During Liverpool’s final Premier League game of the 2024–25 season against Crystal Palace, an image of Mohamed Salah embracing assistant referee Derek Eaton went viral. An Arsenal supporter posted the photo with the caption, “I don’t want to speak,” hinting at possible favoritism.
What many didn’t realize, however, was that this match was Eaton’s last as a Premier League assistant referee. The hug from Salah was a respectful farewell, recognizing Eaton’s retirement after a notable officiating career. As reported by journalist David Lynch, it was a “really nice touch” from the Liverpool forward
