birminghammail--2019-01-15--He doesnt know the game Andy Gray gives his verdict on the Willy Boly red card as Wolves fall to

'He doesn't know the game' Andy Gray gives his verdict on the Willy Boly red card as Wolves fall to Man City

Former Wolves striker turned pundit Andy Gray has waded into the Willy Boly red card debate and labelled the decision 'ridiculous'.  In a furious rant on beIN Sports, Gray let rip in a conversation with Richard Keys after the game.  He blasted: "Craig Pawson is miles away, and he isn't the best referee I have ever seen, he loses control of things.  "He has definitely taken advice from the linesman or the fourth official, or both.  "All three of them could have done themselves a favour, there isn't any need to send him off.  "A reckless challenge is not a sending off. I don't even think it was reckless.  "He was in control of what he was trying to do, his focus was the football.  "Yes he went in hard, he is a big centre back, of course he is going to go in hard!  "It wasn't excessive force. The more I see it the more I think it is a ridiculous situation.  "The ref may know the laws of the game but he doesn't know the game."  Nuno Espirito Santo has no complaints about Willy Boly’s red card and says Wolves are ‘sad’ after their Manchester City humbling.  Gabriel Jesus bagged a brace before Conor Coady put through his own net late on.  But the big talking point of the night arrived after 19 minutes when referee Craig Pawson gave Boly his marching orders.  The Frenchman lunged in on City playmaker Bernardo Silva which left Pawson with little choice but to brandish his red card.  “It was very close to me and it’s a red card,” Nuno said. “It’s clear.  “We are sad. At the same time we have to look at the game and know what happened. We started well but conceded in a way that we shouldn't concede, then the red card.  “We stayed in the game but the speed that they move the ball is not normal so we have to be realistic.  “It was an experience for us and we have to know that it can happen. We have to improve. We knew it was tough and it became harder.”  Nuno withdrew star striker Raul Jimenez at half-time and brought on Adama Traore, who City boss Pep Guardiola says is ‘the fastest player I’ve seen in my life’.  Nuno explained: “We were trying to make another approach. We wanted the speed of Adama. Every time we recovered the ball we tried to find him.  “We were trying something, always keeping the shape of the team knowing it was hard to defend. We didn’t achieve it but we stayed in the game.”


eveningstandard--2019-10-09--Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Ousmane Dembele will miss Clasico after two-match ban for red card against

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Ousmane Dembele will miss Clasico after two-match ban for red card against Sevilla

Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele will miss the Clasico clash at home to Real Madrid later this month after he was handed a two-match ban for his dismissal in the 4-0 win over Sevilla on Sunday night.  Dembele, who had already been booked, was shown a straight red card just before the end of the game by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz as he and his team-mates protested the sending off of defender Ronald Araujo, which had taken place moments earlier.  The referee's report said the 22-year-old had told the Valencian official he was "very bad, you're very bad", even though Barca boss Ernesto Valverde claimed afterwards that his player barely speaks Spanish.  According to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) disciplinary code, the offence in question carries a ban of either two or three matches, or a suspension for up to a month.  Barca appealed, but Dembele was given a two-match ban by Spain's Competition Committee on Wednesday and the winger will miss the trip to Eibar on October 19, plus the Clasico at Camp Nou seven days later.  Araujo, who was making his debut after replacing Jean-Clair Todibo, has been handed a one-match ban for his red card and will miss the Eibar clash, while Gerard Pique is also suspended for that game after picking up his fifth league booking of the season in the 4-0 win over Sevilla.  Both defenders will be available again for the Clasico.


eveningstandard--2019-11-04--Heung-min Son red card: The fixtures Tottenham star will miss after dismissal for Andre Gomes injury

Tottenham will be forced to go without Heung-min Son for the remainder of November after the forward was sent off against Everton.  The South Korean clipped Andre Gomes from behind, resulting in the midfielder falling heavily and fracturing his right ankle in a horror injury which is expected to end his season.  Referee Martin Atkinson initially showed Son a yellow card only to then brandish a straight red, with the Premier League explaining afterwards: "The red card for Son was for endangering the safety of a player which happened as a consequence of his initial challenge."  Tottenham are considering an appeal against the subsequent three-game ban, with Pochettino telling reporters after the game : "It was clear it was never the intention of Son to create the problem that happened afterwards. It is unbelievable to see a red card."  Everton captain Seamus Coleman consoled Son in the Tottenham dressing room after the game, with Sky Sports pundits Louis Saha and Tim Cahill describing the foul as "nothing intentional" and "so, so unfortunate."  Son will still be available for the Champions League games against Red Star on November 6 and Olympiacos on November 26, but he will not be able to play Premier League football until the trip to Manchester United on December 4.


eveningstandard--2019-12-23--Jose Mourinho says focus should be on Antonio Rudiger after Heung-min Son red card: 'Stand up a

Jose Mourinho says focus should be on Antonio Rudiger after Heung-min Son red card: 'Stand up and play'

Jose Mourinho believes Antonio Rudiger should be the one under scrutiny for his role in Heung-min Son's red card, rather than the Tottenham player.  The South Korean was dismissed in the second half of Sunday's 2-0 loss to Chelsea when VAR showed he kicked out at Rudiger in retaliation to being fouled.  Referee Anthony Taylor did not penalise Son, but VAR official Paul Tierney decided differently and advised Taylor to issue a red card.  Spurs have appealed against the decision, which came before the alleged racist abuse of the Chelsea defender, and are waiting to hear from the Football Association whether their player must serve a three-match ban.  But Mourinho, who sarcastically wished Rudiger well in his recovery from "broken ribs" after the game, says the German's over-the-top reaction should be in focus.  "I hope the Premier League is still the Premier League and will always be the Premier League and I think the focus should be on Antonio Rudiger and not on Son," Mourinho said.  "I'm not speaking about the racism incident, this is another thing. I am speaking about that incident, the red card.  "In the Premier League I love there is no space also for what Rudiger did. Stand up and play man. This is the Premier League.  "In some countries, especially now Latin cultures, you go to Latin America, Portugal, Spain, Italy and that happens, it is a cultural thing, but not in the Premier League, and the moment we try to punish the reaction of some player, insignificant reaction, but you try to punish and you let it go the other one, it is because then you become part of it (complicit).  "That's why I was trying to joke and making a bit of fun about it.  "Come on, do you think Rudiger plays the next game or do you think he's injured? I think he plays.  "And we speak about Son and don't speak about him."  Nevertheless, it is Son's third red card of 2019 for a petulant act as he was sent off for pushing Jefferson Lerma at Bournemouth last season, then for a tackle on Everton's Andre Gomes in November that broke the midfielder's ankle.  Spurs also appealed against both dismissals, winning the latter.  Mourinho does not think Son has a temper problem, however, and insisted he was in control against Rudiger.  "A tiny reaction is an emotional reaction but is still an emotional reaction with control," the Portuguese said.  "I don't think it is different, what happened with (Mateo) Kovacic and Dele (Alli) (both players booked for grappling), with what happened with Son and Rudiger.  "For me the insignificant is insignificant. To send somebody home and to stop him doing his work and be on the pitch is not about insignificant, it is about significant.  "If you do an accumulation of insignificance then is when you arrive at the accumulation of yellow cards and you have two yellow cards for insignificant fouls you go out.  "But when you do in the game one insignificant foul that is not a red card, that is a yellow card."  Click here for our guide on how to watch all Amazon Prime Premier League fixtures for free, on December 26 and December 27


eveningstandard--2019-12-24--Tottenham fail with appeal against Heung-min Son red card

Heung-min Son will serve a three-match suspension in the Premier League after Tottenham failed in their appeal against his red card against Chelsea.  The forward was handed his third red card of the season - though his second was overturned - during the second half of the 2-0 loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when VAR showed him kicking out at Antonio Rudiger in retaliation to being fouled.  Despite Spurs launching an appeal, the Football Association determined the red card stands, meaning the 27-year-old will now miss the matches at home to Brighton on Boxing Day, and at Norwich and Southampton on Saturday and New Year's Day respectively.  Referee Anthony Taylor initially opted not to penalise Son for the challenge on Chelsea defender Rudiger, but VAR official Paul Tierney decided differently and advised Taylor to issue a red card.  It was the third red card for Son in 2019 as he was also sent off for pushing Jefferson Lerma at Bournemouth last season, then for a challenge on Everton's Andre Gomes in November that broke the midfielder's ankle. Spurs also appealed against both dismissals, winning the latter.  Son's absence serves as a blow to boss Jose Mourinho at a time when the club is trying to force its way back into the top four as the forward has scored 10 goals this season, albeit with only one in his last seven appearances.  Click here for our guide on how to watch all Amazon Prime Premier League fixtures for free, on December 26 and December 27


theguardianuk--2019-07-06--Lionel Messi gets controversial red card but Argentina beat Chile

[Lionel Messi](https://www.theguardian.com/football/lionel-messi) was sent off before half-time as Argentina beat Chile 2-1 to win a scrappy and bad-tempered Copa América third-place play-off in São Paulo.  The match was 34 minutes old when Chile’s captain, Gary Medel, shepherded out a ball near his own goal. Messi challenged him from behind and Medel reacted angrily, pushing the Argentinian and raising his hands.  The Paraguayan referee, Mario Díaz de Vivar, showed Medel a red card and although Messi did not react he was also sent off, prompting boos at Arena Corinthians.  It was only the second red card of Messi’s career, the first also coming while playing for [Argentina](https://www.theguardian.com/football/argentina) on his debut against Hungary in 2005. The referee showed seven yellow cards in a match that was broken up with 37 fouls.  Sergio Agüero put Argentina 1-0 ahead after 12 minutes and Paulo Dybala made it two 10 minutes later with a nice finish after Giovani Lo Celso had put him through on goal.  Arturo Vidal pulled one back for [Chile](https://www.theguardian.com/football/chile) from the penalty spot 14 minutes into the second half.  Brazil, the hosts, face Peru in the final on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.


theindependent--2019-01-06--Crystal Palace vs Grimsby FA Cupaposs controversial use of VAR highlighted by Andrew Fox red card

Crystal Palace vs Grimsby: FA Cup's controversial use of VAR highlighted by Andrew Fox red card

The Great VAR Debate threw up two more quirks at Crystal Palace on Saturday evening as League Two Grimsby Town were hit by a double punishment.  With only nine of the 32 FA Cup ties serviced by VAR, Michael Jolley’s side found themselves reduced to ten men three minutes into the match after video referee Jon Moss intervened and upgraded Grimsby left-back Andrew Fox’s card from yellow to red.  Fox will now be suspended for three games whereas he could not have been retrospectively banned without VAR because referee Martin Atkinson had originally booked him. Next week’s League Two opponents Macclesfield Town will no doubt be grateful.  The other quirk was that Moss also acted as the video referee for the Manchester United-Reading game which kicked off five hours earlier. Presumably, he was able to double up on match fees.  All of which is no consolation to Fox for whom Saturday’s tie may prove to be his last appearance in English football.  The 25-year-old had planned to start a new life in the United States this month to join his American wife.  Having attended college in the States and enjoyed an intermittent career in Europe with Peterborough, Stevenage, Swedish club Eskilstuna and now Grimsby, Fox does not even have a club lined up in America.  What could have been a glorious final hurrah in the English game ended instead with a long walk of ignominy.  For Grimsby keeper James McKeown, the circumstances could not have been more cruel.  McKeown said: “Andrew is the nicest man I’ve ever met in my life. I know it will hurt him because I know that he will feel he’s let down. But that’s not the case.  “His wife has come over from America. She surprised him on Thursday and she came to the game today. That’s the human side that people don’t see. She doesn’t see him that often because she lives over there.  “That’s the horrible side. Going off, I knew it was more than a sending-off for him, if that makes sense. More than the fact that he had been sent off in a big game.  “He’s a lovely lad and I just hope that he doesn’t beat himself up, but you do, you just do.  “VAR is a good thing to have because the officials should get the decisions right, but it’s a bit harsh on us because if we were playing somewhere else today, we’d have played with 11 men and then you never know.”  Relieved Palace manager Roy Hodgson became tetchy in the post-match press conference when the subject turned to potential transfer window targets, including Sunderland’s Lewisham-born striker Josh Maja.  The 20-year-old has scored 15 goals in 39 career appearances for the Wearsiders, all of which has apparently escaped Hodgson’s attention.  Hodgson said: “I’ve never heard of him. Sorry. I don’t follow Sunderland and he has not been mentioned to me.  “The fact is it is not my job to scout players. Are you going to suggest that you can name players here and I in some way am at fault because I don’t happen to have had those names put before me?”  Follow the Independent Sport on Instagram here, for all of the best images, videos and stories from around the sporting world.


theindependent--2019-01-15--Manchester City vs Wolves Willy Boly apologises to Bernardo Silva for red card tackle

Manchester City vs Wolves: Willy Boly apologises to Bernardo Silva for red card tackle

Wolves defender Willy Boly apologised to Bernardo Silva for the dangerous tackle which earned him an early red card in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.  City cut the gap at the top of the Premier League back to four points as Gabriel Jesus scored twice before an own goal from Conor Coady wrapped up the points.  But City's night was made straightforward by an early red for Boly, who was dismissed after 19 minutes for a sliding tackle which left Bernardo on the deck.  "It was quite a hard tackle but I am fine," the Portuguese midfielder said after the match. "Yes he did (apologise) at the end of the game. These things happen.  "You don't do it on purpose, I think, and he said that. Everything's fine. It's football."  Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo had no complaints about Craig Pawson's decision.  "It's very close to me and I think it's a red card," he said. "It's clear, you saw it. It's a red card."  City had already opened the scoring with a fine move - Aymeric Laporte splitting the defence with a ball down the channel for Leroy Sane, whose low cross was poked home by Gabriel Jesus.  And there was no doubt about the outcome thereafter, with Jesus converting from the spot after Raheem Sterling was brought down, while Coady got the last touch when substitute Kevin De Bruyne sent a wicked ball into the box with 12 minutes to go.  That allowed City to keep the pressure on Liverpool in the title race.  "We cannot play the games against them," City boss Pep Guardiola said. "We cannot do anything about them. All we can do is win our games. We've spoken to our players, we cannot control what they do.  "We have to wait and if they fail we'll be there. If they don't lose they will be champions."  Wolves took a point off City at Molineux earlier this season and have a strong record against the top six, but once they went a man down their game plan went out of the window.  "We're sad, disappointed," Nuno said. "We started well, we conceded a goal we shouldn't have. Then the red card, you stay in the game but City with their speed...we have to be realistic.  "The only positive is to say it was an experience. It can happen, with one man less, the game still has something to offer. We knew it was tough, and it became harder."  Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news, rumours and done deals throughout the January window


theindependent--2019-05-04--Bournemouth vs Tottenham Mauricio Pochettino refuses to criticise referee after aposunluckyapos

Bournemouth vs Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino refuses to criticise referee after 'unlucky' red cards in defeat

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that his Tottenham side were “unlucky” to see two red card decisions go against them, but refused to criticise referee Craig Pawson after accepting the sending off of Son Heung-min and Juan Foyth in the 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth.  Spurs saw their attempt to cement a top-four finish and Champions League football next season come unstuck as Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake’s injury-time header condemned the North London outfit to a third straight loss.  Pochettino decided against resting his biggest names despite the Champions League semi-final second leg against Ajax looming large in midweek, with Son named in a starting line-up alongside Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Lucas Moura as well as the likes of Kieran Trippier, Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose.  But if that was in hope of securing the three points needed to guarantee a third-place finish, it backfired dramatically in five crazy minutes either side of half-time as first Son was shown a straight red card for violent conduct towards Jefferson Lerma, before half-time replacement Juan Foyth – brought on for Eric Dier due to his first-half booking – was sent-off inside three minutes of the second half for a knee-high lunge on Jack Simpson.  “We have to move on and be better against Ajax on Wednesday,” Pochettino told Sky Sports. “I cannot talk too much, I think everyone saw what happened on the pitch and I think the first 40 minutes we were playing so well, we created a lot of big chances and we didn’t score. Sometimes football is like this and it’s cruel, and we conceded in the last minute, two red cards... it’s very difficult for the team to fight. We made the effort and there’s nothing to say, only disappointment.  “I have nothing to say. I respect the decision of the referee and my opinion is not important. My real and honest opinion is to accept the decision of the referee because now you cannot change what happened.”  Pushed further on the sending off of Foyth, which came just 125 seconds after he came on at half-time, Pochettino admitted that he made the substitution to avoid a possible second booking for Dier, but accepted Pawson’s decision to dismiss him even if privately he disagreed.  “Again, I didn’t see through TV but I need to respect the decision of the referee,” he added. “I can say absolutely nothing, I respect that. It was unlucky for us because first we lose Sonny and then after three minutes (of the second half) we lose Juan. We tried to avoid that because Toby (Alderweireld) and Eric had two yellow cards so we tried to play with Juan with less risk on the pitch.  “It was unlucky for us, but there’s nothing to say. It was massive because after with nine players I think we defended well, we made a very good game of it but it was not enough because in the last minute we conceded.”  Pochettino was also asked on whether Dier was lucky to avoid a second booking for a first-half challenge that went unpunished by Pawson, despite replays showing that the midfielder did not get the ball.  “Look, we’re going to play with 11 players on Wednesday and 11 players on Saturday,” said Pochettino. “For me the team is the most important, not one player who is going to play in front of another.  “I don’t believe that there is going to be a big impact. We go into recovery and get ready for Wednesday.”  Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe meanwhile expressed his relief in seeing his side score a winner to make the most of their two-man advantage, but added that the side were indebted to debutant goalkeeper Mark Travers, who at 19 years old made a string of first-half saves to keep Spurs at bay.  "It was a strange one because we were indebted to our goalkeeper in the first half to stay in the game,” Howe said.  "I've played against nine men once before at Burnley and we nearly ended up drawing that game. It is really tough because there is no space in behind and they are relying on counter attacks and it's really about your quality.  "We had one moment of quality with the corner and Nathan's header."  Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Travers admitted that he was not beset by nerves despite the occasion, keeping a clean sheet on his first Premier League outing. "It was an unbelievable day for me, something that I've worked towards the last few years,” he said/  "To get the opportunity today was unbelievable, especially against such a top side in Tottenham. And to get the three points as well was unbelievable.  "I found out yesterday morning (that I was playing), the gaffer pulled me in. Surprisingly, there weren't too many (nerves). I felt comfortable out there and enjoyed every minute."


theindependent--2019-11-22--Ukrainian FA defends Taison ban claiming Brazilian 'deserved red card' for reaction to rac

Ukrainian FA defends Taison ban claiming Brazilian 'deserved red card' for reaction to racist abuse

Ukrainian soccer’s governing body has defended its decision to hand Shakhtar Donetsk‘s Taison a one-match ban, saying the Brazilian midfielder needed to be held accountable for his reaction to racist abuse from the crowd.  Taison, 31, made a gesture towards Dynamo Kiev fans and kicked the ball into the stands after hearing the abuse during Shakhtar’s 1-0 win this month.  The player was shown a red card for the incident.  “Why it was important to hold the player accountable for such behaviour? Because the gesture... was also broadcast on TV,” Igor Gryshchuk, secretary of control and disciplinary committee of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF), said on Friday.  “We understand that the player addressed it to the stalls only and to the fans who expressed certain emotions against him – but those who watched the game on TV, including the children, could not perceive the gesture in a proper way.  “In any case, this behaviour and reaction deserved a red card, referee did a right thing when he used it, in our opinion. That’s why the player had to be held accountable.”  World players’ union FIFPro had asked for the red card to be overturned but the UAF confirmed a one-match ban and a conditional two-match suspension on Thursday.  FIFPro has since expressed their disappointment over the decision and said such sanctions play into the hands of “those who promote this kind of disgraceful behaviour.”  Gryshchuk, however, said the UAF was lenient with the sanctions.  “Regular punishment for such an action, for such gestures is a three-match ban,” he added. “But taking into account all circumstances of the case, all mitigating circumstances, addresses by our colleagues from the FIFPro and that this behaviour was provoked by fans’ racist chants, we used the mildest sanction.”


theindependent--2019-12-24--Tottenham news: Spurs fail in appeal against Son Heung-min's red card for kick on Chelsea'

Tottenham news: Spurs fail in appeal against Son Heung-min's red card for kick on Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger

Tottenham have failed with their appeal against Son Heung-min's red card in Sunday's match against Chelsea.  The South Korea forward was dismissed in the second half of the 2-0 loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when VAR showed him kicking out at Antonio Rudiger in retaliation to being fouled.  Despite Spurs launching an appeal, the Football Association determined the red card stands, meaning the 27-year-old will now miss the matches at home to Brighton on Boxing Day, and at Norwich and Southampton on Saturday and New Year's Day respectively.  Referee Anthony Taylor initially opted not to penalise Son for the challenge on Chelsea defender Rudiger, but VAR official Paul Tierney decided differently and advised Taylor to issue a red card.  It was the third red card for Son in 2019 as he was also sent off for pushing Jefferson Lerma at Bournemouth last season, then for a challenge on Everton's Andre Gomes in November that broke the midfielder's ankle.  Spurs also appealed against both dismissals, winning the latter.  Click here for our guide on how to watch all Amazon Prime Premier League fixtures for free, on 26 and 27 of December.


theindependent--2019-12-24--Tottenham: Jose Mourinho insists focus should be on Antonio Rudiger and not Son Heung-min after red

Tottenham: Jose Mourinho insists focus should be on Antonio Rudiger and not Son Heung-min after red card

Jose Mourinho believes Antonio Rudiger should be the one under scrutiny for his role in Son Heung-min’s red card, rather than the Tottenham player.  The South Korean was dismissed in the second half of Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea when VAR showed he kicked out at Rudiger in retaliation to being fouled.  Referee Anthony Taylor did not penalise Son, but VAR official Paul Tierney decided differently and advised Taylor to issue a red card.  Spurs have appealed against the decision, which led to the alleged racist abuse of the Chelsea defender, and are waiting to hear from the Football Association whether their player must serve a three-match ban.  But Mourinho, who sarcastically wished Rudiger well in his recovery from “broken ribs” after the game, says the German’s over-the-top reaction should be in focus.  “I hope the Premier League is still the Premier League and will always be the Premier League and I think the focus should be on Antonio Rudiger and not on Son,” Mourinho said.  “I’m not speaking about the racism incident, this is another thing. I am speaking about that incident, the red card.  “In the Premier League I love there is no space also for what Rudiger did. Stand up and play man. This is the Premier League.  “In some countries, especially now Latin cultures, you go to Latin America, Portugal, Spain, Italy and that happens, it is a cultural thing, but not in the Premier League, and the moment we try to punish the reaction of some player, insignificant reaction, but you try to punish and you let it go the other one, it is because then you become part of it (complicit).  “That’s why I was trying to joke and making a bit of fun about it.  “Come on, do you think Rudiger plays the next game or do you think he’s injured? I think he plays.  “And we speak about Son and don’t speak about him.”  Nevertheless, it is Son’s third red card of 2019 for a petulant act as he was sent off for pushing Jefferson Lerma at Bournemouth last season, then for a tackle on Everton’s Andre Gomes in November that broke the midfielder’s ankle.  Spurs also appealed against both dismissals, winning the latter.  Mourinho does not think Son has a temper problem, however, and insisted he was in control against Rudiger.  “A tiny reaction is an emotional reaction but is still an emotional reaction with control,” the Portuguese said.  “I don’t think it is different, what happened with (Mateo) Kovacic and Dele (Alli) (both players booked for grappling), with what happened with Son and Rudiger.  “For me the insignificant is insignificant. To send somebody home and to stop him doing his work and be on the pitch is not about insignificant, it is about significant.  “If you do an accumulation of insignificance then is when you arrive at the accumulation of yellow cards and you have two yellow cards for insignificant fouls you go out.  “But when you do in the game one insignificant foul that is not a red card, that is a yellow card.”  Click here for our guide on how to watch all Amazon Prime Premier League fixtures for free, on 26 and 27 of December.


themanchestereveningnews--2019-08-24--Gary Cahill reacts to controversial red card incident against Manchester United

Crystal Palace defender Gary Cahill admits he could have been sent off for his challenge on Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.  Cahill, who was making his Palace debut, was the subject of controversy in the first-half of his side's 2-1 win against United on Saturday afternoon.  The former Chelsea defender took Anthony Martial down on the edge of the penalty area at Old Trafford, but was only shown a yellow card for his challenge despite being the last man.  United players were furious when a red card was not shown to the veteran defender, but Cahill admits he was not feeling nervous as he awaited the referee's verdict.  "I was not nervous but I was not sure if it should have been a red card," Cahill told Match of the Day. "It felt 50/50 between us both.  "It was a fantastic result, we had to dig in, we had to go hard. We did that and the counter at the end was fantastic. We needed a reaction after the game. We worked very hard, we had a bit of luck with the penalty miss but I think we deserve it."  Palace manager Roy Hodgson also echoed the feelings of Cahill after the game, and insisted there was no debate as to whether the summer signing should have been sent off.  "No," Hodgson said after the match. "I see things from a football point of view, not VAR or the fans’ perspective."


thesun--2019-01-02--Paul Pogba mocks Jonjo Shelvey on Twitter after Newcastle ace lucky to avoid red card for challenge

Paul Pogba mocks Jonjo Shelvey on Twitter after Newcastle ace lucky to avoid red card for challenge on Manchester United star

MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Paul Pogba mocked Jonjo Shelvey on social media after the Newcastle ace somehow escaped a red card following a horror lunge on him.  The 26-year-old was one of the Magpies better players [as they lost 2-0 against to the Red Devils thanks to second half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8106641/newcastle-0 -man-utd-2-lukaku-rashford-solskjaer/)  ![ Newcastle star Jonjo Shelvey was lucky to avoid a red card following this tackle on Paul Pogba]()  Sky Sports  Newcastle star Jonjo Shelvey was lucky to avoid a red card following this tackle on Paul Pogba  But even though he displayed moments of magic, he was lucky to finish the match after a studs-up challenge on the World Cup winner.  Closing down the Frenchman in the 72nd minute at St James' Park, the England international lept in on the ex-Juventus midfielder, with his right boot halfway up [Pogba](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/paul-pogba/)'s leg.  The free-kick was awarded to United, but referee Andre Marriner deemed the challenge not even worthy of a yellow card.  Jamie Carragher was left in disbelief that the tackle didn't warrant a red card, as he said on commentary: "He should be off the pitch for that, Shelvey."  ![ Pogba somehow escaped any serious injury after being on the receiving end of the horror challenge]()  Sky Sports  Pogba somehow escaped any serious injury after being on the receiving end of the horror challenge  ![ World Cup winner Pogba reacts after getting studded down the back of the leg]()  Getty Images - Getty  World Cup winner Pogba reacts after getting studded down the back of the leg  Pogba got his own back on Shelvey minutes later as he clattered into him with his own late challenge shortly before United doubled their lead.  Before taking to Twitter where he uploaded a picture of his right leg, with the caption: "Great win to start 2019... caption this..."  Fans on Twitter were left equally mystified by the tackle from the ex- Liverpool maestro, as one said: "Red all day from Shelvey that. Knee-breaker."  While another commented: "That’s an absolute shocker of a challenge from Shelvey on Pogba. Above knee height and straight down the back of his leg. Should be off."  Newcastle 0-2 Manchester United - Lukaku and Rashford make it four straight wins for United under Solskjaer  [United](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196656/manchester- united/)'s win secured Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's fourth straight victory in charge, as they closed the gap on fifth-placed Arsenal to three points.  Next up for United is a home clash against Championship strugglers Reading in the FA Cup.


thesun--2019-02-02--Manchester United and Leicester stars fear seeing Mike Deans 100th red card

Manchester United and Leicester stars fear seeing Mike Dean’s 100th red card

MIKE DEAN could hand out his 100th Premier League red card during Manchester United's clash against Leicester tomorrow.  The veteran referee, 50, is within touching distance of the milestone as he has already sent off nine players in 18 games this season.  Mike Dean has given out the most red cards to Manchester City and Chelsea  He has produced a total of 99 red cards, including six in his last six games, ahead of tomorrow's match at the King Power Stadium.  This means that a player from [United](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196656/manchester- united/) or [Leicester ](https://www.thesun.co.uk/where/leicester/)is set to be on the receiving end of the historic moment.  [Nemanja Matic](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/nemanja-matic/) and Jan Vertonghen will be extra cautious having already been given their marching orders by him this term.  Since the Premier League era first started, no other referee has sent off as many players as the no-nonsense Englishman.  ![ The 50-year-old has already handed out nine red cards this season]()  Reuters  The 50-year-old has already handed out nine red cards this season  He has given out 99 in 470 games - which equates to one every 4.7 games.  Out his 99, 23 have been produced in the first half and 76 have been shown in the second half.  And 63 of the cards have been given to away teams, compared to just 36 for the home side - which won't fill United with hope.  Following behind Dean in the record books is Phil Dowd, who has made 67 dismissals in 308 games.  ![ One of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's players could receive Mike Dean's 100th red card]()  Getty - Contributor  One of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's players could receive Mike Dean's 100th red card  [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to his squad to bounce back](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8337658/man-utd-leicester- solskjaer-burnley/) against the Foxes after their slip-up against Burnley last week.  And Leicester will be full of confidence following their 1-1 draw with league leaders Liverpool on Wednesday.  Mike Dean will be in charge of Manchester United's clash against Leicester  Mike Dean wows fans with bizarre yellow card trick to book Dele Alli


thesun--2019-02-05--Mike Dean ready to brandish 100th red card and biggest victims Man City and Chelsea are up next

Mike Dean ready to brandish 100th red card.. and biggest victims Man City and Chelsea are up next

MIKE DEAN is just one red card away from his 100th Premier League sending off - and faces his two biggest victims when he takes charge of Manchester City against Chelsea on Sunday.  The English top flight's most experience official will oversee the biggest game of the weekend at the Etihad Stadium.  ![ Dean sent off Delph at Leicester]()  Reuters  Dean sent off Delph at Leicester  With only three months of the campaign remaining, it will go a long way to deciding the destination of the title and who will qualify for next season's Champions League.  Of the 99 times the 50-year-old Dean has dismissed in his [Premier League](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/premierleague/) career, nine have each come from [City](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196654/manchester-city/) and [Chelsea](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196660/chelsea/) \- the most of any other team.  [Fabian Delph's red card against Leicester in December 2018](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8062996/man-city-third-premier-league- ricardo-pereira/) was the last time he showed a player from either side his marching orders.  Dean has reffed three matches since, moving to within one of his century when he sent off Huddersfield's Christopher Schindler against Burnley.  ![ Torres has twice been dismissed by Dean]()  AP:Associated Press  Torres has twice been dismissed by Dean  He is on the verge of becoming the first ref to reach three figures for red cards in Premier League history.  And there is a good chance this weekend could see Dean reach that landmark, when he officiates his two biggest victims.  City and Chelsea top Dean's disciplinary hit-list, followed by Newcastle on seven, Arsenal on six and Tottenham, Stoke and West Brom on five.  Southampton's trip to Leicester in September 2000 was Dean's first Premier League match at the helm.  ![ Dean enjoyed one Tottenham goal against Villa more than he should have]()  Sky Sports  Dean enjoyed one Tottenham goal against Villa more than he should have  Nineteen years later he is the most prolific referee in the division's 27-year history.  Dean has taken charge of 472 games in all, ahead of the still-active Martin Atkinson and retired trio Graham Poll (329), Phil Dowd (308) and Mike Riley (283).  Dowd is the next closest official to 100 red cards on 67, but Dean is very likely to beat him to 100.  During a career which included taking the whistle for the 2008 FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff, Dean has sent off five players on two occasions.  ![ Williamson has twice fallen foul of the card-happy Dean]()  Dave Pinegar - The Sun  Williamson has twice fallen foul of the card-happy Dean  They include ex-City players Richard Dunne and Andy Cole, former Chelsea and Liverpool forward Fernando Torres and Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny.  Mike Williamson, who represented Watford and Newcastle, is also among the list.  Dean is regarded as one of the most flash and histrionic referees on the circuit.  His career as a result has been dominated by funny and humorous moments on- the-field.  Perhaps his most famous moment came in 2015, when he appeared to celebrate a Tottenham goal against Aston Villa at White Hart Lane.  Additionally, Dean often produces unnecessary step-overs when the ball inadvertently comes in his direction.  In a Merseyside derby in December 2016 he produced a no-look yellow card to Ross Barkley, to add to his reputation as a flamboyant official.  And [when he sent off Brighton's Lewis Dunk against Bournemouth this season](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8056489/mike-dean-parting-message- lewis-dunk/), he said "off you pop" to the England international before dishing out the card.  Referee 'saves the day' in Edinburgh kids' football match as he's forced to red card pitch invading dog


thesun--2019-02-23--Lucky Juan Foyth escapes red card after studs up challenge on Wood during Spurs defeat to Burnley

‘Lucky’ Juan Foyth escapes red card after studs up challenge on Wood during Spurs defeat to Burnley

JUAN FOYTH escaped becoming the recipient of Mike Dean's 100th Premier League red card - despite diving in on Burnley's Chris Wood during Tottenham's Premier League clash at Turf Moor.  The Argentine youngster started at centre-back ahead of Davinson Sanchez against the Clarets.  ![ Juan Foyth was only shown a yellow card for a strong challenge on Chris Wood]()  Reuters  Juan Foyth was only shown a yellow card for a strong challenge on Chris Wood  And he was almost given his marching orders in the second half when he flew into a challenge on Wood, conceding a free-kick just outside the penalty area.  Foyth careered into the tackle but withdrew his trailing right boot just in time to prevent colliding fully with his opponent.  Given just a booking by Dean - who sits on 99 dismissals in England's top flight - Foyth was eventually taken off and replaced by fellow-countryman Erik Lamela.  But fans on Twitter wanted Foyth's withdraw earlier in the afternoon.  Christopher Lowe wrote: "Any club outside the top 4, that's a red."  Ian Traver added: "Foyth is a liability in the back line."  Spurs fan Dilla said: "Juan Foyth a lucky boy. Because the refs on 99 Reds I figured it’d be coming."  Mike Beauvais was of a different opinion however, saying: "That's a reckless challenge from Juan **Foyth** , but he pulled up a bit and I think the yellow is the right call."  Though Tottenham survived being reduced to 10 men, they could not hold off Burnley who extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to eight games with a 2-1 win.  Chris Wood headed the hosts ahead after the break from a controversially awarded corner.  Harry Kane then marked his return from an ankle injury with a fine equaliser.  But Ashley Barnes had the final word, converting at the back post to boost the Lancashire side's survival hopes and land a decisive blow to the North Londoners' title bid.  Ex-England ace Mason calls for kids to be banned from heading footballs after being forced to retire aged 27 from fractured skull


thesun--2019-04-02--Mike Dean reaches 100 red cards milestone after sending off Ashley Young for Man Utd at Wolves

MIKE DEAN became the first Premier League referee to dish out 100 red cards after sending off Ashley Young.  The comedy ref showed the Manchester United captain his marching orders after a foul on Diogo Jota resulted in a second yellow card.  ![ Ashley Young was sent off by Mike Dean at Molineux on Tuesday]()  PA:Empics Sport  Ashley Young was sent off by Mike Dean at Molineux on Tuesday  ![ Ashley Young is given his marching orders by Mike Dean]()  AFP or licensors  Ashley Young is given his marching orders by Mike Dean  His first dismissal came 18 years ago when he sent off Nolberto Solano for Newcastle against Ipswich in 2001.  Young will miss Manchester United's clash against West Ham at Old Trafford on April 13 after his dismissal.  Luke Shaw also picked up a suspension and will miss the next two domestic games after his ninth yellow card of the campaign.  Dean's last red card was when he [sent off Fabian Delph for Manchester City](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8358574/mike-dean-100th-red- card-man-city-chelsea/) against Leicester in December.  But he ended the four-month drought and wait to reach the milestone on Tuesday night, doing so by dismissing the Manchester United captain.  Phil Dowd, who retired in 2016, is the closest referee to Dean's milestone with 67 red cards to his name.  Dean is regarded as one of the most flash and histrionic referees on the circuit.  His career as a result has been dominated by funny and humorous moments on- the-field.  ### DEAN'S RED CARDS BY TEAM  Chelsea 9   Man City 9   Newcastle 7   Arsenal 6   Stoke 5   Tottenham 5   West Brom 5   Man Utd 4   Birmingham 4   Charlton 4   Sunderland 4  Perhaps his most famous moment came in 2015, when he appeared to celebrate a Tottenham goal against Aston Villa at White Hart Lane.  Additionally, Dean often produces unnecessary step-overs when the ball inadvertently comes in his direction.  In a Merseyside derby in December 2016 he produced a no-look yellow card to Ross Barkley, to add to his reputation as a flamboyant official.  And when he sent off Brighton's Lewis Dunk against Bournemouth this season,[ he said "off you pop"](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8056489/mike-dean- parting-message-lewis-dunk/) to the England international before dishing out the card.  ### MOST PREM RED CARDS  Mike Dean 100   Phil Dowd 67   Mike Riley 66   Graham Poll 63   Martin Atkinson 58


thesun--2019-04-06--How many games do players miss for a red card in Premier League and Champions League and how many ma

How many games do players miss for a red card in Premier League and Champions League and how many matches will Cristiano Ronaldo miss?

EVERYBODY knows that when a player gets sent off they receive a suspension.  But less people know how many games their player will miss when they get a red card.  Here's what we know about all football's rules regarding suspensions...  ![ Roberto Pereyra was sent off for Watford against West Brom last season]()  PA:Press Association  Roberto Pereyra was sent off for Watford against West Brom last season  ## How many matches does a player miss after a red card?  If a player is sent off for a professional foul (eg holding an opponent back when they're through on goal) or a second bookable offence they will be handed a one-match ban.  Straight red cards for dissent will result in a two-match ban, while dangerous tackles or violent conduct will result in a three-match ban which can be raised to four or more games in extreme cases.  Incidents of racism will almost certainly result in a ban longer than three games while a red card for spitting triggers an automatic six-match ban.  Players who have been sent off will also be banned for a further match if they refuse to leave the pitch within a reasonable time period after receiving a red card.  In the Champions League and Europa League, players will miss one match if they are sent off.  As a result, Cristiano Ronaldo's red in Juventus' opener will see him unavailable against Young Boys - unless deemed more serious.  Cristiano Ronaldo in tears as he is SENT OFF on Champions League debut for Juventus  ![ Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after being sent off in the first half of his Juventus Champions League debut against Valencia]()  EPA  Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after being sent off in the first half of his Juventus Champions League debut against Valencia  ## How many yellow cards before a player is automatically suspended?  Players will be receive a one-match ban if they receive five yellow cards in domestic competitions.  A player who receives ten yellow cards will get a two-match ban and a player with 15 yellow cards will get a three-match ban.  In the unlikely event that a player receives 20 yellow cards they will suffer the humiliation of being forced to attend a special hearing at the FA to discuss their conduct.  In the Champions League and Europa League players will be banned for receiving three yellow cards.  ## When does the Premier League wipe cards from records?  Premier League yellow cards are wiped on December 31, while the EFL wipe yellow cards on November 30.  That means any player who receives five yellow cards will not be banned.  However cards aren't wiped entirely as any player who obtains ten yellow cards after New Year will still get a two-match ban.  In European and international competitions, yellow cards are wiped after the quarter-finals.  ## Can a red card be overturned?  A straight red card can be overturned if an appeal is lodged with the FA and a panel decides the referee got the decision wrong.  In the event of a successful appeal, the suspension will be cancelled.  But if the FA rule a club has lodged a 'frivolous' appeal, a three-game ban can be increased to four.  Appeals can't be lodged in the event of a second yellow card, apart from in cases of mistaken identity.  ## Do red card suspensions extend to international games?  Club red cards are completely separate from international red cards.  No cards received at club level will result in an international ban and vice- versa.  ![ Luis Suarez received a four month global ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini]()  Getty Images  Luis Suarez received a four month global ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini  However, Fifa do have the power to enforce a global ban.  After biting Giorgio Chiellini in the 2014 World Cup, Luis Suarez was banned from all football for four months.  The Champions League returns and you can watch all the action on BT Sport


thesun--2019-04-06--Man City star Walker dodges red card after VAR review over headbutt against Brighton

Man City star Walker dodges red card after VAR review over ‘headbutt’ against Brighton

KYLE WALKER sparked another VAR furore as the Manchester City defender escaped a red card for a 'headbutt' in tonight's FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.  The England star was branded "pathetic" and the video decision farcical Walker escaped with just a booking for moving his head into Alireza Jahanbakhsh's face.  ![ Man City's Kyle Walker was only booked for this clash with Alireza Jahanbakhsh]()  Rex Features  Man City's Kyle Walker was only booked for this clash with Alireza Jahanbakhsh  One fan tweeted: "If Kyle Walker played for Brighton it would’ve been a straight red no questions asked."  And another argued: "Football really needs to get VAR sorted. Kyle Walker should be walking to the dressing room. As soft as it is, violent conduct.  "Why is he using his head at all in a heated debate? Pathetic."  One follower claimed the video verdict was "proof that VAR will never work".  But BBC commentator Martin Keown said: "I think Walker has a little flick with his head, he has just got to keep his cool. I don't think there is anything too untoward in that, he just has to calm down."  ![ Another angle as Kyle Walker exacerbates a heated incident with Alireza Jahanbakhsh by putting his head forwards]()  Reuters  Another angle as Kyle Walker exacerbates a heated incident with Alireza Jahanbakhsh by putting his head forwards  Chris Hughton says Kyle Walker should have been sent off for 'headbutt' incident  Walker, 28, had reacted to a push and possible stamp from Brighton's Iran winger Jahanbakhsh, 25, near the end of the first half.  Ex-England star Jermaine Jenas responded on BBC1: "It was close and any other referee could have given him a straight red card.  "There was no need for that stamp from Jahanbakhsh, it wasn't needed. I think they come head to head anyway. If he goes down does VAR send him off?"  City were leading through Gabriel Jesus' header on four minutes, courtesy of a sublime cross from Kevin de Bruyne.  ![ VAR eventually gave Kyle Walker just a booking after his clash with Alireza Jahanbakhsh]()  Reuters  VAR eventually gave Kyle Walker just a booking after his clash with Alireza Jahanbakhsh


thesun--2019-06-19--England Under-21 star Hamza Choudhury issues grovelling apology for red card against France and admi

England Under-21 star Hamza Choudhury issues grovelling apology for red card against France and admits ‘I let the country down’

HAMZA CHOUDHURY apologised for his reckless red card for England at the Under-21 Euros and admitted: “I have let the country down.”  The Leicester star insisted the dismissal is the worst moment of his career.  ![ Hamza Choudhury has apologised for letting England down with his sending off in the under 21 game against France]()  3  Hamza Choudhury has apologised for letting England down with his sending off in the under 21 game against FranceCredit: AFP  Choudhury was sent off in the 63rd minute of the Young Lions Group C opener against France in Cesena last night for a crude lunge on Jonathan Bamba.  Serbian ref Srdjan Jovanovic initially showed the England midfielder a yellow card before raising it to a straight red after reviewing it with the VAR.  Houssem Aouar missed the resulting penalty - France’s second spot kick miss of the match.  But England, [leading 1-0 through Phil Foden’s superb solo goal](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9325334/watch-phil-foden-score- solo-goal-england-u21s-vs-france-u21s/), could not hang on for a victory that would have put them in control of the group.  And France snatched the points thanks Jonathan Ikone’s 90th minute equaliser and [a farcial stoppage-time own goal by Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan- Bissaka](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9325577/england-u21-1-france-u21-2 -wan-bissaka/).  Young Lions boss Aidy Boothroyd admitted Choudhury’s sending off changed the game after Les Bleus ace Bamba was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital by ambulance for X-rays on his leg injured by the rash challenge.  Thankfully the Lille star is not thought to have suffered any serious damage.  ![ Choudhury saw red when the ref upgraded his initial yellow card using VAR for the shocking challenge on Jonathan Bamba]()  3  Choudhury saw red when the ref upgraded his initial yellow card using VAR for the shocking challenge on Jonathan BambaCredit: AFP  Choudhury, to his credit, insisted on coming out and speaking with reporters afterwards to apologise publicly for his moment of madness.  The star, who had played brilliantly until then, said: “I can remember that the ball was there to be won but, honestly, watching back it looked like I was over aggressive.  “It wasn’t malicious and I didn’t want to hurt him whatsoever. I saw the ball and tried to take it but I mistimed it.  “I don’t think I have ever felt worse in my footballing career so far than I do right now. I have let the lads down, I have let the country down.  “I understand playing at this level comes with a certain pressure.”  Choudhury, still only 21, has vowed to learn from his mistake.  He said: “Of course, of course. I will go back and think about it and the next time I get in that situation, I won’t make that tackle.  “Right now, I am just upset and I feel like I have let the side down.”    ## LET THEM DOWN  Choudhury also apologised to his team-mates in the England U-21 dressing room after the match.  He revealed: “The lads were brilliant, to be honest. They came and they picked me up off the floor. They took me into the showers and told me to keep my head up.  “But right now, I can’t. I just can’t. It’s a really difficult time.  “I just wanted to let everyone know that I know I have let them down. I just want to get that message out there and really apologise.”  Choudhury will now be banned for England’s final group games against Romania in Cesena on Friday and Croatia in San Marino on Monday.  The Young Lions will now have to win both, and probably by handsome margins, to stand any chance of reaching the semi-final.  Only the three group winners and the best runners-up will go through to the last four.  England’s chances of progressing are slim following their shattering defeat by France.  But bad-boy Choudhury is refusing to throw in the towel.  He said: “Of course we can stay in this tournament – of course.  “The group of lads that we have got in there, I think, are the best in the tournament.  “I think we will go on and I think we will get six points.  “That is our aim and we will see if we can progress to the semi-finals.”  ![ Phil Foden had given England the lead with a brilliant individual goal]()  3  Phil Foden had given England the lead with a brilliant individual goalCredit: EPA  Man City Star Phil Foden recounts his rise to stardom in EA Sports FIFA advert


thesun--2019-07-05--Watch as Wayne Rooney has red card for shocking lunge overturned in controversial VAR decision for D

Watch as Wayne Rooney has red card for shocking lunge overturned in controversial VAR decision for DC United

WAYNE ROONEY was a lucky boy after seeing red for a reckless lunge — before having it overturned by VAR.  The former [Manchester United](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196656/manchester- united/) and England star was skinned for pace by FC Dallas' Michael Barrios, who robbed the ball off his foot.  ![ Wayne Rooney's rash lunge on Dallas FC winger Michael Barrios was deemed a red card offence on first inspection but it was quickly downgraded to a yellow]()  4  Wayne Rooney's rash lunge on Dallas FC winger Michael Barrios was deemed a red card offence on first inspection but it was quickly downgraded to a yellowCredit: MLS  ![ Rooney was initially given a straight red card by referee Nima Saghafi]()  4  Rooney was initially given a straight red card by referee Nima SaghafiCredit: MLS  Rooney, 33, was nowhere near winning the ball when he clipped the back of the Colombian's leg as he began to run clear on goal.  It is unclear why referee Nima Saghafi overturned his red card, given the severity and danger of the challenge.  But he seemed convinced after looking at replays that Rooney made either little or no contact with Barrios.  Either that or he had initially shown the red card thinking Rooney was the last man, but needed replays to confirm he was not.  Dallas were already 1-0 up at Toyota Stadium, thanks to Santiago Mosquera's sixth-minute strike.  ## VAR SAVES THE STAR  But Rooney will not have been happy with his side's performance in Texas, especially given Luciano Acosta's red card after 73 minutes.  Dominique Badji had already made it 2-0 by that point, but it left DC United four points behind MLS Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union.  ![]()  4  [He scored a Puskas Award contender with a strike from inside his own half just last week](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/9383323/watch-wayne-rooney- scores-halfway-line-goal-dc-united-orlando-mls/), a goal that earned his team all three points.  Elsewhere in MLS, Rooney's former Old Trafford team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic might have been saying "remember the name"... after his was mis-spelt on his match shirt.  The [LA Galaxy striker scored both goals in his side's 2-0 win over Toronto, but his shirt had 'Irbahimovic' on the back.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9442139/ibrahimovic-name-spelt- wrong-jersey-la-galaxy/)  ![ Rooney was a lucky boy though as the referee downgraded his red to a yellow card after consulting VAR]()  4  Rooney was a lucky boy though as the referee downgraded his red to a yellow card after consulting VARCredit: MLS


thesun--2019-10-09--Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele WILL miss El Clasico after two-game ban confirmed for red card

OUSMANE DEMBELE will miss El Clasico on October 26 after being slapped with a two-game ban for insulting referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz.  The Barcelona winger was sent off in the recent 4-0 win against Sevilla after confronting the official who had just shown a red card to his team-mate Ronald Araujo.  Araujo was sent off just 13 minutes into his debut for hauling down Javier Hernandez, sparking Barca players to surround the ref.  In the referee's official report, he stated that Dembele, 22, told him: "Very bad, you're very bad."  He then brandished the French international his second yellow card of the game.  Lionel Messi came to the defence of Dembele, claiming he is still struggling to get a grasp of the Spanish language.  He said: "It surprised us that (Lahoz) understood so clearly because the truth is that it’s still hard for Ousmane to speak Spanish.”  Dembele's actions would usually result in just a one-match ban, but the Royal Spanish Football Federation have had handed out harsher punishments in recent times.  Diego Costa was handed an eight-game ban last season for verbally abusing a referee, while the likes of Michael Krohn-Deli, Gabriel Pires and Fabian Orellana were given two-match bans for insulting officials.  Barca had appealed against Dembele's ban, but the RFEF have dismissed their case.  The ex-Borussia Dortmund star will now miss the upcoming fixtures against Eibar and Real Madrid.


thetelegraph--2019-02-12--Paul Pogba red card compounds dire night for Man Utd as Kylian Mbappe and PSG prove a class above

It is a long way back for Manchester United to the elite end of European football after almost six years appointing the wrong managers and often buying the wrong players, and if ever there was a game when that was evident it was a night against one of the very best.  It was not just that Paris Saint-Germain brought an end for now to the renaissance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, beaten for the first time in his 12th game in charge, it was how they did it, and how easy it looked for them at the end. That the outstanding performer in the PSG side was Angel Di Maria, a man who was once United’s record signing but only lasted a season under Louis van Gaal, seemed to make things worse – and the more he was booed the better he played.  Di Maria was shoved into the advertising boards by Ashley Young and jeered every time he touched the ball at a stadium that usually welcomes back its former players. In response, the Argentine created both goals in a seven-minute spell leading up to the hour and at one point even picked up a beer bottle thrown in his direction and pretended to take a swig. He never had this much fun when he was playing for the home team at Old Trafford.  There were goals from Presnel Kimpembe and then Kylian Mbappe and then, in a shambolic ending for United, Paul Pogba was given his second yellow card by the Italian referee Daniele Orsati. Pogba will be denied his Paris return for the second leg on March 6 but from this vantage point that currently looks like a formality for a PSG team that dominated even without Neymar and Edinson Cavani.  Where does one start with this magnificent PSG side who, for all the sound and fury from United in the first half, barely gave up a chance. The second Pogba foul was on Dani Alves, who brought all his experience to bear on the game. Marco Verratti ran the midfield until his late substitution. Marquinhos controlled the Pogba threat. This was Champions League football played by grown-ups and when they had done their bit there was the stupendous pace of Mbappe.


thetelegraph--2019-09-28--Alexis Sanchez scores and receives red card on first Inter Milan start

Alexis Sanchez scored and was sent off in his first start for Inter Milan as the Serie A leaders maintained their perfect record with a 3-1 win at Sampdoria on Saturday.  Stefano Sensi’s deflected strike put Inter in front after 20 minutes before on-loan Manchester United forward Sanchez finished from close range to double the lead two minutes later.  The match turned on its head a minute into the second half when Sanchez was shown a second yellow card for simulation and Jakub Jankto pulled back a goal for Sampdoria with 35 minutes still to play.  But Roberto Gagliardini pounced to seal the three points for Inter, who have won their first six league games of a season for the first time since 1966-67 and only the second time in their history.  “Fortunately, the way it finished, I can look at the glass half full," Inter coach Antonio Conte told Sky Italia.  “I’d prefer a more relaxed match on an emotional level, as we absolutely dominated the first half and were in complete control.  “Finding ourselves in that situation and emerging with a victory fortifies us. It helps us realise we can consolidate success and continue playing our football even when down to 10 men."


thetelegraph--2019-12-24--Tottenham fail in getting Son Heung-min's red card against Chelsea overturned

Tottenham have failed with their appeal against Son Heung-min's red card in Sunday's match against Chelsea.  The South Korea forward was dismissed in the second half of the 2-0 loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when VAR showed him kicking out at Antonio Rudiger in retaliation to being fouled.  Despite Spurs launching an appeal, the Football Association determined the red card stands, meaning the 27-year-old will now miss the matches at home to Brighton on Boxing Day, and at Norwich and Southampton on Saturday and New Year's Day respectively.  Referee Anthony Taylor initially opted not to penalise Son for the challenge on Chelsea defender Rudiger, but VAR official Paul Tierney decided differently and advised Taylor to issue a red card.  It was the third red card for Son in 2019 as he was also sent off for pushing Jefferson Lerma at Bournemouth last season, then for a challenge on Everton's Andre Gomes in November that broke the midfielder's ankle.  Spurs also appealed against both dismissals, winning the latter.


eveningstandard--2019-01-06--Franck Riberyaposs Salt Bae aposgold steakapos video Footballer given aposheavy fineapos

Franck Ribery's Salt Bae 'gold steak' video: Footballer given 'heavy fine' by Bayern Munich for four-letter blast at critics

Bayern Munich footballer Franck Ribery has been fined by his club for a foul-mouthed Twitter tirade after he was criticised over buying a gold encrusted steak.  The French winger visited the Dubai restaurant of Turkish chef Nusret Gokce aka Salt Bae where he ordered the extravagant cut of meat.  He posted a video online of Salt Bae flamboyantly slicing the steak before Ribery sprinkles it with salt.  He was immediately criticised for the brazen display of wealth which prompted an explicit ridden outburst.  After the video was shared, one person wrote online: "Roll meat in gold, pay 1000 EUR and post a video. What a world."  It was around then that Ribery hit back with a four-letter tirade.  He wrote: "For 2019, let’s dot the i’s and cross the t’s... Let’s start with the jealous, the haters, those only born because a condom had a hole in: f*** your mothers, your grandmothers and even your family tree. I owe you nothing."  "My success is, above all, thanks to God, me, and my loved ones who believed in me. For the others, you’re nothing but pebbles in my socks!”  He went on to hit out at "pseudo-journalists" who are always "negative".  In a third post he shared a photo of a French celebrity journalist, and contained the quote: "I do what I want with my money."  Following this response, Bayern Munich sports director Hasan Salihamidzic said the player "used words which we as FC Bayern Munich cannot accept and which Franck as a role model, as a player of FC Bayern, must never use.  "I spoke to Franck for a long time yesterday and told him he would receive a hefty fine. He has accepted this punishment."  The golden tomahawk steak is one of Salt Bae's signature dishes. It is a 400g cut of sirloin wrapped with gold leaf.


eveningstandard--2019-06-19--Paul Scholes apologises for aposgenuine mistakeapos after FA fine for betting 26000 on footbal

Paul Scholes apologises for 'genuine mistake' after FA fine for betting £26,000 on football

Paul Scholes has apologised for his "genuine mistake" having been fined £8,000 by the Football Association after accepting a charge of breaching betting rules.  The former Manchester United midfielder and Salford City director made nearly £6,000 of profit after betting £26,159 between August 2015 and January of this year.  The best included eight wages on United, one bet on Valencia to beat Barcelona while former teammates Gary and Phil Neville were in charge and eight on the FA Cup after Salford had been knocked out.  Scholes, 44, used Paddy Power and Bet365 accounts over the period, with the former having been deactivated by the bookmaker, who warned the ex-Oldham manager he could be in breach of rules and flagged the account to the FA.  "I accept last week's ruling. I would like to apologise and I understand and fully accept the fine imposed by the FA," the ex-England international said in a statement.  "It was a genuine mistake and was not done with any deliberate intention to flout the rules.  "I wrongly believed that as long as there was no personal connection between me and any of the matches that I bet upon then there would be no issue.  "However, I understand now that this is not the case and I should have taken steps to verify this at the time."  He had quit as a Salford director two months earlier - albeit retaining his 10 per cent shareholding - in order to take over as manager of League Two club Oldham, where he lasted just 31 days before walking out.


lifesitenews--2019-10-10--Football player wins appeal, won’t be fined for wearing religious headband on the field

October 9, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) — New Orleans Saints starting linebacker Demario Davis will not be fined after all for wearing a headband sporting the words “Man of God” and announced Tuesday that the controversy has helped raise money for charity.  Last week, Davis announced on Instagram that he had been fined approximately $7,000 for wearing one of the headbands (which are being sold to support the expansion of the emergency department of St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi) during the Saints’ game against the Seattle Seahawks as a violation of the National Football League (NFL)’s blanket prohibition against wearing “personal messages” with their uniforms.  NOLA.com reports that other messages to be fined over the years include unapproved product logos and seemingly benign slogans such as “Find the Cure.” The minimum penalty for a first offense is $7,017, with a minimum of $14,037 for a second.  “Of course you don’t want to be fined,” Davis said following the news. “Nobody wants to lose money but I think any time that the conversation about God is brought up, especially in these times, I think it’s always a positive or silver lining. If he can get glory from it, I think he can get glory from it whether I personally wear the headband or don’t wear the headband. He's always gonna be in control of the whole situation. We’re still all good.”  On Tuesday, Davis published another Instagram post announcing that he had won his appeal and would not be forced to pay the fine but has decided to donate the original $7,017 sum to St. Dominic’s.  “So far, we’ve raised over $30,000 for them from the headbands,” he wrote. “That means yall [sic] helped me turn a $7,000 negative into an almost $40,000 positive benefiting people who truly need it!”  ESPN adds that the NFL often rescinds fines if a player “demonstrates an understanding of the rule and total compliance with the rule moving forward.” Davis did not wear the headband for the Week 4 and 5 games.  Fining players for wearing non-controversial religious messages stands in stark contrast to the NFL’s handling of the 2017 kneeling controversy, during which numerous players refused to stand for the National Anthem in solidarity with the false claim that American law enforcement is full of racist police officers prone to shooting unarmed blacks. Kneeling during the anthem also violates the NFL’s rules, but beyond a May 2018 policy change that was shelved two months later, the league still does not punish players for doing so.


theblaze--2019-10-15--A youth football coach may be fined and suspended for beating an opponent too badly


theindependent--2019-10-09--Hong Kong Football Association fined by Fifa for booing China national anthem before World Cup quali

Hong Kong Football Association fined by Fifa for booing China national anthem before World Cup qualifier

Fifa have fined Hong Kong’s Football Association (HKFA) £12,332 (15,000 Swiss francs) after their fans disrespected the Chinese national anthem before last month’s World Cup qualifier against Iran.  Hong Kong fans booed and turned their backs while the anthem was played on September 10.  The game took place during the ongoing pro-democracy protests against China’s rule of Hong Kong, which was under British rule until 1997.  Hong Kong lost the match 2-0 and next plays at home on November 14 against Bahrain.  Also, FIFA fined Indonesia £36,996 (45,000 Swiss francs) for fan disorder in a home qualifier against neighbouring Malaysia.  The game was suspended for several minutes late in the second half because of clashes between fans. Malaysia won 3-2 with a goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time.  Fifa warned Malaysia for its fans’ lack of discipline and throwing objects.


theseattletimes--2019-12-09--Basketball player fined for ignoring Chinese national anthem

BEIJING (AP) — China’s professional basketball association fined one of its foreign players on Monday for not paying sufficient attention during the pre-game playing of the country’s national anthem.  Nanjing Monkey Kings forward Guerschon Yabusele was given a warning and fined 10,000 yuan ($1,421) by the CBA for his infraction.  Footage distributed online showed the French native with his head bowed while his Chinese and foreign teammates directed their gaze at the Chinese flag prior to the Dec. 6 game against Zhejiang. Yabusele signed with the Monkey Kings in the eastern city formerly known as Nanking in August after a stint with the Boston Celtics and the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League.  The incident underscores China’s extreme sensitivity over respect for national images. Legislation has been enacted in recent years to regulate where and how the flag, seal of state and national anthem can be employed, with violators subject to fines and even detention.  Booing of the Chinese anthem at soccer matches in Hong Kong has continued despite legal threats, underscoring the deep animosity many in the semi-autonomous Chinese city feel toward the central government in Beijing.


birminghammail--2019-01-31--This is why former Birmingham City boss Barry Fry has been banned from football

Barry Fry has been banned from all football and football related activity four four months.  The 73-year-old, who was Birmingham City boss for three years from 1993-1996,  has accepted a charge for misconduct in relation to betting during the 2017/18 season.  Fry, who is now Peterborough United's Director of Football has received a four month ban, with three of those suspended.  Peterborough chairman Darrah MacAnthony placed his support behind Fry when he tweeted: “Storm in a teacup & will be resolved & full facts revealed once his hearing happens and finishes etc. Trust me on that.”  It is believed the charges relate to placing a bet on a Peterborough player to be top goal scorer and for his team to be promoted last season.  He has also been fined £35,000 following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.  The period of his suspension will begin on February 1 2019.


birminghammail--2019-02-06--Bournemouth fan who threw pie onto pitch during Chelsea game faces football ban

A football fan faces a future ban after he was found to have thrown a pie onto Chelsea's pitch during their match against AFC Bournemouth.  The incident took place in the midst of the two teams' Carabao Cup quarter-final on December 19 which Chelsea won 1-0.  Eden Hazard scored a late winner for the home side and it is an away fan who risks being banned.  Adam Cox, 27, was convicted in his absence at City of London Magistrates' Court of one count of throwing a missile on to a football playing area.  Cox had previously served a three-year banning order for a similar matter, issued in 2012, the court heard.  On this occasion, it is not known what type of pie was thrown or if it hit anybody.  Prosecutor Iain Jenkins said Stamford Bridge steward Dominic Agbo spotted the incident shortly after kick-off in the South Stand, commonly referred to as the Shed End, which was used to house away fans.  In a written witness statement, Mr Agbo said: "The football match was a sell-out, with approximately 40,000 supporters present.  "At around 8.05pm, I was posted to the South Stand upper, behind the goal.  "I saw the Bournemouth fan throw something (on to the pitch) between the corner flag and the goal.  "CCTV was reviewed and security saw the male."  Cox, described in court as being around 6ft 4in and of athletic build, was later removed from the stand and spoken to by police.  Pc Kerry Jarrett said Cox initially told security he was responsible, but said he thought admitting guilt meant he could "go home".  She said: "Initially I thought he was going to be dealt with by way of a community resolution, but he had already been the subject of a football banning order.  "Cox admitted he told stadium staff he threw the pie so he could just go home.  "He continued to say he already admitted it. But then he looked at the statement (written by Pc Jarrett) and said I was writing lies, and he wouldn't sign it.  "He started to get agitated."  Cox was handcuffed and taken into custody but failed to attend his previous court hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month.  He was convicted in his absence on Wednesday, with bench chairman Sarah Houston telling the court the matter had been proved.  A warrant was issued for Cox, of Barrack Road in Christchurch, Dorset, regarding the imposition of a new football banning order.  He will need to appear in court at a later date should he wish to contest it, the court clerk confirmed.  The incident happened a day after Tottenham fan Averof Panteli was fined for throwing a banana skin at a black Arsenal footballer in a "targeted gesture" with a "racial element".


birminghammail--2019-02-06--Football fan Adam Cox who threw pie onto Chelsea pitch vs AFC Bournemouth faces ban

An angry football fan faces being banned from future matches after he threw a pie on to the pitch during Chelsea's league cup tie with AFC Bournemouth.  Adam Cox, 27, was convicted in his absence at City of London Magistrates' Court of one count of throwing a missile on to a football playing area.  The court heard Cox, an away supporter, had previously served a three-year football banning order, applied in 2012, for a similar matter.  Prosecutor Iain Jenkins said Stamford Bridge steward Dominic Agbo spotted the incident shortly after kick-off in the South Stand, commonly referred to as the Shed End, which was used to house away fans for the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie.  It is not known what type of pie was thrown, or if it hit anybody.  In a written witness statement, Mr Agbo said: "The football match was a sell-out, with approximately 40,000 supporters present.  "At around 8.05pm, I was posted to the South Stand upper, behind the goal.  "I saw the Bournemouth fan throw something (on to the pitch) between the corner flag and the goal.  "CCTV was reviewed and security saw the male."  Cox, described in court as being around 6ft 4in and of athletic build, was later removed from the stand and spoken to by police.  Pc Kerry Jarrett said Cox initially told security he was responsible, but said he thought admitting guilt meant he could "go home".  She said: "Initially I thought he was going to be dealt with by way of a community resolution, but he had already been the subject of a football banning order.  "Cox admitted he told stadium staff he threw the pie so he could just go home.  "He continued to say he already admitted it. But then he looked at the statement (written by Pc Jarrett) and said I was writing lies, and he wouldn't sign it.  "He started to get agitated."  Cox was handcuffed and taken into custody but failed to attend his previous court hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month.  He was convicted in his absence on Wednesday, with bench chairman Sarah Houston telling the court the matter had been proved.  A warrant was issued for Cox, of Barrack Road in Christchurch, Dorset, regarding the imposition of a new football banning order.  He will need to appear in court at a later date should he wish to contest it, the court clerk confirmed.  The match on December 19 ended 1-0 to Chelsea, with Eden Hazard scoring a 86-minute winner.  It is not known exactly what time the pie was thrown.  The incident happened a day after Tottenham fan Averof Panteli was fined for throwing a banana skin at a black Arsenal footballer in a "targeted gesture" with a "racial element".


eveningstandard--2019-01-03--Chelsea fan handed three-year ban from football matches for homophobic chants

A Chelsea fan has been banned from attending football matches for three years for shouting homophobic abuse during a Premier League match against Brighton.  George Bradley, 20, plead guilty to the offence of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Thursday.  The incident occurred during Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium on December 16. Bradley has also been fined £965.  A spokesperson for Brighton & Hove Albion added: "We would like to thank Sussex Police for their assistance in dealing with this unsavoury incident, and we are very pleased with the outcome.  "It underlines both their and our commitment to a zero tolerance policy on any form of abuse from those attending matches at the Amex. We would remind all fans that we will not tolerate any form of abusive behaviour at the stadium and will always take the strongest possible action."  Darren Balkham, Sussex Police’s football policing officer, added: "Mr Bradley pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and accepted his behaviour was not acceptable and this was recognised by the court.  "I would urge any supporter attending the Amex to report these incidents to either a steward or police officer to allow us to take action at the time."  In December, Chelsea suspended four supporters from attending matches as part of an investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.


eveningstandard--2019-03-20--Sophie Jones quits football after five-game ban for racially abusing Tottenhamaposs Renee Hector

Sophie Jones quits football after five-game ban for racially abusing Tottenham's Renee Hector

Sophie Jones says she will quit football after being found guilty by The Football Association of using discriminatory language towards Tottenham Ladies player Renee Hector.  Sheffield United Women terminated the contract of the forward on Wednesday after she was handed a five-game ban and a £200 fine after an ‘Aggravated Breach’ of FA Rule E3(1) was found proven by an Independent Regulatory Commission.  In a statement posted on her Twitter account, the 27-year-old launched a scathing attack on the FA, labelling her hearing as a "kangaroo court" and stating that she can no longer play under a body that she "does not have any confidence in".  The FA, responding to the statement, said: "The case against Sophie Jones was heard by an Independent Regulatory Commission comprising two independent lawyers and a former football player and manager. The written reasons in the case will be published in due course, which will provide a detailed account of the evidence given and the findings of the Commission.  "The FA continues to treat all allegations of discrimination seriously and encourages any players who believe they have been the subject of, or witness to, discriminatory abuse to report this through the appropriate channels."  The charge stems from an FA Women's Championship clash in January after which Spurs defender Hector took to Twitter, claiming to have been the subject of racist abuse.  “Such a shame that racism seems to be rising up again in football – I received some monkey noises today from an opposition player,” Hector wrote.  “The only reaction was to let the football do the talking and that we did great start to the year!”.  Following the suspension, Sheffield United Women confirmed in a statement that Jones' contract would be terminated.  "Following dialogue between the Club and Jones, and taking into account the length of the suspension, it has been decided that her contract, which was due for review in the summer, will be terminated by mutual agreement," the club said.  Jones denied the charge, but, as well as the fine and suspension, has now been ordered to attend an FA education course after the case was reviewed by an Independent Regulatory Commission.  "The Sheffield United FC Women’s player denied a charge of using abusive and/or insulting words – that included reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race – towards an opponent during an FA Women’s Championship fixture against Tottenham Hotspur Ladies on 06 January 2019.  "The forward was also fined £200 and ordered to attend an FA education course."  After the verdict was reached, Renee Hector also released a statement reading: “There is no place for racism in our game. A zero tolerance policy is imperative in stamping this out from football therefore I welcome this verdict.  "No one should be subjected to racist abuse on or off the pitch and I felt a responsibility to call it out for what it was.”  ”I would like to state on record that I do not condone racism in any form and I will continue to stand by this statement.  “I strongly stand firm that I am not guilty with regards to the charge that the FA have brought against me.  “I am struggling to come to terms with this decision and how The FA can come to a verdict based on probability from the two witness accounts verbally given, instead of reviewing the case and its evidence, in its entirety, based on the Sport Law and Practice Second Edition stating ‘the more serious the allegation the greater degree of satisfaction required’.  “The FA ‘independent’ panel received more than 10 other witness statements from payers with the alleged incident vicinity including Tottenham players, also all the match officials, all confirming they did not hear any racial abuse and or comments made.  “Video evidence that was submitted clearly showing no issue had occurred in the game had also totally been disregarded by the panel. Audio transcript of the alleged incident was taken to be reviewed and came back clear. Two witness statements from Tottenham players that continuously contradicted each other. And finally, my barrister was constantly being shut down by the independent panel when trying to discredit the two witness statements. In short, he wasn’t allowed to do his job.  “The hearing took place in a kangaroo court. It is with a heavy heart that I feel I am unable to continue within football and play under an organisation that I do not have any confidence in. I would like to personally thank Kevin McCabe and everyone at Sheffield United for their continuous support.”


sputnik--2019-08-03--Messi Banned From International Football for 3 Months After Slamming Copa America for Corruption

Messi Banned From International Football for 3 Months After Slamming Copa America for 'Corruption'

Argentinian team captain Lionel Messi has been banned from international football for three months the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) announced, adding that he also must pay a $50,000 fine to the organisation.  Messi expressed his anger after Argentina was defeated by Brazil 2-0 in the semi-final game of the tournament, saying there have been "serious and gross refereeing errors". Later, during the third place match with Chile, the player was shown a red card after a clash with Gary Medel.  "We don't have to be part of this corruption", the Argentinian said. "They have shown us a lack of respect throughout this tournament".  Due to the ban, Messi will miss friendlies against Chile, Mexico, and Germany in September and October. He will also be banned from the first 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match.


thetelegraph--2019-08-03--Lionel Messi banned from international football for three months after Copa America outburst

Lionel Messi has been banned from playing international matches for Argentina for three months after claiming the Copa America was 'corrupt'.  The South American Football Confederation, Conmebol, has also fined the 32-year-old $50,000 (£41,121) for his comments following his sending off during Argentina's 2-1 win against Chile in the third-place play-off of the tournament last month.  Messi was sent off for only the second time in his career after pushing Chile midfielder Gary Medel, who was also shown a red card.  "We don't have to be part of this corruption," Messi said afterwards. "They have showed us a lack of respect throughout this tournament.  "Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don't allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit."


thetelegraph--2019-12-02--Exclusive: Sheffield Wednesday chairman could be banned from football over stadium deal

Dejphon Chansiri, the Sheffield Wednesday owner, is facing further scrutiny after being charged with misconduct by the English Football League.  The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Chansiri, finance director John Redgate and Wednesday’s former chief executive, Katrien Meire, have all been charged and could be banned from football if found guilty by an independent panel.  The charges by the EFL are understood to relate to the controversial £60 million sale of Hillsborough to Chansiri.  Wednesday insist they will “vigorously defend” the sanctions, which could include a heavy points deduction, but Chansiri, the Thai businessman, plus Redgate and Meire are also under the microscope.  The charges the trio face are believed to have been relayed to the club on Nov 14, the same day the EFL announced its decision to charge Wednesday with misconduct.  Redgate stepped down from the club’s board of directors last year but remains the finance director, while Meire, who held a similar role at Charlton Athletic, left Wednesday in February.  Chansiri has been Wednesday’s owner since 2015 and infuriated many rival Championship clubs when he agreed the sale of Hillsborough to help record a pre-tax profit of £2.5 million in the 2017-18 accounts.


birminghammail--2019-07-19--Banned for life - Aston Villa transfer target slammed by former owner

'Banned for life' - Aston Villa transfer target slammed by former owner

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has slammed Daniel Sturridge after the ex-Liverpool striker was handed a £75,000 fine and a six week ban for breaching betting rules.  Sturridge, who is reportedly a transfer target for Aston Villa, is alleged to have passed on transfer information to family members during the January 2018 window.  Sturridge strenuously denies the allegations but The FA plans to appeal the striker’s punishment, stating they believe he should miss at least six months of action.  “A sanction of any shorter duration than six months would wholly fail to reflect the gravity of the case,” a statement reads.  Sturridge’s punishment, handed out after nine of 11 charges were dismissed, means he will be able to resume his football career on July 31.  But straight-talking Jordan, 51, says the book should be thrown at England star Sturridge.  “It goes to the integrity of the sport,” Jordan told talkSPORT. “It’s beyond reproach and there can be no justification for it.  “I think the FA are absolutely right – they should throw the book at this kid!  “The fact he is allegedly providing information to a member of his family about a loan move… I know it’s allegedly because we are not across the facts, but there is some element of people taking this seriously.  This is your round up of all things Villa; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at Villa Park and beyond. Transfers, injuries, match-days and managers, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be bringing the very latest on the Lions throughout week and around the clock. Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up...  “He’s either guilty or he’s not guilty, and if he’s been found guilty he should be hit with the hardest and most strident penalties that take him out of football for a far longer period of time than two weeks.  “In my view, I think people like that who are found guilty should be banned for life.  “They are compromising the integrity of the sport.  “In this instance I think he is breaching the covenant, the undertaking, the unwritten understanding that sport has integrity.  “And if he’s doing that he should suffer the consequences of it, for the love of God!  “I’ve always thought fining people money was some sort of draconian thing only related to football. There should be consequences, and the biggest consequence is you no longer get to participate in this sport.  “You have compromised the values of this sport, and for that, that is your lot.  “Everybody knows you cannot give somebody an inside indication of your move, or the events unfolding ahead of a game.”  For all your latest Villa news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here


sputnik--2019-05-04--2nd Place Country House Wins 2019 Kentucky Derby After Disqualification of 1

2nd Place Country House Wins 2019 Kentucky Derby After Disqualification of #1

In an unprecedented and many say controversial call, the 1st place winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby, Maximum Security, has been disqualified after judges called obstruction on the winner.  Second place finisher Country House has been given the title of race winner.  Described by horse-racing enthusiasts as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," this year's 145th Kentucky Derby, like every race before it, was two minutes of intensity preceded by a daylong party.  Since 1875, the event has been run annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky without a single cancelation.  Earlier, the horse Omaha Beach was projected as the favorite to win this year's race, but dropped out on Wednesday due to a medical complication. Game Winner took its place for favorite with 5/1 odds, while Improbable and Roadster were close behind at 6/1, according to Forbes.  At just one and a quarter miles in length, the current race record remains Secretariat's 1973 scorcher, coming in a hair over one minute and fifty-nine seconds.  Owners of the winning horse are guaranteed a prize purse of at least $1,860,000 in a sport that predates baseball.  Horse racing has increasingly come under criticism for the way the animals are treated. In 2018, just under 10 horses died each week at racetracks in the US, according to the Equine Injury Database — a fatality rate estimated to be from 2.5 to 5 times that of racing in the rest of the world, according to the New York Times.  The Kentucky Derby is one of three key races called the Triple Crown, which include the Preakness Stakes, on May 18, and the the Belmont Stakes on June 8.


thetelegraph--2019-10-02--Liverpool fined for fielding ineligible player in Carabao Cup match against MK Dons but escape disqu

Liverpool fined for fielding ineligible player in Carabao Cup match against MK Dons but escape disqualification

Liverpool have escaped disqualification from the Carabao Cup after being hit with a £200,000 fine for fielding an ineligible player in their third round victory over MK Dons.  Jurgen Klopp’s side will be free to face Arsenal in the next round after competition organisers, the English Football League, determined there were mitigating factors when Pedro Chirivella featured in the tie without international clearance.  Liverpool have accepted the punishment and apologised to MK Dons and the EFL for the indiscretion.  Chirivella spent the second half of last season on loan at Spanish side Extramadura and needed a fresh permit on his return to his parent club during pre-season.  The EFL accepted Liverpool’s argument an application on the player’s behalf was sent to the Football Association in July, and the club also used Chirivella in Premier League Two and the Leasing.com trophy without the problem being flagged. Liverpool reported the issue after the MK Dons tie.  The EFL has suspended £100,000 of the fine.


thetelegraph--2019-11-25--Sergio Garcia agrees to drop appearance fee for Saudi International event following 2019 disqualific

Sergio Garcia agrees to drop appearance fee for Saudi International event following 2019 disqualification

Sergio García will return to play in next year’s Saudi International, the controversial event from which he was disqualified in February after purposefully damaging several of the greens. But as the Spaniard tries to make reparations for his outrageous meltdown, he will agree to participate without an appearance fee this time around.  It is understood this was one of the conditions placed on the 2017 Masters champion by the European Tour as it spared him a suspension. García received in the region of £500,000 for this year’s tournament and was not asked to return any of it, despite smashing his putter into one of the greens in anger and then continuing this fit of pique for the next hour or so, as he raked up as many as four other greens.  García apologised but many believe he got away lightly, including Brooks Koepka, the world No 1, who accused him of “acting like a child”. However, this revelation indicates there was a “punishment” of sorts. García is effectively being ordered to teeing it up at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, regardless of the negativity caused by the Tour again visiting the country.  García played in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Sunday, where he watched Jon Rahm become only the second Spaniard after Seve Ballesterors to top the order of merit and so collect the Harry Vardon Trophy.


tass--2019-05-07--Russian runner Savina disqualified for 12 years for doping

MOSCOW, May 7. /TASS/. /TASS/. Russian runner Ksenia Savina has been disqualified for 12 years for violating anti-doping rules, the press service of the All-Russia Athletic Federation (RAF) said on Tuesday.  Her coach Alexey Savin was also disqualified for four years for doping.  Savina's disqualification starts on 6 May 2019. Her coach's disqualification started on 3 April 2019.  In other media


sputnik--2019-01-29--McGregor Khabib Disqualified for 6 and 9 Months for Post-Fight Brawl

McGregor, Khabib Disqualified for 6 and 9 Months for Post-Fight Brawl

The commission decided at the hearing on Tuesday that UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor would be suspended for 9 and 6 months respectively. In addition, Nurmagomedov has been fined $500,000, while his rival must pay $50,000.  READ MORE: Conor McGregor 'Reveals' What He Told Khabib Nurmagomedov During Epic Vegas Bout  Following his victory in the match against McGregor in October, Nurmagomedov jumped out of the octagon and attacked McGregor's coach, sparking a melee in which the Irish athlete also took part.