Liverpool and Everton have learned who will referee this weekend’s Merseyside derby at Anfield, with the hosts likely to be furious at the decision.
Liverpool were reeling when Luis Diaz saw a legitimate goal at Tottenham in 2023 ruled out for offside, with a bumbling review process by the Video Assistant Referees failing to award the strike.
VAR Darren England drew the correct lines to determine that Diaz was onside, but a breakdown in communication with his assistants and the on-field officials saw the original decision stand.
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When audio was released of the VAR review, Liverpool were left furious and then-manager Jurgen Klopp demanded the 2-1 defeat was replayed.
Jurgen Klopp called for Liverpool game to be replayed after Darren England error
Following the Tottenham fall-out and the damning audio footage being released, Jurgen Klopp insisted the game should be replayed.
“The audio didn’t change it at all. I wasn’t interested in why things happened. I saw the outcome, I saw a goal, we scored,” he said.
Liverpool Tottenham replay
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“It’s important we really deal with it in a proper way. I mean all of the people involved, the referee, linesman, fourth official and VAR – they didn’t do it on purpose. Yes it was a mistake, an obvious mistake.
“I say this not as manager of Liverpool but as a football person – I think the only outcome should be a replay. Probably will not happen.”
Darren England appointed referee for Merseyside derby after previously being ‘blocked’ from Liverpool games
After the Tottenham incident, Darren England was reportedly blocked from refereeing another Liverpool game for the remainder of that season.
The Telegraph reported that referees’ body PGMOL decided not to appoint England to another Liverpool game in 2023/24.
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-CRYSTAL PALACE
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In fact, it was not until February 2025 that England was given another Liverpool game, long after Jurgen Klopp had left Anfield. He was in the middle for Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Bournemouth, and also for their final-day draw against Crystal Palace at Anfield – in which he sent off midfielder Ryan Gravenberch in further controversial circumstances.
England has also been appointed as VAR on two further occasions, both in the second half of last season. He was VAR for the 5-0 win at West Ham in December 2024, and their penultimate game of last season when the Champions lost at Brighton.
Now he will officiate the highest-profile Liverpool game since the Spurs mistake when Everton travel to Anfield.
The Everton club badge.
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A closeup shot of the Liverpool badge on the home kit
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Liverpool FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League
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