Craig Pawson, who was due to referee Thursday’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Chelsea, was stood down due to coronavirus protocols.
Pawson was told he had recently come into close contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, and will now have to isolate - and missed the game as a consequence
Martin Atkinson took over as the main match official for tonight’s game at Anfield, with Liverpool and Chelsea both battling for a top-four finish.
Mason Mount’s first-half strike powered Chelsea into the top four and condemned Liverpool to another Premier League defeat.
On an evening to forget for the champions, Mount’s goal three minutes from half-time proved the difference at Anfield.
Chelsea leapfrogged Everton into the Champions League places following their impressive 1-0 victory - but the result sent the Reds to a record fifth consecutive home defeat and eighth loss of the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s out-of-sorts side are seventh in the table, 22 points behind leaders Manchester City.
