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      National League clash SUSPENDED and player rushed to hospital after colliding with advertising board

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      THIS afternoon’s National League clash between AFC Fylde and Rochdale was suspended for 15 minutes after a horror head injury.The two sides were taken off the pitch by the referee after a serious head injury was sustained by Rochdale player Jesurun Uchegbulam.
      AFC Fylde’s clash with Rochdale was momentarily suspendedCredit: Getty
      The 22-year-old collided with the advertising board at Mill Farm which led to the winger requiring medical attention.
      Fans inside the ground were told by the stadium announcer that the clubs were awaiting an ambulance for Uchegbulam after play was halted.
      Although the game was not immediately stopped after the referee allowed play to continue for a period of time while Uchegbulam received treatment in the stands.
      Once the severity of the incident was apparent the referee then paused the game for around 15 minutes.
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      Rochdale’s official X account posted that Uchegbulam had been taken away from the pitch on a stretcher after a period of medical attention.
      Their post read: “Uchegbulam has been carried away on a stretcher to a standing ovation inside Mill Farm.
      “The players will now have a brief warm-up period before play gets back underway. Everything crossed for you, Jes.”
      While AFC Fylde also posted on social media wishing the best for their opposition’s injured player.
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      The official X account wrote: “We’d like to send our best wishes to Jesurun Uchegbulam and the whole of the Rochdale squad following Jesurun’s injury this afternoon.
      “Some things are more important than football.”
      The match later got back underway with the stoppage seeing the officials adding on a minimum of 20 minutes of added time.
      The game ended in a 2-0 victory for Fylde, but the result will be the last thing on most fans’ minds as they send their wishes to Uchegbulam.
      Other supporters were left frustrated as they felt that the game should not have been allowed to carry on while the Rochdale forward was in such a serious condition.
      One wrote on social media: “Appalling that the ref played on with both teams medical teams having to work on Jes. Should have stopped the game immediately. Dangerous.”
      Rochdale have now confirmed that Uchegbulam is in a stable condition following the horrible incident and is on his way to hospital.
      In another social media statement, they wrote: “We can confirm that Jesurun Uchegbulam is in a stable condition and is currently on his way to hospital.
      “We’ll bring you a further update on his condition in due course. We’re all with you, Jes.” More

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      Thierry Henry calls for major change to football as Arsenal hit by big VAR controversy in West Ham clash

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      THIERRY HENRY has called for more cameras to be introduced to football after West Ham scored a controversial goal against Arsenal.Tomas Soucek smashed home from Jarrod Bowen’s pull back, who narrowly kept the ball in according to referee Michael Oliver.
      Jarrod Bowen was judged to have kept the ball in by the slimmest of marginsCredit: Amazon Prime
      Thierry Henry has called for more cameras to be introduced to help officialsCredit: Getty

      VAR reviewed the incident for three minutes and 22 seconds but could not determine for certain whether the ball had gone out of play.
      Bowen’s body blocked the view from the main camera angle, with a camera on the opposite side of the pitch also unable to show a definitive perspective.
      VAR had no option but to instruct Oliver to stick with his on-pitch decision, and Henry accepted the officials were helpless.
      However he believes there is a solution to the issue – more cameras.
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      The Gunners legend claims another camera offering a bird’s eye view would have allowed the VAR to check whether the ball had left the pitch.
      Henry, speaking on Amazon Prime at half-time of West Ham’s 2-0 win over Arsenal, said: “Well that is the second time for us, Newcastle away. But if you want to help the referees to have the right angle, if you want to know the ball is out you have to be above the ball.
      “That is the only way you can know if the ball is out or not.
      “We are in 2023 soon 2024 and we still don’t have a camera that is above, it’s too many times where you don’t know if the ball is out or not.
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      “So can we have a camera that can be above that can see if the ball is out or not, if not it is just impossible to see it.”
      Arsenal conceded a similar goal in their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle earlier this season after Joe Willock kept the ball in by the slimmest of margins.
      To the naked eye the ball appeared to be out so plenty of Gooners were left fuming by the decision to allow the goal to stand.
      Mikel Arteta also complained after the match and Arsenal even wrote an open letter calling on the PGMOL to “address the standard of officiating”. More

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      Sam Allison excellent as he became first black ref in 15 years in controversial game.. it’s great for football & society

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      SAM ALLISON had an excellent game as he became the first black official to referee a Premier League match since my former colleague Uriah Rennie 15 years ago.He dealt with the Sheffield United vs Luton game well and also correctly managed the situation with Carlton Morris when the Hatters striker reported alleged racist abuse aimed at him from the home end.
      Sam Allison made history as he became the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League since Uriah RennieCredit: Getty
      The alleged incident was reported to fourth official Andy Madley and Allison walked over, explained the situation to both managers and checked Morris was OK before resuming the game.
      He followed the protocols in a calm and professional manner.
      Allison will have detailed the incident in an ‘extraordinary report’ to the FA once he returned home last night and the governing body and both clubs will work closely with the police and relevant authorities to establish the facts and take any necessary action.
      We don’t want to see racism at any time, but the fact the alleged incident occurred right towards the end of the match would have helped the officials.
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      If it had happened earlier on, the match would have been stopped for longer, security staff would have been called to the area of the stadium in question and a PA announcement would have been read out.
      Overall though, the talk after the match was about the football rather than the officials which is a sign of a good refereeing performance.
      It is great Allison had a decent game, just as Rebecca Welch did when taking charge of Burnley’s win at Fulham on Saturday.
      That is what the PGMOL wanted and it is good for football, the Premier League and society that they came through unscathed.
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      PGMOL head Howard Webb had said on both of the refs ahead of this weekend: “They are both part of the PGMOL development group which fast-tracks talented officials through the pathway.
      “We have already seen three officials from the group take charge of their first Premier League games and now we have number four and five and it shows the value of that work.
      “We have not seen a female take charge of a Premier League game before so it’s significant, and Sam being the first black official with a whistle in the Premier League since Uriah Rennie.
      “It demonstrates people can make it through the pathway from groups that are not traditionally well represented.” More

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      Premier League club ‘demand referee Rob Jones be BANNED from taking charge of their matches’ after latest howler

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have demanded Rob Jones be BANNED from officiating their games, it’s been claimed.The 36-year-old controversially sent off Willy Boly in the Tricky Trees 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.
      Willy Boly won the ball cleanly against Adam Smith in Nottingham Forest’s defeat to BournemouthCredit: ALAMY
      Referee Robert Jones deemed the tackle worthy of a second yellowCredit: PA
      Nottingham Forest have demanded Jones be banned from reffing their gamesCredit: ALAMY
      Boly was shockingly given a second yellow for a clean tackle on Adam Smith, much to the frustration of Forest fans.
      Professional Game Match Officials Ltd admitted they dropped a clanger during the match, with chief Howard Webb contacting Forest to issue a grovelling apology.
      But Forest want Prem officials to go a step further by not having Jones ref their games.
      That’s according to The Daily Telegraph, who claim they’ve lodged an official complaint and demanded to hear Jones’ conversation with the VAR.
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      Forest’s reported complaint against Jones is the SECOND they’ve filed against the official.
      Jones was on VAR duty when Forest were on the receiving end of two controversial decisions against Manchester United in September.
      He backed on-the-pitch ref Stuart Atwell in his shock decision to send off Joe Worrall and his awarding of a late penalty to Marcus Rashford.
      New Forest chief Nuno Espirito Santo – who replaced the axed Steve Cooper – demanded a rule change be implemented following Boly’s shock dismissal.
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      Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo was fuming with the decision to send off Willy BolyCredit: Alamy
      The Portuguese gaffer said: “Very bad decision. A decision that totally changed the game.
      “It is more the frustration of knowing the approach of the referee is a bad one and the law says you cannot reverse the decision because it is two yellow cards. It is something they have to look at because it doesn’t make sense.
      “First of all, the approach of the referee is bad.
      “Boly has a first yellow card, which is fair, but then for the second the foot of Boly is under the foot of the Bournemouth player so the approach [from the referee] should be more cautious.
      “Wait a little bit for the help of an assistant or the help of VAR, hold your decision and they will tell you.
      “But after that he cannot reverse the decision.
      “Our fans deserve better decisions. They come here to see football and suddenly they see something which really changes the game.
      “I saw it over and over and over again to try and understand because I respect the referee.
      “I know it is a tough job. I have seen it many times and I cannot understand it, I cannot understand it. It was bad. It is a mistake, a huge mistake.” More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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