Why did VAR mysteriously disallow Virgil Van Dijk’s goal?
Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk scored a sensational goal to lead Liverpool to a Carabao Cup victory late into extra time. While the lone goal came late in the game, Virgil Van Dijk had another goal earlier ruled out for a mysterious reason. Here’s why!
Virgil van Dijk delivers the Carabao Cup with a goal!
Liverpool won their first trophy of the season and the Reds couldn’t be merrier. Captain fantastic as Liverpool fans would like to call van Dijk scored a beautiful header in the 118th minute to secure a slender 1-0 lead. The goal came as a result of a sensational cross into the box by Konstantinos Tsimikas from the corner.
Van Dijk lost his man with ease and placed the ball into the back of a helpless Petrovic’s goal. The late goal ensured a 1-0 victory for the Reds. However, the game didn’t escape controversy. A goal scored by van Dijk around the hour mark was initially given before referee Chris Kavanagh was called to the VAR screen. After a delay of a few minutes, the goal was ruled out and was shrouded in mystery as to why. Finally, we have the real reason behind the cancellation of the goal.
VAR Call: Is it a correct call or another blemish for the system?
The controversial VAR decision came around the hour mark after Virgil van Dijk headed the ball into goal from a free kick. While the goal was initially given, after communication for the VAR room, Chris Kavanagh was called to the VAR screen. After reviewing the goal a couple of times Kavanagh came to the rescue of Chelsea and disallowed the goal. Liverpool seemed angered by the decision, but the decision has been justified now.
The reason for the VAR review being taken was because initial images indicated that Levi Colwill was blocked. The center-back was attempting to reach the ball before an offside Wataru Endo blocked Colwill. Given Endo’s offside position, VAR and Chris Kavanagh judged the goal to be illegal and disallowed Liverpool’s goal. For some, the decision showcased the importance of the system, while Liverpool fans thought it was an embarrassing decision by VAR. However, Van Dijk goal ensured that the VAR call didn’t become the only talking point of the game.