Liverpool earned a point against Aston Villa at the weekend after Cody Gakpo’s goal was ruled out
This season, VAR decisions have been a hot topic of discussion, and Liverpool’s most recent match against Aston Villa was no exception. During their final home game of the season, the Reds were the subject of two contentious decisions, one of which was an offside call against what would have been a game-changing goal.
Cody Gakpo thought he’d equalized for Liverpool, but Virgil van Dijk was flagged offside after a lengthy VAR review. Despite the fact that the ball came off Ezri Konsa in the build-up, the decision went against Liverpool, and the goal was disallowed.
Dermot Gallagher discussed the decision on the most recent episode of Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, where he examined the latest round of fixtures and the action that took place.
“Gakpo’s goal should not have stood in law; the officials got it right,” he said. “With the way it’s written, the referees are in a pickle.” This is a difficult law to interpret. It all comes down to whether or not the player makes a genuine attempt to play the ball. Is he going to block the ball, or is it going to strike him?
“A block is just a block.” A genuine attempt to play the ball is to control it, clear it for a corner, or clear it up field. The referee must make a second guess.
“The law, as written, does not assist officials.” I would be upset if I were that player. It’s a very unfortunate part of the law that puts officials in a bind.”
Gallagher also spoke out about Tyrone Mings’ foul on Gakpo, which resulted in large visible cuts across the Dutchman’s chest and stomach. The Villa defender launched himself into the challenge with a high boot and collided with Gakpo, earning himself a yellow card.
However, the majority of fans and professionals agree that Mings should have been sent off, and Gallagher believes the England international was extremely fortunate to remain on the field.
“He caught him at the top of his chest, there are stud marks all up his chest.” “He’ll say he got the ball, but as we saw with Casemiro earlier in the season, that doesn’t negate it,” he said.
“I think you’re lucky to stay on the field if you put your studs that deep into someone’s chest.” You can’t do that when you’re face to face with someone on the field.”
Liverpool remains fifth in the Premier League table following the latest round of results, and their chances of finishing in the top four are all but over. Manchester United will miss out on Champions League football unless they lose both of their remaining games and the Reds beat Southampton.
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