Mike Dean showed off the affects of lockdown as he sported a strong beard in Liverpool's game with Everton.
Wednesday marked the return of the Premier League and both Merseyside clubs are playing for the first time in over 100 days.
It is also the first time fans have seen celebrity referee Dean back in action.
And the well known official was immediately noticeable due to his grey bushy beard.
Dean last officiated a game on March 8 - Manchester United's 2-0 derby with over rivals City.
And he returns to take charge of arguably the most fiery fixture on the calendar.
He took charge of the reverse fixture back in December which Liverpool won 5-2.
Dean is yet to dish out a red card in any competition this term but has awarded six penalty kicks.
Everton have not enjoyed a huge amount of success in recent Merseyside derbies with their last win coming almost ten years ago at Goodison Park.
A win for Liverpool will take them to within three points of a first ever Premier League title.
There was speculation that the fixture would be moved to a neutral venue amid fears of fans gathering outside the stadium which would undo all the measures authorities have put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
But local authorities gave the green light for the contest to remain on Merseyside.
Liverpool's last game was their 3-2 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid which saw them surrender their European crown.
While Everton have not been seen in action since shipping four at Chelsea - the former club of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
