Liverpool Take Action After Rejecting PGMOL Explanation for Disallowing Virgil van Dijk Goal

Liverpool have officially contacted the PGMOL to express their dissatisfaction over the decision to disallow Virgil van Dijk’s goal in their 3-0 loss to Manchester City. The incident occurred in the 38th minute when Van Dijk appeared to have equalized, only for the goal to be ruled out due to Andy Robertson allegedly obstructing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s view.

The club maintains that the decision was both harsh and unjustified. According to Liverpool officials, Robertson did not interfere with play or obstruct Donnarumma’s vision, as he stood slightly to the left of the goalkeeper rather than directly in his line of sight. This detail was supported by multiple replays that showed no visual obstruction between Donnarumma and Van Dijk’s header.

Sky Sports pundits Jay Bothroyd and Gary Neville called the ruling “baffling,” pointing out that Jeremy Doku appeared to be closer to blocking the goalkeeper than Robertson. Despite these observations, the VAR team led by Michael Oliver upheld the assistant referee’s decision, citing “clear interference.”

Liverpool’s frustration stems from what they see as an inconsistent application of VAR rules. The club’s analysis team reviewed footage from all available camera angles before concluding that the standard checks required during VAR review were not properly followed. They argue that had on-field referee Chris Kavanagh been invited to the pitchside monitor, he might have overturned the decision.

Reports from The Athletic confirm that Liverpool reached out directly to PGMOL chief Howard Webb on Monday. The letter raised “serious concerns” about the competence of the decision-making process, describing it as “below acceptable Premier League standards.” Liverpool also demanded greater transparency from the governing body, calling for public clarification on how the decision met the criteria for disallowing a goal.

Fans and analysts alike have backed the club’s stance. Social media erupted with clips of the incident, with many supporters labelling the call “a disgrace” and accusing PGMOL of bias. The controversy reignited the ongoing debate about the need for better oversight in VAR operations, with calls for reform growing louder across the Premier League.

Despite the uproar, it is unlikely Liverpool’s formal complaint will result in a reversal or disciplinary action. Historically, PGMOL responses to such disputes are limited to a standard acknowledgment, with little indication of change in refereeing practice. Nonetheless, the club’s decision to escalate the matter shows their determination to hold officials accountable.

Questions remain about why the assistant referee delayed raising the offside flag until several seconds after the goal was scored. This hesitation, combined with Oliver’s lack of intervention, has only deepened frustration among fans and pundits. Many argue that the incident undermines VAR’s original purpose: to correct clear and obvious errors.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot refrained from open criticism in his post-match conference but hinted at dissatisfaction, saying, “When moments like this go against you, it changes the rhythm of the game. We have to focus on what we can control.”

While the PGMOL is expected to defend its officials, this controversy highlights a growing crisis of trust between Premier League clubs and refereeing authorities. The lack of consistency, coupled with poor communication during critical matches, continues to erode confidence in the system.

For Liverpool, this may not change the outcome of the match, but it sends a powerful message that they will no longer accept unclear or poorly justified decisions. The disallowed goal could become a turning point — not just in their season, but in the broader push for accountability within English football’s officiating system.