Tottenham vs Liverpool: A Potential Replay Looms as Simon Hooper Contemplates VAR Blunder Reversal

The clash between Tottenham and Liverpool on Saturday was marred by a contentious VAR decision that, had it been reversed, might have forced a replay of the match.

The controversy unfolded during the first half when Luis Diaz appeared to have scored a legitimate goal, only for the strike to be ruled out. The match referee, Simon Hooper, was later informed that Diaz’s goal should have stood, but the message from VAR official Darren England came too late for Hooper to overturn his decision.

England mistakenly believed that Diaz had not been offside, and he signaled “check complete” as play continued with a free-kick awarded to Spurs. It was only after the ball went out of play that Hooper was made aware of the error, which would have seen Liverpool take the lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, under the International FA Board’s VAR protocols, there was little that Hooper could do. The rules stipulate that once play has stopped and been restarted, the referee may only review a decision in the case of mistaken identity or for potential sending-off offenses related to violent conduct, spitting, biting, or extremely offensive, insulting, and/or abusive actions.

Awarding Liverpool the goal after the fact would have constituted a fundamental breach of the protocols and the Laws of the Game. Such a decision would have surely sparked protests from Tottenham, leading to the Football Association (FA) and Premier League being forced to agree on a null and void declaration for the fixture, resulting in a replay.

This incident highlights the delicate balance that referees must maintain when interpreting VAR decisions, as even the righting of a clear wrong can carry significant consequences for the outcome of a match and the league as a whole.