Liverpool release furious statement over VAR controversy in Tottenham defeat

Liverpool have issued a statement, condemning the controversy of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Tottenham’s defeat.

The Reds expressed their disappointment with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in the aftermath of their 2-1 Premier League defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

The controversy revolved around the disallowed goal of Luis Diaz, deemed offside by on-pitch officials despite clear evidence that it was not.

The PGMOL admitted that VAR officials Darren England and Dan Cook had erred by not intervening to correct the decision. Images from the game clearly showed Cristian Romero playing Diaz onside.

Liverpool’s grievances escalated when Curtis Jones was controversially sent off after England’s intervention, reducing them to 10 men. The Reds ultimately finished the game with nine players after Diogo Jota was also dismissed.

The club’s statement read: “Liverpool Football Club acknowledges PGMOL’s admission of their failures last night. It is clear that the correct application of the laws of the game did not occur, resulting in sporting integrity being undermined.

“We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR.

“It is therefore unsatisfactory that sufficient time was not afforded to allow the correct decision to be made and that there was no subsequent intervention.

“That such failings have already been categorised as ‘significant human error’ is also unacceptable. Any and all outcomes should be established only by the review and with full transparency.

“This is vital for the reliability of future decision-making as it applies to all clubs with learnings being used to make improvements to processes in order to ensure this kind of situation cannot occur again.

“In the meantime, we will explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution,” it added.

Meanwhile, the PGMOL has acknowledged the “significant human error” and replaced the VAR officials for subsequent matches.