All posts by h716a5.icu

Rangers had to relinquish Ibrox’s grasp on the SPFL title last night as their Old Firm rivals were crowned champions ahead of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men.

Despite this big disappointment for the Gers, their main focus will undoubtedly now be on securing a victory in the Europa League final.

After their final league game of the season on Saturday, van Bronckhorst’s side will be taking on Eintracht Frankfurt next Wednesday to see who will be lifting the trophy.

Looking ahead to this big match, it seems as though Rangers will be sweating over the fitness and potential availability of one figure that has played a big part in getting his side to the final.

What’s the latest?

Speaking on what the current situation is regarding Kemar Roofe’s fitness and his chances of being fit enough to play in the final, Van Bronckhorst had this to say on the matter.

He said: “It is going to be a close call for Kemar. So we have to assess him day by day. I think [Ryan] Jack is ahead of him. Jack will be ready for next week but I still don’t know about Kemar.”

Back in April, the former Leeds United star picked up a knee injury and hasn’t featured for the team since.

A big worry

This season has seen the striker make 35 appearances for his club across all competitions.

In those appearances, the 29-year-old has found the net 16 times and delivered two assists along the way. In the Europa League, Roofe has played in eight of their 14 games.

During the second-leg quarter-final clash against Braga at Ibrox, the centre-forward scored a goal and provided an assist in the 3-1 win that got his side to the semi-finals.

Taking into account how much of an attacking figure he has been for the Gers this season, not having him available to play in the final would be a big blow for the Glaswegian side.

With Alfredo Morelos out injured, this would only increase Rangers’ need to have a real striker, such as Roofe, available for selection.

While the Rangers boss will be sweating over the possibility of not having the Jamaican available to play next week, he’ll have to make sure that his other players are prepared mentally for the big showdown and hope that no other injury concerns arise before then.

In other news: Rangers eyeing “fabulous” £28k-p/w gem who “rises to the occasion”, GvB would love him

Through his 80 off 42 on captaincy debut against Australia, he showed that few understand the pulse of T20 cricket better than him

Hemant Brar24-Nov-20235:19

Takeaways: Mukesh, SKY headline India’s win

Suryakumar Yadav is at peace when he is surrounded by chaos. How else do you explain what he does in T20 cricket?Imagine a Venn diagram with three sets: Longevity (1000+ T20I runs), Consistency (average above 40) and Explosiveness (strike rate over 150). Virat Kohli has both longevity and consistency but lacks explosiveness. Glenn Maxwell has longevity and explosiveness but falls short on consistency. Rinku Singh has consistency and explosiveness but is yet to achieve longevity.There is only one T20I batter at the intersection of these three: Suryakumar Yadav. He has 1921 runs, an average of 46.85, and a strike rate of 173.37.Suryakumar is yet to crack it in Test cricket and ODIs, but few understand the pulse of T20 cricket better than him. Perhaps the chaos of T20 cricket leaves no room for confusion in his mind, as most of the time the only way out is to attack.ESPNcricinfo LtdThat’s why even in ODIs India try to use him when the situation becomes similar to a T20 game, that is in the last 15 overs of the innings. In the ODI World Cup final on Sunday, when they lost their fourth wicket in the 29th over, Ravindra Jadeja walked in ahead of him.Suryakumar didn’t have a great World Cup. Out of seven innings he played, he couldn’t cross 25 in six. But in the first T20I on Thursday, when he walked in at 22 for 2 with India chasing 209, he seemed to be in his comfort zone.In the first innings, Josh Inglis’ strokeplay during a blazing hundred had left even Suryakumar in awe. So much so that he was seen shadow-practising one of Inglis’ shots.Now it was Suryakumar’s turn. On the fourth ball he faced, he brought out the ‘supla shot’ and lap-pulled Jason Behrendorff over fine leg. In the next over, he hit Sean Abbott for a six and a four.Related

Weather could force changes in XIs as Australia look to level terms with India

India vs Australia T20I series: Suryakumar and Head in the spotlight

Rinku seals thriller after SKY trumps Inglis ton

Josh Inglis hits the ignition as race for T20 World Cup begins

Suryakumar raced to 37 off 19 balls. But at the other end, Ishan Kishan, with whom he has played a lot of cricket for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, was struggling on 19 off 21. Legspinner Tanveer Sangha had bowled his first over for just six runs despite it being a favourable match-up for Kishan.With 130 required from 12 overs, Suryakumar and Kishan had a chat.”I told Surya I was going to take this guy [Sangha] down, irrespective of where he bowled,” Kishan said afterwards. And as decided, Kishan hacked the first three balls of Sangha’s next over through the leg side for 4, 6, 6.Suryakumar, meanwhile, told Kishan just one thing: “Don’t think about what we are chasing, just keep batting, we will analyse at the end of ten overs.”After ten overs, it was a perfect, tailor-made situation – 100 [103] needed off 60 balls,” Suryakumar said. “That happens every second game in the IPL.”

“I left that luggage in the dressing room. Whenever I go in to bat, I just try to enjoy my batting, whether I bat for 10 balls or 40 balls.”Suryakumar Yadav on the baggage of captaincy

Kishan started Sangha’s next over in the same fashion, smashing him through midwicket for a four and a six. But the spinner tossed the next one wide outside off and Kishan holed out to deep extra cover. Later, Kishan revealed that Suryakumar had asked him to take a single on that particular ball. Talk about reading the pulse of the game.Kishan fell for 58 off 39 but Suryakumar was unstoppable. He brought up his half-century off 29 balls, same as Inglis, with a six.In the World Cup final, Australia had restricted Suryakumar by bowling the slower bouncer with deep third and fine leg in place. Abbott used the same ploy in the tenth over. Suryakumar went for the ramp, but got no power behind the shot and the ball fell well short of a charging in deep third.For some reason, the Australia seamers didn’t use that option much after that. Nathan Ellis tried it as a last resource, after Suryakumar had taken him for a four and a six in the 17th over. But the deep-third fielder was inside the 30-yard circle and Suryakumar had no trouble in helping the ball over him.Suryakumar Yadav, back to his favourite format, scored an entertaining 80 off 42•AFP/Getty ImagesBy the time Australia got rid of Suryakumar, he had scored 80 off 42, and India needed just 15 from 14. They wobbled towards the end but eventually reached there with one ball to spare.This was also the first time Suryakumar was leading India. Did he feel that extra responsibility while batting? “I left that luggage in the dressing room,” he said with a smile. “Whenever I go in to bat, I just try to enjoy my batting, whether I bat for 10 balls or 40 balls.”I thought there would be some dew [in the second innings] but there wasn’t. But I knew it’s a small ground and the wicket gets better later on.”During and after the match, there was lots of praise for Suryakumar – both online and on air. The best compliment, though, came from Inglis at the post-match presser: “SKY did what SKY usually does.”

Manchester United are in the market for new talent and could look to beat Real Madrid to a signing that could revolutionise their engine room under Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd preparing for trip to Anfield

Renewed optimism is in the air at Old Trafford after a victory over Sunderland before the international break showed a degree of competence that hasn’t always been present this season.

Nevertheless, Manchester United travel to Anfield on Sunday as the Premier League gets back underway, which will be a stern test of character for a group that needs to start putting points on the board.

Delving into Amorim’s side, it is clear that midfield is one area that could be improved once the January transfer window opens. However, BBC reporter Simon Stone doesn’t believe Red Devils target Carlos Baleba will arrive at Old Trafford in January.

He explained: “No, I don’t. (believe Baleba will join Man Utd in January). Why would Brighton sell halfway through the season? It wouldn’t really make sense and unless someone leaves, who would be left out to accommodate them?

“I think Casemiro has done OK. It is more how effective Bruno Fernandes is being. I just don’t see a world where Fernandes is left out and there are too many ‘number 10s’ already.”

Arsenal and Man Utd lead clubs looking to sign "exciting" French defender

The Gunners could be set to do battle with their Premier League rivals for the signature of a versatile defender.

ByDominic Lund Oct 13, 2025

While Sekou Kone continues to impress at Carrington and could be one option, there is still room for another figure to enrich the Red Devils centrally as they bid to find their way back to being one of the elite sides in English football.

Now, they could be set to compete with Real Madrid to secure a midfielder who is becoming one of Europe’s most in-demand players due to his performances.

Man Utd looking to beat Real Madrid to Adam Wharton

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are looking to beat Real Madrid to sign Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and could offer £60 million to acquire the England international.

With uncertainty over Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro’s future at the club, the Red Devils are willing to act swiftly to thwart the La Liga giants, who see the former Blackburn Rovers man as an ideal replacement for Toni Kroos.

Adam Wharton in 2025/26 – Premier League (Fotmob)

Chances created

11

Pass completion

155

Successful dribbles

6

Duels won

19

Interceptions

6

Capable of breaking up play and building the game in equal measure, Wharton has registered a solitary assist in ten appearances across all competitions this term, helping Crystal Palace’s early charge for European football.

Oliver Glasner won’t want to lose his prize asset, who was dubbed “incredible” by Eberechi Eze. However, Manchester United are prepared to act before other clubs can snare their pursuit of the Three Lions star.

Bringing new blood into the squad is something Amorim will hope can reignite the Red Devils’ fortunes, albeit recruiting Wharton will be easier said than done.

Gujarat Titans will have their full set of overseas players available when the IPL resumes on May 17, with Coetzee also set to link up

Nagraj Gollapudi13-May-20253:27

What’s brought about the resurgence of spin in IPL 2025?

England batter Jos Buttler and South Africa fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will rejoin the Gujarat Titans squad on Wednesday, May 14, ahead of the resumption of IPL 2025 on May 17.They were the only two overseas players from the GT squad to have left India after the IPL was suspended for a week on May 9 due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Their other overseas players – Rashid Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, Kagiso Rabada and Karim Janat – had stayed with the rest of the squad in India.Rutherford, however, had been named in the West Indies ODI squad for the series in England from May 29 to June 3, which will clash with the playoffs of IPL 2025. With Buttler named in England’s white-ball squads, there are chances that he could miss the playoffs. “We’re keen to support the IPL and the BCCI in getting the schedule up and running, and to facilitate players’ return should they choose to go back,” an ECB spokesperson said on Tuesday after the squad announcement.Related

IPL 2025 to resume on May 17, final to be played on June 3

IPL 2025 scenarios: GT and RCB one win away from playoffs, MI in control of their fate

GT, who are the leading the points table currently with 16 points – ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru on net run rate – have three matches left in the league phase. They were the first team to resume training once the ceasefire between the two countries was announced on May 10, paving the way for the IPL’s resumption.Their next match is on May 18 against Delhi Capitals in Delhi and they finish the league phase with two home matches in Ahmedabad: against Lucknow Super Giants on May 22 and against Chennai Super Kings on May 25.The IPL released the revised schedule for the remainder of the season on Monday: there are 13 league games to go, in addition to the four playoff fixtures. The rest of the league phase will be played at six venues – Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Bengaluru – while the venues for the playoffs have not yet been announced. The dates for the playoffs are as follows: Qualifier 1 on May 29, the Eliminator on May 30, Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the final on June 3. 2:35pm GMT – Amended after England’s squad announcement for the West Indies series

Coleen Rooney has taken a fresh swipe at her former friend Rebekah Vardy by cashing in on their infamous Wagatha Christie feud once again. The 39-year-old WAG stars in a new Paddy Power advert, reviving her viral catchphrase from the court case that captivated the nation — “It’s…  Rebekah Vardy’s account.”

Coleen's newest swipe

Coleen has reignited her Wagatha Christie fame by starring in a new Paddy Power advert alongside Danny Dyer, Peter Crouch and Gemma Collins. The commercial cleverly references her detective-style revelation from 2019, when she accused Rebekah Vardy of leaking stories from her private Instagram account. In the advert, Dyer plays a casino boss who receives a text from Coleen reading “It’s… Gemma Collins,” a direct nod to her now-legendary post that broke the internet.

AdvertisementGetty Images EntertainmentWagatha Christie

The campaign marks another chapter in Coleen’s ability to turn a moment of public scandal into long-term personal success. Her original 2019 accusation sent shockwaves through the celebrity world and social media, coining the now-iconic “Wagatha Christie” nickname and sparking one of Britain’s most talked-about libel trials. Despite intense scrutiny and the emotional toll of the case, Coleen emerged vindicated — while Rebekah’s reputation suffered significantly following the High Court ruling.

Rebekah, who is married to former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, was ordered to pay 90 percent of Coleen’s £1.4 million legal costs after Mrs Justice Steyn found that Coleen’s claims were “substantially true.” The fallout left Rebekah’s finances and public image in disarray, while Coleen’s brand power soared. Since then, the mother of four has managed to convert what could have been a career setback into an empire — balancing her public image as both a family figure and a business-savvy celebrity who knows how to command attention.

Paddy Power's cheeky idea

The new Paddy Power advert cleverly builds on Coleen’s renewed popularity, drawing heavily from her real-life role as a “silent assassin” in the courtroom saga. Featuring her alongside big personalities like Dyer, Collins, and Crouch, the commercial playfully leans into the humour and intrigue that made the Wagatha saga unforgettable. A TV insider told The Sun: “Even after all these years, people are obsessed with the Wagatha Christie case and Coleen’s detective work. The whole ordeal was a nightmare for Coleen at the time but she’s since made a lot of money from the experience and is happy to capitalise on it.”

It’s the second time Paddy Power has tapped into her pop culture legacy, following an earlier viral sketch where she “investigated” Manchester City’s Financial Fair Play breaches. The brand’s decision to bring her back underscores how Coleen’s story has transcended gossip pages and become a cornerstone of British entertainment culture. Her natural charisma, combined with a sharp sense of humour about her public persona, makes her a perfect fit for the tongue-in-cheek world of Paddy Power’s marketing.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWhat comes next?

Coleen’s growing influence in media and advertising suggests her “detective” brand has more staying power than anyone expected. After turning the courtroom drama into a hit Disney+ documentary, Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, she continues to branch out — from celebrity TV appearances to lucrative commercial deals. Her foray into I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! further solidified her as a relatable and self-aware figure who’s comfortable laughing at her own past while staying firmly in control of her narrative.

Reflecting on her latest role, Coleen said: “I’ve been watching the same game almost my entire life, so it’s nice to have a bit of variety for once. I loved getting dressed up and stepping into the madness of a Paddy Power casino world – Danny played the role of casino boss perfectly, plus I got to reprise my role as head of investigations… what more could you want!” If her latest campaign is any indication, Coleen Rooney’s evolution from footballer’s wife to media mainstay shows no signs of slowing down — and her ability to blend humour, humility, and brand power keeps her firmly in the public spotlight.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett was left “simply astounded” by Jarred Gillett and VAR during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday.

Gunners put pressure on Liverpool with dramatic late win

With Liverpool losing 2-1 at Crystal Palace on Saturday, the Gunners were presented with a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just two points, and they made no mistake, despite leaving it late at St. James’ Park.

Mikel Arteta’s side were trailing 1-0 heading into the final five minutes of normal time, before goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel turned the game on its head, securing what could prove to be a vital three points come May.

Arsenal's "colossal" star is the modern-day Patrick Vieira & it's not Rice

The modern-day Patrick Vieira may well have been found at Arsenal.

ByMatt Dawson Sep 29, 2025

The game wasn’t without its controversy, however, with Bukayo Saka criticising Gillett’s decision to overturn a penalty awarded after Viktor Gyokeres was brought down, following intervention from VAR.

Hackett shares Saka’s frustrations, telling Football Insider that he couldn’t believe the penalty decision wasn’t upheld.

The ex-PGMOL chief said: “I am simply astounded that Referee Gillett hasn’t awarded a penalty kick after the intervention of VAR. This is an easy decision the goalkeeper has fouled the forward.

“This is Gillett’s fourth match this season involving Arsenal. No matter what capacity, Referee, VAR or 4th official that is too much. I find it difficult to understand how a penalty kick has not been awarded to Arsenal.”

Gillett lucky Arsenal bagged late winner

In the end, the decision didn’t count for much, with Arsenal going on to pick up all three points in dramatic fashion, but the referee is lucky Gabriel bagged a late winner, given that it was a very questionable choice to overturn the penalty.

VAR must take a large portion of the blame, considering it has consistently been made clear that the referee’s call should take priority this season, with technology only to be used in cases where a glaring mistake has been made.

This view is shared by Arteta, who said after the match: “If it is not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene. We have been told this for a few years and at the start of this season again.”

VAR got away with one this time around, with Arteta’s side showing tremendous heart to turn things around at a ground where they have a poor record, but had Arsenal dropped points on Sunday, it could have had major ramifications on the Premier League title race.

Despite spending more than £400m in the summer transfer window, Liverpool are now reportedly preparing an aggressive approach to sign another impressive player ahead of Barcelona.

Wirtz knows what he's "capable of" after slow start

For all of Liverpool’s spending, it’s been the old guard maintaining their 100% record at times. Whilst Hugo Ekitike has found his feet right away, Florian Wirtz hasn’t registered a goal involvement since the Community Shield, Milos Kerkez has had weaknesses exposed and Alexander Isak is still getting back to full sharpness.

Out of all those players, Wirtz has arguably received the most criticism. The German become the Premier League’s most expensive player for a brief moment before Isak made his move, but has so far failed to match the physicality of English football.

Glimpses of quality began to emerge against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but it wasn’t enough to keep his place as Arne Slot dropped his new signing for Alexis Mac Allister in the Merseyside derby. Wirtz, however, is far from worried – telling Sky Germany that he knows what he’s “capable of”.

In the meantime, Liverpool sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League with the only 100% record. If there’s any environment that will gift Wirtz the patience that he needs, it is Anfield and Arne Slot’s side who have remained perfect without his heavy influence.

Even after that slow start, Liverpool are not deterred. In fact, reports are now suggesting that they’re ready to spend big once again on a player who could even combine with Wirtz.

Liverpool planning aggressive Alvarez approach

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now planning an aggressive approach to sign Julian Alvarez and are the best placed side to lure the Atletico Madrid star back to the Premier League ahead of Barcelona.

If Liverpool’s frontline looks dangerous now, then it will look an even greater threat with a player of Alvarez’s quality added. The Argentina international is already a Premier League winner from during his time at Manchester City and has since become Atletico’s leading star.

Appearances

57

Goals

29

Assists

8

With 37 goal involvements in his debut campaign for Atletico, Alvarez proved to be worth every penny of his £81m transfer fee and could soon find himself on the move once again.

Ballon d'Or 2025: Did Mohamed Salah deserve the award ahead of Ousmane Dembele?

European football awaits…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 23, 2025

Diego Simeone will, of course, be desperate to keep hold of his star man. The iconic manager was full of praise for the Liverpool target last season, telling reporters: “Julián is having a great season, we went looking for that player, we need that player, especially at times during the match against Sevilla and today [when] he took on the offensive role. We need those characteristics.”

Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier was included in Sarina Wiegman's latest England squad on Tuesday. But while there is a gaping long-term hole in the centre of the Lionesses' defence after Millie Bright's international retirement, Wiegman is still insistent on using Le Tissier in a different position, much to the annoyance of her club's social media team.

Wiegman: Le Tissier's first position is right-back

Bright's decision to end her international career, combined with Leah Williamson's current injury absence, means there is a void that need filling in England's defensive ranks. Left-sided Alex Greenwood is the most senior available centre-back in the squad ahead of upcoming 'homecoming' friendlies against Brazil and Australia, but the right-sided position is up for grabs. Yet, despite Le Tissier's outstanding club form for Manchester United, Wiegman is still reluctant to consider her, primarily viewing the Guernsey-born star as a right-back instead of a central defender.

The boss reiterated that stance when speaking to the press after the October squad was named.

"She plays centre-back every single game and has good performances, but for us her first position is still as a right full-back. But we also know she can play centre-back," Wiegman reasoned, a response that served to raise more than a few eyebrows.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWiegman's view on Le Tissier 'baffling'

Last season, the defence that Le Tissier led from the right-sided centre-back role kept 13 clean sheets in 22 WSL goals and conceded just 10 times through the first 20 league fixtures. Her efforts were rewarded with a place in 2024-25 PFA Team of the Year, next to Bright. So far in 2025-26, United have the joint meanest defence in the WSL (three goals conceded in six games) alongside Chelsea. It's also already been seven clean sheets from 11 games across all competitions.

Women's football reporter for Tom Garry expressed confusion on X with regard to Wiegman's comments: "Given that Maya Le Tissier has made 72 consecutive starts at centre-back for Manchester United, this idea that full-back is her 'first position' doesn't really make sense to me."

Kathryn Batte noted a prominent former player's similar struggles to convince Wiegman to use her in her favoured position: "Rachel Daly had a fine England career playing mostly in a position that was not her first choice and I admire Maya Le Tissier for just getting on with it. If she doesn't get a chance at CB in friendlies and when there's injuries I’m not sure if she ever will (under Wiegman)."

Influential fan podcaster Conner Roberts said: "Sarina is clearly an exceptional coach but this reasoning always baffles me…this notion that she's a right-back doesn't [hold] water to me either because Sarina doesn't use Maya as the back up right-back to Lucy Bronze, it's been Niamh Charles who comes on."

Man Utd hit back with tweet

Manchester United's social media team sought to remind everyone the position in which Le Tissier has thrived since joining the club in the summer of 2022. She had primarily played as a right-back for former side Brighton & Hove Albion, but was immediately utilised in the centre of defence by manager Marc Skinner, who has since made her Red Devils captain, upon moving to Manchester.

A pointed X post from the team's official account read: "Maya Le Tissier has started 104 games for United. 103 of them have been at centre-back."

The one outlier was a Women's League Cup group stage clash with Durham in October 2022, when Aissatou Tounkara lined up in the centre of defence next to Millie Turner, leaving Le Tissier to plug a gap caused by usual right-back Ona Batlle suffering a concussion earlier that month.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportA future England 'stalwart'

Skinner was responsible for permanently repurposing Le Tissier from right-back to centre-back. He was asked about her form after Manchester United won their Women's Champions League opener against Norway's Valerenga recently.

He noted that it wasn't his place to say whether she ought to be a starting centre-back for England, but his enormous admiration for the 23-year-old shone through regardless.

"She is [at the top of her game] and has been for a long time. I know the next question is going to be should she start for England, I'm not here to answer that question, but I start her for a reason – because she’s an incredible footballer and such a driven personality as well," Skinner said.

"When she gets an opportunity, should Sarina see fit for that, she'll be an incredible England stalwart and somebody that will give the country pride."

Left-arm spinner had retired last year citing racial discrimination

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Apr-2025Cricket Scotland says it has reached an “amicable resolution” with its former player Hamza Tahir, who had alleged he was the victim of racial discrimination when announcing his retirement from international cricket last year.Tahir, a left-arm spinner who made a total of 49 appearances across ODIs and T20Is, announced in June 2024 that he would be pursuing an unfair dismissal case after losing his Cricket Scotland contract earlier that year.Speaking at the time at a press conference in Edinburgh, alongside another former Scotland player Majid Haq as well as anti-racism campaigners, Tahir claimed he had to “work twice as hard to be on the same level as others” within the international set-up, adding that “enough was enough”.Tahir’s retirement followed separate complaints by Majid and another former Scotland player Qasim Sheikh, whose allegations in 2022 prompted an independent review, Changing the Boundaries. This listed 448 examples of racism and discrimination within cricket in Scotland, while finding the governance and leadership of cricket in the country to be institutionally racist.The findings of that report, however, have since been queried, with only five incidents detailed within the report progressing to disciplinary measures.In a statement, Cricket Scotland acknowledged Tahir’s claims of unfair treatment, adding: “Both parties are pleased to confirm that a claim of unfair dismissal has now been brought to an amicable resolution.””In a demonstration of positive action, Cricket Scotland and Hamza Tahir have agreed to work together to show their collective commitment to improve player equality and ensure there is no place for discrimination in Scottish cricket.”There will be no further comment made by either party on this matter.”

Referee Jarred Gillett broke PGMOL protocol in the process of denying Arsenal a penalty at Newcastle last weekend. While Arsenal went on to win 2-1 at St. James' Park courtesy of late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes, fans were incensed as Gillett overturned his decision to award a penalty in the 14th minute when it looked as though Nick Pope had fouled Viktor Gyokeres.

Getty Images SportGillett overturned penalty call following VAR intervention

Arsenal striker Gyokeres sought to capitalise upon a short Jacob Murphy backpass early on and looked to have been fouled by Newcastle goalkeeper Pope. Gillett initially pointed to the spot but was instructed by the VAR to review replays on the pitchside monitor that suggested the Magpies shotstopper got to the ball first despite subsequently wiping out the Swedish forward.

And after reviewing the footage, Gillett overturned his penalty decision, much to the dismay of Arsenal supporters.

AdvertisementPremier League official broke PGMOL protocol

Gillett then announced his decision at St. James' Park, telling the home crowd: "After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is a drop ball."

While Arsenal fans were incensed, Gillett could then be heard telling Gunners star Bukayo Saka about the reasoning to avoid a drop ball rather than a penalty, saying: "Before there is any contact, the goalkeeper gets a toe on the ball, that’s why."

Arteta was fuming, adding: “Well, I watched it back and watched it live as well. And if it’s not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene. We’ve been told this for a few years, this style of decision again, and for me, it’s very clear that it doesn’t have to intervene because it’s a penalty.”

He added: “We fully deserved the win. The way we played, the way we competed. We fully deserved the win.

“The chances we generated. I think we fully deserved to win the game. We did it in a dramatic manner, but so happy and so proud of the team.”

AFP'VAR should not intervene'

Despite coming away with a huge three points, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wasn't pleased about VAR intervening on the penalty incident, saying after the full time whistle: "If it is not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene. We have been told this for a few years and at the start of this season again."

And Saka, despite being informed of the reasoning, added: "The fact that it took the ref that long to decide shows it is not a clear and obvious error."

On Match of the Day, Joe Hart backed the decision, saying: “Pope, with those size 13 feet of his, gets a toe on it. Not only does he get a toe on it, he manages to divert the ball away from goal. But that’s not the most important point. As Pope plants his foot, he’s deemed not to be using a forward motion towards Gyokeres.

“Therefore, as Gyokeres’ knee clashes into Pope’s knee, it is just seen as a clash of bodies. It’s not Pope taking him out. It’s not a foul. Not a penalty.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Arsenal back at home this weekend

Arsenal return to league duties at home on Saturday afternoon as they welcome West Ham to the Emirates. The Gunners, who boast a 100% start to their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Olympiacos on Wednesday night, are unbeaten at home in the league this season having claimed seven points from three matches.