Anthony Taylor again – VAR officials stood down after Liverpool error as Spirit of Shankly issues explosive statement

Liverpool’s Controversial Loss to Tottenham Spurs Calls for Football Officiating Overhaul

Following Liverpool’s controversial 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, the Spirit of Shankly, a Liverpool supporters union, is demanding significant changes to football officiating.

The match ended with Liverpool reduced to nine men, as Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were both sent off. A heartbreaking own goal by Joel Matip in the final minutes sealed their fate.

However, the match’s major controversy occurred in the first half when Luis Diaz had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside.

After the game, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) admitted that not awarding the goal was a “significant human error,” as VAR had failed to intervene.

It was later revealed that VAR officials Darren England and Dan Cook were unaware that the on-field decision was to disallow the goal due to offside, attributing it to a momentary lapse of concentration. Once play resumed, they were unable to intervene due to the laws of the game.

While referee chief Howard Webb reached out to apologize to Liverpool after the defeat, it provided little consolation given the manner of their loss.

Diaz’s disallowed goal is just the latest in a series of officiating errors. Spirit of Shankly’s explosive statement calls out both the PGMOL and VAR, titled “You’re not fit to referee.”

VAR Officials Darren England and Dan Cook Stood Down Following Liverpool Controversy

VAR officials Darren England and Dan Cook have been removed from their remaining Premier League duties this weekend after the controversy surrounding Liverpool’s controversial defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The controversy revolved around VAR during the match at Stockley Park, where Tottenham defeated Liverpool 2-1, with the Reds reduced to nine men, culminating in a last-minute own goal by Joel Matip.

Initially, England was assigned to the VAR control room for Liverpool’s match, with Cook serving as his assistant. Furthermore, England was set to be the fourth official for Nottingham Forest’s match against Brentford on Sunday.

Cook was also scheduled to be an assistant referee for Fulham’s derby against Chelsea on Monday. However, both officials have been replaced.

On Sunday, PGMOL chief Howard Webb issued an apology to Liverpool following their loss to Tottenham Hotspur.