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      in Soccer

      Fans rage ‘what’s the point in VAR’ as West Ham denied penalty for ‘most obvious handball’ by Lindelof against Man Utd

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      WEST HAM fans were left raging after VAR denied them a penalty following an apparent handball by Victor Lindelof. Late in the first half of the encounter between the Hammers and Manchester United, Said Benrahma’s cross struck the arm of Red Devils defender Lindelof.

      The ball appeared to strike the arm of Victor Lindelof
      But the ref opted against giving a penalty
      However, referee Peter Bankes and VAR official Stuart Attwell deemed the Swede had not caused an offence in the action.
      The pundits in the BT Sports studio were unanimous in calling for a penalty, while fans online raged at the decision.
      Joe Cole said: “Without a doubt [it’s a penalty]. [Said] Benrahma hits it and he’s moved his arm towards the ball.
      “I don’t understand for the life of me why VAR hasn’t given it. It doesn’t make sense. If you’re David Moyes, you’re furious, it’s a nailed-on penalty.”
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      Taking to Twitter one said: “Is this not the most obvious example of handball there is?”
      A second typed: “How is that not a pen? He literally moved his to purposely handball it.”
      A third remarked: “Oh my goodness gracious me. Biggest handball I’ve ever seen he pulled his arm back out 🤣🤣🤣🤣.”
      “That’s handball all day and twice on a Sunday unless you’re Manchester United,” commented a fourth.
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      A fifth declared: “That is absolutely handball from Lindelof. Begs the question what the point of VAR really is?”
      Another added: “Lindelof has almost caught that.”
      Fortunately for the Hammers the decision did not matter in the end as they ran out 1-0 winners after David de Gea failed to stop Benrahma’s tame strike.
      Victory leaves West Ham seven points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.
      Fourth-placed United however are nervously looked over their shoulders as rivals Liverpool are only one point behind. More

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      in Boxing

      Fans accuse WBC of ‘making up rules’ after rare use of ‘boxing VAR’ sees star awarded retrospective knockdown

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      BOXING champion Julio Cesar Martinez was retrospectively awarded a knockdown following a rare use of VAR. The WBC have been known to use instant replays in the past, including a 2019 fight with Martinez.
      Julio Cesar Martinez, left, punching Ronal BatistaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      This time, the Mexican was given a 10-8 round against Ronal Batista after the referee initially failed to score it a knockdown.
      But upon replays, the decision was overturned and the knockdown was scored.
      It left some fans in confusion and accusing the WBC of making up their own rules.
      One said: “VAR in boxing now?”
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      Another added: “Mauricio Sulaiman the belt specialist making up rules for the Eddy Reynoso camp.”
      One commented: “Since when did that come into play???”
      Another wrote: “Nah VAR has already ruined football now boxing is next.”
      Martinez in 2019 saw a knockout against Charlie Edwards overturned to a no-contest due to low-blows.
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      The result was initially announced as a Martinez win until WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman got in the ring to change the decision.
      Martinez, 28, went on to beat Batista, 26, by majority decision, retaining his flyweight title.
      And it could set up a unification with Britain’s IBF champion Sunny Edwards, 27.
      Julio Cesar Martinez celebrates his winCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Major change to VAR could come in next season and fans have been asking for it for ages

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      PREMIER LEAGUE fans could be able to listen to conversations between referees and VAR next season, according to reports.Supporters have been calling for the ability to hear what is being said for ages to help their understanding of why some decisions are being made.
      Supporters could be able to listen to conversations between referees and VARs from next seasonCredit: Getty
      The change could give fans more understanding as to why decisions are being madeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      However, discussions between players or managers and referees will be kept confidentialCredit: PA
      It has also been pushed for by PGMOL boss and former Premier League referee Howard Webb since he started his current role in December.
      The aim would be to reduce confusion around controversial calls and give fans more appreciation toward referees and VARs.
      Especially in decisions such as the Kaoru Mitoma goal for Brighton against Tottenham that was incorrectly ruled out for handball.
      The Daily Mail has reported that football lawmakers IFAB would have “no problem” making audio recordings available to the public.
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      However, they would only be able to be heard after the games have finished and not broadcast live.
      The report also suggests that Premier League clubs are “open” to the idea as well as the officials.
      Although it is very unlikely to be implemented before the end of the current campaign.
      The report says that this is because managers would want to hear audio from decisions earlier in the season that have gone against them.
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      Fans would only be able to listen to conversations between stadium officials and those at Stockley Park.
      But they would not be able to hear the talk between the managers or players and referees such as Jurgen Klopp’s discussion with Paul Tierney during the win over Tottenham, these are considered confidential.
      There would be hope that with more transparency and accountability there will be fewer mistakes.
      This season PGMOL has issued at least ten apologies to clubs for getting decisions wrong this season, including three to Brighton.
      MLS’s refereeing body PRO publishes audio after every match round and did so while Webb was working in the United States.
      It is called ‘Inside Video Review’ and is published on PRO’s YouTube channel. More

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      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘we need this in the Premier League’ after referee gives ‘game-changing’ interview live on TV

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      FOOTBALL fans are calling for post-game referee interviews after a “game-changing” example arrived from France. Officials have been under increasing pressure this season after video assistant referees increasingly fail to appease furious supporters.
      Jeremie Pignard is a well-regarded referee in the French leagueCredit: AFP
      Despite the VAR technology, frequent mistakes have still been made and experienced ref Lee Mason even quit the PGMOL after a high-profile error in February.
      Expert ref Howard Webb returned to England halfway into the season to try and get on top of England’s struggling refereeing body but has had a mixed time of it.
      Fans think they know a way to improve the system and have renewed calls for post-game interviews with refs.
      This was after taking inspiration from Amazon Prime, who managed to interview Ligue 1 official Jeremie Pignard after he took charge of a recent league match.
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      Appearing next to the TV presenter and pundits after the game, the man in the middle eloquently explained why he controversially allowed a Nantes goal to stand despite strong claims for handball.
      Pignard said: “If it’s really the lower biceps, like right here. Depending on what muscle.
      “That may not be the same for everyone. We can see it in the action, and this is why I took my time.
      “These kind of decisions are so important. The VAR reacted very well, sending me the footage so I can watch the action again. Every detail counts in those kind of moments.”
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      The ref’s detailed and compelling explanation of his thought process left fans convinced it should be the next step in England.
      One said: “I’ve been calling for this for years…referees in England get away with so much & have 0 accountability.”
      Another added: “Would be great to see this in all matches. Might not satisfy everyone but at least would help take the heat out of some contentious decisions.”
      While fan lauded the broadcaster for getting the referee on air as they said: “Amazon at it again with the referee interviews, game-changing.”
      And another football follower simply said: “@PGMOL … take note.”
      The Amazon interview follows another first earlier this year as a referee at the Club World Cup explained his VAR decision to fans inside the stadium.
      Fans were also left surprised when one referee in a women’s game brandished a white card as part of a new initiative. More

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      in Soccer

      David Moyes faces FA charge after furious rant following West Ham’s defeat to Liverpool

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      DAVID MOYES faces an FA charge after accusing VAR of “disrespecting” West Ham.The Hammers boss was fuming after his side were denied an 88th minute penalty in Wednesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Liverpool as Thiago appeared to fall and handle the ball in the box.
      West Ham chief David Moyes didn’t hold back in his post-match outburstCredit: Rex
      Moyes was sure Thiago should have conceded a penalty for handball as Liverpool held on for a 2-1 Premier League winCredit: Rex
      The PGMOL later clarified that VAR official Neil Swarbrick did not ask referee Chris Kavanagh to review the monitor because Thiago used his arm to break his fall and the ball bounced up from close range.
      But SunSport now understands that Moyes could be in hot water for his rant post-match.
      He also accused VAR officials of lacking “football knowledge”, with the FA asking for an explanation of his comments.
      The Scot said: “You’ll probably hear [the PGMOL] coming out with some rubbish about he needed to break his fall.
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      “But if you lunge it’s your own fault for lunging and being out of control in the tackle.
      “I think it’s a penalty kick. I think the hardest thing to take is the disrespect from VAR, that VAR wouldn’t have at least said to the referee that this might be worth having a look.
      “That tells me they don’t see that as even close to a decision.
      “I’m surprised. Somebody in VAR didn’t have enough football knowledge to understand that this could be close. 
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      “The handball rule has changed dramatically and I don’t like a lot of it.
      “They might need to apologise to the football club because we’re trying to get points to be a Premier League team.”
      Swarbrick is the head of the Prem’s VAR operation, but is retiring at the end of the season. More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans in meltdown over ‘reports VAR made wrong call on Stones offside’ with alternative angle causing confusion

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      ARSENAL fans were up in arms at claims of reports VAR made the incorrect decision to award John Stones’ goal in their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.US broadcaster NBC made the claim during their coverage of the match without explaining where the reports were from.
      Arsenal fans claimed this angle of the incident showed John Stones was offside
      But official replays show VAR made the correct call
      Stones’ header gave Manchester City a 2-0 leadCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Stones gave his side a 2-0 lead with a brilliant header on the stroke of half-time.
      The goal was initially ruled out for offside but following a lengthy VAR check the decision was overturned due to Ben White’s foot playing Stones onside.
      However some fans are convinced the wrong call was made – which was fuelled by the claim on NBC.
      Another angle of the incident also emerged which appeared to show Stones was offside.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      One fan reacted by saying: “This looks proper dodgy to me.”
      Another added: “What a joke.”
      A third said: “Why does this keep happening?”
      And another commented: “They absolutely got it wrong. God knows how, but they did. Lucky for them it was a comfortable win for City.”
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      Despite fan’s theories of wrongdoing, the PGMOL have confirmed the correct decision was made.
      In addition, NBC Sports are understood to have later clarified the alternative angle arguing otherwise was wrong.

      Some fans are also unhappy Jack Grealish was only booked for an altercation with Thomas Partey where he grabbed the Arsenal star by his shirt collar.
      Manchester United star Casemiro was sent off for a similar incident against Crystal Palace earlier this season.
      Arsenal defender White and City’s Phil Foden also clashed at the final whistle with the latter pushing his England team-mate. More

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      in Soccer

      Constantine Hatzidakis to return to action for first time after ‘elbowing’ Andy Robertson for crunch Man Utd clash

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      PREMIER LEAGUE official Constantine Hatzidakis is set to return to action following his encounter with Andy Robertson.Hatzidakis had been suspended pending an investigation after his alleged elbow against Robertson in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on April 9.
      Andy Robertson was caught after Constantine Hatzidakis threw his elbow backCredit: Enterprise
      The incident occurred in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at AnfieldCredit: Enterprise
      Hatzidakis will now return to his Prem duties this weekCredit: EPA
      But the FA announced earlier this month they would be taking no further action against Hatzidakis.
      They said: “We have thoroughly reviewed all of the evidence in relation to the recent incident at Anfield involving the Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson and match official Constantine Hatzidakis, and we will be taking no further action.
      “Our comprehensive process involved reviewing detailed statements from Liverpool and PGMOL, as well as multiple angles of video footage, in relation to both the incident and its surrounding circumstances.”
      Hatzidakis also released a statement of his own revealing he had directly spoken to Robertson to apologise about the incident.
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      He said: “I have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open & positive conversation.
      “It was not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologised.”
      Following the conclusion of the investigation, Hatzidakis is now set to return to his Prem duties this weekend.
      Hatzidakis will be an assistant ref during Manchester United’s crunch clash with Aston Villa on Sunday.
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      But before that, the 38-year-old will also be helping out on VAR for tonight’s relegation six-pointer between Leeds and Leicester.
      During his absence from England’s top flight, Hatzidakis officiated a Championship match between Preston and Blackburn. More

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      in Soccer

      Seething Steve Cooper demands ANOTHER apology from refs’ chiefs as Forest boss slams VAR over Harry Maguire handball

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      FUMING Steve Cooper slammed VAR for not awarding Nottingham Forest a penalty against Man Utd, insisting refs’ chief Howard Webb will “have to apologise again.”The under-fire Forest boss was angry video official Andy Madley did not intervene after ref Simon Hooper turned down Forest appeals for handball against United defender Harry Maguire.
      Steve Cooper has blasted VAR’s decision not to penalise a Harry Maguire handballCredit: AFP
      United went on to win the match 2-0Credit: Sky Sports
      Forest lost the match 2-0 after goals from Antony and Diogo Dalot.
      And Cooper declared: “It’s a really bad error.
      “One from the referee on the pitch, but for VAR not to give it, they apologised last week and are going to have to apologise again tomorrow, which means absolutely nothing.
      “It is happening too many times.
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      “I am not going to say it is the absolute reason why we lost but it is a definite penalty and possibly a second yellow card for Maguire. It could have been a game-changer.
      “These errors should not be happening.
      “I am struggling to get my head around it, especially the VAR.
      “We are having a tough time with the refereeing department and, unfortunately, we have been on the wrong end.
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      “I have spoken to the referee, but he hasn’t seen it again because they’re not allowed to see it.
      “It was all respectful, I just told him nicely what I thought about it.”
      However, former top Prem ref Mark Halsey backed the officials and said: “That was not worthy of a penalty. It was not clear it was deliberate handball.
      “I am sure Steve Cooper would not be happy if that was given against him.”
      The defeat extended Cooper’s winless run to 10 games and leaves Forest 18th on goal difference. More