Liverpool suffered a 3-2 loss to Manchester United earlier this month at Old Trafford.
Image Credits: Imago Images
Chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) Howard Webb has explained that VAR’s decision to allow Benjamin Sesko’s goal against Liverpool stood due to a lack of clear evidence of a handball.
The Reds were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this month in a result that could impact their hopes of securing Champions League qualification.
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Matheus Cunha and Sesko put United 2-0 ahead early on, before Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo brought Liverpool level. However, Kobbie Mainoo scored a late winner to secure all three points for United.
The key controversy came over Sesko’s second goal, which followed a cross from Luke Shaw and a header by Bruno Fernandes.
Although replays suggested the ball may have brushed Sesko’s hand, VAR did not overturn the goal after reviewing the incident, with Webb later confirming the decision was based on insufficient conclusive evidence.
Speaking during the latest episode of Mic’d Up, a programme aired by the Premier League’s broadcast partners, on Tuesday, Howard Webb explained: “I think the clip kind of speaks for itself, doesn’t it, really? I’m pretty much with you.
“I think it probably does hit the hand. But of course, the VARs need that conclusivity. They need to be absolutely certain that it does. And it doesn’t matter what we think, does it? It matters what they think. And we do ask them to be sure that something needs acting upon.
“Clearly, Sesko doesn’t deliberately handle this. He doesn’t make himself bigger. It’s all very natural. But, of course, the Laws of the Game require any goal that comes off the hand immediately, or where the player scores immediately after hitting the arm, then it has to be disallowed, and that means the VAR has no option but to start looking for that.
“Sometimes it looks like they’re being a bit too forensic, and you hear, in this situation, the VAR looking from various angles. They want to get it right.
“If it does conclusively come off the arm, but they don’t get to that level of certainty, they probably think it probably does as well, but they need to be absolutely categorical to get involved, and they weren’t able to find it, and hence the reason that the on-field decision stood.”
Liverpool saw their hopes of securing Champions League qualification hit another setback after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday.
Ryan Gravenberch gave Liverpool an early lead, but Enzo Fernandez equalised before a flat contest saw both sides struggle to take control.
Arne Slot’s side now head into a crucial away fixture against Aston Villa on Friday evening, knowing victory is needed to strengthen their push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.