Premier League explains why Van Dijk’s goal against Manchester City was disallowed

The Premier League on Sunday released a statement explaining why Virgil van Dijk’s header against Manchester City was disallowed.

Van Dijk had thought he had equalised at 1-1 after Erling Haaland opened the scoring at the Etihad.

However, the goal was ruled out for offside, despite Andy Robertson not touching the ball.

VAR confirmed that Robertson’s movement was sufficient to interfere with the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball.

The Premier League’s Match Centre later clarified that Robertson’s proximity constituted “an obvious action which impacted an opponent’s ability to play the ball,” meaning the goal could not stand.

The decision proved divisive, particularly as City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma appeared unlikely to have reached the header regardless of Robertson’s position.

Nico Gonzalez doubled City’s advantage before the break, and Jeremy Doku added a third in the second half.

Liverpool are now eighth with 18 points, while Pep Guardiola’s men sit four points behind leaders Arsenal.