Referee Returns for Liverpool Clash After Last Season’s VAR Controversy | OneFootball

Premier League Referee Darren England Set for First Liverpool Match Since VAR Controversy

Referee Darren England is set to be part of a Liverpool fixture for the first time since the controversial VAR incident that ruled out Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham. As the Reds prepare for their trip to Wolves on Saturday, the focus will be on how England handles his role as the fourth official, marking his return to a Liverpool game nearly a year after the incident that sparked widespread debate.

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A Look Back at the Diaz VAR Controversy

The contentious decision involving Luis Diaz occurred during Liverpool’s match against Tottenham Hotspur when the Colombian forward had his goal ruled offside by VAR, despite clear replays showing otherwise. England, who was the VAR official for the match, mistakenly upheld the on-field decision that flagged Diaz offside.

A communication breakdown led to this erroneous ruling. England believed that the on-field referee, Simon Hooper, had awarded the goal, and he quickly signalled “check complete” without confirming Diaz’s position. This led to significant confusion, as it became apparent that the VAR team had failed to accurately review the footage.

Once the error was realized, it was too late to reverse the decision as play had resumed. Audio later revealed England’s voice, insisting there was nothing to be done once the game was back underway.

Reflecting on the incident, Diaz told Colombian outlet El Heraldo:

The controversy stirred up a significant backlash against the Premier League’s use of VAR, leading the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to issue a statement acknowledging a “significant human error” and promising a full review of the incident. England and his assistant, Dan Cook, were subsequently removed from their officiating duties temporarily, allowing time to assess the processes and prevent similar issues in the future.

Darren England’s Return to Premier League Duties

Following the VAR debacle, Darren England took a six-month break from Premier League officiating and VAR roles. During this time, the league made concerted efforts to improve VAR communication, introducing stricter protocols for decision-making. Since returning, England has officiated 30 matches without incident and regained his position as a trusted Premier League referee.

England now returns to a Liverpool match, serving as the fourth official in the Reds’ upcoming game against Wolves. This position will see him supporting referee Anthony Taylor, with Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn acting as assistants. Michael Salisbury is appointed as the VAR official for the game, with Dan Robathan as his assistant.

Although England won’t be directly involved in VAR decisions on the day, his presence will inevitably draw attention, given the history with Liverpool and the prior incident involving Diaz. While he aims to stay under the radar, any VAR-related issue during the match is likely to bring scrutiny to his role, and cameras will undoubtedly be quick to capture his reactions.

Liverpool and Diaz Moving Forward After VAR Incident

For Luis Diaz and his Liverpool teammates, the disallowed goal against Tottenham was a difficult pill to swallow. While the incident highlighted the imperfections of VAR, Diaz took a level-headed approach in the aftermath, acknowledging that mistakes happen and expressing a desire to move forward.

Since then, Liverpool has shown resilience on the pitch, rallying under new manager Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp in May 2024. The team’s form has improved, and Diaz has continued to be an influential player, helping Liverpool in their pursuit of silverware this season.

However, the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of VAR accuracy in determining the outcome of matches. The incident led to discussions about how the technology is utilized in the Premier League and has driven improvements in the communication and review process to ensure that such mistakes do not repeat themselves.

What to Expect at Molineux

As Liverpool faces Wolves on Saturday, England will be hoping for a quiet afternoon at Molineux Stadium. While his role as the fourth official largely involves assisting with substitutions, managing the technical area, and supporting the on-field referee, any VAR-related controversy will instantly shift attention to him. It is, after all, his first involvement in a Liverpool match since the VAR fiasco, and memories of that day are still fresh for both players and fans.

Though England is unlikely to come face-to-face with manager Arne Slot in a high-tension situation—Slot having not been directly involved in the previous VAR incident—the shadow of last year’s decision still looms large. Diaz, who vividly remembers the controversy, will certainly be eager to make a positive impact on the game this time around without the interference of any officiating errors.

The Premier League’s effort to enhance the officiating and VAR process has been evident since the incident, with steps taken to ensure transparency and accuracy. For Liverpool and their supporters, the hope will be for a fair, incident-free match that allows the players to focus on their performance on the field.