Controversial David Coote who famously missed Jordan Pickford’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk return as VAR official for Liverpool vs. Everton on Saturday

Controversial David Coote who famously missed Jordan Pickford’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk return as VAR official for Liverpool vs. Everton on Saturday

The game will see a return to VAR for David Coote, who famously missed Jordan Pickford’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk in 2020.

The Reds return from the international break for the Merseyside derby this weekend, on the back of two frustrating results in the Premier League.

VAR for Merseyside derby ‘FORGOT’ Pickford tackle for Van Dijk ACL injury

Liverpool vs. Everton on Saturday will see a return to VAR for David Coote, who famously missed Jordan Pickford’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk in 2020.

 

The Reds return from the international break for the Merseyside derby this weekend, on the back of two frustrating results in the Premier League.

While Darren England and Dan Cook, VAR and assistant VAR for the 2-1 loss at Tottenham, have been reinstated for upcoming fixtures, neither are involved at Anfield.

Instead, Craig Pawson will referee, with Coote appointed VAR for the 12.30pm kickoff.

Coote’s involvement brings up old controversy, though, as he is VAR for a Merseyside derby for the first time since Goodison Park in 2020.

That day, Pickford’s late, scything challenge on Van Dijk left the centre-back writhing on the pitch ahead of a nine-month layoff.

After the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley in July 2020, Andy Robertson led furious protests against Coote, who was referee, and VAR for missing a foul on the left-back in the penalty area.

“What’s the point in having [VAR]? What is the point in having you?” Robertson asked.

Wait until you see it. Wait until you go in and see that and you’ll go, ‘how the  is that not a penalty?’.

“Yous didn’t see  anything. Yous didn’t see anything the whole game apart from booking him in the last minute.

Former Liverpool club-record signing Naby Keita is now worth almost £40 million less than the Reds paid to bring him to Anfield five years ago.

 

The Guinea international ended a mixed spell at Liverpool when he left the club following the expiry of his contract in the summer.

 

Keita’s time at the club was dogged by injury problems, after the Reds shelled out an initial fee of £47 million to sign him from RB Leipzig in 2018.

 

The midfielder was one of the first marquee signings of the Jurgen Klopp, and big things were expected of him after he was involved in 26 Bundesliga goals across his two