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”Don’t Mess With Liverpool” Rodgers Warns Ref Who Sent Gibbs Off

Legendary referee Clive Thomas has called for Andre Marriner and his assistants to be banned for the rest of the season for sending off the wrong player.

Thirty years after hanging up his whistle, Thomas – who was nicknamed The Book for his strict approach – has again courted controversy in a withering attack of refereeing standards.

Kieran Gibbs was sent off in Arsenal’s 6-0 defeat at Chelsea Saturday even though Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was the man who dived to palm away Eden Hazard’s off-target shot. Thomas said assistant referees Scott Ledger and Marc Perry and fourth official Anthony Taylor should share the blame with Marriner.

‘It was the most disgusting, shocking decision I’ve seen,’ said the 77-year-old Welshman.

‘‘In my opinion these four wouldn’t officiate another Premier League game this season.’’

Meanwhile, referee Andre Marriner has apologised for sending off the Arsenal defender.

A Professional Game Match Officials Limited statement has revealed the apology after Marriner dismissed Gibbs for a foul committed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain which resulted in a penalty in the 17th minute of the match.Loading article…

And ahead of his team’s next game against arch rivals, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says he has seen plenty of “firecracker” Merseyside derbies over the years – and wants a strong performance from referee  Marriner, who incidentally will official  Sunday’s game at Goodison Park.