There is more scrutiny on referees than ever before.Their decisions have always been the subject of debate with officials the target of abuse, but typically those complaints would be confined to fans, players on the pitch and the occasional post-match complaint from a manager. Now, though, it feels more institutional.The introduction of video assistant referees to the Premier League in 2019 feels like a demarcation point.There was an idea that the use of technology in officiating would eliminate errors, and nobody would have cause for complaint. That has not been the case.Nick Miller explores why publically complaining about referees has become more common
Jorrel Hato has reached an agreement with Ajax over a new five-year contract.The 18-year-old defender's existing contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025.However, the Netherlands international has agreed to a deal that will see him stay at Ajax until at least the summer of 2028. Hato had attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, with The Athletic reporting in December Arsenal were interested in the teenager as a long-term defensive target.The versatile defender plays as a left-sided centre-back or left-back. He has featured 36 times in all competitions for Ajax this season and has captained the side on occasions.The teenager joined Ajax’s academy from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and broke into the first team in January 2023. He also made his senior Netherlands debut in November.Ajax are next in action against Aston Villa in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday. They drew 0-0 in the first leg.
Despite Udinese’s 2-0 defeat to Atalanta, Nigeria international, Maduka Okoye, was included in Serie A’s Team of The Week following an impressive display against the Black and Blues