Gary Neville has criticized Liverpool for using “dangerous phrases” and being “vague” and “aggressive” in a strongly-worded statement that targeted PGMOL.
The Reds issued a statement on Sunday evening after PGMOL, the body overseeing Premier League referees, admitted to incorrectly disallowing Luis Diaz’s goal against Spurs for offside. PGMOL acknowledged a “significant” human error, stating, “This was a clear and obvious factual error and should have resulted in the goal being awarded through VAR intervention.”
Following the VAR’s initial belief that the on-field decision had been to award a goal, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his frustration, citing “crazy decisions” and “unfair circumstances” in his post-match interview.
A day later, Liverpool released their own statement, deeming PGMOL’s explanation “unacceptable” and indicating their intent to explore various available options in the meantime.
Following the incident in North London, Sky Sports pundit and commentator Gary Neville reacted to PGMOL’s initial statement live on air, saying: “It was too quick and something was obviously wrong.”
He could also be heard saying “no” on numerous occasions as host Kelly Cates read out the statement.
And on Sunday night at 10:28pm, the former Manchester United defender reacted to the above statement made by Liverpool.
“Jurgen Klopp handled the situation well last night after the game. Most football fans will have had empathy with what happened and recognised it was wrong!” Neville wrote onX.
“However Liverpool’s statement tonight is a mistake! Talk of exploring all options (what does that mean!!! ) and sporting integrity are dangerous phrases along with being vague and aggressive.”
Neville added: “Sorry we f@@@@d up was enough!! I said this last night. Sorry should be respected and not undervalued. This is a snap reaction that can always be wrong but I feel strongly about it.”
Jurgen Klopp handled the situation well last night after the game. Most football fans will have had empathy with what happened and recognised it was wrong!
However Liverpools statement tonight is a mistake! Talk of exploring all options ( what does that mean!!! ) and sporting…
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) October 1, 2023
“We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR.
“It is therefore unsatisfactory that sufficient time was not afforded to allow the correct decision to be made and that there was no subsequent intervention.
“That such failings have already been categorised as “significant human error” is also unacceptable. Any and all outcomes should be established only by the review and with full transparency.
“This is vital for the reliability of future decision-making as it applies to all clubs with learnings being used to make improvements to processes in order to ensure this kind of situation cannot occur again.
“In the meantime, we will explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution.”
Thoughts on Neville’s reaction? Do you agree?
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