Dentist spells pain for Gerrard
The German is considered one of the top referees in Europe and UEFA’s decision will mean another meeting with Steven Gerrard, who he booked earlier in the season during an England match leading to a suspension for the defeat in Croatia.
Merk, a former dentist, was also in charge when Gerrard’s back-pass gifted France victory against England in Euro 2004, so he is not a lucky charm for the Red’s captain.
UEFA’s referees’ committee chose Merk for the first leg of the semi-final, a repeat of 2005’s controversial last-four clash.
On that occasion, Luis Garcia scored a second-leg winner which referee Lubos Michel allowed to stand, although replays could not prove the ball went over the line before Chelsea cleared.
Michael Essien is suspended for the Liverpool game, which could lead to a selection headache at centre-back.
Michael Ballack, Joe Cole, Lassana Diarra, Didier Drogba and Arjen Robben are all a yellow card away from suspension.
