VAR didn’t think Martin Atkinson’s decision not to give a foul on Divock Origi in the buildup to Manchester United’s goal was a ‘clear and obvious’ mistake.
That’s according to Bryan Swanson, the Sky Sports journalist who tweeted the explanation to his followers during the game at Old Trafford today.
VAR: On-field referee didn’t think it was a foul and VAR checked/decided it wasn’t clear and obvious error. VAR comfortable it wasn’t enough to disallow Rashford goal. #MUFC #LFC #SSN
— Bryan Swanson (@skysports_bryan) October 20, 2019
So, essentially – the decision makers in the VAR technical area may have believed Lindelof fouled Mane – but that he didn’t foul him enough.
That isn’t how it works, is it?!
It’s absurd. Lindelof kicked Divock Origi and it won Manchester United the ball back which resulted in Marcus Rashford scoring.
It’s black and white. Sadio Mane’s goal was disallowed because the rules say if it hits an arm in the buildup it will not count.
So why were the rules not applied when United scored?
It makes no sense.
Thankfully, Liverpool equalised late on through Adam Lallana and remain six points clear.