VAR Decisions Spark Debate in Liverpool vs. Manchester City Match

Controversial decisions by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the recent match between Manchester City and Liverpool have reignited debates about officiating in the Premier League. In a game held on October 28, 2023, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk saw his goal disallowed for offside, while a penalty awarded to Manchester City following a foul on Jérémy Doku has raised questions about the accuracy and consistency of VAR protocols.

Van Dijk’s Disallowed Goal

In the first half, specifically at the 38th minute, Van Dijk scored a header from a corner taken by Mohamed Salah. However, the goal was ruled out as Andrew Robertson was judged to be in an offside position and interfering with City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma‘s view. The assistant referee, Stuart Burt, initially flagged the play, leading to a confirmation from the main referee, Chris Kavanagh, that the goal would not stand.

According to former Select Group referee Andy Davies, who has extensive experience with VAR, the decision hinged on whether Robertson’s position impacted Donnarumma’s ability to make a save. The VAR, Michael Oliver, supported the on-field call, concluding that Robertson was making an “obvious action” affecting the goalkeeper’s view. This assessment is subjective and led to considerable discussion among observers regarding the fairness of the ruling.

Davies emphasized that while Robertson’s offside position alone does not constitute an offense, his interference was deemed significant enough to justify the disallowance of the goal. This decision reflects the nuanced nature of officiating in high-stakes matches, where such calls can be pivotal.

Controversial Penalty Decision

The first half also featured a notable incident involving a challenge by goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili on Doku just nine minutes into the game. Mamardashvili attempted to clear the ball but misjudged his timing, sliding into Doku and causing him to lose his balance. Initially, Kavanagh did not award a penalty, allowing play to continue.

After reviewing the incident, VAR Oliver suggested an on-field review (OFR), which led Kavanagh to award a penalty to Manchester City. The decision was based on multiple replays that showed Mamardashvili’s contact with Doku’s foot, albeit minimal. Oliver’s recommendation for an OFR was justified, as it provided clarity on the foul that Kavanagh may have missed in real-time due to the fast-paced nature of the match.

This intervention demonstrated the effectiveness of VAR in correcting potential errors, as Kavanagh ultimately agreed with Oliver’s assessment. The penalty decision highlighted the challenges referees face during matches and the important role VAR plays in ensuring accuracy.

The contrasting decisions regarding Van Dijk’s disallowed goal and the penalty awarded to City serve as a reminder of the ongoing complexities and debates surrounding VAR implementation in the Premier League. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will continue to scrutinize these pivotal moments, seeking clarity and consistency in officiating standards.