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      VAR audio ‘picks up suspicious “thank goodness” after Barcelona goal vs Real Madrid is ruled out for handball’

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      EL CLASICO has been rocked by a VAR controversy after an official appeared to say “thank goodness” during a goal review. Barcelona beat rivals Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling LaLiga showdown on Sunday night.Referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez disallowed a late goal for Barcelona in El ClasicoCredit: GettyA controversial handball in the build-up saw the goal chalked offCredit: X @rfefThe Catalan giants stretched their lead at the top of the table to seven points with victory at the Nou Camp. But the hosts were denied a fifth goal in stoppage time as Fermin Lopez’s strike was chalked off for a handball in the build-up. Referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández was advised by VAR official Juan Martínez Munuera to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. In audio released by RFEF, Munuera said: “Listen to me, Alex, we’ve just detected a handball, okay? Please come take a look.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAn unknown voice in the VAR room was then heard saying: “Given the height – thank goodness [menos mal]. Yes, yes, totally.”Hernandez replied: “Okay, perfect. Let’s continue. It hits his hand, yes. “The ball’s going out. Now give me a wide angle so I can see the entire action and how it ends. “Okay, perfect. The hand is clearly raised. I’m going to disallow the goal.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMundo Deportivo claim the ‘thank goodness’ comment “was not transcribed or subtitled by the RFEF” in the video released to the public.It followed a match dogged by referee controversy, with Barca feeling stung by the decisions.Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs InterKylian Mbappe appeared to be marginally offside before Madrid won a penalty early in the contest.And the league leaders were fuming after Aurelien Tchouameni was not punished for handball in the area moments before Lopez’s strike. Despite the controversy, Barcelona took control of the LaLiga title race with the 4-3 win. Mbappe struck a hat-trick for Los Blancos, who had led 2-0 after just 14 minutes.But Hansi Flick’s side stormed back with four goals before half time from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Barcelona will secure top spot as early as Wednesday night if Madrid fail to beat Real Mallorca.Should Madrid win, Barcelona could win LaLiga the following day when they face Espanyol in the Catalan derby. More

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      Arsenal fans furious as Bukayo Saka ‘chokeslammed’ by Andy Robertson but VAR fails to intervene

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      ARSENAL fans have been left furious after Bukayo Saka was “chokeslammed” by Andy Robertson during their clash with Liverpool.Robertson wrapped his hand around Saka’s neck during the first half as the pair tussled for the ball, but VAR and referee Anthony Taylor failed to intervene.Andy Robertson appeared to strangle Bukayo Saka during the first half of Arsenal vs LiverpoolCredit: Sky SportsThe incident occurred while both players were trying to win the ball, with Robertson wrapping his hand around Saka’s neck and pushing him to the floor.The officials clearly didn’t seem to think it was a foul as play was waved on and Liverpool were awarded a throw-in.In fact there was very little discussion of the incident whatsoever, even on Sky Sports’ coverage, despite Saka’s pleas to the linesman over Robertson’s grasp.Arsenal fans certainly didn’t let it go quietly though, taking to social media to vent their frustrations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “How the hell was Robertson allowed to just strangle Saka?”While another added: “Saka just been chokeslammed by Robertson. Apparently that’s allowed these days.”A third fumed: “Wtf is this? Robertson with both hands round Saka’s neck? And it wasn’t a foul? What is going on?”And a fourth asked: “So you’re allowed to strangle players now?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTo make matters worse for Arsenal, just a matter of minutes later Liverpool took the lead through Cody Gakpo – with Robertson providing the assist.And that opener snowballed into serious momentum for the Anfield outfit, who doubled their advantage to 2-0 through Luis Diaz just 82 seconds later.MORE TO FOLLOW…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      ‘In one year the decision will be made’ – Wenger demands new offside rule that will be ‘impossible to defend against’

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      ARSENE WENGER has demanded a change to the offside rule, but it is one that could spell danger for defences.Wenger, 75, was speaking on beIN Sports’ coverage of Inter Milan’s dramatic 4-3 win over Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Wenger has long been a proponent of reform for the offside ruleCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal manager also said that the Europa League winners should not qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySimone Inzaghi’s side have now reached the final twice in the last three years, having been defeated by Manchester City 1-0 in 2023. The Nerazzurri needed an extra-time winner from Davide Frattesi to earn their place in the final, having surrendered a two-goal lead that had been given to them by Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu. Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo’s strikes restored parity for Barca before Raphinha notched in the 87th minute to force another half-hour, but it was Frattesi who popped up to edge the tie in Inter’s favour. During beIN’s coverage, Wenger, who now works for FIFA as Chief of Global Football Development, issued an update on the status of the offside rule.Read more footballHe hinted that it would be revised after years of controversy, particularly with the introduction of VAR. The former Arsenal manager believes that the technology takes away the “advantage” given to the attacking side, and as a result, fewer goals are scored. He explained: “When we decided before VAR that, at the same level, you are not offside anymore, it was 1990, after the World Cup in Italy. “There were no goals scored. Before, you were offside when you were in line with the defence.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”In 1990, we decided that that was not offside anymore. In case of doubt, the doubt benefits the striker. “That means when there’s a fraction, like we have just seen now, the striker could get the advantage. With VAR, this advantage disappears.‘Both teams have the same problem’ says Arsene Wenger as Arsenal legend tears into old rivals Tottenham and Man Utd “I think in England, they counted 37 goals on marginal offsides, and it’s frustrating. “That’s why I proposed that – as long as any part of your body is on the same line as the defender, you’re not offside. “We are experiencing it now. In one year, the decision will be made, by IFAB [International Football Association Board], not by me.”However, Wenger’s revolutionary idea has not gone down well on social media, withn one fan remarking that “it will be impossible to defend against. Will give the attackers a[n] unfair advantage. And not a[n] even playing field will just force teams to sit deep.””Wait until teams abandon a high line because of this rule,” another tweeted. One said: “What he is proposing would have a ripple effect.. the level of entertaining games would reduced, cos most teams would now have low blocks.”Read More on The SunThere were a couple of fans in the comments who agreed with the Frenchman, with one saying: “Arsene knows”, and another remarking: “Tell him this man, he understands the game”.”Very good, Mr Wenger,” one comment read. More

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      Who is Felix Zwayer? Meet the German referee officiating the PSG vs Arsenal Champions League semi-final second leg

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      FELIX ZWAYER will officiate in Paris as the Gunners aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit in a crucial Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday 7 May, 2025.Here is everything you need to know about the referee who received a six-month ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.UEFA stood by their decision to appoint Felix Zwayer to Euro 2024 semi-final England V Netherlands despite his pastCredit: Getty The match-fixing scandal is still on the minds of Felix Zwayer criticsCredit: GettyWho is Felix Zwayer?Felix Zwayer is a German football referee, based in Berlin.Born on May 18, 1981, he officiates for SC Charlottenburg of the Berlin Football Association. He is a FIFA referee and is ranked as a UEFA elite category referee.Felix began his refereeing career in 2003 and worked his way up through the ranks of German football.Read More on ZwayerHe made his Bundesliga debut in 2012 and soon become a regular fixture in their matches.In 2005, his career took a hit when he found himself involved in a match-fixing scandal. It was revealed that he accepted a €300 bribe from referee Robert Hoyzer, who was involved in a larger match-fixing scandal at the time in Germany.Felix was banned from refereeing for six months by the German Football Association (DFB) as a result of his involvement.Most read in Champions LeagueEngland sensation Jude Bellingham referred to the scandal in a post-match interview and was fined £33,970 from the German FA for his comments about Felix in 2021.What big matches has Felix Zwayer officiated before?Zwayer last officiated an English side when Liverpool beat Lille 2-1 in JanuaryCredit: EPAFelix has been involved in various UEFA and FIFA competitions, including qualifiers for the World Cup and the European Championship.He has also refereed matches in top club competitions such as the Champions League and the Europa League.The German has refereed 36 Champions League games in his career with his most recent Champions League assignment being Barcelona’s 1-0 win against Benfica on March 5, 2025.Felix’s last game officiating an English side was Liverpool’s 2-1 triumph over Lille on January 21, 2025, which also saw a red card for Lille’s Aissa Mandi.Despite the scandal, Felix continued to work his way up the ranks and was selected by FIFA to be one of the video assistant referees for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.But in December 2021, he was heavily criticised for not awarding Borussia Dortmund a penalty and for sending off coach Marco Rose during a game.You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany, what do you expect?Jude BellinghamAfter the match, the former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham, who now plays for Real Madrid, referred to Felix’s past.Bellingham told ViaPlay after Dortmund’s 3-2 loss: “You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany, what do you expect?”Felix took a break from refereeing after the incident, but returned in February 2022.Referee Felix Zwayer and England player Jude Bellingham have historyCredit: GettyWhat else has Felix Zwayer done?Away from the pitch, Felix is a real estate manager.He owns a company with three other partners. What is Felix Zwayer’s VAR history?Zwayer has refereed in 384 games in his careerCredit: GettyThe Bundesliga pioneered the rise of VAR in European football, introducing the technology in 2017 and becoming one of the first leagues in Europe to do so. VAR is regularly used in Germany where Felix has officiated the majority of his 384 games with the whistle.Felix has used it in a number of matches, including the match where Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund in December 2021.He controversially chose not to award Dortmund a penalty for a foul on Marco Reus but subsequently gave Bayern a spot-kick for a dubious handball on Mats Hummels. The new semi-automated offside technology denied Mikel Merino an equaliser in the first leg and it is a system yet to be implemented in German football.Read More on The SunWith the system being introduced next season to the Bundesliga, Felix has been involved in the trialing of it. The Gunners will be hoping that it won’t spoil their fun again when they face PSG at the Parc de Princes. More

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      Brighton 1 Newcastle 1: Late Isak penalty earns Toon point in Champions League race after Minteh haunts old club

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      HOW ironic it would be if a player Newcastle had to sell to satisfy the bean-counters ended up costing them the riches of the Champions League.Yankuba Minteh was one of two fall-guys, along with Geordie boy Elliot Anderson, who were flogged in the summer to comply with profit and sustainability rules.Brighton Yankuba Minteh returned to haunt his old clubCredit: PABut a late Alexander Isak goal earned a huge point for Toon in their Champions League raceCredit: ReutersIt was the Gambian’s early strike that dented the Toon’s top-five charge here.Though Alexander Isak’s late penalty, after the Toon had two overturned by VAR, prevented the damage from being too severe.Minteh, 20, flew South to Brighton having never actually played in the black-and-white.Eddie Howe did not want to lose the winger or Anderson, 22, who has become the beating heart of Nottingham Forest’s unexpected push to be in Europe’s elite club competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his hand was forced by the financial strait-jacket that PSR has become to the Toon in spite of their Saudi wealth.And Minteh showed exactly why here with his opener just before the half-hour.The youngster seemed to revel in it too, almost baiting the away fans by waving his finger at them and pointing to the turf as if to say, ‘This is my home now’.It was in stark contrast to his decision not to celebrate at all after netting the leveller in Albion’s FA Cup triumph at St James’ Park in March.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSupporters were left wondering why the attitude shift.But all Howe would have been worrying about was how much it would impact his side’s ambitions, which were boosted by Isak’s last-gasp spot-kick.‘Raiders of The Selhurst Park’ – Bidding war for Geuhi and Eze imminient?The Magpies remain in the boxseat but face a tricky run-in with Chelsea and Everton at home to go, plus a trip to the Emirates in between.Trying to work out the complex permutations for who exactly can qualify for Europe would give Professor Brian Cox a headache. It could be up to TEN sides – albeit a few unlikely scenarios would have to occur to make that happen.Safe to say both Brighton and Newcastle, who already have a Europa Conference League place in the bag from the EFL Cup triumph, are right in the mix.The visitors only had to look at their dreadful, winless record at the Amex to know how tough this game would be.Albion may have conceded 15 in their last six league games, but they have not lost to Newcastle in any of their seven Prem home games against them.Minteh was put up against Dan Burn – who made the opposite move to the jet-heeled winger when leaving Brighton to kickstart Howe’s revolution in 2022 – from the off.But the youngster’s game looked like it might be up after only five minutes when he went down clutching his knee and requiring treatment.Fortunately he was able to carry on, and was later incensed when no foul, let alone a yellow card, was given after Burn looked to have cleaned him out.Whether that got Minteh’s blood up that led to his fiery reaction to his goal, or the fact that a foul WAS given against him for a challenge on Tino Livramento soon after, is unclear.But after Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock had wasted half-chances for the visitors, Minteh suddenly found himself with space in the box.He evaded Livramento and Sandro Tonali before firing a shot, which whipped up off Burn, and flew into the corner.It prompted his curious celebration in front of the away fans and eventually team-mate Mats Wieffer had to drag Minteh away.Dutchman Wieffer looked momentarily in trouble early into the second half after catching Tonali when already on a yellow, but ref Craig Pawson rightly showed leniency.Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler sensibly subbed him off straight after for Tariq Lamptey, minutes before Anthony Gordon came on for Newcastle.Within seconds of the England man’s introduction, the first of two penalties that were later overturned was given when Lamptey tripped Gordon.Yet VAR showed the initial contact came just outside the box and Pawson altered his decision to a free-kick.With 20 minutes to go, Pawson again pointed to the spot when Joe Willock went down under Jan Paul van Hecke’s challenge.But once again Pawson changed his mind after consulting the pitchside monitor and booked Willock for a dive.Brighton could have had a spot-kick of their own when Tonali looked to catch Matt O’Riley, but nothing was given.With four minutes to go, Newcastle finally had a penalty that would stand after Fabian Schar’s belting free-kick hit the outstretched hand of sub Yasin Ayari.Read More on The SunThere was a lengthy VAR check despite this one being a stonewaller, and eventually Isak was allowed to do the business from 12 yards.Nine minutes of injury-time followed, during which sub Diego Gomez missed a sitter of a header with his first touch, as Howe was left wondering if his old player may end up costing his side a Mint. More

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      Premier League release statement after Evanilson’s match-winner against Arsenal is allowed following lengthy VAR delay

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      ARSENAL were left fuming after Evanilson’s match-winning goal was confirmed by VAR following a lengthy review.Bournemouth came from behind to beat Mikel Arteta’s side 2-1 and completed their first ever league double over the Gunners.Evanilson fought off Martin Odegaard as he scored the winner for BournemouthCredit: AlamyEvanilson completed a shock turnaround over ArsenalCredit: RexIt couldn’t have gone worse for Arsenal before their Champions League second legCredit: AlamyThe hosts held the advantage at the break thanks to a Declan Rice goal after 34 minutes, but the Cherries turned the game around in the second half.Dean Huijsen’s header from a long throw brought Bournemouth level in the 67th minute.Before Evanilson netted a scrappy second after battling Martin Odegaard during a corner routine in the 75th minute.The striker’s goal was checked by VAR due to claims from the Arsenal players that the Brazilian had handled the ball. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStockley Park official Michael Salisbury stuck with the referee’s decision and now the league have explained why.An X post read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with no conclusive evidence that Evanilson handled the ball before scoring.”And former England goalkeeper Robert Green agreed with the decision. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Green said: “In the VAR booth there’s no evidence to say it’s off the hand. It’s not conclusive.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEvanilson was initially suspended for the match before the FA overturned his red card against Manchester United during the week.The result is a huge boost to Bournemouth’s European hopes as they jumped up to eighth in the Premier League table.Mikel Arteta targets Champions League glory after Arsenal knock out Real Madrid Should the Cherries stay there and Manchester City win the FA Cup, Andoni Iraola’s side would likely qualify for the Europa Conference League.Arsenal fans were fuming with Arteta’s starting line-up before kick-off.The Spaniard fielded his strongest XI against the Cherries, with a huge second-leg clash against PSG to come on Wednesday.His team included all the key players from Bukayo Saka to William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly.This is a far cry from the decision taken by PSG boss Luis Enrique, who leads 1-0 from the first leg.The Spaniard made TEN changes to his Parisian side that secured their 13th Ligue 1 title a few weeks back. More

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      ‘Do you know the rules?’ – Bruno Fernandes gives blunt Spanish interview after red card controversy in Man Utd clash

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      BRUNO FERNANDES brutally shut down a Spanish journalist who disagreed with Athletic Bilbao’s red card.Fernandes bluntly explained the rules of the game after guiding his side to a 3-0 win in their Europa League semi-final first leg in the Basque Country.Bruno Fernandes gave a frosty interview after a reporter quizzed him about Athletic Bilbao’s red cardCredit: X @elchiringuitotvAfter a lengthy VAR review, Bilbao centre-back Daniel Vivian was sent off and conceded a penalty for pulling down Rasmus Hojlund in the 35th minute.With United already 1-0 up thanks to Casemiro’s back-post header five minutes before, Fernandes converted the penalty to double their lead under huge pressure from the home support.Fans inside the San Mames were stunned when Vivian was given his marching orders by referee Espen Eskas, who claimed he failed to make an attempt for the ball when denying a clear goal scoring opportunity.This point appeared to be lost on the reporter when questioning Fernandes, who had no issue setting the record straight. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe United playmaker questioned whether the reporter knew the rules of the game in a frosty exchange.The journalist began asking: “What did you think of the referee and whether he might have harmed Athletic Club?”Fernandes quizzed back in Spanish: “Do you think it wasn’t a penalty?”Before the reporter replied: “I think it could be a penalty but not a red card.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut that prompted Fernandes to hit back: “Why wasn’t it a red card? Do you know the rules?”If he tries to tackle with his feet it’s a yellow card. If he pushes him or does it with his hands, it has to be a red card.”Bruno Fernandes walks out for Manchester derby with first wheelchair mascot after he saw 7-year-old’s celebration onlineBilbao players were outraged that Alejandro Garnacho had not been pulled up for a handball in the lead up to Vivian’s foul. Striker Inaki Williams said: “There are some plays that raise doubts. “The play before the penalty comes from a handball by Garnacho, which the referee doesn’t see.”Fernandes insisted that he did not see the incident and pointed to a decision United should have got moments before.The 30-year-old star then compared chatter around refereeing between Spain and his native Portugal with England.He said: “I didn’t see it but I think there was also a penalty on Garnacho.”Talking about the referee here, I think it’s a custom in Spain and Portugal.”But I’m in England and my mind has changed a long time ago and I’m not going to do it. “The referees are like us, they make mistakes but I don’t think he made a mistake today.”The comment appeared to upset at least two of the hosts back in the studio.Fernandes made it 3-0 with a composed finish from Manuel Ugarte’s through ball on the brink of half-time.Read More on The SunThe Portugal international is approaching 40 goal contributions this term, having scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists.He already has the most assists in Europa League history, with 18 and his 27 goals are the third most scored in the competition. More

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      Evanilson’s ban OVERTURNED by FA after VAR check saw Bournemouth star handed red card for slipping into Man Utd ace

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      BOURNEMOUTH star Evanilson has had his ban overturned after he was sent off against Manchester United.The striker was sent off following a VAR review despite slipping before he collided with Noussair Mazraoui.Evanlison was sent off after colliding with Noussair MazraouiCredit: RexEvanlison made contact with the defender’s shin after losing control.But referee Peter Bankes still deemed it a red card offence, despite the tackle not being intentional or malicious.Bournemouth appealed the decision and have been successful, with Evanlison’s three-match ban overturned by the FA.However the Cherries will still feel aggrieved as they played the last 20 minutes against United with ten men, and Rasmus Hojlund scored a last-gasp equaliser for the visitors.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSunSport columnist and former Prem ref Mark Halsey argued Evanilson’s tackle did not warrant a red card, suggesting the VAR John Brooks should not have got involved.He said: “Ref Peter Bankes gave a yellow card to the Brazilian — and that was the correct call, as Evanilson’s slip turned his tackle into a reckless one. It was not serious foul play.”Why on earth did VAR John Brooks get involved?”It’s a very poor decision — and Bournemouth can feel aggrieved because it changed the game and dented their European hopes.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever not all fans felt the same way, and there was a mixed reaction to Evanilson’s ban being overturned.One fan said: “What a joke. Leg breaker challenge and its ok in the game. Wow!”Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’Another added: “??? That was a clear red.”But one fan agreed with the decision, saying: “Cost Bournemouth the win that.” More