‘Surprising’ – Keith Hackett concerned after announcement involving Liverpool and Bournemouth
Liverpool are set to face Bournemouth in the opening game of the Premier League season, as they look to defend their Premier League title.
The Reds will begin their campaign at Anfield as a host of new signings will appear in the league for the first time, and Milos Kerkez will play against his old club after his summer move.
Liverpool will begin the season on Friday night with a standalone fixture for the Champions, before the rest of the league play over the course of the weekend.
However, one problem has now emerged for Liverpool, which will affect the whole weekend of Premier League action.
This article includes exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Premier League referees spread thin ahead of Liverpool opener
The quality of refereeing within the Premier League was massively scrutinised last season, and this is likely to continue as the PGMOL face more criticism.
Slot and Andoni Iraola have now found out who will officiate their upcoming clash, and there is a frustrating element as the same referees will be busy throughout the weekend.
Anthony Taylor will be the referee for Liverpool’s clash with Bournemouth, but he will also be the fourth official for Sunderland’s clash with West Ham the very next day.
- Gary Beswick and Craig Taylor have been appointed as assistant referees.
- Farai Hallam has been named as the fourth official.
- Michael Oliver is on VAR duty, with Thomas Bramall as his assistant.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, former FIFA and PGMOL referee Keith Hackett highlighted the problem behind several referees doubling up on duties for the opening weekend.
“The PGMOL appear to be short of elite referees when you examine the opening weekend’s appointments of match officials,” he explained.
“Anthony Taylor kicks off the season on Friday at Anfield, which will see him lucky to exit the stadium before midnight.
“The following day, he is the fourth official at Sunderland, and he will be hoping that his colleague in the middle, Rob Jones, stays fit for the 90 minutes, and he does not have to replace him.
“Michael Oliver will be at Stockley Park operating the VAR in that Liverpool game. Hopefully, after a good night’s rest on Saturday, he will be in the middle at Tottenham on Sunday.”
Liverpool’s record with Anthony Taylor
Liverpool will hope to avoid refereeing controversy in the first gameweek, with Mohamed Salah aiming to keep up his opening day scoring streak, and their record under Taylor provides a good omen.
The Reds have not lost with Taylor refereeing since a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in February 2024, with eight games under the 46-year-old since.
Remarkably, Taylor has not given Liverpool a red card since 2012, when backup goalkeeper Doni was sent off in a 3-2 win at Blackburn Rovers.
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