Klopp vs VAR: is Darren England’s ‘human error’ worthy of a replay?

On Saturday the 30th of September two members of the PGMOL, ruled a goal from Luis Diaz offside, shortly before deciding the complete opposite.

Jurgen Klopp is appealing against the decision from VAR and demands a replay after the left foot of Cristian Romero kept Luis Diaz onside. Darren England, 37 is a well-known referee from Barnsley who has pursued this role for over 8 years. His first game as a referee was QPR vs Cardiff which finished 2-1 leading The Hoops to victory.

After listening closely to the VAR audio release, England stated ‘check complete’ before referring to the assistant and even viewing gridline in place. Liverpool fans are outraged and so are the players as Alexis Mac Allister, Argentinian midfielder firing digs at Romero by commenting on his celebratory Instagram post ‘Normal when you play with 12’. Romero sent shots back writing ‘Cry at home’.

Klopp, in a recent press conference, displayed his clear unhappiness with the decision made by VAR, explaining how ‘it was a mistake, an obvious mistake’ and that he thinks there ‘would have been solutions for it afterwards. If not, I can say immediately’. Not only was Klopp raging with this decision, but a football fan on social media has also responded to the question ‘Should Darren England continue to participate in the PGMOL?’. Fans made it blatantly obvious that they do not want him back by replying ‘Hell nah’ to the question box.

Photo Credits.. Liverpool FC

An anonymous Barnsley local believes that Darren England should not be pushed aside because ‘He’s been disciplined by being removed from last Sunday and this weekends fixtures. After listening to the audio, I think that there are too many voices to make one decision. In my opinion it should just be the referee and one VAR official then there is less chance of getting overwhelmed with the voices. I do believe he is a good referee and maybe he should just concentrate on that.’

Overall, the decision of Darren England and his assistant Dan Cook to remain in their jobs but never to perform their roles at Liverpool has brought composure to fans however awareness is still high.