a fractured eye socket and he was spotted in a neck brace while he lay in a hospital bed.
      Meler said following his release from hospital: “There is no problem with my health.”
      Asked if he would continue refereeing, he added: “They called me from UEFA. I will explain these issues later.
      “There is no situation at the moment, everything is possible. I just want to go home and rest.” More

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      in Boxing

      Tragedy as teen boxer, 14, dies after collapsing during fight when referee ‘failed to stop bout in time’

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      A TEENAGE boxer has died after collapsing during a fight when the referee “failed to stop” the match in time.Shocking footage shows young boxing star Timofey Shadrin, 14, lose consciousness during the finals of a competition in Russia.
      Timofey Shadrin, a gifted teenage boxer, died during a match after collapsing in the ringCredit: East2West
      He had been hit by his rival before staggering back towards the edge of the ring
      Timofey (right) was a gifted young boxer who had made it to the finals of a junior competition
      The youngster died soon afterwards as he was rushed to hospital in Pervouralsk, in the Sverdlovsk region.
      He had appeared to hold his own in the fight but when the pair were separated by the referee, he backed slowly towards the ropes, and fell. 
      “When the boy became ill, the referee did not immediately stop the fight,” said an eyewitness. 
      “That’s why he missed some blows.
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      “Plus, his opponent was shorter, and at that moment, he hit him in the liver.”
      It was only when Timofey retreated into the corner and collapsed in the ring that the fight was stopped, said those watching. 
      The other boy initially celebrated but then realised Timofey was in trouble and went to try and help. 
      Coaches and medics also rushed into the ring as the tragedy unfolded. 
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      Sports journalist Alexander Lyutikov said: “A 14-year-old boxer lost consciousness during the final of the city championship. 
      “He died in the ambulance.
      “I’m watching this video and cannot imagine how the deceased’s rival feels now.”
      A police probe has begun into the teenager’s tragic death. 
      Children from the tournament rushed without coats in the minus 14C cold to demand the opening of a barrier at the hotel where the contest was held,  after an ambulance sent to help the wounded boxer was not allowed in.
      The ambulance could not initially get past a barrier into the hotel where the fight was being held.
      Children watching the tournament rushed, without coats on in -14C temperatures, to demand it be given access.
      “Shame on the hotel,” said a local.
      “Children ran outside without coats  in a panic so the ambulance could reach him.
      “A man forcibly raised the barrier.”
      The boy was described as an accomplished young boxer and had won all his rounds at the contest.
      “He has been boxing for about six full years,” said an acquaintance. 
      “He led an absolutely healthy lifestyle. He didn’t drink any energy drinks. 
      “He was positive, kind and helpful. He never insulted anyone. 
      “And he always came to the rescue when anyone needed help.”
      He was from a loving family and had two sisters, aged 15 and four. 
      “His father works at a local factory, his mother is self-employed,” said police spokesman Valery Gorelykh.
      The boy received a blow to his liver, he said. 
      “A few moments later, he fell in the ring. 
      “Detailed and exact circumstances are now being clarified by police officers and  colleagues from the regional Investigative Committee.”
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      Natalya Krylova, mother of another boxer at the context, said: 
      “My brain refuses to imagine me in the place of Timofey’s parents.”
      Someone forcibly held up a barrier at the hotel where the competition was held to let an ambulance in
      Timofey was described as ‘positive, kind and helpful’ More

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      Mike Dean hints at football rule change after ‘poor law’ cost Arsenal in crucial Aston Villa clash

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      MIKE DEAN hinted at a potential rule change after Kai Havertz was denied an equaliser during Arsenal’s defeat at Aston Villa last weekend.Mikel Arteta was left furious once again after the German’s leveller was chalked off for handball.
      Kai Havertz had a goal disallowed for handballCredit: Getty
      Mike Dean gave his take on the decision
      The ball struck Matty Cash’s arm before ricocheting onto Havertz’s moments before the former Chelsea ace prodded home.
      Dean, who retired from refereeing last year after 22 years in the Premier League, admitted that whistler Jarred Gillett made the correct call at Villa Park.
      But the 55-year-old bemoaned the law while appearing on Sky Sports.
      Speaking earlier today, Dean said: “It’s 100 per cent the right decision.
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      “It’s something I don’t agree with but the way the law is written by Ifab, that if it strikes any part of your hand or arm and you put the ball in the back of the net, then you have to disallow it.
      “Credit’s got to be given to the referee for making the on-field decision, he’s made the call on-field.
      “Yes it’s hit Matty Cash’s hand but that’s in a normal position so it’s not handball. It’s hit Kai Havertz’s hand and gone in, they’ve disallowed the goal and rightly so.
      “If it hits Havertz’s hand and drops down to [Eddie] Nketiah and Nketiah puts the ball in the back of the net then you’re giving a goal.
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      “That’s why the law is so unfair.”
      He then emphasised his point, continuing: “That’s what’s wrong about it because if it drops down to Nketiah, who’s half a yard next to him, and knocks the ball into the back of the net, the goal gets given.
      “It’s just a poor law, really poor.”
      Asked if he thinks the rule will be changed, he added: “I like to think it would, to give people a bit more clarity what’s going on.
      “But then you’re messing around again with, ‘why are we changing every single year?’
      “So there’s got to be some kind of clarity with what’s going on.”
      Arteta, 41, watched the match from the stands last weekend after receiving three yellow cards.
      He stormed off before the end of the match, before fuming that he felt “clear and obvious” errors went against his team.
      Mikel Arteta was left frustrated at Villa ParkCredit: PA More