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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

'I am baffled' - Gary Lineker, Jermaine Jenas and Alan Shearer agree on decision that cost Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Jermaine Jenas each agreed Liverpool's disallowed goal versus Aston Villa should have stood.

Ruled out 10 minutes into the second half, Cody Gakpo's effort was chalked off due to an offside given against Virgil van Dijk in the build-up to the finish of his Dutch compatriot. The ball found its way to Van Dijk at the back post following a touch from Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, though the touch of the centre-back was not deemed intentional by VAR and the goal was chalked off as a result.

Guidance on the offside law explains individuals receiving the ball from the opponent, when in an offside position, are not considered to have gained an advantage. The issue in this case relates to the fact VAR believed Konsa's touch was not deliberate, therefore viewed Van Dijk as being offside.

READ MORE: Peter Walton disagrees with Cody Gakpo decision as BT Studio left baffled by VAR in Liverpool match

READ MORE: Why Cody Gakpo goal was ruled out by VAR for Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Left battled by this decision when reviewing the incident on Match of the Day, Lineker, Shearer and Jenas struggled to come to terms with the call made. "I feel like they might have got this one wrong," began Lineker.

In agreement with the Match of the Day host, Jenas responded: "I think they may have got it wrong too, Gary. It goes to the back post and it's that touch from Konsa that has been disputed by VAR.

"The rulings around this is if the ball travelled from a distance, and the player has a clear view of it, and he has. Was the ball moving quickly or not? Well, it's moving quickly as it's football and did the player have time to coordinate their body movement, and he does.

"The question is has he deliberately played the ball? For me, he has clearly tried to play the ball. That goal should stand, I am baffled.

Last to weigh in on the topic, though echoing the comments of his colleagues, Shearer added: "I agree."

Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Villa means they are now all but out of the race for the remaining Champions League places.

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