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      I’m gay but hid my sexuality in macho football world…it led to behaviour I deeply regret, says shamed ex-ref David Coote

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      SACKED referee David Coote has revealed he turned to cocaine over fear of coming out in the “macho world” of the Premier League.Tearful Coote said he took coke to “escape” after being forced to hide being gay.David Coote says he felt unable to come out as gay as he feared the abuse he received for doing his job would get even worseCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe Sun exclusively revealed film of him snorting powder at last summer’s Euros in GermanyCoote says he has been in an ‘incredibly dark place’ since news emerged of his drug-taking at Euro 2024Credit: PACoote also admitted he was “not sober” in his rant at ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and got abuse and death threats as a ref.The sacked 42-year-old told how living a lie led him down paths that eventually torpedoed his career.Coote told The Sun: “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular.“I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn’t come out to my friends until I was 25.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTE“My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.“I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well — a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being.“And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.”He says he has been in an “incredibly dark place” since news emerged of his drug-taking at Euro 2024. Without the support of family and colleagues, he added, “I’m not sure I’d be here today”.Most read in FootballGiving his first interview since the scandal broke, he said he hoped to help break down the “macho world” of Premier League football.He added: “I’ve had issues around my self-esteem — and that relates to my sexuality. I’m gay and I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.“There’s a lot to be done throughout football and more widely in society with regard to discrimination.“I didn’t want to be that person that was putting their head above the parapet to be shot at, given the abuse we all get as a referee in any event.”Coote was suspended last October after footage showed him calling then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “c***”.The Sun then revealed a film of him snorting powder at last summer’s Euros in Germany.We also told how he tried to arrange a drugs party during Spurs’ Carabao Cup win over Man City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new FA probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order — before he was eventually fired.In an emotional interview, he says a “pressure cooker” of suppressed emotion, combined with a punishing work schedule, left him wanting to “escape” with cocaine.Coote was suspended last October after footage showed him calling then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’Credit: XThe sacked 42-year-old said living a lie led him down paths which eventually torpedoed his careerCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdHe said: “It’s not something I was reliant on day by day, week by week, month by month.“I’ve had long periods where I’ve not used it — but it was one of the escape routes I had. Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route.”He recalled: “In 2023 I lost my mum very suddenly. At the same time my uncle was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. After Covid and the introduction of VAR, six officials were suddenly needed for each game.“I was selected by Fifa for the U17 World Cup in Indonesia, as well as the Euros and Olympics last year.“It meant that over the course of the 2023-24 season I was involved in more than 90 games — often back to back. At the end of last season I went straight into the Euros and that was incredibly pressurised. I had another tournament coming up immediately — heading to Paris for the Olympics.”The cocaine footage saw him inhale a 4in line up a US banknote. Another image showed his bank card next to six chopped-up lines.I’m gay and I have struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of timeHe said: “I don’t recognise myself in the cocaine video. I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position — escaping.”Coote is still being probed after a pal told him he was putting money on Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski getting booked before a 2019 clash against West Brom.Coote did caution the player and later messaged his friend: “I hope you backed as discussed.” However he told The Sun: “There was no agreement prior to the game. I went and did my job. The player committed a yellow card tackle.”He added: “I received nothing for it. I’m really disappointed that anything like this has come out because it tarnishes the integrity of the game. And whatever people think of me as a referee, as a human I have always gone out and done my best on the pitch.”Coote says he was merely trying to “deflect” the pal but admitted: “I wasn’t in a great place, and I was messaging people that in hindsight I shouldn’t have trusted. I was naive.” Coote says he “made some really poor choices and I really wish I could turn back the clock now and do things differently”.But he said he can instead take responsibility. After seeking therapy, he has kicked his drug habitCoote believes the dramatic turn of events which cost him his beloved job in football has helped him re-evaluate his lifeCredit: GettyCoote said: “I put on this hard exterior. Football became a place where I could go and referee and be engrossed in the game.“But then I’d come home and it would be more difficult because I’m living a double sense of being.“To other people who are in my situation, I’d say seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done it has to come out in some way.”’POOR CHOICES’Coote believes the dramatic events which cost him his beloved job in football has helped him take stock.He said: “It’s been incredibly tough because I loved the game. I started refereeing when I was 14.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve found it easier since knowing my fate and being able to re-evaluate what’s important to me.“To spend some quality time with family and friends, and take time to make sure I’m in the best place to move forwards.”’IT’S A VERY BRAVE MOVE’By Amal Fashanu, niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are. Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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      Premier League trolled over ‘absolute shambles’ picture on website as fans say ‘I thought this was fake’

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      FANS have slammed the Premier League as an “absolute shambles” over a bizarre photo choice on their website.Refereeing decisions once again caused huge controversy over the weekend as Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a challenge on Wolves defender Matt Doherty.The Premier League used a controversial snap on their page about high foot challengesJeremy Doku’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was not given as a penaltyCredit: AFPFans have been looking into the laws of the game after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red cardCredit: RexThe 18-year-old was red carded for serious foul play and will now serve a three-match ban.It led to supporters swatting up on the rules of the game, with fans left baffled by a picture on the Prem’s website.One fan investigating the laws on high foot challenges noticed that a snap of Jeremy Doku kicking Alexis Mac Allister was used as the main image on the page.The challenge occurred during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool in March last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt proved to be one of the most controversial refereeing moments in the title race as Doku’s last-gasp high foot went unpunished.PGMOL chief Howard Webb later came out and BACKED the decision, saying VAR was correct to not give Liverpool a penalty.So fans were left utterly baffled by the photo being used to illustrate a high foot, with one saying: “Premier league website using this Doku challenge on Mac Allister as an example of a high foot when it wasn’t even given as a foul in the game. Absolute shambles.”Another added: “They’re the biggest wind-up merchants going.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third wrote: “I thought this was fake.”The point City picked up proved crucial as they ended up finishing just two ahead of Arsenal to win the title.Jurgen Klopp confronts referee after 98th minute season-defining VAR call saves Man City at AnfieldOfficial Michael Oliver was the referee that day and he was again the man with the whistle for Lewis-Skelly’s red card.Former head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett claims Oliver and Darren England on the VAR made a “major error” by sending off the Arsenal wonderkid.He even suggested that the under-fire official “needs a rest for a couple of weeks” to recover from the mistake and that VAR needs reforming. MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      ‘Funniest thing I’ve seen’ – Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace

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      ARSENAL fans think they’ve spotted Leandro Trossard making a “hilarious” comment about referee Michael Oliver during the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.Oliver has been the subject of much chatter since the match after controversially sending off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. Micheal Oliver showed Joao Gomes a yellow card for delaying the restart on SaturdayCredit: RexLeandro Trossard was approached Gomes to seemingly make a comment about OliverCredit: XTrossard appeared to say ‘that’s what he did to me’Credit: XBut it was his first yellow card to Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes that had Trossard passing comment on the Premier League official.Gomes, who was ultimately sent off for a second yellow card offence in the second half, was booked for delaying the restart in the first half.And Arsenal star Trossard was quick to try and intervene while the Brazilian protested his innocence to Micheal Oliver.Gomes was hoping to talk his way out of the booking, but Trossard reminded the 23-year-old that he had suffered the same fate against Man City earlier in the season.READ MORE ON ARSENALA clip of the Belgian forward appeared to show him saying to Gomes: “That’s what he did to me”.Trossard was sent off against Man City back in September after receiving a second yellow card for delaying the restart.Arsenal fans were loving their star’s hark back to the 2-2 draw and reacted on social media.One wrote: “Funniest thing I’ve seen today”.Most read in FootballLeandro Trossard was sent off by Michael Oliver after a second yellow card for delaying the restart against Man City this seasonCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another added: “Trossard is low-key hilarious”.A third joked: “He said, ‘welcome to the club bro’.” Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardAnd a fourth posted: “I’m still laughing at this clip the next day”.Oliver would later send off 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly for a trip some 90-yards from the Arsenal box, sparking fury from former players and pundits across the football world.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed he was “fuming” about the decision, but remained calm enough to suggest that he won’t be complaining.Arteta told reporters that he hopes that an appeal won’t even be necessary and that the PGMOL will overturn the decision themselves as they did with Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham earlier in the season.Ian Wright claimed that the refereeing in the Premier League is “nowhere near it” in a video on social media.While Match of the Day host Mark Chapman claimed the red card was “baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees”.Alan Shearer blasted it as “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time”He said: “As a referee, you can get it wrong on the pitch, you might see something which is incorrect.”How on earth Darren England, the VAR, thinks that the referee has got that right and there is no need to send him to the screen is beyond me.Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off by Michael Oliver against Wolves on SaturdayCredit: PALewis-Skelly was dismissed for a foul on Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.”I just cannot see and work out what VAR is thinking going along with Michael Oliver’s decision. No wonder it gets criticised by so many people.”And BBC Five Live pundit Pat Nevin said labelling such a challenge serious foul play was setting “a bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.Even ex-Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara said: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen. Jheez lol”.While the comments on social media from fans went too far, with the PGMOL releasing a statement revealing Oliver had been subject to death threats and “abhorrent abuse”.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.”We will continue to support all investigations.”Arsenal legend Ian Wright hits out at Myles Lewis Skelly red card decisionIAN WRIGHT has joined the long-list of former professionals and pundits to be left reeling by the decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on Saturday.The cynical challenge left most fans expecting a yellow card, but the Hale End graduate was shown red by referee Michael Oliver instead.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes led the on-field protests as Arsenal’s players showed their frustration at the decision.And now Gunners icon Ian Wright has weighed in on the incident, claiming that it’s “never a red”.In a video posted on social media by the former Premier Legue bagsman, he fumed: “It’s a joke!”Anyone that has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday league, knows that it’s never a red.”Yellow card, nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing [and] the decisions in the Premier League… the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies.”All of them are just the centre of attention for me. We can’t criticise too hard because, where are the refs going to come from? Where are we going to get them?”But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees. When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so called ‘best league in the world’?”Because at the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it. Nowhere near it.” More

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      Police open investigations as ref Michael Oliver subjected to ‘abhorrent attacks’ after controversial Arsenal red card

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      POLICE have opened an investigation after referee Michael Oliver was subjected to “abhorrent attacks”.The official sent off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Gunners’ 1-0 win against Wolves.Michael Oliver has been targeted by ‘abhorrent attacks’Credit: GettyIt has followed his sending off of Myles Lewis-Skelly against WolvesCredit: AlamyThe decision was deemed as controversial and was not changed by VAR.The defender, 18, tripped Matt Doherty as he looked to break away.Replays showed that the Arsenal star’s studs caught the Wolves player.The Premier League confirmed that VAR supported the decision as Lewis-Skelly was guilty of “serious foul play”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe PGMOL have now released a statement confirming that the police have opened an investigation into abuse targeting the referee.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.Most read in Football”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly oneJamie Redknapp hit out at the abuse sent to OliverCredit: Sky Sports”We will continue to support all investigations.”Former Tottenham player Jamie Redknapp hit out at the abuse sent to Oliver.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “It is absolutely disgraceful.”We are getting to the point now with referees where if you are right, you’re right and if you are wrong you are corrupt.”If we get to that point we won’t have any young referees wanting to work in the game.”Michael Oliver is by far the best referee we have I don’t think it is close.”Everyone makes mistakes, they are honest mistakes, we can probably count on one hand how many he has made in his career.”If I was to play one more match in my life he would be the referee I would want to do it.”I hope whoever is giving this abuse is found out.”Meanwhile, former head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett believes Oliver should be dropped following the red card.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was fuming with the decision as he spoke to the media after the match.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.”I think it is obvious that we don’t need any comments today, and hopefully, the right thing will happen after today.”Hopefully, we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.”So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.”The manager could even be seen giving Oliver a death stare at full-time.Arsenal legend Ian Wright hits out at Myles Lewis Skelly red card decisionIAN WRIGHT has joined the long-list of former professionals and pundits to be left reeling by the decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on Saturday.The cynical challenge left most fans expecting a yellow card, but the Hale End graduate was shown red by referee Michael Oliver instead.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes led the on-field protests as Arsenal’s players showed their frustration at the decision.And now Gunners icon Ian Wright has weighed in on the incident, claiming that it’s “never a red”.In a video posted on social media by the former Premier Legue bagsman, he fumed: “It’s a joke!”Anyone that has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday league, knows that it’s never a red.”Yellow card, nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing [and] the decisions in the Premier League… the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies.”All of them are just the centre of attention for me. We can’t criticise too hard because, where are the refs going to come from? Where are we going to get them?”But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees. When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so called ‘best league in the world’?”Because at the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it. Nowhere near it.” More

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      Moment Mikel Arteta gives Michael Oliver ‘death stare’ after shaking his hand following Lewis-Skelly red card blunder

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      ARSENAL fans have spotted the moment Mikel Arteta shot Michael Oliver a “death stare” after the ref’s red card blunder. The Gunners boss was left “absolutely fuming” after Myles Lewis-Skelly was dismissed in the 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday. Mikel Arteta was livid with ref Michael Oliver following his team’s 1-0 win at WolvesCredit: PAOliver sent off teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly during the first half at MolineuxCredit: PAArteta was filmed shaking hands with Oliver following the gameCredit: XBut he was spotted throwing him a ‘death stare’ before going to celebrate with the Arsenal fansCredit: XOliver gave the teenager a straight red after he felled Wolves defender Matt Doherty on the counter. The “ridiculous” decision has since been called out by Arteta, Match of the Day pundits and even the former head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett. Footage has now emerged following the contest showing Arteta shaking hands with Oliver after the final whistle. The Arsenal boss moves away from the officials to go celebrate with the travelling support from North London.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut just as he goes to do so, Arteta stops in his tracks and looks intensely back at the 39-year-old whistler. The footage quickly went viral on X, where it was viewed over 325,000 times.One fan wrote in response: “I would REALLY like to know what Michael Oliver said to Arteta here. That pause and look back, he was evaluating his next move.”Another said: “Always fear the Arteta death stare.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a third commented: “Why did he shake his hand in the first place? Seriously.”And a fourth added: “No Arsenal player or official should ever shake Oliver’s hand, the man should be left with no doubt about how the club feel about him.”Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardArteta attempted to hold his emotions in check following the narrow win on the road, which keeps the Gunners six points behind leaders Liverpool. But he still let his feelings be known in a tense post-match interview with Sky.Arteta raged: “It is that clear and I will leave it to you guys.”I am absolutely fuming. But I will leave it with you, it is that obvious that I don’t think my words are going to help.”[Lewis-Skelly] is really happy now that the team won and found a way to win it. “He is very worried about what’s coming next because he’s strongly feeling that there was nothing to do with the action.”Lewis-Skelly was sent off for bringing down Matt Doherty, a challenge that was deemed serious foul playMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.Lewis-Skelly will now face a three-game ban for receiving a straight red card.But former ref Hackett – who was a top whistler between 1981 and 1991 – believes it’s Oliver who needs time away from the field. Speaking on TalkSPORT’s Sunday Edition with Shaun Custis and Henry Winter, Hackett said: “I’d be admitting this morning that this is a major error, that you don’t expect the alleged number one referee to make.”He’s on top of the incident. I think he’s too close and so I think he requires operational advice.”I’d be saying to Michael Oliver, I think you need a rest and I think you’re not going to see another game in the Premier League for a couple of weeks.”Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/AHackett was also speechless that Darren England – who was on VAR during the Wolves vs Arsenal game – had been allocated a spot on the official’s list for Sunday’s clash between Crystal Palace and Brentford.He continued: “Darren England’s allocated a game this afternoon at Crystal Palace. “So as VAR, he would not be on that game.”I’m quite clear that there needs to be seen to be a level of accountability.”The Premier League has since issued its own statement defending Oliver and VAR for the decision made on Saturday.It read: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”The statement came after scathing criticism of the decision across the media.READ MORE SUN STORIESBBC 5Live pundit Pat Nevin said labelling such a challenge serious foul play was setting “a bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.While former Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara wrote on X: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen.” More

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      ‘Anyone that has ever played the game knows it’s never a red’ – Arsenal legend Wright rages at Lewis-Skelly sending off

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      IAN WRIGHT has joined the long-list of former professionals and pundits to be left reeling by the decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on Saturday.Lewis-Skelly, 18, was shown a straight red card under controversial circumstances in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves yesterday.Ian Wright has slammed Michael Oliver’s decision to send of Myles Lewis-Skelly against WolvesCredit: Instagram @wrightyofficialReferee Micheal Oliver showed a red to Lewis-Skelly in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 winCredit: RexThe youngster tripped up Matt Doherty as Wolves launched a counter attackCredit: PAArsenal players surrounded Michael Oliver in protestCredit: GettyThe decision was checked and not overturned by VARCredit: PAIt is Arsenal’s fourth red card of the seasonCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly was sent for an early bath after tripping Wolves defender Matt Doherty nearly 90 yards away from the Arsenal goal.The cynical challenge left most fans expecting a yellow card, but the Hale End graduate was shown red by referee Michael Oliver instead.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes led the on-field protests as Arsenal’s players showed their frustration at the decision.And now Gunners icon Ian Wright has weighed in on the incident, claiming that it’s “never a red”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a video posted on social media by the former Premier Legue bagsman, he fumed: “It’s a joke!”Anyone that has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday league, knows that it’s never a red.”Yellow card, nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing [and] the decisions in the Premier League… the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies.”All of them are just the centre of attention for me. We can’t criticise too hard because, where are the refs going to come from? Where are we going to get them?Most read in FootballMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees. When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so called ‘best league in the world’?”Because at the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it. Nowhere near it.”Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardArsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed he was “fuming” about the decision, but remained calm enough to suggest that he won’t be complaining.Arteta told reporters that he hopes that an appeal won’t even be necessary and that the PGMOL will overturn the decision themselves as they did with Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham earlier in the season.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.“I think it is that obvious that we don’t need any comments today and hopefully the right thing will happen after today.“Hopefully we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.“So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in. At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.”Should the decision stand then Lewis-Skelly is set to miss the next three games.Ian Wright wasn’t the only high-profile name to publicly blast Michael Oliver’s decision.Match of the Day host Mark Chapman claimed the red card was “baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees”.Alan Shearer blasted it as “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time”He said: “As a referee, you can get it wrong on the pitch, you might see something which is incorrect. “How on earth Darren England, the VAR, thinks that the referee has got that right and there is no need to send him to the screen is beyond me.”I just cannot see and work out what VAR is thinking going along with Michael Oliver’s decision. No wonder it gets criticised by so many people.”While BBC Five Live pundit Pat Nevin said labelling such a challenge serious foul play was setting “a bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.And even ex-Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara said: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen. Jheez lol”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League released a statement on X confirming the decision to send off Lewis-Skelly.It read: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”Mikel Arteta said he was ‘fuming’ after the red cardCredit: GettyMark Chapman slammed the decisionCredit: PAPat Nevin also took aim at the officiatingCredit: GettyArsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/A More

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      Stunned Arsenal fans just realising length of Myles Lewis-Skelly ban and say ‘talk about giving Man City a chance’

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      ARSENAL fans have been left fuming that Myles Lewis-Skelly will now face a three-games suspension.The academy graduate, 18, was sent off in the 43rd minute of his side’s clash with Wolves for a foul on Matt Doherty.Myles Lewis-Skelly cynically brought down Matt DohertyCredit: PAArsenal players surrounded referee Michael OliverCredit: GettyThe cynical trip was deemed to be “serious foul play” by referee Michael Oliver.Premier League Match Centre went on to clarify on social media: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”After the incident, it dawned on some fans online that Lewis-Skelly would be in line for a three-match ban for his offence.One wrote on social media: “That’s Lewis Skelly banned for 3 games now talk about giving his pals at City a chance.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe full-back will not be suspended for the Champions League trip to Girona.His ban, only valid for domestic competitions, will begin with next week’s clash with Manchester City at the Emirates.He will then be in line to miss the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Newcastle, and a Prem trip to Leicester.Joao Gomes went on to be sent off for a second bookable offence, meaning that he will receive a one-match ban.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYThis prompted an Arsenal fan to whinge: “Gomes will only serve a 1 game ban for an ankle breaking tackle while Miles Lewis Skelly will serve a 3 game ban for a tactical foul. The Michael Oliver logic.”A further supporter cried: “So basically if we don’t win the appeal for Skelly he gets a 3 match ban and Gomes gets a 1 match ban for 2 yellows and a worse tackle. F***ing shambles.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesAnother added: “These guys think we are idiots! Lewis Skelly gets a straight red and 3 match ban but Gomes gets a second yellow for the exact same challenge.”New Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman did not agree with Oliver’s decision.He called the decision “baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees.”After the game became 10 vs 10, Arsenal took the lead via Riccardo Calafiori on 74 minutes.The Gunners went on to edge the contest 1-0.Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/ASpeaking after full-time, boss Arteta admitted he was “fuming” over the red card.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.“I think it is that obvious that we don’t need any comments today and hopefully the right thing will happen after today.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Hopefully we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.“So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in. At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.”Gunners players fiercely argued with OliverCredit: PAMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      Crazy moment footballer receives red card for slapping his own team-mate in moment of madness

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      A PLAYER in the Turkish top division was sent off for slapping his own teammate this weekend.Kayserispor’s Stephane Bahoken was shown a red card just 23 minutes into his side’s clash against fellow Super Lig side Sivasspor.Stephane Bahoken was sent off for slapping his own teammateCredit: Bein SportsBahoken (no.13) confronted teammate Miguel Cardoso after he gave away a free-kickCredit: Bein SportsBahoken pushed CardosoCredit: Bein SportsHe then slapped Cardoso straight afterwardsCredit: Bein SportsThe referee immediately showed Bahoken a red cardCredit: Bein SportsBahoken, 32, was clearly frustrated after Kayserispor had fallen 2-0 down just 10 minutes into the game. And the Cameroon international lost it when confronting teammate Miguel Cardoso for giving away a free kick in a dangerous position.After getting in the face of Cardoso he then pushed him before slapping him across the cheek.Despite the altercation happening between two teammates, the referee had no choice but to reach into his pocket and dismiss Bahoken for violent conduct.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis dismissal came with over an hour left to play and left his side facing an uphill battle to say the least.Kayserispor were unable to turn the match around and wound up losing the game 5-2.And things weren’t made any easier when teammate Joseph Attamah was sent off for two yellow card offences later in the game.Fans reacted to the unbelievable moment on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne wrote: “Should be fined and be banned from playing a few games by his club. How could you slap your teammate, it baffles me?!While another added: “Friendly fire”.Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebrationA third commented: “Look at this nonsense. Worst league in the world.”And a fourth joked: “This makes the Bower and Dyer look like a boxing main event”. It’s not the first time that teammates have had a barney in the middle of the pitch.Famously Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer got physical back in 2005 when on the books at Newcastle. Both players were sent off that day with the fight spilling over into the changing room after their dismissals.More recently players have had verbal bust-ups on the pitch that have made headlines.Arsenal duo Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko both lost their cool last season against Nottingham Forest.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Chelsea players Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson got on Cole Palmer’s case over who should take a penalty during the Blues’ 6-0 win over Everton last season.And Manchester United pair Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund were involved in a furious row after their Europa League clash against Victoria Plzen this season.Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are separated by Arsenal coach Nicolas JoverCredit: TNT SPORTSLee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer have to be held back by players after a furious fightCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo got into a row after Man Utd’s Europa League clashCredit: TNT SPORTS More