Refereeing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      History-making Premier League legend retires immediately after featuring in Man City vs Crystal Palace match

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE mainstay Darren Cann has officially retired from assistant refereeing.Cann, 58, has been running the line in the English top-flight for over 25 years and is one of the most recognised officials in the country.Assistant referee Darren Cann has retired from officiatingCredit: AFPCann began his officiating journey all the way back in 1991Credit: PACann has officiated the most matches in Premier League history and called time on his career after Manchester City’s win over Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPCann cut an emotional figure after the final whistle of his careerCredit: TNT SPORTSBut after helping officiate 579 Premier League fixtures – the most of any official in the competition’s history – the veteran linesman has decided to hang up his flag.Cann’s final Prem appearance came in Manchester City’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.Ahead of the game, Cann, who reffed over 1000 games in his career, said: “It’s been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years.“Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But, above all, I’m proud of the fact I’ve given 100 per cent in every single match throughout my career.“I would like to thank every single person who has helped and supported me to work in this wonderful sport, PGMOL and The FA as well as all of the clubs, managers, players and fans that have made the Premier League the greatest league in the world.“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love.”Cann, who played in Crystal Palace’s youth team as a striker alongside Ian Wright, began his refereeing journey in 1991.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCity skipper Kevin De Bruyne had some words for the retiring Darren Cann after the final whistleCredit: TNT SPORTSIt would take him ten years to be promoted to the Football League, where he’d officiate for four years.Cann would go on to represent England on the global stage, taking part in 140 international fixtures – including games at the Euro 2008 and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups in South Africa and Brazil.Ruben Amorim’s Garnacho dilemma explained ahead of Manchester derbyHe was part of the refereeing team that officiated the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finals, which were contested by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan and Spain and the Netherlands, respectively.PMGOL chief Howard Webb, who knows Cann all too well having worked alongside him in the Champions League and World Cup finals, was quick to pay tribute to the retiring official.He said: “As I know first-hand from working with Darren on many matches.”He is an official of extraordinary talent and he has performed at the very highest level with distinction.”His professionalism and dedication have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating.”We wish him all the very best as he steps away from the field.”Though we’re sure his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.”Darren Cann was part of the officiating team for the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finalsCredit: GETTY More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League history made as Eberechi Eze has goal ruled out for Crystal Palace vs Man City

      by

      PREMIER League history has been made after the new semi-automated offside technology chalked off its first goal.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze thought he had made it 3-0 to the Eagles against Manchester City this afternoon.Eberechi Eze was judged to be offside by the semi-automated systemA tracking system using 10,000 plus data points for each player recognised that the Palace ace was ahead of the City defender’s kneeCredit: @PLMatchCentreIt then produced a graphic of the offside to show Eze had gone too earlyCredit: @PLMatchCentreThe England midfielder sprinted in behind the City defence and finished beyond Ederson before being flagged offside by the linesman.Eze was adamant that he had timed his run to perfection, wagging his finger in disbelief at the decision.The goal was immediately checked by VAR’s semi-automated offside technology and within seconds it was confirmed that he had narrowly gone too early.It was the first time in Prem history that a goal was disallowed following the new check.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision proved to be a major turning point as City fought back from 2-0 down to level before eventually going 4-2 ahead.Chalking off Eze’s goal was semi-automated offside’s second use in the game after it supported the on-field decision to award his first strike after a possible offside in the build-up from Ismaila Sarr.In the second-half it was also used to confirm City’s fourth goal by James McAtee.Fans praised the new system, with one saying: “Semi-automated offside is pleasant to see.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Took a matter of seconds yet it took till April with only six games of the league season left for the Premier League to bring it in.”Others disagreed, commenting: “Oh look, finally a decision graphic but it doesn’t even show that they’ve gotten the timing of the pass correct. This is useless.”The new system, devised by the US-based company Genius Sports, aims to reduce offside waiting times to an average of 30 seconds.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsA whopping 28 cameras per match are deployed to track 10,000 plus data points for each player to reach the decisions.Explaining the tech, a Prem statement read: “Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR).“It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.“The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.”Eze was in disbelief over the offsideCredit: AFP More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Atletico vs Real Madrid VAR official replaced for Tottenham clash after Julian Alvarez penalty controversy

      by

      THE VAR responsible for chalking off Julian Alvarez’s controversial ‘double-kick’ penalty has been axed from his next European game.Tomasz Kwiatkowski, the Polish official, has been removed from the refereeing set-up for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt. Alvarez was adjudged to have touched the ball twice upon scoring his penaltyCredit: ReutersFootball fans struggled to see the momentCredit: TNT SportsThe penalty was chalked off and Real Madrid advanced in the Champions LeagueCredit: APKwiatkowski fuelled a frenzy during the penalty shoot-out between city rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 at the Estadio Metropolitano, when he disallowed Alvarez’s successful spot-kick in a matter of seconds. Kwiatkowski deemed that the Argentine had touched the ball twice as he slotted past Thibaut Courtois.That sparked outrage amongst Atleti staff and supporters alike. There was such an uproar after the game that Uefa were forced to back the VAR’s decision with an official statement, even releasing a video of the spot kick to demonstrate Kwiatkowski’s thought process.Read More FootballThe incident also prompted Uefa to admit that they were ready to readdress the ‘double-kick’ law. It seemed as though things would return to normal when the fiasco simmered down, but the debate has been reignited by Kwiatkowski’s axing for Spurs’ Europa League tie with Frankfurt.Uefa have not publicly given a reason as to why the change has been made, leaving fans in the dark ahead of tonight’s game.Kwiatkowski has been part of referee Szymon Marciniak’s team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he will not be in London as initially planned.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead, he will be replaced by Spaniard Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez in the VAR control room.Tottenham host Frankfurt in tonight’s game, which kicks off at 8pm.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendoSzymon Marciniak will be without his usual VAR when he takes charge of Spurs’ encounter against FrankfurtReal came out on top in the shootout, earning them a meeting with Arsenal in the quarter-finalsCredit: Alamy More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Referees to wear BODYCAMS at major tournament with footage set to be shown to fans on TV

      by

      REFEREES will wear bodycams during the Club World Cup, it has been confirmed.Footage from the cameras will be readily available to broadcasters during matches at the competition.The club world cup will feature bodycam footage from refsCredit: AFPThe technology has had good feedback from trials in England at the grassroots levelCredit: PAJarred Gillett used a bodycam during a Premier League clash last seasonCredit: GettyIt was revealed during a Prem clash between Crystal Palace and Man UtdCredit: Sky SportsThe move was confirmed by the chairman of the Fifa referees committee, Pierluigi Collina.Collina said: “It is a good chance to offer the viewers a new experience, in terms of images taken from a perspective, from an angle of vision which was never offered before.”It’s a combination of new experience for broadcasters and also for coaching purposes.”Having the possibility to see what the referee sees is important in the debriefing, to evaluate how the call was made by the referee, which was his view, and so on.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReferee bodycams were first trialled in English football at the grassroots level last season.The trials were then expanded for this season after results showed a decrease in abuse toward match officials.In the Premier League, Jarred Gillett became the first referee to wear a bodycam during last season’s clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester United in May, a game won 4-0 by Palace.That game was a one-off to capture footage for a programme promoting match officials.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOther nations have also taken to using bodycams.The Bundesliga saw its first instance of a referee wearing a bodycam in February 2024 during a game between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.Fifa show off incredible new Club World Cup trophy that has be opened with a giant gold KEYFootball in the United States, where the refreshed 32-team Club World Cup will be played out this summer, has seen the use of bodycam footage in recent seasons in Major League Soccer.Manchester City and Chelsea are the English clubs who will be present at the tournament.It will run from June 15 to July 13.The early scheduling of the post-season tournament has seen the Premier League open up a second summer transfer window to allow teams to sign players before the competition begins.It will then be shut again during the tournament before re-opening afterwards for the remainder of the summer.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      VAR official seen scrolling through betting site as shocking footage from top flight surfaces live on TV

      by

      A VAR official has landed in hot water after appearing to scroll through a betting site on live TV.A Bulgarian official is alleged to have been spotted using the site moments before kick-off between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia.A VAR official appeared to scroll a betting site before a matchHe was suspended after footage of the incident began to circulate on social media.Hawk-Eye Innovations, which is responsible for the VAR system in the Bulgarian First League, explained the decision in a letter to the Bulgarian Football Union.It said: “Hawk-Eye Innovations acknowledges with regret an incident involving one of its VAR operators during the Parva Liga match between PFC CSKA-Sofia and PFC Lokomotiv Sofia yesterday evening (2nd April 2025).“Live footage from the camera situation in the VAR operations room documented the individual utilising a personal smartphone during the match and appearing to engage in inappropriate activities which would constitute gross misconduct in relation to the responsibilities of their assigned role.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe company said it would investigate the official during his suspension, as reported by NeedToKnow.It added: “If the individual has been found to have been engaging in such inappropriate activity, we will look to dismiss the individual in accordance with their contractual terms.”Fans were shocked by the revelation with one saying: “Lol that’s wild.”Another added: “Everything you need to know about VAR…”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Nah this is some nasty business.”And another commented: “We are in a very bad situation…”‘People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea loss More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie learning to walk again after rare condition left him paralysed

      by

      FORMER Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has opened up about the rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.Once described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, the 65-year-old is now learning to walk again.Uriah Rennie has revealed he is learning to walk againCredit: GettyThe 65-year-old has been diagnosed with a rare neurological conditionCredit: AlamyAfter experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.”By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.”I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.”I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.”I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”Most read in FootballHaving been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.He now spends much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.Describing his current state of movement, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.”I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.”It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”Half a year on from his hospital admission, Rennie is now due to start his role as a university chancellor next month. And he is determined not to give up on walking again.He concluded: “Lots of people are in wheelchairs, but it doesn’t define them.”It has made me resilient and forceful and I will never give up – I’m not on my own, there is a village helping me.”I recognise how brittle things are in life now.”I don’t know if I am going to walk fully, but I know what I need to do to try and you must never give up hope.”Read More on The SunRennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.He is also a kick-boxing and aikido expert. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I was on the point of doing something crazy’ – Liverpool legend admits VAR would have changed history in Everton clash

      by

      LIVERPOOL icon Dirk Kuyt has admitted his infamous Merseyside derby tackle was “crazy” and he should have been sent off.The shocking challenge was made during an ill-tempered fixture in 2007.Dirk Kuyt avoided a red card for a reckless tackle on Phil NevilleCredit: Sky SportsKuyt then stepped up and scored a late winner from the spotCredit: PA:Press AssociationLiverpool beat Everton 2-1 as David Moyes’ side went down to nine-men after red cards to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville.Kuyt scored both goals for the Reds, including a dramatic 92nd minute penalty to win it.The strike was highly controversial as the Dutchman somehow escaped an early bath for a reckless and wild lunge on Neville.Kuyt went in two-footed above the Everton skipper’s knee but was given just a yellow by referee Mark Clattenburg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on the moment, Kuyt told The Telegraph: “I was very lucky to come away from that because if I had a red card, I would not have managed to score the winning goal. “It’s crazy when you play these kinds of games because there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion.“I flew through the air and thank God there was no VAR there at the time. “When I was in the air, I knew I was way too late and I was on the point of doing something crazy. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I tried to hold my legs inside me just to be lucky not to touch him. I think I was very lucky not to get the red card.”Liverpool face Everton tonight and tempers could flare again after a huge bust-up at the end of their 2-2 thriller just seven weeks ago.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntKuyt, 44, is currently the manager of Belgian side Beerschot and it is his “dream” to one day fill Arne Slot’s shoes as Liverpool boss.Kuyt is now manager of Belgian outfit BeerschotCredit: AFP More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Incredible moment referee KOs losing coach with karate kick to the face after he tried to attack him with a bottle

      by

      THIS is the incredible moment a referee KO’s a furious member of a losing team’s coaching staff with a karate kick to the face during a Peruvian league match.Luis Alegre let rip with his right boot as the man invaded the pitch and ran towards him with the apparent intention of assaulting him with a plastic bottle in his hand.A member of the coaching staff ran on the pitch armed with plastic bottleCredit: XHe looked ready to attack the referee with the bottleCredit: XReferee Luis Alegre let out a karate kick to defend himself from the bottleCredit: XThe coach immediately fell to the floorCredit: XHe connected with his rival’s head, putting him on the ground and sparking the intervention of the police.Things then took a turn for the worse as the ref and his linesmen were surrounded by angry players looking for revenge.The drama occurred in the 82nd minute of Sport Huaquilla’s Copa Peru match against Magdalena CEDEC in Ancash north of the of the Peruvian capital Lima.TV footage showed it happened after Mr Alegre brought out a red card after one of his linesman appeared to point towards someone from the Magdalena bench.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe video showed the ballsy ref was no martial arts beginner – with his right boot connecting full-on with the jaw of the unnamed individual who rushed at him and went to hit him with his plastic water bottle.Remarkably Luis managed to keep hold of the red card he was brandishing in his left hand despite his rapid reaction to the assault he was about to become a victim of.The linesman nearest the action ran towards the pair before the karate kick in an apparent attempt to protect his colleague.Although he ended up trying to calm tempers elsewhere on the pitch as the situation threatened to derail.Most read in FootballPlayers tried to pull away the furious coachCredit: XOther players swarmed the officials angry with the referee’s actionsCredit: XThe situation threatened to boil overCredit: XCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe man on the receiving end of the referee’s martial arts technique got up moments after being felled looking dazed.And perhaps thankfully for his own safety was persuaded not to react by one of his own team’s players who put his arms around him and moved him away.Ex-Man Utd star Memphis Depay sparks mass brawl with cheeky trick as four red cards are handed out in derby clash Match commentators responded by saying, when it was already too late: “Calm down lads, calm down” before adding as police intervened: “This sort of thing can’t happen.”The game was suspended after the incident.It was not immediately clear if the man kicked in the face had needed to be taken to hospital or whether he and the ref would face any disciplinary action. More