Premier League might allow Tottenham vs Liverpool to be replayed
The Premier League could order a replay of Tottenham Hotspur’s controversial win over Liverpool if it’s deemed officials broke rules by disallowing Luis Diaz’s goal incorrectly.
As per a post by the Mirror, Audio of the VAR discussion will be released by the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) after Liverpool has reviewed it. Referee Simon Hooper was cleared of blame as he officiated the controversial match, but VAR operators Darren England and Dan Cook were taken off their two following games.
Liverpool did not explicitly demand a replay but said they would “explore options” given the clear need for resolution. Their carefully worded statement implies they obtained legal counsel on potentially lobbying for a rematch after assessing the audio.
According to sports lawyer Stephen Taylor Heath, Premier League Rule L18 allows the league board to order a replay if recommended by a commission under Rule W51. The board can already inquire into suspected rule breaches like this incident under Rule W1.
While unprecedented, the door is open if it’s deemed officials violated protocols and laws of the game, which they agree to uphold under Rule N4. Liverpool could build a case once provided full audio evidence of the decision-making process.
A replay remains highly unlikely and would set a drastic new precedent. But with relations fraying between clubs and referees, some argue extraordinary transparency and accountability are required from PGMOL now.
PGMOL under scrutiny
In a recent report via Liverpool Echo, it was also revealed that England and Cook were part of a team that was refereeing in UAE 48 hours earlier. Hence the jet lag of the international journey did have an impact on them.
The PGMOL under Howard Webb, have spent a significant amount of money to improve the accuracy of the VAR. But it seems they have ignored the well-being of the central figures of that system in that process – the referees.
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Nonetheless, the league itself reserves powers to take potential action if clear evidence proves gross officiating incompetence significantly impacted a result. For PGMOL chief Howard Webb, the intense scrutiny is unlikely to relent anytime soon.
