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    Fulham star claims ref told team-mate Liverpool penalty WASN’T a spotkick as fans fume at Nunez ‘dive’

    FULHAM star Tom Cairney claims that referee Stuart Attwell admitted that he’d botched Liverpool’s penalty decision last night.The Reds beat the West Londoners 1-0 courtesy of Mo Salah’s 39th minute spot kick at Anfield.

    Darwin Nunez went down after Issa Diop dallied on the ballCredit: Sky Sports Premier League
    Fulham protested that there was no contact between Diop and NunezCredit: Sky Sports Premier League
    The penalty was awarded after Darwin Nunez nicked the ball from dallying defender Issa Diop, although replays showed that contact was minimal.
    After the match, Cairney fumed: “I thought we played very well at times, but to lose to a penalty that wasn’t a penalty is always a kick in the you-know-whats.
    “At the time, I wasn’t sure. The ref made a decision, I thought he’d seen contact. I asked him on the pitch, ‘please just make sure they check it.’
    “He said they checked it, but he said second half to one of our players that it wasn’t a penalty, so it’s frustrating because it goes to other people to make the correct decision.
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    “Issa Diop hasn’t touched him, Nunez has taken another step and then gone over, and then you lose to something like that at Anfield which is frustrating when we’re trying to climb as high as we can.”
    The incident also enraged Fulham fans online.
    One wrote: “That’s painfully awful by Diop but also a dive by Nunez.”
    While a second fumed: “There was no contact!”
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    Mo Salah converted the resulting spot kickCredit: Getty
    Salah celebrates his penalty, which turned out to be Liverpool’s winnerCredit: Getty
    A third tweeted: “Issa Diop vs Darwin Nunez is the ultimate battle of the chaos footballers.”
    And a fourth huffed: “There’s absolutely ZERO contact from Diop on Nunez. How on earth are they giving penalties now when there’s no contact?”
    Another added: “How is that a penalty for Liverpool against Fulham. Diop didn’t touch Darwin Nunez. They didn’t even need VAR to check that. This league man.”
    The result saw Liverpool climb to within four points of fourth-placed Manchester United, albeit having played two games more.
    Fulham, meanwhile, stayed tenth – but slipped to five points behind ninth-placed Brentford.
    ‘IT IS EMBARRASSING’
    After the match, Cottagers boss Marco Silva blasted the penalty decision as “embarrassing”.
    He told the BBC: “When you lose a game in football to that penalty, is embarrassing.
    “When you have the referee, then the VAR to help the referee, it is embarrassing.
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    “I didn’t speak with the referee. I think my players and everyone that is honest will say the same.
    “I will listen over the next few days if it is a harsh decision but for me it is clearly not a penalty. The player is already in the air.”
    Marco Silva blasted the penalty decision as ’embarrassing’Credit: AFP More

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    Jurgen Klopp finally reveals what Paul Tierney said to anger him during Liverpool’s thrilling win over Tottenham

    LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed what Paul Tierney said to him during Sunday’s game against Tottenham. Klopp raged at the officials during the thrilling 4-3 encounter at Anfield.
    Jurgen Klopp has revealed what Paul Tierney said to him during Liverpool v TottenhamCredit: EPA
    Klopp was not happy with Tierney and Co during Sunday’s clash at AnfieldCredit: Reuters
    He launched a scathing verbal assault on referee Tierney after the match, fuming: “We have our history with Tierney, I really don’t know what he has against us.
    “He has said there [are] no problems but that cannot be true.”
    And this came after Klopp charged at fourth official John Brooks following Diogo Jota’s late winner – with him appearing to suffer an injury in the process.
    But the Reds boss has now revealed what Tierney said to him to trigger his anger.
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    Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday’s match against Fulham, Klopp said: “Paul Tierney came over to me, I didn’t expect for a second a red card, and he said: ‘For me it’s a red card but because of him (the fourth official) it’s a yellow’.”
    The comments post-match left PGMOL bosses, who ar ein charge of refereeing, fuming, with Klopp set to be hit with an FA ban.
    In a statement, the body said: “PGMOL is aware of the comments made by Jurgen Klopp after his side’s fixture with Tottenham Hotspur.
    “Match officials in the Premier League are recorded in all games via a communications system.
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    “Having fully reviewed the audio of referee Paul Tierney from today’s fixture, we can confirm he acted in a professional manner throughout including when issuing the caution to the Liverpool manager.
    “So, therefore, we strongly refute any suggestion that Tierney’s actions were improper.”
    However, Klopp admitted his temper got the better of him in the exchange and revealed he expected to land a reprimand as a consequence of his actions.
    He added: “I know Paul Tierney is not doing this on purpose, absolutely not, but we have this history. It hasn’t happened intentionally but it’s still there.
    “I really regret the headlines I created. I have no clue what happens now. We haven’t heard anything yet.
    “I probably have to expect a punishment. The red card I got against City was in the same spot, foul against the same player, Mo Salah.”
    Regardless, Ref Support UK CEO Martin Cassidy has urged the FA to slap Liverpool with a POINTS DEDUCTION because of Klopp’s comments.
    He told the Express: “Unless the FA start addressing this behaviour with a points deduction it will never change.
    “Giving Liverpool a £30,000 fine is nothing. Start giving them points deductions and watch them shut up and behave.

    “We believe that will be one of the silver bullets right across football to address right up from grassroots to the Premier League.
    “There have been touchline bans for decades, but it’s not getting better, it’s getting worse.” More

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    Arsenal fans dreaming of Premier League title after secret omen comes to light ahead of Man City clash

    ARSENAL fans are dreaming of the Premier League title after spotting an omen in their favour ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Manchester City.The Gunners go into the match leading their title rivals by five points, but with City possessing two games in hand.
    Arsenal fans think they have found a positive omen ahead of their clash with Man CityCredit: Getty
    Anything other than an Arsenal win at the Etihad will see Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions remain favourites to win the title yet again.
    But Gooners online reckon they’ve spotted something that may give them an edge.
    Michael Oliver has been appointed as referee for the match.
    The 38-year-old has officiated Arsenal four times this season… with Mikel Arteta’s side winning every time.
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    Oliver took charge of the Gunners’ 3-2 triumph over Liverpool in October and their 1-0 win at Chelsea in November.
    He was also in charge for the 3-1 victory over West Ham at the Emirates in their first game back after the World Cup in December.
    While most recently he oversaw their 4-0 win over Everton on March 1.
    Spotting the pattern, one Arsenal fan wrote: “He’s a top referee.”
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    Michael Oliver has taken charge of Arsenal four times this seasonCredit: AFP
    While a second joked: “Ohhh now I can sleep rest assured of City red card in the 1st half.”
    A third added: “He’s the best ref in the prem. Glad he’s reffing such a massive game.”
    Despite their record with him in the middle this season, the omen may not favour Arsenal as much as they think.
    As it turns out, they have lost 16 times with Oliver as referee since his Prem debut in 2010.
    Only West Ham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have lost more Prem games officiated by Oliver.
    Manchester City have twice been officiated by Oliver this season.
    He was in charge for their 2-0 win at West Ham last August, as well as their 6-3 Manchester derby trouncing of United in October.
    Oliver took charge of Man City’s 6-3 win over Man UnitedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Constantine Hatzidakis to return to action for first time after ‘elbowing’ Andy Robertson for crunch Man Utd clash

    PREMIER LEAGUE official Constantine Hatzidakis is set to return to action following his encounter with Andy Robertson.Hatzidakis had been suspended pending an investigation after his alleged elbow against Robertson in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on April 9.
    Andy Robertson was caught after Constantine Hatzidakis threw his elbow backCredit: Enterprise
    The incident occurred in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at AnfieldCredit: Enterprise
    Hatzidakis will now return to his Prem duties this weekCredit: EPA
    But the FA announced earlier this month they would be taking no further action against Hatzidakis.
    They said: “We have thoroughly reviewed all of the evidence in relation to the recent incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and match official Constantine Hatzidakis, and we will be taking no further action.
    “Our comprehensive process involved reviewing detailed statements from Liverpool and PGMOL, as well as multiple angles of video footage, in relation to both the incident and its surrounding circumstances.”
    Hatzidakis also released a statement of his own revealing he had directly spoken to Robertson to apologise about the incident.
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    He said: “I have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open & positive conversation.
    “It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologised.”
    Following the conclusion of the investigation, Hatzidakis is now set to return to his Prem duties this weekend.
    Hatzidakis will be an assistant ref during Manchester United’s crunch clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.
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    But before that, the 38-year-old will also be helping out on VAR for tonight’s relegation six-pointer between Leeds and Leicester.
    During his absence from England’s top flight, Hatzidakis officiated a Championship match between Preston and Blackburn. More

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    Fans in hysterics as Andy Carroll ‘does the hand of God on a yellow card’ before being SENT OFF as he celebrates ‘goal’

    ANDY CARROLL left fans in stitches after being sent off while celebrating a “goal”.The Reading ace had wheeled away in celebration after putting the ball in the net against Championship promotion hopefuls Luton, only for the ref to book him for a deliberate handball.
    Andy Carroll wheeled off in celebration after ‘scoring’ against LutonCredit: Rex
    But the ref spotted a handballCredit: Getty
    And showed Carroll a red cardCredit: Getty
    The whirlwind incident left fans in hystericsCredit: PA

    It would have been his second goal of the night, but the referee had other ideas.
    Official Tim Robinson gave Carroll, who had been booked earlier in the first half, his marching orders after spotting a handball as the 34-year-old scored.
    Fans rushed to social media to share their thoughts on the incident.
    One fan said: “That is the most Andy Carroll 5 minutes ever 😂😂,” while sharing a screenshot of Carroll’s whirlwind five minutes since netting the opener in the 51st minute.
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    A second fan joked: “Andy Carroll too funny man, bro did the Hand of God when he’s on a yellow card😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.”
    “God bless Andy Carroll,” declared a third.
    Others were less pleased with the former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham star.
    One fan vented: “What an idiot Andy Carroll is if he’s genuinely handled that.”
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    While another fumed: “Never want to see Andy Carroll in a Reading shirt again.”
    Luton then managed to score an equaliser thanks to Carlton Morris’ 81st-minute effort.
    The result leaves Luton third in the Championship, while Reading remain in the relegation zone. More

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    Reason Michael Oliver refereed Cristiano Ronaldo in unprecedented move revealed as he’s picked for Man City vs Arsenal

    THE reason behind Michael Oliver’s shock appearance in Saudi Arabia has been revealed. Oliver jetted to the Middle East to whistle the match between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and title rivals Al Halil.
    The reason behind Michael Oliver’s appearance in Saudi Arabia has been revealedCredit: Getty
    Oliver showed Cristiano Ronaldo a yellow cardCredit: AFP
    And The Times have now revealed why Oliver and his team, containing Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett and Darren England, were placed at the game.
    The Saudi Arabian FA put in a special request for Oliver and Co to ref the game over concerns local refs could crack under the pressure of such a high-octane atmosphere.
    England’s referee body PGMOL, as well as the FA, considered the request and came to the conclusion the experience would be beneficial for Oliver and his team.
    They believed it would serve to both broaden their experiences and aid the reputation of English officials abroad.
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    It is the first time such an exchange has happened since the inception of the PGMOL in 2001.
    During the game, which ended 2-0 to Al Halil thanks to a brace from Odion Ighalo, Oliver showed a furious Ronaldo a yellow card after he put an opponent in a headlock.
    Saudi Arabia utilised this ref loan system as recently as March, with Spanish ref Antonio Mateu Lahoz flown in to oversee Al Nassr’s match with Al Ittihad.
    It can be done as many as five times in a season.
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    However, the venture overseas will not impact the team’s duties in the Premier League, with each of them involved in matches in the coming weekend.
    Indeed, Oliver – a member of the Uefa Elite Group of Referees since 2018 – is also pencilled in to oversee Arsenal’s top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City next week.
    This news will not have been greeted too warmly by Gunners fans, with Arsenal having lost 16 games Oliver has whistled. Though they have won all four under him this campaign.
    Oliver has overseen 24 games in England’s top flight this season. More

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    LaLiga chaos as league could be brought to a STOP with referees ‘considering going on STRIKE’

    SPAIN’S top flight could grind to a halt this weekend.That’s as referees consider going on strike following a string of controversial incidents.
    LaLiga could be halted as Spanish refs consider going on strikeCredit: AP
    Football Espana claims LaLiga may be halted as officials plan protests due to “public pressure” and “physical danger”.
    An U19s game between Polillas and Calavera ended with a referee allegedly being assaulted outside the ground by various people, including the father of a player.
    The official in question reportedly suffered “various wounds” after being dealt a “number of blows”.
    The Spanish Referee Federation loudly condemned the incident, blaming it on anti-official rhetoric.
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    And the Anti-Violence Committee want top clubs to take more responsibility after Valencia chief Javier Solis blasted the referee following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Sevilla on Sunday.
    Federation refs are now considering calling a strike which would result in LaLiga being halted at the weekend.
    They are unhappy with the way they are being spoken about by fans and football higher-ups.
    Should refs strike, it would impact Barcelona’s crunch clash at home against Atletico Madrid.
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    The Catalans are leading the LaLiga title race and know victory against their rivals would put them within touching distance of the trophy.
    Meanwhile, Real Madrid are due to play Celta Vigo.
    But first they will face Chelsea in tonight’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.
    The reigning European champs are 2-0 up from last week’s first leg at the Bernabeu.
    And they know just 90 minutes separates them from a semi-final showdown against Man City or Bayern, with Pep Guardiola’s men already 3-0 up. More

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    Brighton fume again as VAR refuses to give them another penalty at Chelsea after Christian Pulisic handball

    BRIGHTON were left fuming after ANOTHER refereeing decision went against them. The Seagulls were adamant they should have been awarded a penalty when the ball struck the arm of Christian Pulisic during their match against Chelsea.
    Brighton were denied a penalty after a Christian Pulisic handballCredit: Rex
    It comes after Brighton were handed an apology by PGMOL for a wrong decision against Tottenham
    However, referee Robert Jones waved play on, while VAR official Chris Kavanagh deemed it not to be a penalty.
    Fuming Brighton fans took to Twitter to voice their frustration.
    One said: “That’s not a handball on Pulisic? He smacked the ball.”
    A second typed: “Blatant handball by Pulisic inside the Chelsea box.”
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    A third commented: “How is that not a handball on Pulisic, is VAR not working?”
    “Pulisic blatant handball lmao and VAR haven’t given it 😂😂😂😂,” remarked a fourth.
    A fifth added: “That Pulisic handball was as clear as we’ve seen.”
    While another declared: “The FA doesn’t want Brighton to reach UCL loool, that was a blatant handball by Pulisic.”
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    Fortunately for Brighton, it made little difference as they came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to goals from super subs Danny Welbeck and Julio Enciso.
    The controversy involving Brighton comes after they were given an apology by ref body PGMOL.
    It came following a mistake by VAR when they decided not to award a penalty when Karou Mitoma was brought down in the area by Pierre Emile Hojbjerg. More