Controversial Referee Appointment for Liverpool's Crucial Clash
The Premier League has appointed Darren England as the referee for Liverpool's upcoming match against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, a decision that's likely to raise eyebrows among Reds supporters. The 39-year-old official was at the centre of one of Liverpool's most controversial VAR incidents in recent memory.
The Tottenham Controversy Revisited
Darren England previously angered Liverpool fans during their 2-1 loss to Tottenham in 2023 when he incorrectly disallowed a Luis Diaz goal while serving as VAR. Diaz believed he had given Liverpool the lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his effort was ruled out for offside by the assistant referee.
The decision was controversially upheld by VAR, led by England, despite replays clearly showing Diaz was not behind Spurs' last defender. Those at Stockley Park believed the goal should have stood, but referee Simon Hooper was instructed to stick with his initial decision. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited subsequently sidelined both England and assistant VAR Daniel Cook for the following weekend's fixtures.
Liverpool's Critical Situation
This appointment comes at a particularly sensitive time for Liverpool, who are reeling from a crushing 4-1 defeat to PSV in the Champions League. This disappointing European result came just days after Nottingham Forest triumphed 3-0 at Anfield in the Premier League.
The match holds greater significance for Liverpool than West Ham, with the Hammers sitting just outside the relegation zone while the Reds have suffered nine defeats in their last 12 matches. Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the mounting pressure during his pre-West Ham press conference, stating: "A lot of pressure if you work at a top club, even more so if you're losing more than this club is used to."
Slot confirmed he maintains the backing of Liverpool's hierarchy but admitted that further disappointing results could alter that position, particularly with Leeds United and Sunderland fixtures looming after the West Ham clash.
Match Officials and Team News
The Premier League has confirmed the full officiating team for Sunday's encounter at London Stadium. Scott Ledger and Akil Howson will serve as assistant referees, with Andrew Kitchen acting as the fourth official. Notably, Paul Tierney has been appointed as head VAR, assisted by Nick Hopton.
On the team news front, Slot will be hoping to welcome back key players for this crucial fixture. Florian Wirtz and goalkeeper Alisson could return to the squad alongside Hugo Ekitike, who was substituted earlier this week due to a back problem.
Since the Tottenham controversy, Darren England has refereed three Liverpool matches. His return to officiating a Reds game comes at a pivotal moment for Slot's team, who desperately need a positive result to halt their alarming slide in form.
