Liverpool fans rally against Chris Kavanagh after Manchester City win
Liverpool supporters have launched a Change.org petition demanding referee Chris Kavanagh be barred from future matches after their 3‑0 loss to Manchester City on Sunday. The online drive, already signed by more than 100 fans, aims to reach 200 signatures and reflects growing frustration with the officiating.
Kavanagh’s appointment and eligibility
Chris Kavanagh, a 41‑year‑old official from Greater Manchester, is permitted by Pro Ref – formerly known as the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) – to take charge of Manchester City and Manchester United fixtures because he has no formal affiliation with either club. He is not among the Premier League match officials currently barred from overseeing a particular team. Outside the top flight, Kavanagh supports non‑league side Droylsden FC.
During the Anfield game, Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was shown a straight red after a challenge that many deemed a minor toe‑stomp. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola argued the first foul never warranted a yellow, saying “the first foul of Ryan is never a yellow card, never”. Former club legend Jamie Carragher echoed the sentiment, describing the decision as “far too quick”. Within 13 minutes of the dismissal, Manchester City struck three times through Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, cementing their perfect start to the season.
Liverpool’s early season struggles
The defeat left Liverpool ninth in the Premier League table after just two victories from six opening fixtures. Their inconsistent form has left fans uneasy ahead of the next round of matches.
Jamie Carragher urges Liverpool to bench Wirtz after Man City loss
The petition on Change.org calls for Kavanagh to be excluded from future Liverpool games, arguing that each of his appointments “turns a celebration into a source of distress”. It urges the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited to reassess his suitability, citing “numerous instances of questionable officiating” and “evidence from game replays”. The campaign currently lists over 100 signatures, with the original target set at 200.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville also voiced concern, making an “eye‑opening request” to his employers after the Anfield encounter. Neville’s appeal adds weight to the growing chorus demanding accountability from the officiating body.
Rob’s journey from university to senior editor
Andrew Boyers Rob, senior football editor at GiveMeSport (often written as Give Me Sport), graduated from the University of Gloucestershire in 2008 with a journalism degree after a childhood obsession with football. He began producing content for clients such as Luton Town Football Club and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, and his first major interviews were with Premier League referees Howard Webb and Michael Oliver in 2009. After four years at a betting website covering the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, Rob joined GiveMeSport in 2013, rising to senior editor in 2020 and having written well over 10 000 articles, including interviews with Rio Ferdinand and pieces on the Premier League game.