VAR NO GOAL
The recent Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City has been marred by controversy following the disallowance of Liverpool’s equalising goal. PGMOL chief Howard Webb has come forward to defend the decision, which ruled out Virgil van Dijk’s header. The decision was made after it was determined that Andy Robertson, who was in an offside position, interfered with play, leading to the goal being chalked off. This has sparked significant debate and concern from Liverpool, who have since raised the issue with the PGMOL.
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.”
The 54-year-old responded: “There is a clear difference here, the ball goes over [Jose] Sa’s head. It doesn’t go over Bernardo Silva’s, he is in an offside position but importantly he moves to the left of the flight and it goes over Sa. It doesn’t go over the head of Silva like it did for Robertson, who ducked below it. It’s difficult to see it as Sa impacted by Bernardo Silva.”
The disallowed goal has prompted Liverpool to formally express their concerns to the PGMOL, questioning the subjective nature of the decision. Liverpool’s stance is that Robertson did not impede the goalkeeper, Donnarumma, and they have rejected the notion that the decision was justified. This incident highlights the ongoing debates surrounding the interpretation of offside rules and the impact of VAR in crucial match decisions.
The controversy has reignited discussions about the consistency and transparency of officiating in the Premier League, with clubs and fans alike calling for clearer guidelines and communication from the authorities. As the season progresses, the scrutiny on refereeing decisions is likely to intensify, with clubs keen to ensure fairness and accuracy in match outcomes.
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