Ex-Premier League referee: Officials handed double blow as Man City v Man United news confirmed
Paul Tierney and David Coote have both been handed a major blow ahead of the Manchester derby between Man City and Man United on Sunday (2 October), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after both officials were taken off Fifa’s list of international referees.
Tierney has completely stepped down while Coote will become a specialist VAR operator.
The Premier League confirmed on Monday (26 September) that Tierney will be the VAR operator when Man City host Man United while Coote will be the fourth official.
Michael Oliver will be the man in the middle at the Etihad while Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett will serve as his assistants.
“Paul Tierney will step down [from Fifa],” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“What is more interesting is that Peter Bankes and David Coote are currently referees on the Uefa panel have now been nominated as sole VAR operators.
“What is it saying? It’s saying that Uefa want to create officials whose sole job is to be on VAR, which is exactly what I’ve been saying.
“In a way they have no choice. If I was David Coote, I’d be slightly disappointed.
“I think he’s still young enough to kick on. He started his career well, dipped a bit in form but I think he’s getting that form back.
“I think he will be disappointed. Those two officials will be disappointed.
“Tierney has probably had his run and therefore I can understand his run finishing.”
In other news, Man United have set their sights on signing an Aston Villa star and £45million will seal the deal.