Goal wrongly disallowed by VAR, Liverpool officially files a complaint

Liverpool officially lodged a grievance with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following the cancellation of Virgil van Dijk’s goal during their 0-3 loss to Manchester City, causing significant dispute.

Liverpool has officially filed a complaint with the English professional referees’ board (PGMOL) after the central defender’s goal Virgil van Dijk was disallowed in the 0-3 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. The Reds argue that the referees made a serious error by not recognizing Van Dijk’s legitimate goal, which completely altered the course of the match.

At the 38th minute, with the score at 0-1, Van Dijk rose high to head the ball into Donnarumma’s net from a corner kick, seemingly bringing Liverpool back into the game. However, referee Chris Kavanagh ruled that Andy Robertson, who was in an offside position, obstructed the goalkeeper’s line of sight, and VAR Michael Oliver agreed with this decision.

After the match, Liverpool immediately sent a letter of protest to PGMOL and CEO Howard Webb. According to The Athletic, the Merseyside club “rejects” the referees’ explanation, stating that Robertson “did not block Donnarumma’s sightline” and that the VAR review process “was not properly conducted.”

Coach Arne Slot expressed his frustration: “Clearly, that was a wrong decision. Robertson had no impact on the goalkeeper’s save. I was shown a similar goal that this referee approved for Man City last season. So where is the consistency?” the Dutch manager sarcastically remarked.

Central defender Van Dijk remained calmer when interviewed: “We cannot change the referee’s decision. Regardless, the 0-3 loss is the reality, and Liverpool must reflect on itself.”

The defeat at Etihad marked Liverpool’s fifth loss in the Premier League this season, dropping them to mid-table and 8 points behind leaders Arsenal. Commentator Roy Keane stated: “Liverpool is truly in crisis. They are weak and lack character despite heavy summer spending.”

Now, coach Arne Slot and his team will have a short period to regroup before the Premier League resumes, hosting Nottingham Forest and then traveling to PSV in the Champions League.

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