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    Fans in stitches as Federico Chiesa doesn’t realise he’s scored after VAR announcement played over Wembley tannoy

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    FEDERICO CHIESA’S Liverpool career has not quite gone to plan since he joined Liverpool from Juventus last summer.But the Italian does now have a Wembley goal to his name after netting in stoppage time to halve Newcastle’s League Cup Final lead.Chiesa had a delayed reaction to the referee’s callCredit: GettyChiesa’s goal made for an intense period of extra timeCredit: APThe Italian’s cameo left fans wondering why Slot does not let him play more oftenCredit: PA MediaHowever, he was unable to prevent Newcastle lifting the trophy with a 2-1 win.Chiesa was put through a nervous wait before the goal was confirmed, though, as the VAR team took their time pondering an offside call.The goal would ultimately stand, prompting a panicked period of injury time as Liverpool desperatey pushed for an equaliser, to no avail.As the referee announced the decision over the Wembley Stadium tannoy, the camera panned to Chiesa, who wore a blank expression.Read more football newsThe referee announced to the crowd that Chiesa was onside when the ball was played, meaning the linesman’s flag in-game was overruled by VAR.But Chiesa appeared shocked and almost ready to protest.The Italian is a confident English speaker, regularly giving interviews in English before and since moving to Merseyside.Despite that, fans were quick in taking to social media to react to his confusion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSeveral pointed out the gaffe, with one writing: “Funny how Chiesa reacted after VAR overturned the offside and confirmed he scores.”Man don’t understand English.”Juventus star Federico Chiesa leaves Turnin on private flight for transfer deal with Liverpool Despite that, supporters were very complimentary of his performance, producing an impressive cameo after coming off the substitute’s bench in the 74th minute.His incisiveness was a refreshing change from the contributions of Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, who managed just one shot between them.One fan wrote on X: “Start Chiesa the rest of the season. Left wing, right wing, at the nine, I don’t care. Start him.”Others questioned why he has struggled for minutes as the 27-year-old has made just three Premier League appearances since signing thanks to a series of niggling injuries.The League Cup final loss caps a miserable week for Liverpool, who on Tuesday were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain after a penalty shootout. More

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      Uefa ready to open talks over shock rule change after controversial Julian Alvarez penalty disallowed vs Real Madrid

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      UEFA ready to open talks over a shock rule change after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was controversially disallowed against Real Madrid.The Spanish derby went to a shootout in the Champions League last 16 after Atletico won 1-0 on the night to level 2-2 on aggregate.Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed in the shootoutCredit: GettyBut controversy struck when former Manchester City star Alvarez slipped while taking his spot-kick. His effort went in but was soon chalked off and overturned to a miss after replays revealed the slip caused him to twice touch the ball before it went in.It violated Uefa’s rules on penalties but, after Atletico launched an appeal, the governing body ruled the stipulation could be looked at and changed.Uefa said in a statement: “Atletico de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julian Alvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.READ MORE IN football “Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. “Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed.”UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional.” Madrid progressed 4-2 on penalties with ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scoring the deciding spot kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut, had Alvarez’s kick have counted, Atletico would have had one final penalty to take the contest to sudden death.Atletico manager Diego Simeone fumed in the post-match press conference. Fans can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his shirt for with fan after Atletico winHe said: “Don’t be afraid to speak. Are you afraid because you’re going to be punished? “If you’re afraid, don’t say anything. Raise your hand if you think Julian knocked twice. No one? No one. Okay.”Honestly, I won’t lie to you, being eliminated the way we’ve been is not an easy thing to accept.”Simeone continued: “I just saw the image of the penalty. “The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. “That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. “I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMadrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “I think they had detected it already at the VAR when we were hesitating. “We haven’t warned them, not me at least because I didn’t realise. I’ve seen the replay and I think he touches it with his left foot, the second touch.”Real Madrid won the shootout in very controversial circumstancesCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘Historic robbery’ – Fans furious as Julian Alvarez’s penalty controversially ruled out after Real Madrid protests

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      FOOTBALL fans were left furious after Julian Alvarez saw his penalty shootout goal ruled out following a VAR intervention.Conor Gallagher’s early goal for Atletico Madrid after 27 seconds had forced extra-time and penalties with holders Real Madrid during the second leg of the Madrid derby Champions League last 16 clash.Julian Alvarez saw his penalty shootout kick against Real Madrid controversially ruled outCredit: RexVAR ruled out the kick on grounds of a double touch before it went inCredit: ReutersBoth sides were unable to find a decisive winner, with Vinicius Jr blazing a spot-kick over the bar in the second half, so a shootout was needed to separate the teams at the end of more than 210 minutes of action.With the away side kicking first, the first three penalties were all scored.Ex-Manchester City star Alvarez then stepped up for his sides second penalty at the Wanda Metropolitano.Catastrophe struck as the Argentine slipped during his run-up, but his effort still managed to find its way into the net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, VAR seemed to spot something wrong with the kick.And upon a review, Alvarez saw his goal ruled out for an extraordinary double touch.Atletico scored their next penalty through Angel Correa, but were sent crashing out of the competition by their neighbours once again when Marcos Llorente saw his kick saved by Thibaut Courtois.Fans were left fuming about the inexplicable intervention by VAR, accusing it of favouring the 15-time European Champions.Most read in FootballCheltenham 2025 – all you needOne fan on social media said: “Football will never see anything like this again. A historic robbery has taken place at the Metropolitano with the whole world watching. Payments have come in clutch.”A second said: “Cancelling a penalty because there might have been a double touch is abhorrent. At the very least, Álvarez should be given a chance to retake it. Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid boss”But if there isn’t even clear-cut evidence of a double touch, why nullify it? There’s no other way to put it: it’s anti-football.”A third added: “The Julian Alvarez penalty kick is all the evidence we needed towards proving that Real Madrid has some pact with the devil in the Champions League.”Atleti boss Diego Simeone was incandescent as ever when discussing the intervention, asking reporters to raise their hand if they saw the apparent double touch.He then shouted: “Did anyone here see Julián touch the ball twice? Raise your hand! Come on, come on! Raise your hand! Nobody’s raising theirs, ready! Next question…”However, slowed-down replays from of the incident showed there was indeed a slight double-touch.Football lawmakers, IFAB, clearly write in the laws of the game that the double touch of a penalty kick is forbidden.Law 14.2 states: “The kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player; an indirect free kick (or direct free kick for a handball offence) is awarded.”Law 10, which clarifies the rules around shootouts, also adds: “If the kicker is penalised for an offence committed after the referee has signalled for the kick to be taken, that kick is recorded as missed and the kicker is cautioned.”Real Madrid’s progression into the quarter-finals sees them play Arsenal, who were eliminated at this stage by Bayern Munich last season.The first leg will commence at the Emirates on April 8, with the second leg commencing the following week on April 16.These two clubs have remarkably only met once before in the Champions League in 2005/06.Arsenal emerged as 1-0 victors over a two-legged semi-final thanks to Thierry Henry goal early in the second half at the Bernabeu.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat season was the last time the Gunners made it to the final of the competition.The winner of the tie will play one of Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa for a spot in the final at the Allianz Arena. More

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      Inter Milan manager’s gesture backfires horribly after shock intervention in Champions League penalty decision

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      SIMONE INZAGHI’S hand gesture backfired after his chosen player MISSED a penalty against Feyenoord in the Champions League.With Inter Milan 2-0 up, goalscorer Marcus Thuram drew a foul in the box after Jeyland Mitchell clipped the back of the Frenchman’s leg in the 63rd minute.Inter Milan boss Inzaghi’s gesture backfired after his chosen player scuffed a penalty against FeyenoordPiotr Zielinski missed out on the chance of putting Inter 3-0 upCredit: ReutersAfter initially waving on, referee Espen Eskas overturned his decision after being sent to the monitor.The camera panned to Inter boss Inzaghi who was holding seven fingers up to his players waiting near the penalty spot.He was indicating he wanted midfielder Piotr Zielinski to take the spot-kick in the first-leg of their last-16 clash.That’s despite talismanic striker Lautaro Martinez still being on the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd, in a dramatic turn of events, Zielinski’s limp shot was easy kept out by goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.Inzaghi’s mistimed intervention came about because No.1 penalty taker Hakan Calhanoglu was sitting on the bench.Zielinski had just returned to the starting line up at the expense of former Manchester United star Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Martinez scored his penalty in Argentina’s shootout victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was also due to take the fifth spot-kick for Argentina in the final against France, but his country had already claimed a 4-2 win before his turn came.Martinez doubled Inter’s lead in the 50th minute, after Thuram grabbed their opener.Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV Zielinski had scored his last two spot-kicks, both in the same game in a 4-4 thriller against Juventus in Serie A in October.Usual penalty taker Halhanoglu has endured a torrid time in 2025 and was benched after coming off injured during Inter’s 1-1 draw against title rivals Napoli. More

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      Michael Oliver NOT given Premier League game after horror blunder to not send off Millwall star for brutal kung-fu kick

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      BLUNDER ref Michael Oliver has not been given a Premier League game this weekend, following his stunning initial decision not to send off a Millwall player for a kung-fu kick on Saturday.Oliver, 40, needed a VAR intervention to persuade him to issue a red card to Lions keeper Liam Roberts for his outrageous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Michael Oliver has been dropped from this weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: RexThe referee initially did not give a free kick for Liam Roberts’ kick on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: ReutersMateta required 25 stitches for the gash on his earCredit: ReutersThe whistler had not even awarded a free-kick for the horrifying incident in the FA Cup, which saw Mateta taken to hospital and have TWENTY-FIVE stitches for a gashed ear.Eagles chairman Steve Parish branded the reckless tackle as “endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life”.The home side went on to win the FA Cup 3-1 at Selhurst Park and knock out the Championship outfit.The forward was later discharged from hospital after all scans were clear and he was “feeling well”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMillwall manager Alex Neil and Roberts both reached out to Mateta to check on his well-being after the game.Oliver has not been given a match to ref this weekend, and is not down to be a fourth official or VAR.He will officiate Harry Kane’s all-German Champions League clash though as Bayern Munich take on Bayer Leverkusen in their last-16 first leg.The clash will take place tomorrow night at the Allianz Arena.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPGMOL sources pointed to the fact that ref rotation is a common occurrence in the Premier League.Oliver had the weekend of February 15-16 off too, which followed his reffing of a feisty Merseyside derby which ended 2-2 and saw two players and two coaches sent off.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redArne Slot was furious with Oliver after the Merseyside derby last monthCredit: ReutersLiverpool boss Arne Slot was left fuming after the match by Oliver’s performance.The Dutchman was given a two-match ban and a £70,000 fine for his meltdown after the full-time whistle.Slot told Oliver that he would “F*****G BLAME” him should Liverpool go on to lose the Premier League title.The Reds are the favourites to lift the title at the end of the season despite dropping two points against the Toffees.The FA has backed Oliver on this occasion after publishing the full written reasons for the penalties imposed on Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.Both clubs were also punished for the incidents that were sparked by Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time celebrations.A three-person commission explained: “It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by Arne Slot who had entered the field of play to confront the referee and the match officials team. “Tensions were running high. It was alleged that Arne Slot’s manner was confrontational and aggressive. “It was alleged that he initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.”Including that the referee had ‘f****** give them everything’ and that he hoped that the Referee “was proud of that performance.” “The referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by Arne Slot around one minute later. “In this exchange, Arne Slot once again shook the referee’s hand and said, ‘If we don’t win the league, I’ll f****** blame you.” “It is then further alleged that Arne Slot turned to the assistant referee and shouted twice that it was ‘a f****** disgrace.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”As a result, he was shown a red card by the referee.”Oliver also reported that Hulshoff, who also received a two-game touchline ban but was only fined £7,000, had continued the verbal tirade.Steve Parish on Mateta injuryCrystal Palace chairman Steve Parish spoke to the media at half time about the injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta…He told the BBC: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.” More

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      ‘We’re the laughing stock’ – Ex-referees chief demands Michael Oliver is AXED for ‘missing’ horror challenge on Mateta

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      FORMER refs’ chief Keith Hackett has called for blunder whistler Michael Oliver to be axed and claims English officials “are the laughing stock in Europe.”Hackett also wants a maximum 120-second VAR review introduced following the astonishing 8min 11sec farce to rule out a Milos Kerkez ‘goal’ for offside in Bournemouth’s FA Cup shootout win over Wolves.Michael Oliver has been slammed for not immediately awarding a red card for a horror tackle on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: RexCrystal Palace star Mateta was taken to hospital after being kicked in the head during the club’s FA Cup clash against MillwallCredit: APEx-ref Keith Hackett wants Oliver axed and a 120-second maximum review time introducedCredit: GettyOliver was slammed by Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish for failing to award even a free-kick after Millwall keeper Liam Roberts’ flying kung fu kick to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s head put the Eagles striker in hospital.It needed VAR Nick Hopton’s intervention in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round clash before Oliver was persuaded to issue Roberts a red card.And it came on the same day the new Semi-Automated Offside Technology failed at the Vitality Stadium – on the very first weekend of it being used in competitive matches.It prompted ex-PGMOL boss Hackett to launch a blistering attack on his successor Howard Webb, posting: “We are the laughing stock in Europe and the decline continues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I wonder if the PGMOL are capable of delivering top-class officiating.“A challenge that put a player in hospital not recognised by the referee; EIGHT minutes to make an offside call? Time for the players to have afternoon tea! How is that helping?”Angry Parish accused Roberts of endangering Mateta’s life with the “most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen.”Mateta needed 25 stitches in a “serious” gashed ear and also underwent head scans before being released from hospital.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Parish fumed: “It was a dreadful challenge, but why the ref needed to go to the screen I have no idea.”Oliver, 40, was also widely criticised over his Molineux cock-up in January when he wrongly issued a straight red card to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for a trip – overturned on appeal.Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrongHackett insisted Oliver “needs rest. At least a couple of weeks off.“That was terrible officiating. The referee went missing. The red card should have been issued without hesitation.”Bournemouth and Wolves fans chanted: “F*** VAR,” and “it’s not football any more,” during the Vitality farce.And Hackett posted on X: “This should be a game-changing moment.“Why didn’t the Premier League/PGMOL purchase an SAOS system that is tried and tested.“Why decide to use at this stage of the FA Cup?“We now need to put a time clock on the process. Two minutes max – then revert to the on-field decision.”Hackett, 80, also claims if refs wait for a VAR input before making decisions, “then we might as well use Tarot cards or bingo balls.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSheffield-born Hackett previously accused the £26million PGMOL of “being run by a bunch of amateurs who operate like a Mayfair Gentlemen’s Club.”He added: “VAR is not working, so bin it.” More

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      Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca faces SEVEN-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee in incredible meltdown

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      LYON manager Paulo Fonseca faces a SEVEN-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee Benoit Millot. The French side actually beat Brest 2-1 in Ligue 1 but drama unfolded in the dying moments of the game. Paulo Fonseca faces a seven-month ban after squaring up to referee Benoit MillotCredit: AFPFonseca went head to head with ref MillotCredit: AFPFonseca was previously shown yellow earlier in the game but he was sent off after Millot went over to the VAR screen to check for a Brest penalty. The ex-Porto defender was livid with Millot, who then brandished the red card to send Fonseca off. Fonseca squared up to the official in wild scenes and now faces a suspension over seven months, per the league’s rules. His outburst falls under LFP’s Article 8 regarding “intimidating or threatening behaviour.”READ MORE IN footballThe rulebook states his behaviour was “intimidating, all words, gesture and/or attitude that could inspire fear. “Is threatening, all words, gesture and/or attitude expressing the idea of ​​prejudice to the physical integrity of a person.” Any head coach or club executive found guilty of this towards an official during a game faces a seven-match ban, as per the ruleset.Fonseca, who joined Lyon in January after being sacked by AC Milan, apologised for his outburst. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I apologise for this gesture. I shouldn’t do that. Football makes us do bad gestures. The match was very difficult.”Playing against Brest is always difficult, they are a physical team, they defended a lot. These are very important points.”‘That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueLyon captain Alexandre Lacazette added: “It’s part of football. “I think he’ll regret this gesture but we’ll see what the disciplinary committee says.”It’s tension. There are a lot of questionable choices. When you live the match, sometimes you can do things. We’re all behind the coach.”Lyon are now sixth in the table with PSG leading second-place Marseille by 13 points. Fonseca had to apologise for his outburstCredit: Getty More

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      Something is wrong with our referees when VAR is needed to show red card for ‘life-threatening’ tackle on Mateta

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      SOMETHING is not right with our officials at the moment.Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ first-half challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta was a clear red card for serious foul play.Jean-Philippe Mateta was kicked in the head by Liam Roberts in Palace’s FA Cup clash with MillwallCredit: REXReferee Michael Oliver sensationally needed VAR to give Roberts his marching ordersCredit: GETTYOliver eventually sent Roberts off after seeing the replayCredit: REXThe Crystal Palace striker was kicked in the head and it was an obvious instance of endangering a player’s safety with excessive force and/or brutality.Yet, referee Michael Oliver did not even show a yellow card. We had to wait for VAR to intervene and recommend a review.Even then, it took more than TWO MINUTES for a decision to be made.READ MORE ON MATETA3It seems that the officials on the pitch are relying too much on VAR at the moment —  for me, that is not refereeing.I can only conclude that Michael did not realise at the time just how dangerous the challenge was. He has been our best referee but he seems to be lacking in confidence at the moment.And that happens with players AND referees.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJean-Phillipe Mateta is thankfully recovering from the horror tackleCredit: REUTERSHis incorrect red card for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly at Wolves in January was rightly overturned.At Selhurst Park yesterday,  a three-man VAR team led by Nick Hopton — who is not a Premier League referee — made sure that the correct decision was made in the end.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starBut why did it take them so long? Even in real time, that was a clear red card.It reminded me of the challenge by West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher that left Patrick Battiston of France badly hurt in the 1982 World Cup.What on earth was the Millwall goalkeeper thinking, rushing out like that?Players have a duty of care towards their fellow professionals, and Mateta’s safety was certainly endangered.Palace chairman Steve Parish rightly didn’t mince his words on the tackle, saying: “That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish condemned the tackle live on the BBCCredit: BBC”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad. “Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.it’s a dreadful challenge and why the referee needs to go the screen, I’ve no idea. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Forget about him being a football player, he is a human being. That is not a normal challenge. “If you’re kicking someone in the head with the full force, God knows what damage has been done to him.” More

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      ‘This is embarrassing’ – Bournemouth vs Wolves hit with huge VAR delay as ref forced to hold conference on touchline

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      FANS have slammed VAR as “embarrassing” after a huge seven-minute delay during Bournemouth’s FA Cup tie with Wolves.The Cherries managed to force the ball into the back of the net from a corner via a combination of Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.There was a seven minute wait for VAR’s decision to be confirmedCredit: RexVideo replays showed it may have come off an arm and there was a hint of offside.But in bizarre scenes, fans and players were left waiting a whopping seven minutes before the goal was chalked off.The semi-automated offside technology, which is debuting in English football this weekend, is believed to have failed.It meant the officials were forced to draw the lines as usual, creating a lengthy delay. At one point referee Sam Barrott led captains Nelson Semedo and Lewis Cook to the touchline for a conference with the managers.The official then turned on his microphone and announced to the Vitality Stadium that the goal would not stand as Kerkez was offside.Angry Bournemouth fans sang, “It’s not football anymore,’ and “This is embarrassing,’ as the delay went on. More fumed on social media, with one writing: “Absolute mess of a system.”Most read in FootballAnother added: “That VAR at the Bournemouth game was utterly embarrassing.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More