Here’s why VAR ruled out Palace goal against Liverpool in 1-2 defeat

Liverpool were handed a VAR reprieve against Crystal Palace as James Tomkins had a goal ruled out at Selhurst Park on Saturday, November 23.

The Palace centre-back thought he gave the home side the lead just before half-time, or at least he thought he had.

VAR was involved once again, and after another lengthy delay the goal was ruled out for a push on defender Dejan Lovren.

After consulting the VAR, referee Kevin Friend has overturned the goal because there was a foul by Jordan Ayew on Dejan Lovren in the build-up

Crystal Palace 0-0 Liverpool (45 mins)#CRYLIV https://t.co/xmUUptKVXc

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 23, 2019

Jordan Ayew was adjudged to have fouled the Croatian centre-back in the build-up to the goal, and the Selhurst Park faithful were left furious by the decision to disallow it.

The ball seemed to have comfortably gone over Lovren’s head and there was nothing he could have done even if the foul didn’t take place.

Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling said on Soccer Saturday: “He would have needed a stepladder to get to the ball.”

Paul Merson added: “Shall we give Liverpool the league now?”

VAR has caused controversy from the minute it was brought into the Premier League this season.

Liverpool have often been at the centre of VAR debate this season as well.

Against Aston Villa on November 2, Roberto Firmino had his strike disallowed when he was adjudged to be offside.

VAR and Liverpool – name us a better duo! 🤷‍♂️

Paul Merson added: "Shall we give Liverpool the league now?!" 😅 https://t.co/swhrKCq8V3

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 23, 2019

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And prior to that at Old Trafford, Jurgen Klopp was left furious when Manchester United’s goal stood despite an apparent foul on Divock Origi in the build-up.

But the Reds escaped against Manchester City last time out when Trent Alexander-Arnold clearly handled the ball in the box, but neither the referee or VAR awarded a penalty.