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      Belgium 0 Slovakia 1: Unlucky Romelu Lukaku has TWO goals disallowed by VAR leaving Red Devils in Euro 2024 peril

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      THE glitter has gone from Belgium’s Golden Generation.Now it is about faded memories of what might have been.Slovakia pulled off a shock 1-0 win over BelgiumCredit: AFPBelgium were shocked by the SlovakiansCredit: RexThose near misses. Those chances wasted. Those horror moments at the back that hurt them so badly. The marginal calls.And if ever a match summed up that descent from the summit of hope to the valleys of despair, it was played out in the Waldstadion.Against a game but limited Slovakia, gifted an early goal for Ivan Schranz, Belgium in their pomp would have romped home.But that pomp has gone, faded, disappeared. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe saw that as they went home from Qatar after the group stage.The same fate could face them in Germany after a catalogue of blunders by a host of familiar Prem faces.Romelu Lukaku, still nominally a Chelsea player, missed five and had TWO ruled out by VAR.The second would never have been discussed in the past, Uefa’s new “snicko”-style technology ruling that substitute Lois Openda had nudged the ball with his hand before crossing for Lukaku to sweep home. Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut while Kevin de Bruyne pulled the strings, he couldn’t get the kite flying.And for all Belgium bewailed the video booth decisions from Leipzig, Jeremy Doku was left the guilty man, selling Wout Faes horribly short before Schranz cashed in for the key moment of the match.England fans drink 2 MONTHS worth of beer in one Euros weekend at German pizzeria that became unlikely ‘Little Wembley’In truth, Belgium did NOT deserve to lose.Yet if you do not take your opportunities, you are made to pay.And boy, did they miss their chances. Lukaku should have scored twice in the first few minutes, scuffing one shot at Martin Dubravka and then failing to round the keeper.At this stage, Doku was killing the Slovakian left flank, seemingly certain to create the breakthrough.So he did. But at the other end.Dropping back near his own corner flag, Doku passed the ball into no-man’s land, Faes with no chance.Schranz backheeled cleverly and while Juraj Kucka’s shot was parried by Koen Casteels, it fell perfectly for the Slavia Prague man to volley into the far corner.Doku’s determination to make amends was evident as he teased and tormented left back David Hancko but Slovakia had something to hold on to.Dubravka so nearly gave it away, panicked by De Bruyne’s intensity and passing straight to Leandro Trossard, only for the Arsenal man to send his 25-yarder sailing over the bar.De Bruyne was always drifting into space, seeking to prompt and provide, but Slovak skipper Milan Skriniar was seemingly everywhere for his side, plugging the gaps superbly.And Slovakia’s belief they could hurt Belgium behind both full-backs was so close to bringing them a second.No Belgian was in the same postcode as Kucka as he barged down the right flank, picking out the unmarked Lukas Haraslin who thundered a volley that was destined for the top corner only for Casteels to make a fabulous one-handed save to his left.Romelu Lukaku prodded home from point blank rangeCredit: EPAThe goal was ruled out by VARCredit: APThe striker had a second goal disallowed by VARCredit: ReutersYet Lukaku then should have levelled, missing for the third time when Yannick Carrasco played him in through the middle.Lukaku’s first touch was bad, his second even worse, booting the ball out for a goal kick as he attempted to round Dubravka. Shocking.Tedesco’s only initial change was to swap his wingers, Doku moving to the left for the second half and making an early impact once again.Now Belgium were pushing. Lukaku, denied by Dubravka at his near post, thought he had levelled from the resulting corner, played short by De Bruyne to Trossard.Amadou Onana rose at the far post to nod back and Lukaku stabbed home from a yard. The VAR check, though, was a clear one. Offside.Dubravka then plunged to thwart Trossard, Lukaku thrashed into the side netting from a tight angle, before Hancko somehow got back to clear off the line from substitute Johan Bakayoko – taking a knee in the face from his team-mate Denis Vavro – after Doku’s cross was punched slapped out by the keeper.Slovakia, forced ever backwards, were holding on by their fingernails, desperation growing in the Belgian ranks.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Openda out-muscled Vavro down the left, Lukaku’s instant finish looked to have earned him salvation and Belgium a point.But Turkish referee Umut Meier agreed with his directive from the East German bunker. Dubravka’s save from De Bruyne ensured the win. Belgium on the brink, already. More

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      ITV VAR expert Christina Unkel is a former player, referee and current president of up-and-coming US team

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      ITV expert Christina Unkel has done it all.The American, 37, will be gracing our screens as a refereeing analyst throughout Euro 2024.Christina Unkel picked up her first whistle at a young ageCredit: GettyChristina Unkel is a feature of the CBS Champions League show alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: Instagram @christina.unkelThe former ref advanced quickly through FIFA’s ranksCredit: GettyAnd it is hard to think of anybody more qualified to talk us through the inevitable VAR controversies.Unkel’s refereeing career started when she was just 10.The youngster’s coach Bob Harris – a referee and assessor – told her to stop shouting at officials, who she felt were not paying enough attention to girls’ games.Told she could either take a course or stop voicing her opinions, Unkel became a certified US Soccer Referee in Cape Coral, Florida.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I could ref two games and make $40 and have all the concession stand food you could want,” she said in an interview with Stetson University.“For me, it was kind of a no brainer. It was something where I could play and practice soccer and then on my off-days referee. I ended up falling in love with it.”The rising star continued to play as well and featured at the collegiate level for Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she unfortunately suffered a torn ACL.After recovering while at Stetson University College of Law, Unkel began travelling to referee and ended up overseeing over 80 professional games while continuing her studies.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I would go to school, then on Friday afternoons I would fly out to some place and do a game and then fly back on Sunday evening to go back to school on Monday,” she told the University’s website.Unkel received her FIFA badge in 2013 at just 25 years old – the youngest possible age.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTBest XI of players snubbed for Euro 2024She has been involved with VAR since its introduction in the MLS in 2017.The former whistler is a refereeing analyst on the CBS Champions League show, which has soared in popularity on both sides of the pond.Unkel regularly features alongside host Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher.She has now replaced Mark Clattenburg on ITV and made her debut as Germany hammered Scotland.As well as working for ITV and CBS, Christina previously worked at Fox Sports and Paramount+ and has also been a journalist for The Athletic.A qualified attorney, Unkel is the president and general counsel for the Tampa Bay Sun – an expansion team who will enter the USL Super League this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe describes herself as an entrepreneur and has co-founded multiple businesses, including Scorch Fitness and the Deadlift Effect, sports science and strength training firms.She is married to current MLS referee Ted, with the couple having one daughter, Quinn.Unkel made her ITV debut as Germany beat ScotlandCredit: Getty More

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      Euro 2024 set for major rule change with cricket technology entering the tournament

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      FOOTBALL chiefs have turned to cricket for a new spin on vital decisions at Euro 2024.Technology will switch from the three stumps to the Three Lions in the latest push to help referees get the tightest calls right.Football’s version of snickometer decided Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t touch this, meaning the 2022 World Cup goal went to Bruno FernandesCredit: Sunday TimesCricket has long used snicko as well as hotspotCredit: Sky SportsInstead of monitoring flicks down the off-side, broadcasters will monitor flicks through for offside – thanks to a special version of the snickometer.The device is most commonly used in cricket for marginal judgements on catches and LBW appeals.Frame-by-frame replay measures whether the ball hits something, such as a batting pad.In contrast, it will be deployed at the Euros for handballs and offsides.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLVAR officials at the 2022 World Cup used the motion-sensing microchip in real time.Cristiano Ronaldo famously had a “glancing header” taken off his goal slate in Qatar and awarded to Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes – as snicko suggested the five-time Ballon d’Or winner hadn’t touched the ball.TV viewers might be delighted to hear Euro 2024 broadcasters will be sent “touch detection” graphics used by refs on what could include some key decisions.The posh name for football’s snicko is “connected ball” technology.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe innovation is the latest in a series of high-tech features at the Euros.VAR itself leads the way, of course – with a slight amendment.Wayne Rooney claims Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘can’t defend’ and says he ‘shouldn’t be near’ England’s midfieldEach match will get one Video Assistant Referee and two assistant VARs, compared to three assistants per game at Euro 2020.Meanwhile, a semi-automated system for checking offsides should mean an end to the line-drawing and endless angles that frustrate many viewers.Instead the technology in Germany will instantly rule on the point of ball contact and the offside judgement – thanks to ten cameras monitoring 29 different body points on players.Qatar 2022, as well as the Champions League, have used this device – and successfully so.There are also two major changes that have nothing to do with technology.A new rule aims to stop players crowding around refs – with only captainS allowed to approach the official.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s just one exception – if the stopper himself is the skipper then he can nominate an outfield player to do the approaching for him.The other alteration is already done ‘n dusted – the increase in squad sizes from 23 to 26.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Euro 2024 rule changes: What will referees enforce at the tournament?

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      EURO 2024 is just around the corner as football fans flock in their thousands to Germany for the highly-anticipated tournament.The action gets underway on Friday when Scotland face hosts Germany in Munich, while England start their campaign with a Group C clash against Serbia on Sunday.Europe’s elite are preparing to battle it out to win Euro 2024Credit: ReutersThe action never fails to disappoint at major tournaments and supporters can expect to be thoroughly entertained over the next month.However, the travelling fans will be hoping that their experience won’t be tainted by the officiating – as it so often is in the Premier League.Referees have been cherry picked from around the continent to ensure the best of the best are taking charge of the games at Euro 2024.But they and the players will have to be clued up on some new rules ahead of the tournament.Here SunSport breaks down what may look different out in Germany this summer.VARPremier League fans know just how infuriating VAR can be, but on an international level it is largely used well.VAR will be in operation for every game of the tournament this summer and the officials will be operating out of technologies hub in Leipzig.Each game will be assigned one Video Assistant Referee and two assistants VAR’s – that’s one less than the three assistants that were employed for each game at Euro 2020.Most read in Euro 2024The Video Assistant Referees will work out of the VAR room in LeipzigCredit: GettyThis will hopefully lead to less complicated VAR reviews and speed up the process of decision making.Uefa’s regulations state that they will also use the big screens inside stadiums to show VAR replays and display decisions to fans.VAR will intervene for clear and obvious errors relating to goals, penalty incidents, red cards and mistaken identity.Semi-automated offsidesFootball fans will be pleased to know that there won’t be any meticulous line drawing by the VAR this summer.Instead Uefa will be using semi-automated offside thanks to Connected Ball Technology inside the balls at the tournament.The tech will immediately identify the point of ball contact and assess the offside thanks to ten specialised cameras monitoring 29 different body points on the players.Semi-automated offsides were successfully used in the 2022 Qatar World Cup and are already used in the Champions League. The official Euro 2024 ball will feature Connected Ball TechnologyCredit: GettySurrounding refereesA new rule being introduced at the tournament will aim to prevent players from crowding the referee in order to plead their case regarding a decision.Uefa have announced that any player surrounding the officials will be booked, stating that only the captain can discuss decisions made on the pitch with the referee.The only exception to the rule will be teams who field their goalkeeper as their captain.In that instance a teammate can be nominated to approach the ref.Squad sizesAnother change to the rules has already been made.READ MORE SUN STORIESUefa have allowed teams to take 26-man squads instead of the usual 23-strong selections.The expanded squad size means more firepower for the nations stacked with talent. More

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      Who is Sandro Scharer? Meet the Swiss referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      SANDRO Scharer is set to officiate at a number of Euro 2024 games.While he may be one of the least-known officials at the event, the Swiss star is hoping to impress in Germany. Schärer during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Lokomotiv MoskvaCredit: GettyWho is Sandro Scharer?Sandro Schärer is a Swiss football referee born on June 6, 1988.After completing high school, he studied sports and geography at the University of Basel.Before becoming a referee, Sandro initially worked as a substitute teacher at various high schools and as a ski instructor. He then trained as a referee in 2005 and began refereeing games in the Challenge League six years later at the age of 24. Read More on Euros 2024In 2013, he made his debut in the Super League in the game between FC Lausanne-Sport and FC Thun. Has Sandro Scharer officiated at major tournaments before?Sandro has officiated at major tournaments before. He has been involved in various UEFA competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. He has also refereed in international tournaments, including qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.Most read in SportSandro claims he is the type of referee that any player would hate to come up against.”I was a rebel on the pitch and had difficulty accepting referee decisions,” he recalled in an interview with FC Buttikon.Should VAR be scrapped?Has Sandro Scharer used VAR before?VAR was introduced to the Swiss Super League in the 2019/20 season.Therefore, Sandro is up to date with the often controversial video-assisted refereeing system.It will be used at the 2024 Euros in Germany but there could be a last-minute halt.The 2018 FIFA World Cup was the first major tournament to approve the device. It was credited with making the 2018 edition the cleanest World Cup since 1986 as there were no red cards issued in the opening 11 games and only four players were sent off throughout the entire tournament.For the Euros 2024, the high-tech feature will use 12 tracking cameras to determine if any part of the player’s body is in an offside position.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 3D animation will be displayed on the big screens in the stadium.The match ball will also include a chip which will help improve the technology’s accuracy.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Is VAR being used at Euro 2024?

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      EURO 2024 will begin THIS WEEK as hosts Germany open the tournament against Scotland.The Germans are one of the favourites to lift the trophy this summer as they eye their first international title since their World Cup triumph in 2013/14.VAR has been used in the Premier League since 2019Credit: GETTYMeanwhile, England are hoping to put an end to their near 58-year wait for a major honour.The Three Lions begin their tournament against Serbia on Sunday, June 16.Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of Euro 2024 – but will VAR be in use in Germany?Is VAR being used at Euro 2024?Yes! VAR will be used at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.READ MORE IN EURO 2024A VAR will be assigned to every game in the tournament and they will have the opportunity to call on two assistant VARs, plus three video operators.The VAR hub will be based in Leipzig this summer.The rules for VAR will be deployed like they are in the Premier League; they will check for any clear and obvious errors relating to goals, penalty incidents, red cards and mistaken identity.Will any other technology be in use at Euro 2024?Uefa have confirmed that semi-automated offside technology will also be in use at Euro 2024.Most read in Euro 2024Fans first saw the use of the groundbreaking innovation at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – and it has since been used in the Champions League.The high-tech feature will use 12 tracking cameras that will create three-dimensional models of players to determine if any part of the player’s body is in an offside position.A 3D animation will be displayed on the big screens in the stadium.Additionally, the Euro 2024 match ball will include a chip designed to improve the technology’s accuracy.The more familiar goal-line technology will also be used for Euro 2024. More

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      Who is Halil Umut Meler? Meet the Turkish referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      TURKISH League referee Halil Umut Meler is officiating at the 2024 UEFA Euros.Here is everything you need to know about the football referee.Referee Halil Umut Meler was hit by Faruk Koca on Monday, December 11Credit: REUTERS/Alberto LingriaWho is Halil Umut Meler?Halil Umut Meler is a Turkish football referee.Meler was born on August 1, 1986 in Izmir, Turkey.Together with his wife, he has one child, born in 2023.He has been listed with FIFA since 2017 and in 2022 became a member of the UEFA Elite.READ MORE ON MELERWhat happened to Halil Umut Meler?In December 2023 referee Meler was punched by Faruk Koca.Meler was confronted by Koca, the president of Ankaragucu, shortly after Ankaragucu’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday, December 11.Footage shows Koca swinging and hitting the unsuspecting official after invading the pitch at full-time.After being struck, Meler fell to the floor and was then, horrifically, kicked by another person while protecting his face.Most read in Euro 2024This person has remained unidentified.Meler was then helped to his feet by a group of players, coaching staff and security who had raced to the scene. He was taken away to the changing rooms to safety.A huge black eye was already visible as he made his way off the pitch after the incident.Various media outlets have reported that he went to hospital for treatment for his injuries.All Turkish matches in all leagues were indefinitely suspended as a result of the violence.Horror moment referee is floored by punch from CLUB PRESIDENT who gets arrested – as Turkey postpones all footballThe Turkish Football Federation said it condemned the “inhumane and despicable” attack on Meler.In a statement released a number of hours after the incident, the federation said: “We are following Halil Umut Meler’s health condition closely and wish a speedy recovery to our valuable referee.”This inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish Football. Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is complicit in this despicable crime.”The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today.”In coordination with our state, all criminal proceedings deserved have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.”The responsible club, the club president, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way.”By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”FIFA President Gianni Infantino released his own statement, saying: “There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field. “Events following the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Çaykur Rizespor are totally unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society.”Who is Faruk Koca?Koca is a Turkish politician , businessman and sports manager.He has been the president of Ankaragucu since 2021 and was awarded the Fair Play manager of the month award in October 2022. Shortly after the incident, Turkish outlet Hurriyet reported that Koca would be detained for hitting Meler.The following day, December 12, Sky Sports reported that a Turkish court had ordered the arrest of Koca.Two other suspects were also reportedly remanded in custody over the violence.Turkey’s justice minister Yilmaz Tunc then revealed on social media that Koca and two others had been formally arrested for “injuring a public official” after giving statements to prosecutors.Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tunc added: “The investigation is continuing meticulously”.Has Halil Umut Meler officiated at major tournaments before?Meler has officiated major tournaments before, such as:In April 2024 he was selected to officiate at the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.What else has Halil Umut Meler done before?Meler officated 171 matches for the Turkish League from the 2015/16 season to the 2023/24 season.He refereed 49 matches for major tournaments in Europe.Has Halil Umut Meler used VAR before?Halil Umut Meler has used VAR before.VAR was introduced in the 2018/19 season in the Turkish League, where Meler is refereeing.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn April 2024 the Turkish Super Lig announced that they appoint foreign assistant referees for important matches until the end of the season after there were claims of bias.Officials are from Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Mark Clattenburg admits Nottingham Forest role was not a success after humiliating ‘Luton fan’ VAR row

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      MARK CLATTENBURG claims he quit his consultancy role at Nottingham Forest because he was causing more controversy and confusion than was healthy for the club.The former Premier League referee was handed his ground-breaking job by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis in February.Mark Clattenburg has opened up on his time as a refereeing consultant at Nottingham ForestCredit: PABut he stepped down three months later in the wake of the club’s furious statement on X claiming they had “warned,” the PGMOL that VAR Stuart Attwell supported relegation rivals Luton, after they were denied three penalties against Everton.Asked whether his role had been a success, Clattenburg, 49, told BBC Radio Five Live: “No, because if you look it caused more problems than it did good.”There were certain things that we implemented within the club, certain ways to give a sporting edge to Nottingham Forest, but there seemed to be a huge outcry from certain people, certain bodies, certain companies.”It was just highlighted week in, week out.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClattenburg claims there was a “misinterpretation,” of his role at the City Ground and that his remit was wider than simply advising the club on refereeing.He found himself embroiled in two major controversies.He spoke out publicly in March after referee Paul Tierney wrongly handed possession back to Liverpool following an injury to Ibrahima Konate, when Forest had the ball in the attacking third of the pitch.Liverpool surged down to the other end of the pitch and Darwin Nunez struck a 99th minute winner to Forest’s fury.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPremier League sides deducted points and others at risk
      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
      Everton
      Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
      Everton (again)
      The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.

      He followed that up by publicly slamming the officiating during Forest’s defeat at Everton in April, when the visitor’s were denied three strong penalty claims.He fell on his sword shortly afterwards, claiming he had become: “more of a hindrance than a help,” to Forest.Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk More