Sir Keir Starmer hits out at Coventry v Man Utd controversy as Newcastle set fee for Leeds target

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer believes a rule change is needed after a VAR call denied Coventry City from claiming a shock win in their FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United.

The Sky Blues’ hopes of setting up a first final appearance since 1987 looked all but over when Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes all scored to put the Premier League club into a three-goal lead by the time the hour-mark had passed.  Coventry hit back to force extra-time thanks to goals from Ellis Simms and Callum O’Hare and an injury-time penalty in injury-time.

Mark Robins’ side looked to have pulled off a remarkable comeback and set up a final date when Victor Torp fired home in the final 60 seconds of the additional 30 minutes - but there was disappointment when the goal was ruled out after a VAR check for a marginal offside in the build.

Speaking about the incident, Starmer told The Metro: "This is classic cup, come back from 3-0 down, 3-3, you’re Coventry.  This is a giant killing.  It is a really well-worked goal, and it is ruled out because there is what, a toenail of difference between the attacker and the defender? Don’t tell me a toenail gives you an advantage in football.  I would change the offside rule. I would not change VAR. I would change the offside rule to make it more beneficial for the attacking team.”

Magpies set price for Leeds and Leicester transfer target

Leeds United and Leicester City are hoping to bring a successful end to their push for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Both clubs were relegated from the top flight after disappointing seasons last time out but have recovered in some style to remain firmly in the race for automatic promotion over the next ten days.  However, both the Whites and Foxes are believed to be already formulating their plans fro the summer transfer window and have one mutual target on their list of priorities.

Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff is believed to be the subject of interest from Leicester and Leeds as they look to take advantage of the Magpies battle with the Premier League profit and sustainability regulations.  As the midfielder is a product of Newcastle’s academy, the Magpies will retain ‘pure profit’ from any sale and TEAMtalk have claimed they will look for a fee of around £20m before authorising a deal.