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      ‘Ref has forgotten about VAR!’ says Hoddle as penalty against Spurs overturned seconds before kick in bizarre scenes

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      GLENN HODDLE says the referee “forgot about VAR” before he overturned a penalty in Tottenham’s Europa League clash against Hoffenheim.Morten Krogh awarded the Germans a 64th minute spot-kick after he deemed Spurs stopper Brandon Austin to have fouled Max Moerstedt.Spurs stopper Brandon Austin was judged to have fouled Hoffenheim’s Max Moerstedt in their Europa League clashCredit: REUTERSReplays showed the keeper touched the ball before he made contact with MoerstedtCredit: APReferee Morten Krogh initially didn’t consult with VAR but eventually overturned the penaltyCredit: REXHoffenheim hitman Andrej Kramaric was all lined up to take the pen before VAR told the ref to review the incidentSpurs legend Glenn Hoddle claimed the referee had forgotten about VAR prior to overturning the spotkickCredit: GETTYThe Danish official gave a pen as he judged Austin to have struck Moerstedt in the face as he tried to intercept Kevin Akpoguma’s deflected cross.Hoffenheim hitman Andrej Kramaric was all set to take the resulting spot kick until the VAR instructed Krogh to review the incident on the monitor.That prompted TNT Sports pundit and Spurs legend Hoddle to say: “As the ball springs over the top Brandon Austin has the right to dive, there’s contact.”But I’m not sure what the goalkeeper is supposed to do. I think it’s a 50-50.”READ MORE ON SPURSHe continued: “The referee has forgot about VAR for a moment.”Brandon Austin just gets a little touch on it, which might be his saving grace.”After seeing Austin touched the ball before his hand hit Moerstedt, Krogh reversed his decision and the booking he dished out.Hoddle said of the call: “I think that’s the right decision. Plus he doesn’t get the booking. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham ended up running out 3-2 winners over the German outfitCredit: REX”The booking’s been taken off Austin as well.”A relieved Austin tried to shake hands with the ref after the decision was overturned.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis But he was snubbed by the official, much to the enjoyment of Hoddle.He said: “He thought he was gonna shake his hands there.”The referee went for the ball and he went to shake hands for the referee.”Tottenham narrowly escaped the PreZero Arena with all three points, running out 3-2 winners in their penultimate group match. More

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      ‘Sack every Championship official’ blast fans as goal is ‘given’ then ruled out WITHOUT VAR as Sky Sports pundits fume

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      SUNDERLAND were controversially denied a second goal against Derby last night.The Black Cats had gone 1-0 up in the 28th minute courtesy of Eliezer Mayenda’s opener.Wilson Isidor’s goal was controversially disallowedCredit: Sky SportsWilson Isidor thought he’d put Sunderland 2-0 upCredit: RexReferee Sam Allison eventually disallowed the goalCredit: RexIn the second-half, it seemed that they’d scored a second.Jobe Bellingham lofted the ball over the top to new boy Enzo Le Fee.As the covering defender attempted to tackle the Frenchman, the ball ricocheted kindly to Wilson Isidor,The forward thought he’d redeemed himself for his two penalty misses at Burnley on Friday night, when he converted past goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIsidor celebrated his goal, which was initially given by referee Sam Allison.After much deliberation, however, the goal was dramatically chalked off – despite there being no VAR in the Championship.Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was baffled by the decision, later telling the BBC: “I don’t know, really. Maybe with VAR we could analyse the first ball and maybe an offside, but I don’t think it was that decision.”It was higher up the pitch and at the moment we don’t know.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYReplays showed that neither Le Fee nor Isidor had been offside.Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison couldn’t believe what he was seeing.Jonjo Shelvey completes shock Championship transfer after six-cap England star, 32, saw contract TORN UP by Turkish clubAppearing on Soccer Special, he said: “You tell me why. Because the goal should have stood. He’s gone over to the bench and celebrated, then they said he disallowed the goal.”He was onside, they showed the replay, it’s a great ball. The goal was given, it was pointed, it’s a good ball. They watched it again, Le Fee does well here. Tell me if there’s a foul in this build-up.”No foul whatsoever at all. Isidor puts it into the net, into the net, under the side of the crossbar, goes and celebrates. There’s no VAR here, the referee had pointed back to the spot, the ball was on the spot. Look, he’s onside, so why has it not stood, the goal?”Oh, please tell me this, because I’m confused there. He’s not offside. The assistant flag’s down, all the way. All the way down, he puts it in the net, the referee looks at his assistant, the assistant goes, goal stands, he goes and celebrates, then they disallow the goal.”Could be the fourth official. That’s the only thing that you can think of, because he pointed, there was a celebration. If the referee needs the fourth assistant to where he is on the touchline, wow.”‘GENUINELY OUTRAGEOUS’Fans were left in disbelief, with one writing on social media: “This is genuinely outrageous. I’m mind blown. Sack every Championship official ffs.”While a second fumed: “This should result in the ref and the linesman never officiating another game. Utterly ridiculous.”Isidor himself posted: “Don’t even know what to say…”Other fans, however, seemed to identify a reason for the goal being disallowed.As the defender got back in to challenge Le Fee, the ball appeared to ricochet off the Roma loanee’s arm, before falling to Isidor.FA rules state that an offence has been committed if a player “scores in the opponents’ goal immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental”.It is not clear if that still applies in this situation, however, given that it was Isidor who scored, rather than Le Fee.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunderland’s win saw them leapfrog Burnley into third in the Championship table.Scott Parker’s side will have the opportunity to move back ahead of the Black Cats when they take on Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.Isidor and Co moved up to third in the Championship tableCredit: Reuters More

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      Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viral

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      THIS it the hilarious moment Nottingham Forest fans jokingly tried to bribe ref Anthony Taylor during their win over Southampton.Forest moved level on points with second-place Arsenal thanks to a 3-2 victory at the City Ground on Sunday.Nottingham Forest fans jokingly attempted to bribe Anthony Taylor’s VAR decisionThe check ruled out Nikola Milenkovic’s goal in the 3-2 win over SouthamptonCredit: PAFirst-half goals from Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood set Nuno Espirito Santo’s men on their way.And Forest showed their defensive grit as Southampton threatened a late comeback through strikes from Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu.However, at one stage the hosts looked to have been completely clear as they took a 4-1 lead through Nikola Milenkovic’s powerful header.Ref Taylor had originally let the goal stand before VAR intervened and advised a check at the pitch-side monitor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut as the official went to watch the footage, Forest fans behind the screen hilariously waved credit cards and wallets at him in a jokey attempt to bribe and sway his decision.The clip of the moment quickly went viral, with one saying: “This is really funny.”Another declared: “He’s asking it to swipe.”One noted: “This country and banter.”Most read in FootballAnother added: “Insane.”Unfortunately for Forest fans, watching the VAR footage instead prompted Taylor to rule out Milenkovic’s goal.Fans hail ‘pure class’ Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis for what he did after Forest keep dream title hopes aliveThe decision was made due to teammate Wood interfering in play from an offside position.A statement from the Premier League Match Centre read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked by VAR, who deemed that Wood interfered with play after coming from an offside position.“After an on-field review, the referee overturned the original decision and the goal was disallowed.”Forest boss Santo also had his say on the strike being ruled out, adding: “I saw the image, VAR judge it, the law is clear.“If a player is offside, has contact and interferes, the goal should be disallowed. Nothing to say about that.” More

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      ‘This seriously needs investigating’ – Arsenal fans lose their heads over Premier League tweet about disallowed goal

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      ARSENAL fans were left fuming after the Premier League addressed VAR’s controversial decision to disallow Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner against Aston Villa.The Gunners dropped crucial points at the Emirates to Villa as two second-half goals within eight minutes by Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz’s strikes.Arsenal thought they’d earned all three points when Mikel Merino’s strike deflected off Kai Havertz and into the netCredit: RexBut VAR determined that the ball had hit Havertz’s handArsenal fans were furious with the Premier League’s tweetHowever, the North Londoners thought they saved their blushes in the 87th minute when Mikel Merino fired a shot from the edge of the box and the ball deflected off the Germany international.The goal was awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh but VAR recommended that it should be disallowed for handball.The camera angles showed the ball hitting Havertz’s hand, though a minority of fans were unconvinced.And the wording of the Premier League official accounts tweet added fuel to the fire for Arsenal fans.Read More on ArsenalThat was because it stated that the ball had “clearly” struck the German’s hand.The Prem’s official account tweeted: “NO GOAL! @Arsenal think they have a third, but Mikel Merino’s effort clearly strikes Kai Havertz’ hand on the way in.”The Premier League’s take enraged several Arsenal fans who insisted there was no clear handball.Some even suggested there should be an “investigation”, considering this came from the Prem’s official handle.Most read in FootballOne fan tweeted: “Where? Where is the handball? Show me the hand ball!”Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother commented: “It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s happened to Arsenal again. This seriously needs investigating now. The ball hits his side, and even it does hit his arm it’s not in an unnatural position.”A third wrote: “I mean, this photo doesn’t show it hitting his arm. I’m not saying it hasn’t, but I haven’t seen clear and obvious. THIS is what millimeter-action video would actually be useful for.”Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityThis fan said: “Feel so sorry for Arsenal fans. Clearly hits Havertz’s midriff. Even slowed down on VAR it’s clear to see. Go to Specsavers lads. I used to work there I’ll get you a good deal.”And that one stated: “Clearly? This is the official EPL handle…..Wow!”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Arsenal equaliser vs Tottenham should not have stood rage fans who claim Spurs were ‘ROBBED’ after ref misses incident

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      ARSENAL’s equaliser against Tottenham to make the score 1-1 in the North London derby should NOT have stood, fans have raged.Spurs took the lead at the Emirates through a deflected Son Heung-Min strike from a corner.Arsenal scored from a controversial cornerCredit: GettyBut replays showed the ball actually hit off an Arsenal player and should have been a goal kickBut 15 minutes later the Gunners hit back through a corner of their own as Gabriel Magalhaes’ far post header back across goal was accidentally bundled into the net by Spurs striker Dominic Solanke.However, replays showed the corner should have never have been given.Leandro Trossard and Pedro Porro were tussling for the ball and replays revealed that the final touch came off the Arsenal star.But the officials missed the moment and instead gave the Gunners a corner, mistakenly thinking Porro was the last to touch the ball.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTaking to social media, there was a huge outcry of injustice from fans.One viewer said: “They gave THIS as a corner that resulted in the goal…”A second said: “Arsenal getting all the decisions again tonight. Should never have been a corner.”A third said: “IT SHOULDN’T HAVE BEEN A CORNER, TOTTENHAM HAVE BEEN ROBBED!”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArsenal player ratings vs TottenhamBy Dan KingARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby. Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner as Gabriel Magalhaes’ header was bundled in as an own goal by Dominic Solanke.Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.Here’s how the players rated…David Raya – 6Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.Jurrien Timber – 6Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.William Saliba – 6Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.Gabriel Magalhaes – 8Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.Thomas Partey – 7Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.Declan Rice – 7Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.Raheem Sterling – 5Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.Martin Odegaard – 6Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.Leandro Trossard – 6Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.Kai Havertz – 4Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.SUBSGabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6Good booking to stop Solanke getting away in stoppage time.Another said: “Arsenal just stole the first goal. Clearly Trossard touched the ball.”A fifth added: “How is the ref stood in that position and still misses that it’s come off Trossard, that decision has changed the game, not a chance we get anything from this now.”Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gives update on Gabriel Jesus injury Arsenal icon Martin Keown spoke about the incident at half-time, but largely glossed over the incident by saying “it’s a corner because the ref gave it,” to the ire of more fans.One wrote: “Martin Keown it is a corner because the referee gave it … Just imagine if that happened at the other end & spurs scored he would be going mental.”A second said: “‘It’s a corner because the referee gave it’. Martin Keown ladies and gents.”A third added: “Martin Keown, I beg. Just try to give an impartial opinion about Arsenal one time!”Ex-Prem referee Mark Halsey’s viewSPURS will be fuming over the corner which led to Arsenal’s equaliser.I felt it was a clear goal kick when Leandro Trossard’s cross came off Pedro Porro and back off the Gunners wideman before the ball went out of play.Referee Simon Hooper must have lost concentration because he was in a great position and looking straight at the ball.Hooper was on that side of the field unlike his assistant and a referee at that level should be seeing it.Arsenal took full advantage and levelled at 1-1 from the resulting corner when Gabriel’s header went in off Dominic Solanke.It was a turning point in the match and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has had a few decisions go against him so this will not improve his mood.Trossard, at the centre of all Arsenal positivity in the opening half after also skinning Porro and leaving him decked on the floor earlier on, then completed the turnaround by arrowing a strike across goal and into the bottom corner.Arsenal managed to hold on to clinch a vital 2-1 win. 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      Meaning behind VAR’s cryptic four-word message to referee after controversial Chelsea decision made history

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      VAR delivered a cryptic four-word message to referee Robert Jones before he made history during Chelsea’s clash with Bournemouth.During the Tuesday night game at Stamford Bridge, Jones became the first PL referee to reject a red-card review at the pitch-side monitor.Marc Cucurella was fouled by David BrooksCredit: APThe decision was put up to a VAR reviewCredit: TNT SportsRobert Jones went over to check the monitor and made history by not giving out a red cardCredit: RexJones was told by VAR Graham Scott ‘It’s in your gift’Credit: AlamyCherries star David Brooks had allegedly committed a foul on Marc Cucurella that was originally worthy of a red card while the score was 1-1.Jones was sent to the monitor for review with VAR Graham Scott to decide on the possible dismissal.However, Jones ultimately concluded that it was a yellow card, thus making history by rejecting the decision to send Brooks off.Mail Sport have revealed that Scott told Jones, “It’s in your gift”, in relation to Jones having the final say on the matter.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe report adds that refereeing sources explained all options – take no action, yellow or red card – were available to use, with Scott’s comments a sentiment used by PGMOL in such scenarios.Audio of the incident could be broadcast to fans on the Match Officials Mic’d Up show, hosted by ref chief Howard Webb.Bournemouth took a 2-1 lead following the incident before Reece James slammed home a stunning injury-time free-kick.The Blues had taken the lead through Cole Palmer and dominated most of the first half.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, Justin Kluivert equalised early in the second half from the penalty spot before Antoine Semenyo smashed home a near-post shot to take the lead.The result leaves Chelsea without a win in five league games, while Bournemouth are unbeaten in ten games across all competitions.Chelsea activate Trevoh Chalobah recall clause just hours before he was due to play for Crystal Palace against LeicesterChelsea player ratings vs BournemouthCHELSEA failed to win for their fourth Prem outing in a row as they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth.Having taken the lead through Cole Palmer, things went very wrong in the second half.Justin Kluivert scored from the spot after a poor challenge from Moise Caicedo led to the penalty. Antoine Semenyo then put the Cherries in front.But up stepped Reece James to fire in a brilliant 95th minute penalty and salvage a point.Here’s how the players rated…Robert Sanchez – 5His (or Enzo Maresca’s) insistence on playing the “riskiest pass in football” almost cost his side in the first half, but he wasn’t caught out on this occasion. Couldn’t do an awful lot about either of the goals, a pretty average performance.Moises Caicedo – 3Was solid in the first half if not a little fortunate not to be booked for a few “tactical” fouls. However, he got caught out in the second 45 and gave away a penalty through a poorly timed tackle on Semenyo. Not the kind of performance we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him as his passes too often went astray.Josh Acheampong – 5Made a few good blocks and tackles in the first half, but was easily beaten by Semenyo before he smashed home the goal that put Bournemouth in the lead. Looked a little inexperienced out there, but you can tell he has quality – was taken off for Tosin in the second half shortly after the goal, who you would imagine will take the starting spot going forward.Levi Colwill – 6Imperious in the air and across the ground in the first half. Didn’t do a lot wrong truth be told, but no clean sheet cost him a higher score.Marc Cucurella – 6Stepped into his tackles well and was solid throughout the game, keeping David Brooks quiet on the right for Bournemouth. Wasn’t as influential in an attacking sense as we have seen him be this season, but still did a decent job.Romeo Lavia – 5Dominant in midfield in the first half, and was brilliant in transition, looking like a master of his craft. Unfortunately, a second-half mistake saw him caught out which led to the Bournemouth penalty before he was then booked for a late tackle. Was taken off shortly after he was booked and replaced by Reece James.Enzo Fernández (c) – 6Worked well as he had done previously when given the license to roam forward, knowing he had Lavia and Caicedo behind him. Bournemouth’s midfield had no answer to him with the ball at his feet, but as for many of the Blues, he was much quieter in the second half.Noni Madueke – 6Arguably deserved a first-half assist after he left a defender on the floor with a mazy run from the right-hand side, but Nicolas Jackson fluffed his lines in front of goal. Continued his good work on the ball in the second half and generally created some good chances that weren’t finished.Cole Palmer – 8Looked like he was out to impress from the start, with a cheeky nutmeg followed by a Lampard vs Hull-esque dink early on which didn’t come off. This was all before the 12th minute where he sat interim goalkeeper Mark Travers on his backside with a fake shot before slotting home for the opening goal. He created good chances too for Jackson, but faded pretty heavily after his goal.Jadon Sancho – 4Two nutmegs in quick succession was the highlight of his first half, but he was pretty quiet throughout the 90 minutes.Nicolas Jackson – 6His first half performance would have had fans raving about how he is the second coming of Didier Drogba. But his second half reminded us of why he’s not, with two huge bites at the Cherries missed that ultimately cost his side.SUBSReece James (Romeo Lavia, 56) – 8Made the perfect comeback from his injury woes, with a rocket of a free-kick guided into the bottom right corner. Looked strong and composed on the ball after his introduction.Tosin Adarabioyo (Josh Acheampong, 71) – 7Brought a bit more presence and leadership to a Chelsea team that looked as though it was lacking exactly that tonight. Had a good header saved by Travers at the death, you’d imagine he will be starting against Wolves.Joao Felix (Moises Caicedo, 80) – 6Did really well with limited minutes on the pitch after being bought on. A tame effort on goal was saved by the Bournemouth keeper, but it was his mazy dribbling that won the free-kick that James fired home to equalise.Pedro Neto (Noni Madueke, 80) – 5Didn’t get long enough to properly warm into the game and Chelsea didn’t find him enough, could probably count his touches on your fingers. More

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      Non-league clash ABANDONED with players forced off the pitch after just seven minutes due to weather

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      SOUTHEND’S non-league clash against Boston United was ABANDONED due to weather conditions. The National League game kicked off under heavy fog in Lincolnshire.Boston United vs Southend was suspendedCredit: Focus ImagesBut after just seven minutes players were taken off the pitch by the referee with the match suspended. Around 20 minutes later officials were still deciding on what to do. Southend posted online: “The referee has decided to take another check on conditions in 10 minutes to see if anything improves. “The game remains suspended and a final decision will be made at that point.” read more in footballEventually, the murky conditions were deemed too extreme to carry on.Southend added: “Tonight’s game against Boston United has been abandoned due to the fog.”Safe trip home to every Shrimper who made the journey tonight.”The drive from Southend to Boston is close to three hours one way, with public transport taking closer to four hours.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoston United confirmed: “Tonight’s fixture has been abandoned due to fog.”An announcement regarding ticketing will follow during the coming hours.”A new date will be communicated in due course. We apologise for any inconvenience caused…” Hosts Boston came into the game second from bottom while Southend sat 14th – having won their last two games. Why Daniel Levy will be fed PIE & CHIPS with Tottenham in for FA Cup shock at part-time Tamworth More

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      Premier League referee makes history as he refuses to send off Bournemouth star who ‘clotheslined Cucurella’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Robert Jones made history when he refused to send off David Brooks for a “clothesline” challenge on Marc Cucurella.The incident occurred during last night’s clash between Chelsea and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.Robert Jones made history during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with BournemouthCredit: ReutersVAR recommended a red card review for David Brooks’ ‘clothesline’ on Marc CucurellaThe Blues took the lead through Cole Palmer before the visitors turned the game on its head for 2-1.And it took a last-gasp Reece James free-kick to rescue a point for Enzo Maresca’s side, who have now gone five games without a win.However, Chelsea felt they were hard done by when Cucurella was smashed by Brooks while making a forward run.Bournemouth’s Welshman appeared to “clothesline” the Spaniard, according to fans online.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it saw VAR recommend a red card review for violent conduct at the pitchside monitor.However, referee Jones did not see things the same way.After watching a replay of the incident, he went against VAR’s recommendation and instead gave Brooks a yellow card.It marked the first time in Premier League history that a referee has rejected a red-card review at the monitor.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt was also the first VAR monitor rejection this season.And the Premier League’s Match Centre explained Jones’ thinking in a social media post.The one player Chelsea must sign this seasonJones rejected the red card recommendation, the first one in Premier League historyCredit: ReutersFans were left baffled by the decisionCredit: GettyIt read: “VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card to Brooks for violent conduct.“Upon review, the referee deemed that the challenge on Cucurella was a reckless action and not violent conduct — and issue a yellow card to Brooks.”Fans certainly felt the decision should have been a red card.One said: “Blatant and deliberate. Red card all day.”Another declared: “Pure embarrassment.”One noted: “Blatant red, that’s a wrestling move.”Another added: “Clotheslines now allowed in football.”Chelsea player ratings vs BournemouthCHELSEA failed to win for their fourth Prem outing in a row as they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth.Having taken the lead through Cole Palmer, things went very wrong in the second half.Justin Kluivert scored from the spot after a poor challenge from Moise Caicedo led to the penalty. Antoine Semenyo then put the Cherries in front.But up stepped Reece James to fire in a brilliant 95th minute penalty and salvage a point.Here’s how the players rated…Robert Sanchez – 5His (or Enzo Maresca’s) insistence on playing the “riskiest pass in football” almost cost his side in the first half, but he wasn’t caught out on this occasion. Couldn’t do an awful lot about either of the goals, a pretty average performance.Moises Caicedo – 3Was solid in the first half if not a little fortunate not to be booked for a few “tactical” fouls. However, he got caught out in the second 45 and gave away a penalty through a poorly timed tackle on Semenyo. Not the kind of performance we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him as his passes too often went astray.Josh Acheampong – 5Made a few good blocks and tackles in the first half, but was easily beaten by Semenyo before he smashed home the goal that put Bournemouth in the lead. Looked a little inexperienced out there, but you can tell he has quality – was taken off for Tosin in the second half shortly after the goal, who you would imagine will take the starting spot going forward.Levi Colwill – 6Imperious in the air and across the ground in the first half. Didn’t do a lot wrong truth be told, but no clean sheet cost him a higher score.Marc Cucurella – 6Stepped into his tackles well and was solid throughout the game, keeping David Brooks quiet on the right for Bournemouth. Wasn’t as influential in an attacking sense as we have seen him be this season, but still did a decent job.Romeo Lavia – 5Dominant in midfield in the first half, and was brilliant in transition, looking like a master of his craft. Unfortunately, a second-half mistake saw him caught out which led to the Bournemouth penalty before he was then booked for a late tackle. Was taken off shortly after he was booked and replaced by Reece James.Enzo Fernández (c) – 6Worked well as he had done previously when given the license to roam forward, knowing he had Lavia and Caicedo behind him. Bournemouth’s midfield had no answer to him with the ball at his feet, but as for many of the Blues, he was much quieter in the second half.Noni Madueke – 6Arguably deserved a first-half assist after he left a defender on the floor with a mazy run from the right-hand side, but Nicolas Jackson fluffed his lines in front of goal. Continued his good work on the ball in the second half and generally created some good chances that weren’t finished.Cole Palmer – 8Looked like he was out to impress from the start, with a cheeky nutmeg followed by a Lampard vs Hull-esque dink early on which didn’t come off. This was all before the 12th minute where he sat interim goalkeeper Mark Travers on his backside with a fake shot before slotting home for the opening goal. He created good chances too for Jackson, but faded pretty heavily after his goal.Jadon Sancho – 4Two nutmegs in quick succession was the highlight of his first half, but he was pretty quiet throughout the 90 minutes.Nicolas Jackson – 6His first half performance would have had fans raving about how he is the second coming of Didier Drogba. But his second half reminded us of why he’s not, with two huge bites at the Cherries missed that ultimately cost his side.SUBSReece James (Romeo Lavia, 56) – 8Made the perfect comeback from his injury woes, with a rocket of a free-kick guided into the bottom right corner. Looked strong and composed on the ball after his introduction.Tosin Adarabioyo (Josh Acheampong, 71) – 7Brought a bit more presence and leadership to a Chelsea team that looked as though it was lacking exactly that tonight. Had a good header saved by Travers at the death, you’d imagine he will be starting against Wolves.Joao Felix (Moises Caicedo, 80) – 6Did really well with limited minutes on the pitch after being bought on. A tame effort on goal was saved by the Bournemouth keeper, but it was his mazy dribbling that won the free-kick that James fired home to equalise.Pedro Neto (Noni Madueke, 80) – 5Didn’t get long enough to properly warm into the game and Chelsea didn’t find him enough, could probably count his touches on your fingers. More