Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 - Source: Getty
PGMOL chief Howard Webb has backed VAR's decision to disallow Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk's goal against Manchester City. He claims that Gianluigi Donnarumma's view was obstructed by Andy Robertson by fucking under the ball.
Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up, Webb said the decision was subjective, and the officials believed Robertson was affecting Donnarumma when he was in an offside position. He added that the Liverpool left-back's movement after Van Dijk headed the ball brings him into play and said (via GOAL):
"Interfering with an opponent where the offside position player doesn't play the ball and the officials have to make a judgment whether the actions of that player impact an opponent, are some of the most subjective decisions that we have to make. When Van Dijk heads the ball forward, that's the moment when we have to make an offside judgment about Robertson and about what he's doing there. We know he doesn't touch the ball but what does he do?"
"Well, as the ball moves towards him, three yards out from goal, right in the middle of the six-yard box, he makes that clear action to duck below the ball. The ball goes just over his head, and the ball finds the goal in the half of the six-yard box where he is. Then, the officials have to make a judgment - did that clear action impact on Donnarumma, the goalkeeper, and his ability to save the ball? And that's where the subjectivity comes into play."
Webb went on to say that Donnarumma is the only player who will know if Robertson actually made an impact and added:
"Only Donnarumma truly knows if he was impacted by this and, of course, we have to look at the factual evidence, and when we see that factual evidence of that position of the player ducking below the ball, so close to the goalkeeper, the VAR determines that the outcome of offside is not clearly and obviously wrong, and they stay out of it."
Liverpool were 1-0 down to Manchester City when Van Dijk scored the goal, which was eventually ruled out by the officials for offside.
Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0 in the Premier League
Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0 in the Premier League to move within four points of leaders Arsenal. Erling Haaland scored the opening goals, 13 minutes after having his penalty saved, before Nico Gonzalez doubled the lead before half-time.
Jeremy Doku scored the only goal in the second half to make it 3-0 right after the hour mark and sealed the win. Manchester City are two points clear of third-placed Chelsea, while Liverpool have fallen behind in the title race.
The defending champions are sitting eighth in the Premier League table with 17 points, eight points behind leaders Arsenal and one point behind fourth-placed Sunderland.