By Fatma Younis
Referee Darren England has spoken about the highs and lows of his career, from a high-profile VAR error that stalled his progress to his recent appointment as a video assistant referee in the Champions League.
Low point after Luis Diaz incident
Three years ago, while acting as VAR for a Premier League match between Tottenham and Liverpool, England mistakenly confirmed an offside call that disallowed a legitimate goal by Luis Diaz. The error drew intense media scrutiny and affected his family, with photographers gathering outside his children's school. England was removed from Premier League selection for nearly three months and did not return to VAR duties for six-and-a-half months.
Rehabilitation and support
England worked with a sports psychologist and relied on support from family, friends, and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). He was eased back into top-flight matches, initially with experienced VAR Michael Oliver as support. England emphasized that referees take mistakes deeply personally and that the VAR hub is a high-pressure, mentally exhausting environment.
FA Cup final and major VAR decisions
England's return to form was marked by his appointment as VAR for the 2026 FA Cup final, where Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley. He also oversaw a crucial VAR decision disallowing a West Ham equalizer against Arsenal in May, which was described as one of the biggest VAR calls ever. England said he kept calm under pressure and viewed the FA Cup final as the pinnacle of his refereeing career.
Recognition as a role model
At a referees' training camp at Loughborough University, Professional Referee Group director Hugh Dallas introduced England as a "role model" after he reached 100 Premier League appearances. England, who qualified as a referee at 15 and once coached at Barnsley's academy, chose to restart his career in the National League in 2015 to become a referee, earning promotion to the Premier League within four and a half years.
Champions League promotion and future goals
After 10 Conference League and six Europa League appointments as VAR, UEFA has elevated England to the Champions League for the first time, with Galatasaray versus Stuttgart on Tuesday. He said he aims to officiate in other major finals, including the Carabao Cup and Championship play-off final, and stressed that officials must keep improving as players get better.
