Liverpool thought they had equalised against a title rival in Manchester City, but VAR ruled Van Dijk’s header out for offside involving Andy Robertson. Former referee Mark Clattenburg explains what went wrong.
Liverpool believed they had hauled themselves back into the game just before half-time, only for VAR to deny them in a moment that has already sparked debate.
The Reds suffered another Premier League defeat, this one especially painful as it came against a direct title rival. For a brief moment in the 39th minute, it looked as though Virgil van Dijk had salvaged a lifeline with a powerful header.
But the celebration was short-lived. VAR ruled Andy Robertson was interfering with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s line of sight, chalking the goal off for offside. Fans and pundits alike have been left divided over the decision.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg has weighed in exclusively, offering insight on what Robertson could have done differently.
“It will split opinions but Andrew Robertson is in an offside position in front of the goalkeeper when Virgil Van Dijk heads the ball into the goal,” Clattenburg told Rousing The Kop.
“I believe if Robertson had made a movement to the left or right and had not ducked under the ball which distracted the goalkeeper, he would not have been punished for being in the offside position.”
He continued: “Robertson does not affect the line of vision as a defender was blocking this and does not impact his ability to save the ball but clearly distracts.”
Clattenburg stressed the subjectivity of the decision: “He was offside, but the question is ‘does he distract, in line of vision or affects his ability to play the ball?’ This is why it’s subjective and everyone will have an opinion.”
Once again, Premier League VAR controversy has left Arne Slot visibly frustrated on the sideline. From one angle, Van Dijk’s header looked perfectly legitimate. From another, the offside decision is defensible.
The debate over Robertson’s involvement continues, keeping fans and experts talking long after the final whistle.
In the end, it was another case of VAR leaving Liverpool and their fans frustrated, with a moment of hope turned into heartbreak. Robertson’s positioning may have been marginal, but as Clattenburg highlights, it’s all about interpretation.
For Arne Slot and his side, it’s back to the drawing board and another reminder that in the Premier League, even the smallest decisions can have huge consequences.
