Before returning home for Tottenham’s match against Liverpool on Friday, Darren England, Dan Cook, and Michael Oliver all worked at a game in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.
The administrators at the centre of Liverpool’s VAR controversy Less than 48 hours before to the contentious match against Tottenham, Darren England and Dan Cook worked at a game in the United Arab Emirates.
The offside controversy that infuriated Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool supporters involved England, who was assigned to VAR duty for the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and assistant Cook. Luis Diaz believed he had given the Reds the lead, but the offside flag was raised instead. Even though replays indicated the Colombian was onside, VAR took a quick look at the situation and upheld the original judgement.
Following the game, PGMOL expressed regret and acknowledged that the choice was “clear and obvious error,” with a comprehensive review to follow. Cook also stood out for his next game, which was supposed to be Chelsea’s trip to Fulham on Monday night, but England was replaced as the fourth official for Nottingham Forest’s match against Brentford on Sunday morning.
However, it has recently come to light that England and Cook were among the English referees who presided over Sharjah’s UAE Pro League match against Al-Ain on Thursday. Refereeing the match in the Middle East was Michael Oliver, who also served as the fourth official in Tottenham’s victory over Liverpool and will be using VAR for Brentford’s trip to Forest.
Before Saturday’s Premier League match between Spurs and Liverpool, it is believed that England and Cook flew back to London on an almost eight-hour journey on Friday. The English foursome in the UAE also included Stuart Burt, who will help in Fulham’s match against Chelsea.
Some Premier League referees typically work Thursday nights in European events before coming back for their domestic duties the following Saturday. But because England and Cook travelled about 7000 miles round trip, it has been questioned as to whether they were fit to officiate the game.
The mistake England made on Saturday was believing Diaz’s goal had been awarded when the linesman had really raised the offside flag. Play resumed as both teams sought the elusive first goal after England informed referee Simon Hooper that the VAR check had been finished.
However, Curtis Jones’ dismissal for a tackle on Yves Bissouma was not the only contentious call made throughout the game. Jones was first issued a yellow card by Hooper, but VAR stepped in and prompted the official to check his pitch-side monitor. Gary Neville, Klopp, and others were confused when Hooper then reversed his judgement and sent Jones off.
Liverpool, who later saw Diogo Jota dismissed for two cautionable actions, cruelly fell short in the game. Prior to Cody Gakpo’s equaliser, Son Heung-min had given Spurs the lead in the first half. Joel Matip, though, pushed the ball into his own net to give Spurs the victory after they played outstanding defence with nine men.