2 Liverpool say VAR error 'undermined sporting integrity

Liverpool say VAR error 'undermined sporting integrity

Liverpool have said that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) error that resulted in a goal by Luis Diaz being incorrectly disallowed in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham "undermined sporting integrity."

Diaz's goal was ruled out for offside in the first half, but replays showed that he was onside when the ball was played through to him. The Premier League's refereeing body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has since admitted that the decision was a "significant human error."

In a statement released on Sunday, Liverpool said: "It is clear that the rules of the game were not applied correctly, which undermined sporting integrity. It is therefore unsatisfactory that sufficient time was not given to allow the correct decision to be made and that there was no subsequent intervention."

The club also called for "greater transparency and accountability" from the PGMOL, and said that it was "essential" that VAR is used correctly in the future.

"The VAR system is in place to ensure that clear and obvious errors are corrected," the statement continued. "In this case, a clear and obvious error was not corrected, and the system failed its purpose.

"We understand that human error is a part of the game, but when it has such a significant impact on the outcome of a match, it is important to learn from it and take steps to prevent it from happening again."

Liverpool's manager, Jurgen Klopp, was also critical of the VAR decision after the match. He said that it was "not acceptable" and that it had "cost" his team the game.

"I don't understand how VAR can't overturn that decision," Klopp said. "It's so clear that Luis is onside. It's unbelievable."

The PGMOL has apologized to Liverpool for the error, and has said that it will be investigating the incident thoroughly.

The VAR error in the Tottenham match is the latest in a series of controversial decisions that have been made in the Premier League this season. It has raised further concerns about the quality of refereeing in the competition, and has led to calls for greater transparency and accountability from the PGMOL.