Liverpool have been informed of the officiating team for their Premier League season opener against Ipswich Town on Saturday, with the roles of referee, VAR, and assistants all confirmed.
Tim Robinson will take charge of the match, marking his fourth time overseeing a Liverpool fixture. Last season, Robinson officiated in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victories over Leicester City and West Ham United, as well as their 3-1 Premier League win against Burnley at Anfield.
Assisting Robinson on Saturday will be Timothy Wood and Steve Meredith, while Keith Stroud will serve as the fourth official. VAR duties will be handled by Stuart Attwell, with Harry Lennard providing additional support.
Liverpool’s visit to Portman Road will be the second match of the Premier League campaign, following Manchester United’s clash with Fulham on Friday night, which will officially kick off the new season.
This upcoming fixture will be the first meeting between Liverpool and Ipswich Town since December 2002 in the League Cup’s fourth round, and their first league encounter since May 2002. The last league match between the two teams ended in a dominant 5-0 victory for Liverpool at Anfield. Heading into this weekend’s game, Arne Slot’s Liverpool side is heavily favored.
With a new manager in the dugout, there could be some curiosity about how Liverpool will be officiated this season, especially considering Jurgen Klopp’s well-known clashes with match officials during his nine-year tenure. So far, Robinson has not been involved in any significant controversies involving Liverpool, having shown no red cards or awarded penalties in the three previous games he has refereed for the Reds.
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However, the same cannot be said for Stuart Attwell, who was at the center of controversy while on VAR duty during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City in March. In that match, Attwell decided not to penalize Jeremy Doku for a high boot on Alexis Mac Allister, deeming the contact “reasonable” despite the collision with Mac Allister’s chest. This decision was later supported by PGMOL chief Howard Webb.
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