Liverpool Football Club has learned the team of officials who will be in charge of their Premier League opener against Ipswich this Saturday. Tim Robinson, a West Sussex official, has been appointed as the referee for the game, marking his fourth time officiating a Liverpool fixture. Robinson previously refereed the Reds’ Carabao Cup wins over Leicester and West Ham last season, as well as their 3-1 victory against Burnley in the league.
Assisting Robinson will be Timothy Wood and Steve Meredith, while Keith Stroud has been appointed as the fourth official. Stuart Attwell will be responsible for VAR duties, with Harry Lennard providing support.
Liverpool’s match against Ipswich will be the second fixture of the Premier League campaign, following the Friday night clash between Manchester United and Fulham. This will be the first meeting between Liverpool and Ipswich since December 2002 in the fourth round of the League Cup, and their first league encounter since May 2002. In their last league meeting, Liverpool secured a dominant 5-0 victory at Anfield.
Liverpool’s change in the dugout with Jurgen Klopp’s departure could potentially impact how they are refereed. Klopp has had numerous run-ins with officials during his nine-year tenure at the club. However, Tim Robinson has not been involved in any major controversy when officiating Liverpool matches, as no red cards or penalties have been given in any of his previous three fixtures involving the Reds.
On the other hand, Stuart Attwell, who will be responsible for VAR duties, has been involved in a contentious decision involving Liverpool. During the 1-1 draw with Manchester City in March, Attwell overlooked a high boot from Jeremy Doku on Alexis Mac Allister in the penalty area. Despite the contact with Mac Allister’s chest, Attwell deemed Doku’s position to be “reasonable,” a decision that was backed by PGMOL chief Howard Webb.
The appointment of officials for Liverpool’s Premier League opener at Ipswich raises anticipation and curiosity. With a new manager in charge, Liverpool will be looking to start their campaign on a positive note. The presence of Tim Robinson, who has not been embroiled in controversy when officiating Liverpool games, provides a sense of reassurance. However, the inclusion of Stuart Attwell, who made a contentious decision in a previous Liverpool match, adds an element of unpredictability to the VAR proceedings. Liverpool fans will be hoping for fair and consistent officiating as they kick off their Premier League campaign.