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      Raging Chelsea stars pushed away from referee and linesmen by Blues coaches in explosive bust-up after VAR stops goal

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      RAGING Chelsea stars were forced away from officials after protesting their disallowed winner at Aston Villa. The Blues came from two behind to level the game thanks to Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher. Chelsea stars were forced away from officials after protesting their disallowed winner at Aston VillaCredit: GettyNoni Madueke had to be restrained by a Chelsea coachCredit: ReutersAnd the visitors thought they had won the game at the death after Axel Disasi headed home what looked to be a late winner.But VAR ruled it out after adjudging that Benoit Badiashile had nudged Diego Carlos in the back illegally in the build-up to the goal. It denied Chelsea a come-from-behind victory and their players were incensed at full time.Badiashile and Madueke were fuming with the referee and linesmen following the final whistle and had to be restrained by coaches. READ MORE IN football Madueke was evidently still fuming with the decision when probed by the BBC post-match. He said: “Should it have been three points? Yes.”Madueke, 22, added: “Do I think the goal should have stood? Yes. Nothing else to say about the situation.” Under-fire Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was equally angry in the aftermath as he told TNT Sports: “Everyone that was watching the game will feel disappointed. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The referee said it was a foul and disallowed the goal and then going to the VAR to confirm.”The referee is unbelievable and it’s ridiculous. It is difficult to accept, these type of things in the semi-final [FA Cup against Man City] two weeks ago it was handball and it was no penalty, the referee he didn’t check it.Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ five things in scathing rant after ref changes mind over late Chelsea goal”It is painful as it has damaged English football and I think Villa players and their fans didn’t understand why the goal was disallowed.”They said it was foul and if you see the challenge what happened if we go into every single challenge like this it is going to be a foul and we wouldn’t finish the game with 11 [players].”We can talk about the performance or the decision – it is damaging the game. I am calm and it is only to help. “Now, we have to move on and it will be in the headlines with the disallowed goal.”Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      Mauricio Pochettino raged after Chelsea’s 1-1 drawCredit: AFP More

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      Erik ten Hag hits back with message to fans and ‘forgetful’ Man Utd icons after being booed for substitutions v Burnley

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      ERIK TEN HAG has launched a defiant defence of his team and his tactics following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.The Red Devils boss was booed for his decision to substitute fan favourites Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo in the 65th minute while the game was tied at 0-0.Erik ten Hag has hit back at Old Trafford’s boo boysCredit: GettyThe Manchester United boss was booed for his decision to substitute Kobbie MainooCredit: RexRasmus Hojlund’s departure was also met with boos from the Old Trafford faithfulCredit: GettyOld Trafford’s frosty show of dissent towards the Dutchman came after Mainoo and Hojlund were replaced by Amad Diallo and Scott McTominay.United scored shortly after the substitutions were made with Antony finding the net in the 79th minute.But the Brazilian’s hard work was undone when a 87th minute Burnley penalty was dispatched by Zeki Amdouni to secure a 1-1 draw for the Clarets.Ten Hag defended his substitutions, claiming that Hojlund, 21, and Mainoo, 19, need rest as they are still adjusting to life as Premier League regulars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking in his post match press conference he said: “I am the manager and have to decide what the team needs.”It was the right decision and totally logical to bring off very young players who are in their first year of the Premier League and feel some fatigue.”They have both had injuries this season and I want to protect them.”Ten Hag went on to call for United fans to be patient with his team, adding: “Fans need patience. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I understand they want to see the skills of these players but the league gets more intense year by year and the youngsters need to adjust. That takes time.”It wasn’t just the die-hard supporters of Man Utd that Ten Hag appeared to have a message for either with the 54-year-old also seeming to take aim at former stars like Roy Keane and Gary Neville, who have criticised his side’s performances.Three key things Ten Hag is getting wrong at Man UnitedPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      He said: “People forget that the Man United team of 2004-05, they also didn’t play that great football. “They were building and it took time but everyone forgets, even the players who were in the team.”Ten Hag and Co have come under fire for not only their style of play but also their form since the beginning of the season.A Champions League group stage exit has been compounded by an astonishing 12 losses in the Premier League this term.While despite reaching the FA Cup final, United came dangerously close to a monumental collapse after Championship side Coventry forced penalties in their Wembley clash after overturning the Red Devils’ three goal lead.In spite of all this Ten Hag was still quick to praise his team for being “entertaining” in an interview with the BBC after their draw with Burnley.He said: “We are one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment.”We are creating loads of chances by playing good football. Yes, we concede also. We have to learn from it because it was unnecessary to lose the control”.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited currently sit sixth in the Premier League table and are some 13 points off Aston Villa in fourth place – likely to be the last remaining Champions League spot this season.It doesn’t get much easier for the club either with tough clashes against league leaders Arsenal and in form Crystal Palace on the horizon.Manchester United continue to drop pointsCredit: Getty More

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      I played against the Invincibles when they won the league at White Hart Lane…Spurs must focus on themselves today

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      LEDLEY KING puffs out his cheeks and his eyes widen when he is reminded about an unfortunate anniversary.The former Tottenham captain is doing some community work ahead of the North London derby – 20 years to the day since he and his Spurs team-mates were unable to prevent Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal Invincibles from winning the Premier League at the old White Hart Lane.Ledley King celebrates scoring for Spurs against Arsenal – but six months after the Gunners won the league at the LaneCredit: AP:Associated PressArsenal players did celebrate at the end after Spurs has led the wayKing, now 43, said: “20 years? “Our main emotion was to play our best game but also to do everything in our powers to stop them winning the league on our home turf.“We didn’t manage that, but we took a satisfaction in our performance and the pride we showed throughout the game. “The fact that we didn’t get beat gave us something to take away from it.”Arsenal came to the Lane on April 25 2004 needing only a draw to confirm themselves as champions. Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires gave them a 2-0 lead at the break. But Jamie Redknapp pulled one back just after the hour, then Robbie Keane won and converted an injury-time penalty to complete the Spurs comeback.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGunners legend Thierry Henry has revealed that Wenger’s team agreed before the match not to go overboard if they clinched the title, for fear of provoking Tottenham fans.But after the Spurs players celebrated their late equaliser, that vow went out the window.Most read in FootballA smiling King recalled: “The fact that we got a late goal put us in a happy place at the end of the game and probably played a role in them celebrating in the end as well.“Football is a game of emotions.”Tottenham star James Maddison opens up on three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to newborn twinsBut King, now a club ambassador, is adamant that Tottenham’s players must leave the emotions to the fans today.He said: “This is different. Arsenal won’t win the league if they win this game.“It’s more for the fans, the bragging rights, which we all understand and the players want to provide the fans with that feeling. “While after the job is done there will be a sense of satisfaction to take out of it [if Spurs have dented Arsenal’s title hopes], that can’t be the players’ focus.“They can only focus on playing their best game, using emotions in the right way without crossing the line, and using the fans as a 12th man.”Unlike 20 years ago, Tottenham have much more to play for than local pride.Back then Spurs had a tough season, sacking club legend Glenn Hoddle as boss in the autumn and finishing 14th under director of football David Pleat.But a victory today would keep alive hopes of snatching fourth place from Aston Villa. And more importantly maintain the feelgood factor that Ange Postecoglou has brought back to Tottenham.King said: “Now it’s a very different place.“With a new manager and losing your record goalscorer [Harry Kane], people weren’t sure how Tottenham would do this season “But we have exceeded expectations in terms of performances and where we are in the league at the moment. “The atmosphere in the stadium at games this season has been incredible.“That’s down to the manager, the type of football he’s instructing us to play.“It’s only been positives this season and it’s exciting that we know the manager wants to do big things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVictory – or even another draw – against Arsenal today would be a big thing for Spurs fans in particular.Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Click here to read all about it.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

      Ledley King meets Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark Children’s HospiceCredit: Alex Morton/THFCAnge Postecoglou is putting ther feelgood factor back into TottenhamCredit: RexNoah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is the official charity partner of Tottenham Hotspur, and will be celebrating its partnership with the Club at Sunday’s north London derby, live on Sky Sports Main Event from 13:30 Sunday 28 April. Visit https://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk/ to find out more. More

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      Why does Phil Foden wear a bandage on his hand?

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      PHIL FODEN has been setting the Premier League alight this season with prolific goalscoring and swashbuckling displays.But you may have noticed the Manchester City winger has been doing it all while wearing a bandage on his hand.Phil Foden has been playing with his hand in a bandage this seasonCredit: ReutersWhy is Phil Foden wearing a bandage?Phil Foden has been playing through the pain barrier this season, sporting a bandage on his hand.Foden was first seen playing with his hand in a bandage on February 5, scoring a stunning hat-trick in the 3-1 win at Brentford. Both Foden and teammate Ruben Dias have been playing with fractures this season, the Daily Mail have reported.Dias fractured his arm in the FA Cup win at Tottenham in January, while Foden injured his soon after.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhy does Phil Foden wear the No 47 shirt?Foden has stuck with 47 from when he made his senior debut coming on as a substitute for midfield machine Yaya Toure in 2017.Reason being is that 47 acts as a tribute for Foden’s late grandfather Ronnie, who passed away at age 47.Foden said on his number: “I had a few numbers sent to me and none of them really meant anything to me apart from that one, the 47.”That was the age my grandad was when he died. I was young when we lost him. Most read in Football”I remember going to Wales with him and on a few other trips. My dad says he loved playing football with me. I asked my dad if he would be happy if I wore that number. He said it would be amazing so I took the shirt number and I have loved it ever since.”The midfielder even got the number 47 as part of his haircut for the huge Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.Phil Foden in his No47 shirtCredit: RexFoden, 23, revealed that Manchester City’s all-time top goal scorer Sergio Aguero wanted to give him the number ten shirt when he departed for Barcelona before being forced to retire.And while the England starlet admitted to consider it, he opted to stick with number 47.Foden said: “I did think about it.”The ten shirt is such a big number in the club, but I just have a thing with 47.”I’d like to create me own legacy and keep that number.” More

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      Arsenal and Tottenham fans face travel chaos ahead of huge clash with fears heavy rain and strong winds will hit trains

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      ARSENAL and Tottenham fans could be hit by travel chaos for the North London derby.The rivals face off at Spurs’ stadium at 2pm this afternoon.Arsenal fans could have trouble getting to the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyHowever, supporters making their way to the ground from south of London could have their journeys disrupted by the heavy rain and strong winds that have battered the area overnight and this morning.Network Rail warned passengers planning to get Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Great Northern trains may see disruption.That could also cause headaches for Brighton fans heading along the South Coast to Bournemouth, also for a 2pm kick-off.A Network Rail statement said: “Heavy rainfall is affecting the Southern, Gatwick Express and Thameslink networks, especially south of London and towards the South Coast. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”Some strong winds are also expected.“This weather may disrupt journeys until the middle of the day today, 28 April. Please check journey planners before you travel.”However, trains appear to be running on time as things stand.And there is no Met Office weather warning in place, though.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThankfully, the forecast does not look too bad for the actual match at Tottenham, either – with grey skies expected and the possibility of some rain. Spurs head into the North London derby certainly hoping to pour a dampener on Arsenal’s title hopes.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerThe Gunners know they will need to be virtually faultless in their run-in to the end of the season – and are reliant on Manchester City dropping points.The hosts, meanwhile, have their own ambitions of pipping Aston Villa to a top-four spot. And a first win over Arsenal since May 2022 would certainly help.Mikel Arteta’s men head into the game full of confidence after slapping Chelsea for five in midweek.It promises to be a thrilling clash with all the coverage available from SunSport’s live blog. And our very own columnist and former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has had his say on where he thinks the game could be won or lost.Forget Odegaard and Rice… this Arsenal star could be Player of the Year, says Andy DillonBy Andy Dillon
      MARTIN ODEGAARD and Declan Rice will rightly be in the shake down for the Footballer of the Year award.
      But their Arsenal team-mate Gabriel also deserves recognition should the Gunners go on to win the Premier League title.
      The Brazilian has been a monster at the back alongside William Saliba.
      They are the heart of the meanest defence — conceding just 24 goals in the league this season.
      He has also scored four, the joint-highest for a defender in the top flight along with Spurs’ Cristian Romero.
      If boss Mikel Arteta ends Arsenal’s 20-year wait for the title then Gabriel will have been as important a cog in the machine as anyone at the Emirates.
      Considering he was struggling for game time and appeared a lost soul last summer, it’s some turnaround.
      Click here to ready Andy’s column in full.
      Or to read more from Andy Dillon, click here

      Redknapp said: “The smallest details can make the biggest difference and for Spurs that means how they cope without the injured Destiny Udogie, who might not get the headlines but has been outstanding.”His pace would have been vital against Bukayo Saka, who can destroy you, and Ange Postecoglou’s got a big job on now Udogie’s missing, for sure.”If they don’t double up on Saka he could run riot.”While that’s crucial, so is keeping a cool head, because Spurs will be bang up for this and the tackles are going to be flying in.”There will be a few cards flashed around, believe me.”I really can’t see Spurs getting beaten, so assuming they manage to keep Saka in check, I’d have to put my money on a score draw.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I can see goals, I can see bookings — plenty of them — but I just can’t see a winner.”Which obviously means no one’s going home happy. Apart from City.”Destiny Udogie’s absence will be a big miss up against Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty More

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      Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ SEVEN things in scathing rant after ref changes mind over late Chelsea goal

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO slammed VAR for damaging SEVEN aspects of football.The Chelsea manager, 52, was left furious on Saturday evening when his side had two goals against Aston Villa chalked off by the video assistant referee at Stockley Park. Mauricio Pochettino was furious with referee Craig Pawson for ruling out a late Chelsea winner at Aston VillaCredit: PAThe Argentine let rip during his Match of the Day interviewCredit: BBCBenoit Badiashile was penalised for bundling into Diego CarlosCredit: BBCFirstly, Nicolas Jackson was just offside before racing through and finishing into the back of the net.Then deep into injury-time, Axel Disasi thought he had completed a memorable turnaround from 2-0 down to seal a stunning 3-2 victory.The header sparked incredible scenes between the Chelsea players and fans.But VAR Chris Kavanagh told referee Craig Pawson to go over to the pitchside monitor to watch the replays.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the official decided Benoit Badiashile had fouled Diego Carlos at the back post by pushing him in the back during the corner routine that led to Disasi’s header. Pochettino, though, was livid with the controversial call – and believes VAR is wrecking multiple different aspects of the beautiful game.The under-pressure Argentine – whose side are ninth – fumed on Match of the Day: “Well VAR changed the decision of the referee.”That was for me a normal challenge that can happen in normal action. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That damaged a little bit the Premier League and its image. “It’s damaged myself, damaged my team, damaged my players, my fans, damaged football.”Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsChelsea players were seething when Pawson blew the full-time whistle, immediately racing to confront him.Disasi, Badiashile, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Moises Caicedo and Noni Madueke all made their way to the referee to make their angry feelings clear.Badiashile and Madueke were both booked for their protests as Chelsea coaches had to calm them down and drag them away – before Pochettino walked over to remonstrate with the officials.Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright discussed the incident in the Match of the Day studio – and were left frustrated with VAR’s intervention. Shearer said: “When they give the foul and there’s not enough to overturn it, well it’s the opposite on this one.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

      “I think the defender knows what he is doing. He sticks his arm out and then he’s backing into him [Badiashile].”Once the referee gives that [the goal], I’m not 100 per cent certain, is that an absolute howler?”Lineker answered with an emphatic “no” and suggested it was “six of one and half a dozen of the other” from Badiashile and Carlos.Wright added: “I think he’s probably given it because of how aggressive Badiashile looks when he’s going for him. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’ve lowered the bar again, they do what they want. “Let’s get rid of it! Let’s get rid of it.”Badiashile and Noni Madueke were booked after the full-time whistleCredit: GettyAxel Disasi produced a superb diving header deep into injury-timeCredit: EPADisasi’s header sparked wild scenes in the away endCredit: AFPPawson watched replays of the incident on the pitchside monitorCredit: AFPThe ref confirmed he was ruling the goal outCredit: ReutersThe decision was displayed on the big screen to the delight of the home fansCredit: Reuters More

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      Managerless Ireland delaying decision on new boss as they wait to hear back from France and Bundesliga legend

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      REPUBLIC OF IRELAND chiefs are delaying the appointment of a new boss until they hear an answer from Georgia gaffer Willy Sagnol.John O’Shea will continue as caretaker chief for the summer fixtures against Hungary and Portugal.Ireland want to appoint Georgia boss Willy Sagnol as their new managerCredit: Kenny RamsayJohn O’Shea is the interim gaffer following Stephen Kenny’s departureCredit: EPABut the Irish may pounce for Sagnol after he has led Georgia at this summer’s Euros.O’Shea took over on a temporary basis in February following Stephen Kenny’s departure at the end of his contract in 2023. The former Manchester United defender oversaw the friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland last month.The Boys in Green drew 0-0 against the Red Devils with Evan Ferguson missing a penalty.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut they suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Switzerland as Xherdan Shaqiri grabbed the only goal with a sweet free-kick.Ireland failed to book their spot at Euro 2024 after finishing fourth in Group B of qualifying.France topped the group ahead of the Netherlands – who both secured automatic spots.Greece went into the play-offs as the Irish lost six of their eight matches – only beating Gibraltar twice. Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSagnol, 47, spent nine years at the heart of Bayern Munich’s defence.He also racked up 58 senior international caps for France.Ireland captain Katie McCabe winds up France fans with cheeky free-kick in Euro 2025 qualifierHis coaching career has included various roles within the French FA – featuring a spell as Under-21s head coach – as well as stints at Bordeaux and Bayern Munich.In February 2021, he accepted the role as Georgian national team boss.Three years later, a dramatic penalty shootout play-off win over Greece secured Georgia’s spot at the Euros in Germany. It is their first major tournament since the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1992 and sees the Crusaders go up against Turkey, Czech Republic and Portugal in Group F. More