Review of VAR Decisions Sought by Liverpool

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Liverpool has sought an explanation for yesterday’s refereeing disaster-class.

Yesterday’s Merseyside derby made headlines for a number of reasons, but particularly for two instances involving refereeing decisions that have been universally condemned by fans and neutrals. The first involved Jordan Pickford’s tackle on Virgil Van Dijk inside his own box, which should have seen Pickford receive a red card but did not. The second was Jordan Henderson’s goal in the 92nd minute, that was overturned since Sadio Mane was apparently offside.

Liverpool have requested the Premier League to review the VAR decisions made during the game. According to Melissa Reddy, Liverpool will seek details on the part of Mane’s body that was supposedly offside, and the timestamp and frame used to calculate the VAR decision. Goal reports that they will also ask for an explanation about why VAR did not intervene during the Pickford incident.

The response sought would come from the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) — the organisation in charge of referees and VAR.

What any official explanation from the PGMOL can do at this point other than placate in principle or further incense the club and its fanbase, is as good as anyone’s guess.

Meanwhile, Virgil Van Dijk is consulting with a specialist to determine the extent of his injury as a result of Pickford’s challenge. In a third incident, a rash tackle by Richarlison also saw Thiago pick up an injury, but it has been deemed to be less severe than initially expected.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com