Liverpool want a transparent and thorough investigation into the procedural failings that saw Luis Diaz’s goal incorrectly ruled out at Tottenham on Saturday.
Sky Sports News understands the club do not want to single out an official and have taken umbrage with PGMOL’s framing of events as “a significant human error”, which unfairly pits an entire breakdown in the application of the Laws of the Game solely on the VAR for the match, Darren England.
Liverpool want a thorough examination of the process. This would range from the appointment of the refereeing team – given three of them had worked in the United Arab Emirates 48 hours before the game, prompting questions of workload, fatigue and the quality of preparation – to the aftermath of an unprecedented error described as the worst seen in the Premier League.
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Sky Sports’ Joe Shread and Zinny Boswell ask how the officials made such a crucial error by disallowing Diaz’s goal for Liverpool at Tottenham on Saturday
The overriding sentiment is there needs to be a comprehensive procedural review rather than the scapegoating of any single human being. Jurgen Klopp had said in his post-match press conference: “I’m pretty sure whoever did that, who made that decision, didn’t do it on purpose.”
Liverpool have made a formal request to the PGMOL for the audio conversations between the officials to gain a clearer understanding of what happened and why protocol was placed above sporting integrity.
There has been a wide acknowledgment within the refereeing community that as such a seismic gaffe was made and picked up within seconds of the restart, the match should have been stopped to achieve the right outcome.
It has also been questioned why there was such a rush to make the initial decision when it has been stressed that accuracy is more important than the time it takes to reach a conclusion.
As one current official told Sky Sports News: “This is not about a subjective call, it is a goal – checked and confirmed – that wasn’t given through, I would say, not one but a series of failings. It could have and should have been immediately corrected regardless of normal protocol given how many people are in the control room or are listening in. This was not a normal situation.
“I have to say there’s a question management should answer too, it cannot just be on one person.”
Liverpool call for transparency
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Dermot Gallagher said the decision to disallow Díaz’s goal against Tottenham was a ‘very, very bad mistake’
There has been conflicting information around when the referee Simon Hooper was informed Diaz’s goal should have stood.
In Ref Watch on Sky Sports News, Dermot Gallagher said: “I’ve been assured at no point onwards did he tell the referee he had made a mistake from the 34th minute until half-time.”
But it has been reported Hooper was made aware of the mistake shortly after the incident.
Transparency is key for Liverpool.
The club, in an unprecedented situation following an unprecedented officiating situation, stated they would “explore” options available to them. They are still learning what those are, but an example has been requesting the full audio conversations.
The statement did not say they would “pursue” all options. A demand for the game to be replayed was not mentioned or hinted at in their communique.
The reference to “escalation and resolution” is to highlight Liverpool would not simply accept PGMOL’s vague statement about a “significant human error” and a review without terms of reference.
PGMOL defends midweek UAE assignment
Regarding VAR England, his assistant Dan Cook, and fourth official at Tottenham Michael Oliver working on Al Ain’s victory over Sharjah 48 hours before the blockbuster Premier League fixture, PGMOL has said it is not uncommon practice.
The officials arrived back in London on Friday to prepare which, the body says, is routine for those who have had international appointments such as the Champions League in midweek.
However, the FA is a member of UEFA and FIFA. There is no obligation to sanction freelance work in other leagues. The travel considerations, and the perception of referees carrying out lucrative jobs in countries with ties to current Premier League clubs, are also different.
The matter of fatigue, workload, whether there is quality control with preparations, and if it aids the standard of officiating which is being questioned.
PGMOL did not respond on the above due to a huge number of incoming requests for comment.