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    ‘What’s the point in VAR?’ blast fuming Rangers fans as Cyriel Dessers’ shirt is almost ripped clean off in penalty box

    CYRIEL DESSERS was furious after he was denied a penalty in the first half against Athletic Bilbao. And Rangers fans were in agreement after realising the striker almost had his shirt ripped clean off by Bilbao defender Dani Vivian during the controversial incident. Cyriel Dessers hauled down in the boxCredit: Willie VassThe striker appealed for a penaltyCredit: Willie VassHis shirt was ripped by the Spanish defenderHe made his feelings clear to the officials over the flashpointCredit: GettyDessers, 30, was chasing the ball in the penalty box but was halted by the Spaniard when he attempted to get on the end of it to open the scoring at the Estadio de San Mames. Ridvan Yilmaz attempted to play the striker through on goal but his pass was deflected and Dessers had to adjust his run. That’s when Vivian grabbed a hold of the Dessers and pulled him down to the deck. Referee Irfan Peljto was having none of it though as he waved play to continue. Furious Dessers appealed to the officials and pointed to his shirt which had been ripped across his chest. He was then ordered to change his shirt and he continued making his feelings heard to the fourth official on the touchline. Dessers eventually returned to the pitch after swapping shirts but was dished out a yellow card by the ref. It’s understood he was booked for entering the field of play before getting the all-clear from the Bosnian official. Most read in Europa LeagueGers fans expressed their outrage over the whole incident with many feeling hard done by. They believe their team should’ve been awarded a spot-kick. Taking to social media platform X, one fan wrote: “He’s just ripped the shirt clean off of Dessers. That’s a stone wall penalty.”Another blasted: “Dessers shirt has just been torn off of him and it’s not checked by VAR.”A third said: “That’s a stonewall penalty btw Absolutely ridiculous from the ref & VAR! Guys ripped Dessers shirt, how much more blatant can it be?”While a fourth asked: “How’s that not a penalty? What is the point of VAR?”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Arsenal handed huge reprieve as Uefa release statement on why Real Madrid penalty was rescinded

    DECLAN RICE escaped a controversial yellow card as Real Madrid saw a penalty chalked off following a five-minute VAR check.And that means he will still be available for the semi-final with PSG.Referee Francois Letexier showed Declan Rice a yellow card – but rescinded itCredit: APRice was initially penalised for pulling down Kylian Mbappe in the areaCredit: APRice, 26, was the Gunners’ hero in the first leg with his two wonderful free-kicks.But he was penalised midway through the first half of the second leg at the Bernabeu when he gave a penalty away.Rice briefly held on to Kylian Mbappe at the back post – with the French striker hurling himself to the ground.Referee Francois Letexier immediately pointed to the spot and brandished a yellow card to the English midfielder, who was utterly baffled by the decision.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, after a lengthy stoppage to check both whether it was offside and if it was a foul, the ref was sent over to the pitchside monitor.And eventually Letexier decided no foul had been committed – chalking off both the penalty and the yellow card.Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement. They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat proved a major reprieve for Rice, who went into the clash in Madrid knowing a yellow card would see him suspended for the first leg against PSG should Arsenal progress. But that was not the only huge VAR penalty decision of the first half at the Bernabeu.Earlier on, Raul Asencio dragged Mikel Merino down off the ball from a corner.Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid It was initially missed by everyone as play continued – but Letexier was then ordered to stop and watch the replay.And much to the fury of the home crowd, he pointed to the spot. However, Bukayo Saka stepped up and dinked his penalty – but saw it saved by Thibaut Courtois.Saka broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful chipped finish following a beautiful move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later teed up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.Then Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up a historic 2-1 away win, with a cool-as-you-like injury-time strike.Mbappe went down under little contactCredit: TNT SportsRice protested his innocence as he pointed an accusatory fingerCredit: TNT SportsArsenal were awarded a penalty earlier in the halfCredit: TNT SportsBukayo Saka dinked his penalty but saw it savedCredit: PA More

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    Arsenal awarded controversial penalty minutes into crunch Real Madrid clash… but Saka fluffs spot kick

    REAL MADRID players were left furious when Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty during the Champions League quarter-final second leg.A VAR intervention was required in the 10th minute when Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – even though both players were nowhere near the ball.Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – but both players were far from the ballReal Madrid players were furiousCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka’s penalty was savedCredit: ReutersPlay initially resumed as normal before referee Francois Letexier was called to the monitor to review the incident.And it didn’t take him long to overturn his original decision.Real Madrid players immediately ran to the referee to appeal while Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the fourth official.But the penalty call stood.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal forward Bukayo Saka stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois and parried behind for a corner.Fans on social media fumed about the incident, with one person writing: “Football is finished.”Another commented: “Give me a f***ing break.”While a third said: “Bro a mile from the ball though…”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second penalty incident was overturned at the other end of the pitch just a few minutes later.Kylian Mbappe went to ground in the Arsenal box following a tussle with Declan Rice.Real Madrid fire ominous eight-word warning to Arsenal in 20 LANGUAGES as they plot historic Champions League winThe referee immediately gave the penalty, but a five-minute VAR intervention resulted in no foul.Rice’s yellow card was also rescinded which means he will be able to play in the semi-final against PSG.Saka bounced back to break the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful dinked finish following a stunning move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later would tee up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.But Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up safe progression, and a 2-1 away win, with a cool as you like injury-time strike. More

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    Premier League history made as Eberechi Eze has goal ruled out for Crystal Palace vs Man City

    PREMIER League history has been made after the new semi-automated offside technology chalked off its first goal.Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze thought he had made it 3-0 to the Eagles against Manchester City this afternoon.Eberechi Eze was judged to be offside by the semi-automated systemA tracking system using 10,000 plus data points for each player recognised that the Palace ace was ahead of the City defender’s kneeCredit: @PLMatchCentreIt then produced a graphic of the offside to show Eze had gone too earlyCredit: @PLMatchCentreThe England midfielder sprinted in behind the City defence and finished beyond Ederson before being flagged offside by the linesman.Eze was adamant that he had timed his run to perfection, wagging his finger in disbelief at the decision.The goal was immediately checked by VAR’s semi-automated offside technology and within seconds it was confirmed that he had narrowly gone too early.It was the first time in Prem history that a goal was disallowed following the new check.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision proved to be a major turning point as City fought back from 2-0 down to level before eventually going 4-2 ahead.Chalking off Eze’s goal was semi-automated offside’s second use in the game after it supported the on-field decision to award his first strike after a possible offside in the build-up from Ismaila Sarr.In the second-half it was also used to confirm City’s fourth goal by James McAtee.Fans praised the new system, with one saying: “Semi-automated offside is pleasant to see.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Took a matter of seconds yet it took till April with only six games of the league season left for the Premier League to bring it in.”Others disagreed, commenting: “Oh look, finally a decision graphic but it doesn’t even show that they’ve gotten the timing of the pass correct. This is useless.”The new system, devised by the US-based company Genius Sports, aims to reduce offside waiting times to an average of 30 seconds.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsA whopping 28 cameras per match are deployed to track 10,000 plus data points for each player to reach the decisions.Explaining the tech, a Prem statement read: “Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR).“It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.“The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.”Eze was in disbelief over the offsideCredit: AFP More

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    Atletico vs Real Madrid VAR official replaced for Tottenham clash after Julian Alvarez penalty controversy

    THE VAR responsible for chalking off Julian Alvarez’s controversial ‘double-kick’ penalty has been axed from his next European game.Tomasz Kwiatkowski, the Polish official, has been removed from the refereeing set-up for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt. Alvarez was adjudged to have touched the ball twice upon scoring his penaltyCredit: ReutersFootball fans struggled to see the momentCredit: TNT SportsThe penalty was chalked off and Real Madrid advanced in the Champions LeagueCredit: APKwiatkowski fuelled a frenzy during the penalty shoot-out between city rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 at the Estadio Metropolitano, when he disallowed Alvarez’s successful spot-kick in a matter of seconds. Kwiatkowski deemed that the Argentine had touched the ball twice as he slotted past Thibaut Courtois.That sparked outrage amongst Atleti staff and supporters alike. There was such an uproar after the game that Uefa were forced to back the VAR’s decision with an official statement, even releasing a video of the spot kick to demonstrate Kwiatkowski’s thought process.Read More FootballThe incident also prompted Uefa to admit that they were ready to readdress the ‘double-kick’ law. It seemed as though things would return to normal when the fiasco simmered down, but the debate has been reignited by Kwiatkowski’s axing for Spurs’ Europa League tie with Frankfurt.Uefa have not publicly given a reason as to why the change has been made, leaving fans in the dark ahead of tonight’s game.Kwiatkowski has been part of referee Szymon Marciniak’s team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he will not be in London as initially planned.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead, he will be replaced by Spaniard Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez in the VAR control room.Tottenham host Frankfurt in tonight’s game, which kicks off at 8pm.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendoSzymon Marciniak will be without his usual VAR when he takes charge of Spurs’ encounter against FrankfurtReal came out on top in the shootout, earning them a meeting with Arsenal in the quarter-finalsCredit: Alamy More

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    ‘Killing the game’ rant furious fans as Tottenham denied goal after ‘ridiculous’ FIVE-MINUTE VAR check

    FANS have claimed VAR is “killing” football after Tottenham were denied a goal after a five minute check.Lucas Bergvall found the net against Southampton before being chalked off following a lengthy review.Tottenham had a goal disallowed following a five minute VAR checkVAR judged Cristian Romero to have committed a foul in the build-upLucas Bergvall thought he had doubled Tottenham’s leadCredit: GettyThe midfielder poked home after Cristian Romero headed a free-kick back across goal.But Romero was judged to have pushed his opponent in the back as he won the header, meaning the goal was not allowed to stand.It took ages for VAR to reach their conclusion, much to the frustration of fans watching on.Many criticised the officials for the five-minute delay and claimed VAR is ruining football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter said: “It’s ridiculous. 5 minutes to rule ou Bergvall’s goal. How can that be clear and obvious? VAR is killing the game.”Another added: “Bruh, VAR doing a whole thesis on that goal 😂”A third wrote: “This needs to be sorted out. Five minutes for a VAR check is ridiculous!”And another commented: “This sport is FINISHED.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTottenham eventually added a second shortly before half-time with Brennan Johnson finding the net again.The winger opened the scoring in the 13th minute and now has 16 goals this season. Tottenham fans fume at Spurs flops as Ange Postecoglou ‘stays out firing line’ after GOADING them during loss at Chelsea More

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    VAR official seen scrolling through betting site as shocking footage from top flight surfaces live on TV

    A VAR official has landed in hot water after appearing to scroll through a betting site on live TV.A Bulgarian official is alleged to have been spotted using the site moments before kick-off between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia.A VAR official appeared to scroll a betting site before a matchHe was suspended after footage of the incident began to circulate on social media.Hawk-Eye Innovations, which is responsible for the VAR system in the Bulgarian First League, explained the decision in a letter to the Bulgarian Football Union.It said: “Hawk-Eye Innovations acknowledges with regret an incident involving one of its VAR operators during the Parva Liga match between PFC CSKA-Sofia and PFC Lokomotiv Sofia yesterday evening (2nd April 2025).“Live footage from the camera situation in the VAR operations room documented the individual utilising a personal smartphone during the match and appearing to engage in inappropriate activities which would constitute gross misconduct in relation to the responsibilities of their assigned role.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe company said it would investigate the official during his suspension, as reported by NeedToKnow.It added: “If the individual has been found to have been engaging in such inappropriate activity, we will look to dismiss the individual in accordance with their contractual terms.”Fans were shocked by the revelation with one saying: “Lol that’s wild.”Another added: “Everything you need to know about VAR…”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Nah this is some nasty business.”And another commented: “We are in a very bad situation…”‘People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea loss More

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    ‘I was on the point of doing something crazy’ – Liverpool legend admits VAR would have changed history in Everton clash

    LIVERPOOL icon Dirk Kuyt has admitted his infamous Merseyside derby tackle was “crazy” and he should have been sent off.The shocking challenge was made during an ill-tempered fixture in 2007.Dirk Kuyt avoided a red card for a reckless tackle on Phil NevilleCredit: Sky SportsKuyt then stepped up and scored a late winner from the spotCredit: PA:Press AssociationLiverpool beat Everton 2-1 as David Moyes’ side went down to nine-men after red cards to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville.Kuyt scored both goals for the Reds, including a dramatic 92nd minute penalty to win it.The strike was highly controversial as the Dutchman somehow escaped an early bath for a reckless and wild lunge on Neville.Kuyt went in two-footed above the Everton skipper’s knee but was given just a yellow by referee Mark Clattenburg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on the moment, Kuyt told The Telegraph: “I was very lucky to come away from that because if I had a red card, I would not have managed to score the winning goal. “It’s crazy when you play these kinds of games because there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion.“I flew through the air and thank God there was no VAR there at the time. “When I was in the air, I knew I was way too late and I was on the point of doing something crazy. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I tried to hold my legs inside me just to be lucky not to touch him. I think I was very lucky not to get the red card.”Liverpool face Everton tonight and tempers could flare again after a huge bust-up at the end of their 2-2 thriller just seven weeks ago.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntKuyt, 44, is currently the manager of Belgian side Beerschot and it is his “dream” to one day fill Arne Slot’s shoes as Liverpool boss.Kuyt is now manager of Belgian outfit BeerschotCredit: AFP More