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      The ‘middle-ground’ that could save VAR, as FA Cup proved football can do just fine without it

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      FOOTBALL life without VAR is bearable.More than that – by all the evidence from the FA Cup so far, it is a reasonable proposition.VAR continues to cause controversy week after week in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyNewcastle’s FA Cup win at League One Birmingham showed we don’t need total VARCredit: GettyOne incident in particular provides support for this view. It occurred when Birmingham goalkeeper Bailey Peacock- Farrell beat away a shot from Newcastle’s Joe Willock on or beyond the goal-line.Blues supporters thought the man with the fanciest name in football had just kept out the shot until the linesman flagged and referee Matt Donohue waved play to the centre spot.Willock had equalised and his side went on to win the fourth-round tie 3-2.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWith no goal-line technology in play because the match was held at a League One ground, imagine VAR trying to pick that apart.Referee Donahue would have asked for a ruling on a very tight decision. Cue a delay while set-squares and microscopes were (imaginatively) brought into play and a verdict finally reached.Not exactly the magic of technology.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI prefer the speed of the ref’s reaction, his assistant’s verdict here was swift and almost certainly correct. No VAR no cry. What a shame that we’ll now see VAR used for the rest of the competition.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralIt used to be carry-on regardless in the Premier League, too, but in the endless squabble between perfectionists and realists, the seekers of absolute truth won.It may be less than an invention to suggest a referee be able to press a button and an AI verdict will come back instantly with an answer.Until that slightly worrying day, let us be pleased that necessity led the FA for a while to abide by the whistle and leave VAR to gather dust.People fortunate enough to support a Premier League club are less lucky and have total VAR complete with constant interruptions. EFL have it in play-off finals and promise it elsewhere very soon.There are, it is true, several plusses to technology, such as quick and correct answers on whether a goal-line has been crossed.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.The major success of VAR, however, is the speed and precision of offside verdicts.Linesmen are good judges but inevitably do not always find it possible to decide on the basis of the length of a foot or elbow. On VAR it is a doddle and quick.Not so with free-kicks or yellow or red cards. These decisions are sometimes a good deal longer and often dubious.VAR itself does not make corrections, it is a helpmate for refs to make theirs.The methodology is sound but perfection is no easier to find than the holy grail. Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolStill, because VAR gives referees a second look, it soon became the Japanese knotweed of our game – once present, nothing short of a bomb will stop it.Various methods are being tried to speed up the process and waiting times have been cut to average 64 seconds. Yet the solution is easy to see. Bin total VAR. Trust the ref.Football was successful for well over a century before VAR. Referees in those days might have protested at being held responsible for United or City losing but the truth is they still are.They are the focus of the blame game and although do-gooders thought VAR would rectify all errors and cut down offensive and obscene shouting among fans, it hasn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall, I would compromise. Tech works on line decisions but is very slow and almost as faulty for fouls given by refs who take only a fraction of the time.And it’s easier to forgive a wrong decision made by genuine human error, than one made by a machine. More

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      Premier League release VAR statement after Everton’s dramatic equaliser but key omission will anger Liverpool fans

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      LIVERPOOL fans have been left fuming with the Premier League’s VAR statement for Everton’s late equaliser in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.James Tarkowski thundered home a controversial equaliser in the 98th minute of the feisty 2-2 draw, leading to a VAR check.Everton’s James Tarkowski netted a dramatic late leveller in a pulsating derbyCredit: APThe defender netted a thundering strikeCredit: ReutersEverton fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrateCredit: PAA VAR check threatened to spoil the party at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyLiverpool players had complained of a potential offside and foul in the build-up to the goal, but after a lengthy VAR check the goal stood.A statement released on the Premier League’s Match Centre X account cleared up the offside.It read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR- who established that Doucoure was in an onside position in the build-up.”However, there was no mention of a check for a foul on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate by Everton’s Beto.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe omission had left the Red half of Merseyside furious, with many Liverpool fans taking to social media to vent their frustrations.One wrote: “Didn’t check for the foul though”.While another added: “We ignoring pushing nowadays? Useless.”A third commented: “What about the blatant foul after the offside?”Most read in FootballThe Premier League shared an image showing the onside callCredit: X @PLmatchcentreLiverpool fans felt that Beto fouled Ibrahima Konate in the build up to the goal tooCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd a fourth fumed: “Yeah, what about the foul? Hmm??? Abolish the PGMOL”.Liverpool fans were hoping that a “push” from Beto into the back of Konate would be seen as a foul and rule the goal out.Rod Stewart steals show as he does duet with Carragher and dances at Celtic v Bayern However, the decision ultimately was’t given in their favour.Tarkowski’s late goal led to drama on the pitch as Toffees supporters spilled onto the playing surface to celebrate a point in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.While tempers flared between players too as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure came to blows in front of the fans in the stands, leading to a mass brawl involving both sets of players.Both Doucoure and Jones were sent off by referee Michael Oliver for their part in the passionate incident.Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards in the aftermath of the fracas. A massive brawl erupted on the field at Goodison Park after the late Everton levellerCredit: GettyCurtis Jones (No. 17) was sent off after a furious confrontation with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyStewards and police were tasked with restoring calm after Everton dramatically snatched a pointCredit: AFPLiverpool boss Arne Slot was later sent off after clashing with Michael OliverCredit: Reuters More

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      Major change to VAR to be introduced for FA Cup fifth round despite concerns about accuracy

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      THE FA CUP fifth round is set to be the testing ground of semi-automated offside technology.The technology, also known as SAOT, is set to be introduced into the fifth round of England’s premier cup competition with a view to a wider introduction to English football later on.Semi-automated offside technology was successfully used at the 2022 World CupCredit: FIFAIt is now set to undergo a live trial during the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: AFPSAOT was successfully used at the 2022 World Cup and was set to be brought to the Premier League in autumn after clubs unanimously voted to bring it in last April.However, officials were not satisfied with its accuracy when testing in stadiums, leading to it being delayed and prompting frustration.According to The Guardian, the technology is now set to be trialled in the FA Cup fifth round.The report says the system has been refined and its effectiveness improved considerably in the past month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPGMOL chief Howard Webb and the Premier League’s chief football officer, Tony Scholes, have both now given their approval.Seven of the eight ties in the fifth round are being played at Premier League grounds, with the exception of Championship side Preston, making it ideal for an extended live-testing stage.Top-flight clubs will be officially informed about the trial by the Premier League at its shareholders’ meeting in London today.SAOT and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have not been used in any of the previous rounds of the competition to ensure a “consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis led to several controversial decisions, including Harry Maguire’s last-gasp winner for Manchester United against Leicester in the fourth round which would have been ruled offside with the help of technology.It is hoped the tech will reduce the waiting time for offside decisions to be made if VAR is introduced by more than 30 seconds.VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECTCamera footage and special tracking software are used to calculate the position of players at the moment of a potential offside, removing the need for VAR teams to manually add lines to still images.During Everton’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equaliser took four minutes before it came to a decision. Scholes had previously admitted to being sceptical until seeing recent improvements. He said: “I have to confess, given the difficulties that we had over the first few months of the season [with SAOT testing] I had severe doubts.”But the progress made over the last four to six weeks has been significant. “We believe we’re going to be adopting the best system and the most accurate system.”FA Cup fifth round draw in fullHere are all the games from the next round in the FA Cup…Preston North End vs BurnleyAston Villa vs Cardiff CityDoncaster/Crystal Palace vs MillwallManchester United vs FulhamNewcastle vs Brighton and Hove AlbionBournemouth vs Wolverhampton WanderersManchester City vs PlymouthExeter City/Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town More

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      Watch ‘softest penalty in history’ give Club Brugge ‘disgraceful’ last gasp Champions League win over Atalanta

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      FANS have slammed a huge Champions League refereeing blunder as the “worst decision of the season”.Club Brugge scored a 94th minute penalty to beat Atalanta 2-1 in a first leg play-off round clash.Gustaf Nilsson went down holding his face after a clash with Isak HienCredit: TNT Sports The referee controversially gave a penalty despite minimal contactCredit: TNT Sports The official then gave three Atalanta players bookings for their protestsCredit: RexNilsson dispatched the penalty for Club BruggeCredit: EPABut the decision to award the last-gasp spot-kick for a foul on eventual goalscorer Gustaf Nilsson was highly controversial.The striker chased down a loose ball in the box, only for Atalanta defender Isak Hien to get there first and hold him off.His right arm ended up brushing his Swedish compatriot, who went down clutching his face theatrically. Turkish referee Halil Meler pointed to the spot and the decision was surprisingly not overturned by VAR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFuming Atalanta stars surrounded the referee, with Rafael Toloi, ex-Chelsea man Juan Cuadrado and Hien all getting yellow carded.Nilsson kept his cool amid the chaos and scored to take a one-goal advantage to Italy next week.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini stormed down the tunnel as the ball hit the back of the net, ripping his coat off as he went.Fans were left shocked by the decision, with one saying: “Might be the worst decision I’ve seen all season.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Disgraceful decision.”A third wrote: “Worst penalty decision ever. Absolutely embarrassing.”Ref Meler is no stranger to being at the centre of controversy after being punched by Ankaragucu’s club president Faruk Koca at full-time of a game just over a year ago.Ex-Premier League midfielder given red card but bizarrely allowed to continue playing after discussion with opponents More

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      Fans slam ‘longest VAR check ever’ as Man City vs Real Madrid hit by HUGE delay despite semi-automated technology

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      FANS were left fuming as Erling Haaland’s Manchester City opener against Real Madrid was subject to a lengthy VAR check.The Norwegian’s strike was finally awarded after it was deemed that he had been onside when Josko Gvardiol chested the ball down to him.The goal was subject to a lengthy checkCredit: ReutersHaaland was onside when Josko Gvardiol chested the ball to himCredit: Prime VideoErling Haaland celebrates firing Man City into the leadCredit: ReutersHaaland scored in the 19th minute of the contest.It was nearly five minutes before the goal was confirmed, despite the Champions League using semi-automated offside technology.A visual graphic eventually illustrated that only Haaland’s hand had been in an offside position.And as you cannot score with your hand, the forward was confirmed as being onside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were left bewildered at the delay.One wrote on X: “I don’t think I’ve seen a longer VAR check before. If it’s clearly not offside give it as a goal and move on!”While a second sarcastically added: “Five minutes to confirm what was obvious. UEFA drama at its finest.”During the delay, Haaland could be seen exchanging words with Vinicius Jr.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHaaland was narrowly deemed to be onsideCredit: Prime VideoThe Real Madrid star was mocked by a City tifo as the teams walked out.Vinicius had been left extremely disappointed when he missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri.Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobReal Madrid even boycotted the event over their winger’s snub.Poking fun at Real’s stance, City fans held up a huge image of Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy, with the Oasis lyrics: “Stop crying your heart out.”City took a cheeky dig at Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or snub More

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      ‘Goalkeepers should be complaining’ – Fifa referees chief Pierluigi Collina calls for major penalty rule change

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      PIERLUIGI COLLINA, arguably the world’s greatest ever referee, has proposed a a major rule change to penalty kicks.The Italian is currently the chairman of the Fifa Referees Committee.Pierluigi Collina has proposed a change to the penalty kick rulesCredit: GettyHe has suggested the ball should be dead if saved by the goalkeeperCredit: ReutersThe legendary ref hung up his whistle back in 2005 but remains well respected in football.He believes that goalkeepers should be complaining about the current penalty rules.Collina has insisted the attackers should not be allowed to take advantage of a rebound if the initial shot is saved.His plan would mean that if the penalty is saved, the ball is then dead and then leads to a goal kick.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCollina, 64, told Repubblica: “I believe there is an excessive gap between the opportunities available to the attacker and those of the goalkeeper.”On average, 75 per cent of penalties are already scored, and often, the penalty kick is a bigger chance than the one taken away by the foul.”On top of that, the attacker is also given a chance to play the rebound off the goalkeeper. In my opinion, goalkeepers should be complaining.”I’ve already mentioned this in discussions we’ve had at IFAB.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”One solution is the ‘one shot’ rule. Just like in penalty shootouts after extra time.”No rebound. Either you score or play resumes with a goal kick, period.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs Liverpool”This would also eliminate the spectacle we see before a penalty is taken, with everyone crowding around the area.”It looks like horses at the starting gates before the Palio di Siena (a traditional Italian horse race with jockeys riding bareback).”He has also suggested that the introduction of offside technology is a benefit to the game.He added: “At 40 metres from the goal, perhaps two centimetres are not decisive, but in the penalty area they become so.” More

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      ‘Robbed’ – Fans fume at lack of VAR again following latest controversial FA Cup decision after Maguire’s offside goal

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      FANS have been left raging AGAIN over the lack of VAR in the fourth round of the FA Cup.Several matches this weekend have been impacted by controversial refereeing decisions, with officials in Stockley Park not in place until the next round of the competition.Blackburn star Dominic Hyam was seemingly onside when he headed in at the back postCredit: BBCHarry Maguire’s goal was allowed to stand as the linesman did not spot the offsideCredit: ITVThere has been debate over whether Newcastle’s goal did cross the line or notCredit: BBCManchester United beat Leicester 2-1 on Friday thanks to Harry Maguire’s last-gasp header, which was incorrectly not flagged for offside.On Saturday, Chelsea claimed there were two handballs in the build-up to Kaoru Mitoma’s winner and Birmingham had earlier also felt hard done by a lack of technology.Newcastle were awarded a goal against the Blues when it was unclear whether the whole ball had crossed the line or not.The controversy continued into Sunday as Blackburn had a goal chalked off for a debatable offside against Wolves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDominic Hyam headed home at the back post from a free-kick and replays showed that Hwang Hee-chan looked to have played him onside.The incident occurred when the game was goalless and Wolves scored twice almost directly after to win it 2-0.It led to Blackburn fans joining in the fury, with one saying: “No VAR makes you realise just how bad the referees are.”Another added: “Robbed, should be one up, poor decision.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBBC commentator Chris Sutton highlighted the inconsistencies after Blackburn’s disallowed strike, saying there was no flag for Maguire when he looked “three miles offside”. It comes after United boss Ruben Amorim admitted: “The goal was offside. We should have VAR. It should be here to overturn the decision. It’s hard on Ruud, it’s hard on the opponent.”BBC makes half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man CityThe FA explained the lack of VAR in a statement, which read: “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Chelsea felt Tariq Lamptey deliberately handled the ball in the build-up to Brighton’s winnerCredit: ITVKaoru Mitoma may have controlled it with his arm before finishingCredit: ITVHow Blackburn 0-2 Wolves unfolded By SunSport’s Martin BlackburnMATHEUS CUNHA gave another reminder of why Wolves were so desperate to keep him in January.Despite links to Arsenal and Manchester United, the Molineux board stood firm and handed him a new four-and-a-half year contract earlier this month.Joao Gomes opened the scoringCredit: ReutersMatheus Cunha was the star of the show againCredit: ReutersHe celebrated that with a goal against Aston Villa last weekend and was on target again here to help Vitor Pereira’s men into the fifth round.Cunha and fellow Brazilian Joao Gomes struck within the space of a minute in the first half to bring a touch of Samba magic to a freezing day in East Lancashire.The talk among home fans in the build-up to the game was about an approach from Derby for John Eustace – which is believed to appeal to the Rovers boss.On the face of it, the idea of swapping a team in the play-off positions for one in the relegation zone looks a puzzling one.Yet his team have lost seven of their last 11 league games to leave their position in the top six much more precarious.He was also frustrated by a lack of support from the board in January, suggesting the new signings who did come in were made by the club rather than him.Even so two of them – Yuri RIbeiro and Emmanuel Dennis – were handed debuts here and were among eight changes made by Eustace.Another new arrival – winger Augustus Kargbo – blazed an effort over the bar but was causing the visitors defence a real headache down the left.And the Championship side thought they had a lead which would not have flattered them as Dominic Hyam nodded in John Buckley’s swirling free-kick at the back post.Celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag but replays showed they were hard done by and VAR would almost certainly have seen the goal stand.Minutes later live-wire winger Kargbo burst into the box and went down under a challenge from Emmanuel Agbadou.Referee Lewis Smith whistled but instead of pointing to the spot he booked the Rovers new boy for a dive.It was looking promising for Rovers but in the blink of an eye, the tie changed and before long they had a mountain to climb.Todd Cantwell lost possession and Wolves worked it well with Hwang Hee Chan picking out Joao Gomes in the box.The forward’s shot lacked any conviction but still squirmed under second choice keeper Balazs Toth and crept over the line for his third of the season.  It was a poor goal to concede and Rovers were still feeling sorry for themselves when they shipped a second just over a minute later.  This time it was an impressive move as Rodrigo Gomes and Nelson Semedo worked it out to Cunha on the right.His first time shot flashed past Toth at his near post – although again the Hungarian keeper might have been disappointed.There is no doubting the quality of Brazil international Cunha though – no wonder Wolves moved to protect their investment by giving him a lucrative new deal earlier this month.Rovers could have gone under but came close to grabbing one back before the break with Sam Johnstone saving smartly from Dennis at his near post.And after the break, Cantwell swapped passes with Amario Cozier-Duberry but lifted his shot high over the bar.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Rovers efforts fizzled out and it was Wolves who looked more likely to add to their tally with Toth making a full stretch save to tip away Cunha’s long range effort.Sub Pablo Serabia flicked an effort over the bar and put another into the side-netting but in the end it didn’t matter. 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      We have GOT to take death threats to referees seriously… we shouldn’t assume it ‘won’t happen’ in Premier League

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      YOU have to be a special sort of thug to threaten a referee with death.It’s impossible to imagine how any spectator could wield a knife or point a firearm at a man because he disagrees with a football decision.Michael Oliver received death threats after sending Myles Lewis-Skelly off against WolvesCredit: PALewis-Skelly was sent off for a foul on Matt DohertyCredit: PABut it does happen and in this mixed-up world no threat to kill should be ignored.Several football officials have been murdered by bullet or blade in the US, Colombia, Somalia, Argentina and several other countries in the last dozen years.And we should not assume it could not  happen here, evidence of more than 2,500 reported assaults recently in grassroots football points to the grim possibility.Believe it or not, one recent attack followed an Under-7s game and another was on a 17-year-old assistant ref.Read More in FootballFootball is a passionate game. It is mostly played fairly on the pitch.In the professional game fortunately there are precautions in the ground and outside, supervised by the police and stewards.And Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes recently claimed that the rest of the world regarded our refereeing as “a model they would like to follow”.Correct this may be but Scholes would not wish any country to approve of the treatment of referee Michael Oliver who suffered “death threats” after Arsenal’s game against Wolves at Molineux.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOliver sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly for a foul on Wolves defender Matt Doherty.VAR supported the call, leading to fury among Arsenal supporters.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesThe red card was controversial but could not excuse threats of physical attacks of any type.Refs in all sports must be a protected species from violence or gross abuse.Oliver’s response has been restrained and next week he is in charge of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool.Fortunately there have been no threats towards the VAR assistant ref Darren England.He supported Oliver’s decision — one that, to be honest, seemed perhaps a notch above the  usual verdict for similar offences.A point to be made here — football is a game of great passion but when players’ react angrily to refs decisions, it does stir the rage of a number of hot-blooded supporters.And a few of them are evil enough to threaten refs with injury and even death.My view is that overall the Premier League refereeing standards are high, although conclusions involving VAR are over-elaborate — as if the ref were a chess master studying a key move.Commenting on a new report on Premier League refereeing, Scholes said that the vast majority of decisions were being made more quickly.Notably, VAR was faster and in use less often than in past seasons.The red card decision was eventually overturned by the FACredit: GettySixty-four errors had been made by refs in key incidents after 23 matchweeks this season, down from 80 in 2023-24 over the same number.Only four of 70 VAR interventions were incorrect — four too many in my book.For spectators, protracted delays are the most irritating part of VAR.And that has long made me wonder whether VAR is good value — even with the alleged improvement in accuracy and delivery at only 20 seconds.Can we be confident this figure is stopwatch precise?It wouldn’t feel like it for many of us sitting in the stands awaiting the VAR decisions.The general tone of Scholes’ comments seems fair, though and he will surely agree with the view that refs must remain aware that the drama of actual play should not spoiled by repeated stoppages, or incorrect calls.The importance of accurate refereeing should never be underestimated, either.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne bad decision can lead to some serious repercussions.Lost points, relegation, missing out on Europe, and, god help us, death threats — none of which are welcome. More