Premier League Panel Delivers Final Verdict on Two Controversial Liverpool VAR Decisions

A Premier League panel has issued its final verdict on two highly debated VAR decisions involving Liverpool FC, particularly in their stormy 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on December 20, 2025. The match, which saw Spurs reduced to nine men, sparked outrage from Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, who labeled the calls as game-changing injustices[1].

The first controversy centered on a first-half red card to Tottenham's Xavi Simons (also referred to as Javi Simmons or Jaffy Simmons in reports), upgraded from a yellow after VAR reviewed his late challenge on Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. Referee John Brooks initially issued a yellow, but VAR intervention led to a sending-off, leaving Spurs a man down early. Frank fumed on the touchline, insisting the original decision should have stood, as the challenge—viewed in slow motion—did not warrant ejection[1]. Tottenham goalkeeper Gim Vicario later noted that both Simons and Cristian Romero apologized for their red cards post-match[1].

The second flashpoint was a late red card to defender Cristian Romero, who was dismissed while Spurs chased an equalizer. Romero appeared to kick out at Liverpool's Ibrahim Konate (noted as Ibrahim Canate in some transcripts), confirmed by VAR. This left Tottenham with nine players as Liverpool held on for the win, with goals including one putting them ahead despite Alexander Reach being forced off injured[1].

Debate persists over a potential foul by Tottenham's Ekitike on Romero during a goal sequence, but VAR upheld the goal, aligning with a Squawka poll where 58.7% agreed it was legitimate[3]. Broader 2024-25 VAR stats show mixed impacts: Tottenham has benefited from three positive decisions, while Liverpool has faced net negatives in prior seasons[2][4]. Frank's post-match rant highlighted VAR's "brutal" influence, calling the game "gone" due to these calls[1]. The panel's verdict backs the on-field rulings, closing the matter amid ongoing Premier League scrutiny of video technology[1][2].

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