Twitter reacts as VAR turns blind eye to Roberto Firmino being fouled

Roberto Firmino was in the thick of action in what was a lively opening 45 minutes at Anfield. In what has been the third time this season the Brazilian striker was denied justice by VAR.

Liverpool was on the attack as they looked to open the scoring against a spirited Southampton side. As the ball was crossed into the box, Shane Long blatantly rushed into Firmino and dragged him down, right in front of the goal.

The referee waved play on and much to everyone’s surprise even VAR chose not to overrule his decision.

Roberto Firmino — Firmino was hauled down in the penalty area

Liverpool fans took to Twitter to express their displeasure in what is yet another decision against the Brazilian striker.

Firmino has twice before had goals ruled out against Aston Villa and Manchester United in what had been tight calls. The player’s misfortune with VAR looks set to continue after the decision today.

Some fans were quick to point out the irony of fans labelling us LiVARpool while others expressed anger at such a blatant error. We take a look at some of the tweets made by Liverpool fans below.

Twitter reacts to Firmino’s penalty appeal

Didn’t realise Edge played for Southampton just saw him do this to Firmino pic.twitter.com/QDJ4sAbL9M
— Woodsey (@DWLFC94) February 1, 2020

Firmino fouled as soon as he was to tap it in from close range but apparently it’s LiVARpool. Absolute shambles.
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) February 1, 2020

Liverpool robbed of decisions so far in this game. Long clearly held back Firmino. Ref should be arrested!!!
— Me 🗽 (@TheMEFC) February 1, 2020

The Firmino penalty is one of those where the referee should be encouraged to take another look at the pitch-side monitor. #LIVSOU
— Ben D'Arcy (@ben_darcy) February 1, 2020

That said, how we haven’t had a penalty for the foul on Firmino I will never know #livarpool
— Mac (@PJMac777) February 1, 2020

Firmino dragged down by his neck…no pen 🤣 LiVARpool though right? 🤣🤣
— James Turrell (@JamesTuz87) February 1, 2020

Not to be banging on about VAR as well but how do you see Long dragging down Firmino and not think it’s a penalty, absolute farce, to many of them don’t want to make a show of their colleagues rather then making the wrong decision
— John O Sullivan (@Corballyred) February 1, 2020

This refs decided he wants to the one in charge for Liverpools first defeat. How the assault on Firmino wasn’t a pen is beyond me. But Liverpool get all the VAR decisions apparently #LIVSOU #LiVARpool #LFC
— The One Liam* (@TheOneLiam) February 1, 2020

More Liverpool News

https://twitter.com/Elondras/status/1223631815149281280?s=20

#VAR thinking Firmino wasn't fouled is comical. Free header under the cross bar. You think he'd pass up the chance by taking a dive? Long all over his back and 2 arms around him just to make sure he couldn't jump. Ref has been shocking for both sides as well. #LIVSOU #EPL
— Jimmy Henry (@RedTilDed) February 1, 2020