VAR Official Removed from Liverpool vs Arsenal After Fulham Controversy

VAR official removed from Liverpool vs Arsenal after Fulham controversy. PGMOL responds swiftly ahead of Premier League showdown.

VAR official removed from Liverpool vs Arsenal just hours before kick-off, following a controversial decision in Chelsea’s 2–0 win over Fulham. The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) acted swiftly, replacing Michael Salisbury with John Brooks for the high-stakes Premier League clash at Anfield.

Salisbury served as VAR during Chelsea vs Fulham, where he instructed the referee to review a potential foul in the build-up to Josh King’s disallowed goal. The decision drew widespread criticism, with many arguing Rodrigo Muniz’s challenge did not meet the “clear and obvious error” threshold.

Fulham manager Marco Silva called the ruling “unbelievable” and expressed frustration over both the disallowed goal and the extended stoppage time that allowed Chelsea to score their opener.

PGMOL Responds Swiftly

In response to the backlash, PGMOL admitted the intervention was a mistake. They removed Salisbury from VAR duties for the Liverpool vs Arsenal fixture and appointed John Brooks in his place. Chris Kavanagh remained the on-field referee.

The decision came just hours before the 4:30pm BST kick-off, highlighting the league’s growing commitment to accountability in officiating.

The VAR official removed from Liverpool vs Arsenal story adds tension to one of the Premier League’s marquee fixtures. With both teams chasing early dominance in the 2025–26 season, officiating decisions carry even greater weight.

PGMOL’s quick response may signal a shift toward greater transparency and consistency in refereeing. However, fans and pundits continue to question how VAR is used and whether it truly improves match outcomes.

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