After the Premier League finishes its investigation into Cheater City, it should also look into the PGMOL and the processes behind these referee appointments. There’s only one referee based in Merseyside, and he’s not permitted to officiate Liverpool or Everton matches. This restriction exists despite him living in the same region as both clubs, raising questions about consistency in how officials are assigned. By contrast, three Manchester-based referees: Anthony Taylor, Chris Kavanagh and Paul Tierney have between them taken charge of Manchester United or Manchester City matches a total of 209 times. That’s a striking volume of games involving the two local clubs, with no equivalent barrier preventing them from officiating those fixtures.