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      Premier League VAR chief Neil Swarbrick to RETIRE at the end of the season after string of controversial decisions

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      PREMIER LEAGUE VAR chief Neil Swarbrick is reportedly set to retire at the end of the season.It comes following a swathe of controversial decisions made by VAR this season.
      VAR chief Neil Swarbrick is set to retire at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb has been ruthlessly shaking up the refereeing body in a bid to improve the quality of decision making.
      And The Athletic report Swarbrick is the latest name set to leave as part of the continued overhaul.
      Swarbrick had worked as an on-field official until his retirement in the 2017/18 season.
      He was then appointed as the head of VAR before of its introduction in the 2019/20 season.
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      Swarbrick’s exit comes just weeks after dedicated VAR ref Lee Mason was AXED following his blunder during Arsenal’s clash against Brentford.
      Like Mason, Swarbrick came under scrutiny for a mistake as he oversaw West Ham’s clash against Chelsea and opted not to award a penalty after Tomas Soucek appeared to handle the ball.

      Both officials were subsequently left out of VAR duties for the following round of fixtures, before Mason left PGMOL completely earlier this month.
      However, the report suggests this move is not in reaction to recent events and has instead been in the works for a while.
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      As of yet there is no announcement to his successor.
      VAR once again came under controversy in an Arsenal game this weekend, as an Arsenal opener was ruled out for a soft Ben White foul on Danny Ward.
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright slammed the decision as “a phenomenal mistake”. More

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      Leicester 0 Arsenal 1: Martinelli’s goal keeps title bid on track as Gunners edge past Foxes but VAR is involved again

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      GABRIEL MARTINELLI delivered a perfect ten as Mikel Arteta’s away day specialists strengthened their grip on the title race.The Brazilian international’s 46th minute winner was enough to secure Arsenal’s tenth Premier League victory on the road.
      Martinelli proved to be the match-winner with this strike in the 46th minuteCredit: Getty
      Arsenal had to show some resolve on a tricky afternoon at the King Power StadiumCredit: Reuters
      That’s more than they managed on their travels in the whole of last season.
      And it means that victory at home to struggling Everton on Wednesday night will take them into the final three months of the campaign comfortably clear of second-placed Manchester City. 
      It wasn’t the most convincing of performances from the League leaders but at this stage of the campaign it’s all about results.
      And after briefly looking as if they were about to falter, back to back wins at Aston Villa and now Leicester have got them right back on track.
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      Even another VAR row wasn’t going to disturb their progress as toothless Leicester failed to deliver a single shot on target all afternoon.
      Yet they were made to work hard for their points after they dominated all the early possession without causing too many problems with their slick passing.
      Martin Odegaard and Oleskandr Zinchenko were popping up all over the pitch as they tried to drag their opponents out of position.
      But Leicester stuck gamely to their task and always managed to keep someone between the ball and their goal.
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      So it wasn’t until the 18th minute that Arsenal’s first meaningful attempt arrived when Bukayo Saka looked to capitalise on Wilfred Ndidi’s slip.
      But with England boss Gareth Southgate looking on from the directors’ box, Saka ‘s wayward shot from the edge of the area was never going to trouble keeper Danny Ward.
      Ward had suffered an absolute shocker when Leicester were beaten 4-2 at the Emirates back in August and must have been fearing another test of his nerves from the League leaders.
      And his heart was certainly in his mouth when Leandro Trossard curled one into his top corner after he had flapped tamely at Saka’s 27th minute corner.
      But ref Craig Pawson was advised by VAR Michael Salisbury to take a look at the pitchside TV screen and eventually ruled that Ben White was impeding Ward when the ball had been delivered into his six-yard area.
      It was a close call and one that certainly didn’t meet with the approval of Arteta.
      Limp Leicester struggled to get going throughout the afternoon
      Arsenal were in control for most of the game at the King Power
      And the Arsenal’s boss’ mood wasn’t helped five minutes later when Saka was bundled over from behind by Harry Souttar as he closed in on White’s cross.
      It certainly looked like a penalty on the TV replays as Souttar appeared to stumble before dragging his opponent to the ground 
      But the incident wasn’t even referred to Stockley Park as the travelling Gunners fans vented their anger at the officials.
      They hadn’t forgotten how refs’ chief Howard Webb had apologised to their club two weeks ago after Brentford’s offside equaliser had been allowed to stand.
      And this was doing nothing to dispel the paranoia of the online conspiracy theorists who are convinced that Arsenal are the victims of a referees’ conspiracy designed to stop them winning the league.
      Yet Leicester were unable to take advantage of those reprieves despite the acres of space behind Arsenal’s back four as they looked to compress the game.
      Arsenal fans were left frustrated after VAR judged Danny Ward to have been fouled by Ben White – and the on-field referee agreedCredit: Premier League
      Kelechi Iheanacho did put the ball into Aaron Ramsdale’s net but was clearly offside when he raced on to Tete’s through ball.
      And without the injured James Maddison to pull the strings, Brendan Rodgers’ team were sadly lacking in attacking ideas.
      Tomorrow is the fourth anniversary of Rodgers’ appointment as Leicester boss and one he won’t be celebrating with much enthusiasm when he looks at the League table.
      They have failed to keep a single Premier League clean sheet since returning to action after the World Cup and are still looking anxiously over their shoulders at the relegation zone. 
      And any ideas of buying themselves a bit of breathing space were dispelled right at the start of the second-half.
      It was a frustrating afternoon for Brendan Rodgers as he approaches four years as Leicester bossCredit: Rex
      Because whatever Arteta said to his players during the interval clearly worked and within 53 seconds of the restart they were ahead.
      Gabriel’s long punt forward picked out Trossard on the left wing and when he slipped the ball through Souttar’s legs Martinelli raced in to steer an unerring shot beyond Ward’s reach into the far corner
      It was the young Brazilian’s ninth goal of the season and well worth the pain of a whack on the ankle as he was caught by Ndidi’s follow through.
      Saka thought he had doubled Arsenal’s lead ten minutes later when he tapped in from close range, but once again VAR was not his friend as Martinelli was confirmed to have strayed marginally offside in the build-up.
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      Yet not even the injection of Jamie Vardy’s pace from the subs’ bench was going to spoil their day out as they comfortably saw the game out before hitting the M1 with the points in the bag. More

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      ‘It’s a phenomenal mistake’ – Arsenal legend Ian Wright slams ‘ridiculous’ no penalty decision for foul on Saka

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      IAN WRIGHT has slammed the “ridiculous” decision not to award Bukayo Saka a penalty against Leicester.A controversial first half saw Arsenal denied a spot-kick while VAR also chalked off Leandro Trossard’s goal.
      Bukayo Saka appeared to be bundled over by Harry SouttarCredit: beIN Sports
      Ian Wright did not hold back when criticising the decisionCredit: PA
      The Gunners also could have had a penalty after Saka was bundled over in the area under a challenge from Harry Souttar.
      Wright was outraged at the decision while former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher also felt the Gunners should have been given a penalty.
      Appearing on Premier League Productions, Wright fumed saying: “That was a ridiculous decision. A phenomenal mistake.”
      Fellow pundit Alan Shearer agreed, adding: “Yes definitely 100%, how can they not give?
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      “Yeah it was an accidental slip but that doesn’t matter.”
      Arsenal were also denied a first half goal after Ben White was judged to have impeded Leicester keeper Danny Ward as he went to punch the ball.
      Wright felt VAR made the right call to disallow the goal, but some Gooners felt the officials were inconsistent with how they dealt with the two incidents.
      One Arsenal fan wrote on Twitter: “I just want things to be consistent. If White’s hold is a foul why isn’t the hold called when Saka is held. Would be nice.”
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      Another added: “It’s outrageous how VAR keeps turning a blind eye to situations meant to favor us.”
      And a third said: “I’m tired of this man.”
      Martinelli’s second-half strike was enough to claim all three points and it guaranteed the Gunners’ spot at the top for at least another week. More

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      New angle emerges of RB Leipzig ‘handball’ which shows why VAR didn’t give Man City penalty in last seconds

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      MANCHESTER CITY fumed after they were denied a late penalty against RB Leipzig.But one crucial replay shows Rodri’s header came off the shoulder of Benjamin Heinrichs, not his arm.
      “We’ve had to wait, but the good thing is we’ve cleared it up!!”New angles emerge as Man City’s penalty claims look to come off the defender’s shoulder…Thoughts…? 🤔⤵️ pic.twitter.com/dAHOpUoQk5— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 22, 2023

      The ball struck Benjamin Heinrichs’ shoulderCredit: BT Sport
      At first footage appeared to show the full-back moving his hand towards the ball to clear Rodri’s header.
      That sparked mass appeals from the City players, but referee Serdar Gozubuyuk waved away their protests.
      And he made the correct decision as the ball struck Heinrich’s left shoulder – he did not swipe it away using his right hand.
      But BT Sport Rio Ferdinand, who was adamant it was a penalty upon first viewing, still was unsure after seeing the latest replay.
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      Owen Hargreaves felt the replay cleared up any doubt, with it showing Heinrichs arm was also directly against his body.
      City boss Pep Guardiola refused to be drawn into the debate when asked about the decision not to award his side a penalty.
      When asked about the incident he responded: “I didn’t see it.
      “I saw my players but didn’t see the image. It was already checked.
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      “We didn’t talk about the referee decision [at full time]. We know what goes on the past the present and the future. It happened, the referee decide no. It’s no.”
      City drew 1-1 in Leipzig after Riyad Mahrez’s first-half goal was cancelled out by Josko Gvardiol’s towering header. More

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      Fans accuse VAR of being ‘rigged’ as Marcus Rashford looks offside after scoring second goal in 3-0 win over Leicester

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      ANGRY fans claimed VAR is “RIGGED” after Marcus Rashford’s second goal in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Leicester was allowed to stand – despite replays suggesting he was offside.The striker’s second strike followed his opener in Sunday’s Prem clash, before Jadon Sancho stabbed the third.
      The initial view of the incident made it appear Marcus Rashford was offsideCredit: Sky Sports
      It was an incredibly tight call
      Rashford celebrates after his strike on 56 minutes was allowed, killing off Leicester’s hopes of a Prem comebackCredit: Getty

      Before the lines were drawn on the replay of Rashford’s controversial effort the images appeared to show he was just in front of Leicester’s last defender when Fred slipped him through.
      Some observers accused Prem chiefs of being “corrupt” and accused VAR of being biased towards United.
      But remember Japan’s winning goal against Spain in the World Cup – when post-match replays showed the whole of the ball hadn’t gone out of play before it was crossed?
      Some fans perhaps recalled it – as they pointed out that maybe the angles shown for Rashford’s position were also misleading.
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      When the lines were drawn, they showed Rashford was just behind the defender.
      Despite that, social media was staggered the in-form England hero’s goal was allowed.
      One viewer said: “How on earth was that onside? Football is rigged.”

      Another said: “Prem’s corrupt no red card or offside” and a third posted: “How on earth was that onside? Literally offside, so rigged”.
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      Victory put third-placed United three points off neighbours City and five adrift of leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand on both Manchester giants.
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      And Rashford now has 17 club goals this term, which OptaJoe pointed out is the highest total in a single campaign by a United player since 19 from Wayne Rooney in 2011-2012.
      Appreciative Red Devils’ fans posted tributes like “And they said @Cristiano is the GOAT” plus “And we’re only half way to the season”.
      United scorers Jadon Sancho and Rashford rejoice as the home side went third in the Premier League with a comfortable victoryCredit: EPA

      17 – Marcus Rashford has scored 17 goals at Old Trafford across all competitions in 2022-23 – the most by a player in a single season for Manchester United since Wayne Rooney in 2011-12 (19). Dreams. pic.twitter.com/etD25mIkmn— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 19, 2023 More

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      Man Utd star Marcel Sabitzer lucky to escape red card as Graeme Souness accuses him of DELIBERATE X-rated tackle

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      MARCEL SABITZER somehow avoided a red card for a horror studs-up tackle into Wout Faes’ knee.And Graeme Souness accused the on-loan Manchester United midfielder of DELIBERATELY trying to hurt his opponent in the X-rated challenge.
      Marcel Sabitzer escaped a red card for this tackle on Wout FaesCredit: Sky Sports
      The on-loan midfielder went into the knee with his studsCredit: Sky Sports
      Faes was fortunate to avoid serious injuryCredit: Sky Sports

      Faes and Sabitzer battled for the ball on the edge of the Leicester penalty area in the 41st minute at Old Trafford.
      The big-haired Belgian got there first and kicked it away.
      And with the ball already gone, Austrian Sabitzer arrived late and turned his body to stick a full set of studs into Faes’ knee.
      Faes needed treatment from the Foxes physios but was thankfully not seriously hurt and able to carry on.
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      Referee Stuart Attwell gave a free-kick to the visitors but inexplicably did not show a card.
      And during the stoppage, VAR Paul Tierney looked at the replays but decided against intervening.
      Souness said on Sky Sports: “I think this is red for several reasons. He’s on his heels when it breaks to him.
      “He’s turned side on to him – if you’re gonna do someone that’s what you do – go side on.
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      “He’s looking for the player.”
      After being told the VAR officials looked at the incident but felt no further action was needed, Souness added: “I don’t care what ref who’s never played the game has to say.
      “If that’s not dangerous I don’t know what is.”
      Ex-United defender Gary Neville thought the challenge warranted a yellow card because Sabitzer did not follow through or go in with lots of force.
      But viewers watching on at home were left in disbelief that the 28-year-old Bayern Munich man was allowed to continue on the pitch and were convinced the shocking tackle was worthy of a red card.
      ‘TERRIBLE’
      One said: “What is the actual point of VAR when this is not given a red card? Absolutely terrible from the referee and the VAR.”
      Another wrote: “Old Trafford luck saving Sabitzer from a clear red card.”
      A third added: “You can file that Sabitzer foul under the ‘Granit Xhaka gets sent off for that’ catalogue.”
      And a final user commented: “How Sabitzer was sent off for this I will never understand.”
      Leicester’s frustration only grew further immediately after midfielder Papy Mendy was booked early in the second half for a clean sliding tackle on Marcus Rashford, who had put the Red Devils in front on 25 minutes.
      And United got the break with VAR yet again at Old Trafford when Rashford made it 2-0.
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      The goal was initially chalked off when the assistant’s flag went up and replays appeared to show he was just offside – only for the green line to appear and award the goal.
      Sub Jadon Sancho made it 3-0 on the hour mark as the 11 men of United ran rampant. More

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      Ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals how VAR is making referees WORSE amid string of awful decisions

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      MARK CLATTENBURG has slammed VAR and claims it is making referees worse.The ex-Premier League referee revealed the introduction of VAR almost made him quit officiating.
      Mark Clattenburg claims VAR is making refs fearful to make decisionsCredit: Getty
      PGMOL chief Howard Webb called a meeting with refs this week to address the problems with VARCredit: Getty
      He believes it made him more hesitant to make on-field decisions, and more reliant on VAR.
      Clattenburg claims Prem refs are fearful of making an incorrect decision and having it overturned – but that leads to VAR not intervening at all, as happened when the ball struck Tomas Soucek’s hand in West Ham’s draw with Chelsea last weekend.
      Clattenburg, 47, explained the issue to old William Hill and Footy Accumulators’ podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football, saying: “VAR has caused a big problem.
      “It happened to me when I went to China, I started not refereeing, and I actually relied on the VAR. For the first month I felt like I was going to quit.
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      “I thought, what am I doing? I’ve lost my core ability to make a decision. As a referee you make split second decisions and I was so comfortable at doing it.
      “I’d made lots of decisions in the Premier League and I didn’t need VAR – well I could’ve needed it sometimes, but not to the amount that they’re using it now.
      “When I see these referees now week in, week out, there is a fear, and they’re scared to make a decision. The problem is when you’re scared to make a decision you don’t make one, and then the VAR doesn’t make one either.
      “If we look at the West Ham decision against Chelsea on Saturday [Tomas Soucek’s handball]… Because the referee doesn’t give it, the VAR then goes ‘I don’t want to give it because he’s breaking his fall’, so it compounds the mistake.
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      “If the referee just gave the penalty as he should have seen it and had the courage to blow, the VAR would’ve supported it. So, we have still got all of these problems with the referees not making the original decisions like we did in our time and that’s the difference.”
      VAR has come under a lot of scrutiny in recent weeks with the Premier League forced to apologise to Brighton and Arsenal after mistakes potentially cost them points last weekend.
      PGMOL chief Howard Webb called an emergency meeting to try and solve the problems while John Brooks was taken off VAR duty this week after incorrectly ruling a goal offside in Crystal Palace’s draw with Brighton. More

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      Mark Halsey: Why I would NOT have awarded Arsenal first-half penalty in Man City showdown.. it was harsh on Ederson

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      ARSENAL were awarded a first-half penalty when Ederson collided with Eddie Nketiah – but it was a harsh decision by referee Anthony Taylor.The Manchester City keeper came out and Nketiah got his shot away before the momentum of both players saw a coming together, so I wouldn’t have awarded a spot-kick.
      Mark Halsey was a Prem ref between 1999 and 2013Credit: Rex

      This is the sort of incident that you often see in the Premier League where no foul is given.
      Taylor made a subjective call by pointing to the spot – which is what refs’ chief Howard Webb wants – and because it was not a clear and obvious error then VAR did not get involved.
      But had the penalty award not been given, VAR would not have intervened either.
      Ederson was already on a caution but this was not a second yellow-card offence.
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      Not every foul awarded requires a card and Taylor deemed it careless rather than reckless.
      It was a good spot by Taylor when he correctly waved away a penalty appeal after Leandro Trossard went down in the box as Kyle Walker challenged.

      Football fans joked Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty against Man City to make up for referees’ blunder weekend – and even Piers Morgan was mystified, writes SunSport’s Joshua Jones.
      Mikel Arteta was still seething four days on from the calamitous error by bungling VAR Lee Mason that let Brentford’s offside equaliser stand when the Citizens arrived in North London.
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      Just before half-time, ref Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot when Eddie Nketiah was bundled into by Ederson.
      Nathan Ake cleared off the line but replacement VAR David Coote – who came in for John Brooks after his own howler at Selhurst Park – saw no reason to overturn Taylor’s on-field decision.
      That was despite Gary Neville declaring on Twitter: “Not a pen that!”
      And Gunners-mad Morgan added: “BOOOOOOOM! 1-1. Brilliant penalty by Saka (even if I have no idea why it was given… 🤣).”
      Fans also joked that the refs were trying to balance the decisions out with one writing on Twitter: “Arsenal were robbed over the weekend, so they’ve been gifted the equalizer here tonight.” More