Liverpool vs Tottenham Referee and VAR: Klopp and Reds get BLAST from the PAST

As anticipation builds for Sunday's Liverpool vs Tottenham clash at Anfield, the spotlight once again falls on the match officials both on the pitch and in the VAR room.

Officiating has been a big deal for the Reds this season, with a number of key decisions going against them in the Premier League title race.

Now the Reds are on the outside looking in as Man City and Arsenal battle it out for the biggest prize, while Jurgen Klopp and co dream about what might have been. And quietly rage.

READ MORE: Why Liverpool have been SHAFTED by refereeing in the Premier League title race

The official appointments for this one were once again keenly anticipated, and they provide a real blast from the past for Klopp and the Reds.

Liverpool vs Tottenham referee appointment

Paul Tierney, a familiar face in the Premier League refereeing circuit, has been tasked with overseeing this high-stakes encounter. At 43, Tierney brings a wealth of experience, having officiated numerous top-flight matches.

Sunday's game will mark his fifth appointment in Liverpool matches this season. His history with Liverpool is notable, highlighted by several key incidents which have sparked discussion and controversy.

Klopp vs Paul Tierney explained

Tierney's relationship with Liverpool, especially under Jurgen Klopp, has been tumultuous at times. Their interactions have often been heated, with a notable incident last year after Liverpool's 4-3 victory over Tottenham in May 2023.

Klopp celebrated in the face of fourth official John Brooks when Diogo Jota scored in the dying moments, which would lead to the manager getting a yellow card after confirmation from VAR.

“We have our story, [our] history with Mr Tierney. I really don’t know what this man has with us, I really don’t know. I always will say there is nothing, and it’s not true. It cannot be. I have to say it cannot be. I don’t understand it. I am really not sure if it’s me because how he looks at me, I don’t understand it" Klopp stated.

Klopp would then receive a two-match touchline ban plus a £75,000 fine for these comments, so to say that there are issues between him and the man in black this weekend is an understatement.

VAR appointments

In the VAR booth, John Brooks will take charge, assisted by James Mainwaring. The role of VAR has been increasingly scrutinised in recent matches across the league, and Brooks' decisions will be under the microscope, especially considering some controversial calls involving Tierney in the past with the Reds.

Earlier this season, Tierney was of course involved in a VAR decision in the game against Bournemouth back in August 2023, where he failed to overturn a red card against Alexis Mac Allister (it was later rescinded following an appeal).

Another contentious moment came when a goal by Cody Gakpo was disallowed during the Boxing Day game against Burnley, with minimal evidence of a foul in the buildup.

These incidents have made a huge difference to the Red's season and have certainly contributed to their falling out of the title race.

FAQ

• Who is refereeing the Liverpool vs Tottenham match?

  • Paul Tierney is the referee, with Scott Ledger and Mat Wilkes as his assistants.

• Who is responsible for VAR in this match?

  • John Brooks is the VAR official, assisted by James Mainwaring.

• Has Paul Tierney refereed Liverpool games before?

  • Yes, this will be his fifth Liverpool game of the season.

• Why is refereeing a point of controversy for Liverpool?

  • Previous incidents and decisions, particularly involving Paul Tierney and Anthony Taylor, have led to disputes over perceived biases and the impact of such decisions on match outcomes.