Liverpool have every right to be upset with VAR and the level of Premier League officiating right now.The Reds have been on the receiving end of some questionable calls in recent weeks, including in the 2-1 win against Sheffield United on Saturday.The Blades won a penalty early in the match when Fabinho clattered into Oliver McBurnie on the edge of his own penalty area.Referee Mike Dean initially awarded a free-kick, but after consulting with VAR changed his decision to a penalty.Yet not only did the incident appear to occur outside the area, but it looked like Fabinho made contact with the ball.
Liverpool fans were furious. One wrote on Twitter: “I think what’s ‘clear & obvious now is that Liverpool are being stitched up by @premierleague this season via VAR!”The incident came just one week after VAR played a major role in the Reds’ 2-2 draw against Everton in the Merseyside derby.Jordan Henderson had a late winner ruled out as Sadio Mane was considered to be offside in the build-up. It was a controversial call.
The video assistant referee for the derby, David Coote, was also heavily criticised for failing to send Jordan Pickford off following his challenge on Virgil van Dijk.It was reported that Coote wasn’t aware that he Pickford could be sent off for the collision, which left Van Dijk with a serious ACL injury.
Liverpool were able to overcome the Fabinho decision on Saturday by scoring twice to beat Sheffield United. But they were hard done by against the Toffees.And, despite the win leaving them second in the Premier League table, their fans are growing very frustrated by VAR.
Liverpool fan debunks 'LiVARpool'A thread that claims to debunk any suggestions that Liverpool benefit from the technology has received a few more shares after being posted following the Everton match.The thread, written by @Valiant_Virgil, starts: "A thread of the WORST and most CORRUPT decisions that have gone against Liverpool Football Club in recent memory."
It includes instances against Everton, Manchester United, Southampton, Leicester City, Napoli, Burnley and more, all with the intention of dispelling the 'LiVARpool theory'.
Click HERE to read the thread in full.
Following the incidents against Everton and Sheffield United, nobody's saying Liverpool get lucky with VAR anymore.