Referee confirmed for Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Community Shield clash who sparked Arne Slot fury earlier this year

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Liverpool and Crystal Palace will raise the curtain on the new domestic season when they contest the Community Shield next month.

Liverpool, the Premier League champions, will take on the FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday 10 August.

The Reds will be looking to lift the Community Shield for a 17th time, putting them level with Arsenal in second, while the Eagles will be contesting the trophy for the first time ever.

The FA has now confirmed the refereeing team for the encounter, and Liverpool fans likely won’t be too happy with the selection.

Referee Chris Kavanagh angered Arne Slot during Liverpool draw at Nottingham Forest

The FA’s media team confirmed on Wednesday that Chris Kavanagh will be the main referee on the day.

Back in January, Liverpool played out a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, a game that Kavanagh officiated.

Shortly before half-time, Forest defender Murillo appeared to knock Liverpool’s Luis Diaz to the ground, and the Brazilian was not penalised.

 The Athletic’s Ed Mackey noted how Slot had ‘been throwing his arms around in frustration a lot so far.

‘Sometimes because of his players, but mostly because of referee Chris Kavanagh.’

READ MORE: What sources are saying about Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool make contact over Newcastle target, it’s ‘fascinating’

Community Shield VAR will also be known to Liverpool fans

In addition, the video assistant referee (VAR) for the Community Shield has been named as Paul Tierney.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp famously had a fallout with Tierney during the Reds’ 4-3 win over Tottenham in April 2023, which resulted in a ban and fine for the coach.

Klopp was shown a yellow card for celebrating Liverpool’s 94th-minute winner in front of the fourth official and later claimed what Tierney said to him was “not okay”.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp said: “We have our story, history with Mr Tierney.

“I really don’t know what this man has with us, I really don’t know… always will say there is nothing, and it’s not true. Cannot be. I have to say it cannot be. I don’t understand it.

“I am really not sure if it’s me because how he looks at me, I don’t understand it.”

Klopp received a two-match ban – with the second game suspended – and was handed a £75,000 fine, having admitted improper conduct and saying he regretted making the comments.