Liverpool is just days away from opening up its 2024-25 campaign with a trip to Premier League newboys Ipswich Town .
The Reds travel to Portman Road for a 12:30pm kick-off on Saturday (August 17) for Arne Slot's first competitive game in charge of the club - and Liverpool's first trip to Suffolk since February 2002. But while the excitement continues to build around the game itself, perhaps one or two may be stopped in their tracks when they see who is on the referee, VAR and assistants list.
The Premier League has now officially confirmed that Tim Robinson will referee Liverpool's first game of the season, his fourth time in charge of a Reds fixture, and will be supported by Timothy Wood and Steve Meredith as his assistants, with Keith Stroud appointed fourth official.
READ MORE: 3 Liverpool decisions becoming clearer as Arne Slot offers Ryan Gravenberch hint
READ MORE: Ipswich star reacts to playing Liverpool under Arne Slot in first Premier League game
However, that is not the major talking point. What has been confirmed is that Slot and Liverpool are set to encounter an official Jurgen Klopp once berated for a VAR failure following March's 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League.
That man in question is Stuart Attwell, who Klopp detested for not awarding a late penalty Jeremy Doku's high-foot challenge on Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield five months ago. Now, he will be on lead VAR duties, supported by Harry Lennard, for Liverpool's trip to Ipswich.
Thankfully for Attwell, Klopp is no longer in charge of the Reds, but fans are sure to be restless knowing the same man who adjudged Doku’s boot – which went studs-first into Mac Allister’s chest – to have been in a “reasonable” position , is now in charge of VAR for another Liverpool fixture.
Despite PGMOL chief Howard Webb later backing Attwell's claim for not giving the late penalty, Klopp was left bemoaning the officials as Arsenal leapfrogged Liverpool into first position in the Premier League as a result of two dropped points from the Reds.
At the time, Klopp said: “Why would the guy in the VAR studio think that is not clear and obvious, what must you have for lunch to think that? And if we win today what are we, four points ahead of City, that is not a distance that you should fall asleep. And Arsenal."
“But whatever I think now will not change that. I tried to explain to your colleague who said yeah but we have a high bar with VAR, always an explanation. I think everyone in this room thinks if he whistles a penalty it is not a scandal. He kicks the chest, yes he touches the ball, it is not a red card obviously but I speak so often about it."
In just four days time, however, Slot will be hoping for a little bit more luck than his predecessor received less than six months ago, as he aims for a winning start to his competitive Liverpool career as the club's new manager.
Most Popular
Comments / 0