Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool earlier lodged a complaint with the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) over the decision to disallow Virgil van Dijk’s header against Manchester City on Sunday.
Van Dijk’s effort was ruled out in the 38th minute, with City leading 1-0.
Referee Chris Kavanagh’s on-field decision was supported by video assistant referee Michael Oliver.
The VAR judged that Liverpool defender Andy Robertson was “in an offside position and deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper” as he moved out of the way of Van Dijk’s header, which sailed past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Liverpool dispute this interpretation, arguing that Robertson did not obstruct the City goalkeeper’s line of vision.
PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, who appeared on Match Officials: Mic’d Up on Tuesday night, said it was “not unreasonable” for Van Dijk’s header to be ruled out.
VAR has released the official audio detailing the decision to disallow Virgil van Dijk’s goal during Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City.
Below is what the officials said:
Assistant referee: Robertson’s in line of vision, right in front of the keeper. He’s ducked under the ball. He’s very, very close to him. I think he’s line of vision.
“I think he’s (Donnarumma) been impacted, mate.
Referee: Ok so offside then.
Assistant referee: I think offside. Referee: On-field decision is offside.
VAR: Checking the on-field decision of offside against Andy Robertson. Delay, delay. So you’ve got clear offside position.
AVAR: I agree with the on-field decision. I think it’s offside. It’s a clear, obvious action which clearly impacts on the goalkeeper.
VAR: Chris, it’s Michael. Confirming the on-field decision of offside against Andy Robertson.
“He is in an offside position, very close to the goalkeeper and makes an obvious movement directly in front of him.
“Check complete, offside.
Listen to the audio of Virgil van Dijk’s goal against Manchester City being disallowed 🔊
Speaking on Match Officials Mic’d Up, PGMO chief Howard Webb explains why VAR did not intervene to overturn the decision. pic.twitter.com/l3sYMYmjJR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 11, 2025
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