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      Premier League referee RELEGATED by Uefa as fans hail ‘good sign’ after being left fuming by VAR chaos

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Craig Pawson has been relegated to Uefa’s Second list.The Englishman, 45, has been replaced by John Brooks on the governing body’s First list – which also includes Chris Kavanagh.Premier League referee Craig Pawson has been relegated by UefaCredit: GettyMichael Oliver and Anthony Taylor remain the two Premier League officials on Uefa’s Elite list.Pawson joins Stuart Attwell, Darren England, Jarred Gillett, Rob Jones and Andy Madley on the Second list – the third tier for Uefa officials.According to ESPN, Brooks, 34, had the best stats of all Premier League refs in the 2023/24 season, while he also ranked second as a VAR.Pawson caught unwanted headlines for particular key decisions including disallowing a late Chelsea goal against Aston Villa for a dubious foul back in April.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Premier League has just four refs on Uefa’s Elite and First lists – Oliver, Taylor, Brooks and Kavanagh.That is compared with six for officials in France, Germany and Italy.Spain and Romania also boast five referees on the two lists.It comes after English officials were criticised for their handling of a controversial decision in the game between Holland and France at Euro 2024 on Friday night.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMark Halsey on France vs Netherlands VAR
      ENGLISH VAR officials . . . here we go again.
      Stuart Attwell took far too long to make a call on Xavi Simons’ strike and he got it wrong by sticking with the on-field decision.
      It was a ‘good’ goal because Denzel Dumfries should not have been adjudged offside.
      Holland’s Dumfries did not affect the line of vision for France keeper Mike Maignan, who made no attempt to save a shot he could not have reached.
      It means wing-back Dumfries was not involved in ‘active’ play.
      The VAR decision-making had been so slick in Germany up until last night.
      But with VAR Attwell, who should have sent English referee Anthony Taylor to the pitchside monitor, we had the slowest decision of Euro 2024 so far — which took just under three minutes.

      Xavi Simons thought he had given the Dutch a second-half lead, only for referee Taylor to disallow the goal after consulting his assistant.VAR Attwell, 41, then spent a lengthy amount of time reviewing the incident before he stuck with the on-field decision.’No excuse for that’ – Alan Shearer fumes at abject England as Three Lions legend says ‘Denmark deserved to win’ EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThis led to uproar among football fans, while Holland manager Ronaldo Koeman said: “If it’s offside, then you don’t need to spend five minutes touching your ear.”I don’t understand this. If you have this much doubt, you give a goal.”Dumfries did not hinder the goalkeeper. It wasn’t because of Dumfries that Maignan didn’t go for the ball, Maignan did not react because he simply couldn’t get to the ball anyway.”He would have never reached that ball. It’s a legal goal. Once again, he’s not disturbing the goalkeeper.”The game ended goalless as Netherlands and France move onto four points each heading into their final group games against Austria and Poland.Pundits and legends lay into EnglandENGLAND’s lifeless display in the 1-1 draw with Denmark left pundits and legends queuing up to take a dig at Gareth Southgate’s team.
      Here’s the best of what was said…
      ALAN SHEARER
      “Awful performance, particularly after going up in the game.
      “I don’t think one England player can look at themselves and say, ‘I’ve done my job tonight’.
      “England were all over the place, far too sloppy in possession, gave the ball away too much and got caught too many times.
      “There was no energy, no pace, no guile — Southgate is simply not getting the best out of England’s best players.
      “It’s concerning and Gareth will get some serious questions.
      “You saw England players lying on their backs — they look absolutely shattered but there’s no excuse for that.”
      GARY LINEKER
      The BBC host called the performance “lifeless and tepid”.
      On Harry Kane he said: “He needs his manager to ask more of him. I would have expected that if I’d put in that kind of performance.”
      RIO FERDINAND
      “The players don’t look the same as they do for their clubs. It is a big concern.”
      ROY KEANE
      “Courage and bravery, we’re not really seeing it.
      “There’s something amiss with the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.
      “This is a big test for Gareth. It looks like he’s overthinking things.”
      JAMIE CARRAGHER
      “My big worry watching this and for the rest of the tournament?
      “England look absolutely knackered. They can’t get close to the ball.
      “The surest sign of fatigue is dropping deep.
      “Declan Rice is having to cover so much ground. No-one can convince me this is a strategy.”
      JACK WILSHERE
      “It’s strange that we have taken the lead in both games so far, yet instead of it settling us down and giving us the confidence to play, we have failed to take control.
      “But what was most worrying was that Denmark had a clear way of playing — while we didn’t.” More

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      Uefa forced to make late change to stadium ahead of England vs Denmark clash to prevent ‘risk to life’

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      THE BAD WEATHER has forced Uefa into making a late decision regarding England’s upcoming Euro 2024 clash.The Three Lions face Denmark looking to confirm their place in the knockouts with a victory in Frankfurt on Thursday.The roof will be closed in Frankfurt for England’s clash with Denmark at the WaldstadionCredit: GettyHowever, the Group C showdown at the Waldstadion will be played with the stadium roof closed due to stormy conditions in the city.Uefa made the decision today ahead of the clash, which will kick-off at 5pm UK time tomorrow.The roof of the Waldstadion was closed prior to Denmark’s players training on the pitch tonight.The rain storms have already put a dampener on Euro 2024.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Both western and central regions of Germany were issued with weather warnings earlier.That has seen fan zones in Dortmund, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen all being closed due to the harsh conditions.Now, with bad weather already having plagued Euro 2024, Uefa have opted to make an early decision to avoid the game potentially being played in the rain.Cologne was forced to axe a number of fan events on Tuesday due to the weather.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA statement confirmed: “Due to an official storm warning from late morning with expected heavy rain, hail and heavy gusts of wind, all events and functions of the Host City Cologne associated with the European Championships have to be cancelled for today.“The necessary talks with the security partners were already held yesterday evening and the preparatory measures to secure the venues were initiated.England player ratings: Jude Bellingham delivers masterful Euro 2024 performance but Phil Foden not at his sharpest“The decision to cancel all events was made on Tuesday morning after further consultation with the German Weather Service.”Meteorologist Dominik Jung told BILD stated the closures were necessary and that there had even been a potential “risk to life”.Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “There is a risk to life.“We don’t currently know every place that could get hit, but we do know the region where something could happen.“People will complain again: ‘We didn’t have anything.’ But better safe than sorry.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland will be looking to secure their second win of the tournament tomorrow.Gareth Southgate’s side beat Serbia 1-0 on Sunday thanks to a Jude Bellingham header.And they know that a victory would ensure them a place in the knockouts with a game to spare.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Denmark are searching for their first triumph.They were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia in their opener and will be desperate to take all three points.Bromances in England squad
      CLIQUES that were commonplace in the England camp in tournaments gone by have been well and truly consigned to history.
      Declan Rice and Ivan Toney? They have never played together at club level and only a handful of times for England, but are thick as thieves.
      Lewis Dunk and Dean Henderson? They play for arch-rivals Brighton and Crystal Palace, but that has not stopped an unlikely alliance from forming.
      Phil Foden and Cole Palmer have relished spending time together again, having done so for years for Manchester City before Palmer was sold to Chelsea for £45million last summer.
      NFL nuts Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon were chucking an American football to each other ahead of a light training session on Monday.
      John Stones and Kieran Trippier gatecrashed Jordan Pickford’s presser to see how their good mate fared, finding it hilarious as he slumped to defeat against talkSPORT.
      Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi also have a long-standing friendship and have been besties since they were little playing in the Chelsea academy.
      Jude Bellingham and Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold have also become close – evident in the Werewolf celebration they performed against Serbia. More

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      UEFA launch investigation into alleged monkey noises made at England stars during Serbia Euro 2024 clash

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      UEFA have launched an investigation following reports of monkey chants being aimed at England players.European football’s governing body had match observers stationed in the stadium for Monday’s clash against Serbia.Uefa are investigating reports of monkey chants towards England players on SundayCredit: AlamyAnd one Serbian fan was allegedly spotted and heard making the chants.Security did not arrest or remove the fan but Uefa are investigating.No English players heard the chanting – and the FA have not complained.UEFA have spotters at every stadium and they identify issues even when players do not hear abuse.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThere were also claims Serbia fans threw objects while they also displayed inflammatory flags about Kosovo.This came despite a clear warning that action would be taken.UEFA said in a statement: “Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) following the UEFA European Championship group stage match between Serbia and England (0-1) played on 16 June 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.”Charges against Football Association of Serbia (FSS):Most read in Euro 2024
      Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR
      Transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event, Art. 16(2)(e) DR
      The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course.
      Furthermore, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour.
      There were major issues in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday because fans complained of long queues outside the stadium and poor stewarding.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland won the game 1-0 thanks to an early header from Jude Bellingham as Gareth Southgate’s men moved top of Group C.How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5s
      JUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.
      The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.
      But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.
      Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.
      Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5. More

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      Serbia face Uefa punishment because of flags displayed during Euro 2024 clash against England

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      SERBIA face a heavy Uefa fine for fan taunts during their opening Euro 2024 defeat by England.Uefa announced it had opened disciplinary proceedings and levied charges of “throwing objects” and “transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event” during the match in Gelsenkirchen.Serbia face punishment from UEFA due to fan behaviourCredit: GettySerbia fans have been accused of ‘transmitting a provocative message’Credit: APSerbia is a public ally of Russia in its war with Ukraine and supporters brandished the red white and blue flag of the Moscow-run state.That could be seen as “provocative” given the feelings of not just Ukraine but also Poland and the Baltic states, who are fearful of being the next victims of Russian territorial aggression.Russia, though, remains a Uefa member and while the country is banned from competitive football, Russian media representatives were given accreditation for the tournament.But some Serbian fans also displayed a land map of the country which included neighbouring Kosovo, long claimed by the Belgrade regime.Read More on Euro 2024That bore the message “nema predaje”, which means “never surrender” and suggested backing for the Serbian ambitions.Uefa said its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body would decide the punishment in the coming days.But a further charge for the Serbs – and a heavier fine – seems likely, too.Uefa added: “Furthermore, an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour.”Most read in Euro 2024Serbia suffered a 1-0 defeat to England on Sunday.Jude Bellingham scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute.England supporter who went viral during 2022 World Cup pictured at Serbia Euro 2024 opener sending fans into a frenzySerbia next face Slovenia on Thursday, while the Three Lions take on Denmark.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Who was Uefa General Secretary Henri Delaunay and why is the Euro 2024 trophy named after him?

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      HENRI Delaunay was such an influential footballing figure that he had one of the most coveted cups in the beautiful game named after him.With Euro 2024 already lighting up our summers, here’s everything you need to know about the former Uefa general secretary.The late Henri Delaunay is often referred to as the founder of the EurosCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskWho was UEFA General Secretary Henri Delaunay?Henri Delaunay was the first general secretary of Uefa and one of the biggest advocates for the European Championship.Often referred to as the founder of the Euros, his vision and dedication were instrumental in the competition’s creation.Born in Paris in 1883, he embarked on his football career when he was 20, taking on the role of secretary at French side Etoile des Deux Lacs.In 1906, at the tender age of 23, he was named as general secretary of the forerunner of the French Football Federation (FFF) — the French Interfederal Committee.read more on euro 2024By the age of 26 he was the club’s president and a big player in the FFF.In 1920, he was appointed by Fifa to help establish the Referees Committee.He was also heavily involved in the founding of Uefa in 1954, spearheading a move towards forming a group of Europe’s national football associations.Why is the Euro 2024 trophy named after Henri Delaunay?Throughout Henri’s life, he dreamt of an international competition comprised of just European nations.Most read in Euro 2024Few men have left such a distinct mark, by the sheer force of their personality, on such a universal activity as football, as Henri Delaunay50 Years of Uefa (2004)But before his dream came to fruition, he passed away in 1955 at the age of 72 — three years before the inaugural Euros (then called the European Nations’ Cup).This is why both versions of the trophy have been named after him.As the 50 Years of Uefa book published in 2004 put it: “Few men have left such a distinct mark, by the sheer force of their personality, on such a universal activity as football, as Henri Delaunay.” Who designed the Henri Delaunay cup?The original Henri Delaunay trophy was created by French jeweller Michel Chobillon in 1958.In 2008, Uefa commissioned a new version of the trophy, which was redesigned in 2008 by Asprey, London.Despite being bigger and heavier than its predecessor, the redesign retained the classic design elements of the original.It weighs in at 8kg, stands 60cm tall and features a wider base than the previous incarnation to support the extra weight.The new Henri Delaunay cup was first awarded in 2008 when Spain won the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESHeidi Beckenbauer blew a kiss to the sky after placing the trophy down before the Euro 2024 opener between Germany and ScotlandPrior to kick off in the Euro 2024 opener between Germany and Scotland in Munich, the late, great Franz Beckenbauer’s wife Heidi was tasked with bringing out the Henri Delaunay trophy.She fought back tears as she headed out onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena while fans clapped in appreciation.How England will line up after big names axed from Euros More

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      Major Euro 2028 change with co-host set to DROP OUT and allow Wembley to host at least one more match

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      NORTHERN IRELAND is reportedly set to DROP OUT as co-hosts of Euro 2028 due to the financial constraints of redeveloping Casement Park.If that happens Wembley – who will host the semi-finals and final – will be handed the opportunity to put on at least one more match.Northern Ireland are likely to drop out of Euro 2028 hosting dutiesAs the the redevelopment of Casement Park is expected to cost around £308mIf Northern Ireland do drop out Wembley will put on one extra game at Euro 2028Credit: AFPLikewise, the four matches that Belfast is due to host will be spread among Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Uefa expects Northern Ireland to withdraw from hosting duties because of problems over raising the money to redevelop their stadium.Casement Park is yet to the fully funded with the latest estimated costs sitting at £308m.There have been plans to build a modern 34,000 capacity stadium on the site for more than 10 years.read more football newsBut political instability, issues behind the scenes and planning permission U-turns combined to keep the bulldozers away.A former senior Uefa strategist believes Belfast and the rest of the north will miss out on a huge opportunity, both financially and political, with the likely loss of Euro 2028.Ian Mallon told an Irish news outlet: “It is so unique for any city to be considered as a host venue for such a major tournament.”The mix of support, disinterest, and outright opposition to the use of Casement Park is completely irrational and ridiculous.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSecretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris has pledged £62.5m, with the Irish government promising £42.8m and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) offering £15m.The UK government is allegedly prepared to contribute, but it is yet to give an exact figure.Sharlene Mawdsley & Sophie Becker beam as European Championship medallists return home to rapturous receptionHow the home nations and Ireland could qualify for Uefa 2028England and the other host nations will still have to play qualifying matches for Euro 2028.Uefa will only award a maximum of two automatic qualification spots and it will hold these in reserve for any host nation that fails to make it. If three fail to qualify, the two best-ranked teams will take the reserve spots.Uefa is set to award Cardiff the opening match of the European Championship in 2028 in a blow to hopes in England that Wembley would host the tournament’s curtain-raiser. More

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      Euro 2024: What happens if teams are level on points, goal difference and goals scored?

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      THE Uefa Euro 2024 tournament is fast approaching and is set to deliver exciting games and fierce competition.But as the European Championship progresses the points table in each group stage will constantly evolve determining which teams will advance to the knockout stages. The Euro 2024 group stage has fierce competition to see the best team through to the knockout stagesCredit: gettyHow do Uefa points work?The Uefa Euro point system is clear and simple – rewarding teams based on their performance during matches.
      Win: A team earns 3 points for a victory.
      Draw: Both teams in a draw receive 1 point each.
      Loss: A losing team earns 0 points.
      Teams are ranked in their groups according to the number of points they have earned, and the top teams will progress to the knockout rounds.Additional factors such as goal difference and goals scored come into play if teams are tied on points.READ MORE IN EURO 2024PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

      When does the Knockout Stage start?After the group stage matches are complete, the top teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. The format typically includes a round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand final to crown the European champion.The Euro 2024 knockout stage begins on June 29.Here’s the breakdown of the tournament schedule:Most read in Football
      Group Stage: June 14 – June 26
      Round of 16: June 29 – July 2
      Quarter-finals: July 5 – July 6
      Semi-finals: July 10 – July 11
      Final: July 14
      How many teams qualify for Euro 2024?A total of 24 teams will compete in the UEFA Euro 2024.What happens if teams are tied on points?If two or more teams are level on points at the end of the group stage, a head-to-head record is used as the first tie-breaker to determine their final rankings.This is followed by goal difference and goals scored in the matches between the teams in question, followed by most wins and then disciplinary records across the group as a whole.Should two teams be tied on points, goals scored and goals conceded at the end of the group stage – with no tiebreaker separating them from any other team – a penalty shootout will dictate their final placings.How many teams advance from each group?The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stages.Then the four best third-placed teams will also proceed to the next round.Can teams from the same group meet again in the knockout stages?The tournament is laid out to prevent teams from the same group from playing again until later in the knockout stages. More

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      Football in England BANNED for four weeks as little-known rules take effect ahead of Euro 2024

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      A LITTLE-KNOW FA rule has seen football in England BANNED ahead of Euro 2024.The England national team is gearing up for its European Championship campaign in Germany as it looks to go one better than runners-up at Euro 2020.Football games in England are not permitted between June 1 and June 30Credit: GettyFA rules only allow for only a few exceptions including national representative matchesCredit: GettyThat has seen two friendlies – one a 3-0 win against Bosnia & Herzegovina and a second against Iceland – booked before the tournament proper begins on June 14.However, fans wanting to play football of their own will not be able to do so until after June 30, at least in an 11-a-side capacity.This is thanks to an FA rule which stops all competitive 11-a-side matches during the “Close Season” – including grassroots and youth level.Under the rules, no affiliated teams or referees are allowed to participate in games unless they are expressly given permission to do so.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rules state: “The Close Season shall be defined as the period between June 1 and June 30 inclusive each year…”No matches other than those permitted and played in accordance with paragraph (c) of these rules may be played in the Close Season.”FA “Close SeasonThe close season is between June 1 and June 30 each calendar year.
      11 v 11 games cannot be played in June.
      The following may be played in the Close Season:- Small Sided formats (3 v 3, 4v 4, 5v 5, 6 v 6, 7 v 7, 8 v 8, 9v 9) can be played in June – This includes festivals and single matches
      – Those  matches organised in connection with works’ clubs sports days on private grounds and at fetes and similar sports functions
      – Matches between Army, Navy and Royal Air Force teams and teams of the Auxiliary Forces in Competitions whilst in camp 
      – Matches involving members of scouts, guides and similar organisations in Competitions whilst in camp
      – Matches for national representative teams or clubs played under the auspices of FIFA or UEFA; 
      – Matches between Clubs in the Premier League, the EFL, FAWSL and FAWC for the following season 
      – Single day, weekend and bank holiday competitions and festivals meeting the criteria and receiving sanction; and B8.3.8 Pilot projects granted dispensation by The Association or sanctioning Affiliated Association
      With the exception of charity matches, all competing teams must be affiliated.

      They add that only 9v9 and below matches are allowed in June, including festival and single matches. Among the other allowances to play 11v11 are fixtures organised privately as a clubs sports day, matches played between the Army, Navy, RAF and Auxiliary Forces whilst in camp and for charity events.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat means Soccer Aid is obviously not under threat.Matches for national representative teams under Fifa or Uefa are permitted too, hence why the Three Lions and Lionesses are able to play international matches this month.Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand pick their England starting 11 for opening game of EurosGareth Southgate’s squad have their final warm-up match this Friday, before kicking off the tournament on June 16th against Serbia.In that time, Southgate will need to cut his provisional 33-player team down to 26. The likes of Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer laid down their credentials for a spot on the plane in the 3-0 win in last night’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. More