Liverpool's Lifeline Under Fire: Controversial Premier League Rule Faces Official Challenge
Fulham boss Marco Silva disclosed that the Cottagers have reached out to the Premier League's referee oversight body to lodge a formal complaint regarding Florian Wirtz's disputed goal that was permitted to stand over the weekend.
Wirtz had been flagged offside after netting Liverpool's equalizer at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon. The German midfielder was so certain he had moved beyond the final defender that he showed no celebration. "I was convinced it was offside so I didn't even celebrate," he admitted.
Silva shared this conviction. Nevertheless, an extended VAR review determined that Wirtz was actually onside, causing Silva's disbelief to quickly transform into anger. It required a stoppage-time thunderbolt from Harrison Reed to earn a 2–2 stalemate for the home side and prevent what their manager considered to be a "totally unjust" outcome.
Prior to Fulham's west London clash with Chelsea on Wednesday night, Silva confirmed that the club has initiated formal communication with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for top-flight officiating.
The initial justification for the contentious decision to validate Wirtz's strike has failed to appease the Fulham manager.
Why Florian Wirtz's 'Obviously Offside' Goal Was Permitted
Silva dismissed Wirtz's goal as "obviously offside," though it failed to breach the Premier League's lesser-known standard.
Starting from the 2021–22 campaign, the PGMOL relaxed the rigid approach to offside calls. "The toenails and noses that might have been offside last year won't be next season," former referees' head Mike Riley stated then.
When assessing offside situations, identical pixel-thin lines are drawn before "the broader broadcast lines" are implemented. When these intersect, the attacking player receives the benefit of doubt. This essentially allows players to venture five centimeters (slightly under two inches) past the final defender while still being considered onside due to the error margin.
Despite implementing semi-automated offside systems, this allowance remains in place.
"I cannot measure precisely, but in my view it exceeds five centimeters," Silva protested. "When you observe the pass moment in all footage, the player was clearly offside."
Silva's bewilderment is reasonable. BBC Sport indicates that three frames of match footage display Conor Bradley delivering the pass for Wirtz's goal. The frame VAR selected for analysis was one frame ahead of the television broadcast imagery, making Liverpool's No. 7 appear further behind Fulham's defensive line—or "more offside"—to viewers than to officials.
Marco Silva Incensed With PGMOL
Silva's anger extended beyond just the referee's call against Liverpool. He was equally frustrated by the absence of communication. "The club is attempting to establish contact [with PGMOL]—so far we haven't received any response," the Portuguese manager declared.
"We continue awaiting some response from the Premier League, from PGMOL, as it holds great significance for us. We haven't received clarification to help us comprehend why and share the same perspective.
"Not only me... myself, my coaching staff, our football club, all other players, supporters. I believe if you asked all Premier League [teams, every club] they would share the same view. Everyone who loves football would agree with my position."