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Liverpool File PGMOL Complaint After VAR Upholds Offside Call on Van Dijk Goal

The club seeks an explanation of how Andy Robertson’s offside “ducking” was judged to impede the goalkeeper under Law 11.

Overview

  • Assistant Stuart Burt flagged offside and referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed the goal on the field before VAR, led by Michael Oliver, completed a check and upheld the decision.
  • Officials ruled Robertson was in an offside position and made an “obvious action” by ducking near Gianluigi Donnarumma, which they said affected the keeper’s ability to play the ball.
  • Liverpool have formally contacted PGMOL chief Howard Webb to request a review, arguing Robertson neither blocked the keeper’s view nor prevented a save attempt.
  • Former Premier League referee Chris Foy said the call was subjective but not a clear and obvious error, noting VAR requires clear evidence to overturn the on-field decision.
  • Public debate has widened to calls for refinements to offside guidance, with figures such as Matt Le Tissier urging more nuance on goalkeeper eyeline interpretations.