Which referee will officiate world cup final

Referee Jaco Peyper was not considered for for either Rugby World Cup semi-final after an "inappropriate" picture of him alongside Welsh fans appeared on social media. The South African official reduced France to 14-men during their quarter-final meeting with Wales on Sunday after showing a red card to lock Sebastien Vahaamahina for making contact with Aaron Wainwright's head with his elbow. Following the match, a photo of Peyper posing with Welsh fans emerged on social media which showed the referee appearing to mock the incident. The image, which showed him playfully landing an elbow on the head of one of the supporters, was heavily criticised and World Rugby investigated the circumstances surrounding it. And the sport's international governing body confirmed that the South African would not be in charge of either of this weekend's semi-final matches on the back of the image. In a statement, the governing body said : "World Rugby can confirm that the match officials selection … [Read more...] about Wales v France referee ‘not considered’ for Rugby World Cup semi-finals over photo

Greece are calling for the officials who oversaw their final game at the Basketball World Cup to be banned after NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and his team exited the tournament amid rancour on Monday. Greece’s coach said that star man Antetokounmpo had been the victim of a lack of “respect” after being fouled out in the 84-77 victory over the Czech Republic. The Milwaukee Bucks standout picked up a questionable, fifth foul midway through the fourth quarter and even though Greece won, it was not by the margin of 12 or more points that they needed. A team spokesman confirmed to AFP that the Greeks were writing to governing body FIBA seeking a ban for the three referees in charge. “Also (a ban) for those who nominate the referees and also watch the video and announce the results,” the spokesman said in a text message. Greece, chasing the big win they needed to reach the quarter-finals, were up by 10 points with just over eight minutes left. They … [Read more...] about Greece demand wholesale bans after MVP Antetokounmpo exits World Cup

Referee Jaco Peyper has sparked outrage amongst French fans hours after giving a crucial red card in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to Wales. France were in control of the game until second row Sebastien Vahaamahina was sent off for a sickening elbow on Wales flanker Aaron Wainwright shortly after the break. Peyper consulted the TMO before rightly giving a red card - but he has now been pictured seemingly mimicking the game-changing moment whilst posing for a picture with Wales fans. South African official Peyper was pictured smiling with supporters, holding his elbow in the face of a man wearing a Wales jersey shortly after the game. The photo, clearly taken in good spirits as Wales fans celebrated the win, has sparked outrage across the Channel and been met with intrigue by other rugby fans. One France fan stated they "do wonder about the impartiality of the man in black" after the image was shared on social media, with another adding it was "Shameful. Like his … [Read more...] about Wales vs France referee sparks controversy by mimicking red card as he poses with fans

England batsman Jonny Bairstow has received an official warning and one demerit point after being found guilty of a Level 1 breach  of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the fifth and final T20I match against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday. The 30-year-old was found to have breached Article 2.3 of the code, which relates to “use of an audible obscenity during an international match”. Bairstow used an audible obscenity following his dismissal off a Jimmy Neesham delivery in the seventh over, which was picked up by the stump mic and heard on TV. The England batsman was dismissed for 47 in England's chase of 147-run target.  After the day’s play, Bairstow admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and, therefore, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires … [Read more...] about Jonny Bairstow reprimanded for using ‘audible obscenity’ during 5th New Zealand T20I

Two games, two wins, six scored and not as much a shot on target conceded; as auditions go, Hansi Flick's has been flawless.  "You can see Hansi Flick gets along well with the team. He always had good ties to the team as assistant coach, and the team delivered today," said Bayern's outgoing president, Uli Hoeness, after Saturday's 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. "The two matches allow the leadership to think about it very calmly. I'm convinced we won't rush, and I think Hansi Flick will be the first person we talk to in the upcoming weeks." CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge made similarly positive noises. Though little is entirely clear about the vacancy created by the departure of Niko Kovac, one certainty is that Flick is the man in possession. With Bayern's AGM on Friday, there's every chance he'll remain so until the end of the campaign, or at least until the winter break. With unattached bosses Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger and Massimiliano Allegri all looking … [Read more...] about Hansi Flick: The man in pole position for the Bayern Munich vacancy