Virgil van Dijk's three-word message to the referee speaks volumes after Liverpool loss

Stuart Attwell became the first English referee to explain a VAR decision (Image: Sky Sports)

Stuart Attwell became the first referee in English football history to address the crowd and explain a VAR decision.

Tottenham had thought they'd taken the lead against Liverpool during the pair's League Cup semi-final when Dominic Solanke broke the deadlock late into the second half.

The ex-Liverpool striker was serenaded by his team-mates after poking home beyond Alisson, but his celebrations were cut short when the goal was referred to VAR.

After a lengthy delay, the goal was ruled out by VAR, with the cameras panning back to Attwell in the stadium.

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That's because, for the first time in English football, the on-pitch referee was instructed to explain why the goal was disallowed.

Speaking over the stadium's PA system, Attwell said: "After review, Dominic Solanke was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal, my decision is offside."

It was part of a trial being used across the two mid-week League Cup semi-finals, but as there wasn't a VAR decision in Tuesday's clash between Arsenal and Newcastle, Attwell had the pleasure of making history.

The move is being taken by PGMOL as they look to provide greater clarity surrounding referee decisions for fans inside the stadiums.

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Solanke scores for Tottenham but as the referee announces to the stadium, it's ruled out for offside! ❌ pic.twitter.com/FqVtHvT23N

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 8, 2025

The explanation is unlikely to have provided Ange Postecoglou with any comfort, given the Australian coach bemoaned yet another VAR alteration ahead of the game.

Postecoglou stated: “Do I welcome it? No. Do you think if they had shown the handball at the weekend that our supporters would have been happy? Would they have come away saying, ‘Ah that’s great, they explained it’?

“But at the same time, I have to accept that it’s coming in. I have to accept that this is the way forward. I have to accept that I have to be a part of that.

“But it shouldn’t surprise anyone if I am not a cheerleader for these kinds of things.”

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Despite the setback, Spurs bounced back and were able to snatch a winning goal ahead of the full-time whistle, with Solanke slipping in Lucas Bergvall, who made no mistake with his finish.

While there were no infringements in the build-up to this goal, Arne Slot and his Liverpool players were furious with Attwell as Bergvall had been lucky to have stayed on the pitch.

The 18-year-old was booked for a foul on Luis Diaz close to the touchline and while replays suggested it was a harsh yellow card, Bergvall was fortunate to escape a red card moments before he found the net for a tackle on Kostas Tsimikas.

Commenting on the incident after the game, Arne Slot said: "I think I saw Ange sitting here unhappy on Sunday. People say these decisions even out. I don't agree with that but today a decision went for them. Very unlucky for us. I never thought we were going to lose this game."

The two teams will go head-to-head for in the second leg on February 6.