Liverpool PGMOL theory emerges after VAR audio released amid Virgil van Dijk flashpoint

View 2 Images

Premier League icon Alan Shearer has voiced his opinion on the disallowed goal from Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk in their match against Manchester City on Sunday. The centre-back believed he had netted an equaliser in the first half at the Etihad Stadium, only for the linesman to flag Andy Robertson for offside - claiming he was obstructing the opposition goalkeeper.

The full VAR audio was made public on Tuesday, with Michael Oliver at Stockley Park stating: "Chris [Kavanagh], it's Michael. Confirming the on-field decision of offside against Andy Robertson.

"He's in an offside position, very close to the goalkeeper and makes an obvious movement directly in front of him. Check complete, offside."

Despite the definitive ruling, several pundits have taken issue with the call, including Shearer, who has now aired his views on the incident.

Speaking to Betfair , the division's record goal-scorer said: "I know they scored a perfectly good goal with Virgil van Dijk. I'm dead against that being disallowed, but they didn't deserve anything out of the game.

"They wouldn't have got anything on the day, but that doesn't mean the goal shouldn't stand. I just think there's so many things wrong with that decision.

"It says he clearly has to impact the goalkeeper - I don't think he did. The goalkeeper wasn't stopping it anyway. So, for me, it was a poor decision.

"I don't think it's sour grapes from Liverpool going to the PGMOL. I just think they're possibly trying to do something in case it happens again. We know that they wouldn't have got anything out the game - but it was just a really poor decision.

View 2 Images

"I thought Man City were miles better than them in probably every position. Missing a penalty as well."

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot fumed in his post-match press conference and claimed that it was "obvious" the "wrong decision" was made. I think it is obvious and clear the wrong decision has been made," he told Sky Sports .

"He (Robertson) didn't interfere at all with what the goalkeeper can do. Immediately after the game someone showed me a goal the same referee allowed for City against Wolves last season."

Sunday's defeat at City leaves Liverpool in eighth position, trailing table-toppers Arsenal by eight points. Slot will utilise November's international break to reorganise with his available squad before their match with Nottingham Forest in late November.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.