Chelsea v Liverpool: Ex-FIFA official hits out at Premier League announcement
Liverpool take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend in their first game since being crowned Premier League champions.
The new Premier League champions will head to Stamford Bridge for their first game since winning the title on Sunday (27 April).
It was party mode at Anfield after Liverpool thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1, and now Arne Slot’s men will be attempting to continue that momentum against the Blues.
Liverpool will simply be looking to pick up as many points as possible between now and the end of the season, while there is a lot on the line for the hosts as Chelsea are looking to secure a Champions League position.
Liverpool handed surprising referee decision
The Premier League has announced all of the referees for the upcoming weekend of fixtures, and it will be John Brooks on VAR for Liverpool’s fixture.
It’s an announcement that might surprise some, given the fact he was involved in a major howler this past weekend when working in the same capacity for Bournemouth’s draw with Manchester United.
He was part of the team that saw Evanilson given a red card, in a decision that has since been rescinded, highlighting the major error that was made.
Brooks asked Peter Bankes to go to the pitchside monitor and the man in the middle ultimately reversed his on-field decision, which many felt was correct.
| Premier League table | Games Played | Won | Lost | Points |
| 1. Liverpool | 34 | 25 | 2 | 82 |
That is why people are surprised to see him appointed to such a significant fixture.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, former FIFA official Keith Hackett said: “There is no accountability operating in the PGMOL, so I am not at all surprised by this.
“Transparency and accountability for poor performances is something that I operated when [I was the] boss of the PGMOL.
“Instead, Brooks [and referee Bankes] are rewarded with a further cash handout by being appointed to a game with their match fee.”
Liverpool are already looking ahead to next season
This fixture might not have any bearing on Liverpool’s Premier League campaign, but the squad are already focusing on next season and retaining the title.
That is why the final fixtures of this campaign will still matter to the Merseyside giants, as they’re looking to set themselves up with as much momentum as possible for the new campaign.
Mohamed Salah sent a clear message to Liverpool fans this week that he wants the team to kick on and try to win the Premier League again next season, and the preparation for that has already begun.
Several Liverpool players will also be fighting for their long-term future at the club, which should lead to some big performances.