More stories

  • in

    Stuart Attwell chosen for Euro 2024 VAR duty as Nottingham Forest suffer further humiliation after bizarre statement

    STUART ATTWELL has been chosen for VAR duty at Euro 2024 this summer.The referee is currently under scrutiny following Nottingham Forest’s defeat at Everton on Sunday.Stuart Attwell has been selected for VAR duty at this summer’s EurosCredit: PAAshley Young was at the centre of all three penalty decisionsCredit: GettyHe brought down Callum Hudson-Odoi in the box in one incidentCredit: ReutersThe official was working on VAR and the relegation club claimed that they were denied three clear penalties.One was for a possible handball on Ashley Young, while the other two incidents also involved the former Manchester United star.In the first half, he clipped Giovanni Reyna in the box, and in the second half, he hauled down Callum Hudson-Odoi.As a response, Nottingham Forest released a statement slamming his appointment for the match as a “Luton fan”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey have since demanded that the conversations between referee Antony Taylor and Attwell be made public.While the FA have announced that they want urgent explanations from manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco Williams and ex-Prem whistler Mark Clattenburg.Despite the ongoing feud, Attwell will be in Germany this summer for the Euros.He and fellow Brit David Coote have both been selected for VAR duty for the tournament.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAttwell and Coote could be set for big paydays after the competitions, with a reported £2,600 being paid per match.Referee at Goodison Park Taylor and Michael Oliver will also be heading to mainland Europe as two of the 18 selected referees.Gary Neville tells Mark Clattenburg to RESIGN from Nottingham Forest role after club’s ’embarrassing’ VAR statementForest have faced lots of criticism for the statements following the controversial decisions.Alan Shearer, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have all gone against the club and claimed it to be “embarrassing”.Neville went as far as to say that Clattenburg should resign from his role at Forest.He also claimed that Forest’s statement was like a “mafia-gang” with the club now considering legal action against the pundit.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.” More

  • in

    ‘We simply cannot accept’ – BBC fire cheeky dig at Nottingham Forest over bizarre VAR blast as statement released

    BBC SPORT TEESIDE mocked Nottingham Forest’s astonishing VAR statement following Middlesbrough’s defeat to Leeds on Monday night.Boro’s play-off hopes were ended by Daniel Farke’s side at the Riverside Stadium as Leeds moved back into second place with a 4-2 win in the North East.BBC Sport Teeside aped Nottingham Forest’s VAR statement on Monday eveningCredit: RexThe mocking tweet came after decisions went against Middlesbrough in their defeat to LeedsCredit: AlamyHowever, the home side were left feeling aggrieved at the second and third goals they conceded as there was a suspicion of offside in both.And while the game was still going on, BBC Sport Teeside aped the style of Forest’s tweet from Sunday by insisting they are decisions they “cannot accept” and that they “will now consider its options”.Their post read: “Two extremely poor offside decisions – which we simply cannot accept.”Maddo [academy ambassador and player welfare officer at Boro] warned the PGMOL that the lino is a Leeds fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”BBC Tees Sport will now consider its options.”It comes after Forest received a huge backlash over their club statement following a 2-0 defeat to Everton.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side felt they should have been awarded three penalties during their relegation six-pointer at Goodison Park on the weekend.Hitting back at the officiating, in particular VAR Stuart Attwell, they said: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.Most read in FootballWhat 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.”
    Today 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.”

    “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.”Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’They then released a further statement on Monday calling on the audio recordings from the VAR room to be released.Gary Neville likened the first statement to something a “mafia gang” would put out, describing it as “embarrassing” and “a scandal”.Reports have since emerged that Forest are considering SUING Sky Sports over the comments.Meanwhile, the FA have announced they want urgent explanations from Nuno, Neco Williams and ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg – now an employee of Forest. More

  • in

    Nottingham Forest ‘consider SUING Sky’ after Gary Neville made ‘mafia gang’ comment live on TV

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST are considering suing Sky over comments made by Gary Neville, according to reports.It comes after Neville slammed the club for their statement criticising the PGMOL in the wake of their 2-0 defeat to Everton.Nottingham Forest are considering suing Sky over comments made by Gary NevilleForest were critical of the fact they were denied three penalties by referee Anthony Taylor, with VAR Stuart Attwell deciding not to advise the ref to review the incidents on the VAR monitor.Neville likened the statement to something a mafia gang would put out, and Forest are now considering legal action against Sky according to the Daily Mail.In response to Forest’s 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.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForest have also requested PGMOL release the audio of the three penalty incidents, with the club’s referee analyst Mark Clattenburg describing the calls as “mindboggling”.Clattenburg is reported to have spoken to PGMOL chief Howard Webb last Friday to share his concern about VAR Attwell being a Luton fan.Webb denied a request for the VAR to be changed, leading Forest to air their grievances after Sunday’s defeat publicly.A tweet from the club read: “Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.Most read in FootballWhat 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.”
    Today 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.”

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”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.”Nottingham Forest’s behaviour could lead to the FA dishing out a fine as the organisation and the Premier League are set to open investigations into the matter.A Premier League statement read: “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.”Gary Neville tells Mark Clattenburg to RESIGN from Nottingham Forest role after club’s ’embarrassing’ VAR statement More

  • in

    Nottingham Forest at WAR with Premier League and FA as they demand VAR audio is made public after incredible statement

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST are at war 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:Nottingham Forest were left furious after their loss to Everton on SundayCredit: Getty*Forest demand the public release of the conversations between ref Anthony Taylor and VAR Stuart Attwell*The FA announce they wanted urgent explanations from Nuno Espirito Santo, Neco William and ex-Prem whistler Mark Clattenburg*Forest then repeating 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt left tension between the club and the authorities at boiling point with a series of statements issued cranking up the heat.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.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut 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.Forest raised the temperature as they made their demand for the audio recordings of conversations between Attwell and ref Anthony Taylor to be played out on TV.Alan Shearer in X-rated rant against ’embarrassing’ Nottingham Forest statement which cult hero ‘thought was a parody’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.”Young added another layer when he posted an image of Justin Timberlake’s 2002 song “Cry Me a River”, adding the caption “Old Skool Tunes for Today” accompanied by two winking face emojis.Soon after the Forest statement, the FA said it had “formally requested observations” from Forest, Espirito Santo, Williams and Clattenburg into their public comments.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” while Williams claimed:  “The top six teams will get decisions and we won’t.”Then the Prem issued its own statement, saying it was “extremely disappointed” with Forest’s comments and adding: “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.Forest have demanded the VAR audio from three incidents at Goodison ParkCredit: RexThey demand that club officials act “with utmost good faith” to the League and that every club must “conduct itself in an abusive, derogatory, insulting, intimidating or offensive manner towards any (other) Club or the League”.Yet that only sparked a further response from Forest who doubled down on Sunday’s initial post-match statement.The club said: “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 went wrong with officiating in the game.“That fear has materialised, as the correctness of three important decisions against the Club have been called into doubt.”Forest made a partial climbdown as the club added: “This is not about individuals but rather how the integrity of the game is seen.“We know match officials do not allow outside factors to influence their decision-making and that all referees are required to declare their ‘allegiances’ to PGMOL to avoid any perceived conflict or harm to the game’s reputation for integrity.“However, it is clear PGMOL must amend its rule on allegiances to account for contextual rivalries in the league table, not just local rivalries.“This is currently not within the criteria but should be. Mere reliance on match officials to recuse themselves if contextual rivalries exist invites conjecture, as some have recused themselves where others have not.”The FA want an explanation from Forest referee analyst Mark Clattenburg for his commentsCredit: PAWhile Attwell is a Luton fan, he, along with all over referees and officials must declare his club allegiance each season, meaning he will not be assigned to Hatters’ games or certain other matches involving direct local rivals.Even the affiliation of a referee’s family can be enough to prevent them being appointed to matches involving certain teams.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt has been noted, however, that Luton’s cause in terms of avoiding the drop would actually have been better served by the match at Goodison finishing as a draw, as it would have kept the Bedfordshire side close to both clubs at the foot of the table.And while Forest insisted the club  only wanted “greater transparency” over ref appointments and that, given a season of controversy “any move which boosts confidence in the system should be properly considered” the outcome is almost certain to be an extremely expensive one. More

  • in

    Calls for El Clasico to be REPLAYED after major ‘ghost goal’ controversy before Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid winner

    BARCELONA president Joan Laporta will allegedly consider asking for El Clasico to be replayed after reviewing footage of Lamine Yamal’s “ghost goal” against Real Madrid.Xavi’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat to Los Blancos on Sunday, leaving their La Liga title hopes hanging by a thread.🚨💥 Analysis of the ghost goal in Real Madrid – Barcelona done by Archivo VAR👉🏻 It can be seen that the ball clearly crosses the line entirely and IT’S A GOAL.pic.twitter.com/ZTr8Yi6eXW— All Sportz 🏀⚽ (@Allsportztv) April 22, 2024

    Barcelona believe Lamine Yamal’s goal should have countedCredit: XBarcelona President Joan Laporta, centre, will not rule out a replayCredit: GettyAndreas Christensen broke the deadlock just six minutes into the match before Vinicius Junior equalised from the penalty spot.Teen superstar Yamal then thought he’d fired Barcelona ahead, but his goal was not given after the referee claimed the ball had not fully crossed the line.Xavi claimed it was an “injustice” and “unfair” that his team went on to lose.He said: “We can’t control them. These are refereeing actions. I think the team is doing very well, we competed very well, we were better than Real on their own pitch and I think we deserved the three points in every way.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”My feeling today is one of maximum injustice. Goes without saying, everyone saw it.”My feeling is that today’s match was not fair.”Barcelona chief Laporta has now called for the Technical Committee of Referees to publish the footage, images and audio from the incident.He said: “As president of FC Barcelona, ​​I want to convey the dissatisfaction caused by the fact that one day after one of the most important matches on the world calendar, the misuse of a tool such as VAR is setting our agenda.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As you know, I have never been a great defender of VAR because I believe that, as it is applied, it takes away spontaneity from football.”But what I am in favour of is that, since we have it, it should always be used to avoid errors that could lead to unfair decisions.Baffled fans say ‘Rudiger is so weird man’ after spotting bizarre act in tunnel before El Clasico”With this appearance that I am making, I not only want to reflect the discomfort of the Barcelona fans due to the poor management that was done yesterday of the VAR, but to emphasise that despite being a tool that has been around for some time continues to cause confusion and contradictory criteria depending on the parties and teams.”As president of FC Barcelona, ​​I also want to highlight the power of our competition and emphasise that we are a successful competition followed by millions of followers everywhere, but that does not mean we can remain untouched by criticism when the use of VAR undervalues ​​our competition.”He continued: “We understand the difficulty of the referee’s work but precisely for that reason there are tools (such as VAR) that should help have a fairer competition and not the other way around.”Yesterday there were several debatable plays but among all of them there is one that is essential and that can lead to a change in the final result of the game. I am referring to the so-called Lamine ghost goal.”As a club we want to be sure about what happened and that is why I inform you that from FC Barcelona we will immediately request the Technical Committee of Referees and the Spanish Football Federation to provide us with all the images and audios generated by the play.”If, once this documentation has been analysed, the Club understands that an error occurred in the assessment of the play, we will implement all the appropriate actions to reverse the situation without, obviously, ruling out any necessary legal proceedings.”If it is confirmed that it was a legal goal, we will go further and do not rule out asking for a replay of the match, just as has happened in a European match due to a VAR error.”Finally, I want to emphasise that although we will focus on this play, we also disagree with various actions during the course of the match that, although they could be consulted in the VAR, this tool was ignored by the referee in an incomprehensible way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWith the score at 2-2 in the final minutes of the match, Jude Bellingham popped up in the box to score a dramatic late winner for Real Madrid.Los Blancos now sit 11 points clear at the top of the La Liga table. More

  • in

    Gary Neville tells Mark Clattenburg to RESIGN from Nottingham Forest role after club’s ’embarrassing’ VAR statement

    GARY NEVILLE has told Mark Clattenburg he must RESIGN from his Nottingham Forest role after the club’s “embarrassing” statement slamming VAR.Forest were left seething as they lost 2-0 at Everton, with the club adamant they were robbed of three penalties.Gary Neville has called on Mark Clattenburg to resign from his Nottingham Forest roleCredit: GettyNeville has slammed Forest’s statement in the wake of their defeat to EvertonCredit: Sky SportsVAR chief Stuart Attwell backed ref Anthony Taylor’s on-field decisions for all three incidents.And the result left Forest just one point above the drop zone, with Everton opening a five-point gap with a game in hand.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side then released a sharp-worded statement on social media, inferring the decisions went against them due to Attwell being a Luton fan.The Hatters are also battling relegation and are in the drop zone, one point behind Forest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe statement 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.”However, Man Utd icon and Sky Sports pundit Neville lashed out at Forest’s “petulant” statement.He reckons the club have made a huge error with their wording.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd Neville has now called on ex-ref Clattenburg to leave Forest immediately.The former Premier League official works for the club as a consultant, with Forest previously lashing out at decisions from referees in other matches.Mike Dean lost for words live on Sky Sports after VAR mix up for ‘stonewall’ penalty during Premier League clashForest feel they were denied three penalties by VARCredit: PANeville 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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m disappointed for Nottingham Forest’s players and fans, but I’m also disappointed in Nottingham Forest for the way in which they’ve acted.“It’s a horrendous tweet they’ve put out there and they’ll regret that as a football club.” More

  • in

    Nottingham Forest release ’embarrassing’ statement about VAR being a ‘Luton fan’ & say club will ‘consider its options’

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST lashed out with a scathing statement on social media after their controversial Premier League loss to Everton, which was slammed by Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.Forest lost 2-0 to the Toffees at the City Ground with goals by Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil bringing Nuno Espirito Santo’s men just a point a way from the relegation zone.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.— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) April 21, 2024

    Nottingham Forest released a furious statement after their controversial loss to EvertonCredit: RexNottingham Forest’s statement was slammed by Jamie Carragher and Gary NevilleCredit: AlamyHowever, Nottingham were furious with the refereeing and VAR following some controversial calls that left the hosts protesting for three penalties.Everton ace Ashley Young was involved in every instance as he first appeared to foul Giovanni Reyna inside the area.Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross was then met by Young’s hand before the ex-Manchester United ace appeared to foul the Chelsea academy graduate in the second half.Forest then took to social media where they appeared to suggest the VAR official is a Luton fan before revealing they would consider their next move.Read More on FootballThe club tweeted from their official account: “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.”They statement was met with a furious reaction by Sky Sports pundit Carragher, who admitted earlier that Forest should have been awarded a penalty after Young’s handball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Liverpool legend conceded that the referees had a “horrific day” and understands the frustration but believes that tweet was “embarrassing”.Carragher said: “It tells you where we are in the Premier League when clubs are doing that.Nuno Espirito Santo gives press conference after Nottingham Forest lose to Liverpool“Stuart Attwell and Anthony Taylor have had a horrific day and they should be criticised as it could have real implications. “But that, what I’ve just read there on social media. That’s like a fan in a pub. That is embarrassing.“I get the frustration. That rubbish about the VAR being a Luton fan – they can’t get involved in that. You’ve got to show a little bit of class as a football club.”Neville doubled down by describing Forest’s statement as “horrendous”.The United legend said on Sky Spoirts: “It”s a horrendous statement by that football club.”It lets the proud history of them down. The inferred cheating, as suggested by a Luton fan being a VAR official absolutely ridiculous.” More

  • in

    LaLiga star fumbles ‘worst penalty the world has ever seen’ that’s ‘even worse than Diana Ross’ with last kick of game

    LALIGA star Ante Budimir was left red faced after failing to score a last-second penalty for Osasuna last night.However, it was not simply the fact he missed, but rather the manner in which he had done it.Osasuna’s Ante Budimir fluffed his lines from 12 yardsAs he went to feint the kick he got his feet muddled upThis saw the ball chip up and go straight into the arms of the goalkeeperThe goal would have almost certainly sealed a point against ValenciaThe 32-year-old was previously three from three this season, with 16 goals in the leagueCredit: GettyThe Croatian stepped up to the spot kick in the 98th minute of last night’s match against Valencia.André Almeida’s strike for the visitors after 18 minutes had separated the sides, before Budimir was fouled in the penalty area by Hugo Guillamon, with the decision confirmed by VAR.Budimir, joint second with Jude Bellingham in the Spanish top flights goalscoring charts with 16 goals and only behind Artem Dovbyk’s 17, had previously scored three in three from 12 yards this season.However, as he stepped up to take the decisive kick at the El Sadar Stadium, he appeared to be caught in two minds.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBudimir looked set to strike the ball to his left before feinting, managing to send goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili down to the floor in that direction.But the 32-year-old seemed to get his feet all tangled up and only managed to produce a tame chip directly towards the hands of the goalkeeper as he regained his balance.Budimir, like the thousands watching in the stadium and at home, was in disbelief at the gaffe that was only the third penalty miss of his career – and first since 2015.And it ended up costing Osasuna a point as they lost the match 1-0.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReacting to the miss, the commentator declared: “It’s the worst penalty you’ll see, certainly this season and maybe ever!”One fan wrote on social media: “Oh no. What’s he even trying?”Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson spotted arguing with Blues team-mate after 6-0 Everton thumping as penalty row rages onA second said: “That’s what you get for being too cute with it!”A third added: “As time expires as well, LMAO.”Another said: “Bloody hell. It’s even worse than Diana Ross,” in reference to the singer’s shocker as she shot miles wide of the target at the World Cup opening ceremony when the USA hosted in 1994.Though one fan added: “To be fair his was on target… eventually. The Ross kick went at 45 degrees!”Budimir has impressed for Osasuna this seasonOsasuna fans were also noted to be fairly forgiving for their Player of the Season, giving him some applause despite the miss. And it would later turn out that Budimir had a very reasonable excuse for the tame effort.Following the match, a Osasuna revealed that the Croat had been playing with three BROKEN RIBS.A club statement read: “The footballer Ante Budimir suffered a trauma in tonight’s match against Valencia CF for which, once the match was over, he was transferred to the University of Navarra Clinic.”The tests carried out have determined that the red striker suffers chest trauma with three rib fractures in the right hemithorax.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The player has been admitted to the University of Navarra Clinic for observation of progress and analgesic treatment until further evaluation in the next few hours.”The Premier League saw it’s own penalty excitement on Monday as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke argued over the taker of a penalty eventually dispatched by Cole Palmer in a 6-0 drubbing of Everton by Chelsea. More