Sheffield United pushed Liverpool close on Saturday evening before eventually losing 2-1 to the Premier League champions.
The Reds worked their way back into the game and goals from Bobby Firmino and Diogo Jota ensured that Jurgen Klopp’s men escaped with all three points.
(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The game was not without its controversy, though. United were awarded a penalty for a foul on Oli McBurnie, a decision which many Liverpool fans felt was harsh.
Then, Sander Berge was tripped in the box with Mike Dean giving nothing, before Mo Salah had a goal of the season contender ruled out due to the finest of offside margins.
But it was the intial penalty for the Blades – which Berge converted – that has created the biggest talking point among Liverpool fans. However, as ESPN’s Dale Johnson explained today, the Reds’ complaint only comes down to what someone’s interpretation of a foul is.
Explanation
As we can see here from a series of tweets from Johnson, Mike Dean was well within his rights, as was the VAR, to give the decision.
Starting with Sheffield United's penalty at Liverpool for Fabinho's foul on Oliver McBurnie.
Contrary to what was reported in some places, the tackle was reviewed. In fact, there were three possible outcomes available to the VAR, who was Andre Marriner.
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) October 26, 2020
So now we know the possible outcomes, you need to look at the process.
First of all, the VAR needs to determine where the foul took place. Because if the foul took place outside the area, the VAR cannot intervene.
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) October 26, 2020
The position of the ball is irrelevant. All that matters is the position of McBurnie.
McBurnie has his right foot on the line of the box. The line belongs to the penalty area.
Therefore, the only possible outcome for the VAR is this is a now a penalty review. pic.twitter.com/MaC9wxO0N5
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) October 26, 2020
It's a VAR decision that looks more controversial than it actually is.
The position of the foul is a factual decision which falls to the VAR and doesn't require Dean to use the monitor.
These kind of challenges are penalised all the time in the modern game.
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) October 26, 2020
This is as clear as explanation as we are going to get, although VAR continues to cause problems.
Had McBurnie’s original decision stood, not many United fans would have batted an eyelid. Likewise with Salah, the Premier League has been robbed of one of the finest goals all season.
Once again, it’s VAR, and not the game, we are left talking about.