The former VAR official at the centre of Liverpool’s controversial disallowed goal against Tottenham has opened up about the personal consequences of the incident, admitting that the backlash affected his family as well as his professional career.
The controversy dates back to Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur in September 2023, when Luis Diaz had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside.
The decision became one of the most talked-about refereeing mistakes in English football and left Liverpool supporters furious.
The mistake that cost Liverpool
During the match, Liverpool were already playing with 10 men following Curtis Jones’ controversial red card when Luis Diaz found the back of the net.
The Colombian forward appeared to have given Liverpool the lead, but the assistant referee immediately raised his flag for offside.
VAR official Darren England was responsible for checking the decision alongside assistant VAR Dan Cook. However, a major communication mistake occurred.
England believed the on-field decision had been that Diaz was onside. After checking the footage, he mistakenly said “check complete”, effectively allowing the incorrect offside decision to stand.
When the officials realised what had happened, Tottenham had already restarted the game. Under the VAR protocol at the time, they could no longer overturn the decision. BBC Sport +1
England reveals how the controversy affected his family
Speaking to BBC Sport, England explained that the aftermath was extremely difficult because the criticism went beyond football.
He revealed that journalists and photographers even gathered outside his daughters’ school, creating an uncomfortable situation for his family.
He admitted that the experience affected him as a human being, not just as a football referee.
The official also explained that the intense media attention made it difficult to move on from the mistake.
He needed psychological support to recover
England was removed from Premier League officiating duties following the incident.
He went almost three months without refereeing another Premier League match, while his return to VAR duties took approximately six and a half months.
He revealed that working with a sports psychologist, alongside receiving support from his family, friends and the refereeing organisation, played an important role in rebuilding his confidence.
Despite the criticism, he continued working hard and reminding himself that one serious mistake did not erase the many correct decisions he had made throughout his career. BBC Sport +1
Liverpool supporters have not forgotten the incident
The controversy remains a painful moment in Liverpool’s recent history.
Jurgen Klopp was furious after the match, while Liverpool publicly demanded greater accountability from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Although the officials admitted their mistake, Liverpool could not recover the lost opportunity. Tottenham eventually won the match 2-1 through a late Joel Matip own goal.
The incident also raised serious questions about VAR communication, concentration and the procedures used to review important decisions.
Final takeaway: Darren England has now spoken openly about the personal cost of one of the biggest VAR mistakes in Premier League history. While Liverpool suffered on the pitch, the official says the consequences followed him home and affected the people closest to him.
