Journalist Points Out Two Big VAR Errors in Liverpool’s Victory Over Southampton | OneFootball

Analysing Refereeing Decisions: Liverpool’s Controversial Victory over Southampton

In the latest podcast episode from Anfield Index, David Lynch, speaking with Dave Davis, dove deep into the refereeing and VAR controversies surrounding Liverpool’s recent win against Southampton. This conversation sheds light on the ongoing debates about officiating standards in the Premier League, with specific incidents from the match prompting discussions among fans and experts alike.

VAR Decisions Under the Microscope

David Lynch’s commentary begins with the controversial non-sending off of Adam Lallana, whose challenge during the match was a focal point of contention. Lynch pointed out, “I think Lallana should’ve been sent off and I think Liverpool do him a favour by not making a big fuss over it.” He further elaborated on the nature of the tackle, noting, “It’s that trailing leg that catches him on the shin with his studs and in many games this season that would’ve resulted in a red card.”

The impartiality shown by Liverpool in this instance could be seen as a tactical restraint or perhaps a reluctance to publicly criticize match officials, which sometimes backfires against teams. Lynch’s observations highlight an inconsistency in refereeing that has been a theme of the season. “Lallana would’ve had no complaints if that was a red card, it was a reckless challenge,” he added, reinforcing the severity of the incident.

Penalty Conundrum – In or Out?

The podcast also touched upon a penalty decision involving Liverpool’s Andy Robertson. Lynch’s remarks illustrate the ambiguity that often surrounds VAR-assisted decisions: “For the penalty decision against Robertson, I don’t know how any Liverpool fans are talking about this with any sort of certainty.” He criticized the quality of the images used for VAR, which did not conclusively clarify the situation, saying, “I couldn’t tell and the quality of the images weren’t good enough to be able to tell and if it has been given on the field as it was, they’ve almost got to go with that decision.”

This sentiment was echoed with a philosophical take on the nature of VAR decisions, suggesting a resignation to the unpredictability of such rulings: “It’s absolutely fine to me. Sometimes they will go for you and sometimes they will go against you, so I sympathise with the VAR.”

Photo: IMAGO

Missed Opportunities for Consistency

Further dissecting the refereeing, Lynch commented on another contentious incident where Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s tackle on Stuart Armstrong was overlooked by VAR. “I haven’t seen many Liverpool fans talking about Kelleher’s tackle on Armstrong and I don’t see VAR overturning it if the referee had gave it,” Lynch stated. He summarized his views on the element of luck in football, particularly in refereeing decisions, “That could’ve been a penalty and like I always say, sometimes you get those lucky ones and sometimes it will go against you. I thought Liverpool were fortunate on that one.”

Reflecting on Refereeing Standards

These incidents from the Liverpool vs. Southampton match serve as a microcosm of the broader issues plaguing Premier League refereeing. The lack of consistency, as highlighted by Lynch, not only affects the outcomes of matches but also the integrity of the competition. As VAR technology and refereeing practices continue to evolve, the league faces a challenge in maintaining fairness and transparency, which are crucial for its credibility.

Lynch’s discussion with Davis offers valuable insights into the complexities of football officiating. As Arne Slot continues to navigate Liverpool through these challenges, the discourse around VAR and refereeing standards is sure to intensify, especially in high-stakes matches where every decision can significantly alter the course of a season.

This conversation underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and perhaps even reform in how matches are officiated, ensuring that the spirit of the game is preserved amidst technological advancements.