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    Arsenal fans come up with wildest conspiracy theory yet as American VAR official makes big call in Crystal Palace clash

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    ARSENAL fans have leapt to the top of the table – for conspiracy theories!Gunners’ supporters noted an unusual twist as a huge VAR call in a 2-2 home draw with Crystal Palace helped put Liverpool on the brink of the Prem crown.Gabriel Martinelli had the simple task of putting the ball in the netCredit: RexJurrien Timber hooked the ball back in for Martinelli to volley inCredit: Sky SportsBut VAR ruled the ball had gone out before Timber crossed itCredit: Sky SportsBelow-par Arsenal were 2-1 up midway through the second period when Jurrien Timber hooked the ball over Eagles keeper Dean Henderson for Gabriel Martinelli to volley home from point-blank range.An assistant referee ruled it out for offside against Timber – but after a lengthy delay VAR decided that was the wrong call.Unfortunately for Arsenal, the video assistant also spotted that the ball had gone out of play just as the defender crossed it in, so the goal was disallowed after all.And having levelled brilliantly once, through Eberechi Eze, Palace went on to do it again, and arguably even better, through sub Jean Philippe Mateta’s long-range chip.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSIt means Liverpool need just a point at home to Tottenham on Sunday to seal the title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge.But if the Gunners were disappointing on the pitch, their fans dazzled online – with their VAR conspiracies.One pointed out that the video assistant was an American – former Major League Soccer referee Alex Chilowicz.The New Jersey official, 37, who is also known to be a musician, switched to officiating in England two years ago.Most read in FootballDefenders William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior show Arsenal’s dejectionCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe became one of the first non-Brits to take charge of an EFL match in December 2023.And he finally oversaw a game on Premier League turf in August 2024, as Brighton took on Sussex rivals Crawley in the EFL Cup.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksBut on Wednesday night he found himself under a far more intense microscope in a cagey contest refereed by Michael Salisbury.One fan described Chilowicz and Salisbury as a pair of “unknowns”.The supporter then added to his wacky thinking – with a surprise question.He posted on X: “I find it hilarious that the referee and VAR tonight for #Arsenal game are unknowns. None of the usual clowns. “Is it because @FA_PGMOL  are all with the Liverpool players ready to celebrate their title win if we lost tonight?”Another supporter was more blunt with his observation.He wrote: “VAR always works correctly when it’s against Arsenal lol.”A third claimed: “Now that the league is decided, they take their time on VAR calls involving Arsenal.”And a fourth hinted that, apart from terrible luck with injuries to strikers, the Gunners have had equally miserable misfortune up front – albeit off the pitch.With an apparent touch of suspicion, he lamented: “So many goals disallowed from VAR for Arsenal this year.”Other fans blasted the “ridiculous” length of time waiting for VAR to deliver a verdict.But at least one viewer suggested the incident was a VICTORY for the technology.He wrote: “You have to give the Premier League credit.”That Timber goal was inconclusive 3 months ago… VAR is awful but getting the tech in place to see an out ball is super stuff… Nobody hates VAR more than me, but credit where it’s due.”  Meanwhile, Prem chiefs acted to clear up debate over the disallowed goal with an explanation on social media.Read More on The SunThey posted: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for Arsenal for offside against Timber – and established that he was in an onside position in the build-up. “However, the VAR also determined that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up and the goal should be ruled out.”  Boss Mikel Arteta was frustrated by Arsenal’s two dropped pointsCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League release statement after Man City crowd rage at controversial VAR replay for penalty as Guardiola loses it

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans and Pep Guardiola were left fuming after a replay of a controversial penalty decision was shown on the big screen at the Etihad.City took an early lead against Aston Villa via Bernardo Silva but then just minutes later, the visitors wanted a spot-kick.Jacob Ramsey won a penalty after being tripped by Ruben DiasCredit: GettyReferee Craig Pawson overturned his decision after watching a replay pitchsideCredit: GettyDias was adamant he got a piece of the ball and pulled out the challengeCredit: GettyThe centre-back pointed to the big screen as a different angle was shown to fans in the groundJacob Ramsey was knocked to the deck after a tangle with Ruben Dias in the penalty area.But the coming together was waved away by referee Craig Pawson.VAR reviewed the incident and sent the official to the pitchside monitor.Pawson eventually decided to overturn his decision and give a penalty after being shown a replay picked up by a camera behind Ramsey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe foul was then shown on the big screen at the Etihad Stadium but a different angle was reportedly used.A view from behind the City goal appeared to be selected instead and that angle showed Dias getting a toe on the ball rather than clipping Ramsey’s heels.It enraged the home support who loudly booed and whistled as Dias himself pointed towards the big screen in anger. Guardiola was equally incensed and he protested wildly in his technical area.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe City boss was gesturing that Dias had pulled out of the challenge and got a piece of the ball.Guardiola was booked for his antics – his fourth this season – but Marcus Rashford kept his cool to score the penalty to level things at 1-1.Maya Jama reveals item she’s banned from the bedroom amid romance with Man City star Ruben DiasCity fans reacted: “VAR failing to show the angle where Dias gets the ball in order to change the referee’s mind and give a penalty. It’s an absolute farce.”Another added: “That isn’t a penalty, VAR does not show the angle where Ruben touched the ball.”A third reacted: “Yet again VAR don’t show best angle until after referee has decided.”But pundit Roy Keane disagreed with supporters and said Dias DID foul Ramsey.The Premier League later released a statement which read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Aston Villa.”Man City’s anger was somewhat relieved by a late winner from Matheus Nunes as they won 2-1. ‘It wasn’t a trip’ – Mark Halsey’s viewBy Mark HalseyFORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey has given his verdict on the penalty call…”I would not have given a penalty in real time. It was normal contact and a coming together between two players.”Pawson was in a great position and also did not see it as a foul. Dias was trying to get out of the way and Ramsey has been clever in winning the pen.”The next question is why has VAR got involved? It wasn’t a clear and obvious error. It’s subjective.”The Prem match centre posted on X: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty.”But Halsey added: “It wasn’t a trip. Pawson should have been stronger when he was sent to the monitor and stuck to his original decision.”On Guardiola’s reaction, Halsey said: “Guardiola was frustrated and rightly so but he cannot act like that on the touchline. He needs to set an example.”Pep Guardiola was left fuming on the touchlineCredit: ReutersGuardiola picked up a booking for his protestsCredit: AFP More

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      Fire alarm at Stockley Park sees VAR SCRAPPED in middle of Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest match as statement released

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      VAR was temporarily axed during Tottenham’s clash with Nottingham Forest after a fire alarm at Stockley Park.Referee John Brooks and assistant Dan Robathan were forced to flee the west London officials hub at half-time.VAR was axed mid-game due to a fire alarm at Stockley ParkCredit: ReutersForest were leading Spurs 2-0 when VAR went downCredit: GettyNuno Espirito Santo’s side went in at the break 2-0 up after goals by Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.And by the time the second 45 minutes begun, the refs were still unable to return to the building in West London.A brief Premier League statement confirmed the news, which read: “The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park.”Technology was out of use for around eight minutes in second-half before things returned to normal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second Prem tweet said: “VAR is now back up and running”.The system was fortunately not called upon while it was out of action.But fans found the situation hilarious, with one saying: “We had freedom for about one minute.”Another added: “Whoever set the fire alarm off deserves a raise.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third laughed: “Quick, someone go break the emergency glass again.”By the time of the fire alarm, VAR’s new semi-automated offside technology had already been used at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt Wood had headed the ball into the back of the net but the goal was chalked off as the Forest striker went too early.Yet it took him just seven minutes to score a goal that did stand after heading home an Anthony Elanga cross.Tottenham improved after the break, and Richarlison netted a late goal. But Spurs couldn’t find another and Forest won 2-1 to boost their Champions League qualification hopes. More

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      ‘What’s the point in VAR?’ blast fuming Rangers fans as Cyriel Dessers’ shirt is almost ripped clean off in penalty box

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      CYRIEL DESSERS was furious after he was denied a penalty in the first half against Athletic Bilbao. And Rangers fans were in agreement after realising the striker almost had his shirt ripped clean off by Bilbao defender Dani Vivian during the controversial incident. Cyriel Dessers hauled down in the boxCredit: Willie VassThe striker appealed for a penaltyCredit: Willie VassHis shirt was ripped by the Spanish defenderHe made his feelings clear to the officials over the flashpointCredit: GettyDessers, 30, was chasing the ball in the penalty box but was halted by the Spaniard when he attempted to get on the end of it to open the scoring at the Estadio de San Mames. Ridvan Yilmaz attempted to play the striker through on goal but his pass was deflected and Dessers had to adjust his run. That’s when Vivian grabbed a hold of the Dessers and pulled him down to the deck. Referee Irfan Peljto was having none of it though as he waved play to continue. Furious Dessers appealed to the officials and pointed to his shirt which had been ripped across his chest. He was then ordered to change his shirt and he continued making his feelings heard to the fourth official on the touchline. Dessers eventually returned to the pitch after swapping shirts but was dished out a yellow card by the ref. It’s understood he was booked for entering the field of play before getting the all-clear from the Bosnian official. Most read in Europa LeagueGers fans expressed their outrage over the whole incident with many feeling hard done by. They believe their team should’ve been awarded a spot-kick. Taking to social media platform X, one fan wrote: “He’s just ripped the shirt clean off of Dessers. That’s a stone wall penalty.”Another blasted: “Dessers shirt has just been torn off of him and it’s not checked by VAR.”A third said: “That’s a stonewall penalty btw Absolutely ridiculous from the ref & VAR! Guys ripped Dessers shirt, how much more blatant can it be?”While a fourth asked: “How’s that not a penalty? What is the point of VAR?”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Arsenal handed huge reprieve as Uefa release statement on why Real Madrid penalty was rescinded

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      DECLAN RICE escaped a controversial yellow card as Real Madrid saw a penalty chalked off following a five-minute VAR check.And that means he will still be available for the semi-final with PSG.Referee Francois Letexier showed Declan Rice a yellow card – but rescinded itCredit: APRice was initially penalised for pulling down Kylian Mbappe in the areaCredit: APRice, 26, was the Gunners’ hero in the first leg with his two wonderful free-kicks.But he was penalised midway through the first half of the second leg at the Bernabeu when he gave a penalty away.Rice briefly held on to Kylian Mbappe at the back post – with the French striker hurling himself to the ground.Referee Francois Letexier immediately pointed to the spot and brandished a yellow card to the English midfielder, who was utterly baffled by the decision.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, after a lengthy stoppage to check both whether it was offside and if it was a foul, the ref was sent over to the pitchside monitor.And eventually Letexier decided no foul had been committed – chalking off both the penalty and the yellow card.Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement. They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat proved a major reprieve for Rice, who went into the clash in Madrid knowing a yellow card would see him suspended for the first leg against PSG should Arsenal progress. But that was not the only huge VAR penalty decision of the first half at the Bernabeu.Earlier on, Raul Asencio dragged Mikel Merino down off the ball from a corner.Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid It was initially missed by everyone as play continued – but Letexier was then ordered to stop and watch the replay.And much to the fury of the home crowd, he pointed to the spot. However, Bukayo Saka stepped up and dinked his penalty – but saw it saved by Thibaut Courtois.Saka broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful chipped finish following a beautiful move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later teed up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.Then Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up a historic 2-1 away win, with a cool-as-you-like injury-time strike.Mbappe went down under little contactCredit: TNT SportsRice protested his innocence as he pointed an accusatory fingerCredit: TNT SportsArsenal were awarded a penalty earlier in the halfCredit: TNT SportsBukayo Saka dinked his penalty but saw it savedCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal awarded controversial penalty minutes into crunch Real Madrid clash… but Saka fluffs spot kick

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      REAL MADRID players were left furious when Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty during the Champions League quarter-final second leg.A VAR intervention was required in the 10th minute when Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – even though both players were nowhere near the ball.Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – but both players were far from the ballReal Madrid players were furiousCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka’s penalty was savedCredit: ReutersPlay initially resumed as normal before referee Francois Letexier was called to the monitor to review the incident.And it didn’t take him long to overturn his original decision.Real Madrid players immediately ran to the referee to appeal while Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the fourth official.But the penalty call stood.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal forward Bukayo Saka stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois and parried behind for a corner.Fans on social media fumed about the incident, with one person writing: “Football is finished.”Another commented: “Give me a f***ing break.”While a third said: “Bro a mile from the ball though…”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second penalty incident was overturned at the other end of the pitch just a few minutes later.Kylian Mbappe went to ground in the Arsenal box following a tussle with Declan Rice.Real Madrid fire ominous eight-word warning to Arsenal in 20 LANGUAGES as they plot historic Champions League winThe referee immediately gave the penalty, but a five-minute VAR intervention resulted in no foul.Rice’s yellow card was also rescinded which means he will be able to play in the semi-final against PSG.Saka bounced back to break the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful dinked finish following a stunning move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later would tee up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.But Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up safe progression, and a 2-1 away win, with a cool as you like injury-time strike. More

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      Premier League history made as Eberechi Eze has goal ruled out for Crystal Palace vs Man City

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      PREMIER League history has been made after the new semi-automated offside technology chalked off its first goal.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze thought he had made it 3-0 to the Eagles against Manchester City this afternoon.Eberechi Eze was judged to be offside by the semi-automated systemA tracking system using 10,000 plus data points for each player recognised that the Palace ace was ahead of the City defender’s kneeCredit: @PLMatchCentreIt then produced a graphic of the offside to show Eze had gone too earlyCredit: @PLMatchCentreThe England midfielder sprinted in behind the City defence and finished beyond Ederson before being flagged offside by the linesman.Eze was adamant that he had timed his run to perfection, wagging his finger in disbelief at the decision.The goal was immediately checked by VAR’s semi-automated offside technology and within seconds it was confirmed that he had narrowly gone too early.It was the first time in Prem history that a goal was disallowed following the new check.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision proved to be a major turning point as City fought back from 2-0 down to level before eventually going 4-2 ahead.Chalking off Eze’s goal was semi-automated offside’s second use in the game after it supported the on-field decision to award his first strike after a possible offside in the build-up from Ismaila Sarr.In the second-half it was also used to confirm City’s fourth goal by James McAtee.Fans praised the new system, with one saying: “Semi-automated offside is pleasant to see.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Took a matter of seconds yet it took till April with only six games of the league season left for the Premier League to bring it in.”Others disagreed, commenting: “Oh look, finally a decision graphic but it doesn’t even show that they’ve gotten the timing of the pass correct. This is useless.”The new system, devised by the US-based company Genius Sports, aims to reduce offside waiting times to an average of 30 seconds.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsA whopping 28 cameras per match are deployed to track 10,000 plus data points for each player to reach the decisions.Explaining the tech, a Prem statement read: “Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR).“It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.“The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.”Eze was in disbelief over the offsideCredit: AFP More

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      Atletico vs Real Madrid VAR official replaced for Tottenham clash after Julian Alvarez penalty controversy

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      THE VAR responsible for chalking off Julian Alvarez’s controversial ‘double-kick’ penalty has been axed from his next European game.Tomasz Kwiatkowski, the Polish official, has been removed from the refereeing set-up for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt. Alvarez was adjudged to have touched the ball twice upon scoring his penaltyCredit: ReutersFootball fans struggled to see the momentCredit: TNT SportsThe penalty was chalked off and Real Madrid advanced in the Champions LeagueCredit: APKwiatkowski fuelled a frenzy during the penalty shoot-out between city rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 at the Estadio Metropolitano, when he disallowed Alvarez’s successful spot-kick in a matter of seconds. Kwiatkowski deemed that the Argentine had touched the ball twice as he slotted past Thibaut Courtois.That sparked outrage amongst Atleti staff and supporters alike. There was such an uproar after the game that Uefa were forced to back the VAR’s decision with an official statement, even releasing a video of the spot kick to demonstrate Kwiatkowski’s thought process.Read More FootballThe incident also prompted Uefa to admit that they were ready to readdress the ‘double-kick’ law. It seemed as though things would return to normal when the fiasco simmered down, but the debate has been reignited by Kwiatkowski’s axing for Spurs’ Europa League tie with Frankfurt.Uefa have not publicly given a reason as to why the change has been made, leaving fans in the dark ahead of tonight’s game.Kwiatkowski has been part of referee Szymon Marciniak’s team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he will not be in London as initially planned.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead, he will be replaced by Spaniard Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez in the VAR control room.Tottenham host Frankfurt in tonight’s game, which kicks off at 8pm.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendoSzymon Marciniak will be without his usual VAR when he takes charge of Spurs’ encounter against FrankfurtReal came out on top in the shootout, earning them a meeting with Arsenal in the quarter-finalsCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘Killing the game’ rant furious fans as Tottenham denied goal after ‘ridiculous’ FIVE-MINUTE VAR check

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      FANS have claimed VAR is “killing” football after Tottenham were denied a goal after a five minute check.Lucas Bergvall found the net against Southampton before being chalked off following a lengthy review.Tottenham had a goal disallowed following a five minute VAR checkVAR judged Cristian Romero to have committed a foul in the build-upLucas Bergvall thought he had doubled Tottenham’s leadCredit: GettyThe midfielder poked home after Cristian Romero headed a free-kick back across goal.But Romero was judged to have pushed his opponent in the back as he won the header, meaning the goal was not allowed to stand.It took ages for VAR to reach their conclusion, much to the frustration of fans watching on.Many criticised the officials for the five-minute delay and claimed VAR is ruining football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter said: “It’s ridiculous. 5 minutes to rule ou Bergvall’s goal. How can that be clear and obvious? VAR is killing the game.”Another added: “Bruh, VAR doing a whole thesis on that goal 😂”A third wrote: “This needs to be sorted out. Five minutes for a VAR check is ridiculous!”And another commented: “This sport is FINISHED.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTottenham eventually added a second shortly before half-time with Brennan Johnson finding the net again.The winger opened the scoring in the 13th minute and now has 16 goals this season. Tottenham fans fume at Spurs flops as Ange Postecoglou ‘stays out firing line’ after GOADING them during loss at Chelsea More