Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League clash with Everton has been handed a referee whose record won’t inspire much confidence among Reds supporters.
The league confirmed its Matchweek Five officials on the official site, with Darren England appointed to oversee Saturday’s Merseyside Derby at Anfield.
England’s Track Record
- Everton under England: 11 matches, only one defeat.
- Liverpool under England: 5 matches, just one win (2-0 vs Bournemouth). The other fixtures include a 3-0 loss to Brighton and draws with Palace (twice) and Southampton.
For many fans, England is remembered for his part in the VAR controversy at Tottenham, when Luis Díaz’s legitimate goal was wrongly disallowed.
Supporting Officials
- Assistants: Lee Betts, Scott Ledger
- Fourth Official: Bobby Madley
- VAR: John Brooks (assisted by Akil Howson)
John Brooks has also been a source of frustration for Liverpool, having missed two clear fouls on Mo Salah against Chelsea last season — a match that saw Arne Slot visibly lose his temper on the touchline.
What It Means
England’s Liverpool record: 1 win, 3 draws, 1 loss in the Premier League (7 points from a possible 15). With the Merseyside Derby already one of the most high-stakes fixtures of the season, many supporters fear the officials could once again become the talking point.
Liverpool will hope Saturday’s clash is decided on the pitch by the players, not in the referee’s room.
