The Premier League Match Center has issued a statement after Virgil van Dijk witnessed Liverpool’s goal against Manchester City being canceled out. The Dutch centre-back thought he had scored a team-level header against the Etihad, but his header was chalked away due to Andy Robertson’s positioning as the ball hit the back of the net.
The Scottish left-back was accused of blocking Gianluigi Donnarumma’s view, but replays appeared to show the Italian goalkeeper had a clear line of sight at Van Dijk. “#MCILIV – 38′ The referee’s decision to call Liverpool offside and no goal was checked and confirmed by VAR. Robertson was in an offside position and was deemed to have taken an obvious action in front of the goalkeeper,” the Premier League said on X.
Arne Slott complained to the fourth official on the touchline, furious at the decision, and Robertson and Van Dijk reprimanded referee Chris Kavanagh on their way off the pitch at half-time.
Manchester United icon Gary Neville said on Sky Sports commentary: “I think he was out of the goalkeeper’s line of sight. I think Slott is right to be angry. The goalkeeper wasn’t that close. He had a clear line of sight.”
Meanwhile, former City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports at half-time: “I think it’s really tough.” However, his colleague and former United midfielder Roy Keane reacted: “Robertson has to come out faster. He’s lining up to the ball. The rule is that Robertson has to come out faster.”
Moments later, City poured salt in Liverpool’s wounds when Nico Gonzalez’s shot hit Van Dijk and headed past Giorgi Mamadashvili to make it 2-0. Erling Haaland led the hosts from the front thanks to a deflection from Ibrahima Konate.
The Norwegian center forward missed a penalty after just 12 minutes, but Mamadashvili guessed the right way after giving away a spot-kick for a foul on Jeremy Doku in the box.
Premier League Match Center also explained the decision on social media, saying: “#MCILIV – 9′ VAR OVERTURN. After consideration, the referee has reversed his original decision to award Manchester City no penalty. “After consideration, the goalkeeper makes a foul challenge on the attacker and the final decision is a penalty.”
