Fans are calling it a landmark moment in the ongoing VAR saga, with social media ablaze and accusations flying from all sides. 😱🥶
The flashpoint was the 95th-minute winner scored by Bournemouth substitute Amine Adli after a chaotic scramble from a long throw-in. Replays showed apparent contact on Virgil van Dijk in the box—potentially a foul or push—that went unpunished by on-field referee Michael Salisbury and the VAR team. Liverpool players, led by Van Dijk himself, erupted in protest immediately after the final whistle. Van Dijk told Sky Sports post-match: “What I felt on that pitch is that I was blocked but the referee and VAR didn’t give it. I can stand by that.” Manager Arne Slot echoed the frustration, labeling the non-call a “painful” turning point in a game where Liverpool had clawed back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2 via goals from Van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The controversy escalated rapidly. Pundits, former refs like Mike Dean, and fan channels dissected the incident frame-by-frame, highlighting what many saw as a “clear and obvious” foul ignored by officials. Liverpool reportedly contacted PGMOL chief Howard Webb to raise concerns, adding fuel to demands for accountability. Viral YouTube videos (some racking up tens of thousands of views in days) amplified the outrage with sensational titles claiming suspensions, referee apologies, FIFA interventions, goal strippings, and even rematches—titles like “REFEREE AND ENTIRE VAR TEAM SUSPENDED AFTER LIVERPOOL VS BOURNEMOUTH CONTROVERSY” and “LIVERPOOL ROBBED NO MORE!”
However, as of February 6, 2026, no official confirmation has come from the Premier League, PGMOL, or FIFA regarding any suspensions for Salisbury or the VAR crew involved in this specific match. Credible outlets (BBC Sport, Goal.com, ESPN, The Athletic) report heavy scrutiny and fan fury but stop short of verifying disciplinary action. PGMOL has a history of standing down officials after high-profile errors—examples include VAR Michael Salisbury himself being removed from duties in past seasons (e.g., after a disallowed goal in Chelsea vs Fulham in 2025, or other incidents)—but nothing has been announced here yet. The KMI Panel’s ongoing reviews of VAR errors this season (already 13+ identified) show Bournemouth and Liverpool frequently involved in disputes, including prior missed red cards for Marcos Senesi against Liverpool.
Social media is pure chaos. Liverpool supporters flood timelines with memes demanding “justice,” hashtags like #VARRobbery and #SuspendTheRefs trending, and calls for Webb’s resignation or systemic overhaul. Bournemouth fans counter with “cope” replies, celebrating Adli’s heroics and pointing out Liverpool’s defensive lapses earlier in the game. Neutrals debate the bigger picture: Is this the tipping point for VAR reform, or just another heated weekend in the Premier League?
For context, this isn’t isolated—VAR controversies have plagued the 2025-26 season, with errors rising and PGMOL under pressure to improve transparency (e.g., more “Mic’d Up” explanations from Webb). If suspensions are confirmed, it would be a rare and dramatic step, potentially setting precedent for retroactive accountability in domestic leagues. Until then, the result stands: Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool, three points to the Cherries, and endless debate.
Liverpool’s next test looms large—facing injury-hit Manchester City amid their own squad woes—while Bournemouth ride the momentum. One thing’s clear: this clash has reignited the firestorm around officiating, and the football world won’t quiet down anytime soon. ⚽💥
