VAR NO GOAL
Liverpool’s attempt to equalise against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was thwarted when Virgil van Dijk’s header was disallowed for offside. The decision came after Andy Robertson was deemed to have obstructed Gianluigi Donnarumma while in an offside position. The incident occurred when Van Dijk expertly headed the ball into the net from a well-executed corner, with Robertson ducking under the ball just before it reached the goal. However, the linesman’s flag was raised thirteen seconds after the ball hit the back of the net, leading to the goal being disallowed.
Howard Webb said: “For sure Michael, a huge decision in a big game. As the ball moves towards Robertson – three yards out from goal in the middle of the six-yard box – he makes that clear action to duck below the ball. It goes just over his head and finds the goal in the half of the six-yard box where he is. The officials have to make a judgement, did that clear action impact on the goalkeeper and his ability to save the ball? They looked at that action so close to the goalkeeper and formed that opinion. They form the conclusion that it impacts Donnarumma’s ability to dive towards the ball and make the save. Only Donnarumma truly knows if he was impacted by this and we have to look at the factual evidence.”
Assistant referee said: “Robertson’s in line of vision, right in front of the keeper. He’s ducked under the ball. He’s very, very close to him. I think he’s line of vision. I think he’s (Donnarumma) been impacted, mate.”
Referee Chris Kavanagh said: “Ok so offside then.”
VAR Michael Oliver said: “Checking the on-field decision of offside against Andy Robertson. Delay, delay… So you’ve got clear offside position.”
AVAR Tim Wood said: “I agree with the on-field decision. I think it’s offside. It’s a clear, obvious action which clearly impacts on the goalkeeper.”
VAR Michael Oliver said: “Chris, it’s Michael. Confirming the on-field decision of offside against Andy Robertson. He is in an offside position, very close to the goalkeeper and makes an obvious movement directly in front of him.”
The release of the audio footage by the Premier League provides insight into the decision-making process of the officials. The discussion highlights the complexity of the decision, focusing on Robertson’s position and movement in relation to the goalkeeper. The officials concluded that Robertson’s actions impacted Donnarumma’s ability to make a save, leading to the offside ruling. This incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, adding another layer to the ongoing discussions about the use of VAR in football.
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