PGMOL Owe Liverpool apologize again for the latest VAR mishap as IFAB rules explained
The consistency of refereeing in the Premier League has been questioned several times. This weekend, Brighton midfielder Pascal Groß was at the center of controversy over an incident that should have resulted in a sending off under IFAB rules.
The incident in question is a clear scenario that violates the laws of the game established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and raises questions about the decision-making process of the referees and the use of VAR in the Premier League. According to the IFAB rule: “If a player commits a foul against an opponent in his own penalty area that prevents the opponent’s obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty, the foul must be cautioned if the foul was an attempt to play the ball or a challenge for the ball
“In all other circumstances (such as holding, pulling, pushing, lack of opportunity to play the ball, etc.) the offending player must be sent off.”
A striking example was Groß’s foul on Dominik Szoboszlai, where he denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by dragging him down as the Hungarian was about to play the ball to the keeper. Ezoic
It’s a stunning mismatch as Liverpool’s own Virgil van Dijk was sent off in the penalty area for a foul on Alexander Isak, despite van Dijk trying to win the ball. According to the codes of the game, Groß’s attack was much more severe and should have shown a red card.
But the decision was different – a questionable inconsistency that raises an eyebrow. PGMOL Owe Liverpool apologize again for the latest VAR mishap as IFAB rules explained
It is not the first time that Liverpool officials have refused
This is not the first time that PGMOL has been at the center of a Liverpool-related controversy.
The VAR scandal, which saw Liverpool disallowed when Luis Diaz scored against Spurs, created an uproar, adding to the narrative that some officiating decisions are unfair. The 2020 Man Utd controversy shows that VAR had the power to act
Despite such inconsistencies, Jürgen Klopp refused to get involved in the conflict. Asked about it, he said: “I’m over it. I’m too old for that.”
His nonchalant attitude paints a flattering picture of the state of refereeing and VAR implementation in the Premier League. Ezoic
The denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity, as in Groß’s foul, requires a review of the refereeing protocols and consistent application of IFAB rules.
It is high time that the PGMOL re-evaluates its standards to ensure fair play and competitive balance in the league. Strict adherence to the laws of the game is essential not only to preserve the spirit of the game, but also its integrity and reputation.