Liverpool NewsEx-referee accuses PGMOL of twisting the laws after Liverpool denied City goal…

Former referee accuses PGMOL of distorting the rules after Liverpool’s goal against City was disallowed.

Liverpool supporters were outraged when Virgil van Dijk’s header against Manchester City was disallowed, prompting a former FIFA referee to claim that the officials are “manipulating the law” to defend their decision.

Keith Hackett, who previously led the PGMOL, expressed his discontent in a detailed online post criticizing the ruling that negated our captain’s equalizer at the Etihad.

The 81-year-old, who officiated the 1981 FA Cup final, argues that the officials erred by ruling that Andy Robertson was interfering with Gianluigi Donnarumma, even though the Scot was clearly positioned to the goalkeeper’s left.

“A blatant manipulation of the law to support an erroneous decision,” Hackett stated on X. “Robertson did not interfere with his opponent.”

Hackett further questioned the actions of Howard Webb, Michael Oliver, and Chris Kavanagh, likening the PGMOL’s explanation show, hosted by Michael Owen, to a “Tommy Cooper sketch”.

He remarked: “Manipulate the law to align with the decision… Gallagher and Foy would not have disallowed it. Neither would I or Halsey.”

Hackett advocates for Liverpool’s position following the disallowed Van Dijk goal.

The disallowed goal occurred while the Reds were down 1–0, just moments before halftime, and could have altered the momentum in a match that ultimately ended in a 3–0 defeat.

This marked the fifth league loss of the season for Arne Slot’s reigning champions, who did not manage another shot on target until the 76th minute.

Hackett’s remarks come in the wake of Liverpool’s official complaint to the PGMOL, with club representatives reaching out to Howard Webb to express “serious concerns” regarding the decision-making process.

This communication preceded the governing body’s release of the VAR audio from the incident, which revealed that officials concluded within seconds that Robertson had obstructed Donnarumma’s view.

Liverpool continues to contest officiating standards.

This controversy adds to an increasing list of grievances regarding refereeing standards.

The choice to invalidate Van Dijk’s goal has led to widespread doubts about the consistency of officiating, particularly in light of unpunished incidents such as Bernardo Silva’s offside involvement against Wolves last season.

Hackett concurred, stating: “Your analysis is absolutely correct.”

For Liverpool, this marks yet another frustrating episode in a season where crucial decisions have consistently been unfavorable to us,

and where former officials are now openly supporting the R eds.