David Coote taken OFF VAR duty for Liverpool’s clash against Leicester after fan backlash ahead of what would have been the official’s first Reds match since allowing Jordan Pickford’s lunge on Virgil van Dijk to go unpunished in Merseyside derby
- David Coote will no longer be the VAR for Liverpool’s game against Leicester
- His initial appointment sparked anger after controversial Merseyside Derby
- Coote was the VAR who missed a straight red card for Jordan Pickford
- He has been replaced by Andre Marriner, while Coote will referee Man United
David Coote has been replaced by Andre Marriner as the Video Assistant Referee for Liverpool‘s game against Leicester City on Sunday.
The clash at Anfield would have been his first Liverpool match since his controversial performance in the Merseyside derby where he failed to punish Jordan Pickford for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk, which has likely ruled the Dutchman out for the season.
He will instead be the on-pitch referee for Manchester United‘s game against West Brom on Saturday evening.
David Coote has been replaced as the Video Assistant Referee for Liverpool against Leicester
He was the VAR that did not check for a red card for Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby
Coote was dropped from officiating duties the week after the incident, but has since been in charge of two Premier League matches and one Championship fixture.
It is unclear the specific reason why the officials have been changed round in the latest announcement by the Premier League for Matchweek Nine.
The 35-year-old was heavily criticised for not for a red card for Pickford during the game at Goodison Park, and news of his initial appointment for the game had not gone down well with Liverpool supporters.
Sportsmail reported last month that Coote thought the offside leading up to Pickford’s scissor challenge — which he checked forensically — nullified what happened afterwards.
He has been replaced by Andre Marriner, while Coote will referee Man United vs West Brom
Coote was dropped for a week but returned to officiate Chelsea’s victory at Burnley before making his return as VAR for Arsenal’s 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa earlier this month before the international break.
Liverpool were angered in the aftermath of the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park by the failure to punish Pickford.
They called for clarification over the incident and why they were initially told the offence had been missed.
Van Dijk’s absence is one of a long line of injuries to Liverpool defenders this season, with Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Fabinho and Rhys Williams all missing or a doubt for the clash between the Champions and the current league leaders.
