The referee for this weekend’s Merseyside Derby has been confirmed, and it’s clear by these fans that the majority of Everton supporters are not impressed.
Those venting frustration at the Football Association’s decision have good reason to, as Martin Atkinson has not been a good luck charm for Marco Silva this season, nor does he hold a great track record in the derby from a Blues perspective.
Back in 2011, Atkinson made a name for himself among the Goodison Park faithful after he deemed Jack Rodwell’s challenge on then-Reds striker Luis Suarez worthy of a straight red card. We went on to lose that day 2-0, and the decision irked David Moyes before it was later rescinded.
Come this season, the 47-year-old has officiated two Everton fixtures so far – at home to West Ham United and Leicester City – to which we lost on both occasions. In contrast, Liverpool are unbeaten with Atkinson in the middle, winning a third of their games while drawing the other two.
As for bookings, the Drighlington-born ref is currently the 13th-most keen official to wave a red card in the Premier League with a single showing in 21 games, some way shy of Mike Dean’s nine in 21.
Yellow cards, on the other hand, are a much for frequent tool for Atkinson, who issues a booking on average 3.24 times per game – the eighth most of the 18 referees to officiate a top-flight game this season.
When word reached Everton fans on social media, these supporters were quick to share their concern…
Strange decision by the @FA to appoint Martin Atkinson to officiate this Sunday’s Merseyside derby. A man who was dropped after the last one he took and is widely known to be a Liverpool supporter. Plus he’s a poor ref anyway. @Everton should question this.
— junior rabbi (@rabbijnr) February 26, 2019
Could have been anyone’s name based on performances this season ????
— Mrs Vandebilt (@SJCooperman83) February 25, 2019
Does it matter there’s no good refs anymore
— Tim (@timmounce) February 25, 2019
The only good thing you can say about Martin Atkinson is that he’s not Jon Moss!
— Graham Woodhouse (@yankface1) February 25, 2019
Well that’s 11 v 12
— Chad Sexington (@garethd007) February 25, 2019
Absolute clown, how can PL think this is a good choice
— Jason Tooley (@Jason_Tooley) February 25, 2019
Martin Atkinson the ref for the derby hahahahaha confirmed Everton red card and 5 pens awarded to Liverpool
— Simon J Villiers (@sjv_simon) February 25, 2019
Lose tonight and then suffer our inevitable Martin Atkinson-inspired derby drubbing and that’s Silva gone I reckon.
— teadrinker68 (@teadrinker68) February 26, 2019