VAR Overturn Nullifies Wirtz Goal in Liverpool-Forest Clash

During the first half of Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest at Anfield, Dan Ndoye gave the Tricky Trees the lead 24 minutes in. Later, Florian Wirtz appeared to level the score, but the referee’s assistant flagged the play for off-side. Video Assistant Referee Michael Oliver, assisted by Sam Barrott, reviewed the incident and recommended the goal be cancelled because Jeremie Frimpong was in an off-side position when he received the ball. The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the VAR decision on its official X account, noting a “32’ VAR OVERTURN” after the review.

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TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist, who was on-air for the match, said he had spotted the off-side before the VAR officials did. Former Liverpool midfielder Darren Fletcher, also on the broadcast, relayed the VAR team’s conclusion to the on-field referee, stating that Oliver had seen the infringement and the goal would be disallowed. The Premier League Match Centre’s post echoed this, indicating that the VAR check determined Frimpong’s off-side position warranted overturning the goal.

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The decision was met with “distaste” from the majority of supporters inside Anfield, who expressed disappointment at the loss of a potential equaliser for their side.

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• Dan Ndoye’s opener: 24 minutes (first half).

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• Florian Wirtz’s disallowed goal: reviewed at 32 minutes.

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• Off-side player: Jeremie Frimpong, flagged for being ahead of the ball when it was played back to him.

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• “Now, was he offside? Was Frimpong offside when it comes back in?” — Barrott. He

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• “Ally, you've called it; he's offside. Michael Oliver's seen it, the goal is going to be disallowed.” — Darren Fletcher

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