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    Premier League referee doesn’t make the big decisions and uses VAR as backup, suggests former top ref Mark Halsey

    CHELSEA felt aggrieved when Axel Disasi’s stoppage-time winner was disallowed in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.But I was baffled why VAR got involved because it wasn’t a clear and obvious error.VAR intervened to overrule Craig Pawson’s decision at Villa Park on SaturdayCredit: GettyEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey feels Pawson needs to be more decisive during games to minimise the role of VARCredit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea thought they had scored a last minute winner through Axel Disasi but saw VAR intervene and the goal ruled outCredit: EPAPawson went to the monitor and disallowed the goal but Halsey felt he had a good enough view of the incident to blow for a free kick straight awayCredit: AFPReferee Craig Pawson had a great view of the incident, he was looking directly at both players and allowed play to continue.If Pawson thought it was a foul by Benoit Badiashile on Diego Carlos then why didn’t he award a free-kick straight away? I felt it was a foul but Pawson had to give it in real time and then there wouldn’t have been a fuss afterwards.My big problem with this incident is it’s a classic case of technology re-refereeing a game and not what VAR is there for.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVAR official Chris Kavanagh recommended an on-field review and Pawson changed his mind. I’ve watched Pawson for a long time and he does not seem to make the big decisions and uses VAR as a back-up.Although we got the right decision, the process of how we got there is not how we should be operating VAR in the Premier League.Chelsea stars protested madly at the end of their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa and had to be pushed away from Pawson by the Blues coaching staff.Most read in FootballBadiashile and Madueke were fuming with the referee and linesmen following the final whistle and had to be restrained by coaches.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea’s penalty chaosMAURICIO POCHETTINO has been tearing his hair out watching Chelsea’s stars fight over penalties again and again. Here are all their spot kick lowlights

    CHELSEA 2-2 ARSENAL (23rd October, 2023)GOAL Raheem Sterling immediately picks up the ball to take Chelsea’s spot kick before Cole Palmer approaches. Enzo Fernandez intervenes to give the ball to Palmer, who sends David Raya the wrong way to score.
    CHELSEA 4 LEICESTER CITY 2 (17th March, 2024)MISS Raheem Sterling wins a penalty and this time is handed the ball by Palmer. However, he fires it down the middle and sees his kick comfortably saved. Leicester later recover to 2-2 from 2-0 down and Sterling is booed every time he touches the ball by a section of the home crowd.
    CHELSEA 4 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (4th April, 2024)GOAL Noni Madueke makes an audacious attempt to take the ball off Palmer after winning a 98th minute penalty with the Blues 3-2 down but is pulled away by Trevoh Chalobah. Palmer sends Andre Onana the wrong way before scoring a winner two minutes later.
    CHELSEA 6 EVERTON 0 (15th April, 2024)GOAL Madueke picks up the ball immediately after Chelsea are awarded a penalty at 4-0 up, but a furious Nicolas Jackson rushes in wanting to take the kick and shoves the winger. Captain Conor Gallagher has to intervene to give the ball to Palmer, who scores. Pochettino blasts his team’s behaviour as “like being at school”.

    Madueke was evidently still fuming with the decision when probed by the BBC post-match.He said: “Should it have been three points? Yes.”Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ five things in scathing rant after ref changes mind over late Chelsea goalMadueke, 22, added: “Do I think the goal should have stood? Yes. Nothing else to say about the situation.”Manager Mauricio Pochettino also bemoaned the intervention of VAR after the game, saying: “Well VAR changed the decision of the referee.”That was for me a normal challenge that can happen in normal action.”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.” More

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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