The inclusion of VAR into the Premier League was designed to help referees make correct decisions. So far, the results have been inconclusive, with many people arguing that the design and implementation have been nothing short of a car crash. As the new Premier League season takes shape, the problems that continue to exemplify the VAR struggle are painfully apparent. It’s not the first time the Reds have faced bizarre controversy, thanks to the video referee. For the sake of balance, although it’s not always erroneous, the fact that it can still be wrong in 2023, with multiple eyes and monitors involved, is nothing short of astounding.
#1 – Alexis Mac Allister vs Bournemouth
Let’s start with the most recent and most controversial incident. Despite The Reds having a poor season last year, the second half of the season proved promising, and Klopp’s men would have been keen to continue this momentum going into the new season. Although at the beginning of the last season, Liverpool were basically neck and neck with Man City, Guardiola’s men outdid everyone. Despite a surprising resurgence from Arsenal, they ran out of steam when it mattered – at the business end of the season.
Liverpool went into this season as third favorites for the title, behind Arsenal and Man City. City flew into this campaign as the team to beat, and their recent form suggests that the sports bookmakers are right to have them as resounding favorites. One of the benefits of betting online compared to a traditional bookmaker is that you can explore outright markets alongside in-game markets, including which player could get sent off. The sportsbooks would have given you great odds for Alexis Mac Allister to be sent off on his home debut at Anfield, considering he’s never been dismissed in his career.
After going in with high studs on Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie, there is no disputing that the challenge was late and he should have been reprimanded. However, the Argentinian clearly pulled away and no malice was intended. Quite rightly, Klopp is hopeful that the controversial red card will be overturned, and LFC fans will be upbeat if the appeal is a success and they don’t lose their Argentine World Cup winner for three games.
#2 – Darwin Núñez vs Crystal Palace
At the beginning of the 2022/23 season, Darwin Núñez, Liverpool’s most expensive signing, made his home debut with a bang. After scoring on his debut against Fulham, expectations were high that the Uruguayan could get himself off to a great start at Anfield. Núñez made headlines – but not in the way he would have wished – following a controversial headbutt, he received a straight red card.
Klopp won’t be keen for his new signings to be shown red cards every time they make their Anfield debut. Still, even the Bournemouth manager said he believed Mac Allister was unlucky to be sent to the dressing room early, given the harsh nature of the straight dismissal.
However, the same could not be said for Núñez’ violent conduct. Liverpool fans have cited this as a defining moment in his LFC career and say his lukewarm form, inability to find consistency and the fact he’s already being linked with a move away from Anfield means that this could be a make-or-break season for him. But with Klopp showing faith and handing him the number 9 shirt, this could be what he needs to kick on and find some much-needed form.
#3 – Nick Pope vs The Reds
Red card moments are few and far between for The Reds, and Klopp’s men have a tremendous disciplinary record, especially when compared to some of the league’s rougher teams. Although Newcastle United is the next natural choice for a smaller club using colossal wealth to crash the monopoly at the top of the Premier League, they came up second best against Liverpool at St James’ Park last season.
Nick Pope is one of the many positives of the new Newcastle setup. He’s consistent, an excellent shot-stopper and rarely makes mistakes. However, this wasn’t the case when Liverpool made the trip to the North East in February 2023, when the goalkeeper had a bizarre lapse in judgment and handled the ball outside his penalty area. While this might not have been the most controversial, as it was a stonewall red card, it was a massive lapse in concentration for a goalkeeper who is considered one of the best in the country, based on current form.
