Liverpool journalist James Pearce has hit out at the VAR decision that ruled out Virgil van Dijk’s goal in Liverpool’s recent Premier League match. Pearce said the official behind the screen “failed to do his job.” The debate about how VAR is used in English football has reignited his reaction.
Van Dijk’s Goal Ruled Out: James Pearce Reacts.
The key moment came midway through the first half. Van Dijk rose above his marker and headed in from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner. The ball hit the net, and Liverpool players celebrated – but not for long.
VAR asked the referee to stop play and review the goal. After a long delay, the referee ruled it out. Officials said Van Dijk had fouled his opponent before heading the ball.
Replays showed only light contact, the kind that happens in every game. Many fans and pundits felt the decision was harsh.
James Pearce: “VAR Failed to Do His Job”
After the match, James Pearce expressed his frustration. He is saying, “If VAR should fix clear mistakes, this isn’t the way to do it.” The official failed to do his job. He didn’t read the game or understand what really happened.”
His comments matched the mood of many Liverpool supporters. They have seen several big calls go against their team in recent months. Pearce’s tone was calm but direct—he questioned the quality and understanding of those making the decisions.
Liverpool Fans Losing Trust in VAR
Liverpool’s frustration with VAR is not new. Over the past two seasons, they have had goals ruled out, penalties denied, and key moments overturned. Van Dijk’s disallowed header is the latest example.
Arne Slot avoided a direct attack on the officials but made his point clear. He called for more consistency and said technology should help referees, not control the game.
As Pearce later wrote, according to him, “If every bit of contact is calling a foul, football will lose its edge. Players will stop challenging for the ball.”
Debate Over Referee Standards Grows
The decision has also sparked a wider discussion about how referees use VAR. But former officials have admitted the problem isn’t the technology—it’s how people apply it.
The PGMOL, the body that manages referees, has promised more transparency. But for fans and players, the issue is simple: consistency. A challenge which is allowed in one game is punishing in another.
Pearce’s comments reflect that concern. He believes officials aren’t applying the same standard across matches, leaving players unsure of what’s allowed.
Missed Chance Hurts Liverpool
The disallowed goal changed the game. Liverpool had control and could have taken three points. Instead, the match ended in a draw.
With the title race tight, dropped points like this matter. Liverpool remain near the top of the table, but incidents like this build frustration. The sense of unfairness grows each time a close call goes against them.
Clear Message from James Pearce
Pearce’s words — “failed to do his job” — summed up the anger among Liverpool fans. However, VAR should be used to make football fairer, yet it is often doing the opposite.
Until officials show more consistency, the technology will keep causing problems. The tools have no problem; the tool isn’t broken, but the people using it need to do better.
For Liverpool, this was another reminder that sometimes, the system feels stacked against them.
Author’s Insight
It’s already a hard season for Liverpool and fans from back-to-back setbacks, injuries and star players going out of form. And these are the moments the team fear most when in the struggling phase. If the referee gave Van’s goals, the results could be more balanced.
