F1 star Pierre Gasly claims Liverpool-Spurs VAR controversy is similar to the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP drama
Liverpool went on to lose the game against Tottenham, which further intensified the issue.
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Pierre Gasly talks about 2021 Abu Dhabi controversy in context with the recent Liverpool-Spurs drama. (Via IMAGO and Premier League)
In a surprising twist during the Tottenham vs. Liverpool match, a controversial offside call and a lack of VAR intervention have led to comparisons with the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Pierre Gasly, the Alpine driver, said the incident reminds him of the unfair rule change on the last lap that cost Lewis Hamilton the 2021 title to Max Verstappen.
Gasly, in an interview ahead of the Qatar GP, said, “What happened with Liverpool was a bit of a surprise. It is definitely a talking point for the weekend coming here.” The 2021 Abu Dhabi GP was a race marked by last-minute rule changes. It altered the course of the championship battle between Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Gasly said that this was a hot topic in and around the paddock. He said that discussions were linked to the 2021 race. The Frenchman claimed, “We had the conversation last night. It was definitely listening to the comments that were made, the post-decision and they were definitely some sort of Abu Dhabi 2021.”
The incident was labeled as a “Human Error,” leading to the quick removal of the race director at the time, Michael Masi. Gasly, comparing it to the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, recognized that errors happen in sports officiating. He mentioned, “Referees make mistakes too.” He admitted that this is the downside of the sport and can be hard to accept when you’re affected by it.
What is the controversy surrounding the Liverpool vs Tottenham match?
The controversy took center stage in the 34th minute when Luis Diaz scored a goal. Initially, the on-field officials disallowed it for offside. However, video replays clearly showed Diaz was level with Cristian Romero’s trailing left leg. Despite this evidence, the on-field decision stuck. This decision was crucial, as Liverpool ended up losing 2-1.
Unlike typical VAR reviews where lines are used to determine if a player is onside or offside, that was not the case here. The replays in the Liverpool incident did not showcase the customary VAR lines on the pitch. Later, this caught the heat as it became the talking point. Furthermore, PGMOL‘s (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) admission of the incident being a “significant human error” added another layer to the controversy.
Though there were 2D VAR lines drawn, the process was followed. But, there was an error in signaling. So, the on-field officials received the “check complete” signal instead of a directive for VAR intervention and awarding the goal. This part of the issue resembled the Abu Dhabi race that went down in history as one of the most controversial races of the sport.
Liverpool has put out a statement calling for “full transparency”
Liverpool, expressing disappointment and frustration, emphasized the undermining of ‘sporting integrity’. The fallout from the error resulted in the removal of the VAR and Assistant-VAR from their remaining fixtures in Match Round 7 and exclusion from Match Round 8 appointments.
The incident has sparked a debate about VAR and referee decisions. As a result, PGMOL and The FA agreed to review the policy that lets officials work in matches not under FIFA or UEFA.
This has now been further aggravated following the audio released by the PGMOL regarding the incident circulated on the internet. The audio reveals the on-field referee’s recklessness. While the VAR was brought in to remove any ‘human errors’, Tottenham vs. Liverpool game has suggested otherwise.
The people involved have been suspended indefinitely. This incident, similar to the Abu Dhabi GP issue, highlights the importance of ongoing improvements in officiating to maintain integrity in any sporting event.
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)