The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) has removed Michael Salisbury from his role as VAR for Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Arsenal after his controversial intervention in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham.
Salisbury was criticised for advising referee Robert Jones to disallow Fulham’s opening goal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with 18-year-old Josh King’s strike ruled out following a lengthy review.
Salisbury judged Rodrigo Muniz to have fouled Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up, a call that led to the goal being overturned after Jones checked the pitchside monitor.
Chelsea went on to win 2-0, but referee’s chief Howard Webb has since admitted the decision was an error. Webb told Fulham the foul did not meet the “clear and obvious” threshold for VAR involvement and should have been left as the referee’s on-field call.
PGMOL confirmed that Salisbury has been replaced by John Brooks for Sunday’s heavyweight clash at Anfield.
Fulham manager Marco Silva fumed at the disallowed goal, branding the decision “unbelievable.”
“VAR is not here to re-referee the game,” Silva told TNT Sports. “How you disallow a goal like that is unbelievable. It has been a difficult start to the season with some decisions.”
