Newly surfaced footage online could completely alter the narrative surrounding Van Dijk’s penalty against Brentford.
New footage uploaded by a Reddit user has reignited debate surrounding one of the key incidents from Liverpool’s 3–2 defeat to Brentford, with the new angle seemingly showing that the contact involving Virgil van Dijk took place outside the penalty area.
Fresh Van Dijk angle raises questions over VAR call against Liverpool
The clip, shared by user NEEZ8, shows the Dutch defender’s challenge on Dango Ouattara from a wider perspective, suggesting that any contact was made just outside the box.
That detail matters because referee Tim Robinson originally awarded a free-kick before VAR stepped in to upgrade it to a penalty — a decision that allowed Igor Thiago to score what ultimately became the winning goal for Brentford.
Liverpool were far from their best in west London, but it’s difficult to overlook how pivotal that moment proved to be. Had the foul been deemed to occur outside the area, the match might have ended 2–2 and given the Reds a chance to steady their form.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg previously stated that “Van Dijk clearly made contact with Dango Ouattara’s foot on the line of the penalty area,” noting that the line “forms part of the box.”
However, this new footage could have fans questioning whether VAR’s judgment was wrong all along.
Liverpool’s fine margins and VAR frustration continue
Arne Slot has now seen his side lose four straight Premier League matches — their worst run since 2021 — and while the display at Brentford was below par, these narrow and controversial decisions keep going against them.
It wasn’t the only talking point either, as Cody Gakpo’s penalty appeal also stirred debate and arguably shifted the game’s momentum.
Liverpool have now conceded two or more goals in nine of their last ten league fixtures, and until they start tightening up defensively, turning things around will remain difficult.
Still, when new online footage paints a different picture from what VAR concluded, it’s hard not to feel that luck continues to desert Liverpool.
