Sports
‘Something Isn’t Right’ – Keith Hackett Slams VAR Error in Crystal Palace 2-1 Liverpool
Retired referee and former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has spoken out about Liverpool’s equalising goal against Crystal Palace.
In their sixth match of the Premier League season, defending champions Liverpool travelled to Selhurst Park, facing a Crystal Palace side that, under Oliver Glasner, have become exceptionally hard to beat. The Eagles entered the match with a 17-game unbeaten streak, a run that includes overcoming the Reds in the Community Shield back in August.
Palace ultimately proved victorious, though it seemed that Liverpool had once more clinched a result with a stunning late goal when Federico Chiesa equalised for the Merseyside club.
Eddie Nketiah, however, who had been introduced to the game from the bench, slotted beyond Alisson in the 97th minute to secure a seismic win for his club, who are now the only unbeaten team remaining in the Premier League.
Much has, understandably, been said about either Nketiah’s winner or how bad, overall, Liverpool appeared to be against the Eagles. Retired referee Keith Hackett has, in the aftermath of the game, offered his thoughts on one particular moment of the match.
‘It Is Difficult to Understand’
The Video Assistant Referee looked at Liverpool’s equalising goal, as it appeared that star forward Mohamed Salah’s arm was close to the ball as it came into the box, the Egyptian having jumped to try and meet the pass. Discussing the incident, Hackett said:
“It is difficult to understand when you see on video replay the deliberate handball from Salah, who has made his body shape larger, reaching out to the sky. He comes into contact with the ball, but the referee, first of all, doesn’t see it.
“Then VAR checks it and doesn’t come to the right decision. This is handball. Something isn’t right. There is a relationship problem, or a technical problem, because the video evidence is clear and obvious that a handball incident took place. It should be penalised. Full stop.”
Palace were able to push on and win the game, but they would have been immensely hard done by had the match ended in a draw. Not only for their performance, but as Hackett highlighted, with the manner in which Liverpool scored their goal.
Slot’s side will no doubt look to swiftly bounce back from this game, but given some of their performances so far this season, it is perhaps surprising that it took this long for Liverpool’s perfect Premier League record to come to an end.
Sports
Newcastle Eyeing Move to Sign Antonee Robinson, He’s Tempted to Join
Newcastle United are eyeing a move to sign Fulham star Antonee Robinson this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Magpies have had a difficult summer so far, losing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali before manager Eddie Howe resigned from his post, and captain Bruno Guimaraes is also on the verge of joining Arsenal after an agreement in principle was reached.
The manager’s exit has also led to major speculation that defender Lewis Hall could be on the move, with Man Utd heavily linked, and the club are now eyeing up a potential replacement in his position.
Newcastle Eyeing Robinson
Robinson, who has been described as ‘world-class’, has been heavily linked with a move away from Fulham for several windows after emerging as one of the top left-backs in the Premier League with his performances.
But a number of injury issues last season saw him restricted to just 17 starts in the 2025/26 season, and the USA international, who turns 29 in August, could now be allowed to leave the Cottagers as a result.
Newcastle are hopeful of agreeing a fee that works for both clubs, although a number isn’t mentioned as part of the article. It’s also stated, however, that Robinson could be tempted to make the switch to St James’ Park, despite the major losses within the squad.
Any move is expected to raise questions about Hall’s future, with the squad not needing two starting-quality left-backs this season as Newcastle don’t have European football, meaning they have a more limited schedule.
The Toon have already brought in Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Seun Steur, and Aladji Bamba this summer, while a deal to bring in a new number one goalkeeper in Lukas Hornicek from Braga is also close to being completed.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Robinson a Shrewd Signing at Right Price
Robinson has been one of the top performing left-backs in the Premier League in recent seasons, but with Marco Silva leaving Fulham this summer, there is a good opportunity for a new start for the American.
Newcastle would provide him with a chance to be competitive, and new manager Matthias Jaissle is someone who likes attacking football, which will play into the way he likes to play too.
Hall is the better player of the two, and is younger, so selling him for Robinson would make little sense. But if it’s a case of replacing Hall due to a move elsewhere, then Robinson would be a shrewd bit of business for the right price.
Sports
Celtic Close to Agreeing Deal to Sign ‘Outstanding’ Engels Replacement
A third summer signing looks to be on the brink of completing a move to Celtic as Martin O’Neill’s side prepare to defend their Scottish Premiership title.
The Bhoys began the transfer window with the arrival of Colombian striker Camilo Duran, who arrived from Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag. Norweigan attacker Kasper Hogh followed him to Parkhead from Bodo/Glimt.
A new midfielder has been on the agenda amid growing doubts over Arne Engels’ future with the Scots. West Ham United are reportedly close to sealing a deal for the Belgian, and it appears a replacement has already been lined up.
Celtic Close to Signing Mika Baur
Celtic are set to turn to Paderborn’s Mika Baur and TEAMtalk reports that negotiations between the two clubs are at an advanced stage. The German midfielder has informed his club that he wants to join the Hoops which has helped push the deal closer to completion.
Baur has agreed on personal terms, and his agent has been in Glasgow to finalise details ahead of the proposed switch. The club are said to have made an improved bid of €3.5 million (£3m) plus €1m (£850k) in add-ons, bringing the total package to €4.5m (£3.85m)
This is still below Paderborn’s €5m (£4.3m) valuation, but talks between the clubs are now nearing an agreement and could come as soon as the next 24 hours. He is tipped for a bright future, having played a key role in his club’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
The 22-year-old registered four goals and six assists in 36 games across competitions. He possesses a versatile profile, able to play in central midfield as well as further up the pitch and he’s prioritising Celtic over several other interested clubs from around Europe.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Celtic Needed to Replace Arne Engels
Engels has been an important member of Celtic’s midfield, including last season when he helped the Scots win the Premiership. The 22-year-old does sometimes go missing but his physicality proved vital for O’Neill.
A move to West Ham is sure to raise eyebrows because he’ll be heading to the EFL Championship rather than the Premier League. He also proved effective in front of goal, finding the back of the net seven times in 46 games last season.
Baur, described as “outstanding”, will add much-needed creativity to the midfield and help deal with Engels’ departure. He’s an exciting prospect who could prove to be a long-term solution for the Bhoys.
Sports
Tottenham Consider Move For 23-Goal Luis Suarez Regen
Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up alternatives to Junior Kroupi after deciding to delay a pursuit of the Bournemouth striker.
The young French forward suffered a foot injury during pre-season with the Cherries and has undergone surgery. He’s set to miss the next 3-4 months, and as a result, Spurs are reportedly set to wait until next year to move for the 20-year-old.
Roberto De Zerbi is still expected to be handed a new number nine this summer, and the club have a list of other targets. Having already forked out over £230 million on new signings, including £100m on Sandro Tonali, the transfer chiefs may be cautious about overspending with a future Kroupi pursuit in mind.
Tottenham Eyeing Tresoldi Following Kroupi Injury
One of the names on Tottenham’s list is Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi, who has been talked up for a move to one of Europe’s big guns this summer. He is highly sought after, and Barcna are also admirers of the German-Italian youngster.
According to TEAMtalk, Spurs have done substantial work on Tresoldi and Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani and are impressed. They are tracking both players closely and could move for one of them.
Tresoldi has also garnered interest from Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma following an eye-catching season in the Belgian Pro League. He found the back of the net 23 times in 58 games across competitions, including in a 3-3 draw against Barca in the Champions League.
At just 21 years old, he could be a long-term acquisition for the Lilywhites while also helping add much-needed firepower to De Zerbi’s squad. He is a modern centre-forward who makes deep runs and links up well with his fellow attackers.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Spurs Risking Kroupi If They Move For Tresoldi
Spurs could reap the rewards of swooping for Tresoldi, dubbed a ‘Luis Suarez regen’ given his potential and the need for De Zerbi to have more potency up top. Richarlison’s future is uncertain, while Dominic Solanke’s injury record is a concern ahead of the Italian’s first full campaign in charge.
The Kroupi situation will surely be factored in, though, as moving for a young striker could jeopardise a pursuit of the 20-year-old. It’s important that the higher-ups consider the knock-on effect of the German’s potential arrival.
If the Lilywhites intend to move for Kroupi, signing a player of a similar age doesn’t feel like the best approach. Instead, moving for a short-term experienced solution, much like Chelsea swooping for Danny Welbeck, could be the answer.
-
Politics1 day agoOsun guber: Police raids targeting senior officials — State govt
-
Sports1 day agoStamford Bridge Could Still Host Champions League Football This Season
-
Metro1 day agoPolice nab Umuahia barbar for allegedly using customers’ hairs for ritual
-
Sports1 day agoLiverpool Fans Slam Curtis Jones For Clashing With Teammates After Pre-Season Tie
-
Sports1 day agoEddie Howe To Leave Newcastle
-
Sports1 day agoCzech Republic Back Gianni Infantino’s FIFA World Cup Plan
-
Sports1 day agoSickening Details Emerge About Ex-UFC Fighter’s Arrest
-
Politics2 days agoInsecurity: Nigerians deserve dividends of democracy not carnage – APM to govt
