Controversy has erupted following the circulation of an alleged statement attributed to the referee from Liverpool’s recent defeat to Manchester City. The official, who disallowed Virgil van Dijk’s first-half goal, is reported to have made a defiant and inflammatory remark that has sent shockwaves through the football community.
According to the viral message, the referee unapologetically stood by his decision to rule out the goal, expressing open hostility toward Liverpool. The alleged statement reads: “I’m not sorry for not giving Van Dijk’s goal — not one bit. I hate Liverpool, and I won’t pretend otherwise. As long as I’m the referee in their matches, they won’t get an easy ride from me. VAR can shout, pundits can rant — my whistle is final, and my call stands. Sack me if you must, but don’t expect me to bow to pressure or pity. Liverpool can take my decision or deal with the consequences. This isn’t about apologies — it’s about integrity, and I stand by mine.”
If the quote proves to be genuine, it could represent one of the most shocking episodes in recent Premier League history, raising serious questions about professionalism, impartiality, and integrity within the officiating system.
The timing of the alleged outburst has only deepened frustration among Liverpool supporters, many of whom were already furious about the decision to disallow Van Dijk’s header after a lengthy VAR review. The ruling — which overturned what looked like a legitimate goal — was described by fans as yet another example of inconsistency and bias in refereeing.
Social media has since exploded with outrage, with thousands of Liverpool fans demanding swift action from football authorities. Many have called for an official investigation into the incident, while others have urged the Premier League and the Referees’ Association to suspend the official until the matter is clarified.
While the remarks have not yet been officially verified, the potential implications are significant. If confirmed, the comments would suggest a blatant breach of neutrality and could lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal and possible legal consequences.
However, if proven false, the incident would still underline the growing mistrust between fans and football’s officiating institutions. In recent seasons, the debate around refereeing standards and VAR transparency has become one of the most divisive topics in the game, with calls for reform growing louder after each controversial decision.
For now, both Liverpool and the Premier League have declined to comment on the alleged statement. Supporters, meanwhile, continue to voice their anger, demanding accountability and fairness — not only for this match but for the integrity of English football as a whole.
