Liverpool boss Arne Slot slammed the decision to rule out Virgil van Dijk’s first-half header during the 3-0 loss to Manchester City, after referee Chris Kavanagh overturned the goal following a VAR review. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has also weighed in, offering a different perspective on Andy Robertson’s role in the incident.
Erling Haaland put City ahead just before the 30-minute mark, and Nico Gonzalez made it 2-0 soon after when his effort deflected off a frustrated Van Dijk, who was still angry about his disallowed equaliser. Jeremy Doku then sealed the win on 63 minutes with a brilliant solo strike reminiscent of Mohamed Salah, weaving through defenders before firing into the top corner.
Van Dijk thought he had equalised shortly before half-time, heading in from a Salah corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside — with Robertson judged to be blocking Gianluigi Donnarumma’s view. Replays showed Robertson ducking to allow the ball to pass, but the Premier League later posted that he was deemed to have made a clear action in front of the goalkeeper.
Gary Neville and Micah Richards both felt Liverpool were unfairly punished, and Slot echoed their view, insisting: “For me, it’s a clear wrong decision.”
Speaking to Rousing The Kop, Clattenburg argued that while Robertson was offside, the goal might have stood if he had moved to the side instead of ducking:
> “Robertson is offside in front of the goalkeeper. If he’d stepped left or right instead of ducking, he likely wouldn’t have been penalised. He may not have blocked the keeper’s view, but he clearly caused a distraction. That’s why it’s subjective — people will be split.”
With the international break now underway, Slot and his players will have time to reflect on the setback. Liverpool return to action against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, followed by a Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven on November 26, before ending the month away to West Ham.
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