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Fulham Contact PGMOL Over Florian Wirtz Goal
Fulham FC has formally contacted the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) demanding an explanation for a controversial Florian Wirtz goal during their recent Premier League clash against Liverpool.[3][2]
The incident occurred in a heated match at Craven Cottage, where Liverpool trailed 1-0. In the first half, Wirtz received a pass and fired home to level the score at 1-1. The assistant referee immediately raised his flag for offside, halting play. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, and the goal stood, sparking outrage from the home side.[2][4]
Fulham believe the original call was correct, arguing Wirtz was clearly in an offside position when the ball was played. The club has requested a detailed breakdown from PGMOL on why the VAR intervention deemed it onside, including analysis of the lines drawn and positioning of Liverpool players.[4][3]
Adding fuel to the fire, Wirtz himself admitted post-match that he initially held back his celebration, convinced he was offside. The German international stated: "I thought I was offside, that's why I didn't celebrate straight away." This confession has intensified Fulham's frustration, as it suggests even the scorer questioned the legitimacy.[3]
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has publicly exploded over the controversy, criticizing the officials' handling and calling it a "clear error" that impacted the game's outcome. Liverpool went on to secure a victory, but Fulham's protests highlight ongoing VAR inconsistencies plaguing the league.[1][2]
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