PAUL TIERNEY has been taken off VAR for Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash between Chelsea and Liverpool at the last minute.
Liverpool fans were far from pleased to see Tierney would be involved in the fixture after a handful of refereeing decisions came under scrutiny in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham.
Boss Jurgen Klopp even implied after the feisty affair that Tierney has a ‘problem’ with him.
Klopp furiously confronted Tierney and told him: “I don’t have a problem with referees, only you.
“Anyone who has played football knows you can’t stop there to win a penalty.”
And after the match the Liverpool boss said to Sky Sports: “It is always helpful when you play football yourself. When you see the situation back (Jota’s penalty appeal), the VAR is there. Why is he stopping? I don’t understand.
“The draw is fine. We are not crazy enough to think we cannot draw at Tottenham but these situations are crucial.
“I have no idea what his [referee Paul Tierney] problem is with me.
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“I was a bit more emotional in the game but he gives me a yellow card but it is not allowed in a situation like this? He comes over and gives me a yellow card but I’d have preferred the right decisions on the pitch.
“But just an objective ref who sees the situations and judges them. He told me he thinks he stops on purpose. It is incredible. He had the best spot on the pitch and doesn’t give it. You will have to ask him what his problem is with me.”
But the late shuffle isn’t a result of the war of words.
Tierney has been asked to referee the relegation six pointer between Leeds and Burnley at Elland Road.
Darren England will take up VAR for Liverpool’s game with Timothy Wood stepping in as his assistant, replacing Constantine Hatzidakis.
Hatzidakis was due to run the line during Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Saturday, but was withdrawn at late notice and replaced by fourth official Kevin Friend.
In turn, there was no fourth official present for the first 30 minutes of the game.
Friend then reverted to his role as fourth official at half-time, with Neil Davies stepping in as assistant referee.
SunSport have been told events that unfold on the Saturday can have a knock-on effect for Sunday’s fixtures.
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