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      Female ref banned for life over sex tape scandal claims video was made with AI and ‘malicious intentions’

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      THE Turkish referee at the centre of a sex tape scandal has claimed that the X-rated video was faked using AI.Elif Karaarslan, 24, was this week banned from officiating after a video was alleged to have shown her having sex with referees’ observer Orhan Erdemir, 61.Elif Karaarslan has been officiating since 2020Credit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17The Turkish official has found herself at the centre of a sex tape scandalCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Karaarslan denies being the woman in an X-rated video circulating onlineCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Karaarslan, who played for Besiktas before having her career cut short by injuries, has denied being in the video.She said: “I will have a long road ahead legally, but will overcome in the strongest and most robust way.”I look forward to your full support and love in this process. Crying, screaming and being sad are not things I would do. That is not me.”I will stand by my cause until the end. I am just one of many who are being harmed – I hope I am the last.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHer legal team have claimed that her alleged role in the video, which has circulated online, has been fabricated by technology.Their statement claimed: “A montaged video was published on social media, created entirely through AI from someone else’s social media account.”Taking into consideration this montage video, created with malicious and deliberate intentions, poses a threat to anyone facing similar accusations in the future.”Erdemir, meanwhile, has confessed to being the male in the video.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “My honour in my family, my social circle and the refereeing community has been blown away.”In addition to my financial losses, the emotional damage I have suffered is indescribable.”How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsLike Karaarslan, Erdemir has also received a lifetime ban from the TFF, Turkey’s FA.Karaarslan debuted as an assistant referee back in 2020.She has since gone on to take charge of the country’s biggest clubs at Under-17s level.And she has also gathered a big social media following, with 462,000 on Instagram.Karaarslan has a large social media followingCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Orhan Erdemir has confessed to being the man in the video More

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      I’ve refereed Cristiano Ronaldo matches a number of times… Man Utd legend is very difficult and complains a lot

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      A HONDURAN referee has lifted the lid on a heated exchange he had with a “difficult” Cristiano Ronaldo after revealing what it’s truly like to manage the superstar on the pitch.One of the spats ended with the Portuguese striker later offering a sincere apology.A Saudi Pro League referee has detailed his experience of working with Cristiano RonaldoSaid Martinez claimed Ronaldo became irate after two goals were ruled out by VARSaid Martinez has officiated a number of games involving Ronaldo throughout his career.And he has now recounted one particularly edgy incident involving the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star.Martinez claimed that he was refereeing an Al-Nassr game when he disallowed two of the 39-year-old’s goals for offside.An irate Ronaldo reportedly made his feelings surrounding the quality of Martinez’s officiating known.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMartinez told Mexican outlet Mediotiempo: “Cristiano Ronaldo is very difficult due to his temperament.”He is a very competitive person, which makes him feel there’s a lot of injustice towards him, so he complains a lot.”We disallowed two goals for him, with VAR and everything, but there was a play that upset him because he felt he was fouled in attack, leading to a goal against them. They were losing.The 33-year-old added: “He stayed 10 metres away from me and said: ‘It’s always the same with you lot, you always think you’re the stars.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”‘But we don’t bring you here to be the stars, we are the stars’, in perfect Spanish.”He started calmly but then got agitated and I just looked at him provocatively to see if he would get closer to me, but he didn’t.” Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Cheshire home on sale for £5m with seven bedrooms, padel courts, pool and guest barnHowever the Fifa-accredited official spoke to Ronaldo about their disagreement in the tunnel after reviewing the incidents.The referee said: “After checking the VAR, I asked him to come closer. Cristiano is Cristiano, and if he doesn’t want to come, he won’t.”But he came over to where I was and I said to him: ‘You’re a great player, but what you said at half-time isn’t right. I respect you a lot, but we’re here to do our job just like you are’.”He replied: ‘Yes, you’re right; it wasn’t the right way to express myself. I apologise’.” Ronaldo’s ultimate expression of regret speaks volumes about his sporting personality.Martinez then revealed that the Portugal captain left him alone in the second half and went on to score a stunning free-kick.Meanwhile, Ronaldo has received 12 red cards in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOf those, eight were direct red cards and four dismissals have come through double yellow cards.The former Juventus star was booked for dissent during Portugal’s defeat to Georgia in Euro 2024.Ronaldo is known for his passionate defences on the pitch More

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      Female ref, 24, denies starring in sex tape with referees’ observer, 61, as she’s hit with lifetime ban from football

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      A FEMALE ref has landed a lifetime ban – after allegedly featuring in a sex tape with an official almost three times her age.Elif Karaarslan, 24, has refereed matches in Turkey since injury forced her to quit playing football.Turkish referee Elif Karaarslan has been handed a lifetime ban from footballCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17The 24-year-old denies being in a sex tape with a ref observerCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Referees’ observer Orhan Erdemir has lost his licenceBut the TFF, Turkey’s FA, has now banned her for life after she was reportedly filmed having sex with referees’ observer Orhan Erdemir.Former Fifa official Erdemir, 61, has received a similar punishment from the TFF.Istanbul-born Elif, who has 363,000 followers on social media, denied being one of the people in the leaked footage.She intends to appeal, insisting: “I will have a long road ahead legally, but will overcome in the strongest and most robust way.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I look forward to your full support and love in this process.”Crying, screaming and being sad are not things I would do. That is not me.”I will stand by my cause until the end.  I am just one of many who are being harmed – I hope I am the last.”Elif played for Besiktas before becoming a referee.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, Erdemir claimed the video had been circulated without his permission, but admitted his career is now over.Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decisionHe said: “My honour in my family, my social circle and the refereeing community has been blown away. “In addition to my financial losses, the emotional damage I have suffered is indescribable.”Istanbul native Erdemir was a Fifa referee between 1999 and 2002.He also took charge of games in Turkey’s Super Lig before becoming an observer of his fellow officials.Elif is a former player for Besiktas but saw her career cut short by injuryCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17She indicated she will appeal against the ban and denies being the woman in the clipCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17 More

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      How Man Utd used Sky Sports pundits to get their own way in Bruno Fernandes red card case

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      MANCHESTER UNITED presented clips from Sky Sports pundits in their successful appeal against a Bruno Fernandes sending-off.The commission ruled referee Chris Kavanagh made an “obvious” error in giving the United skipper a straight red card for a foul on Tottenham’s James Maddison.Bruno Fernandes was stunned by his red card at home to Spurs on September 29 and Man Utd won their appeal against itCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils put forward a clip from Sky Sports’ Ref Watch as evidenceCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskFernandes’ three-game ban was lifted , so he played in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.The Mail say the Red Devils put forward two videos to support their case against the midfielder’s dismissal at Old Trafford on September 29.One was from Sky’s “Ref Watch” show, where one-time Premier League whistler Dermot Gallagher discussed the incident with former Lionesses’ winger Sue Smith and ex-England striker Dean Ashton.Gallagher suggested Kavanagh saw an “optical illusion” of the exchange between Fernandes and Maddison because of his viewing angle.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe 67-year-old also described the Portuguese star’s contact on the England playmaker as a “glancing blow”.Gallagher concluded that a yellow card would have been fairer.United’s second video clip showed the two players tangling in real time, as well as via a slow-motion replay.However, the Mail say the independent commission chose NOT to consider opinions from “Ref Watch” when coming to a 2:1 split decision in favour of Fernandes.Most read in FootballFernandes said even Spurs’ James Maddison disagreed with the sending-offCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe majority verdict was he “didn’t lead or make contact with studs” and “there was obviously no malice, brutality or excessive force”.United had appealed immediately after Fernandes was dismissed 42 minutes into a calamitous 3-0 loss against Spurs, with the Red Devils trailing 1-0.Man Utd compared to ‘overcooked scrambled eggs’ in bizarre analogy by celeb chef Ainsley HarriottThe 30-year-old was furious with his first-ever straight red, claiming: “Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card.”If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.”I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.”Fernandes was promptly dismissed again in United’s next match, four days, picking up two bookings for a high boot in a 3-3 draw at Porto.The ex-Sporting Lisbon ace will be out suspended for the Red Devils’ next Europa League clash, at ex-manager Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on October 24. More

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      Job advert for VAR replay operator appears online with surprising salary and qualifications revealed

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      HAWK-EYE are hiring for a VAR Replay Operator to join their team and assist in the use of VAR in the Premier League.The controversial technology continues to divide opinion in England’s top flight and the company behind it all are looking for someone new to join their ranks.Hawk-Eye are hiring for a VAR Replay OperatorCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe new hire would be responsible for showing replays of incidents to officials in the Premier League and other high profile competitionsCredit: Sky SportsHawk-eye, who provide the VAR tech used by the Prem, have listed their job opening online – leading fans to have a nosey at what qualifications they would need to be part of the team.The job, which would be based out of Stockley Park, would cover the Premier League, Uefa and FIFA competitions including the World Cup and Champions League.While the candidate’s responsibilities would include “operating systems during matches” and “setting up Hawk-Eye technology in the Replay Centre”.That would effectively mean that the new hire would be the person showing the referees and VARs replays of the incidents.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd according to the job advert that role will earn £25,800 per year – around £10,000 less than the average salary in the UK.But before you start readying your CV and marching it straight to the Hawk-Eye offices, there’s a lengthy list of qualifications that any potential candidate is supposed to have.Hawk-Eye want their new employee to hold a full driving licence, have a strong technical grounding, a proactive attitude, attentive listening skills and excellent problem-solving skills amongst a myriad of other requirements. However, there’s no requirement to have had any experience refereeing or officiating at any level.Most read in FootballVAR Replay Operator job in fullHere’s a look at the key responsibilities and required qualifications to become a VAR Replay Operator…Key ResponsibilitiesPre-match planning and administration in the days building up to your gamesSetting up Hawk-Eye technology in the Replay CentreConducting pre-match checks of the systems in accordance with standard proceduresLiaising with all members staff, match officials and supervisors on-siteOperating the systems during the matchMonitoring hardware and software performances, being able to troubleshoot and report encountered issuesTaking full responsibility for our system on-site and being an ambassador for Hawk-EyeCompleting post-match reports for client delivery and improving future operationsDuring the off-season, building and maintaining our hardware and equipmentAssisting with installation and testing of new products and servicesSkills, Knowledge and ExpertiseEssential: A strong technical grounding, with an interest in technologyBright and enterprising with excellent problem-solving skills and an inquisitive mindsetProactive attitude and ability to work on your own initiativeTime management skills and ability to work in a high-pressure, live broadcast environmentAbility to liaise with clients and customers in a professional and approachable mannerStrong attentive listening skills, particularly under extreme pressureFull valid driving licence required, willingness to drive our vansWillingness to travel domestically and to work overseasFlexible and adaptable to a schedule that is dedicated by the fixture list and can change at short noticeAcceptance that the nature of our business means that work will be carried out over weekends/bank holidaysPreferred:A keen interest in football; an understanding of the laws of the game is preferredA degree in a science, technology, mathematics or engineering course or relevant equivalent experienceFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a “keen interest in football and understanding of the laws of the game” is only listed as “preferred” for the job.The surprising revelation would mean that someone could be operating the Premier League VAR systems without prior knowledge of the rules of football.How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsThat’s perhaps less shocking when remembered alongside last season’s biggest VAR error being spotted by another Replay Operator – who wasn’t a qualified referee either.The Replay Operator for Tottenham’s win over Liverpool last September appeared to be the only person at Stockley Park to realise that Luis Diaz was actually onside when his goal was ruled out for offside.Hawk-Eye don’t require interest or knowledge of football rules for their new hire in the positionCredit: Getty More

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      Referee forced to give two penalties after players pick up the ball in bizarre separate incidents during same match

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      A REFEREE was forced to give two penalties after players from both teams bizarrely picked the ball up in separate incidents.In the German second division, Magdeburg drew 2-2 with Greuther Furth on Sunday.Gideon Jung bizarrely picked the ball, thinking it was a goal-kickCredit: XDaniel Heber then did the same after he assumed a foul had been given on the edge of the boxCredit: XThe first unusual moment of the match came with just 15 minutes on the clock to hand the hosts a spot-kick.Furth defender Gideon Jung had a moment of madness, picking the ball up off the ground in the six-yard box after it was rolled to him by goalkeeper Nahuel Noll.He seemingly thought it was given to him to take a goal-kick – but with the ball not having gone out of play, the ref had no choice but to hand Magdeburg a penalty.Jung thought his blushes were spared when Noll saved the spot-kick, only for Mo El Hankouri to score the rebound.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut in crazy scenes, lightening struck twice when just after half-time Magdeburg star Daniel Heber copied Jung and picked up the ball.He appeared to think the ref had blown for a foul on the edge of his own box – yet in fact he had not and it was therefore a clear penalty.Ex-Bayern Munich star Julian Green stepped up and scored to make it 2-1.And the goal inspired a Furth fightback as they fought back to earn a point.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were baffled by the incidents, with one saying: “To have this happen at all is fairly crazy to begin with, to have this happen twice within 30 minutes in the same match is completely absurd.”Another added: “This is insane.”Others were reminded of when Arsenal’s Gabriel got away with a similar incident in the Champions League versus Bayern Munich last year.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowWhy would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark HalseyArsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty. More

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      Why Arsenal’s crucial goal to take lead vs Southampton should NOT have stood, according to ex-Premier League referee

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      FORMER Premier League ref Mark Halsey believes Arsenal’s crucial goal in the 3-1 win over Southampton should NOT have stood.The official, who spent 14 years in the top-flight, reckons VAR has done Mikel Arteta’s side a huge favour for the second week running.Merino (No23) is offside as he makes an attempt to play the ball before Gabriel Martinelli (No11) scoresCredit: Premier LeagueThe goal proved crucial as the Gunners picked up three pointsCredit: GettyMark Halsey was a Premier League ref for 14 yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettyHalsey felt the Gunners were lucky to still have 11 players on the pitch last Saturday when Riccardo Calafiori made a cynical foul while on a booking in the 4-2 win over Leicester.And this week they appeared to get fortunate again with the decisions again. Arsenal were being held 1-1 by Southampton when Gabriel Martinelli put the hosts in front with a finish from a cross at the back post.The ball fell to him after Mikel Merino tried to head it at goal – only to not make contact with the ball. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is in an offside position when he leaps for the cross and seemingly impacts the play.Yet VAR did not chalk it off – despite a similar incident seeing Bournemouth have a goal ruled out on the same day.Halsey told SunSport’s The Whistleblower show: “I thought it was offside because you are offside if you challenge an opponent for the ball or clearly attempt to play a ball which is close when the action impacts on an opponent.”This is making an obvious action which clearly impacts the ability of an opponent to play the ball. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So if you’re looking at offside, technically he was offside because he did challenge for the ball and then ducked his head. “It clearly impacted on Aaron Ramsdale because like you say, he thinks Merino is going to win the ball.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark Halsey”But he ducks at the last moment and then leaves it for Martinelli. “So for me, I think that should have been disallowed, that goal, because it was clearly offside. “He clearly made an attempt to play the ball.”It is inconsistencies again. It is a massive moment in the game. “For Southampton, they’re struggling at the moment coming up from the Championship and who knows?”It was not the only controversial decision of the week as Crystal Palace felt their should have had a penalty against Liverpool.Virgil van Dijk appeared to pull Marc Guehi to the deck from a corner, with Halsey convinced the ref should have pointed the spot.He explained: “I thought it was a clear penalty.”Simon Hooper, did he have a good viewing angle? Was he blocked by some of the players? But that is what VAR is there for. For me, I thought it was a clear holding offence.READ MORE SUN STORIES”VAR’s David Coote should have come in on that and recommended a review.”Watch the full episode of The Whistleblower at the top of this article – where Halsey fumes over the laws of the game.Palace felt they should have had a penalty for Virgil van Dijk’s tug on Marc GuehiCredit: TNT Sports More

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      EFL manager facing FA probe after marching over to referee and squaring up to opposition player in moment of madness

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      BOLTON manager Ian Evatt was sent off after a dramatic draw with Shrewsbury as he angrily confronted the referee AND an opposing player.The Trotters dragged themselves back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with struggling Shrewsbury on Saturday in an intense League One clash at the Reebok.Bolton boss Ian Evatt angrily confronted the referee and an opposing playerCredit: RexEvatt was furious after ref Declan Bourne blew his whistle while the final minute of stoppage time was still tickingEvatt then angrily confronted Shrewsbury ace Josh FeeneyFeeney appeared to urge the referee to show Bolton boss Evatt a red cardBolton manager Evatt was then sent off by the refereeThe Shrews scored twice within the space of eight minutes with Josh Feeney opening the scoring in the 20th-minute mark before Jordan Shipley doubled their lead.But Bolton fought back in the second half with Kyle Dempsey’s effort in the 47th minute.And the hosts levelled things up on 61 minutes with Szabolcs Schon’s finish.The Whites pushed hard for a late winner in front of a disappointed home crowd, who were especially frustrated during a dire first-half performance.Read More on FootballThe fourth official indicated eight minutes of added time at the end of the match.However, referee Declan Bourne blew his whistle the final sixty seconds still ticking down – with Evatt immediately marching over to the man in black to remonstrate.An angry exchange soon followed as Shrewsbury ace Feeney appeared to urge the ref to show the Bolton boss a red card.The 42-year-old tactician then squared up to the defender directly in front of the official.Most read in EFLArsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerAnd that was when Bourne showed Evatt a red card amid some angry scenes.The EFL manager is now facing an FA probe following the incident at full-time.Bolton are 13th in the League One table while Shrewsbury are third from bottom.Bolton manager Evatt is now facing an FA probe after the match with ShrewsburyCredit: Rex More