Premier League axes Paul Tierney after blunder in Forest vs Liverpool match

Premier League referee Paul Tierney has been removed from officiating duties next weekend following a controversial decision in the dying moments of Nottingham Forest’s clash with Liverpool. 

The move to remove Tierney comes after Forest lodged a formal complaint with the league’s officiating body, PGMOL.

The Tricky Trees were rightly incensed by the events leading up to Darwin Nunez’s dramatic 99th-minute winner.

Forest were left fuming after Tierney awarded a drop ball to Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher instead of returning possession to them. There were two minutes between the decision and Nunez’s winning header. 

This error was already costly enough. However, Tierney’s decision to extend stoppage time beyond the indicated eight minutes sparked chaotic scenes at the City Ground.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted Tierney on the pitch, demanding an explanation for his decisions. 

The situation escalated further with first-team coach Steven Reid receiving a red card. Former match official and Forest’s referees’ analyst Mark Clattenburg was denied entry to the officials’ dressing room.

A supporter also ran onto the pitch to join in the post-match turmoil.

The Premier League has not yet announced the punishment for Forest due to the supporter’s actions and the team’s conduct. 

However, the decision to remove Tierney from officiating this weekend shows the seriousness with which PGMOL is taking Forest’s complaints.

Some fans have accused the Premier League and PGMOL of being biased towards Liverpool, but Tierney’s decision was more sheer incompetence than deliberate manipulation.

Officiating issues have been a running theme in the Premier League this season. Poor refereeing like this condemned Liverpool to a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season. 

There have been increased calls to improve the officiating standards. Fans and pundits want more accountability and consistency from referees.

The Premier League has plenty to consider in the coming weeks as it works to restore faith in the fairness and integrity of the competition.