VAR referee leaves after blunders

PREMIER League VAR referee Lee Mason will no longer officiate in any matches after the PGMOL confirmed he was to leave by “mutual consent.”

The announcement confirmed on Saturday, February 18 follows a meeting of officials earlier in the week following two poor decisions taken by VAR referees over the weekend, one of these involving Mason. He allowed an equaliser

Goalkeeper collapses and dies

A GOALKEEPER playing for Belgian side Winkel Sport B died on the pitch moments after saving a penalty.

Arne Espeel was reported by a news source on Tuesday, February 14 to have been in action against Westrozebeke at Winkel Sport’s home ground in Sint­Eloois­Winkel, West Flanders Province when the incident occurred. Espeel’s team were up 2­1 in the second half when Westrozebeke were awarded a penalty.

Much to his team’s relief, he pulled off a great stop, but moments later he collapsed onto the pitch. The team’s management tried to revive the player using a defibrillator and an ambulance was called. Sadly the 25­year­old was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The club issued a statement saying: “Winkel Sport is in very deep mourning at the sudden passing of goalkeeper Arne Espeel.

“We wish Arne’s family and friends our heartfelt condolences at this heavy loss. Football is taking a back seat for some time.” that cost Arsenal the full points against Brentford after failing to check whether a player was offside. That blunder left the club fuming as it could prove costly in their bid to win the title.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta told a news source that: “I will only be satisfied if they give the two points back.

“I appreciate the sincere, genuine apologies, but it doesn’t take away the fact we have two points fewer. Everyone makes mistakes but that was something else.”

Howard Webb, the man in charge of all referees was clearly unhappy as well with the Brighton v Crystal Palace game also ending in a stalemate due to a similar poor VAR decision.

Mason is a highly experienced referee with more than 15 years in the top flight, having overseen more than 280 games and more than 500 in professional football.