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Every word of Dermot Gallagher’s statement after confusion over Liverpool and Cody Gakpo VAR decisions

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Every word of Dermot Gallagher’s statement after confusion over Liverpool and Cody Gakpo VAR decisions

Liverpool were left frustrated with refereeing decisions in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has backed the decision not to acknowledge Cody Gakpo’s goal against Aston Villa but believes Tyrone Mings should have seen the red for his reckless attack on the Liverpool striker.

The Reds held Villa to a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon, although the afternoon could have ended very differently had the decisions at Anfield been in favor of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Much of the conversation was sparked when Gakpo’s 55th-minute attempt was ruled out for Virgil van Dijk’s offside position in front of goal. Many fans claimed that Villa defender Ezri Konsa made a genuine attempt to play the ball before it reached Van Dijk, ensuring the Liverpool No.4 could not be taken offside.

VAR noted that Konsa’s throw-in was unintentional, so Van Dijk intervened and Liverpool denied an equalizer early in the second half. Asked to give his assessment of the incident on Sky Sports News, Gallagher said: “I think this is a very difficult law to interpret. What matters is whether the player is making a genuine effort to play the ball – he is blocking the ball or hit him you’re looking at him and he [VAR] can’t decide so he has to send the referee to the screen because it has to be his decision.

“Diaz headed in and Van Dijk still didn’t foul, but when the ball came from Konsa, he was in an offside position and activated. The discussion then is: Did Konsa play that ball intentionally? Did he try to play a corner or clear the field? Well yes, no. Did he go over it? If so, it’s not a very good try.”

The 66-year-old insisted on getting a clear answer on whether he thought the referees made the right decision, pointing out that the rules of the game put those in charge of the game in a difficult position.

“Legally no,” he said, when the goal should have counted. “The referees are absolutely right, and that’s how I feel about everyone because I see both sides. The way it’s written, the referees are in trouble because they have no choice but to do it. Konsa has to play that ball deliberately and the referee is not sure, so he must err on the side of caution.

“The law, as written, does not help officials. It is stacked in favor of rejecting that goal. If I were that player [Gakpo] I’d probably be just as upset, but the way the law is written doesn’t help the referee.”

Gallagher weighed in on the day’s other controversial decision, agreeing that Mings should have been sacked for his high tackle on Gakpo. He said: “I thought it was a red card, I can’t explain it anymore. If I go to a bike kick and come in and catch you, it’s inconsiderate because I don’t know you’re there. If you tackle -to- tackle someone and you drive with your studs, and they’re so tall, you’re very lucky to still be on the pitch.

Also…

Virgil van Dijk transfer reassurance exactly what Liverpool needed amid ‘very exciting’ claim

It’s not quite been the season many Liverpool fans had dreamed of. After reaching the dizzying heights of a Champions League title and a Premier League triumph in recent campaigns, the team can be forgiven for having a season of transition.

A place in the top four is now more or less out of the Reds’ grasp, with the honor of playing Champions League football overwhelmingly likely to go to Newcastle United and Manchester United instead. This season’s issues can boil down to many factors, including a lack of squad depth, which was highlighted after a spell of injuries.

To combat this, Liverpool has already invested in some new names which have gone on to impress. Cody Gakpo in particular hit the ground running, and Darwin Núñez has looked better after becoming more settled in a new team and a new country.

READ MORE: Two departing Liverpool stars serve as $88m transfer warning to Jürgen Klopp ahead of rebuild

READ MORE: Jürgen Klopp given Liverpool transfer reminder as he already has huge midfield boost next season

Liverpool’s more experienced players have had to step up their game as well, but it’s clear that more reinforcements are needed this summer. With Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keïta all leaving there are plenty of gaps which need to be filled.

Virgil van Dijk has remained a constant in Jürgen Klopp’s side throughout the campaign and understands that there is plenty of work to be done now that the season is almost over.

“I’m very excited for next season,” Van Dijk said to the ECHO. “I think that feeling came a couple of months ago when we turned the page. Obviously there’s still a lot to work on but the good thing in this case is that we have the whole pre-season to work on this and that’s definitely the plan.

“The noises I’m hearing, it’s going to be a very intense pre-season with a lot of physical work but also a lot of tactical work trying to get ready for a tough season. That’s very exciting. Players are leaving, hopefully players come in and will be ready for the start of pre-season.

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“I think everyone that can come in and improve all of us, that will help the football club and push us all. It’s always good. That will be the focus next season, to make sure that everyone’s ready to contribute, it doesn’t matter how old you are, you have to perform and do it together.”

Despite not qualifying for Champions League football, Van Dijk believes that the pull of Liverpool is enough to attract world-class players.

“Will no Champions League make it harder to recruit? No,” he added.

“Pre-season will be massive. Everybody knows we’ve been going through a little bit of a transition and, if I’m a player on the rise and I have options to go to the next step and Liverpool is knocking on my door, then I would be very, very interested. I don’t think it’s going to change much but, if someone wants to play in the Champions League no matter what, then that’s their ambition.

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool will still be able to attract players, despite not qualifying for the Champions League

(Image: Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“Obviously, the chances to reach Champions League football were quite slim but now it makes it more difficult. That’s the situation. You play against a good side, they have been playing — especially since Unai Emery came in — a very good season. So we knew it was going to be tough but a frustrating afternoon.”

Liverpool.com says: Obviously missing out on Champions League football will be a huge blow for Liverpool, but climbing up the table to finish anywhere near the top four is an incredible achievement given how the season started. Van Dijk clearly understands how difficult this campaign has been and that the team is prepared for the fight next season, something that fans will definitely want to hear.

It’s no secret that Liverpool is in need of some important transfers in the summer and Van Dijk’s comments show how much of a pull Anfield still holds. No matter where the Reds finish, the club will always have no trouble attracting big names, a much-needed reminder as fans come to terms with an underwhelming season.

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