Premier League Make Official Liverpool v Man Utd Decision After Previous Anfield Controversy
Liverpool are preparing for a significant Premier League showdown against arch-rivals Manchester United this Sunday as they look to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Arsenal have narrowed the gap to six points after securing a 3-1 victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day, and they will have the opportunity to increase the pressure on Liverpool this weekend.
The North London side will face Brighton and Hove Albion in a 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday, while Liverpool will host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday at 4.30pm. Depending on Saturday’s result, Liverpool could enter the match with a three-point lead but with two games in hand.
Manchester United come into the game after suffering three consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring a goal, whereas Liverpool are riding high after three successive victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, and West Ham United.
In preparation for the highly anticipated fixture, the Premier League has announced the match officials. Michael Oliver will be the referee, with Stuart Burt and Lee Betts serving as assistant referees.
Craig Pawson has been appointed as the fourth official, while Chris Kavanagh will oversee VAR, assisted by Dan Robathan.
Michael Oliver Involved in Liverpool v Man Utd Last Season
Oliver officiated the same fixture last season when Liverpool were left frustrated in a goalless draw against Manchester United at Anfield.
Despite dominating with 34 shots, eight of which were on target, and enjoying 69% possession, Liverpool were unable to break down a United side that managed just one shot on target throughout the match.
During stoppage time in the second half, Diogo Dalot received a yellow card in quick succession after reacting angrily to a throw-in decision he believed was incorrect.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher later explained Oliver’s reasoning behind the decision, stating at the time: “The throw is not clearly given the wrong way. It is a United throw when you look at it again but when I first saw it I wasn’t convinced. You can’t act like Dalot did. It doesn’t look good and isn’t a good image to be portraying around the world.
“Whether you like it or not, that is the remit referees have been given this season. That is why there is such a high number of yellow cards for this type of offence.”
The decision frustrated many United supporters, especially since Darwin Nunez had been booked in the first half for a challenge on Jonny Evans and then sarcastically applauded the referee’s decision, yet avoided a second yellow card.
United’s manager at the time, Erik ten Hag, was questioned about Dalot’s sending-off and responded: “I will leave the judgement to you.”
Liverpool Record with Oliver in Charge
Michael Oliver has officiated Liverpool matches 63 times throughout his career, more than any other club. Under his supervision, Liverpool have won 30, drawn 19, and lost 14 of those encounters.
In comparison, Oliver has refereed 46 matches involving Manchester United, with the Red Devils securing just 18 victories, alongside 12 draws and 16 defeats.
This season, Oliver has overseen 15 Premier League fixtures, with his most recent being Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City last weekend. Notably, he has officiated City five times already this campaign.
Back in November, Oliver was on VAR duty during a controversial moment in West Ham United’s clash with Manchester United. In the final moments, Oliver recommended an on-field review after initially dismissing Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on former Liverpool striker Danny Ings. Referee David Coote overturned his decision and awarded a penalty, which was converted to secure West Ham’s 2-1 win.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb later admitted that Oliver should not have intervened. He explained: “I thought it was a misread by the VAR. A VAR that’s normally really talented and reliable, but gets uber-focused in this situation on De Ligt’s leg.
“His leg coming through on to Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball’s already past De Ligt as he makes contact with Danny Ings. And the VAR sees that as a clear foul. I think he was too focused on that aspect.
“I don’t think he should have got involved. I think this is a situation where we’d leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it’s called. On balance, I don’t think it’s a penalty kick.”
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