VAR official changed in Liverpool vs Arsenal clash after Fulham goal is controversially disallowed

Michael Salisbury has been removed from VAR duties for Liverpool vs Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Salisbury has been replaced by John Brooks after his controversial role in Chelsea’s 2-0 win at home to Fulham.

Getty

Fulham believed they opened the scoring through Josh King in the 21st minute at Stamford Bridge.

However, Rodrigo Muniz was contentiously adjudged to have stepped on Trevoh Chalobah’s foot in the build-up to the goal.

Referee Rob Jones confirmed the decision after a review and the goal was chalked off.

Chelsea were awarded a penalty early on in the second half as Ryan Sessegnon handled in the box from a Chalobah cross.

Experienced referee Brooks will now be the VAR when Liverpool host Arsenal in the Premier League clash.

VAR continues to make the headlines

The 2025/26 campaign is the seventh season in which VAR has been used across all matches.

When Liverpool hosted Bournemouth in the opening match, they felt as though the visitors should have had a men sent off.

Marco Senesi handled the ball near the halfway line at Anfield but avoided a red card.

VAR checked and confirmed the decision that was made by referee Anthony Taylor.

It was deemed not to be ‘a clear handball offence nor denial of a goal scoring opportunity’.

AFP

Two days later, Eberechi Eze had a goal disallowed by VAR against Chelsea, with referee Darren England checking the pitchside monitor.

Marc Guehi was adjudged to have fouled Moises Caicedo when the free-kick was taken.

“After review, away number six is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken,” the Premier League Match Centre said.

“Therefore, it’s an indirect free kick and a disallowed goal.”

Last weekend, Muniz’s own-goal was allowed to stand for Manchester United despite Leny Yoro appearing to push Calvin Bassey.

However, VAR Darren England checked the goal and did not believe Bassey was fouled.