Controversy Erupts as Van Dijk's Goal is Chalked Off
A major controversy has engulfed the Premier League after Virgil van Dijk's first-half equaliser for Liverpool against Manchester City was disallowed for offside. The incident, which occurred last Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, has drawn fierce criticism from pundits and managers alike, with the full VAR audio being made public on Tuesday.
Shearer's Verdict on the Controversial Call
Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer has become the latest high-profile figure to voice his strong disapproval of the decision. Speaking to Betfair, Shearer left no room for doubt about his feelings. "I'm dead against that being disallowed," he stated, acknowledging that while Liverpool may not have deserved anything from the game overall, that should not have influenced the ruling on the goal.
Shearer systematically dismantled the justification for the call, focusing on the key stipulation. "It says he clearly has to impact the goalkeeper - I don't think he did," he argued. "The goalkeeper wasn't stopping it anyway." He concluded that it was simply a "really poor decision," and supported Liverpool's decision to take the matter to the PGMOL, the body responsible for match officials in England.
The Official VAR Ruling and Reaction
The released audio from Stockley Park featured VAR official Michael Oliver communicating with on-field referee Chris Kavanagh. Oliver confirmed the on-field decision, stating: "He's [Andy Robertson] in an offside position, very close to the goalkeeper and makes an obvious movement directly in front of him. Check complete, offside."
This definitive ruling did little to quell the anger from Merseyside. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was furious in his post-match press conference, telling Sky Sports it was "obvious and clear the wrong decision has been made." He further highlighted an inconsistency by referencing a similar goal that was allowed for Manchester City against Wolves last season, officiated by the same referee.
The defeat leaves Liverpool in eighth position in the Premier League table, now trailing leaders Arsenal by a significant eight points. Manager Arne Slot will use the international break to regroup his squad before their next fixture against Nottingham Forest later this month.
