VAR

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Edinson Cavani slams VAR for ‘taking away charm of football’ as Man Utd star claims game ‘is becoming a slog for us’

      by

      EDINSON CAVANI has launched a scathing double attack on VAR and the failed Super League project.The Manchester United striker recently extended his contract after a successful first season at Old Trafford.
      Edinson Cavani has blasted VAR for ruining footballCredit: AFP
      But Cavani, 34, has now aimed a swipe at United’s owners, the Glazer family, for their plans to sign the Red Devils up for the Super League.
      The project rapidly collapsed last month amid near-universal condemnation.
      Uruguay international Cavani hit out in an interview with South American outlet DosDePunta: “When the Super League came around I told myself: ‘That can’t be possible – if it happens, what can we expect next?’
      “I don’t share its ideas at all. I am not in agreement with it.
      “You mustn’t deprive more modest teams the chance of playing in the Champions League.
      “Or stop average clubs from dreaming of competing with the bigger ones, and having a place among the elite.
      “You can’t deny fans of these clubs the chance to have this experience.”
      Cavani has been denied by VAR decisions, notably having a goal ruled out in United’s 3-1 win at Tottenham last month.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      He rapped: “VAR takes away the charm and the essence of football.
      “You don’t know why a referee awards a penalty against you or rules you offside – or even how it works.
      “It is difficult. You score a goal and then have to wait two minutes before you can celebrate.
      “Or, even worse, you celebrate then they tell you it has been ruled out because your fingernail or your hair was in an offside position.
      “Or else because one of your team-mates committed a minor foul that nobody noticed – 14 passes before you put the ball in the net.
      “Us players don’t count when things like this are brought in. It’s a case of ‘Play and keep your mouth shut – you earn lots of money.’
      “Football is becoming a slog for us, even if there is some passion as well.
      “You need to keep a cool head to put up with this routine for a long time.”
      Former Paris Saint-Germain star Cavani has scored 15 goals in 37 United games this season, helping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side reach the Europa League final.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Solskjaer says he’s disappointed after Man Utd’s loss to Liverpool More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid’s goal against Chelsea should NOT have counted, says referee expert after Casemiro ‘foul’ on Azpilicueta

      by

      REAL MADRID were fortunate to snatch an equaliser against Chelsea, according to one ex-referee who spotted a possible foul in the build-up.Karim Benzema expertly slammed the ball home during Tuesday night’s Champions League semi-final first leg.
      Casemiro beat Cesar Azpilicueta to the jump – but has been accused of committing a foulCredit: Rex
      Karim Benzema slammed home the resultant knockdown for the levellerCredit: Getty
      But some onlookers felt the short corner routine that brought about the leveller featured a foul.
      Marcelo’s cross was headed back across goal by Casemiro, who had beaten Cesar Azpilicueta in the air.
      Eder Militao then flicked it on for Benzema to swivel and smash past Edouard Mendy.
      It was Casemiro’s clash with Azpilicueta that was debated, most notably by Spanish former referee Andujar Oliver.
      The 72-year-old, who officiated for 23 years and made his LaLiga debut in 1980, felt the Brazilian had illegally jumped against the Chelsea defender.
      He told Marca: “Casemiro commits a foul on Azpilicueta before Militao heads to Benzema, who scores.”
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
      THUNDEROUS FINISH! ⚡️Benzema smashes the ball home on the turn and volley. Such a clinical strike! Against the run of play Real Madrid are level… pic.twitter.com/byfE5d9wt6— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 27, 2021

      Neither referee Danny Makkelie or VAR called the 29-year-old midfielder up, perhaps taking the opinion that he had simply out-jumped Azpilicueta.
      The goal also came against the run of play after a confident start from Chelsea at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.
      Following a bad Timo Werner miss, Christian Pulisic danced his way through the Madrid defence to score the opener.
      And while the away-goal draw puts the Blues in a good position for next week’s return leg, coach Thomas Tuchel was left wanting more.

      He said: “I think we started the game very, very well and very aggressive with a lot of courage and a lot of quality.
      “We deserved to win the first-half, for me. We had a lot of chances, we had a lot of half chances where we missed precision in the last ball to have more opportunities to score.
      “Unfortunately, they scored from a set-piece. There was nothing else normally to defend for us, we did not allow any chances so it was a bit of a disappointing result at half-time.”
      Tuchel also confirmed his reason for substituting Azpilicueta, 31, shortly after the hour-mark was the full-back appearing ‘very tired’.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel reflects on Chelsea’s first leg draw with Real Madrid More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham win appeal over Fabian Balbuena’s ludicrous VAR red card for kicking the BALL

      by

      WEST HAM have won their appeal over Fabian Balbuena’s red card against Chelsea.The Paraguayan defender, 29, was shown a straight red card in the 81st minute after catching Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell while clearing the ball during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat.
      West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena has had his red card against Chelsea overturnedCredit: EPA
      The game was brought to a halt as the England left-back writhed on the ground in agony after feeling the full force of Balbuena’s studs on his calf.
      VAR official Michael Oliver then took a second look at the incident before telling referee Chris Kavanagh to make a decision using the pitchside monitor.
      Despite the replay showing Balbuena did not intend to make contact with Chilwell, Kavanagh jogged back to the pitch before producing a red card.
      A club statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that Fabian Balbuena’s red card in Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea has been overturned on appeal. 
      “The defender will now be eligible for the Hammers’ trip to Burnley on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3. 
      “On Saturday, Balbuena was sent-off with nine minutes of the match remaining, after making contact with the Blues’ Ben Chilwell in his follow-through from a clearance.  
      “Referee Chris Kavanagh was asked to look at the incident on the pitchside monitor by VAR official Peter Bankes and decreed that the No 4’s actions constituted serious foul play. 
      “The appeal against Balbuena’s red card was reviewed by an independent regulatory commission on Tuesday at the Football Association and, following this process, the defender’s suspension has been rescinded and lifted with immediate effect.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Balbuena was sent off by Chris Kavanagh and VAR after his clearance made contact with Ben ChilwellCredit: Rex
      David Moyes blasted the decision at the time, saying: “I think it’s a decision made by somebody who has never played the game.
      “I don’t know where Fabio Balbuena is supposed to plant his foot.
      “If they do think that, then you’ll look at the one a few minutes later which was the same with Coufal and Rudiger.
      “It was a very similar challenge but they never did anything about it, so is there a consistent message to both of them?

      “I don’t see how it’s a red card. He’s kicked through the ball, I don’t think for one minutes there’s a bit of malice in that trying to catch him.
      “I thought it was a rubbish decision.
      “But we’ll go again, we’re in a decent position, there’s games to play and hopefully we are right in the mix for some form of European football right to the end and I’ll keep trying to push to make the Champions League if we can.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      David Moyes says the red card in West Ham’s game against Chelsea was a rank and rotten decision More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Prem ref Martin Atkinson reveals ex-Arsenal star Tomas Rosicky was his favourite player to deal with

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Martin Atkinson revealed Tomas Rosicky was his favourite player to deal with – after the former Arsenal star invited him to ref his testimonial in the Czech Republic. And Atkinson said Alan Stubbs was the toughest player he has officiated, with the Everton hard man “scaring me to death”. 
      Atkinson is a big fan of the former Arsenal favourite after the former midfielder invited him to ref his testimonialCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Speaking at a Q&A in aid of North East mental health charity If U Care Share, the Prem whistler was asked who he enjoyed reffing most. 
      Rosicky arrived in North London from Borussia Dortmund in 2006. 
      His 10 year spell with the Gunners was hampered by a series of long-term injuries but he won two FA Cups before leaving for Sparta Prague in 2016 and retiring the next year aged 37.
      And Leeds-fan Atkinson, 50, said: “I’ve been lucky that I’ve got on with the vast majority of players but one that stands out is Tomas Rosicky.
      “I always got on really well with him. We just pleasantly got on, not best mates or owt like that but he was always really respectful. 
      “And when he left Arsenal, when he retired eventually, an unknown email came through and it was from Sparta Prague asking if I will go out and referee his retirement game. 
      “You just never expect that and it was just a nice thing.” 
      Atkinson, a former police officer, made his top-flight bow in the 2004/05 season.  
      And he named burly scottish centre back Stubbs as the toughest player to try and keep under control. 

      Asked who he least enjoyed reffing, Atkinson said: “Alan Stubbs at Everton. 
      “He would kick anything that moved, was hard as nails and scared me to death when I first got on. 
      “He was just so tough to referee that it was, like, impossible. I learned a lot from that – you learn how to manage players.”
      No-nonsense Everton defender making a beeline for Atkinson in 2007Credit: Alamy More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Leeds captain Liam Cooper sent off for high tackle on Man City’s Gabriel Jesus as fans fume at overturned decision

      by

      LEEDS fans were left incensed by Andre Marriner’s decision to send off Liam Cooper during their stunning victory over Manchester City.Their skipper was dismissed for a high challenge on Gabriel Jesus, having initially been booked before VAR upgraded the punishment.
      Cooper catches Gabriel Jesus’ right kneeCredit: BT Sport
      Referee Marriner initially books the 29-year-old but is advised by VAR to have a second lookCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Cooper receives a red cardCredit: Getty
      With the West Yorkshire side winning 1-0 just before half-time, Cooper was shown a yellow card for fouling Jesus.
      The defender did get the ball but was reckless, catching the Brazilian’s right knee with his studs.
      Referee Marriner initially awarded a yellow card for the challenge but was informed by the VAR official to have a second look.
      Having watched the slowed-down footage, Marriner upgraded Cooper’s punishment to a red card.

      Leeds’ hopes of a shock win against the champions-elect appeared to have gone in the 75th minute when Ferran Torres equalised.
      But a 91st minute strike from Stuart Dallas, who scored the opener just moments before Cooper was sent off, secured all three points for the ten men.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Thats a harsh yellow as its a cracking tackle but a red WTF!— Greg Paterson (@GP) April 10, 2021

      That’s 100% a red card. He’s off the ground.— DM (@DavidMeyler) April 10, 2021

      Cooper’s dismissal had left Leeds fans fuming on social media, with many claiming he got the ball.
      One wrote on Twitter: “Complete and utter joke the state of decisions in this league!”
      Another wrote: “Absolute travesty. This isn’t football anymore.”
      But others have backed the decision, with one tweeting: “That is so obviously a red card. Ridiculously high, very late.”

      Marriner’s verdict was also supported by both Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott, BT Sport’s pundits for the game.
      Ferdinand, who played for Leeds between 2000 and 2002, said: “When you come off your feet like that, it [a red card] is the letter of the law… it’s a bad tackle.”
      Former City defender Lescott added: “He got a piece of the ball, but there’s no need to tackle like that. It’s a bad tackle and the right decision.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Leeds ace Illan Meslier saves the ball every time as he shows off his skills in training More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Mike Dean set to make retirement U-turn and carry on refereeing in Premier League next season after fan return

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE stars are set to face up to referee Mike Dean for another season amid reports he will delay his retirement.The 52-year-old is approaching the end of his 21st season in the top-flight, in a career that has seen him become one of the most recognisable officials in the country.
      Mike Dean is set to stick around for another year in the Premier LeagueCredit: Ian Hodgson – Daily Mail
      According to The Athletic, Dean is preparing to continue as the man in the middle next season.
      Many had thought he would call it a day and settle into a retirement of watching his beloved Tranmere.
      But the return of fans next season could see him given something of a warm send-off from the stands.
      Dean started out in the Northern Premier League before moving up the divisions and reaching the top-tier in September 2000.
      His first Premier League game in charge saw the Wirral-born ref make a typically decisive call, refusing to award Southampton a late penalty in their 1-0 defeat to Leicester.
      Selected for Fifa’s international list in 2003, he took charge of European Championship qualifiers and the 2008 FA Cup final.
      Mike Dean has hit headlines from the stands too, showing his love for Tranmere Rovers
      Fans have often noted the more theatrical aspects of Dean’s performances including an apparent celebration of a Tottenham goal against Aston Villa in 2015.
      He would later explain that he was particularly pleased with an advantage awarded in the build-up to the goal.
      More recently, the veteran official has become one of the countless subjects of online abuse.
      Following controversial decisions to send off Southampton’s Jan Bednarek and West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, having reviewed the incidents on VAR, he was the target of horrific threats.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

      Dean took a short break from the game and returned last month to make a typically gusty call in West Brom’s draw with Burnley.
      Writing for SunSport following the episode, Watford star Troy Deeney insisted players prefer his approach to officiating.
      The striker said: “When Dean is in charge of a match, what strikes you is how much he enjoys the game.
      “He is a proper football fan, supporting Tranmere Rovers, who is living the dream in the Premier League. He’s a good ref too, with 20 years of experience handling top matches and top players.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Mark Halsey says VAR needs to improve after ref Mike Dean receives death threats after West Ham game More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Referee who denied Cristiano Ronaldo goal vs Serbia ’embarrassed’ and ‘apologised’ to Portugal manager for huge blunder

      by

      THE referee who denied Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury-time goal against Serbia admitted he was ’embarrassed’ and ‘apologised’ for his blunder.Ronaldo, 36, was left furious with Danny Makkelie and his Dutch team of officials when he failed to allow the clear winner.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was living with the officials after his winning ‘goal’ was not givenCredit: EPA
      Fernando Santos made his feelings clear to Danny Makkelie who later apologisedCredit: AP
      The Juventus forward tucked home under the goalkeeper and the ball clearly rolled over the line before Serb skipper Stefan Mitrovic hooked it away – and then saved the rebound.
      But with no goal-line technology, the goal did not stand.
      Ronaldo let rip at the assistant who did not flag – and was duly booked – but Portugal were left to settle for a 2-2 draw in their World Cup qualifier in Belgrade.
      And Fernando Santos, manager of the reigning European champs, revealed Makkelie recognised his costly gaffe.
      He told RTP: “We scored a goal that was not given when the ball went in. In a match of this level, that isn’t possible.
      “The referee apologised to me in the booth and told me he was embarrassed. I was in the dressing room with him and apologised to me.
      “He had told me on the pitch that he was going to see the images and that if it was the case he was calling me to apologise – and so it was.
      “I told him on the pitch that there was no VAR or goal-line technology – one of the things he told me was that the goal line was important – but I told him that the ball was half a metre inside the goal.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Replays showed the ball clearly crossed the line
      Cristiano Ronaldo is FUMING! 😡Portugal’s captain stormed off the pitch and threw his armband on the floor after he was denied a last-minute winner against Serbia…😳pic.twitter.com/BlwK9Dlque— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 28, 2021

      “There was no obstacle between the goalkeeper and the goal line. [It is a] problem because we drew. We have to rethink.
      “The referees are human and make mistakes, but that’s why there is the VAR and the goal-line technology to avoid this.”
      With the full-time whistle coming seconds later, Ronaldo ripped off his armband and launched it to the floor then stormed down the tunnel.
      The skipper posted a picture of the Portuguese team, for whom Diogo Jota scored twice, on Instagram with the caption: “Being captain of the Portugal team is one of the greatest privileges of my life.
      “I always give and will give everything for my country, that will never change.
      “But there are difficult times to deal with, especially when we feel that an entire nation is being harmed.
      “Lift your head and face the next challenge now! Strength, Portugal.”
      Ronaldo threw his captain’s armband to the ground in angerCredit: EPA
      Portugal’s players continued their protests after the full-time whistleCredit: AP
      Ronaldo was booked for berating the assistant referee who failed to flag for the goalCredit: Getty
      He was convinced he had done enough to secure an injury-time winner in BelgradeCredit: Getty

      Cristiano Ronaldo makes his thoughts very clear after being denied a late winner against Serbia More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Refs’ chief Riley promises Prem clubs VAR will be ‘changed and improved’ next season after campaign of controversy

      by

      REFS’ chief Mike Riley has promised Prem clubs that VAR will be “changed and improved” for next season.And Riley’s officials have agreed to undergo extra coaching and training in the summer to ensure VAR is more fit for purpose.
      Mike Riley has promised that VAR will be changed and improved next seasonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The vow by Riley came after Prem chiefs asked all clubs, including managers, and captains, for their feedback on how VAR has worked over the past two seasons.
      Clubs were sent video clips of controversial incidents from this season in a bid to get an understanding of how the top flight wants VAR to work.
      Crunch calls included the mistaken decision not to send off Everton’s Jordan Pickford for the late lunge that ended Virgil Van Dijk’s season in the Merseyside derby.
      VAR was criticised for the apparent inconsistency that saw Arsenal awarded a penalty in the North London derby but Liverpool keeper Alisson not penalised for a similar contact with Wolves’ Nelson Semedo the following day.
      There was also the remarkable decision not to award Manchester City’s Phil Foden a penalty when he was clearly tripped by Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy, with it later emerging the VAR match commander had intervened.
      It is hoped that the responses of the clubs will allow referee chiefs at PGMOL to apply the Laws more consistently from next term.
      Prem chiefs believe that making VAR work in a way that fits the game’s expectations of where and when officials should intervene will help bring about a change in perception of how the video system works.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
      VAR has been a controversial subject throughout the Premier League seasonCredit: Reuters
      It is unlikely that there will be any changes to offside, however, as the International FA Board has insisted that ideas such as “wider lines” allowing “leeway” for attackers is not compatible with the Laws.
      In order to ensure all clubs have their views heard, the deadline for submissions was extended until Wednesday.
      That meant that a full discussion of the findings was put off until the next club meeting, which will be before the end of June.

      But clubs were told at the latest “shareholder” meeting Riley was planning to present an “action plan” which would outline “changes and improvements” that could be brought in from the start of next term.
      And that vow will be boosted by the pledge that all top flight officials and VAR teams will take the extra coaching and training during the summer.
      So far this season there have been 99 on-field decisions overturned by VAR, with 30 “goals” disallowed and 22 penalties awarded after intervention from Stockley Park.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Scott Parker says the game is becoming sterile as VAR kills football More