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      France fans fuming after thinking Griezmann had scored equaliser vs Tunisia as TV cuts to ads… before VAR ruled it out

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      FRANCE football fans were left raging after being led to believe that Antoine Griezmann had equalised against Tunisia.The holders, who had already qualified from World Cup Group D, suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to the eliminated African nation this afternoon.
      French TV viewers were left believing that Antoine Griezmann’s goal had stoodCredit: PA
      The station cut to an ad break before VAR intervened to rule the goal outCredit: Getty
      Boss Didier Deschamps had named a much-changed side that struggled, leading to him bringing on big guns Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe from the bench.
      And it looked to have been an inspired change as Griezmann volleyed home in the dying seconds of the eight minutes of injury time.
      French television viewers were left believing that Les Bleus had earned a draw as TV station TF1 cut to an ad break due to believing the final whistle had gone.
      New Zealand ref Matthew Conger appeared to blow for full-time as Griezmann celebrated, which was the cue to go to break.
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      However, Conger was then asked by VAR to view a pitch-side monitor for a suspected offside.
      It was then deemed that Griezmann was offside and interfering with play, which led to the goal being ruled out.
      However, viewers of TF1 were completely unaware of the drama taking place in Qatar at the Education City Stadium. 
      And they were left stunned as the presenters in the studio had to explain their side had been beaten once the show resumed.
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      Deschamps was just as furious afterwards as he insisted the referee had blown for full time and was baffled why the equaliser had not been allowed to stand.
      Deschamps said: “Maybe I need to look at the rules again. I don’t know all the laws of the game off by heart.
      “But why did the referee blow his whistle for the end of the game and then decide to go to VAR?
      “Is this even allowed? I am still waiting for someone to tell me whether this is okay or not.” More

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      ‘Completely and utterly accidental’ – Ally McCoist rages over penalty decision to award Portugal spot kick for handball

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      ALLY MCCOIST was fuming over the penalty decision that allowed Bruno Fernandes to secure Portugal’s victory against Uruguay.The incident occurred during the final seconds of Portugal’s 2-0 World Cup win over Uruguay as VAR intervened for a penalty check.
      The ref pointed to the spot for a handball against Jose Maria GimenezCredit: Getty
      Ally McCoist was raging over the decision to award Portugal a penalty against UruguayCredit: Getty
      Fernandes carried the ball into the box and sent Jose Maria Gimenez tumbling backwards as he nutmegged the defender.
      The Uruguayan unintentionally handled the ball as he fell to the ground.
      The referee waved play on, despite the protests of Fernandes, before VAR got in his ear to advise him to check the incident.
      Iranian Alireza Faghani headed over to the pitchside monitor and duly awarded the spot-kick, much to the anger of Luis Suarez and his Uruguayan teammates.
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      Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey exclusively told SunSport he thought the decision was ‘shocking’.
      And ITV commentator Ally McCoist, the much-loved Rangers and Scotland legend, was equally as damning after he heard ex-referee Peter Walton’s attempted justification.
      Walton said: “It’s unfortunate to have that penalty kick go against him.
      “It’s hit him as he’s falling back but the ball has struck his arm. The referee in his instructive view that striking the arm is the deliberate action.
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      “I think it’s very harsh. The law did say if you’re putting your arm to break the fall, it was a deliberate act but that was removed from the law a year or so ago, it’s down to the subjective call of the referee.
      “It’s clearly hit his arm, stopped the progress of the ball and that’s what the VAR has advised.”
      But McCoist fumed: “He’s absolutely no idea that it’s going to hit his hand.
      “He’s not trying to get an advantage, he’s not trying to gain an advantage, it is a completely and utterly accidental handball.”
      The controversy failed to have any impact on Fernandes as he hopped, skipped and jumped before rifling home from the spot.
      That was his second of the game, even though Cristiano Ronaldo is trying to claim he got a touch on his first, and sealed his country’s place in the last-16 with a game to spare.
      Meanwhile, Suarez and his teammates will now have to face a Ghana side intent on revenge in their final group game.
      Ghana sit second on four points from two games after the win over South Korea earlier.
      But Uruguay, who have one from their two outings so far, can overtake them with a win. More

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      Ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision to give Portugal penalty at World Cup against Uruguay as ‘shocking’

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      PORTUGAL secured their place in the World Cup last-16 after a win over Uruguay.Bruno Fernandes scored the opener, although Cristiano Ronaldo is claiming it, before he converted a controversial late penalty to seal a 2-0 victory.
      Ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey writes exclusively to Sun SportCredit: Getty
      The ref pointed to the spot for a handball against Jose Maria GimenezCredit: Getty
      Here former Premier League ref Mark Halsey explains why the spot-kick was the wrong call:
      Poortugal’s late penalty – awarded after a VAR intervention – against Uruguay was a shocking decision.
      Iranian referee Alireza Faghani pointed to the spot for a handball against Jose Maria Gimenez after he was nutmegged by Bruno Fernandes.
      This was a really poor call by the officials.
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      Uruguay defender Gimenez went to block the ball.
      But he was falling over and his arm was behind him to break his fall.
      He did not make his body bigger, it was not a deliberate act and the proximity was also a factor.
      This was not a clear and obvious error so I have no idea why VAR official Abdulla Al-Marri of Qatar even got involved.
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      Ref Faghani should have been stronger and stuck with his original decision.
      Even his body language after viewing the monitor suggested he did not want to give the penalty. 
      Fernandes’ spot-kick could be crucial in determining who qualifies from Group H after it sealed a 2-0 win.

      Luis Suarez and his teammates will now have to face a Ghana side intent on revenge in their final group game.
      Ghana sit second on four points from two games after the win over South Korea earlier.
      But Uruguay, who have one from their two outings so far, can overtake them with a win. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ghana penalty ‘indefensible and 100% should’ve been overturned’ as Mike Dean hints at ‘VAR glitch’

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      MIKE DEAN has hit out at the “indefensible” awarding of Portugal’s penalty against Ghana and suggested a VAR glitch may be responsible. Cristiano Ronaldo went down under a challenge from Mohammed Salisu as Portugal fought to find their way through a stubborn Ghana team.
      Mike Dean was not happy with the VAR during Portugal’s World Cup clash with Ghana yesterdayCredit: Reuters
      This moment split opinion among fans with some believing defender Salisu won the ball fairlyCredit: Reuters
      He was judged to have been fouled by the Southampton defender and referee Ismail Elfath awarded a penalty.
      The 37-year-old converted the spot kick to make World Cup history.
      But controversy followed the awarding of the pen and many believed Salisu had won the ball cleanly.
      Former Premier League referee Dean was among those who were astonished at the “scary” decision.
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      He told BEIN Sports: “The defender clearly plays the ball. Ronaldo then touches the back of the defender, goes down, instigated contact.
      “It’s not the referee’s fault – he’s given the decision on the field of play. The VAR, in my opinion, should have got involved and invited the referee over to have a look at it.
      “It’s scary, I have to say. I’m just astounded. I like to back referees all the time but you can’t support stuff like that. You can’t defend the indefensible.”
      Ghana’s manager was left fuming over the penalty.
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      Otto Addo said Ronaldo had received “special gifts from the referees” as he lamented the defeat.
      Ronaldo’s opener came after the hour mark and set Portugal on the road to victory – but it was far from straightforward.
      But debate continued to rage about the decision after the game.
      Dean, who is still involved with VAR but retired from on-field duties, added: “It should have been overturned. He should have gone to the screen, he should have looked at it.

      “There may have been some technical glitch that we don’t know about. I just can’t understand why he wasn’t sent to the screen. 100 per cent it’s wrong.”
      Victory sets Portugal up nicely in group H ahead of their next game against Uruguay.
      Meanwhile Ghana will now need to get something off South Korea to remain in the World Cup. More

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      Fans all saying the same thing after late VAR drama during World Cup clash between Denmark and Tunisia

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      FANS watching the World Cup clash between Denmark and Tunisia praised the referee for not awarding a late penalty after checking the VAR monitor.The game seemed set for a dramatic finale in the fourth minute of stoppage time when the ball hit the arm of Tunisia defender Yassine Meriah inside his own area.

      Fans praised the referee after the goalless draw between Denmark and TunisiaCredit: Reuters
      Ref Cesar Ramos insisted on his decision to deny Denmark a late penalty after checking the VAR monitorCredit: Getty
      Ref Cesar Ramos initially waved play on but was then instructed by VAR to go check the monitor for a potential penalty.
      The replay showed that the ball first touched Meriah’s body before ending up on his arm.
      There also seemed to have been a shove from Brentford ace Mathias Jensen on a Tunisian player in the build-up.
      Ramos stood by his initial decision and denied Denmark a penalty as he instead awarded Tunisia a free-kick.
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      Fans flooded on social media after the dramatic goalless draw and praised the World Cup official for not caving in to VAR.
      It is quite common for referees to change their mind after watching replays on the pitchside monitor.
      One fan tweeted: “A referee who doesn’t automatically go with the VAR, good man.”
      Another posted: “Legendary footballing moment. Man said: F**k VAR.”
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      A third wrote; “VAR is so controversial that when ref checks the monitor and decides it is not a penalty (correctly in the Denmark vs Tunisia game), the pundits go mad!”
      This fan said: “Tunisia v Denmark, at least a referee had the commonsense and courage to overrule VAR and award a ridiculous penalty.”
      And that one tweeted: “Brilliant strong reffing in the Denmark Tunisia game on the var penalty decision.
      “Great to see! That’s your ref for the final right there.” More

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      What is a semi-automatic offside and will it be used in the World Cup 2022?

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      OFFSIDE calls has been one of the major talking points at the winter World Cup in Qatar – but it’s not all down to the referees.FIFA have reportedly spent the last three years testing its semi-automatic offside tool.
      Referees can now get assistance from the semi-automatic VAR tool
      And it has now been in use at the 2022 World Cup on multiple occassions.
      But what is the semi-automatic offside tool?
      What is a semi-automatic offside?
      The semi-automatic offside tool is a piece of technology being introduced to make VAR decisions quicker and more accurate.
      It will be done by a system using computer tracker of 29 body parts of each player, combined with a microchip inside the ball.
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      This is expected to determine the positions of the players at the exact moment the ball has been played.
      So in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatic selected point and an instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.
      Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.
      Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in a average of 25 seconds.
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      And that illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium and for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.
      Has it been used in the World Cup?
      The 3D animation was deployed in the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador.
      Enner Valencia’s opening strike was ruled out for offside within the first three minutes of the match.
      Argentina also saw THREE goals disallowed in their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia courtesy of the semi-automatic VAR.
      Where else has it been used?
      The semi-automatic offside technology was initially meant to be rolled out for the opening fixture of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      However, UEFA have stolen a march on FIFA as it was deployed in the Super Cup fixture between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt.
      Karim Benzema’s goal was ruled out due to the semi-automatic VAR systemCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And now, it has been revealed that they will use the new tool in this season’s Champions League.
      What has been said?
      FIFA’S head of refereeing mentioned that: “There is a talk of robot referees, it looks good but it’s not true. On-field referees will continue to be decisive.
      “Semi-automatic offside will only be used when a player who is offside touches the ball. If there is interreference in play, it will be the referee’s decision.”
      UEFA’S refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti also had a say and he believes that the semi-automatic offside technology will be beneficial to the match officials, players and fans.
      Rosetti said: “We are constantly looking for new technological solutions to improve the game and support the work of the referees. 
      “This innovative system will allow VAR teams to determine offside situations quickly and more accurately, enhancing the flow of the game and the consistency of the decisions. More

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      Why Harry Maguire wasn’t given ‘stonewall’ penalty in England’s 6-2 World Cup win – but Iran were

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign got off to a flying start as they smashed six goals past Iran.But a controversial late penalty saw the final score end 6-2 to the Three Lions.
      Harry Maguire did not get a penalty after appearing to be fouled against IranCredit: BBC
      John Stones gave away a late spot-kick for a tug on an opponentCredit: Getty
      John Stones was penalised by VAR in the dying moments, allowing Iran to pull back a consolation goal to soften the scoreline.
      However, video replays suggested there wasn’t much contact at all between Stones and his opponent.
      And England fans were left fuming as Harry Maguire failed to win a “stonewall” penalty after a foul by Iran earlier on.
      But ESPN claims there is a reason Stones’ tug resulted in a spot-kick, while the foul on Maguire was overlooked.
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      It’s reckoned that VAR were mainly concerned about whether the attacking player in each incident was able to challenge for the ball.
      In Stones’ case, his tug on Morteza Pouraliganji prevented the Iranian from being able to attack the ball sufficiently.
      Despite only being a minor infringement on replays, the ball was said to be in close proximity to Iran’s attacker.
      And referee Raphael Claus eventually agreed with VAR that Stones had stopped Pouraliganji from attacking freely.
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      In Maguire’s case, despite the foul appearing more obvious, this was deemed the opposite case.
      Despite being wrestled to the floor by Roozbeh Cheshmi, it’s said the ball was NOT in close proximity to Maguire.
      That means he was not in a position to properly compete for it as an attacker.
      And VAR also took into account the fact that Maguire’s arm was also wrapped around Cheshmi as he went down.
      But try telling that to England fans, who were left fuming over the two decisions.
      One wrote online: “Stone wall penalty.”
      A second tweeted: “A clear pen all day long.”
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      Another added: “Maguire is literally being rugby tackled.”
      While a fourth fumed: “England already robbed of a penalty 3 minutes in.” More

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      What is VAR and when is it used?

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      FOOTBALL is a fast-paced and contact sport which doesn’t always allow the referee to determine what is a foul or not at first sight.Sometimes, the ref and his officials need to take a close look at what happened to determine the outcome and that is why the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) was created.
      VAR is used across several competitions in Europe such as the top five leagues
      How does VAR work?
      The video assistant referee can be called upon for four key on-field incidents.
      These are:

      Awarding goals
      Penalty decisions
      Red card decisions
      Cases of mistaken identity

      The video assistant referee will be the one to let the on-pitch referee know that a decision needs to be analysed.
      The VAR will liaise with the on-pitch referee to relay information on calls and at times the on-pitch official might need to go and take a look at the action himself from a screen installed in the stadium.
      The video assistant referee – a top official who is watching the game away from the stadium – has access to every camera angle and goal-line technology cameras.
      And interestingly, he will have to wear FULL KIT while on duty.
      The VAR also has an assistant watching the game with them.
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      What technology does VAR use?
      VAR uses over 30 cameras installed in the stadium to be able to capture every angle.
      This helps the virtual assistant referee to view an incident such as a penalty from every angle and determine whether there was contact or not.
      Types of cameras used include broadcast cameras, slow-motion cameras, high-definition wide-angle and tight cameras.
      There is also an audio communication system used which enabled the on-pitch referee to speak with the off-pitch one.
      By the dugout or in an appropriate place by the pitch line, you’ll also find a screen installed for the on-pitch referee to view any controversial incidents.
      In the Premier League, the Hawk-Eye’s virtual offside line technology is used to determine whether a player was onside or not.
      It has two levels.
      One of them is the gridline which shows a two-dimensional line that is positioned with the final player.
      This is mainly used when a player is clearly offside or not.
      On the other hand, sometimes two players may be too close to each other to determine whether a goal was offside or not.
      That is why there is another level of lines called crosshair.
      These two offside lines are drawn, one in correspondence with the last player of the defending team and the other with the player of the offensive team.
      It also features a 3D vertical line which shows whether another body part, such as an arm, is offside or not and in that case, the goal would be disallowed.
      Who created VAR?
      VAR was created by the Royal Netherlands Football Association.
      The project was created in 2010 and was tested across Eredivisie – the Dutch league – games.
      Testing was then further made throughout the Premier League, however, the system made its international debut in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
      What competition is VAR used in?
      Many European and South American domestic leagues introduced the VAR system such as:

      The Premier League together with domestic cups like the FA Cup
      Serie A and the Coppa Italia
      La Liga and the Copa del Rey
      Bundesliga and DFB Pokal
      Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France
      Major League Soccer in America
      Brasileirao
      Argentine Primera Division.

      It is also used across main FIFA and UEFA competitions such as the World Cup and the EUROs.
      We cannot leave out its use in the Champions League, Europa League and the Conference League. More