Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Everton take on Chelsea in their next Premier League game – and the Premier League have confirmed the referee for the contest.
After drawing with Hull City, the Toffees will be keen to get back to winning ways. Sunday’s game was frustrating because Everton were in a good position to take all three points, but sloppy defending meant the spoils were shared.
Everton can’t dwell too much though, and focus must now be placed on this Saturday’s game with Chelsea.
Under Xabi Alonso, the Blues have already carved out a reputation for being a very dangerous attacking side, having scored 15 goals so far. But they’re weak at the back, and have the joint-worst defensive record in the league.
Everton would ideally like to play against Chelsea without any refereeing or VAR controversies, after Brennan Johnson saw a goal ruled out for offside against Hull.
But the man in the middle this week has been involved in some incidents involving Everton down the years.
Everton manager David Moyes
Credit: Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Paul Tierney named referee for Everton vs Chelsea
It has been confirmed by the Premier League that Paul Tierney will be the referee this weekend when Everton host Chelsea. Michael Salisbury, who ruled out Johnson’s goal against Hull at the weekend, will be the fourth official and the VAR is Nick Hopton.
Some Everton fans are unlikely to welcome the appointment of Tierney, who has been involved in several controversies in Everton games down the years.
Everton’s record with Paul Tierney as referee
Games refereed – 19
Everton wins – 9
Draws – 2
Everton defeats – 8
Yellow cards – 34
Red cards – 0
The biggest undoubtedly took place when Everton played Manchester City in February 2022. The Toffees lost that game at Goodison Park 1-0, but one moment completely overshadowed the game – and that was when Rodri handled the ball in his own box.
Rodri leaned into the ball but Tierney did not award a spot-kick. And VAR Chris Kavanagh felt there was no obvious error to overturn the decision. It left manager at the time Frank Lampard fuming.
He said (via BBC Sport): “We’ve lost a point because of a professional who cannot do his job right. It is so incompetent to get it wrong.”
Everton actually also wrote to the Premier League, demanding an apology, with the loss leaving the club just a point above the relegation zone.
Tierney also took four whole minutes to rule out a goal by Alex Moreno when Everton played Aston Villa in January 2024, when there was a clear offside in the build-up.
And he left David Moyes fuming in April 2025 when a goal scored by the late Diogo Jota in the Merseyside Derby was allowed to stand. Tierney was on VAR, and didn’t deem an offside Luis Diaz to be impacting James Tarkowski.
But this weekend Everton just need to play their game and try not to put themselves in a position where poor decisions will affect them.
Chelsea are clearly porous at the back, so there is a chance to get three big points here. But of course, their attack is very dangerous and Everton’s backline – which was uncharacteristically shaky on Sunday, although rejigged – needs to be on top form.