This season alone, Liverpool have been affected by four errors from the video assistant referee (VAR). Jurgen Klopp’s side are often referred to as LiVARpool by opposing fans on social media. They believe the Reds are getting favorable calls from the umpires. But statistics show that this was not the case during this period.
According to ESPN, Liverpool suffered four major VAR errors against them in the 2023/2024 season, making them the worst team in the league. The worst of these was the decision to disallow Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham in September due to confusion between VAR and the on-field referee.
Despite the PGMOL’s efforts to overturn Simon Hooper’s initial decision to rule out offside, VAR officials were incorrectly told “the review has been completed”. That means Diaz was wrongfully convicted. This sparked outrage in the Premier League, with Liverpool and Klopp fans calling for a rematch.
Another poor decision against the Reds included Alexis McAllister’s back-to-back red cards against Bournemouth in August, which were later overturned after the game when Liverpool went down to 10 men. Do you think VAR is good or bad for the game? Let us know in the comments section.
Luis Dias Liverpool flagged Tottenham for offside
Luis Diaz’s goal was ruled offside by the referee and VAR. Alexis McAllister received a red card against Bournemouth. Striker Cody Gakpo was also disqualified against Burnley for Darwin Nunez’ “foul”, and against Liverpool last December, VAR failed to adjudge Martin Odegaard for handballing in the penalty area.
PGMOL director Howard Webb later admitted the call was a mistake, saying: “Whether it’s instinctive or intentional, he has a huge advantage in getting his hands back on the ball. All the feedback I’ve had since then has been very clear. In this case, the game becomes a penalty kick. I would agree.”Martin Odegaard appears to be handballing in the penalty area against Liverpool.
