Liverpool take action after dismissing PGMOL’s justification for ruling out Virgil van Dijk’s goal

Liverpool have reportedly contacted the PGMOL to express their displeasure over the decision to disallow Virgil van Dijk’s goal against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Reds’ captain thought he had equalised in the 38th minute, but the goal was ruled out because Andy Robertson was judged to be offside and obstructing the goalkeeper’s view — despite not touching the ball and standing to the side of Gianluigi Donnarumma rather than directly in his line of sight. As Sky Sports pundit Jay Bothroyd pointed out, the player actually blocking the keeper appeared to be Jeremy Doku.

According to James Pearce of The Athletic, Liverpool reached out to PGMOL chief Howard Webb on Monday to raise “serious concerns” about the decision, arguing that none of the conditions for disallowing the goal were met. After reviewing multiple camera angles, senior figures at the club maintain that Robertson did not interfere with play or the goalkeeper’s vision.

VAR official Michael Oliver did not recommend an on-field review to referee Chris Kavanagh, and Liverpool believe that proper VAR procedures were not followed — suggesting that the outcome could have been different if a monitor check had taken place.

While Liverpool’s communication with the PGMOL is unlikely to lead to any significant change, the club were right to formally state their concerns after reviewing the incident carefully rather than reacting impulsively.

Questions remain over why the assistant referee delayed raising his flag for so long after the goal and why Oliver failed to intervene through VAR. The system was designed precisely for moments like this — to correct “clear and obvious” mistakes.

Though Liverpool’s frustration is understandable, their protest is unlikely to alter the result or bring about meaningful reform. Still, they have every right to make their dissatisfaction known in a professional and reasoned manner.