Where did the time go, ref?

ONE minor footnote from slightly bizarre events at Old Trafford on Tuesday night – since when has added time become so arbitrary?

Mike Dean spent at least three minutes looking at himself on telly before dismissing Jan Bednarek.

There were other second-half stoppages – a long delay before Che Adams’ strike was ruled out and three substitutions – yet Dean only played three extra minutes.

Yes, Southampton happened to be 8-0 down when the board went up but since when did sympathy come into timekeeping?

Mind you, we should have been grateful we did not have to put up with any more of Dean’s posturing.

ONCE he has despatched a pair of YouTubers, Floyd Mayweather wants to fight the rapper 50 Cent.

Which would be appropriate. Because that is the most any sane sports fan would fork out to watch it on Pay Per View.

JUST a guess but I reckon the haircut cost Joelinton more than the £200 he got fined for having it. Presumably, the club punishment will not be such a snip.

FOOTBALL without fans MIGHT be nothing but an Olympic Games without clapping, cheering and bedroom athletics in the competitors’ village definitely IS nothing.

THE great grandson of Benito Mussolini has signed for Lazio. And yep, you know what position he plays.

THE Six Nations starts up this weekend and should provide a compelling sporting alternative to football’s relentless, if enjoyable, churn.

But scanning the line-ups for the tournament – and first glance at the Scottish squad throws up names such as Duhan van der Merwe and Jaco van der Walt – it is hard to wonder if Six Nations is not an understatement.

Nowhere, it seems, is nationality faster and looser than in rugby.