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    ‘I’m surprised’: Ex-Prem ref responds as VAR helps Arsenal again with controversial Saka and Timber calls at West Ham

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    ARSENAL’s victory over West Ham was comprehensive, but it wasn’t without controversy following some questionable VAR calls.The Gunners won 5-2 after an entertaining Premier League encounter against the Hammers on Saturday at the London Stadium.Arsenal picked up a controversial victory over West HamCredit: GettyFormer Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversyCredit: RexThe London rivals played out a seven-goal thriller in the first half that saw the visitors lead 4-0 by the 36th minute with goals by Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.However, West Ham got back in the game with two goals within two minutes thanks to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri.But Arsenal knocked the wind out of the East Londoners’ sales in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a controversial penalty that Gabriel earned and Bukayo Saka scored.Former Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversy on Whistleblower.Read More on ArsenalHalsey started by analysing Arsenal’s final goal that ended West Ham’s hopes of a dramatic comeback.Saka whipped in a corner-kick from the right and Gabriel got the header that sent the ball way over the crossbar.But then referee Anthony Taylor deemed Lukasz Fabianski caught the centre-back in the face in his attempt to punch the ball away.Taylor booked Fabianski in front of a shocked crowd and Saka scored from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballHalsey told SunSport’s Will Pugh: “I think when the cross comes over and the ball comes over like that, you’re going to have contact between players at every occasion. You’re going to have contact. And it’s subjective. “We have seen penalties given in those sort of situations where a keeper has come out. But there’s been a lot more contact than we saw at the weekend.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait “Anthony Taylor’s given it. He’s taken some time to think about it. And he’s given it. And VAR are not going to overrule that, because obviously we’ve heard Howard Webb say that we want to stick with the on-field decision on those situations, on a subjective decision.”So, listen, yeah, I mean, had he not given that as a penalty, that would have stayed not given. It does seem that it did take four or five seconds to give the decision whether he was influenced by Gabriel on the floor, holding his head, his face and players sort of surrounding him. “So, as I said, had it not been given, it would have stayed not given. It would have stayed with the on-field decision.”Arsenal players weren’t really claiming for anything. It all went quiet in the ground. And then all of a sudden, there’s a penalty check for God knows what. And then Arsenal scored.”Halsey, though, was categorically against the way the referee and VAR handled Arsenal’s opener that saw Saka’s corner-kick from the right finding Gabriel who beat Fabianski with a clinical header.Jurrien Timber appeared to have fouled Lucas Paqueta, who covered the near post and could have easily headed the cross away.’I’m surprised’However, Timber seemed to have pushed him from behind and that didn’t allow Paqueta to clear the ball.Halsey added: “Well, again, we’re talking about inconsistency, aren’t we? Regarding decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?”So, yeah, listen, for me, I think it’s a clear free-kick. And I’m surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review.”Halsey also addressed Arsenal’s first penalty that saw Paqueta fouling Saka inside the West Ham area on 34 minutes.It seemed like there was very little contact and the England international didn’t go down immediately.Nevertheless, the decision stood and the North Londoners’ captain Odegaard converted from the spot to make it 3-0.Halsey said: “When he sticks his leg out like that, you run the risk. And I just want to see players, when they are challenged like that, just go down straight away.”Don’t need to take one or two more steps, then go down. Listen, had that not been given, it would have stayed.”Possibly not given. Because as I say, there was just slight, slight contact. But once the referee has given it…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listen, I think he’s just guessed as in the way he’s gone in and Paqueta’s gone over. And he’s been safe and given a free-kick. “But we can all see that it’s not a free-kick and he has clearly won the ball. But in real time, it possibly looked like it’s a free-kick.” More

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      Brighton 1 Southampton 1: Fuming Martin has to be held back from Hurzeler after controversial VAR call denies him win

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      RUSSELL MARTIN was left seething after Southampton were denied only a second win of the season as VAR caused chaos once again. Saints were in dreamland when Cameron Archer looked as though he had slotted home a 67th-minute winner to finally provide the club with a glimmer of hope. Cameron Archer’s goal was ruled outCredit: GettyArcher at the back post was judged to be onside yet Adam Armstrong in the middle was offsideArmstrong threw a trailing leg at the ball as it went behind him and was deemed to be interferingRussell Martin’s temper flared and he had to be held back from Fabian HurzelerCredit: PATheir argument continued onto the pitchAnd the bosses eventually had to be separatedIt came after Flynn Downes had cancelled out Kaoru Mitoma’s opener for the high-flying Seagulls who had the prospect of soaring into the heady heights of second-place in the table with a draw or a win. But you can always rely on VAR to inflict more misery on a Southampton side who look all but down before the advent calendars have been opened. A lengthy check by VAR ref Jarred Gillett which involved lots of zooming in and out and lines resulted in the goal being chalked off for offside, leaving Martin and co gobsmacked. It was ruled out not because Archer was offside but because Adam Armstrong was offside and deemed to be interfering with play as the cross came in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe cameras panned to Martin who was effing and blinding on the touchline with Saints rock bottom of the table. He continued his fury after the full-time whistle when he had angry words with Brighton gaffer Fabian Hurzeler. Injured keeper Aaron Ramsdale hit out at the decision on Twitter, writing: “You can not be serious.”After the game, Martin raged that he had sympathy for on-field officials but “struggled to accept” errors from those in Stockley Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHurzeler added: “I think it’s about respect. You should ask him [Martin] about it.”It’s worth remembering his Southampton strugglers would stay at the foot of the table no matter what happened at the Amex last night. It was a huge let off for Brighton who are now sitting pretty in second, bang on level with Manchester City on goal difference. Brighton’s model as a football club has always been revolutionary and refreshing in equal measure, but last night begs the question of whether they have got the minerals to become real little contenders?’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsStats driven recruitment is the beating heart of their success while their young and ambitious manager, Fabian Hurzeler has produced an exceptional start to the season, but consistency will be key. With 23 points from their first 13 games, this remains Brighton’s best start to a top-flight season.And since the beginning of October, only leaders Liverpool have won more points.As expected, the hosts burst out the traps, with Georginio Rutter teeing up Mitoma, who would have lashed in the opener had it not been for Joe Lumley’s finger tips. Rutter was back for more with his twinkle toes twisting inside and out of three pink shirts before he flicked a shot just wide. It was no surprise that the French 22-year-old produced Brighton’s best chance as he cut inside and drilled a shot off the far post. Brighton were building and got their deserved opener on 28 minutes as Tariq Lamptey pulled away from Taylor Harwood-Bellis to tee up Mitoma who headed home. It was dreadful defending though as Saints allowed the ball to bounce around the penalty spot while the defenders shirked their duties once again. The cameras panned to a dejected Martin who was shaking his head as the goal replayed on his ipad. He should have played Candy Crush on his ipad instead of looking at his side’s abysmal defending. Meanwhile Mitoma, another hidden gem unearthed by Tony Bloom, is now one goal short of Shinji Okazaki’s 14-goal record as the top Japanese scorer in the top-flight. Chants of “You’re going down with the Palace” rang out from the boisterous North Stand, but it only riled up Martin and co. The Saints boss shouted “f***ing come on” just after a huge chance for Archer who latched onto an inch-perfect Yukinari Sugawara cross before shinning it over from eight-yards. Brighton looked as though they were bossing it again after the break as Lamptey and Welbeck linking up before Matt O’Reily fired in a cross, but Mitoma was unable to make the crucial touch. The hosts were stunned though when out of absolutely nothing Downes hammered the ball home on 58 minutes. The leveller was fired in on the edge of the box after the ball ricocheted out to the Saints midfielder after Armstrong and Ryan Manning both had shots blocked. READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthampton couldn’t believe it when Ryan Fraser’s cross found Archer six-yards out and he slotted into the bottom corner, sparking mayhem in the away end on 67 minutes before the VAR misery. Brighton hit back strongly with Rutter nearly making it 2-1 with an outrageous bicycle kick from Welbeck’s cross but they couldn’t find a second.Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for BrightonCredit: RexFlynn Downes equalised with a thumping finishCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Referees don’t understand football!’ – Ex-Prem official slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea and Liverpool errors

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      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey has criticised officials for their knowledge of the game following controversial decisions over the weekend.Halsey, 63, took charge of top-flight matches in England from 1999 to 2013.Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi avoided a red card for this challenge on Chelsea’s Cole PalmerCredit: GettyLiverpool were awarded a penalty after the ball struck Southampton defender Yukinari Sugawara’s armCredit: AFPFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey has slammed the PGMOL for last weekend’s decisionsNow he is a SunSport analyst and columnist and regularly gives his take on decisions made by the current crop of Premier League referees.And in the latest episode of The Whistleblower he highlighted two particular calls he believes were mistakes.The first of those was the penalty Liverpool were awarded which won them the game against Southampton after the ball struck Yukinari Sugawara’s arm in the box.Halsey went on to insist it is the type of decision which highlights referees’ lack of knowledge of the game outside the written laws.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I thought it was a bit harsh [the Sugawara handball]. You can’t run with your arms by your side. You can’t jump with your arms by your side.”It’s come off his chest onto his arm. They’re in a natural position for that phrase of play.”That’s what I’m saying about training education with our referees about incidents like that with handball. It’s about knowing the game.”It’s all right knowing the laws of the game. It’s about knowing the game of football.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHalsey has also taken umbrage with Wilfred Ndidi only being shown a yellow card for a challenge on Cole Palmer during Leicester’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.Ndidi appeared to rake his boot down the Achilles of the England international, but avoided a straight red.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedYet Halsey saw the incident very differently, describing it as a “career-threatening challenge”.He added: “I thought it was a very, very poor challenge when I saw it again.”In real time Andy Madley hasn’t recognised the intensity of the challenge.”I was surprised when the Premier League match centre came out and said there was no intensity.”But I’ll say it again, I said it earlier, when a player lunges at an opponent in that manner, from one or two feet, from the front, from the side, from the back, it has to be sanctioned a serious foul play.”That was the worst challenge of the weekend. And I was very, very surprised that Paul Tierney, the VAR, did not recommend a review.”That was a career-threatening challenge. It’s the training and education of VAR, when to come in and when not to come in.” More

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      Ipswich and Man Utd forced to play WITHOUT VAR after fire alarm at Stockley Park

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      VAR was not in operation during some of Ipswich’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United after a fire alarm at Stockley Park.Sky Sports confirmed the incident during coverage of the first half when the Red Devils led 1-0 thanks to an early Marcus Rashford strike.VAR was not in operation following the fire alarmThe fourth official appeared to be telling managers Kieran McKenna and Ruben Amorim of the situation at Stockley Park.Premier League Match Centre tweeted: “The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park.”VAR resumed before the end of the first half.Reacting to the mishap, one fan said: “Can we do this every week?”While another added: “Fire alarm at VAR loool what the hell man 😭.”And a third replied: “VAR turned off? Nice one.”Man Utd had made the perfect start to the Amorim era with a goal in just 81 seconds.Amad Diallo found Rashford who tapped home from close range for his second Premier League goal of the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Ipswich got on top before the break and equalised in the 43rd minute thanks to a deflected effort from Omari Hutchinson.Amorim lined up in his familiar 3-4-3 formation with Noussair Mazraoui in a back three alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans.Man Utd hardman Roy Keane and Sky Sports presenter blind rank BISCUITS before Ruben Amorim’s first match_1Yet it was a largely disappointing display from Man Utd as Ipswich overwhelmed them. More

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      Mallorca star’s ‘ugly gesture’ spotted by VAR before he is shown red card in win over Las Palmas

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      VEDAT MURIQI was sent off after VAR spotted him making an “ugly gesture” towards an opponent.The RCD Mallorca star was caught in a confrontation against Jaime Mata during the clash against Las Palmas.Vedat Muriqi was sent off for an ‘ugly gesture’ against Las PalmasCredit: xMuriqi issued an apology after the gameCredit: EPAMuriqi, 30, was denied a goal in the 84th minute by a simple save from Jasper Cillessen.As his tame effort was saved, he and Mata exchanged words, but then the striker made a gesture with his hand towards his opponent.The game was then halted for a VAR check as the referee was sent to the monitor to review the incident.Upon watching, the decision was made to send off the Kosovo international with a second yellow card.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMuriqi has apologised for the moment and insisted his behaviour was “not appropriate”.He wrote: “I want to apologise with my heart in my hand for my expulsion in today’s game.“I know that my behaviour was not appropriate and I deeply feel the lack of respect towards my professional partner, Jaime Mata, and I regret that the fans have witnessed such an ugly gesture on my part.“Despite what happened, I am very happy with the team’s victory.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Each victory is a reflection of everyone’s effort and work, and it fills me with pride to see how we fight together on the field.”The red card came with the scores tied at 2-2, but despite being down to ten men, Mallorca found a winner.Keeper scores comical own goal after ‘slapping it top bins’ leaving commentators stunnedRCD Mallorca’s manager Jagoba Arrasate slammed the red cardCredit: AFPThe goal came after a lengthy delay after Muriqi’s expulsion due to a separate incident in the build-up.This meant that an indirect freekick was given to Mallorca despite the striker’s exit.Johan Mojica netted the winning goal in the 92nd minute to send his side 6th in LaLiga.Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate blasted the decision to send off Muriqi.He said: “I’ve never seen anything like it before.”These are routine actions in football.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s excessive if we start penalizing such situations; things are getting a bit out of hand as it is.”Muriqi now faces a suspension of at least one match, which would rule him out of the game against Valencia on Friday.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League managers slam the PGMOL amid David Coote scandal as Russell Martin demands ‘honesty’

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      RUSSELL MARTIN has told under-fire refs’ chief Howard Webb: You need to be more honest to make VAR a success.Southampton became the latest Premier League club to criticise PGMOL, in the wake of the David Coote scandal, following two controversial decisions in the 2-0 loss at Wolves this month.PGMOL chiefs have yet to conclude their investigation into David CooteCredit: PAFootage appeared to show referee Coote sniffing white powderThe video was from a hotel during Euro 2024Former top-flight whistler Mark Halsey called for an independent investigation into the referees’ body with the state of top-flight officiating at “an all-time low”.The panel that reviews PGMOL decisions claimed VAR made only TWO mistakes this season, before Webb later admitted awarding West Ham a penalty against Manchester United last month was also wrong.But Saints boss Martin, who held a meeting with Webb during the international break, said: “If we’re going to improve VAR and make it better, we need to have real honesty and accountability.”Martin was left frustrated after a Ryan Manning goal against Wolves was ruled out before Matheus Cunha put the hosts two up with an effort that he felt should have been chalked off.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe added: “I still have an issue with our goal and a foul on the second goal. I also have an issue with them coming out and saying it was a correct decision ultimately.“For it to come out as a correct decision in the match review is frustrating to me.”Saints join fellow promoted sides Ipswich and Leicester as well as Wolves themselves in fuming over controversial decisions given against them this season.Martin said: “We’ve been told a few times on decisions we’ve been on the wrong end of that it has to be a clear and obvious error.Most read in FootballRussell Martin believes only more ‘honesty’ will improve VARCredit: GettyNo referees have EVER been tested for drugs as David Coote faces end of Premier League careerEXCLUSIVE by Martin LiptonNO referees or match officials have ever been tested for drugs – as David Coote’s apparent “cocaine shame” is set to end his career.While all players and other athletes in British sport are subject to drug testing rules, including post-match and out of competition action, the regulations do not apply to match officials.That is the case globally across not just football and throughout the world rather than only in the UK.All sports follow the World Anti-Doping Authority code, aimed at preventing athletes gaining an advantage by using performance-enhancing substances.The Wada banned list also includes recreational drugs.But the Wada provisions, also followed by UK Anti Doping, which conducts tests across British sport, makes no reference to match officials.UKAD explains: “Any UK athlete subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport and non-UK athlete staying, training, residing, entering a competition,”Or named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level within the UK is eligible for testing as part of UKAD’s national anti-doping programme.“Any athlete eligible for testing can be tested anytime, anywhere.”But the regulations do not apply to match officials – because of the “performance enhancing” provision of the world code.The PGMOL have revealed they are aware of the video of him sniffing a white powder.They told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”“Ryan’s goal is open to interpretation. It’s the wrong decision because it’s not a clear and obvious error.  We are going to disagree on that forever.“For the second goal, they should take longer on analysing the foul from Craig Dawson because it’s a foul.Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about it“I don’t want to be moaning about decisions all the time.“I’d love to go back to human error and balance out over the season.“But if you still make a mistake after that process  it becomes even more frustrating.”PGMOL chiefs confirmed yesterday that they have yet to conclude their investigation into suspended Coote.The shamed 42-year-old made derogatory comments in an X-rated video rant at ex-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.A PGMOL statement read: “We’re following an internal process and taking the allegations into David’s conduct very seriously as part of our ongoing  thorough investigation.“Whilst David remains suspended, his welfare continues to be important to us and he is aware of the support network available to him.”The FA have launched their own probe into Coote, while Uefa also suspended and are investigating the Nottinghamshire ref after footage emerged of him appearing to sniff white powder in a hotel at Euro 2024.Steve Cooper gave an unusual reason for not speaking outCredit: GettyThomas Frank reckons it’s unfair that refs face ‘crazy’ pressureCredit: RexLeicester boss Steve Cooper joked his dad — former top referee Keith — would show him the red card if he gave his opinion on Coote’s suspension.Asked if the revelations about Coote would knock managers’ confidence in referees, Cooper replied: “I can’t go into that.” He then joked: “I’m more worried about what my dad would say to me if I answered that!”Martin added: “Referee are humans. They all make mistakes the same way we do. My trust probably eroded a bit more after the decision at Wolves than it did in watching a human make a mistake on a camera.“Let’s have a bit of compassion and understanding. I’m sure he’s feeling very upset and embarrassed about it.“What they do outside of their  football career as a referee really has no impact in how much I trust them.”Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: “We need to think about the pressure on the referees. READ MORE SUN STORIES”No player or manager gets as much abuse on the pitch as a ref does – that’s crazy.“It’s like the mental bin where we get all our anger out and then go, ‘Ah, we feel good.’ It shouldn’t be like that.” More

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      Isak denied goal by ‘worst offside decision ever seen’ after VAR blunder as fans ‘can’t work out how it was ruled out’

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      ALEXANDER ISAK was bizarrely denied a goal for Sweden after a shocking error from VAR.The Newcastle ace was in action for his nation against Azerbaijan during a 6-0 mauling in the Uefa Nations League.Alexander Isak at the top of the screen was judged to be offside and had a goal ruled out for SwedenCredit: ViaplayVAR drew offside lines from Isak despite Viktor Gyokeres being the recipient of the passCredit: ViaplayIsak revealed there had been an argument between players and officials in the tunnel about the decisionCredit: RexTottenham star Dejan Kulusevski had opened the scoring after 10 minutes before Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres netted a brace before the break to make it 3-0.The ex-Coventry player soon turned provider as he picked up the ball in injury time and slipped a pass to Isak, who carried the ball down the left wing before cutting inside to shoot into the bottom left corner. However, despite no original suggestion of offside, VAR bizarrely ruled out the goal.The judgement was clearly incorrect when viewing a replay as Isak, 25, was well onside when Gyokeres played him the ball.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it turned out that VAR had drawn the lines to Isak at the wrong time.Instead, VAR had strangely drawn the lines from Isak when Gyokeres, 26, had originally picked up the move inside his OWN HALF.The decision left fans and even reporters confused, with Siavoush Fallahi writing on social media: “I’m crying they gave an offside on Isak when the ball went to Gyokeres in the middle.”A fan said: “Possibly the worst offside decision I’ve ever seen I still can’t work out how Isak’s goal has been ruled out.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second added: “They drew the line on Isak for the pass to Gyokeres.”Another said: “We need a VAR check for VAR.”VAR footage of William Saliba red card released by PGMOL as Arsenal fans rage at Liverpool fan’s inputSweden went on to win the match 6-0, with Gyokeres scoring two more and Kulusevski bagging another while Isak also missed a penalty shortly after half-time.Speaking after the game, Isak revealed he and his team-mates had been engaged in an argument with the VAR officials over the decision in the player tunnel at half-time.According to the Sweden Herald, he said: “How is that possible? Seriously. It’s almost the worst I’ve seen.”I’m happy, of course, that we win, but I score a goal that should be allowed, then it’s clear that you get annoyed.”I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like this at this level when I’ve been involved. “You’ve seen a lot of mistakes, but this one was pretty rough. The VAR referees stood in the player tunnel at halftime. “We argued with them, but they stuck to their decision that they had made the right call.”National team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson was just as angry, adding: “I was furious, the whole team was furious. I don’t understand it. For me, it was a goal, but we can’t change it.”The game ensured Sweden won their Nations League C Group 1 with five wins and one draw, while Azerbaijan finished bottom of the group without a win.Sweden are the only nation inside the top 30 ranked leagues in Europe who do not use VAR.Having been written into IFAB rules in 2018, the Allsvenskan remains an exception by refusing to implement it.Ola Thews, vice-chairman of Swedish giant AIK’s largest supporter organization, ASK, said of VAR in August: “VAR is a symbol of modern, commercialised-to-the-point-of-destruction football.”Thews also believes VAR “ruins the euphoria” of scoring a goal.In England, Premier League chiefs fear they have to go without semi-automated offside technology until next season.Howard Webb had claimed last month that assistant VAR errors were down 80 per cent before Michael Oliver had a high-profile blunder during Manchester United’s clash at West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn-field referee David Coote had originally waved play on before being called back with Matthijs de Ligt accused of fouling Danny Ings following a coming together in the penalty area.The decision to then award a penalty with the off-field recommendation was maligned at the time before Webb admitted it was “on balance, probably not a penalty”.VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you. More

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      Premier League clubs fear huge delay to introducting semi-automated offsides amid concerns over major glitch

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      PREM clubs fear the promised semi-automated offside technology may not now be introduced until NEXT season.Clubs agreed to bring in the system this term at their April meeting after Prem chiefs agreed a deal with US-based Genius Sports.Semi-automated offside technology is used in the Champions LeagueThe tech utilises ‘mesh tracking’ of 10,000-plus data pointsCredit: FIFAAt the time, it was announced that the new system would not be available until after one of the autumn international breaks.That was to ensure thorough testing of Genius’ system of 28 special cameras, which utilise “mesh tracking” of 10,000-plus data points on the surface of each player rather than the limb and skeletal tracking concepts used by Uefa and Fifa.Earlier this season, it was confirmed that more testing was required before Prem bosses could give the green light, with the introduction of the technology pushed back until after Christmas.But club bosses anticipate they will be told this week that they should not expect all the remaining wrinkles to be ironed out in time for the system to run live before the end of the season.READ MORE ON SPORTAn update from PGMOL and the Prem executive is due to discuss the current state of play amid concerns about semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) which were heightened in Spain before the international break.A glitch in the system used in La Liga meant Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was wrongly ruled offside after scoring against Sociedad when a defender’s boot was mis-identified as being worn by the Polish striker.Barca sporting director Deco spoke about the decision after the game and suggested that another system is needed as a back up.He said: “I don’t think VAR, and not just because of this game, has fixed what in theory it was going to fix.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t understand if it’s semi-automatic, not automatic, if someone has to press the button.”It’s like having a car and not knowing if it’s automatic, if it’s hybrid … someone will have to explain it to us.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsRobert Lewandowski was failed by the technology earlier this seasonCredit: Getty”Why is it semi-automatic? I am lost. I still don’t know if the boots were yellow [Lewandowski’s] or black [Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd’s].”We don’t want to go there because we don’t want excuses, but there’s a question: what happened?”Where’s the error occurred, if there’s an error? If not, no problem, but we need an explanation because we’re lost with what semi-automatic means.”If there’s an involvement from VAR, if the referee really can’t do anything.”If the semi-automatic system doesn’t work, then we need to return to another system. This isn’t a Barca issue, it’s about improvements for all teams.”Some things have improved, but in other areas we still have one person’s interpretation. We still have controversial decisions, like the one at (Real Sociedad’s ground) Anoeta on Sunday, which was probably incorrect.”Prem bosses want to ensure the new system is foolproof before its introduction although the delay after the pre-season promises are an embarrassment. More

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      Coote’s language is warm air in thunderstorm of disgraceful behaviour… what about the poor ref PUNCHED by club chief?

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      QUESTION of the week — who would be a referee?One faces the sack after using a naughty word about Jurgen Klopp.David Coote’s outburst was as nothing compared to other incidentsCredit: APCoote was captured sniffing white powder at Euro 2024His future in officiating is clearly in doubtCredit: XAnother in Turkey at least got some justice after being whacked in the face by a club president.We can dispense quickly with ref David Coote’s angry little outburst against the former Liverpool manager.His addition of “German” to a part of a woman’s anatomy is not going down well with the FA,  which ordered an investigation.Coote failed to prevent the release of a private video which recorded his comment and this particular coot was out of the bag and flying at Klopp.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt wasn’t much of an insult really, one heard all the time on the field and in the stands — without the “German” bit.No doubt even the full curse has been heard by Klopp himself.Even so, with the subsequent other videos which have surfaced in this newspaper to add to the first, you can expect Coote’s sacking to be confirmed.If you require something rather more painful, try MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca’s right-hander that broke the eye socket of Halil Umut Meler.Most read in FootballEx-Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp was the subject of Coote’s little rantCredit: APFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKoca was furious after Ankaragucu conceded an equaliser to ten-man Caykur in the 97th minute of a game in December 2023. Who blew the final whistle — if it was ever blown — has been lost in translation.Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about itShocking David Coote Klopp video in fullFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.“Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.“So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.“Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”As Meler collapsed to the floor,  other men started kicking him.He was taken to hospital for emergency surgery as politicians and football gentry queued to say how appalling the incident was.That incident led to all Turkish Super Lig football being suspended for a week.Yet last week, that self-anointed sage of world football Jose Mourinho suggested officiating in the country’s top flight “smells bad”.Mourinho — Fenerbahce boss since June — questioned why fans from other countries would watch the game there.The former Chelsea manager has complained about refs wherever he has coached.But his views have forceful support, even if many people in football see his criticism as an application for a job elsewhere.However, Meler has a good reputation as a top Fifa and Uefa ref and officiated West Ham in the Conference League last season.Meler recalled: “Faruk Koca punched me under my left eye.Faruk Koca is appealing against a jail term for punching a refereeCredit: GettyJose Mourinho blasted refereeing in the Turkish top flightCredit: Getty“I fell. While I was on the ground, other people kicked me in the face and other parts of my body many times.”Koca was this week sentenced to 3½ years in jail. But he is yet to start that term pending an appeal, with Ankaragucu chairman Ismail Mert Firat arguing “no disgraceful crime” was committed.There isn’t a football-playing country in the world without conflict between fans and referees — and Turkey isn’t alone in featuring furious club officers.In Brazil, a fourth-division president punched a referee last year and was banned for 30 days.In DR Congo, a referee was chased from the field by women players and supporters for failing to award a penalty. Women! I thought better of us.Verbal attacks and match violence all over the world.In Spain, they count offences in the hundreds. In the UK, too.Ivan Savvidis, the gun-carrying owner of Greek side Thessaloniki and his bodyguards marched on to the pitch after the ref disallowed a last-minute goal during a game with AEK Athens in 2018.And in the United States, a player was jailed for a minimum eight years in 2015 after punching a ref — who died two days after.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe world  seems to be suffering from a social disease and at the centre of it is the poor old ref.By comparison, Coote’s language is warm air in a thunderstorm of disgraceful behaviour.No referees have EVER been tested for drugs as David Coote faces end of Premier League careerEXCLUSIVE by Martin LiptonNO referees or match officials have ever been tested for drugs – as David Coote’s apparent “cocaine shame” is set to end his career.While all players and other athletes in British sport are subject to drug testing rules, including post-match and out of competition action, the regulations do not apply to match officials.That is the case globally across not just football and throughout the world rather than only in the UK.All sports follow the World Anti-Doping Authority code, aimed at preventing athletes gaining an advantage by using performance-enhancing substances.The Wada banned list also includes recreational drugs.But the Wada provisions, also followed by UK Anti Doping, which conducts tests across British sport, makes no reference to match officials.UKAD explains: “Any UK athlete subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport and non-UK athlete staying, training, residing, entering a competition,”Or named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level within the UK is eligible for testing as part of UKAD’s national anti-doping programme.“Any athlete eligible for testing can be tested anytime, anywhere.”But the regulations do not apply to match officials – because of the “performance enhancing” provision of the world code.The PGMOL have revealed they are aware of the video of him sniffing a white powder.They told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.” More