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      Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber avoided a red card at Tottenham because of a ‘safe call’ from the referee

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      JURRIEN TIMBER avoided a red card at Tottenham because referee Jarred Gillett played it ‘safe’, according to a retired referee.Top former ref Mark Halsey ran the rule over the weekend’s Premier League action exclusively for SunSport.Jurrien Timber could’ve have seen red for his tackle on Pedro PorroThe Arsenal full-back was only given a yellow cardIt wouldn’t be the North London derby without some boiling tempers and on-pitch drama – and Timber ensured Sunday’s clash was no different in his first game against Spurs.The former Ajax defender left one on Pedro Porro after a crunching challenge but didn’t hear the whistle that came later.Timber, 23, caught his Spurs counterpart on the ankle after he went over the ball with his studs, which Gillett deemed worthy of only a yellow card.When asked for his take on the incident, Halsey said: “The temperature was rising, the game was reaching boiling point.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I think perhaps the referee just took the safe bet and issued a yellow card for a reckless challenge.”Now, listen, when we look at Law 12 (Misconduct) a careless challenge is a free kick and no card, okay? A reckless challenge is a free kick and a yellow card.”And a challenge that endangers the player’s safety with excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned with a red card. “Now, it’s subjective, but for me, I thought they got it absolutely spot on.Most read in FootballSpurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario reacted negatively to Timber’s foulA scuffle then broke out between Spurs and their North London visitorsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I thought it was a reckless challenge, free kick and a yellow card. I didn’t think it met the criteria of a serious foul play.”VAR looks at those challenges and they stayed with the on-field decision, which was correct.Arsenal ratings: Gabriel puts in impeccable display in North London Derby but Rice replacement struggles”I think the fact that he was on top of the ball and then his studs just went into the shin, I think that deemed it a reckless challenge. “So, listen, on another day, another referee may have just seen it as a careless.”But the chaos didn’t stop there.Arsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derbyGABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…DAVID RAYA – 8/10Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. GABRIEL – 9A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. BEN WHITE – 6Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.JORGINHO – 4Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. KAI HAVERTZ – 6A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero. Not reacting to the ref’s whistle, Timber continued with the ball at his feet until he reached the byline next to Guglielmo Vicario’s goal.Porro’s Tottenham teammates reacted angrily in response and a scuffle broke out between the two teams with plenty of pushing and shoving.Vicario was then booked for instigating the melee as VAR again checked the aftermath.But many felt Timber should have received his marching orders for grabbing the Spurs goalkeeper in response.On whether Timber should have received a second yellow for the confrontation, Halsey said: “We’ve been talking about we don’t want to see too many yellow and red cards. “And I thought Vicario deserved his yellow card because he adopted aggressive attitude towards the opponent. “Now, some may be a bit cynical and say Timber perhaps should have got a second yellow card. But not for me because he wasn’t the aggressor.”He was sort of putting his hands up to try and protect himself. So I thought, again, I thought they handled that well. “And if there was any other unseen incident, VAR would have picked it up.”Meanwhile Arsenal players called for a penalty when the ball accidentally struck Cristian Romero’s arm inside 18 minutes.Kai Havertz’ close range header was saved by Vicario with the ball rebounding onto Romero’s arm after the home side started brightly.However, Halsey said: “Well, it has to be a deliberate act, a deliberate movement of the arm to the ball, and making yourself unnaturally bigger.”And that handball didn’t meet the criteria. Absolutely, Gillett was spot on, not to give a handball.”The first 45 minutes of the clash saw seven yellow cards – the most bookings in the first half of a Premier League game in history.And Halsey was unimpressed with the number of cards handed out across the board as the Premier League saw a new record for one gameweek set.He said: “There were 65 yellow cards, so 66 if you count the red, in one weekend. Poor game management.”Refereeing is all about managing the players, managing the event, and it’s setting those tolerance levels. “And if we look at the game, the Arsenal-Tottenham game, I mean, the temperature was sky high.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As a referee at that level, and every game’s a big game, whatever game you’re in, you have to set your tolerance levels. “And I thought Jarred [Gillett] set his tolerance levels a little bit too low for a game of that magnitude.” More

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      Angry fans slam ‘ridiculous’ referee after Andre Onana saves Southampton penalty to turn Man Utd clash on its head

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      FANS have slammed referee Stuart Attwell after Southampton’s Cameron Archer had to wait 51 SECONDS to take his penalty against Manchester United.The match was level at 0-0 when Diogo Dalot chopped Saints kid Tyler Dibling down in the box.Cameron Archer was made to wait before missing his penaltyCredit: GettyAndre Onana saved Archer’s penalty down lowCredit: RexAfter a VAR check, the spot-kick was confirmed and Archer stepped up for the Saints.The striker put the ball on the spot but was made to wait almost a minute before being allowed to take it.And, when he was finally allowed to strike towards goal, Archer’s limp low shot was kept out by a stretching Andre Onana.He managed to get onto the rebound but his header too was caught by the United stopper, to the delight of a thrilled Lisandro Martinez.Most read in FootballIn total, the time between the penalty being awarded and it being taken was over TWO AND A HALF MINUTES.And Southampton fans were fuming with Attwell for making Archer wait, with one saying: “Why was there such a huge delay before he could take it?”It’d been checked, no one was in the box? That was ridiculous, seemed to be the ref deliberately waiting.”A second wrote: “That’s a disgrace. Why did the referee make Archer wait for so long?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third added: “You could see Archer getting more restless as he was made to wait. This is so annoying.”Another chimed in: “You knew he was going to miss. Was too long. Refs need to control those situations better.”How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsMan Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6The Saints had an early spring in their step and after dominating the ball and attacking play before the penalty was awarded.United were camped in their own half for most of the first 30 minutes, with Dalot particularly struggling down his left hand side.But Premier League football is cruel and momentum immediately switched on Onana’s save.New United defender Matthijs de Ligt’s header put Erik ten Hag’s side 1-0 up through a Bruno Fernandes assist just two minutes later.Marcus Rashford then doubled the lead for the visitors.It was the 26-year-old’s first Prem goal since his penalty against Everton at Old Trafford on March 9.Alejandro Garnacho made it three at the death, as Saints failed to even have another SHOT after the penalty.And speaking after full-time Ten Hag admitted the penalty was the “turning point”.He said: “The start was not easy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the penalty was the turning point in the game and not so far after we scored and that was very important.”From that moment on, the game was all ours.” More

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      Why Cole Palmer’s Chelsea goal vs Wolves should NOT have stood… with VAR unable to intervene due to little-known rule

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      COLE PALMER’S stunning goal against Wolves should NOT have stood – but VAR was unable to intervene due a little-known rule.The Chelsea star scored a worldie on Sunday as his side cruised to a 6-2 win at Molineux.Cole Palmer’s goal ‘should not have stood’ in Chelsea’s 6-2 win over WolvesA little-known rule prevented VAR from punishing Robert Sanchez for his ‘rolling’ passNicolas Jackson opened the scoring after just two minutes in the Midlands.While Noni Madueke netted a hat-trick in the thrashing, with all three goals laid on by Palmer.And there was also a strike for Joao Felix on his second Chelsea debut with an assist from ex-Wolves star Pedro Neto.But Palmer’s goal was the pick of the bunch as he capitalised on a mistake from Jose Sa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe stopper was well off his line when Palmer received a headed ball from Jackson to his feet.Chelsea’s key man did not hesitate to pull the trigger as he beautifully lobbed the retreating Sa.And fans reacted by declaring it was already a contender for Goal of the Season.However, eagle-eyed fans have since spotted that Palmer’s goal should not have stood at all.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s after beIN SPORTS showed evidence that the “pre-assist” pass from goalie Robert Sanchez to Jackson was illegal.The Spaniard fired out a great long pass to his striker after a restart.Stunned fans say ‘this guy is ready to throw anyone under the bus’ as Enzo Maresca lays into yet another Chelsea star But slow-motion footage showed that the ball was still rolling when Sanchez launched his goal kick.Speaking on beIN SPORTS, host Richard Keys said: “It’s rolling. Strictly speaking it should be disallowed.”Technically, that meant play should have been restarted, thereby preventing Palmer from netting his wonder strike.And Chelsea were saved thanks to a little-known rule that VAR officials do not check restarts as part of their protocol.As Palmer’s strike came from an onside position, with Jackson also in front of Wolves’ defence, officials at Stockley Park had no reason to rule it out.And only intervention at the time from referee Darren England could have prevented play from continuing towards Jackson and Palmer.Chelsea ratings vs Wolves: Madueke and Palmer on fire as Blues run riot… but Mudryk has shockerNONI MADUEKE bagged himself a second-half hat-trick courtesy of Cole Palmer as Chelsea fired to a 6-2 victory away at Wolves.Palmer’s three assists and first half strike capped off a wonderful afternoon for the England ace and a game that at times resembled a basketball match.Here’s how SunSports’ Katherine Walsh rated the Blues stars…Robert Sanchez – 7/10Solid display. Held firm and kept Wolves at bay in the first half.Brilliant long ball distribution cross-pitch to Jackson who assisted Palmer’s goal and Chelsea’s second.Malo Gusto – 5Out of position for Matheus Cunha’s 26th minute equaliser and didn’t get forward enough.Failed to have an influence on the game after a quieter second 45 minutes from Wolves.Wesley Fofana – 6Had his back to goal for Wolves’ second equaliser before half-time.The ball had been guided in by a free-kick and Jorgen Strand-Larsen cleverly guided it home with his right foot.Levi Colwill – 6Not a particularly noticeable performance from the 21-year-old in a positive or negative sense.Suppose it was a solid showing but was also caught ball watching for Cunha’s goal.Pulled Cucurella away from the third brawl of the match.Marc Cucurella – 6Worked hard and found himself centre of multiple fights with Wolves players throughout the 90.Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Wolves lethal in the first half.Moises Caicedo – 6Quiet afternoon for the midfielder. Didn’t do much right or wrong.Enzo Fernandez – 7Often in the right place at the right time after clearing two Wolves’ attempts from inside the box.Battled to win the ball for Madueke’s third goal and frequently recovered possession for the visitors.Cole Palmer – 9A brilliant goal and THREE assists finished off a sensational performance from the No10 position.Somehow managed to outshine hat-trick scorer Madueke after providing all of his goals. His own notch came against the run of play just after receiving a yellow.Picked up the ball 20 yards from goal after a long Sanchez kick and lobbed Wolves keeper Jose Sa just when the visitors were hanging on.Mykhailo Mudryk – 4Enzo Marseca said he needed time and coaching to get his Chelsea career on track. But failed to make an impact against Wolves.Didn’t notice him being shipped off at half-time for former Wolves star Pedro Neto.Noni Madueke – 9The star man scored THREE in the second half after bagging against Servette on Thursday.Chelsea’s best player in the first half. The young winger has bundles of ability and energy.Looked lively and won several free-kicks in promising positions.Worth a note that he silenced the home fans who were heavily booing him throughout after his social media comments earlier today.Nicolas Jackson – 8Opened the scoring with a post header inside two minutes.But let himself down with silly antics while arguing with Cunha twice.Most non-penalty goals for Chelsea in the Premier League since the start of last season: 15.And assisted Palmer’s brilliant goal and Chelsea’s second.SUBSPedro Neto 7Put a shift in after coming on at half-time on his first return to the Molineux.Bagged himself an assist in the 80th minute.Joao Felix – 7Scored on his Chelsea 2023/24 debut after joining from Atletico Madrid for £42.6m.Combined with other new signing Neto for the goal.Christopher Nkunku – N/ARenato Veiga – N/AKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A More

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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