It's not often two sets of supporters can unite ahead of a fixture between their respective clubs, but that might be the case as Arsenal prepare to face Liverpool at the weekend.
As confirmed on Tuesday, the match officials for Matchweek 30 of the 2022/23 Premier League season have been appointed with Paul Tierney the man in the middle, flanked by assistants Constantine Hatzidakis and Scott Ledger with Craig Pawson on fourth official duty and Chris Kavanagh and Adam Nunn assigned VAR roles.
Now, the Gunners don't have fond memories of Tierney taking charge of their games. In fact, not only has he overseen five straight defeats but he angered supporters and Mikel Arteta during last season's North London Derby at Tottenham after awarding a rather contentious penalty and sending-off Rob Holding in the first half.
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"If I say what I think I am suspended six months," a visibly frustrated Arteta said afterward. "I am allowed to give my interpretation of what I thought, but I do not like to lie. I cannot say what I think, I will be suspended. I am so proud of my players, ask the referee to come here and explain his decisions. That's his decision, such a beautiful game was destroyed here."
The Spaniard's opinion on Tierney may not have improved all too much following the Gunners' trip to Old Trafford at the beginning of this season especially after it was revealed that the decision to disallow Gabriel Martinelli's goal was incorrect despite it being reviewed by VAR.
So upon hearing of Tierney's appointment for Sunday's huge game against Liverpool, it's not surprising that some Arsenal supporters are fearing the worst.
@WelBeast said: "Paul Tierney has been appointed referee for Arsenal’s match away to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. It's not looking good", @AFCtag said: "Paul Tierney has been appointed as Referee for Arsenal’s match away to Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday, We have a MUST win battle against the Referee" and @BivvvvArsenal reacted by saying: "We lost."
However, it could be that some Liverpool fans won't be too keen on the appointment either. This can stem from their own experience at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season with Tierney as the referee as Jurgen Klopp confronted the official on the pitch after a 2-2 draw with TV footage picking up him saying: "I have no problems with any referees. Only you."
As a result, any fears that Arsenal supporters have with regard to Tierney officiating the game against Liverpool can be eased somewhat as Klopp has clearly already demonstrated that he feels his side don't get the rub of the green with the 42-year-old as referee either.
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