Manchester United scored a controversial goal in the first half of the game against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Old Trafford thanks to English striker Marcus Rashford but there have been questions raised over VAR (Video Assistant Referee) after it failed to verify a tackle on Divock Origi in the build-up to the goal as a “clear and obvious” error.
There have been a few teams, managers, and pundits that have their own opinions on the newly introduced VAR in the Premier League for the decision-making system but there is no real clarity ever since its introduction. And the Liverpool vs Manchester United game on Sunday shed further light on the grey area with the use of the new technology in England’s top flight.
Liverpool forward Divock Origi was clearly clipped in the back by Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof in the build-up to the goal for the home side but a foul wasn’t awarded. The play was allowed to continue and Rashford tucked in his goal to give the Red Devils the lead. But there was a check on the foul on the Belgian Origi by VAR however, the technology allowed the goal to stand despite a clear foul on the Liverpool forward.
However, the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) weighed in their opinion to come out and explain the reason as to why the goal was allowed. The officials spoke to Sky Sports and stated, that the on-field referee and the overturning of the decision played a part, “Firstly, the on-field referee didn’t think it was a foul and VAR checked/decided that it wasn’t a clear and obvious error to not award the foul, Secondly, VAR isn’t re-refereeing matches – there is contact but VAR was comfortable it wasn’t enough to disallow the goal.”
Liverpool scored late in the second half through substitute Adam Lallana to salvage a point in the process and continue their unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
