Clattenburg: FIFA Could Expand VAR After Liverpool–Palace Controversy
Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was marred by an officiating error that may push FIFA into upgrading VAR protocols, according to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.
The Incident
The Reds were second-best for much of Saturday’s clash, but frustration grew around Palace’s opener. The ball appeared to deflect off Tyrick Mitchell during a tussle with Conor Bradley, meaning Liverpool should have been awarded a goal kick. Instead, referee Chris Kavanagh signaled a corner, from which Ismaila Sarr scored to put the hosts ahead.
Liverpool could have defended the situation better, but with VAR unable to intervene in such cases, they were left aggrieved.
FIFA Considering Change
Clattenburg, speaking to Rousing The Kop, revealed that world football’s governing bodies are reviewing whether VAR should be expanded to cover these types of errors.
“IFAB and FIFA are exploring ways to improve VAR and its scope,” he explained.
“Right now, VAR cannot intervene when a corner or goal kick is wrongly awarded. But when a goal comes directly from it, the sense of injustice is huge. FIFA is considering changes to allow corrections in those cases.”
Currently, VAR is limited to clear errors involving goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.
Wider Implications
Clattenburg acknowledged that Liverpool have at times benefited from similar calls, but argued the game would improve if the rules were updated to cover objective decisions like dead-ball awards.
Other Key Decisions
Beyond the controversial corner, refereeing was not a major talking point. Palace questioned whether Federico Chiesa’s equaliser should stand, with suspicions of a Mohamed Salah handball, but replays were inconclusive. Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time winner was also reviewed, yet the striker was clearly onside when he struck.
The Takeaway
Liverpool left Selhurst Park beaten and frustrated, but the match may have a lasting legacy off the pitch. If FIFA follows through with reforms, the debate around one wrongly awarded corner could help reshape VAR’s future role in the Premier League and beyond.
