Liverpool supporters have another reason to keep a close eye on Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, with Andy Madley appointed as the man in the middle at Anfield.
It’s one of the biggest fixtures of the weekend, with plenty at stake for both clubs. But before a ball has even been kicked, the referee appointment has already caught my attention.
I’ll be honest: I’m fed up with the standard of Premier League refereeing, and I don’t always feel Liverpool get the rub of the green when it comes to important decisions.
That doesn’t mean I’m accusing Madley of being against Liverpool. But supporters have seen far too many questionable decisions over the years, and the last thing we need on Sunday is another afternoon dominated by the officials.
Andy Madley’s record with Liverpool
Interestingly, Liverpool’s historical record under Madley is actually pretty good.
According to figures reported by This Is Anfield, he has refereed 24 Liverpool matches, with the Reds winning 15, drawing six and losing just three.
He has also never sent off a Liverpool player.
So the statistics don’t suggest that Liverpool have struggled particularly badly with Madley in charge.
However, past results don’t guarantee anything when it comes to the next match. What matters is whether the officials get the big decisions right when the pressure is on.
Stuart Attwell on VAR adds another talking point
Madley won’t be working alone.
Stuart Attwell has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee, with James Bell assisting him at Stockley Park.
That means Liverpool supporters will be hoping for consistency both on the pitch and in the VAR room.
We have all seen how quickly a match can be changed by a penalty decision, a red card or a controversial offside call.
There is no excuse for getting straightforward decisions wrong when the technology is available.
VAR should be there to correct clear and obvious errors, not create even more confusion.
Liverpool cannot afford to get distracted
Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal is massive for Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool need a strong performance against one of their biggest rivals, and the players must concentrate on what happens between the two penalty areas.
I want to see Liverpool play with aggression, intensity and confidence. Arsenal are a quality side, but Anfield should be a difficult place for them to visit.
The last thing Iraola needs is his players becoming distracted by decisions or allowing frustration to affect their performance.
At the same time, the officials have a responsibility to manage the game properly and apply the rules consistently to both teams.
My verdict: Just give Liverpool a fair game!
I’m not asking for decisions to go Liverpool’s way simply because I’m a supporter.
All I want is consistency.
If a Liverpool player commits a foul, give it. If an Arsenal player deserves a booking, show it. If there is a clear penalty or red-card offence, don’t hesitate to make the correct decision.
It really shouldn’t be too much to ask.
Andy Madley has a big responsibility on Sunday, and I hope he has a quiet afternoon for all the right reasons.
Liverpool versus Arsenal should be decided by the football, not by another refereeing controversy. Just give both teams a fair chance and let the best side win.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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