It was a moment that had Liverpool fans roaring — and then fuming. Virgil van Dijk thought he’d restored parity for the Reds against Manchester City, only for the goal to be dramatically overturned by VAR moments later.
The Dutch defender had nodded home what seemed a fair equaliser after Erling Haaland’s first-half opener, but the flag quickly went up. Officials ruled that Andy Robertson — standing near Gianluigi Donnarumma — was in an offside position and had interfered with play.
🧐 What Exactly Happened?
As the Premier League later explained, Robertson was judged to have made an “obvious action” in front of the goalkeeper. The Scot ducked to avoid Van Dijk’s header, which VAR claimed obstructed Donnarumma’s vision.
According to the rulebook, a player can be penalised for:
Blocking an opponent’s line of sight,
Challenging for the ball, or
Making a movement that impacts the opponent’s ability to play the ball.
By that definition, the VAR team and referee Chris Kavanagh believed Robertson’s movement interfered with the Italian keeper.
⚖️ But Was It the Right Call?
Many argue it wasn’t. Replays suggested Donnarumma had a nearly clear view of Van Dijk’s header — and even if he didn’t, he was unlikely to reach it. Robertson’s quick duck looked more instinctive than deliberate obstruction.
Former Man City defender Micah Richards didn’t mince words on Sky Sports:
> “I think it’s harsh. The goalkeeper can see it all the way. I don’t agree that Robertson made an ‘obvious action’.”
Gary Neville echoed the sentiment:
> “Robertson’s outside the keeper’s eyeline. I think Slot has every right to be furious.”
⚽ The Turning Point
Had the goal stood, Liverpool would have been back in the game. Instead, the momentum swung to the hosts, and Nico Gonzalez’s strike later sealed the win for City.
It’s another controversial chapter in VAR’s story — and one that will leave Reds supporters wondering what might have been at the Etihad. 🔴🔥
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