Following the controversial antics as Liverpool took on Tottenham Hitspur this weekend – let’s take a look at the eight worst VAR decisions involving the Reds in Premier League games.
VAR is one of the most frustrating things in modern-day football. It has the potential to be so good, a finite intricate bit of tech that can make the correct decisions in an instant – sadly, this is far from the case.
Since its introduction in 2019, there have been so many issues and incorrect decisions associated with the technology, particularly in Merseyside, where Liverpool have been on the receiving end, but also the other side of some particularly dodgy decisions.
Let’s take a look at them in further detail. Here are some of the worst Premier League VAR decisions involving Jurgen Klopp‘s side.
Luis Diaz vs Tottenham Hotspur
We have to begin here, as Liverpool were robbed of a perfectly good goal against Spurs during the 23/24 season.
At 0-0 and with the Reds a man down, Luis Diaz went clean through and rifled home to the left of the Spurs keeper, but the effort was ruled out following an unusually quick VAR check. This was because the customary offside line graphic was not shown.
Referees’ body PGMOL admitted after the match that the decision to disallow was “a significant human error”.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Liverpool went on to lose the match 2-1, in what could have been a very different result had the goal stood.
Jordan Pickford vs Liverpool
The Reds were entering the 2020-2021 campaign looking to defend their Premier League crown and along came the first Merseyside Derby – which was as feisty as ever.
Someone to feel the full force of the ferocity of the fixture was Virgil Van Dijk. Jordan Pickford clattered into Van Dijk when dealing with a corner, leaving the towering centre-half looking frail on the turf.
Having failed to win the ball and definitely getting all the man, VAR then failed to award Liverpool a penalty. More shockingly, it also saw Pickford remain on the pitch.
The game finished all square, but the worst news was that this injury ended up being as bad as it looked – Van Dijk suffered cruciate ligament damage that would rule him out for the rest of the season.
Harry Kane Challenge vs Liverpool
The Spurs versus Liverpool games always seem to come with a pinch of controversy – with the December 2021 way trip to North London proving no different.
This time the debacle involved Harry Kane, who produced what looked like a really nasty studs-up challenge on Andy Robertson.
Despite a lot of force behind it, VAR waved this off – yet Robertson got sent off for something that wasn’t half as bad later.
The game finished 2-2 but once again it was VAR that grabbed the headlines.
Marcus Rashford vs Liverpool
There’s always going to be some sort of big news in a Manchester United vs Liverpool tie. The October 2019 trip to Old Trafford was a particularly frustrating one.
Liverpool went 1-0 down after a a clear foul on Liverpool’s Divock Origi saw the Red Devils win back possession and Marcus Rashford sent through who dispatched with aplomb.
Despite a thorough VAR check, the goal still stood leaving Liverpool supporters and particularly Klopp absolutely baffled.
Rodri vs Everton
For this one, we’re not exactly looking at a Liverpool game – but it had drastic consequences for the Reds.
Spanish midfielder Rodri made a clear handball for the Cityzen’s, which was reviewed and shockingly awarded as no penalty.
This proved massively costly for Liverpool as it actually sent City three points clear in the title race – which they eventually won.
The decision was that bad – Everton actually received an apology from the official after the fixture.
Linesman vs Andy Robertson
Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Andy Robertson after the Liverpool defender approached him at half-time during the game against Arsenal in April 2023.
Shockingly Robertson was given a yellow card by referee Paul Tierney for his role in the involvement.
VAR did not intervene with this, despite it being a highly serious issue.
Jordan Henderson vs Everton
In the same game as the Van Dijk challenge from Pickford back in 2020 – there was also controversy right at the death.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson thought he’d won it late on but instead, it was ruled out dubiously for offside.
Sadio Mane was allegedly the culprit, but from a fan’s perspective – he was well on. Baffling and ruined what would have been a spectacular end to an enthralling encounter.
Alexis MacAllister vs Bournemouth
Finally, another fresh in the memory – Alexis Mac Allister‘s red card against Bournemouth.
The Argentine put in a strong challenge, but nowhere near a red to anyone… apart from the official, who sent him off.
It was proven to be a mistake after the fixture when MacAllister’s three-match ban was rescinded.