Leicester City Assigned VAR Official for Arsenal Match Who ‘Made a Major Mistake’ Last Season
Leicester City heads to North London to take on Arsenal at The Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday.
Steve Cooper will guide his Leicester City squad into a tough matchup against Arsenal, acknowledging that this game is likely one of their most significant challenges of the season.
After a frustrating 1-1 draw with Everton at the King Power Stadium, Leicester must enhance their performance substantially if they hope to secure any points against the Gunners.
The search for their first league win of the season continues, but there is a positive note as Cooper’s team recently gained confidence by defeating League Two side Walsall in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
This victory could prove crucial as they prepare for Saturday’s clash with Arsenal.
Leicester City Announces Officials for Arsenal Trip
The Premier League revealed the officiating teams for the upcoming weekend’s matches on Tuesday, confirming that Leicester’s game against Arsenal will be officiated by Sam Barrott.
He will be assisted by Scott Ledger and Wade Smith, with Dean Whitestone serving as the fourth official.
Leicester will aim to avoid any VAR controversies at the Emirates, particularly in light of Cooper’s displeasure regarding a controversial goal conceded in their recent 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, where the goal was initially ruled offside.
Paul Tierney will oversee VAR for this match, assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis.
Tierney was at the center of a contentious incident last season involving Leicester’s rivals, Nottingham Forest.
He failed to return possession to Forest after stopping play for an injury to a Liverpool player while Forest was attacking.
Instead, he handed the ball to Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, leading to Darwin Núñez scoring a last-minute winner, causing outrage among Forest players, staff, and fans.
Alan Shearer criticized Tierney’s decision on Match of the Day, stating: “He’s dropped a big clanger.
He’s got it totally wrong. He blows the whistle when Forest has the ball, but then gives the ball back unchallenged to the goalkeeper, which is completely wrong.
It should have been a Forest unchallenged drop ball.”
While Leicester fans may not sympathize with Forest, they will be hoping that Tierney avoids any controversial decisions during VAR reviews when Leicester faces Arsenal on Saturday.
With emotions running high, both players and supporters will be eager for a fair and smooth match.
