Premier League confirm Darren England decision after VAR gaffe

The Premier League have not selected Darren England or Dan Cook for officiating duties on matchweek eight following their errors in Liverpool’s controversial 2-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur.

Luis Diaz saw an opening goal ruled out for offside by the on-field officials at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though replays showed he was clearly being played onside by Cristian Romero and the decision should have been overturned.

However, VAR England believed that referee Simon Hooper had awarded a goal and the review was to ensure that Diaz was onside. England informed Hooper that his check was complete thinking play would begin again with Spurs kicking-off instead of taking a free-kick for the offside call.

A call requiring VAR intervention cannot be brought back once play has restarted.

Liverpool were understandably furious and released a statement on Sunday night insisting they would “explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution.”

The Reds have also made a request to PGMOL for audio of conversations from the VAR and referee around the time of the incident in question, and are set to get their wish this week.

In the meantime, the Premier League have confirmed neither England or his assistant VAR Cook will be on duty for this weekend’s fixtures. The duo had been removed from their fourth official duties for Nottingham Forest 2-2 Brentford on Sunday and Fulham 0-2 Chelsea on Monday respectively.

Hooper, who served as fourth official for Monday’s match at Craven Cottage instead of Cook, will act as VAR for Everton’s clash with Bournemouth at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Liverpool travel to Brighton on Sunday, with Anthony Taylor slated as the referee and Chris Kavanagh operating as VAR.