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    Tottenham get penalty after quickest VAR review ever as ref blasted for missing Declan Rice ‘kick Davies in the balls’

    TOTTENHAM were awarded a penalty against Arsenal by VAR after Michael Oliver missed a “kick in the balls”.The referee initially waved play on before penalising Declan Rice for a foul on Ben Davies.Michael Oliver awarded a penalty to Tottenham after a brief VAR reviewCredit: Premier LeagueThe spot-kick was only given following the intervention of VARCredit: Premier LeagueHowever, with the Spurs defender left rolling around in agony, he was quickly sent to the monitor to review the incident.Oliver pointed to the spot after a matter of seconds having seen the incident again.Davies had beaten Rice to the ball as he attempted to clear it from inside the Arsenal penalty area.As a result, the midfielder’s follow through upended Davies and left the Welshman in pain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGary Neville had immediately called for a penalty on commentary after the contact, with fans shocked Oliver missed the foul at first.Reacting on social media, one supporter wrote: “The fact Michael Oliver needed VAR for that, is brazy. Rice almost kicked his balls.”Another added: “Michael Oliver didn’t see Rice kick somebody straight in the plumbs from three yards away!!!”A third fan also commented: “Michael Oliver is about five feet from that Rice foul and doesn’t give the penalty.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, one more said: “He’s five yards away and he can’t see Rice kick him in the balls? They can’t keep relying on VAR.”Son Heung-min stepped up from 12 yards to dispatch the resulting penalty and set up a tense finish in North London.Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettySpurs had trailed 3-0 at half-time before mounting a second half comeback.The penalty reduced the deficit to 3-2 after Cristian Romero had earlier capitalised on a mistake from David Raya.However, despite late pressure from the hosts, Arsenal held on to secure a narrow derby victory.The result sees Mikel Arteta’s side move four points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.City could cut the gap back down to one by beating Nottingham Forest this afternoon, though. More

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    Raging Chelsea stars pushed away from referee and linesmen by Blues coaches in explosive bust-up after VAR stops goal

    RAGING Chelsea stars were forced away from officials after protesting their disallowed winner at Aston Villa. The Blues came from two behind to level the game thanks to Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher. Chelsea stars were forced away from officials after protesting their disallowed winner at Aston VillaCredit: GettyNoni Madueke had to be restrained by a Chelsea coachCredit: ReutersAnd the visitors thought they had won the game at the death after Axel Disasi headed home what looked to be a late winner.But VAR ruled it out after adjudging that Benoit Badiashile had nudged Diego Carlos in the back illegally in the build-up to the goal. It denied Chelsea a come-from-behind victory and their players were incensed at full time.Badiashile and Madueke were fuming with the referee and linesmen following the final whistle and had to be restrained by coaches. READ MORE IN football Madueke was evidently still fuming with the decision when probed by the BBC post-match. He said: “Should it have been three points? Yes.”Madueke, 22, added: “Do I think the goal should have stood? Yes. Nothing else to say about the situation.” Under-fire Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was equally angry in the aftermath as he told TNT Sports: “Everyone that was watching the game will feel disappointed. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The referee said it was a foul and disallowed the goal and then going to the VAR to confirm.”The referee is unbelievable and it’s ridiculous. It is difficult to accept, these type of things in the semi-final [FA Cup against Man City] two weeks ago it was handball and it was no penalty, the referee he didn’t check it.Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ five things in scathing rant after ref changes mind over late Chelsea goal”It is painful as it has damaged English football and I think Villa players and their fans didn’t understand why the goal was disallowed.”They said it was foul and if you see the challenge what happened if we go into every single challenge like this it is going to be a foul and we wouldn’t finish the game with 11 [players].”We can talk about the performance or the decision – it is damaging the game. I am calm and it is only to help. “Now, we have to move on and it will be in the headlines with the disallowed goal.”Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

    Mauricio Pochettino raged after Chelsea’s 1-1 drawCredit: AFP More

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    Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ SEVEN things in scathing rant after ref changes mind over late Chelsea goal

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO slammed VAR for damaging SEVEN aspects of football.The Chelsea manager, 52, was left furious on Saturday evening when his side had two goals against Aston Villa chalked off by the video assistant referee at Stockley Park. Mauricio Pochettino was furious with referee Craig Pawson for ruling out a late Chelsea winner at Aston VillaCredit: PAThe Argentine let rip during his Match of the Day interviewCredit: BBCBenoit Badiashile was penalised for bundling into Diego CarlosCredit: BBCFirstly, Nicolas Jackson was just offside before racing through and finishing into the back of the net.Then deep into injury-time, Axel Disasi thought he had completed a memorable turnaround from 2-0 down to seal a stunning 3-2 victory.The header sparked incredible scenes between the Chelsea players and fans.But VAR Chris Kavanagh told referee Craig Pawson to go over to the pitchside monitor to watch the replays.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the official decided Benoit Badiashile had fouled Diego Carlos at the back post by pushing him in the back during the corner routine that led to Disasi’s header. Pochettino, though, was livid with the controversial call – and believes VAR is wrecking multiple different aspects of the beautiful game.The under-pressure Argentine – whose side are ninth – fumed on Match of the Day: “Well VAR changed the decision of the referee.”That was for me a normal challenge that can happen in normal action. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That damaged a little bit the Premier League and its image. “It’s damaged myself, damaged my team, damaged my players, my fans, damaged football.”Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsChelsea players were seething when Pawson blew the full-time whistle, immediately racing to confront him.Disasi, Badiashile, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Moises Caicedo and Noni Madueke all made their way to the referee to make their angry feelings clear.Badiashile and Madueke were both booked for their protests as Chelsea coaches had to calm them down and drag them away – before Pochettino walked over to remonstrate with the officials.Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright discussed the incident in the Match of the Day studio – and were left frustrated with VAR’s intervention. Shearer said: “When they give the foul and there’s not enough to overturn it, well it’s the opposite on this one.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

    “I think the defender knows what he is doing. He sticks his arm out and then he’s backing into him [Badiashile].”Once the referee gives that [the goal], I’m not 100 per cent certain, is that an absolute howler?”Lineker answered with an emphatic “no” and suggested it was “six of one and half a dozen of the other” from Badiashile and Carlos.Wright added: “I think he’s probably given it because of how aggressive Badiashile looks when he’s going for him. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’ve lowered the bar again, they do what they want. “Let’s get rid of it! Let’s get rid of it.”Badiashile and Noni Madueke were booked after the full-time whistleCredit: GettyAxel Disasi produced a superb diving header deep into injury-timeCredit: EPADisasi’s header sparked wild scenes in the away endCredit: AFPPawson watched replays of the incident on the pitchside monitorCredit: AFPThe ref confirmed he was ruling the goal outCredit: ReutersThe decision was displayed on the big screen to the delight of the home fansCredit: Reuters More

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    Luton fans unveil cheeky Stuart Attwell banner.. and it’s bound to anger Premier League relegation rivals

    LUTON fans brilliantly mocked Nottingham Forest’s issues with Stuart Attwell on a cheeky banner.Forest alleged that Attwell, who was the VAR for their 2-0 defeat to Everton, is a Hatters fan and complained about his involvement in not giving them three penalties.A Luton fan showed off his handiworkCredit: X@richyhardyWolves fans had a message of their ownCredit: AFPThe Premier League relegation strugglers hit out at the PGMOL, suggesting that they had alerted ref chiefs before the game – a point which has since been disputed.And the Luton faithful have waded into the row ahead of their crunch clash with Wolves this afternoon.A homemade banner reading “Stuart Attwell he’s one of our own” in white paint on a black background was proudly shown off on X.One fan commented: “This will push Forest over the edge. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They are spewing over this whole thing, we’re all sitting there laughing and not caring if we stay up or go down. It’s beautiful.”A Forest fan clearly enjoyed the joke, adding: “Fair play, this is actually quite funny..”PGMOL have wisely stashed Attwell on the relatively safe game of Fulham vs Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.And Luton boss Rob Edwards has also had his say.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I don’t think anyone can question the integrity of our officials, first and foremost.”I don’t know who supports who and obviously then we have been brought into it so I understand why you’re talking about it.Mo Salah held back by team-mates after explosive touchline row with Jurgen Klopp before coming on at West Ham”I certainly don’t want to be questioning any of the officials’ integrity – they’ve got a difficult enough job. “Mistakes can happen and people can feel aggrieved and we can maybe stick to that rather than question anything else”There is so much scrutiny with what is said – everything that I’m saying right now. You’ve always got to be careful with that.”Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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    As major competition refuses to introduce VAR, the question is: ‘Is it all worth the trouble?’

    ONE MINUTE young fans were jumping up and down, flinging their arms wide.Next, they were in tears. And so were their dads. Not so much Sky Blues as the deepest blues.VAR denied Coventry a sensational late winner against Manchester UnitedThat’s what VAR can do. And did to Coventry City whose FA Cup final dreams were soon to be dust after the decision that Victor Torp’s goal against Manchester United a minute before the end of extra-time was an illusion.It was a toenail short of the truth, ruled VAR advisers. The line they use showed Torp was fractionally offside.The linesman hadn’t flagged, but no matter because he’s practically redundant since his job was re-named assistant referee.Soon those joyful moments of promise had become poison as United won in the penalty shoot-out and every viewer, bar United fans, had to wonder again about VAR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor many of us it is menacing the magic of our game.Forest people are going ape against it, maybe because they sense football is becoming the pen pusher’s revenge on human judgement.Wolves might have agreed a few weeks ago when a headed goal from five or six yards was disallowed because a team-mate was blocking the West Ham goalkeeper’s vision.But the truth is we have all had marginal, or worse, just plain wrong VAR decisions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

    It was interesting to note this week Sweden became the first European country to reject the chance to introduce VAR in its top flight.It’s futile to boo a few blokes peering into monitors and advising the ref often three or even four minutes after a controversial incident.Mike Dean lost for words live on Sky Sports after VAR mix up for ‘stonewall’ penalty during Premier League clashIndeed, these delays drain the drama and excitement from football and might in themselves be enough to warrant sacking the whole system. Overall, they can add as much as ten minutes to a match.I resisted a few boos — not done in the House of Lord’s never mind the directors’ box at Stamford Bridge — when Maxwel Cornet’s goal for the Hammers was disallowed for a foul on Edouard Mendy.The ref’s poor decision was supported by VAR and Chelsea won 2-1 soon after.It may surprise us that VAR staff are human but John Brooks proved it when he drew the line between Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan and a defender and declared the Ecuadorian was offside.Whoops! Wrong defender. Brighton suffered a 1-1 draw with friends from Palace.A Premier League check concluded over four years VAR support to refs improved their performance by 14 per cent to 96 per cent correct.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s possible to argue with those figures on several grounds but fans’ question is simply: Is VAR worth all the friction?My stance is ‘yes’ on line decisions alone. But not for much else. More

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    Why VAR line for Everton’s goal against Liverpool was ‘wonky’ and goal may not have stood next season

    EVERTON’S opening goal against Liverpool last night may have been disallowed under new rules coming in next season.Jarrad Branthwaite netted the Toffees opener after 27 minutes to send them on their way to a first win over Liverpool at Goodison Park in 14 years.Jarrad Branthwaite set Everton on their way to a historic win over LiverpoolCredit: GettyBranthwaite was judged to be onside despite a ‘wonky’ VAR lineIt has also been revealed the use of semi-automated offside technology could have changed the VAR call next seasonCredit: ReutersThe win and three vital points saw Sean Dyche’s side all-but confirm their Premier League safety and severely cripple Liverpool’s title hunt.Branthwaite’s goal had to go through a VAR check before it was confirmed.However, it has been revealed that next season the decision may have gone the other way.This is because of the introduction of semi-automated offside technology.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPremier League clubs rejected it’s implementation at the start of the season before voting it into use for the 2024/25 season – though clubs have been blasted because it will not be ready from the start of the campaign.ESPN reporter Dale Johnson explained: “Everton’s goal was onside as Jarrad Branthwaite was within the tolerance level of the current offside technology.What is semi-automated offside technology?Semi-automated offside technology is a support tool for the video match officials and on-field officials.
    According to FIFA, it helps them make ‘’faster, more reproducible, and more accurate offside decisions’’.
    Semi-automated offside technology uses 12 tracking cameras mounted underneath the roof of the stadium to track the ball and up to 29 data points of each individual player – calculating their exact position on the pitch, plus a chip in the ball to determine if it was played by a defender or attacker.
    So in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatic selected point and an instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.
    Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.
    Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in an average of 25 seconds.
    That illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.
    However, complex incidents or multiple incidents that occur at the same time can require a more thorough review of the situation.

    “Next season with the introduction of semi-automated technology, which has no tolerance level, it may well be disallowed.”Eagle-eyed fans were able to notice a second controversy, this time involving the lines drawn by VAR officials when checking the goal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe lines drawn when checking the goal were “wonky” due to the “severe camber” of the Goodison Park pitch.Johnson explained: “Goodison Park has quite a severe camber, which means the line often looks a little weird because the tech is mapped to the pitch. How semi-automated offside technology will work when it is used at Qatar World Cup “If viewed from above the line would be completely straight.”Dominic Calvert-Lewin powered home a header in the second half to put the icing on the cake as Jurgen Klopp’s side missed a catalogue of chances to score.Reds icon Jamie Carragher said after the game: “This is the end of the title run for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end.”Tonight is Everton’s night, you have to take it on the chin.”They played into Everton’s hands. The way Liverpool started was really naive, poor, giving silly fouls away.”They got into the game but the chance (Darwin) Nunez misses before half time is unforgivable at this level. That’s not acceptable at this level.”Meanwhile, Liverpool have been linked with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as the successor to Klopp.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
    But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
    Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
    But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
    Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
    “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
    Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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    Nottingham Forest WILL be allowed to listen to VAR audio after furious statement – and it could be shown on TV

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST will be offered a chance to listen to the VAR exchanges held during their defeat to Everton.But the recordings will not be aired publicly before next week at the earliest.Nottingham Forest were left furious with some VAR decisions against EvertonCredit: AlamyThe club released a furious statement after the matchCredit: GettyFurious Forest face a welter of FA and Prem charges after inferring that VAR Stuart Attwell might have been biased by his support of  relegation rivals Luton.They demanded on Monday that the recordings be “released into the public domain”.The club were raging  over three denied penalty claims, all involving Everton’s former England defender Ashley Young.Forest called the referring decisions “extremely poor” on their social media.Read More on FootballThe furore relates to Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna, his ‘handball’ and his tackle on Callum Hudson-Odoi.But while PGMOL bosses are ready to let Forest listen to the tapes of the conversations between Attwell and ref Anthony Taylor, that would only be in a private setting and not generally broadcast.That is in line with standard procedure, with clubs having the right to ask for the recordings as long as they respect the confidentiality of the process.However, it is likely that refs’ chief Howard Webb WILL address the issues in the  looming edition of the Match Officials Mic’d Up magazine show, which explains and clarifies contentious calls.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWebb is scheduled to record the  programme at the start of next week before it is broadcast on Tuesday,  giving him the opportunity to put PGMOL’s case or admit to an error by either Taylor or Attwell.Whether the offer will be accepted by Forest is unclear.Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’They had argued: “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, defender Neco Williams and former Prem official Mark Clattenburg — the club’s ‘referee analyst’ — have until tomorrow  to respond to the FA demand for their “observations” over post-match comments on Sunday.The club and the three individuals face charges and heavy fines, while the Prem is also ready to file a charge that alleges Forest breached their undertaking to act in “utmost good faith”.David Coote, a Notts County supporter, has been put in charge of Luton’s visit to Wolves this Saturday.What have Nottingham Forest said?
    After the final whistle against Everton, Nottingham Forest’s official Twitter account tweeted: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.
    “We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.
    “NFFC will now consider its options.”
    On Monday the club revealed they have requested the PGMOL release the audio recordings between officials during the match.
    A statement read: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.
    “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
    “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”

    That decision has also angered fans of Forest, who sit just one point and one place in the table ahead of rivals Luton.Despite the controversy at Everton, Attwell has been given Uefa’s stamp of approval  by being named on VAR duty for the Euros while Taylor is chosen as a pitch ref.Attwell is one of two English officials on booth duties at the tournament, which kicks off in Munich on June 15.He and Coote will be based at the tournament hub in Leipzig, while Michael Oliver and Taylor have both been selected to take charge of matches.They are among the 18 whistlers selected by Uefa for the Euros.And despite the continued criticism of officiating standards in the Premier League, England is one of just four countries with more than one referee selected.France, Germany and Italy  have two whistlers, while others  include Poland’s Szymon Marciniak — praised for refereeing the 2022 World Cup final.READ MORE SUN STORIESOliver will work with assistants Stuart Burt and Dan Cook, while Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn complete Taylor’s team.Oliver and Taylor officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as well as at Euro 2020. More

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    Nottingham Forest updates — Premier League club demands VAR audio is released as points deduction appeal looms

    NOTTINGHAM Forest have gone to war with the Premier League, FA and PGMOL.The Premier League club has issued a series of shocking reactions to their relegation six-pointer defeat to Everton.During the match, several decisions went against Forest, leading the club to demand VAR footage and audio be released to the public.The club went as far as to suggest VAR’s Stuart Attwell may have been biased against them.This comes as Forest’s appeal against their four-point punishment for breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSR) will be heard tomorrow, Wednesday, 24 April.Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates…Premier league’s statement
    The Prem issued its own statement, saying it was “extremely disappointed” with Forest’s comments.
    They added: “It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.”
    Forest could be charged under Prem Rules B.15 and B.16.
    Copy linkCopiedForest make demands
    Nottingham Forest have made their demand for the audio recordings of conversations between Attwell and ref Anthony Taylor to be played out on TV.
    A club spokesman said: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park. 
    “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
    “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”
    Copy linkCopiedWebb insistent the claim that he was asked to take Attwell OFF the match is untrue
    Forest remain furious over the three penalty decisions that went against them in the relegation six-pointer while  Webb is insistent the central claim that he was asked to take Attwell OFF the match is simply untrue.
    Webb’s position is that, while he did receive a call from Clattenburg on Friday, it was to inform him that Forest thought Espirito Santo might be asked about Attwell’s appointment as VAR in his pre-match news conference.
    Managers and players have been warned that ANY pre-match comments about officials is an offence, although the question was then not asked.
    But Webb is adamant that Clattenburg categorically did not ask for the appointment to be changed and that Forest said they had no problem with it.
    Copy linkCopiedHow much are clubs allowed to lose under PSR?
    Clubs who are in the Prem for three seasons are limited to “allowable losses” – after calculations including the “amortisation” of transfer fees, stadium building and Covid-related expenditure are taken out – of £105m over three seasons.
    As Forest only had one top flight campaign, their limit was £61m.
    Forest, the Premier League argues, made losses greater than that number.
    Copy linkCopiedHow many points were Everton docked?
    Nottingham Forest aren’t the only Premier League side to be docked points this season.
    Everton were hit with a 10-point deduction earlier this season for breaching PSR.
    This was later reduced to six points.
    Copy linkCopiedCould Manchester City face a points deduction?
    Last February, Pep Guardiola’s team were hit with 115 allegations of breaching competition rules between 2009 and 2018 by the Premier League.
    The club denies all charges and has vowed to clear its name.
    These charges are far more complex than those levied at Everton and Forest.
    That means any punishment for the alleged rule breaches could take much longer to be announced.
    Copy linkCopiedAlan Shearer slams ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement in X-rated rant
    Alan Sheerer has taken aim at Nottingham Forest following their explosive Twitter statements.
    Slamming Forest’s complaints as “embarrassing”, Shearer told the Rest is Football podcast: “Honestly, before we go anywhere, let’s just say well done to Everton.
    “Very much like at the top of the table, at this stage of the season, it doesn’t matter how you play or what decisions you get, just get the three points, by hook or by crook. Everton got them and that’s all that matters.
    “But what the f*** are Forest doing putting that statement out? It’s an absolute embarrassment, isn’t it? ‘We told the PGMOL he was a Luton fan’. What on earth are they thinking about? It’s embarrassing.
    “I thought Anthony Taylor and Stuart Attwell had a terrible afternoon, but you can’t behave like that if you’re a top professional football club, one of the best, a team that has been amazing over the years, a European Cup and all of that.
    “Then behaving like that, there’s just no class to it. However angry you are, however upset you are, you cannot be putting statements out like that.”
    Credit: The Rest is Football
    Copy linkCopiedWhat has the Premier League said?
    The Premier League said it was “extremely disappointed” following Nottingham Forest’s explosive statements on Sunday and Monday.
    Writing on X, the league said: “The Premier League was extremely disappointed to read the comments made by Nottingham Forest on social media yesterday, following its match against Everton.
    “We note The FA has confirmed it will be investigating the club’s statement. It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.”
    Copy linkCopiedWhat are Forest accused of?
    Nottingham Forest first admitted on December 31 when they filed their accounts for last season that they had breached the allowed Profitability and Sustainability limit.
    They finally admitted a breach of £34.536m.
    This breach has seen the side docked four points while in a crucial relegation battle.
    Copy linkCopiedGary Neville calls for Mark Clattenberg to resign
    Sky’s Gary Neville has demanded former Premier League ref Mark Clattenberg resign from his role as a consultant at Nottingham Forest.
    This comes after Forest shared a tweet slamming the Premier League for a series of decisions that went against them at Goodison Park this weekend.
    Neville said: “Mark Clattenberg must resign tonight.
    “If he saw those words go out in which question the integrity of a referee and claims someone is a cheat for supporting another club, then he’s supporting what is being said.
    “He would lose all credibility with referees in the game. He should stand down tonight and distance himself from that statement.
    “The statement is like a petulant child. It’s embarrassing.
    “Today has been a horrendous day for Nottingham Forest. Possibly horrendous because of the decisions that they’ve had, but horrendous for how they’ve reacted to the situation.
    “To mention the VAR official as being a Luton fan and inferring in some way that’s had an impact on the decision-making process and suggesting to me as a fan, thinking ‘has he cheated us’, you’re into really dangerous territory.”
    Copy linkCopiedPremier League demands explanation for Nuno’s comments
    The Premier League are demanding an explanation from Nottingham Forest regarding manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s comments after his team’s defeat to Everton.
    Espirito Santo’s interviews included him saying “it’s been clear what has been happening to us”  and suggesting “if we were in another country, we will start speaking about conspiracy.”
    In response, the FA said it had “formally requested observations” from Forest.
    Copy linkCopiedThe state of play
    Forest have four games to go and sit one point above the relegation zone.
    Here are the club’s remaining matches:

    Manchester City
    Sheffield United
    Chelsea
    Burnley

    Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest ‘consider SUING Sky’ after Gary Neville made ‘mafia gang’ claim
    Nottingham Forest are reportedly considering “suing” Sky after Gary Neville hit out at the club on live TV.
    In response to Forest’s recent statement, Neville said: “It’s like a mafia-gang statement. I mean, honestly, what the hell are they playing at? It’s like a petulant child, it’s embarrassing.
    “And some of those things they’re saying in there, the suggestion of some sort of inferring of cheating because there’s an official in VAR in Stockley Park who’s a Luton fan is a scandal, and they will pay for that.”
    Now, according to the Mail, Forest are considering legal action.

    Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest’s statement
    A club spokesman said: “Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park. 
    “The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents – Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).
    “We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.”
    Copy linkCopiedPoints deduction appeal looms
    Looming in the background here is Nottingham Forest’s four-point deduction for alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules.
    The club’s appeal will be heard tomorrow, a moment that could make or break their season.
    Forest currently sit 17th, one point above the relegation zone.
    Copy linkCopiedThe claims from both sides…
    *Forest demands the public release of the conversations between ref Anthony Taylor and VAR Stuart Attwell
    *The FA announced they wanted urgent explanations from Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco William and ex-Prem whistler Mark Clattenburg
    *Forest then repeated allegations that refs’ chief Howard Webb was asked to take Luton fan Attwell off VAR duties for Sunday’s contentious Goodison clash before suggesting their “fears of a sideshow” had come true
    *Prem chiefs then signalling they will bring their OWN charges against Forest for the incendiary outing of Attwell as a Hatters supporter and implying he was biased against them.
    Copy linkCopiedWhat have Forest said?
    Following a series of decisions that went against Nottingham Forest in a relegation six-pointer vs Everton, the club released an astonishing statement.
    It read: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept. We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options.”
    Yesterday the club released a fresh statement which can be read below…
    Following yesterday’s match at Everton, NFFC issued a statement highlighting our concern at the perception of the PGMOL appointment of VAR for the game. This was an issue we raised with PGMOL prior to the fixture because of the fear of the side show that would ensue if anything…— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) April 22, 2024

    Copy linkCopiedForest go to war with the Premier League
    Nottingham Forest are locked in a feud with the Prem, the FA AND PGMOL.
    An astonishing day of claim and counter-claim over the fall-out from Sunday’s defeat at Everton saw the club demand VAR audio is released.
    This comes just hours before the league will hear the club’s appeal for alleged PSR breaches.
    Copy linkCopiedHow much are clubs allowed to lose under PSR?
    Clubs who are in the Prem for three seasons are limited to “allowable losses” – after calculations including the “amortisation” of transfer fees, stadium building and Covid-related expenditure are taken out – of £105m over three seasons.
    As Forest only had one top flight campaign, their limit was £61m.
    Forest, the Premier League argues, made losses greater than that number.
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