The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced in the Premier League three seasons ago to provide accurate on-field decisions and minimize human error. However, it has faced criticism due to its inconsistent and questionable decisions on numerous occasions, raising concerns about its effectiveness.
Liverpool recently played at the Spurs Stadium against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The game finished in favor of the home side with a 2-1 scoreline. During the game, Liverpool’s early goal was ruled out by VAR, leaving the Reds boss Jurgen Klopp furious.
Jurgen Klopp furious at PL referees
Liverpool succumbed to its first defeat of the season after they were down to 10 men and ended up conceding a last-minute own goal through Joel Matip, giving away all three points to Spurs.
Liverpool were handed two red cards in both halves. In the 26th minute, Curtis Jones got sent off for his reckless challenge on Yves Bissouma. Ten minutes later, Spurs took the lead through Son Hueing-min’s opener. Fortunately for the Reds, Klopp’s men leveled it before the first half with Cody Gakpo’s equalizer.
In the second half they had another red, this time Diogo Jota was the receiver. Yet Liverpool bravely defended against relentless waves of Tottenham attacks, despite having only nine players on the pitch for more than 20 minutes.
The highlight of the game remains an incorrect decision against the away side. Liverpool’s Colombian winger Luis Diaz netted the first goal of the match in the 34th minute, but the offside flag was immediately raised by the on-field official, ruling out the goal.
Despite VAR intervention, the goal stood canceled even though no offside lines were drawn during confirmation of the decision.
Post-match, Jurgen Klopp said,” I never saw a more unfair game”, expressing his frustration following a heartbreaking loss in the 96th minute.
The Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was enraged by the match officials for the incorrect decision, he said, “Who does that help now?”, on the PGMOL statement admitting the error from their side made a significant impact on the game.
PGMOL’s statement on Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the organization responsible for providing match officials in the premier league matches, issued an official statement regarding the decision made in the Liverpool versus Spurs fixture on Saturday.
“PGMOL acknowledges a significant human error occurred during the first half of Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool”, the statement issued by PGMOL said.
The statement further read, “The goal by Luis Díaz was disallowed for offside by the on-field team of match officials. This was an obvious factual error and should have resulted in the goal being awarded through VAR intervention, however, the VAR failed to intervene”.
PGMOL stated that they would contact Liverpool after the match to acknowledge the mistake and assured the away team that they would conduct a full review of the matter.
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