Title: Controversial VAR Decision Denies Liverpool a Goal: What Went Wrong?
Introduction
In a recent Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham, referee Simon Hooper made a crucial error that cost Liverpool a legitimate goal. The incident involved a controversial offside decision that was not rectified in time due to a blunder by VAR Darren England. This article will delve into the details of the incident, the protocols surrounding VAR use, and the potential consequences of overturning the decision.
The Mistaken VAR Decision
During the match, Luiz Diaz scored a goal for Liverpool, only to have it disallowed for offside. However, it was later revealed that VAR had incorrectly informed referee Simon Hooper that the goal should have been allowed. Unfortunately, this information came too late for Hooper to reverse his decision and award the goal to Liverpool.
The Concession by PGMOL Chiefs
Following the incident, PGMOL chiefs admitted that England had mistakenly told Hooper “check complete” under the false assumption that Diaz had not been flagged offside. As a result, Hooper restarted play with a Tottenham free-kick. It was only when the ball went out of play for a throw-in to Liverpool that Hooper was informed of the error.
The Limitations of VAR Protocols
According to the International FA Board protocols on VAR use, if play has stopped and been restarted, the referee is not allowed to undertake a review unless it involves mistaken identity or potential sending-off offenses such as violent conduct, spitting, biting, or extremely offensive actions. Unfortunately, this protocol does not extend to rectifying flawed offside decisions like in this case.
Contrasting Incident: Manchester United vs. Brighton
Some fans, particularly Liverpool supporters, have drawn comparisons to a previous incident involving Manchester United and Brighton. In that match, referee Chris Kavanagh failed to spot Neal Maupay’s clear handball off the goal line and had already signaled the end of the game. However, the VAR, ironically Hooper himself, spotted the offense before play restarted, allowing added time for a penalty to be converted by Bruno Fernandes.
The Potential Consequences of Overturning the Decision
Had Hooper decided to “go back” to the offside decision and award the goal, it would have been a fundamental breach of the protocols and the Laws of the Game. Such a decision would likely have led to protests from Tottenham and could have resulted in the match being declared null and void, requiring a replay. The FA would have been forced to agree with the Premier League’s decision in such a scenario.
Conclusion
The controversial VAR decision that denied Liverpool a legitimate goal against Tottenham highlights the complexities and limitations of VAR protocols. While mistakes can occur, it is crucial to adhere to established rules and guidelines to maintain fairness and integrity in the game. As technology continues to play a significant role in football, it is essential to strike a balance between its benefits and potential pitfalls to ensure accurate and timely decisions on the field.