Home / Sports / VAR Correct, Panel Split on Liverpool's Disallowed Goal
VAR Correct, Panel Split on Liverpool's Disallowed Goal
20 Nov
Summary
- An expert panel reviewed Liverpool's disallowed goal at Manchester City.
- The panel voted three to two that the on-field decision was incorrect.
- Despite the split, VAR's decision not to intervene was deemed correct.

A recent assessment by an expert panel has shed light on the contentious disallowed goal scored by Liverpool against Manchester City. The panel, tasked with reviewing significant refereeing decisions, found itself divided on the initial call. Although a majority voted that the on-field decision to disallow the goal was incorrect, they concurred that the video assistant referee (VAR) team made the right call by not overturning it.
This review addresses the incident in the 38th minute of the match, where Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk believed he had equalized. Referee Chris Kavanagh and his assistant ruled Andy Robertson offside for ducking under the ball, a decision supported by VAR officials Michael Oliver and Tim Wood. Liverpool had formally questioned the ruling, believing the criteria for an offside offense were not met.
The outcome highlights a significant debate within football officiating. While the VAR's adherence to protocol was validated, the split within the expert panel underscores the subjective nature of certain decisions and their impact on match outcomes. The panel's split vote suggests ongoing discussion regarding the interpretation of offside rules and player interference.




