The Premier League has confirmed that VAR official Paul Tierney, who was at the center of controversy during the Liverpool vs Everton clash, will be in charge of another high-profile game this weekend. Both Reds and Blues supporters were left incensed by Tierney’s decisions, as well as those of on-pitch referee Sam Barrott, during the fiery derby at Anfield.
Liverpool’s frustration boiled over just ten minutes into the match when James Tarkowski went in hard on Alexis Mac Allister. Although Tarkowski got a touch on the ball, his follow-through caught Mac Allister with studs up, just below the knee.
Barrott was quick to issue a yellow card for the tackle, but many anticipated VAR Tierney to step in and upgrade the punishment. However, following a brief review, the game resumed without any change, leaving Liverpool fans and neutral observers alike perplexed.
Tarkowski extended an apology to Mac Allister, which was accepted by the midfielder. The controversy didn’t end there; in the second half, Evertonians felt aggrieved when they believed Luis Diaz was offside in the lead-up to Diogo Jota’s decisive goal.
Tierney did not initiate a VAR check for this incident, much to the dismay of David Moyes. “There’s an offside goal which they get,” he said, expressing his frustration.
“That’s the difference in the game. I think the player is behind Tarkowski, interfering with him clearing it [the ball]. It’s a clear offside, and I think it’s a very easy decision to give. I can’t understand any reason why it wouldn’t have been given as offside – none at all.”
(Image: PA)
Despite the furore over their recent performances, both officials will be back in action in the Premier League this weekend. Tierney has been handed the most high-profile assignment of the match-week as he takes charge of VAR for the Manchester United vs Manchester City showdown.
On the other hand, Barrott has been appointed as the fourth official for the Ipswich Town vs Wolverhampton Wanderers match on Saturday and the Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton game on Sunday.
It’s worth mentioning that these appointments by the PGMOL were confirmed before the midweek fixtures, and it doesn’t seem like either Tierney or Barrott will face demotion – unless there are any changes.
Speaking on the PGMOL admitting an error in not sending off Tarkowski, Liverpool boss Arne Slot said: “I think it’s always good that if they think they made a mistake they acknowledge that and we all know that mistakes are made in football matches, by us, by me, players, referees.
“It is good they acknowledged the mistake, but it was so clear what I said yesterday that so many pundits who aren’t Liverpool fans were all clear about it too so it is good they acknowledged it but let’s move on to Sunday.”
