Premier League drops referee Michael Salisbury after VAR controversy
Referee Michael Salisbury has been dropped from the final round of Premier League fixtures this Sunday after controversially allowing a Manchester United goal to stand despite an apparent handball.
The match official faced widespread criticism for refusing to disallow the second goal during United’s 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Despite being advised by the Video Assistant Referee to review a potential handball in the build-up on the pitchside monitor, he chose to uphold his original on-field decision.
Professional Game Match Officials chief refereeing officer Howard Webb subsequently contacted Forest to acknowledge that a mistake had been made.
PGMO admit on-field error
English referees traditionally adopt a more lenient approach to handball offences, but the governing body conceded this specific decision should have been overturned.
The omitted official has not been a regular presence in the top flight this season, overseeing just 13 league matches overall.
In contrast, highly experienced colleagues such as Michael Oliver have taken charge of 28 fixtures and will officiate the crucial upcoming clash between Tottenham and Everton.
Elsewhere on the final day, World Cup referee Anthony Taylor will manage the relegation battle between West Ham and Leeds, while emerging official Farai Hallam takes charge of Crystal Palace against champions Arsenal.
Further VAR scrutiny for Bell
Meanwhile, another contentious officiating appointment has placed James Bell on VAR duties for the match between Fulham and Newcastle.
This selection follows heavy criticism regarding his failure to intervene following a dangerous challenge by Kai Havertz on Lesley Ugochukwu during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley.
Match referee Paul Tierney issued a yellow card for the incident, but replays showed the German international’s studs making clear contact with his opponent’s calf.
Bell reviewed the footage but opted against recommending an on-field review for a potential dismissal.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville strongly condemned the tackle during the live broadcast.
He is miles away from the ball. I don’t like that. The height of it and the fact it is on the standing leg.
Gary Neville
The former Manchester United defender concluded that the Arsenal forward was incredibly fortunate to escape a red card when the technology failed to intervene.