Liverpool boss Klopp baffled by two VAR decisions in derby

James Holland
Klopp Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is baffled by two controversial VAR decisions in today’s Merseyside derby and has asked for VAR to be explained to him.

Both sides fought to a close 2-2 draw after plenty of drama at Goodison Park.

First half goals from Sadio Mane and Michael Keane made it all square at the break. Dominic Calvert-Lewin then cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s strike late on.


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However, the main talking point from the match is VAR’s involvement in a potential foul and a ruled out goal.

Everton keeper Jordan Pickford, who has been under plenty of scrutiny in recent months, ran out and challenged Virgil Van Dijk in the box in the first half.

Despite taking out the Dutchman with a dangerously high challenge, Pickford wasn’t penalised as the chance was deemed offside previously.

There was more controversy in the dying minutes as Jordan Henderson’s late goal was ruled out for offside by VAR. It initially seemed to be onside at first glance.

Responding to the big decisions, Klopp said (via journalist James Pearce): “Pickford kicks him completely. I need to watch it back. I’ve seen the disallowed goal at the end and in the picture I saw it wasn’t offside. Can someone explain that to me?

“I’m a big supporter of VAR but you expect them to make the right decisions. I’ve done ten interviews and everyone has told me it’s not offside. That doesn’t lift my mood.”

When talking about Pickford’s challenge, he went on to say: “It is not a challenge the keeper can do. It’s getting harder and harder to take.”

Liverpool fans will feel hard done by, especially after the late goal was ruled offside. Mane looked like he was being played onside by the Toffees’ backline, but after close analysis VAR decided he was standing slightly behind the defenders.

The result means Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton continue their unbeaten start to the campaign. Liverpool, meanwhile, are now on ten points from their first five games.