The referee who became a role model after bouncing back from Diaz error
Summary
Referee Darren England says a major VAR error that wrongly disallowed Luis Diaz’s goal for Liverpool left him and his family under intense scrutiny and affected him for months. He has since rebuilt his career, officiating major matches and earning his first Champions League VAR assignment.Key Facts
- England was the video assistant referee when Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham was wrongly ruled offside.
- Although VAR images showed Diaz was onside, England said “check complete,” and the goal was disallowed.
- England said he found it difficult to move on from the error during the match and described the VAR hub as a high-pressure environment.
- The incident brought media attention to England and his family.
- England says he is now regarded as one of the Premier League’s most trusted referees, on the field and as a VAR.
- In 2026, he officiated Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
- England has been appointed as a VAR for a Champions League match for the first time, with Galatasaray playing Stuttgart.
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