Liverpool’s ultimate aim in bitter VAR row becomes clear as new evidence comes to light

Liverpool’s ultimate aim in bitter VAR row becomes clear as new evidence comes to light

Liverpool are seeking answers from the PGMOL over their disallowed goal in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham, but they do not want a replay contrary to some suggestions

 

 

VIDEO LOADING

Jurgen Klopp reviews the Tottenham Hotspur game

NEWS

POLITICS

FOOTBALL

CELEBS

TV

CHOICE

ByMark JonesSports Features Editor

21:22, 2 Oct 2023UPDATED23:51, 2 OCT 2023

|

52

|

BOOKMARK

Liverpool are committed to wanting a thorough investigation into Saturday’s remarkable Video Assistant Referee error at Tottenham, with the singling out of individuals not deemed to be good enough.

 

VAR Darren England and Assistant VAR Dan Cook were stood down from their duties for matches on Sunday and Monday after effectively disallowing a Luis Diaz goal by deciding to award it.

 

Somehow both England and Cook had mistakenly believed Diaz had not been flagged offside when he ran through to put the 10-man Reds ahead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and so when they quickly told referee Simon Hooper it was “check complete” on the call they were inadvertently backing the assistant referee’s incorrect offside decision, with Diaz clearly onside.

 

 

Jamie Carragher explains “big problem” with Curtis Jones’ red card as Liverpool appeal

 

Sky Sports provide new evidence on Luis Diaz disallowed goal as Jamie Carragher fumes

Sky Sports reported on Monday night that England and Cook did then become aware of their error but, with Tottenham having taken their free-kick to restart the game, they then felt that they were unable to stop the match and award the goal in their capacities as VARs. It is claimed that Hooper, who was working as a fourth official at Fulham against Chelsea on Monday night, was only made aware of the mistake at half-time.

 

In the past when high profile and controversial errors have been made the officials responsible have been stood down for the next game or games, but Liverpool believe that simply will not cut it this time given the unprecedented nature of the error.

 

Luis Diaz had his goal at Tottenham disallowed

Luis Diaz had his goal at Tottenham disallowed ( Image: Getty Images)

While not wanting to scapegoat England and Cook, the Reds are demanding transparency and a comprehensive review into one of the strangest decisions ever seen in the Premier League.

 

In a strongly-worded statement on Sunday evening the club said they would explore options available to them, citing a “clear need for escalation and resolution” to the problem. This does not mean that they will demand to replay the game despite suggestions to the contrary. It is purely confirmation that they do not accept the PGMOL’s explanation of “significant human error” to be adequate.

 

Saturday’s referee Simon Hooper was fourth official at Fulham vs Chelsea on Monday ( Image: PA)

A current official has dismissed the idea that England and Cook were not allowed to intervene and correct their error, telling Sky Sports: “This is not about a subjective call, it is a goal – checked and confirmed – that wasn’t given through, I would say, not one but a series of failings. It could have and should have been immediately corrected regardless of normal protocol given how many people are in the control room or are listening in. This was not a normal situation.

 

“I have to say there’s a question management should answer too, it cannot just be on one person.”

 

The fact that England, Cook and fourth official Michael Oliver were all working in the UAE 48 hours before the Tottenham match is also thought to be something Liverpool are seeking answers on.

 

Again speaking to Sky Sports, former Reds defender Jamie Carragher said on Monday night: “There has been criticism of the officials going abroad midweek. I don’t have a problem with that because a lot of our officials referee in the Champions League and Europa League and come back.

 

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Watch the Premier League, Champions League and more

Watch the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and much more

 

TNT Sports gives you access to games across the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and many more. You can also watch the biggest clashes in boxing, UFC, WWE and the get exclusive action from MLB all for one payment every month. You can watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

 

£29.99 a month and get access to discovery+ Premium at no extra costTNT SPORTS

Get it here

“What I would say is if officials are going to another country because they are better than the officials there, why can’t that work the other way? We are talking about how this season has not been good enough, Howard Webb knows that and the officials know that.

 

“If our officials are going abroad, why can’t we, the Premier League, the best league in the world with the most eyes on it, why can’t we have the best referees and best VAR officials coming to our country?”

 

 

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

 

READ MORE

 

Top Liverpool stories

Liverpool issue explosive VAR statement

Reds face FA fine

Neville hits back at Liverpool statement

Premier League take action

READ NEXT:

Sky Sports provide new evidence on Luis Diaz disallowed goal as Jamie Carragher fumes

Mikel Arteta backs Liverpool in heated VAR row and wants Reds to “get what they deserve”

Jamie Carragher explains “big problem” with Curtis Jones’ red card as Liverpool appeal

Howard Webb to agree to Liverpool audio request as PGMOL set for major VAR overhaul

Liverpool’s stinging VAR statement could force two major changes to how system operates

FollowMirror

Facebook

Twitter

Comments

52

MORE ON

LIVERPOOL FC

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC

VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE

What do Liverpool need to clinch the title? Keep up with all the Reds news with our FREE daily newsletter

 

Enter your email…

Sign up

HomeSportFootballLiverpool FC

TOP STORIES

‘HE TOLD ME HE LOVED ME…’ I’m A Celebrity and X Factor star Jake Quickenden reveals his heartbreaking final words to his little brother before tragic death

JAKE QUICKENDEN

REVEALED: What caused massive fireball lighting up night sky for miles with loud bang causing panic

ACCIDENTS

Pathetic excuse given by football yob who has lost his job after mocking Bradley Lowery

BRADLEY LOWERY

Gemma Atkinson flooded with messages from concerned fans over photo of sleeping son

GEMMA ATKINSON

Man City hero Francis Lee was an England star, toilet roll millionaire and so much more

FA CUP

REPAIR TO THE THRONE: King Charles allows Andrew to remain at his Royal Lodge home after thrashing out a deal with disgraced prince – FULL DETAILS

PRINCE ANDREW, DUKE OF YORK

Abducted girl found ‘in good health’ and suspect in custody after park kidnapping

MISSING PERSONS

BBC Panorama claims Abercrombie & Fitch fashion boss recruited for ‘sex events’

PANORAMA

Shirley Ballas sent terrifying coffin drawings as death threats spark safety fears

SHIRLEY BALLAS

Highly-mutated Covid Pirola strain now ‘in most UK regions’ – full list of symptoms

CORONAVIRUS

‘The dangers women and girls face tend not to be fully appreciated until it is too late’

WOMEN

UK set to be hotter than Barcelona, Venice and Istanbul as Indian Summer arrives in days

WEATHER

 

6

POPULAR TOPICS

News

Weird News

Travel

Tech

Politics

Showbiz

Life & Style

Mums

Football

Family

Money

Film

TV

Sport

Fashion

TeamDogs

Motoring

SUBSCRIBE

Keep up to date with all the latest news

Enter your email…Sign up

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More Info.

Newsletter preference centre

Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers

Subscribe to tablet edition

OUR PARTNERS

Sports Betting & Casino

Beauty Box Subscription

Mirror Bingo

Crosswords, Puzzles & Games

Memory Lane

Betting

Freebets

Partner Stories

SUPPORT

How to Complain

Notifications and alerts help

Corrections and Clarifications

COMPANY

About Us

Work for us

Contact Us

Irish Mirror

Syndication & Licensing

Sell your story

RESOURCES

Marketplace

Find a local business

Find a job

Shop

Discount codes

InYourArea

©2023 a Reach plc subsidiary

Do not sell or share my dataPrivacy NoticeCookie NoticeTerms and ConditionsCommunity Standards

liverpoolLoad mobile navigation

 

Dominik Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s ‘extra man’ who almost helped Jürgen Klopp do the impossible

Dominik Szoboszlai has been a revelation since arriving at Liverpool. His ability gives the club a new dimension in an area where only Mohamed Salah beats him.

 

SHARE

ByBen Bocsak

Bookmark

 

VIDEO LOADING

“THE BOY IS IMPRESSIVE” | JURGEN KLOPP ON DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI

 

Liverpool’s brilliant start to the season will not be overshadowed by the controversial defeat at Tottenham. Despite the result, Jürgen Klopp’s men can be proud of having been able to keep pace with the in-form North London side for so long even with nine men.

 

A lot has changed at Anfield since last season, and Tottenham bizarrely was probably the best game to demonstrate that. Liverpool showed more energy, guts and resilience on the pitch than they had shown through all of last season.

 

This was a vintage performance, the kind Liverpool fans had been accustomed to under Klopp until last season. The Reds are back to their very best, make no mistake about that.

 

READ MORE: Jürgen Klopp needs new Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez ‘counterweight’ if Liverpool appeal fails

 

READ MORE: Gary Lineker disagrees with Micah Richards amid call to ‘scrap VAR’ after Liverpool controversy

 

The defeat to Tottenham was simply a minor blip and it still puts Liverpool in a very strong position to continue competing for the Premier League title.

 

One of the biggest faces of Liverpool’s revival so far has definitely been Dominik Szoboszlai.

 

The Hungarian arrived at Liverpool as a bit of an unknown quantity. His name has been spoken about before, but few outside of the Bundesliga will have been aware of his exact quality and level.

 

The way he has been able to adjust to the Premier League has perhaps surprised a few people. Based on his highlight reels on YouTube he may have come across as a bit of a luxury player. A sort of number ten who creates chances and scores goals. But it’s evident that only scratches the surfaces of Szoboszlai’s actual quality. There is far more to his talent than what first meets the eye.

 

A pressing machine with abundance of energy, Szoboszlai has given Liverpool a new lease of life. On and off the ball his constant running gives Liverpool the advantage. That’s a key factor why even when the Reds are down to ten or nine men, a lot of the time they have been able to stay in the game and even win — his sheer running power makes him akin to an extra player, and he almost helped carry Klopp to an impossible result against Spurs.

 

Dominik Szoboszlai has had an impressive start at Liverpool. (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Against Tottenham, Szoboszlai made a whopping 13 recoveries. That was more than anyone else on the pitch.

 

In total no one has made more recoveries for Liverpool so far this season than Szoboszlai. He has made 55, two more than second-placed Andy Robertson, and 16 more than Alexis Mac Allister in third as per FBref.

 

Undoubtedly, his defensive contributions have been key for Liverpool. But Szoboszlai has given Klopp a new dimension going forward too. He has been everywhere.

 

He doesn’t just track back and make recoveries but he also carries the ball forward and takes Liverpool into dangerous territories in possession of the ball. He even allowed Klopp to carry a residual threat against Spurs after switching to a 5-3-0 to accommodate the second dismissal.

 

So far this season only Mohamed Salah has had more carries into the opposition’s box than Szoboszlai (6) which is a pretty remarkable feat considering he’s actually been playing quite deep in comparison to how people expected the Hungarian to be used at Liverpool.

 

On top of that Szoboszlai has also made the most carries into the final third (15) — again no small accomplishment, enough to rank him in the top five among central midfielders in the league.

 

Szoboszlai has not only given Liverpool newfound energy in the midfield, he’s created a new dimension entirely. Klopp’s never really worked with a midfielder like him. Liverpool’s midfield has always been reliable but never extraordinary. Now, in Szoboszlai, the manager has someone who can be exceptional, and that means this Liverpool team could become even better than Klopp’s previous masterpiece.

 

Follow Liverpool.com

Facebook

Twitter

Comment

MORE ON

Liverpool FCDominik SzoboszlaiJurgen Klopp

LIVERPOOL FC NEWS

ALL

TOP STORIES

Dominik Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s ‘extra man’ who almost helped Jürgen Klopp do the impossible

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI

Jürgen Klopp needs new Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez ‘counterweight’ if Liverpool appeal fails

LIVERPOOL FC

Liverpool transfer news as ace tipped to be ‘high up’ Mohamed Salah list and Spurs may land blow

LIVERPOOL FC

Liverpool can handle new Premier League rules better than anyone and Ange Postecoglou knows why

LIVERPOOL FC

Gary Lineker disagrees with Micah Richards amid call to ‘scrap VAR’ after Liverpool controversy

LIVERPOOL FC

Everything Liverpool squad said about VAR error as Alexis Mac Allister may face punishment

LIVERPOOL FC

‘I can’t deny that’ – Dermot Gallagher responds to Liverpool statement after VAR controversy

LIVERPOOL FC

Diogo Jota’s wife slams officials and PGMOL amid Liverpool controversy with ‘clown’ message

LIVERPOOL FC

Arsenal transfer ‘offensive’ for Liverpool ‘target’ as Thiago Silva criticized amid Chelsea woes

LIVERPOOL FC

‘Just don’t understand’ – Linda Pizzuti reacts to Liverpool VAR controversy amid club statement

LIVERPOOL FC

Jürgen Klopp silence speaks volumes as Liverpool cannot accept Premier League ‘rule change’

LIVERPOOL FC

Gary Neville criticizes Liverpool for ‘mistake’ as Mark Clattenburg says two things went wrong

MEDIA DIGEST

LIVERPOOL FC NEWS

TRANSFER NEWS

SCHEDULE

FEATURES

PREMIER LEAGUE

FOLLOW US

About Us

Contact Us

RSS Feeds

Newsletter Signup

Syndication & Licensing

T&Cs

Cookie Policy

Competition Rules

How to Complain

Corrections & Clarifications

Privacy Notice

Do not sell or share my data

© 2023 a Reach plc subsidiary