PGMOL Releases VAR Audio Explaining Van Dijk’s Disallowed Goal in Man City’s 3–0 Victory Over Liverpool
Manchester City secured a convincing 3–0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, but the match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding a first-half goal from Virgil van Dijk that was ruled out. The Dutch defender appeared to have levelled the score in the 38th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed after a VAR review concluded that Andy Robertson, positioned offside, obstructed goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s view.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his squad were left perplexed by the decision, which adds to a growing list of contentious VAR moments this Premier League season. During Sky Sports’ Match Officials Mic’d Up, the PGMOL released the official VAR audio featuring Michael Oliver and his team at Stockley Park, shedding light on their reasoning.
In the audio, the assistant VAR (AVAR) noted that Robertson was directly in Donnarumma’s line of sight and appeared to duck beneath the ball, affecting the goalkeeper’s ability to respond. After reviewing multiple camera angles, Oliver confirmed Robertson’s offside position and determined that his actions interfered with play. Referee Chris Kavanagh was subsequently advised to maintain the on-field decision.
Liverpool have since contacted the PGMOL to express “serious concerns” over the call. PGMOL chief Howard Webb later addressed the controversy, explaining that offside rulings involving interference without contact are often subjective. He acknowledged that while only Donnarumma could truly confirm the impact, VAR is instructed to intervene only when an error is clear and obvious.
“Only Donnarumma knows how much his view was affected,” Webb stated. “Since the evidence wasn’t conclusive enough to deem the decision clearly wrong, the original call stood.”
Despite the frustration, Manchester City went on to dominate the second half, with goals from Erling Haaland, Nico González, and Jeremy Doku sealing a comfortable win. Arne Slot later suggested that the disallowed goal could have completely shifted the game’s momentum. Liverpool now find themselves sitting eighth in the Premier League after an unsteady start to their title defence.
