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      Ex-Premier League ref reveals why Casemiro’s goal stood and Van Dijk didn’t… and says VAR is even enraging OFFICIALS

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      ONE thing is certain for this season, we’ve seen so many inconsistencies with VAR and it riles the fans, players, managers — and even us referees.In Law 11, just being in an offside position is not an offence in itself.Virgil van Dijk had a goal disallowed in the Carabao Cup final before scoring the winnerCredit: GettyCasemiro’s similar goal was allowed to stand against Nottingham ForestCredit: GettyBut does the forward become involved in active play? Interfere with the defender? Make a movement to play the ball?For Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed goal in the Carabao Cup final, Wataru Endo is in an offside position but makes no movement to play the ball.So does he become involved in active play by blocking Levi Colwill?Can Colwill challenge Van Dijk? I don’t think so.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut look at Burnley v Luton, where the Luton forward clearly blocks the keeper and it’s allowed.At Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, it was exactly the same as the Van Dijk one.Another defender is between Felipe and Casemiro as he scored.People will say, in that position Rafael Varane was involved in active play because defenders knew he was there.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut I think both goals should have been given.Van Dijk AND Sterling have goals RULED OUT by VAR in frantic final More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot huge controversy in Newcastle’s penalty shootout win over Blackburn in FA Cup

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      STUNNED viewers claim Blackburn were robbed in Newcastle’s FA Cup shootout triumph – after spotting a major controversy.Keen-eyed fans are convinced Toon’s hero keeper Martin Dubravka was off his line before foiling Dom Hyam from the very last penalty.
      Fans say Dom Hyam’s penalty should have been retaken as Newcastle’s shootout hero’s hero keeper Martin Dubravka was off his line
      Dubravka celebrates as the Toon pipped Blackburn in the shootoutCredit: Getty
      Hyam was the unlucky Rovers ace in the contentious finaleCredit: Alamy

      Supporters were especially frustrated because the FA Cup does NOT have VAR for ties played in non-Premier League stadiums – meaning no video replays could settle the issue.
      The mediocre Magpies scraped into the quarter-finals 4-3 on spot-kicks after Championship side Rovers deservedly held them 1-1 after extra time.
      But fans rushed to point out what they believe was a lucky let-off for Dubravka – worsened by the “unfairness” of having no VAR.
      The Slovak, who earlier saved Sammie Szmodics’ shootout penalty, dived low to repeat the feat from Hyam’s low effort.
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      But fans posted clips of the stopper with both his feet appearing to be in front of the line before Rovers’ Scottish defender took his kick.
      If true, that means the penalty should have been retaken – giving Blackburn another chance to take the spot-kicks to sudden death.
      One wrote: “Dubravka was off his line when Hyam’s penalty was being taken. If it had VAR involved it would’ve been retaken.”
      Another said: “Would have been quite funny if Newcastle had been denied victory by Dubravka coming off his line for the first time all season.”
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      And a third commented: “Dubravka was off his line oops.”
      A fourth could not have been more wrong when he stated: “Nobody going to mention Dubravka off his line, thought not.”
      Blackburn vs Newcastle STOPPED mid-match after protest with players forced to step in during FA Cup clash
      That’s because loads of fans swarmed onto social media to note the keeper’s contentious positioning.
      However, viewers were divided on whether the absence of VAR was a positive thing overall for an epic tie.
      One argued: “No VAR and a brilliant game of non stop action. Loads loads of chances by both teams!! Even at the end there VAR would have disallowed the last pen as Dubravka was off his line.”
      Anthony Gordon’s 71st-minute opener for the Toon had earlier been cancelled out by Szmodics ahead of extra time and the shootout saga. More

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      Is VAR in use for FA Cup fifth round ties?

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      THE FA Cup is heading towards the business end – and there are some huge names eyeing glory.Premier League giants Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City and Chelsea are all taking part in the fifth round.
      The use of VAR has been a controversial topic in the FA Cup this seasonCredit: Times Media Ltd
      Non-league Maidstone had their fairytale FA Cup run ended by Championship high flyers Coventry after Mark Robin’s men booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 5-0 win.
      Fellow second-tier sides Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City are both in action in the fifth round as they test themselves against Premier League opposition.
      But fans are confused if VAR will be in use for FA Cup fifth round ties.
      Is VAR in use for FA Cup fifth round ties?
      VAR will only be in use at Premier League grounds for FA Cup fifth round ties due to licencing rules.
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      The prestigious competition has used VAR since 2018, when it was used in a trial format.
      However, it has only been used at Premier League grounds as the FA has never applied to the International Football Association Board (Ifab) for full use across all fixtures.
      It would be complicated and expensive to install VAR at some EFL and non-league league grounds, meaning it wouldn’t be a worthy investment for a one off tie.
      The FA has been criticised for creating an imbalance in sporting standards in the competition.
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      Responding to criticism last year, the FA said: “Video assistant referees provide match officials with additional support and should be utilised wherever possible.
      “However, only Premier League stadiums are currently licensed to use VAR due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required.”
      Which FA Cup fifth round ties will have VAR in use?
      With just Premier League grounds allowed to use VAR, Bournemouth, Luton, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Wolves and Liverpool will all have it in use for their FA Cup fifth round ties.
      But the two games hosted by Championship sides – Coventry 5-0 Maidstone and Blackburn vs Newcastle will not have the technology enabled.
      Will there be replays for the FA Cup fifth round?
      FA Cup replays have become a huge part of English football’s most famous cup competition.
      And there have been extensive changes in recent years regarding whether they are included.
      In the 2020-21 and the 2021-22 seasons, all replays were scrapped due to fixture congestion.
      But they were brought back for the third and fourth rounds of the 2022-23 campaign.
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      In the 2023-24 season, there were also replays for the third and fourth rounds.
      However, from the fifth round onwards, there will be no replays and matches that end in a draw will be settled on the night. More

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      Chelsea boss Pochettino facing FA probe over claims officials ‘favour’ Liverpool ahead of Carabao Cup final clash

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      CHELSEA boss Mauricio Pochettino faces an FA probe for his outburst about match officials favouring Liverpool.In the build-up to the Carabao Cup final against the Reds, Pochettino claimed on-field and VAR officials treated the Blues unfairly in the 4-1 defeat at Anfield on January 31.
      Mauricio Pochettino suggested his side were treated unfairly in their trip to Anfield last monthCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea claim they should have had a penalty for a foul on Conor GallagherCredit: TNT Sports
      Head coach Pochettino appeared to link the performance of referee Paul Tierney and his team to Kop boss Jurgen Klopp announcing a few days before that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
      And the FA are set to study Pochettino’s comments to see if they merit a charge.
      Pochettino went to great lengths to make his point about Liverpool in his pre-final press conference in what could be regarded as an attempt to influence today’s referee Chris Kavanagh.
      The Blues boss said: “We need to be sure we are going to compete and be fair in every single decision.
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      “When we played Liverpool at Anfield, not one key decision was for us. Two penalties were not given.
      “Duels, 50-50s, always red. I want to be treated in a fair way.
      “I am the first to say Liverpool is amazing and Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world.
      “But after my last experience playing there, what I want is to play a game at the same level and the best team wins.
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      “We want both clubs to be seen in the same way.”
      And when asked if Chelsea were playing the role of party poopers as Liverpool try to send off Klopp in style, Pochettino said: “No. We want to win because of Chelsea.
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      “Of course Liverpool want to win. But please, not another party involved in the game will be part of the celebration that Klopp is leaving, no? That is important.”
      Chelsea were particularly furious that they were not awarded penalties at Anfield for fouls on Conor Gallager and Christopher Nkunku.
      Pochettino was unhappy that VAR did not intervene and ask Tierney to look again at his decisions.
      VAR will be used in today’s final for the first time in this season’s Carabao Cup.
      Pochettino said: “I am pro-VAR.
      “But the problem is always the same: who are the referees that are watching the TV and how we use VAR.
      “The system, the technology is not the problem. I think it helps.
      “The way it is used between the referees on the pitch and the referees in the room, that is the key.
      “Sometimes the same situation brings a different decision. That is the difficult thing for coaches to accept, and the fans.”
      Pochettino was able to see the funny side about what happened last time he faced Klopp and Liverpool in a showpiece game.
      The Argentine led Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, only for referee Damir Skomina to award a controversial penalty against Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko for handball in the opening minute.
      Uefa had introduced VAR to their flagship competition for the first time in the 2019 knockout rounds, but the video officials saw no reason to overturn Skomina’s decision.
      Pochettino laughed as he said: “Were we playing with VAR or without? Because the ball on Sissoko after 30 seconds was here [pointing to his armpit].
      “Today do you think they would give a penalty?”
      But Pochettino was not joking in his comments about the officials in Chelsea’s last meeting with Liverpool.
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      Ironically, Klopp himself was charged with improper conduct for comments he made about Tierney after Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham last season.
      Klopp copped a two-match touchline ban and a £75,000 fine for accusing Tierney of being biased against the Reds. More

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      Why football stars are scoring more penalties.. and the goalkeeper’s cheat code that could turn the tide

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      VAR was supposed to end the controversy surrounding poor refereeing decisions in football. Instead, we have seen football slowed down with a myriad of replays and debates rage on the quality of officiating in the division.
      Penalties are being converted at record levelsCredit: The Times
      So how can goalkeepers tip the balance in their favour againCredit: Alamy
      How the Premier League five-year rolling average penalty conversion rate has increased
      The introduction of VAR has also led to a notable increase in the award of penalty kicks.
      According to Opta Analyst, the second season VAR was introduced saw 125 penalties awarded, or one every three games.
      This season has seen the figure stands at its fourth-highest in history, with one spot kick awarded every 3.5 games.
      With the increase in penalties being awarded, however, we have also seen penalties converted with record quality from 12 yards – an unprecedented 90 per cent.
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      Even from last season the five-season rolling average for penalty kicks being converted has increased to a staggering 81.1 per cent, up from 74.8 per cent in the 1996/97 season.
      Goalkeepers have been further handicapped by video technology with the new rule that they cannot move off their line until the penalty is struck.
      This, combined with outfield players seemingly continuing to take leaps in terms of technical ability and ball striking has seen more penalties being scored.
      Despite this there must be something goalkeepers can do to tip the scales back into their favour when facing penalties. Well, yes, there is. The key for goalkeepers though might be to do nothing at all…
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      Why do goalkeepers dive?
      In penalty shootouts at major competitions we often hear commentators say that all of the pressure is on the penalty taker with none on the goalkeeper.
      At the top level you expect players to be able to convert from the spot and as such the goalkeepers are not expected to save the shot.
      Jason Cummings channels Thierry Henry as he blunders famous spot-kick routine
      This means that goalkeepers will typically not be blamed by fans, coaches or team-mates for failing to stop the penalty but they will be highly praised should they manage to save one, or more than one.
      So, why do goalkeepers dive?
      We have seen a huge increase in outfield players adding a delay into their run before they strike the penalty.
      They will deliberately stutter or hop as they approach the ball before striking.
      Bukayo Saka stutters his run up as a tactic to throw off the goalkeeper
      This is intended to force the goalkeeper to move early and if the goalkeeper goes to one side then the player striking the penalty will go the opposite way.
      Despite not having the pressure on them, goalkeepers will still dive to their left or right as opposed to staying still in the centre of their goals. 
      Here Matheus Cunha stuttered and provoked Chelsea’s Djorde Petrovic into moving before he slotted the ball the opposite way
      If they stand still and the penalty goes to the left or the right then there will be an assumption from those watching that the goalkeeper did not do enough.
      Though the real reason behind the move is incomplete information.
      In this example Andre Onana sells himself early despite there being no run up from Pablo Sarabia
      Everton and England goalie Jordan Pickford went viral as cameras caught him looking at info on opposition penalty takers on crib sheets taped to his water bottles.
      Analysts at clubs will now spend time breaking down the penalty tendencies of players at their next opposition and goalkeepers will be given that information.
      This means that if a goalkeeper knows that their opponent goes to the goalkeepers left a high proportion of the time then diving in that direction is the smart thing to do.
      For goalkeepers to start saving more penalties we may well see them make a change to their approach to saving penalties, despite what fans might think.
      Should goalkeepers stand still?
      Although standing still in the centre of their goal may be against all of their instincts there is an argument that this would increase the chances of goalkeepers making a save from a penalty.
      In recent seasons we have seen a notable increase in the amount of players who include stutters or stops in their run as they wait for the goalkeeper to commit.
      This season has seen 15 spot kicks aimed down the middle of the goal, 14 of which have been scored.
      The conversion rate for these efforts sits at 93.3 per cent, while it the rate drops to 89.1 per cent for the corners.
      Last season the rate down the middle stood at 95 per cent while it was 69.6 per cent in the corners, with a total of 35 penalties being taken in the last two seasons.
      If goalkeepers can maintain their discipline and not move from the centre of the goal then this will start to put doubt in the head of the player who is taking the penalty.
      Here the goalkeeper commits to his right the ball before James Ward Prowse hits his penalty high to the middle
      They are essentially trying to wait until the last second before deciding whether to put the penalty to the left or to the right as opposed to making up their mind before they start their run up.
      The longer that the goalkeeper takes to move the greater the chance that the taker will start to panic and doubt themselves.
      Joao Pedro uses delays to wrong foot the goalkeeper before slotting the ball the other side of the net
      Waiting and staying in the centre of the goal would also be more effective for goalkeepers because of the technique and striking of players taking the kick.
      If the player in question catches the inside of the post, or even the side netting, with an accurate and well struck shot then there is very little chance that the goalkeeper could have made the save anyway.
      Here Ederson holds his central position for a Michael Olise penalty but loses his footing before the taker scores
      Increasingly, however, we are seeing penalties that are just played casually into the goal without getting anywhere near the corner of the goal.
      If goalkeepers were to remain in a central position then they would have more of a chance to react and save those penalties that are clipped just to either side but not right into the corner of the net.
      If the goalkeeper has the composure and conviction to stay in the centre of their goal then they will force the player taking the kick to amend their approach and perhaps overthink what they are going to do with the shot.
      Conclusion
      There is always a sense that the player taking the penalty has the advantage over the goalkeeper.
      And to be fair this should be the case as the defending team has been punished for a foul in their penalty area.
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      Goalkeepers, however, need to find a way to level the playing field and to put some more doubt into the minds of the players taking the penalty.
      We believe that we are going to see more goalkeepers taking the decision to stand and make themselves big in the centre of the goal in order to put doubt back into the minds of the penalty takers. More

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      Mystery as referee probed over claims he wore bodycam in kids’ footie match without permission

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      A REF is being probed over claims he wore a bodycam in a kids’ footie match without permission.The match official told the coaches it was part of an FA-backed VAR-style trial.
      A ref is being probed over claims he wore a bodycam in a kids’ footie match without permission (stock pic)Credit: Getty
      Durham FA chief John Topping said they do not know if he was actually wearing video equipmentCredit: Supplied
      But when they double-checked, they were told there was no trial.
      An investigation has been launched by Northumberland and Durham County FAs following the U13 game in the Russell Foster Youth League.
      Refs wore bodycams in four grassroots leagues last ­season to see if respect improved — but only in adult matches and not in that area.
      Durham FA chief John Topping said they do not know if he was actually wearing video equipment.
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      But he added: “He informed the coaches he was recording everything.
      “They couldn’t understand because the FA did do a pilot a few months ago with bodycams but not here.”
      Local football chiefs said they are investigating after a ref registered to Northumberland FA allegedly used a body-worn camera at a recent fixture.
      They added: “We must clarify that referees are not currently permitted to use body-worn cameras at any time.”
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      Mason Holgate shown straight red card for ‘scandalous’ tackle dubbed ‘worst I’ve seen in years’ by Jamie Redknapp

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED star Mason Holgate was sent off for a horror tackle on Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.The defender was initially shown a yellow card by referee Stuart Atwell before he consulted the VAR monitor and upgraded the punishment.

      Mason Holgate saw red for a reckless lunge on Kaoru MitomaCredit: Reuters
      Holgate was initially shown a yellow card before Stuart Atwell consulted the VAR monitorCredit: Reuters
      Holgate could have no complaints over his dismissalCredit: Getty
      Mitoma was taken out by Holgate after his heavy touch gave the defender a chance to win the ball.
      But the Everton loanee lost control as he dived in on the winger, taking him out at knee height in the 12th minute.
      He appeared to win the ball with his other foot but Atwell was left with no choice but to brandish a red due to the strength of the challenge.
      Brighton players immediately began protesting as Mitoma writhed around in pain, and most inside Bramall Lane protested the booking.
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      So there was uproar when Atwell upped the punishment to a red a few moments later.
      Sky Sports pundit called the tackle “scandalous”.
      The former Liverpool and Tottenham ace also felt it was “one of the worst tackles I’ve seen in years.”
      Things went from bad to worse for the Sheffield United faithful as Brighton opened the scoring from a corner they believe should have been given as a goal kick.
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      Lewis Dunk headed back across goal from Pascal Gross’s corner and Facundo Buonanotte turned the ball home from close range, though it only just crossed the line and needed to ref to confirm on his watch that it was a goal.
      Moments later Danny Welbeck doubled the visitors’ lead after he reacted quickest to smash in a rebound after Wes Foderingham denied Mitoma at the back post.
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      The Seagulls threatened to add a third soon after with Welbeck and Gross going close with chances from inside the box.
      Sheffield United have now had four red cards in the league this season and their defence continues to leak goals. More

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      Fans baffled as Robertson smashes into Toney who’s denied penalty as they joke ‘Klopp farewell tour in full swing’

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      BAFFLED football fans joked the “Jurgen Klopp farewell tour is in full swing” after Brentford were denied a blatant penalty. The ball bounced towards Ivan Toney in the Liverpool 18-yard box.
      Jurgen Klopp is leaving Anfield at the end of the seasonCredit: AP
      Ivan Toney was bundled to the ground by Andy RobertsonCredit: TNT Sports
      But as the England striker controlled it on his chest, he was clattered into by Andy Robertson.
      The left-back bundled into the back of Toney, sending him crashing to the ground.
      But as the former Hull man kept his footing and booted clear, referee Michael Oliver ignored the Bees’ protests.
      And VAR David Coote failed to intervene, either, despite the obvious bundle over from Robertson.
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      So it was no surprise fans watching the action at home could not believe the officials refused to award a spot-kick – and joked Klopp is getting preferential treatment ahead of his upcoming exit.
      One said: “The Klopp Farewell Tour in full swing……”
      Another wrote: “Not quite sure how Brentford didn’t get a penalty here…”
      A third added: “Robertson bulldozing into Toney. How is that not a penalty? I just need an explanation. Anyone??”
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      A fourth commented: “Robertson barges into Toney, gets none of the ball but no penalty. It’s actually laughable at this point.”
      A fifth fumed: “How is that not a penalty on Toney what a joke.”
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      And a final user replied: “How is that not a penalty? Robertson barged through the back of Toney it’s a stonewall nailed-on penalty every day ending in y, also what’s the VAR doing?”
      The controversial incident happened in the 72nd minute with Liverpool leading 3-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
      But moments later, Toney struck to pull one back – which could have made for an interesting finale.
      Cody Gakpo did seal the 4-1 win with a late fourth for the travelling Reds after Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah’s goals.
      While it was still 0-0, though, Wataru Endo somehow escaped punishment despite a Diego Maradona-style fake header that saw him punch the ball, but it was missed by Oliver.
      However, the victory for table-toppers Liverpool came at a cost with both Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota going off injured and spotted leaving on crutches.

      Endo escaped with this blatant handball at BrentfordCredit: TNT Sports More