Premier League Clarifies Controversial VAR Decisions in Liverpool vs. Leicester Clash

The Premier League swiftly issued two statements regarding Liverpool’s second goal against Leicester and a disallowed third, following significant confusion that resulted in extended VAR reviews.

Heading into the Boxing Day fixture with the Foxes, the Reds were clear favorites, aiming to widen their gap at the top of the standings. They sought to capitalize on Chelsea’s earlier home defeat to Fulham.

Despite their high expectations, Liverpool trailed early when Jordan Ayew scored for Leicester six minutes into the game on a misty evening at Anfield. However, the home side rallied and equalized courtesy of a well-placed strike from Cody Gakpo shortly before halftime.

Early in the second half, Liverpool took the lead when Curtis Jones converted from close range after receiving a precise cross from Alexis Mac Allister. However, the goal sparked debate due to a possible offside in the buildup.

Initially, it appeared that Mo Salah might have been in an offside position during the play. Yet, after a thorough examination of both Salah’s and Virgil van Dijk’s positioning, VAR confirmed that Jones, who was onside, had scored a valid goal.

In a statement posted on their official Twitter/X account, the Premier League clarified: “The referee’s decision to award the goal was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, as Salah was in an onside position during the buildup.”

This information was also relayed to the fans at Anfield, with the scoreboard displaying the statement shortly after Jones’ goal was upheld.

Further offside drama unfolded moments later. Gakpo appeared to have doubled Liverpool’s lead after finishing off a cross from Salah, only for the assistant referee to raise the flag. Following another prolonged VAR check, amid boos from the crowd, the initial offside call against Darwin Nunez in the buildup was upheld.

The Premier League later explained: “The referee’s decision of no goal was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, as Nunez was in an offside position during the play.”