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Liverpool and VAR: Season Under The Microscope

Unfair Play: Liverpool’s VAR Struggles

Throughout this season, Liverpool Football Club has found itself at the centre of a number of controversial decisions made by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Fans and observers alike have been left scratching their heads at several key moments where the technology and officiating seemed to have adversely impacted Liverpool’s campaign. The recent incident involving Jeremy Doku and Alexis Mac Allister during the match against Manchester City has once again ignited debates over the fairness and consistency of VAR decisions.

Evidence of Oversight

A review of this season’s contentious decisions reveals a pattern that many Liverpool supporters feel is unjust. Notable instances include a perfectly legal goal disallowed against Spurs, a missed handball and penalty against Arsenal, and a high kick by Doku on Mac Allister that went unpunished against Manchester City. These moments, captured vividly in social media posts and discussions, highlight the discrepancies in VAR’s application, feeding into the narrative that Liverpool has been unduly penalized by the system’s inconsistencies.

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, voiced his frustration plainly, stating, “It’s a penalty for all football people on the planet.” This sentiment resonates with a significant section of the footballing community that believes the essence of the game is being compromised by overly technical and, at times, seemingly arbitrary officiating. Maybe the high bar has been set to decapitation and we just missed it?

Mixed Opinions in the Football World

The debate over VAR’s role and its impact on the game has split opinions among pundits, former players, and fans. Jamie Carragher, a Liverpool legend, attempted to provide a balanced view by noting that referees tend to give fouls outside the box more readily than inside, due to the high stakes involved. Yet, this perspective was met with resistance from some quarters, with critics arguing that a clear foul should be acknowledged as such, irrespective of the pitch location. It felt like a tow of the company line more than saying what you see.

Uniting in the Face of Adversity

The accumulation of these decisions has not only sparked outrage among Liverpool supporters but also galvanized the fanbase. The rallying cry has been to stand united in the face of what is perceived as an ongoing injustice. The belief is that Liverpool must rise above these challenges, demonstrating resilience and unity. This incident, and others like it, may well be “brushed under the carpet” by officials and certain media outlets, yet they serve as a catalyst for Liverpool’s community to band together even more closely.

In recent incidents involving VAR and Liverpool have not only reignited debates about the technology’s application but also underscored the need for transparency, consistency, and fairness in officiating. As Liverpool continues to navigate through these challenges, the support and unity of its fanbase remain its greatest strength. It’ is what it is. Now Liverpool fans can decide what they want the rest to be.

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