The Premier League have confirmed a controversial pair of officials for the Merseyside derby at Anfield next month, prompting concerns among fans.
Liverpool host Everton in the first derby of the campaign on December 4, which will be among the first round of fixtures to be broadcast by Amazon Prime.
It is an undoubtedly highly charged tie which could see a new Everton manager take his place in the dugout, amid speculation over Marco Silva’s future.
That remains to be seen, but Tuesday saw the confirmation of the officials for Liverpool’s home clash, with Mike Dean in charge as referee.
The 51-year-old will be supported by Anthony Taylor as fourth official and Martin Atkinson as VAR, with the appointment of the latter in particular proving controversial.
Atkinson will also preside over Saturday’s visit of Brighton, which will be his first time as referee of a Liverpool game since the 1-1 draw with Man United at Old Trafford on October 20.
That game saw Atkinson wave away what appeared to be a foul on Divock Origi in the buildup to Marcus Rashford’s opener.
Meanwhile, two weekends later he was involved in a series of incidents in the Reds’ 2-1 win at Aston Villa (as VAR) and Everton‘s 1-1 draw with Tottenham (as referee).
The reception of Atkinson’s appointment for the derby was met with a similarly critical response by fans of both Liverpool and Everton:
Not Martin Atkinson. https://t.co/QC3BnkQjvv pic.twitter.com/G9pfoUqpTR
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) November 26, 2019
Oh shit, we better score screemers or else this dude is going to draw lines we've never seen before. ?
— Germaine_jay (@Germaine_jay) November 26, 2019
How Martin Atkinson is still allowed ref our games is beyond me,City complained Michael Oliver for making the right decision for LFC vs City yet Atkinson cost us the league last season, is the only reason we dropped points this season, and ruled out Firmino on side goal vs Villa
— John O Sullivan (@Corballyred) November 26, 2019
Two corrupt officials ?????
— we dont matter to them (@Stephen17220541) November 26, 2019
Meanwhile, Blues expressed concern over Tranmere fan Dean, from the Wirral, being involved:
The FA appointing a referee from the Wirall who’s family will be in the home end. What a joke you are @premierleague @FA
— The Toffee Blues (@EvertonNewsFeed) November 26, 2019
Tranmere fan in the middle of a Merseyside Derby??
— Ali Bell (@B3Bell) November 26, 2019
Mike Deane refereeing the derby watched by his two Liverpool season ticket holder sons and Martin Atkinson on the VAR. I’m honestly beginning to think we’re being trolled ????
— thatbitterbloo (@thatbitterbloo) November 26, 2019
Two corrupt officials ?????
— we dont matter to them (@Stephen17220541) November 26, 2019
Of course, this clearly highlights the notion of an ‘agenda’ against one team as being flawed, with both sets of fans frustrated at the appointments.
It certainly adds an edge to the game ahead of time, but Liverpool can only focus on outplaying Everton at Anfield, as per usual, as they aim to continue their title tilt.
