Jurgen Klopp calls for replay of Liverpool vs. Tottenham match due to VAR error

Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, has called for a replay of the Premier League game against Tottenham following a controversial decision by the video assistant referee (VAR) that led to Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal. The incident occurred during the match on Saturday when VAR officials Darren England and assistant Dan Cook did not overturn the on-field decision to flag Diaz offside while the score was still 0-0. Liverpool ultimately lost the match 2-1, with a 96th-minute own goal from Joel Matip sealing their fate.

Luis Diaz of Liverpool runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur

Ryan Pierse / Getty

Klopp expressed his strong belief that a replay of the match is warranted, stating, “Something like this never happened, so that is why I think a replay is the right thing to do.” However, it remains uncertain whether Liverpool has officially requested a replay, and there is no indication that the Premier League is currently considering such a proposal.

When questioned about the possibility of Liverpool seeking a replay, Klopp responded, “At this stage we are still going through the information we have.” The situation has stirred significant controversy in the soccer community, prompting the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to release audio recordings of the discussions among the match officials regarding the offside decision.

In the released audio, referee Darren England can be heard initially expressing confidence in the offside check’s accuracy but then reacting with frustration when realizing a mistake had been made. Klopp, however, remains steadfast in his belief that the audio evidence does not change the situation, emphasizing that it was an “obvious mistake” and that there should be mechanisms in place to address such errors. Despite Klopp’s appeal, it remains uncertain whether a replay of the match will materialize.