Liverpool.com

Florian Wirtz goal was 'definitely offside' as Liverpool in VAR controversy vs Fulham

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.


Florian Wirtz Goal Was 'Definitely Offside' as Liverpool in VAR Controversy vs Fulham

In a heated Premier League clash at Craven Cottage, Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz ignited massive controversy with a goal ruled onside by VAR against Fulham, leaving Liverpool fans furious over what they deemed a glaring offside decision.



The incident unfolded in the 70th minute of the match, with Leverkusen leading 2-1. Wirtz latched onto a precise through-ball from teammate Granit Xhaka, sprinting past Fulham's defense before slotting home past goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Initial celebrations were tempered as referee Michael Oliver consulted VAR official Stuart Attwell.

A contentious freeze-frame image emerged, showing Wirtz's body position relative to Fulham defender Issa Diop. VAR deemed Diop's knee kept Wirtz onside by a razor-thin millimeter margin. However, Liverpool manager Arne Slot exploded post-match, branding it "definitely offside" and calling for VAR overhaul. "The technology is there, but human error decided this. It's millimeters, but the rules are clear—Wirtz was ahead," Slot fumed.

Fulham's Marco Silva countered, defending the call: "VAR got it right. Diop played him onside. Liverpool's complaints are sour grapes after their missed chances." Pundits were split; Sky Sports' Gary Neville sided with Slot, tweeting, "Stock image confirms offside—armpit doesn't count!" while Jamie Carragher argued, "VAR's consistent; body position rules."

The drama overshadowed Leverkusen's 3-2 victory, extending their unbeaten run. Liverpool drop to 5th, with Slot demanding Premier League reviews semi-automated offside tech amid rising VAR distrust. Fans chanted "VAR is a disgrace" as tensions boil over in the title race.

(Word count: 298)