Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has revealed how it wasn't VAR's decision to award Marcus Rashford's controversial opener against Liverpool.
Rashford fired United ahead after finishing Daniel James' low cross on 36 minutes - but the goal was only given following a VAR review, after by Victor Lindelof in the build up.
immediately signalled for a VAR review once the ball hit the back of the net, but David Coote, reviewing the incident at Stockley Park, felt that the tackle wasn't severe enough to be given as a free-kick.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp immediately let rip at fourth officia l Jon Moss once the goal was given, and Gallagher, speaking on Ref Watch on Sky Sports, has opened up on why it was Atkinson's decision to award the goal not VAR'S.
“What I need to explain here is that this isn’t a VAR decision, it is Martin Atkinson’s decision," Gallagher said.
“The referee is the closest person to it and he says no.
"The debate this morning, 50,000 people voted half say yes and half say no.
“So for the VAR, it is not clear and obvious and it can’t go against the referee.
"I did think it was a foul. He has the best view and he waved it away, he said no.
"Once he does that, it is out of the VAR’s hands because it’s such a subjective decision.
"So they can’t go with it. [The VAR] did check it but the feeling was that the referee had the best view and he didn’t feel it was a foul.
