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      Football referee dies after being struck by LIGHTNING during match as he told players to take cover from storm

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      A REFEREE has died after being struck by lightning during a match.Nigerian official Mustapha Bello was taking charge of a friendly game on Tuesday when the tragedy took place.
      Nigerian referee Mustapha Bello died after being struck by lightning during a matchCredit: Twitter
      Heavy rain and thunder broke out during the schools fixture between Madalla and Suleja.
      According to reports Bello was hit by a thunderbolt when he went out to inspect the pitch at the start of the second half.
      He was taken to hospital in Madalla, in Nigeria’s western Niger state, but could not be revived.
      Bello, 40, had been a senior official in the west African country’s football league as well as a member of its referees’ association.
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      Eyewitness Muhammed Musa said: “It was raining, and all the footballers along with their fans took refuge in the school’s classrooms.
      “The referee and his assistant rushed back onto the field, demanding the players to join them.
      “They were at the centre of the pitch when the thunder struck.  The two of them were rushed to a hospital.
      “The referee was confirmed dead on arrival, while his assistant was revived.”
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      Bello’s funeral took place on Wednesday. More

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      Ex-Premier League referee ‘does a Steve McClaren’ as fans point out his new accent in TV interview

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      FANS are claiming that ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher changed his accent during an interview. The 66-year-old was a top-flight official for 12 years between 1992 and 2007.
      Dermot Gallagher changed his voice in an interviewCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter
      He now regularly appears on Sky Sports to discuss refereeing decisions.
      But viewers were left surprised by his latest interview.
      Gallagher normally talks with far less of an Irish accent than when he spoke about the abuse from Jose Mourinho and fans that Anthony Taylor suffered after the Europa league final.
      It left many believing when he returns to his homeland he acts more Irish.
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      One fan said: “It is mad how he drops it for Sky.”
      Another added: “This has my mind blown”
      A third reacted, citing what Gallagher was wearing: “Amazing what a hat with a shamrock on can do to you.”
      Many compared his accent twist to when Steve McClaren hilariously spoke English with a Dutch accent soon after taking the FC Twente job.
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      More referenced in a similar incident when David Moyes was at Real Sociedad.
      And Joey Barton speaking with French accent when playing for Marseille. More

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      Ex-Premier League referee lands huge role on revamped Gladiators replacing ‘legendary’ figure from iconic 90s TV show

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      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg is about to embark on a very different career path.And it will be bulked-up bodybuilding stars that he will have to be wary of upsetting rather than footy players and fans.
      Ex-Prem ref Mark Clattenburg is embarking on a very different careerCredit: Getty
      It’s now these bulked-up Gladiators that the whistler will have to be wary ofCredit: BBC
      The brand new launch of hit 90s show Gladiators will begin filming this week in Sheffield.
      There will be 16 phenomenal Gladiators competing in the show in a series of new and classic challenges against a brave set of contenders in the ultimate test of strength and speed.
      However, someone will be needing to ensure that everyone will be kept in line on the BBC show.
      And that is now the task of the 48-year-old Clattenburg, one of England’s most-decorated referees.
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      We revealed in March how Clattenburg is taking some time away from football after leaving Egypt where he was in charge of officials.
      The ex-Premier League whistler suffered some outrageous abuse from Mortada Mansour, the president of Zamalek Sporting Club.
      That led to him leaving due to safety fears after threats from fans.
      Mansour has been critical of Clattenburg’s role in Egyptian football and incorrectly claimed that the ex-ref had left his wife to start a gay relationship.
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      Clattenburg has decided to leave Egypt as he feared for his safety following threats from the supporters of Zamalek.
      Clattenburg left the English top flight in February 2017 to take over as the head of refereeing in Saudi Arabia and he also had stints working in China and Greece.
      Now the ex Fifa-listed official, who has overseen the 2016 FA Cup, Champions League and European Championships Finals, cannot wait to call out the legendary “Contenders ready, Gladiators ready” catchphrase in his new role.
      Clattenburg said: “It’s amazing. When you look back to when it first started in the 90s, Gladiators was so iconic and wherever you go in the world, people have heard of Gladiators.”
      He added: “Growing up, I used to sit and watch every show. John Anderson, the original referee, was so legendary.
      “For me, it’s such an honour and such a privilege to now in 2023 to now be part of Gladiators.
      “To be named referee after John Anderson is such an honour. Even though I’ve refereed some of the biggest games in the world – this is one the most amazing things I will do in my life.” More

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      Champions League final ref Szymon Marciniak to KEEP role after apologising over far-right links following Uefa probe

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      SZYMON MARCINIAK will keep his role as Champions League final referee after Uefa probed alleged links with a far-right politician.The Polish whistler was originally appointed to officiate Manchester City’s clash with Inter Milan in Istanbul next week.
      Szymon Marciniak has been selected to referee next week’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      His participation was subsequently in doubt, however, following allegations that he appeared as a speaker at a far-right event in Poland.
      Polish anti-racism group Never Again claimed that Marciniak promoted and even participated in an event organised by Slawomir Mentzen.
      Mentzen, 36, is leader of Poland’s Confederation Party – which uses a vile slogan denouncing Jewish and gay people – in addition to standing against abortion, taxes and the EU.
      Uefa released a statement following the allegations against Marciniak.
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      It read: “Uefa is aware of the allegations surrounding Szymon Marciniak and is seeking urgent clarification.
      “Uefa and the whole football community abhor the ‘values’ that are promoted by the group in question and takes these allegations very seriously.
      “A further announcement will be made, after reviewing all the evidence.”
      Following their probe, Uefa elected to keep Marciniak on as Champions League final ref after receiving a lengthy apology and clarification.
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      Marciniak, 42, allegedly appeared as a keynote speaker at a far-right event
      European football’s governing body added that anti-discrimination groups asked for Marciniak to keep his role as Champions League final ref.
      The far-right event that Marciniak was allegedly involved in took place on May 29.
      At the event entitled “Everest” – Marciniak was listed as a keynote speaker.
      The referee has officiated eight Champions League matches this term, including Manchester City’s semi-final second leg mauling of Real Madrid.
      He also took charge of last year’s World Cup final in Qatar.
      The Pole took charge of Manchester City’s Champions League semi-final mauling of Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal legend Thierry Henry reveals his five new rules to revolutionise football including extra points for goals

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      THIERRY HENRY revealed his five new rules to revolutionise football – including extra points for goals. The Arsenal legend knows a thing or two about the beautiful game having scored 417 career goals, including a club-record 228 for the Gunners.
      Thierry Henry has revealed his five-step plan to transform footballCredit: https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/
      Teams would be penalised for time-wasting by the opposition getting a free-kickCredit: Getty
      He also won the World Cup, Euros and Champions League and was part of the Premier League Invincibles in 2003-04.
      But now he has turned to coaching and punditry and is a regular on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage.
      And on Wednesday night, he revealed his five-step plan to improve the global game.
      Henry was made ‘King for a day’ by CBS host Kate Abdo, and was given a crown and a red robe for the joke coronation.
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      Abdo said: “As most of you know we have just had a three-day coronation weekend here in Great Britain.
      “But if you thought the ancient rituals and gilded pageantry was done, you would be wrong.
      “He already has a statue outside The Emirates. And now Thierry Henry gets the biggest honour of them all… he is our king for a day.”
      Firstly, Henry wants to get rid of the dark arts of time-wasting – as Newcastle and Brentford have mastered this season.
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      The Frenchman said: “When a team refuses to play – time-wasting, kicking the ball out – the referee can give a free-kick just like in rugby 25 yards away from goal, you can put the ball wherever you want.
      “Just play football, that’s my rule.”
      The second rule sees teams who score three goals in a game get an extra point, regardless of the result.
      For example, Fulham would have got four points and Leicester one for the Cottagers’ 5-3 win on Monday.
      Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher asked what happens if a team scores seven – no doubt in reference to Liverpool’s thumping victory over Manchester United this season – to which Henry confirmed they goal-hungry side get two extra points.
      Thirdly, Henry said: “This is a big one for me.
      “Referees have to come after the game and talk to the press, please, and wear a mic also.
      “I want to hear what you say because they are not that polite sometimes, I wasn’t also at times.
      “Please can you explain your mistakes or how great you were, we want to tell you how great you were sometimes or how bad you are like people used to tell us.”
      This suggestion got a resounding “yes” of support from Carragher and Micah Richards, especially after recent success in France.
      You don’t buy a house without visiting itThierry Henry on signing players
      Carra asked: “Would you have more respect for them then?”
      Henry replied: “Yes because I can understand someone explaining, ‘This is what I saw – I made a mistake.’ You move on usually.
      “What used to bother me is when there was no explanation, they would just go and hide.”
      Henry’s fourth role would see sporting directors or whoever overseas transfers do their due diligence.
      He said: “You don’t buy a house without visiting it. You go in the morning, you go at night, you hear the noise.
      “I’ve seen so many players arrive at places without anyone knowing if they could adapt at the place.
      “Do you know what he’s about? Do you know his background?”
      Carragher chipped in: “What was the sporting director like at Monaco?” in a cheeky quip at Henry’s failed 20-match spell as manager.
      “If a team scores more than three goals in a game, give them an extra point…”King Titi has spoken. 👑 pic.twitter.com/B5gs5njfDj— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 10, 2023

      Henry quickly moved on to his fifth and final rule to introduce temporary injury substitutes to prevent teams going down to ten players when someone needs treatment or doctors rushing assessments.
      This idea was proposed for the Premier League but was blocked by lawmakers Ifab which prompted a furious reaction from the PFA.
      The former forward then added a bonus legislation, allowing presenter Kate Abdo to bring a radiator with her to the studio “because she’s always cold”.
      And his suggestions got plenty of love on social media.
      One said: “That ref post-match conference looks a MUST thing to have.”
      Another wrote: “Interesting rules . . . particularly about the ref having a mic and doing a presser, very much needed.”
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      A third added: “Titi take three rules from rugby I like it.”
      And a final user simply commented: “Titi the king.”
      Leicester would have got a point from their 5-3 defeat at FulhamCredit: Reuters
      Henry wants to hear referees explain their decisions during the match and to the mediaCredit: Alamy
      He outlined his ideas on CBS Sports’ Champions League showCredit: https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1656417656717848576?s=20 More

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      Fans rage ‘what’s the point in VAR’ as West Ham denied penalty for ‘most obvious handball’ by Lindelof against Man Utd

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      WEST HAM fans were left raging after VAR denied them a penalty following an apparent handball by Victor Lindelof. Late in the first half of the encounter between the Hammers and Manchester United, Said Benrahma’s cross struck the arm of Red Devils defender Lindelof.

      The ball appeared to strike the arm of Victor Lindelof
      But the ref opted against giving a penalty
      However, referee Peter Bankes and VAR official Stuart Attwell deemed the Swede had not caused an offence in the action.
      The pundits in the BT Sports studio were unanimous in calling for a penalty, while fans online raged at the decision.
      Joe Cole said: “Without a doubt [it’s a penalty]. [Said] Benrahma hits it and he’s moved his arm towards the ball.
      “I don’t understand for the life of me why VAR hasn’t given it. It doesn’t make sense. If you’re David Moyes, you’re furious, it’s a nailed-on penalty.”
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      Taking to Twitter one said: “Is this not the most obvious example of handball there is?”
      A second typed: “How is that not a pen? He literally moved his to purposely handball it.”
      A third remarked: “Oh my goodness gracious me. Biggest handball I’ve ever seen he pulled his arm back out 🤣🤣🤣🤣.”
      “That’s handball all day and twice on a Sunday unless you’re Manchester United,” commented a fourth.
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      A fifth declared: “That is absolutely handball from Lindelof. Begs the question what the point of VAR really is?”
      Another added: “Lindelof has almost caught that.”
      Fortunately for the Hammers the decision did not matter in the end as they ran out 1-0 winners after David de Gea failed to stop Benrahma’s tame strike.
      Victory leaves West Ham seven points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.
      Fourth-placed United however are nervously looked over their shoulders as rivals Liverpool are only one point behind. More

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      Major change to VAR could come in next season and fans have been asking for it for ages

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      PREMIER LEAGUE fans could be able to listen to conversations between referees and VAR next season, according to reports.Supporters have been calling for the ability to hear what is being said for ages to help their understanding of why some decisions are being made.
      Supporters could be able to listen to conversations between referees and VARs from next seasonCredit: Getty
      The change could give fans more understanding as to why decisions are being madeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      However, discussions between players or managers and referees will be kept confidentialCredit: PA
      It has also been pushed for by PGMOL boss and former Premier League referee Howard Webb since he started his current role in December.
      The aim would be to reduce confusion around controversial calls and give fans more appreciation toward referees and VARs.
      Especially in decisions such as the Kaoru Mitoma goal for Brighton against Tottenham that was incorrectly ruled out for handball.
      The Daily Mail has reported that football lawmakers IFAB would have “no problem” making audio recordings available to the public.
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      However, they would only be able to be heard after the games have finished and not broadcast live.
      The report also suggests that Premier League clubs are “open” to the idea as well as the officials.
      Although it is very unlikely to be implemented before the end of the current campaign.
      The report says that this is because managers would want to hear audio from decisions earlier in the season that have gone against them.
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      Fans would only be able to listen to conversations between stadium officials and those at Stockley Park.
      But they would not be able to hear the talk between the managers or players and referees such as Jurgen Klopp’s discussion with Paul Tierney during the win over Tottenham, these are considered confidential.
      There would be hope that with more transparency and accountability there will be fewer mistakes.
      This season PGMOL has issued at least ten apologies to clubs for getting decisions wrong this season, including three to Brighton.
      MLS’s refereeing body PRO publishes audio after every match round and did so while Webb was working in the United States.
      It is called ‘Inside Video Review’ and is published on PRO’s YouTube channel. More

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      Fans say ‘we need this in the Premier League’ after referee gives ‘game-changing’ interview live on TV

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      FOOTBALL fans are calling for post-game referee interviews after a “game-changing” example arrived from France. Officials have been under increasing pressure this season after video assistant referees increasingly fail to appease furious supporters.
      Jeremie Pignard is a well-regarded referee in the French leagueCredit: AFP
      Despite the VAR technology, frequent mistakes have still been made and experienced ref Lee Mason even quit the PGMOL after a high-profile error in February.
      Expert ref Howard Webb returned to England halfway into the season to try and get on top of England’s struggling refereeing body but has had a mixed time of it.
      Fans think they know a way to improve the system and have renewed calls for post-game interviews with refs.
      This was after taking inspiration from Amazon Prime, who managed to interview Ligue 1 official Jeremie Pignard after he took charge of a recent league match.
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      Appearing next to the TV presenter and pundits after the game, the man in the middle eloquently explained why he controversially allowed a Nantes goal to stand despite strong claims for handball.
      Pignard said: “If it’s really the lower biceps, like right here. Depending on what muscle.
      “That may not be the same for everyone. We can see it in the action, and this is why I took my time.
      “These kind of decisions are so important. The VAR reacted very well, sending me the footage so I can watch the action again. Every detail counts in those kind of moments.”
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      The ref’s detailed and compelling explanation of his thought process left fans convinced it should be the next step in England.
      One said: “I’ve been calling for this for years…referees in England get away with so much & have 0 accountability.”
      Another added: “Would be great to see this in all matches. Might not satisfy everyone but at least would help take the heat out of some contentious decisions.”
      While fan lauded the broadcaster for getting the referee on air as they said: “Amazon at it again with the referee interviews, game-changing.”
      And another football follower simply said: “@PGMOL … take note.”
      The Amazon interview follows another first earlier this year as a referee at the Club World Cup explained his VAR decision to fans inside the stadium.
      Fans were also left surprised when one referee in a women’s game brandished a white card as part of a new initiative. More