Champions Manchester City return to Premier League action on Saturday as they host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in the standout fixture on match week 13. The lunchtime kick-off will see managers Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp renew their rivalry once again, with City looking for consecutive league wins against the Reds for the first time since 1937.
A decision that has raised a few eyebrows – especially among Liverpool fans – is the appointment of Greater Manchester-born Chris Kavanagh as the Manchester City vs Liverpool referee. The 38-year-old came under scrutiny when he missed a Rodri handball in the clash between City and Everton in the 2021/22 season, which saw Mike Riley apologise to the Toffees afterwards.
Some in the red half of Merseyside will argue this decision cost Klopp‘s side the title that year. On Saturday, Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan will be Kavanagh’s assistants, while Thomas Bramall will act as the fourth official. VAR duties fall to Stuart Attwell and Tim Wood.
Manchester City Vs Liverpool Referee And Premier League Match Officials
(Saturday 25th November 2023)
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- Assistants: Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan
- Fourth Official: Thomas Bramall
- VAR Officials: Stuart Attwell and Tim Wood (assist)
Has Chris Kavanagh Refereed Manchester City Or Liverpool This Season?
Kavanagh has not officiated a Manchester City game in the Premier League so far this season, but he was in charge when the Cityzens lost 1-0 to Newcastle in the EFL Cup at St James’ Park in September. The game itself was relatively incident free but he did show yellow cards to Kalvin Phillips, Manuel Akanji and boss Pep Guardiola.
Kavanagh has been in charge of two Premier League games featuring Liverpool this season, both coming at Anfield. The first was the Reds 3-1 triumph over West Ham in September, the second was their 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest in October. All in all, he has shown seven yellow cards and no red cards in those two games and awarded just one spot-kick.
Ahead of the match, the best UK betting sites make Manchester City the match favourites at 8/11, with the draw 7/2 and Liverpool at 18/5.
📰Chris Kavanagh will be in charge this weekend vs Manchester City.
Stuart Attwell on VAR. pic.twitter.com/4oJxUyBDn1
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) November 21, 2023
Chris Kavanagh Premier League Referee Stats 2023/24
Kavanagh has officiated just five Premier League games so far in the 2023/24 season, his most recent coming at the Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth beat Newcastle 2-0 before the international break.
In terms of cards, Kavanagh is yet to show anyone a red card but has displayed 21 yellow cards, with his busiest game coming in the London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge (6). Kavanagh has awarded two penalties this season, one for Liverpool’s Mo Salah and the other for Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
Chris Kavanagh Premier League Stats Summary 2023/24
- Matches: 5
- Red Cards: 0
- Yellow Cards: 21
- Penalties: 2
Premier League VAR Controversies 2023/24
Kavanagh has avoided any major VAR controversies in his five Premier League games so far this season, but he did come under the spotlight during Manchester United‘s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in September. The Red Devils thought they should have been awarded a penalty when a Marcus Rashford cross struck the hand of Palace defender Joel Ward.
VAR did check the incident but deemed it was an unintentional handball, so no penalty was awarded. Apparently, Kavanagh did apologise to United boss Erik ten Hag afterwards, claiming when he looked back on his phone, he thought it should have been given. He would later claim that the VAR officials mislead him.
Saturday’s blockbuster clash at the Etihad is likely to be a heated affair between Manchester City and Liverpool, so Kavanagh will need to be at his very best to avoid any VAR controversies which could go a long way in deciding the 2023/24 Premier League title.
Liverpool’s X Reaction To Chris Kavanagh Appointment
Liverpool supporters have been quick to react to Kavanagh’s appointment for Saturday’s clash against Manchester City. Kavanagh was born approximately 5 miles from the Etihad Stadium in Ashton-under-Lyne, and some fans of the Reds have been left bemused by the decision:
Chris Kavanagh of… *checks notes* Greater Manchester. https://t.co/7TX6VwI9u0 pic.twitter.com/McCIgSrq4U
— – (@lfcmike__) November 21, 2023
Chris Kavanagh to referee Man City Vs Liverpool this Saturday.
His brother owns a Man City Season ticket.
Make of that what you will. pic.twitter.com/O1wzZCMSEi
— 𝗜𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗼𝗳𝗳 (@Ivan_Schwakoff) November 21, 2023
Chris Kavanagh will be in charge of the match against Manchester City this weekend. pic.twitter.com/L3EAGd9GTX
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) November 21, 2023
Chris Kavanagh from Greater Manchester and whose brother who apparently owns a season ticket for Man City has been appointed referee for Saturday’s game 🤔🖕 #LFC #YNWA pic.twitter.com/YjXZqzPg5j
— Moody Bastard (@Boss__Tha) November 21, 2023
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