Premier League referee Tony Harrington infuriated Liverpool fans with a trio of first half decisions made against Fulham. First failing to send off defender Issa Diop for a high challenge on Andy Robertson, Harrington also let Andreas Pereira continue despite a late tackle of his own.
The Brazilian would go on to score the game’s opening goal just minutes later. Pereira had scraped his foot down Ryan Gravenberch’s Achilles but did not receive any punishment outside of a yellow card.
To make matters worse, Pereira then scored and saw Robertson sent off himself for Liverpool. The full-back was left scrambling to atone for a wayward touch inside his own half and brought down Harry Wilson, who was through on goal.
The three calls left Anfield reeling as Liverpool were severely threatened with just a second defeat of the season. Harrington, at the centre of the match, was far from a popular figure.
Taking control of his ninth Premier League game of the season, the Cleveland-born official was also in charge of his fourth involving Liverpool. The other three had all resulted in wins.
Harrington oversaw the 3-0 home win against Bournemouth as well as 2-1 and 3-2 victories in the space of a week over Brighton. He has also been tasked with refereeing two Championship fixtures as well.
In total, he had refereed 27 matches before Liverpool vs Fulham, making his debut in December 2021, almost exactly three years to the day of this match. He had only given out two red cards in those games, recording 92 yellow cards at an average of 3.4 per match.
Harrington also awarded 10 penalties in that time. He has officiated almost 200 Championship games as well with 10 second yellow red cards and 15 straight red cards. 56 penalties were given in there.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean felt that Pereira, specifically, should have been sent off at Anfield on Saturday. Commenting on his tackle on Gravenberch, the retired official said on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday: “In my opinion, he’s nowhere near the ball and knew what he was doing, for me it should have 100% been a red card.”
