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      Cristiano Ronaldo stunned by goal-line technology and asks ref to check watch as Juventus beat Roma 2-0 on his birthday

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      JUVENTUS ace Cristiano Ronaldo was left bemused after his shot was judged not to have crossed the line.
      The Portugal captain, who had already scored against Roma, jokingly checked the referee’s watch to make sure it hadn’t gone in.

      Ronaldo, 36, couldn’t believe his shot didn’t cross the line and checked the decision with referee Daniele Orsato

      The Portuguese star had a good look at the ref’s watch

      Orsato, 45, clearly saw the funny side of Ronaldo’s request

      Ronaldo’s effort just before half-time rattled the crossbar and bounced on the line before Roma cleared the danger.
      The birthday boy couldn’t believe his luck and asked the referee if he could check his watch, which alerts the official when the ball goes over the line.
      Referee Daniele Orsato gleefully showed Ronaldo his watch and turned away smiling, suggesting it was all just a bit of fun.
      Replays showed the ball was a yard or two away from crossing the line.

      Ronaldo opened the scoring at the Allianz Stadium in the 13th minute with a fine left-footed strike from the edge of the box.
      It was his 16th league goal of the season and the perfect way to celebrate his 36th birthday.
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      Ronaldo, 36, was delighted to score on his birthday – but wanted moreCredit: Splash News

      Ronaldo and Messi are both named in the Ballon d’Or all-time best XI
      Although Ronaldo didn’t get a second, Juventus did when a Dejan Kulusevski cross was turned into his own net by Roger Ibanez.

      The match finished 2-0 and Andrea Pirlo’s side have moved up to third in Serie A.
      They have won their last three league games and sit five points behind Inter Milan with a game in hand.

      Ronaldo is the top scorer in Serie A, two ahead of former Manchester United star Romelu Lukaku.
      He is yet to win the Capocannoniere, the title awarded to Serie A’s leading scorer each season, since joining Juventus in 2018.
      Ronaldo has won similar awards in England and Spain and will be keen to add the Capocannoniere to his long list of honours.
      The legendary forward celebrated his birthday with his family before the Roma match – enjoying a Portuguese-themed cake.

      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s son wildly celebrate as dad scores in Juventus’ Coppa Italia win over Inter Milan More

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      Ronaldo can’t believe goal-line technology and asks referee to check his watch as Juventus beat Roma 2-0 on his birthday

      by

      JUVENTUS star Cristiano Ronaldo was left bemused after his shot was judged not to have crossed the line.
      The Portugal captain, who had already scored against Roma, jokingly checked the referee’s watch to make sure it hadn’t gone in.

      Ronaldo, 36, couldn’t believe his shot didn’t cross the line and checked the decision with referee Daniele Orsato

      The Portuguese star had a good look at the ref’s watch

      Orsato, 45, clearly saw the funny side of Ronaldo’s request

      Ronaldo’s effort just before half-time rattled the crossbar and bounced on the line before Roma cleared the danger.
      The birthday boy couldn’t believe his luck and asked the referee if he could check his watch, which alerts the official when the ball goes over the line.
      Referee Daniele Orsato gleefully showed Ronaldo his watch and turned away smiling, suggesting it was all just a bit of fun.
      Replays showed the ball was a yard or two away from crossing the line.

      Ronaldo opened the scoring at the Allianz Stadium in the 13th minute with a fine left-footed strike from the edge of the box.
      It was his 16th league goal of the season and the perfect way to celebrate his 36th birthday.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Ronaldo, 36, was delighted to score on his birthday – but wanted moreCredit: Splash News

      Ronaldo and Messi are both named in the Ballon d’Or all-time best XI
      Although Ronaldo didn’t get a second, Juventus did when a Dejan Kulusevski cross was turned into his own net by Roger Ibanez.

      The match finished 2-0 and Andrea Pirlo’s side have moved up to third in Serie A.
      They have won their last three league games and sit five points behind Inter Milan with a game in hand.

      Ronaldo is the top scorer in Serie A, two ahead of former Manchester United star Romelu Lukaku.
      He is yet to win the Capocannoniere, the title awarded to Serie A’s leading scorer each season, since joining Juventus in 2018.
      Ronaldo has won similar awards in England and Spain and will be keen to add the Capocannoniere to his long list of honours.
      The legendary forward celebrated his birthday with his family before the Roma match – enjoying a Portuguese-themed cake.

      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s son wildly celebrate as dad scores in Juventus’ Coppa Italia win over Inter Milan More

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      Premier League refs urged to report managers feared ‘gaming’ and taking advantage of new concussion sub rules

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      PREMIER LEAGUE refs will be told to report any managers they fear are ‘gaming’ the new concussion rules.
      The 20 clubs will tomorrow confirm the adoption of the Fifa-led trial allowing for two permanent concussion substitutes.

      Prem refs will be told to report any managers they fear are ‘gaming’ the new concussion rulesCredit: Rex Features

      But fears over cynical bosses getting uninjured stars to ‘play hurt’ and allowing them to send on extra ‘free’ substitutes have been discussed by club bosses.
      And in a bid to ease those fears, referees and other match officials will be ordered to contact the Prem if they have any belief that a manager has taken advantage of the new Law to influence a game unfairly.
      The official protocols for the introduction of the new Law will be agreed by the ‘shareholders’ at Wednesday’s virtual meeting.
      They say: “The refereeing team must inform the Premier League immediately after the conclusion of the match if they have a concern that an APCS (Additional Permanent Substitutions) was potentially used incorrectly.”

      FA chiefs decided that English football would trial the option for two concussion replacements.
      That also allows the opposing manager to make extra tactical changes.
      The other option allows a single permanent extra replacement for head injuries, with no corresponding tactical change.
      That is one Fifa has adopted for next month’s Club World Cup.

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      But even though the two substitute approach enables opposing coaches the chance to respond to changes, the concerns over rogue managers ordering uninjured players to feign a head knock are significant and have forced the extra instruction to officials.
      It is now understood that the official start date of the trial, which was due to be the full midweek fixtures between Tuesday and Thursday next week, may now be put back.
      While the clubs will agree to the trial, there are other details to be confirmed and it may not be introduced until next month.

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta discuses the risks of concussion after David Luiz collision More

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      Watch shocking moment footballer launches flying kung-fu kick at referee as fans invade pitch in crazy end to game

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      A PLAYER launched a flying kung-fu kick at a referee as tensions boiled over at the end of a match.
      Neftchi Fergana and Turon Yaypan were battling it out in a winner-takes-all promotion clash on the final day of the league season in the Uzbekistan Pro League.

      A defeated player launched a flying a kung-fu kick at the official

      The ref was sent sprawling

      Turon, who went into the match in second-place, managed to leapfrog their rivals with a 1-0 victory snatched with an 81st minute goal.
      At the final whistle, all hell broke loose, with furious Neftchi players provoking disgraceful scenes – leading to the referee running for dear life.
      An angry mob of fans ran on the pitch and towards the helpless official.
      And one player, named in local press as Shavkat Nasibullayev, took things way further.

      The 36-year-old defender launched a flying kung-fu kick at the referee, sending him sprawling.
      But things didn’t stop there, as the alert ref instantly bounced to his feet and legged it towards the tunnel, ducking and diving through hordes of moronic idiots trying to chase him.
      Police had to calm the scene, while a number of Uzbek football dignitaries are said to have been at the game.
      Uzbek PFL spokesman Sherzod Radjabov said: “The whole of Uzbekistan, the whole football community saw it.

      The ref was forced to run for dear life

      “Everyone knows that the match was decisive for a ticket to the Super League.
      “Neftchi fans after the game couldn’t contain their emotions and ran out on the field.
      “There will be an investigation into the pressure and use of force against officials. The participants in the incident, whoever it is, will be punished.”

      Referee Anderson Daronco works out pumping iron for bigger muscles More

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      Fans stunned by incredibly buff referee Anderson Daronco as they joke players are terrified to argue with his decisions

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      HENCH referee Anderson Daronco has left fans stunned on social media. The Brazilian officiates in his home country’s top-flight. And pictures have circulated online of Daronco, 39, 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 […] More

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      Premier League handball rule set to change AGAIN next season to stop penalties like Eric Dier’s against Newcastle

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      FOOTBALL chiefs are ready to agree ANOTHER change in the handball Law.
      But it will not come into effect until next season.

      Ifab are set to change the handball rule again which would see this Eric Dier incident no longer an automatic penaltyCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      The alteration, set to be approved by the International FA Board, will mean the penalty controversially conceded by Spurs’ Eric Dier against Newcastle at the start of the season will no longer be an automatic spot kick.
      Under current Laws, if the ball strikes the arm or hand above the shoulder, referees have no option but to punish the offence.
      But the change, set to be endorsed next month and confirmed in March – and to take effect from June 1 – will hand back discretion when the defender’s action is judged to be “part of the natural movement”.
      In the case of Dier, his back was towards Andy Carroll when the header struck him.

      But the referee could now rule that he was using his arms to gain elevation and not in an attempt to block the ball.
      Referees are also set to be told they should not punish a player who handles when he is protecting his face against the ball.
      Ifab will also officially endorse the handball interpretation giving referees more leeway when the ball is struck at their arms from close distance.
      This was a dispensation given to Premier League chiefs in September.

      There were further pleas from Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin for a relaxation of the rigid rulebook.
      However, no other changes will be presented to next month’s Annual Business Meeting of the Law-making body.

      Current Laws mean the ball striking the arm or hand above the shoulder is punishedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Victor Lindelof was caught out by the harsh ruling when he conceded a spot kick against Crystal PalaceCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group

      Jamie Ohara says that says referees must be responsible for the handball farce in the Premier League More

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      Pickford blunder shows Prem needs MAJOR changes in refereeing… let us old boys be VARs

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      THE standard of officiating in the Premier League this season is way below what we expect.
      Wholesale changes are needed to right the way to the very top of the refereeing hierarchy to end this decline.

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      Pickford escaped punishment for this tackle on Van Dijk – leading to another debate about the effectiveness of VARCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group

      We’ve had yet another weekend of poor decisions, topped off by Jordan Pickford escaping any punishment for that shocking challenge on Virgil van Dijk — with VAR not even looking at it.
      Michael Oliver will be disappointed he didn’t see the challenge but there were players blocking his view.
      I know exactly how he feels, because I missed Wigan winger Callum McManaman’s infamous lunge on Newcastle’s Massadio Haidara seven years ago.
      This is when you want VAR to come and help you — when a clear and obvious error has been made.It’s evident things aren’t right with the leadership and direction of management within the refereeing fraternity.

      We have got some really good referees and you don’t become a bad ref overnight.Just like players don’t become bad players overnight.
      It’s the severe lack of coaching, leadership and direction of our refs that is responsible for indifferent performances.

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      Van Dijk went off injured after being clattered by the Everton goalkeeperCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Halsey missed the foul by Callum McManaman on Massadio HaidaraCredit: Rex Features
      Like with managers — the best coaches turn average players into good players and good players into excellent players.
      That’s no different with referees and we have got people now that are coaching at the top level that have never refereed at the top level — or even been referees.

      Take, for instance, Adam Watts, who manages the referees. He is a nice guy but has never refereed. He was an assistant ref, who is now a Select Group manager.
      He is telling the referees what he wants from them. But you need to have been involved at the top level to know how to handle different personalities and get them onside.
      Say, for argument’s sake, it was someone like me. At least I have refereed at the top level, managed games and made mistakes. It is how you move on from those mistakes.

      It’s evident things aren’t right with the leadership and direction of management within the refereeing fraternity.

      Referees are like players — we both thrive on our confidence. And some referees, like players, need a kick up the backside.Some need a little bit of loving with an arm around them now and again.
      But you make a mistake nowadays and you could be put out to grass for three or four weeks, depending who you are.You have the likes of  Oliver, Andy Taylor, Martin Atkinson and, love him or hate him, Mike Dean  — they are all very good referees.

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      VAR was introduced at the beginning of the 2019-20 season – but has only added to controversy surrounding refereeingCredit: PA:Press Association

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      David Coote was the VAR official during the Merseyside derby Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      They are the referees they trust, the guys they don’t trust just pick up the pieces.So you have now got three divisions within the refereeing group — the top order, middle order and lower order.
      I don’t blame our referees, I think they are confused. You cannot be an active referee one day and then go into the bunker and do VAR the next day.Leave the active referees to referee and bring in your ex-referees, who have officiated at the highest level and know the game, to do VAR.
      We have got the likes of myself, Chris Foy, Phil Dowd, Lee Probert and Roger East who have all recently retired. We could be brought back as VAR operatives because the workload on the current group is too much.

      I am not questioning the current referees’ integrity — but you could sometimes suggest they are looking after their mates.
      They are all familiar with each other, whereas if you had active officials and non-active officials, then there wouldn’t be that problem.
      VAR is there for one reason and one reason alone — has the match official made a clear and obvious error? More

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      Every Prem ref ranked from top whistle-blowers to worst officials including one who is ‘too aggressive’, by Mark Halsey

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referees are due to be paid “performance-related” bonuses for the first time this season.
      Our 32-page special magazine looking ahead to the start of the Premier League season highlights this issue – it’s free in The Sun on Sunday today.

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      Our man Mark Halsey says Michael Oliver (above) will be disappointed with some of his performances last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      SunSport’s whistleblower Mark Halsey delivers his verdict on who deserves a top-up in their bank account following last season.
      Here’s his opinion on who are the best and worst referees in the top flight…
      A band – top class
      Martin Atkinson – The 49-year-old is like a bottle of vintage red wine – he gets better with age. He’s No1 Prem ref just ahead of Michael Oliver after consistent performances.
      Michael Oliver – Still one of our top refs but by his own high standards I’m sure he will be disappointed with some aspects of his performance including the Villa Park goalline tech controversy.

      Mike Dean – Love him or hate him but he’s another consistent performer that the PGMOL management trust to deliver in the high-profile games. Never afraid to make the big decisions.

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      Mike Dean, like him or loathe him, he is still one of the best in the Premier League, says Mark HalseyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Graham Scott – The PGMOL wanted Scott removed from the Select Group One two years ago on performances but he won his appeal and he’s never looked back. His man-management of games is up there with the best.
      B band – very good
      Anthony Taylor – Given the most number of Prem games alongside Atkinson and Oliver. Had some very good displays but hasn’t officiated to his full potential given his status.
      Chris Kavanagh – Third season in the Prem and he’s raised his game to another level. He goes about his business quietly and efficiently.

      Paul Tierney – Steady campaign, has a calming influence on the players, always ensures he gives himself thinking time and doesn’t go looking for trouble.
      C band – good
      Stuart Attwell – Worked hard at his game since he returned to the Premier League in 2014 after he was deselected for two years and has made good progress ever since.
      David Coote – Second full season at the highest level, he’s done well again. Unfussy in his performances, accuracy in decision-making is good and is heading in the right direction.
      Andy Madley – Potential to become a very good referee after a decent debut in the Prem. He’s calm, doesn’t flash yellow cards around and manages the game well. Hopefully he is tested with higher-profile games next season.
      Peter Bankes – Impressive first season in the top-flight, he referees with a smile on his face which players like and as the campaign wore on he grew in confidence at this level.

      D band – average
      Craig Pawson – Had high hopes for the Yorkshire referee but mixed decision-making from the Uefa official has seen his performance level go backwards.
      Jonathan Moss – Inconsistent season due to the accuracy of his decision-making and on top of that he always seems to be involved in VAR controversy.

      Kevin Friend – Over-officious and too aggressive in his body language towards the players and that sets the wrong tone for the game.
      Lee Mason – Appointed to Select Group One in 2006 but the fact he’s been given only 16 games highlights a lack of confidence from the management in him.
      Simon Hooper – Every referee finds his level, Hooper is a nice guy but, unfortunately, I believe the Prem is one step too far for him.

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      Kevin Friend is “too aggressive” in his body language, says HalseyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former Russian star Roman Shirokov punches ref referee Nikita Danchenko and kicks him while on floor More