The Premier League have revealed the reason behind the decision to disallow Cody Gakpo’s equalizer for Liverpool in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Jacob Ramey had put the visitors ahead in the 27th minute before Dutch striker Gakpo appeared to put the Reds level, only for the goal to be scored by VAR.
Roberto Firmino then scored for the hosts to level his side in their last game at Anfield in a Liverpool shirt after it was confirmed he would leave the club at the end of the season.
The Premier League, explaining why Gakpo’s goal was ruled out, issued a statement which read: “Virgil Van Dijk was in an offside position from Luis Diaz’s header.
“VAR recommended a review and referee John Brooks determined it was a deflection by Enzri Konsa, not deliberate play.”
Liverpoo striker Cody Gakpo thought he scored a crucial equalizer against Aston Villa on Saturday
The goal was ruled out after a lengthy VAR check, however, before Firmino later equalized
The Premier League have since explained that Virgil van Dijk was offside in the build-up to the goal
As the hosts continued the game, Luis Diaz headed a ball from the right side into the back of the box, only to have it blocked by the defender.
The ball then went out to Virgil van Dijk who was up by the back post on the left, to pass it to his defensive partner Ibrahima Konate coming from the edge of the box.
The Dutch centre-back, however, was in an offside position when the ball first went out of Diaz.
French star Konaté’s strike was deflected off the line, only for Gakpo to take a throw-in under tremendous pressure and finish at close range.
Brazil striker Firmino scored a late equalizer in the 89th minute to hand the Reds a vital point in their bid for Champions League qualification.
Liverpool now sit fifth in the Premier League table with one game to play, three points behind Newcastle and Manchester United in third and fourth respectively.
United, who picked up a narrow 1-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, however, have two more games to play. Just like Newcastle, who only play on Monday, when they host Leicester.
Liverpool now face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League, although they will feel their last game, away to already relegated Southampton, is entirely winnable.
MORE SOON.