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      Atletico Madrid suffer ‘worst VAR decision ever’ as fans fume at ‘robbery of the highest degree’ in Champions League

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      ATLETICO MADRID fans and boss Diego Simeone have been left fuming after they conceded a harsh-looking penalty during their Champions League clash with Lille.Madrid were looking to get back to winning ways in the competition after suffering a huge 4-0 defeat to Benfica last time out.Atletico Madrid fans and players were left fuming that Marco Guida had awarded a penaltyCredit: EPAJonathan David converted the penalty to make it 2-1 to LilleCredit: AFPDiego Simeone received a yellow card for his protestsCredit: GettyHowever, they ended up falling to a 3-1 defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday night.They had taken the lead after eight minutes through Julian Alvarez.However, the French outfit managed to equalise with super-sub Edon Zhegrova in the 61st minute.With the balance of the game on a knife edge, referee Marco Guida then awarded a penalty to the visitors.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was initially assumed that this was given for an alleged handball by Koke.But it was later revealed that the spot kick was awarded for a trip by the Atletico Madrid captain immediately afterwards.And replays showed that the ball never touched Koke’s arm but that of a Lille player.The footage also revealed that Koke made only minimal contact with his opponent during the incident immediately afterwards which saw the penalty awarded.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVAR reviewed the incident and after several moments ruled that the on-field decision should stand, though Guida did not go to the monitor to check. Jonathan David stepped up to slot home the subsequent penalty in the 74th minute, before later adding Lille’s third goal of the night in the 89th minute.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseySimeone, 54, was furious at the decision and received a yellow card for his protests. Speaking after the game, he said: “It wasn’t a penalty.”We’ve been watching the replays, the referee must have made a mistake about what he saw, and those on the VAR weren’t able to help him.”Fans echoed the emotive Argentine’s sentiment on social media, with one saying: “VAR did NOT overturn Lille’s penalty???????????? This may be the worst VAR decision I have ever seen.”Lille’s had handball, not Atletico’s player. Madness. Maybe I’m blind, someone explain.”A second said: “Lille is robbing you at home. Zero respect for this team in this competition of the f***ing devil. “They have whistled for a penalty for Koke’s touch on the boot of a guy who was falling to the ground.”Another said: “Keep rewatching this Lille penalty, and there’s no explanation as to why this was given. “There was no foul. There’s a Lille handball in the box before the call. There’s no handball by anyone from Atleti. So what exactly is the decision for? A robbery of the highest degree.”And former Champions League final referee Mateu Lahoz said: “It is possible that the referee makes a mistake and sees Koke’s handball. But VAR is a tool that has to help. “The VAR referee had no experience, he was not given the opportunity, he was not invited to see it. It is impossible to explain what he called.”He added: “It’s a black night for refereeing. The VAR came in for plays like these.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result leaves the Spanish side down in 27th in the table, with their next game seeing them take a trip to Paris Saint-Germain.Meanwhile, Lille are 15th in the table and firmly in the play-off spots, with their next game seeing them host Juventus.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

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      Gary O’Neil at centre of FA probe after Wolves boss claimed refs have ‘subconscious’ bias towards big clubs

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      THE FA have launched a probe into Gary O’Neil’s claims that refs have a “subconscious” bias to the Prem’s big clubs.Wolves boss O’Neil has been contacted by football chiefs after his  post-match comments following John Stones’ controversial 95th-minute winner for Manchester City on Sunday.Gary O’Neil is facing a probe after his commentsCredit: ReutersBernardo Silva was judged to have not impeded Jose SaCredit: Sky SportsReferee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Stones’ header for offside against  Bernardo Silva — but changed his mind in a pitchside review after VAR intervened to hand City a 2-1 win.Now O’Neil will have to explain his remarks before the FA decide on any further action.O’Neil said: “There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves.“But is there something in the subconscious around the decision-making, without even knowing it? Are you more likely to give it to Man City than Wolves?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“My senses are heightened when we are facing Man City. Are the officials the same?“If I had to upset someone and there’s a big and a little guy, I’m upsetting the little guy.”City’s winner hinged on whether Silva, who was standing in an offside position, had unsighted Sa as he attempted to keep out Stones’ bullet header.Silva appeared to step away from the keeper just before Stones’ effort, with Kavanagh judging Sa was not prevented from being able to see the ball.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Premier League explained the decision in a statement that read: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. “The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Man City match-winner John Stones reflects after controversial win against Wolves More

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      Man City’s winner is another kick in the teeth for the Prem’s sole voice of reason – they’ve every right to be paranoid

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      JUST because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not after you.As Wolves boss Gary O’Neil continues to realise.Wolves were the club who raged against the machines and forced a vote among Premier League clubs on whether VAR should be scrapped — only to lose 19-1 because none of their rivals shared their originality of thought.Gary O’Neil was left frustrated following Wolves’ defeat to Man City on SundayCredit: GettyThe game was decided with a late VAR callCredit: GettyJohn Stones scored the winnerCredit: GettyBelieving that technology doesn’t always improve things is becoming one of society’s great taboos.And then the Ipswich v Everton kick-off gets delayed due to “IT issues at the turnstiles”.My own digital season ticket has vanished from my so-called smartphone. I never once lost an actual season ticket.Yet profess a hatred of apps and QPR codes, or whatever they’re called, and suddenly you’re Captain f***ing Caveman.Read More in FootballStill, rant over and back to Wolves. Of course, football being football, the Molineux club acted largely out of self-interest by  bringing that vote.Last season, Wolves were top of the VAR “hard-done-by league” with a staggering  seven overturns going against them.But they ended up a lone voice of common sense, speaking out against a system which beats the joyous spontaneity out of the game and leaves match-going fans frequently baffled.On Sunday, O’Neil’s rock-bottom side were kicked in the teeth again when VAR awarded Manchester City’s John Stones an injury-time winner, despite Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and  jostling with keeper Jose Sa.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe on-field ref Chris Kavanagh —  on the scene for a remarkably  large percentage of high-profile gaffes — deemed Silva to have  been interfering with play, yet VAR Stuart Attwell disagreed.Then came Kavanagh’s trip to the VAR monitor — an entirely  performative process to give the impression that the referee is still allowed a mind of his own and won’t just automatically do whatever Stockley Park recommends.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?Pretty much every great old-school manager from Bill Shankly to Brian Clough is credited with quoting the phrase, “If he’s not interfering with play, what’s he doing on the pitch?”While that view is too simplistic, we’ve gone too far in the opposite direction. A set-piece coach will tell you that pretty much every player in the box following a corner is interfering with play — or should be.This season began with refs’ chief Howard Webb promising a “light-touch” approach to VAR, claiming that only on-field decisions which were genuine clangers would be overturned.Even those of us firmly opposed to VAR recognised this as an improvement.This lasted a couple of weeks before being conveniently forgotten — as pre-season refereeing edicts always seem to be.Now VARs have again started re-refereeing the huge number of subjective decisions which football always throws up.Because VARs will always be keen to stick their oar in to justify their existence. The system has become a labour-intensive jobs-for-the-boys scheme for match officials. Next, though, to O’Neil’s suggestion of a subconscious bias towards bigger clubs.O’Neil suggested referees have a subconscious bias towards bigger clubsCredit: EPAThis is barely borne out by stats  — Fulham and those great “world’s-against-us” conspiracy theorists Nottingham Forest were actually the biggest beneficiaries from VAR overturns last season with five more decisions going for them rather than against them.O’Neil, though, is right to be paranoid. Just in the wrong way.VAR simply seems to have it in for Wolves rather than “smaller” clubs in general.At least this all seems to disprove the age-old idea that refs try to “even things up” if they know they have made a bad error.Webb has issued so many  apologies to Wolves that he must have racked up a serious number of loyalty points with Interflora.But if any official on VAR duty is acting with a conscious or subconscious knowledge that Wolves have been continually shafted then they do a pretty good job of ignoring this and carrying on regardless.O’Neil’s job is under threat because Wolves have one point from eight games.While their fixture list has been extremely tough — and a couple of poor VAR decisions have again gone against them — that’s clearly not good enough.Should O’Neil get the sack his next job will probably be in the EFL, where clubs admirably refuse to follow the Premier League into mechanised mayhem.Or perhaps his next gig should  be in Sweden — the only western European nation to keep VAR out of its top flight.Or in Norway, who may scrap it due to widespread fan opposition — with matches having been delayed by irate supporters throwing pastries, fishcakes and tennis balls on to pitches in protests against VAR.By common consent, the  Scandinavians are beautiful and enlightened people.As O’Neil would doubtless agree.VILL TO WINHOW would Aston Villa deal with the twin demands of the Premier League and Champions League, we all asked?By scoring impressive wins in their first two fixtures back in the European elite and achieving their best start to a top-flight campaign this century.And, with Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings returning from long-term injuries and skipper John McGinn back from a month on the sidelines, things promise to get better still.Unai Emery is, pound for pound, the best manager in the top flight.Aston Villa have enjoyed a fantastic startCredit: GettyHOWE ABOUT THATHAD Eddie Howe left Newcastle in the summer, he would almost certainly have been Gareth Southgate’s successor — ending debate about whether the England boss should be English.Now with the Toon in midtable  — and Chelsea and Arsenal next up —  might Howe become available before Thomas Tuchel even starts work?England outperformed Germany in four tournaments under Southgate.But when it comes to coaching and management, the Germans still hold sway. See, for example, Brighton’s child genius Fabian Hurzeler getting the better of Howe on Saturday.Eddie Howe was not contacted about the England jobCredit: GettySQUAD DEPTHHOW is the five-sub rule affecting Premier League football? It is leading to far more comeback wins and, as predicted, giving more advantage to bigger clubs with deeper squads.Last season provided an all-time high of 63 comeback wins in the top flight (16.5 per cent).This year we’re at more than 21 per cent.Of the weekend’s nine top-flight fixtures, five were won by the team conceding first,  including both Manchester clubs, Tottenham and Aston Villa.NO WAY, JOSEAS Erik ten Hag limps grimly on as Manchester United manager, a party of Mancunian old-boys lie in wait in Istanbul for Thursday’s Europa League visit to Fenerbahce.Not just boss Jose Mourinho but also ex-United players Sofyan Amrabat and Fred  as well as former City title-winning striker Edin Dzeko, 38.Lose to that little lot and it really will be “welcome to hell”.Man Utd will meet former manager Jose Mourinho this weekCredit: GettySTOP GUNSWILL Sir Keir Starmer’s beloved Arsenal miss out on the league title due to “indiscipline”, after already dropping seven points when reduced to ten men?We all know the best cure for indiscipline: mandatory National Service. As advocated by Rishi Sunak at the election. That would have taught ’em.READ MORE SUN STORIESBUNDLE OF JOYWHY are baby-related goal celebrations, like Liverpool’s Curtis Jones sucking his thumb and Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert sticking a ball up his shirt, so irritating?Because they remind us Premier League stars are the only men in the country who can afford to have kids in their 20s.Curtis Jones celebrated his goal against Chelsea by sucking his thumbCredit: Getty More

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      ‘We don’t want goals ruled out for those situations’ says ex-Premier League ref as he hints at major tactical change

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      A FORMER Premier League referee has hinted at clubs making a major tactical change following John Stones’ winner for Manchester City because “we don’t want goals ruled out for those situations”.Mark Halsey appeared on the latest episode of SunSport’s The Whisteblower to run the rule over the key refereeing decisions from the weekend.Manchester City’s late goal at Wolves was originally ruled out before VAR intervenedCredit: Sky SportsEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey reckons the right decision was made in the endCredit: AFPAnd high on the agenda was Stones’ controversial goal at Wolves.The Manchester City defender powered home a thunderous header in injury time.However, after plenty of confusion, the goal was originally chalked off when the referees concluded there was an offside against Bernardo Silva.Silva tussled with Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa as the ball came in and was in an offside position when it flew into the back of the net. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand – because Silva was adjudged to be out of Sa’s line of sight and not impacting his compatriot once Stones headed goalwards.So despite the complaints of Gary O’Neil, Halsey was pleased to see the goal given. He said: “I think the VAR was absolutely spot on to recommend a review for Chris Kavanagh to go and have a look because when you do see the replay, you know straight away that Silva hasn’t impacted on the goalkeeper with being in his line of vision.”He just moves out of the way straight away. So, for me, I think the correct decision was made and that’s what we want to see and that is what VAR is there for.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When the ball comes in, he can quite rightly stand there. When John Stones headers that ball, is he interfering with an opponent? Does he impact on his line of vision? “You can clearly see, no, he doesn’t. And you can clearly see that the keeper sees the ball all the way.Man City match-winner John Stones reflects after controversial win against Wolves”It’s just a great header from John Stones and, in my opinion, the goal was correctly given. We do not want to see goals ruled out for those sorts of situations.”Players cannot be offside directly from the original kick and corners. So Silva getting away with his antics at Molineux could prompt more teams into trying similar tactics at corners to disrupt goalkeepers – before ducking out in time.So Silva getting away with his antics at Molineux could prompt more teams into trying similar tactics at corners to disrupt goalkeepers – before ducking out in time.Pressed on the issue, Halsey added: “Listen, there’s always a little bit of contact going on in the box and all the time you see goalkeepers pushing players, don’t you? “They push them out of the way just before the corner’s taken or while the corner comes across. “So, for me, that’s normal contact. And yes, if that’s the tactics they employ in other clubs, then so be it.”But we do not want to see goals ruled out of that nature.”Halsey also had his say on the William Saliba red card at Bournemouth.TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)The Frenchman received his marching orders after half an hour after pulling back Evanilson just inside the Arsenal half – but was the last man and was deemed to be denying a goalscoring opportunity.But Halsey would have preferred the referee to stick with his original call of a yellow card. The ex-Prem official said: “Rob Jones straight away showed a yellow card. Exactly what I would have done in that situation. “Was it a clear and obvious error by Rob Jones? In my opinion, no. I thought he got it spot on.”For me, there’s doubt there to whether that was an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. “And we keep hearing about Howard Webb saying we don’t want VAR getting involved in subjective decisions. Well, for me, that was subjective.READ MORE SUN STORIES”VAR shouldn’t have got involved. It wasn’t a clear and obvious error, in my opinion, from Rob Jones.”We should have stuck with the on-field referee decision of a yellow card.”The referees were happy Bernardo Silva got out of the wayCredit: GettyStones celebrates the important winCredit: PAHalsey believes William Saliba should have been allowed to stay on the field at BournemouthCredit: PA More

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      Premier League release statement on why John Stones’ goal for Man City against Wolves was given

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      THE Premier League have released a statement following Manchester City’s controversial winner against Wolves this afternoon.City snatched all three points from Wolves through a last-gasp header from John Stones – with the goal awarded after a lengthy VAR review.Wolves fans felt Jose Sa was impeded by Bernardo Silva when Man City scored their winnerCredit: Sky SportsJohn Stones rose up above the crowd and nodded home a late goalCredit: Sky SportsStones celebrated the late winnerCredit: RexWolves players and fans felt that their goalkeeper Jose Sa was being impeded by Bernardo Silva at the corner kick while the City midfielder was standing in an offside position.The officials seemed to agree and chalked the goal off on-field.However referee Chris Cavanagh was subsequently advised to head to the monitor by VAR Stuart Attwell.After review, Cavanagh awarded the goal and spared Man City from an embarrassing draw to rock bottom of the table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Wolves bench were incensed by the decision with Gary O’Neil getting booked for his protests on the sidelines.While fans online and in the stadium were sent into meltdown.But the Premier League have now released a statement explaining exactly why the decision was made.Via the Premier League Match Centre X page, they wrote: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. “The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Man City & Premier League BOTH claim victory in landmark court case as legal battle continuesBernardo Silva seemed to be some distance away from Sa by the time Stones headed the ball goalward. While the shot-stopper had a clear view over Silva’s head thanks to the significant height different between the pair.However, fans and even pundits seemed to think the goal should have been ruled our after seeing footage that showed Silva back into Sa during the corner routine.Sky Sports pundit and former Man City star Micah Richards said: “The fact of the matter is he’s [Bernardo Silva] still in the keeper’s way so it has affected the play, in my opinion.”Adding: “It’s just that nudge that sends him off balance and Sa can’t get set. So I understand why Wolves would be aggrieved at this particular moment.”City’s 2-1 win will have come as a huge sigh of relief with the Etihad outfit close to failing to take advantage of title rivals Arsenal’s shortcoming yesterday.The Gunners fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Bournemouth after William Saliba was sent off in the first half.Stones was some distance away from Sa by the time Stones got his head on the ballCredit: AFPGary O’Neil was booked for his complaints in the aftermath of the decisionCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I have MAJOR doubts over Arsenal star William Saliba’s red card for three key reasons’, says ex-Premier League referee

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      I HAD major doubts over William Saliba’s red card and would have stayed with referee Rob Jones’ on-field decision of a caution.The Arsenal defender fouled Bournemouth striker Evanilson but was it a clear and obvious error for VAR to intervene?William Saliba was sent off against Bournemouth following a VAR reviewCredit: RexEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey has major doubt over the decisionCredit: AFPIt’s a subjective decision, so I didn’t think VAR Jarred Gillett needed to get involved. For the denial of a goalscoring opportunity, we look at four key criteria.And I had doubts over three of those.The distance between the offence and the goal was lengthy, the general direction of play saw the ball coming across Evanilson and not in front of him and also the location and number of defenders was questionable.The likelihood of him keeping or gaining control of the ball would have probably been in the favour of the Cherries forward because  David Raya was back-pedalling towards his own goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPGMOL chiefs Howard Webb was spotted on TV listening into the VAR comms and that is  normal for him to have access — just like the media broadcasters.There is no way he would have had any input or communication into the Saliba red card.The Frenchman’s dismissal means he is now set to miss a crucial match in the title race for the Gunners.Saliba will serve a one -match ban in the Premier League, ruling him out of next Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe will then be free to return to league action away to Newcastle on November 2.Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, he remains available for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.Arteta is open to allowing Arsenal academy players to take part in first team trainingThe 23-year-old is also free to face Preston in the Carabao Cup later this month ahead of the trip to St. James’ Park.Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth is only the second of his career and his first for almost four years.He was previously dismissed whilst playing for Arsenal’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy back in 2020.Robert Jones upgraded Saliba’s yellow to a red card after an on-field review of the incidentCredit: APSaliba will miss Arsenal’s home match against Liverpool next weekend through suspensionCredit: Getty More

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      Roy Keane’s stunned reaction as he discovers Fifa are trialling bold rule change he suggested

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      ROY KEANE provided a brilliant response when Howard Webb revealed that Fifa are trialling a bold rule change that he suggested.Former Premier League referee Webb, 53, joined Keane and Co for a wide-ranging conversation on officiating.Roy Keane provided a brilliant responseCredit: Stick to FootballHoward Webb discussed a potential rule changeCredit: Stick to FootballKeane’s response had the panel in stitchesCredit: Stick to FootballHaving hung up his whistle in 2014, Webb became the chief refereeing officer for the PGMOL in 2022.In his job, the Yorkshireman has had a hands on role in the implementation of VAR in the Premier League.This week he joined Keane, Gary Neville, Jill Scott, Ian Wright and Wayne Rooney on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.During the conversation, Neville brought up that Keane had recently suggested changing the implementation of technology in officiating to a system in which coaches would receive one challenge per match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if this was something that could be feasible, Webb revealed: “We’ll only really know by seeing it in practice.”Interestingly enough, at the moment is the Under-17 Women’s World Cup, England are playing there, we talked about it earlier Jill, and we’ve just finished the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, the 17s is in Dominican Republic.”They’re using this on trial, so each coach has two challenges a game, it’s called…”At this point, Webb was interrupted as Wright slapped Keane on the arm and joked: “You’re wasted here!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeane, 53, then joked: “I’m wasted here! I should be working for Fifa or something.”Through laughter, Scott quipped: “Can you imagine Roy, head of Fifa?”Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops The former Man Utd skipper then put on a pretend stern face as he replied: “What’s wrong with that Jill? What’s wrong with that?”As Neville howled with laughter, Keane continued: “I’ve worked at the highest level, I’ve played at the highest level… I’m sitting here eating chocolate.”Webb went on to boldly claim that there have only been two VAR errors so far this season, a significant reduction on the number recorded at this time a year ago.He said: “I don’t think we managed expectations well in terms of VAR. We knew it was always going to be a situation where it was going to do well on those clear situations, the ones where you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.”We have this independent panel which has got ex-players on it, and they judge each decision each week, and according to the panel there has only been two VAR errors this season compared to 10 at the same time last year.”We’ve been better at hitting the mark but that can change and we’re not going to get complacent, but it’s been better. For me, the biggest thing of all is that it’s been quicker.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The average delay last season through VAR was 70 seconds per game and this year it’s 25 seconds.”I said to the guys, ‘Don’t ponder for too long, if you see a situation that jumps off the screen then get involved, but if you’re having to think about it too much then just say check complete because we’ll leave it with the referee on the field’. That’s why the term, ‘Referee’s call’ is useful.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Premier League claims VAR has IMPROVED with just two mistakes since start of season

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      REFS’ chief Howard Webb believes Prem whistlers HAVE got better this season — and he has stats to prove it.The first two months of this campaign have seen more moans and even allegations of bias from fans and managers.The Premier League has claimed VAR and refereeing has improved this seasonCredit: AlamyRefereeing chief Howard Webb told the Stick to Football podcast what has changedCredit: YouTubeSo far, there have been 15 on-field decisions overturned by VAR — the same number as at this stage last term.But only five of those have seen refs’ rulings changed, compared to nine after the first 70 games in 2023-24.Part of that is a switch to “referee’s call”, meaning there must be clear evidence of a mistake for VAR to intervene.Yet Webb also pointed to the verdicts of the Prem’s Key Match Incidents panel of former players, managers and referees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe PGMOL boss told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “We didn’t manage expectations well over VAR. “It was always going to be [the case that] it did well on situations when you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.“We have this panel now with ex-players on it and they judge each decision each week.“According to the panel, there have only been two VAR errors this season, compared to ten at the same time last year. We’re not complacent but it’s better.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThose errors were disallowing Dango Ouattara’s “winner” for Bournemouth against Newcastle for a handball — and Bruno Fernandes’ red against Spurs.SunSport analysis shows VAR has had little impact on the table. We looked at the “result” of every match if the original call, before VAR intervention, stood.Gary Lineker makes bold prediction on Match of the Day that his ‘good idea’ to fix VAR will eventually come inThe only big change sees Bournemouth go up to sixth from 13th. Newcastle, Brighton and Fulham would have two fewer points, while Wolves while Wolves move off the bottom on goals scored.Dango Ouattara saw his goal wrongfully ruled out against NewcastleCredit: YouTube/Sky Sports Premier LeagueBruno Fernandes was incorrectly dismissed against SpursCredit: Reuters More