By Liverpool have vowed to “explore the range of options available” after claiming sporting integrity was undermined after Luis Diaz’s goal was ruled out against Tottenham for what the PGMOL described as “significant human error”.
Diaz’s goal against Spurs was incorrectly disallowed for offside after the VAR mistakenly believed the on-field decision had been to award the goal.
A Liverpool statement issued on Sunday evening read: “Liverpool Football Club acknowledges PGMOL’s admission of their failures last night. It is clear that the correct application of the laws of the game did not occur, resulting in sporting integrity being undermined.
“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.”
According to Sky Sports News’ Melissa Reddy, ‘There is a big push for the remit of PGMOL’s review to not solely be restricted to the VAR failings itself and how it happened, but to examine the appointment process of the officials given three of them – two central to the blunder – worked in the UAE 48 hours before the game.’
Neville: Liverpool statement ‘a mistake’
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has criticised Liverpool’s response, branding it a “mistake”.
Neville wrote on X: “Jurgen Klopp handled the situation well 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 integrity are dangerous phrases along with being vague and aggressive. Sorry was enough!! Sorry should be respected and not undervalued.”
