Liverpool Granted Priority Access to Match Officials’ Audio from Controversial Defeat to Tottenham

Liverpool will be given priority access to the audio recording of the match officials’ communication during their controversial defeat to Tottenham Hotspur before it is released to the public. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is aiming for full transparency regarding the breakdown in communication that led to Luis Diaz’s goal being incorrectly disallowed for offside.

Liverpool lodged a request for access to the audio on Monday afternoon, and This Is Anfield understands that the PGMOL will grant them that access. Once Liverpool has reviewed the audio, the plan is for the discussion between the officials to be made available to the wider public as part of the Premier League’s new VAR review show, “Match Officials Mic’d Up.”

The show, which features PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and Michael Owen dissecting controversial decisions, is scheduled to be broadcast on Tuesday, October 10. Given the significance of Saturday’s events, Liverpool has demanded a full and thorough review.

VAR Darren England and AVAR Dan Cook, whose “significant human error” was identified as the main cause of the blunder, were immediately removed from officiating any further games during the last Premier League match week. They have also not been selected to officiate in any games this coming weekend.

Liverpool is seeking further action beyond the removal of the officials involved. They are calling for changes to protocols that led to the disallowed goal and the failure to rectify the mistake by allowing play to be brought back. The club also has concerns about the decision to allow the officials to undertake a grueling trip to the United Arab Emirates in the days leading up to the game.

The release of the match officials’ audio will provide insight into the communication breakdown and help shed light on the factors that contributed to the incorrect decision. Liverpool’s pursuit of a comprehensive review and their request for changes to protocols highlight their commitment to ensuring fairness and integrity in the game.