Overview
- Referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed Van Dijk’s first‑half header at Manchester City after Andy Robertson was judged offside and interfering with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
- The Premier League released the officials’ audio, with the assistant citing Robertson “ducked under the ball,” was “very close” to the keeper and affected him, before VAR Michael Oliver confirmed the on‑field call.
- Liverpool have formally contacted PGMOL, arguing Law 11 criteria were not met and questioning the process, including that no pitch‑side monitor review was used.
- Howard Webb said such offside interference calls are subjective and not “clearly and obviously wrong,” contrasted the incident with a previous City–Wolves case, and indicated the decision will not be overturned.
- The League Managers Association says managers are pressing for structural VAR changes, including regular referee–VAR pairings and improved recruitment and training to boost consistency.