The Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel has ruled that Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City should have stood. The Times revealed these findings, which contradict the on-field decision by referee Chris Kavanagh and his assistant Stuart Burt. However, the panel also determined that VAR official Michael Oliver was correct not to overturn the call.
The Dutch defender's powerful header in the 38th minute would have leveled the score at 1-1. Officials ruled the goal out because Scotland defender Andy Robertson was in an offside position in the six-yard box, whom officials deemed to be interfering with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's line of sight as he ducked under the ball.
The panel's dual conclusion highlights the complexity of the decision. While the initial call was wrong, VAR protocol limits intervention on subjective offside calls about player interference.
The five-member panel comprises three former players or coaches, plus representatives from the Premier League and PGMOL.
Liverpool's fury
Liverpool boss Arne Slot expressed anger following the defeat, stating: "I think it is obvious and clear the wrong decision has been made. He [Robertson] didn't interfere at all with what the goalkeeper can do." Liverpool contacted PGMOL the following Monday to register their dismay.
Televised audio revealed the officials' conversation. The second assistant referee said: "[...] Robertson's in line of vision, right in front of the keeper. He's ducked under the ball. He's very, very close to him. I think he's line of vision. I think he's been impacted, mate."
Webb defends officials
PGMOL chief Howard Webb mounted a staunch defense of the decision on the Match Officials Mic'd Up show. He acknowledged the subjective nature of the call, stating: "Interfering with an opponent where the offside position player doesn't play the ball and the officials have to make a judgment whether the actions of that player impact an opponent, are some of the most subjective decisions that we have to make."
Webb admitted his view was not a view held by everybody but called the decision not unreasonable for officials to reach. He emphasized that Robertson made a "clear action to duck below the ball" just three yards from goal.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
