Liverpool fans fume at choice of referee for this weekend’s clash against title rivals Man City – as one points out that Chris Kavanagh was born just FIVE miles from the Etihad Stadium

• Chris Kavanagh has been chosen as the referee for Liverpool v Man City  
• The referee is from Ashton-under-Lyne, not far from the Etihad Stadium 
• Trent and Bellingham can play together but can’t get in each other’s way – IAKO

Liverpool fans are fuming at the choice of referee for their top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side could go top of the table if they beat the reigning Premier League champions in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.

Chris Kavanagh has been appointed as the referee for the massive clash between the two title rivals, with Stuart Attwell on VAR. 

Liverpool have a good record in games which Kavanagh has taken charge of, winning 13 out of a possible 15 matches.

However, Liverpool fans have slammed the decision, with one even pointing out the distance from the town Kavanagh was born, to the Etihad Stadium. 

Some Liverpool fans are unhappy that Chris Kavanagh, from Greater Manchester, has been selected to referee their top-of-the-table clash with rivals Man City on Saturday

One fan even pointed out how close Kavanagh was born to the Etihad Stadium, with Ashton-under-Lyne  around five miles away from Man City’s ground 

Liverpool could jump to the top of the table if they beat Manchester City this weekend

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On Reddit, the user posted a map asking for directions from Ashton-under-Lyne, in Greater Manchester, where Kavanagh is from to the Etihad Stadium.

They titled the post ‘Man City v Liverpool ref born this close to City ground’ while underneath it asking ‘how is this allowed?’

According to Google Maps, the distance between Ashton-under-Lyne and the Etihad Stadium is just five miles and is about a 20 minute drive.

The news also attracted attention from Liverpool fans on social media with one writing: ‘Chris Kavanagh, from Manchester, will referee our game against City. And Noel Gallagher will be in charge of VAR.’

Another fan went down the same line with their post, writing: ‘Chris Kavanagh, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, will referee the Man City v Liverpool game. Ricky Hatton will take charge of VAR, whilst Ricky Hatton’s dad will be on hand as the fourth official.’

Another posted: ‘Chris Kavanagh from Greater Manchester. Unbelievable.’ 

The post on Reddit did attract criticism from some football fans however, with one writing: ‘Getting the excuses in early fair play.’

Other fans pointed out that the Etihad Stadium wasn’t even around when the 38-year-old referee Kavanagh was born.

Other fans also hit out at the decision, with one joking Man City fan Noel Gallagher would be on VAR

Despite concerns, Liverpool have a good record in games in which Kavanagh has taken charge, winning 13 out of 15 matches

Kavanagh took charge of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle earlier this season

City played at Maine Road stadium in Moss Side until 2003.

There were some Liverpool fans though that highlighted Liverpool’s positive record under Kavanagh, with their only defeats coming in an FA Cup tie against Chelsea and a Premier League clash with Everton. 

Kavanagh took charge of City’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup earlier this season and has been on the whistle twice for Liverpool this season – both wins for the Reds. 

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