Liverpool Fans Launch Petition Against Chris Kavanagh After 3-0 Man City Defeat
Liverpool supporters have started signing an online petition calling for referee Chris Kavanagh to be removed from future matches involving the Reds following their disappointing 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
The referee, who comes from Greater Manchester, is permitted to officiate Manchester City and Manchester United games because he has no official connection to either club.
However, Kavanagh came under heavy criticism from Liverpool fans after sending Ryan Gravenberch off during Sunday’s clash at Anfield.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola and former Reds defender Jamie Carragher were among those who questioned the decision to book Gravenberch for his first foul.
Iraola argued that the initial challenge did not deserve a yellow card, suggesting the incident was relatively minor. Carragher also felt the referee acted too quickly in showing the midfielder a booking.
Liverpool’s afternoon quickly unravelled after Gravenberch’s dismissal, with Manchester City scoring three times in just 13 minutes. Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki all found the net as Pep Guardiola’s side continued their perfect start to the campaign.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have struggled for consistency, collecting just two wins from their opening six league matches and sitting ninth in the table.
Liverpool Fans Demand Action Against Referee
Frustrated supporters have turned to Change.org, where a petition has been created urging the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to prevent Kavanagh from officiating future Liverpool fixtures.
The petition’s creator claims that repeated controversial decisions have caused frustration among Reds supporters and argues that the consistency of the referee’s performances deserves closer examination.
It also calls on football authorities to review the evidence and reconsider whether Kavanagh should continue taking charge of Liverpool matches.
The campaign has gathered more than 100 signatures, with its initial target set at 200.
Petition Divides Liverpool Supporters
Despite attracting support, the campaign has also sparked disagreement among Liverpool fans.
Some supporters backed the criticism of Kavanagh and suggested that other referees should face similar scrutiny.
Others, however, believe launching a petition is an overreaction. One fan questioned whether supporters needed to move on, while another described the campaign as embarrassing, arguing that Liverpool should focus on the match rather than pursue such measures.
The debate continues as fans express their frustration over the red card and Liverpool’s heavy defeat at Anfield.
