Exclusive: Outrage as Paul Tierney set for Man United v Man City after ‘huge error’
Keith Hackett has been left raging at the news that Paul Tierney will take charge of VAR for the Manchester derby on Sunday.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the 44-year-old should not be given the honour of officiating any part of the clash at Old Trafford on 6 April, following his involvement as the VAR of the Liverpool’s win over Everton.
The Merseyside derby was the subject of much controversy during the week, with Diogo Jota‘s goal enough to win three points for Arne Slot‘s side, but Everton should have been down to 10 men.
James Tarkowski avoided a red card for a shocking challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, which Tierney did not recommend a review at the pitch-side monitor, with both Samuel Barrott and VAR officials called out by Hackett.
Paul Tierney rewarded with Manchester derby after VAR blunder
Despite the controversy shrouding the clash at Anfield, Tierney is set to take a seat in the VAR room for Man City‘s trip to Old Trafford at the weekend, with John Brooks in charge on the pitch.
The derby is likely to be emotionally charged, especially after the news that Kevin De Bruyne will leave Man City at the end of the season, and it will need a level head to keep things from spilling over.
| Premier League standings | Goal difference | Points |
| 5. Man City | +17 | 51 |
| 13. Man United | -4 | 37 |
While the last four meetings between the bitter rivals have only produced eight yellow cards, it is impossible to say when a controversial moment can occur during a game.
With that in mind, Hackett is adamant that Tierney should be playing no part in the set of officials, whether that be at the ground or Stockley Park, following his mistake during the Merseyside derby.
Premier League warned against Paul Tierney’s appointment
Upon hearing about the decision to appoint Tierney as the VAR for a second-straight major derby, Hackett told Football Insider:
“So, having made a huge error in the Merseyside derby by not advising the referee to look at the monitor, [Paul] Tierney, the VAR at the centre of that incident, is appointed VAR in the Manchester Derby.”
Pep Guardiola’s side are still in the fight for Champions League qualification, with Chelsea and Newcastle United battling for a top-four spot, while Ruben Amorim’s side are saving their pride in the Premier League.