Liverpool FC told why VAR did not rule out Southampton’s opening goal

Liverpool FC told why VAR did not rule out Southampton’s opening goal

Liverpool FC reveals why VAR did not rule out Southampton’s opener for a foul on Diogo Jota.

When Liverpool lost the opening goal to Southampton in a must-win Premier League game yesterday, Jurgen Klopp was left angry on the sidelines, with VAR failing to intercept to call for an alleged infraction in the build-up.

Lyanco, Southampton’s 25-year-old Brazilian centre-back, appeared to have fouled Diogo Jota, putting LFC on the back foot against a counterattack.

The ball was then taken forward by him and eventually found its way to Nathan Redmond.

Liverpool suffered Premier League title blow following a 1-1 home draw with Tottenham. (Getty Images)

The Southampton winger’s strike was deflected off James Milner and into Alisson Becker’s net. The choice not to check for the ball enraged Klopp and Liverpool fans.

It has since been discovered that the occurrence did not make the cut for what VAR can examine. That’s according to journalist Chris Williams, who recounted PL Match Centre’s reasoning in his tweet above (h/t Liverpool Echo).

It didn’t matter in the end, as Takumi Minamino’s equalizer cancelled out Redmond’s goal, and Joel Matip’s second-half header sealed the win. Nonetheless, that moment from the ref and VAR may have cost Alisson Becker and his defense a well-deserved clean sheet.

Going into the last game of the season, the Reds are presently one point behind Manchester City. The title is still up for grabs, but the Cityzens are the clear favorite.

In other news, Jamie Carragher sends a warning message to Sadio Mane, as well as Diogo Jota.