In the ever-dramatic realm of English football, a familiar duo is set to make a comeback to Premier League action. Darren England and Daniel Cook, who gained notoriety for their involvement in the controversial call during Liverpool’s recent loss to Tottenham, are poised to make their return to the pitch.
England and Cook, who assumed the roles of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and assistant VAR, were at the center of attention when they incorrectly ruled out Luis Diaz’s goal for Liverpool on the grounds of offside during the 2-1 defeat last month. This glaring error saw them benched for two subsequent matches that very weekend and excluded from the following round of fixtures, a punishment that surely felt like a timeout in the schoolyard for these officials.
Their comeback plans include England taking on the role of the fourth official in the upcoming clash between Brentford and Burnley on Saturday. Cook, on the other hand, has been designated as an assistant referee for Sheffield United’s home game against Manchester United, scheduled for the same day. The stage is set, and the spotlight is once again on this VAR duo as they seek to regain their form and reputation.
The controversy surrounding the Diaz incident took an unexpected turn when audio recordings of the discussions between the match officials were made public by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the governing body for refereeing. It revealed that the on-field referee, Simon Hooper, initially disallowed the goal, a decision that VAR England initially claimed was “perfect.” However, a colorful outburst from VAR England followed when he realized a mistake had been made, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that these officials can go through in the heat of the moment.
Howard Webb, the chief of referees, has promised that steps have been taken to prevent a repeat of such high-profile controversies. Whether this involves additional training, stricter protocols, or perhaps even a “VAR 101” course on keeping emotions in check, it remains to be seen.
In a bit of déjà vu, Hooper himself will also make his comeback as the VAR for Newcastle’s home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday. While there’s no doubt that these officials have had some unforgettable moments, it’s time for them to put the past behind them and focus on delivering error-free performances in the future.
Meanwhile, the drama doesn’t end with just the officials. Michael Oliver is set to officiate as Manchester United visits Bramall Lane on Saturday. Notably, Oliver had previously chosen not to send off Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic for a challenge on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, a decision that sparked its own controversy. Howard Webb, always ready with a colorful turn of phrase, remarked that Kovacic had been “extremely fortunate” to remain on the field. It seems the Premier League continues to offer up intriguing storylines, both on and off the pitch.
As the football season continues, it’s clear that the Premier League is the gift that keeps on giving, with its share of twists, turns, and unforgettable moments. So, buckle up, football fans – there’s never a dull moment in this sport, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
