Europa League opponents take pop at Liverpool as Erik ten Hag lends support to referees

The fallout from the VAR controversy surrounding Liverpool’s defeat at Tottenham continues, with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag the latest to weigh in on the situation.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has supported referees amid the backlash following Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham at the weekend.

Liverpool lost the game 2-1, but the result could have been very different had decisions gone correctly, with Luis Díaz’s opener being ruled out for an incorrect offside call. PGMOL recognized a ‘significant human error’ in disallowing the Colombian’s strike, but Ten Hag rushed to offer his support for the officials.

“I don’t give comments often on refereeing because they do what they need to do. The standards need to be high,” Ten Hag said ahead of his side’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray (via The Express).

“You can expect, the fans can, a high standard, so it should be because it’s the Premier League. I’m sure they do what they can. I trust them.”

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has remained silent on the issue, but the club has now requested the audio between referee Simon Hooper and VAR Darren England to be made available, while also appealing Curtis Jones’ red card.

Union Saint-Gilloise boss admits Liverpool was in his thoughts

Union Saint-Gilloise boss Alexander Blessin admits that the forthcoming Europa League game against Liverpool was on his mind during his side’s 3-1 victory over Charleroi at the weekend. Liverpool won its opening group game against LASK, while Union drew 1-1 with French side Toulouse.

“The high temperature at this time of year played tricks on us and we were sometimes a bit too lazy and sleepy,” said Blessin (via Liverpool World). “Liverpool was already something on our minds.

“It will be something different against fantastic players like [Ibrahima] Konaté and [Joël] Matip.” Blessin then grinned: “Although, maybe Matip will score another own goal like this weekend. Then we have a chance. Why not?”