Eddie Howe and Newcastle players unhappy with ‘injustice’ of recent refereeing calls

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe shakes hands with referee Martin Atkinson after a Newcastle United v Manchester City match. (Reuters)
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Updated 23 December 2021
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Eddie Howe and Newcastle players unhappy with ‘injustice’ of recent refereeing calls

  • Coach has lost faith in VAR following controversial decisions cost his team dearly

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has revealed that his squad feels a sense of “injustice” following a number of questionable refereeing decisions that have gone against the team recently.

Howe is hoping for some clarity from Premier League officials after the club requested clarifications on “game-changing” calls in games against Leicester City, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Against Leicester, with the game at 0-0 heading into the 40th minute, James Maddison’s clear dive in the area was given as a penalty. Newcastle went on to lose the match 4-0.

Days later Diogo Jota’s equalizer for Liverpool was allowed to stand despite a clear head injury to Isaac Hayden, something referee Mike Dean chose to ignore. Later on in that encounter, nothing was given when Newcastle winger Ryan Fraser was brought down in the area.

In Newcastle’s last league game, Fraser was clearly brought down by Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, but — again — no penalty was given, despite a VAR review.

“There has been a feeling of injustice,” said Howe, whose side is scheduled to face Manchester United on Monday, December 27. “There has been disbelief in the group at some of the decisions lately.

“My focus is always on the future and the things we can influence. We can’t influence what is in the past, referees’ decisions or VAR — the final decision,” he continued. “It is very much a case of looking to the future and educating ourselves on why certain things have happened.”

Despite the club’s request to the Premier League for clarity, there has, as yet, been no response from the powers-that-be.

“All we are asking for is some clarity on the decisions and how the officials on the field and beyond have come to those decisions. That is all we are asking for,” said Howe.

“We want to try and help the process for the future because I have no doubt those decisions have influenced the results of recent games.”

Howe admitted that he has lost faith in the use of VAR in English football, but hinted that it is the implementation of the rules, rather than the concept of VAR itself, that he is at odds with.

“I am just slightly confused by the use of VAR,” he said. “When it was first brought in, it was about making the right decision at that moment in the game. But for some reason it has been diluted. I don’t think it is intervening in as positive a way as it did in the early stages.

“I feel that has definitely had an impact on us. Look at the Ryan Fraser incident against Manchester City — if the referee doesn’t see it then VAR must step in and he should get help.

“When I look back to the Liverpool incidents, I am not sure if VAR influences Mike Dean on the head injury, but I am sure there needs to be more communication with the referee and the fourth official, who had the same view as I did — that the game should have been stopped.”

On the injury front, Howe says he still has a few concerns, with his team taking trips to Everton and Southampton following the visit of the Red Devils.

Howe said: “Federico Fernandez, Jamal Lewis, Paul Dummett will all miss the game. We have a few fatigued players also, but we have a few players who are coming back into the squad after illness in Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo.

“(There’s always a) little bit of give and take at this time of year,” he added. “You expect to pick up a few knocks.”


Real Madrid’s Bellingham banned for two matches after dissent

Updated 13 sec ago
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Real Madrid’s Bellingham banned for two matches after dissent

The England international was dismissed during the champions’ 1-1 draw at Osasuna
The disciplinary committee said Madrid’s attempts to show that Bellingham had not insulted the official were “insufficient”

MADRID: Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham was hit with a two-match La Liga ban on Wednesday by the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee after he was sent off for dissent.
The England international was dismissed during the champions’ 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday by referee Jose Munuera Montero.
Bellingham, who insisted he had been expressing his frustration and not insulting the referee, will miss league matches against Girona and Real Betis on February 23 and March 2 respectively.
The disciplinary committee said Madrid’s attempts to show that Bellingham had not insulted the official were “insufficient” to remove “the presumption of veracity of the referee’s report.”
Bellingham had said his dismissal was due to a misunderstanding.
“I think you can see clearly in the video, I remember the incident very well, it was an expression (I was saying) to myself,” said the 21-year-old.
“I’m not even directing myself toward the referee, but obviously there was a misunderstanding. He’s believed that I’ve said (something insulting) to him.”
A Real Madrid source told AFP the club will appeal the decision.
Referee Munuera Montero has faced online abuse and threats in the days since sending off Bellingham, which the federation described as “repulsive.”
Real Madrid have attacked Spanish refereeing in recent weeks, calling it “rigged” in a letter they sent to the federation and published on their website.
Los Blancos have not won in their last three league games and rivals Barcelona now lead the table on goal difference.

Who would WTA players choose to coach them from their closest rivals?

Updated 39 min 23 sec ago
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Who would WTA players choose to coach them from their closest rivals?

  • Swiatek, Jabeur, Gauff, Pegula and more reveal their ideal trainer

DUBAI: Last December, Novak Djokovic shocked the sports world by announcing he had hired his long-time rival and recently retired Andy Murray to be his coach.

The pair played each other 36 times on the professional tour, faced off in seven Grand Slam finals, and represented half of the fabled “Big Four” that dominated tennis headlines for over a decade.

Djokovic said one of the main reasons he chose Murray was because he needed someone in his corner who had gone through the same experiences.

The partnership made its debut in Australia last month and following, his Qatar Open exit in Doha on Tuesday, Djokovic told the ATP Tour’s in-house media channel that Murray will continue to coach him indefinitely.

“It is indefinite in terms of how long we are going to work together, but we agreed most likely in the States and some clay court tournaments. We will see how it goes after that,” said the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

In light of this partnership, Arab News asked players on the Women’s Tennis Association tour at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and ongoing Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships which of their rivals they would choose as a coach.

Some players chose those possessing a high tennis IQ, others opted for players they struggle to beat, and some said they valued a person’s positivity and energy over tactical nous.

World No.2 Iga Swiatek mentioned retired German player Andrea Petkovic, now a popular commentator, close rival and current No.1 Aryna Sabalenka as another pick.

“Petkovic is not playing anymore but I heard she has a really great eye and I always liked her, so I think we would get along. I don’t know, maybe Aryna. She’s older than me and maybe she’s going to finish earlier (than me) and that would be funny,” said Swiatek.

Meanwhile, former world No.4 Caroline Garcia said: “Ash Barty will not be bad.”

Tunisian three-time major finalist Ons Jabeur was a popular choice, with both Paula Badosa and Emma Raducanu naming her as the rival they’d choose to coach them.

“By far I would pick Ons Jabeur. I think we would connect very well. She knows very good about tennis, but especially emotionally,” said Badosa, the world No.10 and recent Australian Open semifinalist.

“I say that because also we played doubles. And sometimes when you’re playing doubles you have to coach each other. There are some moments that one is playing better than the other, so we do it already, and we feel very comfortable both of us, so I would pick her by far.”

And 2021 US Open champion Raducanu said: “I would want Ons Jabeur to coach me because I think she has an amazing energy. I think she’s a really caring person, really generous person. Funny but has a great eye for the game and is obviously pretty tactical as well with the way she plays and has a lot at her disposal. So maybe one day, Ons.”

Swiss Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic chose Liudmila Samsonova, who has a 5-1 head-to-head record against her.

“I want to know what she would do, so I can beat her, because I cannot beat her. I feel like she’s my biggest rival,” said Bencic with a laugh.

World No.3 Coco Gauff noted how reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova was always courtside watching matches and felt she would be a great resource: “She seems like she’s someone that knows the game and very smart and she’s always at the matches, watching them live. So I feel like she would be a pretty decent coach.”

Jabeur reciprocated Badosa’s sentiments and chose the Spaniard as her hypothetical rival-turned-coach: “Now I’m really biased, because I know Paula said me. I feel like, honestly, Paula has a lot of knowledge. Because you can speak with players and know if they’re doing this, doing that, and that really, really helps you. So maybe I would choose Paula.”

World No.5 Jessica Pegula wrestled with the question for quite some time before settling on her choices. She said: “Ooh, that’s a good question. A close rival to coach me … I feel like it’s different because Novak, he’s already accomplished everything there is to accomplish, so I think he just wanted somebody that he could relate to and, like, mix things up. Obviously, he’s searching for something to keep pushing him.”

Following Bencic’s logic of choosing a rival that frequently beats her, Pegula said: “That's actually funny because I haven’t beaten Belinda, so maybe I should pick her. We have the same issue, so we’ll just pick whoever keeps beating us. Yeah, maybe that’ll work. Barty would be a good one. But she retired, so I didn’t think she counted.

“I think IQ-wise, she would be incredible. So maybe her. And then maybe Belinda because I’m 0-4 against her.”

When told other players were asked the same question, Pegula said: “Did I come up? Did someone pick me?”


New Zealand hand Pakistan mammoth 321-run target in Champions Trophy opener

Updated 46 min 2 sec ago
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New Zealand hand Pakistan mammoth 321-run target in Champions Trophy opener

  • Will Young, Tom Latham hit centuries to guide New Zealand to 320-5 in Karachi
  • Fast bowler Naseem Shah was the best Pakistan bowler, returning figures of 2-63 

KARACHI: Will Young and Tom Latham hit sparkling centuries to guide New Zealand to 320-5 on Wednesday in the opening match of the Champions Trophy, marking Pakistan’s first international tournament in three decades.

New Zealand's Will Young celebrates after scoring century during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. (AP)

Tom Latham hit an unbeaten 104-ball 118 while opener Young scored 107 from 113 balls as New Zealand — sent in to bat by Pakistan — made the most of a flat National Stadium pitch.

New Zealand's Tom Latham celebrates after scoring fifty during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. (AP)

The eight-nation event was launched with country’s Air Force flying over the stadium to mark the occasion as thousands of fans, including President Asif Zardari, took their seats on a historic day.


On the field, Young and Latham revived the innings from 73-3 with a 118-run fourth wicket stand, helping their team overcome the early loss of Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10).
Young hit 12 boundaries and a six in his fourth one-day international century before holing out to Naseem Shah in the 38th over.

Pakistan's Naseem Shah celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of New Zealand's Will Young, caught out by substitute Faheem Ashraf during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. (REUTERS)

Latham and Glenn Phillips, who made an aggressive 39-ball 61, gave the innings more impetus as New Zealand smashed 113 in the last 10 overs and 64 in the last five.
Latham hit 10 boundaries and three sixes in his eighth one-day hundred while Phillips’s robust knock had four sixes and three boundaries.

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi, right bowls as New Zealand's Tom Latham watches during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. (AP)

Fast bowler Naseem Shah was the best Pakistan bowler with 2-63 but fellow pacers Haris Rauf finished with 2-83 and Shaheen Afridi conceded 68 in 10 wicket-less overs each.


Arab icons Al-Somah and Hamdallah fight for SPL’s all-time top scorer accolade

Updated 19 February 2025
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Arab icons Al-Somah and Hamdallah fight for SPL’s all-time top scorer accolade

  • Al-Orobah Syrian forward currently holds the record, with Morocco and Al-Shabab star Hamdallah hoping to surpass him in the months ahead

AUSTRALIA: While there will naturally be a lot of focus on the see-sawing title battle between heavyweights Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, there is another heavyweight battle looming over the final months of the Saudi Pro League season.

This one involves two of the league’s greatest players, and two greats of Arab football, battling for the ultimate personal accolade — the title of the league’s all-time leading goal scorer.

For the last few years, that mantle has sat with Syria’s Omar Al-Somah — now at Al-Orobah — who assumed it from Nasser Al-Shamrani, with 144 goals during his eight-year stint with Al-Ahli.

But looming ever larger in recent months has been Morocco’s Abderrazak Hamdallah, now onto his third club with Al-Shabab. Before the season, he trailed his Syrian counterpart by 15 goals and made it known he had Al-Somah’s record in his sights.

“I’m very happy with what I’ve done so far,” he said on MBC’s popular “Action with Waleed” show in September.

“Of course, I’d be a lot happier if I continue to work hard, add value to my club Al-Shabab first, and why not break the record. It’s a major record and a significant number of goals, and Omar Al-Somah deserves praise for raising the bar so high.

“It’s not an easy record to break, but I’ll take it one game at a time, first to help Al-Shabab, then for my personal ambitions. I will enjoy the journey, and if it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

While their exploits may have been overshadowed in recent years by the arrival of a bevy of world-class talent, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, their battle offers a timely reminder of the world that existed before the Ronaldo-led transformation of the league.

Between the pair, they have won six of the last 10 Golden Boot awards and have the incredible record of each scoring double digits in every season in which they have played in the Kingdom.

Either is worthy of the mantle, and now, after a surprise January move, they will duke it out head-to-head for the title.

Al-Somah, perhaps with a sense of inevitability watching Hamdallah bang in the goals for Al-Shabab and loom in on his record, made a surprise return to the SPL with relegation-threatened Al-Orobah after three years spent in Qatar.

Despite his denials, suggesting he was content regardless, no doubt the Syrian was swayed just a little by trying to keep his record intact, even admitting doing so will “motivate” him for the rest of the season. Players will deny it — it’s a team sport, after all — but these personal accolades do mean something and it’s only natural for a player to want to “protect his patch.”

Upon his return, Al-Somah said: “I’m thrilled to return to the Saudi League. I spent eight or nine years with Al-Ahli in one city, now it’s different.

“I have said this before, if God wills it, I’ll succeed in extending the record. If not, I’ll accept it. Whatever comes from God, I’ll be content with it. Whoever it is — Abderrazak or anybody else — all players here are stars.

“The number speaks for itself. I’ll do my best on the field. If I score more, it’s God’s will. This will motivate me, but I’m already satisfied with my career.

“I’ve had great years in the Saudi League with Al-Ahli. I’ve won championships. That’s enough for me, regardless of being the all-time top scorer in the Saudi League.”

Ever since he arrived back in the Kingdom, the two have been trading blows — in the metaphorical sense.

In his first two games in his new colors, Al-Somah drew blanks as Al-Orobah failed to find the net in a 0-0 draw with Al-Taawoun and a 2-0 loss to Al-Ahli.

At the same time, Hamdallah bagged another three goals with a brace against Al-Fayha and a solitary goal against Ettifaq to close in on the record even further.

By the time Round 19 came around, the margin had been closed to just six goals, and Hamdallah piled the pressure on with a stunning hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Al-Khaleej to get within touching distance.

But just 24 hours later, Al-Somah responded in fine style with a brace of his own, showing class is indeed permanent, in a 4-2 win over the struggling Al-Wehda to slightly ease the gap back out to five.

On the weekend just gone, Hamdallah, who once again played a day before Al-Somah, drew a blank, for the first time in four games, as Al-Shabab suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to heavy-hitters Al-Qadsiah.

The Syrian capitalized, and in a 2-0 win for Al-Orobah over Al-Okhdood, managed to find the net again to make it three goals in two games and get the margin back out to six goals — 147 to 141.

The battle for supremacy has become part of the weekly narrative surrounding the league and the players, fully aware of what is at stake, will be feeling the pressure.

All eyes, therefore, are on the clash between Al-Shabab and Al-Orobah on March 14. To continue the boxing analogies, at the moment they are simply shadow boxing, as they take it in turns to get one over their rival.

But in that game, the two heavyweights will come together for the first time in almost exactly three years. Their last individual clash came on March 12, 2021, when Hamdallah scored the winner in a 2-1 win for Al-Nassr over Al-Ahli. Al-Somah scored the solitary goal for Al-Ahli.

Overall, the ledger stands at 4-3 in favor of Al-Somah. With all eyes on Al-Shabab Club Stadium next month, can either land the knockout blow?


Carnival of cricket awaits as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Karachi

Updated 19 February 2025
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Carnival of cricket awaits as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Karachi

  • Pakistan ends 30 year wait for an international team with home team taking on New Zealand at the National Stadium

KARACHI: Landing in Karachi yesterday morning, the excitement was palpable. The city has been transformed into a carnival of cricket, with banners on buildings and faces beaming with anticipation.

There were concerns about the readiness of the venues, but the National Stadium has been renovated in a short space of time. It stands ready for its moment in the spotlight.

Today, when Pakistan faces New Zealand in the tournament opener, it will be more than just another cricket match. It will be the end of a 30-year wait to host a major tournament. A generation of cricket fans can finally get behind their stars on the big stage at home.

The lead up to the tournament has involved many challenges, not least India’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan. Eventually, the parties compromised and settled on a hybrid option. But even this does not seem to have dampened the spirit in Pakistan.

Praise is due to Wasim Khan, a man who will be at the stadium for the opening match in his current role with the ICC. As CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board until September 2021, he laid the foundation for the country to host this trophy. His advocacy and relationships were vital in the convincing the world Pakistan could step up as host, and the next few weeks will be a statement that it is back and ready.

Turning to matters on the pitch, who are the favorites and which players will shine? In my opinion, this is one of the most open tournaments in recent memory. Over 19 action-packed days, eight of cricket's finest men’s teams will battle it out in what promises to be a fascinating sprint format which leaves little room for error.

The tournament’s compact nature is its secret weapon. Unlike the marathon of a World Cup, the 19day timeframe means teams need to hit the ground running. One bad day could spell a disastrous exit from the competition; a moment of brilliance could change fortunes. 

The eight teams are split into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand, whilst Group B throws together Australia, England, Afghanistan and South Africa. Each team faces their group opponents once, with the top two from each advancing to the semifinals.

What makes this edition particularly compelling is the level playing field. Australia, typically a powerhouse, enters the tournament without their first-choice pace attack — Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are managing injuries, while Mitchell Starc has withdrawn. Add to this the loss of Mitch Marsh with a back issue and, suddenly, the defending ODI world champions look vulnerable, although they should never be ruled out.

The tournament’s split hosting between Pakistan and Dubai adds another fascinating layer. India’s matches are all scheduled for Dubai, creating an interesting dynamic where they will enjoy significant support without the pressure of home conditions. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has become something of a second home for Indian cricket, potentially giving them a subtle edge. This, coupled with their depth and spinning options, makes them slight favorites.

England’s aggressive brand of cricket makes them dangerous but unpredictable in this format, while New Zealand can never be discounted. Pakistan, playing mostly at home, will be formidable, and South Africa’s bowling attack makes them serious contenders. Afghanistan, with their spin-heavy attack, feel ever closer to a big moment.

Only Bangladesh, struggling to find consistency at the top level, seem out of their depth. Nevertheless, in a 19-day tournament where momentum is everything, even they could string together three good days and find themselves in a semifinal.

In terms of players to look out for, I expect Jake Fraser-McGurk to announce himself as cricket’s next superstar. The tournament format suits his aggressive style perfectly. Noor Ahmed, well-travelled in the franchise leagues at 20 years of age, might finally make his mark in this format.

The injury-hit Australian pace attack opens the door for their next generation. I will be watching to see if Spencer Johnson becomes this tournament’s surprise package. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, especially in home conditions, could make the difference in tight matches.

This Champions Trophy feels different. The compressed schedule, the split venues and no standout team has created perfect conditions for drama. On March 9, we will have the answer. As of now, any of seven teams could realistically lift the trophy.

Holders Pakistan have a team with determination in their eyes and can feel the energy of a nation willing them on.

When the first ball is bowled at the National Stadium, it will not just be about cricket. It will be about redemption, coming home, a nation’s love affair with a sport that never wavered, even in the darkest times. As the sun set over Karachi last night, casting long shadows across the practice nets where a few children still played, it was difficult not to feel that something magical was about to unfold.

For now, though, the city holds its breath, waiting for the start. Cricket is coming home and Karachi is ready to welcome it with open arms.