Paul Tierney to Referee Liverpool vs. Brentford Match
Paul Tierney is set to referee his first Liverpool fixture since the controversial 4-3 win over Tottenham in April, as confirmed by the Premier League.
Previous Fallout
Following Jurgen Klopp’s comments on Tierney’s officiating over six months ago, the manager implied bias from the referee for a series of decisions against Liverpool. Klopp complained, stating, “I really don’t know what he has against us, he has said there is no problem but that cannot be true.”
Klopp was booked for celebrating in the face of fourth official John Brooks after Diogo Jota’s late winner in that game. The manager claimed that Tierney’s comments while showing the yellow card were “not OK.” He was later charged by the FA and apologized to Tierney. Klopp was subsequently banned for two matches, with the second match suspended until the end of the season.
Return of Tierney
Although Tierney has been involved in Liverpool fixtures since the controversy, Sunday’s match against Brentford will be the first time he referees a Liverpool game since then.
Match Details
The Premier League has confirmed that Tierney will be the referee for the Liverpool vs. Brentford match, with Stuart Attwell appointed as VAR. Tim Robinson will serve as the fourth official, while Scott Ledger and Mark Scholes will be assistant referees. Harry Lennard will assist Attwell in the VAR booth.
Tierney’s History with Liverpool
Tierney has previously refereed 25 Liverpool games, making it the second-most of any club after Manchester City (28). Out of those matches, Liverpool has won 13, drawn eight, and lost only four.
Notable Incidents
There have been several flashpoints during Tierney’s refereeing of Liverpool games, including the booking of Andy Robertson for his involvement in an incident where linesman Constantine Hatzidakis elbowed him in the chin during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in April. In December 2021, after another 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Tottenham, Klopp told Tierney, “I have no problems with any referees, only you.”