Premier League explain disallowed Virgil van Dijk goal as VAR leaves Liverpool raging

The Premier League Match Centre have issued a statement after Virgil van Dijk saw a goal ruled out for Liverpool away at Manchester City. The Dutch centre-back thought he'd headed his side level at the Etihad only for his header to be chalked off because of Andy Robertson's positioning as the ball hit the back of the net.

The Scottish left-back was accused of blocking Gianluigi Donnarumma's view although replays appeared to show the Italian goalkeeper had a clear line of sight to Van Dijk. The Premier League explained on X: "#MCILIV - 38' The referee's call of offside and no goal to Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR - with Robertson in an offside position and deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper."

Arne Slot was left seething with the decision as he complained to the fourth official on the touchline while Robertson and Van Dijk remonstrated with referee Chris Kavanagh on their way off the pitch at half-time.

Manchester United icon Gary Neville said on Sky Sports commentary: "I think he is outside the eyeline of the goalkeeper. I think Slot is right to be fuming. The goalkeeper is not getting anywhere near that. He had a clear line of sight."

While former City defender Micah Richards said on Sky Sports at half-time: "I think it's really harsh." But his colleague and ex-United midfielder Roy Keane reacted: "Robertson has to come out quicker. He is in line with the ball. The rules are that Robertson has to get out quicker."

City poured salt in Liverpool's wounds moments later when Nico Gonzalez's strike deflected off Van Dijk and beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili to make it 2-0. Erling Haaland had earlier headed the hosts in front courtesy of a deflection off of Ibrahima Konate.

The Norwegian centre-forward did miss a penalty just 12 minutes in, with Mamardashvili guessing the right way after fouling Jeremy Doku inside the box to give away the spot-kick.

The Premier League Match Centre also explained that decision on social media, saying: "#MCILIV - 9' VAR OVERTURN. After review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Manchester City. Referee announcement: 'After review, the goalkeeper commits a foul challenge on the attacker, the final decision is penalty.'"