Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk has urged for changes in the rules of Premier League refereeing so that conversations between match officials are made audible during certain decisions. His call comes after Liverpool’s draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, where they saw a controversial goal being ruled out.
The goal was discounted after a lengthy VAR review, which showed that Van Dijk was beyond the last Villa defender during Cody Gakpo’s close-range finish. Referee John Brooks determined it was not a deliberate play on the part of Villa’s Ezri Konsa, but a deflection. Following the incident, Van Dijk has asked for more transparency on the decisions taken by officials.
The Liverpool captain stated: “I’ve no idea [why it was ruled out] – I didn’t understand what was going on at all. I asked Michael Oliver (fourth official) on the side of the pitch, and apparently, it was a question if the Villa player deliberately knocked it back or something, but I have no idea, yes or no.”
Van Dijk also suggested that officials should provide post-match interviews just like players, should be transparent, and explain the calls they made. He further added that such a system was successful in Holland and could be implemented in the Premier League.
PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb recently did a live interview with Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, where they heard the audio between the referees and the VAR on different flashpoints of the season. The chief referee officer confirmed that it is currently not possible to listen to officials live because of FIFA regulations but stated that it could be a possibility in the future.
Van Dijk has urged that such changes should be made as people on the pitch and in the stands should have clarity over why calls are being made, following the Villa match.