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      ‘Genuinely what’s the point of VAR?’ – Fans fume as ‘unbelievable’ audio reveals why ref changed mind on Duran red card

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      FOOTBALL fans have been left scratching their heads once again after the audio was released for the VAR decision to send off Jhon Duran against Newcastle.Duran was dismissed during the Magpies’ 3-0 win over Villa on Boxing Day following an incident that saw his studs scrape up the back of Fabian Schar.Jhon Duran was sent off against Newcastle on boxing dayCredit: ReutersDuran was deemed to have deliberately stood on Fabian Schar’s backCredit: GettyDuran was left fuming with the decisionCredit: GettyThe officials’ audio of the incident has now been releasedCredit: Sky SportsThe Villa striker was deemed to have deliberately stood on Schar’s back and was shown a straight red card by referee Anthony Taylor at the time.But the decision left Villa manager Unai Emery seething, he said: “Three matches for this red card is hard to accept. There was no action with the intention to kick him.”.Aston Villa later had an appeal against the decision rejected, meaning Duran’s three-game ban remained in place.And the reasons behind the decision not being overturned have now been revealed on ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ after the audio from the incident was shown.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing Duran’s fall to the ground, both the fourth official and assistant referee appear to tell Anthony Taylor that they believe it was accidental.Fourth official Leigh Doughty can be heard saying: “It looks accidental from here”. While one of the assistant refs claims the incident is “reckless” and not dangerous, suggesting Duran should be cautioned and not sent off.He said: “So Duran steps on the back. For me, it’s a reckless act rather than anything more. He’s sort of trying to stop and then lands in the wrong place. So Duran, caution.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Anthony Taylor makes his own decision instead of taking the advice of his colleagues, citing Fabian Schar “holding somewhere else” on his body as the reason to show red. Taylor can he heard saying: “Hang on, he [Schar] is holding somewhere else here [on his body]. I’m going red card”.Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran rages as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair Fans have been left confused and frustrated that Taylor seemed to change his decision based on where Schar had been stamped on.On social media, one fan wrote: “That Duran red card audio is UNBELIEVABLE, genuinely what’s the point of VAR?? Tedious.”While another added: “Something is so wrong with this system”.A third fumed: “Absolutely shocking”.And a fourth posted: “Decides to send him off because of where Schar is holding. Laughable”.PGMOL chief Howard Webb was on hand during ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ to explain why the decision didn’t change and why Villa’s appeal wasn’t overturned.The retired referee explained that Taylor had the best view of the incident and so was best placed to make the decision on it being a red card, going on to add that there wasn’t enough evidence to prove his decision was incorrect to overturn it.He said: “You can hear on the comms a range of opinions. The fourth official makes a comment based on what he’s seen, the assistant referee suggests it might be a yellow card. “But the best placed match official by a long way is the referee, who is right behind the situation.”Adding:”It’s always hard to read players’ minds, you have to judge the actions that we see, the physical evidence to make our judgements. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And in this situation, the referee saw the action, felt it was a red card offence.”And the VAR saw the movement of that leg onto the back of Schar and didn’t feel that the on-field referee’s call was obviously wrong – he probably agreed with it – and it stayed as an on-field call as a red card.”Howard Webb has explained why the decision stood More

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      Michael Owen argues back as Howard Webb reveals VAR took SEVEN SECONDS to decide Brighton penalty vs Arsenal

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      VAR took just seven seconds to check Brighton’s controversial penalty against Arsenal.The Gunners dropped two points in the title race at the Amex last weekend after William Saliba was deemed to have made head contact with Joao Pedro when going for a header in the box.Howard Webb explained why Brighton were awarded a penaltyWilliam Saliba made contact on Joao Pedro using his headBoss Mikel Arteta was seething at full time, revealing he had never seen anything like that in his entire career and claimed the VAR official Darren England took just seconds to confirm Anthony Taylor’s decision.And the Spaniard was proven right, but PGMOL chief Howard Webb insists ref Taylor made the right call, despite replays showing Saliba’s head glancing the ball.In the released transcript, England can be heard saying during his check: “Clear. Clear penalty. Head on head.”And Webb explaned: “It’s unusual. Saliba doesn’t head it. Saliba has the ball flicked onto his head and then he goes into the head of Pedro. He gets there late on Pedro, who goes down.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“It’s a late contact by someone who hasn’t played the ball himself. The ball has touched him, but he’s not played it.“When you break it down in that way, it’s a foul.”If he heads the ball first at that loose ball and there’s a collision, I have no issue with that and then there’s a collision. That’s not what happened.”Discussing the incident with Webb, Michael Owen pushed back on TV show Match Officials Mic’d Up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “If he touches the ball it has to make a difference. If he doesn’t touch the ball it’s definitely a penalty.”He gets a fair chunk of the ball.”Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 yearsArsenal skipper Martin Odegaard said: “None of us have seen many penalties given for situations like that before.“There is a small contact on the head there, but William touches the ball too, so it’s a weird one.” More

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      Who is Arsenal vs Newcastle referee John Brooks and how will in-stadium VAR announcements work?

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      ARSENAL welcome Premier League rivals Newcastle United to the Emirates for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final TONIGHT.The Gunners will be looking to go into February’s return leg in the North East with a healthy advantage.Arsenal and Newcastle go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: GettyBut the Magpies arrive in the capital on a superb run of form after six straight wins in all competitions.Toon boss Eddie Howe will know the huge opportunity his side has to end Newcastle’s near 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy this season.Mikel Arteta will see the competition as an opportunity to add to his slim trophy cabinet from his Arsenal tenure.The Gunners have been one of the best teams in Europe under the Spaniard, but they have won just the 2020 FA Cup since he arrived in North London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHistory will be made during tonight’s blockbuster Carabao Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Newcastle, with VAR trialling in-stadium announcements this evening.How will in-stadium VAR announcements work?VAR has not been in use for any Carabao Cup matches this season.However, it will feature in this week’s semi-finals – and for the first time in the English domestic game, in-stadium VAR announcements will be trialled.This means the crowd inside the stadium and fans watching at home on the TV will be able to hear referees announce final decisions after they have been advised to go to the pitchside monitor.Most read in FootballThat said, it will not be the case for decisions made not using the monitor.A referee announcing decisions to the crowd isn’t totally new to the world of football, as it was trialled at the Women’s World Cup in 2023.But it has never been in operation during an English football match until this week.A statement from the PGMOL, the referees’ body, said: “Referees will announce the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor or upon the conclusion of factual matters, such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside offences where the attacker touches the ball.”The referee who will take charge of the historic match at the Emirates is John Brooks.Who is referee John Brooks?John Brooks will referee tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Arsenal and Newcastle.Brooks is a football referee from the UK, who has risen up the ranks at a relatively young age.He was born in 1990, and is from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.Brooks began refereeing in 2004, and the majority of matches he has officiated in his career have been in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe officiated his first Premier League game in December 2021, with Brooks in charge of Wolves vs Burnley at Molineux.He has been in charge of 54 top-flight games, with nine coming this season. More

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      Man Utd fans demand PGMOL explanation as Ait-Nouri handball NOT given barely 24 hours after De Ligt penalty decision

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      MAN UTD fans have demanded an explanation from the PGMOL after Nottingham Forest were denied a penalty against Wolves.Ola Aina’s cross hit Molineux left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri’s arm in the box just 24 hours after Matthijs de Ligt was penalised on Sunday.Ola Aina’s cross hit Rayan Ait-Nouri’s arm in the boxRef Peter Bankes waved on before VAR confirmed his decisionIt came just 24 hours after Matthijs de Ligt conceded a penalty against Liverpool for an outstretched armForest went into the break 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood.But the scoreline could have been even greater had Nuno Espirito Santo’s side been awarded a penalty for a handball by Ait-Nouri.The Algeria international’s arm appeared to be outstretched in the area as the ball struck it in the 33rd minute.It looks as though the 23-year-old attempted to pull it back in at the same time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDVAR decided not to send referee Peter Bankes to the monitor and no penalty was awarded.The Premier League Match Centre posted on X: “The referee’s call was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his arm was in a natural position.”Yet a penalty decision in United’s 2-2 draw at Anfield caused an equal amount of controversy as Liverpool were awarded a spot-kick after the ball bounced off De Ligt’s arm in the 68th minute.The incident was missed by ref Michael Oliver in real-time but he later overturned his decision after being sent to the monitor by VAR Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAndre Onana dived left and almost stopped Mohamed Salah’s spot-kick but the Egyptian’s effort had too much power.The PGMOL reviewed the two incidents differently despite Cody Gakpo being mere metres away from De Ligt, who blocked his Dutch team-mate’s header from travelling towards Onana.The match centre posted on X on Sunday: “VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by De Ligt, deeming that his arm was raised in an unnatural position.”But United fans have pointed to the similarities between the two incidents as both players had their arms extended.Youtuber Mark Goldbridge led the charge with: “Can the PGMOL explain why De Ligt’s handball is a penalty yesterday but Ait-Nouri’s handball isn’t one? De Ligt was far closer to the ball!”Another fan wrote: “What is the difference between the Wolves one and De Ligt one yesterday?”While beloved footie presenter Jeff Stelling had an even stronger assessment.The former Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host wrote: “One of the worst decisions I have seen all season!”A fourth said: “How on earth has VAR ruled out that Ait Nouri handball??”One more fumed: “Where is the consistency? None of us even understand the handball rule anymore 😡.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe decision on Monday didn’t affect Forest too much as Wood doubled their lead 11 minutes later.Nuno went on to beat his former side 3-0 to go level with Arsenal in second, who are also six points behind Prem leaders Liverpool.Man Utd player ratings vs Liverpool By Gary Stonehouse Andre Onana – 7Saved well from Alexis Mac Allister early on and looked strong on set-pieces – could do nothing about either goal and almost stopped Mo Salah’s penalty.Another two saves right at the death helped his men earn a point.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Strong performance to help frustrate Liverpool and produced important interceptions and tackles to clear danger.Matthijs de Ligt – 7The Dutchman was another impressive member of the back three and seemed on a mission not to leave Anfield without a share of the spoils.Harry Maguire – 7Marshalled the defence well and won several big tackles and clearances.Had his day spoiled by a yellow card for what looked to a be another great challenge and then blazed over right at the death.Lisandro Martinez – 7Excellent alongside the rest of the back three and finished his strike like a seasoned striker.Diogo Dalot – 7Played on the front foot and was an attacking threat throughout but landed himself a booking for a needless and blatant foul on Mo Salah.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Great defensive and compact display as he got the better of his England rival Curtis Jones in front of Thomas Tuchel.Was only taken off after United fell behind as his manager went more offensive. Manuel Ugarte – 6Just got caught out of position and was punished for Cody Gakpo’s goal, which marred an otherwise hard-fought and disciplined display.Amad Diallo – 7Turning into a man capable of producing big moments after another crucial strike. Had messed up twice in two earlier attacks but took his goal superbly.Bruno Fernandes – 8The skipper was on top form for the Red Devils both defensively and with the ball. Led his team well and fully deserved at least a point.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Came underfire for slack marking from Fernandes early doors then blew a big chance after beating the offside trap – a chance you NEED to take at Anfield.Struggled to make much of an impact with the ball. More

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      ‘This is RIDICULOUS’ – Ian Wright in meltdown over ‘worst officials in Europe’ after Arsenal’s draw with Brighton

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      IAN WRIGHT fumed that Prem refs are the “worst in Europe” after Brighton were awarded a controversial penalty against Arsenal.William Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao Pedro after he mistimed a header and caught the Seagulls striker.Ian Wright slammed the penalty decisionCredit: ReutersWilliam Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao PedroThe Arsenal defender avoided a red card with VAR sticking by referee Anthony Taylor’s decision.But Wright disagreed with the decision to award a penalty and fumed that it was given.He said on Optus Sport: “I don’t know what to believe anymore. This is ridiculous. We have the worst officials in Europe.”Mikel Arteta was equally as bemused as he made his feelings clear post-match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Sky Sports: “I have never seen something like this in my life.”I am really disappointed. He touches the ball as well!”Fans argued over whether the correct decision was made as the Premier League released a statement on the incident.It read: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe decision proved crucial as Pedro converted the penalty to equalise, with the match ending 1-1.The Gunners dropped yet more points in the title race and are now five points behind Liverpool having played two games more.Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 years More

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      Premier League release statement on Brighton’s penalty against Arsenal after VAR check on William Saliba challenge

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a statement on the decision to award Brighton a penalty after William Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro.Saliba made contact on the Brighton striker using his head but avoided a red card.William Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao PedroVAR confirmed referee Anthony Taylor’s callCredit: ReutersReferee Anthony Taylor did deem the challenge to be a foul however so awarded the Seagulls a penalty, which Pedro converted.VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the ref’s decision to award a spot kick.The Premier League match centre have since clarified the incident, confirming the decision made by the ref and VAR.It wrote on X: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”READ MORE ON ARSENALFans were split on the incident with one Arsenal fan arguing it should have not been a penalty.They wrote: “In what world is this a penalty against Saliba????”A fan hit back, saying: “100 per cent pen. If you go to kick the ball and catch the player late it’s a foul, no different with head! It’s a late foul!”Another added: “Clear penalty!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a third wrote: “It’s a clear penalty. You can see clearly the tackle stopped Pedro from advancing forward.”Ethan Nwaneri had put Arsenal in front in the first half but they were unable to find another after Pedro’s equaliser, with the match finishing 1-1.Amazon Prime Video presenter and John Legend give fans ‘second hand embarrassment’ after Arsenal’s win over IpswichArsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More

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      Aston Villa star Jhon Duran facing extended ban that will leave Unai Emery seething after red card versus Newcastle

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      ASTON VILLA star Jhon Duran has been charged by the FA for acting in an “improper manner” after he was red-carded against Newcastle on Boxing Day.The Colombian striker was controversially sent off by referee Anthony Taylor for allegedly stamping on Fabian Schar during the 3-0 defeat.Jhon Duran was sent off for appearing to stamp on Fabian ScharCredit: GettyThe incident occurred in Villa’s 3-0 loss to NewcastleCredit: ReutersDuran was sent off despite a VAR checkCredit: ReutersThe striker has been charged with misconduct for his reaction to the red cardCredit: GettyVilla appealed Duran’s three-match ban but their pleas fell on deaf ears at the FA.And now chiefs have added insult to injury by slapping the 21-year-old with a further misconduct charge for his reaction to the dismissal.Duran was so incensed by the red card that he remonstrated with the fourth official on the touchline and kicked a water bottle away.Duran served the first match of his ban last night when he missed Villa’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now the striker could face a further ban for his angry reaction.The FA has given him until Friday to respond to the charge.Duran is already certain to miss Saturday’s home game against Leicester and the FA Cup third round clash with West Ham.Writing in the match programme ahead of the Brighton game, Emery said: “Referees are not using enough and correctly the VAR.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The VAR came to help us avoid injustice or mistakes, and to protect whatever it takes for the on-field decisions to be delivered – right or wrong – by the referee.”If we start to use VAR in a political way, we are forgetting that the video tool is here to protect the game and the fairness of the competition.Aiden McGeady on ‘f— you’ message from Unai Emery”VAR is not a tool to protect or to be under any ego, any system or any individual. “VAR cannot be overused to break the spirit of the game but if it is existing and available, VAR neither must be underused on purpose and let big mistakes happen without using all the tools correctly.”Those comments could land Emery in hot water as well, with FA chiefs having to determine if he crossed the threshold between having an opinion on the operation of the system or a direct criticism of the integrity of the officials involved.Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany also slammed the Duran sending off, saying: “The most damaged here is not Villa, it is the credibility of the ones that made this decision.“We are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all these unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentlemen.”Unai Emery slammed VAR after Duran’s red cardCredit: Reuters More

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      Major VAR change for Carabao Cup semi-finals that’s never been seen before in English football

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      FIFA-style in-stadium referee VAR explanations will be used for the first time in England for the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Until now, while Prem clubs do give more information over decisions changed after VAR intervention over their giant screens, refs have not been heard.Referees will explain decisions after going to the monitorCredit: GettyBut after the game’s Lawmakers Ifab signalled a confirmation that in-stadium announcements will be allowed worldwide from the start of next season, EFL bosses have agreed with PGMOL to trial the new system in the remaining matches in competition.That does not mean a full explanation of decisions by referees and will only apply when the on-field call is altered after a VAR intervention – whether a “factual” call by Stockley Park or after a visit to the pitchside monitor on a “subjective” decision.If a change is confirmed, the referee will be able to announce in simple terms such as “attacking player No 14 was offside, no goal” or “handball by defender No 17, penalty kick” to let the crowd know the basic reason for the new decision.VAR has not been used in this season’s Carabao Cup so far – meaning Manchester United’s complaints about a “foul” by Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall on keeper Altay Bayindir after Son Heung-min’s late corner ended up in their net were to no avail.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it was always intended that it would be brought in for the two-legged semi-finals and the Wembley final on March 16.The new approach will first be available for Arsenal’s game with Newcastle on January 7 and then at Tottenham the next day when they face Liverpool.Ahead of the trial being launched, PGMOL bosses have included practice announcement procedures at training camps and also inside top flight grounds.PGMOL say the move – likely to be extended to the Prem next season if it is deemed a success – is part of a “broader commitment to transparency including providing greater clarity and understanding around key decisions”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTottenham defeated Man Utd 4-3 in a dramatic quarter-final to book their place in the last four.A much-changed Liverpool side, meanwhile, won 2-1 at Southampton.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 3-2 courtesy of Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick.And Newcastle overcame Brentford 3-1 at St James’ Park. More