Liverpool fans start petition to dismiss VAR official in charge during game vs Everton

Since its introduction to game in 2016, Video Assistant Referee or VAR has been a source of contention among fans and officials. Created to reduce effect of human errors, it has led to a number of game-changing moments - most recently, during Liverpool's game against Everton last Saturday. Following some controversial use of VAR techlogy, Liverpool fans have started a petition demanding dismissal of VAR official at Everton vs Liverpool game held at Goodison Park.

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Liverpool fans petition against VAR official

Between failing to use VAR on a particularly heated challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford that resulted in Virgil van Dijk injury, and n using VAR to rule out a late, stopp-time goal by Jordan Henderson that cost Liverpool a win, David Coote, VAR official at Everton vs Liverpool game, has become subject of a petition demanding his dismissal from league. team has also said that it has questioned Premier League officials on ir rules for use of VAR after Reds were left flabbergasted at two controversial decisions made by VAR officials during game.

unpopular decisions resulted in Everton extending ir unbeaten streak in Premier League to five games this season. Everton hit back quickly to equalise score at 1-1 after Sadio Mane's early 3rd-minute goal for Liverpool. In second half, Mo Salah once again gave Liverpool edge, scoring his 100th goal for side. However, ir defences were breached quickly, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin finding back of net in 81st minute of game. 

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Liverpool came close - centimetres close - to a victory when Henderson scored in 93rd minute which was deemed as offside by VAR despite being offering substantial evidence that he was indeed offside. Before half-time, Liverpool demanded that Pickford be sent off for his injury-causing challenge on Van Dijk, which could've given m a massive advant, in form of a n-permanent goalkeeper, and a penalty, but Coote failed to refer incident to referee, leading to petition. Liverpool are w in third place in Premier League.

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Virgil van Dijk injury update

Star defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that Pickford's challenge has led to an ACL tear and that he will have to undergo surgery for same. This may put him out of contention for months depending on his rehabilitation time. His teammate Thiago Alcantara, who faced a particularly nasty challenge by Everton's Richarlison late in game, will also miss out on side's next game. Unlike Pickford, Richarlison was given a red card for his dangerous tackle.

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Im Credits: AP