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      in Soccer

      Kevin Friend latest experienced ref to hang up whistle with Prem now relying on new school in the middle next season

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      KEVIN FRIEND has become the latest Premier League referee to hang up his whistle – and add to the scrutiny on the new generation of top-flight officials.Friend, 50, who has been on the Prem list since the 2009-10 season, will move to a new job with PGMOL.
      Kevin Friend is retiring from his role as a Premier League referee – leaving the top flight with few experienced refsCredit: Getty
      He will fulfil the newly-created role as manager of the Select Group Two referees, who look after Championship matches and can be the fourth official in the Premier League.
      The Leicestershire-based official’s career highlight came in 2019 when he was the man in the middle for the FA Cup final as Manchester City thumped Watford 6-0.
      Friend, who hilariously booked the crowd in a pre-season friendly, also oversaw the League Cup final in 2013 and the Community Shield the year before and was ref when Luis Suarez bit Branislav Ivanovic.
      This season he showed just two red cards in 18 top-tier matches – both for second yellow cards.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}PAR FOR THE COURSE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Dean soaks up sun on holiday, plays golf and sinks pints in retirement
      He follows fellow veterans Mike Dean, Jon Moss and Martin Atkinson into retirement, leaving a potential dearth of experienced refs for the start of next season.
      PGMOL had already announced Tom Bramall, who has only been a referee for three seasons, was being promoted to Select Group One and on to the Prem panel.
      His arrival followed on from last season’s elevation of Aussie Jarred Gillett, John Brooks, Tony Harrington and Michael Salisbury.
      The quartet took charge of just 19 Prem games between them.
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      Moss, Dean and Atkinson were three of just seven refs to control more than 20 Prem games last term.
      And two of those – World Cup refs Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor – will be unavailable for some weekends next term because of their Uefa commitments.
      With 16 match rounds squeezed in before the mid-season World Cup break, it means a number of the relatively less experienced referees will be handed key early-season appointments by refs’ chief Mike Riley.
      Friend joined the Premier League list of referees in 2009Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      He was in charge when Branislav Ivanovic was bitten by Luis Suarez in 2013Credit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      Watch astonishing moment female star Shirley Caicedo kicks male referee in BALLS after being sent off in brutal attack

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      WOMEN’S football star Shirley Caicedo has been sent off… for kicking a referee in the NUTS.The midfielder plays for Leonas del Norte in Ecuador’s Women’s Super League.
      Shirley Caicedo was sent off for kicking a referee in the PRIVATES
      Caicedo boots the unlucky official right where it hurts
      The official doubles over as Caicedo’s Leonas del Norte team-mates get involved
      Caicedo, 19, helped her side take the lead in a recent home clash with Club Nanas.
      But tempers flared as the visitors went 2-1 in front in added time.
      Bleached-blonde Caicedo first picked up the ball and booted it at the hapless official, narrowly missing his head.
      She then joined a posse of angry Leonas players confronting the ref – and kicked him in the groin before shocked team-mates could usher her away.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}REF-FING HELL .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Watch shocking moment footballer attacks female referee after being sent off
      The official bravely stayed on his feet despite the agonising pain.
      But Ecuador’s FA has opened an inquiry, and hot-tempered No11 Caicedo could face a lengthy ban.
      Images of the incident have since gone around the world.
      One observer wrote: “That ref must have balls of steel. He barely reacts!”
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      This wasn’t the only worrying incident involving a referee to have happened in the last week.
      Over in Brazil, a match descended into chaos when a red carded men’s player ran after a female referee.
      Nautico player Jean Carlos took issue with the referee’s decision during his side’s clash with Retro – having to be held back by his team-mates. More

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      in Soccer

      Retiring referee Martin Atkinson reveals ex-Arsenal star Tomas Rosicky was his favourite player to deal with

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Martin Atkinson revealed Tomas Rosicky was his favourite player to deal with – after the former Arsenal star invited him to ref his testimonial in the Czech Republic. And Atkinson said Alan Stubbs was the toughest player he has officiated, with the Everton hard man “scaring me to death”. 
      Atkinson is a big fan of the former Arsenal favourite after the former midfielder invited him to ref his testimonialCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Atkinson will hang up his whistle at the end of this season, after 17 years in the Premier League.
      He has many fond memories. But speaking at a Q&A in aid of North East mental health charity If U Care Share, the Prem whistler was asked who he enjoyed reffing most. His answer was Arsenal’s former Czech playmaker.
      Rosicky arrived in North London from Borussia Dortmund in 2006. 
      His 10 year spell with the Gunners was hampered by a series of long-term injuries but he won two FA Cups before leaving for Sparta Prague in 2016 and retiring the next year aged 37.
      And Leeds-fan Atkinson, 51, said: “I’ve been lucky that I’ve got on with the vast majority of players but one that stands out is Tomas Rosicky.
      “I always got on really well with him. We just pleasantly got on, not best mates or owt like that but he was always really respectful. 
      “And when he left Arsenal, when he retired eventually, an unknown email came through and it was from Sparta Prague asking if I will go out and referee his retirement game. 
      “You just never expect that and it was just a nice thing.” 
      Atkinson, a former police officer, made his top-flight bow in the 2004/05 season.  
      And he named burly centre-back Stubbs as the toughest player to try and keep under control. 
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Ronaldo, but now sell luxury watches in Mayfair shop
      Asked who he least enjoyed reffing, Atkinson said: “Alan Stubbs at Everton.
      “He would kick anything that moved, was hard as nails and scared me to death when I first got on.
      “He was just so tough to referee that it was, like, impossible. I learned a lot from that – you learn how to manage players.”
      No-nonsense Everton defender making a beeline for Atkinson in 2007Credit: Alamy More

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      in Soccer

      Steinhaus-Webb says helping Women’s Super League referees cope with intense public scrutiny is crucial

      by

      BIBIANA STEINHAUS-WEBB believes helping elite women’s football referees handle growing scrutiny is vital with officials under the spotlight. And the WSL refs chief thinks the league has the potential to one day lead the way on global officiating standards.
      Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb says helping referees manage the increased scrutiny of their performance is crucialCredit: Reuters
      Steinhaus-Webb, who made history as the first woman to referee in Germany’s Bundesliga, was speaking nine months on from her appointment as PGMOL’s first women’s select group director.
      The Germany-born former referee, who is married to ex-Prem ref Howard Webb, oversees match officials in the WSL and Women’s Championship.
      Referees in the women’s top tier are in the spotlight with fixtures reaching bigger audiences with games aired on Sky Sports and the BBC.
      On occasions, some decisions have led to criticism of officiating along with calls for Premier League standard refereeing.
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      In November Neilsen’s sports research revealed the WSL could become the fourth most viewed domestic league on TV in the UK.
      And with that attention comes greater social media reaction to decisions.
      This includes moments such as a ball deflecting off the referee in the lead-up to a goal for Manchester City during their 1-1 draw with Arsenal in January.
      That scenario is one of a few that led some commentators and club managers to call for improved refereeing.
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      And Steinhaus-Webb highlights this as an example of why helping officials whose decisions are heavily scrutinised is so important.
      The PGMOL women’s select group director said: “The psychological support around them is crucial at the moment, especially at the moment because the referees are not used to it.
      “We had a situation at Manchester City vs Arsenal when the referee was hit by the ball, and a few seconds after City scored.
      “Abi Byrne was the referee and we spoke about this incident for days after.
      “Abi is an international referee with a really strong mentality and a huge amount of experience.
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      “A few days after this game she said to me, ‘Bibi, you know what? I know that the exposure of the women’s game is so huge.
      “But this is the first time I can feel it. I can feel being recognised. Like being at the store the next day, and (people saying) ‘oh, I saw you on TV yesterday.’
      “She hasn’t done anything wrong, and this is the crazy bit.
      “You can discuss this situation for hours and hours — what is the best solution here? What do we expect the next time?
      “She was hit by the ball but then it just developed into an attacking situation.
      Referees’ decisions in the WSL have come in for greater attention with games getting more TV coverageCredit: Reuters
      “From a technical point of view, she did everything correct — she let play continue.
      “Going through this, the scrutiny, that was the first time she really realised how much exposure the game actually has.
      “And we are talking about a situation where we might have a totally different outcome because of a referee.
      “What we do is take care of our people. They are human beings, and we have to make sure they are ready to take approximately 300 decisions in every game.”
      Rebecca Welch is one of four English officials selected for duty at the Euros this summerCredit: Getty
      “We have regular meetings – not only in the different parts of the country where the officials come from- but we also we have our PGMOL conference (in June).
      “That’s when all the officials from the Premier League, the EFL and 40 of my girls from the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship come together.
      “These are the opportunities for all of the officials to get to know each other better and to speak about the challenges they are facing.”
      The potential use of VAR and goal-line technology in the women’s top tier has been a topical issue this season.
      In February EFL and WSL officials held discussions with PGMOL reps over the adoption of a low cost, light version of a video assistant referee.
      In England we are not only watching WSL examples. You have to a look around what happens in the rest of the world when it comes to refereeingBibiana Steinhaus-Webb
      However, a timescale for when a system could be introduced is yet to be confirmed.
      Steinhaus-Webb added: “We can discuss VAR lite, we can discuss VAR, and first of all it’s a question for the competition: Where do you want to put your investment in?
      “How do you prioritise? Do you want to grow the game and have more spectators first before you go [for] technology?
      “If one of the answers is ‘yes, we want more technology in the game, to support the referees’, then (there are) a lot of questions around how many cameras, which venues, how can we do it, what do we need?
      “We are in close contact with the competition department with the league, to discover all of the possible opportunities for the future. It’s (a case of) wait and see really.”.
      Steinhaus-Webb believes more training for match officials in the WSL could one day see the league lead the way on refereeing in women’s football.
      And she believes sharing ideas on best practices with counterparts in other countries is important.
      The former Bundesliga ref added: “Progressing in our own country is important and efficient and should be our focus.
      “But that being said, you have to a look around what happens in the rest of the world when it comes to refereeing.
      “In England, we are not only watching WSL examples we are also watching international examples, what happens all around the world.
      Steinhaus-Webb believes the WSL may one day set standards for match officiating internationallyCredit: Getty
      “We’ve been invited by the refereeing department in Germany to look at their new academy and refereeing strategy.
      “We discussed different things that work well
      “With the WSL we probably have one of the strongest leagues in the world, if not the strongest competition.
      “Give us a little bit more time and we will be leading the way on international officiating standards.” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Incredibly buff ref Anderson Daronco stuns fans as they joke players are terrified to argue with his decisions

      by

      HENCH referee Anderson Daronco left fans stunned on social media .The Brazilian officiates in his home country’s top-flight.
      Fans were stunned as this picture went viral of referee Anderson DaroncoCredit: Twitter
      The Brazilian also officiates international matchesCredit: Getty
      And pictures circulated online last season of Daronco, 41, taking charge of games, with his rippling biceps on display.
      Players petulantly arguing with officials is a common sight in football.
      But Twitter users have joked that they wouldn’t dare remonstrate with Daronco.
      One wrote: “If he gave me a red card, I would say to him ‘sorry’ and offer to put it back in his pocket for him.”
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      Another added: “I don’t think any player ll challenge his decision”.
      A third quipped: “Meet Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco. If he gave me a red card I’d say thank you.
      “Look at the size of them arms”.
      Daronco also seems to be making a positive impact in other ways.
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      In August 2020, he became the first referee in Brazil to halt a match because of homophobic chanting.
      The incident, not new in Brazilian football, took place in a game between Vasco de Gama and Sao Paulo.
      And Daronco intervened, stopping play and instructing home manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo to address the crowd.
      The South American is a commanding man in the middleCredit: Getty
      Fans joked that they would not dare to mess with Daronco due to his bulging bicepsCredit: Getty
      Agbonlahor brands Mike Dean ‘the most arrogant fool you will ever see’ and claims referee tells players to ‘get lost’ More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch furious Arsenal star Ben White slap official’s hand after controversial defeat to Man City

      by

      FURIOUS Arsenal star Ben White let his frustration out by slapping an official’s hand after defeat to Manchester City.The Gunners were undone in cruel fashion against the Premier League champions with a number of key decisions going against them.
      Ben White slapped assistant referee Neil Davies’ hand at the Emirates
      He then stormed off back to the dressing room
      White was furious with a number of decisions that went against ArsenalCredit: Getty

      After taking a first-half lead, Granit Xhaka was penalised for a tug on Bernardo Silva in the box – while Gabriel was booked twice within three minutes either side of Riyad Mahrez’s equaliser.
      Then to top it off, Rodri scored a dramatic winner in the third minute of injury time.
      And defender White clearly felt aggrieved as he shook hands with the referees at full-time.
      A video taken from the stands posted on social media showed him give a frosty reception to assistant Simon Long and referee Stuart Attwell before taking a needless swipe at Neil Davies’ outstretched hand.
      White, 24, then stormed off in a huff back to the dressing room.
      And opinions were split among fans on social media – some pleased with the passion showed but others disappointed with his lack of professionalism.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      One said: “I love that boy White. Just the mentality I need from a player.”
      Another added: “Future captain.”
      But a third wrote: “As much as I love to see this, it’s also very wrong from him – imagine if it was Guendouzi.”
      And a final user commented: “Deserves a serious ban for this.”
      Arsenal were also angered because Attwell was not told to check the monitor when Ederson challenged Martin Odegaard in the area – despite footage appearing to show the City goalkeeper NOT touch the ball.
      Ironically, Davies was not even at the Emirates when that happened after arriving late as a last-minute replacement for Constantine Hatzidakis which saw fourth official Kevin Friend run the line for the first half.
      Later on, Attwell was accused of blocking Gabriel Martinelli from taking a shot after getting in the Brazilian’s way.
      Gunners shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale blasted the ‘inconsistency’ from the officials, including VAR Jarred Gillet.
      ARSENAL FURY
      He said: “I am basing it on both penalties – the inconsistency of going to the screen.
      “The referee might have ruled it out straight away when he looked at it. But it is the fact he went to look at it.
      “Both in real time he said no penalty, but only gets told to look at one. 
      “Theirs was soft for me but he gets told to look and has given it.
      “The goalkeeper comes out with his foot and he either catches him or the ball.”
      Former Gunners midfielder Cesc Fabregas could not believe Silva got the spot-kick.
      He tweeted: “That’s never a pen. Terrible decision.”
      Mikel Arteta’s assistant ‘AirPods Albert’ Stuivenberg – in charge on Saturday with the manager isolating – said: “You had the first moment with Odegaard in the first half which I think is a clear penalty, but at least a moment for the referee to check, and then it happened in the second half for their penalty which is not really consistent.”
      Stuart Attwell felt the full wrath of the Arsenal players on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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      Mafia bosses offering top UEFA referees £25k bungs online in bid to fix footie matches

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      MAFIA bosses are targeting top UEFA referees with cyber-crime hits to try to fix footy matches.Officials are offered up to £25,000 to swing matches, according to a leaked memo seen by The Sun.
      Mafia bosses are targeting top UEFA referees with cyber-crime hits to try to fix footie matchesCredit: Reuters
      Criminals are using the phishing techniques fine-tuned during the pandemic to tempt refs to throw European clashes.
      The memo, which was sent to the FA and other governing bodies, warns: “The corrupters made use of cyber-crime tactics not previously seen in reported corrupter messages, possibly pointing to a bleed-over in tactics from more sophisticated groups or even the potential for collaboration with such groups.”
      It talks of “incidents in which a suspected match-fixer attempted to recruit referees to manipulate matches via social media”.
      It reads: “This evolution may have been accelerated by the Covid lockdown, during which cyber criminals both diversified and intensified their criminal activities, according to Europol.”
      The memo adds: “We assess corrupters will likely continue to attempt contact with players, referees and other officials via social media and the use of more sophisticated messages, including personalised content and manipulation techniques.”
      The messages are understood to have originated from Asian crime gangs and were sent in English — but it’s not thought British refs were targeted.
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      Jude Bellingham slapped with £34k fine over match-fixing comments about referee after Dortmund defeat to Bayern More

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      Football referees using online tracker to make sure they get home safely after being abused at matches

      by

      FOOTBALL refs are using an online tracker to make sure they get home safely after being abused at matches.They are downloading an app first developed for lone women, in a bid to avoid clashes with players and fans after the game.
      Former Premier League referee Graham Barber designed the app to help younger officialsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      It was designed by ex-Premier League referee Graham Barber, 63, who already has dozens of young refs on board and is in talks with county football associations to roll it out for officials nationally.
      Last week it was revealed officials as young as 14 are being verbally abused by pushy parents who think their child is “the next Cristiano Ronaldo”.
      Paul Field, of the Referees’ Association, said the problem also stems from new coaches “who think they are a mini-José Mourinho and can say whatever they like”.
      Mr Barber reckons he has found the solution thanks to the Help Me Angela tracker app.
      Graham, who officiated the 2003 FA Cup Final when Arsenal beat Southampton, said: “This allows them to have a guardian angel on call and to have their journeys followed to and from the match.
      “This is for everyone, but we’re extending it to referees now.”
      Angry Klopp rows with reporter over referee decisions in Liverpool’s defeat to West Ham More