Van Dijk Offside Controversy: PGMOL Explains VAR Call at Man City

Van Dijk Offside: Liverpool’s Disallowed Goal Against Manchester City

Van Dijk offside controversy dominated discussions after Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, as the Reds sought answers over why Virgil van Dijk’s header was ruled out at the Etihad. PGMOL chief Howard Webb has since provided a detailed explanation, defending the VAR decision that left Liverpool frustrated and City celebrating.

How the Incident Unfolded: Van Dijk’s Disallowed Header

The moment unfolded with City up 1-0, when Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk powered a header into the net, seemingly leveling the contest. However, the assistant referee’s flag was raised, and VAR Michael Oliver confirmed the on-field offside call. The pivotal aspect was Andy Robertson’s position. Though Robertson never touched the ball, he was stationed close to the six-yard box and, as Van Dijk’s header flew in, he ducked beneath it.

According to Law 11, a player is penalized for offside if their actions impede an opponent’s ability to play the ball, either by blocking vision or by interfering with movement. Liverpool argued that Robertson neither blocked goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s line of sight nor physically interfered, but the officials determined that his ducking action in close proximity to the keeper was enough to constitute “interfering with play.”

PGMOL and Howard Webb’s Explanation of the Van Dijk Offside

On the ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’ show, Howard Webb acknowledged the controversy but stood by the call. “Interfering with an opponent where the offside player doesn’t play the ball is one of the most subjective decisions we face,” he explained. Webb highlighted that, at the moment Van Dijk headed the ball, Robertson was just three yards from goal, directly in the path of the ball, and ducked to avoid contact.

Webb elaborated, “The officials had to decide if Robertson’s movement affected Donnarumma’s ability to react. Given his proximity and the ducking action, it was reasonable to conclude that it could cause hesitation or impact the keeper’s reactions, even if his line of vision was not completely blocked.”

VAR’s Role and the Subjectivity of the Decision

Importantly, Webb stressed that VAR’s job is not to re-referee subjective calls unless there is a clear and obvious error. In this case, VAR supported the on-field decision, determining there was insufficient evidence to overturn the offside ruling. “Once that judgment is made on the field, VAR checks if it’s clearly wrong. Seeing the factual evidence—Robertson ducking under the ball so close to the keeper—the VAR stayed out of it,” Webb said.

Comparisons to Previous Incidents and the Broader Debate

Liverpool boss Arne Slot pointed to a similar incident involving Bernardo Silva in a Manchester City match last season, where a goal was allowed to stand despite Silva’s apparent offside position. Webb, however, distinguished the two cases, noting that the ball in the Silva incident did not go over the offside player’s head nor did Silva perform an action that could have interfered with the goalkeeper. “The movement and position in the Van Dijk offside case were materially different,” Webb asserted.

Manchester City’s Reaction and Resulting Impact

While Liverpool’s frustration was evident, City capitalized on their momentum. After the disallowed goal, Guardiola’s side tightened their grip on the contest, with Jeremy Doku adding a third to secure a resounding 3-0 win. The victory extended City’s unbeaten run at the Etihad and brought them within four points of league leaders Arsenal.

PGMOL’s Guidance on Offside and Interference

Webb took the opportunity to clarify key aspects of offside law, emphasizing that it’s not solely about blocking the goalkeeper’s view. “Even if the keeper sees the ball, actions such as ducking under the ball in close proximity can be enough to penalize a player for offside,” he said. The decision highlighted the fine margins and subjectivity inherent in modern officiating, particularly with the additional scrutiny VAR brings.

What This Means for Liverpool and Premier League Officiating

Liverpool’s formal complaint underscores the ongoing debate surrounding VAR and the interpretation of offside law. While PGMOL’s explanation may offer clarity, it is unlikely to dispel all doubts, especially among fans who feel their side was wronged. The situation further illustrates the challenge of achieving consistency and transparency in high-stakes matches.

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Opinion: VAR Clarity Still a Work in Progress

While Webb’s explanation provides valuable insight into the decision-making process, football’s offside law remains highly subjective, particularly when “interfering with play” is open to interpretation. As VAR continues to shape the modern game, clearer communication and even more transparency will be crucial to maintaining trust among clubs and supporters.