PGMOL chief Howard Webb could make major rule change after VAR error costs Liverpool

PGMOL chief Howard Webb could introduce a major rule change following the VAR error that cost Liverpool a goal against Tottenham on Saturday.

Luis Diaz saw his goal ruled out for offside, with VAR sticking with the original on-field call.

But after a PGMOL apology that accepted there was a 'significant human error' involved in the checking process, it was later reported that VAR Darren England believed that the goal had been given on the field - which is why he recommended Simon Hooper stick with the original decision.

That sparked outrage, with Liverpool posting a statement on Sunday evening confirming they 'will explore the range of options, given the need for escalation and resolution'.

Also on Sunday, it was revealed by The Times that England and Dan Cook, the assistant referee who initially flagged the offside, had worked a match in the United Arab Emirates 48 hours earlier.

That revelation brought Webb, who reportedly sanctioned the trip, under scrutiny, given that teams who play in European competitions usually have a three-day gap between matches. There have been questions asked about whether the same should apply to officials.

And according to The Telegraph, Webb is under pressure to stop officials from travelling to work abroad.

It is claimed that both England and Cook returned to London on Friday ahead of the Saturday evening kick-off, having taken a long-haul flight to return to the country.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told The Telegraph: "In my time in office, if they were in Europe on Thursday then they would not officiate until late Sunday or Monday at the earliest."

Furthermore, there are said to be concerns that officiating in the Middle East could potentially become a risk of a conflict of interest - although it is said there are no concerns over the current case. Cook and England were both working in the UAE, with the Abu Dhabi United Group having taken over Manchester City in 2008.

Meanwhile, Michael Oliver officiated in Saudi Arabia, with the state's Public Investment Fund owning a majority share in Newcastle.

Topics: Premier League, Liverpool, Luis Diaz, VAR, Tottenham Hotspur

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.