Virgil van Dijk argues for refereeing changes after Liverpool confusion

21 May 2023 , 16:00

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Virgil van Dijk argues for refereeing changes after Liverpool confusion

Virgil van Dijk has argued for systematic change, in the way referees explain their decisions in the Premier League.

The Liverpool defender admits to being totally baffled - like the rest of the world - over why his knock-back, which eventually led to a Cody Gakpo goal, was ruled out for offside at a crucial time against Aston Villa.‌

The Premier League later clarified the decision - which came after a VAR review asked referee John Brooks to go to the monitor to overturn the goal he gave - was taken because visiting defender Ezri Konsa didn’t deliberately play the ball to Van Dijk.

But TV replays, which VAR Nick Greenhalgh and ref Brooks viewed, CLEARLY showed Konsa attempting to play the ball, which put Van Dijk onside.

And afterwards, when asked why it was given offside, he replied: “I’ve no idea - I didn’t understand what was going on at all.

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“I asked Michael Oliver (fourth official) on the side of the pitch, and apparently it was a question if the Villa player deliberately knocked it back or something, but I have no idea, yes or no.”

And Van Dijk believes the confusion and suspicion surrounding some of the strange VAR decisions - there were three in this game alone, all baffling - can be cleared up if referees communicate better.

Cody Gakpo thought he had equalised for Liverpool (PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images)

He wants the voice feeds of referees and VAR to be broadcast to explain their thinking, and he also believes that officials must be held accountable afterwards… by explaining decisions to the media.

“I think it would be good if next season we can hear what they discuss, everyone around it, and be transparent,” the Dutch defender said.

“For them to explain with you guys (the media), coming here (in the interview area); that's what happened in Holland, why not over here in the Premier League?”

David Maddock