Premier League referees' chief Howard Webb has defended the decision to disallow Liverpool's goal against Manchester City, stating it was "not unreasonable". The goal, scored by Virgil van Dijk in the 38th minute, was initially ruled out for offside against Andrew Robertson. However, a VAR review later cleared the goal.
Webb, speaking on the Match Officials Mic'd Up show, explained that there were valid reasons for the goal to be ruled out. He stated that interfering with an opponent where the offside position player doesn't play the ball and officials have to make a judgment about whether their actions impact an opponent are subjective decisions.
The chief referee said that when Van Dijk headed the ball forward, Robertson's clear action to duck below it could still cause hesitation from the goalkeeper. Webb also compared this situation to a similar offside incident at Wolves last season, which was initially ruled out but given through a VAR review.
Webb acknowledged that some people may believe the goal should have stood, but he believed there were valid reasons for the on-field decision. He emphasized that referees have to weigh up various factors when making decisions, including line of vision and actions by players.
The decision has been met with frustration from Liverpool fans, who feel that the goal was correctly disallowed. The match ended 3-0 in favour of Manchester City.
Webb, speaking on the Match Officials Mic'd Up show, explained that there were valid reasons for the goal to be ruled out. He stated that interfering with an opponent where the offside position player doesn't play the ball and officials have to make a judgment about whether their actions impact an opponent are subjective decisions.
The chief referee said that when Van Dijk headed the ball forward, Robertson's clear action to duck below it could still cause hesitation from the goalkeeper. Webb also compared this situation to a similar offside incident at Wolves last season, which was initially ruled out but given through a VAR review.
Webb acknowledged that some people may believe the goal should have stood, but he believed there were valid reasons for the on-field decision. He emphasized that referees have to weigh up various factors when making decisions, including line of vision and actions by players.
The decision has been met with frustration from Liverpool fans, who feel that the goal was correctly disallowed. The match ended 3-0 in favour of Manchester City.
i mean, come on, you gotta love how Webb is just giving it to us straight - 'it's not unreasonable'. like, really? 
and now we get to enjoy another thrilling season of "i thought that was onside, nope, sorry mate" 
. the problem is, when it comes down to it, refs are basically making up their own rules mid-game. 
i'm all for using technology to help, but can't we just have a clear set of laws to follow? 
I mean, Virgil's headed it clear as day and Robertson didn't even touch the ball, right? It looked like a no-brainer to me, but I guess that's just how VAR works sometimes. 
You gotta respect Webb's decision-making, he's doing his best to make those tough calls. But fair play, Liverpool fans are gutted about it 
. That City team was on fire, though! 
. the thing is refs can't just sit there and watch the game all day, they have to make split second decisions... but does that mean we gotta accept them even if we don't agree with 'em? 
. Webb's whole point about making subjective decisions is true, but that doesn't mean we have to agree with it 
.
! I don't get why everyone's so upset about it tho 
. Van Dijk scored an amazing goal and then Robertson does this weird duck move and it throws off the goalie 
, but I think Webb did the right thing... most of the time 
anyway, that match was insane! 
. And yeah, I can see how the ref might think that could've caused some hesitation with the goalie... it's not an unreasonable call imo 
. The thing is, VAR did review it and they overturned the decision, so I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree 
I'm calling BS on Webb's explanation 
3-0 is a thrashing, but that one call still stings 
.
. What do you guys think? Share your opinions! 
Anyway, Webb's all about weighing up factors and judging based on actions... sounds like a bunch of hooey to me 
.
, especially when there's so much at stake in these big games 
. Interesting how Webb just shrugs off all the fan frustration and says the ref had valid reasons for the call 
. But what if the fans know better than the refs? 
Sometimes we don't see the reasoning behind certain decisions, especially when they go against our initial instinct. Referees are human and can make mistakes too! The Premier League is a high-stakes competition where split-second decisions can change the outcome of the game. Maybe the goal should have stood, but sometimes technology and VAR reviews come to the rescue! 
but lets be real, van dijk's header was prob gonna cause some trouble no matter what 
. I get why Liverpool fans are frustrated, but Webb's just trying to explain his thought process behind the call