Webb proves Reds were well within their rights

HERE are few things more tedious in football than debate over a controversial refereeing decision. And rarely does such seemingly interminable chatter ever lead to a general consensus.

- By IAN DOYLE

Liverpool became embroiled in the latest such example on Sunday afternoon when what would have been a first-half equaliser from Virgil van Dijk in their eventual 3-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester City was contentiously chalked off with Andy Robertson deemed to be interfering with play in an offside position.

Not many agreed with the decision, with the Reds going as far as to contact referees’ body PGMOL to express significant concerns over how the decision was reached.

It was convenient timing, then, that PGMOL bigwig Howard Webb was due on camera on Tuesday evening for the latest edition of box-office staple Match Officials Mic'd Up with former Liverpool striker Michael Owen.

Webb's insistence it was “not unreasonable” for the officials to disallow the goal did little to assuage the feeling of disgruntlement among those in the club and the fanbase that the goal should have stood.

For the Reds to contact the PGMOL in such a manner is unusual. Unlike some other clubs with email always at the ready, they keep their powder dry for decisions that often result in opening up a wider conversation.