Former PGMOL boss demands VAR overhaul after slamming ‘Chuckle Brothers’ duo for handling of Man City vs Liverpool controversy

Chris Kavanagh and Michael Oliver have both been blamed for key errors during Manchester City’s victory over Liverpool, according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said both officials failed to take proper responsibility for what unfolded at the Etihad Stadium.

Jeremy Doku starred as City cruised to a 3-0 win over Arne Slot’s side on Sunday, 9 November, closing the gap to leaders Arsenal to four points. Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a header before Virgil van Dijk’s equaliser was controversially ruled out. Nico Gonzalez doubled City’s lead before halftime, and Doku added a third late on.

One major talking point came in the 11th minute when Doku went down under a challenge from Giorgi Mamardashvili inside the box. Hackett, after reviewing the incident, disagreed with the penalty call. Although Haaland’s spot-kick was saved, the decision sparked heated debate online.

Van Dijk’s disallowed goal only added to the controversy, with fans directing their anger toward referee Kavanagh and VAR official Oliver. Amid growing criticism of Premier League officiating and the use of VAR this season, Hackett called for significant reform at Stockley Park.

“The referee should have made that decision himself,” Hackett told Football Insider. “There’s supposed to be teamwork between the referee and VAR, but right now it’s like the Chuckle Brothers — passing responsibility back and forth.

“It’s clear that VAR is making the calls instead of the referee, and that damages trust in the system. Until we have fully trained, dedicated VAR specialists instead of referees doubling up, we’ll continue to see inconsistency. The process remains deeply flawed.”