The PGMOL have released the full audio from the VAR hub during Liverpool’s controversial 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.
During the match, Liverpool forward Luis Diaz had a goal incorrectly chalked for offside, with the refereeing body immediately apologising to the Jurgen Klopp’s side after the match admitting that ‘a significant human error occurred’ when the Colombian’s goal was ruled out.
The incident has been a major talking point from the weekend’s Premier League action, with Liverpool subsequently demanding ‘escalation and resolution to the matter, releasing a strongly worded statement following the PGMOL’s admission.
The Reds had also demanded to hear the audio and the PGMOL have subsequently now released the full recording from the match.
They have also provided some information to go along with the footage, writing: ‘PGMOL has carried out a review into the circumstances which led to this incorrect outcome and the subsequent learnings will be implemented to mitigate the risk of errors occurring in the future.’
The PGMOL have released the full audio from the VAR hub during Liverpool ‘s controversial 2-1 defeat to Tottenham, that saw referee Simon Hooper incorrectly disallow the Reds a goal
VAR official Darren England (left) and VAR assistant Dan Cook (right) were dropped from their roles for upcoming fixtures after the high-profile error
Liverpool have made a formal request to receive the VAR audio from the decision to disallow Luis Diaz’s goal for offside against Tottenham
The footage shows the team checking the footage and measuring Diaz’s goal before the VAR operator,
On review of the footage, says: ‘Check complete, check complete that’s fine.’
After the referee waves play on, the replay operator is overheard on the footage saying: ‘Are you happy with this?’
The assistant VAR then responds saying: ‘Offside, goal, yeah. That’s wrong that, Diaz.’
The replay operator then says: ‘On field decision was offside are you happy with this image? Yeah it’s onside. The image that we gave them is onside.’
Assistant VAR: ‘He’s played him, he’s gone offside.’
VAR: ‘Oh f***.’
Replay operator: ‘Delay delay. Oli’s saying to delay. Oli’s saying to delay.’
VAR: ‘Pardon?’
Replay operator: ‘Oli’s calling in to say to dealy the game. The decision is onside.’
VAR: ‘Can’t do anything.’
Replay operator: ‘Oli’s saying to delay. Oli’s saying to delay.’
VAR: ‘Oli?’
Fourth official: ‘Yeah.’
Replay operator: ‘Delay the game, stop the game.’
VAR: ‘They’ve restarted the game. Can’t do anything. Can’t do anything.
Assistant VAR: ‘Yeah, they’ve restarted. Yeah.’
Along with the footage, the PGMOL released the following statement.
They wrote: ‘PGMOL can confirm that we have carried out a review into the circumstances which led to the Luis Diaz goal being incorrectly disallowed for offside in the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC.
‘We recognise standards fell short of expectations and acknowledged the error to Liverpool immediately after the conclusion of the fixture.
During the footage, the VAR official can be heard saying ‘Can’t do anything.’ after the game was played on
The Reds – led by Jurgen Klopp – were incensed after the controversial game and vowed to explore options available to them
‘A detailed report, including the key learnings and immediate actions taken, alongside the audio between the on-field officials and VAR team has been submitted to the Premier League, who have shared it with Liverpool FC and subsequently all other Premier League Clubs.
‘The review of the on-field and VAR decision-making processes and application of the decision-making principles has identified the following key learnings to mitigate against the risk of a future error:
– Guidance to Video Match Officials has always emphasised the need for efficiency, but never at the expense of accuracy. This principle will be clearly reiterated- A new VAR Communication Protocol will be developed to enhance the clarity of communication between the referee and the VAR team in relation to on-field decisions- As an additional step to the process, the VAR will confirm the outcome of the VAR check process with the AVAR before confirming the final decision to the on-field officials
‘PGMOL are committed to enhancing VAR performance through a new training programme which started this season and focuses on process and best practice for all VARs, AVARs and Replay Operators in their specific roles. While we have a number of FIFA-recognised VARs, work is ongoing to create a dedicated pool of VAR specialists.
‘The VAR and AVAR in question were removed from their remaining fixtures in Match Round 7 in the Premier League and have not been included in the appointments for Match Round 8 this weekend.
‘PGMOL and The FA have also agreed to review the policy to allow match officials to officiate matches outside of FIFA or UEFA appointments.’
More to follow…
