Liverpool File Official Complaint Over Disallowed Van Dijk Goal in 0–3 Defeat to Man City
Liverpool have officially lodged a complaint with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), demanding clarification after Virgil van Dijk’s goal was controversially disallowed during their 0–3 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in Premier League matchweek 11.
The reigning champions are seeking what they describe as “justice” following a refereeing decision that they believe unfairly changed the momentum of the match.
The Controversial Incident
The key moment came in the 37th minute, when Van Dijk rose highest to head home from a Mohamed Salah corner, seemingly drawing Liverpool level at 1–1. The referee initially awarded the goal, but VAR intervened to review a potential offside involving Andy Robertson.
After several minutes of analysis, the goal was overturned. Officials ruled that Robertson was in an offside position and obstructed goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s line of sight — a conclusion Liverpool strongly dispute.
Club representatives argue that Robertson did not make contact with the ball and even moved out of its path to avoid interfering with play. They claim the decision to disallow the goal was “subjective” and lacked a “clear and consistent basis” in the laws of the game.
Liverpool Demand Explanation from PGMOL
According to The Sun, Liverpool have submitted a formal request to PGMOL chief Howard Webb, asking for clarification on which specific part of Law 11 (Offside) justified the referee’s decision.
Under IFAB’s regulations, a player in an offside position should only be penalized if he:
- becomes directly involved in active play,
- obstructs an opponent’s ability to play the ball, or
- clearly interferes with an opponent’s line of vision.
Liverpool maintain that Robertson’s positioning met none of those conditions and that Van Dijk’s goal should have stood.
Reactions from Slot and Van Dijk
After the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot conceded that Manchester City deserved their victory but expressed frustration at the disallowed goal.
“If Van Dijk’s goal had been given, the match could have gone in a completely different direction,” Slot told reporters.
Van Dijk himself voiced his disbelief, insisting his goal was legitimate:
“Robertson didn’t block the goalkeeper’s view at all. Unfortunately, I don’t make the decisions — that’s up to the referee and VAR,” he said with a hint of sarcasm.
Liverpool’s Struggles Continue
The defeat left Liverpool sitting eighth in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Arsenal. It also marks the club’s worst start for a defending champion after 11 matches since Leicester City in the 2016–17 season.
Still, Van Dijk urged calm and optimism within the squad:
“There’s no point looking at the table now. The season is decided in March or April. We just need to stay patient, keep working hard, and wait for our chance.”
