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      Football lawmakers make major rule change after Julian Alvarez’s controversial Champions League penalty vs Real Madrid

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      THE International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made a significant change to penalty rules following a controversial shootout in the Champions League this term.Atletico Madrid were knocked out of Europe’s elite competition by Real Madrid in the last-16 after a penalty from Julian Alvarez was ruled out following a VAR check.The IFAB have made a rule change to penalties after Julian Alvarez controversially had a goal ruled out against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThe striker was deemed to have touched the ball twiceCredit: GettyThe striker had slipped when running up to shoot and subsequently double-touched the ball with both feet.Although it was barely noticeable at first, VAR deemed the kick to be illegal and it was not registered as a goal.Atletico went on to lose the match 4-2 on penalties, sparking a furious reaction from Diego Simeone and fans.The manager said: “I just saw the image of the penalty. The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”The outrage has prompted the IFAB to alter Law 14 which is based on a player intentionally kicking the ball twice during a penalty.Because Alvarez did not intentionally shoot twice during the shootout, the regulation has been amended to account for similar situations.It now states: “The penalty taker inadvertently hits the ball with both feet simultaneously or the ball touches his supporting foot or leg just after taking the kick: If the ball enters the goal, it will be repeated.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Meanwhile, if a player voluntarily kicks with both feet, the alternative rule states: “An indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Atletico Madrid boss Simeone loses his cool with reporter over Alvarez penalty controversy More

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      Referee PUNCHED by angry dad with brutal uppercut in shocking scenes during children’s match

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      A REFEREE was brutally punched by an angry dad in shocking scenes at a children’s football match.The incident took place after the full-time whistle.A dad punched a referee after a kids’ football match in SwitzerlandCredit: Tele M1The father allegedly landed the uppercut after a decision went against his sonCredit: Tele M1A dad of FC Villmergen C-Junior player flew off the handle at the official in Aargau, Switzerland. Villmergen lost 4-2 to SC Schoftland – suffering heartache in injury time.Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk and you could even get PAIDAnd for one parent, he completely lost his cool. The dad confronted the referee as he walked off the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWearing a black vest and light shorts, according to Aargauer Zeitung he asked the ref: “Do you know what football means?”He then proceeded to thump the official with a savage uppercut.The referee managed to stay on his feet as his assailant was restrained, video footage showed.A FC Villmergen coach labelled the father’s behaviour as unacceptable and hinted the inexplicable reaction may have come after he thought his son was fouled.Most read in FootballThe club are also considering what measures to take against the individual, with a possible ban against attending his son’s matches. A statement read: “FC Villmergen condemns any form of violence on and off the pitch. “The incident following the match on May 31, 2025, deeply contradicts our core values. “We are working closely with the relevant authorities to fully clarify the situation.”The video footage has been passed on to the Aargau Football Association (AFV).The AFV president Luigi Ponte said: “I was truly shocked that someone could freak out like that during a game like that.”We will have to refer the case to Bern,” where the Swiss FA are based.Just last month, Ponte openly declared he is “against the use of [referees wearing body] cameras” – despite a rise in similar cases against officials.According to Swiss statistics, a referee is insulted, threatened or physically assaulted in one in every 100 football matches in the country. The video footage has been passed on to the Swiss authoritiesCredit: Tele M1The referee managed to stay on his feet as the dad was restrainedCredit: Tele M1 More

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      Shamed Prem ref David Coote filmed delivering Evri packages after cocaine video & Klopp rant destroyed career

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      SACKED Premier League referee David Coote is now delivering packages for Evri — and says: “I’m just ­trying to make an honest living.”A couple were stunned to see the 42-year-old on their Ring doorbell, below, dropping off a parcel.Sacked Premier League referee is now delivering parcels for Evri as he attempts to ‘make an honest living’ after his drugs shame got him banned from footballCoote is currently serving a 16-month UEFA ban, but pals say he could return to the game eventuallyCredit: PABanned ref David Coote was caught snorting cocaine in a video clipCoote is serving a 16-month UEFA ban after video emerged of him savaging former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and a Sun clip showed him taking cocaine.He works for the courier firm near his home in Newark, Notts, and said: “I want to get on with my life.Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk and you could even get PAID”I’m trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTE”The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it’s not a new long-term career.”The Sun told in November how Coote had called Klopp a “German c***” in a leaked video.We then revealed a film of him doing cocaine at last summer’s Euros.The homeowner at the address he delivered to said: “My husband’s a Liverpool fan and what David said didn’t go down well.Most read in Football”My husband had ordered a part for a vehicle he’s working on and recognised David.”He said, ‘He’s delivering packages now’. I was like ‘Oh my gosh, is he really?’”It’s his own downfall, at the end of the day. David got himself into this mess.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”He lives up the road. I see him around town a lot.”Coote was fired by referee governing body PGMOL in December and is banned by UEFA till next June.He said: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis.”It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”Last month he ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to raise money for his uncle Mick who has motor neurone disease.Coote said: “I’m doing what I want to do, focusing on what’s important like spending more time with friends and family.”Friends backed him. A source said: “David’s a great lad who lost his career through stupidity, as he fully acknowledges.”There might be a return for him to the game at some point, and football definitely needs experts like him.Read More on The Sun”Until then he obviously has to pay the bills.”Evri did not comment.He works for the courier firm near his home in Newark, NottsCredit: GettyThe former referee is concentrating on ‘spending more time with friends and family’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      National League playoff final referee subbed off with CRAMP in extra-time of dramatic tie at Wembley

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      REFEREE Elliot Bell had to be substituted with cramp during the National League play-off final.Shortly after half-time of extra-time in the contest between Southend and Oldham, the whistler had be replaced by fourth official Aaron Bannister.Referee Elliot Bell was forced off with crampCredit: GettyAaron Bannister stepped in for the stricken refBell pulled up with cramp in the 107th minute of the match, trudging over to the touchline to be subbed.Southend had led 2-1 at the time, courtesy of Leon Chambers-Parillon’s goal barely a minute into extra time.Within three minutes of Bell being replaced, Oldham dramatically equalised courtesy of veteran forward James Norwood.The Latics completed their comeback less than two minutes later, taking the lead as Kian Harratt’s cross flew all the way in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSouthend piled men forward as they desperately hunted an equaliser.But following three minutes of stoppage time, Bannister blew up – confirming Oldham’s promotion back to the EFL.Earlier in the game, Bell had awarded the Latics a penalty.Manny Monthe, who had scored an own goal in the fifth minute, was pulled down by Ben Goodliffe – with Joe Garner netting the subsequent spot kick.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYorkshireman Bell shows a yellow card during the National League play-off finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBell had been taking charge of his first match in 18 days.His last assignment had been Leyton Orient’s League One play-off semi-final second leg triumph over Stockport On May 14.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionPrior to that, Bell had been the man in the middle for Swansea’s 3-3 draw with Oxford on May 3.Bell, from Yorkshire, took charge of 33 games during the 2024-25 season.Of these, 24 were in the Championship – with two in League One, four in League Two and a pair of League Cup ties.Bell previously took charge of the 2020 National League play-off final between Harrogate and Notts County.Aaron Bannister took over from Elliot BellCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Who is Conference League final referee Irfan Peljto?

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      IRFAN Peljto is an elite football referee who was the very first Bosnian referee to officiate a UEFA game. He will be officiating at the Uefa Conference League final on May 28, 2025, despite being hit with a ban earlier in the season.Irfan Peljto is an accomplished football refereeCredit: GettyThe star faced a ban after making a series of mistakes during a matchCredit: ReutersBreaking a recordBorn on July 18, 1984, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Irfan first began officiating in the Bosnian Premier League. He has been on the FIFA list since 2015 and is categorised as a UEFA elite referee. The star has broken an incredible football record too. He is the first Bosnian referee to oversee a UEFA Champions League group stage or knockout phase match – having officiated a match between Beşiktaş and Ajax in 2021.Read More on footballIrfan’s shocking banHowever, Irfan has proven to be controversial – having been banned from six games this season. His ban came after he made three major mistakes during Borac Banja’s 1-1 derby draw with Zrinjski Mostar.Irfan failed to award penalties on two separate occasions during the match, which led the Bosnian FA to release a damning statement. The statement read: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.Most read in Football”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. “In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Refereeing the UEFA Conference League final Irfan Peljto will be acting as the referee at the 2025 UEFA Conference League final.  ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeChelsea will be taking on the Spanish side Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, on 28 May 2025.  Ahead of the game, Irfan said: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.”I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.”Chelsea have previously won two Champions League titles, two Europa Leagues and two European Cup Winners’ Cups – meaning that this is the club’s final European honour to win. Fans can watch the game live when it airs at 8pm on TNT Sports.Irfan revealed that it was ‘very emotional’ to be selected as the UEFA Conference Final refereeCredit: Getty Images More

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      Referee who was hit with six-match ban this season named as official for Chelsea vs Real Betis Conference League final

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      A REFEREE who was hit with a six-match ban this season will take charge of Chelsea’s Conference League final against Real Betis.Irfan Peljto will become the first Bosnian to officiate a major Uefa club competition final on Wednesday.Conference League final ref Irfan Peljto was banned for six matches earlier this seasonCredit: GettyThe clash sees Chelsea looking to become the first-ever club to win all three European titles.But Betis will prove to be their toughest test yet, with Premier League flops including Antony, Pablo Fornals and Gio Lo Celso shining under ex-Man City title winner Manuel Pellegrini.Enzo Maresca’s men will have to be at their best just days after securing Champions League football with a fourth-place domestic finish.However, their fate could end up in the hands of Peljto, who oversaw Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg win over Real Madrid in April.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 40-year-old is held in high regard by Uefa, having also taken charge of a further six Champions League matches and four Europa League clashes this term.However, back in his native Bosnia, Peljto was banned for six matches after overseeing an error-strewn game.He was found guilty of making three major mistakes, with two errors involving his failure to award clear penalties.September’s 1-1 derby draw between bitter rivals Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja caused plenty of controversy, with the Bosnian FA declaring both sides should have been awarded penalties on separate occasions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA damning statement declared: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured”In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Despite his previous ban, Peljto believes his selection for the Conference League final is a huge boost for Bosnian football.He told Uefa: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.“I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.” More

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      Nottingham Forest in Champions League and Newcastle miss out on Europe – how Premier League table would look without VAR

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST would have earned a Champions League spot at the expense of Newcastle if VAR did not exist.And the Magpies’ escape from any consequences for their home defeat by Everton is put into even starker content as they would have missed out on European football altogether without the technology.Nottingham Forest would have earned a Champions League spot if VAR did not existNewcastle would have missed out on Europe if VAR did not existSunSport have analysed all 380 Prem matches this term and worked out how the table would have looked if the original on-field decisions had not been overturned after intervention by the Stockley Park video booth.Our number crunchers found that Eddie Howe’s men were by far the biggest beneficiaries of VAR changes. Newcastle had a staggering 13 decisions changed in their favour, with just five reversals hurting them.That brought a net figure of +8, with Aston Villa and West Ham next in the benefits column with each having four more interventions in their favour than against them.Read More on FootballOur analysis, which assumes every penalty that was initially awarded and then wiped was scored, suggests that without VAR Newcastle would have picked up four fewer points – dropping them to eighth in the table – and conceded seven more goals.Forest, whose home defeat by Chelsea left them in the Conference League slot, would have finished fifth in our “No VAR” table.And Bournemouth, ninth in the actual table, would have been preparing for a first continental campaign in the Europa League without the technology changes.Andoni Iraola’s side had 11 VAR changes against them and just three in their favour, costing the Cherries EIGHT points and seven goals.Most read in FootballThe study of the 111 changed decisions cannot determine definitively what would have happened in real life if the initial decisions had not been overturned.But one of the most contentious calls saw Dango Ouattara’s last-gasp “winner” against Newcastle in August chalked off for a handball PGMOL chief Howard Webb subsequently conceded was wrongly overturned after the VAR intervention.Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs ChelseaOver the course of the season there were 12 goals and 25 penalties awarded through VAR intervention – with 21 of those spot-kicks converted – compared to 48 goals and 11 penalties disallowed.Liverpool’s 10-point advantage over Arsenal at the top of the pile would have been reduced to just two without VAR, as the Gunners lost eight points from the six overturns against them – including “winning” goals against Chelsea, Fulham and Aston Villa.Chelsea and Manchester City swap places, with the Londoners up to third, with Villa down one to take the Conference League slot. More

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      Premier League release statement on decision that denied Aston Villa goal vs Man Utd as club make official complaint

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      THE Premier League have released a statement over Aston Villa’s controversial disallowed goal.But it hasn’t pacified the Midlanders, who have now written to the PGMOL with their own “concerns”.Morgan Rogers was penalised despite Altay Bayindir dropping the ballCredit: GettyRogers finished into the empty net for Aston VillaCredit: ReutersThe whistle had already gone too earlyCredit: PAVAR were only able to confirm the mistake but not step inCredit: TNT SportsVilla thought they had gone in front in their crunch clash away at Manchester United on the final day of the season.Morgan Rogers poked the ball away from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before finishing into an open net after Harry Maguire’s header.But referee Thomas Bramall blew his whistle before the ball crossed the line.He thought Rogers had kicked the ball out of Bayindir’s hands and therefore awarded a free-kick against the Villa man.READ MORE ON ASTON VILLAHowever, replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under control and the goal should have stood.However, the laws of the game state that a goal cannot be retrospectively awarded after the whistle has blown – even if done in error. VAR did take a brief look at the incident.But that was only to confirm the whistle had gone before the goal was scored – thus leaving the officials hamstrung. Most read in FootballAnd the Premier League statement clarified the situation. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTheir Match Centre account tweeted during the United vs Villa match: “72’ – The referee’s call was a free kick to Manchester United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession. “The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR.”Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apologyBut vexed Villa are not letting the matter lie and have written in a complaint.A statement read: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has written to the PGMOL to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today’s game with Manchester United at Old Trafford.”With such high stakes surrounding today’s fixture, the club believe a more experienced referee should have been appointed. “Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Mr. Bramall was the second least experienced.”The decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ goal, which would have given the club a 1-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining in the match, was a major contributing factor to the club not qualifying for the Champions League.”As per the standards that have been established over the course of the season, a decision to whistle early is clearly inconsistent with current refereeing guidelines. “VAR exists to ensure that these types of situations receive the scrutiny they deserve. Unfortunately, the technology was not allowed to serve its purpose.”Ultimately, we acknowledge that the outcome for us will not change, but we believe that it is important to address the selection methodology to ensure that high stakes matches are treated as such with regards to officiating and to ensure that the implemented VAR technology is allowed to be effective.”To rub salt into the wounds for Villa – who were in fifth at the time of the referee controversy – United went up the other end and scored the opener through Amad Diallo.A Christian Eriksen penalty sealed a 2-0 home win as Villa had to settle for sixth and missed out on the Champions League on goal difference behind Newcastle – who lost at home to Everton. Bramall has taken charge of league matches across the Premier League and Championship this term – with Sunday’s Old Trafford game his 11th in the top flight. That took his Premier League tally to 30 – ironically, that is less than a third of the amount overseen by today’s fourth official Bobby Madley.Captain John McGinn was raging after the game and said: “I think everyone wanted the correct decisions when the VAR was implemented. “You watch rugby, even if the referee has awarded a try and it’s wrong, its overturned.”It’s so so hard to take especially when the impact it has on us, as a club and a team, is so big.”It’s really, really tough to take and handle. I don’t think we deserved to win but if you were 1-0 up at that point and all you need is a point to get to the Champions League, it’s costly.”Moving forward, the rule has to be looked at as the correct decisions were not getting made at the end of the day. I think [referee] Thomas [Bramall] knew. It probably wasn’t fair on him at that moment either. The boys are gutted.”Asked if the ref acknowledged his mistake, he said: “He didn’t really know what to say.”Because of the impact it has on us as players and our careers, the club, you are obviously angry. I think he is a young referee who has progressed very quickly.”Maybe we could look at having more experienced referees. I don’t know. It’s just an incredible decision and makes today even worse than it should be.”Villa manager Unai Emery added: “It was a mistake. A big mistake.Read More on The Sun”The match we played overall in 90 minutes with the red card and this goal disallowed, it was a key moment. But overall, they did more.”Emery revealed he spoke with the referee after the game: “Yes, I told him but he knows it [he made a mistake].”Replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under controlCredit: PAAston Villa raged at Thomas Bramall after his mistakeCredit: ReutersUnai Emery made his feelings and frustrations clearCredit: AFPFourth official Bobby Madley has refereed more than 90 Premier League gamesCredit: Getty More