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Football

17th Oct 2020

Incredibly tight VAR call denies Liverpool late, late derby winner

Simon Lloyd

Caught your breath yet? Nah, us neither

Liverpool were denied a late, late winner in an action-packed Merseyside derby on Saturday after Sadio Mane was deemed to be offside in the build-up to what had looked like a crucial goal from Jordan Henderson.

Jurgen Klopp’s side had led twice after goals from Mane and Mo Salah, only for Everton to find equalisers from Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

While Everton were fortunate not to see Jordan Pickford sent off for a challenge which saw Virgil van Dijk leave the field through injury, a late red card for Richarlison saw the home side on the back foot for the final minutes of the game.

Liverpool appeared to have taken maximum advantage of their one-man advantage when Mane cut a cross back to Henderson, whose shot squirmed under Pickford’s hand and looped into the goal.

While the visitors celebrated, a VAR check deemed Mane had been offside by the finest of margins – ruling the goal out.

Everton were able to hold on for the remaining seconds, ensuring they will remain at the Premier League summit beyond the end of the weekend.