Revealed: Real reason Van Dijk’s goal against Manchester City was ruled out

Liverpool fans were left fuming after Virgil van Dijk’s header against Manchester City was controversially ruled out, but the Premier League has now revealed the real reason behind the decision.

The goal, which could have drawn the Reds level before City’s eventual 3–0 victory, was overturned after a lengthy VAR check, sparking confusion across The Etihad and social media.

According to an official statement from the Premier League Match Centre on X, the decision hinged not on Van Dijk himself but on teammate Andrew Robertson’s positioning.

“The referee’s call of offside and no goal to Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR, with Robertson in an offside position and deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper,” the statement read.

Replays showed Robertson ducking as the ball flew past him, obstructing Gianluigi Donnarumma’s line of sight. Despite arguments that the City goalkeeper still had a clear view, the on-field call was upheld.

The decision proved costly, as Liverpool’s brief spark was extinguished moments later when City capitalised to score again through Nico Gonzalez.

Jeremy Doku wrapped up the scoring later in the game to hand Liverpool their worst Premier League defeat under Arne Slot and push the Reds down to eighth place.

It was another frustrating chapter for Liverpool in a season that has already seen them lose five Premier League games this season after 11 matches, one more than the whole of last season.