Some Liverpool fans were left puzzled as VAR was checked twice after Napoli scored the opening goal at Anfield in the Champions League.
It had appeared that Dries Mertens fouled Virgil van Dijk near the half-way line, but the game went on and the ball was sprayed out down the right flank.
After the Belgian forward found the back of the net, VAR was checked for the potential foul on the Reds’ centre half and for a possible offside in the build-up.
The goal was then confirmed – twice – by officials inside the stadium, and fans on social media let their feelings be heard.
From where I was sat, it did look like a foul on van Dijk near the half-way line. Mertens appeared to knock the defender when he was in the air and it sent him off-balance.
Our No.4 then hit the ground awkwardly and was missing from the defensive lineup, as Napoli continued play and attacked.
I can’t blame the defence, as a van Dijk shaped hole is incredibly hard to live with, but I do think the Netherlands international was fouled as Napoli mounted their attack.
And I’m not the only one – here are some reactions from Liverpool fans on Twitter:
Idk man, but I think the Napoli player keeping his eyes on Van Dijk the whole time instead of the ball when he pushes into him is a pretty clear foul. But when has VAR ever been fucking consistent this year? #LIVNAP
— Rachel (@BendItLikeTobin) November 27, 2019
Another VAR shambles. This is a joke.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) November 27, 2019
How is that a goal? Mertens looks at Van Dijk and there is an elbow. If the PSG one didn't count..how does this one? What a piss take #LIVNAP #VAR
— Neil Humphreys (@Nelie_Humphreys) November 27, 2019
My god VAR is such a shitshow… how on gods green earth is that not a freekick. Absolutely no intention on the ball, only contacts Van Dijk.. such a shitshow. #LFC
— Kristian Vestergaard (@Schen_RulEz) November 27, 2019
That's an absurd series of events. Van Dijk was fouled, Mertens wasn't offside and VAR needed two checks. Why?
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) November 27, 2019
I thought Mertens fouled Van Dijk, but if the referee didn’t think it was a foul then VAR shouldn’t be allowed to bring it back.
I guess people can stop making the #LiVARpool jokes 🤷♂️
— Joe Cleary (@_JoeCleary) November 27, 2019
Please tell what the difference was with the foul on van dijk and what happened at the bernabeu last night, VAR and Referee"s get consistent! you are spoiling the GAME!!! @LFC
— Gregg Morgans (@GreggMorgans) November 27, 2019