Richard Keys has criticized the PGMOL’s decision to appoint Chris Kavanagh as the referee for the crucial Manchester City versus Liverpool match this Saturday. Kavanagh, who hails from Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester, a mere five miles from the Etihad Stadium, has been selected despite guidelines preventing officials from overseeing matches involving their supported team or their close rivals.
Keys, aged 66, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his concerns about Kavanagh officiating the high-stakes game. In a tweet, he questioned the decision, contemplating the potential pressure on Kavanagh and the risks associated, especially in a season with possible contentious moments. This criticism follows social media reactions, including a Reddit post highlighting Kavanagh’s proximity to City’s ground and questioning the allowance of such an appointment.
While Liverpool fans expressed discontent about Kavanagh’s selection, not all criticism was directed at him. Some fans pointed out that the Etihad Stadium wasn’t even constructed when Kavanagh was born. Others viewed the complaints as preemptive excuses from Liverpool supporters.
It’s noteworthy that despite Kavanagh’s background, Liverpool has seen success in matches where he was the referee, winning 13 out of 15 games he officiated. The PGMOL enforces strict regulations prohibiting officials from involvement in matches concerning their supported team or local rivals. Kavanagh’s personal allegiance to any specific club is not publicly known, unlike other referees like Michael Oliver, a Newcastle fan who refrains from officiating Newcastle or Sunderland matches due to his allegiance.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool stands to take the league’s top position if they secure a victory against the reigning champions Manchester City in the upcoming match, which was rescheduled to an earlier time due to concerns over potential fan issues.