VAR APOLOGY STORM: HOWARD WEBB SAYS SORRY AS LIVERPOOL’S FIRST DEFEAT MARRED BY CONTROVERSY
The Premier League has been forced to issue a statement following fresh VAR controversy during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The loss ended the Reds’ seven-game winning start to the season, with Arne Slot’s side undone by goals from Ismaïla Sarr and Eddie Nketiah, the latter striking deep into stoppage time. Federico Chiesa appeared to rescue a point for Liverpool late on, but the equalizer sparked fury after replays suggested Mohamed Salah may have handled the ball in the buildup.
Premier League Response
The Premier League’s Match Centre account later clarified the decision to allow the goal, explaining:
“The referee’s decision to award the goal was reviewed and validated by VAR – it was determined that there was no conclusive evidence that Salah handled the ball during the build-up.”
Despite a lengthy review, officials ruled the ball had not clearly struck Salah’s arm, and the goal was upheld.
Why Palace Feel Aggrieved
Although Palace ultimately claimed victory thanks to Nketiah’s 98th-minute strike, frustration remains. Had the game ended 1-1, Oliver Glasner’s side would have been left incensed, arguing that Salah’s touch should have been penalized.
Even so, Palace were the stronger team throughout. Only Alisson Becker’s heroics kept the scoreline close in a first half dominated by the hosts.
A Wake-Up Call for Liverpool
For Liverpool, the defeat ends their perfect start to the Premier League season and echoes their Community Shield disappointment. Slot admitted his side were second-best, with Palace pressing relentlessly and exposing defensive weaknesses.
With tough fixtures against Galatasaray and Chelsea looming, the VAR storm serves as both a distraction and a warning: Liverpool cannot rely on officiating breaks to mask their current struggles.
