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      VAR shambles as chiefs with NO football experience ‘overruling Premier League referees at Stockley Park’

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      VAR commanders with no authority in the Premier League are astonishingly over-ruling referees, it has been claimed.Former ref Mark Halsey has learned VAR Andy Madley was told by commander Adam Carter NOT to award Manchester City’s Phil Foden a blatant penalty against Southampton last week.
      VAR decisions are being taken out of experienced referees’ handsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      On-field ref Jon Moss was not asked to review the incident on the pitch side monitor with a view to changing his original ruling, leaving boss Pep Guardiola to slam the decision as “incredible”.
      Halsey’s worrying claim will put the spotlight on Carter, who has never been a referee.
      Halsey, a Prem ref from 1999-2013, said: “I have been informed by reliable people involved in officiating about what is happening at Stockley Park regarding VAR decision-making.
      “The incident involving Phil Foden and Alex McCarthy was not deemed a penalty by on-field referee Jon Moss.
      “I have been told VAR Andy Madley thought it was a penalty and was about to recommend a review when Adam Carter got involved and told Madley that’s not a penalty.
      “The match commander should not be making decisions during a game.
      “Adam has never been a referee, he’s been an analyst.
      I feel for the officials in this situation. Now I know why VAR is all over the place and has drawn criticism.Mark Halsey
      “I understand the incident at City has been the talk of officials across the leagues over the past week. It makes me wonder, has this happened before? 
      “I feel for the officials in this situation. Now I know why VAR is all over the place and has drawn criticism from managers, players and fans for its inconsistency and rightly so.
      “The proof is in the pudding over how it has been operated for the last two seasons.”
      Play continued at the Etihad without a review in City’s 5-2 win over the Saints.
      The incident also led to Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness furiously criticising the officials.
      He said: “They just make it up as they go along.
      “It is nonsense and they make themselves look stupid.”
      Phil Foden was not awarded a penalty against Southampton in controversial circumstancesCredit: PA
      Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has revealed the course of decision making at Stockley ParkCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      VAR match commanders are allowed to be at Stockley Park with VAR officials, as was the case when Neil Swarbrick had an animated chat with Stuart Attwell in Leicester’s win over Wolves in November.
      But they should not be involved in the decision-making.
      In Germany, VAR project manager Hellmut Krug was removed from his position in 2017 amid claims he had influenced decisions in Schalke’s game with Wolfsburg.
      Krug denied he had any influence but lost his job days later.
      Carter, who was previously an assistant analyst at the PGMOL, is one of three matchday commanders – the others being former top-flight referee Swarbrick and former assistant ref Mike Mullarkey.
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      The Premier League has sent out a survey to clubs to canvass their opinions on VAR.
      It includes the question ‘to what extent do you support or oppose the use of VAR in the Premier League?’.
      One club source told us: “Do they really need the answer to that? We all know it’s not working.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Scott Parker says the game is becoming sterile as VAR kills football More

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      Tammy Abraham to return to Chelsea training on Friday but striker has still NOT shaken off lingering ankle issue

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      TAMMY ABRAHAM returns to training today in a fresh bid to shake off his stubborn ankle injury.The Chelsea striker 23, has been struggling since picking up the problem against Burnley in January.
      Tammy Abraham will return to Chelsea training on FridayCredit: EPA
      He has not made the matchday squads for their last five games.
      And he is out of England’s upcoming World Cup qualifying games.
      Blues boss Thomas Tuchel revealed Abraham suffered a setback in training last week.
      But the German hopes a mix of rest and work during the international break will boost his recovery.
      Chelsea face Sheffield United on Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
      After this weekend there is no domestic action until their home Premier League clash against struggling West Brom on April 3.
      Abraham now hopes to be available for that.
      The striker’s return will provide a major boost to Tuchel’s attacking ranks.
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      Abraham’s current deal will have just two years remaining on it in June as speculation mounts over his future.
      Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in a deal which could reach over £100million.
      And Abraham may decide to call time on his Stamford Bridge spell despite coming through the ranks with the club’s academy.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Thomas Tuchel hails outstanding Chelsea following Atletico Madrid win More

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      Chelsea are a nightmare CL draw for Man City as Tuchel’s immovable object can top Guardiola’s irresistible force

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      WHAT happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object?We could be about to find out if Manchester City are paired with Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final draw.
      Thomas Tuchel’s tight tactics would be the ultimate test for Pep Guardiola’s Man CityCredit: Getty
      Etihad chief Pep Guardiola is targeting a quadruple but ‘relentless machine’ Chelsea would prove perhaps the biggest obstacleCredit: Getty
      The common consensus is it is only a matter of time before City finally win the European Cup after running out of ways to get themselves knocked out.
      But if anyone is going to stop Pep Guardiola in his tracks, then you have to fancy Thomas Tuchel to be that man.
      Tuchel has only been in charge at Stamford Bridge for two months yet has already turned Chelsea into a relentless machine.
      And this week’s impressive 2-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid was a statement of intent from the coach who took Paris Saint-Germain to their first Champions League final last year.
      Chelsea are now 13 games unbeaten under Tuchel and have conceded just two goals during that time.
      They might not set pulses racing with free-flowing, attacking football but they have developed the same ruthless efficiency which made them such a force under Jose Mourinho.
      The million dollar question is whether organisation and pragmatism would be enough to see off this  brilliant City team?
      This is Guardiola’s fifth attempt to bring the European Cup to the Etihad and every year we think he can’t possibly mess it up this time.

      But this is a club with a rich history of shooting themselves in the foot, going all the way back to 1968 when Malcolm Allison declared his team would “terrify the whole of Europe”, before losing in the first round to Fenerbahce.
      Since Guardiola took charge in 2016 they have been knocked out against all expectations by Monaco, Liverpool, Spurs and Lyon.
      After every premature exit the manager has been accused of trying to be too clever with his tactics and team selections. But short of playing Raheem Sterling as a false goalkeeper, City have explored every possible  permutation this season and still come up smelling of roses.
      Ederson apart, they have a world-class alternative available for every position, which means they always have too much for the opposition even when Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero are missing.
      Yet Guardiola is right to caution against getting too far ahead of themselves in Europe, particularly while Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG are still in contention.
      Bayern remain the team everyone wants to avoid and show no signs of loosening their grip on the trophy they won last season.

      And let’s not forget our old friends Liverpool, who have developed a habit of winning the European Cup when they should have absolutely no right.
      Don’t forget, they finished just above Bolton on goal difference when they pulled off the Miracle of Istanbul in 2005.
      And if they can win it with Djimi Traore and Vladimir Smicer, who is to say they can’t do it again with Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak?
      WENG FOR CHANGE
      ARSENE WENGER is clearly eager to make his mark as Fifa’s head of global football development.
      The former Arsenal boss, who was once the byword for stability, suddenly wants to change everything.
      Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger is putting forward radical proposals for the future of future, for both the national and international gameCredit: Reuters
      His latest proposal involves turning football into a summer sport by running the season from March to November.
      He also wants to hold the World Cup every two years to give more players the chance to win it.
      For almost 150 years, football managed to get along  nicely with barely an alteration apart from the introduction of a crossbar and three points for a win.
      But now we’re bombarded with so many radical proposals that we no longer even know what constitutes handball, offside or a penalty.
      So can I humbly suggest that football stops developing for a bit and goes back to the simple sport we used to know and love.
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      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      ZICO’S WHEELS
      ON the day Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stuck in traffic in his holographic-wrapped Ferrari, it emerged that Brazilian legend Zico, 68, is still driving the £8,000 Toyota Celica he won for a Man of the Match  performance against Liverpool in 1981.
      Maybe the Arsenal captain should consider downgrading his wheels.
      It won’t get him to the Emirates any quicker, but at least he won’t stand out like a sore thumb when he’s running late.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drew even more attention on his tardiness by arriving in such an expensive carCredit: AFP

      Thomas Tuchel hails outstanding Chelsea following Atletico Madrid win
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      Lewis Hamilton slams ‘unacceptable’ Catholic church’s same-sex marriage stance after Elton John’s ‘Rocketman’ criticism

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has taken aim at the Catholic church after the Vatican refused to bless same-sex marriages.Hamilton, who is a Catholic, took to Instagram to repost Elton John’s condemnation of their decision, which was made earlier this week.
      Lewis Hamilton has called out the Catholic church for its stance on same-sex marriageCredit: Splash
      Elton John’s criticism was reposted by the British racing driverCredit: Getty
      The singer wrote: “How can the Vatican refuse to bless gay marriages because they ‘are sin’, yet happily make a profit from investing millions in ‘Rocketman’ – a film which celebrates my finding happiness from my marriage to David?? #hypocrisy.”
      And F1 champ Hamilton reposted the comment and said their refusal to accept same-sex marriages was “unacceptable”.
      He wrote: “Standing in solidarity with Elton John and the whole LGBTQ+ community on this issue.
      “It is unacceptable that in this day and age, anyone should face prejudice or discrimination based on the person they love, especially in the name of God who we are told loves us all equally.
      “It is incredibly sad that many will now feel they have to choose between their faith and being their true self, and I want my followers to know that I stand with you and I support you, and you deserve happiness.
      “Love is love, don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
      Hamilton has found an increased voice in recent years fighting for greater social equality and diversity.
      Taking a knee before F1 races last year while wearing Black Lives Matter shirts in the paddock, he spoke of finding fresh energy through commitment to these causes.

      He said in December: “I had this extra drive in me this year to get to the end of those races.
      “It was a different drive than what I’ve had in me in the past.
      “To get to the end of those races first so that I could utilise that platform and shine the light as bright as possible.”
      The defence of his seventh world title begins in Bahrain on March 28.
      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Sir Elton John and David Furnish lead the winners at the 2020 British LGBT Awards More

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      Diego Maradona cleared of dodging £34m in tax — four months after he died

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      DIEGO Maradona has been cleared of dodging £34million in tax — four months after he died.The 30-year-old case was thrown out by a court in Italy.
      Diego Maradona has now been cleared of dodging £34million in taxCredit: AFP
      Maradona was hit with a £2.5million bill in 1991 while playing for Napoli.
      The total spiralled to £34million with interest.
      In 2006, police seized earrings and a Rolex from the World Cup winner on a visit to Naples.
      Italy’s supreme court yesterday ruled Maradona should have qualified for a 2013 tax amnesty.

      Lawyer Angelo Pisani said: “This finally hands back honour and dignity to a champion. He always knew he was innocent.”
      Maradona died aged 60 in Argentina last year.
      His doctor and others are being investigated for potential manslaughter.
      Diego Maradona’s relatives begin battle over his £37million fortune
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta hails ‘positive’ Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang talks as Arsenal skipper is all smailes after Tottenham axe

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is all smiles again after sorting out his differences with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.Now the Gunners’ 13-goal top scorer is ready to lead his team in Thursday’s crucial Europa League clash with Olympiacos.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been all smiles back in Arsenal trainingCredit: Getty
      Aubameyang, 31, had a face like thunder when he was left out of the team for Sunday’s North London derby after turning up late.
      But the superstar striker has buried the hatchet with his disciplinarian manager following heart to heart talks this week.
      Arteta confirmed: “We talked, everything has been resolved in a really positive way and now we move forward.
      “He has trained really well for the last two days and he was smiling as usual, which is what we always expect from Auba. So it’s all good.”
      With Arsenal defending a 3-1 lead from last week’s first leg in Athens, Aubameyang’s presence against the Greek champions could be vital.
      Arsenal team-mate Mohamed Elneny insisted: “We are all so happy to have Auba with us because we all know he is one of the best players we have.
      “He’s our captain and he is always there for us, supporting us on and off the pitch. He’s an amazing person and one the kindest players to speak to about anything.
      “He’s always happy, always laughing and he brings so much positive energy to the team.”
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      But while Aubameyang is back in line for an Arsenal return, he will be forced to sit out Gabon’s African Nations Cup qualifier in Angola a week on Monday.
      Thomas Partey will also be prevented from playing for Ghana in South Africa next week due Covid restrictions.
      And Arteta is far from happy with the forthcoming international fixture list which could involve three games in the space of six days for his weary players.
      He explained: “We are the ones who have to pay the players and look after them, so it’s the international teams who have to adapt to what we want.
      “We have some players with significant workloads and our priority is to win these next two games against Olympiacos and West Ham and then we will see what happens with international duty.
      “Three international games in six days is too much and this year I think it becomes something really dangerous with the amount of minutes these boys have played in such a short time with no preparations.
      “I don’t think it’s right but the decisions have been made and the games are going to be played, so it’s just about how we protect our players in the best possible way.
      “We will tell the federations about the state of our players and try to maintain an open discussion to manage the load in the best possible way.
      Mikel Arteta is hoping to see out his revenge mission on OlympiacosCredit: Getty
      Aubameyang cut a lonely figure on the bench on SundayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “Those who are going to be in red zone countries won’t be able to play those fixtures, but the rest we have to allow them to go if they are fit.
      “Some might be able to play in one game and not the next so there is still a lot to figure out.
      “We will stick to all the protocols we have to allow our players to travel when they are safe and our doctor is in constant communication with the Premier League and the federations.
      “But it’s not too simple.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Arteta responds to Aubameyang being dropped for reporting late for the North London derby More

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      Robert Lewandowski OUT for England clash as Bayern Munich block striker from joining Poland team for World Cup qualifier

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      POLAND face being without three of their biggest stars against England — including Robert Lewandowski.Bayern Munich are currently blocking striker Lewandowski from featuring in three World Cup qualifiers which includes the Wembley trip on March 31.
      Goal machine Robert Lewandowski is set to miss the clash with EnglandCredit: EPA
      Marseille have told Arkadiusz Milik he cannot travel to the game either, while Krzysztof Piatek is also being stopped by Hertha Berlin.
      Poland’s first qualifier is away to Hungary a week today, followed by a home game with Andorra on March 28.
      They travel to London three days later. The loss of these three attacking players would be a massive boost for England boss Gareth Southgate as Poland are their strongest rivals in the group.
      And Lewandowski illustrated why he would be such a miss for the Poles on Saturday when he drew level with Schalke legend Klaus Fischer as the second-highest scorer in Bundesliga history with 268 goals.
      The Three Lions later travel to Warsaw on September 8.
      Only the top team qualifies automatically for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
      Meanwhile, Wales’ James Lawrence is also sweating on his involvement for their World Cup qualifiers.
      The seven-cap defender, 28, plays for St Pauli in the Bundesliga second division.
      Marseille’s Arkadiusz Milik has been told he can’t travel to the gameCredit: AP

      Under current German quarantine regulations, Lawrence would have to self-isolate for 14 days when he travels back from the UK to Germany after the international break.
      Lawrence is in limbo and waiting to hear from the Government ahead of Wales meeting up in Cardiff on Sunday.
      The former Anderlecht centre-back was named in caretaker boss Robert Page’s 31-man squad on Monday.
      Wales face Group E clashes against Belgium next Wednesday and the Czech Republic on March 30, as well as a home friendly with Mexico in between.
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      If Lawrence is unavailable, the setback could hit his  hopes of being in Wales’ final squad for the Euro 2020 finals this summer.
      Wales are well stocked with centre-back options with Tottenham’s Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham of Bournemouth, Luton’s Tom Lockyer and  Ben Cabango of Swansea all in Page’s squad.
      Versatile  Ben Davies, Ethan Ampadu and Chris Gunter are also options if the Dragons opt to play three defenders at the back.
      England boss Gareth Southgate explains how he’ll deal with having so many talented No.10s More

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      Sergio Aguero open to stunning free transfer to a Premier League rival if Man City do not extend frustrated star’s deal

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      SERGIO AGUERO is keen to stay in the Premier League next season — as fresh doubts over his Manchester City future emerged.The club’s all-time leading goalscorer, 32, is out of contract this summer and is yet to hear anything about a new deal for next term.
      Sergio Aguero wants to stay in the Premier League if he leaves Man CityCredit: Getty
      He played the final 15 minutes of the comfortable Champions League win over Borussia Monchengladbach in Hungary this week.
      But at the end of the game he was heard telling goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor ‘They don’t pass me the ball’.
      Aguero is frustrated after struggling for game-time since returning to fitness last month — although he has featured in their last three matches.
      And sources close to the player also say he is worried his glittering ten-year City career may be sliding towards a disappointing end.
      He would like to stay at the Etihad but if no offer is forthcoming, he is open to  joining another club in England.
      Boss Pep Guardiola said he would start to think about the future of Aguero in the upcoming international break.
      But he also warned it could be the end of the season before anything is decided  — as he wants full focus on their push for silverware.
      That has led to both Barcelona and  Paris Saint-Germain registering an interest in taking him on a free transfer in the close season.
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      Yet Aguero loves playing in the Prem and after missing such a long spell due to injury and illness would like to stay here.
      The Argentine’s camp are awaiting offers and know Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel was an admirer when he was at PSG.
      It throws up the possibility that the legend — who hit 257 goals for City — could line up against them next season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rio Ferdinand says Man City should go for Erling Haaland over Harry Kane as he’s younger and cheaper More