Christian Pulisic of the United States is helped by team doctors after he scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup group B soccer match between Iran and the United States at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
RANT SPORTS – Mark Halsey Speaks About the State of the Game
Rant Sports is your go-to destination for all things Premier League, and this week, we’re bringing you an exclusive interview with one of the most respected referees in English football history. Mark Halsey, a former FIFA-listed official and Premier League mainstay, sat down with the We All Follow Podcast on Thursday to discuss the state of refereeing in modern football.
With over a decade of experience officiating in England’s top flight, Halsey has been at the center of some of the most high-profile matches in Premier League history. His insight into the evolution of refereeing, the implementation of VAR, and the growing scrutiny on officials will provide invaluable perspective for fans who want to understand the challenges referees face in today’s game.
Halsey’s Legacy in the Premier League
Mark Halsey’s name is synonymous with top-tier English football officiating. Having refereed in the Premier League from 1999 to 2013, he was widely regarded as one of the most consistent and fair officials in the game. His ability to manage matches with authority and composure set him apart in an era when referees were under increasing pressure to make split-second decisions.
Halsey officiated some of the biggest games in England, from fiery Manchester derbies to crucial title-deciding clashes. His vast experience, including his time as a FIFA referee, gives him a unique perspective on how the role of a referee has evolved with the introduction of new technologies like VAR and changes in officiating philosophy.
At Rant Sports, we’re committed to bringing you the best coverage of the Premier League every week, and this exclusive conversation with Halsey will be the first in a series of deep dives into officiating, tactics, and controversies surrounding the English top flight.
The State of Refereeing in the Modern Game
There is no denying that refereeing has become one of the most debated aspects of the modern game. From controversial VAR decisions to inconsistencies in applying the laws of football, fans, players, and managers alike have voiced their frustrations. Halsey gave his unfiltered thoughts on these issues, shedding light on the pressures referees face, the impact of fan and media scrutiny, and what improvements he believes should be made to enhance officiating standards.
One of the key talking points will be whether VAR is helping or hindering the game. While technology was introduced to eliminate clear and obvious errors, it has instead sparked countless debates over marginal calls and subjective interpretations. Halsey’s take on VAR’s effectiveness and how it can be better utilized will be a must-read for any Premier League fan.
We All Follow Podcast and Expert Analysis
In addition to our exclusive sit-down with Halsey, make sure to check out the We All Follow Podcast on YouTube, hosted by Matt Fox and featuring guest contributors like Nigel Bratton, Sean Miller, and Ben Mattinson. This podcast is another fantastic resource for passionate Premier League discussions, offering weekly debates, analysis, and expert insights into the beautiful game.
At Rant Sports, we don’t just cover the latest scores and transfer rumors—we dive deep into the most pressing issues shaping the sport. With stories dropping every week, we’ll be breaking down key takeaways from our interview with Halsey and analyzing how officiating trends are shaping the Premier League’s future.
Stay Tuned for More Premier League Action on Rant Sports and the We All Follow Podcast
If you’re looking for the best coverage of the Premier League, Rant Sports is your home for weekly analysis, expert opinions, and exclusive interviews. With Mark Halsey leading the discussion this week, expect plenty of follow-up stories covering every angle of our conversation.
From the latest referee controversies to tactical breakdowns and club-focused analysis, the We All Follow Podcast–which can be seen here on Rant Sports– delivers unmatched Premier League content. Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Mark Halsey and stay with us for more in-depth stories as the season unfolds.
Check out Rant Sports for all your Premier League action, and be sure to follow We All Follow Podcast for even more top-tier football content. The conversation starts here!
The Breeders’ Cup starts today, and Let ’em Run is on site.
Rear View Mirror Segment Introduction
Let ’em Run continues to improve our product, and we are rolling out our “Rear View Mirror” segment in today’s edition for Sports Talk Florida, where we look back on races we broke down and see where we missed a possible pick and why, and also how we landed on a good pick. In life they say “the windshield is bigger than the rear view mirror so you look ahead, instead of back”. We think in handicapping, a good idea occasionally to look back!!
Friday 11/28 — Churchill Downs
Race 10 – The Mrs. Revere Stakes Looking back on our Podcast, John and I both landed on #4 Classic Q as an upset winner over big favorite #1 Lush Lips. The favorite proved her class and just nipped Classic Q. and a fast closing #10 Pretty Picture.
Race 11 – The Clark Stakes The “Rear View Mirror” told us we should have given a long look at the #9 Magnitude, who took it to the field with the highest U.S. Timeform early pace figure. John made a strong case for #5 Chunk of Gold, who had more company up front than expected. My pick #4 Gosger, had many Brisnet angles that made him strong in my book, but never fired. Keep an eye on this runner next out, odds will surely be worth a look.
Saturday 11/29 — Del Mar
Race 5 – The Seabiscuit Handicap In this race, the “Rear View Mirror” told us the only way (in our opinion) the #4 Call Sign Seven could have been used, was if you used a dart board, no offense to those who picked him!! John and I both landed on #3 Almanderes, who ran in 4th place, as the leader ran away from all in the field.
Race 7 – The Jimmy Durante Stakes Some redemption here as John laid out a Trifecta Key for $20 (4/1,5,6,8,9/1,5,6,8,9) and returned $61.50. Hey, a win is a win. I dropped anchor on the #5 La Ville Lumiere, a long shot at 8-1, with a lot of Brisnet angles to work with. She ran a nice race, but only managed a 3rd place finish.
Race 9 – The Hollywood Stakes Using the “Rear View Mirror”, a case could have been made for winner #4 Salamis. Leading rider Umberto Rispoli jumped aboard for trainer Chad Brown. In the last race he was a tough load, and closed, but too late. He ran back to the 2 back race and took the top spot, not an impossible pick with a closer look.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, Let’emRun is looking to run multiple Podcasts each week in the New Year. Coming up on Friday 12/5/25 Happy Hour at 3PM, we will dive into 2 races being run on Saturday 12/6/25… Race 6 at Laurel Park, The Maryland Juvenile. We will then jump over to Race 7 at Turfway Park, The Boone County. Some interesting races, at some interesting venues.
Upcoming Coverage
On Saturday 12/6/25, we will get back to East Coast racing at Aqueduct, where we will cover Races 7 thru 11, including Race 9 The Remsen Stakes (Kentucky Derby Prep), and Race 10, The Cigar Mile. Two big races each year at the Big A, so be sure to tune in for both shows, and as always Let ’em Run.
Paris Saint-Germain legend Jay-Jay Okocha has rankked Serbian coach Dragoslav Stepanovic as the manager with the most significant impact on his career.
Okocha credited Stepanovic for guiding him during his formative years at Eintracht Frankfurt which shaped him in becom of the most skillful players during his active career.
Okocha joined Frankfurt from Borussia Neunkirchen in December 1991, a move that marked the beginning of his rise in European football.
He spent four years at the club, four defining seasons that helped shape his playing style and future success.
Those early years in the Bundesliga showcased Okocha’s incredible talent, as he quickly built a reputation for his mesmerizing footwork, flair, and creativity.
One of his most iconic moments in Germany remains his unforgettable solo goal against Karlsruher SC, where he famously dribbled past multiple defenders, including goalkeeper Oliver Kahn before slotting the ball into the net.
The goal is still regarded as one of the greatest in German Bundesliga history.
Despite his strong start in Germany, Okocha’s time at Frankfurt came to an unexpected end. In 1995, he fell out of favour under new coach Jupp Heynckes, but he has explained why Stepanovic stood out above all other coaches in his career.
“The coach who influenced me the most was my first manager at Eintracht Frankfurt, Dragoslav Stepanovic,” Okocha told R.org.
“It was short, but he influenced me the most throughout my career. Stepanovic is the type of coach every young player deserves to encounter.”
Okocha credited the Serbian coach for giving him both confidence and freedom, qualities that helped him fully express his unique style of play.
“I did not just feel at home at Frankfurt,” he added. “His guidance pushed me to bring the best out of myself.”
After Frankfurt were relegated to the German second division, Okocha moved to Fenerbahce in 1996.
His transfer to Turkey marked the beginning of another electrifying chapter, where his performances attracted international attention and eventually paved the way for his high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain in 1998.
college championship weekend The 2025 college football season kicks off with one of the most electrifying Week 1 slates in recent memory. With playoff contenders
Conference Championship weekend is here and it is the most decisive weekend has arrived, as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 Championships take center stage. Four conference championships titles will be contested, each carrying massive implications for the College Football Playoff.
Alabama and Georgia clash in Atlanta for SEC supremacy, Ohio State battles Indiana in Indianapolis for the Big Ten crown, Duke faces Virginia in Charlotte for the ACC title, and Texas Tech meets BYU in Arlington for the Big 12 championship. With playoff spots hanging in the balance, every snap this weekend will shape the national picture and determine which programs advance to the sport’s ultimate stage.
SEC Title Game
The 2025 SEC Championship Game features the Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2) against the Georgia Bulldogs (11-1) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for Saturday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT).
National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN+ streaming
Local Coverage: WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta, regional ESPN Radio affiliates
Alabama enters with momentum after a dramatic Iron Bowl win, while Georgia seeks revenge for its September loss to the Tide. The winner secures the SEC’s automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.
Big Ten Championship: Ohio State vs Indiana
For the first time, both teams enter undefeated (12-0). The Big Ten Championship Game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
National Broadcast: FOX, streaming via FOX Sports app
Local Coverage: Big Ten Network pregame, regional FOX affiliates in Ohio and Indiana
Ohio State’s elite defense faces Indiana’s high-powered offense led by QB Fernando Mendoza. The winner likely claims the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
ACC Championship: Duke vs Virginia
The ACC Conference Championship Game pits Virginia (10-2) against Duke (7-5) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN Radio
Local Coverage: Virginia Sports Radio Network, regional ABC affiliates in North Carolina and Virginia
Virginia dominated Duke earlier this season, but the Blue Devils, led by QB Darian Mensah, seek redemption. A Cavaliers win likely secures a College Football Playoff berth.
Big 12 Championship: Texas Tech vs BYU
The Big 12 Championship Game features Texas Tech (11-1) against BYU (11-1) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT).
National Broadcast: ABC, streaming via ESPN app
Local Coverage: KSL-TV Utah, regional ABC affiliates in Texas
Texas Tech seeks to confirm its playoff spot, while BYU must win to secure the Big 12’s automatic bid. This rematch follows the Red Raiders’ November victory over the Cougars.
Bottom Line
Championship Weekend delivers four marquee matchups across the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. With College Football Playoff bids on the line, fans nationwide can tune in via ABC, FOX, ESPN Radio, and regional affiliates to watch history unfold.
Politics8 years ago