VAR: Change in Liverpool vs Arsenal after error in disallowed goal for Fulham

Michael Salisbury has been removed as VAR for the match between Liverpool and Arsenal, following the PGMO’s acknowledgment that the decision to disallow Fulham’s goal against Chelsea on Saturday was incorrect. Salisbury, who was acting as VAR in the match at Stamford Bridge, advised referee Rob Jones to disallow Josh King’s goal for a foul by Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz on Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah. The decision drew widespread criticism, with Fulham manager Marco Silva calling it “unbelievable” after his team’s 2-0 defeat.

Salisbury, considered a high-level VAR and listed on the UEFA international list, was due to be the video referee for the important weekend match at Anfield, but that role will now be performed by John Brooks. The PGMO accepts that the decision to disallow King’s goal did not align with the “referee’s call” and the high level of intervention. The head of referees, Howard Webb, has already contacted Fulham to discuss the decision.