Premier League Explains Why Van Dijk’s Goal Against Manchester City Was Disallowed ⚽

The Premier League has officially explained the controversial decision to disallow Virgil van Dijk’s header during Liverpool’s 3–0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.

Van Dijk had thought he had levelled the score at 1–1 after Erling Haaland opened the scoring for City, but the goal was ruled out after a lengthy VAR check.

Although Andy Robertson did not touch the ball, officials determined that his movement in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was enough to impede the keeper’s line of sight and ability to play the ball.

In a post-match clarification, the Premier League’s Match Centre stated:

“Robertson’s proximity to the goalkeeper constituted an obvious action which impacted an opponent’s ability to play the ball. Therefore, the offside offence was correctly penalised.”

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans and pundits, many arguing that Donnarumma appeared unlikely to reach Van Dijk’s header regardless of Robertson’s positioning.

The incident proved pivotal as Nico Gonzalez doubled City’s lead before the break, and Jeremy Doku sealed the win with a fine finish in the second half.

Liverpool now sit eighth with 18 points, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City remain in hot pursuit of leaders Arsenal, just four points behind.

💭 Opinion: Another VAR Debate That Won’t Die Easily

VAR was meant to make football fairer — yet it continues to leave fans furious and confused.

The decision to chalk off Van Dijk’s goal may be technically correct by the book, but football isn’t played on technicalities alone; it’s played on intent, flow, and common sense.

Robertson’s movement, while close to the keeper, had minimal impact on Donnarumma’s ability to save the ball — and most neutral fans could see that.

Once again, VAR has inserted itself into the spotlight for the wrong reasons. And while Manchester City were deserved winners on the day, the endless grey area of "interfering with play" remains football’s biggest headache.

Until clearer communication and consistency arrive, the beautiful game will keep being interrupted by ugly controversies. ⚖️