The audio recording related to Liverpool’s wrongly disallowed goal against Tottenham has been released, with referees’ body PGMOL confirming new video assistant referee protocols following a review.
Luis Diaz’s first-half goal in Tottenham’s late 2-1 win was incorrectly chalked off due to what PGMOL called a “significant human error,” with VAR Darren England and assistant VAR Dan Cook stood down for this weekend’s fixtures as a result.
Liverpool, who had said in a statement that they would “explore the options available,” had requested to receive the audio of the exchange between referee Simon Hooper and those in the VAR room at Stockley Park.
That has now been released publicly via the Premier League, with PGMOL announcing it had identified “key learnings to mitigate against the risk of a future error”.
PGMOL also said its review had been shared with all Premier League clubs.
A statement on Tuesday evening read: “PGMOL can confirm that we have carried out a review into the circumstances which led to the Luis Diaz goal being incorrectly disallowed for offside in the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC.
“We recognise standards fell short of expectations and acknowledged the error to Liverpool immediately after the conclusion of the fixture.
“A detailed report, including the key learnings and immediate actions taken, alongside the audio between the on-field officials and VAR team has been submitted to the Premier League, who have shared it with Liverpool FC and subsequently all other Premier League clubs.
“The review of the on-field and VAR decision-making processes and application of the decision-making principles has identified the following key learnings to mitigate against the risk of a future error:
• Guidance to Video Match Officials has always emphasised the need for efficiency, but never at the expense of accuracy. This principle will be clearly reiterated
• A new VAR Communication Protocol will be developed to enhance the clarity of communication between the referee and the VAR team in relation to on-field decisions
• As an additional step to the process, the VAR will confirm the outcome of the VAR check process with the AVAR before confirming the final decision to the on-field officials.”
More to follow.
(Photo: Getty Images)
