Arne Slot is on the verge of leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th title in England’s first division in his first season in charge of the club.
Sitting 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with nine games to go, Liverpool should wrap up their second title in the Premier League era.
However, a series of highly controversial VAR decisions threaten to undermine the Reds’ dominant league run.
From dubious penalties to contentious red card calls, the Reds have been at the centre of some of the most talked-about refereeing moments this season.
These are the three most controversial VAR decisions involving Liverpool in the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool – Saturday, February 1, 2025
Liverpool went to great lengths to take three points away from the Vitality Stadium at the beginning of February as Mohamed Salah’s double inspired them to a gutsy 2-0 win against Bournemouth.
However, Andoni Iraola’s side had the Reds on the ropes in the opening 30 minutes, right before referee Darren England handed Slot’s team a match-defining penalty on the half-hour mark.
There was barely any contact between Cody Gakpo and Lewis Cook, but England immediately pointed to the spot, while VAR upheld his decision on the field.
Salah beat Kepa Arrizabalaga to put Liverpool in front, completely changing the game’s dynamics.
Who knows how the match would’ve gone had it not been for England’s crucial nudge?
Liverpool vs Manchester United – Sunday, January 1, 2025
Just a month earlier, Darwin Nunez escaped a potential red card for a challenge on Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The arch-rivals shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Anfield, with the Reds fighting back from an early second-half deficit to hold Ruben Amorim’s charges.
It’s still unfathomable how referee Michael Oliver failed to sanction an elbow into the Dutch defender’s chin when it was obvious that Nunez had made clear contact.
Despite a relatively brief VAR review, the officials deemed the incident unworthy of a red card, sparking outrage among United fans and neutrals.
Arsenal vs Liverpool – Sunday, October 27, 2024
Perhaps the most dramatic moment came in October’s top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal, where VAR chaos led to a five-minute delay before Mikel Merino’s goal was finally awarded.
Liverpool had to claw their way back into the game twice to earn a point at the Emirates Stadium, drawing 2-2 with Mikel Arteta’s side in another high-profile game marred by controversy.
Although Merino scored from Arsenal’s trademark set-piece, heading home Declan Rice’s inch-perfect delivery from the resulting free-kick, it took VAR officials an eternity to confirm the goal.
It felt like they sought a reason to disallow it, but there was never any doubt, forcing referee Anthony Taylor to wave play on as the Gunners took a slender lead into half-time.
The runaway Premier League leaders equalised in the second half, but a draw left everyone with a bitter taste, especially as Arsenal had a valid penalty appeal disregarded.
These incidents have only intensified the scrutiny of VAR’s role in the Premier League.
