The Premier League today confirmed that Martin Atkinson will be the referee for next Monday’s Merseyside derby, a decision that has enraged numerous Liverpool fans.
As noted by premierleague.com, the 48-year-old will take charge of the game against Everton at Goodison Park, with Stuart Attwell on VAR duty and Anthony Taylor acting as fourth official. Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorst shared news of the appointment on his Twitter profile @ptgorst.
Martin Atkinson confirmed to take charge of the Merseyside derby on Monday
— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) March 10, 2020
Liverpool have won less than half of their games when Atkinson has been the referee, with the West Yorkshire native taking charge of four previous Reds matches this season. He was the man in the middle for the 1-1 draw at Manchester United in October when he failed to call a foul on Divock Origi by Victor Lindelof in the build-up to Marcus Rashford’s goal. Sadio Mane also had a goal disallowed for an apparent handball that afternoon. [via BBC]
Atkinson also took charge of Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton in November when he sent off Alisson, albeit for a clear handball outside of the penalty area (as per BBC), as well as last season’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, when a 0-0 draw ultimately proved fatal to the Reds’ title hopes as they missed out on top spot by one point.
These Liverpool fans weren’t too pleased to hear that he will be on duty again in the derby next Monday, with one Kopite slamming the official as “atrocious”:
Atrocious referee. One of the worst in the history of the premiership.
Let me guess, either Kavanagh, Taylor or Mason on Var?
— Samy (@sazzam31) March 10, 2020
Manchester City’s last hope
— – (@LFCShaikh) March 10, 2020
Why can’t we have a easy day for once?. WW3, Corona now Atkinson ????
— RasheedLFC (@rasheedlfc) March 10, 2020
It’s not April 1st already is it ??? ??
— Dennis The Doodle (@dennisthedoodle) March 10, 2020
— Graham Byrne (@Byrnish1981) March 10, 2020
Ah well draw or loss it is. No way we’re winning with him reffing the game
— ?6?? (@chielinilookout) March 10, 2020
Not the news I wanted to hear.
— LFChistory.net (@LFChistory) March 10, 2020
Liverpool fans, what are your thoughts on Atkinson being put in charge of next week’s derby? Let us know in the comments section below!
