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      ‘Uefa should look into it’ – Watch Barcelona star get bundled over three times in FOUR SECONDS as he demands ref probe

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      PEDRI has urged Uefa to investigate the referee for his performance as Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The Spanish giants were knocked out of Europe’s premier competition by Inter Milan in a thrilling semi-final tie.Francesco Acerbi appeared to push Pedri down three times in four secondsCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe Barcelona star repeatedly fell to the groundCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe first push was in the penalty areaCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaInter won the tie 7-6 on aggregate following a 4-3 win at the San Siro in the second leg on Tuesday night.Barcelona were minutes from booking their spot in the final after Raphinha put them ahead in the 87th minute.However, the Italians hit back through Francesco Acerbi before Davide Frattesi scored the winner in extra time.After the match, Pedri vented his frustration at the performance from referee Szymon Marciniak.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe claimed that the referee gave every split decision to the hosts.The midfielder claimed: “It’s not the first time this happens to us with this referee, Uefa should look into it.”Every 50-50 for them. There are things that I don’t understand and which are hard to explain.”One moment of the game that left Pedri red in the face was multiple pushes from Acerbi.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA video taken from the stands shows the defender pushing the midfielder to the ground three times in FOUR SECONDS.Marciniak awarded Inter a penalty after he was called to the screen by VAR for a foul by Pau Cubarsí on Lautaro Martinez.Inter Milan hero Frattesi drops F-bomb live on TV after win over Barcelona leaving CBS Sports studio in hystericsPedri has urged Uefa to look into referee Szymon Mariniak’s peformanceCredit: ReutersBarcelona also believed they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Gerard Martín in the build-up to Acerbi’s goal.Marciniak had awarded the LaLiga giants a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal before VAR intervened.The Polish official was also in charge when Inter drew 3-3 with Barcelona in the Group Stage of the 2022 edition of the tournament.Barcelona manager Hansi Flick echoed Pedri’s complaints in his post-match press conference.He said: “I don’t want to talk too much about the referee, but every decision that was 50-50 went (Inter’s) way.”I am disappointed, but not with my team. They tried everything. It’s the way it is. We are out, but next year we will try again to make the fans happy.Read More on The Sun”It makes me sad. My team did an excellent job.”I don’t like talking about the referee, I’ve told him what I think, but I’m not going to say it here what I’ve said.”Hansi Flick was not happy with the Polish officialCredit: Reuters More

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      Who is Felix Zwayer? Meet the German referee officiating the PSG vs Arsenal Champions League semi-final second leg

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      FELIX ZWAYER will officiate in Paris as the Gunners aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit in a crucial Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday 7 May, 2025.Here is everything you need to know about the referee who received a six-month ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.UEFA stood by their decision to appoint Felix Zwayer to Euro 2024 semi-final England V Netherlands despite his pastCredit: Getty The match-fixing scandal is still on the minds of Felix Zwayer criticsCredit: GettyWho is Felix Zwayer?Felix Zwayer is a German football referee, based in Berlin.Born on May 18, 1981, he officiates for SC Charlottenburg of the Berlin Football Association. He is a FIFA referee and is ranked as a UEFA elite category referee.Felix began his refereeing career in 2003 and worked his way up through the ranks of German football.Read More on ZwayerHe made his Bundesliga debut in 2012 and soon become a regular fixture in their matches.In 2005, his career took a hit when he found himself involved in a match-fixing scandal. It was revealed that he accepted a €300 bribe from referee Robert Hoyzer, who was involved in a larger match-fixing scandal at the time in Germany.Felix was banned from refereeing for six months by the German Football Association (DFB) as a result of his involvement.Most read in Champions LeagueEngland sensation Jude Bellingham referred to the scandal in a post-match interview and was fined £33,970 from the German FA for his comments about Felix in 2021.What big matches has Felix Zwayer officiated before?Zwayer last officiated an English side when Liverpool beat Lille 2-1 in JanuaryCredit: EPAFelix has been involved in various UEFA and FIFA competitions, including qualifiers for the World Cup and the European Championship.He has also refereed matches in top club competitions such as the Champions League and the Europa League.The German has refereed 36 Champions League games in his career with his most recent Champions League assignment being Barcelona’s 1-0 win against Benfica on March 5, 2025.Felix’s last game officiating an English side was Liverpool’s 2-1 triumph over Lille on January 21, 2025, which also saw a red card for Lille’s Aissa Mandi.Despite the scandal, Felix continued to work his way up the ranks and was selected by FIFA to be one of the video assistant referees for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.But in December 2021, he was heavily criticised for not awarding Borussia Dortmund a penalty and for sending off coach Marco Rose during a game.You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany, what do you expect?Jude BellinghamAfter the match, the former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham, who now plays for Real Madrid, referred to Felix’s past.Bellingham told ViaPlay after Dortmund’s 3-2 loss: “You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany, what do you expect?”Felix took a break from refereeing after the incident, but returned in February 2022.Referee Felix Zwayer and England player Jude Bellingham have historyCredit: GettyWhat else has Felix Zwayer done?Away from the pitch, Felix is a real estate manager.He owns a company with three other partners. What is Felix Zwayer’s VAR history?Zwayer has refereed in 384 games in his careerCredit: GettyThe Bundesliga pioneered the rise of VAR in European football, introducing the technology in 2017 and becoming one of the first leagues in Europe to do so. VAR is regularly used in Germany where Felix has officiated the majority of his 384 games with the whistle.Felix has used it in a number of matches, including the match where Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund in December 2021.He controversially chose not to award Dortmund a penalty for a foul on Marco Reus but subsequently gave Bayern a spot-kick for a dubious handball on Mats Hummels. The new semi-automated offside technology denied Mikel Merino an equaliser in the first leg and it is a system yet to be implemented in German football.Read More on The SunWith the system being introduced next season to the Bundesliga, Felix has been involved in the trialing of it. The Gunners will be hoping that it won’t spoil their fun again when they face PSG at the Parc de Princes. More

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      PSG vs Arsenal referee served six-month ban for match-fixing after accepting bribe and was blasted by Bellingham

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      THE REFEREE taking charge of Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain previously served a six-month ban for match fixing.Felix Zwayer, 43, has been tasked with officiating Wednesday night’s semi-final second leg clash at the Parc des Princes.Arsenal’s referee against PSG previously served a six-month ban for match fixingCredit: RexThe German is one of Uefa’s top-ranked referees and took charge of England’s semi-final win over the Netherlands at last summer’s Euros.Zwayer now faces another major night as Arsenal look to come back from their 1-0 loss to PSG in the first leg.The two sides are set to go hammer and tongs in search of a place in the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan.But ahead of kick-off, Zwayer’s chequered past has now come to light.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn 2005, he was punished for accepting a bribe from fellow ref Robert Hoyzer.Zwayer was a linesman at the time and took £250 to fix a second division match in Germany.An investigation revealed that Hoyzer had been accepting money from a Croatian gambling syndicate connected to an organised crime group.He was banned from football for life while also receiving a prison sentence of two years and five months.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs for Zwayer, he was suspended from football for six months before returning to eventually become a Bundesliga ref in 2009.His bribery scandal has not gone unnoticed by players though, with Jude Bellingham referencing it while blasting Zwayer for a controversial penalty decision against former club Borussia Dortmund.Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League placesZwayer was blasted by Jude Bellingham during the ace’s Borussia Dortmund daysCredit: GettySpeaking after a defeat to rivals Bayern Munich three years ago, Bellingham said: “For me it wasn’t a penalty. You can look at a lot of the other decisions in the game.“You give a referee that has, you know, match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany – what do you expect?” More

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      Lucas Paqueta appears to break down in TEARS after getting yellow card as West Ham star faces lifetime ban

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      WEST HAM star Lucas Paqueta was in tears after being booked against Tottenham this afternoon.The Brazilian, 27, was shown a yellow card by referee Michael Oliver following a late challenge on Spurs sub Mikey Moore.Lucas Paqueta was devastated after being bookedCredit: GettyTHIS 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

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      Premier League release statement after Evanilson’s match-winner against Arsenal is allowed following lengthy VAR delay

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      ARSENAL were left fuming after Evanilson’s match-winning goal was confirmed by VAR following a lengthy review.Bournemouth came from behind to beat Mikel Arteta’s side 2-1 and completed their first ever league double over the Gunners.Evanilson fought off Martin Odegaard as he scored the winner for BournemouthCredit: AlamyEvanilson completed a shock turnaround over ArsenalCredit: RexIt couldn’t have gone worse for Arsenal before their Champions League second legCredit: AlamyThe hosts held the advantage at the break thanks to a Declan Rice goal after 34 minutes, but the Cherries turned the game around in the second half.Dean Huijsen’s header from a long throw brought Bournemouth level in the 67th minute.Before Evanilson netted a scrappy second after battling Martin Odegaard during a corner routine in the 75th minute.The striker’s goal was checked by VAR due to claims from the Arsenal players that the Brazilian had handled the ball. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStockley Park official Michael Salisbury stuck with the referee’s decision and now the league have explained why.An X post read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with no conclusive evidence that Evanilson handled the ball before scoring.”And former England goalkeeper Robert Green agreed with the decision. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Green said: “In the VAR booth there’s no evidence to say it’s off the hand. It’s not conclusive.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEvanilson was initially suspended for the match before the FA overturned his red card against Manchester United during the week.The result is a huge boost to Bournemouth’s European hopes as they jumped up to eighth in the Premier League table.Mikel Arteta targets Champions League glory after Arsenal knock out Real Madrid Should the Cherries stay there and Manchester City win the FA Cup, Andoni Iraola’s side would likely qualify for the Europa Conference League.Arsenal fans were fuming with Arteta’s starting line-up before kick-off.The Spaniard fielded his strongest XI against the Cherries, with a huge second-leg clash against PSG to come on Wednesday.His team included all the key players from Bukayo Saka to William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly.This is a far cry from the decision taken by PSG boss Luis Enrique, who leads 1-0 from the first leg.The Spaniard made TEN changes to his Parisian side that secured their 13th Ligue 1 title a few weeks back. More

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      Moment Jamie Vardy grabs referee’s wrist and blows whistle to stop game while official lies prone on the ground

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      THIS is the moment Jamie Vardy grabbed a referee’s wrist and blew his whistle top stop the game as the official lay prone on the ground.The bizarre incident occurred during Leicester’s Premier League clash against Southampton.Jamie Vardy grabbed a ref’s wrist before blowing into his whistleCredit: GettyThe bizarre moment occurred after David Webb went down injured after a collisionCredit: PAThere was nothing at stake for either side following their confirmed relegations to the Championship.But Leicester made sure they turned up in front of their home fans when Vardy bagged an opener in the 17th minute.The Foxes began to turn up the heat on Southampton at the King Power Stadium.But just four minutes later, the game was suspended after referee David Webb suffered an injury.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe official fell to the floor holding his face after a collision with Leicester’s Jordan Ayew.Webb rolled around on the turf as players from both sides gathered round to check on him.But Vardy left fans in stitches as he bent down to grab Webb’s wrist.The Premier League winner, who is leaving Leicester when his contract expires this summer, then took hold of Webb’s whistle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd he brought the game to a halt by blowing into it for a cheeky ‘peep’.Proceedings ended up stopping for 12 whole minutes as Webb received treatment.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsBut fans were left tickled by Vardy’s behaviour on a warm afternoon.One said: “There’s no f*****g way.”Another declared: “The PL is going to miss him.”One noted: “This is prime Vardy.”Another added: “Peaky Barclays man.”The delay failed to knock the wind out of Leicester’s sails though, with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men doubling their lead before half-time through Ayew. More

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      Leicester vs Southampton DELAYED as referee forced off on his DEBUT after undergoing treatment

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      LEICESTER CITY’S Premier League clash with Southampton was DELAYED for 12 minutes after the referee was forced to go off for treatment.Ref David Webb – who was replaced on his Prem debut – fell to the deck holding his face after Jordan Ayew collided with him as he ran past. Leicester City’s Premier League clash with Southampton has been suspended after the referee was forced to go off for treatmentThe referee fell to the deck holding his face after Jordan Ayew collided with himThe official was making his Premier League debutDavid Webb was forced off down the tunnel for a concussion checkPlay was delayed for 12 minutesThe unfortunate incident happened in the 33rd minute after Jamie Vardy scored Leicester’s first goal at home since December 8.But Webb couldn’t have endured a worse Premier League refereeing debut.The official dropped to the turf and held his face for several seconds after catching the shoulder of Leicester star Ayew in the middle of the pitch.And Leicester captain Vardy felt compelled to step in as he bent down to lift Webb’s arm to blow the whistle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPREMIER LEAGUE LIVE – LATEST GOAL UPDATESIn fact, Vardy blew the whistle while it was still in Webb’s hand as he laid on the pitch face down.Vardy – who scored his 199th goal for Leicester – then instantly walked off, before physios stormed the pitch to come to the official’s aid.Webb came back to his feet after a few minutes before heading down the tunnel for a concussion check at the King Power Stadium.Most read in FootballWith play formally suspended thanks to Vardy’s intervention, both sets of players were milling around on the pitch waiting.Leicester star Ayew accidentally bumped into WebbJamie Vardy ran over to take the whistle from the referee and blow itCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Webb couldn’t continue the rest of the game, so fourth official Sam Barratt was subbed in to resume play after the lengthy delay.A commentator said: “Webb is said to be OK and is under observation.”Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsReferee’s delegate Phil Sharp was forced to step in as the fourth official during the unprecedented scenes.And it was Ayew who then extended relegated Leicester’s lead in the 44th minute.The former Crystal Palace star’s free-kick hit the wall from 25 yards, before he hammered in a half-volley into the bottom left corner.Both sets of players were milling around on the pitch waitingFourth official Sam Barratt was forced to sub in for Webb More

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      ‘Do you know the rules?’ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clash

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      BRUNO FERNANDES brutally shut down a Spanish journalist who disagreed with Athletic Bilbao’s red card.Fernandes bluntly explained the rules of the game after guiding his side to a 3-0 win in their Europa League semi-final first leg in the Basque Country.Bruno Fernandes gave a frosty interview after a reporter quizzed him about Athletic Bilbao’s red cardCredit: X @elchiringuitotvAfter a lengthy VAR review, Bilbao centre-back Daniel Vivian was sent off and conceded a penalty for pulling down Rasmus Hojlund in the 35th minute.With United already 1-0 up thanks to Casemiro’s back-post header five minutes before, Fernandes converted the penalty to double their lead under huge pressure from the home support.Fans inside the San Mames were stunned when Vivian was given his marching orders by referee Espen Eskas, who claimed he failed to make an attempt for the ball when denying a clear goal scoring opportunity.This point appeared to be lost on the reporter when questioning Fernandes, who had no issue setting the record straight. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe United playmaker questioned whether the reporter knew the rules of the game in a frosty exchange.The journalist began asking: “What did you think of the referee and whether he might have harmed Athletic Club?”Fernandes quizzed back in Spanish: “Do you think it wasn’t a penalty?”Before the reporter replied: “I think it could be a penalty but not a red card.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut that prompted Fernandes to hit back: “Why wasn’t it a red card? Do you know the rules?”If he tries to tackle with his feet it’s a yellow card. If he pushes him or does it with his hands, it has to be a red card.”Bruno Fernandes walks out for Manchester derby with first wheelchair mascot after he saw 7-year-old’s celebration onlineBilbao players were outraged that Alejandro Garnacho had not been pulled up for a handball in the lead up to Vivian’s foul. Striker Inaki Williams said: “There are some plays that raise doubts. “The play before the penalty comes from a handball by Garnacho, which the referee doesn’t see.”Fernandes insisted that he did not see the incident and pointed to a decision United should have got moments before.The 30-year-old star then compared chatter around refereeing between Spain and his native Portugal with England.He said: “I didn’t see it but I think there was also a penalty on Garnacho.”Talking about the referee here, I think it’s a custom in Spain and Portugal.”But I’m in England and my mind has changed a long time ago and I’m not going to do it. “The referees are like us, they make mistakes but I don’t think he made a mistake today.”The comment appeared to upset at least two of the hosts back in the studio.Fernandes made it 3-0 with a composed finish from Manuel Ugarte’s through ball on the brink of half-time.Read More on The SunThe Portugal international is approaching 40 goal contributions this term, having scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists.He already has the most assists in Europa League history, with 18 and his 27 goals are the third most scored in the competition. More