VAR

IPSWICH TOWN’S chairman has admitted he texted referees chief Howard Webb DURING his side’s controversial draw with Leicester.The Tractor Boys were 1-0 up at home on Saturday when star man Conor Chaplin was shoved in the box by Foxes ace Abdul Fatawu.Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton texted Howard Webb during the 1-1 draw with LeicesterCredit: PAAshton was desperate to talk to Webb about recent VAR decisions against his sideCredit: GettyDespite it appearing to be a clear penalty, the incident was bizarrely waved away by the referee and VAR.Things then got even worse for Ipswich when Kalvin Phillips received a second yellow card and trudged off for an early bath.And Ipswich’s worst fears were realised when Jordan Ayew nabbed a 94th-minute equaliser for Leicester to split the points.It’s not the first time Kieran McKenna’s side feel they have been hard done by since their return to the top flight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn their 2-0 defeat to Everton, Ipswich were given a penalty for a foul on Jack Clarke before the ref’s decision was reversed by VAR.And in the following week’s 4-3 defeat at Brentford, the promoted side saw VAR overturn a decision to award a free-kick while instead handing the Bees a decisive penalty.Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton has now revealed he messaged ref chief Webb DURING his side’s game against Leicester, begging for talks on VAR clarity before his side were denied a penalty.Ashton told BBC Radio Suffolk: “I thought Saturday was a real injustice. Those who know me know I care passionately about this club and will give my last breath defending it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“And I made that very clear to Howard Webb. I actually messaged him when we were 1-0 up because I had a sense of the way this was going to go.“I said, ‘Can we speak directly after the game?’ We spoke and some of that conversation needs to remain private because I’ll end up being on a charge.Ipswich Town Football Club announce plans to redevelop 53-year-old stand in ‘exciting project’ with hotel and aquatics centre Ipswich feel they were denied a clear penalty against LeicesterCredit: RexThey also saw Kalvin Phillips sent offCredit: Rex“I’ve seen on international broadcasters today, former refs giving their opinion it’s not a penalty. You cannot be serious. Come on, don’t just back your former colleagues. It’s a stonewall penalty.“All I look for is consistency and right now I’m confused. The culmination of that conversation with Howard is that we will meet this week at Portman Road to discuss it because we need answers.“I can’t understand some of the decisions and I struggle to understand why we weren’t awarded a penalty.” More

LISANDRO MARTINEZ avoiding a red card for his shocking challenge on Cole Palmer signals something could be wrong with refereeing, according to Mark Halsey.The former Premier League referee believes the Manchester United defender was “very lucky” to escape a red card.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his high tackle on Cole PalmerCredit: PAThe challenge could gave caused a serious injuryCredit: PAMark Halsey questioned why VAR did not intervene to send off MartinezCredit: AFPMartinez caught Palmer high on his knee with a reckless lunge that could have led to a serious injury.Ref Rob Jones booked Martinez for the tackle but VAR did not recommend a review, so there was no opportunity to increase the Argentine’s punishment.Halsey cannot understand why VAR did not intervene and he believes Martinez would have walked if the ref took a second look at the incident.Halsey told SunSport’s Whistleblower: “I was surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review because I don’t think Martinez could have any complaints had he seen red card for that offence. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Because it was for me, it was serious foul play. It was a challenge that endangered the player’s safety because he was so high. Okay, the force wasn’t there.”But it’s a career threatening challenge when you’re going that high on someone’s knee.”If officials do not think that’s a red card. Then there’s something seriously wrong. It’s not about knowing the laws of the game.”I think Martinez was very, very lucky that he didn’t see red.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were also shocked Martinez did not walk, as was Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.He said after the match: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)”It is quite clear it is a red.”While Gary Neville said in commentary: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.”When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.” More

LISANDRO MARTINEZ was extremely lucky not to receive a red card for serious foul play on Cole Palmer.The Manchester United defender’s studs caught the Chelsea playmaker high on his left knee.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for a knee-high challenge on Cole PalmerCredit: PAVAR reviewed it and decided to stick with the on-field decision of a yellow cardCredit: PAFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes Martinez was luckyCredit: AFPReferee Rob Jones deemed it was a yellow card for a reckless challenge — but VAR Michael Salisbury should have intervened to upgrade the punishment to a red.Martinez endangered the safety of Palmer and knew what he was doing by stopping the attack at all costs.The challenge occurred in stoppage time at the end of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insisted during his post-match interview that it was an obvious red card offence.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”In his press conference he then added: “They show me before the press conference, I think it is quite clear for all of us.”The referee is there to make a decision, he took a different decision.”For me, when there is no intention to go for the ball and just the player, is a red.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd legend Gary Neville agreed Martinez was fortunate to avoid being dismissed.On commentary, the former England right-back said: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)”When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.” More

PLENTY of Arsenal fans are convinced the Premier League and its referees are out to derail their title ambitions.So much so that they claim there is a whole “laundry list” of conspiracy theories going against them.Arsenal fans are convinced they are the victims of various refereeing conspiracy theoriesCredit: GettyMikel Arteta debunked the allegations but has certainly expressed his anger at officialsCredit: APOf course, while there is an understandable desire for more consistency across the division, the outrageous suggestions have no actual footing or proof.And plenty of controversial VAR decisions over the last year have gone FOR the Gunners.Despite this, many of their fans continue to blast the PGMOL online.Words such as “cheat” and “corrupt” regularly get bandied about whenever their team fail to pick up all three points. READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd one fan fumed this week: “I don’t give a f*** what anybody tells me, I genuinely believe there is a conspiracy to stop Arsenal from winning the Premier League by Premier League referees. “We just have a laundry list of examples. I can’t be going crazy here. This is ridiculous.”Their own manager Mikel Arteta has certainly had his complaints – but even he had to debunk his supporters for their conspiracy theories accusations. But here are some of the most contentious calls which have riled up Arsenal fans the most on social media…Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNEWCASTLE GOAL STANDSThe one that really kick-started the complaints came at St James’ Park in November 2023 when Anthony Gordon’s winner was allowed to stand. The ball looked as though it might have gone out of play before calls for a foul and an offside. Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decisionNewcastle’s goal was allowed to stand even though the ball looked like it went outCredit: Sky SportsArteta blasted the calls as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” – even though Kai Havertz was lucky to escape a red card in the game. Arsenal fan fury escalated a year on when Aston Villa’s goal was ruled out when the ball was adjudged to have crossed the byline in the build-up. HAVERTZ HANDBALLArsenal suffered another 1-0 defeat last December, that time at Aston Villa.The Gunners thought they had scored a last-gasp equaliser but it was chalked off for a Havertz handball.But upon seeing the replays, some Gunners fans were convinced the ball actually hit Matty Cash’s hand in a second handball.And their misery was compounded when it was confirmed that if a team-mate put the ball into the net, it may well have stood. Kai Havertz had a goal at Aston Villa ruled out for handballCredit: GettyRICE REDThe big one to trigger the 2024-25 season’s complaints came at the end of August when Arsenal hosted Brighton.Already on a yellow card, Declan Rice petulantly flicked a rolling ball away from Joel Veltman, who was lining up a free-kick. Veltman ended up kicking Rice who went down, only to be given his marching orders with a second yellow from Chris Kavanagh for “delaying the restart”. Arsenal quite rightly pointed to the lack of consistency as Joao Pedro received no punishment for kicking the ball down the pitch when it had already gone out for a throw. The Gunners were in total control but the red card changed the game and it finished 1-1.Declan Rice got himself sent off with this silly kick of the ballCredit: TNT SportsTROSSARD SUFFERS SAME FATEAnd Rice was not the only Arsenal player to be sent off for a second yellow this season after delaying the restart.Just three weeks after the Brighton incident, Leandro Trossard saw red in similar fashion away at Manchester City. Again already on a yellow, the whistle had already gone for a foul when Trossard thumped it clear and Michael Oliver brandished the second yellow.Jeremy Doku escaped a caution because he was knocking the ball back to where a free-kick was given in the same game. Arsenal were quick to point out Oliver refereed some matches in the UAE – and therefore implied he was on the payroll of Manchester City’s owners and would then be biased against Arsenal. It finished 2-2 at the Etihad after Arsenal had clung on to their lead until the 98th minute. Leandro Trossard had the same experience at the EtihadCredit: APSALIBA SENT OFFArsenal picked up their third red card of the season when William Saliba was dismissed at Bournemouth – and they went on to lose 2-0. Rob Jones initially showed Saliba yellow card for pulling back Evanilson just into the Gunners’ half – but VAR intervened and decided he had denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.And as a result, it was upgraded to a red card.Just 24 hours later, Arsenal fans kicked off that Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo stayed on the field following a similar incident at Anfield. William Saliba hauled down Evanilson at BournemouthCredit: PAA yellow card was initially shown but it was upgraded to a redCredit: GettySTONES’ GOAL STANDSOn the day after the defeat at the Vitality, the mood amongst Gunners supporters worsened when Manchester City grabbed an injury-time winner at Wolves.John Stones’ header was originally written off for offside – before the VAR decided Bernardo Silva was not interfering with Jose Sa despite being in an offside position. John Stones’ winner for Manchester City was allowed to stand despite Bernardo Silva’s positioningCredit: PALIVERPOOL PART IThen came the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend. Arsenal were incensed that a late winner was not allowed.Although it was not immediately clear why, Anthony Taylor blew the whistle WAY before the ball eventually ended up in the net.Havertz bundled Trent Alexander-Arnold to the ground to get to the loose ball as it came back off the post, anyway, so there was no way the goal would have counted.Still, Arsenal fans reckon the so-called “phantom goal” could come back to haunt them come the end of the season.Anthony Taylor had already blown the whistle before Arsenal’s so-called ‘phantom goal’Credit: GettyLIVERPOOL PART IIIn the same game, the Gunners felt they should have had a penalty for a strong challenge from Ibrahima Konate on Gabriel Martinelli.Replays and the Premier League Match Centre on X both confirmed the Reds defender won the ball.And the Gunners fans seemingly forgot about Martin Odegaard’s blatant handball at Anfield last season that went unpunished.READ MORE SUN STORIESIbrahima Konate produced a superb sliding tackle on Gabriel MartinelliCredit: GettyLIVERPOOL PART IIILastly, some Arsenal fans even claimed David Raya’s yellow card for time wasting was “pre-meditated” by Taylor.One even went back and counted the exact number of seconds Liverpool took over corners to compare to Raya in a desperate attempt to drive home the conspiracy theory agenda. David Raya was booked for timewasting during the thrilling 2-2 drawCredit: GettyLiverpool impressed at Arsenal, but it was a match Jurgen Klopp probably would’ve wonBy Jordan DaviesON the face of it, Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength with Arne Slot’s tenure still in its infancy.Away at Arsenal as title contenders — with a formidable record at the Emirates having won four of their last six there — the Reds fought back, not once, but twice to earn an impressive point to remain four clear of the Gunners.Nine games in, Liverpool have seven wins, 22 points collected and sit in second in what is one of the club’s best ever starts to a Prem campaign.Nothing to sniff at there, and that is without mentioning three straight wins in the Champions League and a 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round thumping of fellow top-flight side West Ham.So to even attempt to pick flaws in Slot’s start with a run that solid would come across needlessly pedantic, deliberately nit-picky.But, and there is a but, given the standards Liverpool have set in these early months, it needs to be said: this draw in North London was a massive missed opportunity.And to go one step further, maybe this is a game Jurgen Klopp would have found a way to win?It has been a long time since Arsenal have gone into a game feeling so vulnerable defensively with world-class centre-back William Saliba missing through suspension.Full-back Riccardo Calafiori was also out injured, usual right-back Ben White began the game at centre-half and midfielder Thomas Partey started on the far right side of the defence.And then, in a chaotic second half, both Jurrien Timber and Gabriel limped off, forcing Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to swap around his back line THREE times by the 76th minute.And yet, despite all of that, a Liverpool side boasting attacking talents like Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo were hardly making the home fans sweat with a peppering of the Arsenal goal.It was not until a Klopp-style counter-attack from back to front in the 81st minute did the visitors properly test the home defence.But even that finish was a tame one — Salah tapping in past David Raya into an almost empty net.And with nine minutes left plus seven minutes injury time, the expected onslaught for another, to nick all three points — the tally-ho approach — never came.Not Klopp’s heavy metal style, more pleasant folk music with a ukulele in a country pub.You get the impression that Slot was delighted with this outcome.For large parts, Liverpool were defensively sound, gave very little away and snuck away back to Merseyside with a point tucked under their arm and a bloody nose avoided.Yet it was in these sorts big blockbuster matches that Klopp and Liverpool thrived over their nine-year romance, full of excitement, thrills and last-gasp wins that earned them a Prem trophy in 2019-20 and plenty more down-to-the-wire chases with Manchester City.And with Arteta’s Arsenal on their knees — quite literally in some cases — and hanging on for dear life, these are the moments in title races that require a bit of crazy, not caution.A Klopp team of the past would have gone completely and totally Kloppy, throwing men forward at will, blasting their opponents away and forcing the ball into the net through passion and thunder alone, regardless of how open it left them at the back.Slot is not this sort of coach.He is measured, considerate, calm. Good qualities, but not always needed in do-or-die matches that ultimately determine where you finish in May.It is hard to say if this will come back to haunt Slot, who still insists on avoiding any use of the phrase ‘title contenders’ despite clearly being title contenders.With Aston Villa and Manchester City visiting Anfield over their next five Prem outings, we will see whether the Dutchman can loosen the leash and let his team grab games by the scruff of the neck instead of playing it safe.Because as we have seen in this league, going for broke often rewards you — just ask the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.Fortune favours the brave.Slot needs to discover his own version of that if he is to truly emulate Klopp and transform this Liverpool side into one capable of seizing moments when they matter most. More

MIKEL ARTETA has rejected claims that Premier League referees have a conspiracy against Arsenal.The Gunners have been on the wrong end of some controversial decisions this season.Mikel Arteta is not entertaining claims that Prem officials are against his teamCredit: PADeclan Rice was sent off for tapping the ball away against BrightonCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard saw red for the same thing against Man CityCredit: ReutersBoth Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard saw red for delaying the restart of play against Brighton and Manchester City respectively.And William Saliba was sent off for denying Bournemouth an “obvious” goal-scoring opportunity – despite fouling Evanilson on the edge of the centre circle.Many fans also slammed referee Anthony Taylor after he denied the Gunners a potential late winner against Liverpool on Sunday.However, Arsenal boss Arteta is not willing to entertain any conspiracy theories that suggest Prem officials are intentionally out to sabotage his team.Read More in FootballAsked about the suggestions in a press conference today, the Spaniard insisted: “No, because every club has got its history and they have games and situations and comments.”That is part of the game and we have to understand it as it is. Every decision I make I am going to be criticised, or nobody is going to understand or they will understand and praise it.”There are always going to be opinions about our jobs, that’s normal.”Arteta lambasted officials following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.He branded the decision to award Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner a “disgrace” and “embarrassing”.However, the 42-year-old has let go of the grudge ahead of this weekend’s meeting with the Magpies.How Arteta dominated Liverpool with stealth Havertz trick before genius Slot switch saved the dayQuestioned about his row with the PGMOL, he said: “No, hopefully we are past it.”We talked through it in depth and that’s done. It is a year. A year in football is a long, long time.”Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara recently berated Arsenal fans for their suggestion that officials are against them.He told Grosvenor Sport: “Arsenal fans need to stop moaning, there’s no referee conspiracy against them.”There’s no match official going, ‘yeah let’s stitch up Arsenal’. You get some decisions, and you don’t get some decisions – that is football.”You can’t argue against the red cards that they’ve received. By the rules, they’ve all been dealt with correctly.”William Saliba’s against Bournemouth was a last man foul; Leandro Trossard kicked the ball away at the Etihad and Declan Rice did the same against Brighton!”You can’t get away from that, so to say there’s a conspiracy against them is nonsense. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It might be harsh but that’s just football. Look at the penalty Manchester United conceded to West Ham last weekend, are you telling me there’s a conspiracy against United?”Are United out saying there’s a conspiracy against them? It happens every game and it happens to every team, get on with it Arsenal. Just deal with it and win the game.” More

ERIK TEN HAG’S sacking shows just how much rests on the decisions Premier League referees make every week.The enormity of their job is not lost on them.Bad referring decisions contributed to Erik ten Hag’s sackingCredit: AlamyWest Ham were awarded a controversial late penalty against Man UtdCredit: AlamyBut the ex-Manchester United boss finds himself out of work off the back of a decision that was never a penalty in a million years!Matthijs De Ligt’s challenge on West Ham’s Danny Ings was not even a foul, let alone a penalty.And if the correct decision was made, Jarrod Bowen would not have scored from the spot, Man Utd would likely avoided defeat and perhaps Ten Hag would have lived to fight another day?I just don’t understand why VAR Michael Oliver got involved after on-field ref David Coote did not award a spot-kick. It was just two players coming together in the penalty area and Coote was in a fantastic position, looking straight at the incident.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt was normal contact in a contact sport!We keep hearing PGMOL chief Howard Webb saying the on-field decision’s got to stay when it’s subjective.Well that one was not even subjective! It was simply a correct decision from Coote.But then Coote is at the pitchside monitor for two to three minutes and that’s where he makes a mistake. What on earth did he see there that made him think he had made a clear and obvious error?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe should have shown much more mental toughness and strength to stick with his original decision because he was correct not to award a penalty.Apart from West Ham fans, everybody would have applauded him for sticking with his original call. On-field referees have got to get out of the mentality of walking to the screen and just going with whatever VAR tells them.Erik Ten Hag SACKED by Man United – here are the SIX candidates to replace himIf everybody who loves football is saying ‘that’s not a penalty’ and the match official is saying ‘it is’, there’s something seriously wrong.Oliver is our best referee, no doubt about that, so I can only wonder if he wrongly got involved because he was fatigued.He was far too forensic as Coote had 100 per cent NOT made a clear and obvious error.I just don’t understand what is going on with the training and education of our VARs and officials and where PGMOL chief Webb stands with it all.Arsenal vs LiverpoolArsenal can feel very aggrieved Gabriel Jesus’ late goal was disallowed against Liverpool.On-field ref Anthony Taylor judged Jakub Kiwior to have fouled Dominik Szoboszlai in the build up.But only Taylor can tell us exactly why he deemed it a foul because I saw nothing wrong with it.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was a subjective decision and maybe he felt Kiwior went over the top of Szoboszlai and made it difficult for him to challenge for the ball.But the Arsenal defender clearly won the ball before he went over over Szoboszlai so Taylor should have allowed play to continue, and if he had, the goal would have stood and Arsenal would likely have won. More