The VAR official for Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal has been removed after a major blunder during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham.
Michael Salisbury was on VAR duty for Saturday’s cross-London clash as Enzo Maresca’s Blues looked to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
However, the game would ultimately be mired in controversy due to a contentious first-half decision that denied Fulham an opener.
With the game goalless after 20 minutes, Sander Berge found Rodrigo Muniz who proceeded to float past Trevoh Chalobah before driving the ball up the pitch.
The Brazilian subsequently played the ball to Joshua King who fired home to the delight of the travelling supporters before Salisbury sent referee Robert Jones to the monitor to check for a possible foul in the build-up.
After reviewing the incident Jones ruled the goal out, with Muniz’s accidental stamp on Chalobah ruled as a ‘reckless challenge’.
Michael Salisbury has been removed from Sunday’s clash between Liverpool and Arsenal
Salisbury came under fire following a controversial decision as Chelsea beat Fulham on Saturday
The official sent referee Robert Jones to the monitor who subsequently disallowed Joshua King’s would-be opener
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Chelsea went on to secure all three points courtesy of goals from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez, leaving Cottagers boss Marco Silva furious.
The decision was also criticised by Jamie Carragher on social media, with the former Liverpool defender writing on X: ‘VAR has had a shocking start to the season.’
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand wrote: ‘VAR killing this young man’s moment’.
PGMOL later acknowledged that the decision for VAR to intervene was a mistake.
Following the furore surrounding the decision, Salisbury was removed from his position as VAR official for Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Liverpool, with John Brooks taking his place.
Chris Kavanagh will remain the on-field official at Anfield.
