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      Major change to FA Cup confirmed with Arsenal vs Man Utd clash to look very different from Premier League

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      THE FA Cup will not use VAR until the fifth round this season.In previous campaigns since 2019, all FA Cup matches played at Premier League stadiums have utilised VAR.The tie between Arsenal and Man Utd will be played without VARCredit: GettyIn a major change to this season’s competition, however, technology will only come into play from the fifth round onwards.Should non-Premier League sides remain at that stage, and be drawn at home, VAR will be deployed at their venue.The significant change has been made to ensure consistency across rounds.An FA statement read: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.”VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Several Premier League sides have been drawn at home and would have had VAR for their third round ties in previous seasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSToday’s news means that Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United will now be played without VAR.Other Premier League sides drawn at home include Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.Ruben Amorim on shock Rashford, Garnacho exclusionsVAR was first trialled in the FA Cup during the 2017-18 season.In 2022, the FA were forced to defend the use of VAR in some FA Cup ties and not in others, after just nine of 32 third round ties used the technology. More

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      EFL could have managers’ ‘challenge’ system introduced in low-cost alternative to VAR

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      LOWER division clubs could see a “challenge” system in operation to overturn refereeing bloopers.Lawmakers on the International FA Board have agreed to extend the trials of their new “Football Video Support” system on a global basis.Lower league matches could get an alternative to VAR with a new ‘challenge’ systemCredit: PAIn a variation of VAR, the VS system is designed for competitions with only a handful of cameras.Coaches are allowed to call a challenge, with the referee then reviewing the incident on a pitch-side monitor, with the footage supplied by a video technician.As in cricket and tennis, successful challenges are retained with each team allowed two unsuccessful challenges per match.The system was trialled at the recent under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where England finished fourth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland coach Natalie Henderson successfully challenged a goal awarded to Mexico in their second group match, with the referee agreeing the ball had not crossed the line after a video review.And now Ifab bosses want to roll out what they view as a “low cost alternative to VAR” to both smaller countries and lower tier competitions in wealthier nations.Ifab technical director and former Premier League ref David Elleray said: “It is mainly designed for competitions where you’ve only got one, two, three or maximum four cameras.“So Leagues One and Two could be in that, or the National League, or whatever.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“And what it does emphasise – and away from VAR – is the clear and obvious concept.“Because when you’ve only got one camera it’s got to be pretty clear and obvious for the decision to be changed.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seems“So it’ll either be at the top end of smaller countries or lower down in bigger countries.“FIFA have tested it, it’s working very well and therefore we will now explore where else it could be trialled, probably for next season.”EFL clubs have so far been resistant to bringing in VAR, with cost one issue.Many fans, though, have compared the EFL match-day experience favourably to the situation in the Prem when supporters frequently complained of feeling “in the dark” over VAR reviews.But Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA who will host Ifab’s formal AGM in March that will confirm the policy, said: “We need to emphasise that it’s not VAR.“It’s different from VAR but it’s an alternative to it. And it relies upon the challenge system being promoted by the coaches.“In countries who have got VAR, three or four levels down the pyramid you might again have leagues with only one or two cameras.“We’re talking about two challenges per coach per game and it’s up to the coaches to determine when they want the referee to come over to the side and to take a look at something.“So we’re extending the trials on it and we’re trying to learn more about it. And as the price will come down, it will get democratised and hopefully it will get rolled out further.”But Ifab pushed back at the idea that the introduction of the system could eventually see a “hybrid” version of VAR, with video refs determining offside and line calls and subjective decisions open to challengeElleray added: “There’s no reason to have challenges with VAR because the video match officials check every single incident.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So there’s no need for the coach to say ‘please will you check if that was a penalty?’ because that happens automatically.“But with Video Support, because there’s no VAR checking, then  nothing is looked at until somebody asks you to look at it – so it’s completely different.” More

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      ‘I’m surprised’: Ex-Prem ref responds as VAR helps Arsenal again with controversial Saka and Timber calls at West Ham

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      ARSENAL’s victory over West Ham was comprehensive, but it wasn’t without controversy following some questionable VAR calls.The Gunners won 5-2 after an entertaining Premier League encounter against the Hammers on Saturday at the London Stadium.Arsenal picked up a controversial victory over West HamCredit: GettyFormer Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversyCredit: RexThe London rivals played out a seven-goal thriller in the first half that saw the visitors lead 4-0 by the 36th minute with goals by Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.However, West Ham got back in the game with two goals within two minutes thanks to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri.But Arsenal knocked the wind out of the East Londoners’ sales in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a controversial penalty that Gabriel earned and Bukayo Saka scored.Former Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversy on Whistleblower.Read More on ArsenalHalsey started by analysing Arsenal’s final goal that ended West Ham’s hopes of a dramatic comeback.Saka whipped in a corner-kick from the right and Gabriel got the header that sent the ball way over the crossbar.But then referee Anthony Taylor deemed Lukasz Fabianski caught the centre-back in the face in his attempt to punch the ball away.Taylor booked Fabianski in front of a shocked crowd and Saka scored from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballHalsey told SunSport’s Will Pugh: “I think when the cross comes over and the ball comes over like that, you’re going to have contact between players at every occasion. You’re going to have contact. And it’s subjective. “We have seen penalties given in those sort of situations where a keeper has come out. But there’s been a lot more contact than we saw at the weekend.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait “Anthony Taylor’s given it. He’s taken some time to think about it. And he’s given it. And VAR are not going to overrule that, because obviously we’ve heard Howard Webb say that we want to stick with the on-field decision on those situations, on a subjective decision.”So, listen, yeah, I mean, had he not given that as a penalty, that would have stayed not given. It does seem that it did take four or five seconds to give the decision whether he was influenced by Gabriel on the floor, holding his head, his face and players sort of surrounding him. “So, as I said, had it not been given, it would have stayed not given. It would have stayed with the on-field decision.”Arsenal players weren’t really claiming for anything. It all went quiet in the ground. And then all of a sudden, there’s a penalty check for God knows what. And then Arsenal scored.”Halsey, though, was categorically against the way the referee and VAR handled Arsenal’s opener that saw Saka’s corner-kick from the right finding Gabriel who beat Fabianski with a clinical header.Jurrien Timber appeared to have fouled Lucas Paqueta, who covered the near post and could have easily headed the cross away.’I’m surprised’However, Timber seemed to have pushed him from behind and that didn’t allow Paqueta to clear the ball.Halsey added: “Well, again, we’re talking about inconsistency, aren’t we? Regarding decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?”So, yeah, listen, for me, I think it’s a clear free-kick. And I’m surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review.”Halsey also addressed Arsenal’s first penalty that saw Paqueta fouling Saka inside the West Ham area on 34 minutes.It seemed like there was very little contact and the England international didn’t go down immediately.Nevertheless, the decision stood and the North Londoners’ captain Odegaard converted from the spot to make it 3-0.Halsey said: “When he sticks his leg out like that, you run the risk. And I just want to see players, when they are challenged like that, just go down straight away.”Don’t need to take one or two more steps, then go down. Listen, had that not been given, it would have stayed.”Possibly not given. Because as I say, there was just slight, slight contact. But once the referee has given it…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listen, I think he’s just guessed as in the way he’s gone in and Paqueta’s gone over. And he’s been safe and given a free-kick. “But we can all see that it’s not a free-kick and he has clearly won the ball. But in real time, it possibly looked like it’s a free-kick.” More

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      Brighton 1 Southampton 1: Fuming Martin has to be held back from Hurzeler after controversial VAR call denies him win

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      RUSSELL MARTIN was left seething after Southampton were denied only a second win of the season as VAR caused chaos once again. Saints were in dreamland when Cameron Archer looked as though he had slotted home a 67th-minute winner to finally provide the club with a glimmer of hope. Cameron Archer’s goal was ruled outCredit: GettyArcher at the back post was judged to be onside yet Adam Armstrong in the middle was offsideArmstrong threw a trailing leg at the ball as it went behind him and was deemed to be interferingRussell Martin’s temper flared and he had to be held back from Fabian HurzelerCredit: PATheir argument continued onto the pitchAnd the bosses eventually had to be separatedIt came after Flynn Downes had cancelled out Kaoru Mitoma’s opener for the high-flying Seagulls who had the prospect of soaring into the heady heights of second-place in the table with a draw or a win. But you can always rely on VAR to inflict more misery on a Southampton side who look all but down before the advent calendars have been opened. A lengthy check by VAR ref Jarred Gillett which involved lots of zooming in and out and lines resulted in the goal being chalked off for offside, leaving Martin and co gobsmacked. It was ruled out not because Archer was offside but because Adam Armstrong was offside and deemed to be interfering with play as the cross came in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe cameras panned to Martin who was effing and blinding on the touchline with Saints rock bottom of the table. He continued his fury after the full-time whistle when he had angry words with Brighton gaffer Fabian Hurzeler. Injured keeper Aaron Ramsdale hit out at the decision on Twitter, writing: “You can not be serious.”After the game, Martin raged that he had sympathy for on-field officials but “struggled to accept” errors from those in Stockley Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHurzeler added: “I think it’s about respect. You should ask him [Martin] about it.”It’s worth remembering his Southampton strugglers would stay at the foot of the table no matter what happened at the Amex last night. It was a huge let off for Brighton who are now sitting pretty in second, bang on level with Manchester City on goal difference. Brighton’s model as a football club has always been revolutionary and refreshing in equal measure, but last night begs the question of whether they have got the minerals to become real little contenders?’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsStats driven recruitment is the beating heart of their success while their young and ambitious manager, Fabian Hurzeler has produced an exceptional start to the season, but consistency will be key. With 23 points from their first 13 games, this remains Brighton’s best start to a top-flight season.And since the beginning of October, only leaders Liverpool have won more points.As expected, the hosts burst out the traps, with Georginio Rutter teeing up Mitoma, who would have lashed in the opener had it not been for Joe Lumley’s finger tips. Rutter was back for more with his twinkle toes twisting inside and out of three pink shirts before he flicked a shot just wide. It was no surprise that the French 22-year-old produced Brighton’s best chance as he cut inside and drilled a shot off the far post. Brighton were building and got their deserved opener on 28 minutes as Tariq Lamptey pulled away from Taylor Harwood-Bellis to tee up Mitoma who headed home. It was dreadful defending though as Saints allowed the ball to bounce around the penalty spot while the defenders shirked their duties once again. The cameras panned to a dejected Martin who was shaking his head as the goal replayed on his ipad. He should have played Candy Crush on his ipad instead of looking at his side’s abysmal defending. Meanwhile Mitoma, another hidden gem unearthed by Tony Bloom, is now one goal short of Shinji Okazaki’s 14-goal record as the top Japanese scorer in the top-flight. Chants of “You’re going down with the Palace” rang out from the boisterous North Stand, but it only riled up Martin and co. The Saints boss shouted “f***ing come on” just after a huge chance for Archer who latched onto an inch-perfect Yukinari Sugawara cross before shinning it over from eight-yards. Brighton looked as though they were bossing it again after the break as Lamptey and Welbeck linking up before Matt O’Reily fired in a cross, but Mitoma was unable to make the crucial touch. The hosts were stunned though when out of absolutely nothing Downes hammered the ball home on 58 minutes. The leveller was fired in on the edge of the box after the ball ricocheted out to the Saints midfielder after Armstrong and Ryan Manning both had shots blocked. READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthampton couldn’t believe it when Ryan Fraser’s cross found Archer six-yards out and he slotted into the bottom corner, sparking mayhem in the away end on 67 minutes before the VAR misery. Brighton hit back strongly with Rutter nearly making it 2-1 with an outrageous bicycle kick from Welbeck’s cross but they couldn’t find a second.Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for BrightonCredit: RexFlynn Downes equalised with a thumping finishCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Referees don’t understand football!’ – Ex-Prem official slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea and Liverpool errors

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      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey has criticised officials for their knowledge of the game following controversial decisions over the weekend.Halsey, 63, took charge of top-flight matches in England from 1999 to 2013.Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi avoided a red card for this challenge on Chelsea’s Cole PalmerCredit: GettyLiverpool were awarded a penalty after the ball struck Southampton defender Yukinari Sugawara’s armCredit: AFPFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey has slammed the PGMOL for last weekend’s decisionsNow he is a SunSport analyst and columnist and regularly gives his take on decisions made by the current crop of Premier League referees.And in the latest episode of The Whistleblower he highlighted two particular calls he believes were mistakes.The first of those was the penalty Liverpool were awarded which won them the game against Southampton after the ball struck Yukinari Sugawara’s arm in the box.Halsey went on to insist it is the type of decision which highlights referees’ lack of knowledge of the game outside the written laws.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I thought it was a bit harsh [the Sugawara handball]. You can’t run with your arms by your side. You can’t jump with your arms by your side.”It’s come off his chest onto his arm. They’re in a natural position for that phrase of play.”That’s what I’m saying about training education with our referees about incidents like that with handball. It’s about knowing the game.”It’s all right knowing the laws of the game. It’s about knowing the game of football.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHalsey has also taken umbrage with Wilfred Ndidi only being shown a yellow card for a challenge on Cole Palmer during Leicester’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.Ndidi appeared to rake his boot down the Achilles of the England international, but avoided a straight red.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedYet Halsey saw the incident very differently, describing it as a “career-threatening challenge”.He added: “I thought it was a very, very poor challenge when I saw it again.”In real time Andy Madley hasn’t recognised the intensity of the challenge.”I was surprised when the Premier League match centre came out and said there was no intensity.”But I’ll say it again, I said it earlier, when a player lunges at an opponent in that manner, from one or two feet, from the front, from the side, from the back, it has to be sanctioned a serious foul play.”That was the worst challenge of the weekend. And I was very, very surprised that Paul Tierney, the VAR, did not recommend a review.”That was a career-threatening challenge. It’s the training and education of VAR, when to come in and when not to come in.” More

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      Ipswich and Man Utd forced to play WITHOUT VAR after fire alarm at Stockley Park

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      VAR was not in operation during some of Ipswich’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United after a fire alarm at Stockley Park.Sky Sports confirmed the incident during coverage of the first half when the Red Devils led 1-0 thanks to an early Marcus Rashford strike.VAR was not in operation following the fire alarmThe fourth official appeared to be telling managers Kieran McKenna and Ruben Amorim of the situation at Stockley Park.Premier League Match Centre tweeted: “The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park.”VAR resumed before the end of the first half.Reacting to the mishap, one fan said: “Can we do this every week?”While another added: “Fire alarm at VAR loool what the hell man 😭.”And a third replied: “VAR turned off? Nice one.”Man Utd had made the perfect start to the Amorim era with a goal in just 81 seconds.Amad Diallo found Rashford who tapped home from close range for his second Premier League goal of the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Ipswich got on top before the break and equalised in the 43rd minute thanks to a deflected effort from Omari Hutchinson.Amorim lined up in his familiar 3-4-3 formation with Noussair Mazraoui in a back three alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans.Man Utd hardman Roy Keane and Sky Sports presenter blind rank BISCUITS before Ruben Amorim’s first match_1Yet it was a largely disappointing display from Man Utd as Ipswich overwhelmed them. More

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      Mallorca star’s ‘ugly gesture’ spotted by VAR before he is shown red card in win over Las Palmas

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      VEDAT MURIQI was sent off after VAR spotted him making an “ugly gesture” towards an opponent.The RCD Mallorca star was caught in a confrontation against Jaime Mata during the clash against Las Palmas.Vedat Muriqi was sent off for an ‘ugly gesture’ against Las PalmasCredit: xMuriqi issued an apology after the gameCredit: EPAMuriqi, 30, was denied a goal in the 84th minute by a simple save from Jasper Cillessen.As his tame effort was saved, he and Mata exchanged words, but then the striker made a gesture with his hand towards his opponent.The game was then halted for a VAR check as the referee was sent to the monitor to review the incident.Upon watching, the decision was made to send off the Kosovo international with a second yellow card.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMuriqi has apologised for the moment and insisted his behaviour was “not appropriate”.He wrote: “I want to apologise with my heart in my hand for my expulsion in today’s game.“I know that my behaviour was not appropriate and I deeply feel the lack of respect towards my professional partner, Jaime Mata, and I regret that the fans have witnessed such an ugly gesture on my part.“Despite what happened, I am very happy with the team’s victory.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Each victory is a reflection of everyone’s effort and work, and it fills me with pride to see how we fight together on the field.”The red card came with the scores tied at 2-2, but despite being down to ten men, Mallorca found a winner.Keeper scores comical own goal after ‘slapping it top bins’ leaving commentators stunnedRCD Mallorca’s manager Jagoba Arrasate slammed the red cardCredit: AFPThe goal came after a lengthy delay after Muriqi’s expulsion due to a separate incident in the build-up.This meant that an indirect freekick was given to Mallorca despite the striker’s exit.Johan Mojica netted the winning goal in the 92nd minute to send his side 6th in LaLiga.Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate blasted the decision to send off Muriqi.He said: “I’ve never seen anything like it before.”These are routine actions in football.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s excessive if we start penalizing such situations; things are getting a bit out of hand as it is.”Muriqi now faces a suspension of at least one match, which would rule him out of the game against Valencia on Friday.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League managers slam the PGMOL amid David Coote scandal as Russell Martin demands ‘honesty’

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      RUSSELL MARTIN has told under-fire refs’ chief Howard Webb: You need to be more honest to make VAR a success.Southampton became the latest Premier League club to criticise PGMOL, in the wake of the David Coote scandal, following two controversial decisions in the 2-0 loss at Wolves this month.PGMOL chiefs have yet to conclude their investigation into David CooteCredit: PAFootage appeared to show referee Coote sniffing white powderThe video was from a hotel during Euro 2024Former top-flight whistler Mark Halsey called for an independent investigation into the referees’ body with the state of top-flight officiating at “an all-time low”.The panel that reviews PGMOL decisions claimed VAR made only TWO mistakes this season, before Webb later admitted awarding West Ham a penalty against Manchester United last month was also wrong.But Saints boss Martin, who held a meeting with Webb during the international break, said: “If we’re going to improve VAR and make it better, we need to have real honesty and accountability.”Martin was left frustrated after a Ryan Manning goal against Wolves was ruled out before Matheus Cunha put the hosts two up with an effort that he felt should have been chalked off.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe added: “I still have an issue with our goal and a foul on the second goal. I also have an issue with them coming out and saying it was a correct decision ultimately.“For it to come out as a correct decision in the match review is frustrating to me.”Saints join fellow promoted sides Ipswich and Leicester as well as Wolves themselves in fuming over controversial decisions given against them this season.Martin said: “We’ve been told a few times on decisions we’ve been on the wrong end of that it has to be a clear and obvious error.Most read in FootballRussell Martin believes only more ‘honesty’ will improve VARCredit: GettyNo referees have EVER been tested for drugs as David Coote faces end of Premier League careerEXCLUSIVE by Martin LiptonNO referees or match officials have ever been tested for drugs – as David Coote’s apparent “cocaine shame” is set to end his career.While all players and other athletes in British sport are subject to drug testing rules, including post-match and out of competition action, the regulations do not apply to match officials.That is the case globally across not just football and throughout the world rather than only in the UK.All sports follow the World Anti-Doping Authority code, aimed at preventing athletes gaining an advantage by using performance-enhancing substances.The Wada banned list also includes recreational drugs.But the Wada provisions, also followed by UK Anti Doping, which conducts tests across British sport, makes no reference to match officials.UKAD explains: “Any UK athlete subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport and non-UK athlete staying, training, residing, entering a competition,”Or named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level within the UK is eligible for testing as part of UKAD’s national anti-doping programme.“Any athlete eligible for testing can be tested anytime, anywhere.”But the regulations do not apply to match officials – because of the “performance enhancing” provision of the world code.The PGMOL have revealed they are aware of the video of him sniffing a white powder.They told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”“Ryan’s goal is open to interpretation. It’s the wrong decision because it’s not a clear and obvious error.  We are going to disagree on that forever.“For the second goal, they should take longer on analysing the foul from Craig Dawson because it’s a foul.Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about it“I don’t want to be moaning about decisions all the time.“I’d love to go back to human error and balance out over the season.“But if you still make a mistake after that process  it becomes even more frustrating.”PGMOL chiefs confirmed yesterday that they have yet to conclude their investigation into suspended Coote.The shamed 42-year-old made derogatory comments in an X-rated video rant at ex-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.A PGMOL statement read: “We’re following an internal process and taking the allegations into David’s conduct very seriously as part of our ongoing  thorough investigation.“Whilst David remains suspended, his welfare continues to be important to us and he is aware of the support network available to him.”The FA have launched their own probe into Coote, while Uefa also suspended and are investigating the Nottinghamshire ref after footage emerged of him appearing to sniff white powder in a hotel at Euro 2024.Steve Cooper gave an unusual reason for not speaking outCredit: GettyThomas Frank reckons it’s unfair that refs face ‘crazy’ pressureCredit: RexLeicester boss Steve Cooper joked his dad — former top referee Keith — would show him the red card if he gave his opinion on Coote’s suspension.Asked if the revelations about Coote would knock managers’ confidence in referees, Cooper replied: “I can’t go into that.” He then joked: “I’m more worried about what my dad would say to me if I answered that!”Martin added: “Referee are humans. They all make mistakes the same way we do. My trust probably eroded a bit more after the decision at Wolves than it did in watching a human make a mistake on a camera.“Let’s have a bit of compassion and understanding. I’m sure he’s feeling very upset and embarrassed about it.“What they do outside of their  football career as a referee really has no impact in how much I trust them.”Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: “We need to think about the pressure on the referees. READ MORE SUN STORIES”No player or manager gets as much abuse on the pitch as a ref does – that’s crazy.“It’s like the mental bin where we get all our anger out and then go, ‘Ah, we feel good.’ It shouldn’t be like that.” More