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      Arsenal fans dreaming of Premier League title after secret omen comes to light ahead of Man City clash

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      ARSENAL fans are dreaming of the Premier League title after spotting an omen in their favour ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Manchester City.The Gunners go into the match leading their title rivals by five points, but with City possessing two games in hand.
      Arsenal fans think they have found a positive omen ahead of their clash with Man CityCredit: Getty
      Anything other than an Arsenal win at the Etihad will see Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions remain favourites to win the title yet again.
      But Gooners online reckon they’ve spotted something that may give them an edge.
      Michael Oliver has been appointed as referee for the match.
      The 38-year-old has officiated Arsenal four times this season… with Mikel Arteta’s side winning every time.
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      Oliver took charge of the Gunners’ 3-2 triumph over Liverpool in October and their 1-0 win at Chelsea in November.
      He was also in charge for the 3-1 victory over West Ham at the Emirates in their first game back after the World Cup in December.
      While most recently he oversaw their 4-0 win over Everton on March 1.
      Spotting the pattern, one Arsenal fan wrote: “He’s a top referee.”
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      Michael Oliver has taken charge of Arsenal four times this seasonCredit: AFP
      While a second joked: “Ohhh now I can sleep rest assured of City red card in the 1st half.”
      A third added: “He’s the best ref in the prem. Glad he’s reffing such a massive game.”
      Despite their record with him in the middle this season, the omen may not favour Arsenal as much as they think.
      As it turns out, they have lost 16 times with Oliver as referee since his Prem debut in 2010.
      Only West Ham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have lost more Prem games officiated by Oliver.
      Manchester City have twice been officiated by Oliver this season.
      He was in charge for their 2-0 win at West Ham last August, as well as their 6-3 Manchester derby trouncing of United in October.
      Oliver took charge of Man City’s 6-3 win over Man UnitedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Constantine Hatzidakis to return to action for first time after ‘elbowing’ Andy Robertson for crunch Man Utd clash

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      PREMIER LEAGUE official Constantine Hatzidakis is set to return to action following his encounter with Andy Robertson.Hatzidakis had been suspended pending an investigation after his alleged elbow against Robertson in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on April 9.
      Andy Robertson was caught after Constantine Hatzidakis threw his elbow backCredit: Enterprise
      The incident occurred in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at AnfieldCredit: Enterprise
      Hatzidakis will now return to his Prem duties this weekCredit: EPA
      But the FA announced earlier this month they would be taking no further action against Hatzidakis.
      They said: “We have thoroughly reviewed all of the evidence in relation to the recent incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and match official Constantine Hatzidakis, and we will be taking no further action.
      “Our comprehensive process involved reviewing detailed statements from Liverpool and PGMOL, as well as multiple angles of video footage, in relation to both the incident and its surrounding circumstances.”
      Hatzidakis also released a statement of his own revealing he had directly spoken to Robertson to apologise about the incident.
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      He said: “I have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open & positive conversation.
      “It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologised.”
      Following the conclusion of the investigation, Hatzidakis is now set to return to his Prem duties this weekend.
      Hatzidakis will be an assistant ref during Manchester United’s crunch clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.
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      But before that, the 38-year-old will also be helping out on VAR for tonight’s relegation six-pointer between Leeds and Leicester.
      During his absence from England’s top flight, Hatzidakis officiated a Championship match between Preston and Blackburn. More

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      Fans in hysterics as Andy Carroll ‘does the hand of God on a yellow card’ before being SENT OFF as he celebrates ‘goal’

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      ANDY CARROLL left fans in stitches after being sent off while celebrating a “goal”.The Reading ace had wheeled away in celebration after putting the ball in the net against Championship promotion hopefuls Luton, only for the ref to book him for a deliberate handball.
      Andy Carroll wheeled off in celebration after ‘scoring’ against LutonCredit: Rex
      But the ref spotted a handballCredit: Getty
      And showed Carroll a red cardCredit: Getty
      The whirlwind incident left fans in hystericsCredit: PA

      It would have been his second goal of the night, but the referee had other ideas.
      Official Tim Robinson gave Carroll, who had been booked earlier in the first half, his marching orders after spotting a handball as the 34-year-old scored.
      Fans rushed to social media to share their thoughts on the incident.
      One fan said: “That is the most Andy Carroll 5 minutes ever 😂😂,” while sharing a screenshot of Carroll’s whirlwind five minutes since netting the opener in the 51st minute.
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      A second fan joked: “Andy Carroll too funny man, bro did the Hand of God when he’s on a yellow card😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.”
      “God bless Andy Carroll,” declared a third.
      Others were less pleased with the former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham star.
      One fan vented: “What an idiot Andy Carroll is if he’s genuinely handled that.”
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      While another fumed: “Never want to see Andy Carroll in a Reading shirt again.”
      Luton then managed to score an equaliser thanks to Carlton Morris’ 81st-minute effort.
      The result leaves Luton third in the Championship, while Reading remain in the relegation zone. More

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      Reason Michael Oliver refereed Cristiano Ronaldo in unprecedented move revealed as he’s picked for Man City vs Arsenal

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      THE reason behind Michael Oliver’s shock appearance in Saudi Arabia has been revealed. Oliver jetted to the Middle East to whistle the match between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and title rivals Al Halil.
      The reason behind Michael Oliver’s appearance in Saudi Arabia has been revealedCredit: Getty
      Oliver showed Cristiano Ronaldo a yellow cardCredit: AFP
      And The Times have now revealed why Oliver and his team, containing Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett and Darren England, were placed at the game.
      The Saudi Arabian FA put in a special request for Oliver and Co to ref the game over concerns local refs could crack under the pressure of such a high-octane atmosphere.
      England’s referee body PGMOL, as well as the FA, considered the request and came to the conclusion the experience would be beneficial for Oliver and his team.
      They believed it would serve to both broaden their experiences and aid the reputation of English officials abroad.
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      It is the first time such an exchange has happened since the inception of the PGMOL in 2001.
      During the game, which ended 2-0 to Al Halil thanks to a brace from Odion Ighalo, Oliver showed a furious Ronaldo a yellow card after he put an opponent in a headlock.
      Saudi Arabia utilised this ref loan system as recently as March, with Spanish ref Antonio Mateu Lahoz flown in to oversee Al Nassr’s match with Al Ittihad.
      It can be done as many as five times in a season.
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      However, the venture overseas will not impact the team’s duties in the Premier League, with each of them involved in matches in the coming weekend.
      Indeed, Oliver – a member of the Uefa Elite Group of Referees since 2018 – is also pencilled in to oversee Arsenal’s top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City next week.
      This news will not have been greeted too warmly by Gunners fans, with Arsenal having lost 16 games Oliver has whistled. Though they have won all four under him this campaign.
      Oliver has overseen 24 games in England’s top flight this season. More

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      LaLiga chaos as league could be brought to a STOP with referees ‘considering going on STRIKE’

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      SPAIN’S top flight could grind to a halt this weekend.That’s as referees consider going on strike following a string of controversial incidents.
      LaLiga could be halted as Spanish refs consider going on strikeCredit: AP
      Football Espana claims LaLiga may be halted as officials plan protests due to “public pressure” and “physical danger”.
      An U19s game between Polillas and Calavera ended with a referee allegedly being assaulted outside the ground by various people, including the father of a player.
      The official in question reportedly suffered “various wounds” after being dealt a “number of blows”.
      The Spanish Referee Federation loudly condemned the incident, blaming it on anti-official rhetoric.
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      And the Anti-Violence Committee want top clubs to take more responsibility after Valencia chief Javier Solis blasted the referee following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Sevilla on Sunday.
      Federation refs are now considering calling a strike which would result in LaLiga being halted at the weekend.
      They are unhappy with the way they are being spoken about by fans and football higher-ups.
      Should refs strike, it would impact Barcelona’s crunch clash at home against Atletico Madrid.
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      The Catalans are leading the LaLiga title race and know victory against their rivals would put them within touching distance of the trophy.
      Meanwhile, Real Madrid are due to play Celta Vigo.
      But first they will face Chelsea in tonight’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.
      The reigning European champs are 2-0 up from last week’s first leg at the Bernabeu.
      And they know just 90 minutes separates them from a semi-final showdown against Man City or Bayern, with Pep Guardiola’s men already 3-0 up. More

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      Brighton fume again as VAR refuses to give them another penalty at Chelsea after Christian Pulisic handball

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      BRIGHTON were left fuming after ANOTHER refereeing decision went against them. The Seagulls were adamant they should have been awarded a penalty when the ball struck the arm of Christian Pulisic during their match against Chelsea.
      Brighton were denied a penalty after a Christian Pulisic handballCredit: Rex
      It comes after Brighton were handed an apology by PGMOL for a wrong decision against Tottenham
      However, referee Robert Jones waved play on, while VAR official Chris Kavanagh deemed it not to be a penalty.
      Fuming Brighton fans took to Twitter to voice their frustration.
      One said: “That’s not a handball on Pulisic? He smacked the ball.”
      A second typed: “Blatant handball by Pulisic inside the Chelsea box.”
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      A third commented: “How is that not a handball on Pulisic, is VAR not working?”
      “Pulisic blatant handball lmao and VAR haven’t given it 😂😂😂😂,” remarked a fourth.
      A fifth added: “That Pulisic handball was as clear as we’ve seen.”
      While another declared: “The FA doesn’t want Brighton to reach UCL loool, that was a blatant handball by Pulisic.”
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      Fortunately for Brighton, it made little difference as they came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to goals from super subs Danny Welbeck and Julio Enciso.
      The controversy involving Brighton comes after they were given an apology by ref body PGMOL.
      It came following a mistake by VAR when they decided not to award a penalty when Karou Mitoma was brought down in the area by Pierre Emile Hojbjerg. More

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      Fans claim crucial Notts County penalty should’ve been retaken after Wrexham star Ben Foster’s incredible last-gap save

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      FANS have claimed that Notts County’s last-gasp penalty against Wrexham should have been retaken on Easter Monday.With Wrexham leading 3-2, Notts County were awarded a spot kick deep into stoppage time.
      Ben Foster made an incredible penalty save to deny Notts CountyCredit: Getty
      Foster, 40, was mobbed for his heroicsCredit: Alamy
      A still image showed Foster off his line and several players encroachingCredit: National league
      Cedwyn Scott stepped up, only to be denied by Ben Foster’s brilliant save.
      The dramatic moment earned Wrexham all three points… as well as a kiss on the lips from Rob McElhenney for Foster.
      One non-league fan on Twitter, however, raised the point that the penalty possibly should have been retaken.
      Sharing a grab of the moment Scott struck the ball, the social media user, who supports National League strugglers Torquay, pointed out that Foster was off his line.
      READ MORE ON WREXHAM
      The image also shows several Wrexham players encroaching, including Luke Young, the man that went on to clear the ball.
      It was also pointed out that the linesman had moved infield specifically to watch whether Foster came off his line or not, only to not notice.
      One fan wrote: “Nonsensical. Should have been a retake.”
      While a second added: “Lino clearly thought. He’s close enough. That’ll do for me”.”
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      Plenty of other fans disagreed, however, with one writing: “Tedious. Nothing doing with any of this if you ask me. Barely off his line and they’re just inside, balls left his foot by this point too by the looks of it.”
      And a second brutally tweeted: “Don’t worry about us, concentrate on your relegation battle.”
      A third reasonably added: “Non league football. Hardly the worst decision I’ve seen. Over the course of a season it goes both ways.”
      Wrexham’s win saw them move onto a staggering 103 points from 42 matches – three clear of impressive rivals Notts County and with a game in hand.
      Rob kissed me fully on the lips and Ryan called me a double-handsome b*****dBen Foster
      After the match, a beaming Foster said: “Rob kissed me fully on the lips and Ryan called me a double-handsome b*****d. I’ll take that.”
      Co-owner Ryan Reynolds told BT Sport: “When I get my hands on Ben Foster he’s going to be on the injured reserve list. I’m going to break ribs I’m going to hug him so hard.’
      “I’m used to working under extreme pressure, but usually I have some kind of control over it.
      “I have nothing here, all I can do is watch and hope like everybody else.
      “It was a pressure cooker coming into it for both of these teams. What both have achieved is historic on every level and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like that.”
      Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds were thrilled by the late winCredit: PA More

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      Uefa launch investigation after referees deny ‘fake’ allegations claiming they arrived drunk and started fight

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      UEFA have launched an investigation after a referee denied “fake news” claiming he and three other officials arrived drunk and fought other passengers before officiating a match in Greece.First official Pawel Raczkowski, his assistants Radoslaw Siejka as well as Adam Kupcik and VAR ref Krzysztof Jakubik have categorically denied those allegations and stated they were in fact the ones assaulted.
      UEFA have launched an investigation into “fake” claims that led to referees being replacedCredit: Getty
      Pawel Raczkowski denied “fake news” and claimed he was assaulted in GreeceCredit: Alamy
      According to Sport FM, the football governing body have initiated disciplinary proceedings to investigate the matter that led to the “shady” replacement of all Polish officials before the Superleague play-off clash between AEK Athens and Aris on Sunday.
      UEFA will also request audio and video material from Athens International Airport’s security to deem whether there was a scuffle in the luggage claim area.
      Raczkowski, though, insists he and his colleagues were actually the ones who were threatened and assaulted by two people claiming to be Panathinaikos fans at Eleftherios Venizelos.
      The Polish official added that he was “spat” at in the face and “pushed” by the alleged assailants until security intervened.
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      Raczkowski issued the following statement: “In relation to the news bulletin about the purported situation at Athens International Airport from the 8th of April 2023, I want to categorically deny being intoxicated or exhibiting aggressive behaviour.
      “I was attacked by two Greek speaking Polish men. They identified themselves as Panathinaikos supporters and attacked me first, verbally accusing me of match-fixing, secondly physically by spitting on me an [sic] then pushing me.
      “I reported the situation to airport security who calmed the aggressive individuals down.
      “After this I went directly to the hotel where I stayed all night. I deny all fake news about myself and the whole referee team.”
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      Greek governing body EPO opted to replace the four refs with Greek counterparts, led by Aristotelis Diamantopoulos, even though it was decided only international officials would oversee the play-offs.
      Olympiacos, who are owned by Nottingham Forest supremo Evangelos Marinakis, issued another fiery and lengthy statement towards EPO president Takis Baltakos as well as the body’s chief referee and former Premier League official Steve Bennett
      The reigning Greek champions described the body as a “corruption ring” and hinted they will take the matter to court. More