Howard Webb has defended VAR’s controversial decision to rule out Virgil van Dijk’s goal against Manchester City, calling it as ‘not unreasonable’.
Van Dijk thought he had equalised after 38 minutes as Liverpool faced championship rivals Manchester City, but his effort was disallowed because Andy Robertson, who was offside, was assessed to have fouled goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Reported On X.
Man City went on to win 3-0, and Liverpool complained to PGMOL over the judgment, claiming Robertson had not obstructed Donnarumma’s line of sight.
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The VAR officials’ deliberations were disclosed on Sky Sports’ Match Officials Mic’d Up show.
In the video, an assistant VAR instantly highlights Robertson’s stance and the potential influence on Donnarumma. Michael Oliver’s on-field decision of offside was reviewed and later confirmed.
Webb, the head of PGMOL, agreed that the decision was complex and subjective, but claimed that the authorities were correct in their decision.
He stated: “Interfering with an opponent when the offside position player does not play the ball and the referees must determine if that player’s actions have an impact on an opponent are some of the most subjective choices that we must make.
“Therefore, it’s not surprising that some people believe this goal should have stood, so I believe it’s critical that we examine the facts of what transpired in this circumstance.
“We know the corner comes in and the ball goes to Van Dijk. As the ball approaches the penalty area, the Manchester City players pull away, leaving Robertson in an offside position in the heart of the six-yard box.
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