Fans from both sides have been left seething, with many calling this one of the worst examples of VAR mishandling in Premier League history.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
The moment in question occurred in the 78th minute when Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães appeared to recklessly challenge Liverpool’s Curtis Jones. The Brazilian midfielder lunged in with a high tackle that caught Jones just above the ankle, leaving the Liverpool midfielder writhing in pain. Replays showed the challenge was both dangerous and reckless—a textbook red-card offense.
However, to the astonishment of fans and players alike, referee Andy Madley issued only a yellow card for the tackle. Even more baffling was VAR’s decision not to advise Madley to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. The non-decision allowed Guimarães to stay on the pitch, influencing Newcastle’s late-game efforts as they battled for a point.
PGMOL Acknowledges Mistake
Shortly after the match, the PGMOL released a statement admitting the error. “Upon reviewing the incident in the Newcastle vs. Liverpool match, it has been concluded that a red card should have been issued for the challenge on Curtis Jones. The VAR team failed to follow the correct protocol in assessing the severity of the foul,” the statement read.
This rare admission has only added fuel to the fire, with fans across social media branding the incident as “corruption at its peak.” Hashtags like #VARCorruption and #JusticeForLiverpool began trending almost immediately after the match, with furious fans demanding accountability from the Premier League.
A Game Marred by Controversy and Drama
The match itself was a thriller, ending in a dramatic 3-3 draw. Liverpool twice fought back from behind, with Curtis Jones, who scored the opening equalizer, and Mohamed Salah, who netted twice, leading the charge.
The Reds dominated possession with 62% compared to Newcastle’s 38%, firing 19 shots to the Magpies’ 13. However, Newcastle capitalized on Liverpool’s defensive lapses, with goals from Anthony Gordon and a brace by Alexander Isak.
Despite their valiant efforts, Liverpool’s defense came undone late on, with Newcastle equalizing in the 89th minute following a mistake from Caoimhin Kelleher. The Reds’ goalkeeper, who had earlier made stunning saves against Guimarães and Tonali, ultimately bore the brunt of criticism for his costly error.
Pundits and Fans Demand Change
Footballing legends were quick to voice their displeasure. Jamie Carragher called the VAR decision “an embarrassment,” while Alan Shearer described it as “unacceptable” in a match of such magnitude. Fans have also demanded reform, with many calling for better training for officials and even the implementation of independent VAR review panels.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about one game—it’s about the integrity of the Premier League. VAR was introduced to eliminate clear and obvious errors, but when it fails so spectacularly, it undermines the credibility of the system and the league as a whole.
With Liverpool now just seven points clear at the top of the table after 14 games, this controversy could have long-term implications for the title race. For Newcastle, the result keeps them in the hunt for European qualification, but the shadow of this scandal threatens to tarnish their season.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Premier League and PGMOL must act decisively. Fans deserve better, and football’s reputation is at stake.
