Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

Liverpool already know why Wolves were angry after 13 cameras 'missing' for controversial VAR decision

Wolves' disallowed goal versus Liverpool on Saturday evening was reportedly not allowed to stand after being unable to sufficiently review the incident.

And it's something Liverpool already know all about after being on the receiving end of a similar problem when Bakayo Saka scored against them for Arsenal earlier this season.

VAR ruled out Toti Gomes' goal in the 82nd minute of the match due to an offside in the build-up, denying the visitors what they believed was a strike to send them through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

READ MORE: PSG owners QSI and the truth about Liverpool 'takeover'

READ MORE: Jude Bellingham to Liverpool transfer latest as 'favourites' and person 'key' to deal named

The assistant referee raised his flag after Gomes bundled home inside the area, judging Matheus Nunes to have been offside moments before this close-range finish. Nunes had taken a corner kick for Wolves, which made its way back out to the Portuguese midfielder after being headed in his direction by Hwang Hee-chan, and was judged to have strayed beyond the defensive line after receiving the ball.

This decision left Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui furious when speaking after the game and a latest report by the Telegraph is only likely to add to his anger. It has emerged only 17 camera angles were available for VAR to review Toti's goal, some 13 fewer than the amount typically available in Premier League matches broadcasted by Sky, which ultimately proved costly on the night.

It is stated VAR was unable to provide images to prove Nunes was in an offside position when Hwang headed the ball in his direction, forcing VAR lead Mike Dean to stick with the on-field decision made by the officials.

Liverpool require no reminding how frustrating a situation of this nature can be, however, having themselves suffered a similar fate during a 3-2 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates earlier this season. The Gunners' opening goal scored by Gabriel Martinelli came under question but a conclusive verdict could not be reached due to his team-mate Saka not being visible in any of the five Hawk-Eye cameras that are utilised when decisions are referred to Stockley Park for further assessment.

Footage from a tactical camera near the halfway line featured the 21-year-old in frame, though virtual offside lines could not be drawn to ascertain whether the Arsenal forward had mistimed his run due to not being calibrated to support such actions. Michael Oliver was therefore left with no other choice than to stick with the on-field decision.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.