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    Championship play-off final history made as referee speaks to crowd to explain why goal was controversially ruled out

    FOOTBALL fans saw history made in the Championship play-off final.Sheffield United took on Sunderland at Wembley for a place in next season’s Premier League. Harrison Burrows shot through the crowd as Sheffield United thought they were 2-0 upCredit: Shutterstock EditorialChris Kavanagh announced the goal was chalked off over the PA systemCredit: Sky SportsTyrese Campbell gave the Blades the lead on 25 minutes, expertly dinking in to round off a superb counter attack. Less than ten minutes later, Harrison Burrows thought he had made it 2-0.Burrows let fly from outside the area as the ball flew into the back of the net.But replays showed Vini Souza was impeding Anthony Patterson’s vision and ability to save the shot.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat saw VAR intervene – the technology in force for the play-off final despite not being used during the regular season. But rather than overturn the decision, the VAR sent referee Chris Kavanagh over to the pitchside monitor to watch the incident and make a call on the subjective offside.Kavanagh decided Souza was interfering and therefore ruled the goal out.That led to the referee announcing over the tannoy that the goal was ruled out because United’s No21 was offside. Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd it became the first time in a Championship play-off final that a VAR decision was explained to the crowd over the PA system inside the stadium by the ref.Fans at the Carabao Cup final saw similar scenes at Wembley in March.’Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emergesFederico Chiesa’s consolation goal for Liverpool against Newcastle was initially chalked off by the assistant’s flag.But the referee announced over the tannoy that it was in fact allowed to stand – much to Chiesa’s bemusement. The play-off final saw eight minutes of injury time added on at the end of the first half.As well as the stopagge for the disallowed goal, there was also a lengthy delay right at the start when Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien dislocated his shoulder. Premier League clubs went into the final hoping to see a United win – because that would mean an extra £39million windfall cash bonus for top-flight teams. Referee Kavanagh watched the replay on the pitchside monitorCredit: PAReplays clearly showed Anthony Patterson was impeded in the Sunderland goalCredit: Sky Sports More

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    Premier League will see more rule changes next season – when will this ever end? I have NO idea what football rules are

    CLAUDIO RANIERI earned the nickname ‘Tinkerman’ during his spell at Chelsea as he was forever changing his player line-ups but that meddling moniker should surely now be passed on to football’s governing bodies.Next season there will be more new rule changes. When will this ever end and are you, like me, ­baffled and bamboozled in equal measure as to what the actual rules of football are?Referees will punish goalkeepers for time-wasting with a corner for the opposition next seasonCredit: GettySunSport columnist Karren Brady thinks if it aint broke, don’t fix itCredit: GettyFrom next season goalkeepers will be penalised for holding on to the ball for more than eight ­seconds, with the punishment a corner to the attacking team.Referees are supposed to indicate when a keeper has held the ball for three seconds, giving him five more seconds to release it. Apparently, this new rule has been tried and tested and will be in place for next season.So what was wrong with the old rule which gave keepers six seconds to release, with punishment in the form of an indirect free-kick? Beats me. It was hardly ever enforced anyway.The body which has come up with this latest daft tinkering, I meant well-researched brainstorm, the International Football Association Board, must have spent ages on it. Probably in a well-stocked five-star hotel somewhere near Fifa’s Swiss Alps headquarters.Read more football newsThe purpose of this newest change is to cut down on time-wasting but how can extending possession from six to eight seconds do that?And also the fact that the ‘old’ rule was almost never imposed surely means it was a good rule.A bit like competent refereeing, if you don’t know they are there, chances are the official is doing a decent job.Every year we are told greedy water companies will clean up their act and every season football makes changes which confuses the hell out of fans. Dirtying the waters, so to speak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe have had ‘golden’ goals, ­‘silver’ goals, the advance ten-metre rule, you name it. If anyone can ­successfully tell me what the current rules around handball are, please let me know.As for VAR, well let’s just say the jury is still out on that one.We have been told the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology will solve the ridiculous amount of time it has taken Stockley Park assessors to actually reach a decision.’In one year the decision will be made’ – Wenger demands new offside rule that will be ‘impossible to defend against’Well, that wasn’t true last weekend at the West Ham v Forest game, as that quick check we were promised turned into an excruciating six-minute delay as the offside technology was not working.And don’t get me started on the financial fair play rules.Professor Brian Cox might be able to name all the stars in the sky but even he would struggle with that.I’m the first to admit that some changes have been of great benefit. In 1992, the introduction of the backpass rule where keepers cannot handle the ball when it has been deliberately kicked to them by a team-mate is one.When will this ever end and are you, like me, ­baffled and bamboozled in equal measure as to what the actual rules of football are?Karren BradyGoal-line technology came in 2012 following the uproar over the Frank Lampard World Cup ‘goal-that-never-was’. That was another. But in recent seasons the dribble of rule changes has become a downpour.From allowing the kick-off to be taken in any direction, to teams now requiring a mandatory captain, complete with armband, to additional subs if a player has received a concussion injury.Have any of these actually improved fans’ enjoyment?Just leave the game alone please. The International Football Association Board should adhere to the wise man, more likely wise woman, who said, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Or to put it another way, stop bloody tinkering.I’m just waiting for the first referee next season who awards a corner after a keeper has transgressed this newest rule change.Read More on The SunCue hundreds of examples by irate fans where the ‘offence’ was not spotted.Football. They say it used to be a simple game which involved two jumpers and a ball. Not any longer. More

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    SFA to review ‘corrupt’ Rangers TV comments made by Ibrox hero in wake of Hibs ‘ghost goal’ controversy

    THE SFA are launching an investigation into comments made by former Rangers defender John Brown whilst appearing on the club’s official TV channel.Brown, 63, sounded off on-air on Rangers TV about the failure to award Rangers a second goal against Hibs in the first half.Nicolas Raskin thought he’d put Rangers 2-0 up against HibsCredit: PABut Nick Walsh didn’t give it and Hibs went up and scored at the other endCredit: Willie VassNicolas Raskin had ran through and beat goalkeeper Jordan Smith to the ball, poking it under his body.The ball appeared to cross the line but referee Nick Walsh didn’t signal for it and he wasn’t called to review the incident by VAR.Gers interim boss Barry Ferguson later criticised Walsh for his attitude on the park and called the decision “baffling”.But in the immediate aftermath of the flash point, Rangers TV co-commentator Brown was even more incredulous and his remarks could land him – and the club – in hot water.The nine-in-a-row hero branded it “corrupt”, before lead commentator Tom Miller said: “Well, I’m not sure we can actually say that.”Those are not necessarily the views of Rangers Football Club.”Brown continued: “Well, I am saying it.””That’s a disgrace and it’s the worst decision I’ve seen in all the years I’ve been in football.”Most read in FootballMiller added: “John Brown obviously has his own opinion there, but it’s certainly questionable.”Those comments have caught the eye of the SFA’s Compliance Offer and a charge could be forthcoming.Dundee Utd fan ‘caught mocking Ibrox disaster’ during Rangers clash days after Celtic supporter lost jobAccording to The Herald, the SFA believe there are grounds for action under article 29.2 of the rules which reads: “A club or recognised football body which publishes, distributes, issues, sells or authorises a third party to publish, distribute, issue or sell a match programme or any other publication or audio/visual material of any description in any media now existing or hereinafter invented, including but not limited to the Internet, social networking or micro-blogging sites, shall ensure that any such publications or audio/visual material does not contain any criticism of any match official calculated to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official or to impinge upon his character.”Celtic were previously subject to a review when club legend and club TV pundit Tom Boyd alluded to referee John Beaton drinking in a Rangers pub.He said in 2019: “If he doesn’t know that’s a penalty he should not be in the middle of the park refereeing a football game.”He’ll probably be welcomed down his pub tonight again.”Celtic rushed to defend club legend Boyd after his misdemeanor and it remains to be seen if Rangers do the same with Brown. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Rangers ‘question effectiveness of VAR’ after Hibs no-goal controversy as Barry Ferguson calls out Nick Walsh

    RANGERS have issued a damning statement after they were controversially denied a goal in today’s game against Hibs.Cyriel Dessers had opened the scoring for Gers after three minutes but Nicolas Raskin thought he had put the Light Blues 2-0 up when he flicked the ball past Jordan Smith and it trundled towards the net.Barry Ferguson couldn’t believe his side were denied a 2-0 lead at HibsCredit: PARocky Bushiri was trying to recover and managed to get his foot to the ball but it looked like it had already crossed the line by that time.However, referee Nick Walsh didn’t signal for a goal and VAR didn’t intervene either.What made matters worse for Gers is that moments later, Hibs went up the other end and scored through Kieron Bowie.The match itself ended 2-2 with Raskin scoring in the second half before Martin Boyle struck with his 99th goal for the club to equalise.At full-time, Ibrox interim boss Barry Ferguson couldn’t hide his frustration with the contentious decision.And his fury was followed up by an official statement from the club.Ferguson said: “I’ve got to be careful what I say. I don’t want to get myself into trouble.”But that is baffling.Most read in Football”I seen it when it happened, I seen it again at half-time and I seen it again at the end of the game. What’s the point?”Ferguson was then asked if he’d spoken to referee Walsh but he said: “Nah, he won’t speak to you.Dundee Utd fan ‘caught mocking Ibrox disaster’ during Rangers clash days after Celtic supporter lost job”The fourth official was brand new but the referee? Not interested.”I’ve seen it all season with bad decisions. Not just with Rangers but with other teams.”But that today was just mind blowing.”I don’t think you need goal line technology for that one. It’s clearly over the line.”Ferguson also highlighted the penalty that was awarded during to Dundee in their midweek clash against Ross County by Walsh, which was also slammed by fans.A Rangers spokesperson added: “Incidents like this again bring into question the effectiveness of VAR and also highlight the need to introduce goal-line technology in Scottish football.”Our supporters, players and staff deserve better. Read More on The Sun”We will raise this with the Scottish FA and continue to press for initiatives which improve the accuracy of decision-making.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    ‘Do you want me to send you off’ – Lionel Messi reaches boiling point with referee as Inter Miami woes worsen

    LIONEL MESSI clashed with the referee after Inter Miami failed to win yet again.The MLS side have picked up just one win in six matches after drawing 3-3 with the San Jose Earthquakes.Lionel Messi clashed with the referee after Inter Miami drew with San JoseCredit: Apple TVHe shared some words with the official and pointed at himCredit: Apple TVThe ref told Messi to walk away or he would be red cardedCredit: Apple TVMessi had one final word before the San Jose coach tried to usher him awayCredit: Apple TVMessi appeared frustrated after the final whistle and confronted ref Joe Dickerson.He pointed at the official and exchanged words with Dickerson, who reportedly said to him: “Do you want me to send you off? Walk away!”Messi did walk away but he was still unhappy so he continued gesticulating towards the referee and pointed at him again.San Jose coach Bruce Arena tried to beckon the superstar away, and he later confirmed Messi was not happy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArena said: “Yes, yes, he was. As you know, there’s a universal language when you’re talking about referees. “He was obviously not happy. And I really wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to get a red card, and that’s why I just tried to move him out of the way. “Because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous. “So I just wanted to make sure we get him out of there and he’s ready to play the next game for Miami.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLosing Messi to suspension would be been a big blow for Miami, who are fifth in the Eastern Conference, six points off top spot.Despite their struggles, Messi has continued to shine with ten goals and three assists in 15 games.The football boot customiser who’s scoring BIG with the game’s biggest stars are | Football Fixers More

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    Ex-Prem assistant ref jailed after luring man to flat, locking him inside and raping him

    AN ex-Premier League assistant referee has been jailed for raping a man. Steven Wilson, 55, lured the stranger from a taxi rank to his flat by promising to take him to a party with “a lot of girls”. He locked him in and forced him to perform a sex act before raping him in 2009 in Worcester. Wilson evaded justice until 2021. The victim recognised him from an article about his other sex crimes and told cops. Wilson, of Rowley Regis, West Mids, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault at Worcester crown court. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe was jailed for nine years. Previously known as Stephen Dorr, he was promoted to the Prem referee roster in 2005. In 2009, it emerged he had downloaded indecent images and communicated with underage boys. He was jailed for 15 months in 2011 for sexual offences involving teenage boys. Most read in Footballpeaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Chris Hawkes, of West Mercia Police, said: “Wilson’s victim was incredibly scared during his time trapped in his flat and feared for his safety as he did not know Wilson, or what he was capable of. “His awful ordeal lasted for three or four hours as it was light outside when Wilson eventually allowed him to leave the flat. “We are pleased to get this court result for Wilson who subjected his victim to a degrading and humiliating ordeal back in 2009.”Former Premier League assistant referee Steven Wilson has been jailed for raping a manCredit: West Mercia PoliceScandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder More

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    VAR audio ‘picks up suspicious “thank goodness” after Barcelona goal vs Real Madrid is ruled out for handball’

    EL CLASICO has been rocked by a VAR controversy after an official appeared to say “thank goodness” during a goal review. Barcelona beat rivals Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling LaLiga showdown on Sunday night.Referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez disallowed a late goal for Barcelona in El ClasicoCredit: GettyA controversial handball in the build-up saw the goal chalked offCredit: X @rfefThe Catalan giants stretched their lead at the top of the table to seven points with victory at the Nou Camp. But the hosts were denied a fifth goal in stoppage time as Fermin Lopez’s strike was chalked off for a handball in the build-up. Referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández was advised by VAR official Juan Martínez Munuera to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. In audio released by RFEF, Munuera said: “Listen to me, Alex, we’ve just detected a handball, okay? Please come take a look.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAn unknown voice in the VAR room was then heard saying: “Given the height – thank goodness [menos mal]. Yes, yes, totally.”Hernandez replied: “Okay, perfect. Let’s continue. It hits his hand, yes. “The ball’s going out. Now give me a wide angle so I can see the entire action and how it ends. “Okay, perfect. The hand is clearly raised. I’m going to disallow the goal.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMundo Deportivo claim the ‘thank goodness’ comment “was not transcribed or subtitled by the RFEF” in the video released to the public.It followed a match dogged by referee controversy, with Barca feeling stung by the decisions.Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs InterKylian Mbappe appeared to be marginally offside before Madrid won a penalty early in the contest.And the league leaders were fuming after Aurelien Tchouameni was not punished for handball in the area moments before Lopez’s strike. Despite the controversy, Barcelona took control of the LaLiga title race with the 4-3 win. Mbappe struck a hat-trick for Los Blancos, who had led 2-0 after just 14 minutes.But Hansi Flick’s side stormed back with four goals before half time from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Barcelona will secure top spot as early as Wednesday night if Madrid fail to beat Real Mallorca.Should Madrid win, Barcelona could win LaLiga the following day when they face Espanyol in the Catalan derby. More

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    Arsenal fans furious as Bukayo Saka ‘chokeslammed’ by Andy Robertson but VAR fails to intervene

    ARSENAL fans have been left furious after Bukayo Saka was “chokeslammed” by Andy Robertson during their clash with Liverpool.Robertson wrapped his hand around Saka’s neck during the first half as the pair tussled for the ball, but VAR and referee Anthony Taylor failed to intervene.Andy Robertson appeared to strangle Bukayo Saka during the first half of Arsenal vs LiverpoolCredit: Sky SportsThe incident occurred while both players were trying to win the ball, with Robertson wrapping his hand around Saka’s neck and pushing him to the floor.The officials clearly didn’t seem to think it was a foul as play was waved on and Liverpool were awarded a throw-in.In fact there was very little discussion of the incident whatsoever, even on Sky Sports’ coverage, despite Saka’s pleas to the linesman over Robertson’s grasp.Arsenal fans certainly didn’t let it go quietly though, taking to social media to vent their frustrations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “How the hell was Robertson allowed to just strangle Saka?”While another added: “Saka just been chokeslammed by Robertson. Apparently that’s allowed these days.”A third fumed: “Wtf is this? Robertson with both hands round Saka’s neck? And it wasn’t a foul? What is going on?”And a fourth asked: “So you’re allowed to strangle players now?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTo make matters worse for Arsenal, just a matter of minutes later Liverpool took the lead through Cody Gakpo – with Robertson providing the assist.And that opener snowballed into serious momentum for the Anfield outfit, who doubled their advantage to 2-0 through Luis Diaz just 82 seconds later.MORE TO FOLLOW…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More