VAR

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Bournemouth 1 Newcastle 1: Match ends in major controversy as hosts’ last-minute winner is RULED OUT

      by

      BOURNEMOUTH were denied a stoppage time win over their former boss Eddie Howe after late VAR drama.The officials chalked off the goal for handball despite it looking like the ball had struck Dango Ouattara’s shoulder before it hit the net.Marcus Tavernier broke the deadlock for BournemouthCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon poked in at the back post to equaliseCredit: RexDango Ouattara’s late winner was disallowed in the 93rd minuteCredit: GettyVAR chalked it off for handballCredit: XAndoni Iraola was fuming and a a member of Bournemouth’s backroom staff was red carded by David Coote for his protests.Howe was also clearly upset with his team’s performance, shaking his head in clear frustration before VAR came to his rescue.The former Cherries gaffer played a seismic role on the south coast club’s 125-year history, lifting his home town club from League Two oblivion to Premier League stardom.In two spells he transformed the cash-strapped minnows, who were in danger of going out of business and losing their league status, from underdogs to serious top-flight opposition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Howe sampled once again the torment of failing to beat his beloved Bournemouth in the Premier League for the fifth time of asking.Liverpool-target Anthony Gordon salvaged a point for Newcastle 13 minutes from time after Marcus Tavernier had given Bournemouth a first-half lead.Howe has now suffered four draws and a 2-0 defeat in Dorset.The Cherries made five changes from the side that earned a late draw at Nottingham Forest, parading their new £40million Brazilian striker Evanilson for the first time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Newcastle gave former Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly his full debut on his old stomping ground – no doubt to contest the strong and dangerous winger Antoine Semenyo.Bournemouth’s billionaire US owner Bill Foley was also in town to take in the weekend’s 125th anniversary celebrations as well as watch one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the campaign.Kieran Trippier goes viral during Newcastle’s clash at Bournemouth after painful moment is caught on Sky Sports camerasAlexander Isak was put clear down the right and should have done better than allow Cherries goalkeeper Neto to save with his legs.The Cherries had their best chance after 18 minutes when Ryan Christie played in Evanilson, whose first time effort was kept out of the net by goalkeeper Nick Pope’s outstretched leg.And immediately at the other end, the ever-dangerous Isak placed a wonderful pass across the home which England star Gordon couldn’t quite get to.Yet it was Newcastle who were saved by the woodwork on 27 minutes after a piece of magic by the irrepressible Semenyo.Marcus Tavernier also worried Pope with a free-kick which hit the wall, forcing the stopper to concede a corner with the ball spinning towards goal.But the former Middlesbrough star was soon celebrating his tenth goal for the Cherries on 37 minutes after more wonderful work by Semenyo.The winger dispossessed Joelinton in the middle of the park and ran straight at the visitors defence before crossing the perfect ball for Tavernier to slot home.The Ghana wide man moved inside to the edge of box and whipped a swerving shot over the air-borne Pope and onto the bar.Former Bristol City star Semenyo was a constant menace for the Toon boys and his one-man assault continued after the break.Andoni Iraola was fuming over the decision, claiming it hit Ouattara’s shoulderHowe had seen enough just before the hour and want-away Kieran Trippier replaced Tino Livramento, while Jacob Murphy came off for Harvey Barnes.But it was still Semenyo who caught the eye again when he weaved in and out of tackles and came within inches of setting up a goal for Evanilson at the back post.The Brazilian, signed from Porto as a replacement for Dominic Solanke, desperately stuck out his boot but he couldn’t get enough on the ball to deflect it home.Newcastle fought back as Joelinton thought he had sneaked a leveller when he met Gordon’s cross perfectly with his head only to see Neto pull off a remarkable one-handed save.Now the Magpies were swooping relentlessly on the Cherries goal and the breakthrough moment finally arrived 13 minutes from time.Barnes made space for himself before lifting an exquisite cross that just evaded Milos Kerkez allowing Gordon to volley into the net.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth sides went close to clinching victory in the dying minutes before Ouattara suffered at the death from VAR.Even Newcastle legend Alan Shearer slammed the decision, tweeting: “A lucky point as that’s an awful decision re handball. Never handball for me.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Pundits including Neville and Shearer taught lesson on football laws by chiefs after frustration over commentary gaffes

      by

      TOP PUNDITS like Gary Neville and Alan Shearer were given a lesson on the laws of football by refereeing chiefs.SunSport has learned stars from all of the major broadcasters were invited to a conference call with PGMOL boss Howard Webb and the Premier League’s director of operations Tony Scholes last month.PGMOL Howard Webb gave a lesson to pundits about football lawsCredit: RexGary Neville was one of the pundits to be taughtCredit: PAAlan Shearer was also told about the rulesCredit: GettyThe Prem called the briefing due to their desire for broadcasters to be fully informed over how VAR will operate this season amid frustration at errors made during commentaries last term.Over 70 pundits from all of the top-flight’s domestic rights holders, Sky Sports, TNT Sport and the BBC attended.Webb is understood to have provided reminders about the laws of the game, interpretations by referees, as well as changes to how VAR will be used, while Scholes gave an update on various off-field issues including the football calendar.Summer meetings with top-flight managers have been held for years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut this was the first time a conference call has been held just for pundits.A similar briefing was also given to broadcasters.The Prem are promising quicker decisions, fewer interventions from VAR and more backing for the on-field ref’s judgement.Webb is also committed to greater transparency and has pledged to give fans more big-screen replays in stadiums, while offering “near-live” explanations of VAR calls on social media platform X.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe explanations were used throughout the opening weekend of the Premier League.They covered issues in the matches, such as Eberechi Eze’s ruled-out goal for Crystal Palace against Brentford.PREM RULE CHANGESHoward Webb’s six-point VAR planHere is Webb’s six-point plan to help VAR…1. Improve clarity for the threshold of VAR intervention 2. Reduce delays3. Improve fan experience4. Improve VAR training and consistency5. Be more transparent6. Educate and communicateThere has also been a number of rule changes made to the competition this season.This includes the ability to allow more substitutes to warm up on the touchline.There will also be more accurate calculations for added time in matches.A big change will come in after one of the international breaks as semi-automated offsides will be implemented.The technology is powered by artificial intelligence and promises to “minimise breaks in the game and deliver accuracy”.This should help referees manage games more smoothly and with less controversy.What are semi-automated offsides?PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have voted in the use of semi-automated offsides from the 2024-25 season.The technology tracks 29 different points on the body of every player.Together with a chip in the football, the tech then can produce almost instantaneous decisions, even on the tightest of calls.These are then visualised with computer-generated 3D images which clearly show the offence on a screen for fans watching the broadcast from home.Referees on the pitch will need to step in and intervene if the offside call is subjective – ie the player in an offside position does not touch the ball.Here’s how it works:Each ground will have up to 12 special cameras with limb-tracking technology.These will focus on 29 goal-scoring body parts from every player on the pitch and will record their position 50 times per second.During the World Cup in Qatar, the microchip in the ball sent back data points 500 times every second to determine the  precise instant it was played by an attacker OR a defenderThat allowed the computer technology to alert the VAR that a player was in an offside position when the ball was playedBut all decisions were then checked to ensure the attacker was interfering with playThe average time for an offside call in Qatar was cut to 25 seconds per incidentIn future, a 3D animation will “show” the decision to fans in the stadium and via broadcasters, and this will be available by the next stoppage in play after the decision. More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Cult hero ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean takes on new job as he enjoys break from VAR duties

      by

      MIKE DEAN has taken on a new job as he enjoys a break from VAR duties.The former Premier League referee has swapped the pitch for the gantry in his new football role.Mike Dean has started commentatingCredit: X @TRFCRadioDean, 56, is a lifelong Tranmere Rovers fan and has had the opportunity to commentate on a match.The cult hero official was on Tranmere Rovers Radio to give his insight on the club’s Football League Trophy clash against Everton’s U21s.The match got off to a dream start for Dean as Josh Davison gave the home side an unlikely lead in the 11th minute.However, listeners would have to have heard Dean’s despair come the end of the game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Toffees managed to score two late goals through Martin Sherif and Beto to turn the score around.Dean earned praise from fans for his analysis on the radio.One posted: “Big fan of hearing Mike on a Tranmere game!”A second commented: “I absolutely love it.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Nice one Mike.”Dean stopped officiating at the end of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.Mike Dean lost for words live on Sky Sports after VAR mix up for ‘stonewall’ penalty during Premier League clashDean had been a referee for the Premier League until the 2021/22 seasonCredit: GettyHe then started a new role as one of two full-time VAR officials with PGMOL.During his break from the role, he also picked up work with Sky Sports.Dean often appeared on the broadcaster last season to provide a referee’s insight on decisions on Soccer Saturday.Despite the defeat, Dean would have no doubt enjoyed commentating on his favourite team.His love for the club is well known as he was seen going crazy when they reached the League Two play-off final in 2019.Meanwhile, there has already been refereeing drama in the Premier League after one matchday.Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze saw a brilliant goal ruled out after referee Sam Barrott blew his whistle for a foul in the box.Harry Redknapp’s 2024/25 season predictions TOP FOURARSENAL, MANCHESTER CITY, LIVERPOOL and TOTTENHAM  — and  I’ve got a really strong feeling for Arsenal this season. A few of Man City’s star players are getting a bit older. There’s been nothing between the two teams over the past two years.RELEGATIONEVERTON (18th), SOUTHAMPTON (19th), LEICESTER (20th) — I like Sean Dyche and Everton are a great club with brilliant, knowledgeable fans. They’re just badly run. They need to go down to rebuild to come back again. But the key is new owners.TOP SCORERERLING HAALAND — I can’t see anyone taking his crown off him. He’s a goal machine, isn’t he? If I can get him at evens, I might lump on!MOST ASSISTSMARTIN ODEGAARD — He’ll be the catalyst for Arsenal’s surge to the title. I can see it now. He’s a superb player and he makes it look so easy.CARABAO CUPTOTTENHAM — Ange Postecoglou will break Spurs’ trophy curse. Most big teams will mess about with this trophy, but Tottenham will go full steam.FA CUPLIVERPOOL — I fancy Arne Slot to stamp his mark on English football quickly and there’s few better ways to do it than lifting this famous old trophy.CHAMPIONS LEAGUEREAL MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti is bullish about their chances. He has said that with Kylian Mbappe, it’s the best team they’ve had for a long time.EUROPA LEAGUEMANCHESTER UNITED — Clubs seem to have stopped sneering at this competition. And Spurs and United should be going both barrels for it.CONFERENCE LEAGUECHELSEA — The Luxembourg champions could be dangerous! Joking aside, the Blues must win it. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ben Brereton Díaz ‘a disgrace’ blasts ex-Premier League ref Mark Halsey who gives verdict on weekend’s big calls

      by

      Ben Brereton Díaz’s reaction to a ‘headbutt’ from Fabian Schaer has been labelled a ‘disgrace’.That’s the view of ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey.Halsey said Brereton Diaz’s reaction to Schaer’s ‘headbutt’ was a ‘disgrace’Credit: RexHe also said VAR not working at Goodison Park was an ‘unprofessional’ lookCredit: AlamyFormer Prem ref Mark Halsey has talked us through the weekend’s controversial momentsCredit: Getty Images – GettySchaer was sent off in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Southampton during the weekend when Diaz dramatically collapsed to the ground after a coming together of heads during a fiery confrontation.In the first episode of SunSport’s The Whistleblower, Halsey said: “Fabian Schaer should be more experienced than that.”The whistle’s gone, the game stops, and he doesn’t need to react in the way he did.”But having said that, Diaz, I thought, was a disgrace in the way he went down, because if you look at the incident, they both come together, they both put their heads together. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the way that Diaz went down, honestly, he should be up on the charge as well.”Halsey has also been running the rule over the weekend’s other big calls.Among the incidents as the Prem returned was some embarrassment for VAR officials when the touchline screen failed to work at Everton.Referee Simon Hooper was asked to go and review a huge penalty call, but the screen failed to show him the incident, forcing the official to use a back-up before he overturned his original decision and denied the Toffees a spot-kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHalsey said: “VAR was correct in recommending a review to Simon Hooper. Now, yes, obviously when he’s gone over, you can see that the monitor is not working.”That’s not very professional. Didn’t look good. But what you can see is that Simon Hooper is looking down at the ground. So obviously there was a replacement.PREM RULE CHANGES”It must’ve been a laptop or some sort of monitor in a case on the floor. So you can clearly see him looking down. So there was a backup screen there, but it wasn’t very professional, was it?”Watch the full episode of The Whistleblower at the top of this article, including the moment Halsey claims the referee will have been wanting the ground to open up and swallow him.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Thiago Silva publicly digs out Anthony Taylor after Man City score controversial goal in win over Chelsea

      by

      THIAGO SILVA has thrown a dig in the direction of Premier League referee Anthony Taylor.The former Chelsea centre-back seemingly hit out at Taylor on social media after the official’s decision not to award his former club a penalty against Man City.Chelsea fans were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty for a Mateo Kovacic handballCredit: xThiago Silva took to social media to agree with Blues fans sentimentCredit: AlamySilva appeared to take aim at referee Anthony TaylorCredit: RexThe Blues were beaten 2-0 at the Bridge by four-in-a-row champions Man City with their former midfielder Mateo Kovacic at the heart of the action.Kovacic netted City’s second goal a matter of minutes after he was the subject of controversy when the ball bounced off his elbow in the box during the second half.Blues fans were convinced they should have been given a spot-kick when the ball ricocheted off the foot of Malo Gusto and onto Kovacic’s arm, but referee Taylor and VAR Michael Salisbury decided otherwise.Subsequently, play was waved on and Kovacic secured all three points for his side just moments later up the other end.READ MORE ON CHELSEAIt seems nobody was more upset about the decision than former star Thiago Silva, who left the club for a Brazilian homecoming this summer.The 39-year-old veteran commented on an Instagram post detailing the decision not to award the penalty with a message that simply read: “Anthonyyyyyyyyyyyy” – seemingly hitting out at Anthony Taylor’s decision.Silva and Taylor have history too with the Silva using social media to vent his frustrations with the referee’s decisions in the past.Back in 2022 Silva shared an Instagram story showing Tottenham’s Cristian Romero tugging on Chelsea teammate Marc Cucurella’s famous locks during a London derby.Most read in FootballSilva and Taylor have previous during the Brazilian’s time in the Premier LeagueCredit: RexBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe shared the image alongside the caption: “Haven’t you seen this? No way. Can you pull hair out?”.While pulling hair may feel like an obvious error to be missed by the officials, Sunday’s handball decision is a much more contentious subject. Inside Chelsea stars’ exclusive boxes at Stamford Bridge as Thiago Silva’s wife Belle clears out Brazil legend’s stuffThe introduction of new regulations surrounding the handball law in the Premier League this season meant that Kovacic was deemed to be too close to the ball for it to be seen as a handball offence.A post on X from the Prem’s new VAR Hub read: “VAR checked a potential penalty for a handball by Kovacic. “He confirmed the referee’s call of no penalty, deeming the ball came from close proximity.”Silva is still getting his fix of Prem football after re-joining former club Fluminense on a free transfer, returning to Brazil for the first time since he left for AC Milan in 2009.The 113-time Brazil international has already featured six times for the South Americans this term and is settled back at his boyhood outfit.Silva said his goodbyes to Chelsea on the last day of the seasonCredit: GettyThe Brazilian has now returned to former club FluminenseCredit: GettyThiago Silva’s career statsThose numbers in full:RS Futebol, 2002-2003: 25 games, 2 goalsJuventude, 2004: 36 games, 3 goalsPorto B, 2004-2005: 14 games, 0 goalsDynamo Moscow, 2005: 0 games, 0 goalsFluminense, 2006-2008: 143 games, 14 goalsAC Milan, 2009-2012: 119 games, 6 goalsPSG, 2012-2020: 315 games, 17 goalsChelsea, 2020-2024: 152 games, 9 goalsBrazil, 2008-2022: 113 games, 7 goalsTrophies: Brazilian Cup (Fluminense); Serie A, Italian Super Cup (AC Milan); Ligue 1 x7, French Cup x5, League Cup x6, Champions Trophy x5 (PSG); Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup (Chelsea); Copa America, Confederations Cup (Brazil) More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans baffled as VAR monitor seems completely BLANK before ref Simon Hooper overturns Everton’s ‘stonewall’ penalty

      by

      FOOTBALL fans have been left baffled after referee Simon Hooper appeared to watch a BLANK VAR pitchside monitor before overturning a penalty decision.Hooper, 42, had originally awarded a penalty to Everton for an apparent foul on Dominic Calvert-Lewin committed by Brighton’s Lewis Dunk.Simon Hooper appeared not to be watching anything on the VAR monitorCredit: AlamyThere is a back-up monitor in a case below the main one which he watched from insteadCredit: RexHooper originally awarded a penalty to Everton for an alleged foul on Dominic Calvert-Lewin by Lewis DunkCredit: ReutersBut Hooper overturned it after consulting VARCredit: ReutersThe spot-kick would have handed the Toffees the chance to equalise early in the second half.Hooper was called over to the VAR monitor to double-check his decision before he overturned the penalty.However, the main monitor appeared to only show the generic VAR and Premier League logos, rather than a replay of the incident – something Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also picked up on as he protested the call.Fans reacted to the decision with surprise on social media, with one saying: “That is absolutely a penalty on Calvert-Lewin. What an absolutely atrocious decision that is. Dunk drags his foot away.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second said: “Did Hooper even look at the Calvert-Lewin penalty on the screen yesterday? Pickford looked like he was going mad pointing at the screen to him?”A third added: “Whether Simon Hooper has watched that back on VAR or not, it’s a disgrace to overturn it.”Despite Hooper appearing to have not viewed the screen, the official’s match report said he had watched on a back-up monitor – located on the ground below the main monitor facing upwards.The Premier League match centre account posted: “The referee awarded a penalty to Everton for a foul by Dunk on Calvert-Lewin.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The VAR recommended an on-field review as he deemed Calvert-Lewin’s foot landed on Dunk’s foot and there was no foul. “The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.”PREM RULE CHANGESBrighton went on to win the game 3-0, with Ashley Young also sent off late on.Sean Dyche was also left enraged by the decision to overturn the penalty.He said: “I can’t work it out on the penalty. He (the referee) makes a decision in a perfect viewing point and lo and behold is called over to overturn it.”So what is the point of a high bar then? We’ve had meetings about it.”Their player is out of control on the floor and drags his foot along with the top of his foot and the bottom of Dom’s so that clearly pulls him to the ground.”That is contact in the box and we have all seen the tiniest things given as a penalty – someone treads on a toe and they give a penalty. So I think we are all confused by this.”Meanwhile, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said it was “clear” the original penalty call was wrong and should have been overturned. Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 113 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      When are semi-automated offsides coming to the Premier League?

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE fans will breathe a huge sigh of relief at the news that video assistant referees will no longer be drawing wonky lines across the pitch.That’s because the English top flight have agreed that VARs will no longer make calls on offside – though they will still be used for other decisions – with Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) coming in for the 2024-25 season.SAOT has been used with great success in the Champions League and Euro 2024Credit: TNT SportsLuis Diaz had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR for offside last seasonCredit: SKY SPORTSFans were left fuming at refereeing controversies like Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham being ruled out and Arsenal being denied a goal at Brentford because of dodgy offside decisions.SAOT technology has been used with great success during the Champions League, 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 – although England fans were gutted at an extremely tight offside call that went Spain’s way in the final.However, despite the joy at an updated offside system, Premier League fans will be made to wait for it.What is Semi-Automated Offside Technology?Sports tech company Genius Sports are the firm behind SAOT in the Premier League.The tech is powered by artificial intelligence and promises to “minimise breaks in the game and deliver accuracy”, helping referees manage games more smoothly and with less controversy.Mikel Oyarzabal scored as Spain won Euro 2024 with a decision that initially looked offsideBut semi-automated offside technology quickly and clearly ruled it onsideEach Premier League ground will have new cameras installed with the GeniusIQ AI system able to create 3D renders of all players, the ball and the offside wall in just seconds.That will enable officials to quickly and precisely make offside decisions – without the need to draw wonky lines on the pitch.Premier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes said: “The introduction of semi-automated offside is an important move to maintain the flow of the game in the Premier League. Most read in Football”We are confident that by using the newest and most accurate technology available we will see the time taken for offside decisions reduced significantly alongside a consistent application of the offside lines. “The experience for all participants including supporters will also be enhanced through quicker communication and clearer imagery around offside decisions.”What are semi-automated offsides?PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have voted in the use of semi-automated offsides from the 2024-25 season.The technology tracks 29 different points on the body of every player.Together with a chip in the football, the tech then can produce almost instantaneous decisions, even on the tightest of calls.These are then visualised with computer-generated 3D images which clearly show the offence on a screen for fans watching the broadcast from home.Referees on the pitch will need to step in and intervene if the offside call is subjective – ie the player in an offside position does not touch the ball.Here’s how it works:Each ground will have up to 12 special cameras with limb-tracking technology.These will focus on 29 goal-scoring body parts from every player on the pitch and will record their position 50 times per second.During the World Cup in Qatar, the microchip in the ball sent back data points 500 times every second to determine the  precise instant it was played by an attacker OR a defenderThat allowed the computer technology to alert the VAR that a player was in an offside position when the ball was playedBut all decisions were then checked to ensure the attacker was interfering with playThe average time for an offside call in Qatar was cut to 25 seconds per incidentIn future, a 3D animation will “show” the decision to fans in the stadium and via broadcasters, and this will be available by the next stoppage in play after the decision.When will Semi-Automated Offside Technology be introduced in the Premier League?The technology is being brought in for the 2024-25 season.However, the cameras have not been installed in grounds around the country so they will NOT be in use for the first few weeks of the season.There is currently no official date for when the technology will be ready to go.That means for the first part of the season, VARs will still be in charge of making offside calls from Stockley Park.The technology is expected to be introduced after one of the international breaks in September or October.Earlier this year, former Prem referee Mark Halsey blasted the decision to have a different technology added after the season had started.He said: “It’s ludicrous we are not bringing this in from day one next season.”The Premier League is awash with money and it needs to be operational for every match.”It’s got to be ready for the season kick-off. We can’t bring it in four, five or six weeks into the season as that will question the competition’s integrity. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If it’s not ready, then wait until 2025-26.”There have also been a couple of other significant changes to the Premier League rule book for next season.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans will NOT be told which team every referee supports despite huge Premier League row last season

      by

      FANS will be NOT told which clubs every referee supports during the Premier League season.This is despite the huge controversy surrounding Nottingham Forest last term.Fans will not be told what teams referees supportCredit: GettyThe West Midlands club criticised PGMOL after believing that Stuart Attwell had been biased against them.The official was in charge of VAR as Forest were not given three penalties in their defeat against Everton.The club revealed that they told the Premier League that Atwell was a Luton Town supporter before the game.The result would have boosted the Hatters’ chances of catching their relegation rivals.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the club loyalties of match officials will NOT be made known to the public in the 2024/25 season.The FA have since sanctioned Nuno Espirito Santo and Neco Williams for their “misconduct” and “media comments” The manager has been handed a one-match suspended touchline ban and fined £40,000.While Williams has been fined £24,000 and issued a warning for his future conduct.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 2-0 win for Everton meant that Forest were plunged further into the relegation battle.However, Forest were able to drag themselves to safety before the end of the season.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskForest’s questions about the integrity of the referees were met with a variety of differing opinions.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: “I absolutely disagree [with the Forest statement].”These kind of things happen more and more in every league in the world but of course I never had doubts about that.”The referees want to do the job as best as possible. They feel the pressure, we put pressure on them for the passion of the game for the moment but when I sit here and reflect they try to do their best and are under scrutiny with the cameras there. They make a mistake, they feel bad. It’s normal.”When they do the job, they want to do it well. The game is so difficult, it is fast and quick, decisions have to be made in one instant. It’s not easy.”While many fans on social media supported the club in their actions as they had become disgruntled with refereeing mistakes in the Premier League.Meanwhile, there will be other law changes in the Premier League for the new season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere will be less injury time added for goals, more substitutes will be allowed to warm-up on the touchline and ball boys can be more active.Referees will also allow more concussion subs and encroachment on penalties as well as the placement of the ball on the spot. More