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Martin Atkinson sent off Steve Gerrard the last time he took charge of the derby
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Liverpool vs Manchester United: Concern for Reds as they have never beaten rivals with Martin Atkinson as ref

LIVERPOOL are already be up against it in the North West derby after Martin Atkinson was picked as ref.

The Reds have not beaten their bitter rivals in three games with the official in charge.

 Martin Atkinson sent off Steve Gerrard the last time he took charge of the derby
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Martin Atkinson sent off Steve Gerrard the last time he took charge of the derbyCredit: PA:Press Association
 Juan Mata scored twice in the 2015 victory for United
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Juan Mata scored twice in the 2015 victory for UnitedCredit: Getty Images

In the last meeting Atkinson officiated, he sent off Steven Gerrard 38 seconds after the Anfield legend came off the bench.

Brendan Rodgers' side went on to lose the March 2015 clash 2-1 thanks to two Juan Mata strikes.

Atkinson also took charge of a 3-0 United victory at Old Trafford earlier that season and a 1-0 win at Anfield in March 2007.

He is yet to take charge of the Reds this season but did oversee Jose Mourinho's team as they routed West Ham 4-0 in their opener.

 United fans blasted Martin Atkinson for not sending off David Luiz at Stamford Bridge
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United fans blasted Martin Atkinson for not sending off David Luiz at Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters

Despite their record, United fans will not be totally satisfied with the appointment after a series of high-profile blunders against Chelsea.

Atkinson failed to send off David Luiz for a high boot on Marouane Fellaini during the 4-0 defeat to  Stamford Bridge last season.

While Sir Alex Ferguson slammed Atkinson's performance at Chelsea in 2011 after Luiz was not shown a second yellow for a trip on Wayne Rooney.

 United are hoping to have Romelu Lukaku back from injury
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United are hoping to have Romelu Lukaku back from injuryCredit: Rex Features

Speaking after the game, he said: "You hope you get a really strong referee in games like this.

“It was a major game for both clubs and you want a fair referee. You want a strong referee anyway and we didn’t get that.

“I don’t know why he’s got the game. I must say that when I saw who was refereeing it, I feared the worst.”


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