13 VAR Errors in Premier League This Season: Liverpool Involved in Controversy

The 2025-26 Premier League season has been marred by 13 significant VAR errors, with Liverpool FC frequently at the center of contentious decisions, as detailed in a comprehensive Liverpool.com analysis[1][2][5]. These mistakes have altered match outcomes, points tallies, and league standings, fueling debates over VAR's reliability.

Liverpool's VAR Controversies

Liverpool has endured multiple overturns, notably in a 3-2 loss to Brentford on October 25. Virgil van Dijk was initially flagged for a free-kick outside the box against Dango Ouattara, but VAR ruled it a penalty inside the area. Igor Thiago scored, making it 3-1; without it, Mohamed Salah's late goal would have equalized at 2-2, earning Liverpool a vital point and potentially lifting them to fourth[1].

Earlier, Manchester United benefited from VAR in stoppage time against an opponent, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a penalty after Jaidon Antony's foul on Amad Diallo, overturning an initial on-pitch call[1]. Fulham suffered in a London derby, losing two goals to VAR: Josh King's disallowed strike due to a soft foul by Rodrigo Muniz, and a penalty for Enzo Fernández after João Pedro's opener, prompting manager Marco Silva's fury[1].

League-Wide Impact

Club	Net VAR Score	Key Errors
Nottingham Forest	+4 to +5	Multiple goals disallowed for opponents (e.g., Dango Ouattara offside/handball)[2][3]
Liverpool & Newcastle	+5	Brentford penalty; hypothetical table rise without VAR[1][5]
Chelsea	-5	Most errors against them[5]
Bournemouth	-2	Two disallowed goals for[2]

Other incidents include Leicester gaining from a disallowed Yasin Ayari goal, Ipswich losing a point on a VAR offside call, and Bournemouth hit twice[2]. A hypothetical VAR-free table shows Arsenal losing eight points from four disallowed goals, while Liverpool climbs[1]. Statista data from prior seasons echoes this, with Forest leading positively and Liverpool among the net losers[3]. Critics, including fans and pundits, decry overlooked fouls and subjective calls, as in a shocking VAR admission video[4]. These 13 errors highlight ongoing VAR flaws, demanding reforms for fairness[5].

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