The controversy surrounding VAR reached a new level of intensity during the recent clash between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, as the VAR audio recording of Luis Diaz's wrongly disallowed goal was released by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). This revelation has shed light on a concerning officiating error that frustrated fans, players, and pundits.

During the match, Diaz's goal was initially ruled out for offside, but subsequent replays clearly showed that he was onside when he scored. Strikingly, the VAR replay operator was the first to notice the mistake and promptly signaled to the officials to halt the game. However, VAR officials Darren England and Dan Cook failed to intervene, mistakenly believing that the on-field decision had been to award the goal.

The audio recording exposes a series of exchanges between the replay operator and the VAR officials, marked by growing urgency as they realized their error. Despite repeated requests to stop and reassess the decision, England and Cook deemed it impossible to intervene once the game had resumed.

In response to the outcry following this incident, the PGMOL issued a statement acknowledging that “standards fell short of expectations.” The organization has taken swift action to address the issue, including a renewed emphasis on accuracy over efficiency in VAR decisions. A new VAR Communication Protocol will be developed to clarify communication between the referee and the VAR team regarding on-field findings. An extra step has been introduced to ensure VAR confirmation before the final decision is communicated to on-field officials.

The controversy surrounding the match extended beyond the VAR error, as criticism arose regarding England and Cook's officiation in the United Arab Emirates just 48 hours before the game. In light of these concerns, the PGMOL and the FA have pledged to review the policy allowing match officials to oversee matches outside of FIFA or UEFA appointments.

This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding VAR in football, highlighting the need for improved officiating standards and a commitment to getting decisions right.