The Premier League has officially addressed the controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed goal in Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City.
According to an announcement shared via the Premier League Match Centre account on X, the referee’s initial decision to rule out the goal was reviewed and upheld by VAR. The statement clarified:
“The referee’s call of offside and no goal to Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Robertson in an offside position and deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper.”
Footage from the match shows that Andrew Robertson was positioned in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as Van Dijk’s header flew toward goal. Although Robertson appeared to duck out of the way, officials judged that his positioning interfered with the goalkeeper’s line of sight, leading to the decision to disallow the goal.
The ruling denied Liverpool a potential equaliser, and moments later, Manchester City capitalised to extend their lead.
This decision has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning whether Robertson’s involvement truly influenced the play.
