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      Galatasaray match ABANDONED as opponents walk off the pitch after Morata scores controversial first goal for new club

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      GALATASARAY’s Super Lig clash with Adana Demirspor has been abandoned after players from the visiting side refused to play.The game in Turkey’s top flight was initially suspended after 34 minutes with table toppers Galatasaray leading 1-0. Alvaro Morata put Galatasaray ahead from the spot against Adana DemirsporCredit: GettyPlayers from Adana would later walk off the field in protest at the decisionCredit: GettyThe match in Istanbul was abandoned after just 34 minutesCredit: GettyAlvaro Morata put the hosts ahead with a contentious penalty at Rams Park after just 12 minutes. Dries Mertens hit the deck after minimal contact from the Adana defender. Morata – on loan from AC Milan – stepped up to score his second goal in three games for Galatasaray. Adana manager Mustafa Alper Avci was seen calling his players over to the touchline later in the half as midfielder Yusuf Barasi received treatment for an injury.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPlayers from the Super Lig’s bottom side abruptly walked off the field and headed to the changing rooms. Confused Galatasaray players eventually followed suit along with the match officials.Around 20 minutes after the initial suspension, it was confirmed by the stadium announcer the match had been abandoned. Per TurkiyeToday, the announcement said: “The match has been abandoned by the referee due to Adana Demirspor withdrawing from the game.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAdana Demirspor’s former president, Metin Korkmaz, confirmed the protest was against the penalty decision earlier in the game.He told the outlet: “This is a protest against the Refereeing Committee, not Galatasaray.”Jose Mourinho has launched a scathing attack on referees in Turkey with Fenerbahce considering boycotting the Turkish Cup in protest Korkmaz added that club president Murat Sancak would provide further clarification on the incident later. Adana are currently bottom of the Super Lig, with just 5 points from 21 games and a dismal -30 goal difference. Turkey’s top tier has been dominated by discussions over officiating in recent months.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is among those to have publically called out the standard of refereeing.The Special One branded the Turkish top flight “toxic” after his side beat Hatayspor 2-1 last month.And he even threatened to have his team boycott the Turkish Cup in protest. Mourinho’s press conference rant in full“I will watch the matches until I can because nobody wants to watch the Turkish league.“Who wants to watch this Turkish league abroad? They have the Premier League, the French league, the German league, the Portuguese league, the Dutch league.“Why should they see this? When the president met me, the director, even before that I met other important and respectful clubs in Turkey.“I couldn’t believe that this was the dimension. It’s too grey, it’s too dark, smells bad.“We were in good control, winning 1-0 when Atilla (Karaoglan, VAR ref), woke up because in the first half he was probably having Turkish tea.“Not to say an alcoholic drink so probably was Turkish tea. There was a clear red card on Bright (Oyasi-Samuel). If it is a Fenerbahce player he would wake up, even the ref on the pitch wouldn’t be afraid to give the card.“Referees are afraid to give decisions to us. For me the biggest scandal is a penalty in our favour.“As I was saying before, I don’t think abroad many people watch the Turkish league. I think in London only my son watches the Turkish league, nobody else.“I’m going to post on my Instagram. I don’t have many but I think more than five million will watch more of that penalty.“So they will know what the Turkish league is. (On a scale of 1-10 what grade would I give myself?) Zero.”In an extraordinary rant in November, Mourinho said: “Referees are afraid to give decisions to us. “For me the biggest scandal is a penalty in our favour.”As I was saying before, I don’t think abroad many people watch the Turkish league. I think in London only my son watches the Turkish league, nobody else.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m going to post on my Instagram. I don’t have many but I think more than five million will watch more of that penalty.”So they will know what the Turkish league is. (On a scale of 1-10 what grade would I give myself?) Zero.” More

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      ‘Robbed’ – Fans fume at lack of VAR again following latest controversial FA Cup decision after Maguire’s offside goal

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      FANS have been left raging AGAIN over the lack of VAR in the fourth round of the FA Cup.Several matches this weekend have been impacted by controversial refereeing decisions, with officials in Stockley Park not in place until the next round of the competition.Blackburn star Dominic Hyam was seemingly onside when he headed in at the back postCredit: BBCHarry Maguire’s goal was allowed to stand as the linesman did not spot the offsideCredit: ITVThere has been debate over whether Newcastle’s goal did cross the line or notCredit: BBCManchester United beat Leicester 2-1 on Friday thanks to Harry Maguire’s last-gasp header, which was incorrectly not flagged for offside.On Saturday, Chelsea claimed there were two handballs in the build-up to Kaoru Mitoma’s winner and Birmingham had earlier also felt hard done by a lack of technology.Newcastle were awarded a goal against the Blues when it was unclear whether the whole ball had crossed the line or not.The controversy continued into Sunday as Blackburn had a goal chalked off for a debatable offside against Wolves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDominic Hyam headed home at the back post from a free-kick and replays showed that Hwang Hee-chan looked to have played him onside.The incident occurred when the game was goalless and Wolves scored twice almost directly after to win it 2-0.It led to Blackburn fans joining in the fury, with one saying: “No VAR makes you realise just how bad the referees are.”Another added: “Robbed, should be one up, poor decision.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBBC commentator Chris Sutton highlighted the inconsistencies after Blackburn’s disallowed strike, saying there was no flag for Maguire when he looked “three miles offside”. It comes after United boss Ruben Amorim admitted: “The goal was offside. We should have VAR. It should be here to overturn the decision. It’s hard on Ruud, it’s hard on the opponent.”BBC makes half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man CityThe FA explained the lack of VAR in a statement, which read: “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Chelsea felt Tariq Lamptey deliberately handled the ball in the build-up to Brighton’s winnerCredit: ITVKaoru Mitoma may have controlled it with his arm before finishingCredit: ITVHow Blackburn 0-2 Wolves unfolded By SunSport’s Martin BlackburnMATHEUS CUNHA gave another reminder of why Wolves were so desperate to keep him in January.Despite links to Arsenal and Manchester United, the Molineux board stood firm and handed him a new four-and-a-half year contract earlier this month.Joao Gomes opened the scoringCredit: ReutersMatheus Cunha was the star of the show againCredit: ReutersHe celebrated that with a goal against Aston Villa last weekend and was on target again here to help Vitor Pereira’s men into the fifth round.Cunha and fellow Brazilian Joao Gomes struck within the space of a minute in the first half to bring a touch of Samba magic to a freezing day in East Lancashire.The talk among home fans in the build-up to the game was about an approach from Derby for John Eustace – which is believed to appeal to the Rovers boss.On the face of it, the idea of swapping a team in the play-off positions for one in the relegation zone looks a puzzling one.Yet his team have lost seven of their last 11 league games to leave their position in the top six much more precarious.He was also frustrated by a lack of support from the board in January, suggesting the new signings who did come in were made by the club rather than him.Even so two of them – Yuri RIbeiro and Emmanuel Dennis – were handed debuts here and were among eight changes made by Eustace.Another new arrival – winger Augustus Kargbo – blazed an effort over the bar but was causing the visitors defence a real headache down the left.And the Championship side thought they had a lead which would not have flattered them as Dominic Hyam nodded in John Buckley’s swirling free-kick at the back post.Celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag but replays showed they were hard done by and VAR would almost certainly have seen the goal stand.Minutes later live-wire winger Kargbo burst into the box and went down under a challenge from Emmanuel Agbadou.Referee Lewis Smith whistled but instead of pointing to the spot he booked the Rovers new boy for a dive.It was looking promising for Rovers but in the blink of an eye, the tie changed and before long they had a mountain to climb.Todd Cantwell lost possession and Wolves worked it well with Hwang Hee Chan picking out Joao Gomes in the box.The forward’s shot lacked any conviction but still squirmed under second choice keeper Balazs Toth and crept over the line for his third of the season.  It was a poor goal to concede and Rovers were still feeling sorry for themselves when they shipped a second just over a minute later.  This time it was an impressive move as Rodrigo Gomes and Nelson Semedo worked it out to Cunha on the right.His first time shot flashed past Toth at his near post – although again the Hungarian keeper might have been disappointed.There is no doubting the quality of Brazil international Cunha though – no wonder Wolves moved to protect their investment by giving him a lucrative new deal earlier this month.Rovers could have gone under but came close to grabbing one back before the break with Sam Johnstone saving smartly from Dennis at his near post.And after the break, Cantwell swapped passes with Amario Cozier-Duberry but lifted his shot high over the bar.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Rovers efforts fizzled out and it was Wolves who looked more likely to add to their tally with Toth making a full stretch save to tip away Cunha’s long range effort.Sub Pablo Serabia flicked an effort over the bar and put another into the side-netting but in the end it didn’t matter. 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      We have GOT to take death threats to referees seriously… we shouldn’t assume it ‘won’t happen’ in Premier League

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      YOU have to be a special sort of thug to threaten a referee with death.It’s impossible to imagine how any spectator could wield a knife or point a firearm at a man because he disagrees with a football decision.Michael Oliver received death threats after sending Myles Lewis-Skelly off against WolvesCredit: PALewis-Skelly was sent off for a foul on Matt DohertyCredit: PABut it does happen and in this mixed-up world no threat to kill should be ignored.Several football officials have been murdered by bullet or blade in the US, Colombia, Somalia, Argentina and several other countries in the last dozen years.And we should not assume it could not  happen here, evidence of more than 2,500 reported assaults recently in grassroots football points to the grim possibility.Believe it or not, one recent attack followed an Under-7s game and another was on a 17-year-old assistant ref.Read More in FootballFootball is a passionate game. It is mostly played fairly on the pitch.In the professional game fortunately there are precautions in the ground and outside, supervised by the police and stewards.And Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes recently claimed that the rest of the world regarded our refereeing as “a model they would like to follow”.Correct this may be but Scholes would not wish any country to approve of the treatment of referee Michael Oliver who suffered “death threats” after Arsenal’s game against Wolves at Molineux.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOliver sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly for a foul on Wolves defender Matt Doherty.VAR supported the call, leading to fury among Arsenal supporters.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesThe red card was controversial but could not excuse threats of physical attacks of any type.Refs in all sports must be a protected species from violence or gross abuse.Oliver’s response has been restrained and next week he is in charge of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool.Fortunately there have been no threats towards the VAR assistant ref Darren England.He supported Oliver’s decision — one that, to be honest, seemed perhaps a notch above the  usual verdict for similar offences.A point to be made here — football is a game of great passion but when players’ react angrily to refs decisions, it does stir the rage of a number of hot-blooded supporters.And a few of them are evil enough to threaten refs with injury and even death.My view is that overall the Premier League refereeing standards are high, although conclusions involving VAR are over-elaborate — as if the ref were a chess master studying a key move.Commenting on a new report on Premier League refereeing, Scholes said that the vast majority of decisions were being made more quickly.Notably, VAR was faster and in use less often than in past seasons.The red card decision was eventually overturned by the FACredit: GettySixty-four errors had been made by refs in key incidents after 23 matchweeks this season, down from 80 in 2023-24 over the same number.Only four of 70 VAR interventions were incorrect — four too many in my book.For spectators, protracted delays are the most irritating part of VAR.And that has long made me wonder whether VAR is good value — even with the alleged improvement in accuracy and delivery at only 20 seconds.Can we be confident this figure is stopwatch precise?It wouldn’t feel like it for many of us sitting in the stands awaiting the VAR decisions.The general tone of Scholes’ comments seems fair, though and he will surely agree with the view that refs must remain aware that the drama of actual play should not spoiled by repeated stoppages, or incorrect calls.The importance of accurate refereeing should never be underestimated, either.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne bad decision can lead to some serious repercussions.Lost points, relegation, missing out on Europe, and, god help us, death threats — none of which are welcome. More

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      New VAR protocol seen just once before in England leaves fans divided as they claim Newcastle ‘robbed’ vs Arsenal

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      FANS were left divided by a new VAR protocol used for only the second time in England.During Newcastle’s League Cup semi-final win against Arsenal, Alexander Isak raced through on goal after just four minutes before slotting in to seemingly make it 1-0.Simon Hooper announced the decision that Alexander Isak was offside after scoring against ArsenalCredit: Sky SportsIsak scored after just four minutes but when the goal was ruled out the TVCredit: GettyHowever, the goal was chalked off by VAR following an offside check.Referee Simon Hooper then announced the decision over the stadium speakers, only the second time this has been seen after it was used during Tottenham’s League Cup first-leg with Liverpool last month.Despite the announcement, fans at home were originally not shown the offside lines being drawn to confirm the decision.Fans rushed to social media to give their say on the new protocol, with some furious at the goal being ruled out without complete clarity being provided.One fan said: “The referee mic’d up. This is what happens when you let yanks anywhere near our beautiful game.”A second said: “Love this new referee announcement. Well done.”A third said: “They didn’t even draw any lines just straight offside lol.”Another said: “Newcastle robbed.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe offside was shown to fans at home later onCredit: Sky Sports/EFLA fifth added: “That is a daylight robbery against Newcastle.”A sixth said: “This referee live mic in is too funny. Sounds like a little kid breathing in his mic on Fortnite haha.”Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolAnother said: “Ref looked absolutely petrified there, not sure they signed up for public speaking in front of 50k.”An eighth said: “Referee on the mic is a complete waste of time, why doesn’t the ref announce a VAR check immediately after the goal is scored if they doubt the validity of it. As it stands there is still a 2/3 min, and more, delay in the stadium where no one knows what’s going on, nothing’s changed.”The offside lines were later shown to fans back home, revealing how far Isak had strayed offside before the disallowed goal.In a statement on the decision, the EFL said: “Isak’s goal was initially awarded on-field. “VAR checked and determined that he was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”Isak was involved once again later on when Newcastle did make a breakthrough.The Swede raced through on goal behind William Saliba seconds after Martin Odegaard fired the ball against the post.His curling effort beat David Raya but hit the post before it cannoned back out to where Jacob Murphy was for him to tap into an open net, with his shot amazingly also glancing the post on the way in.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnthony Gordon capitalised on a Raya mistake to make it 2-0 which is how the game ended, meaning a 4-0 aggregate win for the Toon.Newcastle will meet Liverpool or Tottenham in the final.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Premier League refs are best in world and other countries AGREE say chiefs – as just four mistakes this season revealed

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs remain convinced they have “the best referees in the world” — and insist that other countries AGREE.As officials in Spain discussed going on strike in protest at abuse from fans and clubs,  the Prem’s chief football officer claimed that top-flight whistlers are better than they have ever been.Chiefs reckon Premier League refs are the world’s best despite some high-profile errorsCredit: RexMichael Oliver’s red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly was later overturnedCredit: PATony Scholes said: “One of our main targets is to have the best match officials in the world — and we do. “We have ten officials on the Fifa list and two of them — Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor — are in the top ten in the world according to Fifa.“Other leagues around the world look up to the officials and VAR process in this country as a model they would like  to follow.“That’s the message we get from people around the world.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Oliver and Taylor have been at the centre of major controversies this season.Oliver red-carded Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for ‘serious foul play’ at Wolves last month but the player’s three-match ban was overturned on appeal.He was also the VAR who advised ref David Coote to review an  injury-time incident when  West Ham beat Manchester United after being awarded a  late penalty  — that ultimately led to Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag’s October sacking.And Taylor giving Brighton a penalty against Arsenal last month when William Saliba ‘headed’ Joao Pedro led to Gunners fury.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet that West Ham spot-kick is one of only FOUR mistakes after a VAR intervention so far this season — according to the Prem’s key match incident panel, which including ex-players, managers and referees.The panel also highlighted another nine  incidents where the VAR should have intervened.Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersThose four VAR errors . . .BOURNEMOUTH 1 NEWCASTLE 1Dango Ouattara’s late ‘winner’ was wrongly chalked off for handball after being awarded on the field.WEST HAM 2 MAN UTD 1Hammers’ stoppage-time spot-kick  winner came after Michael Oliver advised David Coote to review Matthijs de Ligt’s contact with Danny Ings.EVERTON 0 BRENTFORD 0Christian Norgaard should not have received a red card for ploughing into keeper Jordan Pickford.NOTTM FOREST 3 SOUTHAMPTON 2Nikola Milenkovic’s goal was ruled out for subjective offside against Chris Wood,  but VAR should not have got involved.That figure is markedly down from the total of 20 cock-ups at the same point of last season and 25 at the corresponding time in 2022-23.Scholes added: “Nobody under-estimates the gigantic impact of any single error.“They can cost a club points, managers their jobs, players their place in the team and have a huge impact on a game of such high stakes“But, while there were four incorrect interventions, that means 66  correct ones while the total errors are down.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Former referee Dermot Gallagher spots VAR ‘optical illusion’ in Chelsea’s controversial goal against West Ham

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      DERMOT GALLAGHER pointed out a flaw with the VAR system… it can be littered with “optical illusions”.The former match official was appearing on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch to discuss two major incidents in Chelsea’s controversial win over West Ham.Dermot Gallagher called this still image an ‘optical illusion’Dermot Gallagher believes it was the correct decision to allow Chelsea’s goal to standIn the build up to Pedro Neto’s all-important second-half equaliser, Jarrod Bowen was bundled over by Levi Colwill.No foul was given and play waved on, as Chelsea went up the other end to score.But the goal itself was also mired in controversy after Marc Cucurella was adjudged to NOT be offside.Neto whipped the ball across with the left-back in an offside position.READ MORE SPORT STORIESHowever, there was much debate as to whether Marc Guiu got a flick on the ball en-route to Cucurella.If he had, then Cucurella would absolutely have been offside.The ball came across to Neto, who smashed the ball into the back of the net.After a VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand, with Guiu therefore not adjudged to have got a flick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGallagher – who admitted the collision between Bowen and Colwill could perhaps have been a free-kick for West Ham – said it looked as though Guiu got a touch based on a still photo.However, he called it an optical illusion as he pointed to the fact you couldn’t see a touch when watching the video.Chelsea vs West Ham: Player Ratings BreakdownGallagher said: “If he touches it, without doubt Cucurella is offside.”But you look at it, there’s one angle that I think is an optical illusion…”It looks as though he touches it but it’s a still photo and I think still photos can be deceiving.”You look at it and there’s no evidence he’s touched the ball.”So I feel he’s duty bound to allow the goal.”Gallagher went on to admit while the foul on Bowen should have been given, enough time had passed between that incident and the goal to not go back and check it.On the goal, the Premier League commented: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as there was no factual evidence that Guiu made contact with the ball in the build-up, therefore there was no offside offence.”CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Levi Colwill’s sluggish performance saved by Pedro Neto’s best showing in a Blues shirtCHELSEA capitalised on the failures of their rivals to move up to fourth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham.A host of changes from Enzo Maresca upped the tempo in the second half, and they paid dividends with Pedro Neto driving home an equaliser in the 63rd minute after a shot from Fernandez.Jarrod Bowen had capitalised on a Levi Colwill error to fire West Ham ahead.Fans grew optimistic as the home side grew into the game, which culminated in a deflected Cole Palmer effort sending the Bridge into raptures as they went 2-1 up.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s performance.Filip Jorgensen – 7It would’ve been a tough task to disappoint Chelsea fans after what they have seen from Robert Sanchez in recent weeks.There wasn’t an awful lot he could do about the opener, and actually made some pretty good stops to prevent his side being more than one goal down at the halfway point.Those saves proved vital, and he should expect to start against Brighton up next.Reece James – 6His crosses from the right were good throughout the first half, but there was no one clinical enough in the box to grab him an assist.Strong defensively, but ultimately didn’t have much to do in that aspect with Chelsea dominant on the flanks.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Strong in the air and pretty good across the ground.Perhaps could have done a little more to prevent Bowen opening the scoring as he seemed to stand and watch him shoot, but overall was good and is growing into a good, consistent Premier League centre half.His vital block in added time might well have been the difference between three points and one.Levi Colwill – 3His awful backpass rolledBowen in perfectly to give the Hammers the lead just before first half-time.A lousy and sluggish performance improved in the second half after his side took the lead, but he was fortunate not to cost his side points tonight.Marc Cucurella – 7Inverted well from left back into midfield in a role that looks made for him, he was strong in his tackles and good in the air from start to finish.Got into dangerous positions going forward, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to his game on this occasion.Moises Caicedo – 7Tenacious tackling and energy is what the home fans have become accustomed to seeing from their Ecuadorian destroyer.Glimpses of that in the first half extended into a mature and controlled second 45 minutes where he looked to have Mo Kudus’ number.Enzo Fernández – 5Missed a huge chance to give Chelsea the lead which he rolled past the left hand post from a few yards out.It was his blocked effort which bounced out for Neto to level the scoring, but overall the Argentine looked a bit off the pace in midfield.Noni Madueke – 4Perhaps should’ve had a goal and assist in the first half an hour as he was set up by Nicolas Jackson and put the ball on a plate for Fernandez, but neither chance was converted.His best moment of the second half was when he bodied the referee, before being subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Cole Palmer – 7A quiet first half had the travelling fans comparing him to Andy Irving, but he soon showed them up.Almost scored a free-kick similar to the one we saw against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola.It was his deflected effort that put his side in the lead as he grew into the game more and more.Jadon Sancho – 4His quick feet made him a threat on the left-hand side in the first half, but again his end product or lack thereof would’ve cost Chelsea if his replacement didn’t bail them out.Was subbed five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.Nicolas Jackson – 3Showed some promising signs early on with a good ball into Noni Madueke, who narrowly missed the goal.Aside from that, he looked like a striker utterly devoid of any confidence and was poor before being hooked for 18-year-old Marc Guiu.SUBSMarc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5Didn’t really do a lot wrong or right after coming on for Nicolas Jackson.Certainly looks more confident in the Conference League, but Premier League minutes in the tank will do him good.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8His best performance in a Chelsea shirt since he joined.A composed finish saw him level the scoring before more great work in the build up sawPalmer rifle home a deflected effort.Great energy, work rate, and end product from Maresca’s own Portuguese magnifico.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6Was energetic and strong after replacing captain Reece James, also playing a part in the goal that put his side in the lead.His passing was good and he looked more like the player who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last campaign.Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5Did a job for the team out of position on the left-hand side in Jadon Sancho’s position. 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      ‘Only good thing he’s done today’ fume Chelsea fans as Noni Madueke knocks over referee Stuart Attwell

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      CHELSEA fans fumed and poked fun at Noni Madueke after he knocked over the referee against West Ham.The winger was not having the best game as he missed a good chance in the first half.Noni Madueke bundled over ref Stuart AttwellThe ref fell directly in front of Cole Palmer and caused a delay to the attackCredit: GettyAnd with Chelsea on the attack, he took his eye off ref Stuart Attwell and went crashing into the official, knocking him over.Attwell landed directly in the path of Cole Palmer who had the ball, which meant Chelsea had to delay their attack and the chance came to nothing.Palmer fumed with the ref for interrupting play but there was nothing he could do to avoid Madueke, who copped flak from his own supporters.One Chelsea fan reacted saying: “Only good thing Madueke has done today there by knocking over Atwell.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “The only time I’ve smiled in this game is when Noni Madueke pushed a referee to the floor. Life under Clearlake.”A third wrote: “Ref send Madueke off please, that’s violent conduct.”And another commented: “No way Madueke bodied the ref 😂😂”Madueke was substituted minutes after the incident and it quickly led to a turnaround for the hosts as sub Pedro Neto fired in a rebound after Enzo Fernandez’s strike was blocked.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Levi Colwill’s sluggish performance saved by Pedro Neto’s best showing in a Blues shirtCHELSEA capitalised on the failures of their rivals to move up to fourth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham.A host of changes from Enzo Maresca upped the tempo in the second half, and they paid dividends with Pedro Neto driving home an equaliser in the 63rd minute after a shot from Fernandez.Jarrod Bowen had capitalised on a Levi Colwill error to fire West Ham ahead.Fans grew optimistic as the home side grew into the game, which culminated in a deflected Cole Palmer effort sending the Bridge into raptures as they went 2-1 up.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s performance.Filip Jorgensen – 7It would’ve been a tough task to disappoint Chelsea fans after what they have seen from Robert Sanchez in recent weeks.There wasn’t an awful lot he could do about the opener, and actually made some pretty good stops to prevent his side being more than one goal down at the halfway point.Those saves proved vital, and he should expect to start against Brighton up next.Reece James – 6His crosses from the right were good throughout the first half, but there was no one clinical enough in the box to grab him an assist.Strong defensively, but ultimately didn’t have much to do in that aspect with Chelsea dominant on the flanks.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Strong in the air and pretty good across the ground.Perhaps could have done a little more to prevent Bowen opening the scoring as he seemed to stand and watch him shoot, but overall was good and is growing into a good, consistent Premier League centre half.His vital block in added time might well have been the difference between three points and one.Levi Colwill – 3His awful backpass rolledBowen in perfectly to give the Hammers the lead just before first half-time.A lousy and sluggish performance improved in the second half after his side took the lead, but he was fortunate not to cost his side points tonight.Marc Cucurella – 7Inverted well from left back into midfield in a role that looks made for him, he was strong in his tackles and good in the air from start to finish.Got into dangerous positions going forward, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to his game on this occasion.Moises Caicedo – 7Tenacious tackling and energy is what the home fans have become accustomed to seeing from their Ecuadorian destroyer.Glimpses of that in the first half extended into a mature and controlled second 45 minutes where he looked to have Mo Kudus’ number.Enzo Fernández – 5Missed a huge chance to give Chelsea the lead which he rolled past the left hand post from a few yards out.It was his blocked effort which bounced out for Neto to level the scoring, but overall the Argentine looked a bit off the pace in midfield.Noni Madueke – 4Perhaps should’ve had a goal and assist in the first half an hour as he was set up by Nicolas Jackson and put the ball on a plate for Fernandez, but neither chance was converted.His best moment of the second half was when he bodied the referee, before being subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Cole Palmer – 7A quiet first half had the travelling fans comparing him to Andy Irving, but he soon showed them up.Almost scored a free-kick similar to the one we saw against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola.It was his deflected effort that put his side in the lead as he grew into the game more and more.Jadon Sancho – 4His quick feet made him a threat on the left-hand side in the first half, but again his end product or lack thereof would’ve cost Chelsea if his replacement didn’t bail them out.Was subbed five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.Nicolas Jackson – 3Showed some promising signs early on with a good ball into Noni Madueke, who narrowly missed the goal.Aside from that, he looked like a striker utterly devoid of any confidence and was poor before being hooked for 18-year-old Marc Guiu.SUBSMarc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5Didn’t really do a lot wrong or right after coming on for Nicolas Jackson.Certainly looks more confident in the Conference League, but Premier League minutes in the tank will do him good.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8His best performance in a Chelsea shirt since he joined.A composed finish saw him level the scoring before more great work in the build up sawPalmer rifle home a deflected effort.Great energy, work rate, and end product from Maresca’s own Portuguese magnifico.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6Was energetic and strong after replacing captain Reece James, also playing a part in the goal that put his side in the lead.His passing was good and he looked more like the player who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last campaign.Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5Did a job for the team out of position on the left-hand side in Jadon Sancho’s position.That levelled the match after Jarrod Bowen’s first half opener and Chelsea completed the comeback when Palmer’s cross deflected over the goalkeeper’s head.That proved to be the winner to send Chelsea back into the top four as former boss Graham Potter left Stamford Bridge with nothing.Chelsea star ‘called cop “f***ing stupid & white” after row over taxi fare on drunken night out with partner’- More

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      Arsenal vs Man City referee appointment lacks common sense – Gunners fans are right to be unhappy, says ex-Prem ref

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      THE appointment of Peter Bankes for the power-keg Premier League showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City lacks common sense.Gunners fans are up in arms because Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football Association.Arsenal face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash at the EmiratesCredit: ALAMYPeter Bankes has been appointed the referee for the matchCredit: REXGunners fans are up in arms as Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football AssociationCredit: GETTYAnd I believe the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have brought undue pressure on Bankes and themselves with the appointment for today’s Emirates clash with Arsenal vying with Liverpool in the title race.In the wake of Michael Oliver receiving death threats and abuse after he wrongly sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 1-0 win at Wolves last weekend, refs’ chiefs have made an unnecessary appointment.They are not helping themselves.The game is big enough because of the huge rivalry as outlined by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSBut the appointment will only increase the pressure on Bankes.I would never question the integrity of any match official.But if anything happens then Bankes will be in the firing line.Arsenal fans are already fuming over Oliver’s decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut VAR Darren England and then the PGMOL were more to blame.England should have intervened at Molineux and then there was no reason for the PGMOL to back a decision which was clearly incorrect.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory The statement to support the red card only inflamed the situation.I saw Gary Neville accuse Mikel Arteta of fuelling Arsenal fans’ growing hostility towards referees but I disagree.If Prem officials got decisions right on a consistent basis then the majority of supporters would have no complaints.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More