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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

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      Footie clash abandoned as club refuse to play after referee awards ‘worst penalty ever’ then ‘refuses to use VAR’

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      A MATCH had to be abandoned after the referee refused to use VAR and fuming players stormed off the pitch.The shocking incident occurred in a match between FK Sloboda Tuzla and HSK Posusje in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Premier League.Sloboda stormed off the pitch after Posusje were given a soft penaltyThe club’s president then appeared on the pitch to confront the refereeThey sarcastically applauded the official and stopped him entering the tunnelWith the score level at 1-1, bottom of the table side Sloboda had a man controversially sent off with ten minutes remaining. And almost straight after, referee Milos Gigovic gave Posusje a soft penalty following a minor coming together as two players contested a header.Fans slammed the decision as the “worst penalty call I have ever seen” and others labelled it “ridiculous”.But Sloboda expected the official to head to the VAR monitor, only for him to reportedly refuse.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe raging players complained wildly and then opted to walk off the pitch in protest.Four police officers swiftly surrounded the ref and his assistants as tempers flared.Sloboda president Azmir Husic suddenly appeared at the side of the pitch and had to be restrained from getting to Gigovic as the team refused to return to the field.The club chief was escorted away but the referee was then blocked from entering the dressing room.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSeveral players and staff formed a bizarre guard of honour for Gigovic and sarcastically applauded him.It all led to the match being abandoned and the league is yet to confirm the result of the game.Incredible moment referee KOs losing coach with karate kick to the face after he tried to attack him with a bottle But rules state it could go down as a 3-0 win for Posusje and Sloboda, meanwhile, are at risk of a three to six-point deduction.Since the chaotic scenes, Bosnian refereeing chief Elmir Pilav has resigned. More

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      Evanilson should never have been sent off against Man Utd, the red card was just like Bruno Fernandes in Spurs clash

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      EVANILSON should never have received a red card against  Manchester United.The Bournemouth striker slipped when he challenged Moroccan  international Noussair Mazraoui in the 70th minute of Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw.Bournemouth frontman Evanilson slipped as he tackled Man Utd defender Noussair Mazraoui and was harshly given a red cardCredit: RexEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey was astonished that VAR got involvedCredit: AFPUnited’s Bruno Fernandes had his dismissal for this challenge on James Maddison during a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last September overturnedCredit: GettyRef 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.They would have a good case to appeal the dismissal — and the three-match ban — as the incident was similar to Bruno Fernandes’ foul against Spurs last September.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe United midfielder’s sending-off in United’s 3-0 defeat was rescinded.Referee Chris Kavanagh showed Fernandes a straight red but the appeal commission ruled he had made an “obvious” error.WHAT WAS THE PREM EXPLANATION?HERE’S the statement Prem chiefs issued to explain Evanilson’s red card:Evanilson appeared stunned with his dismissalCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK “VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card for the challenge by Evanilson on Mazraoui – with the challenge deemed to be two-footed with both feet off the ground, endangering the safety of the opponent. Most read in Football”Upon review, the referee issued a red card to Evanilson for serious foul play.”Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’BOURNEMOUTH CHIEF’S ANGRY VERDICTCHERRIES’ boss Andoni Iraola appeared astounded by his frontman’s dismissal.Iraola told Sky Sports: “Common sense. Everyone who has played football understands. “He slips. He doesn’t catch him with the leg that goes high and the consequence is a red card. “It is another three games without playing. The repercussions for us are huge. Of course we are going to appeal. It is common sense. “In the first half Evanilson gets a kick in the chest by Casemiro. I don’t think you should have a red card for this. But the VAR cuts the worst angle, the worst frame.” More

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      Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’

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      REAL MADRID have issued a statement following a referee breaking down in tears ahead of the Copa del Rey final.Los Blancos are due to face rivals Barcelona at the Estadio de La Cartuja tonight.Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears during a press conferenceCredit: Copa Del ReyThe official was targeted by a video released by RMTVCredit: APThe video showcased his decisions against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThere were thoughts that Los Blancos could boycott the Copa del Rey finalCredit: GettyHowever, the capital-based club pulled out of pre-match activities after referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s press conference.The Spanish official broke down as he responded to a video by Real’s in-house TV channel RMTV.The video highlighted decisions that had gone against Real, which the club believe to have been incorrect.An emotional De Brugos said: “To see your son come from school crying because some kids have said his dad is a crook is very hard to take.READ MORE FOOTBALL”What I do is tell my son that his father is honourable. I make mistakes, like any athlete, but I am honourable.”I want my son to be proud of his father and of the refereeing profession.”Nobody has the right to submit my colleagues to what they are dealing with.”Reuters has claimed that Real views the ref’s comments as a “clear conflict of interest.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA source told the outlet that the club believe that the refereeing team should be changed for the final.However, the Spanish FA rejected the request.You’re a football superfan if you can work out Brazil and Real Madrid legend’s son, 16, by his iconic playing style Real Madrid statementHere is the full statement released by Real Madrid…It read: “In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play in the final.”Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.”Real Madrid understands that football’s values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final.”The actions of the club led many to believe that they may boycott the final entirely.However, Real later released a statement that insisted that it “never considered” withdrawing from the match.The club continued to argue that “football’s values must prevail, despite animosity that has once again been shown against our club”.The final VAR, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, joined De Brugos at his press conference.He insisted that referees will soon take action against the constant pressure they are under.He added: “In a few days, you all will see.”We are going to make history and we are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with.”A strike? You will have news from us soon.”Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also weighed in on the referee debacle.The German insisted that officials, like players, need to be protected,He said: “For me, it’s only a sport. It’s only a game.Read More on The Sun”It’s only football.”It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game.”Hansi Flick claimed referees need to be protectedCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal fans come up with wildest conspiracy theory yet as American VAR official makes big call in Crystal Palace clash

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      ARSENAL fans have leapt to the top of the table – for conspiracy theories!Gunners’ supporters noted an unusual twist as a huge VAR call in a 2-2 home draw with Crystal Palace helped put Liverpool on the brink of the Prem crown.Gabriel Martinelli had the simple task of putting the ball in the netCredit: RexJurrien Timber hooked the ball back in for Martinelli to volley inCredit: Sky SportsBut VAR ruled the ball had gone out before Timber crossed itCredit: Sky SportsBelow-par Arsenal were 2-1 up midway through the second period when Jurrien Timber hooked the ball over Eagles keeper Dean Henderson for Gabriel Martinelli to volley home from point-blank range.An assistant referee ruled it out for offside against Timber – but after a lengthy delay VAR decided that was the wrong call.Unfortunately for Arsenal, the video assistant also spotted that the ball had gone out of play just as the defender crossed it in, so the goal was disallowed after all.And having levelled brilliantly once, through Eberechi Eze, Palace went on to do it again, and arguably even better, through sub Jean Philippe Mateta’s long-range chip.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSIt means Liverpool need just a point at home to Tottenham on Sunday to seal the title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge.But if the Gunners were disappointing on the pitch, their fans dazzled online – with their VAR conspiracies.One pointed out that the video assistant was an American – former Major League Soccer referee Alex Chilowicz.The New Jersey official, 37, who is also known to be a musician, switched to officiating in England two years ago.Most read in FootballDefenders William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior show Arsenal’s dejectionCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe became one of the first non-Brits to take charge of an EFL match in December 2023.And he finally oversaw a game on Premier League turf in August 2024, as Brighton took on Sussex rivals Crawley in the EFL Cup.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksBut on Wednesday night he found himself under a far more intense microscope in a cagey contest refereed by Michael Salisbury.One fan described Chilowicz and Salisbury as a pair of “unknowns”.The supporter then added to his wacky thinking – with a surprise question.He posted on X: “I find it hilarious that the referee and VAR tonight for #Arsenal game are unknowns. None of the usual clowns. “Is it because @FA_PGMOL  are all with the Liverpool players ready to celebrate their title win if we lost tonight?”Another supporter was more blunt with his observation.He wrote: “VAR always works correctly when it’s against Arsenal lol.”A third claimed: “Now that the league is decided, they take their time on VAR calls involving Arsenal.”And a fourth hinted that, apart from terrible luck with injuries to strikers, the Gunners have had equally miserable misfortune up front – albeit off the pitch.With an apparent touch of suspicion, he lamented: “So many goals disallowed from VAR for Arsenal this year.”Other fans blasted the “ridiculous” length of time waiting for VAR to deliver a verdict.But at least one viewer suggested the incident was a VICTORY for the technology.He wrote: “You have to give the Premier League credit.”That Timber goal was inconclusive 3 months ago… VAR is awful but getting the tech in place to see an out ball is super stuff… Nobody hates VAR more than me, but credit where it’s due.”  Meanwhile, Prem chiefs acted to clear up debate over the disallowed goal with an explanation on social media.Read More on The SunThey posted: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for Arsenal for offside against Timber – and established that he was in an onside position in the build-up. “However, the VAR also determined that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up and the goal should be ruled out.”  Boss Mikel Arteta was frustrated by Arsenal’s two dropped pointsCredit: Getty More