Scottish FA head of refereeing, Willie Collum, has admitted that Rangers should have been awarded a penalty during their League Cup final defeat to Celtic.

The controversial moment occurred during the first half of extra time when Celtic defender Liam Scales brought down Rangers forward Vaclav Cerny. Referee John Beaton initially ruled the foul had taken place outside the penalty area, awarding a free-kick. VAR officials Alan Muir and assistant Frank Connor upheld the on-field decision, despite the incident taking place with the score tied at 3-3. Rangers went on to lose the match in a penalty shootout.

Speaking on the SFA’s VAR Review Show, Collum acknowledged the mistake, explaining: *“The holding of Cerny’s shirt begins outside the penalty area but continues onto the line and arguably beyond it. Since the line is part of the penalty area, this should have been considered a penalty kick.

“The referee correctly identified the foul play but awarded a free-kick as he believed it occurred outside the box. VAR should have conducted a check to determine whether the foul was inside or outside the area. Unfortunately, they failed to reach the correct conclusion. This was a clear case for a factual overturn, and there was no need for the referee to visit the monitor.”*

The error sparked frustration from Rangers, with manager Philippe Clement describing the lack of VAR intervention as “really weird.” The club’s CEO, Patrick Stewart, formally requested an explanation from the SFA regarding the decision. Rangers later issued a statement labeling the incident as “damaging for the credibility of Scottish football.”

The missed penalty opportunity has further fueled debates around the consistency and reliability of VAR in Scottish football, especially during critical moments in high-stakes matches like cup finals.

Wolves have confirmed the appointment of Vítor Pereira as their new head coach following the dismissal of Gary O’Neil. Pereira has signed a one-and-a-half-year deal after Wolves negotiated compensation of just over £800,000 with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab to secure his release.

The 56-year-old Portuguese coach took charge of his first training session on Thursday and will lead Wolves in Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Leicester City.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi expressed optimism about the new appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Vítor Pereira to Wolves as the new head coach of our men’s first team. Vítor is a highly respected and experienced coach who has achieved success across different leagues and will bring a fresh approach to the challenges ahead. This is a tough moment for the club, and we are confident he will guide us back on track with the support of the players, staff, and the entire Wolves community.”

Pereira replaces Gary O’Neil, who was sacked on Sunday following a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town at Molineux. The loss, marred by a post-match altercation involving Rayan Aït-Nouri and a misconduct charge for Matheus Cunha, left Wolves in 19th place in the Premier League, five points behind safety. The dismissal marked the end of a difficult tenure for O’Neil, with Wolves eager to bring in Pereira to steady the ship.

Pereira, a seasoned coach with league titles at Porto, Olympiakos, and Shanghai SIPG, has long been viewed as a strong candidate for managing in the Premier League. Wolves were willing to pay his release clause, and Pereira reportedly welcomed the opportunity to return to Europe.

Pereira was previously linked with the Everton job in early 2022, but fan protests against his appointment saw the club opt for Frank Lampard instead. Having managed Al Shabab since February, Pereira now faces a significant task to lift Wolves out of the relegation zone, starting with Sunday’s must-win game against 17th-placed Leicester.

Mariona Caldentey secured Arsenal’s spot in the Champions League quarter-finals as Group C winners with a dramatic late penalty in their 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich.

Arsenal took an early lead in the seventh minute when Glodis Perla Viggosdottir scored an own goal, but Bayern equalized just before halftime through Magdalena Eriksson. The former Chelsea captain then put Bayern ahead in the second half, only for Alessia Russo to level the score a minute later.

With just four minutes remaining, Caldentey stepped up to convert a penalty after Bayern’s Tuva Hansen was penalized for a handball. The Spaniard made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal the win and extend Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions.

Arsenal captain Kim Little made her first start since November 21, and interim manager Renee Slegers made two changes for the match, with her future uncertain.

The match saw early chances from both sides, with Linda Dallmann testing Arsenal’s goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and Bayern surviving a near-own goal before Eriksson’s equalizer in the 39th minute.

Eriksson’s second goal in the 58th minute put Bayern ahead, but Russo responded quickly, capitalizing on a Bayern goalkeeper error to equalize. With a draw enough for Bayern to top the group, Arsenal’s late penalty sealed the win and ensured their progression.

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to secure a 4-2 victory over Monaco on Wednesday, maintaining their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season. However, the win came at a cost as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced off with a horrific facial injury.

The result extended PSG’s lead at the top of the table to 10 points, with closest challengers Marseille and Monaco now trailing by a significant margin. Donnarumma, the Italy international, suffered deep lacerations to the right side of his face after being caught by the studs of Monaco defender Wilfried Singo. The injury left Donnarumma bloodied and requiring staples, but Singo, whose challenge appeared clumsy but unintentional, was not penalized. Donnarumma was replaced by Matvey Safonov after the injury.

PSG had fallen behind early, but they soon took control of the game. Desire Doue netted his first-ever league goal for the champions to give PSG the lead. However, Monaco responded with two goals in a dramatic seven-minute spell in the second half. The first came when PSG captain Marquinhos was penalized for a handball, allowing Eliesse Ben Seghir to convert the resulting penalty. Just minutes later, Maghnes Akliouche delivered a cross for Breel Embolo to poke the ball past Safonov and put Monaco ahead, threatening PSG’s impressive 31-game unbeaten away run in Ligue 1.

Ousmane Dembélé quickly equalized for PSG, and shortly after coming on, Gonçalo Ramos headed in a corner to put the visitors back in front. Dembélé then sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, scoring his second goal of the match to confirm PSG’s 4-2 win.

Holders Liverpool secured a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the third time in four seasons with a 2-1 victory over managerless Southampton. Goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott ensured the Reds’ progression, as they now await a semi-final clash with either Arsenal, Newcastle, or the winners of Thursday’s tie between Tottenham and Manchester United. The draw for the last four will take place at 10:30 pm following that match in north London.

Southampton, who parted ways with manager Russell Martin after their 5-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, were led by interim coach Simon Rusk. Rusk employed a defensive 5-4-1 formation that frustrated Liverpool for over 20 minutes, keeping them at bay. However, Liverpool broke the deadlock with their first shot on target. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ball through the middle deflected off Jan Bednarek’s leg, allowing Nunez to race through and finish coolly past Alex McCarthy.

Just eight minutes later, it was 2-0 as Liverpool sliced through the Saints’ defense. Cody Gakpo released Elliott, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to double the lead.

Southampton managed to pull one back just before the hour mark, when Cameron Archer curled a shot past Caoimhin Kelleher to give them a glimmer of hope. Seconds later, they nearly leveled the score, but Kelleher’s quick reflex save denied Archer’s flick, and Jarell Quansah blocked the follow-up from Mateus Fernandes.

The Saints’ revival sparked a stronger response from the home crowd, especially after the introduction of towering forward Paul Onuachu. Rusk also brought on Adam Lallana, Ben Brereton Diaz, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, hoping their attacking force would create a dramatic equalizer and send the game to penalties.

Late on, Southampton thought they had a chance for a penalty when Quansah was adjudged to have grappled with Fernandes just outside the box, and the Portuguese forward went down inside the area. However, referee Simon Hooper waved away the appeals, and without VAR, the decision stood.

Despite a late surge, Southampton could not find a second goal, and Liverpool held on to secure their place in the semi-finals.

Sandro Tonali’s brace guided Newcastle to a 3-1 victory over Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at St James’ Park, sending Eddie Howe’s side into the final four in commanding fashion.

The Italian midfielder delivered two outstanding first-half finishes to put the Magpies firmly in control. His first, a powerful strike from just outside the box, was his first goal since netting on his Newcastle debut in August. The second came shortly after, as Tonali met a corner with a deft volley that left Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken helpless.

Newcastle’s dominance continued in the second half, and Fabian Schar’s close-range tap-in midway through the period effectively ended the contest. While Yoane Wissa managed a consolation goal in stoppage time, Brentford rarely troubled the home side, struggling to create chances for much of the game.

Eddie Howe showed his intent by naming an unchanged XI from the team that routed Leicester 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday. That decision paid off as Newcastle controlled proceedings against a Brentford team hampered by setbacks, including the loss of Sepp van den Berg to injury during the warm-up and Ethan Pinnock’s early exit with a hamstring issue.

Thomas Frank’s side might have questioned a possible foul in the buildup to one of Tonali’s goals, but they could have few overall complaints after a night in which little went their way. Newcastle’s clinical performance and depth proved too much, leaving them just one step away from another cup final.

Kylian Mbappe led Real Madrid to Intercontinental Cup triumph with a goal in their commanding 3-0 victory over Pachuca at the Lusail Stadium. Despite fitness concerns leading into the match, the 25-year-old Frenchman delivered a clinical performance, taking his tally to 13 goals in 23 appearances since his move from PSG.

Rodrygo added a stunning second goal, while Vinicius Jr sealed the win with a late penalty, earning Carlo Ancelotti his 15th trophy as Real Madrid manager.

Mexican side Pachuca, who had reached the final after a 3-0 win over Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo and a penalty shootout victory against Al Ahly, made a spirited start. Luis Rodriguez forced an early save from Thibaut Courtois, while Oussama Idrissi and Alan Bautista had opportunities to give the underdogs a surprise lead.

However, Real Madrid broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with a dazzling team move. Jude Bellingham started the attack with a perfectly weighted pass to Vinicius Jr, who dazzled the Pachuca defense with stepovers before rounding goalkeeper Carlos Moreno and pulling the ball back for Mbappe to finish with ease.

Madrid nearly doubled their lead before the break as Mbappe and Federico Valverde sent shots just wide, and Bellingham’s header missed the mark. Eight minutes into the second half, Rodrygo extended the advantage with a sensational 20-yard strike into the top corner.

Courtois was called into action again, making key saves to deny Bryan Gonzalez and former Premier League forward Salomon Rondon, as Pachuca refused to back down. But Real sealed the win in the 84th minute when Lucas Vazquez was brought down in the box by Idrissi, allowing Vinicius Jr to convert from the spot.

The victory secured Real Madrid another prestigious title and underscored their dominance on the global stage.

Barcelona overtook an injury-depleted Manchester City to claim top spot in Group D of the Women’s Champions League with a commanding 3-0 win at the Olympic Stadium.

City, already through to the quarter-finals as runners-up, were without key players Khadija Shaw, Chloe Kelly, Alex Greenwood, Vivianne Miedema, and Lauren Hemp. Barcelona, needing a two-goal margin to secure first place on goal difference, took full advantage of City’s absences.

The hosts dominated throughout, registering 30 shots and forcing City goalkeeper Khiara Keating into a remarkable 14 saves. Keating’s resistance held until just before half-time, when Claudia Pina broke the deadlock with a clinical strike from inside the box.

City’s best chance came when Jill Roord unleashed a long-range effort that cannoned off the crossbar, but it was Barca who continued to pile on the pressure.

The second goal came shortly before the hour mark as Aitana Bonmatí surged past the City defense and slid the ball through Keating’s legs. Minutes later, substitute Alexia Putellas sealed the result, driving a powerful shot past an unsighted Keating from the edge of the area.

Both teams finished level on 15 points, but Barcelona’s superior goal difference ensured they topped the group. City, now in the second knockout pool, face the prospect of a tougher draw in the quarter-finals.

Gabriel Jesus ended his goal drought in style with a second-half hat-trick, leading Arsenal to a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace and booking their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

The Brazilian striker, who had scored just once in his previous 33 Arsenal appearances across all competitions, delivered when it mattered most, rescuing Mikel Arteta’s side after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s fourth-minute opener. Palace’s goal exposed Arsenal’s defensive frailty, with Jakub Kiwior too easily outmuscled by Mateta from Dean Henderson’s long punt forward, allowing the Frenchman to slot past David Raya.

The Gunners struggled for attacking fluency in the first half, with their best opportunities coming from set-pieces. Jefferson Lerma cleared Leandro Trossard’s corner off the line, while Henderson pushed Raheem Sterling’s free-kick away from the top corner. Arteta’s decision to introduce captain Martin Odegaard at the break proved pivotal.

Raheem Sterling came close early in the second half, firing straight at Henderson from Kieran Tierney’s cross before hitting the bar on the rebound. However, Jesus broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half, turning brilliantly in the box after a clever pass from Odegaard and finishing with a delicate chip over Henderson.

The Brazilian almost added a second shortly after, but Henderson pushed his effort into the side-netting. Arsenal’s momentum grew further with the introduction of Bukayo Saka, who assisted Jesus’s second goal with a precise pass into the box. Another sharp turn and composed finish from Jesus leveled the match, though there was a hint of offside with no VAR in play.

Eight minutes later, Jesus completed his hat-trick, breaking away in space to calmly find the far corner and claim the match ball.

Palace fought back, with former Gunner Eddie Nketiah scoring a superb late header to set up a nervy finish, but Arsenal held firm to secure a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the second time in three seasons.

Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr was crowned FIFA men’s player of the year in Doha on Tuesday, while Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati retained the women’s award for the second consecutive year.

Vinicius, who scored 24 goals in 39 appearances to help Real Madrid secure the LaLiga and Champions League double, also netted in their Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund. He beat Spain and Manchester City’s Rodri and his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham to the award. Collecting the honor in Doha ahead of Real’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, Vinicius reflected, “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of Sao Goncalo, and now I’m here.”

Bonmati, who also claimed the Ballon d’Or in October, topped Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen for the women’s award. The 26-year-old led Barcelona to a domestic treble and Champions League triumph last season and was instrumental in Spain’s Nations League victory, scoring in both the semi-final and final. Bonmati said, “This is a team effort, with a Barca that won everything and the national team.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti won the best men’s coach award for guiding his side to a league and Champions League double. Chelsea’s Emma Hayes took the best women’s coach award after winning her fifth consecutive WSL title and leading the U.S. to Olympic gold.

Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho claimed the Puskas Award for his stunning overhead kick against Everton, while Brazil’s Marta won the inaugural Marta Award for her goal against Jamaica in June.

The best goalkeepers were Argentina and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez for the men’s award and Chicago Red Stars’ Alyssa Naeher for the women’s.