In a dramatic twist late in the match, Liverpool's new signing Florian Wirtz had the glory of his first goal for the club snatched away by an official Premier League decision.
The Cruel Decision from the Goals Panel
The pivotal moment came in the 81st minute of Liverpool's clash with Sunderland on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025. With the Reds chasing the game, a scramble in the Sunderland box led to the ball hitting the net, sparking celebrations with Florian Wirtz at the centre.
However, the joy was short-lived. The Premier League's official goal accreditation panel reviewed the incident and made a decisive call. They adjudged that the final touch came off Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele, thereby ruling it an own goal.
Official Statement Confirms the Blow
The league's Match Centre made the announcement public via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The statement was concise and definitive, leaving no room for debate.
The post read: "#LIVSUN – 81’. The goal accreditation panel has adjudged Liverpool’s 81st minute goal as a Mukiele own goal."
This official ruling means the late equaliser will not be added to the young German midfielder's personal tally, a brutal denial of what would have been a memorable milestone in his Anfield career.
What This Means for Wirtz and Liverpool
For Florian Wirtz, the decision is a significant personal disappointment. A first goal for a new club is a key moment for any player, offering a boost in confidence and connection with the supporters. That moment has now been officially erased from the record books.
For Liverpool, while the source of the goal is changed, the outcome of the match remains the same. The equaliser secured a valuable point in the context of their Premier League campaign, but the narrative surrounding it has been fundamentally altered.
The incident highlights the often controversial and precise work of the Premier League's goals panel, whose decisions can redefine moments of high drama on the pitch. For now, Wirtz must wait for another opportunity to officially open his scoring account for Liverpool.
