VAR Audio Reveals Why Virgil van Dijk’s Goal Against Man City Was Disallowed: ‘Clear and Obvious Action’
Liverpool were left frustrated after their first-half goal by Virgil van Dijk was ruled out during their 3–0 defeat to Manchester City. Following a formal complaint from the club, the Premier League released full VAR audio explaining the decision.
Officials determined that Andy Robertson interfered with the goalkeeper’s line of vision. Liverpool argued that Robertson had deliberately ducked to avoid contact and did not obstruct Gianluigi Donnarumma’s view.
During the Match Officials Mic’d Up broadcast, PGMOL chief Howard Webb defended the referees, stating that Robertson’s movement so close to the goalkeeper could reasonably affect his ability to react. Webb emphasized that the VAR team’s role was only to overturn a decision if it was ‘clearly and obviously wrong,’ which they concluded it was not.
In the audio, assistant referee Stuart Burt noted that Robertson was “right in front of the keeper” and impacted Donnarumma’s vision. VAR officials Michael Oliver and Tim Wood agreed, calling it a “clear and obvious action.” Consequently, referee Chris Kavanagh’s offside decision was upheld after the VAR review.
