Liverpool will be officiated by Lewis Smith for the first time in a Premier League game against Southampton this weekend. At 31, Smith will be in charge of a top-flight match for only the fifth time.
However, he’s no stranger to Anfield, having refereed there earlier this year when Liverpool took on Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup. The Reds triumphed 4-0 that day, with Smith issuing just one yellow card to Accrington’s Alex Henderson.
VAR wasn’t in use during that stage of the competition, but it will be this weekend. Video assistant referee Matt Donohue will be on duty, alongside Derek Eaton as assistant VAR. Assistant referees Mat Wilkes and Marc Perry will be on the sidelines, with Tony Harrington serving as the fourth official. Notably absent from the match official appointments is Michael Oliver.
After refereeing Crystal Palace versus Millwall in the fifth round of the FA Cup, he appears to have been given the weekend off. That tie was marred by a head-high challenge from visiting goalkeeper Liam Roberts that resulted in Jean-Philippe Mateta being kicked in the head.
Palace later confirmed their striker received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear at St George’s Hospital after being stretchered off and given oxygen.
Despite the head injury, Oliver didn’t immediately halt play and only issued a red card after VAR advised him to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. The referee will now enjoy a weekend off.
(Image: PA)
However, he’s set to be back in action midweek. Oliver is scheduled to be the sole English official refereeing in Uefa competitions as he oversees the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
Meanwhile, the FA has provided written reasons for Arne Slot’s ban after he confronted Oliver after the Merseyside derby draw with Everton. The Liverpool boss was incensed at full time and it is alleged he told the official: “”If we don’t win the league, I’ll f—— blame you.” He also twice shouted it was ‘a f—— disgrace’ at the assistant referee, the detailed FA report adds in a 16-page report.
However, Slot refuted part of that claim and stated he told Oliver: “If we don’t win the league, I will have you to thank for that.” The Liverpool boss provided written statement to the FA and apologized both privately and publicly.
