Sadio Mane's offside decision resurrects VAR debate in the Premier League

Just a day after winning Premier League's Player of Month award, Sadio Mane was left frustrated during Liverpool vs Watford game. Liverpool manr Jurgen Klopp afforded Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri a rare start against Watford on Saturday. Shaqiri almost registered an assist to repay Jurgen Klopp's faith as he whipped in a cross which Sadio Mane converted. On closer observation, goal was adjudged as offside, which meant that Liverpool were just one goal up after 50 minutes.

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VAR rules out Sadio Mane's glancing header

Sadio Mane has been in terrific form for Liverpool this season. Senegalese once again displayed his goalscoring prowess, showcasing some brilliant technique to head in a cross from Xherdan Shaqiri. Video Assistant Referee (VAR), however, judged that Sadio Mane's hip was a millimetre offside. With screen flashing " Goal", Liverpool winger clapped his hands and urged Liverpool onwards as league leaders looked for ar goal to clinch three points. Interestingly, according to an ESPN report, Liverpool are only team in Premier League to have as many VAR decisions to go against m, as y have had VAR decisions go ir way. 

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This is far from first time that VAR has played spoilsport in Premier League this term. Earlier in vember, Roberto Firmi had a goal chalked off for offside when VAR adjudged that it was just Brazilian's armpit that was offside. likes of Arsenal and Manchester City are among ones most affected. Gabriel Jesus' winner against Tottenham Hotspur was disallowed by VAR. In Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Brighton, David Luiz had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR. Liverpool manr Jurgen Klopp has w joined list of many manrs zealously criticizing VAR. "I don't celebrate goals anymore,"  charismatic German was quoted as saying in post-match press conference after Liverpool vs Watford game. 

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