'Wrong call' - Ex-PGMOL chief fumes after analysing controversial Liverpool vs Burnley footage

Former PGMOL chief Howard Webb has launched a scathing attack on a controversial VAR decision in Liverpool's recent Premier League clash against Burnley, labeling it a "wrong call" after meticulously reviewing the footage.

The flashpoint moment came late in the game when Liverpool were awarded a disputed goal that secured their victory. Burnley players and fans were incensed, believing the attacker was clearly offside. Initial on-field referee decisions allowed the goal to stand following a lengthy VAR review, but Webb's independent analysis paints a different picture.

Speaking on his podcast, Webb dissected frame-by-frame footage, arguing that the VAR officials misapplied the offside rule. He highlighted an "obscure Premier League rule" introduced from the 2021-22 season, which loosened strict offside calls—no longer penalizing minute margins like "toenails and noses," as explained by ex-PGMOL leader Mike Riley. Despite this, Webb claimed the decision failed even this threshold, with the chosen VAR frame making the player appear "more offside" than reality.

Webb fumed: "This was a clear error. The technology and lines used by VAR were misleading, and it robbed Burnley of a fair result." He criticized PGMOL for lacking transparency, echoing frustrations from managers like Fulham's Marco Silva in similar incidents, where clubs sought feedback but received none.

The controversy ties into broader 2025-26 VAR debates, with reports noting rare but high-profile errors, including a Burnley red card to Lesley Ugochukwu. Liverpool's win propelled them up the table, but the fallout has reignited calls for VAR reforms. PGMOL has yet to respond publicly, leaving ex-officials like Webb to voice the dissent.

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