Clattenburg: FIFA Could Expand VAR Following the Liverpool-Palace Controversy.
Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was overshadowed by an officiating blunder that could force FIFA to upgrade VAR systems, according to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.
The Incident
The Reds were second-best for much of Saturday’s game, but dissatisfaction increased following Palace’s opener. The ball looked to deflect off Tyrick Mitchell during a scuffle with Conor Bradley, implying Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty kick. Instead, referee Chris Kavanagh signalled for a corner, which Ismaila Sarr converted to put the hosts ahead.
Liverpool should have defended the position better, but as VAR cannot intervene in such circumstances, they were left disappointed.
FIFA is considering change.
In an interview with Rousing The Kop, Clattenburg indicated that the world’s football governing bodies are considering expanding VAR to cover these types of blunders.
“IFAB and FIFA are exploring ways to improve VAR and its scope,” he told me.
“Currently, VAR cannot interfere when a corner or goal kick is incorrectly awarded. However, when a goal stems directly from it, the sense of injustice is overwhelming. FIFA is examining modifications that would allow for repairs in those circumstances.
Currently, VAR is confined to clear errors involving goals, penalties, red cards, and misidentification.
Wider Implications
Clattenburg agreed that Liverpool had profited from such calls, but suggested that the game would improve if the rules were modified to include objective choices such as dead-ball rewards.
Other Key Decisions
Aside from the contentious corner, officiating was not a huge talking point. Palace questioned whether Federico Chiesa’s equaliser should stand, citing suspicions of a Mohamed Salah handball, but replays proved inconclusive. Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time winner was also reviewed, but the striker was obviously onside when he scored.
The Takeaway
Liverpool departed Selhurst Park defeated and dejected, but the game may have a lasting impact off the field. If FIFA follows through on its recommendations, the discussion over one incorrectly given corner might help influence VAR’s future role in the Premier League and beyond.
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