Liverpool’s Equalizer Controversy: VAR Decision Upheld

Florian Wirtz’s goal equalized the match for Liverpool during the second half against Fulham.

The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel has stated that there was no error in the video assistant referee’s decision to award Wirtz’s goal. Liverpool was trailing 1-0 at Craven Cottage when, in the 57th minute, Wirtz capitalized on a touch from Conor Bradley to score. Despite the assistant referee initially flagging Wirtz for offside, VAR official Andy Madley intervened, utilizing semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) to validate the goal.

Wirtz benefited from the Premier League’s implementation of a tolerance level, commonly known as “thicker lines,” which allows a five-centimeter margin in offside calls. In contrast, if the goal had been scored in Germany, Italy, or Spain, it would have been disallowed, as these leagues do not apply any tolerance.

The decision sparked controversy, as televised images appeared to suggest that Wirtz was clearly offside in relation to the last defender. However, the KMI Panel unanimously supported Madley, stating: “The VAR intervention to award the goal was deemed correct, considering the narrow margin of the offside call and the thicker offside lines utilized for such tight decisions.”

The match concluded with a 2-2 scoreline, and Fulham manager Marco Silva labeled Wirtz’s goal as “a clear offside,” prompting him to seek clarification on the matter. Silva reported that the club had reached out to the Professional Game Match Officials to lodge a complaint.

According to BBC Sport, the confusion stemmed from the frame selection made by the broadcaster. The VAR chose the moment when Bradley first contacted the ball, rather than when it was played, leading to a misinterpretation of Wirtz’s position in relation to offside.