Stuart Attwell has been dismissed as referee for Aston Villa’s Premier League match against Liverpool on Wednesday night, in a last-minute alteration.
Craig Pawson has replaced the 42-year-old. Pawson was originally slated to take command of the Championship match between Leeds United and Sunderland AFC at Elland Road on Monday evening.
However, he was replaced at the last minute by Attwell, prompting fans to question whether the decision was influenced by Pawson’s apparent support for Sheffield United.
Pawson will instead officiate Villa’s game versus Liverpool at Villa Park. Liverpool hope to increase their seven-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table.
Arne Slot’s side has won 18 of their 25 league games this season, with their lone defeat coming against Nottingham Forest in September.
