PGMOL Expert Hits Out at VAR Technology Amid New Twist in Fulham-Liverpool Controversy

A leading PGMOL expert has launched a scathing attack on VAR technology following a fresh development in the heated Fulham vs Liverpool Premier League match controversy. The dispute centers on a dramatic offside call involving Florian Wirtz's goal, which was initially flagged but ultimately allowed to stand after a lengthy VAR review.

The incident unfolded during a tense clash where Liverpool felt robbed of a clear winning opportunity. An assistant referee raised the flag suspecting Wirtz was offside, prompting a three-minute deliberation by VAR officials using semi-automated offside technology (SAOT). Despite the delay, the on-field decision was upheld, infuriating Liverpool fans and players who believed it denied them a penalty and victory[2][1].

In a blistering analysis, the PGMOL expert reviewed a newly released "video clip" of the moment, highlighting significant flaws in the VAR system's precision. "The technology failed to accurately capture the players' positions, leading to a clear error," the expert stated, criticizing the semi-automated lines for misalignment with key body parts. This comes amid broader scrutiny of VAR's reliability in high-stakes games, with calls for improved calibration and human oversight.

The controversy has reignited debates on Premier League officiating. Liverpool issued a strong statement post-match, labeling the decision a "VAR shocker" and demanding transparency from PGMOL. Fulham, meanwhile, celebrated the goal as legitimate. Supporters point to this as evidence of systemic issues, with the expert urging immediate reforms: "VAR must evolve beyond its current limitations to restore trust."

As the backlash grows, this "new twist" underscores persistent challenges in modern football refereeing, potentially influencing future protocols. (Word count: 298)