The upcoming Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton at Goodison Park on April 24 is set to be an intense and critical fixture for both teams. Andy Madley has been appointed as the referee for the match, while David Coote will return to the VAR booth to oversee the action. Coote’s presence in the VAR booth brings back memories of a highly controversial incident that occurred nearly four years ago.
In that incident, Jordan Pickford’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk resulted in the Liverpool defender being sidelined for the rest of the season. Coote, who was the VAR on duty during that match, neglected to review the challenge as he believed an offside offense had already nullified the subsequent incident. However, Michael Oliver, the referee of the game, later admitted that both he and Coote had been too focused on checking for offside and should have sent Pickford off.
Coote’s appointment as the VAR for the upcoming Merseyside Derby makes his past transgressions impossible to ignore. This will be the first time he returns to Stockley Park for a Goodison derby since that incident in 2020. The decision to bring him back raises questions about the fairness and objectivity of the officiating, especially considering the magnitude of this fixture.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Coote has been involved in a Merseyside derby this season. He was also appointed as the VAR for the reverse fixture at Anfield in October, which Liverpool won 2-0. This suggests that despite the controversy surrounding his previous involvement, authorities still trust him to make fair decisions in such high-stakes matches.
In terms of the on-field refereeing, Andy Madley will be in charge of officiating the game. Madley has previously overseen 14 Liverpool fixtures throughout his career, and remarkably, Liverpool remains undefeated in those matches. The most recent victory came in a 4-1 win over Luton. With Madley at the helm, Liverpool will hope to continue their impressive record under his refereeing.
Assisting Madley will be Lee Betts, while Simon Hooper will serve as the fourth official. Harry Lennard and Nick Hopton complete the officiating team for this Premier League clash. Their collective experience and expertise will be crucial in ensuring a fair and well-managed game.
As Liverpool and Everton prepare to face each other in this highly anticipated Merseyside Derby, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on David Coote as he returns to the VAR booth. The controversy surrounding his previous involvement in a similar fixture adds an extra layer of intrigue and scrutiny to his role. However, it is vital for everyone involved to focus on the game itself and trust that the officials will make fair and unbiased decisions. Ultimately, the Merseyside Derby should be a spectacle of skill, passion, and sportsmanship, showcasing the best of English football.