The Premier League has sparked controversy with its referee selection for Liverpool's upcoming clash against Aston Villa, appointing John Brooks to officiate the Monday night fixture at Villa Park.
This decision comes despite Brooks being at the centre of one of the most contentious VAR incidents in recent Premier League history, involving Liverpool's Luis Diaz during their match against Tottenham earlier this season.
The VAR Incident That Shook Anfield
During Liverpool's dramatic 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in September, Brooks served as the VAR official when Luis Diaz had a legitimate goal wrongly disallowed for offside. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) later admitted to a "significant human error" in the decision-making process.
The controversial incident led to widespread criticism and forced PGMOL to issue a public apology, acknowledging their officials had made a clear mistake in disallowing what should have been Liverpool's opening goal.
Brooks' Return to Liverpool Duties
Despite the previous controversy, Brooks will now take charge of Liverpool's crucial match against Unai Emery's Aston Villa. The appointment has raised eyebrows among football pundits and fans alike, given the sensitive nature of his previous involvement with the Merseyside club.
Brooks won't be working alone in the VAR booth this time. He'll be supported by Eddie Smart as assistant referee and Scott Ledger as the fourth official, with Tim Robinson overseeing VAR operations from Stockley Park.
What This Means for Liverpool's Title Chase
With Liverpool locked in a tight title race alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, every decision in their remaining matches carries immense significance. The appointment of an official previously involved in a high-profile error against them adds an extra layer of intrigue to this vital Premier League encounter.
As Jurgen Klopp's men prepare for their final away game of the season, all eyes will be on Brooks and his officiating team to ensure fair play prevails in what promises to be a tense and crucial match for both teams' European ambitions.
