The Rest Is Football A First For Newcastle, “VA F***ing R” & A Bonkers Night In The Champions League
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Feb 26, 2026 Breathless Champions League playoff chaos, with high-scoring ties and the away-goals rule reshaping how teams attack. Heated debate over VAR and that controversial Lloyd Kelly decision, plus calls for clearer rule-making. A deep dive into Newcastle’s rise, recent silverware and whether Eddie Howe belongs among club legends. Tactical takes on Real Madrid, Benfica and surprise runs from Bodo/Glimt.
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Away Goals Rule Removal Boosted Attack Play
- Removing the away-goals rule has increased attacking intent across two-legged ties.
- Gary Lineker argues first-leg home sides can now go for it because away goals no longer punish them, leading to more goals and comebacks.
Micah Defends Lloyd Kelly's Accidental Challenge
- Micah Richards defended Lloyd Kelly after a red-card controversy, calling the aerial clash accidental and part of physical play.
- He described Kelly simply landing from a header and unintentionally hurting an opponent with no malice.
VAR Is Shrinking Football's Physical Edge
- VAR is blamed for over-officiating and shrinking football's physicality through excessive intervention.
- Alan Shearer says slow-motion reviews and referees extending their role into law-making have become damaging to the sport.