Liverpool vs Arsenal VAR official REMOVED just hours before kick off as chiefs admit 'mistake' in Chelsea vs Fulham.

Changes in officiating before the Liverpool vs Arsenal match

According to The Sun: Michael Salisbury has been removed from his position as VAR official for the Liverpool vs Arsenal match just hours before kick-off.

Salisbury, 40, was VAR at the match where Chelsea beat Fulham 2-0. During that game, he suggested the referee review a video replay, resulting in the disallowed goal by Josh King.

At the moment when the score was 0-0, striker King scored a goal. But Fulham's coach Marco Silva was surprised when Salisbury called the referee Robert Jones to review the monitor. It turned out that Rodrigo Muniz had committed a 'careless foul' on Trevoh Chalobah before the goal, which was the reason for its disallowance.

The referee said: 'After reviewing, number nine of Fulham commits a careless foul, stands on the leg of the Chelsea defender, so we disallow the goal and continue with a free kick for Chelsea. No further actions will be taken.'

Former Chelsea player Joe Cole, commenting on the match on TNT Sports, noted that fouls being imposed in such cases is 'sanitizing football.'

Rio Ferdinand, former Manchester United and England player, wrote on social media: 'VAR kills the moment for this young player...'

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This incident fuels the discussion around the use of VAR, especially in the context of key moments in the game. Fans and experts continue to express concerns about how the system affects player emotions and match intrigue. The question remains whether the football association can find a balance between technological progress and the spirit of the game.