Florian Wirtz Admits Surprise at Offside Call for Goal – “I Didn’t Even Celebrate!”

By This Is Anfield Staff | January 4, 2026

In a thrilling Premier League clash at Craven Cottage, Liverpool secured a hard-fought victory over Fulham, with Florian Wirtz's controversial goal proving decisive. The German star netted what turned out to be the winner in the 67th minute, but his immediate reaction spoke volumes about the tight VAR decision that allowed it to stand.

Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a blockbuster summer transfer, wheeled away after slotting home a precise finish from Mohamed Salah's pinpoint cross. However, the 22-year-old hesitated, raising his hands in apparent disbelief at the offside flag that had briefly gone up. "I didn’t even celebrate!" Wirtz admitted post-match, laughing off the moment. "I thought it was offside – the linesman flagged it straight away. I was surprised when they checked and gave it. Honestly, I wasn’t sure myself until the screen came up."

The goal came at a pivotal time, with Fulham having equalized earlier through Alexander Mitrovic. Liverpool had dominated possession but struggled to break down Marco Silva's resilient defense until Wirtz's intervention. VAR reviewed the play for over two minutes, confirming Wirtz was marginally onside thanks to Fulham defender Calvin Bassey's positioning.

"I saw Mo’s cross and just went for it. When the flag went up, I stopped. Credit to VAR – it was tight, but it counts!" – Florian Wirtz

Liverpool boss Arne Slot praised his midfielder's composure: "Florian’s instinct is incredible. That goal shows why he’s one of the best in the world." The win moves Liverpool top of the table, extending their unbeaten run to nine games. Fulham's manager bemoaned the "heartbreaking" call but congratulated the Reds.

Footage from Sky Sports captured the moment vividly, showing Wirtz's stunned expression amid ecstatic Anfield traveling support. A star is born in red.

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