Liverpool were handed a VAR reprieve during their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The video assistant technology has come under increased scrutiny since being introduced in the English top-flight this season, with many calls for it be reviewed or even scrapped altogether.
And there was more drama involving it once more this weekend at Selhurst Park, as Palace defender James Tomkins thought he had given the hosts the lead heading into the interval only to have the goal chalked off.
Jordan Ayew was adjudged to have fouled Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren in the build-up to the goal, with the game delayed for a prolonged period before the goal was eventually ruled out for a push on the Croatian centre-back.
The home faithful were left incensed with the decision, as the ball seemed to have comfortably gone over Lovren’s head, thus there seemed to be 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.”
Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson added: “Shall we give Liverpool the league now?”
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s games, referees chief Mike Riley admitted there have been four key incidents where VAR has made an error in overturning the original decision by an official.
Following the incident, the below statement was released by the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) to explain why the game was disallowed.
PGMOL VAR Clarification on Crystal Palace's disallowed goal
Crystal Palace v Liverpool, James Tomkins scored for Crystal Palace. The on-field decision was to award the goal, but the VAR identified a clear push by Jordan Ayew on Dejan Lovren and advised the referee to reverse his decision and award a free kick to Liverpool
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The Reds eventually ran out 2-1 winners, cementing their eight-point lead at the top of the table.
Sadio Mane gave the visitors the lead four minutes after the break, before Wilfried Zaha levelled up proceedings with eight minutes remaining.
But Roberto Firmino prodded the ball home from close range just three minutes later to seal a 12th league victory already this term for Jurgen Klopp’s men.