Premier League ‘must stop using Semi-Automated system’ after Liverpool controversy – Exclusive
Liverpool fell to a disappointing 3-2 defeat at Brighton on Monday, but it was not without a controversial incident that settled proceedings.
The Reds took the lead twice in the first half through goals from Harvey Elliott and Dominic Szoboszlai, but they were unable to see out victory at the AMEX.
Kauro Mitoma levelled the scores once again before Jack Hinshelwood scored the eventual winner, just two minutes after being brought on.
Luckily, the result means very little for Arne Slot‘s side as they have already wrapped up the Premier League title, but it was still a contentious defeat.
Keith Hackett hits out at footage from Liverpool defeat
The Anfield outfit and Jarell Quansah were convinced that Matt O’Riley was offside before he played the cross in for Hinshelwood.
There was a lengthy VAR check despite the use of semi-automated offside technology, which eventually saw the goal given.
However, Keith Hackett was less than impressed with the image produced from the newly implemented technology and called on Howard Webb to improve things.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, the ex-FIFA referee and PGMOL chief said: “When I saw this screenshot, I was extremely disappointed at the lack of accuracy in its production and delivery.
“So, I share the concerns of the Liverpool supporters and frankly worry that our match officials operating in the VAR role at Stockley Park are not getting the support to make an accurate decision with the use of this technology, which appears to be still in its development stage.
“We have witnessed two long delays in delivery of offside decisions, the most recent at the weekend in the West Ham v Nottingham Forest game that took six minutes. Yes, minutes, not the reduction in seconds promised by the PGMOL
“The Semi-Automated System that the PGMOL have purchased is clearly in its development phase, and frankly, until they get it right, they need to stop using it.
“Darren England, we saw on film from his seat in the VAR Chair at Stockley Park, was floundering, trying to make out what was in front of him.
“He had to revert, I understand, to drawing lines on the screen.
“Six minutes sat in a chair watching the screen was a long delay, for the referee, Sam Barrott, the players, the fans, it was an eternity, and frankly reduces the momentum of the game and tarnishes the image of our game across the world.
“It is simply not good enough, and Howard Webb needs to take a lead on this and inform the suppliers of this equipment to sort it.
“The Semi-Automated System in its current format is not fit for purpose.”
Liverpool lucky that they have already won the Premier League
On this occasion, it did not harm the L4 outfit as they have already been crowned as champions, but it was still a farce and needs to be sorted.
| Premier League | Played | GD | Points |
| C. Liverpool | 37 | +45 | 83 |
| 2. Arsenal | 37 | +34 | 71 |
The Reds have already had trouble with the PGMOL and referees in recent years.
David Coote was filmed in an anti-Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp rant, forcing him to leave his role as a match official in December 2024.
Previously, the Anfield outfit were subjected to the most egregious decision in the history of the Premier League when a blatantly onside Luis Diaz goal was ruled out against Tottenham in the 2023/24 campaign.
Change is trying to be enforced, but those in charge are failing in their roles to apply it.