Liverpool has formally requested the audio recordings related to the controversially disallowed goal against Spurs, following PGMOL’s admission of a significant error.
In the 2-1 defeat on Saturday evening, the Colombian player had a goal disallowed, despite replays indicating that he was, in fact, onside, with Cristian Romero slightly deeper. The linesman had raised the flag for offside, and despite VAR reviewing the incident, the on-field decision was upheld.
It was later confirmed by PGMOL in a statement that a “significant human error” had taken place, before it was revealed that VAR had mistakenly believed the on-field call was to give the goal.
In response, Liverpool issued an explosive statement on the matter, branding the explanation unacceptable” and stressing their plan to explore a “range of options available”.
As per the BBC, the Reds now want further clarity through the audio exchangeBBC. ESPN have already reported that PGMOL are set to make the audio available as part of referees’ chief Howard Webb’s push for more transparency.
Darren England and Dan Cook wereDarren England and Dan Cook have been dropped from VAR duties following their almighty error. The pair had worked a game in the United Arab Emirates just 48 hours earlier.
This season, a 26-minute programme saw Webb go through controversial VAR calls where viewers could listen to the audio from incidents.
Liverpool’s statement read: “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.”
Liverpool, who had both Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota sent off, ended up losing 2-1 after Joel Matip put through his net in stoppage time.