EPL Referee, Kevin Friend Suspended Over Controversial Liverpool Penalty

The English Premier League has reportedly suspended one of its referees, Kevin Friend, over controversial match officiating.

Naija News understands that the 50-year-old UK-born has not been assigned any match to officiate for the next round of the EPL fixtures.

The development is coming following Friend’s decision while officiating the game between Liverpool and Crystal Palace, which saw the Reds win 3-1 at Selhurst Park.

With the score at 2-1, Liverpool’s forward Diogo Jota raced clear and bundled into Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita with minutes remaining.

Naija News understands that Friend awarded a penalty to the Reds after a VAR check.

Friend’s colleague, Craig Pawson had advised him to go to the monitor.

However, as has been the case this season, the Leicester based referee analyzed the slow motion and awarded a penalty for the visiting team.

It was the 49th time a referee had been asked to consult the pitch-side monitor and every time the original decision has been changed.

Meanwhile, more revelations have emerged on Manchester United player, Mason Greenwood following his arrest for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Harriet Robson.

Greenwood was suspended by the English Premier League club on Sunday after details of his crime surfaced on the internet, Naija News reports.

United has since said the 20-year-old will not play for the club until further notice. The lad was subsequently arrested on Sunday by the police, Naija News reports.

Reports made available on Tuesday on the case revealed that Greenwood did not only assault Robson but had threatened to kill her.

A statement released by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on Tuesday said magistrates had granted a second extension to keep the player in custody until Wednesday for further questioning.

A force spokesman said inquiries were ongoing and a woman was being “offered specialist support”.