The Guardian (Nigeria)

Today’s Fixtures

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INCORRECT penalty decisions were made by the video assistant referee ( VAR) in all three of Thursday’s games, the Premier League has told BBC Match of the Day.

Bruno Fernandes won a spotkick, which he scored in Manchester United’s 3- 0 win over Aston Villa.

James Ward- Prowse hit the bar after a disputed penalty as Southampto­n drew 1- 1 with Everton.

And Tottenham should have had a penalty for a Joshua King shove on Harry Kane in a 0- 0 draw with Bournemout­h.

The Premier League confirmed United and Southampto­n should not have been given penalties, but Tottenham should have been awarded one. Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, a Match of the Day pundit, said a former player should be involved to work alongside the VAR officials at Stockley Park.

“I think that would really help them, to understand the movements,” the former Australia internatio­nal said.

“When a player falls to buy a penalty you can feel it. It must need a player there to give advice on what the player is doing.

“They’re there to make the big decisions and they can’t do it. It’s really disappoint­ing.”

Fifa is taking over direct responsibi­lity of VAR from football rulemakers IFAB and is expected to insist on greater consistenc­y across more than 100 global leagues, on issues such as the use of pitchside monitors. There has been confusion in the Premier League, with referees’ chief Mike Riley limiting the use of monitors to not slow the game down.

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho said “everyone in the world” thought his side should have had a penalty, apart from video assistant referee Michael Oliver.

ITALIAN SERIE A

Lazio Vs Sassuolo 16: 15

Brescia Vs Roma 18: 30

Juventus Vs Atalanta 20: 45 SPANISH LA LIGA Osasuna Vs Celta Vigo 16: 00

Real Valladolid Vs Barcelona 18: 30 Atlético Madrid Vs Real Betis 21: 00 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTERFIN­AL DRAW

RB Leipzig V Atletico Madrid Barca/ Napoli V Bayern Munich/ Chelsea

Atalanta V PSG

SEMIFINAL DRAW Winner QF 1 V Winner QF 3 Winner QF 2 V Winner QF 4

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