New footage shared on Reddit has reignited debate over a key moment from Liverpool’s 3–2 defeat to Brentford, with a fresh angle suggesting that the contact involving Virgil van Dijk may have taken place outside the penalty area.
The clip, uploaded by user NEEZ8, shows Van Dijk’s challenge on Dango Ouattara from a wider perspective, appearing to indicate that any contact occurred just outside the box.
That detail is crucial, as referee Tim Robinson originally awarded a free-kick before VAR reviewed the incident and upgraded it to a penalty — which Igor Thiago converted to seal Brentford’s victory.
Liverpool’s display in west London was far from convincing, but this controversial call proved to be a decisive turning point.
Had the foul been deemed outside the box, the match might have ended 2–2 — potentially halting the Reds’ recent slump.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg previously defended the VAR call, stating that “Van Dijk clearly made contact with Ouattara’s foot on the line,” noting that “the line is part of the penalty area.”
However, this new angle could reignite questions about whether VAR got it wrong.
The defeat adds to Liverpool’s frustrations, as Arne Slot’s men have now lost four straight Premier League games — their worst run since 2021.
Beyond performance issues, fine margins and controversial decisions continue to go against the Reds, including a disputed penalty incident involving Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool have now conceded two or more goals in nine of their last ten league games, and unless things start turning their way — both in play and in officiating — ending this poor run will remain a challenge.
When fan-shared footage begins to contradict VAR’s version of events, it’s hard not to feel that luck simply isn’t on Liverpool’s side right now.
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