Manchester City has been fined £1.08 million for delaying kick-offs and restarts in nine Premier League games during the 2024-25 season. The club has 14 days to pay the fine, which is less than the £2.09 million fine they received last 2023-24 season.

The Premier League confirmed that City broke the League’s Rule L.33, which states that any club that delays matches without good reasons shall be dealt with disciplinary action. The club’s biggest delay was during the Manchester derby, where they held up play for two minutes and 24 seconds.

Another notable delay happened in November 2024 when City started their match against Tottenham late to hold a short Ballon d’Or ceremony for midfielder Rodri. That moment caused a delay of one minute and 38 seconds.

The League said these delays affect match broadcasts and scheduling. City accepted the ruling and issued an apology, adding they’ve reminded players and staff to follow time rules more carefully.

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Liverpool FC’s joyful day turned into one of panic, as a car crashed into a crowd of fans during the club’s Premier League victory parade on Monday, May 26. The incident happened around 6:00 PM on Water Street, just after the club’s open-top bus had passed the area.

A total of 47 people were confirmed hurt in the accident. Twenty-seven were taken to hospitals, with two in serious condition. The North West Ambulance Service also confirmed that four people were trapped under the car and had to be pulled out by firefighters.

Emergency services responded quickly, and roads were closed for hours while police investigated. A 53-year-old man was arrested at the scene. Police said the act is not being treated as terrorism.

Liverpool FC shared that the club is in contact with Merseyside Police about the incident. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident�? they wrote on their socials.

The city had been in high spirits earlier that day, celebrating Liverpool FC’s latest Premier League title—their first since 2020. Thousands lined the streets for the team’s parade, which had passed through major roads in Liverpool.

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Three teams are in a stalemate in the English Premier League (EPL) table—Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. This standoff has led to fans asking the big question: who has the bigger edge over the other? Explore their recent performances and other fine details to determine which can best the other two. 

Newcastle’s current situation

From April 3 to May 18, 2025, Newcastle won six out of nine of their EPL matches. They also lost two matches and drew one. Some might say their results are volatile, but it is a good display of skill and still means they can win most of their matches. 

Despite this, they still have five players out of play, and one suffers from an Adductor Strain injury—Alexander Isak. The earliest player to return to the field is Kieran Trippier, who is set to return on May 25, 2025. 

Chelsea’s hiccup

Chelsea’s recent win streak was impressive, but their hiccup with Newcastle can mean two things: they’re likely to lose again if they face off, or they’ll exact revenge upon meeting each other on the field. 

However, looking at their previous EPL matches, the lead over their opponents is only one to two points. One can say that they are not fully in control of the field, but many factors can affect this, including powerful opponents or tough playing conditions. 

Aston Villa’s consistency

So far, Aston Villa has had the most consistent performance among the three. Newcastle was a problematic opponent for Chelsea, but to Aston Villa, they destroyed them 4-1. Their only stutter was against Manchester City, where they lost 2-1.  

Considering their performances, they are one of the top performers among the three, but their ‘Goals For�?are the lowest at 58 points. Compared to the other two, who already breached 60 points, they might lag once given the chance to fight Newcastle and Chelsea. 

Who’s likely to lead?

Despite poor recent performances, Newcastle still has a higher chance of topping Chelsea and Aston Villa. Aston Villa might take it for the second, and Chelsea might come last. These assumptions are based on recent English Premier League data, so there is no guarantee that it would happen. 

Expect the unexpected

Football matches are some of the most unpredictable games, so there is no surefire way of knowing who will beat whom. However, based on data, current form, and past results, a calculated deduction can be achieved. 

So far, Newcastle is still in the lead, maintaining a consistent performance that keeps them ahead of the competition. Their recent victories and strong squad dynamics suggest they could hold their position if the momentum continues.

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Now EPL eighth placer Brighton pulled off a stunning 3-2 win over Premier League leaders Liverpool at the Amex Stadium on Monday, May 19. The home side came from behind twice before sealing the match with a late goal from 20-year-old Jack Hinshelwood.

Liverpool started strong, with Harvey Elliott giving them the lead in just the 9th minute. Yasin Ayari quickly answered for Brighton, slotting in an equaliser. Liverpool took the lead again through Dominik Szoboszlai, but Brighton would not give up. Substitute Kaoru Mitoma made it 2�? with a cool finish.

With just five minutes left on the clock, Hinshelwood came off the bench and scored what looked like the winner. The goal was flagged for offside at first, but after a VAR check, it was allowed to stand. 

Liverpool, who have already secured the league title, looked flat at times. Mohamed Salah had a big chance in the second half but failed to finish.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed his Liverpool exit at the end of the 2024/25 season, closing a 20-year journey with his boyhood club. The 26-year-old icon shared the news on social media on Monday, May 5. Meanwhile, news reports of him agreeing to a free transfer to Real Madrid surfaced just hours later.

Trent joined Liverpool’s youth system at six years old and made his senior debut in 2016. Since then, he has played 352 matches with the Reds and scored 115 goals as a right-back. He was also a key player with the club’s bids for the Premier League, Champions League, and the FA Cup.

The right-back star is known for his link-up play with forward Mohamed Salah, and has shared over eight years of bond with him. The latter penned a heartfelt message on his X (formerly Twitter) account: ‘It’s been a pleasure sharing a special friendship with you and playing alongside you�?

Real Madrid on Trent for Club World Cup

News about Real Madrid wanting Trent to join them in time for the Club World Cup this summer surfaced after the footballer announced his exit from Liverpool. The Spanish side plans to talk with Liverpool about Trent’s possible ‘early release�?from his contract.

Real Madrid believes participating in the said tournament will help Trent settle faster before the 2025/26 season begins.

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In football, every moment counts. A single goal or foul can turn a team’s hope into heartbreak in just seconds. That’s why the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) came into play. Introduced to bring more fairness to the game, this tech aims to help football referees make better calls by using video footage.

Since its launch, VAR has corrected key game errors, some even deemed crucial for a win. Yet, despite all the good it’s done, it remains one of the most argued tech tools in the football field. Fans, players, and coaches often clash over whether it helps or ruins the flow and feel of the match.

Dive into the story of VAR. Discover what it is, how it works behind the scenes, and the big football moments where it either made history or caused backlash.

What is VAR?

The Video Assistant Referee is a support system designed to help match referees review major decisions. It is a team of three people, assisted by video technology, who revisit key incidents during a match, especially those that could impact a match result.

Think of VAR as a second pair of eyes. It’s not there to replace the main referee and take over the game. Instead, it works like a safety net that catches big mistakes before they can affect the final score. The main referees still oversee the match; the VAR is only there as a backup when things get unclear.

The use of VAR in football was introduced during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, following its inclusion in the 2018/19 edition of the Laws of the Game. Since then, the system has been used in over 100 competitions worldwide.

How does VAR work?

The VAR review follows a simple three-step process:

1. Incident occurs

A possible mistake or controversy happens on the pitch. It could be a foul, offside, or handball. The referee can request a review, or the VAR team can recommend one if they spot an error.

2. Review by the VAR team

The VAR team replays the footage from various camera angles. They confirm whether the decision was wrong or not. The VAR head then notifies the main referee about it.

3. The referee makes the final call

The main referee receives the team’s verdict. If unsure, they can also review the footage from the pitch-side monitor to double-check before making a final call.

To break this down, here are some key factors and considerations that keep the VAR process fair and accurate.

When is VAR used?

Unlike other sports, where video reviews are only presented when asked by a referee or players, VAR monitors each match nonstop. They’d instantly alert the referee in case a wrong call was made or if there had been an overlooked mistake.

However, the VAR doesn’t get involved in every play. It can only step in during four key incidents on the pitch where ‘a clear and obvious error�?is likely to occur:

• Goals: Checks if a foul, offside, or handball occurred before the team scored a goal.
• Penalty: Confirms whether a foul happened inside the box or a penalty was wrongly given or denied.
• Direct red cards: VAR is also used to judge if a serious foul deserves a straight red card. The team also checks for possible red-card incidents that the referee might have given a yellow card for.
• Mistaken identity: Fixes cases where the wrong player is shown a yellow or red card.

Timing rules for VAR intervention

Timing plays a big part in how VAR works. The team must flag an issue as quickly as they can, as they can only intervene in the match after the ball goes out of play. Once the game restarts, though, the chance to use VAR for that play has passed, and any calls made can’t be overturned.

For instance, if the VAR team spots an incident as the ball goes out of play, they must notify the referee to pause the game until it is dealt with. Otherwise, no reviews or calls can be made unless it’s a case of mistaken identity. 

Moments caught on VAR

Since its debut in 2018, VAR has captured some of football’s most dramatic moments. It has helped referees make the right call, but also triggered outrage from fans and players due to errors or missed calls.

In the Premier League, there has been a drop in incorrect VAR calls. From 23 mistakes last season, the 2024-25 season has only seen 10 so far. Even so, fans still call out flaws in how VAR handles real-time decisions. The loudest comments are all about missed fouls, inconsistent offside lines, and long delays. 

Here are some of the most talked-about VAR calls that still get football fans debating:

• RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid (UCL 2024)

Leipzig scored a goal early in the game, thanks to Benjamin Šeško. However, the VAR flagged an offside in the build-up, which meant the goal was ruled out. The call made fans and the club itself furious for questioning a clearly kicked goal. The match ended in a Real Madrid win at 1-0.

• Wolves vs Man Utd (EPL 2023-24)

In stoppage time, the Utd goalkeeper André Onana collided with Wolves player Sasa Kalajdzic inside the box. Despite loud protests, neither the referee nor the VAR awarded a penalty. A later review admitted that one should have been given after PGMOL manager Jonathan Moss said it was a mistake. The Wolves lost the match 1-0.

VAR in football: Its future or flaw?

VAR was built to make football fairer, and in many cases, it has. It helped clear up mistakes, which then led to major trophies and careers. Still, no system is perfect. Football authorities are working hard to refine VAR for future seasons. You may love or hate the VAR, but one thing’s sure: it will always be a part of football’s identity.

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Kevin De Bruyne has revealed that Manchester City has not offered him a new contract, as his current one expires in June 2025. The Belgian star said in a post-match interview after their match against Everton on Saturday, April 19, that the club made a decision independently.

He expressed feeling ‘a bit surprised�?by the silence. ‘Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing but I understand clubs have to make decisions�? he remarked. The 33-year-old midfielder missed several months this Premier League season due to a hamstring injury back in September 2024 and returned two months later.

De Bruyne joined City in 2015 from Wolfsburg and became one of the club’s most trusted and creative players. He’s helped them win six Premier League titles and also lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in 2023.

With the contract silence from City, De Bruyne announced his departure from the club back on April 4. Although his future remains unsure, it’s certain that the footballer isn’t retiring yet. He shared, ‘I know I’m not 25 any more but I still feel like I can do my job�?

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Chelsea scored late to win 2�? over Fulham and move back into the top 5 in the league. With just minutes left, Pedro Neto hit the net in the 93rd minute to seal the game. That gave the Blues three much-needed points.

The game had looked like a tie, but then young star Tyrique George scored in the 83rd minute to bring Chelsea level. It was the team’s first away win of the year.

If Chelsea stays in the top 5, they could play in the top cup in Europe next season. Coach Enzo Maresca said the win was key and showed the team still fights. He said they had worked hard all season, and this game gave them hope.

Even with the win, there are still big gaps. Star striker Christopher Nkunku was left out due to a ‘technical�?decision. Malo Gusto is hurt, and Mykhailo Mudryk may miss more games after a drug test issue.

Some of Chelsea’s top strikers still have not scored in weeks. Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and even Neto had been quiet for many games. Yet, this win may help them find their form again.

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Manchester United’s slip to 14th in the Premier League table says a lot about their season performance. The club’s recent 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday, April 13 only added salt to their wounds. While setbacks aren’t new this season, this result and United’s current run raise questions about what’s going on at Old Trafford.

New head coach Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November 2024 sparked a wave of hope among fans and the team. As one of Europe’s biggest coaches, Amorim was expected to spark United’s quick revival. Yet, his plans and the squad’s performances don’t seem to align. Could the issue lie beyond just tactics and results?

The wake-up call

The heavy loss to Newcastle wasn’t just a poor result; it highlighted systemic issues within the club. It reflected how far United have fallen in the league. Amorim made headlines by admitting post-match that they ‘made a lot of mistakes that made it harder to win a game�? 

Accounts from previous players underscore the lack of urgency and response among Man Utd players during critical matches. The club’s former midfielder, Paul Scholes, even ranted about United players being ‘lazy�? labelling the team as ‘rubbish�?

The players�?flat response made the loss feel even heavier, proving that the issue may no longer be just form or skill; it could be a deeper struggle with the club’s direction.

Keane: United is weak physically and mentally

Former United midfielder and now pundit Roy Keane saw the struggle and didn’t hold back. After the Newcastle game, he slammed the club, stating that they are ‘physically and mentally a weak team�? He wasn’t alone, though, as many fans and ex-players have echoed the same frustration. United's former captain, Gary Neville, even called out the club’s lack of quality in their games.

Amorim on the edge; are hopes still alive?

To Amorim’s credit, there has been hope. Wins over Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and a few more in cup games showed glimpses of what the team could have become. The coach’s system has shown moments of clarity and structure.

Sadly, these are rare moments. Inconsistency brings down Amorim’s reign at the moment. Critics shared that his 3-4-3 formation system doesn’t suit United, which only adds to their unimpressive results. After matches, Amorim’s frustrations have been evident. He’s pointed out individual mistakes and the lack of focus, hinting at growing tension within the club.

The team needs to save itself

United’s dull performance this season can’t be pinned on one man. Amorim has shown intent and desire to shift the club’s path, but even someone as sharp as him can’t fix a broken system alone.

Right now, the club has lost 14 of its 32 matches. Their next match is set against Wolves on Sunday, April 20. If players don’t make any moves, results will keep slipping, and the team will keep sinking.

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Liverpool is on a roll and is now 13 points ahead of Arsenal after winning the game against West Ham at Anfield, England. Arsenal, on the other hand, ended their latest match against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in a draw. That puts Liverpool at 76 points and Arsenal at 63 points, as of writing. 

Can Arsenal make a miraculous comeback?

EPL clubs have only six matches remaining in the season, leaving a maximum of 18 points up for grabs. For Arsenal to overtake Liverpool, they need to win every remaining game, including their crucial head-to-head clash on May 11. Given their current form and their focus on the UEFA Champions League, that scenario seems unlikely.

Mikel Arteta has his eyes set on the UEFA Champions League silverware, the trophy that Arsenal has not yet won in history. Meanwhile, Arne Slot is free of other obligations, allowing his team to focus entirely on the EPL 2024/25 title. These motivations directly affect their performances in the competitions, so Arsenal is unlikely to make a comeback. 

Arne Slot to win the EPL title in his first season

What makes this season even more exciting is that it's Arne Slot’s first season with Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp, who managed the team for nearly a decade, passed the reins to Slot after the 2023/24 season. Now, Slot is steering the team toward Premier League glory, and fans are witnessing this new chapter unfold. 

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