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      Watch controversial offside as Jordan Henderson claims VAR ‘bend lines’ after late winner scratched off for Liverpool

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      JORDAN Henderson had a late winner chalked off in one of the most controversial decisions by VAR so far during a frenetic Merseyside derby.
      After the game the Reds skipper even suggested that video referees sometimes “bend the lines”.

      This Jordan Henderson goal didn’t count in the end after a controversial offside call…But the no-look pass from Thiago to Mané deserved some love 👏 pic.twitter.com/b1kQaf4E9Q
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 17, 2020

      4

      Mane was judged to be offside by the VAR in the build-up to what appeared to be Liverpool’s winner at Goodison Park

      It looked like the Liverpool captain had won it stoppage time after his low shot snuck past the desperate hands of Jordan Pickford with the game at 2-2.
      But before the celebrations had even ended, the video assistant referee David Coote was looking at the positioning of Sadio Mane for the goal.
      Replays seen with the naked eye showed him appearing level alongside the last Everton man, but the VAR chalked it off, much to the incredulity of Liverpool fans.
      Speaking after the game, Henderson said: “It must be offside with VAR, it’s what everyone wants.

      “I think they bend the lines sometimes to make it offside.
      “I’m not sure how they do it, I’ve seen it before.
      “It’s disappointing we haven’t got the win.”
      SOCIAL STORM
      There must have only been inches in it in what is one of the tightest offside calls since the introduction of VAR.

      And it could have potentially huge implications in the early Premier League title race, as Everton maintained their unbeaten start and Liverpool were denied a win that would have helped banish memories of their Aston Villa defeat.
      The incident sparked varying reactions across social media.
      Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher tweeted a string of laughing faces as he reacted to the controversial VAR decision.
      While BBC presenter Dan Walker tweeted to say the decision, even if right, “feels wrong”.
      David Coote has previously been embroiled in VAR controversy, not least when officials had to admit during the game that the decision not to send Giovani Lo Celso off for a stamp as Tottenham played Chelsea in February was a mistake.
      Henderson’s offside goal was the last action in a game packed with controversial incidents.

      4

      Henderson’s joy quickly turned to bemusement as VAR intervened with his winning goal Credit: Reuters

      😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
      — Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) October 17, 2020

      Whatever your allegiance, we need to have a good look at what we want football to be like. I love the game to bits but this just feels wrong 👇🏻🤯 pic.twitter.com/MTgpwdZPAN
      — Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) October 17, 2020

      After Sadio Mane gave the visitors an early lead, Virgil Van Dijk was also controversially judged to be offside as he got on the end of the cross.
      But as the flag went up, Jordan Pickford went across the defender with an awful last-ditch tackle and somehow escaped any punishment from VAR.
      The tackle was so bad Van Dijk was left to trudge off with an injury.

      4

      Pickford’s reckless challenge on Van Dijk was not punished by the referee or the VARCredit: EPA

      4

      Calvert-Lewin jumped highest to nod home what proved to be the equaliserCredit: Reuters
      It was end-to-end from there as Michael Keane equalised for the Toffees, before Mohamed Salah restored Liverpool’s lead with a stunning effort in the second half.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin got Everton level with a tremendous leaping header, before the game once again descended into ugliness with a wretched high tackle by Richarlison on Thiago, leading to the Brazilian’s dismissal.
      The best Merseyside derby in years looked set to end with a late flourish after Pickford spilled Henderson’s injury time shot, but the VAR had other ideas. More

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      Chelsea star Rudiger in horror elbow smash on Elvedi in Germany’s 3-3 draw with Switzerland… and gets away with it

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER appeared to smash an opponent in the face with a horror elbow – but got away with it.
      The Chelsea defender, 27, lined up in defence for Germany in their Nations League clash with Switzerland.

      3

      Antonio Rudiger was lucky to escape a red card after clattering Nico Elvedi with his elbow

      But the ex-Roma star was fortunate not to go in for a slightly early bath in the 3-3 draw.
      As he went up for a header with Swiss centre-back Nico Elvedi in the fifth minute of injury time, Rudiger led with his elbow and caught the Borussia Monchengladbach man flush on the jaw.
      The severity of the incident was seemingly misinterpreted by the referee who showed the Blues defender a yellow card.

      And the Nations League does not have VAR in operation to review possible red cards.

      Rudiger drew criticism from many – including plenty of Chelsea fans – on social media for the challenge.
      BT Sport commentator Ian Darke wrote: “Rudiger would definitely have been sent off if VAR had been operating. Nasty challenge with elbow.”
      Another said: “Rudiger should be sent off for that. Awful challenge with the elbow.”
      A third added: “Elbow to the face! Why isn’t Rudiger sent off!?”

      Germany unconvincing again in 3-3 draw with Switzerland. Rudiger would definitely have been sent off if VAR had been operating. Nasty challenge with elbow.
      — Ian Darke (@IanDarke) October 13, 2020

      Rudiger should be sent off for that. Awful challenge with the elbow.
      — Chelsea Extra 🏆 (@CFCExtra) October 13, 2020

      Rudiger is lucky there is no VAR that should of been a red card 😯 flying elbow in his Swiss opponents face 🙃🙃🙃🙃 #GERSUI #NationsLeague
      — Terron Flya Man (@Flya_Man) October 13, 2020

      One user commented: “Rudiger is wild for that elbow. Dangerous as hell smh.”
      Another replied: “Rudiger just became prime MMA elbow user.”
      And a final person tweeted: “Horrible elbow from Rudiger there. Lucky there was no VAR.”
      It compounded a miserable evening for Rudiger who was napping for Mario Gavranovic’s opener for Switzerland after just five minutes in Cologne.
      And then 20 minutes later he was out of position and then comically headed into his own net in an attempt to clear the ball off the line when Remo Freuler chipped Manuel Neuer.

      3

      The defender endured a miserable evening against Switzerland in CologneCredit: AFP or licensors

      3

      He attempted to head Remo Freuler’s chip off the line but only helped it into the back of the netCredit: AFP or licensors

      Fortunately for Rudiger – who is yet to make a Blues appearance this season – he had his Chelsea team-mates on hand to help him out.
      Timo Werner found the bottom corner to pull one back before Kai Havertz did well to squeeze in an equaliser on 55 minutes.
      Switzerland retook the lead a minute later but Werner set up Serge Gnabry to flick home on the hour mark and earn the 3-3 draw.
      Fabian Schar was sent off deep into injury time for a second yellow but there was still time for Rudiger’s moment of controversy.

      Antonio Rudiger shows off his football skills in Chelsea training More

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      in Soccer

      Three controversial penalties that wouldn’t have counted under new Premier League rules – but Dier’s still a spot-kick

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      THERE have been six penalties given for handball in the Premier League already this season – and THREE of those wouldn’t have counted under new rules.
      Under new guidance, referees will no longer apply the controversial hardline handball laws after a fierce backlash from players, managers and match officials themselves.

      7

      New rules would have seen THREE of six handball penalties overturned

      In a move that will be widely welcomed, refs’ chief Mike Riley went to the game’s law-making body Ifab to get approval for a softening of the approach.
      And Premier League refs will now be able to take the context of the handball into account.
      That means a defender’s position in relation to the ball and the amount of time they had to react, will be taken into consideration.
      So how would the new rules have affected the six penalties awarded for handball so far season?

      SunSport takes a look…
      PEN OR NO PEN – THE NEW DECISIONS
      Liverpool vs Leeds, Sep 12
      Robin Koch deflects Mohamed Salah’s goal-bound shot onto his right arm.
      NEW VERDICT: Penalty – arm in unnatural position.

      7

      Liverpool were awarded a penalty after Salah’s goal-bound shot hit Koch’s arm

      Man Utd vs Crystal Palace, Sep 13
      Jordan Ayew’s weak shot hits Victor Lindelof’s arm before bouncing to David De Gea.
      NEW VERDICT: No penalty – arm in a natural running position.

      7

      Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty after Ayew’s tame shot hit Lindelof on the armCredit: PA:Press Association
      Southampton vs Tottenham, Sep 20
      Harry Winks’ attempted interception pings ball against Matt Doherty’s outstretched arm.
      NEW VERDICT: No penalty – deflection gave Doherty no time to react.

      7

      Southampton were given a penalty after the ball struck Doherty’s handCredit: BT Sport
      Brighton vs Man Utd, Sep 27
      Neal Maupay deflects Harry Maguire’s last-gasp header with his right fist.
      NEW VERDICT: Penalty – arm raised above the shoulder.

      7

      Man Utd were awarded a spot-kick after Maguire’s header hit Maupay on the arm
      Crystal Palace vs Everton, Sep 27
      Lucas Digne’s header into the box strikes Joel Ward’s left arm.
      NEW VERDICT: No penalty – Ward had no time to react and his arm was in a natural stance.

      7

      Joel Ward gave away a penalty after the ball struck him on the hand
      Tottenham vs Newcastle, Sep 28
      Last second drama as Eric Dier adjudged to have handled Andy Carroll header despite not looking at the ball.
      NEW VERDICT: Penalty – Dier’s arm above his shoulder and not attempting to handle or seeing the ball is irrelevant.

      7

      Spurs were furious after Carroll headed the ball into Dier, who had his back turned to the ballCredit: Sky Sports

      Jamie Ohara says that says referees must be responsible for the handball farce in the Premier League More

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      Premier League set for fewer penalties with referees no longer applying controversial handball laws to the letter

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referees will no longer apply the controversial hardline handball laws which threatened to turn the season into a mockery.
      Players, managers and fans – and the referees themselves – have united in their contempt and disgust at the directive which has brought six handball penalties already.

      5

      The Premier League handball rule is set to be relaxed after fierce criticism

      5

      The controversial handball rule is set to be softened after a massive backlash

      But in a move that will be widely welcomed, refs’ chief Mike Riley went to the game’s law-making body Ifab to get approval for a softening of the approach.
      Instead of any handling offence outside the “natural silhouette” of the body being a potential spot-kick, Premier League refs will now be able to take the context of the incident into account.
      That means a defending player’s proximity to the ball, and the amount of time they had to react to the ball, will be assessed.
      In addition, if the player is adjudged to have been in a “natural” position, with his arms slightly away from his body or as part of a normal running action, it will not be routinely penalised.

      But PL refs will STILL have to award a spot-kick for incidents like the controversial Newcastle equaliser at Spurs on Sunday.
      At the weekend, a penalty was awarded against Eric Dier even though the defender was not looking at the ball as he challenged Andy Carroll.
      That is because Law 12, which covers handball, states that it is an offence if the ball strikes any arm that is raised above the shoulder – with no wriggle room allowed.

      The change, to take immediate effect, comes as a rare U-turn by Ifab.

      5

      The Premier League could see its handball law softened

      The Swiss-based body, under pressure from Fifa, had ordered all leagues to adopt a strict reading of the laws this season with no leeway for interpretation.
      But Riley’s pleas to Ifab, following a flood of complaints from every sector of the game, brought an unexpected change of stance.
      Riley, who did not want to introduce this season’s measures but was told by Fifa he had no option, feels the new approach will bring much-needed clarity and be welcomed across English football.
      SunSport understands that of the six handball penalties awarded so far this term, three would no longer be deemed as offences, although the other three would still be awarded.
      From now on, refs are allowed to apply a degree of subjectivity and mitigation around handball claims.
      If a player is deemed to be too close to the ball, or it is blasted in his direction and he is deemed to have not made himself bigger, it will no longer be an automatic spot kick.
      To help that decision, VAR officials will view an incident at “real speed” on two or three occasions to determine the true nature of the incident, before looking at the point of contact.
      That does not mean no penalties when players have their arms slightly away from the bodies, as it will remain a judgement call by the referee, but will bring fewer spot-kicks.
      And in addition, players who have their arms slightly outstretched as part of a normal running action will have a chance of avoiding a spot kick if the ball strikes them.
      However, it will again be up to the ref, whose initial decision will still be subject to video review.

      5

      The PL has already seen six handball penalties this season – including Maupay’s handball which led to Fernandes’ 100th-minute winnerCredit: AFP
      PEN OR NO PEN – THE NEW DECISIONS
      Liverpool vs Leeds, Sep 12
      Robin Koch deflects Mo Salah’s goalbound shot onto his right arm.
      NEW VERDICT: Penalty – arm in unnatural position.
      Man Utd vs Crystal Palace, Sep 13
      Jordan Ayew’s weak shot hits Victor Lindelof’s arm before bouncing to David De Gea.
      NEW VERDICT: No penalty – arm in a natural running position.
      Southampton vs Tottenham, Sep 20
      Harry Winks’ attempted interception pings ball against Matt Doherty’s outstretched arm.
      NEW VERDICT: No penalty – deflection gave Doherty no time to react.

      5

      Palace were awarded a penalty for this Lindelof handball – which wouldn’t be penalised under new rulesCredit: AFP or Licensors
      Brighton vs Man Utd, Sep 27
      Neal Maupay deflects Harry Maguire’s last-gasp header with his right fist.
      NEW VERDICT: Penalty – arm raised above the shoulder.
      Crystal Palace vs Everton, Sep 27
      Lucas Digne’s header into the box strikes Joel Ward’s left arm.
      NEW VERDICT: No penalty – Ward had no time to react and his arm was in a natural stance.
      Tottenham vs Newcastle, Sep 28
      Last second drama as Eric Dier adjudged to have handled Andy Carroll header despite not looking at the ball.
      NEW VERDICT: Penalty – Dier’s arm above his shoulder and not attempting to handle or seeing the ball is irrelevant.

      Clive Tyldesley says stop moaning about handball and do something to change it More

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      Yves Bissouma sees red after brutal stud smash in Jamal Lewis’ face as VAR confirms dangerous play

      by

      YVES BISSOUMA received a late red card for a brutal back heel kick to the face of Jamal Lewis in Brighton’s 3-0 win over Newcastle.
      The Malian midfielder was initially shown a yellow for catching the 22-year-old before he was given his marching orders following a VAR review.

      3

      Yves Bissouma was given a red card for kicking Jamal Lewis in the faceCredit: Reuters

      3

      The midfielder was initially given a yellow before a VAR review in Brighton’s win over NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association

      And many fans on social media made a comparison between Bissouma’s wild swing and WWE legend Shawn Michaels.
      One tweeted: “Sweet Chin Music from Bissouma.”
      Another joked: “Decent sell job…he’s put him over strong there.”
      A third added: “All that’s missing is the JR voiceover BAAAAHHH GAAAAHWWWD.”

      Bissouma, 24, was given a yellow for the scorpion kick by Kevin Friend before the decision was upgraded to a red after the referee consulted the pitchside monitor.
      The Seagulls star seemed to accept his fate as both sides were forced to finish the match with ten men as Lewis couldn’t continue following treatment and the Magpies had used all three subs.
      Yet Bissouma’s wild swing and dismissal was too late to spark any comeback for the home side, who fell to a first league defeat of the season.
      Neal Maupay’s double inside seven minutes and Aaron Connolly’s late strike downed Newcastle – but it was Tariq Lamptey who stole the show.

      Lamptey, 19, won a penalty after just three minutes when Allan Saint-Maximin hacked at it him from behind.
      Maupay converted and then moments later the ex-Chelsea starlet played in Leandro Trossard down the right, who squared it for Maupay to finish.
      And with seven minutes to go Connolly wrapped up the win for the away side as he bent one into the far corner.

      3

      Lewis was forced off the pitch as Newcastle finished the match with 10 menCredit: PA:Press Association

      Leeds star Rodrigo thrusts hips in bizarre tunnel warm-up ahead of Fulham clash More

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      Premier League new rules – Ten radical changes for new season from changes to handball, VAR and different offside lines

      by

      NEW players and new laws are a staple of every season.
      But what else is fresh when the season kicks off on Saturday?

      4

      Fans made it clear they were against VAR during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      SunSports runs you through what you might see that is different.
      ANTHEM
      The players will come out to new walk-on music for the pre-game rituals, created by MassiveMusic. No handshakes for the foreseeable future.
      BALL
      New season, new ball. Probably “rounder” than the last.
      This time it’s the Nike Flight, promising “30 per cent truer flight” and “improved aerodynamics through a revolutionary ball design”. Of course.

      MONITOR USE
      Under Fifa demands, Prem refs must now use the monitor to confirm changes to “subjective” calls rather than implementing the judgement of the VAR.
      Factual calls such as offside decisions remain in the hands of Stockley Park. Joy. 

      4

      Changes have been made to how referees can use touchline monitorsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NEW LAWS
      The shoulder is no longer part of the arm, assistant referees must keep their flags down until the attacker gets his shot away and encroachment at penalties MUST be strictly penalised by VARs.
      DIFFERENT VAR LINES
      Now it’s blue for the defensive line and green OR red for the attacking line, once the 3D crosshairs have been applied.

      Green is onside, red offside and Prem chiefs think it will aid clarity.
      But Fifa intervention meant no “wider lines” and 10cm “tolerance zone” as planned. Stand by for another season of ‘armpit offsides’.

      4

      Different VAR lines will be used in the 2020-21 campaignCredit: Premier League
      REFEREES
      Promotion from the EFL for new whistlers Darren England and Robert Jones, with assistants James Mainwaring and Tim Wood also upgraded.
      The rest of the list is unchanged with no refs standing down.
      OFFICIALS’ KIT
      New Nike kits in black, “volt” (luminous yellow), “hyper turquoise” and “vivid purple”. A sight for sore eyes, undoubtedly.
      ADDED TIME AND SUBSTITUTION BOARD
      New Prem official timekeeper Hublot’s sponsorship means the board will be shaped to represent their Big Bang Unico sports watch being worn by officials.

      FANS
      Maybe. But not yet and certainly not before October, although seems likely to be extended to November at least.
      Ballots for season ticket holders and no away supporters seem likely when the turnstiles begin to open, too.
      MORE GAMES ON TV
      Clubs performed a U-turn so all 28 games this month will be screened live, including one on the BBC.
      With Covid restrictions likely to be extended, clubs and broadcasters will be under pressure to ensure all matches remain accessible until fans are allowed back.

      4

      Fans will slowly begin to be allowed back into grounds to watch gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Premier League fans return in doubt with 1,000 people limits and bans in coronavirus hotspot areas from October 1 More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

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      Ten radical rules for new Premier League season from changes to handball, VAR monitors and different offside lines

      by

      NEW players and new laws are a staple of every season.
      But what else is fresh when the season kicks off on Saturday?

      4

      Fans made it clear they were against VAR during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      SunSports runs you through what you might see that is different.
      ANTHEM
      The players will come out to new walk-on music for the pre-game rituals, created by MassiveMusic. No handshakes for the foreseeable future.
      BALL
      New season, new ball. Probably “rounder” than the last.
      This time it’s the Nike Flight, promising “30 per cent truer flight” and “improved aerodynamics through a revolutionary ball design”. Of course.

      MONITOR USE
      Under Fifa demands, Prem refs must now use the monitor to confirm changes to “subjective” calls rather than implementing the judgement of the VAR.
      Factual calls such as offside decisions remain in the hands of Stockley Park. Joy. 

      4

      Changes have been made to how referees can use touchline monitorsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NEW LAWS
      The shoulder is no longer part of the arm, assistant referees must keep their flags down until the attacker gets his shot away and encroachment at penalties MUST be strictly penalised by VARs.
      DIFFERENT VAR LINES
      Now it’s blue for the defensive line and green OR red for the attacking line, once the 3D crosshairs have been applied.

      Green is onside, red offside and Prem chiefs think it will aid clarity.
      But Fifa intervention meant no “wider lines” and 10cm “tolerance zone” as planned. Stand by for another season of ‘armpit offsides’.

      4

      Different VAR lines will be used in the 2020-21 campaignCredit: Premier League
      REFEREES
      Promotion from the EFL for new whistlers Darren England and Robert Jones, with assistants James Mainwaring and Tim Wood also upgraded.
      The rest of the list is unchanged with no refs standing down.
      OFFICIALS’ KIT
      New Nike kits in black, “volt” (luminous yellow), “hyper turquoise” and “vivid purple”. A sight for sore eyes, undoubtedly.
      ADDED TIME AND SUBSTITUTION BOARD
      New Prem official timekeeper Hublot’s sponsorship means the board will be shaped to represent their Big Bang Unico sports watch being worn by officials.

      FANS
      Maybe. But not yet and certainly not before October, although seems likely to be extended to November at least.
      Ballots for season ticket holders and no away supporters seem likely when the turnstiles begin to open, too.
      MORE GAMES ON TV
      Clubs performed a U-turn so all 28 games this month will be screened live, including one on the BBC.
      With Covid restrictions likely to be extended, clubs and broadcasters will be under pressure to ensure all matches remain accessible until fans are allowed back.

      4

      Fans will slowly begin to be allowed back into grounds to watch gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Premier League fans return in doubt with 1,000 people limits and bans in coronavirus hotspot areas from October 1 More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ten radical changes to Prem 2020-21 season from new laws on handball, monitors used for VAR and different offside lines

      by

      NEW players and new laws are a staple of every season.
      But what else is fresh when the season kicks off on Saturday?

      4

      Fans made it clear they were against VAR during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      SunSports runs you through what you might see that is different.
      ANTHEM
      The players will come out to new walk-on music for the pre-game rituals, created by MassiveMusic. No handshakes for the foreseeable future.
      BALL
      New season, new ball. Probably “rounder” than the last.
      This time it’s the Nike Flight, promising “30 per cent truer flight” and “improved aerodynamics through a revolutionary ball design”. Of course.

      MONITOR USE
      Under Fifa demands, Prem refs must now use the monitor to confirm changes to “subjective” calls rather than implementing the judgement of the VAR.
      Factual calls such as offside decisions remain in the hands of Stockley Park. Joy. 

      4

      Changes have been made to how referees can use touchline monitorsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NEW LAWS
      The shoulder is no longer part of the arm, assistant referees must keep their flags down until the attacker gets his shot away and encroachment at penalties MUST be strictly penalised by VARs.
      DIFFERENT VAR LINES
      Now it’s blue for the defensive line and green OR red for the attacking line, once the 3D crosshairs have been applied.

      Green is onside, red offside and Prem chiefs think it will aid clarity.
      But Fifa intervention meant no “wider lines” and 10cm “tolerance zone” as planned. Stand by for another season of ‘armpit offsides’.

      4

      Different VAR lines will be used in the 2020-21 campaignCredit: Premier League
      REFEREES
      Promotion from the EFL for new whistlers Darren England and Robert Jones, with assistants James Mainwaring and Tim Wood also upgraded.
      The rest of the list is unchanged with no refs standing down.
      OFFICIALS’ KIT
      New Nike kits in black, “volt” (luminous yellow), “hyper turquoise” and “vivid purple”. A sight for sore eyes, undoubtedly.
      ADDED TIME AND SUBSTITUTION BOARD
      New Prem official timekeeper Hublot’s sponsorship means the board will be shaped to represent their Big Bang Unico sports watch being worn by officials.

      FANS
      Maybe. But not yet and certainly not before October, although seems likely to be extended to November at least.
      Ballots for season ticket holders and no away supporters seem likely when the turnstiles begin to open, too.
      MORE GAMES ON TV
      Clubs performed a U-turn so all 28 games this month will be screened live, including one on the BBC.
      With Covid restrictions likely to be extended, clubs and broadcasters will be under pressure to ensure all matches remain accessible until fans are allowed back.

      4

      Fans will slowly begin to be allowed back into grounds to watch gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Premier League fans return in doubt with 1,000 people limits and bans in coronavirus hotspot areas from October 1 More