The PGMOL has released the VAR audio of the incorrect offside decision on Saturday evening.
Liverpool had their unbeaten run ended on Saturday when they lost 2-1 to Tottenham in a game that was shrouded in controversy.
Although two men were sent off during the match, the most controversial moment came when Luis Diaz had his first-half opener ruled out incorrectly for offside.
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🚨 @PremierLeague release official VAR audio from Luis Diaz's disallowed goal vs Tottenham.
Full statement: https://t.co/buvq5mG2q3 pic.twitter.com/a8zjGgcOCO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 3, 2023
The PGMOL released a statement after the game apologising to Liverpool football club and cited ‘significant human error’ as the reasoning behind it.
Liverpool replied by making a formal request for the raw audio file of the event, which has now been released to the public.
🎙️ PGMOL release audio conversations between officials during Luis Diaz’ disallowed goal for Liverpool against Tottenham pic.twitter.com/eYYKKmAdkN
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 3, 2023
Referees’ body PGMOL have released the full audio from the VAR hub relating to the Luis Diaz goal that was incorrectly disallowed in Spurs v Liverpool
➡️ https://t.co/3UGPAIrGW0 pic.twitter.com/8Ijj7JCaeo
— Premier League Communications (@PLComms) October 3, 2023
The PGMOL also released a statement alongside the audio file:
“PGMOL can confirm that we have carried out a review into the circumstances which led to the Luis Diaz goal being incorrectly disallowed for offside in the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC.” the statement reads.
“We recognise standards fell short of expectations and acknowledged the error to Liverpool immediately after the conclusion of the fixture.
“A detailed report, including the key learnings and immediate actions taken, alongside the audio between the on-field officials and VAR team has been submitted to the Premier League, who have shared it with Liverpool FC and subsequently all other Premier League Clubs.
“The review of the on-field and VAR decision-making processes and application of the decision-making principles has identified the following key learnings to mitigate against the risk of a future error:
– Guidance to Video Match Officials has always emphasised the need for efficiency, but never at the expense of accuracy. This principle will be clearly reiterated
– A new VAR Communication Protocol will be developed to enhance the clarity of communication between the referee and the VAR team in relation to on-field decisions
– As an additional step to the process, the VAR will confirm the outcome of the VAR check process with the AVAR before confirming the final decision to the on-field officials
“PGMOL are committed to enhancing VAR performance through a new training programme which started this season and focuses on process and best practice for all VARs, AVARs and Replay Operators in their specific roles. While we have a number of FIFA-recognised VARs, work is ongoing to create a dedicated pool of VAR specialists.
“The VAR and AVAR in question were removed from their remaining fixtures in Match Round 7 in the Premier League and have not been included in the appointments for Match Round 8 this weekend.
“PGMOL and The FA have also agreed to review the policy to allow match officials to officiate matches outside of FIFA or UEFA appointments.”