Referee Darren England Recovers Career After High-Profile VAR Error
· Sports · BBC Sport
Premier League referee Darren England has successfully rebuilt his career following a significant officiating error during a 2023 match between Tottenham and Liverpool. England mistakenly allowed a goal by Luis Diaz to remain disallowed despite VAR evidence confirming the player was onside, a lapse that drew intense public and media scrutiny. The 40-year-old official has since regained his standing, officiating major fixtures including the 2026 FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea. He is now set to expand his role internationally, having been appointed as a VAR for the Champions League match between Galatasaray and Stuttgart. England maintains that the incident was a low point in his professional life but insists his decision-making process remains unchanged.
Why it matters
The recovery of England's career illustrates the intense pressure and public accountability faced by match officials in the modern era of video-assisted technology. His return to high-stakes assignments highlights the evolving standards for professional referees in managing both on-field pressure and the scrutiny of VAR protocols.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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