Darren England, a 40-year-old referee, has made a remarkable comeback after a VAR error in a 2020 match between Tottenham and Liverpool. The mistake, which incorrectly disallowed a goal, led to intense media scrutiny and a period of self-doubt. However, England has persevered and is now considered one of the most-trusted referees in the Premier League. He has refereed high-profile matches, including the FA Cup final, and has been promoted to a VAR in the Champions League. England attributes his resilience and experience to his ability to bounce back from the setback. He emphasizes that referees are not indifferent to mistakes, but rather, they are human and can make errors. England also highlights the challenges of refereeing in the modern game, including the pressure of VAR and the mental fatigue that comes with it. Despite the difficulties, England remains committed to his role and is determined to continue making a positive impact on the game.
Sport
The referee who became a role model after bouncing back from Diaz error
Prepared with AI assistance; not independently fact-checked. Original source: BBC Sport