Refereeing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Is this a joke?’ – Newcastle fans in disbelief as referee for Carabao Cup final against Man Utd is announced

      by

      NEWCASTLE UNITED fans have been left worried about their chances in the Carabao Cup final after the referee for the fixture was announced. The Magpies must overcome Manchester United in the final on February 26 for a chance to pick up the club’s first silverware since 1955.
      Eddie Howe has guided Newcastle to a first cup final since 1999Credit: Getty
      Newcastle fans weren’t happy upon learning who will officiate the Carabao Cup finalCredit: AFP
      David Coote has been announced as the whistler for the matchCredit: Getty
      However, fans weren’t happy after PGMOL announced David Coote would whistle the fixture.
      And one livid Newcastle fan said: “Is this a joke? David Coote who apparently supports Man United? That David Coote?
      “The guy who screwed us over at Stamford Bridge last season? The same David Coote? Do they pick the name out of a hat FFS?”
      A second fan said: “Surely the club can contest that in the interest of fairness if he is a Man Utd fan. Absolutely shocking appointment.”
      READ MORE IIN FOOTBALL
      A third slammed: “Poor poor referee.”
      “Literally can’t believe it,” added a fourth.
      Despite rumours suggesting Coote is a Man Utd fan, there is no official confirmation for this.
      Furthermore, given refs cannot officiate games of the teams they support, such as Michael Oliver being banned due to supporting Newcastle, it should check either club off the list of who he supports.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The last time he was the main official in a Newcastle game saw Coote on the end of criticism for failing to dismiss Kai Havertz for an elbow on Dan Burn during the club’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea in March last year.
      Indeed, Newcastle’s overall win record when Coote officiates them sits at a paltry 36.4 per cent.
      Meanwhile, cup rivals Man Utd are yet to lose a match with Coote as the main ref, and have a 75 per cent win rate when the 40-year-old has whistled their games, including two this season.
      He has overseen 16 Premier League matches so far this season and but has brandished a red card just once – for Joao Felix’s shocking challenge in Chelsea’s 2-1 loss at Fulham. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans left fuming as VAR blunder official is brought back for their match vs Aston Villa

      by

      ARSENAL fans raged after a VAR blunder referee was appointed for their crunch clash with Aston Villa.The Gunners were left fuming on Saturday when Lee Mason failed to spot two offsides in the build-up to Brentford’s equaliser at the Emirates.
      John Brooks will be fourth official when Aston Villa host ArsenalCredit: Getty
      That goal saw Arsenal drop points for the fifth time this season.
      But their anger only worsened when John Brooks was revealed as the fourth official for Saturday’s trip to Villa Park.
      Like Mason, Brooks was at the centre of controversy when he was the VAR that disallowed Brighton a legitimate goal against Crystal Palace because the offside lines were drawn on the wrong defender.
      Brooks – who reached the Premier League as an assistant before dropping back down the pyramid to do the same as a referee – was brought off VAR duties for the Merseyside derby and Arsenal’s home showdown with Manchester City this week.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Now, barring a freak injury to Simon Hooper or either of the assistants, Brooks’ role this weekend will be limited to off-field matters including overseeing substitutes – and dealing with Mikel Arteta on the sideline.
      Some Arsenal supporters, though, were unhappy Brooks was brought back into action so soon – while others felt the reaction to his mistake has been exaggerated.
      One fan said: “Dropped this weekend and then will be back. Same ole carousel of rubbish.”
      Another wrote: “Those precious two points dropped could cause Arsenal the league. He should be suspended or completely banned from VAR.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      And a third added: “Well hopefully he knows how to operate the subs board and doesn’t put up the wrong numbers.”
      But another user commented: “That’s amazing… massive mistake on Saturday, dropped for a game on Monday and Wednesday but back to work Saturday… this punishment seems a bit over the top.”
      One of the Premier League’s – and the world’s – best officials is in charge when Arsenal host City tomorrow, with Anthony Taylor the man in the middle for the top-of-the-table contest.
      But Arteta is still reeling from the decision against Brentford.
      The Spaniard said: “I will only be satisfied if they give me the two points back which is not going to be the case.
      “I appreciate what I think were really sincere, open and genuine apologies and explanations which is really good.
      “But it doesn’t change the fact that we have two points less on the table.
      “Everybody makes mistakes, and we are part of that, the first one being myself. But that was something else.
      “I wasn’t having it, the club weren’t having it and I think it’s clear the consequences of what happened.
      “It’s not for me to judge. It’s not about someone making a mistake and then let’s crucify him.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s trying to do the best that we can together to have a fairer sport and make the decisions clearer and better.
      “Hopefully that will help because of what happened last weekend.” More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘World’s hottest referee’ is married to fellow official and wows fans with sexy bikini snaps after travelling the globe

      by

      KAROLINA BOJAR-STEFANSKA has been dubbed the ‘world’s hottest referee’.She is married to a fellow official in Polish ref Daniel Stefanski.
      Referee Karolina Bojar-Stefanska is married to fellow official Daniel StefanskiCredit: Instagram @bojarmeow
      The couple got the chance to referee together at an event in DecemberCredit: Instagram @bojarmeow
      Karolina has been refereeing since she was a teenagerCredit: Instagram @bojarmeow

      Stefanski, 45, is a Fifa listed referee who officiates in the men’s top-flight in Poland.
      While Karolina, 25, referees in the Ekstraliga, the top tier of the women’s game.
      They tied the knot in October 2020, according to Gazeta Krakowska.
      Back in December the couple got the chance to officiate together at an event in the Polish city of Gliwice, which Karolina posted to Instagram.
      Read More In Sport
      Karolina uploaded a snap of the happy couple together to her 169,000 Insta followers.
      And the post was captioned: “We had the pleasure to be on the pitch together.”
      She has also wowed fans recently with a number of holiday shots of herself travelling the globe.
      Karolina has posted pics to social media on her travels to Greece and the Maldives.
      Most read in Football
      The ref posed on the beach and in crystal clear waters for her Insta followers.
      Karolina revealed last August that the current season is her ninth campaign as a referee.
      She got her love for the game from her grandad, Carol, who was also a licenced football official.
      But she is also a law graduate, and reveals in her Insta bio that she is a lawyer specialising in Sports and Intellectual Property.

      However, Karolina is never too far away from a football field.
      She posted snaps last year of herself in the stands for Poland’s Nations League clashes against Wales and Belgium.
      Karolina watching Poland in action last yearCredit: Instagram @bojarmeow
      She has over 169,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @bojarmeow More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      VAR draws lines next to WRONG PLAYER to rule out Brighton goal at Crystal Palace as Premier League admits huge blunder

      by

      THE Premier League has admitted they made a VAR blunder in the game between Crystal Palace and Brighton. Brighton were denied an opening in the match after Pervis Estupinan was deemed to be offside.
      VAR came under fire for its offside call in the game between Crystal Palace and BrightonCredit: Youtube Sky Sports
      Upon closer inspection, the lines drawn were from the wrong playerCredit: Twitter @BBCMOTD
      Arsenal saw a similar call go against themCredit: Sky Sports
      However, closer inspection of the lines drawn by VAR shows the line used to indicate the defender was drawn from the WRONG player.
      A similar call was made during Arsenal’s clash against Brentford as the Bees’ goal was allowed to stand despite an apparent offside.
      Referee body PGMOL released a statement apologising to both Brighton and Arsenal about the respective incidents.
      It read: “PGMOL can confirm its Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb has contacted both Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion to acknowledge and explain the significant errors in the VAR process in their respective Premier League fixtures on Saturday.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Both incidents, which were due to human error and related to the analysis of offside situations, are being thoroughly reviewed by PGMOL.”
      Brighton went on to draw the game 1-1 as Solly March saw his goal cancelled out by James Tomkins within minutes of scoring.
      Ex-Prem ref Peter Walton revealed transparency in decision-making was now being championed under Webb’s guidance.
      That came after Tomas Soucek appeared to handle the ball in the penalty area against Chelsea, with the Blues not given a penalty for it.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Arsenal were also denied victory against Brentford after Ivan Toney’s late equaliser.
      But the occasion has been marred as Brentford condemned racist abuse aimed towards Toney on Instagram after the game. More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      VAR failed to draw offside lines to check Brentford’s goal at Arsenal – and you would have to question why

      by

      THE lines to check whether Brentford’s goal was offside were not drawn up — and you would have to question why that did not happen.Every goal has to be checked from every angle.
      Brentford’s leveller was allowed to stand
      Mikel Arteta was unhappy with the officials at the final whistleCredit: Rex
      Whether it is offside, a foul in the passage of play leading up to the goal or an accidental handball by the goalscorer — the VAR has to look at all aspects.
      It looked at the time that it might have been offside but, from the footage, it was not clear because the cameras did not appear as if they were parallel to the play.
      That made the incident inconclusive.
      Ivan Toney’s 74th minute leveller grabbed a priceless 1-1 draw for Brentford, while condemning Arsenal to just one point from their last two games.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      Manchester City could move to within three points of the Gunners if they beat Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
      The two title rivals then face off on Wednesday.
      After the match, boss Mikel Arteta said: “I just looked back and it is offside.
      “Have they explained why it wasn’t allowed? No. It is frustrating but they will probably give an explanation later in the week. Today we haven’t got one.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “You have to apply certain principles in defending and you do that by sticking to the rules. Suddenly you change the rules and then you have to change your principles.
      “So tell us before so then you don’t hold the line that high.
      “Because you’re always going to have an advantage if you get blocked. You cannot block if you are offside.”
      Arsenal dropped two points in their title challengeCredit: Reuters More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Referee is hit in face by bottle thrown from stands during Charlton’s defeat to Fleetwood as Addicks face punishment

      by

      CHARLTON could face punishment after referee Carl Boyeson was hit by a missile aimed from the stands at The Valley.He was hit in the face by a plastic drinks bottle as he left the pitch at the end of the home side’s 2-1 defeat by Fleetwood Town.
      Charlton could face a hefty punishmentCredit: Getty
      The official did not appear to be badly harmed and immediately headed down the stadium’s extendable tunnel. 
      But Addicks’ boss Dean Holden condemned the incident and expects it to be included in Boyeson’s post-match report to the FA.
      The home fans seemed to be angered by the 79th-minute straight red card dismissal of Charlton defender Ryan Inniss  – although it was his third sending off of the season.
      Holden said: “It’s disappointing.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Obviously, as a football club, we can not condone this kind of behaviour at all.
      “It doesn’t matter what has gone on out on the pitch. This should never happen.
      “I assume it will be in the referee’s report.”
      Boyeson is a long-serving 53-year-old official from East Yorkshire who refereed the 2019-20 EFL Trophy final between Portsmouth and Salford.
      Most read in EFL
      Defender Inniss could now face a five-match ban after his third dismissal of the campaign.
      Charlton boss Holden added: “I will not condemn referees because it’s a tough job.
      “But it was never a sending off. It wasn’t a goalscoring opportunity.”
      Dean Holden was unhappy with the red card decisionCredit: PA More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Why Chelsea were denied penalty against West Ham as Peter Walton slams VAR after Soucek’s ‘deliberate act’

      by

      FORMER Premier League referee Peter Walton has revealed why VAR elected NOT to award Chelsea a penalty against West Ham. Tomas Soucek was the centre of attention in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw between the two teams.
      Tomas Soucek was at the centre of controversy following a late handballCredit: Reuters
      Peter Walton explained why VAR had given the decision but disagreed with the callCredit: BT Sport
      “He more or less saved it! It was a great save!””I would have been going crazy! It’s unbelievable!”@rioferdy5, Gianfranco Zola and Joe Cole were all baffled as to how Chelsea weren’t awarded a late penalty vs. West Ham for a Tomas Soucek handball… 🔎 pic.twitter.com/GszZLP4W99— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 11, 2023

      Moments after he thought he had scored – only for it to be ruled out for offside – Soucek appeared to handle the ball as he attempted to block Conor Gallagher’s goal-bound shot.
      As the midfielder went down to try and block the shot with his knee, the ball instead flashed past his knee and struck his hand, ensuring the ball spun harmlessly away.
      A VAR check then followed with Chelsea players – and their social media admin – adamant Soucek had illegally handled the ball in the area.
      However, VAR ruled in favour of West Ham, with Peter Walton revealing why the decision might have been made the way it did.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “The law is quite clear. The law actually says about unnaturally bigger, making the area for the ball to strike.
      “And the VAR clearly thinks the arm was in a natural position going down there as you said to break his fall.”
      Walton then blasted the decision, saying: “When you look at it closely and you analyse it – almost in slow motion – you can probably see that the ball Is past his knee and then the arm is there.
      “For me, I think it’s a deliberate act and I’m disappointed actually that VAR didn’t give the opportunity for the referee to go and have a second look at it.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Asked about the new regime at referee body PGMOL under Howard Webb, Walton explained how transparency in decision-making was being championed going forward.
      He referred to Bruno Fernandes’ controversial goal when Marcus Rashford was deemed to have not interfered with play in the Manchester Derby and how it would now have been deemed offside.
      He added: “Likewise, if you fast forward to today, in the law you can almost defend the player by saying the arm was in a natural position.
      “But really football, I think as a community, would want that given as a penalty kick and as a former Premier League referee, I think that was the wrong decision today and it should have been a penalty kick.”
      Joao Felix’s early opener was cancelled out by ex-Chelsea star Emerson in the first half, with the result leaving Chelsea nine points off of the top four and West Ham two points above the relegation zone. More

    • 113 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are the Club World Cup referees wearing microphones?

      by

      FOOTBALL fans have begged for more transparency on refereeing decisions – and they could finally be getting their wish.For all its controversy, the introduction of VAR has helped referees to often make the correct call on several incidents.
      VAR has become a huge part of modern day footballCredit: Getty
      And the semi-automatic offside system played a huge role in decision making at the World Cup.
      However, fans still feel as if they have been left in the dark once a conclusion has been agreed by the match officials.
      But that could all change should this new trial go according to plan.
      Why are the Club World Cup referees wearing microphones?
      The Club World Cup referees have been trialling technology which allows fans in the stadium to hear match officials explaining decisions.
      Read more on referees
      It has been set in place for fans to have more transparency on how the referees have come to their decision following a VAR review.
      And the Club World Cup which began on February 1, 2023 is the first event of a 12-month trial period in international contests.
      What has been said?
      The trial was implemented by the International Football Association Board.
      FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina said that the purpose of this trial is to make the VAR intervention more ‘understandable for all’ including spectators watching from home.
      Most read in Football
      He said: “As language could be one of the issues, we thought this FIFA Club World Cup would be perfect because it’s a multi-language competition, with teams and, of course, spectators involved coming from all six of the different continents.
      “I have to say that there are other experiences in other sports, namely the NFL in American football, who have been doing this for quite a long time.
      “It seems that the referees are pretty comfortable with this. More