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'Horror show', 'Dear God' - Liverpool fans react as Premier League announce officials for Everton clash
Liverpool fans have had their say after Craig Pawson was appointed the referee for their derby clash with Everton on Saturday (21 October).
As per the Premier League website, Pawson will be flanked by assistants Marc Perry and Wade Smith, as well as fourth official Thomas Bramall.
David Coote is the VAR official and will be assisted by Stuart Burt.
Pawson has taken charge of 36 Liverpool matches during his refereeing career, with the Reds emerging victorious in 25 of those games.
He previously took charge of the Merseyside derby in 2017, with his award of a penalty helping Everton claim a 1-1 draw after Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock at Anfield.
One fan bemoaned the lack of quality referees in England, claiming retired Mark Clattenburg was the “last decent official” in the Premier League.
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Meanwhile, another supporter feared the derby could be a “long afternoon” with Pawson and Coote in charge of proceedings.
Some fans also took issue with Coote’s involvement in the VAR room but appeared more optimistic about Pawson’s involvement.
Pawson can be decent in some games and awful in others. Coote is a horror show.
— Lee 🔴🇮🇪 (@mightyreds88) October 17, 2023
pawson’s not awful. coote however
— szobo enthusiast. (@PogChampFrosty) October 17, 2023
Another supporter fears Pawson and his officiating team will make Saturday’s big game “about them”.
You just know they will make the game about them and ruin it.
— Martin Loader (@martin_loader) October 17, 2023
One fan also took issue with Coote’s appointment, claiming the PGMOL “are definitely trying to hit back” at Jurgen Klopp.
His last VAR brief in the Merseyside derby saw Virgil van Dijk suffer a serious injury in a controversy-packed 2-2 draw back in October 2020.
In other news, ex-Liverpool chief’s response to Man United offer revealed.